Tuesday, August 31, 2010

Eat...Pray...Love

What a great day!  Although I had to run into work this morning for a while, I did get to come home and crawl back into my wonderful bed to sleep in, well, sort of anyway.  Once I got up, I jumped on the treadmill for day 2 of my running training plan - that is going very well!! 

Then it was off to Gettysburg to meet mom for lunch and a movie.  We saw Eat Pray Love and it was great...I recommend it!



Tonight I made myself a delicious dinner - wilted spinach and vegetarian chili.  I don't usually brag too much on my meals, but it was REALLY yummy delicious! 


Now it's off for a relaxing cup of tea and a good read under the covers.

Monday, August 30, 2010

Day One....SUCCESS!

Today was Day One of my new running program.  I scheduled my run (on the treadmill because it was 100 balmy degrees today and I happen to love the treadmill for some whacky reason!!) and followed through.  I figured I would multi-task and listen to some business audios while I trained - 2 for the price of 1, right?

Then it was a quick jump in the shower, some errands, and dinner with Jennifer at Mimi's.  Neither of us had been there before so we thought we would give it a shot...not bad at all!


Now it's time to hit the pillow for some rest!!

Sunday, August 29, 2010

Embarking on Another Adventure

Well, I've decided to stop my on-again off-again love affair with exercise.  I do genuinely enjoy working out.  As a lot of you know, I've worked with, and still work with, a lot of people on their own exercise programs, incorporating nutrition and weight management.  But consistency is the key...and if I can't do it, how can I expect anyone else to??????  I go full force, then back off, sometimes stopping almost completely and then jump back in again...over..and over...and over again.

So, here goes.  I've done extensive research on running programs, how I would LOVE to run a marathon.  But the process of getting there is long and grueling.  So, I figured I would jump in.  Not like a crazy woman, but sensibly, the right way.  I walk 2 miles 4-5 days a week now, so this will be in addition to my staple - that is a "need a sanity break from my office and a little sunshine" walk.  I thought I would start at a mid-level program, but after reading a lot of training tips and taking my legs into consideration, I've decided to start from scratch.  I want to start from zero and work my way up, preventing injury, so I can help others do the same.  Eventually I will move to training for a 5K, a 10K, a 1/2 marathon and at some point a full marathon.  Having small goals leading toward a large goal will help me focus and maintain discipline.

Tomorrow is day 1.  One tip I've found over and over again and one I've always told those I've worked with over the years is SCHEDULE YOUR WORKOUT.  If you don't, it may not happen.  If you wait to do something until you feel like it (and this goes for almost everything, not just your workout), you'll never do it.  I'm also going to incorporate core training.  Cardio is great, but the key to lean muscle mass is definitely in the major muscle training.

I spent almost 2 hours today moving my treadmill about 20 feet.  The problem was that my house has really narrow doors and my treadmill...not so narrow.  I forgot what torture it was to put together until I had to take it apart and move it.   But it's done.  I am going to do some outside and some on the treadmill, whatever hits me at the time...but I wanted to be prepared.  I had to take away that obstacle of not wanting to go outside if it was 100 degrees or raining and get my backup plan in place.  Plus, Levi LOVES to walk on the treadmill with me and I'm sure he has been missing it since we moved last month.

Many of you know I stopped eating meat in May (well, except those couple of bites in July at the beach when I knew if I didn't, our host would run to the store to get me something special, and I didn't want to inconvenience her).  I do eat fish and seafood, just gave up chicken and beef (never really ate much pork to begin with, but definitely don't eat that now).  I have to say that it's not been very hard.  I'm not a picky eater so I can find something just about anywhere.  That's not to say that if I'm out to someone's house for dinner and meat is served that I won't try a few bites.  I'm doing it solely for health reasons.  Without a gall bladder, I have suffered a lot from feeling downright MISERABLE after I eat and making this one change has made ALL the difference in the world!!

So, the training schedule.  Week one will be as follows:

Monday - Run 1 min, Walk 2 min, repeat 10 times
Tuesday - Walk 30 min
Wednesday - Run 1 min, Walk 2 min, repeat 10 times
Thursday - Walk 30 min
Friday - Run 1 min, Walk 2 min, repeat 10 times
Saturday - Run 1 min, Walk 2 min, repeat 10 times
Sunday - Rest


We'll see how it all fits together.  I'll be dragging you along on my journey, so wish me luck, send me words of encouragement and if anyone is interested in joining me, I would LOVE to have you!!!!

Saturday, August 28, 2010

A Productive Day

The business meeting went really well.  I think it is so important to have a working team in business, sometimes as important as the business itself.  I schedule these every 2 months or so in order to touch base on ongoing projects and set new team goals face to face.  I started the Monday Morning Breakfast Club and hold bi-weekly training conference calls as well as bi-weekly accountability calls, but there's a lot to be said about being in a room together throwing all of our ideas out on the table.  We always incorporate eating (who didn't know that with me involved??).  I think a meal is bonding and a good way to relax, have some fun, learn about each other and become a close team.  We either do a pot luck or a barbecue or head out to a restaurant (our group is getting so big, it's a challenge to find a place to easily accommodate us now!!). 




Once we finish up, we work through an agenda focusing on goals and action plans to get there.  I'm thrilled with the amount of participation and enthusiasm everyone brings.  I hope everyone enjoys the rest of their weekend and is geared up for a great week!!!

