Run, Laugh, Eat, Repeat

WOW!  I cannot believe we are at Day 30 of the 30 day Blogember challenge to blog each day.  How did that time pass so quickly?  It honestly wasn't a challenge - it was a real pleasure!  Not only to write each day, but to read the writings of my new friends who are also participating! Today's topic is title of my memoir and why. Hmm … when I ponder that prompt my first thought is to be clever and witty, funny and description.  And yet when I got quiet for a moment, the phrase that settled with me is one that is very familiar to my internal voice. Breathe. During several difficult times in my life I've had to surrender to the mantra: breathe in, breathe out.  The rest will take care of itself.  And now I remind myself of that phrase even before things are escalated to a 'difficult' time.  And that reminds me to focus on what's within my control, and what do I have to allow to unfold in it's own time. So the chapters in this memoir could easily h

As the month of November is drawing to a close, the second to last writing prompt is 'be ridiculous'.  This phrase to me is all about letting go and having fun.  Ridiculous doesn't break any laws or tread onto a moral high ground, but is really all about skirting the line of accepted behavior and just …. crossing over that line. There are times when I've done that.  Although it doesn't happen often. Perhaps I focus on staying closer to the line in order to provide a good example, remain a professional or it could be the fear that if I cross too far over that line I might not come back! Ridiculous is an extreme.  And I don't tend to live in the extreme.  But I like to skirt the edge.  I sing loudly in the car, I stop of a Shamrock shake as a treat for my daughter - for no apparent reason, and find ways to be silly and funny wherever I go.  That to me is best form of ridiculous!

I often think of my life as happening in chapters.  Sometimes it is similar to a playlist … sometimes happy, sometimes sad, often energizing and even emotional! Over the last month I've mentioned some of the music that had been meaningful … my first concert, Luther Vandross memories, the albums I would take to a deserted island - Sara Bareilles, Maroon Five and Dixie Chicks … each of those who have a place on soundtrack of my life. Luther Adam Levine Sara Bareilles Colbie Calliet Kenny Chesney Lady Antebellum Thank goodness there are so many choices for a playlist, like the many moods and opportunities for music being added into my life.  I've said before that music makes a difference to me, and it will continue to be woven into the moments ...

To be honest, reading changed my life more so that one book.  And yet when pushed to decide I can come up with one novel and one non-fiction that had a profound impact on me. Priscilla Warner's Learning to Breathe - taught me about being still, meditating and finding peace in the quiet moments.  I seem to pick it up every year or so just to remind me of her journey.  I've exchanged emails with her to thank her what she's taught me, and that was a wonderfully powerful experience too! The other book that impacted me was a novel by Richard Russo - who's originally from a small town very close to where I grew up. Bridge of Sighs by Richard Russo Here's my favorite quote from the book - that still resonates today as I read it. "The line of gray along the horizon is brighter now, and with the coming light I feel a certainty: that there is, despite our wild imaginings, only one life. The ghostly others, no matter how real they seem, no matter how b

When I reflect back on my school years several teachers stand out to me:  Mr Favat - 7th grade English who encouraged me to keep writing…. stories, poems, doesn't matter .. "just keep writing," he told me. And Mr. Stanley - 10th grade Health whose lessons still ring true today - it was more of a human relations class and life lessons than it was a traditional high school Health class. Yet, the person that changed things for me was a professor that I encountered when I returned to college as an adult to complete my Bachelor's Degree.  At the time I wasn't even sure what my major was going to be, as I'm was fully emerged in a successful career that didn't require additional training or education. When I found Professor Pfitzer in the American Studies department at Skidmore College I was hooked.  His classes inspired me to grow and learn in ways I hadn't done previously.  I developed a love of History and for putting the pieces together that I tre

