Lovin these things....

This is actually my favorite artist!

Who Should Paint You: Gustav Klimt

Sensual and gorgeous, you would inspire an enchanting portrait.. With just enough classic appeal to be hung in any museum!

What Artist Should Paint Your Portrait?

Breathe................

I'm such a creature of habit. Missed most of my daily work outs over the long weekend and that drives me nuts. I feel like fitness is slipping away.... Set the alarm for 4:45 and it was a tough one today. It doesn't take long to get used to waking up later! Got to the gym at 5 and wondered aimlessly through my workout. Not prepared at all. Maybe I'm obsessive, but I have to have a plan...have to know what I'm going to work and have it logged before I walk through those gym doors, or everything goes to pot. Not as productive as I'd like. Almost joined the spin class but stopped short. There's a new teacher in town and I'm not likin it. It's a 5:30 class and the other girls really like her, but she plays really hard rock. Man.... am I loosing it? It just seems so intrusive at 5:30, ya know??.....I thought I'd suggest changing the music up once in a while but I'm told that's her thing and she won't budge on it. Such big problems for a little girl, huh?? I know....deal.

I left for work thinking I'd get soo much done (and yes... I'm talking about my personal "to do" list!) but no go there. What is with the lack of production today? I was all fired up but I'm not feelin the love here. Those crazy people that employ me actually expect me to get some work done after 5 days off. The nerve! The closest to crossing anything off my list is when I stopped by the house for lunch and checked the web & my home library resourses for new workouts. SAVE AS A FAVORITE is where I left that....

Got home from work and Rob's out the door to work (server at Mimi's). Chuck's home so I make him dinner as he sits on the kitchen counter top and talks while I cook. These are my favorite times. When he starts telling me things before he forgets how un-cool it would be to share his 'all important info' with his mom. I think about my busy day....all the important things I didn't get done.... how un-important they really were (for today anyway) and just breathe.....

;)

The Gift That Keeps on Giving

I don't know about any of you out there, but I'm constantly amazed at how when the more I give, (really give) the more I receive... It's such a rush. I've spent the last several days enjoying just that. You know the feeling...when you give of yourself like no one else can, to someone that knows you like no one else does. Make sense? Lucky girl I am... this is what makes me tick!!


Now home and ready for another week. Big personal to do list this week.
1. Check into the local Master's swim program (possibly enroll depending on training times)
2. Find out when Orange County Tri Club meets and pencil it on calendar.
3. Go to running club meeting Thurs. eve and get dialed in for a few races.
4. Start shopping for wetsuits... MAJOR hassle because of my size.
5. Pick up schedule of spin classes from gym and hit one a week.
6. Get diet back on track from vacation mode.

A girl's gotta do what a girl's gotta do... YIKES, I need to get busy.


Hope your long weekend was wonderful and your coming week even better!

;)

A Mindless Post from the Road...

Another goofy quiz...but hits the nail on head!

Your Five Factor Personality Profile

Extroversion: You have medium extroversion. You're not the life of the party, but you do show up for the party. Sometimes you are full of energy and open to new social experiences. But you also need to hibernate and enjoy your "down time." Conscientiousness: You have high conscientiousness. Intelligent and reliable, you tend to succeed in life. Most things in your life are organized and planned well. But you borderline on being a total perfectionist. Agreeableness: You have high agreeableness. You are easy to get along with, and you value harmony highly. Helpful and generous, you are willing to compromise with almost anyone. You give people the benefit of the doubt and don't mind giving someone a second chance. Neuroticism: You have low neuroticism. You are very emotionally stable and mentally together. Only the greatest setbacks upset you, and you bounce back quickly. Overall, you are typically calm and relaxed - making others feel secure. Openness to experience: Your openness to new experiences is high. In life, you tend to be an early adopter of all new things and ideas. You'll try almost anything interesting, and you're constantly pushing your own limits. A great connoisseir of art and beauty, you can find the positive side of almost anything.

The Five Factor Personality Test

Kind of Fun

Funny how these silly things can be so true..

