Showing posts with label milestones. Show all posts
Showing posts with label milestones. Show all posts

Friday, January 15, 2010

Ch-Ch-Changes

Throughout our lives we are faced with all sorts of changes. Some are those of our own choosing and caused by our evolution as a person, others are forced on us either by nature or because of decisions made by other people. All of these types of changes have the ability to bring great adventures, experiences, and opportunities our way.

Yesterday a pretty major change was forced upon my life, and the life of my husband, when I was let go from my day job. I don't want to get into it too much, but I did want to let you know because you will probably an increase in blog posts from me in the future!

To tell you the truth, I'm really okay with this change. This was not totally unexpected, I just didn't know it was going to happen yesterday. The thing that makes me a bit sad is that I won't be working with some of my very best friends and people I highly respect anymore. And that I won't be working on a few great projects that were just beginning and others that I was still hard at work on. I have no hard feelings about it. There's no use dwelling on this, it's time to look forward!

This is a new adventure and a great opportunity. I can now pursue a career related to health, fitness, and nutrition. I can combine my passion and experience to benefit an organization that is diligently working to better the lives of others. I think it's very ironic that this, my first day of unemployment, I finally get to watch an episode of "Martha" and it is a rerun. But, this rerun is all about healthy eating and sustainable foods, featuring Michael Pollan, J.I. Rodale and the Rodale Institute. This must be a sign!

I don't plan to spend much time on the couch. It took me over an hour to get to sleep last night because my mind was spinning with all of the things I can do now! I really think I'm going to be just as busy, if not more so, than when I was working. At least now I'll be spending time doing things I'm really passionate about and enjoy.

Here's a brief list of how I plan to spend my time (when not job searching):
1. Exercising more, taking more fitness classes at the gym, and going to guided meditation sessions.
2. Blogging more often, researching and writing more informational stories, expanding the reach of Early Morning Run.
3. Going to the Farmers Market and learning new low cost, healthy recipes.
4. Volunteering
5. Reading (online, books from the library)
6. Going to museums (there are several in the city that have a 'suggested donation' entry price but can be visited at a low or no cost)

This is good for me and I'm excited to move forward, use what I've learned, and experience a new chapter in my life. I hope you'll follow me down this road!

Stay tuned for another post later today. I have much to write about 'healthy' cookies!

Thursday, December 24, 2009

Post #100!

I've made it to my 100th post! And on Christmas Eve, none the less! Let me tell you, I did NOT plan it that way. I don't think I am even remotely that talented.

Most people are probably traveling or busy picking up last minute gifts, cooking, or frolicking in the snow somewhere! Woody and I are crossing our fingers that our plane leaves LGA and arrives safely in Minneapolis. The joys of winter travel! ;)

So... I've seen quite a few bloggers do special posts for their 100th, and being the follower that I am, have planned something similar for you today. Here it goes.

10 of 10 (10 things for 10 topics)

My 10 Favorite Healthy Foods: 1) apples, 2) bananas, 3) sweet potatoes, 4) fresh corn on the cob, 5) blueberries, 6) almonds, 7) avocado, 8) peanut butter, 9) dark chocolate, 10) yogurt
My 10 Favorite Un-healthy Foods: 1) chocolate, 2) cookies, 3) ice cream, 4) grilled cheese sandwiches, 5) pasties (a Finnish dish), 6) waffle fries, 7) french toast, 8) homefries, 9) brownies, 10) new england clam chowder
My 10 Favorite Places: 1) Mill Point, 2) Traverse City, 3) Michigan State Campus, 4) Little Dix Bay, 5) London, 6) Montreal, 7) Venice, 8) Leelanau & Old Mission Peninsulas, 9) Central Park, 10) home (in NYC & Okemos)
10 Places I Want to Go Someday: 1) Cuba, 2) Napa Valley, 3) Boston, 4) Greece, 5) Rome, 6) Ireland, 7) Finland, 8) Seattle, 9) Portugal, 10) Denver
10 Things I Find Annoying at the Gym or While Running (for fun or in races): 1) people who don't wear appropriate clothing, 2) when people move weights and don't put them back, 3) when people don't wipe their sweat off the machine they were just on for an hr, 4) excessive grunting, 5) when people talk too loudly, especially on their phone, 6) heavy feet, 7) when someone cuts me off during a race, 8) when someone starts a race in a coral that is too fast for them 9) when someone is not mindful of the fact that other people are running on the same path or working out in the same area as them, 10) when people flex in the mirror incessantly, checking themselves out
The 10 Best Running "Tools": 1) The Stick, 2) good shoes, 3) fuel belt, 4) iPod, 5) a good watch, 6) socks that stay put, 7) WATER, 8) Gels/Shot Blocks/fuel in general, 9) ice baths (even though they can be excruciating!), 10) compression socks
10 Reasons Why I LOVE Running: 1) it's a great way to enjoy the outdoors, 2) a great workout (that's pretty obvious), 3) the sense of accomplishment I feel when I've finished a great run or completed a race, 4) an opportunity to either block everything out and focus on running or to think about things, 5) cute running clothes(!), 6) the awesomeness of race day excitement, 7) it's good for my physical health & my soul, 8) great way to spend time with friends, 9) I now LOVE adding to my race medal collection, 10) the post run chocolate milk!
10 Great Places to Run or Races to Race: 1) Central Park, 2) Berlin, 3) Hudson River Park, 4) the Chanhassen, MN area (the lakes are beautiful at sunrise!), 5) Montreal, 6) NYC Marathon, 7) Mini 10K, 8) Scotland Run, 9) Japan Day 4 miler, 10) The NYC 1/2 Marathon
10 Simple Things that Make Me Smile: 1) a hug from my husband, 2) warm, sunny days, 3) perfectly timing with the bus or subway, 4) watching kids laugh and play without a care, 5) a piece of really good chocolate, 6) hearing a really great song, especially one sung by Ella Fitzgerald, 7) watching a classic episode of "Friends," 8) finishing a great workout, 9) wearing a new outfit for the first time, 10) hearing about a friend's accomplishment
10 Things I'm Thankful For: 1) my uber-supportive parents, my sister & her family, 2) my amazing husband, 3) a comfortable, safe home with plenty to eat, 3) wonderful friends & family, 4) the ability & desire to run, 5) the opportunity to live & work in NYC, 6) a great education, 7) my hopes & dreams, 8) opportunities to travel, 9) that I live in the US, 10) everyone who reads this blog!

So..... that's it! I hope you've enjoyed my lists and I look forward to sharing a lot more with you in the months to come!

Please send good thoughts in the general direction of LaGuardia Airport, that we might actually get out this afternoon and land safely in Minneapolis. I'm taking my computer with me, so I'll post pictures from the land of snow!! If you're traveling over the holidays too, I hope your travels are safe and easy.



Merry Christmas Eve!!