A Journey Into Enlightenment (Part II)

Here we are in Tennessee, on our third official sit as a couple (and my fiftieth or so as an individual).  It has been a whirlwind of a fall and we are both looking forward to hunkering down for the winter up on Signal Mountain.

Now that I am finally and fully embracing the wonders of blogging and social media in general, I find that I can be more distracted than ever if I am not careful.  In the past I have had specific job duties, like mixing drinks or selling soaps or entering data…now I am mainly accountable to…me.  Yikes. 

Time to retrain my brain.  Time to walk down a different street!  If I want to make a living online, I need to be super organized and results-driven.  I need goals, and I need to accomplish them.  I can’t simply wait for someone else to tell me what to do, whether it be work related or otherwise.

So, each month I am going to hold myself accountable to not just me, but to all of you as well.  Each month I am going to post a goal (or four).  I know we are almost halfway into November, but I have been working hard on the following and feel the need share now, so here goes:

November Goals:

Blogsville: I am currently working with Lisa Sabin-Wilson (author of WordPress for Dummies) on this blog.  It is being completely restructured in order to be more user friendly and interactive.  You will see the new look this month (can’t wait to show you)!

Other Social Media: You can now find either myself or Caretaking Couple on twitter and Linked In as well as facebook.  I am not sure if I will be adding to or subtracting from this list – I am just going to have fun with each and see where my time is best spent.   Do you have a favorite?  If so, please share.

My Writing: Most of you know that I am taking writing classes and working on a book.  I have eight chapters outlined and three written.  I will finish Chapter Four by the end of the month. How many rough drafts does one woman need to write, anyway?

Health and Fitness:  I am looking into becoming a Beachbody Coach.  There is still a bit of research to do with regards to this.  I am considering Beachbody because I have seen the results in people who are consistent with it, and it is something I can do from anywhere in the US.  And it will hold me accountable!

The goals above are more challenging than I thought they would be but there is nothing else I would rather be doing right now.  Except for maybe going for a bike ride and getting to know the new neighborhood…another benefit of working from “home”.

Thank you for reading this, our 100^th blog post here at Caretaking Couple!  As always, I would love to hear from you.  Enlighten me ; ) Just leave a comment on any of my 100 posts between now and December 1 and I will enter your name into a drawing for a special CC gift from Tennessee!

A Journey Into Enlightenment

I have been going through all of my business and personal paperwork in order to get Paula (the new owner of Mountain Girl Organics) whatever I think she may want or need, as well as to continue the process of whittling down in preparation for our next sit (i.e. how will we fit all of it into the 4Runner?). 

While whittling, I found a wrinkled photocopy of a photocopy tucked away in my “Important Papers” file. It was given to me several years ago by someone who knew me well.  I am glad I kept it…

A Journey Into Enlightenment * In Five Short Chapters

Chapter 1:  I walk down a street.  There is a deep hole in the sidewalk.  I fall in – I am lost – I am hopeless – it isn’t my fault – it takes forever to find my way out. 

Chapter 2:  I walk down the same street.  There is a deep hole in the sidewalk.  I pretend I don’t see it.  I fall in again – I can’t believe I’m in the same place.  It still takes a long time to get out.

Chapter 3:  I walk down the same street.  There is a deep hole in the sidewalk.  I see it is there.  I still fall in – it is a habit.  My eyes are open – I know where I am – it is my fault – I get out immediately.

Chapter 4:  I walk down the same street.  There is a deep hole in the sidewalk.  I walk around it.

Chapter 5:  I walk down a different street. 

I have made a lot of progress in the few years since I read this last…even still it is a relevant read, a simple yet effective reminder.  It is time again to make some changes.  Time to walk down a different street. 

OK, we are almost at our next sit (Tennessee)…more about my changes soon! 

Would love to hear from any of you that can relate to this little story – perhaps we can support each other in our changes for the better…

A Friend in Need…

Words of encouragement work wonders...

I have made a wonderful friend here on the East Coast.  Her name is Joyce and she lives in the sweetest little cottage just feet away from the Atlantic.  She is a nurse and a writer and has the most beautiful garden, and super cute grandkids!  She is a big inspiration to me. 

Joyce just found out that she has stage 3 lung cancer.  I am asking everyone that feels so inclined to visit her blog and send some positive web energy her way.  The comments she has already received have been a huge source of encouragement for her.

The addy is http://makingsenseofitall.joycerothman.com/ .  Thank you, kind friends.

A Month of Yoga

A Month of BLYS

Inspired by a friend (who I will introduce to you soon), I have committed to a month of daily yoga at BLYS in Falmouth, MA.  There are several reasons why I am doing this. 

Yoga quiets my mind.  My 2010 mantras are focus and release, and yoga allows for both.  Basically, I cannot stay in a pose while over thinking things or holding on to grudges without toppling over.   

In yoga class, I am reminded to set an intention (see mantras above) and focus on the ever present “now”.  Just writing about this is having a calming effect… 

I am interested in improving my overall health, and most of the yogis I know are consistent when it comes to taking care of themselves.  I want more mind-body balance.  And I want to look good in yoga pants. 

Yoga is expensive, but worth it.  If you are interested but can’t afford to go regularly, I suggest you take at least a couple of classes before going the video route.  Some poses are challenging (understatement) and having an instructor there to guide you will make all the difference.

Paul was kind enough to buy me a one month pass.  So, I thought why not go every day while I can?  Yes, I am mighty sore on my fifth day straight and no, I do not recommend this to anyone who has not practiced yoga before. 

