I'm kicking off day 4 of the Whole 30 challenge and so far so good. Looking at my "score" of 10% seems like there is still a long way to go...but you can't get to 100% without first getting to 10%...So with that in mind I'll take it.
Day one was tough...I didn't really prep my kitchen and pantry well...so I went out shopping in the early afternoon after only eating a fairly light brunch of 2 eggs, a few cherry tomatoes, a handful of arugula and half an avocado. I got a pretty bad headache while out shopping and just got enough supplies to get through the next day or two. Some chicken, some veggies and some tea and coconut milk. I came back home, drank a bunch of water and took a long nap. I woke up feeling a bit better and started prepping food for the next few days.
Menu:
Breakfast:
Arugula, tomato, onion crustless quiche with herbal tea and coconut milk
Snacks:
Hard boiled egg, and cucumber
Nectarine and blueberries with a sprinkle of cinnamon
Lunch and Dinner:
"Taco seasoned" baked chicken
Sauteed veggies with onion and garlic
Baked Sweet potato coils with "Taco seasoning"
Day two was miles better. One, I ate more, two, I think my body was beginning to adjust to the fact that wasn't going to get a spikes in blood sugar every time I got hungry and three, I had finally had a full night's sleep and a solid nap and was beginning to catch up on sleep. The headache really only returned when I knew I had gone too long without eating. I was at work and very limited on my options (and I had eaten all my lunch). I sat down and made thorough grocery list with a meal plan to get me through Saturday (I have Sunday off, so I need to make it until then) and I stopped on my way home from work and stocked up the fridge and pantry with lots of Whole 30 friendly options.
Day three additions:
Breakfast: Banana with almond butter
Lunch: Ants on a log: Celery, almond butter and tart cherries
In Case Of Emergency snack: Banana (didn't need it, but it was nice knowing it was there in case my headache came back)
Day three: Headaches totally gone. I feel great. I know the work week/harvest fatigue is setting in (it always does mid week) so it's going to be more difficult to find the energy to cook at night. But I have tried to give myself quick cooking options that still taste good and allow me to cook a couple meals at once (ie leftovers from dinner for lunch).
Quick cook dinner:
Broiled salmon with salt and pepper
Steamed green beans (those french ones that I can't spell) with almonds and lemon
Sauteed zucchini with onions and garlic
Diced tomato and avocado with salt and pepper
Tuesday, September 23, 2014
Saturday, September 20, 2014
Whole 30 Day #1: Commitment to myself
Here we go again...I'm back at the blogging. Last time I did this it was for my 30 in 30 and I did it as a way of incorporating accountability into my life. Having friends ask, "Hey how's that 30 in 30 thing going?" Made it a lot harder to shove the list under a notebook and forget. Not that I was the most faithful blogger...but the key was people knew about it and expected updates...if not in blog form...in daily conversation.
Why am I back? I need accountability.
What do I need accountability for? Starting today September 20th, I am challenging myself to take on the Whole 30 Nutrition Plan for 30 days.
What is Whole 30? No refined or added sugar, no alcohol, no grains, no dairy, no legumes and no highly processed foods for 30 days...It is basically a paleo diet with the added restriction of no fake foods...ie desserts with almond flour or flour-less pancakes. It is structured around the idea of removing items from one's diet that may have a negative impact on one's health, fitness and energy levels. I won't bore you with all the details...if you want to know more go to whole30.com and read at your leisure. I know there are naysayers to everything---I am not doing this as a fad diet, I do not intend to drop 30 pounds in 30 days and I will most definitely will not be eliminating ice cream from my diet for all eternity---So although I respectfully acknowledge your nutritional opinions it is not necessary for you to comment on the validity of this nutrition plan. This is much more about a mental nutrition plan than a physical one---read below for more.
Why am I doing this? To be honest, I need to hit the "reset button". The past year and especially the past few moths have been hard. A lot has been going on and I feel like I am headed in a direction that is not where I want to go.
Why am I back? I need accountability.
What do I need accountability for? Starting today September 20th, I am challenging myself to take on the Whole 30 Nutrition Plan for 30 days.
What is Whole 30? No refined or added sugar, no alcohol, no grains, no dairy, no legumes and no highly processed foods for 30 days...It is basically a paleo diet with the added restriction of no fake foods...ie desserts with almond flour or flour-less pancakes. It is structured around the idea of removing items from one's diet that may have a negative impact on one's health, fitness and energy levels. I won't bore you with all the details...if you want to know more go to whole30.com and read at your leisure. I know there are naysayers to everything---I am not doing this as a fad diet, I do not intend to drop 30 pounds in 30 days and I will most definitely will not be eliminating ice cream from my diet for all eternity---So although I respectfully acknowledge your nutritional opinions it is not necessary for you to comment on the validity of this nutrition plan. This is much more about a mental nutrition plan than a physical one---read below for more.
Why am I doing this? To be honest, I need to hit the "reset button". The past year and especially the past few moths have been hard. A lot has been going on and I feel like I am headed in a direction that is not where I want to go.
I was so on top of my fitness regime a year ago. Going to the gym before or after work everyday. Workouts on the weekend. I ate healthy, nothing crazy, but a balanced diet with a splurge every now and again. I felt good, I was happy, life was busy, but I was happy and I didn't have to find reasons to be happy. I just was.
The past year has brought about new challenges. I fully acknowledge that challenge is opportunity (and a natural part of life) and that these new challenges are good for me, but at the same time, they have brought a shift in my routine. I am not working out as regularly as I would like, I am using the excuse of being exhausted to opt for convenience foods (no I'm not hitting up the drive through, but we all know the convenience of a Trader Joe's microwave meal) and I feel like these are paving the way for my attitude to drift to a space of negativity all too often. Some days I feel like I wake up in the morning just to survive the day.
I'm not saying any of this to gain pity points. I am blessed, I have loving parents that support me, I have a job and a roof over my head. In no way is my life as "hard" as it could be...and this is why I do not like the shift in my attitude. I do not want to be the girl that complains about things, I do not want to wallow in misery, I want to see the good in things instead of having to rationalize and convince myself of it.
This is where the reset button comes in. I know changing my diet is not going to suddenly open up huge vacancies in my schedule to allow for mid-day bike rides nor is going to eliminate the day to day challenges of living; however, it is a conscience commitment to myself that I am worth the effort of fueling my body with nutritious, whole, non-chemically enhanced food. My hope is that by focusing on this one aspect of my life that I can control in a healthy way, I will regain the passion for maintaining a healthy and active lifestyle and a positive attitude that is second nature and not one where I have to remind myself to "find the good".
Many years ago I was asked in an interview, "What is your goal in life?"
My response was: To leave the world a happier place than the one I was born into.
I believe happiness begins with the individual. If I am not happy, I cannot make others happy. I don't know if committing myself to this nutrition plan for 30 days will restore my attitude, but if I don't try, I'll never know. So here goes...September 20th, day 1.
And now you all know about it...accountability has be established.
