Halloween and What was I Thinking?

Sunday, October 31, 2010

Yesterday I was hacking at the weeds and brush again, and I stacked a whole bunch of small branches at the foot of the driveway. This morning I woke up with a "It's Halloween, dummy... what were you THINKING!?" patter running in my brain. So, today's exercise (or at least part of it) will be to haul that brush pile somewhere less accessible to hooligans (and less dangerous to little trick or treaters)!

You might ask how a compulsive eater could forget it was Halloween weekend? I'm kind of wondering that, too... just put up the Halloween background this morning, in fact. I've been so into preparing for the 5K and working through other stuff that Halloween, while recognized as existing, hasn't been big on my mind. I've blissfully skipped the candy aisles (until yesterday morning, when I felt compelled to stock something for the kids who will undoubtedly make their way to my door).

It is the end of the month, so that means updated progress photo... since it's maintenance and I haven't bought any new outfits, you might not recognize it as "new". And that goal-assessment for the Holiday season is an on-going project, too. Maintenance goals are subtle, tricky things. I still owe you!

  

  Member Comments About This Blog Post:

REJ7777 10/31/2010 6:48PM

I find that maintenance is even trickier than losing, because you don't get the same kind of feedback. Congratulations on your success! Love your new photo! Report Inappropriate Comment

MSLZZY 10/31/2010 5:24PM

All little things add up and removing brush to make a safe place to walk is a must, even if it is Halloweeen! HUGS! The kids will appreciate the candy! Report Inappropriate Comment

KALIGIRL 10/31/2010 7:54AM

Moving your 'lawn maintenance' pile will be plenty of exercise. Isn't it wonderful when there are more important things than worrying about candy in the house? Report Inappropriate Comment

SUNNY332 10/31/2010 7:29AM

Can't wait to see the progress photo. It is good to be busy. Enjoy the day. Sunny Report Inappropriate Comment

NUTRON3 10/31/2010 7:19AM

Have a Happy Halloween! Report Inappropriate Comment

Perspective versus Perfectionsim

Saturday, October 30, 2010

I was reading blogs this morning, and the particular one that struck my fancy was ChrisTurtle's. It was a reverie along the lines of "I did some things I wish I'd done better... I had some disappointments... then I read some other Spark blogs... and got my motivation back!"

Her blog reminded me of something I'm so grateful for, something that has been growing in importance in my life, and that is: perspective. And it suddenly strikes me: "Perspective battles perfectionism... "

Perfectionism has been a life-long nemesis. One screw up and it's toss in the towel time... or rather, it used to be. Somewhere along the way, some time in the last 15 or 20 years... this sense of perspective started growing. Is it a function of age? Experience? Coming into harmony with life?

Whatever, it's the sense of "majority rules". It's the sense of "I don't HAVE to be perfect to be worthy!" I know some folks learn this early in life, but some of us learn slowly. A decision is just a decision. It has a consequence. But there's no need to add to the consequence with additional self-punishment.

What's needed is a sense of perspective: who was hurt? Are amends appropriate? Sometimes, who was hurt is... yourself! In this case, the amends that need to be made are to yourself.

Here's to nurturing ourselves... one day at a time... and to keeping our perspective!

  

  Member Comments About This Blog Post:

KALIGIRL 10/31/2010 8:40AM

Big picture presentation once again... Right on Sister! Report Inappropriate Comment

PENNYAN45 10/30/2010 11:11PM

I can so relate to this blog! Perfectionism has led me into an all or nothing approach to many aspects of my life. Perspective is when experience tempers that perfectionism. Doing something in a less than perfect way is what I am doing right here and now on Spark People. This is probably THE big lesson SP has taught me. Thanks for sharing your thoughts on this! Report Inappropriate Comment

DEBRITA01 10/30/2010 8:59PM

Another good blog...and I'm a slow learner, too! Report Inappropriate Comment

WALKINGANNIE 10/30/2010 4:32PM

You hit the nail on the head again. I'm not sure whether I would ever have grasped this concept without SP and wise friends like you. One slip in a 'diet' so often led to an 'oh-well-that's-it-I've-blown-it- now' binge in the past. How silly is that? But I know I'm far from alone in having felt like that. SP and learning together is indeed giving me a sense of perspective. Report Inappropriate Comment