Perhaps this one is the most challenging blog of Blogember month … it's not about being clever or witty, being funny or entertaining.  This blog is a love letter to myself….. Dear Jude, In thinking of all the wonderful things I appreciate about you, what comes to mind immediately is your fierce devotion to your family and close friends.  I love that you find ways to comfort, surprise and endear them to you with thoughtful notes, conversations and the occasional, "I saw this and I thought of you," gifts. As you dedicate yourself to ensuring your family is well taken care of and always feels loved, you are an incredible mom.  You refer to yourself as an 'intentional' parent - with the way you help your daughter see the lessons in the good and the painful, remind her of her kind and caring heart from which to make decisions and the playful nature you allow to escape showing her how much fun life really is. Part of your nurturing nature has allowed you to

As the 24th day of Blogember I'm thrilled to tell you the 20 things I'm grateful for - as a wonderful preparation for the Thanksgiving holiday we'll celebrate this week! 1.  My husband - who loves me unconditionally with a kind heart and generous spirit, I learn from him the value of patience and enduring love on a daily basis. 2.  My darling daughter - who has made my heart grow over and over!  She is amazing - quick-witted, funny, kind and an amazing capacity to love! 3.  The friends who continue to teach me the value of friendship.  Their ability to mentor, listen, and laugh fills my soul.  Each has a wonderfully different part of my life - and I'm forever grateful for each of them. 4. Marsha Green - who deserves her own category as an amazing human being.  And now one I call friend - very humbly, and very gratefully for all the wisdom and compassion she brings to my life. 5.  RS - who would hate it if his name actually appeared in the blog!  But the fr

Oh the commitment to Blogember - has enabled me to look forward to writing each day.  And during a random day off from work yesterday,  I was thinking, 'how can I continue this writing through the end of the year .. at least?"  This has been a wonderful gift to me, enabling me to have a reason to write - not about the accomplishments that occur or even capturing the mundane moments - but the commitment to write on a pre-chosen topic has become a discipline that I believe I would miss if I stopped just because the calendar changes to December. More to come on that … My Reverse Bucket list is a new concept to me.  I once did the Bucket List exercise with a friend choosing 10 things a day that we sent back and forth over email.  Our lists reached 100 and when forced to come up with ten new ones a day I was sometimes surprised what showed up. The Reverse Bucket List - 2013 start to hike the 46 high peaks in NYS go back to school and get my degree meet Oprah Rome Mo

For today's challenge to blog each day during the month of November for Blogember , I think of far away places - where I've been and where I still want to go … in this 10 Places to Visit challenge. I began my college career as a Travel & Tourism major to spend years in that industry before returning to school as an adult to pursue my Bachelor's Degree in what ended up being an American Studies major.  To culminate that degree I wrote a thesis that wove together both of my degrees as well as my experiences.  It was a story of women's travel and how it has changed over time.  A century ago they traveled for transportation, while today women have the opportunity to travel for transformation.  Travel is an amazing opportunity that I have experienced, and will continue.  So I've chosen to give you 5 of my favorite travels, and 5 of my 'yet to be' places!~ So I'll start with my favorite places to date … 1)   Alaska - I know, big state and far away

For the 21st day of the Blogember challenge to blog each day, I am writing five unique facts about me. 1.  I once hiked the highest peak in the state of New York at a height of 5,344.  It was a first date about 15 years ago, that did not result in a second date.  It ended up being a disaster when we had to spend the night at the top due to poor planning, surviving a thunder and lightening storm.  My feet were a disaster upon return, hadn't packed enough food, water or warmth and although it was 90+ degrees when we began it was cold and wet at the top.  But I did it.  I returned and my closest friend, who was so upset with the 'date' gave me her Mt. Marcy #1 pin to commemorate the occasion and remind me never go unprepared again! 2.  I love sports.  Baseball, hockey, football to be specific.  And NCAA basketball.  When I was 12 my stepfather taught me to keep score for his little league baseball team, and once I learned all the rules I was hooked.  I'd rather

