Welcome, Friday Followers!

I'm taking a brief break from my regular posts (don't worry, they are coming very soon) to welcome all of the folks from Friday Follow.  This has really been a great way to find some new blogs.  The blogosphere is full of such amazing, talented, wonderful people and I am in awe of them every day!  Welcome!

A New Life's resolution - Days #43 - 48

If you're just joining us, check out the explanation of my "New Life Resolution"

I fell off the wagon this week...hard!  I was tired and cranky and hungry for REAL food (WAAAY too much sugar in my diet lately) and I didn't get to the gym enough.  So trying to find the time, motivation and material for blog posts was more than I could handle.  In order to make amends of a sort, I thought I'd mix things up and share a few of the inspirational quotes I'm planning to put up around me (#66 on my list).

Physical -

*  "This is as true in everyday life as it is in battle: we are given one life and the decision is ours whether to wait for circumstances to make up our mind, or whether to act and, in acting, to live."  -Omar Bradley

*  "What lies ahead of you and what lies behind you is nothing compared to what lies within you."  -Mohandas K. Ghandi

Occupational -

*  "Whenever you are asked if you can do a job, tell’em, “Certainly, I can!” Then get busy and find out how to do it."  -Theodore Roosevelt

*  "There are no menial jobs, only menial attitudes."  -William Bennett

Spiritual -

*  "To have a reason to get up in the morning, it is necessary to possess a guiding principle. A belief of some kind. A bumper sticker if you will." -Judith Guest

*  "Faith and doubt both are needed – not as antagonists, but working side by side – to take us around the unknown curve."   -Lillian Smith

Intellectual -

*  "An individual without information cannot take responsibility; an individual who is given information cannot help but take responsibility."  -Jan Carlzon

*  "There are no uninteresting things, there are only uninterested people."  -GK Chesterton

Emotional -

*  "What I’ve learned about being angry with people is that it generally hurts you more than it hurts them."  -Oprah Winfrey

*  "Find something you’re passionate about and keep tremendously interested in it."  -Julia Child

Social -

*  "Remember always that you have not only the right to be an individual, you have an obligation to be one. You cannot make any useful contribution in life unless you do this."  -Eleanor Roosevelt

*  "Not in the clamor of the crowded street, Not in the shouts and plaudits of the throng, But in ourselves, are triumph and defeat."  -Henry Wadsworth Longfellow


An extra for someone (you know who you are):

"So what do we do? Anything. Something. So long as we just don’t sit there. If we screw it up, start over. Try something else. If we wait until we’ve satisfied all the uncertainties, it may be too late."  -Lee Iacocca

A New Life's resolution - Day #13 (Social)

If you're just joining us, check out the explanation of my "New Life Resolution"


Day #41 - Social


According to www.definitionofwellness.com, "The social dimension of wellness encourages contributing to one's human and physical environment to the common welfare of one's community. Social Wellness emphasizes the interdependence with others and nature. It includes the pursuit of harmony in one's family. As you travel a wellness path, you'll become more aware of your importance in society as well as the impact you have on nature and your community. You'll take an active part in improving our world by encouraging a healthy living environment and initiating better communication with those around you. You'll actively seek ways to preserve the beauty and balance of nature along the pathway."

In honor of Valentine's day this Sunday, this week is "Hugs, kisses and all my love" week! This week I'm going to share some of the things that rock my world and maybe make me Me.

The 3 things I love in the realm of the Social aspect of wellness are:

1)  Get-togethers with my girls.  I've talked a few times lately about my girlfriends and how important I think other women are as we grow older.  The group of women that I hang out with get together several times throughout the year even when our lives are hectic and crazy.  After all, what woman's life ISN'T hectic?  We see each other about once a month for the Book Babes book club.  Every February or March we gather for a day of guiltless eating and sappy movies.  Most of the time, during the fall we have a weekend away of sorts where we get out of town.  We've rented a house in southern Indiana, taken a cruise and even flown to Texas to visit some other girlfriends.  I may not see all of them all of the time, but I know they are there for me and I hope they know I'm there for them too.  Even better about this group is that, while we have a core group of girls, anyone is welcome.  We've opened our arms to many women throughout the years and our experiences are all the richer for having done so.