How You Life Your Life

You are honest and direct. You tell it like it is.You're laid back and chill, but sometimes you care too much about what others think.Your friends tend to be a as quirky as you are - which is saying a lot!You tend to dream big, but you worry that your dreams aren't attainable.

How Do You Live Your Life?

http://www.blogthings.com/howdoyouliveyourlifequiz/

Is it Friday Yet?????

Please remember all the veterans who have sacrificed their lives for our country.
As a matter of fact....today is my Friday! Off for a wonderful 5 days of fun!! Had my small group women's bible study this morning. We meet Wednesday's at the local coffee shop at 6:30. It's a great way to start my day. I love that we have the honor to lift each other up in this life. No work out today... I keep thinking I'm going to get on the trainer and ride a while, but it's like pulling teeth for me to work out after I get home at night. Does anyone else feel that way?? I need to stop saying that though. It's certainly not helping my cause as I continue to drill that into my head...I'm tired... I can't...I'm busy. I sound like a sissy!!! Strong thoughts = strong words = strong actions. Body and soul... nice and strong. Yes. THAT is what I meant to say.

Hoppin off to pack. Be safe over the weekend and have fun!

;)

Bel far Niente......

Bel far niente....the beauty of doing nothing. What beautiful sounding words (literally!).

I love Itlay. I love everything about it. I've been only once and it was remarkable. I was 21, armed with a train pass, a backpack and 2 months time to meander where I wanted. I traveled with a girlfriend and had the time of my life. We still talk about it. I've always wanted to learn Italian and decided this year I'd put some real effort into it. My mom bought me the Idiots Guide (more appropriate than you think!) to Italian on C.D., so yes... I'm the woman on the freeway talking to herself. It's one more thing on my plate and I do have a habit of taking on more than I can handle, but I really want to stick with this.

Speaking of the beauty of doing nothing.....I haven't been doing a lot of anything lately and it's feelin o.k. At the spur of the moment, I went out of town last weekend & had the best time. I meant to run, but went out for sushi instead. I thought I'd hit the gym, but the company was much better. I needed it, and it felt great. I signed up for the San Jose Rock & Roll 1/2 Marathon October 8th as well as the Subaru Women's Triahtlon Series Supersprint Distance race on October 15. I know..they're back to back. The supersprint is soo short I should be o.k. First race in ages....it'll be fun. My goal is to run at least one race a month and get back into it.

Going away again this weekend. Took Thurs/Fri off as well so it'll be a nice long one. Back Tues fresh and ready to get back into the groove. I hope you all take the time to appreciate bel far niente. Feed your soul, re-charge your relationships, re-fresh your body!

;)

Up and Adam!

Funniest thing, but I was soo excited to get up today and run. Haven't been able to work out for a week now. Felt like a kid waking on her birthday....it was going to be a really good day.

Alarm sounded at 4:45 and I shot out of bed (this is where you think I'm a little over the top..). I laced up my brand new Nike Shox (blue and lime green thank you!) and off the gym. Was scheduled to run 3.5 miles. Set the treadmill on intervals, 3 min @ 5.5 mph and 1 min @ 6.5 mph, 2.5 incline. Not too fast...not too slow. Felt jusssst right. Legs felt great, nice and strong. First time in a while it felt completely effortless. Maybe that week off did me right! Peeked under the towel (yes... I cover the display, & woman rarely line up for the treadmills at my gym) and I'd ran 5. I've decided to stick to the training plan, it must be important right? Went a little over....what a rebel, huh? ;)

Had to get out of there early and get into Beverly Hills by 9. Traffic was HORRIBLE (1 1/2 hours to go about 38 miles!). Long day at work but everything seemed a little bit better. No, a lot better. I know I need this exercise thing in my life. It's my way of life and it's not to be negotiated. It feeds me spiritually, mentally and physically. Having missed a few days brings me to a place of gratitude......life is good.

;)

I Scratched...

O.K., only one more day before I was supposed to workout (minor medical thing) but I couldn't help it...I've been itchin and today...I had to scratch.

