Christin - so sorry to hear that. That is terrible for her loved ones and especially her young son not being able to visit in the hospital. Thoughts are with you and her family to get through this rough time.

Christin, I am so sorry to hear about your friend. You and your friend's family will be in my thoughts.
Take care.
Gaye

Hi everyone. I just wanted to thank you for your support and thoughts/prayers. Sheesh, one of these days we will all be celebrating some good news from me!!!! I realized today that all I seem to share are the trials and tribulations that I go through and I don't seem to have much happy and joyful news to share. It is definitely an area where I want to see some big changes and real soon!!

I did go to the beach today as planned and spent time journaling and reflecting and decided to take a nice walk in the sand as well. Got a little mini workout in thanks to Len who sent me a message and suggested it. Thanks, buddy!!! It felt good. My head is a little clearer tonight thankfully. I hope I'm over the toughest part of this. I think I just need to spend some time dealing with my grief for my own ordeal last year. I really do think that is why this hit me so hard.

Thanks again for all the help getting through this. I promise to have GREAT news soon!!!! I don't know what it will be, but I'm determined to have something fantastic happen in my world. I've had enough devastation to last a lifetime.

Hugs to all!

Christin - Looks like you are having some vital awarenesses:

1. Recognition that your focus is not where you want it.
2. Recognition that you have unresolved grief and acceptance to begin working it through.
3. A walk in the sand is grounding and helps clear the mind.
4. Journaling helped you get ALL of that.

Don't wait for GREAT news before allowing yourself to recognize the positive and wonderful little truths happening every moment of your life. It is a miracle that you are still alive. It is a miracle that we can think, talk, connect, ...use a computer. :0) So many blessings...see how many you can identify today.

So glad to see you posting.

~Brooke

Quote:

Originally Posted by Shaydz Hi everyone. I just wanted to thank you for your support and thoughts/prayers. Sheesh, one of these days we will all be celebrating some good news from me!!!! I realized today that all I seem to share are the trials and tribulations that I go through and I don't seem to have much happy and joyful news to share. It is definitely an area where I want to see some big changes and real soon!! I did go to the beach today as planned and spent time journaling and reflecting and decided to take a nice walk in the sand as well. Got a little mini workout in thanks to Len who sent me a message and suggested it. Thanks, buddy!!! It felt good. My head is a little clearer tonight thankfully. I hope I'm over the toughest part of this. I think I just need to spend some time dealing with my grief for my own ordeal last year. I really do think that is why this hit me so hard. Thanks again for all the help getting through this. I promise to have GREAT news soon!!!! I don't know what it will be, but I'm determined to have something fantastic happen in my world. I've had enough devastation to last a lifetime. Hugs to all!

Hello teammates.

Just thought I'd post this so we can all think about and appreciate those little moments that sometimes get away from us in the course of a day....the beauty of a sunrise, the sound of children's laughter, the joy of a dog bounding up to greet you, the feel of a loved ones hand in yours.

I was thinking about the question you posted at the beginning of this thread Sharen...how do I want to spend the next few months before the new year? I want to really focus on the little things that bring me joy. I think Christin's post got me thinking about it - none of us know how many days we have on this earth. We need to make the most of the time we have here. I think you see what you look for in life and I want to spend my time looking for those things that fill me up with happiness. I want to take that happiness and share it. As much as I possibly can I want to become a little "joy bubble." Sure, sometimes that bubble is going to bust, but I will just try and "blow" it back up as quickly as possible. That is my goal for the next several months. I try and do it now, but I'm really going to focus on it in the coming weeks.

Each day is a gift...my new mantra.

On that note I am off for my morning walk.
I'll check in later.
Gaye

Wow Brooke - we posted at the same time and I'm just wondering...are we having a mind meld of some kind?

Hi all!

Christin, I'm so sorry to read your news. My thoughts and prayers are with you and her family!

I finally got caught up on all of the recent posts. I love the energy you all brought back from Denver! I can't wait to see some of the video. I've finally caught up with life and ready to get back in the game. Eating has been pretty good, but exercise has been lacking. I feel great though and ready to get plan for another challenge. I didn't finish all my assignments from the last challenge, but plan to look over those remaining today. It's super rainy her today, so we're in lock-down other than tae kwon do. I'll try to do some posts this afternoon and find a pic from the reunion. It was awesome seeing all my old friends. My husband was surprised how close we all still are. He was amazed at how confident, supportive and non-judgemental we were together. I guess he's not used to seeing a group of women like that! I've missed you all and vow to not over-commit myself again!!