2)  Poker night with "the guys".  First, let me state the obvious.  Hanging out with the guys is MUCH different than hanging out with the girls.  There's not nearly as many crafts being done.  At the Chick Flick film Festival, I'm always crocheting.  I tried that once at the poker game.  Let's just say it was not received well.  Even without the crafting, there's a certain way that guys interact when women (apparently I've become "one of the guys") aren't around.  There's always sports on the TV at one of the games I go to.  The snacks brought are certainly not aimed at being health conscious (think beer and chips).  Some of the jokes and stories told are a little questionable at times (you know who you are, Rod).  But the conversations overall are usually pretty great and they've certainly made me a better poker player because I AM just one of the guys to them.

3)  Hangin' with Sasha at the dog park.  Seriously!  If you like dogs and haven't visited a dog park, you are definitely missing out.  Dogs are all id and the dog park is all about satisfying their id-y desires.  Wanna play with a ball?  SURE!  Wanna sniff another dog?  We've got plenty!  Wanna run and jump and romp until you can't go anymore?  Have at it!  Sasha loves the park and other dogs so much that we will be 1/2 a mile away and she's is practically bouncing around like a pogo stick.  Sasha loves the dog park.  I love Sasha.  Ergo, I love the dog park!  Besides, I take in a crazy bouncy pogo dog and I take home a cuddly, tuckered out bundle of fur.  It doesn't get much better than that.

A New Life's resolution - Day #40 (Emotional)

If you're just joining us, check out the explanation of my "New Life Resolution"

Day #40 - Emotional
 
According to www.definitionofwellness.com, "The emotional dimension of wellness emphasizes an awareness and acceptance of one's feelings. Emotional wellness includes the degree to which one feels positive and enthusiastic about oneself and life. It includes the capacity to manage one's feelings and related behaviors including the realistic assessment of one's limitations, development of autonomy, and ability to cope effectively with stress. The emotionally well person maintains satisfying relationships with others."

 
In honor of Valentine's day this Sunday, this week is "Hugs, kisses and all my love" week! This week I'm going to share some of the things that rock my world and maybe make me Me.

The 3 things I love in the realm of the Emotional aspect of wellness are:

1)  A good cry at a sappy movie.  Okay, let me set the scene.  My comfiest pajama pants and t-shirt, big diet coke and bowl of popcorn, perhaps some M&Ms and a big box of tissues.  It sounds to me like the setting for a perfect evening of crying at the TV screen over loves done wrong and toe curling kisses.  Can I get an "AMEN!"?  In my experience I don't think this is true for men, but I think most women would agree with me that there's something very cathartic about a big session of sobbing over a sappy movie.  Man, I can't wait for the upcoming 2010 Chick Flick Film Fest with me and all my besties!  I really need to remember to stock up on tissues.

2) A really good belly laugh.  There's just something about those emails that get sent around with videos of cats and dogs running and jumping and bumping into things.  I can't help myself.  I just laugh. A LOT!  It's the sort of belly laugh that becomes almost inaudible (to anyone but a canine).  Tears stream down my face and I have a hard time catching my breath.  When I finally recover, my sides actually hurt from the laugh!  But it feels soooo good.  Once again, can I get an "AMEN!"?

Okay....fair warning before I go on.  If you are a member of my family that does not wish to know about my romantic interludes, you should stop reading......really.

3) THE kiss.  After 6 years of being in a monogomous relationship with the same man, I've learned there are a lot of different kisses.  There's the hurried peck as you run out the door; there's the hard animal kiss of being away from each other for a long time;  there's even the forehead or cheek kiss because I don't want to give you my cold.  But the kiss I'm talking about is somewhat elusive most of the time.  It's the toe-curling, knee-buckling, heart-racing, I-forgot-what-my-name-is kiss.  The one where time seems to stop because you feel his hot breath on your face, you feel his strong hands cup your head as he pulls you in, you see the intensity of his eyes as they focus only on you and finally the fireworks explode as your lips meet. .....Yeah...that's the one.   Is it hot in here?