Wednesday, June 27, 2012
Ironman Coeur d'Alene 2012
Six-fifty…through my 2 caps and ear plugs I could hear the
faint muffled words of the star spangled banner being sung and I could feel the
tears beginning to well in my goggles…this was it…I was standing on the
starting line of another Iron Journey and I kept repeating in my head, “No
two journeys are ever the same, you get what the day gives you, believe in
yourself and remember that being able to do this is a gift, not a right!”
I started my watch, with the intention of the gun going off
at 7 and thus being able to simply subtract an even 10 minutes from my watch to
know the running time. For what seemed
like an eternity I stood with the icy water of Lake
Coeur d’Alene
Thump, thump, thump. I could feel my heart beat and I looked
down at my watch: 0:08:20 …good, 1
minuet and 40 seconds or so to go.
Breathe, breathe, breathe….BOOM!!!
My mind raced and I could feel, I swear, what was all twenty-four-hundred-plus
bodies pushing down on me. “Oh
$h!T!” I yelled and ran in.
Later, after conferring with my dad and Jess I found out
that they had started us early. I
quickly adjusted my well thought out plan of subtracting “an even 10” minutes
to subtracting 8 and half or so…oh well…you get what the day gives you.
It. Was. A. Blender.
No…actually a blender puts it lightly, I might describe it more as a
meat grinder…I was pinned in a mass of bodies thrashing around and maybe 3
minutes in, BAM! Everything went dark…I
couldn’t see…I couldn’t breathe…my head was screaming…After what was probably
only 3 or 4 seconds, yet seemed like 15 minutes, of total panic, I regained the
ability to open my right eye and I realized I had gotten knocked SQUARLY in my
left eye by someone’s heel. At that
moment I made an executive decision: I needed to get out of this mayhem
PRONTO. I swam perpendicular to the race
course, away from the direction of the masses until I found open water. I adjusted my goggles, took a deep breath and
reiterated to myself…you get what the day gives you…knowing that this day
probably just gave me my very first black eye.
I charged on…I knew I was swimming from behind at this
point, but it was ok. I found my groove
and by the time I made the turn around of the first loop I was feeling pretty
good…smooth, strong, steady….swim, swim, swim.
As I made the approach back to the beach to start the second
loop I could hear the roar of the crowd and I couldn’t help but smile: this is
why I love to race…I love feeding off the energy of the crowd, I love the sense
of accomplishment I get as I check off the parts that are completed….I LOVE TO
RACE!
I climbed out of the water, ran across the beach and headed
back out for loop number 2. As I dove in
and started swimming, I couldn’t help but think of my good friend Margaret and
all the wise ways of the world she has shared with me. In true Margaret fashion I thought, “I am
half way done with the first leg…this is the last time I will ever be half way
through the swim of my 5th Ironman…this is a special moment! Take
it all in!"
Heading out I felt great…smooth, strong, steady…I was
catching and passing people and I couldn’t help but hope these were simply
people who took it out too hard and not people that were still on their first
loop.
About half way out, the temperature dropped…noticeably…and
the chop started. It seemed like for
every 5 strokes I would take, a swell would push me back 2. I would turn my head to breathe and take in a
mouth of water…where the HELL was the red turn buoy???!!! I picked up my kick to anchor myself and I
just kept repeating…you get what the day gives you!
I made the turn around and headed back in. I felt like going in I was able to “ride” the
swells a bit more…maybe I was able to, or maybe it was just because the grass
is always greener when you are over half way…whatever the reason, I headed in
and once again I was lost in the roar of the crowd and the energy that was
resonating off of them.
I climbed out of the water, started ripping off my sleeves
and just as I was making the turn to head into transition I looked up and saw
my mom and my aunt jumping up and down and holding the signs they had made at
the expo. I flashed them the biggest
smile I could muster and then it was onto wet suit stripping.
I ran though the bags, grabbed mine and rounded the corner
into the women’s changing tent…I saw Jess and she yelled “Sedonia!!!” It was such a welcomed sight to see her
beaming face…she knew exactly how to help.
She asked what I needed, and started handing me my things. I worked on
my shoes, another lady put my bib on, Jess shoved some Thermolytes in my mouth
and opened my gel, I squirted it in my mouth and took a swig of water…glasses
on…helmet on…out the door! My best T1
split yet!
I ran through transition and I saw Nick at the far end
waving his hands…he had positioned himself right near my bike…so I didn’t even
have to look for numbers…I grabbed my biked and headed out.
I smiled as much as I could heading out of town and took as
much energy from the spectators as feasibly possible.
I felt smooth on the first leg of the bike…but it was windy…my goal was
to keep my heart rate in check, fuel and find a rhythm, but it was hard to keep
focus and not worry about what effect the extra head wind was playing on my
pace and on my energy expenditure. When
I could sense that my mind was drifting to that dark place where the voices
were telling me I needed to go faster but my heart rate was telling me to keep
things in check, I found the voice of reason echoing…you get what the day gives
you.
Before I knew it I was back though town…I saw my dad, he
yelled out “Donie!” I waved, grinned and
headed out on the big loop of the bike.
I LOVE THE IRONMAN CROWDS!
I knew coming into the race this year that the bike would be
more challenging, but combined with the wind…I did not know how much more
taxing it would be. The “big loop” or the 43 mile second leg of the 56 mile
loop course, combined with the wind was unrelenting. We were either climbing or descending the
entire time. We would climb for a mile
and get to the top and then get smacked in the face with a head wind.
Somewhere about half way up the first big climb I made
another executive decision…shift early, shift often…no trying to “power up”
anything…it was time to ride like I was going to run a marathon after…because I was running a marathon after...
I was so relieved to get to the turn around and head back, I
knew I had to face all those hills again…but I also had the anticipation of
riding through town and was beginning to come to terms with the fact that
this day was a unique day unto itself and not one in which success was to be
defined by how it compared to last year.
I define success. Not the time
clock…not my friends or family…me. I
have told others in the past and now it was my time to tell myself-every Iron Athlete
has the right to define what “success” means to him/herself, MY success is not
determined by whether or not I meet someone else’s expectations.
I made it back into town and headed out on loop two. As I was passing through the crowds I saw
some guy leaning off the curb with his shirt pulled up and wiggling his
belly. I’m usually a “pretty much
anything goes” kinda girl when it comes to cheering, but this was a little
much. As I got closer I saw that it was Tyler
and he was flashing me that “Ah ha! I got you look!” like only he knows how…I
couldn’t help but smile, shake my head, laugh and off I went.
I got to special needs, refilled my fuel stash and popped
some Thermolytes in my mouth. Off I went
again…over half way on the bike…no major technical issues, no major bodily
issues, no major mental break downs…good to go.
I raced back through town and out on those last 43
miles…just as I passed into the “no pass” section that crossed Northwest
Blvd , I heard “Is that Donie?” I turned and it was Corrine!! I knew she’d be
out here, but in that moment it was like a million memories from college and
Pacific raced back to me…my recruit trip, $hit Kicker, training trips in
Hawaii, winning conference…maybe it was low blood sugar…maybe it was “mid-Ironman” disillusion invading my head…but seeing her filled me with that
same adrenaline rush I remember from my days of racing as a Tiger and I was
ready to tackle the last section.
