tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-61648699411130074482024-02-07T02:51:02.570-05:00Nifer MusingsA lifestyle blog... the lifestyle of Nifer, that is.Jenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12809397616829044745noreply@blogger.comBlogger465125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6164869941113007448.post-86936113919580214192013-08-27T09:47:00.000-04:002013-08-27T09:47:20.645-04:00#Gratitude Challenge: Today's GratitudeThe last week has been extremely hectic and emotionally draining, so I have not managed to blog at all -- though I have been overflowing with gratitude for the time I got to spend with friends, the love shared and the blessing of having them in my life.<br />
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Two of my best friends, husband and wife, moved to California yesterday. As I write, they are currently driving somewhere in the Midwest along their route. I am heartbroken that they're gone, but I am overjoyed for this next phase of their lives and the adventures ahead of them. Mostly, this whole experience has taught me a lot about gratitude and appreciating what you have while you have it. I spent every single moment I possibly could with them over their last four days here, and I cherish every single one of those moments. I know we'll have many more through video chats, texts, phone calls and visits.<br />
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Three things I'm grateful for TODAY:<br />
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<ol>
<li>That my dear friends who have become family to me are finally able to realize their dreams. Everything is falling perfectly into place for them, and it is nothing but the work of God.</li>
<li>I am blessed to have met them, known them and shared so much with them. I am so glad we're so close and such a big part of each other's lives.</li>
<li>That I have the resources and independence to be able to visit them in a few months. I am really excited for my trip west!</li>
</ol>
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What are you grateful for today?</div>
Jenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12809397616829044745noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6164869941113007448.post-73260263412139599252013-08-21T15:51:00.000-04:002013-08-21T15:51:54.461-04:00#Gratitude Challenge: Love Yourself<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://personalexcellence.co/blog/images/love-yourself.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://personalexcellence.co/blog/images/love-yourself.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">via <a href="http://personalexcellence.co/blog/gratitude-day-7-yourself/" target="_blank">Personal Excellence</a></td></tr>
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Today's task involves reflecting on what you love about yourself and being grateful for yourself, your uniqueness, your purpose and your place in this world.<br />
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This is such a hard challenge for me because, while I am mostly confident and secure, I struggle to love myself; I fight the comparison game all the time. #FOMO 100%<br />
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But, I'm going to try, because that's the whole point.<br />
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What am I grateful for about myself? I am grateful for my beautiful eyes. I am grateful for my bright smile. I'm grateful that growing out my hair has been painless this time around, and I receive so many compliments on how gorgeous my long, wavy locks are (and they are gorgeous). I'm grateful that I am drawn to helping people, that it's natural for me to empathize. I am grateful that I am passionate and become obsessed with whatever I am loving in the moment. I am grateful that I can run. I am grateful that I am a good writer and people look to be for advice on their writing. I am grateful that I am a problem-solver, and I find that fulfilling and challenging. I am grateful that I have natural rhythm and love to dance. I am grateful that I love deeply and without prejudice. I am grateful that I am stubborn and always seek the best.<br />
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I am grateful for me because I really don't know how to be anyone else, though I may try at times. I have a unique purpose and place that no one else can fill, though I may not know exactly what it is yet. I am grateful for me because I have touched people's lives and altered the waves of the universe in ways that no one else could.<br />
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I'd be somewhat lying if I said I don't want to be anyone else but me, but I can realize that what I may want in others may not be as it seems. Everyone struggles, everyone fights their own battles, everyone must sacrifice for the lives they live. So, while I may envy someone who appears to be living my dream, I have no idea what it took to get there or what it is really like from their perspective. So, I want to be me, and only me, in the best possible way I can. I want to seek and fulfill my higher purpose, and I want to experience joy along the way.<br />
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Three things I'm grateful for TODAY:<br />
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<ol>
<li>Special time tonight.</li>
<li>Feeling more physically relaxed after a much-needed massage last night.</li>
<li>Maintaining inner peace.</li>
</ol>
Jenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12809397616829044745noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6164869941113007448.post-63407526453022482752013-08-19T12:11:00.000-04:002013-08-19T12:11:02.465-04:00#Gratitude Challenge: Appreciate about Your AdversarySince I do not blog on weekends, I did not address the third or fourth day challenges. The third is to write a letter of gratitude to someone, which I will complete these weekend as part of a friend's birthday and two friends' going-away celebration. The task calls for posting a picture of your letter, but these are highly personal and intimate, so I'm choosing just to mention that I am writing them rather than sharing them.<div>
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The fourth task is to define gratitude for yourself. What does it really mean and what does it mean to practice it? To me, gratitude is spiritual. It is the deep recognition and acceptance of your higher power moving in your life for your benefit -- even though the situation may not always seem immediately positive. When you thank someone, or express your gratitude for having them in your life, to me, that is synonymous with the Yoga concept of "namaste." On the surface, you are thanking that person, but on a deep, spiritual level, you are recognizing that God is putting that person in your life and influencing their actions for both of your benefit. Practicing gratitude is a form of prayer and praise. When you are grateful, you are open and accepting; that is why it is important to be grateful for the challenges in your life as much as the accomplishments.</div>
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Today's challenge is to name three things you appreciate about your adversary.<br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://comicbook.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/03/xavier-and-magneto-2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="210" src="http://comicbook.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/03/xavier-and-magneto-2.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">via <a href="https://www.google.com/search?hl=en&site=imghp&tbm=isch&source=hp&biw=1280&bih=909&q=adversary&oq=adversary&gs_l=img.3..0l9j0i5.1957.9782.0.10169.9.8.0.1.1.0.135.951.0j8.8.0....0...1ac.1.25.img..0.9.955.nC70kk0A9zc#bav=on.2,or.r_cp.r_qf.&fp=455c591c1cba1fc4&hl=en&q=xavier+and+magneto&sa=1&tbm=isch&facrc=_&imgdii=_&imgrc=Eiw-ArPZLwux_M%3A%3B5hoTxeiWHYYBzM%3Bhttp%253A%252F%252Fcomicbook.com%252Fwp-content%252Fuploads%252F2013%252F03%252Fxavier-and-magneto-2.jpg%3Bhttp%253A%252F%252Fcomicbook.com%252Fblog%252F2013%252F03%252F12%252Fx-men-days-of-future-past-to-trace-magnetos-relationship-with-xavier%252F%3B400%3B264" target="_blank">Google Images</a></td></tr>
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This used to be so difficult for me, and it still is, but it is no longer impossible given my view of gratitude I spoke of above. God is moving and working in my life, including through those who challenge and hurt me.<br />
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My biggest adversary at the moment is my roommate. He somehow manages to push me to my edge pretty much every day. As a result, my life is extremely stressful lately -- every day. It is a challenge to say the least. But, God doesn't give us anything we can't handle, and I know by stretching me and creating this huge negative (void) in me, He is only making even more room for the joy He has intended for me.<br />
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So, three things I can appreciate about my current adversary are:<br />
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<ol>
<li>He knows who he is and makes no apologies for it.</li>
<li>He is wildly successful, according to his definition of success.</li>
<li>On a deep level, he understands me and accommodates me.</li>
</ol>
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Your turn: What are three things you can appreciate about an adversary? It's tough, isn't it? But, it does feel good that you are able to be that big of a person, that you can frame situations in your life however you choose.</div>
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And... three things I am grateful for TODAY are:</div>
<div>
<ol>
<li>Being able to express, accept and talk about my emotions surrounding my friends moving across the country one week from today. It hurts like crazy, but it's comforting that we can share tears.</li>
<li>Having friends who understand me and what I'm facing, who are doing everything they can to help me to the other side.</li>
<li>The return of August weather this week! It's going to be 90 degrees tomorrow!</li>
</ol>