A New Life's resolution - Day #39 (Intellectual)

If you're just joining us, check out the explanation of my "New Life Resolution"


Day #39 - Intellectual

According to www.definitionofwellness.com, "The intellectual dimension of wellness encourages creative, stimulating mental activities. An intellectually well person uses the resources available to expand one's knowledge in improved skills along with expanding potential for sharing with others. An intellectually well person uses the intellectual and cultural activities in the classroom and beyond the classroom combined with the human resources and learning resources available within the university community and the larger community."

In honor of Valentine's day this Sunday, this week is "Hugs, kisses and all my love" week! This week I'm going to share some of the things that rock my world and maybe make me Me.


The 3 things I love in the realm of the Intellectual aspect of wellness are:

1)  The History Channel.  I'm sure I've talked about it before, but I love the History Channel. I love watching about the history of Thanksgiving and the Macy's parades and especially their series on the presidents.  It's like a gold mine for a trivia lover like myself!  They have amazing footage of things that happened before I was alive.  They are able to make all of those boring facts in high school text books come to life and seem relevant to today (which, of course, they are).  If you haven't seen any of their series called "Modern Marvels", you MUST check it out!  Where else can you find out everything you ever wanted to know about vending machines (on tonight at 7 PM)?

2)  Half Price books.  They're books!  They're half price!  Do I really need to go on? .....okay, if you insist, I will.  I love the Kindle that I got for Troy for Christmas and I've even thought about getting myself one.  After all, you can have a new book at your fingertips in an instant.  The problem is it doesn't FEEL like a book.  It doesn't SMELL like a book.  You can't use pretty bookmarks and there are no tattered pages that let you know that that book has been loved.  {sigh}.  I really do love real books.

3)  Jeopardy!.  If you've been following my blog at all for the last few weeks, you've seen me write about Jeopardy!  A.  LOT.  Really.  I won't bore you again.  If you want to read what I've already written, go here.  I hear Alex gets regularly gets marriage proposals despite the fact that he's already married.  Yeah.  I get that.

A New Life's resolution - Day #38 (Spiritual)

If you're just joining us, check out the explanation of my "New Life Resolution"

Day #38 - Spiritual

According to www.definitionofwellness.com, "The spiritual dimension of wellness involves seeking meaning and purpose in human existence. It includes the development of a deep appreciation for the depth and expanse of life and natural forces that exist in the universe."

In honor of Valentine's day this Sunday, this week is "Hugs, kisses and all my love" week! This week I'm going to share some of the things that rock my world and maybe make me Me.


The 3 things I love in the realm of the Spiritual aspect of wellness are:

1) Fate, kismet, coincidence, the hand of God.  Whatever you want to call it, I love it when events transpire in such a way that I am reminded that perhaps all of the ways we "bump into" each other every day aren't merely accidental.  For instance, when I was leaving work the other day, I got into the elevator as I usually do and accidentally hit the button for the 20th floor rather than the 1st floor (they are very close together).  Now, I've been working in my current office for several months and I've never done that.  After I realized what I had done, I prayed that no one else would get on and see what I had done (these elevators are not very busy).  Of course, on the 25th floor a young man got on and of course, I felt the need to explain to him what I had done.  I made a comment that we would be making a brief stop on the 20th floor and we both chuckled.  As the doors opened on the 20th floor, a woman whose arms were loaded down with boxes and bag turned the corner on her way to the elevators.  She looked surprised and relieved to see that the elevator was standing there waiting for her.  My heart gave a little leap that I had "accidentally" helped someone without knowing it.

2)  Participating in events for charities.  I'm still a little bitter.  I admit it.  I never got into National Honor Society.  WHAT?!?!  GASP!!!  (I KNOW!)  Why didn't I get in?  Apparently I didn't have enough volunteer activities on my "resume".  Thankfully as an adult I've been able to change that.  I've participated in lots of walks for breast cancer charities including the Breast Cancer 3-Day, started helping build houses with Habitat for Humanity when I was in college and thoroughly enjoyed the Mutt Strut with Sasha last spring.  It's so great to get to help where and how I can.  I may not be rich, but I can walk and I can hammer in a nail or paint a wall and I can tell people all about the adorable dogs and cats available for adoption.  Helping to make the world a little better one person (or dog) at a time makes my spirit sing.....   Now, do you think I could contact the NHS and get them to reconsider my application?