REJ7777 10/30/2010 1:26PM

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LOVE_2_LAUGH 10/30/2010 10:28AM

This sentence stood out to me the most: "I don't HAVE to be perfect to be worthy!" I need to keep telling myself that over and over until I believe it. I'm one of those "slow learners," but I think I'm making progress. Have a great weekend! Report Inappropriate Comment

LIBRATAH 10/30/2010 9:29AM

This is so true! Report Inappropriate Comment

BUGGYS 10/30/2010 9:19AM

Barb, your blog is right on!!! Report Inappropriate Comment

SUNNY332 10/30/2010 8:24AM

Amen! What a great blog today. I do believe when I put what I can do in front of me rather than "what I can not do", I can not fail. Failure always rears it ugly head when I am trying to be someone I am not. This entry ROCKS! Have a GREAT day. Sunny Report Inappropriate Comment

CONCHA77 10/30/2010 8:24AM

Another really good blog, Barb. Harmony in life-excellent! Have a great weekend. Happy Halloween. Report Inappropriate Comment

That "I win" feeling

Friday, October 29, 2010

Is that what endorphins really are? That "I win" feeling?

I don't know, but this morning, when I woke without benefit of alarm a few minutes before 4, and decided to do my 5K on the treadmill before work? I definitely ended up with a distinct feeling of "I win"!

I felt well-rested... thanks to going to bed around 9, 4 a.m. is NOT an unreasonable time to arise. I listened to my body in terms of speed, AND I monitored my heart rate because I'm careful about such things. It felt good this morning, not labored. So I must pretty much be over that bug / those bugs that sidelined me in the past week and a half! Yes, definitely a feeling of "I win"!

What do I win? I win a sense of well-being. I win a sense of having kept a promise to myself. I win a sense of hope, a future focus, a feeling I can make a difference in the world today.

So, fellow Spark friends, what's YOUR win today? I know you have one!

  

  Member Comments About This Blog Post:

REJ7777 10/29/2010 7:35PM

Can't help but smile while reading THAT blog! My win today was arriving just in time to help someone I care about, the timing couldn't have been more perfect. That had me smiling too! Report Inappropriate Comment

MSLZZY 10/29/2010 4:30PM

My win today is keeping a positive attitude and staying on track. Even if I have a busy life, I make sure I meet all my daily goals. The easiest one to skip is cardio so I give it extra effort to walk EVERY night. Tomorrow we will be going to see DS in All State Chorus so I WILL walk in the morning. By the time the concert is over, it will be late at night and we are staying at a motel. My resolve is firm on this. The "I win" feeling will be alive and well. HUGS! Report Inappropriate Comment

KALIGIRL 10/29/2010 4:18PM

Sounds like you're not only feeling better, but on the top of the world. So glad for you! My win is being blessed with another gorgeous day and having the health to enjoy it. Report Inappropriate Comment

WALKINGANNIE 10/29/2010 4:12PM

Reading your positive blog was a win! Report Inappropriate Comment

TURTLETALK 10/29/2010 1:00PM

I win when I get on the treadmill and do my 30 minutes after trying out about 50 excuses on myself. Have a great weekend. Report Inappropriate Comment

ANASONIC 10/29/2010 8:59AM

That "I win" feeling sounds great! You are awesome! Report Inappropriate Comment

STEPHIEKNITS 10/29/2010 8:45AM

Great Post! I do love the "I win" feeling. It is what keeps me on my morning walks even when it is cold! Have a great day! Report Inappropriate Comment

SUNNY332 10/29/2010 8:39AM

Awesome Post, Barb. What a great start to your day. I do love that "win" feeling. Keep up the great work and thanks for being such an inspiration. Hugs, Sunny Report Inappropriate Comment

FITAT50 10/29/2010 8:07AM

Good for you!!! I got up at 5, stalled going downstairs but I did and did 30 minutes on the treadmill. For some reason I'm not enjoying cardio lately. Report Inappropriate Comment

Thoughts as the season changes

Thursday, October 28, 2010

I know that Winter doesn't start for a couple of months yet, but with the big wind and the dark clouds yesterday, I was reminded of its inevitable approach. Autumn is like that: days of reminders that Winter is coming, interspersed with reminders of the Summer just past. I've often said Nebraska really only has two seasons, Winter and Summer, with Spring and Autumn being seasons of interspersed days of the "real" seasons. I know that's an exaggeration, but... there you have it.