Off To The Races

Last night brought a fun work outing.  We all met up at Charlestown Races to have dinner and watch the horses.  It was a great time.  I haven't been to the horse races since I was a kid and Mandy and I thought we were hot stuff rolling out of the limo...then spending our $5 on the snack bar and few $1 bets.  The food was delicious AND I didn't lose any money.  Of course I didn't bet, so that was pretty easy to do.  There was some money won and some money lost at our table, but we all had a blast.  Our strategy for picking horses was based completely on looks, so I wouldn't recommend our method, but it made for a good time.  Bill joined us a little later and neither of us had ever been there, so it was nice to finally get out and experience it.  There are slots and table games there too, but we just walked through them to get to the horses (the smoke cloud in some of them was a bit unbearable actually...).  If you are ever looking for a fun thing to do, you should check it out http://www.hollywoodcasinocharlestown.com/ The drive to get there was beautiful!!!
Today, it's back to business!!  I'm holding a meeting to discuss goals for the remainder of the year.  We're going to enjoy lunch at Bassett's in Poolesville then put our heads together and work on a plan for our futures.  As a team, you can accomplish so much more than as an individual.  The old saying that no man is an island is so true.  The help of others for ideas and encouragement is the spark that can keep you going when you feel ready to turn back. 

Thursday, August 26, 2010

Artisitc Ability...LACKING

To all of you that have witnessed me using my "mug", you know that the art gene is not expressed in me...not even a little!  I admire other people's talents in this area so much because it seems so far outside of my reach.  But, I have fun with it anyway AND I never have to fear someone stealing precious artwork that I've created!!  Tonight I met up with my friend Megan and we tried our hands at some pottery.  Ladies Night is Thursday night.  You can bring food and drink (which of course I did...most people know I rarely miss a meal) throw your hair back in a pony tail and hang out and chat while you try to pretend you are a great artist.  We had a blast!!!  The results will be in next week and I'm sure the pieces will be fabulous (see, you have to have a positive attitude since thinking it will probably be horendous will do absolutely NOTHING to make it better before next week).  We'll see, maybe I will be very pleasantly surprised...the unveiling will be next Thursday night...stay tuned.

Wednesday, August 25, 2010

Balancing Act

Well, after another crazy work day, I have finally landed.  I was able to enjoy a great dinner out on my deck and put together some thoughts for my weekly conference call.  Tonight we are discussing Personal Growth.  I think that no matter what your goals, whether they be business or health or any other, striving for personal growth will help smooth your path.  It was put to me wisely once that everything we do in life is a developmental journey.  I try to remind myself that each time I come upon what seems like a brick wall.  Well, time to dial in....

Thankful for the push of others

Wow, what a crazy day yesterday... Seemed like my feet never hit the ground.  But, just when it was easiest to bag a little exercise, I am lucky to have a great group that drags me out for a 2 mile walk each day.  I know that's not much, but when the alternative is doing nothing, I guess it's pretty good.

And once my work day finally wrapped up, I could see some dinner and the couch in my future....but again, my luck came through and Bill called to say he would meet me at the golf course.  It was EXACTLY what I needed.  I'm no girl wonder on the course, but it sure does have a way of calming me.  It was a beautiful night, cool weather, and of course great company...

Well, just got an early phone call...looks like a repeat of yesterday...  Enjoy your Wednesday!!!

Tuesday, August 24, 2010

Like Clockwork

I want to know which one of my 3 furry monsters wears the watch.  The morning has shifted (unfortunately to ~ 4:20am at this point) over the past couple of years, but without fail those boys are up and ready to eat.  Emma never asked me to eat when it was just us, loved to sleep in, but not those boys - they are like clockwork.  In the evening, it is the same thing.  Around 4:45pm, they start circling like sharks and by 5 it's an all out begging for food.  Thankfully, once they eat and run around the yard like fools for awhile, they are satisfied and ready for a nap.  Oh well, how can you resist those eyes?????

Monday, August 23, 2010

Beautiful day!!!

Today was the most beautiful day the DC area has seen in quite a while!!!  I am trying to slow down and enjoy the gifts we are given every day that we often miss because we are so busy.  I enjoyed this delicious salad at La Madeleine in Rockville and soaked up a little sunshine.

If you are ever in the area, it is really a place worth visiting.  http://www.lamadeleine.com/ 

Now back to focusing on that to-do list for the house and business for the week.  I've found that you should never let Monday pass you by without a plan for the rest of the week....you never catch up!!!

"What is the First Step?"

I have finally decided to take the leap into the world of cyber space with my life and my business (I know, I'm a little slow!!).  For those of  you who aren't quite sure what I do, I'm the founder and CEO of a personal and business development company that I've named cooperlily & blue.

I started a new program this morning with my business associates called "Monday Morning Breakfast Club".  It's a place to share a quick thought for the week as I sit down each Monday to breakfast.  I realized as soon as I sent it, that the thought was exactly what I needed to hear myself....funny how that works!!

Here is what I shared:

No matter how big or small the project, no matter how complicated, how much effort is needed and how afraid you are of tackling it, the question you should ask yourself each morning is always the same - "What is the first step?"

I guess I took that step today.  Please join me as I move forward through this beautiful place we call life.........