I continued on and all of a sudden I heard a ridiculous
burst of yelling and screaming coming from across the road…I looked over and saw
Dana, Phil, Nick and Jess (cartoon hands and all)…there was glitter, there was
cow bell…they looked like a rush project gone awry…and I LOVED IT! I yelled out “You guys are crazy!” and the
cyclist who was passing me at the time looked over and said, “You sure got a
lot of friends out here!” I smiled, and
realized just how lucky I was to have all these people here…and I replied, “Yes
I do…and they are AMAZING!”
As I headed up the first big hill I could feel the fatigue in
my legs…memories of IM Arizona came rushing back to me-I had pushed too hard on
the bike and ended up walking a good portion of the run. At that moment another executive decision
was made: The only thing I can control is my attitude-I will stay ahead of my
mind…I knew it would be very easy for me to start tracking minutes and
calculating paces and splits…and I knew that was a slippery slope to repeating
the mistakes I made in Arizona. Today’s
goal: Finish strong… not simply survive the run, but rather run the run.
I made it to the turn around and headed back into town. I was feeding off the rush of knowing I was
on the last leg of the bike and I was excited to get off that seat.
I made the turn into T2 and a heard “SEDONIA!!!” I looked
straight ahead and literally 2 heads above everyone else I saw Matt’s head
floating above the crowd and I thought “Holy guacamole he is so tall!” Then I spotted Wendi at his side!!! They were jumping up and down and it was so
completely awesome to see them!!
I headed through T2…not quite as smooth without my special
Pea Pod Partner to be my right hand gal…but nonetheless, I got my socks and
shoes on, flipped on my cap, grabbed my bottle and a pack of Pringles and
headed out.
Cinder blocks…that’s really the best description I have for
what my legs felt like. I wanted
desperately to high five the little kids that were stretching their arms out
through the fence…but I just couldn’t…all my energy was going to getting one
foot in front of the other. I tried to
smile the best I could but the fear of reliving another Arizona
marathon kept creeping into my mind.
Then the ever sage words of wisdom from Coach Dan crept into
my head, “Run when you can, walk when you must but just keep moving
forward!” I reassessed, my heart rate
was okay, my body (joints, muscles, bones etc.) sans fatigue, were okay…I felt
like crap…but I was okay. Just run when
you can.
I passed the Ironteam crew and I saw Jasmine…and I knew
she’d missed a cut off. My heart sank…I
tilted my head to the side so as to say, “Oh no, not again! Are you okay?” and somehow she completely
read my mind, tilted her head, smiled that infectious smile of hers and gave me a reassuring nod.
Tim and Alicia nearly scared the pants off me they were so
excited…they all made me smile and I realized, once again, how truly blessed I
was to have them all out there.
A few yards passed was the Team Shadow/Paul Kinney crew that
I had done Louisville with and they
went crazy as I passed. Jessica yelled,
“Sedonia-you look amazing!” I shook my
head, grinned back at her and yelled, “Thanks, but that’s a lie!”
Somewhere around mile 4 I began to find my legs. When I found a groove, I ran …when things got
tough, I switched to 4:1s to break it up...when all else
failed, I just kept moving forward.
I stuck to my nutrition plan as best as I could. I stayed away from the coke and the solid
food they were providing and I was dumping ice and water on me at every
stop. It was defiantly warming up.
I saw many TNT friends and it was nice to be able to break
out of the Ironman focus for a brief moment and exchange a few words with
them. However, all in all, the mood out on the
first lap of the run was thick, and dense, there was little camaraderie and frankly…it
was a little boring. I made the turn
around and headed back into town.
I passed our condo, saw my parents and aunt and Wendi and
Matt…and headed into grab special needs…I didn't need much; I grabbed a gel
pack and 2 Advil and was through.
As I went and made the U-turn at transition to start the
second loop, Rocky’s famous line: “I’m just gonna go run a half marathon!” ran
through my head and I thought, “Yup…it’s as simple as that…just go run a half
marathon!”
I headed back out, passed the Ironteam crew…where the
intensity of Merla’s cheering was close to that of a cage fighter ready for
battle…passed my old Louisville
gang…where they were once again FAR too generous with their compliments…and I was
out for the final round.
I don’t remember much from mile 16-24, but I do know I started
taking coke around mile 22…not my best plan…it had not been degassed, and it,
combined with the other things that were in my system did not do good things
for my tummy. By mile 24 my stomach was
in complete knots. I had reached that
“just keep moving forward moment”.
Finally, I made it back into town, as the man next to me
turned to the right to start his second loop and I turned to the left to
finish, he looked back at me, smiled and said, “Enjoy the view!” I made the
final turn into town and despite the stomach issues…the final executive
decision of the day was made: I was NOT going to walk that shoot.
I found my legs…I soaked it in and I LOVED EVERY MOMENT OF
IT! The crowd was over the top! I saw Matt (because of his “floating head”)
and Wendi, I saw my parents (finally my mom got to see me run through the
shoot) and, although I didn't see them, I heard the IT crew louder than anyone
else! The last few yards were total tunnel
vision…and then I heard it: “Sedonia Yoshida from Napa ,
California
As I sit here and reflect back on the day I can't help but be reminded of those same words that passed through my head as I stood on shore waiting for the cannon to go off: No two journeys are ever the same, you get what the day gives you, believe in yourself and remember that being able to do this is a gift, not a right!
June 24, 2012 was a race unlike any other Ironman I've ever done. I faced cold, choppy water, rain and wind on the bike and warm weather on the run...so did everyone else out there competing. However, I never gave up on myself, I had faith in my training and having such an amazing support crew out there was a continual reminder of just how truly blessed I am to be able to add another chapter to my Iron Journey!
Thursday, December 29, 2011
#20: Sometimes it is the littlest things that bring the most joy
#20 Make a 1 sentence per day journal recording the happiest moment of the day
This one in pretty self explanatory...and although it is not done...I figured nobody would want to ready 366 entries in their entirety and thus it would be better to upload this one in instalments.
Observation: Too often I get caught up in my never ending "to do list" of workouts, house keeping, work, family obligations etc., that I forget to take a moment to reflect on all the blessing in my life including all the amazing, inspiring, selfless people I have surrounding me.
Question: Is is possible to find time each day to focus on the blessings in my life amidst all the other distractions that my daily life involve?
Hypothesis: Five minutes of daily reflection will help me keep focus on all the things I have to be thankful for and will help to "Not sweat the small stuff" quite so much.
Materials: Paper and a pen or a computer & 5 minutes
Method: Document one moment each day that made me smile
Results: The First 58 days
2-Nov Text from Dad: Happy Birthday to you. Happy Birthday to you. Happy Birthday dear Sedonia. Happy Birthday to You. All the monkeys in the zoo send the best regards to you. Happy Birthday to you. Love you. Dad
3-Nov FB Message from Tony Collins: "Ok so i thought I completed by birthday wish yesterday but apparently I accidentally closed the window before I was finished... so hear it is again maybe just slightly modified because now I've had some more time to think about it and give it that extra gusto it deserved..... Here Goes
Happy Birthday!!!! (this time i added an extra ! =P )
Just kidding. I hope you had a great day and I look forward to being included in your 30 list and hopefully in that 40 list. Take care!"
