Happy New Year

2011 should be the start of an entrepreneurial year for me. I picked up the book "Nudge" to learn some more about making positives decisions for my life, health, career, and empowering myself to become the confident business owner I want to be later in life.

I don't believe in resolutions, but I do believe in developing goals, motivating myself and inspiring others. The New Year is a perfect time, as any time is, to start learning and being more open to experience, risk, and education to become a better human on and for the earth.

I am looking forward to 2011 for all the opportunities and experiences that it will hold for me, my family, and friends. I want to focus on building relationships and maintaining all the important ones my life is already blessed with.

I've experienced and learned so much in 2010. I am blessed to have lived through another successful year. Good luck and blessing to everyone in 2011!

Christmas in Maui

So is 80 degrees and this is what my house looks like. I miss the COLD winter season TERRIBLY. It truly isn't the same, like Macaulay Culkin says in Home Alone 2: 

Kevin McCallister: Why do we have to go to Florida? There's no Christmas trees in Florida. 

Kate McCallister: Kevin, what is it with you and Christmas trees? 

Kevin McCallister: How could you have Christmas without a Christmas tree, Mom? 

Well I feel that way about Christmas and cold weather. 

Hiking in Poli Poli

This hike is officially my favorite on Maui. 

We did a 5 mile loop starting and ending at Poli Poli State Park. The trip getting to the park is as interesting as the terrain we traveled over during our hike.

We live close to the ocean on the West Side of Maui and meandered our way along the coast to Central Maui where sugar cane is king. We then headed to "Upcounty" gaining a total of 7,000 feet in elevation. We went from paved road to a dirt road that is rough, to say the very least, but not impassable. We saw a Mustang Convertible coming out as we headed in; the driver yelled in passing that he was happy he bought the insurance. Tourists. 

When we got to the park it was a brisk 55 degrees. So with the elevation gain we lost 25 degrees as well, exactly what I wanted; I am tired of the heat. Griz, Chad and I unloaded to take off on a gorgeous hike through redwoods, rainforest, and most surprisingly of all, a huge hydrangea field in the middle of nowhere. The cabin and flowers pictured were the highlight of my trip. Total surprises!

I have been struck by ‘rock fever’ and am sick of the island, so I felt Papa (God, if you have read The Shack) led me to the place to make me realize he created everything and we need to appreciate it all, even if it isn’t my ideal. It was a wonderful realization and comforting too. Hydrangeas are one of my favorite flowers but know they hold true meaning in me heart.

A hike to remember. 

Yoga: My First Class

I loved my first yoga class. It's pretty laid back, like everything else in Maui, and was for all levels. I learned some great new poses that will help my posture. I had a trainer tell me I slouch. (!) So I am definitely looking to improve my posture and strengthen my shoulders and back. A great move, that literally cramped my shoulder, goes like this: step forward with your right foot and go into a lunge. Left leg should be extended. Extend arms to shoulder level and twist to the right and pull your shoulders back as far as you can. Switch sides (that's not the yogi way to do it but I am still learning).

I love the focus on calm, breathe, and health that yoga has, I have realized that my exercise theory is 'no pain, no gain' and that needs to change. Yoga is so beneficial beyond the physical results. I am totally sold. :) Oh and my flexibility has improved so much since I started practicing.

Yoga-Mindful Lessons

Mindfulness is a powerful thing.  I first picked up yoga because I wanted to become more flexible, that I have along with reaping other benefits as well. Due to the deep breathing and focus on balancing myself on one foot with my other appendages are going in all directions, I am able to effectively concentrate and the stress reducing effects are monumental. 

Yoga teaches you to be mindful, to calm yourself in discomfort. Whether that be a painful stretch, a physical taxing pose, or even a stressful moment in  the work week, yoga teaches you how to sooth yourself to handle the situation more effectively.

I just read an article in Women’s Health that quotes research on the weight benefits of yoga. Because yogis’ are mindful of their feelings and how to handle them, stress eating is less of a concern or even reaching for the wrong food is lessened.

All and all I really enjoy the heightened awareness of my body. I pleased that I can hold some stretches for 60 seconds from when I started at just 5. It’s easy to put your mind in that place; it is just keeping it there during the uncomfortable periods that take practice, but obviously it worth the effort. 