So far, I have taken Vinyasa, Power & Balance, Heated Core, and Hot Power Yoga.  I was reluctant to go the heated route (due to my “ruddy” complexion) but it feels so good to sweat so much!  My skin looks no worse for wear and I am already feeling a difference in my flex-ability.

Blooming Lotus Yoga Studio

My plan is to make yoga a big part of my weekly routine after I finish the month.  I think that alternating yoga with my weight resistance program (ChaLEAN Extreme) and other summer activities (bicycling, swimming, etc.) will be a great combination for me.

Stef (one of the awesome BLYS yoga instructors) has suggested I read the book Light on Life by BKS Iyengar.  I just reserved it at the library.  She also recommended www.yogajournal.com .  Thanks, Stef!  

What are some of your favorite healthy activities?  I have a tendency to be on the sedentary side and I do love my meals, so the more inspiration I can give and receive, the better…

Thirty-Seven

Birthday Dinner

When I turned eight, I told my Mom that eight was my lucky number.  She said that I had told her the same thing about seven, and six, and so on.  But I really meant it when I turned eight.  It is still my luckiest number of all. 

When I turned thirty-seven on Monday, I told myself that this is going to be the year.  My self said that I had told me the same thing about several other years.  But you know what?  I really mean it.  Thirty-seven is going to be great.

What is it that inspires you?

Spring

Our Facebook Fan Page states the following: 

“This page is for those interested in home and/or pet sitting…as well as travel, writing, living simply, and working from home or the road. Exchange ideas with like-minded people here & on our blog”. 

Because you are reading this post, there is a good chance that you are interested in at least one of the above. If so, will you tell me which one interests you most?  If not, will you tell me why you are reading this blog (i.e. we are friends and this is the best way for you to keep in touch with us, etc.)?  

I am asking this for clarification purposes.  I want to be sure to cater to our target demographic and all of that good stuff.  I am beginning to interview others that I think will educate and/or inspire you.  It looks like I will be taking online courses on blogging and travel writing (starting in May) as well.

We have a lot of ideas, but we want to hear yours.  Really!  What is it that inspires you?  Rapport is the beauty of the blog, after all.  The exchanging and implementing of ideas…I thrive on it.

A “Weighty” Subject

Starting Somewhere

 

I have come to believe that writing down one’s goals (or drawing them, photographing them, collaging them or whatever feels right) actually works for me.  

* If you haven’t tried this, please humor me and try it and let me know if you find it works for you.  If you have tried it, and it has worked for you, please let me know I am not alone here. * 

So, lately I am really doing my best to focus (2010 mantra) on my goals and was recently reminded of the effectiveness of writing them down by my new “friend”, Chalene Johnson.  

Let’s start with the picture.  I officially began my Beachbody workouts on February 1st (a little over three weeks ago) as fitness was number two on my 2010 Goal List (not very original, but that is OK).  

This is me opening my box of ChaLEAN Extreme workout videos, bands, guidebook, food guide, etc.  As you can see by my look, I had a few doubts and fears  mixed in with the relief of actually admitting I had a problem (or several) and actually deciding to do something about it (them). 

Chalene Johnson is “an entrepreneur, TV fitness personality, clothing designer, author, motivational speaker, choreographer, wife, mother of 2 and relatable girl next door”.   In other words, the woman is an inspiration.  

I “met” Chalene through my friends Bill and Lisa (who are very fit and fun people) when they suggested Beachbody to me after I mentioned my desire for a healthier lifestyle.  

A year (or two, ahem) later I decided to go for it – I joined Beachbody and purchased my first workout program (see above). 

I am not one to follow the latest fad.  I just woke up one day, feeling extra sluggish and uncomfortable in all of my jeans.  Even my overalls.  Scary.  

My struggle has always been with “big” thighs and hips, but now I had “muffin top” spilling over my jeans.  Sorry for the visual; just trying to let you know how dire the situation had become. 

For the past three weeks or so, I have been working out with Chalene, using her recipes, and listening to her “Extreme Motivation” CD.  

I love this CD because it is like having a really good friend in the room with you whenever you want; telling you how great and capable and deserving you are.     

Between the workouts and the constant motivation and the decreased carbs and wine consumption, (and perhaps most importantly, the support from the SO), I am feeling stronger and happier already.  

I still beat up on myself but not anywhere near as much as Idid only weeks ago.  I am just feeling….better all around. 

If you are a member of Beachbody, please become my online buddy (I blog on their site, as well).  No, I am not a Beachbody coach and no, I am not getting paid to talk about it.  I just like to share what works for me.  

If it works for you as well, then all the better; let’s be good friends and encourage each other, shall we?  XOX

2010 Is Here…HAPPY NEW YEAR!

Vision Board 2010

Everyone I talk to is excited about the New Year.  Laura and I finished our vision boards on New Year’s Eve – it was so fun and very interesting to see what it was that we were drawn to in the mags and how they came together on the poster board.  We have gone over resolutions together for years now so this was a nice addition to our tradition.  Last year my resolutions revolved around clarity and simplicity.  I would say it was a successful year on both counts.  This year my resolutions revolve around focus. 

***If you enjoy your own New Year’s Traditions, I would love to hear what they are!  So, the contest is on – comment on The New Year and I will add your name to the pot for a drawing one week from today…I will announce the prize after the drawing (mysterious, I know).

A Walk in the Woods with Milo

On a bittersweet note, we lost Ty the eve of December 29th.  It has been a little less than three months since we began this sit.  We knew as soon as we met Ty that we might be losing him soon, but part of me just refused to accept it.  At least one of us has been by his side now for some time, just in case.  So, when he died peacefully in my arms I felt a deep sense of comfort and relief.  And now, comes the grief.  Goodbye, sweet Ty.

Since You Asked…

My New Haircut

 

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