Been waking up at 6AM. Very strange for me, since I usually wake @ 4:45 and am at the gym in 20. It's o.k., but I feel like somethings missing....no, actually I don't like it at all. This 'not working out thing', BIG part of my day not happening. Today is the day to stop the insanity! Busy day at work (I'm truly thankful) and got a call from my riding buddies (who I rarely ride with) to meet at the pool after work. See, I'm the token girl and I'm still not exactly sure why they want me around. Easy target for teasing is the best I can come up with. My friend Kevin's buddy Randy, is moving to Orange County from San Diego area. He was on the coaching staff @ San Diego State and now has some new coaching opportunity here. They'll be at the pool @ 5:30..can I make it? PPPPPLLLLEEEASSSSE! I coach at my disposal!!!

Jumped in the pool at 5:40 and swam 1 hour. O.K., 55 min but can someone throw me a bone?! Swimming is the most difficult thing. Feels great, but all the technical aspects kill me.. Form, distance jargin, breathing. I don't want to sound like a whine baby... I just wish I had that seamless style I see everyone else with. So effortless. Then I wonder.... between work and the boys and life, where would I fit this into my schedule on a regualr basis? I'm already driving myself nuts stressing about not getting it done. It all goes back to that balance thing that's eluded me all my adult life. Gosh, I have to work on that.

Went to WW on my lunch and whoooeeee! Thought for sure I gained 4-5 pounds from last weeks eating and drinking. I stepped on the scale...the clouds parted and the angels sang. I gained 1.5 pounds. THAT IS O.K.!!! I'm back on the nurtrition plan, back to workng out & back to balance...somewhat. ;)

Divine Intervention

I look for inspiration everywhere. I am obsessed with finding it... and there's nothing like the rush of discovering it. Almost always in the most unexpected places. Your blogs inspire me...watching a patient parent inspires me...admiring someone's act of kindness inspires me. My kids inspire me. I dwell on my blessings and good fortune, they ground me. It's a divine intervention kind of thing....just when I need it. Today I needed it.

I can't workout for a couple more days and I am itchin to go for a run right now. Almost uncontrollable. It's a perfect So Cal evening. I live near a beautiful lake and the quiet time of a run is screaming, inviting me to "come out and play" (I don't think any of us 'play' enough anymore). Any other time I'd be beat...it's always easier when you can't, right? I tell myself to wait until Thursday.... it'll feel great.

"If someone says, 'Hey, I ran 100 miles this week. How far did you run?' ignore him! What the hell difference does it make?.... The magic is in the man, not the 100 miles." - Bill Bowerman

Yeah.... I say to that imaginary guy in my head.... What the hell difference does it make? Come Thursday....I'm back! (with new shoes to boot!)

;)

Progress...not Perfection.

This has been one of my mantra's in life..(and I have a lot of em!). I've never experienced remarkeable results from anything I said or did, that had lasting results. I'm all about the 'lasting results'. Quality over quantity... it' gotta stick.

My eating was out of control last week. ST. Regis Hotel in Monarch Beach just sucked me into the insanity. I worked out & ran almost everyday, but I had far too much rich food, H'orderves, cocktails & wine. What was I thinking???? I WASN'T thinking! Reminds you of the importance of the big picture. Little or no success with diet or exercise alone....I bet I gained 4-5 pounds. ARGGGGGG. It's soooo tough to lose. I tell myself stop whining and pay the piper! Progress, not perfection. Pick up where I left off and be a big girl about it. Maybe I should make myself watch Super Size Me....just for shock value. I get weighed in (@ WW) on Tues, and I can't workout again until Thurs. (minor medical thing) so I'll take advantage of it and get myself organized, re-group the diet and workouts. Ramp up the cardio. I need to add at least 1 spin class a week.... increase mileage on runs..stretch, stretch, stretch and core. Maybe it'll all seem new... who am I kidding??! I do love journaling that brand new page in a training log, and the first run in my new kicks....and the first day of a well thought out & comitted eating plan.