Simple Pleasures: Napping

I come from a family that values sleep like money. No matter what a good nap and a long night's rest will solve anything and everything. So when I found this Real Simple Article I was content to read and reread every word and then pass it along to all my family. So if you like naps, please read. :)

Grizzly

He spent the evening in the back of Chad's truck. Chad spent all day washing his truck, seriously ALL DAY. Grizzly is loyal and so dang cute. That's the face of an angel.

Travel

I have been traveling since the end of May. I made a long trip home, which was moved up a week due to Chad's father's heart condition, which I am happy to report is doing much better. He is a survivor and we thank God for answering all the prayers that were sent up for Tommy.

Instead of writing about my trip I will just include some of the beautiful scenery and events I attended:

Marion and Dave's Lake Cottage

Clarksville, VA Kerr Lake

5.30.2010

Lindsey and Cody's Wedding

6.19.2010 Athens, Ohio

Thomas Jefferson's Home

Monticello, Charlottesville, VA

6.22.2010

Mount Saint Helens

Washington National Park

6.29.2010

(also Chad and my 4th year anniversary)

Seattle Washington Skyline at Night

(from Alki Beach)

6.28.2010

Powerful Presence

I have seen the true power of prayer and positive thinking and it have been a transforming experience. When I last posted Chad's father was in critical condition. Today, he has been at home for his third day. He has a lot of medicines to take, very low energy, but he is home and on the way to a much healthy life. I cannot express how thankful I am for all the people pulling for Tommy.

Tommy said the other night "I always knew I would take friends over money." Folks, this man is rich, likely the richest man I have ever met.

Power of Prayer and Positive Thought

Chad, my boyfriend, had a family health emergency, (I am much more attached to this situation than this ambiguous sentence would imply but if I get in too deep my emotions will cloud my point) recently and he has since flown home to be at the hospital where his father is recovering.

I, however, have come into the role of sending updates to everyone that Tommy's life (Chad's father) has touched . However, I know about about a 1/3 of the people that Tommy does. The outpouring of support, prayer and thought has been monumental and humbling.

I cannot express the feeling that comes over me when I see how connected human beings come to fight fear, negativity, and hope for the healing powers of God to go into the hands of a medical staff.

I continue to pray for Tommy and know his loved ones (all 300,000 of them) will too and Tommy will continue on the road to recovery.

The love for him is a blessing that he has sowed and reaped himself. Tommy is an example of how to treat people and how people will treat you, if respected and accepted as they are, which Tommy has down to an art, a character himself. :)

Simple Pleasures: Outdoor Showers

This isn't the most private outdoor shower I have used (it's great to rinse of sand and dirt) but since I grew up using them on vacations to get sand and grim off of me from Lake Erie, I was pretty excited to find our new place in Hawaii had an outdoor shower, with hot water no less!

It takes me back to my childhood and the comfort of warm water, family, and vacation. I have to say I am a pretty fortunate to be able to live a vacation everyday that I am in Hawaii. This place is growing on me.

I am also looking forward to my month on the East Coast. My sister will be showing us her family's new lake house and guess what, they installed an outdoor shower. I'm not the only one that adores those memories! :)

My Doggies!

This is Grizzly, Chad and my chocolate lab puppy. He allows us to do anything to him. Clearly! He has learned to surf since being in Hawaii, he gets weekly swims, no, not with the snorkel set.

He has grown up with the Golden, Riley is the top right picture. They are the best of friends. Grizzly routinely take shocks from his invisible fence as not to be separated from his buddy.

Griz is quite hardheaded, stubborn, and strong but he is also intelligent, sensitive, and such a darling with children. A lot of people are terrified of him, I guess it might be the size (he is 80 pounds of pure muscle) and his yellow eyes, which truly are just golden with good intention.

I, of course, feel guilty mentioning anything about Grizzly without mentioning my Australian shepherd/Border Collie mix, Macie, who I got in college and my parents have taken care of since I could not have her full time, ever. It has worked out though, they have formed an unbreakable bond together and I still get to visit her when I travel home. She is my lover pup!

Visitors

Last Wednesday Sheila and John McCracken arrived to spend a week in Hawaii with Chad and I. It was so nice to have people from home! They live in Oakland, Maryland now but we have quite a background with them and it was fun to reminisce.

