The Rosy Wanderer

Wandering with a Purpose

Category: Lifestyle (Page 1 of 2)

Churchill

2023 Dopey Training Week 19: Mock Dopey 1

November 8, 2022 / / 0 Comments

This was part of one of the most awful weeks of my life. On Friday 10/28, my little sister, Shadow, passed away unexpectedly when she was getting her teeth cleaned. That was in the midst of Churchill having strokes, from which he passed away on 11/2. I’m absolutely heartbroken.

This week also concluded with my first Mock Dopey. At least it gave me a good amount of time to run my blues away…except I’m still very sad. So here are the details for October 29 – November 6; training week 19.

Monday

I didn’t do much besides work and be with Churchill.

Tuesday

Today was my tempo run. Churchill fell asleep on the couch, so I went off for my 3-mile run and then worked on my computer next to him for the rest of the day. The run helped clear my head a little bit, but I really wanted to get back to him.

My best boy

 Wednesday

This was a terrible day. I did not do any exercises since Churchill had another stroke after going outside at 4:45 am. I made an appointment at the vet, and unfortunately, had to make the decision to put him down this day. I didn’t think it would be this fast, but he was really hurting and having strokes more often. I miss him so much. I held him almost the whole day, and I wouldn’t have had his last day any other way. I love you and miss you so much, Churchill. You are my best boy.

Thursday

Today was the start of my first Mock Dopey. My very grateful that I had so much running ahead of me. Today I did my normal 30-45 minute run, but I cried a lot. It helped me to get out and run, but I was really sad.

Friday

Today I had 5 miles scheduled. I did a run/walk combination but took it really slow. I did 15:30 intervals which got me around a 13:30 pace for the whole 5 miles. again, it was good for me to get out. Running is really a positive addition to my life, and it helps in a number of different ways.

Saturday

Day 3 of Mock Dopey had me at 10 miles. Coach recommends walking this, so I was back and forth between whether to listen to him or to do a slow run/walk like I did yesterday. Once I got started, power walking was feeling really good, so I just kept going with it. In the end, I finished with a 14:02 pace just walking, which made me very happy. This keeps me well ahead of the balloon ladies at that point!

My focus was on recovery when I got home, so I did a lot of massaging with my Hyperice massage gun. I was very nervous about the marathon tomorrow. Eventually, I left to go to Raleigh. I went to Mellow Mushroom for pizza as a pre-race dinner then to my Airbnb for the night. I was very, very nervous…

Raleigh Marathon Finish

Sunday

Of all of the races I’ve signed up for, I’ve never been so scared or nervous for a race. The City of Oaks Marathon takes place in Raleigh, NC. You can read a full race recap here. I won’t go into too many details on this page, but I did finish! Even though it was hot and humid conditions, I even finished under the 6-hour limit by just a couple of minutes. It was a rough day, but I got it done! Finished my first Mock Dopey, and I couldn’t be happier.

Next week is a recovery week except that I have the Charlotte Marathon relay planned. It will make for a fun day. This week was one of the hardest of my life, and I am glad I had some running goals to move me forward and keep me going. I love you so much, Churchill.

chicago marathon logo

Chicago Marathon: Training Update Week 2

June 21, 2021 / / 0 Comments

Week 2 down, 16 to go! This training week looked a lot like last week. I stuck to my runs and Pure Barre but I couldn’t finish my yoga workout on Monday…

Monday

I know I should do yoga and was actually ready for it today. I wanted something that would be about strength, but the session I picked was really slow and I couldn’t focus. Then, this one wanted to be involved…

Schatzi asking for scratches

Tuesday

Another heart rate run, which went really well. I ran 3 miles at a 12:01 pace at 154 bpm, and I felt really strong. I’m still having to walk to keep my heart rate down but I am running more and more later on in the run.

Wednesday

I’m not sure what happened but it didn’t feel like June in NC! Somehow there was no humidity and only 66F. It was gorgeous! I just wanted to run, so I didn’t watch my heart rate. I had a few walk breaks but ran 11:43 pace and my average heart rate was 162 bpm. It felt wonderful! It’s amazing what a difference it makes when it is humid. I can get really frustrated during summer running about taking walk breaks and feeling slow, but it really is because of the humidity. I don’t understand why it makes such an impact but it does.