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Jenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12809397616829044745noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6164869941113007448.post-70861897276990109652013-08-16T12:17:00.000-04:002013-08-16T12:17:46.847-04:00#Gratitude Challenge: Give Thanks for Your Food<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://img.scoop.it/9JlYi_qJTPY8vRFK9EGO9jl72eJkfbmt4t8yenImKBVaiQDB_Rd1H6kmuBWtceBJ" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="286" src="http://img.scoop.it/9JlYi_qJTPY8vRFK9EGO9jl72eJkfbmt4t8yenImKBVaiQDB_Rd1H6kmuBWtceBJ" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">via <a href="https://www.google.com/search?hl=en&site=imghp&tbm=isch&source=hp&biw=1280&bih=909&q=grateful+food&oq=grateful+food&gs_l=img.3..0i24.1793.3475.0.4716.13.10.0.3.3.0.67.555.10.10.0....0...1ac.1.25.img..0.13.568.65uhjEcad6g#bav=on.2,or.r_cp.r_qf.&fp=8e54522d662d666a&hl=en&q=world+hunger+infographic&sa=1&tbm=isch&imgdii=_" target="_blank">Google Images</a></td></tr>
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<a href="http://personalexcellence.co/blog/gratitude-day-2-food/" target="_blank">Today's task</a> is to give thanks for your food, which is something I often forget to be consciously grateful for. I grew up saying "grace" before meals sporadically. My family said it around the holiday tables, and when I was really into my theological education in school and made my parents stop before we ate to say grace, but it wasn't a regular practice in my home. And, unfortunately, it still isn't.<br />
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I will say I am more conscious of how blessed I am to not only have enough food, but to have enough of quality food that nourishes me from the inside out. I am blessed to have so many choices of what, where and when I eat. I may not be eating in five-star restaurants every night or have a personal chef, but I never go hungry, and if I want to enjoy a meal out with friends, I can easily do that.<br />
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So, today, I will make a conscious effort to say "grace" before each meal. I'm a fan of the simple "God is great. God is good. Let us thank Him for this food. Amen." That is where I will start. Today. Then hopefully tomorrow. And the next day.<br />
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In addition to that, I think it's also important to show gratitude in action, so I'm adding that to my list as well. I will thank those who cook for and serve me regularly. I will help feed those who can't feed themselves when I have the opportunity.<br />
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How do you express gratitude for your food?<br />
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TODAY I am grateful:<br />
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<ol>
<li>It's Friday, and it's going to be a beautiful weekend!</li>
<li>I get to see an old friend who moved across the country tonight.</li>
<li>I woke up healthy.</li>
</ol>
Jenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12809397616829044745noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6164869941113007448.post-516028967852890642013-08-15T10:05:00.000-04:002013-08-15T10:05:57.419-04:00#Gratitude Challenge: 10 + 3<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3689/9447247341_6c002d7ebb_z.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="290" src="http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3689/9447247341_6c002d7ebb_z.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">via <a href="https://www.google.com/search?hl=en&site=imghp&tbm=isch&source=hp&biw=1280&bih=909&q=Gratitude+for+the+abundance+you+have+received+is+the+best+insurance+that+abundance+will+continue.&oq=Gratitude+for+the+abundance+you+have+received+is+the+best+insurance+that+abundance+will+continue.&gs_l=img.12...1062.1062.0.2165.1.1.0.0.0.0.103.103.0j1.1.0....0...1ac.1.25.img..1.0.0.QHbeIrrMFy8#imgdii=_" target="_blank">Google Images</a></td></tr>
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Today is the official start of my 14-day gratitude challenge. Yesterday, when I set my intention for the next two weeks, I failed to mention that I was participating as part of a virtual group, led by Celes of <a href="http://personalexcellence.co/blog/gratitude-day-1-things-in-your-life/" target="_blank">Personal Excellence</a> (you can click the link to go to her blog and register for the challenge yourself).<br />
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Now that the administrative piece is out of the way, today's challenge is to list 10 things for which you are grateful, plus three things for which you are grateful TODAY. Here goes...<br />
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<ol>
<li>I am grateful for God's Word, which I try to read daily and upholds me on this crazy path called life.</li>
<li>I am grateful for my job. After being out of work for four months, I can appreciate, even on the days I don't want to, what a blessing it is to be able to work and have a decent-paying gig to go to every day.</li>
<li>I am grateful for my family, who I know stands behind, beside and in front of me no matter what.</li>
<li>I am grateful for my friends. They have really stepped up to the plate recently and shown their generosity and support. I love them for that.</li>
<li>I am grateful for my home. I have a roof over my head, a warm bed to sleep in and all the modern amenities. There are so many who don't even have the first in that list.</li>
<li>I am grateful for my adorable dog. He is my companion and my comfort. I will never be alone when he is around.</li>
<li>I am grateful for the opportunities hidden in challenges. While I may not see the endgame, I know God does, and He has a plan for me.</li>
<li>I am grateful for the summer weather we have had in the Northeast this year. We have had some really hot days and a few rainy ones, but, overall, it has been a beautiful summer.</li>
<li>I am grateful for my health. I have been perfectly healthy for the last four months, and it has been wonderful.</li>
<li>I am grateful for upcoming trips: Walt Disney World in November, Los Angeles within the year and maybe Miami in the spring.</li>
</ol>
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Bonus three, just for today:</div>
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<ol>
<li>I am grateful that my day started the best way possible.</li>
<li>I am grateful that I can run tonight -- that I am able, that the weather is perfect, that I have the luxury of time.</li>
<li>I am grateful that I know, to the core of my being, that everything happens for a reason.</li>
</ol>
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Coming up with 10 things seemed a bit daunting, but it is amazing to find that once you start practicing gratitude, it flows more and more freely.</div>
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What are you thankful for in your life, and in today specifically?</div>
Jenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12809397616829044745noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6164869941113007448.post-75553921283071226392013-08-14T09:55:00.002-04:002013-08-14T09:59:20.793-04:00Practicing gratitude<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://personalexcellence.co/quotes/files/inspirational-quote-gratitude.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="265" src="http://personalexcellence.co/quotes/files/inspirational-quote-gratitude.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">via <a href="http://personalexcellence.co/quotes/?s=gratitude" target="_blank">Personal Excellence</a></td></tr>
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For the rest of the month, I will be focusing this space on gratitude. I am dealing with some emotional situations right now, and I am struggling to find the positive and the happy in my daily life. I truly believe that being grateful, even in the darkness, transforms us -- our lives, our perspective, our situations, our emotions. Therefore, I am determined, over the next two weeks, to focus on the good and be thankful for that.<br />
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By being grateful for challenges, I can view them as opportunities to learn a lesson or become a stronger person. I don't believe God is testing us when we go through tough times, I believe God is shaping us into the best versions of ourselves.<br />
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I'm not sure how many are out there reading this little blog of mine anymore, but, if you are reading, I invite you to join me. I'll post the gratitude tasks here every day and reflect on my journey. If you are touched, share your own story in the comments or on your own blog (and send me the link!).<br />
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Let's make gratitude a permanent state of being.Jenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12809397616829044745noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6164869941113007448.post-89367420111556315732013-06-05T20:47:00.000-04:002013-08-14T09:59:20.811-04:00I am a runner again!Just in time for National Running Day, I finally feel like a runner again. I ran the longest run of the year today: 3.1 miles in 35:05 (using a three-minute running, one-minute walking interval). It may not have been fast, and it may not have been too pretty, but I fought tiredness, laziness and doubt, and I went out there and did it -- the second run in two days.<br />
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They say you never regret a run you did, and today, I agreed with them. I would have regretted not going out for a run on this running holiday, but I sure did not regret getting out there on the pavement.<br />
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I should mention I had more than just a holiday to motivate me; I'm running the Boston Athletic Association 10K on the 23rd, just two and a half weeks away! Yes, and I am just now getting up to a three-mile run. I've given up on a PR, and my goal is just to finish strong and enjoy the race. I plan to do two four-mile runs next week and two five-mile runs the week after, of course with one or two easy one or two-mile runs each week in between.<br />
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At least I'm starting to feel strong again. I'm glad to be back to running.<br />
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Did you have a good National Running Day? Did you run? How do you handle coming back after a long time off from running or working out?Jenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12809397616829044745noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6164869941113007448.post-6449206265577890172013-06-04T13:38:00.002-04:002013-08-14T09:59:20.781-04:00Trust, and you won't be disappointed<br />