4-Nov Friday fun day! Getting off work at 4:45ish, knowing I had 2 whole days off!
5-Nov Surprise! Walking into a room to find 14 friends surprise me and knowing how much planning my parents and friends did to make this happen!
6-Nov Finding new pants…on sale…in dark colors that won't stain with wine!! Winning!!!
7-Nov Left overs make me smile! Remind me of the yummy dinner on Sat & make it so I don't have to cook after a long day at work!
8-Nov Ahh! New contacts=a car wash for your eye balls!
9-Nov Talking to Jess on the phone…hearing about her anxiety…but knowing deep down she is SO ready…mentally and physically!
10-Nov Seeing that I'm not the only nerd that is excited about tomorrow's date…
11-Nov Ummm…try every time I wrote the date: 11-11-11…enough said!
12-Nov When I got to leave work knowing that this was my last weekend work day until next August!!
13-Nov Doing final walk through and finding that the apartment is in good shape with no major damage!
14-Nov Finding out we had 16 days of 1000+ samples…longest 1000+ run to date.
15-Nov Seeing the picture of Miss Sophia in her "Bumbo"-that little munchkin is just too cute for words!!
16-Nov Getting a friend request from Shananana's Mama Jan!
17-Nov Enjoying the yummy goodness that is Rutherford Grill cornbread!
18-Nov Finding out Miss Sophia was on my flight to Arizona!
19-Nov Seeing Paula, Jess, Mary, Susie and Nick getting ready for their practice swim…my Little Guppies are all grown up!
20-Nov Watching Jess finish IMAZ in 16:59:05…I think my HR was 190!!
21-Nov Coming home to see my furry munchkins did not destroy my house while I was away!
22-Nov Seeing the care, concern and support my coworkers offered when I explained that I needed to take care of my mom.
23-Nov When I got to leave work knowing that I would be able to have multiple days at home for the first time since August!
24-Nov When Dad kept saying "this is so delicious!" over and over at my first solo attempt and Thanksgiving dinner.
25-Nov Going to the Firefighter museum in Napa and seeing how proud my mom was to be able to brag that Grampie was a Captain for the LAFD.
26-Nov Going to church with my mom…it's lonely going by myself.
27-Nov Going swimming for the first time since Oct 23rd at Silverado Spa.
28-Nov Getting to see my Baby Reeses at Mom & Dad's
29-Nov When Doctor Graw met me in the waiting room and said mom did wonderfully!
30-Nov After mom had rested for 6+ hours, she got up and said she wanted to get out of bed and try to sit in the family room and watch some TV.
1-Dec When my mom texted me that she got herself up and washed her face and brushed her teeth all by herself.
2-Dec When my mom requested I pick up a latte for her…she is beginning to crave normal food!!
3-Dec When my mom said she felt strong enough to try and go out to lunch.
4-Dec Realizing that although it was difficult to choose to close one chapter of my life, in doing so I allowed myself to open a whole new chapter full of possibilities.
5-Dec The feeling after completing my 60' spin, knowing that I got myself there despite not wanting to come when I left work
6-Dec Running 6 miles in <70 min, when I haven't run over 1 mile in probably 4 weeks!
7-Dec Spinning and T.B.L. with Margaret
8-Dec Peppermint Cocoa, homemade marshmallows and the Christmas episode of Parks and Rec!
9-Dec 3 calls to view the apartment…finally! Hopefully one of these will be the right fit.
10-Dec Joan's Biscotti Open House: Yummy food + Good wine + Great friends = The bestest Holiday Cheer
11-Dec Going to drop off my Giving Tree donation and having to climb over the piles of new gifts to get through the door!
12-Dec Gillian's home! After a long stay in ICU, the terrifying result of an aggravated nut allergy, she is finally back home! Now both Roman and Gilly have taught me-Life is a gift!
13-Dec Realizing that I can run with the treadmill on Level 7 for more than a minute without passing out or falling off the rear end.
14-Dec Finishing the largest production run I've every had with all controls and standards within limits!
15-Dec Getting an email from my good friend Tara…she always makes me laugh and I'm so excited for her and her husband's new restaurant to open!
16-Dec The surprising compliments I got from coworkers regarding my "Crock pot fudge" that isn't REALLY fudge…but still pretty yummy!
17-Dec Finding the 3-wheel Spiderman Scooter for the little boy in my section after looking for over an hour!
18-Dec Getting to see old Iron teammates at birthday and holiday parties.
19-Dec Getting the 2nd two books in the Hunger Games Trilogy in the mail
20-Dec FB post from Princess Jessica Lee: "Miss you Donie, love you bunches!!"
21-Dec Cleaning out my email inbox!
22-Dec Getting to see Rachel who stopped by work just as I was finishing up.
23-Dec Roman came out to say hi since he knew Phil & I were riding the Jelly Belly ride out of Benicia.
24-Dec Getting to see old St. Francis friends Sarah & Mark, Laura, Steph & Tara and Wendi & Matt too!
25-Dec Nick and Jess are engaged!!!
26-Dec Less than 200 samples at work…although I had a large production run, with everyone out & numbers low…it was so peaceful and relaxed!
27-Dec Finished Catching Fire: Book 2 in the Hunger Games trilogy…with The Help, that is the 3rd book since Thanksgiving…maybe I AM a reader afterall…;o)
28-Dec Unexpected email from Alicia Amaro…she is starting her own list!!!
29-Dec Made it to the gas station!! Drove with gauge on red all the way home from St Helena!
Discussion: I think the thing that surprises me the most about this...is that it's not that hard to find something to write about each day. Even on those days when it seems like NOTHING goes the way I want it to...everything still, somehow turns out. I'm beginning to grasp the concept that it isn't about getting everything I want right when I want it...but rather about getting what I need when the time is right.
I still have another 10 months to go but this is turning into an easy, quick way to focus on the fact that life is never too complicated to not only smell the roses, but to take a picture so that you remember what a gift the rose really is.
Conclusion: Life's blessing don't always show up in a grand fashion when expected, but often times they pop up unexpectedly in the most random of places!
What's next: The next 10 months...stay tuned!
This one in pretty self explanatory...and although it is not done...I figured nobody would want to ready 366 entries in their entirety and thus it would be better to upload this one in instalments.
Observation: Too often I get caught up in my never ending "to do list" of workouts, house keeping, work, family obligations etc., that I forget to take a moment to reflect on all the blessing in my life including all the amazing, inspiring, selfless people I have surrounding me.
Question: Is is possible to find time each day to focus on the blessings in my life amidst all the other distractions that my daily life involve?
Hypothesis: Five minutes of daily reflection will help me keep focus on all the things I have to be thankful for and will help to "Not sweat the small stuff" quite so much.