Wednesday training runs start increasing in mileage next week. I’m nervous about it, but it’s probably more of a mental fear. I can’t decide if this longer run should be a speed or tempo workout or just cover the miles.

Thursday

I was out at the lake for this run, and I decided to take advantage and do my first hill workout of the season. Hill workouts (and the concept of speed workouts) were new to me during my Dopey 2020 training. I couldn’t believe how much that helped improve my running as opposed to just going out and running the distance. I thought “that’s how people become better runners!” So this will be a big part of my training now. I hate hills but love hill workouts. Not sure why but I always feel great afterwards. I ran 3.35 miles at 11:43 pace and a 162 bpm heart rate. (Thank you no humidity again!) There is a killer hill on this route. I did it twice, and felt great.

Friday

Pure Barre this morning was challenging and wonderful. I know my strength isn’t where I need it to be. I would love to hold the plank for all 90 seconds. Some days I can do it for half but today…nope. I could t hold it without modifying it at all. I was really frustrated, but that’s why I need to keep working. Yoga would also help with this. Gosh, it’s all connected!

An exciting highlight from today is I signed up for the Emerald City half marathon to do as part of my 16 miler in August.

Saturday

Cross-training Saturday! I’m really starting to enjoy this day. Originally, I was going to go swimming, but I didn’t get to the pool until the afternoon. This is when all of the people are there, and there were too many kids to be able to swim laps. Note to self: pool time needs to be in the morning! Instead, I went paddle boarding in the busy lake which made for a tricky time staying up! It was a lot of fun, but I didn’t go very fast between the wake and the wind.

The funny thing about paddle boarding is its hard out there, but I don’t realize how tired I am until I get off of it. This is also more enjoyable as a morning activity when the water is calmer so you can go further. I hate the water, so I try very hard to not fall in! I did a little stretching when I got home.

Sunday

This was my first 7 miler in a really long time, so I was a bit nervous about it. As mileage increases, I develop a fear that I won’t be able to cover the distance or that it will be hard. I went to bed last night ready to wake up and do the run before it got too hot (get out the door by 6 am). Not sure what weather app I was using, but it was heavy rain at 5 am and it didn’t look like it was going to let up anytime soon.

Laying in bed and evaluating my options, I decided to go back to sleep until 6 am. When I awoke again, I knew I needed to do something. I got dressed and made my way downstairs to create a plan thinking the rain may lessen at some point. I knew I would feel better if I finished my run and would regret it if I didn’t do it. My track record for not doing afternoon workouts is quite poor. Eventually, it looked like the red on the radar would be done around 8 am, so I made a go of it.

This was the second time I had actually run in the rain. My first time was the 2018 Rock ‘n Roll Chicago Half. I kept telling myself to find an easy pace (focusing again on heart rate) and just get it done. It wasn’t pleasant, but it wasn’t awful. At the end of the day, I felt great because I did it and 7 miles felt good. I also felt like I was a real runner! The one necessary thing you need to run in the rain is a hat. I didn’t have mine today, so I need to remember to pack it in the future…just in case.

I finished with an average pace of 12:24 and 157 bpm. It was hard to stop running to get my heart rate down because my running was feeling good. I know I need to be disciplined now, so I get better for later. Training is a long game; it’s literally a marathon, not a sprint!

Long-Run Changes
Huma

After last week’s 6 miles, I knew I needed to fuel better. In several blogs I’ve read recently, they have mentioned Huma gels. I’ve only ever used GU before (and Clif blocks as a treat), and if I get more than 2 in during a race, that is a major accomplishment, but I need more fuel for my speed on a marathon. They make me gag, and I have such a hard time getting them down. With all of my reading, I knew I should start trying other brands. I tried the Apples & Cinnamon one, and it was delicious! It was so easy to eat, and I didn’t gag at all. I’m definitely going to get these in the future. The positive is its natural ingredients, but it doesn’t have any caffeine.