3)  Singing hymns.  I have lots of doubts about organized religion, hypocrites mascarading as "christians" and all of that, but there are still parts of me that are that little lutheran girl on the inside.  I love singing.  I really do.  But I especially love singing hymns in church.  There's just something about the organ and the choir and the melodies that resonate with me.  The church that I go to with Troy is Methodist.  When I first started going there, that was thing that I didn't like.  They only sing 3 hymns during the entire service.  Can you even imagine?  We lutherans LOVE our singing and our hymnal.  We sing when we first get there and before and after we pray.  We sing before the sermon and before we depart the sanctuary.  Yep, we lutherans sure do love our singing.  .... I feel a song coming on, don't you?

A New Life's resolution - Day #37 (Occupational)

If you're just joining us, check out the explanation of my "New Life Resolution"


Day #37 - Occupational

According to www.definitionofwellness.com, "The occupational dimension of wellness is involved in preparing for work in which one will gain personal satisfaction and find enrichment in one's life through work. Occupational development is related to one's attitude about one's work.' Traveling a path toward your occupational wellness, you'll contribute your unique gifts, skills and talents to work that is personally meaningful and rewarding. You'll convey your values through your involvement in both paid and unpaid volunteer activities that are gratifying for you. You'll know when you're on the correct path for career wellness, when your work and hobbies become exciting."

In honor of Valentine's day this Sunday, this week is "Hugs, kisses and all my love" week! This week I'm going to share some of the things that rock my world and maybe make me Me.


The 3 things I love in the realm of the Occupational aspect of wellness are:

1)  Scrapbooking.  SERIOUSLY!  I love using pretty paper and wicked, cool tools.  I love getting together with my mom when we scrapbook.  I love documenting my life and all the fun I'm having along the way.  As I've said before, I may not ever get married or have children, but I hope when I'm 80 90 and sitting in the nursing home, those scrapbooks will help me remember a life well lived.
 

2) Photography.  Taking photos seems to hand in hand with scrapbooking.  I can't imagine one without the other.  I love peeking through the lens and perhaps seeing life in a way no one ever has.  I love catching a moment and preserving it for all time.  When I press that button and then print that photo, I get to experience the emotion of a moment for as long as I want.  I especially like catching my friends and loved ones when they are unguarded and really themselves.  I'm just thankful they are so patient with that lens always being their faces.
 

3) Blogging.  I may not get any blogging awards or have the traffic of other sites, but I truly enjoy making a connection with those people who read what I have to say and respond.  Whether they agree or disagree, it's nice to know someone is listening and cares enough to join in the conversation. I love sharing all of the silliness and tenderness of my life.  And to my readers out there, where ever you are, I hope you enjoy those moments too.

A New Life's resolution - Day #36 (Physical)

If you're just joining us, check out the explanation of my "New Life Resolution"


Day #36 - Physical

According to www.definitionofwellness.com, "The physical dimension of wellness encourages cardiovascular flexibility and strength and also encourages regular, physical activity. Physical development encourages knowledge about food and nutrition and discourages the use of tobacco, drugs and excessive alcohol consumption. Physical Wellness encourages consumption and activities which contribute to high level wellness, including medical self-care and appropriate use of the medical system.

In honor of Valentine's day this Sunday, this week is "Hugs, kisses and all my love" week!  This week I'm going to share some of the things that rock my world and maybe make me Me.
 
The 3 things I love in the realm of the Physical aspect of wellness are:
 

1)  Workout clothes.  I know it sounds silly, but one of the ways I have of encouraging myself to work out is to have clothes that I feel comfortable in.  Having great workout shoes, fabulous sports bras or cute yoga pants are so much more fun for me than old shoes and stained t-shirts.  I realize that I'm just going to sweat and stink them up, but I do so love wicking socks and an accurate heart rate monitor.  It may not be true for a lot of things, but for me, sometimes working out is all about the gear!  If it were the 80s, I would be all about leg warmers and leotards and Olivia Newton-John's "Let's Get Physical"!
 