http://www.luthervandross.com/news/great-luther-vandross-deals-amazon-today-only photo credit:  luthervandross.com As today is the 20th of November, it is also Day 20 of Blogember challenge to blog each day during the month of November. When I think back to my teenage years I recall many concerts that I attended at the amphitheater in the hometown I grew up in - SPAC ( Saratoga Performing Arts Center).  As I recall the first one was likely Foreigner .. not particularly memorable.  And there were lots more in the late 70's and through the mid-80's…. The Cars, Asia, Brian Adams, Journey, Doobie Brothers, Jimmy Buffet …. And yet today the memories rattling round my brain are of a different kind.  Today would have been a dear, old friend's 50th birthday .. he died a few years ago at age 47 due to liver failure.  He and I were married nearly 9 years, and then apart 10 years before he died. The most memorable concerts I attended were with him.  We saw Luther Vandross

Memories of my childhood bakery with a cannoli …. As this roller coaster ride of emotions and outpouring continues on Day 19 challenge to blog each day in the month of November for Blogember I recall my first job. I often say that when we recall the past, things that appear to have gone on forever, are often relatively short in the grand scheme of things.  After my dad passed away when I was 8, my mom remarried a year later.  By the time I was 10 they went into business together opening a neighborhood Italian bakery on the west side of the town I grew up in. This was long before the days of Carlo's Bakery where cakes cost hundreds, even thousands of dollars. A bakery was a lot of hours and energy for very little profit back then.  To that end, I was cheap labor and was trained to bag rolls and make change at the cash register.  In retrospect it talk me a lot about customer service, the value of relationships in returning customers and how running a family business is extr

For Day 18 of the Blogember challenge to blog each day during the month of November, today's topic is the Happiest Moment of my Life.  Hmmm. … this could get interesting! I believe that life is an array of moments strung together creating who we are and what we stand for.  And during those moments we encounter joy, pain, disappointment, sorrow, glee and a miriad of emotions and experiences along the way. Certainly the ones that stand out for me are the moment my daughter was born.  She was truly a gift from God - a miracle - a blessing - and long-awaited at that!  She's the life that my husband and I created from the love that we share.  And along that same vane, when I married my husband was an incredibly happy moment as well.  We didn't marry until age 35, each bringing our histories and patterns into the life we chose to share together.  It was a long road up until then, and now it's a shared one! Other happiest moments: *  Climbing to the top of the high

Today's post for Blogember - the commitment to blog each day during the month of November is about choosing my happiest year in Elementary school and why. Elementary school is much of a blur of school and teachers that largely run together, with the exception of a few moments that stand out with ringing clarity. The year I was in second grade was marked with another change to Division Street School and blessed with Mrs. Barbara Chubb as my teacher.  I'm not sure I'd call it idyllic, yet  by all other signs it appeared to be a quite normal school year.  Until my father 'got sick' in February and died in early June before the end of that school year. And then the world changed. Immediately. I recall an instant change in responsibility and how life as I knew it would never, ever be the same. I would not call that my happiest year.  I would call that my most life-changing.  Would first grade be my happiest because it was the last school year I had my fath

"Thought about stopping, then ran harder." Day 16 for the Blogember challenge is a 6-word memoir. I could substitute 'ran' for 'tried' almost every day.  Even if for just a brief moment I am paralyzed with fear, confusion, doubt - I press on.  And that is the very best time …. knowing that I still have the power within me to continue to 'fight'. This can be a physical challenge, emotional challenge or just what appears to be a mountain of work to overcome…. whatever it is, if I choose to find a way through it, rather than around it - I'm successful. Happened again this week at work - and my husband reminded me last night.  Why did you let it get you down for two days when you knew they best way to solve it was head-on, with a direct conversation?  He's right.  But I'm not successful with the conversation until I'm mentally prepared to have it.  And yesterday I did.   That's my mantra.  For running, and for l