The other big change was I splurged on a pair of Lululemon shorts. I can’t believe I paid $60 for a pair of workout shorts, but they were worth every penny! They have a material that dries faster, which really helped in my rain run. They were comfortable and didn’t slide, which is the issue I’m having with my other pair of shorts.

Harmless Harvest
My favorite recovery drink

In Summary…

Overall, this was a great week. I fulfilled my intentions (mostly) and am still feeling motivated for my training plan. I’m bracing myself because next week mileage increases on Wednesday, which is a big mental hurdle for me. Just keep doing the plan!

my cheerleaders, Schatzi and Churchill
My two cheerleaders, Schatzi and Churchill. Sometimes they are distractors, but I think usually supportive.

Goals in 2021: A Second Chance

February 1, 2021 / / 0 Comments

After the unexpected shut down of 2020, I am hesitant to set my mind on anything specific for the year 2021. Regardless of what “is allowed,” I need goals; I need plans to look forward to or I struggle. 2020 was a hard year for me like it was for many other people. The let down of canceled events caused me to shut down and not engage, which (I hate admitting it) led me to a sad space. I’m lucky that I at least go to work, but I lost motivation in my personal life. With that, I stopped running. I didn’t have anything to work towards.

Luckily, in November, I received an email regarding my deferred entry to the Chicago Marathon and entered my request for 2021. Within a few hours, I received the email confirmation, and I was registered for the 2021 Chicago Marathon! Finally, the motivation I was looking for; I was rejuvenated!

Each year I pick a theme and a “checklist” of items to complete for the year. As I started thinking about 2021, I knew I needed a different list. Several podcasts I listen to talk about goal setting: Dave Ramsey, BiggerPockets, ChooseFI. Lead and lag measures is a concept frequently discussed on the BP podcast, and I love the thought process. Typically my checklist is just a list of lag measures, but I don’t take the time to plan the tasks to “lead” me to achieve those.

Fulfilled Intension

Fulfilled Intension is my theme for 2021. For me to accomplish my goals (the lag measures), I need to have the right behaviors so that each day I am moving in the right direction. I need to be intentional in my daily acts and habits. Instead of checking off my accomplishments, my goal is to fulfill the behaviors I intentionally set out to do.

Goals and Behaviors

It’s hard to list out goals publicly, but I find a lot of motivation in listening or reading others’ goals. Who knows, maybe someone will read this when looking for motivation.

Lead Measures
  • Meal Plan Weekly
  • Avoid eating macaroni and cheese (focus on healthy dinners)
  • Focus on my running plan and complete runs as scheduled
  • Strength train twice/week
  • Practice yoga on Sundays
  • Incorporate self-care (Epsom salt baths, foam rolling) into my routine
  • Signup for short races
  • Budget monthly and save money
  • Continue learning about real estate; regularly attend a meetup
  • Get my notary license
  • Write blog articles for one hour each week
To Achieve (Lag Measures)
  • Lose 35 pounds
  • PR the Chicago Marathon (read about my new training plan)
  • Visit Australia (continent 5!)
  • Actively post on The Rosy Wanderer
  • Achieve my next financial milestone
Second Chances…

I want to make it count. I feel like we are getting a second chance at 2020 in 2021. So much of 2020 was missed opportunity. I could have maintained a running schedule, I could have participated in virtual races, but I didn’t. Since I’m frustrated about the missed opportunity, I have even more reason to get it right the second time. My lag measures this year is a scaled-back list of 2020, but the difference is I have the lead measures to get me to achieve them and am rethinking the type of person I want to be.

US Presidents: A Reading List

May 31, 2020 / / 0 Comments

It’s funny how interests and passions show themselves at a young age, but sometimes are not appreciated until later in life. In seventh grade, we had to take an assessment for various subjects and my top score was in history. I remember being upset about that because what can you do with history? If I had scored higher in math or writing, those at least had a practical application. I enjoyed history class, but I didn’t give it a lot of thought until after my first time abroad when I went to London in my sophomore year. It was here that history came to life!

