When I first began meditating I mocked the notion of a mantra. I now *cringe* at how I made fun of what I perceived to be jibberish syllables---the thing is back then I simply didn't understand. And then I meditated. I attempted to quiet my monkey mind and quickly realized I needed more tools than just brute force (<---you'd think I'd have already learned that never works). And ... Continue Reading
Which of these friends do you have?
I brought my funky friends dress shoes! I spent the past few days at a conference. The focus was learning & networking--but ever the misfit attending sparked me to consider my larger social experience. To ponder my introvert status and realize how much I need my community. Meeting so many amazing women served to highlight my dependency on different friends for different reasons. How ... Continue Reading
I don’t believe in willpower.
People frequently compliment my willpower. From friends in real life to social media companions I’m consistently on the receiving end of praise regarding my perceived restraint. Emphasis (italics and more) on perceived. Most recently I was at a dinner, placed my order (grilled salmon, brown rice, shrimp cocktail, steamed veggies and salad) and the comments began. You have so much ... Continue Reading
Is BARBIE unapologetically herself?
A Barbie dream house for the child of a wanna-be bodybuilder. First, if you've been living not reading the news (go you!), allow me to catch you up: Barbie, ever controversial lady, has launched a new advertising campaign. The campaign focuses on Barbie being #unapologetic about who she is, how she looks and the kerfuffle she's consistently created. (It partners with Sports Illustrated ... Continue Reading
What does BRAZEN mean?
Back in graduate school (shout-out to you Masters in Counseling Psych I'm not using!) in order to be certified to *lead* counseling groups we had to participate in group sessions. It was then I realized (the super obvious notion of) even helpers need help. Even mentors need to be mentees. Even coaches need *coaches.* Flash forward 20+ years and, when I hit a ok. so I know what I'm ... Continue Reading
Should we blog about our kids?
I've blogged though the Tornado's entire life. I blogged before her (2001. We didn't have a name for what we were doing.) and, while I imagine it will be called something else, I'll blog long after she's moved out of the house. My first blogging gig was paid and had nary a reference to anything familial. I was hired by a website (Muscle Journal) to post solely about my workouts. Type. ... Continue Reading
How could I love you better?
The other morning was the worst ever. Worst morning since I became a mother and, Id venture to say, worst for the Tornado *ever-ever.* It's unimportant what sparked it (take tired, cross with having just done the new dog thing all too recently, slather solo parenting on top and you've an inkling)--it just felt yucky and wasn't how either of us strive to behave/live. I dropped the Tornado ... Continue Reading
My FAT to FIT fabrication.
This post was inspired by Mel's 15 minute Before/After shoot. Bcause I'm a misfit mine is more a 30 second Before/After snapshot. You'll have that... If you read fitness blogs with any regularity then you're familiar with Before & After photos. Some display shocking weight-loss transformations. Others are more subtle, yet no less amazing in the hard work required. If you've ... Continue Reading
Travels with Charming.
I was a quirky child. For most of you this will come as no great surprise. Sure, I tried to mask it cover it with hairspray & sequins: but down deep inside this was who I *really* was: While friends giggled about nights hidden under the covers reading Sweet Valley High or Flowers in the Attic----I spent my nights with an older man. A John Steinbeck man. Grapes of ... Continue Reading
A day ON not a day OFF.
Service is the rent we pay for living. -- Marian Wright Edelman. Wherever you live. Whether you have the day off today or not. Join the Tornado and me in "paying some rent." As Dr. King said: Life's most persistent and urgent question is: 'What are you doing for others? Lets join together and make today a day when we each have an answer to offer. comments ... Continue Reading
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