Materials: Paper and a pen or a computer & 5 minutes
Method: Document one moment each day that made me smile
Results: The First 58 days
2-Nov Text from Dad: Happy Birthday to you. Happy Birthday to you. Happy Birthday dear Sedonia. Happy Birthday to You. All the monkeys in the zoo send the best regards to you. Happy Birthday to you. Love you. Dad
3-Nov FB Message from Tony Collins: "Ok so i thought I completed by birthday wish yesterday but apparently I accidentally closed the window before I was finished... so hear it is again maybe just slightly modified because now I've had some more time to think about it and give it that extra gusto it deserved..... Here Goes
Happy Birthday!!!! (this time i added an extra ! =P )
Just kidding. I hope you had a great day and I look forward to being included in your 30 list and hopefully in that 40 list. Take care!"
4-Nov Friday fun day! Getting off work at 4:45ish, knowing I had 2 whole days off!
5-Nov Surprise! Walking into a room to find 14 friends surprise me and knowing how much planning my parents and friends did to make this happen!
6-Nov Finding new pants…on sale…in dark colors that won't stain with wine!! Winning!!!
7-Nov Left overs make me smile! Remind me of the yummy dinner on Sat & make it so I don't have to cook after a long day at work!
8-Nov Ahh! New contacts=a car wash for your eye balls!
9-Nov Talking to Jess on the phone…hearing about her anxiety…but knowing deep down she is SO ready…mentally and physically!
10-Nov Seeing that I'm not the only nerd that is excited about tomorrow's date…
11-Nov Ummm…try every time I wrote the date: 11-11-11…enough said!
12-Nov When I got to leave work knowing that this was my last weekend work day until next August!!
13-Nov Doing final walk through and finding that the apartment is in good shape with no major damage!
14-Nov Finding out we had 16 days of 1000+ samples…longest 1000+ run to date.
15-Nov Seeing the picture of Miss Sophia in her "Bumbo"-that little munchkin is just too cute for words!!
16-Nov Getting a friend request from Shananana's Mama Jan!
17-Nov Enjoying the yummy goodness that is Rutherford Grill cornbread!
18-Nov Finding out Miss Sophia was on my flight to Arizona!
19-Nov Seeing Paula, Jess, Mary, Susie and Nick getting ready for their practice swim…my Little Guppies are all grown up!
20-Nov Watching Jess finish IMAZ in 16:59:05…I think my HR was 190!!
21-Nov Coming home to see my furry munchkins did not destroy my house while I was away!
22-Nov Seeing the care, concern and support my coworkers offered when I explained that I needed to take care of my mom.
23-Nov When I got to leave work knowing that I would be able to have multiple days at home for the first time since August!
24-Nov When Dad kept saying "this is so delicious!" over and over at my first solo attempt and Thanksgiving dinner.
25-Nov Going to the Firefighter museum in Napa and seeing how proud my mom was to be able to brag that Grampie was a Captain for the LAFD.
26-Nov Going to church with my mom…it's lonely going by myself.
27-Nov Going swimming for the first time since Oct 23rd at Silverado Spa.
28-Nov Getting to see my Baby Reeses at Mom & Dad's
29-Nov When Doctor Graw met me in the waiting room and said mom did wonderfully!
30-Nov After mom had rested for 6+ hours, she got up and said she wanted to get out of bed and try to sit in the family room and watch some TV.
1-Dec When my mom texted me that she got herself up and washed her face and brushed her teeth all by herself.
2-Dec When my mom requested I pick up a latte for her…she is beginning to crave normal food!!
3-Dec When my mom said she felt strong enough to try and go out to lunch.
4-Dec Realizing that although it was difficult to choose to close one chapter of my life, in doing so I allowed myself to open a whole new chapter full of possibilities.
5-Dec The feeling after completing my 60' spin, knowing that I got myself there despite not wanting to come when I left work
6-Dec Running 6 miles in <70 min, when I haven't run over 1 mile in probably 4 weeks!
7-Dec Spinning and T.B.L. with Margaret
8-Dec Peppermint Cocoa, homemade marshmallows and the Christmas episode of Parks and Rec!
9-Dec 3 calls to view the apartment…finally! Hopefully one of these will be the right fit.
10-Dec Joan's Biscotti Open House: Yummy food + Good wine + Great friends = The bestest Holiday Cheer
11-Dec Going to drop off my Giving Tree donation and having to climb over the piles of new gifts to get through the door!
12-Dec Gillian's home! After a long stay in ICU, the terrifying result of an aggravated nut allergy, she is finally back home! Now both Roman and Gilly have taught me-Life is a gift!
13-Dec Realizing that I can run with the treadmill on Level 7 for more than a minute without passing out or falling off the rear end.
14-Dec Finishing the largest production run I've every had with all controls and standards within limits!
15-Dec Getting an email from my good friend Tara…she always makes me laugh and I'm so excited for her and her husband's new restaurant to open!
16-Dec The surprising compliments I got from coworkers regarding my "Crock pot fudge" that isn't REALLY fudge…but still pretty yummy!
17-Dec Finding the 3-wheel Spiderman Scooter for the little boy in my section after looking for over an hour!
18-Dec Getting to see old Iron teammates at birthday and holiday parties.
19-Dec Getting the 2nd two books in the Hunger Games Trilogy in the mail
20-Dec FB post from Princess Jessica Lee: "Miss you Donie, love you bunches!!"
21-Dec Cleaning out my email inbox!
22-Dec Getting to see Rachel who stopped by work just as I was finishing up.
23-Dec Roman came out to say hi since he knew Phil & I were riding the Jelly Belly ride out of Benicia.
24-Dec Getting to see old St. Francis friends Sarah & Mark, Laura, Steph & Tara and Wendi & Matt too!
25-Dec Nick and Jess are engaged!!!
26-Dec Less than 200 samples at work…although I had a large production run, with everyone out & numbers low…it was so peaceful and relaxed!
27-Dec Finished Catching Fire: Book 2 in the Hunger Games trilogy…with The Help, that is the 3rd book since Thanksgiving…maybe I AM a reader afterall…;o)
28-Dec Unexpected email from Alicia Amaro…she is starting her own list!!!
29-Dec Made it to the gas station!! Drove with gauge on red all the way home from St Helena!
Discussion: I think the thing that surprises me the most about this...is that it's not that hard to find something to write about each day. Even on those days when it seems like NOTHING goes the way I want it to...everything still, somehow turns out. I'm beginning to grasp the concept that it isn't about getting everything I want right when I want it...but rather about getting what I need when the time is right.
I still have another 10 months to go but this is turning into an easy, quick way to focus on the fact that life is never too complicated to not only smell the roses, but to take a picture so that you remember what a gift the rose really is.
Conclusion: Life's blessing don't always show up in a grand fashion when expected, but often times they pop up unexpectedly in the most random of places!
What's next: The next 10 months...stay tuned!
Wednesday, December 28, 2011
#17 & #27...check & check!
So I will be completely honest right off the bat...neither of these experiences are even remotely mind blowing or intriguing...but nonetheless, they made my list...and if you have 5 minutes to kill and are at all interested, feel free to read on...if not...I TOTALLY get it!
#17 Become an official Parishioner
Observation: When I go to church in Napa, I often feel like a visitor. I don't know anyone, no one knows me and it is hard to make it a priority to go.
Question: If I become an official parishioner, make a concerted effort to go to church and become an active part of the congregation will I find I feel more at home?
Hypothesis: Becoming a registered parishioner is the first step to becoming an active member in my church community.