Still, that cold wind, and this morning's frosty temperatures made me snap out of denial. It's coming. It is also darker, and I have this thing about darkness... makes me want to hibernate.

I've had focus on the November 6th race, and that has made me blessedly ignore the approach of the big holidays. I have to start thinking about those holidays, and for that matter, about the dark season.

When I'm cold, I want something hot and hearty! Beans and soups come to mind... rich, vegetarian chili, served over baked potato... pasta with low fat cheese. Dress in layers. Warm drinks. Keep active.

Goals for now through New Years Day would be a good idea! I shall give that some thought. Anybody else thinking along these lines?

  

  Member Comments About This Blog Post:

WALKINGANNIE 10/28/2010 4:55PM

The clocks change in the UK this weekend and it will be dark in the late afternoon. It always makes me feel like snuggling down and hibernating. I like the idea of revising goals for the rest of the year and will give it some thought. Colder days and longer nights always make me hungriet so I like your ideas. Report Inappropriate Comment

PEGGYJEAN13 10/28/2010 2:38PM

I start trying to save the dates for baking cookies with my 4 girls (2 by birth, 2 by marriage) which is always fun with the grandkids helping with the decorating. Then we settle on a date for Christmas. So far we trade off with every other year having Christmas the week before or the week after to not cause problems with the other families. Report Inappropriate Comment

MT-MOONCHASER 10/28/2010 2:37PM

Great minds think alike!! I am cooking up a big batch of split pea soup today. Soups are really a good selection for lunch as the ones I make are usually quite filling for not too many calories. I will probably take this batch to share with the Saturday crew at work. Last winter we kind of rotated bringing lunch stuff to share. Sometimes when I get carried away with the cooking, I take it to share on Friday with the whole crew. Report Inappropriate Comment

REJ7777 10/28/2010 2:05PM

There were dark clouds yesterday morning, and I had to turn my lights on to drive to work. It made me realize how short the days are getting, and how Winter is getting inevitably closer. I don't really like Winter, especially not driving on icy roads! I don't like the cold either. Bah humbug! Report Inappropriate Comment

KALIGIRL 10/28/2010 1:26PM

Interesting - I've enjoyed the 4 seasons since living here, particularly this fall which is fabulous. I chose to give up riding the bike to work because of the dark mornings and miss it (also have to cut back on calorie intake), but other than that am not planning any major changes... Will be interested in your new goals! Report Inappropriate Comment

GOHUSKERS2 10/28/2010 12:48PM

I didn't realize you lived in the Cornhusker state!!! Columbus here....where abouts are you if you don't mind me asking. It was 27 here this morning when I took the oldest to school. I'm not ready for winter but we don't get a choice do we. I hope your 5k on the 6th is very successful for you...and hope the weather cooperates. Report Inappropriate Comment

LOVE_2_LAUGH 10/28/2010 9:55AM

Just like you, I'm in denial too. I need to start thinking of a plan for the holidays. Report Inappropriate Comment

BUGGYS 10/28/2010 9:46AM

With the big storm that just ripped through the midwest, winter is upon us. I love soups and make them often and love hearty stews. With the approaching season, we must always remember that hibernation is not key to weight loss...we have to keep moving!!! Report Inappropriate Comment

KATHRYNLP 10/28/2010 9:13AM

We had the big winds and fierce rains here too. Toronto, Ontario. It's warmer now, but we know what's just around the corner, too! Report Inappropriate Comment