I think we thoroughly wore them out. We showed them a lot in a week. They snorkeled, played in huge waves, learned to paddle board, we took Harley's out and went to a volcano, saw an old lava flow, toured hotels, took in tourist trap Lahaina, visited ancient Hawaiian Petroglyphs, drank Mai-Tais, shopped, ate, and had a wonderful time.

It was so nice to have them here and they were such great house guests. Cleaning up and everything. It was almost like we were on vacation too.

It was a great week that went too fast!

John and Sheila at the volcano, Haleakala National Park

The Harley Chad and I rode

Petroglyphs

Chad's truck loaded down with four Stand Up Paddle Boards

Making Additions to the Life List due to Swimming Success

I have always identified myself as an athlete, specifically a basketball player. I love the sport and want to play and coach every chance I get. I will always have a passion for what I believe is the greatest game on earth. But due to the contact nature of the sport, it's not something I will always play, because when I play, it's all or nothing. I have a hard time not being a physical player because that's who I am as a basketball player, I'm physical, dirty, and it makes it fun! Maybe I can transition into a terrific 3-point shooter and avoid all contact. I better get to the gym and shoot if I am going to do that. Though that is not my position nor my passion in the game. 

So at this point in my life, I am transitioning from "the Basketball player" and have found that I harbor a lot of frustration due to not being able to complete a college career in basketball. If I could do anything over again it would be to play all four years of college basketball. I do have an excuse for not continuing and it was a damn good one, but it was out of my control and now I wish I could change one thing, my mentality....and make it through four seasons of ball. In realizing that I had a dream dashed, I am working to move on. 

I have started swimming and am getting great advice from a swim coach here in Lahaina. Last night was my fourth practice and I feel like I am improving an incredible amount. I have always been a decent swimmer, strong and can save people (good thing as I was a lifeguard for 6 years and made multiple, albeit simple saves), but I am self-taught so my technique is lacking. With the coach's guidance I am changing that and falling in love with swimming all over again. I am building valuable confidence and technique in a sport that I can continue for the rest of my life and at this point, I may be able to become even more competitive in my sprint triathlons than I thought possible. Which is extremely exciting. Swimming feeds my competitive spirit. I like to compete and I like to win. Though it must be said, I do lose, and a lot, and I do it with grace. It makes winning all the more rewarding. 

So this leads me to the additions to my life list:

Life List Addition No. 1: Complete a Swim Race

Life List Addition No. 2: Complete a full length triathlon  (this involves a lot of training for running and biking, two things I need to tackle more thoroughly but I think I can do it) 

Life List Addition No. 3: Take Skiing Lessons, improve, and ski more

So where the heck did No. 3 come from? Well, with the success I have seen in swimming, I want to improve myself in another activity I adore, and that is skiing. I won't always live in a warm climate and that is ok because I want to be a better skier. So while I know I will be very frustrated, embarrassed, and demoralized when I have a professional ski with me and point out my problems, I want to be better, improve my technique, learn to do moguls, and ultimately become a much more aggressive, confident skier. I am tired of just being mediocre. I tend to be a 'jack of all trades, master of none' in the sports arena, with the exception of basketball. However, we know from above that I am transitioning, I am ready to become better at some sports that I can conceivably continue for the rest of my life. The nice thing about swimming and skiing is; I can do it by myself or I can do it with any number of people. Basketball takes a lot of organization and getting people together, which is great but not always reliable. 

I am really excited to have the opportunity to branch out and try to improve myself in these sports. I do have to say that I try to thank God everyday for the blessing of my ability see, breathe, and walk. Sometimes this can be easily taken fore granted, but I know I would be devastated if I were not able to walk, play, run, see, listen, or anything that I have now that could potentially be taken from me. It humbling to think about so I am very thankful for all my blessings! 

Oh and just as an afterthought and great teaching point for any sport; "practice does not make perfect, practice makes permanent." Jim Clayton, of Sports City U preached this at all his clinics and camps that I attended in the early 2000's. That simple sentence stuck with me more than any other basketball philosophy I have been taught or heard beucase it is so logical and true. I am a perfect example, I was self-taught in skiing and swimming and have developed lackluster form and detrimental habits. It's important to learn the right form and technique and practice that. 