For the 15th day of the Blogember challenge to blog each day during the month of November, today's topic is my favorite halloween costume. Hmmmm ….. Halloween was not a beloved holiday in my childhood home.  I don't have many memories of costumes or parties.  I recall pictures of one of my first Halloweens, perhaps I was two, where I was Peter Potumus (the hippo).  But after that I don't find photos or recall memories. I recall the summer when I was 21, during college when I was in a figuring out my life phase.  And of course that what I should have been doing at that age.  Yet, I expected to have figured things out by then.  Boy, I wish I knew then what I know now, huh? I had spent the spring and summer dating a guy with a big family and a kind heart.  My family liked him, his circle of friends had accepted me and it seemed to be going well.  That was until it stopped going well.  At the end of the summer.  I don't really know what I was expecting, but wha

Day 14 of Blogember brings me to a topic I don't fully understand or likely have the capacity today to complete. Today I'm struggling.  I physically don't feel good.  The pain in my right hip is nagging.  I stretch, on the floor, several times a day to re-adjust that area. I'm feeling weepy and overwhelmed. The need to focus on the positive is feeling out of reach.  I say a prayer.  I ask for help.  I remind myself that 'great moments are born from great opportunity'.  And this seems like one of them. It's okay to cry.  It's okay to be in pain and acknowledge the pain.  Suffering is part of the process.  It reminds us what the goodness feels like.  It's always darkest, just before dawn … and it's feeling like exactly that moment -- for the last 28 hours at least. So I breathe.  And pray.  And breathe some more.  Stretch.  Relax. Breathe.  And remember that I love with my whole heart, and often in return feel the same. Tomorrow is

For Day 13 of Blogember , commitment to post each day during the month of November I am inspired to write of an epiphany I had this summer. This summer I discovered how BRAVE I really am!  It was a challenging few months of navigating people at work who don't share my values and vision.  I struggled making sense of how to go around this situation, until I realized I needed to go through it! Each day I would put on Sara Barielles' song Brave on the walk from the parking lot into the building at work.  It would be my Rocky theme song to give me the courage to face the day head-on, without hesitation.  I confided my challenges to a colleague and she said, "I've encountered that type of person before and decided it was like the game of Survivor.  In the end I would survive, even if I had to Outwit, Outplay, Outlast them." I really liked the analogy considering the other person was temporary and there would be actual end date for their involvement in the pro

Me, age 3 In the Day 12 post for the Blogember challenge, I am writing about my first pet. My first pet was a Lhasa Apso named Saratoga Gold Dust .. which we called Dusty.  She resembled a dust mop - low to the ground, lots of long hair and flopped down on the floor in a pile. Having her as a pet taught me lots of interesting lessons .. unconditional love, new life through her two litters of puppies and ultimately about death and saying good-bye. Our family didn't have a pet to show any of us kids about responsibility, it was more about how she fit into our family.  She really didn't live long - only about 6 years - and many other life-changing events happened during that time.  In a way it feels like my first pet was a blip on the radar. Perhaps that's like most things over the course of a lifetime.  Unless you call them out as significant they may fall to the wayside. As an adult I had several other pets - dogs, actually.  The two lab mix puppies George a

As I enter Day 11 of Blogember , my commitment to blog each day during the month of November I find myself in a rather nice groove of anticipating the blog - not looking ahead to the topic and the launching in first thing in the morning.  I've decided if I were a writer, I'd write first thing.  I love the ritual of morning - shower, prayers, first cup of coffee and then the anticipation of writing.  Hmmm… Today's topic is the music I would take with me to a deserted island. 1.   Sara Bareilles - The Blessed Unrest.  I have listed to this album over and over and over again.  I was, of course,  drawn to it for Brave.  And found that I was truly touched by 1000 Times in a very deep way.  And the song Chasing the Sun represents how I face the day at work - I listen as I walk into the building nearly every day!  Each song is wonderful, heartfelt and touching from a gifted artist! 2. Dixie Chicks - Fly is one of those albums that works if you're happy or you'r