I am healthy & I am blessed. To experience progress. Those incremental increases in endurance, speed and strength. Not perfection....and that's o.k. by me. I'll keep doin what I'm doin and I'm confident it'll stick!

;)

Inked.

I've been at a National Sales Conf. all week (only 20 minutes from home). I get a call night before last from my older son Rob. He starts off by telling me not to get upset, (ONE down..) then say's it's not in an obvious place (TWO down..) and it's something he'll never regret (THREE already!). Yep.... a tatoo. Sure, he just turned 18 and he's flexing his muscle a little... he's an adult and can do what he wants right? I'm sure that's why he chose to get it while I was gone. Lay it on me, what is it?? I'm hoping it's not his girlfriend's name....sweet girl but once your stamped....a break up is inevitable. Well, it's my husband's (his dad's) initials, year of his birth & death, and R.I.P. What do I say to that?.........Nothing..............

That behind me, I worked out everyday while I was away. Ran according to my training schedule, but think I may have pulled a little something in my knee. Nothing horrible and no swelling, but took this morning off. I think treadmills are calibrated differently..incline, speed. Certainly felt different from what I'm used to running on. I don't want an injury, and I'm a firm advocate of 'listening to your body'.

Read a few blogs in my free time, ate great food, caught up with colleagues from accross the country, and soaked up the time being treated like a princess. Who's idea was it to create 5 star hotels???? I LOVE those guys! Too rich for my blood, so I'll enjoy it when I can! Perks of a great job with a great company. Each year on the last night we get a room drop. A gift left in the room from our company. Get to my room last night and right on the pillow is a gift card for Nike!! Picked up a new pair of running shoes on my way home....happy Mother's Day to me!

Looking forward to cathcing up on all your posts. Have a great weekend and don't forget mom!

;)

Eyes Wide Open..

One more post before I'm off for the week.... the morning was just too good!
Got an e-mail late last night from my riding buddies. Turns out one of them is good friends with a swim coach (San Diego State) who is moving up this way. They'll be @ the local pool tomorrow @ 5:30....BE THERE. I've been hinting at doing more than my usual gym/ run routines and damn it... they're bound and determined to help me 'make it happen'. I have no problem waking up at the crack of dawn and working out, but the thought of a chilly pool that early is not appealing to me.

Get to the pool and everyone is ready to go.... WAY TO MUCH... How can I get out of this? This will not be fun. Can I make a coffe run for you guys? Did I say I wanted to do this??? I jump in and swim a few laps. Boy, this makes you tired! Maybe I'll just hang over here by the side and watch how you guys do it... Not going to happen. Randy (coach) swims my way and we have a little 'come to Jesus' meetin. His perspective's unique. Not the hard core competitve kind of guy. (thank you!) He says have fun. Who cares about time or technique. Important...yes, but right now we need to build some indurance and HAVE FUN. I like his thinkin! His motto is 'Go into it with your eyes wide open'. Know what your immediate goal is, realize what it will take to get there, and the rest will not only fall into place but build upon bigger and better things.

I leave feeling pretty darn good so I head to the gym. Spin class in 15 min... I just had new clips put on a spare pair of shoes and kept them in the car! Put those babies on and headed in. The swim was nothing horrendous, but didn't want to over do it. Road for 45 min of the class and bailed. Got out ...feelin big for my britches, so hopped on the treadmill and ran 5 miles. Isn't that cute..... she did a little brick! Nothing compared to what most of you do all the time, but big stuff for this girl.

After the gym I stop by the book store (one of my favorite places!), pick up a new cook book, another copy of my favorite training log and a magazine. I just filled the last page of my previous log & today certainly merrits journaling! I like that motto of his....'go into it with your eyes wide open'. I think that'll work for me.

Consumed By Desire

Desire Orchids..beautiful, no?




My favorite flowers are Sweetpeas...not something you can walk into any flower shop and get. Orchids are gorgeous......exotic, rare, expensive & difficult to grow. Sweetpeas will grow in any sunny spot you drop the seed. They're not finicky, smell great & last forever. Sturdy...