Even though I will not have a career that is centered around history, and I think it’s hard to make a case for most people to major in the subject, I think history is a fantastic topic to study. Over time, I have come to appreciate that I can truly enjoy and experience what I spend time learning. The two areas I enjoy the most are American history and the history of the British monarchy. I love to read biographies and learn about life events through the eyes of leaders who impacted the world at that time. It isn’t surprising then that I added “Read a biography of every US President in order of term” to my list of life goals back when I was 20. I told a friend about this when I was 26, and she ended up buying me my first book on George Washington for my 27th birthday. I finally got started in April 2013.

My American Journey

Over the next 7 years, I had a fascinating journey learning about my country’s 232+ year history from the perspective of 44 different men. Each one has a unique perspective and their background gives insight into their decision making and handling of that moment in time. In my travels, I visit their birthplaces, homes, and libraries where I try to envision their daily activities and lives. It has become a hobby, and I am very appreciative of these men who sacrificed their personal independence to lead our country. In reading their stories, I do believe each person did what he thought was best at the time.

It is also possible that historians and authors tend to fall in love with their subjects while they research them, but I think that is because some people are misunderstood and once you learn their story, it gives you an appreciation of their decision-making process – even if you personally don’t like their decisions. I think this is how historians have come to view Hoover’s and Nixon’s legacy over time despite the initial reaction in popular culture.

My journey started with George Washington and ended with George W. Bush’s memoirs. As soon as President Obama publishes his memoirs, I will pick up with that. I said before that I read America’s history through the eyes of 44 men – the 44th I included was Confederate President Jefferson Davis. While not a president of the Union, he led half of the country through the Civil War and that is still an important perspective. I’m really glad I added that one. Teddy Roosevelt is my favorite, so I read all three books in Edmund Morris’s trilogy.

Selection and Evaluation

I selected books that were well researched and had generally strong reviews. Sometimes, I would get stuck and would default to the American Presidents’ Series edited by Arthur M. Schlesinger, Jr. and Sean Wilentz. Over time, as I read more, I was attracted to books by certain historians. Sometimes I chose an option because an audiobook was available (I listen to books when I run), other times it may be because I could borrow it for free from the library. All-in-all, I think I had a good assortment of books. I wanted to list them for people doing a similar journey to see what someone else chose to read.

How then do you evaluate a book? I tracked everything on GoodReads and was good about writing book reviews at the beginning, but then I stopped because I couldn’t focus long enough to provide the necessary detail. I did consistently rate them on the 5-star scale. Unlike fiction, biographies are difficult because are you rating the subject or the research/writing? In the end, I think you do both. It’s unfortunate for the author because some subjects have more documents, journals, and letters; others were given more challenges, which lead to a better story and abundant research. Unfortunately, William Henry Harrison will never have a single biography that is equal to a mediocre-quality biography on Theodore Roosevelt.