So, every day I receive an email in my inbox from "The Universe"; you can substitute whatever you like for "Universe" -- God if you believe in Him, universe if you're more abstract, or even sixth sense if you don't believe in a higher power. I waver between Universe and God, but to me, they both mean the same thing: there is something much larger than me out there, something that cares for me and guides my journey through this crazy life.<br />
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Anyway, today's message was:<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i>The more you trust folks, Jennifer, the less they let you down.</i></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i>Which is not incidentally why I trust you.</i></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i>Always,</i></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i>The Universe</i></div>
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(Yes, your name is usually inserted into each message, which only makes it feel more real and true.)<br />
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I used to be really good at trusting... until I got burned one time too many. That combined with my need to be in control made me retract my trust in many situations. This message spoke to me today. It reminds me that I need to let go and trust people. I can't assume they are going to disappoint me. In doing that, I also need to let go of my crazy expectations.<br />
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This online world of ours is pretty crazy in that way. We let our barrier down; we trust people we have never actually met, and probably never will. Yet, we're oddly comfortable with that. I think it's good practice for real life -- finding that balance between trusting and protecting.<br />
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In that vein, I'd like to give a shout-out today to a girl who has earned my trust and become a true blogger friend to me. I have missed a couple of opportunities to meet her in person, but I believe, in the right time and place, we will get around to meeting. Christin, a.k.a. <a href="http://www.thesouthernwife.com/" target="_blank">The Southern Wife</a>, is a fellow runner, Christian, dreamer, traveler, PR wonder-woman and wine aficionado. (Wow, never really thought about how much we do have in common!) I read her blog daily, and although I don't comment nearly as much as I should, I keep her in my thoughts. I truly do hope we get to share a glass or two of wine someday while chatting about our lives.<br />
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Who has pulled down your barriers and taught you to trust?Jenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12809397616829044745noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6164869941113007448.post-74572385422412076472013-04-17T18:11:00.001-04:002013-08-14T09:59:20.790-04:00Today I ran.<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://sphotos-b.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-prn1/11864_530731690301319_1335020885_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://sphotos-b.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-prn1/11864_530731690301319_1335020885_n.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>
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Today I ran. I ran because it's what I know how to do. I ran because it's how I manage my thoughts. I ran because it's how I cope with my feelings. I ran because I miss it. I ran because it feels good. I ran because it hurts. I ran because I can.<br />
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Because I have two legs that can run, and that's what they know how to do.<br />
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This was my first run in over a month and only my third run in the last four months. I am three days late for the B.A.A. 5k and a day late for all of the memorial runs, but it was the first day I felt ready to run. It wasn't easy, and it hurt just a little bit, but every step reminded me of how grateful I am. And with every step, I thought of how terrifying running was Monday afternoon.<br />
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I ran wearing my B.A.A. shirt, and when the chaos clears from Copley Square, I will run the B.A.A. 5k course. Originally, I was running it for me, so I could say I did it, so I could complete the Distance Medley this year. Now, I will run it as my memorial run, and I will finish where it ended for three young people who didn't deserve the fate handed to them.<br />
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Today I ran. Because this is the only way I know how to cope.Jenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12809397616829044745noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6164869941113007448.post-75542324739602266422013-04-16T10:20:00.001-04:002013-08-14T09:59:20.792-04:00April 15, 2013<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixq2b5PTnFqr4tqo4gcKpCXnpvu9VwqajSsvX2V2neMGUZpNrO-mqFsmJdKK6-rckrylvpJ89AqIUBux0xW3RMJ0sNCp0hJirRACsFyL_v4zMshmjmwvXYH25W9BgfSdkjIVJzTWil2ZA/s1600/BAA+ribbon.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixq2b5PTnFqr4tqo4gcKpCXnpvu9VwqajSsvX2V2neMGUZpNrO-mqFsmJdKK6-rckrylvpJ89AqIUBux0xW3RMJ0sNCp0hJirRACsFyL_v4zMshmjmwvXYH25W9BgfSdkjIVJzTWil2ZA/s320/BAA+ribbon.jpg" width="267" /></a></div>
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I'm still in shock and speechless, but I feel like I need to say something. I somehow need to get it out and make sense of what happened.<br />
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Simply put, my heart is broken. I'm sad. I'm scared. I'm disappointed. I'm offended. I didn't grow up in Boston; I spent my childhood 45 minutes away with occasional day trips to the city. But, I lived there for four years during college, and in this vast, crazy, sometimes senseless world, Boston is my home. It's the city my soul identifies with.<br />
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I wanted so badly to be at the marathon yesterday. I knew people running, and I was really excited about the race. I watched the elite runners via live stream at work. After I heard the news, I was immediately worried for everyone I knew that I was in the area, but then all I wanted was to be in my city. I still want to be in my city. I want to walk the streets I know and love and put my arms around them.<br />
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I devoured the news coverage yesterday afternoon, but after a couple of hours, I just couldn't listen, watch or read anymore. That numbing feeling I usually get when absorbing the coverage of tragedy never hit me. Each word was a fresh wound. Of course I want to know what happened, but no one knows right now, and I can't stand to see my city in pain.<br />
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This feels like 9/11 all over again, except more real. I'll never forget where I was. I'll never forget the helplessness. I'll never forget what it felt like.<br />
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A bloodied battlefield on the street I walked every day? It is unimaginable. Yesterday was Patriots Day -- a day commemorating the start of the Revolutionary War, over 200 years ago when those streets were battlefields. The significance is not lost. Boston was a strong city then, and it remains a strong city to this day. We have always held each other up and stood united, and we will continue to do so.<br />
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I can't end this post without acknowledging the marathon. I consider myself part of the B.A.A. family since I have run several of their races, and I am so upset that my family was hurt by this senseless act of violence. I am praying and hurting for the victims and their families, but my heart is also with all the runners whose incredible accomplishment, hard work and feat of strength has been completely overshadowed by this horrible event. I know no one cares about whether or not they finished the race, what their time was, or getting that medal, but I want them to know that they are in my thoughts and their strength has not been forgotten. I know many did everything they could to help immediately after what happened, and they made us proud.<br />
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Since running the B.A.A. half marathon in October, I have been thinking of tackling the marathon distance, but it scared me. Well, nothing scares me as much as what happened yesterday. I want to run Boston. And, now, after this, I want to run Boston in 2014. I'm not going to qualify, but I'd love to get a charity bib. Even if I can't, I'll run bandit. Every mile will be in memory of yesterday and all those affected.<br />
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I can't think of a better reason to run Boston.Jenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12809397616829044745noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6164869941113007448.post-67534780413031750252013-03-19T10:16:00.002-04:002013-08-14T09:59:20.782-04:00#scintilla13: More than a mentorI have been so fortunate to have several mentors through my life, both professionally and personally. Today, however, I would like to focus on someone who has been both a personal and professional mentor, who has guided me and supported me over the last eight years, who I couldn't do without: O.<br />
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I actually inherited O, so to speak, from a friend and coworker who got me a job in O's department and introduced us. He immediately took me under his wing to help guide my career. Whenever we spoke, he asked how I was doing and what I was working on, and then he would offer me some advice or wisdom on how to be better.<br />
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As our relationship grew, we started meeting outside of work, and I realized that he was more than my professional mentor, he was becoming my friend. We started talking about life outside of work: family, relationships, dreams, feelings, hobbies, philosophy, perspective, internal struggle; and he offered his guidance in those areas as well.<br />
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Something that always struck me about O was how much he believed in me and how he had built this -- what I thought fictional -- future version of me in his mind. I knew he had a good read on me and knew me in the present, but he never focused on that. He always focused on who I was becoming. That was the theme of every single conversation. And he pushed me toward that, even though I fought him on it and I didn't think that was who I was destined to be.<br />