I'm consumed by desire....definitely consumed.
My desire to be the best at what ever my 'goal of the moment' is, consumes me. I think it, sleep it & eat it. I dig my heals in. How can I walk closer to my maker? How do I get this parenting thing down right? Cement my relationships? Give work my best and concentrate on giving myself even better. Better time when I run & workout, when I talking with my kids or spending time with friends. I saw the Desire Orchid at a flower show and thought it was stunning. I wish I was a little more like that flower. Exotic & rare. But I always come back around to those Sweetpeas. The smell so great, they're not pretencious and they're best when you grow them at home. hmmmmmm.... I'd like to think that would wrap me up to! I want enough desire to reach my goals. I don't want them to consume me (entirely ;) ), but propel me. Send me in the direction that allows me to reach those goals...keep me hungry.

After church I worked in my yard. I love the smell of grass and getting dirty. It's relaxing. Amazing to see how everything grows. Finished & laced up for the 5 miles my training plan said was needed. Good run..really good. Not long runs but everyone of them feel strong and healthy. Good things are happening here. Came home and started on my own 'honey-do' list..laundry...grocery store...packing. I'll be gone for a week long conference so I won't be posting.

I love to see people who are consumed (keep it healthy!) and passionate about life and what's important to them. I'll pray that you all keep your fires goin and reach your goals! Think of me too!

;)

Sweet Surrender

Went to the (disco) concert last night. Killing me to say so, but we had fun. I'd much rather prefer the Bee Gees but no such luck. Mostly bands no one knew were still around. I am more the bohemian type girl, so let's just say the company was great.

Today I woke up about 8 and it felt great! Go to the gym?...nope. Run or ride?.... not today. OuuuuEeeee, did that feel good! I'm such a creature of habit and this hasn't happened in a long time (unplanned anyway ;).....) Took my time getting up, just me and Pete (coffee). My friend Gloria called, and 30 minutes later we're shopping. Clothes shopping is horrible for me. Not remotely fun, but watching her spend money almost makes it worthwhile ;). O.K., I did walk away with 2 pairs of work shoes and a skirt. All in all, not bad. Our friend Jamie called. Why was she still at home?? 30 minutes later, she meets us. She has 2 boys (4 & 6) & her husband has colon cancer, so the few times she gets to slip away are precious. We shop & laugh. We eat and laugh. We talk and laugh. This is how our thing works.... it's a very good thing.

I think about how often I take advantage of these times to surrender. Surrender to laugh and eat and talk. To realize the grace that's been showered over my life with rich friendships and people that love and support me (unconditionallly). I pinch myself everyday.... thankful to be blessed, and surrender.

;)

Pushing the Envelope..

I love pushing the envelope... although I'd prefer to refer to it as 'living passionately'. I have as long as I can remember. NOT always a good thing. My grandma used to tell me I was 'full of piss and vinegar'. Even as a kid, I can remember kindof of likin it....the little rebel. Even today, you say black, I say white... you say no, I say ...well......you know. Not sure why. Sometimes everything can roll off these shoulders, and sometimes, I just can't let it go. I'm workin on it.

Haven't been sleeping well lately, not coming easily. Got to the gym and today's run was 3.5...Think I could stick to it?? Noooooooo. Like a scab, couldn't leave it alone. Ran 7. Not that big of a deal, but really think I should keep to the training plan. Next run scheduled for Sunday. Ran intervals and felt awesome. Pushing that envelope. Did a lot of stretching then confirmed plans for tonight. A few girls from the gym asked me to go to a concert and I said yes BEFORE I got any details. It's a disco concert! Somebody shoot me!!!! Dinner before will be fun, but I would much rather be home rolled up in bed talking on the phone with a friend. Not tonight.

I wonder how others push their envelopes. It's all so realtive. What may be daring for some could be absolutely safe for another. We bounce off each other. Wait...isn't that called support? I hope you push your envelope. See what you're made of. Be a little bit of a rebel, and absoultely live with passion.