Books I Read

REVOLUTIONARY WAR
  • Washington: A Life by Ron Chernow
  • John Adams by David McCullough
  • Thomas Jefferson: The Art of Power by Jon Meacham
  • James Madison: A Life Reconsidered by Lynne Cheney
  • The Last Founding Father: James Monroe and a Nation’s Call to Greatness by Harlow Giles Unger
  • John Quincy Adams: A Public Life, A Private Life by Paul C. Nagel
  • Andrew Jackson: His Life and Times by H.W. Brands
The Forgotten or Unknown (America Moves West)
  • Martin Van Buren: The American Presidents’ Series by Ted Widmer
  • The Life and Times of William Henry Harrison by Samuel Jones Burr
  • A Country of Vast Designs: James K. Polk, the Mexican War, and the Conquest of the American Continent by Robert W. Merry
  • Zachary Taylor: The American Presidents’ Series by John S.D. Eisenhower
  • Millard Fillmore: The American Presidents’ Series by Paul Finkelman
  • Franklin Pierce: The American Presidents’ Series by Michael F. Holt
  • James Buchanan: The American Presidents’ Series by Jean H. Baker
The Civil War and Reconstruction
  • Team of Rivals: The Political Genius of Abraham Lincoln by Doris Kearns Goodwin
  • Jefferson Davis: The Man and His Hour by William C. Davis
  • The Loyalist: The Life and Times of Andrew Johnson by Jeffrey K. Smith
  • The Man Who Saved the Union: Ulysses Grant in War and Peace by H.W. Brands
Industrial revolution and the building of america
  • Chester Alan Arthur: The American Presidents’ Series by Zachary Karabell
  • Rutherford B. Hayes: The American Presidents’ Series by Hans L. Trefousse
  • James A. Garfield: The American Presidents’ Series by Ira Rutkow
  • An Honest President: The Life and Presidencies of Grover Cleveland by H. Paul Jeffers
  • Benjamin Harrison: The American Presidents’ Series by Charles W. Calhoun
  • William McKinley: The American Presidents’ Series by Kevin Phillips
  • Theodore Roosevelt trilogy by Edmund Morris
    • The Rise of Theodore Roosevelt
    • Theodore Rex
    • Colonel Roosevelt
  • The Bully Pulpit: Theodore Roosevelt, William Howard Taft, and the Golden Age of Journalism by Doris Kearns Goodwin
The World Wars
  • Woodrow Wilson: A Biography by John Milton Cooper, Jr.
  • Warren G. Harding: The American Presidents’ Series by John W. Dean
  • Coolidge by Amity Shlaes
  • Herbert Hoover: The Life and Presidencies by William E. Leuchtenburg
  • FDR by Jean Edward Smith
  • Truman by David McCullough
  • Eisenhower in War and Peace by Jean Edward Smith
“Modern” Day
  • An Unfinished Life: John F. Kennedy 1917-1963 by Robert Dallek
  • Lyndon Johnson and the American Dream by Doris Kearns Goodwin
  • Richard Nixon: The Life by John A. Farrell
  • Ambition, Pragmatism, and Party: A Political Biography of Gerald R. Ford by Scott Kaufman
  • Redeemer: The Life of Jimmy Carter by Randall Balmer
  • Reagan: The Life by H.W. Brands
My Lifetime
  • 41: A Portrait of my Father by George W. Bush
  • Destiny and Power: The American Odyssey of George Herbert Walker Bush by Jon Meacham
  • My Life by Bill Clinton
  • Decision Points by George W. Bush

That’s it. Those are the books I read, but history is not finished. As time continues to pass, I will add biographies for the people who serve as president during my lifetime as time continues to pass. Eventually, President Obama will publish his memoirs, as will President Trump. What is interesting to think about is that I will be old before enough time passes for current and future presidents to be studied like the individuals I have finished reading. History is an ongoing adventure that doesn’t end – it is lived.

2020 Goals – Creating Accountability

December 17, 2019 / / 0 Comments

It’s hard to believe 2020 will be here in a few weeks. Every year the time flies faster, and I don’t know where it went. There are so many goals I want to accomplish, but I get distracted by the demands of work and spend more time on quadrant 1 & 3 urgent tasks than quadrant 2 important items. (If you haven’t read The Seven Habits of Highly Successful People by Stephen Covey then you need to make that a goal this year!)

First Things First Quadrant
Time Management Technique from First Things First by Stephen Covey. The image is taken from Wikipedia.

But how do I stay focus on the important and not urgent items? What are those for me? That is my goal for 2020. Historically, I have created checklists (I love checklists!) for each year to guide me and give me a purpose to the year. Sometimes those lists have been a little too long or complicated so I can’t accomplish everything. This year, I am going to go back to making a checklist and then use my blog to hold me accountable for achieving those things. 2020 will be used as a stepping stone to achieving the bigger goals I have for my life.