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I bet you can see where this is going. He was so right -- I hate admitting that, don't you? I have achieved everything he said I would. I have ended up exactly where he thought I would. He has always had my best interest at heart, and I trust that without hesitation. He is still focusing on who I am becoming, though I know he is so proud of who I am, and that makes me proud.<br />
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So, here is to O. I couldn't have done this without him, and I am so grateful for everything he has given me. There is so much love in this circle.<br />
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<i style="background-color: white; color: #003366; font-family: Georgia, Times, serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 20.796875px;"><span style="color: #999999;">This post is part of the <a href="http://www.scintillaproject.com/about/" style="color: #999999; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank">Scintilla Project</a>. Today's prompt is: Write about someone who was a mentor for you.</span></i>Jenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12809397616829044745noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6164869941113007448.post-14005097314251737952013-03-18T11:30:00.001-04:002013-08-14T09:59:20.712-04:00#scintilla13: Forever changed<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_BqHMlknyvSE/TMrpNV_KWyI/AAAAAAAAAIg/rNnIFQjU4qk/s1600/59.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="193" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_BqHMlknyvSE/TMrpNV_KWyI/AAAAAAAAAIg/rNnIFQjU4qk/s200/59.jpg" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">- Adlai E. Stevenson II</td></tr>
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I first heard, or saw can't really remember, the above quote in high school. I thought it was nice, but a little cheesy back then. However, it stuck around, and I quickly grew to believe it. I find it incredibly true, especially in my own life. And, as painful as it can be at times, I try to stay open to the way people touch and change me. To me, this is the human experience; to me, this is how we truly live and love.</div>
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A chance meeting? Oh, I have had so many. I have a quarter of a lifetime of people coming into my life and staying with me -- physically or emotionally or both. </div>
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Today, I am going to tell you about the one that is currently in my heart and mind, the one I cannot let go of. Almost seven years ago, I was in an interesting place in my life. I was finally falling in love with myself. I had let go of my ex-boyfriend, a process that took years, and I was living life on my own terms. I was happy and content for the first time in a long time. </div>
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This coincided with my best friend's wedding, which was good because I was in a great place to be happy for her and support her. I planned her bachelorette party with enthusiasm, determined to give her the perfect night out with all of her girls.</div>
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We ended up in Newport, R.I., at a bar with live music -- the bride's favorite form of entertainment. As soon as we heard these guys play, we knew we had found our spot for the night and we were in for a good time. They were playing all of our favorite covers, and they were entertaining as anything. They treated us well, pulling the bride up on stage and giving her multiple shout-outs. I was thrilled.</div>
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During the band's break, I went up to one of the guys and told him I thought the band was great, and I thanked him for providing us with a fun night. We chatted for a bit -- the usual questions when you first meet someone. He bought me a drink, and he gave me his business card. He told me to give him a call.</div>
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Well, I knew better than to think anything of this encounter -- just another dude in a band. I filed away his card, and I started following the band's website, checking out a few more shows when they were in the area. Months went by, and I was at one of their shows talking to said guy again. He asked me why I never called him. Um... What? Apparently this was not just another dude in a band. Apparently this dude was looking for more.</div>
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I know what you're thinking, and it wasn't quite that. To make a long story short, I fell in love with the band and the members of the band. I followed them, stayed in touch, built personal relationships... especially with above-mentioned guy. </div>
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It's a little tough for me to put into words what he has done for me at various points over the last six-plus years. He has inspired me, pushed me and encouraged me toward my goals and dreams. He has given me a safe space to be me and shine. He has listened to me and shared with me. He has made me laugh, and rarely, he has made me cry. He has lifted me up when I was down, and he has made me smile with just a thought. He has opened my mind and my heart, and through that, I believe I have become a better version of myself. I miss him when he's gone, and I feel complete joy when he's around.</div>
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I pushed him out of my life once, when I thought that was what was best for me. True, that time was crucial to my development, but I know that I am better when he's here. I can't define him or our relationship, but I know I will never been the same because of it. He keeps me in that space of being happy and content, of living on my own terms. He gives me that strength and courage. He stays with me, even when he's not here.</div>
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<i><span style="color: #999999;">This post is part of the <a href="http://www.scintillaproject.com/about/" target="_blank">Scintilla Project</a>. Today's prompt is: Write about a chance meeting that has stayed with you ever since.</span></i></div>
Jenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12809397616829044745noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6164869941113007448.post-19383059800876396222013-03-14T09:54:00.000-04:002013-08-14T09:59:20.727-04:00#scintilla13: 7/1/13 - The day Reader diedThis is not something incredible interesting that happened to me, as The Scintilla Project specifies for today's post, but it has me so overwhelmed that I had to share it. Plus, I'm sure it affects many of you as well.<br />
<br />
So, here we go, an instruction manual on the day I found out that Google Reader will die.<br />
<ol>
<li>Log into Google Reader to browse today's blog updates.</li>
<li>A window pops up informing you that Google Reader will be retired on July 1, 2013.</li>
<li>You can navigate to Google Takeout (has anyone else ever heard of this before? I hadn't), where you can download an archive of every RSS feed you subscribe to and your entire Google Reader life.</li>
<li>As of July, you are SOL and in search of a new RSS reader.</li>
</ol>
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Ahhhh! Does anyone else have a good RSS reader suggestion??? I'm desperate!</div>
Jenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12809397616829044745noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6164869941113007448.post-52467359958610288872013-03-13T10:28:00.001-04:002013-08-14T09:59:20.760-04:00#scintilla13: My first jobI don't think I have ever talked about where my career started on this blog, and the older and more experienced I get, the more I realize how valuable those first few working years were.<br />
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Like a huge majority of young girls, my first paying gig was babysitting. I took the whole Red Cross babysitting safety course, and I had quite the operation going with great word-of-mouth references. I volunteered at my dance studio as a teacher's assistant, so the moms began asking me to watch their kids outside of dance class for money, which was great. My neighbors started telling their friends, who started calling me and asking if I was available. It was a racket, I tell you.<br />
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Once I turned 16, though, my parents were eager for me to get an "official" job. You know, the kind where you have to report your income to the government and they send you a W-2. I refused to work in the food service industry, so I did what any teenager would do: I hit the mall.<br />
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I showed up for my interview at Baby GAP (back then, it was a separate store from GAP) in my high school uniform, and I professed my (fake) love for the brand. And I got the job.<br />
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Back then, GAP was all khakis and black or white t-shirts or button-downs. How times have changed! I remember the three managers at the store when I started so fondly. They really took the time to teach me so much. In fact, most of the managers I worked with in my six years there were just incredible. We had great times and awful times, but we usually had fun.<br />
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I made life-long friends at that job, people I still count on today even though I no longer call them coworkers. We are the #8938 crew (that was our store number, which is now defunct since the baby store closed and consolidated with the other GAP stores in the mall). I trained many of them, including my mother who still works there today!<br />
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I had such a love-hate relationship with retail and GAP, but they were really good to me through my formative years. When I went to college in Boston, I transferred to two different stores in the city, guaranteeing me a job when I need that part-time money. My home store always took me back during school breaks and summer holidays -- they made transferring back and forth a breeze and always accommodated me. Once I graduated, they loved me so much, they gave me a full-time, non-manager position, which is extremely rare in the retail world. I was the store expert, having worked there longer than any of the managers, and I pretty much got to do whatever I wanted.<br />
