Saturday, August 29, 2009

Life awaits

Well, another summer has come and gone (almost) and I haven't learned to ride my bike.  I know it is never too late but for this summer or fall it is.  Why does it feel like every time I want to learn, something happens that prevents me from doing so??? Weird.  Such a dream waiting to come true.
With my car accident and the surgeries, I am banned from learning to ride this season.  My beautiful bike is in the garage.  I see it every day.  I see the cyclists in the neighborhood, on the paths....aaaaahhh.  How nice it would be.  
Well, I'll have to find something else I can learn to do where I won't injure my hand.  Maybe, just maybe, I will take swimming lessons this winter, but don't bet money on it.  I'm scared of swimming pools.
Don't let my setback discourage you.  Learn to do something new, take a class you have been longing to take.  Life awaits!

Wednesday, August 26, 2009

I Love You

Today, I want to focus on not waiting to demonstrate your feelings, love, encouragement to others, especially family.   You never know what may happen and when, so appreciate what you have while you have it.  
I think just about everyone at one point or another has had a moment or two where they have been upset with a relative or parent.  How long do you hold on to that?  It does neither you nor the other person any good.  In the long run, the relationship will suffer if you don't let go. Forgiveness is so important, both spiritually, emotionally, and physically.
My father has been in the hospital for about 6 weeks now and it was touch and go for quite some time.  He is doing relatively better than he was after his surgery but it has challenged his independence.  He basically has to learn everything from scratch....how to dress, undress, bathe, walk.  It is amazing what we take for granted.  A few weeks ago I didn't know, neither did he or the rest of the family, whether he was going to make it.  He was so extremely fragile.  He still is, but I see improvement.  Everyday, he is getting stronger.
Well, on one of those days when I thought he wasn't going to make it, all my disappointment, frustrations, and anger went away.  That was no longer important.  My father was important.  It didn't matter what mistakes he had made in his life; I loved him just the same and I was going to be by his bedside for anything he needed.  I did this day in and day out until I could do it no longer as it was affecting my health.
On my next visit, dad realized that I loved him so much and would be a caregiver with no squeemishity (is that a word? well it is now).  We both cried as he told me he loved me and that he was sorry for everything.  He now knew how much I loved him and the patience and tolerance I had was never-ending for him.
We often demonstrate our love in our own ways, but sometimes we need to demonstrate it in the way the other person needs to receive it.  A verbal I Love You always is nice to hear but sometimes even better to say.
Show some appreciation to a family member today.  Start a new tradition.  Say I Love You to a family member, parent, spouse everyday and mean it.  You won't have regrets later in life.

Monday, August 17, 2009

Creating for Others


One knows from daily life that one exists for other people...” Albert Einstein (1879–1955) Swiss
This quote can apply to all of us as we give unto others and make little differences unknowingly.  These small acts of kindness create happiness and bring joy into someone else's garden (life). A small token as helping someone out when they are down on their luck makes a difference.  No thank you is needed if done out of purity.
By the same token, others around us, even a total stranger can create a smile on our face by just making a kind remark, doing something silly, or creating a better world out of kindness.  Think about all the times this quote has applied to you and the times someone existed for you.
This week, let's focus on bringing joy into someone else's garden.  Create joy and happiness for someone else without an expectation of a thank you.  And, if someone creates a better world for you, let them know it.

Friday, August 14, 2009

Persevering Through Uncertain Times

“The fishermen know that the sea is dangerous and the storm terrible, but they have never found those dangers sufficient reason for remaining ashore.” Vincent van Gogh (1853–1890) Dutch painter 

Wednesday, August 12, 2009

New Blogger

As you may have read below or for those of you just tuning in, I was in a car accident on Friday.  I have lots of bruises and pain.  Turns out I also have a broken hand and will be having surgery.  I have another doctor appointment today and  I am hoping he does not find anything else wrong like chest or rib damage as I am in pain there too.   
In any case, I would like to introduce my assistant blogger, my wonderful husband.  He'll be helping me with my blog effective Saturday.  

Save Lives & Win Prizes

Easier to read donation information for Leukemia Lymphoma Society TNT. You can also check the link on the side of this blog.

Sunday, August 9, 2009

Encouragement

“A word of encouragement during a failure is worth more than an hour of praise after success.”
Anonymous
I chose this quote today because I felt I needed it.  My failure of fear of failure at this time is not completing my marathon or falling too  far behind of my team to finish.  You see, I was in a car crash yesterday and it was pretty bad.  I am ok besides lots of bruises, swelling and pain.  It could have been worse.  Thank God for seatbelts, airbags, and OnStar.
My coach and my husband will be working with me to catch up with the team but it will be a long road. I just need to keep the faith and keep positive.  I waited this long to make this creation (my participation in the race) happen so I must keep my determination.
You can do just about anything if you want it badly enough.  Keep the faith!

Saturday, August 8, 2009

Something To Think About

"Each day when I awake I know I have one more day to make a difference in someone's life."
James Mann (b.  1946), writer

Friday, August 7, 2009

Prizes

Did you know you can win a raffle prize by donation through my website on Team in Training?  All proceeds go to the Leukemia, Lymphoma Society.  Here are details.