2020 Checklist
  • Complete the Dopey Challenge
  • Lose 30 pounds
  • PR the Chicago Marathon
  • Visit Australia (continent 5!)
  • Publish 4 posts/month on The Rosy Wanderer
  • Complete Google Analytics, Google AdWords certifications
  • Book African safari for 2021
  • Increase net worth by $30,000
  • Read 31 books
Understanding Goal Setting

The difficult part of the above checklist is that these are all lag measures – I have to implement different behaviors, habits, and mindset to achieve these 2020 goals. Health and general wellness have always been a challenge for me. Even though I am excited for Dopey, I didn’t execute my training plan well. Staying accountable is important – to my diet, to my budget, and to my commitments. In order for me to accomplish these goals, I have to find a way to hold myself accountable. That is the key everyone needs to figure out in their life.

Gretchen Rubin, 4 Tendencies

Gretchen Rubin has four quadrants to describe our tendencies. I am an obliger, which means I’m worried about letting other people down but not myself. I wish I wasn’t like that, but I am. As an obliger, I view other’s requests as urgent even though they may be unimportant or even not urgent, but I am trying to please others. This then reprioritizes my goals for the day.

Even though I wish I didn’t prioritize other people, I do. For me to be successful, I need to use this tendency to hold myself accountable for achieving my goals. I am going to share my successes and setbacks here to keep me accountable externally.

For me to be successful, I need to plan out the lead measures required for me to accomplish these goals and find ways to make sure others hold me accountable for these behaviors. Or I need to make myself a priority in my life and stop worrying about what other people think! But it is probably a better bet to set up systems to play to my natural tendencies.

Here goes nothing! Looking forward to 2020!

schatzi churchill
What better motivation do I need than these two cuties?

Happy 2019!

February 8, 2019 / / 0 Comments

I’ve heard a lot of talk about the difference between resolutions and goals on various podcasts and articles. I’m someone who usually makes a “Year Of” checklist to encourage myself to do new things. I was committed to this from 2008-2010 or so, but the last two or three years I didn’t even make a checklist. Something needs to push me forward and take me to the next level in my personal and professional life. I didn’t make a checklist this year, but I decided instead to come up with some BHAG – Big Hairy Audacious Goals. Why not try to think of something to propel me and push me to the next level?

MY 2019 GOALS

  • Be in the best shape of my life
  • Pay off half of my house
  • Get a comment on The Rosy Wanderer
  • Create a “new normal”

Well…10 days in, and it wasn’t going well. I tried to find motivation, but my schedule wasn’t allowing me to focus.

A month and 4 days in, and I feel like I’m getting back on the horse. I’ve had two good days of exercise which really does help clear your mind. I’m trying to get my to do list under control and in a way I can process everything.

I mean, these are big goals! It has been too cold for me to go run (I’m a wimp), so I have been down on myself. I found a bootcamp the is, thankfully, inside just in time for the weather to get better. Time is of the essence now is training for the NYC half, which will take me well on my way to accomplishing goal 1. In all reality, if I start with my fourth goal – to create a “new normal” that will make everything else fall into place.

Have you ever been stuck? What did you do to move forward?

I know I can do this. In addition to going to Burn Boot Camp, I am also trying to implement:

  • Miracle Morning (love this, and I HIGHLY recommend the book!)
  • Listening to podcast
  • Connecting with friends and positive influences
  • Keeping the TV off! (Although, I am allowing myself to watch Colton’s season of The Bachelor which I am enjoying after not watching for two seasons)

I appreciate any other motivational tips you have!

Focus: A Simple Start

August 16, 2018 / / 0 Comments

Focus is one of the most difficult things for me to do. I have so many things that I want to do that I end up not doing anything. If anyone were to look at my to-do list, they would laugh. I use the Reminders app on iPhone which consists of 23 lists. Within those lists has tens if not a hundred items that need to be done. The Rosy Wanderer is one such list with over 100 ideas. But to sit down and write? It’s not about time; I have the time. I can make the time. It’s focus. It’s actually sitting down in front of my computer and zoning everything else on my to-do lists out. But today, August 16, 2018, something has to change. I have too many things I want to do that I need to do. I’ve spent the last year and a half listening to podcasts, reading books, and reading blogs. Other people are making things happen, and I want to be one of them. I have so much to share, and I’m not able to do that when I silo myself off and just put information in my head. No, I need to focus on ACTION!