JUST FYI....

I will be starting Round III on Nov 2nd. And I will be changing a life long, deep seated addiction to sugar. It is going to take all of the intention, will, focus, and effort I have. I don't think it will be any less difficult for me to kick this one than an alcoholic kicking drinking. I am joining Chris Winter's A group for this purpose. But I will remain a supporting presence in this group. You are my friends and I intend to keep connected.

Love you all (that includes you Lesley and Christin ; )

~Brooke

Christin, so sad....young life! Oh and I feel for the children left behind in these kinds of situations. I am thinking of you and all those involved. Sending healing thoughts, love and prayers.

Gaye!!! I am so impressed and inspired by your new mantra and lightfilled post! SO happy to see you feeling better and focusing on the good. There are days when we all falter but we are all winning the battle when we increase our awareness!

Brooke, I hear you on the sugar addiction. It too is my killer. I do much better than I ever have but it is sitll there calling me. I just try to use fruit to satisfy those cravings, until free day that is! LOL! Please come back and post with us often!

Hey, gang, how is your Thursday?!

We had our scout carnival last night and will be spending today updating records and doing paperwork for the Pack. We are taking this week off 'school' so mommy can rest and recover. My brain is still processing last weekend!

Bill generously donated Right Vites for prizes at our carnival. Child nutrition is a passion of mine and I hope to use the opportunity I have as the pack committee chair to share a little of what we've learned and to inspire the 50+ little guys I'm responsible for leading.

10 weeks until the New Year ~~~ I'm planning an 10 week sprint to kick off the new year already ready! What about you? Gaye, sounds like you've been doing some digging. Brooke, best wishes to you kicking the sugar to the curb! You can do it, but don't over do it, you know? Extremes in either direction are never healthy. I am now holding every piece of candy and spoonful of sugar from now until .... ;0)

Kim, great to have you back with us!

Just thought this was funny and wanted to share it.
Gaye

PS- How do you get your posts to have a tag line about your blog or a quote? Thanks you techie people.

Gaye, is that a real book????

Has anyone read the book "How to love a porcupine?" Yes, that is the title! LOL!

First, HUGS all the way around for everyone!!!! I appreciate everyone's support, yet again - I feel like a broken record

So what is a good non-virus/spyware/adware website to get some of the awesome graphics that everyone seems to come up with??? I haven't looked super hard, but I haven't found anything I really like from the looking I have done. This is my work computer as well as personal computer so I am pretty cautious when it comes to downloading files or going to certain websites that I feel may compromise my system.

Gaye, that book cover is great! I too want to know if it is a real book. That's hilarious!!! I'm really glad that Stephanie's passing was able to serve as such a powerful reminder for you and therefore the rest of us. It is so true.

It sounds cliche, but I mean this...Live each day in the present and cherish the moments - the LITTLE things (thanks Gaye!). Don't take life for granted because it is by the grace of God that each of us is here to make a difference in this beautiful life, not only for ourselves, but for those we encounter and those we may never meet. It is truly a ripple effect more far reaching than we can even imagine.

So in that spirit, I am here to report that I am headed out shortly to my new volunteer position at SERT - Special Equestrian Riding Therapy. It is a program that uses horses as therapy for mentally and physically disabled children. I'm really excited. Today I just get to observe to make sure the work isn't going to be too strenuous for me, but I am keeping my fingers crossed that I can begin helping soon.

I also bit the bullet and called about a stained glass class in my area. I've been curious about it for years and I decided that there's no good reason to wait. I am getting a bonus from work which means I have a little extra money that I refuse to spend on household misc that I "need" and I'm doing something for ME!!! This is NOT something that I do so it's a big deal. I'm really happy about it. I'll start that class on Nov 3rd. I'm looking forward to it.

Sharen, I bet you can make a BIG impact on the troop, between your position and passion! How generous of Bill to donate Right Vites. I don't really know what they are but I'm assuming they are a vitamin from his product line. Regardless, that was very generous of him. I'm so glad you have the drive to make a difference for all those little guys!!!

ARGH! I don't have enough time to post a response to everyone like I was hoping to do - I've got to get some food before I head to the barn. I'll try to get on here after and finish replying to everyone.