;)

Unavoidable Success...

Have your thoughts, commitments, expectations and actions succeeded at creating the life you want, or have they succeeded at avoiding it?

The title and quote was posted in the lunch room at work. No author or source listed. One of those quotes photo copied and pinned to a bulletin board. Looks like it's been there forever. I read it and it repeated itself to me all day.

Got to the gym and ran my 2.5 miles (just like the training plan said). I'd like to run more but figured I'd stick to the plan. If I stray from that, it's too easy to make other changes like 'maybe I don't need to run at all today'...and so it goes. Ran intervals @ 3% incline: 5pmh for 2 min, 7.5 mph for 1 min. Felt really good the whole time. I love when I pass the 1 mile mark and my legs feel warm and strong. Tough to stop at 2.5. Hopped off and did my normal thing... lift a little then core and more core... Successful!

Got home tonight and Rob (my 18 year old) was hanging out with his girlfriend playing Nat King Cole way to loudly. When the song L.O.V.E. came on, he grabs me to dance. We took a swing class a couple of summers ago and he's pretty good ( likes to show off to). Have no idea why, but this has always been our song. He'll play it and dance with me. It's his way of saying he's sorry, he knows what a butthead he's been, and he loves me. Chuck (who is 16 today) on the other hand, is a different animal. He's the kid that leaves me messages during the day to tell me he loves me & hopes I'm having a great day. Successful!!

I think about all the things important to me...my commitments, thoughts, expectations & actions. I have certainly been successful on both sides of the track. Successful in creating the life I want, and VERY successful in avoiding the life I want. Keeping uncomfortable situations at arms length... not engaging myself fully.... stubborn...selective...compromising when I shouldn't be. NOT attractive. Not a person I want to be. Made me think... love things that make me think....

;)

Let It Roll.....

Really good day. Rise and shine ...love those morning people ;)... and to the gym. I woke up yesterday and not a sore muscle (after my long run on Sunday) in these legs. Awesome I thought. A better fitness level? I like incremental change. Any 'landslides' I thought I've gained in my life were short lived, so I like the little stuff. It's solid...it sticks. More & more in my life... I like the things that 'stick' and I'm much more patient to hold out for them, whatever they are. Yesterday I ran 3 miles then lifted. Took it a little far by doing some leg presses (single leg) and today my butt is screaming! Ran 2 miles this morning (just to keep it movin) then stretched & did matt core work for almost a full hour. Oh, what a feeeling! Limber and flexible... that's the best.

Music was awesome....found 'my' place and let it roll. Started with Smokey Robinson, Cruisin'. I sink right into it.... My music taste is all over the map. The screaming stuff not my cup of tea. I really have to be in the mood. Am I becoming my parents? It's all about easing into this skin.... nudging myself into a funky place I don't want to leave. I find it easier and easier to get there, so when I know what'll take me... I'm happy to listen. Jennifer Knapp: A Little More is a newer favorite. The Strokes: Someday, Teitur: I was just thinking, Poi Dog Pondering: I Had to Tell You, Rufus Wainwright: Hallelujah, Chris Isaak: Somebody's Crying, Jaon Miraz: You & I Both, Matt White: Best Days ..& Miracles..& Midnight Desire...(really like this guy). Not all upbeat, but none of it makes me want to take a butter knife to my wrists either. Just good stuff for me today. Ahhhh, the beauty of the IPod. What'll I listen to tomorrow?

Good day at work to. Everything seemed to roll right along. I wondered if it was the music, that started my day? The stretching? The 'good sore' I felt everytime I sat down or climbed into my car? Went to WW (Weight Watchers) for the first weigh-in, in a few weeks. Down 1.9 pounds. I'm focusing on changing my body composition and no longer my weight. Lean & healthy. That's what I really meant.

2 big days into the official 1/2 marathon training and signed up for a race in October. Feeling excited about actually having a direction with training. I'm gonning make sure that IPod is updated, charged and ready to go. Then sink into it and let it roll..........

;)