Materials: Registration form, envelope, stamp, pen
Method: On 12/28/2011 I filled out the St. Apollinaris Catholic Church registration form and mailed it in
Results: I am now a registered member of St. Apollinaris Catholic Church
Discussion: I was raised Catholic. 13 years of Catholic education. Nine of which involved a red and blue plaid skirt, a Peter Pan collar and knee socks...oh yes...who could forget the knee socks?
I was baptized as an infant. Received reconciliation & communion at 7 and was confirmed at 15.
I sang in the choir, read at every school mass and was an angel (literally...not figuratively) in the Christmas play at least 6 times.
We went to church EVERY Sunday. NO. MATTER. WHAT. If we had a swim meet..we went in sweats and moon boots with wet butts and dripping hair. If I had a piano recital, we would go at 8am before my performance. If there was a major holiday, a natural disaster, a holy day of obligation, a birth, death, or a major change in well being-good or bad-WE. WENT. TO. CHURCH.
It felt like home. My parents seemed to know everyone. A good majority of my classmates went and there was always a familiar face. It was more than just a place of worship...we were a part of that community.
When I moved up to Napa I found a church and I went. But I always felt like an outsider. I didn't know anyone and every week it was as if I was just visiting. The motivation behind this "item" being on My List is to try and begin to establish that feeling I had when I went to church growing up. I want to become more involved. I don't want to continue to sit on the sidelines as a visiting spectator and I hope that this first step begins to form a foundation from which I can continue to further my involvement
Conclusion: The jury is still somewhat out on this one. I know the change that I want from this "item" is not something that happens over night. It is going to be a constant effort over a period of time...but I do feel like I have taken the first step...and as we all know: the journey of 1000 miles begins with a single step.
What's next: Get involved! They now have my name. I am an official member...so now it is up to me to find ways to become active in my Church community!
#27 Get a gmail account
Observation: Some people are WAY TOO "reply all" all happy!
Question: Why doesn't anyone else get annoyed by chains of emails initiated by the "reply all" button?
Hypothesis: If I get a gmail account...it will organize my email and make the inbox cleaning & email review processes much less annoying.
Materials: A computer and an internet connection
Method: Create a gmail account
Results: My new gmail address is (insert drum roll here for dramatic effect): styoshida81@gmail.com
Discussion: I'm still in the process of figuring out the format and logistics of gmail...but all in all...it seems much improved to my hotmail account. I was very pleased to see that I could import all of my hotmail contacts and emails. Thus, avoiding what was my biggest fear...having to manually add all my contacts and the need to manage multiple email accounts.
In addition, I figured out how to add a second email account to my Blackberry. Which I know, for all you tech savvy gurus is child's play, but for me...who, up until today, was still using a hotmail (insert gasp here) account, was a huge accomplishment.
Conclusion: The jury is still out on this one too. Only time will tell if I find this system easier to manage...but so far things are looking up!
What's next: In the world of email...who knows...I've got a gmail account, a blog with multiple entries and a mobile phone that allows me to check email anywhere I go...what else could a girl ask for? An abacus maybe?? ;o)
#17 Become an official Parishioner
Observation: When I go to church in Napa, I often feel like a visitor. I don't know anyone, no one knows me and it is hard to make it a priority to go.
Question: If I become an official parishioner, make a concerted effort to go to church and become an active part of the congregation will I find I feel more at home?
Hypothesis: Becoming a registered parishioner is the first step to becoming an active member in my church community.
Materials: Registration form, envelope, stamp, pen
Method: On 12/28/2011 I filled out the St. Apollinaris Catholic Church registration form and mailed it in
Results: I am now a registered member of St. Apollinaris Catholic Church
Discussion: I was raised Catholic. 13 years of Catholic education. Nine of which involved a red and blue plaid skirt, a Peter Pan collar and knee socks...oh yes...who could forget the knee socks?
I was baptized as an infant. Received reconciliation & communion at 7 and was confirmed at 15.
I sang in the choir, read at every school mass and was an angel (literally...not figuratively) in the Christmas play at least 6 times.
We went to church EVERY Sunday. NO. MATTER. WHAT. If we had a swim meet..we went in sweats and moon boots with wet butts and dripping hair. If I had a piano recital, we would go at 8am before my performance. If there was a major holiday, a natural disaster, a holy day of obligation, a birth, death, or a major change in well being-good or bad-WE. WENT. TO. CHURCH.
It felt like home. My parents seemed to know everyone. A good majority of my classmates went and there was always a familiar face. It was more than just a place of worship...we were a part of that community.
When I moved up to Napa I found a church and I went. But I always felt like an outsider. I didn't know anyone and every week it was as if I was just visiting. The motivation behind this "item" being on My List is to try and begin to establish that feeling I had when I went to church growing up. I want to become more involved. I don't want to continue to sit on the sidelines as a visiting spectator and I hope that this first step begins to form a foundation from which I can continue to further my involvement
Conclusion: The jury is still somewhat out on this one. I know the change that I want from this "item" is not something that happens over night. It is going to be a constant effort over a period of time...but I do feel like I have taken the first step...and as we all know: the journey of 1000 miles begins with a single step.
What's next: Get involved! They now have my name. I am an official member...so now it is up to me to find ways to become active in my Church community!
#27 Get a gmail account
Observation: Some people are WAY TOO "reply all" all happy!
Question: Why doesn't anyone else get annoyed by chains of emails initiated by the "reply all" button?
Hypothesis: If I get a gmail account...it will organize my email and make the inbox cleaning & email review processes much less annoying.
Materials: A computer and an internet connection
Method: Create a gmail account
Results: My new gmail address is (insert drum roll here for dramatic effect): styoshida81@gmail.com
Discussion: I'm still in the process of figuring out the format and logistics of gmail...but all in all...it seems much improved to my hotmail account. I was very pleased to see that I could import all of my hotmail contacts and emails. Thus, avoiding what was my biggest fear...having to manually add all my contacts and the need to manage multiple email accounts.
In addition, I figured out how to add a second email account to my Blackberry. Which I know, for all you tech savvy gurus is child's play, but for me...who, up until today, was still using a hotmail (insert gasp here) account, was a huge accomplishment.
Conclusion: The jury is still out on this one too. Only time will tell if I find this system easier to manage...but so far things are looking up!
What's next: In the world of email...who knows...I've got a gmail account, a blog with multiple entries and a mobile phone that allows me to check email anywhere I go...what else could a girl ask for? An abacus maybe?? ;o)
Monday, December 19, 2011
#2: "A world where every child feels like a valuable part of their community through a national belief in the power of giving"
#2: Do volunteer work...check!!
When I created this list of Thirty while Thirty, I knew some of the items would challenge me beyond my comfort zone, some would be simple and just need to be done because...well...let's face it, I'm thirty and it's just kinda ridiculous that I don't have a valid passport. I did not, however, think that any of these "tasks" would be as emotionally moving as #2: Do volunteer work, would be.
Observation: As of the past few years, the vast majority of my volunteer work has been dedicated to one single organization and it has been a long time since I have volunteered my time to help those within my community that are financially less fortunate.