2)  30 minutes on a treadmill accompanied by Alex Trebek.  It's a new routine I've hit upon, but I am loving getting to the gym around 7 PM, lifting a few weights, then heading up to the cardio area where I flip on the TV from 7:30 to 8 for Jeopardy with Alex Trebek.  It's amazing to me how fast time goes when I am answering quiz questions.  I don't pay attention to the sweat pouring down my forehead or the cramp in my calves when I'm trying to remember what the largest province in Canada is.  It's the closest thing to a diet pill and a time machine rolled in one that I've found!
 

3)  Walking Sasha when the weather is nice.  There's a saying that I once heard that if your dog is overweight, YOU aren't getting enough exercise.  I think there's probably something to that.  Even if there's not, it's enough to get me out and walking with Sasha.  When the temperatures are mild and the sun is shining, there's nothing better than a stroll though the neighborhood.  In the year since I've gotten her, I've met more people in my neighborhood than I had in the 8 years I lived here before.  When I'm walking with her, I am free - free to explore, free to think, free to feel the wind in my hair.  Besides, who wouldn't love spending time with that fuzzy little face?

A New Life's resolution - Day #34 (Social)

If you're just joining us, check out the explanation of my "New Life Resolution"

Day #34 - Social

According to www.definitionofwellness.com, "The social dimension of wellness encourages contributing to one's human and physical environment to the common welfare of one's community. Social Wellness emphasizes the interdependence with others and nature. It includes the pursuit of harmony in one's family. As you travel a wellness path, you'll become more aware of your importance in society as well as the impact you have on nature and your community. You'll take an active part in improving our world by encouraging a healthy living environment and initiating better communication with those around you. You'll actively seek ways to preserve the beauty and balance of nature along the pathway."

Today we spent another lovely day at the farm.  For her 11th birthday, Troy's niece, S, decided she wanted to bring a few friends for a weekend visit to see her grandparents' lovely farm.  That seems like a great gift to ask for, in my opinion.  Their house is always cozy and relaxing for me.  I assume that she feels the same.

As I've said before, Troy's nieces and nephew are really good kids and their behavor this weekend was a perfect example of exactly how well behaved they are.  They (the 3 older girls (age 10 or 11) as well as W (age 9) and A (age 6)) watched TV together, ate meals at the same table with one another and went sledding on the big hill.  At no point did I hear any arguments occur.  Somehow these kids have figured how to get along swimmingly.  I know that wasn't the case when I was younger and my little brother was around.  I was too cool to have him tagging along and there were ALWAYS arguments.

During this blissful weekend, the thing that occurred to me was exactly how important friends are to girls (of all ages).  There's a place in our hearts and our souls that our girlfriends fill in a way that no other playmates or friends can.  We can feel free to giggle or cry, play dress-up and swoon over the cute boys.  There's a freedom in being ourselves with our girlfriends whether we're silly or sentimental.

As we age, keeping those ties with other women becomes more and more important.  The other women in our lives are the ones we can go to when we need a shoulder to cry on, a casserole recipe or dating advice.

I'm fortunate enough to have quite a few amazing women in my life.  With these women I workout every week, read books every month, eat chocolate and take trips every year.  A few weeks from now will be time for our annual "Chick Flick Film Festival".  It's a day of sappy movies, tissues and lots of junk food.  I can hardly wait!

If you have women in your life that are special to you, let them know.

To all my girlfriends, thank for you being in my life.  I love you all.

A New Life's resolution - Day #33 (Emotional)

If you're just joining us, check out the explanation of my "New Life Resolution"


Day #33 - Emotional

According to www.definitionofwellness.com, "The emotional dimension of wellness emphasizes an awareness and acceptance of one's feelings. Emotional wellness includes the degree to which one feels positive and enthusiastic about oneself and life. It includes the capacity to manage one's feelings and related behaviors including the realistic assessment of one's limitations, development of autonomy, and ability to cope effectively with stress. The emotionally well person maintains satisfying relationships with others."