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I spent most of my time on visual and merchandising projects, rearranging the store, working in new seasonal lines, setting the store windows, and styling baby and toddler mannequins. I learned responsibility, accountability, customer service and communication. I learned how to work with and train others, even some difficult personalities. Oh, and I was usually well-dressed with a 50% discount! They gave me a Tiffany bracelet for my five-year anniversary with the company.<br />
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I left GAP in 2004 to work at Victoria's Secret before leaving retail for good a year later. As much as I hated being on my feet all day and retail politics and difficult customers, I miss those "good old days" at GAP. They were some of the best days of my life, and I could always "escape" to work when life got overwhelming. I credit my time there for making me the hard worker and problem-solver I am today. I don't think I'd be where I am without those first six years.<br />
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Your turn! What was your first job? What did it teach you? Have you ever worked in retail?Jenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12809397616829044745noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6164869941113007448.post-91950885193623109832013-03-07T14:12:00.001-05:002013-08-14T09:59:20.815-04:00A little thought for the daySometimes, someone makes you smile... and suddenly your whole world gets brighter.<br />
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I've been thinking this all week, and it's stayed with me -- which is a great thing. So, I wanted to share it.Jenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12809397616829044745noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6164869941113007448.post-56179418168754110302013-01-30T14:14:00.000-05:002013-08-14T09:59:20.769-04:00Eeeeee... time to start running!This just happened:<br />
<table bgcolor="#000099" border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" style="color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; width: 80%px;"><tbody>
<tr><td colspan="3" style="margin: 0px;"><img height="2" src="http://registration.baa.org/cfm/BlastImages/Transparent.gif" /></td></tr>
<tr><td style="margin: 0px;" width="2"><img src="http://registration.baa.org/cfm/BlastImages/Transparent.gif" width="2" /></td><td style="margin: 0px;"><table bgcolor="#FFFFFF" border="0" cellpadding="5" cellspacing="0" style="width: 100%px;"><tbody>
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<tr valign="bottom"><td style="margin: 0px;"><a href="http://www.baa.org/races/distance-medley.aspx" style="color: #1155cc;" target="_blank" title="B.A.A. Distance Medley"><img alt="B.A.A. Distance Medley" border="0" height="80" src="http://registration.baa.org/Images/DistanceMedley/DistanceMedleyHeader_2013.jpg" title="B.A.A. Distance Medley" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="margin: 0px;"><strong>Thank you for registering for the 2013 B.A.A. Distance </strong><br />
<strong>Medley.</strong><br />
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<strong>Your Entry is CONFIRMED.</strong></td></tr>
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I am both excited and scared. I haven't run in five weeks, but I wanted to complete the Distance Medley so badly last year and couldn't because of injury. I ran the 10K and half marathon last year and loved both races -- despite the pain involved. This year's courses are the same, so I am looking to PR both the 10K and half, as well as PR my 5K distance.<br />
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I love running in Boston, and these races will keep me on track this running season. They will probably be the only races I run other than the Harpoon 5-Miler... and maybe some random 5K's my friends talk me into.<br />
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Oh, and I'm super thrilled to be able to run across this historic finish line at the end of the 5K:<br />
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Wish me luck getting back into the running groove and outrunning this awful, chronic sinus/cough disaster I have going on!Jenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12809397616829044745noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6164869941113007448.post-33758424818136499762013-01-26T19:11:00.000-05:002013-08-14T09:59:20.737-04:00(Not so) Healthy LivingI found this survey on <a href="http://carrotsncake.com/2013/01/healthy-living-survey.html" target="_blank">Carrots 'n' Cake</a>, and I thought it would be interesting to answer the questions for myself. Feel free to answer one or more in the comments, or on your own blog!<br />
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<ol>
<li><b>What did you eat for breakfast?</b> A cup of coffee with a teaspoon of sugar and two teaspoons of organic egg nog, two sunny-side-up eggs on oatmeal toast with melted provolone cheese, garlic salt, pepper, Italian herbs and a drizzle of extra-virgin olive oil.</li>
<li><b>How much water do you drink a day?</b> I try to drink at least 60 ounces, but I have been battling a sinus/cough thing, so all I crave is hot liquids. I've been drinking at least five mugs of steaming tea or Emergen-C lately. Plus my daily cup of coffee.</li>
<li><b>What is your current favorite workout?</b> Skiing! Due to the above chronic sinus/cough thing, I haven't been able to run, and I have been avoiding the gym because I often sound like I'm dying and don't want to scare people.</li>
<li><b>How many calories do you eat a day?</b> I don't count anymore, but based off when I did, I'm going to estimate between 1200 and 1500 a day. I eat more on days I'm active -- versus days when I just go to the office and then home for the night.</li>
<li><b>What are your favorite healthy snacks?</b> I really try to bring healthy snacks to work and have them around the house for when I'm home. My favorites lately have been almonds, dried fruit and nut trail mix, grapefruit, guacamole and carrots (with not-so-healthy ranch dip).</li>
<li><b>What do you usually eat for lunch?</b> Peanut-butter-and-jelly sandwiches or turkey and cheese sandwiches, always on oatmeal or wheat bread/rolls, usually with chips (yeah, not so healthy). I also try to have a fruit or vegetable with my lunch -- like the above grapefruit or carrots. There's a Subway near my office, so I go there sometimes and load my sandwich with veggies.</li>
<li><b>What is your favorite body part to strength train?</b> My glutes! Haha, I know having strong glutes will help both my running and skiing, so I'm all about a healthy backside.</li>
<li><b>What is your least favorite body part to strength train?</b> My chest and shoulders. So painful!</li>
<li><b>What are your "bad" food cravings?</b> What's not??? I ate about eight Oreos after lunch the other day. Also love birthdays at work for the cake. I get salt cravings frequently, so I nosh on potato chips. Oh and donuts; I can't resist donuts.</li>
<li><b>Do you take vitamins or supplements?</b> Not really. Other than the Emergen-C mentioned above. I have been popping my mom's vitamin D pills whenever I see her, but I haven't bought any for myself yet.</li>
<li><b>How often do you eat out?</b> It depends on my plans. Lately it's been a lot keeping up with friends, but some weeks I don't eat out at all.</li>
<li><b>Do you eat fast food?</b> Sure. I don't really believe in restricting myself, so I'll have a Five Guys' burger if we're heading there. But I try to choose the healthiest options most of the time. I can't remember the last time I had MacDonald's.</li>
<li><b>Who is your biggest supporter?</b> Myself. I hold myself accountable to my workouts and healthy eating habits. I keep tabs on myself. I cheer myself on when I do well and meet my goals. Unfortunately I don't really have anyone else in my life who'll stay on top of me like that.</li>
<li><b>Do you have a gym membership?</b> Yup, though I haven't been in three weeks or so. I use it mostly to run on the treadmill in bad weather and to strength train. I used to attend classes, but I haven't done that in over six months.</li>
<li><b>How many hours of sleep do you get a night?</b> I always shoot for eight, but sometimes my social life gets in the way... and sometimes (like last night), I sleep 10 to catch up.</li>
<li><b>Do you have a "cheat" day?</b> Not so much a specific day, but I allow myself indulgences.</li>
<li><b>Do you drink alcohol?</b> Of course. I have given it up for a period of time at several points, but now I mostly drink in moderation when out with friends or spending time with family. The only time I drink alone is the very rare glass of wine when I'm cooking myself a nice dinner -- that usually involves cooking with said wine.</li>
<li><b>Do you have a workout buddy?</b> Not really. I tend to workout solo, although I have friends who run races with me and come skiing with me.</li>
<li><b>What is the best thing that has changed about your life since committing to a healthy lifestyle?</b> My confidence and self-image. I can look in a mirror and really like and admire what I see now. I feel (mostly) strong. I am proud of what my body can do and how far it can go, and I have the confidence to push it further. For the first time ever, I view myself as an athlete, and I treat myself accordingly.</li>
<li><b>What was the last healthy thing you did?</b> Boil water to raise the humidity in my extremely dry house. My skin, eyes and sinuses are suffering!</li>
</ol>
Jenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12809397616829044745noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6164869941113007448.post-51806623496276944992012-12-27T07:18:00.000-05:002013-08-14T09:59:20.758-04:00#2013Countdown: What were your lowest points this year? Why?This prompt is a doosie. I find myself retracting from it because sharing my low points becomes instantly and intimately personal. But, in the vein of developing this blog and my writing, I'm going to participate.<br />
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Easily, the lowest point of 2012 for me was being laid off from my job. I had been with the company over seven years, and I had been in my current position for just over two years. I adored the 'family' I had built there, and I had become so comfortable. I had also worked my way up and built something of my dream working scenario: I had a great, trust relationship with my boss; I was working on projects that excited me and used my skills; I had total flexibility in my schedule and working location (I worked from my couch most days); and I had great benefits, including a whopping seven weeks of vacation time.<br />