Question: Can I get the same feeling of "giving to others" from new organizations?
Hypothesis: Getting involved in activities that help bring joy to others, will, in turn, bring joy to me.
Materials:
~An organization
~My time
~A good attitude
Method: Following the suggestion of my good friend Jess, I decided to volunteer at Family Giving Tree http://www.familygivingtree.org/index.html . We (Jess, Nick, Phil, Natalie and myself) arrived at about 2pm, were given a tour and assigned our area. Our area was broken down into 5 or 6 sections each containing ~120 "slots", each "slot" represented one child and one wish. We each took a section and got to work ensuring that each child in our section had their wish fulfilled and for those that did not, we went to the surplus section to "shop" for a gift that satisfied their request.
After close to 3 hours, a lot of laughs and some good teamwork, we finished our area and headed over to what was called the 700 section...the area of all the extra toys that needed to be sorted. Jess took charge and told us what to find and we spent about an hour attempting to bring some order to the piles of toys.
At one point I leaned over to her and said, "I kinda don't want to leave until it is all organized..."
She looked at me, and with a little chuckle, replied, "Then you will never go home..."
Results: Together, along with some help from a few other volunteers, we were able to organize, sort and fulfill the wishes of ~700 underprivileged children.
Discussion: In order to understand the full impact this task had on me you need to know a few things:
You then being your tour of the facility where you hear all about the Vision, Mission and History listed above. Then, as you round the corner to your area you see it...the 700 section...the area where all the surplus toys go...the piles, of piles, of toys and all you can think is that if the North Pole and Santa's Work Shop exploded, this is what it would look like!
Hundreds...of thousands...of toys...Once I silenced the little anal retentive gremlin that lives within me and I got over the udder chaos that was this warehouse...It hit me: Organized or not, each one of these presents represents the wish of a child. Children in the Bay Area, who, without this organization, would get NOTHING on Christmas day. Not children in a foreign country that I will never see...but individuals in MY community.
I'm not usually the type of person that is easily overcome with emotion...In my 30 years of existence I can probably count on my hands the actual number of times I have "had a moment"...but I can honestly say that one of those moments happened on December 17, 2011, standing in old Mervyns store in Milpitas, surrounded by hundreds of thousands of toys.
From then on the day became about doing the very best I could to fulfill the wishes of each child in my section. I had one little boy who requested a 3-wheel Spiderman Scooter as his primary wish and a Buzz Light Year action figure as his secondary.
I looked EVERYWHERE for a 3-Wheel Spiderman Scooter...I found a 2-Wheel Spiderman Scooter...but he was too young for 2-Wheels...I found a Cars 3-Wheeler and Toy Story 3-Wheeler...but no Spiderman 3-Wheeler! Frustrated, I made the executive decision to get him the Toy Story 3-Wheel scooter, rationalizing it saying his second gift choice was Buzz Light Year so he must like Toy Story and a scooter is a scooter...right?
Later on, when we were sorting out the 700 section (surplus)...what did I find??? A 3-WHEEL SPIDERMAN SCOOTER!!! I was so elated you'd think I'd found Willy Wonka's 6th Golden Ticket!! I'm pretty confident my impromptu happy dance freaked out the 7 year old Boys Scouts that were helping me organize...but I didn't care. I was on a mission to get that little boy exactly what he wanted. On further examination I saw that the Spiderman Scooter came with little guns on the handles that shot out spiderwebs and all in all it was a WAY cooler scooter than the Toy Story one. I know I can't see the face of the little boy when he opens his 3-Wheel Spiderman Scooter on Christmas day...but I sure do hope he is as happy with it as I was when I found it for him.
What's next: I want to find an organization that is located in Napa county that let's me volunteer time and continue to give back to my community...and... if Jess will have me back...I want to help out at Family Giving Tree in 2012!
When I created this list of Thirty while Thirty, I knew some of the items would challenge me beyond my comfort zone, some would be simple and just need to be done because...well...let's face it, I'm thirty and it's just kinda ridiculous that I don't have a valid passport. I did not, however, think that any of these "tasks" would be as emotionally moving as #2: Do volunteer work, would be.
Observation: As of the past few years, the vast majority of my volunteer work has been dedicated to one single organization and it has been a long time since I have volunteered my time to help those within my community that are financially less fortunate.
Question: Can I get the same feeling of "giving to others" from new organizations?
Hypothesis: Getting involved in activities that help bring joy to others, will, in turn, bring joy to me.
Materials:
~An organization
~My time
~A good attitude
Method: Following the suggestion of my good friend Jess, I decided to volunteer at Family Giving Tree http://www.familygivingtree.org/index.html . We (Jess, Nick, Phil, Natalie and myself) arrived at about 2pm, were given a tour and assigned our area. Our area was broken down into 5 or 6 sections each containing ~120 "slots", each "slot" represented one child and one wish. We each took a section and got to work ensuring that each child in our section had their wish fulfilled and for those that did not, we went to the surplus section to "shop" for a gift that satisfied their request.
At one point I leaned over to her and said, "I kinda don't want to leave until it is all organized..."
She looked at me, and with a little chuckle, replied, "Then you will never go home..."
Results: Together, along with some help from a few other volunteers, we were able to organize, sort and fulfill the wishes of ~700 underprivileged children.
Discussion: In order to understand the full impact this task had on me you need to know a few things:
- The Vision-"The Family Giving Tree Elves envision a world where every child feels like a valuable part of their community through a national belief in the power of giving"*
- The Mission-"The Family Giving Tree fulfills the exact holiday wish and provides backpacks filled with school supplies to those children in the most need in our communities while inspiring the values of kindness, philanthropy and volunteerism"*
- The History-"The Family Giving Tree began in 1990 as a San Jose State University MBA class project. Jennifer Cullenbine and Todd Yoshida were asked to "create a program that adds value to someone else's life." They created the Family Giving Tree with the hope of providing holiday gifts to 300 children in East Palo Alto. Encouraged by the success of the first year, Jennifer decided to continue and expand the organization. In the 20th year of the program's existence, the total number of gifts and backpacks donated had grown to over 700,000, making the Family Giving Tree the largest gift and backpack donation program in California"*
- No...Todd Yoshida is NOT related to me...I asked. ;oD
You then being your tour of the facility where you hear all about the Vision, Mission and History listed above. Then, as you round the corner to your area you see it...the 700 section...the area where all the surplus toys go...the piles, of piles, of toys and all you can think is that if the North Pole and Santa's Work Shop exploded, this is what it would look like!
Hundreds...of thousands...of toys...Once I silenced the little anal retentive gremlin that lives within me and I got over the udder chaos that was this warehouse...It hit me: Organized or not, each one of these presents represents the wish of a child. Children in the Bay Area, who, without this organization, would get NOTHING on Christmas day. Not children in a foreign country that I will never see...but individuals in MY community.
I'm not usually the type of person that is easily overcome with emotion...In my 30 years of existence I can probably count on my hands the actual number of times I have "had a moment"...but I can honestly say that one of those moments happened on December 17, 2011, standing in old Mervyns store in Milpitas, surrounded by hundreds of thousands of toys.