JHADZHIA 10/28/2010 8:34AM

Know what you mean. Feeling winter acutely as it arrived with a lion's roar yesterday leaving icy snow covered streets and dangerously slippery sidewalks to navigate. -12C (10.4 F) this morning. As we had a cold, well below temperature and record rainfalls in spring and summer, there was not much transition. Winter always comes far too early in the frozen north here. I have to turn to indoor exercising more then ever which is why I have a extensive DVD library and also bought an elliptical machine. As I have no transportation other than walking, I consider myself lucky I have never fallen and broken something the amount I have to be out on these streets.. I love chili too, sounds good. I eat vegetarian, but mostly eat raw fruits and veggies, cooking only things needing it like potatoes, parsnips, beets etc.. Very simple food as I have never cooked meals or used recipes. Its easier for a busy bachelor on the go all the time.. I can't imagine it being still two months until winter for you!! Enjoy!! Report Inappropriate Comment

SUNNY332 10/28/2010 8:06AM

“In the midst of winter, I finally learned that there was in me an invincible summer.” Albert Camus I fixed a big pot of beans yesterday with some fat free corn bread. It was awesome. Take care and have a GREAT day. I love your thoughts today...very poetic. Report Inappropriate Comment

FRANKLYAMUSED 10/28/2010 7:41AM

It's too early for winter here! But I am thinking it may be time to rip out the summer flowers and put in some pansies and flowering kale for the winter. I set some goals that will take me into the new year last month, and I am working to achieve them. As for what I will do next year, I think I will wait on December to start those thoughts! I like the idea of a yummy vegan chili! I think I may have to add that to next weeks menu! Report Inappropriate Comment

MSLZZY 10/28/2010 7:40AM

It;s the time of the year to plan more activity inside for days when outdoor activity may not be possible. Maybe a gym membership is a good idea since I have no room for exercise equipment. A passing thought. Keep smiling and keep the dark days at bay. HUGS! Report Inappropriate Comment

Virtual Race day minus ten and counting

Wednesday, October 27, 2010

The greatest news I could have was my son's agreement to run with me. He gave that today. So, on November 6th starting at 8:00 a.m. CDT... I shall run to remember, accompanied by my son, who has made me promise not to give him crap for being the "young fit guy who's out of shape". Truth? He's being nice to his old mom. And I know it.

For him, too, this is a marker, and a honoring of those with whom he served and continues to serve.

I'm hoping for good weather this weekend, to go hunting for the distance markers, as I am pretty well settled on the venue, which is a local bike trail that I figure I can measure for an out and back. If you can't FIND pre-made markers, set your own, right? I'm picking a trail with a pea gravel surface, to be easier on the knees. And praying for good weather that day as well!

Preparations underway. Resolve in good shape. Fitness plan in place to maintain up to that day. I did my upper body workout tonight... jogging every other day to stay ready.

No stopping this now!

  

  Member Comments About This Blog Post:

KALIGIRL 10/28/2010 1:34PM

So cool! I am delighted to hear it and will pray for good weather for you both. Report Inappropriate Comment

WALKINGANNIE 10/28/2010 4:47AM

How wonderful that you and your son are supporting each other - and many others - in this way. There are so many positive possibilities that can come from this and I'll bet that you will experience a special endorphin boost when you finish. Glad that your feeling better and heading towards fitness for the run. Report Inappropriate Comment

MT-MOONCHASER 10/28/2010 1:00AM

Do you have or can you borrow a GPS unit to help you mark out your trail? I've read of several runners who use them. Report Inappropriate Comment

MSLZZY 10/27/2010 10:32PM

You are so committed and you are preparing so well! Good luck! HUGS! Report Inappropriate Comment

MNTWINSGAL 10/27/2010 10:19PM

How awesome, Barb! What a special day this will be for both of you! Report Inappropriate Comment

LOVE_2_LAUGH 10/27/2010 9:59PM

Your determination and persistence is inspiring. Good luck finding just the right route for you and your son to run. Report Inappropriate Comment

CONCHA77 10/27/2010 9:44PM

This is great news. I always wanted my son and I to run together. Seems like there is always snow on the ground when he can get up here to visit... Some day though! You GO Girl!!! Happy for you, Barb. ;) Report Inappropriate Comment

REJ7777 10/27/2010 9:40PM

I'm so glad your son can join you! I know you would have run anyway, but his running with you will make it fun! I hope the weather cooperates. Report Inappropriate Comment