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I can't say the news was a shock, but it was surprising nonetheless. I thought maybe my position was valuable enough to save me, but no one was safe. That said, the shock of the whole situation was how I handled it. I have never been the most positive person, and I never handled change well AT ALL. Yet, I rolled with this, and, c'mon, this is a huge life change. I accepted it, however. I never placed blame, if anything, I was grateful. It didn't take a lot of effort on my part to see the positive and commit to moving on and growing.<br />
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BUT... That's not to say it was easy. Almost three months went by before I started really struggling with negative feelings. I still didn't blame myself or my employer for my situation. I wasn't angry or bitter. I still knew that this would ultimately be a good thing, but I found myself having a hard time seeing the forest while mired in the trees. I did get depressed. Once the weather turned, and I could no longer easily run outside or head to the beach, I withdrew. I stopped seeing a lot of my friends -- I was afraid of spending money on going out. I lost all structure in my days; I stayed up late and night and slept in far later than I had in years. I blankly stared at daytime television. Sure, I was still looking for jobs everyday and sending out resumes, but several rejections had me questioning if I was really cut out for what I was doing. I questioned my professional value. I considered giving up. I became stressed to an unhealthy level about money and my future, and this impacted my relationships. It was definitely a deep low.<br />
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At the same time, I was having an increasingly hard time in my romantic relationship, and nothing I did seemed to help. This only contributed to my stress and questioning of worth. I admit I lost sight of who I was at the lowest of the low.<br />
<br />
It was hard to 'keep the faith' as they say, and I considered giving up. I saw myself going back to a retail job and living a miserable, lonely existence. (Yes, I have an over-active imagination, for better or for worse.) Thankfully, none of this happened, and things turned around at the perfect time.<br />
<br />
Those four months of unemployment were the best and worst time of my 2012. It was never an even keel, and it was definitely a growing experience. I wouldn't trade it for the world.<br />
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It's hard to talk about the low times; no one likes to hear about the sadness and the pain. Let's talk about it though: What were your lowest points of 2012 and why? I'll even add my own question: How did you overcome? What did you learn?Jenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12809397616829044745noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6164869941113007448.post-32228660245112393522012-12-26T18:02:00.000-05:002013-08-14T09:59:20.735-04:00#2013Countdown: What are 12 things you love about year 2012?I am a bit off-track with my #2013Countdown posts, but I do hope to catch up over the next week to squeeze them all in by the new year.<br />
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Again, I'm going to stick with bullets to make this easy and concise. I have to admit I am intimidated about trying to come up with 12 things I loved about this year.<br />
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Here goes nothing; 12 things I love(d) about 2012:<br />
<br />
<ol>
<li>Devoting my summer to running. The heat never bothered me; I loved getting out there and pushing myself.</li>
<li>Skiing a New England high eight days last winter, despite the fact that snowfall was so low and conditions were far less than ideal. I braved the ice and spotty coverage, and I think I became a better skier for it.</li>
<li>Putting insecurities aside and hitting the club in Boston. These nights are some of my fondest memories. I especially loved getting dressed up and rocking high heels and short skirts.</li>
<li>Reconnecting with my favorite cover band. They have become some of my closest friends, and I love going to shows and hanging out. I reconnected with the dancer and live music lover in me.</li>
<li>Providence Restaurant Week. I attended both sessions this year and discovered some delightful new restaurants.</li>
<li>Finishing my first half marathon with a very respectable time. </li>
<li>Beach and boat days. We had such a hot summer, and I took advantage spending as much time in the summer sun as I could. </li>
<li>Following on #7, the best tan I've probably ever had. Between running, boating, spending afternoons at the beach, laying on the beach after losing my job and cruising the Caribbean, I owned a glowing tan.</li>
<li>Celebrating my birthday my way. It was a great week. Yes, a full week.</li>
<li>Eastern/Southern Caribbean cruise. Any year I cruise, this is one of my favorite things about the year. I love being on the ocean and in warm, tropical places. I needed and loved this trip.</li>
<li>Running the annual sales meeting at my former company. The prep, the challenges, the planning, the relationships developed, the execution... I lived for every moment and loved it.</li>
<li>Disney World with my mom. It was so hot and so exhausting, but we had a great time, and I loved having dedicated mother-daughter time away from home. </li>
</ol>
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What did you love about your 2012?</div>
Jenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12809397616829044745noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6164869941113007448.post-54092696966135035612012-12-19T17:30:00.000-05:002013-08-14T09:59:20.762-04:00#2013Countdown: How has 2012 been?I decided to participate in a little end-of-the-year reflection journaling exercise in the hopes of revitalizing this space -- which I'm undecided about what I want to do with.<br />
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For now, I'll just jump right into it. How was my 2012? Well, the first and most powerful word that comes to mind to describe my year: <b style="font-size: x-large;">growth</b>. This has been a year of growing and discovery for me. I've been thrown in the deep end more times than I can count, and I've been forced to sink or swim. Thankfully, I seem to be pretty good at swimming in water over my head -- to continue the analogy.<br />
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I don't want to dig too deep or make this post too long, so let's just bullet some highlights, shall we?<br />
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<ul>
<li>I skied on my first black diamond trails at the beginning of this year, conquering my fear and just going for it. It was exhilarating! </li>
<li>I launched my first solo marketing campaigns at work, and they went well. I loved being able to flex my creative muscles a little bit.</li>
<li>Also at work, I planned my first customer event and managed our annual sales conference (with help from some gracious colleagues, of course). It was super stressful but super fun and rewarding. I went to Disney World! :)</li>
<li>I reignited some lost friendships that have proven invaluable to me this year. They have loved me, supported me, reminded me of how passionate I am, taught me and lifted me up. I'm forever grateful.</li>
<li>I was laid off. This was probably the biggest growth experience of the year for me. I had to rebuild my identity, figuring out who I am without my job. I had to create my own structure and keep myself positive. I had to figure out how I was going to survive (physically and emotionally), and I had to plot out my next steps in my career. It wasn't easy, but it was a priceless experience, and I totally view it in a positive light. I learned so much.</li>
<li>I re-evaluated all of my relationships. Losing yourself in unemployment will do this. I learned who my real friends are. I learned who is an uplifting presence in my life and who brings me down. This is so important to do often.</li>
<li>I ran my first half marathon! Ok, this is a contender for the biggest growth experience of the year. Keeping the positive spin, I was laid off the second week of my training plan, which gave me ample time to devote to training for this beast (and it was a beast). Running kept me sane when I wasn't working full-time. This was easily one of the biggest accomplishments of my life. I can't wait to do it again!</li>
<li>I fell in love with myself. Yes, that sounds weird. Sure, it may seem narcissistic. Listen: it is crucial to your happiness. I learned this the hard way. The really hard way. The long, time-consuming (wasting), hard way. I happen to think I'm pretty swell. I know, trust, believe that I am exactly where I am supposed to be and who I am supposed to be at this precise moment in time. I have a pretty firm grasp on who I am, and I know what I need to do. I am proud of that. So, yes, in re-evaluating my relationships, I learned that the most important one is with myself. Call me selfish, I do not care.</li>
<li>I got my heart broken. I'm not going to go into details as to how, who or what. That's not important to you. What's important is this is an opportunity to grow. Remember that.</li>
<li>I started a new job! After four months of being unemployed, I am back in the workforce, and I couldn't be happier. Being thrust into a new professional setting always encourages growth, and I can't wait to see what this new opportunity brings. I am truly excited, and I think I am going to love what I do now.</li>
</ul>
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Ok, that's it for me. Now it's your turn: How was your 2012? What did you learn this year?</div>
Jenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12809397616829044745noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6164869941113007448.post-82348185298869547452012-09-24T15:08:00.000-04:002013-08-14T09:59:20.806-04:0010 questions<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, serif; line-height: 20px;"><span style="font-family: 'Droid Sans', tahoma;">I saw this on <a href="http://lisasyarns.blogspot.com/2012/09/ten-quirky-questions.html">Lisa's Yarns</a>, and I thought I should post something, and this seemed liked fun. I always love reading these, so enjoy!</span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 20px;"><span style="font-family: 'Droid Sans', tahoma; font-size: 20px;"><br /></span></span>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 20px;"><span style="font-family: 'Droid Sans', tahoma; font-size: 20px;">Do you take the shampoos and conditioner bottles from hotel?</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 20px;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 20px;">If they are quality products, you bet I do!</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 20px;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 20px;"><span style="font-family: 'Droid Sans', tahoma;"><br /></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 20px;"><span style="font-family: 'Droid Sans', tahoma; font-size: 20px;">What is your biggest pet peeve?</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 20px;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 20px;">Inconsiderate people</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 20px;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 20px;"><span style="font-family: 'Droid Sans', tahoma;"><br /></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 20px;"><span style="font-family: 'Droid Sans', tahoma; font-size: 20px;">Do you chew your pens and pencils?</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 20px;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 20px;">Ew, no. Never.</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 20px;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 20px;"><span style="font-family: 'Droid Sans', tahoma;"><br /></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 20px;"><span style="font-family: 'Droid Sans', tahoma; font-size: 20px;">Do you believe in ghosts?</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 20px;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 20px;">The jury is out on that one.</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 20px;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 20px;"><span style="font-family: 'Droid Sans', tahoma;"><br /></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 20px;"><span style="font-family: 'Droid Sans', tahoma; font-size: 20px;">What was your first concert?</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 20px;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 20px;">The KISS 108 concert... that is a local Top 40 radio station that does a "festival" type concert at the beginning of every summer.</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 20px;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 20px;"><span style="font-family: 'Droid Sans', tahoma;"><br /></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 20px;"><span style="font-family: 'Droid Sans', tahoma; font-size: 20px;">Have you ever cried because you were so happy?</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 20px;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 13px; line-height: 20px;">I don't think so... </span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 20px;"><br /></span>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 20px;"><span style="font-family: 'Droid Sans', tahoma; font-size: 20px;">Do you crave sweet or salty food?</span><br />Both, at different times.<br /><span style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: xx-small;"><span style="line-height: 20px;"><b><br /></b></span></span><span style="font-family: 'Droid Sans', tahoma; font-size: 20px;">How late is "sleeping in" to you?</span><br />11am or noon... That is really late. I hate doing that. It means a rough, late night happened.<br /><span style="font-family: 'Droid Sans', tahoma;"><br /></span><span style="line-height: 20px;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">What is a food that you never thought you would try, but then </span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; line-height: 20px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">tried and liked? </span></span><br />Raw oysters. OMG, I love those things, but trying them was intimidating for sure!<br /></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: 'Droid Sans', tahoma; font-size: 20px;">DJ or band at a wedding?</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Droid Sans', tahoma;">Band all the way. I know too many wedding musicians to vote for a DJ.</span></div>
Jenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12809397616829044745noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6164869941113007448.post-6162374119892573382012-08-01T17:50:00.000-04:002013-08-14T09:59:20.777-04:00Review of Hawaiian Tropic Silk Hydration Lotion Sunscreen<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: grey; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, Geneva, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 19px;"></span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">I know it has been a while since I have written a post, and it sucks that my first one back is a product review, but I am so truly excited about this product that I want to share it with you.</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">If you haven't already heard of Influenster, you are missing out. Go to their website and sign up immediately. As a member, you are eligible to receive complimentary VoxBoxes to test out products and review them, based on your profile and activity online. I was skeptical, but I figured it couldn't hurt to set up a profile, and I've already received two boxes! I've discovered some great products that I'll continue to use.</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">In my most recent box - the Summer Beauty VoxBox - I received a sample of </span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Hawaiian Tropic Silk Hydration™ Lotion Sunscreen in SPF 30 (it's also available in SPF 12 and 50). I was really excited to see a Hawaiian Tropic product in there - and one I had never heard of at that - because I am in love with their scent. </span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">This product truly delivered though, and it is absolutely both a lotion and a sunscreen. The product description is as follows: </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #330000; line-height: 19px;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: grey; font-style: normal; line-height: 18px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">With its ultra-luxurious hydrating silk ribbons, Hawaiian Tropic Silk Hydration™ lotion sunscreen nourishes and pampers skin while providing broad spectrum UVA and UVB protection, and 12-hour moisturization when out in the sun.</span></span></i></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #330000; line-height: 19px;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: grey; font-style: normal; line-height: 18px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br /></span></span></i></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #330000; line-height: 19px;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: grey; font-style: normal; line-height: 18px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">I'll take the lotion aspect first. I was skeptical that this would truly help my dry, itchy summer skin, but it does. My skin is soft and smooth and smells amazing. I especially love that the lotion is lightweight and absorbs quickly, so my skin doesn't feel sticky or sweaty in the heat.</span></span></i></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #330000; line-height: 19px;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: grey; font-style: normal; line-height: 18px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br /></span></span></i></span></div>
<div style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: transparent; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; color: grey; line-height: 18px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; outline-color: initial; outline-style: initial; outline-width: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #330000; line-height: 19px;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: grey; font-style: normal; line-height: 18px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">As a sunscreen, this lotion does its job. I have not burned using this lotion, and it is water-resistant. I am really picky about sunscreen because I hate when it sits on my skin or feels sticky or heavy. I'm also not a huge fan of most sunscreen scents. However, with the Hawaiian Tropic signature scent and the lotion's lightweight formula, I am completely willing to use this at the beach, on the boat, on a run or daily to protect my skin.</span></span></i></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #330000; line-height: 19px;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: grey; font-style: normal; line-height: 18px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br /></span></span></i></span></div>
<div style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: transparent; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; color: grey; line-height: 18px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; outline-color: initial; outline-style: initial; outline-width: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #330000; line-height: 19px;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: grey; font-style: normal; line-height: 18px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Have you used this product? What do you think? If not, what's your favorite sunscreen and summer moisturizer? </span></span></i></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #330000; line-height: 19px;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: grey; font-style: normal; line-height: 18px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br /></span></span></i></span></div>
<div style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: transparent; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; color: grey; line-height: 18px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; outline-color: initial; outline-style: initial; outline-width: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #330000; font-family: helvetica; line-height: 19px;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: xx-small;">I received this product complimentary for testing and review purposes from Influenster.</span></i></span></div>Jenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12809397616829044745noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6164869941113007448.post-50367889276556516132012-03-13T05:00:00.000-04:002013-08-14T09:59:20.756-04:00British consistency vs. counting sheep<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.scientificamerican.com/media/inline/BF211292-EAAC-8880-9466EB44DD4BF6C2_1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://www.scientificamerican.com/media/inline/BF211292-EAAC-8880-9466EB44DD4BF6C2_1.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Image credit: <a href="http://www.scientificamerican.com/media/inline/BF211292-EAAC-8880-9466EB44DD4BF6C2_1.jpg">Scientific American</a></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