From then on the day became about doing the very best I could to fulfill the wishes of each child in my section. I had one little boy who requested a 3-wheel Spiderman Scooter as his primary wish and a Buzz Light Year action figure as his secondary.
I looked EVERYWHERE for a 3-Wheel Spiderman Scooter...I found a 2-Wheel Spiderman Scooter...but he was too young for 2-Wheels...I found a Cars 3-Wheeler and Toy Story 3-Wheeler...but no Spiderman 3-Wheeler! Frustrated, I made the executive decision to get him the Toy Story 3-Wheel scooter, rationalizing it saying his second gift choice was Buzz Light Year so he must like Toy Story and a scooter is a scooter...right?
Later on, when we were sorting out the 700 section (surplus)...what did I find??? A 3-WHEEL SPIDERMAN SCOOTER!!! I was so elated you'd think I'd found Willy Wonka's 6th Golden Ticket!! I'm pretty confident my impromptu happy dance freaked out the 7 year old Boys Scouts that were helping me organize...but I didn't care. I was on a mission to get that little boy exactly what he wanted. On further examination I saw that the Spiderman Scooter came with little guns on the handles that shot out spiderwebs and all in all it was a WAY cooler scooter than the Toy Story one. I know I can't see the face of the little boy when he opens his 3-Wheel Spiderman Scooter on Christmas day...but I sure do hope he is as happy with it as I was when I found it for him.
Conclusion: From organized chaos great things can arise...and joy in my own life begins with bringing joy to others.
*http://www.familygivingtree.org/about_us/about_us.html
Friday, December 2, 2011
#16: "Happy Hunger Games! And may the odds be ever in your favor!"
As I sit here writing this blog I can't help feeling like a 7th grader with a book report due; nonetheless, I am proud to say that I can officially cross off the first thing on my 30 While 30 list...#16: Read The Huger Games by Suzanne Collins...CHECK!
I stated previously that this list was designed with the goal of improving myself, trying new things and becoming reacquainted with several fundamental principals that I was raised with. Each task has a reason for being there and although many have asked questions like "Why is that there?", "That's so simple...I can help you with that!" & "You haven't done __X__?", the bottom line is...this is MY list. I know why each item is there and although I know several of the tasks are easily done...it's not necessarily about just getting through the list as quickly as possible, but rather, about ensuring that I MAKE THE TIME to do each item.
My intention in reporting back on each item is multifaceted:
1. To keep myself honest-it would be easy to write a list and keep it hidden in a diary somewhere...although it would then also be much easier to simply "forget" about it. By putting it up here for all the world to see, I keep myself accountable.
2. To hopefully inspire others to set goals for themselves. We all grow by trying new things and putting ourselves out there...if we don't try...we will never know. Realistically I know that not many people will be inspired to open a gmail account...but who knows...apparently it will be the answer to my (and possibly other's) loathing of the "Reply all" button.
3. To help explain the "why", the "how" and the "what's next" of each item.
Staying true to the Science Nerd that I am, I feel that there is no better way for me to report back on my 30 While 30 adventures than the tried and true Scientific Method...so here goes:
Observation: I don't read as much as I would like to. My good friend Jess (and several others confirmed) that The Hunger Games is an excellent book.
Question: Will I like The Hunger Games?
Hypothesis: If I find books I like to read...then I will read more.
Materials: The Huger Games by Suzanne Collins
Method: Read the book (duh!!)
Results: I started the book on Tuesday November 29th at 1:30pm and read it in the waiting room of Sequoia Hospital while my mom had shoulder surgery. I finished the book on Wednesday November 30th at 12:30pm at home.
Discussion: Prior to this past Tuesday I could not say that I had ever read a novel, cover to cover in a 24 hour period...Now I can say that I have!
I will not bore you with the 7th grade book report synopsis but I will say that part of the intrigue of this story is living vicariously through the characters. I know I would not be the optimal Hunger Game competitor...I don't even like camping...so being trapped in an outdoor arena subjected to the government imposed elements of nature while participating in a fight to the death with 23 other competitors is not exactly my idea of the best way to gain fame and fortune. However, while reading, I found myself rooting for the characters. Riding their highs and enduring their lows. I felt like I was there...in District 12....hoping that the odds will be ever in the favor of Katniss and Peeta.
Conclusion: By talking with my friends about what books they have enjoyed, I increase my chances of finding books that are appealing to me and I read more.
What's next: Since my reading bug has been sparked...I have started The Help and I can't wait for The Hunger Games movie to come out in March so that I can tackle #13: Go to a movie in a theater!
I stated previously that this list was designed with the goal of improving myself, trying new things and becoming reacquainted with several fundamental principals that I was raised with. Each task has a reason for being there and although many have asked questions like "Why is that there?", "That's so simple...I can help you with that!" & "You haven't done __X__?", the bottom line is...this is MY list. I know why each item is there and although I know several of the tasks are easily done...it's not necessarily about just getting through the list as quickly as possible, but rather, about ensuring that I MAKE THE TIME to do each item.
My intention in reporting back on each item is multifaceted:
1. To keep myself honest-it would be easy to write a list and keep it hidden in a diary somewhere...although it would then also be much easier to simply "forget" about it. By putting it up here for all the world to see, I keep myself accountable.
2. To hopefully inspire others to set goals for themselves. We all grow by trying new things and putting ourselves out there...if we don't try...we will never know. Realistically I know that not many people will be inspired to open a gmail account...but who knows...apparently it will be the answer to my (and possibly other's) loathing of the "Reply all" button.
3. To help explain the "why", the "how" and the "what's next" of each item.
Staying true to the Science Nerd that I am, I feel that there is no better way for me to report back on my 30 While 30 adventures than the tried and true Scientific Method...so here goes:
Observation: I don't read as much as I would like to. My good friend Jess (and several others confirmed) that The Hunger Games is an excellent book.
Question: Will I like The Hunger Games?
Hypothesis: If I find books I like to read...then I will read more.
Materials: The Huger Games by Suzanne Collins
Method: Read the book (duh!!)
Results: I started the book on Tuesday November 29th at 1:30pm and read it in the waiting room of Sequoia Hospital while my mom had shoulder surgery. I finished the book on Wednesday November 30th at 12:30pm at home.
Discussion: Prior to this past Tuesday I could not say that I had ever read a novel, cover to cover in a 24 hour period...Now I can say that I have!
I will not bore you with the 7th grade book report synopsis but I will say that part of the intrigue of this story is living vicariously through the characters. I know I would not be the optimal Hunger Game competitor...I don't even like camping...so being trapped in an outdoor arena subjected to the government imposed elements of nature while participating in a fight to the death with 23 other competitors is not exactly my idea of the best way to gain fame and fortune. However, while reading, I found myself rooting for the characters. Riding their highs and enduring their lows. I felt like I was there...in District 12....hoping that the odds will be ever in the favor of Katniss and Peeta.
Conclusion: By talking with my friends about what books they have enjoyed, I increase my chances of finding books that are appealing to me and I read more.
What's next: Since my reading bug has been sparked...I have started The Help and I can't wait for The Hunger Games movie to come out in March so that I can tackle #13: Go to a movie in a theater!
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