I love my puppy, Sasha, for so many reasons.  One of the many showed itself tonight.

Here in Indiana, we got quite a bit of snow today.  It started snowing around 9:15 this morning and it's still going strong.  I'm not a big fan of snow or cold weather and after my dreams of spring the other day, I was feeling a little down about the fluffy white stuff.

But Sasha changed all that.  I suited up in all my winter gear, clipped her leash onto her and we headed out for a walk.  When I first opened the door, I don't think she was thrilled at the prospect of walking around in it, but that lasted only a moment.  As we headed out on our walk, she frolicked and romped around chasing little balls of snow caused by her footfalls.  Some may call the frozen water falling from the sky "snow", but I think it should be called "doggy crack"!  She was crazy!  And before I knew it, I was laughing out loud at her enthusiasm.

I left the house feeling grumpy and blue at the weather, but I returned a little chillier, but with a much lighter spirit.  Maybe these fuzzy little creatures can teach us how to find the joy in every day.  I know I'm going to pay more attention to the lessons she has to teach me.

A New Life's resolution - Day #32 (Intellectual)

If you're just joining us, check out the explanation of my "New Life Resolution"


Day #32 - Intellectual

According to www.definitionofwellness.com, "The intellectual dimension of wellness encourages creative, stimulating mental activities. An intellectually well person uses the resources available to expand one's knowledge in improved skills along with expanding potential for sharing with others. An intellectually well person uses the intellectual and cultural activities in the classroom and beyond the classroom combined with the human resources and learning resources available within the university community and the larger community."

Part of paying attention and being connected to what's going on around me this week means to live up to my word, I think.

I have a great group of women that I get together with about once a month.  We call ourselves the Book Babes and we're a book club by trade, but essentially it's a reason to get out of the house and read some books that we might not otherwise consider reading.  We've been meeting for about 7 or 8 years (YIKES!) and I used to be really good at keeping up with the books.  In fact, I could sometimes be a stickler when someone else didn't want to discuss the book's ending because they hadn't finished it.

Alas, I fell off of the wagon a while back.  I won't mention how long ago because I don't want to embarrass myself too badly.  Let's just say it's been a WHILE since I've finished one of the books.  If I'm honest, it's been a while since I've started many of the books.  Somehow I always find a way to make myself busy with something else.  I really enjoy conversations that start from the subject matter in the books we read and unfortunately I know that my inability to finish a book has stunted that conversation for quite a while.

But this week I'm going to try harder.  I swear.  Our next book is "The Reader" which I actually read back when it was one of Oprah Books.  I promise I'm going to get to the library or Half-Price Books and pick it up.  I'm going to head to a coffee shop or shut down my blog window over a lunch hour (gasp!) and I'm going to read.  Maybe I'll even pick up the next Harry Potter book in my series and get to work on that one too.  I'd love to be able to cross something off of my list.

A New Life's resolution - Day #31 (Spiritual)

If you're just joining us, check out the explanation of my "New Life Resolution"

Day #31 - Spiritual

According to http://www.definitionofwellness.com/, "The spiritual dimension of wellness involves seeking meaning and purpose in human existence. It includes the development of a deep appreciation for the depth and expanse of life and natural forces that exist in the universe."

Tonight as I was driving home and trying to come up with something to blog about for my spiritual dimension of wellness, I saw the sun.  Not the Son, mind you, but the sun!  Here in Indiana during February, the sun becomes a somewhat mythical creature akin to a unicorn or a yeti.  But, alas, I witnessed it with my very own eyes!

With sights of the sun come thoughts of spring.  It's like a fresh breeze rushes over my soul at the mere thought of warmer weather and clear roads.  A young girl's thoughts immediately turn to....

MOTORCYCLES!

The mere thought of the wind in my hair (or at least through the visor of my helmet), a full tank of gas and a wide open road ahead of me immediately makes me feel closer to God (or at least reminds me of my mortality!).  It's hard to describe the feeling of suiting up in my fabulous pink jacket and pink gloves, inserting the earbuds to my MP3 player, popping on my gorgeous pink helmet and setting off down the road heading to destinations unknown with tunes that I love flooding my head.  It is the epitome for freedom for me.