Here we are at Day 10 of Blogember - the challenge to blog each day during the month of November with the topic, 'a time when I felt unstoppable'. When I think back over my forty-something years, as with many others, I find a collection of happy, frustrating, sad, euphoric and surprising moments.  Some times are more memorable than others, and some are ones I struggle to make sense of as well. As I was sorting through all those moments I came to the conclusion there is no other time that I felt more unstoppable than I do right now.  Perhaps it's age and my memory is fading, or perhaps with age comes the wisdom to know that I choose the thoughts and actions that will dictate my life. Do I run everyday?  No. Do I eat healthy every meal? Nope. And yet .. Do I have an awesome husband who makes me laugh, loves me in spite of my shortcomings and still holds my hand at all the right times?  Yup. Do I have an amazing daughter who continues to amaze me with her wit

As today's topic for Blogember ; where I have committed to posting every day during the month of November - today's topic is online shopping! Likely the easiest one by far for me, as I'm truly not a big shopper.  The thought of Black Friday makes me develop hives instantaneously!  I'd much rather sit at the keyboard, make some quick decisions, enter my online coupon and click 'purchase' to confirm my shopping cart selections! 1.  Somehow it feels as though I should have a site at the number one spot where I purchase for others, and yet I have my all-time, and most visited spot Sephora !  When the box arrives on the front step, my entire family knows a box of wishes, dreams and magic is soon to be opened!  I love make-up, skin care, hair products and most of all the wonderful samples that arrive in each box!  Oh the magic! 2.  Whew, now that I've finished #1, I'm happy to say that my next favorite site is all about my daughter .. Gymboree !  Cut

As I am preparing to write for the Blogember challenge topic today, TIME, I'm bombarded with thoughts and ideas just as I am when I feel as though I'm running out of time. Time is such a gift.  We have the opportunity to choose each moment how we feel with each person or event we encounter.  Often it is not our choice how we have to spend that time - waiting in line, working with a difficult person, rushing around completing the necessary errands… and yet, we are blessed with the time to choose. That to me is the real gift.  The ability to choose who we are at that time.  Do we smile through the tears, do we break down in the face of impatience, or do we pull ourselves up by our bootstraps and decide this is the moment that matters. Many times I find myself, "running out of time", and yet how can that be true?  If I choose each moment who I'll be, how can I run out of time?  Perhaps I haven't been intentional about the person I showed up as the mome

Ironically, 'a day in the life' was the original name of the blog I write to capture all the moments in our family.  I've since changed it to 'our family adventures'! A typical day for me begins setting my intention for the day .. a bit of quiet time, a prayer, a meditation, a passage … and then of course, it's time for coffee!  The morning routine of getting ready and out the door is sometimes dramatic, sometimes chaotic and always successful!  We divide and conquer child drop-off and pick up … and share the after school activities of our daughter. I love where I work, who I work with and the work I do.  And yet, in the last 5 years we've moved twice from NY to VA to IL.  And we couldn't be happier.  Our family is one that adapts to new adventures and always finds fun things to do - wherever we are! We eat dinner as a family each evening … around activities … and all come together in the evening to talk about our day.  At the dinner table each

For today's post during the Blogember challenge - to post every day during the month of November - the subject is my five favorite apps. 1.   Instagram - my real favorite for sharing photos, tracking progress, following other posters with the ability to filter and enhance.  I follow cool people and they share their lives little moments too! 2.  iMDb - I just love this app when watching a movie, tv or when I have  a question that needs answering about movies, tv and music.  Just love it! 3.  Pinterest - yes, for my phone too.  I love Pinterest and the app allows me easy access and ability to update boards from anywhere! 4.  Color Effects - another photo app that allows enhancements.  Use it infrequently, but when I need it, I love it!~ 5.  Scrabble - I love my scrabble!  Play it for real on the deluxe board version, online whenever I'm able and on the app from my phone.  Couldn't live without it!