I’m currently raising funds as a member of the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society’s (LLS) Team in Training. 
Our Mission: To help stop leukemia, lymphoma, Hodgkin’s lymphoma and myeloma from taking more lives.  Why I Care: I’m fundraising (and training) in honor of my brother in law, Ed Madell. 
Why All of Us Should Care: What we don’t know CAN hurt us. Every 4 minutes, a person is diagnosed with a blood cancer. It can happen to you or a loved one at any time. 
Why take action now? A small donation now makes a big difference later.  How to Donate: You can donate online in less than 5 minutes and it's secure! Simply go to my fundraising page at http://pages.teamintraining.org/il/StPeteHf09/u00lcs8 and make your donation. The good news is your donation may be tax deductible (consult with your tax accountant), and you will feel great about giving. All donations go directly to LLS. 

Consider sponsoring me for:
$ 1.00 per mile (13.10) or
$ 25.00 or
for $40.00 you can buy a beautiful silver lining necklace from jesslc.  This makes a great birthday gift, bridesmaids gift, holiday gift.  A portion of the  proceeds will go directly to LLS.  Please use code http://pages.teamintraining.org/il/StPeteHf09/u00lcs8  when purchasing from jesslchttp://jesslc.com/SC03.htm or
if possible $150.00 for a chance to win a $200.00 spa gift certificate
  
More Good News: For every $25 you donate, your name will automatically be entered in a raffle to win a new and engraved iPod Shuffle with VoiceOver.

Double Your Chances of Winning: Donate $50 and your name will be entered twice in the raffle. Donate $100 and your name will be entered four times! Raffle drawing takes place September 19th. Prizes will vary.  Winners will be notified within one week of drawing. Please be sure to include contact info when donating. If you prefer to donate offline, please contact me via e-mail. 
When to donate:  Now.  Donations need to be in by September 30th for recommitment date.  Donations need to be in earlier if you are participating in the drawings.
Thanks for your support!  I greatly appreciate your generosity.  Check out my website (attached) periodically for updates and pictures. http://pages.teamintraining.org/il/StPeteHf09/u00lcs8

A LONG AWAITED CREATION: Saving Lives

 http://pages.teamintraining.org/il/StPeteHf09/u00lcs8

Saving Lives

Team in Training website to benefit the Leukemia Lymphoma Society is complete. Here it is http://pages.teamintraining.org/il/StPeteHf09/u00lcs8 Trained early this morning.  Team training is tomorrow at 7 am (uggh). Wish me luck!

Correction to Posting for Amazing Success

 www.ksgoins.com. is the correct website address for Karen, my amazing coach and inspiration.
Again, she has so much knowledge and experience in different areas I am sure she can help with and life or career coaching you may need.  Visit the website.  It is so worth it.  
Thanks for the correction on the address Karen.

Thursday, August 6, 2009

Amazing Success

Isn't it awesome when friends can inspire you to become a better person?  They bring out the passion (not just the best) in you.  They encourage you and have a way to ask yourself the difficult questions like: 'What do you really want to do when you grow up?', 'What is your purpose on this earth?', 'What's holding you back from going for the gusto?'  These people are rare.   
My friend started off as my life/career coach.  Through her motivation and some deep soul searching on my part, I am doing what I want to do.  I have gotten involved in volunteering again.  This time it is more intense and I have gained so much from it.  It's not just TNT with Leukemia Lymphoma Society but others as well.  I have also reduced the stress at work and can manage my work and staff better.
Karen, you are AWESOME!  
Thanks so much for your encouragement and asking the tough questions.  It took me a long time creating this.  I am still on the journey and enjoying it.
If anyone out there needs a life coach, career coach, a little help finding your way in life, contact Karen at amazingsuccess5@comcast.net
Let's hear it for inspirational friends and creating success!
 

Monday, August 3, 2009

Friends

So Saturday I got to see a friend I made 15-20 years ago. Yeah, I know that's long ago. Well, we didn't keep in touch, we lived in different countries, living different lives but on Saturday our paths crossed while visiting a family member in the hospital. We had a great conversation and realized we had a lot in common with each other even after all the time that had passed. We made a promise to get together and take her family member out with us for a girl's afternoon out before she goes back home. It's so nice when you re-meet an old friend or create a stronger bond with one you haven't seen in forever.
Here's to friendships awaiting out there for you!

Sunday, August 2, 2009

Training

Well, I missed my first training session; however, it was for a very good reason.  I can not share it at this time.  Let's just say it was a personal family thing.  
I am determined to make up my training time.  I've got to cross that finish line.  Not so much for me but for the hundreds of thousands of Americans living with blood cancers.
So, this endeavor as challenging as it will be, will give me an opportunity to re-create my body and get back into shape, rekindle some friendships and create new ones through my fundraising efforts.  And, we are back to my point of creating...following your passion....waiting to do something or waiting for something to create , re-create, what have you.  This applies to family too.
Spend some time today creating new friendships or working on those whom you've lost touch with for so long. You will never know what you find.
Good luck!