My steps for action:

1. Make a comfortable workspace:

working on my 13″ MacBook Pro is okay in some situations, but I need a dedicated space. I can’t think on the couch. Even in college, I needed to sit in the library or at a desk. I dragged my feet for a year, but today I finally purchased a desktop monitor. Since I spent the money, I need to get the most out of it! Already, I feel great sitting at my new workspace. It’s surrounded by pictures and my list of goals.

2. Focus on goals:

I’m not sure about other people, but I cannot think day-to-day. I need a bigger motivation, and I lose track of this often. Then I get caught in daily monotony without an escape. Why am I running 3 miles at 6 am? To complete a half marathon. To be healthy. Why am I not buying a snack? Because this money will add up overtime, and I am working on getting to FI. I need to keep my bigger goals at the forefront of my mind so I can make good little decisions throughout the day. By thinking about the day-to-day and not my goals, I let a majority of my 20s go to waste. I could have done so much more!

3. Structure your day

I’ve always been big on structure and having time to dilly-dally in the mornings. I know the morning is personally my most productive time and when I have the best ability to focus. I want to share a podcast I listened to recently about the Miracle Morning. It was on the Bigger Pockets podcast where Hal Elrod and David Osborn were interviewed about their new book. I am on the waitlist at the library for this book, but this podcast gave a great overview of their theory in how to structure your morning to reach a “Level 10” life. It is the SAVERS (Silence/Prayer/Meditation, Affirmations, Visualization, Exercise, Reading, and Scribing). Affirmations have been helpful for me, thus far, but I’m really bad at visualization. I need clearer goals. I’m sure I’ll have more to come on this.

4. Keep it simple

That’s it. Those are my focuses. My fourth item is to stop adding things. At this point, this is what I need to focus on. If I get too many things, then I’ll cause problems for myself. There is a lot I want to add in regards to diet, exercise, a planner, and household organization, but I can’t yet. These four things are my focuses for now.

Time to make it happen!

Giving Up TV for 6 Weeks!?

April 1, 2018 / / 0 Comments

Even though the churches I go to don’t really give up things for lent, I do for the challenge. I’ve done it most years. I always pressure myself to do something meaningful, but because I don’t plan, I usually end up giving up food. Lately, I have been trying to clear my mind and improve my focus, so what a better thing than to force myself to give up TV! I don’t watch a ton of it, but when I do, I watch trash TV – The Bachelor/Bachelorette, Real Housewives of Beverly Hills, or Vanderpump Rules. Nothing that improves your mind. I do watch Shark Tank and The Profit, but the others had been creeping in too much.

So, now, 6 week laters, how do I feel?

Yeah, I wish I could say “GREAT! I was so productive and accomplished a ton of projects on my plate,” but I can’t. I didn’t finish posts for my blog, do any crafts, and did little “studying” for web development. I did, however read a lot. Even though I read a few fictions, I spent most of my time reading about personal finance and listening to podcasts. For anyone who hasn’t read Rich Dad Poor Dad, add it to the top of your reading list.

Even though I wasn’t productive, I feel really motivated. I think detaching myself from crappy shows

 

(sorry to all of those people who make those shows), allowed me to put more positive thoughts and ideas in my mind. I realize 6 weeks is extreme for a lot of people, but why not try 1 week. It makes you find other things to entertain yourself. The real question is, will I go back to watching TV? I’m actually leaning to not doing it for the next week or so. Time to find a healthy balance…

Now Schatzi on the other hand thought this was a terrible decision never to be repeated. Even though she is a dog, she loves to watch TV and gets bored without it.

Happy Easter! Here is to new beginnings and improvements – for me and Schatzi!