Today's blog for the Blogember challenge is a favorite recipe.  This one we saw on the Food Network being made by Giada DeLaurentis.  It's absolutely delicious.  And for me the very best part is this is one of 3 dishes that my husband considers 'his' and will make it on a weekend for us to enjoy!  I just love that! Linguine with Shrimp and Lemon Oil Ingredients For the lemon oil: 1/2 cup extra-virgin olive oil 1 lemon, zested For the pasta: 1 pound linguine pasta 2 tablespoons olive oil 2 shallots, diced 2 garlic cloves, minced 16 ounces frozen shrimp 1/4 cup lemon juice (about 2 lemons) 1 lemon, zested 1 teaspoon salt 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper 3 ounces arugula (about 3 packed cups) 1/4 cup chopped fresh flat-leaf parsley Directions For the lemon oil: Combine the olive oil and the lemon zest in a small bowl and reserve. For the pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil over high heat. Add the pasta and cook until tender but still firm to

Today's Blogember entry is to write about Freedom. Freedom is one of those words/emotions/concepts that has changed for me over the years.  As I evolved and developed, so has how I view Freedom.  Early on I thought of Freedom as rights that I have as a citizen, the right to choose and how lucky I am to live in a country where Freedom is afforded to me. Fast forward to today.  Freedom to me still is resoundingly around my right to choose.  And those choices are how I see myself, how I choose to present myself to the world.  I have the freedom to make choices that resonate with my soul, and who I choose to be. Freedom is not being attached to all those nay-sayers who come into a life.  With freedom from the dependency of other's approval comes independence and confidence.  The ability to lean in to the life I have been given, carrying the lessons I've learned and the joy that sustains me. It is a purposeful life, one that encompasses freedom.  Today I will be free

As I continue down the Blogember challenge of blogging every day during the month of November, today I will share my five favorite blogs. 1.   Hannah Brencher .  Many months ago someone shared a post of Hannah's that touched me deeply.  It was 25 Things Every Woman Should Know and I still go back and read it to remember.  And since her blog was shared with me I find a kinship in someone who feels so deeply, and shares so willing! 2.   In Sock Monkey Slippers.  Love her photos, recipes and creativity.  It makes me want to get back into the kitchen and keep at it.  She's full of great ideas, and I need to make more of her suggestions! 3.   Awesomely Awake is a place I go to recharge as a mom, wife, friend and woman!  Great ideas to keep kids engaged and happy.  Great advice for staying on track and being the mom you aspire to be. 4.   Juggling with Julia is a nutritionist and mom sharing healthy recipes.  She's also the very first person I was paired with for

That's the quote.  For today.  And most days I need reminding.   Breath.  Let it go! Yesterday I had an awesome coaching session with a teacher, athlete, mentor, friend.  He taught me about energy and how to think about balancing:  Mental, Physical, Emotional and Spiritual energy. He suggested books and articles and I'm eager to learn more. When it comes right down to it, everything is made up of energy.  Including me.  And balancing that energy - or at least being aware that balancing that energy is an option - could really go a long way! Physical energy is easy to understand, right?  We move, we walk, we run … Mental energy is what exert when we think, solve, process information. Emotional energy is how we express ourselves, connect to others or communicate through our emotions.  Can be self-confidence, self-discipline, sociability and empathy. Spiritual energy is your connection to your purpose, your values and your sense of purpose.  That's the quiet o

Today I didn't run.   Today I commit to a blog every day in November. Today I walked.  Some days you have to start slowly.  You begin with a step.  Even if that step is not in the right direction, you are moving.  The beauty of that is the action.  And if you realize the step was in the wrong direction.  Stop.  Look.  Listen.  And take another step.  In a different direction. Don't stop.  Thinking, breathing, loving, learning. Sometimes you stop moving.  And that gives you time to think.  And you should think about moving again. That's what I'm thinking about right now.  Moving again.  Running again.  Maybe even walking faster before I start running again. Today I blog.  Later I move. That's the plan. And that's a start.