I have not been able to process all the wonderful experiences I had and people I met in Denver. Let me share the best though.
I had never planned to run the 1/2 marathon, just walk. Don't do running as part of my training. So a group of us were at the tail end of the participants all morning. The small groups would change a little. You'd walk a while with a couple folks and then move up or back and hang out with someone else. As the miles progressed I found myself with Florence. She had planned on only walking the 4.5 mile at first but at the turnoff felt good and continued on the 13.1. Soon though, her back was giving her lots of distress. She kept on going. She kept saying, "Go on, I'm holding you back". I replied that I was in no hurry and stuck with her. She struggled and I tried my best to tell stories and distract her from the pain. Her pain brought her to tears several times. I realized that this was the place I was supposed to be today...with this courageous mom and grandmom who was trying so hard to finish. Well she did. I was inspired by her efforts and she appreciated my sticking with her till the end. This unexpected experience, what I call a Golden Nugget, was worth the trip. I guess that's what T.com, and life for that matter, is all about.

I absolutely love the spirit of finding blessings in everyday life that is all over this group these days. I recommend that everyone read our very own Denise Taylor's new book called "Heavenly Birth". It's the book version of the blog she kept while her daughter, Jonnae, fought and lost her battle with leukemia. While the subject is tremendously sad, the message is amazingly uplifting and powerful. Denise and Jonnae maintained an "attitude of gratitude" and found joy in even the most obscure blessings every day! I purchased the book directly from Denise and it has forever changed my life. I've always considered myself a person who appreciates life and maintains a positive attitude. I'm only halfway through the book and realize just how much I take for granted. This book is the best $15 I've ever spent, and the personal message from Denise on the inside cover makes it all the more special. I will search for those tiny blessings in my day from now on, and I'll thank God for each and every one.

Christin that therapy program sounds awesome. Have fun with it. And let me know if you like the stain glass class. I've thought about that one before too, but I'm not sure I'm patient enough for it.

Len, thanks for sharing your Denver story. Look at you being a hero! Very cool. I'm sure Florence will be forever grateful that you stayed with her that day and helped her make it across the line.

Nancy, thanks for he book suggestion. Can I order it here or do I go to Amazon?

My book pictured is not real. Funny, but fake.

I'm off to the gym to do my fbwo. Will check in later.

HAPPY FRIDAY TO ALL.
Now go out there and pump it up!

Morning Ladies and Gent!

Have a glorious Fall Friday. I hope you are enjoying the beauty that our Mother earth is radiating this season. There is a vibrantly lemon yellow oak tree in my next doot neighbor's front yard that is just breath taking. I'll try to get a picture.
Sort of like this...

It's Fantabulous Friday!!

Did you all listen to the show last night?

The new Holiday Challenge starts 11/1!!!

I'm trying to get approval for a new group, since Round II is, well, over. Will let you know - Bill mentioned two groups for the Holiday Challenge, so the little ones might not be in his plan. The next big shin dig is March 11th in Dallas!


Details of Bills Challenge:

~Challenge is Nov 1-Dec 31
~Minimum of 32 workouts
~MAX 10 free days
~Two groups: One for accountability; one for process
~Spriritual component: What can we do to make a difference in the life of someone less fortunate this season (and always)? (making meals for the homeless, driving for someone, food donations to animal shelters) My family is going to be Bell Ringers with the Salvation Army!
~10 questions for us to answer and submit - hopefully online!

Bill will choose the top ten most heart-warming stories and award 10 free tickets to the Dallas event.

What do you need to do right now to get ready for 11/1?

I registered for the Arizona half marathon January 17th last night!!! Yes, I have officially lost my little mind! Carolynn and Chris Haro are already registered as well! We will be trying to grant at least one child's wish in Arizona! (not an official t.com event) Please come if you can!

Woo Hooo! Who's excited?

Sharen - Excellent!!! Thank you for the post.

This is so perfect for me seeing that I was planning Round III for Nov 2nd. And with the holidays coming, overcoming my sugar addiction will be especially challenging. I love this community!!!

So far, I have just committed to cook soup twice a month for a friend whose partner just got diagnosed with lymphoma. I am already cooking soup twice a month for a friend whose husband sustained a spinal cord injury a year ago. They are so overwhelmed with appointments and home care issues that cooking has fallen into the lowest priority level. I will be looking for other opportunities to give. They are every where!!

I am getting ready for my 2nd 50K, which will be Nov 14th.

Do you know if Dallas will be a Make A Wish event? I have a person already wanting to donate.

~Brooke