I stumbled across a useful, interesting and amusing article the other day, and I wanted to share it with you. I want to preface this with letting you know that I work for a British company, and half of my coworkers are British. My ancestors were British, and I love tea, along with the pomp and circumstance that inspires many distinctly British traditions.<br />
<br />
Therefore, I chuckled as I read this because it is so... British! At the same time, however, I wondered if this is truly the trick to getting a good night's sleep every night.<br />
<br />
According to <a href="http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/newstopics/howaboutthat/9118507/the-key-to-a-perfect-nights-sleep.html">The Telegraph</a>, getting a consistently good night's sleep is all about... Consistency.<br />
<br />
The article references a study done by surveying several Brits on their nighttime routines, and there were several common variables among those who reported sleeping well on a consistent basis. Apparently, by adhering to the following steps nightly, one will sleep perfectly every night without fail.<br />
<br />
HOW TO ACHIEVE A PERFECT NIGHT'S SLEEP<br />
1. Watch 1 hour and 46 minutes of television, preferably a soap opera or comedy quiz show<br />
2. Spend 41 minutes talking to someone (partner, on the phone to mother, etc.)<br />
3. Browse the Internet for 51 minutes<br />
4. Have at least 2 hours and 7 minutes rest after cooking, washing up and doing the chores<br />
5. Last food before bedtime --usually an evening meal -- should be eaten at 8:29 p.m.<br />
6. Last drink before bedtime -- usually a cup of tea -- should be consumed at 9:10 p.m.<br />
7. Go to bed at exactly 10 p.m.<br />
8. Spend 20 minutes in bed reading<br />
9. Finally fall asleep at 10:26 p.m.<br />
10. Lie on the right side of the body<br />
11. Sleep on the right side of the bed when facing the ceiling<br />
12. Sleep with partner cuddled into back<br />
13. Wake at 6:47 a.m. to the sound of the alarm clock<br />
<br />
What do you think? Will it work? Will you try it? What is your nighttime routine, or do you not have one?<br />
<br />
I have a nighttime routine, but the timing of it fluctuates. I usually spend my evenings cooking dinner, cleaning up, watching TV while enjoying a cup of herbal tea, then I try to read for a bit in bed before going to sleep. I do think consistency is important when it comes to sleep, and I am trying to get myself into a consistently timed routine to improve my sleep quality, productivity and energy level. I think the above is worth a try.Jenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12809397616829044745noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6164869941113007448.post-71029747924343881442012-03-12T08:00:00.000-04:002013-08-14T09:59:20.788-04:00Frustration's a &*!@%<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://personalexcellence.co/challenges/files/21dpc-frustration.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="192" src="http://personalexcellence.co/challenges/files/21dpc-frustration.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Photo credit: <a href="http://personalexcellence.co/challenges/2012/03/21dpc-day-3-frustration">Personal Excellence</a></td></tr>
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We all get frustrated from time to time, and it can eat away at you if you don't recognize it and take action to address it. Frustration and happiness? Mortal enemies.<br />
<br />
Celes at <a href="http://personalexcellence.co/challenges/2012/03/21dpc-day-3-frustration/">Personal Excellence</a> asks as part of her 21-Day Positivity Challenge: What is one thing that has been frustrating you lately? And how can you overcome it?<br />
<br />
I often find myself feeling frustrated, but it takes me a while to realize that I'm frustrated, first of all, and then what exactly is frustrating me. It manifests itself in crankiness, impatience, unkind words and other nasty things that turn me into a person no one wants to be around -- including me.<br />
<br />
So, I'll talk about what has been frustrating me lately, and I'm sure it is something you can all relate to: money.<br />
<br />
I do all right financially. I have a decent salary. I have a 401(k). I even get a bonus every year. I try to be good about automatically saving a portion of each paycheck, but sometimes a spontaneous trip or shopping spree eat into that. Yet, I find myself frustrated that, at the end of the month, I always seem to come up just a little bit short.<br />
<br />
I don't think I spend a ton of money; I try to live within my means. But, as far as money buying happiness? It frustrates me that I'm at a point where it does... where it will.<br />
<br />
If only I could get market value for my work (but really, what is that and who determines it?). If only I could win a small lottery. I'd be less frustrated and more secure. I wouldn't worry so much about buying a new car when mine finally dies or how I am going to be able to afford to go on vacation -- a noncompromisable (not a real word, but I'm going with it) when it comes to making myself happy.<br />
<br />
I don't need a mansion. I don't need a Bentley. I don't need Fendi bags, Louboutin shoes and runway-worthy clothes. I don't even need to jet off to Fiji twice a year for a little R&R. I'd just like to be able to spend a week at the beach without worrying about how I'm going to pay off the credit card when I get back.<br />
<br />
Not too much to ask, right?<br />
<br />
Now, the tricky part, how can I overcome my frustration? It would be easy to throw this to forces outside my control, but that defeats the purpose of this exercise.<br />
<br />
Overcoming this frustration is not going to be easy if I take ownership of it; it will require sacrifice. That said and accepted, here is my action plan:<br />
<br />
<ol>
<li>Pay off the credit card. It's not ridiculous, but I can't rest easy until that balance is zero.</li>
<li>To make #1 easier, avoid putting whatever possible on the credit card. Use cash.</li>
<li>Maintain savings from each paycheck, and leave it alone!</li>
<li>Start putting a small amount away each month for a new car.</li>
<li>Identify the next vacation, calculate the cost, start saving for it.</li>
<li>Stick to the budget!</li>
<li>Any raise/bonus this year should go towards savings. Live on what you currently earn.</li>
</ol>
<div>
I'm hoping the above will help me rid myself of financial frustration and sleep a little easier at night... to the sound of ocean waves outside my hotel window. :)</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
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What is something that's frustrating you right now? What can you do about it? Even if it's just one tiny step.</div>Jenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12809397616829044745noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6164869941113007448.post-21986116402018872962012-03-09T16:03:00.001-05:002013-08-14T09:59:20.729-04:00A house becomes a homeTime for another Friday blanks post, courtesy of Lauren at <a href="http://thelittlethingswedo.blogspot.com/2012/03/fill-in-blank-friday_09.html">the little things we do</a>!<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiI_Q3Rl6NSF3UVW0_jRwcQ3PFoJiVApuMu-bf2n3W_fdmi0d80HxMCDKn-uoUxjmHGCXGniHSiCozHVOjoci05ITIXTU6W0Cm7oyrXzO0wRaPm_6YcdRZjS-ob0gIbtGLznC3lhQ6kE0c/s320/photo-10.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiI_Q3Rl6NSF3UVW0_jRwcQ3PFoJiVApuMu-bf2n3W_fdmi0d80HxMCDKn-uoUxjmHGCXGniHSiCozHVOjoci05ITIXTU6W0Cm7oyrXzO0wRaPm_6YcdRZjS-ob0gIbtGLznC3lhQ6kE0c/s320/photo-10.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Image credit: <a href="http://thelittlethingswedo.blogspot.com/2012/03/fill-in-blank-friday_09.html">Lauren</a></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<b>1. My favorite room in my home is</b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;"><u> my bedroom </u><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><b>because</b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;"><u> it is ocean/beach themed, calm, quiet and comfortable.</u></span></span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;"><u><br /></u></span></span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><b>2. My current decor style is</b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;"><u> traditional mostly, </u><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><b>but I wish it were more</b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;"><u> rustic shabby chic with a hint of modern. I'd love a log cabin with the matching decor.</u></span></span></span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;"><u><br /></u></span></span></span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><b>3. I wish I could redecorate the</b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;"><u> bathroom </u><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><b>in my house to make it more</b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;"><u> modern and clean.</u></span></span></span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;"><u><br /></u></span></span></span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><b>4. My dream house absolutely has to have a</b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;"><u> large, professional kitchen because I cook quite a bit, and I like to have good tools and great space.</u></span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;"><u><br /></u></span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><b>5. One house item I am willing to splurge on is</b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;"><u> a quality mattress. Without a good night's sleep, I am useless.</u></span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;"><u><br /></u></span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><b>6. A decor trend that I just don't "get" is</b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;"><u> none... or at least none that I can think of...</u></span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;"><u><br /></u></span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><b>7. </b><u><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;">Warm colors </span><b></b></u><b>is a little touch that makes my house feel like home.</b></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><u><b><br /></b></u></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br /></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Enjoy your weekend! Anyone have any big plans???</span>Jenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12809397616829044745noreply@blogger.com0