 

Summer Reading List – 2017 Edition

July 2, 2017 / / 0 Comments

Summer is a time for things to slow down. Every year since I was a kid (probably 9 years old), I’ve had a summer reading list. Whether it was a challenge at the local library or one assigned for school, I love to read through a list of books at the pool or on the boat. Many of these books are books I’ve wanted to read for awhile but now I’m making it happen! It may be heavy reading for some weekend getaways, but this is what I’ve been focusing on this first quarter and need some inspiration for new ideas. I’ve already finished two and liked them so much I bought them (I usually check out books at the library). The rest will help me research and prepare for future wanderings.

1. The 4-Hour Workweek

Author Tim Ferriss updated this book in 2009, and the only reason I had to put it down is to have time to process his ideas. I don’t agree with everything he says but love the concept. My main disagreement is believing one can be an effective and inspirational leader at their company without being present, but other than that, he has great suggestions for improving efficiencies so you can spend time doing other things. I originally rented this book from the library but bought it because it actually makes for a good guide. If you want to do more by having more time – make sure to check out this book!

2. Never Eat Alone

I’m an introvert and do not feel comfortable in large social situations. This book has been recommended to me at a dozen of training sessions, and after reading it, I understand why! Keith Ferrazzi is a master networker and has documented many of his practices he has used to help leverage his career forward. I also bought this one since it is a good guide with actionable steps. I would recommend this book to anyone – regardless of whether you’re an introvert or extrovert.

3. The 7 Habits of Highly Successful People

This is my third time reading Steven Covey’s classic, and I believe there is a reason why it has been reprinted so many times. If you haven’t read this book, you must do so. I get new ideas each time I read it and find it very motivational.

4. The Millionaire Next Door

This is on my list since it is recommended in many money blogs and from financial experts. Essentially, Thomas Stanley studied the behaviors of millionaires to determine what these individuals have in common – and the traits are more common than what would be expected! Since I am working to financial independence so I can travel more, this is on the top of my list.

5. Finishing Eisenhower in War and Peace

I love history and have been reading biographies of US presidents. I started with George Washington at the end of 2013, and am about to finish my audiobook on Eisenhower. Jean Edward Smith has carefully documented Eisenhower’s career through the army, WWII, and his presidency. I believe Eisenhower is one of the best leaders our country has had and learning the details of his life bring it to color. I visited his birthplace in Abilene, KS, and it is a great example of the American dream. A farm boy from a relatively poor family can work hard and become the leader of the Allied forces and President of the United States.

6. Born to Run

One of my running friends recommended this as motivation. Christopher McDougall researches a tribe in Africa and inspires anyone who wants to run. Don’t know much of the details, but I am looking forward to the motivation.

7. Turn Right at Machu Picchu

My next big travel adventure is to hike to Machu Picchu. I enjoy reading and researching so before big adventures, I need to research. Mark Adams, the author, was interviewed on one of my favorite podcasts, Travel with Rick Steves. This is his adventure in re-creating the original discovery of Machu Picchu.

Well, that makes for my summer! What about you? I love cheesy beach reads if anyone has suggestions.

Welcome 2017!

January 2, 2017 / / 0 Comments

The New Year is exciting because it’s a chance to look forward and see what is going to happen in life. I plan a list of goals, look at my calendar, and try to make a plan to accomplish it all. It’s also a chance to reflect to see what went well in 2016 and where you can improve.

One of my main focus areas this year is personal finance. I do a relatively good job, but I could be doing much more. The last several months, I’ve been reading about how people saved a million dollars in their 30s, retired early, and achieved strong financial independence. I want and can be one of those people.

Get Motivated

Hopefully, these will inspire those of you with a financial resolution this year. I’m also addicted to the Dave Ramsey podcast. I’ve listened to hours of it over the last week. It’s what I needed to kick myself into gear. I agree with a lot of what he says, but I can’t imagine eliminating my credit card. I always pay mine off, so in my world it’s okay. Security for online shopping and rewards points are too important for me.

This is a hard change to make – it will significantly affect two areas I enjoy – eating out and traveling. If I make the sacrifices now, I think it will have a large payback later on. I do have three major trips and events this month and February, but I’ll do what I can to get started before then. This will be a wandering all on its own.

So, cheers! Bring it on 2017! Until then, happy wandering!

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