Alas, last year I didn't ride that much.  GASP!  What?!?! I KNOW!  I blame Sasha, the world's cutest puppy.  (I still haven't figured out how to get her wiggly butt strapped onto the back of my bike.)  But this year, no more!  I will ride like the wind.....  Or at the very least I will commute to and from work.

Unfortunately my lack of riding last season has put my bike in a less than ideal state.  She's dusty and dirty from being in the garage and I'm not sure how her battery is for a charge.  So, this weekend as a way of connecting to my spiritual wellness, I will give her some TLC and see to her needs.  Maybe it will even be my own personal "Zen and the art of motorcycle maintainence".

A New Life's resolution - Day #30 (Occupational)

If you're just joining us, check out the explanation of my "New Life Resolution"


Day #30 - Occupational

According to www.definitionofwellness.com, "The occupational dimension of wellness is involved in preparing for work in which one will gain personal satisfaction and find enrichment in one's life through work. Occupational development is related to one's attitude about one's work.' Traveling a path toward your occupational wellness, you'll contribute your unique gifts, skills and talents to work that is personally meaningful and rewarding. You'll convey your values through your involvement in both paid and unpaid volunteer activities that are gratifying for you. You'll know when you're on the correct path for career wellness, when your work and hobbies become exciting."

Originally I set up this blog to chronicle my first 101 in 1001 list.  Since then it's grown into a place for me to vent, commiserate with my bloggy friends, talk about my own issues and even share a laugh or two.  At the heart though, it's still about my "bucket" lists.

On July 16th, 2009, I moved onto a new list.  Despite my desire to cross things off of my list, the items on it tend to slip my mind from time to time (101 items is a lot to keep track of, ya know!).  So this week is about paying attention and being aware.  Yesterday, it was about being aware of what my body was telling me.  Today, it's about keeping my list items at the forefront of my thoughts.

What's a better way to do that than to make the list into something I see every day?  This weekend I will do just that.  Stay tuned for the results of my list married to all the creativity available from the cricut!  I can hardly wait to share!

A New Life's resolution - Day #29 (Physical)

If you're just joining us, check out the explanation of my "New Life Resolution"


Day #29 - Physical

According to www.definitionofwellness.com, "The physical dimension of wellness encourages cardiovascular flexibility and strength and also encourages regular, physical activity. Physical development encourages knowledge about food and nutrition and discourages the use of tobacco, drugs and excessive alcohol consumption. Physical Wellness encourages consumption and activities which contribute to high level wellness, including medical self-care and appropriate use of the medical system.

I've been working pretty hard physically the last couple of weeks.  I really have.  While I haven't quite hit my goal of 10,000 steps a day (that darned Wednesday always slows me down), I have increased my average steps per day by more than 2,000!  Woohoo.  Yeah, me!  I've also been to the gym to work out 17 out of the last 33 days.  (Thanks to Troy and Rachael for your support and keeping me company).  Given my workout regimen and that I started lifting weights last week, by Saturday evening after my grocery shopping excursion, I was exhausted!

My usual solution for this is to keep going.  After all, if a little pain is good, then a lot is even better, right?  HA!  Since I'm trying to start a new life for myself, I figured a new way of behaving was in order.  My solution?  A lovely bubble bath!

While Troy and I have separate houses (since we're not married), he is generous enough to allow me to occasionally bask in the glory that is his jetted tub.  I guess when he and his ex-wife designed the bathroom, they decided to go all out on the tub and I am the lucky recipient!  While I put away the remainder of the groceries, he drew a bath for me (complete with bubbles and a glass of wine)!  I know you are all drooling and wish you could be so lucky!  After I shooed him out, I poured my aching muscles into the tub, set the jets on low and sat back to sip my wine.  It was most definitely what the doctor ordered.

So, in the spirit of that body (and soul) nourishing act, this week is all about paying attention.  If I hurt too much, I'm not going to overdo it.  If I want a piece of chocolate, I'm going to indulge in a small piece.  If I wake up sleepy, it's lights out early the next morning.  I think our body sends us messages about what it needs.  This week I'm going to try to listen.