I think it is extremely important to learn several accepted techniques and forms, and develop a style that is comfortable but text book in form and consistency. The biggest problem with people that are self-taught is consistency. They do something different every time unbeknownst to them because they, simply, know no better. The best aid is to have someone point these habits out and explain how to change them. I feel this philosophy can be applied to anything in life, eating, positive thinking, sports, work, and relationships. It takes the will to change and is a humbling experience but I am better for it and so everyone else can be as well. 

So little did I know when I embarked on my "goal to meet people" by attending these swim practices, that I  would  be able to transform my identity, my outlook, and motivate so many new exciting goals. 

    

Simple Pleasures: My Friday Routine

Friday's are my absolute favorite day of the week. They always have been. Friday is a day of anticipation for the weekend to come. Friday is also the day my family traveled on so it meant getting out of school early to head to my grandmothers' homes in Ohio (or where ever we might have been traveling). And those memories are such pleasures in themselves, that I am conditioned to adore Fridays and Friday evenings even more.

Now, it's a day were I allow myself my favorite breakfast food in a mass quantity, Honey Nut Cherrios. I then, get through work and as I work from home, the second I sign off the computer, my weekend starts. Many times I will high tail it to the public library or walk to the beach to read my magazines. Or sometimes, like today, I will search for a good cookie recipe (Coconut Oatmeal Chocolate Chip) and will turn some music on and bake.

I very much look forward to these simple activities, they are stress relievers and a sign of the rejuvenating weekend to come.

Well, I am ready to start my weekend. I will let you know how the cookies turn out!

Political Ticket: Krystal Ball

Krystal Ball for Congress 

I found this lady through Marie Claire Magazine, who I must address as a progressive voice in women's magazine. The magazine is fashion laden but the articles and snippets are so important to women's culture around the world, that I am fascinated by each month's volume

Getting back to Kyrstal Ball, she 28 years old and running for a seat in the House of Representatives. She is a Democrat out of Virginia and if elected would be the youngest woman and only woman under 30 to be elected to the US House or Senate.

The kicker that spurred my interest was this statement in Marie Claire: "A pro-choice, pro-gay, and pro-gun (yep!) mother, Ball appeals to a board base."

I can't say she appeals to me yet, but we need more young people invested in the future of the US. I hope she has strong feelings about education. Education is the building block of our society and we need to bring the focus back to the books. I hope she and others can start to do this.

Good News!

The McKean clan will be uniting in Raleigh, NC again this summer to celebrate the May Birthdays (nephew Harrison, my mother's and my own) also we will get to celebrate being one big, happy family. That involves lots of wrestling, screaming, and chasing between the two family dogs, a 5year old, 2 year old, myself, and my brother. I leave our ages out intentionally.

We will also walk, read, laugh, sleep, eat, and generally have the grandest time. My sister started this tradition 5, ahem almost 6 years ago, when Harrison was born. And I see it lasting forever. :) We have a new location to celebrate at, but due to the celebrity of the McKean family, it remain an undisclosed location. Ha, ok so it's just that our plans are not final...

Anyway, I am super pumped because my brother confirmed his reservation in the nut house with the rest of us today. Yay yay!

I am officially starting the count down until I arrive in Raleigh on May 27th. 43 days left!

Favorites: Coastal Living

My Ultimate dream would be to own a lakeside cottage in a place called, Linwood Park, in Vermillion Ohio, adjacent to Lake Erie. My family, (mother's side, The Packer's) has been traveling and staying in this little piece of heaven for more than 65 years. It's become quite the tradition for all 50+ members of the Packer, McKean, Sambuco Clans.

If I owned a cottage in Linwood, the above board is what I would hope to do with it. I like shabby chic flea market finds, with bright white paneling, sea greens and blue reminiscent of sea glass that we collect on the beach. Some of the inspirations above obviously don't match but the architecture or coziness of the scene inspired me and gave me those wonderful summer feelings, so that is why they are included. 

Number 3, 4, 13, & 14 are my favorite elements. 8 & 15 are creative uses of space, 5 & 6 are very important to me because outdoor living is a must at Linwood. So if I won the lottery, this would be one of my dreams that I would achieve with the money. 

Sources:

1-3 http://www.coastalliving.com/homes/decorating/25-comfy-cottage-rooms-00400000065404/page10.html

4 http://www.coastalliving.com/homes/beachy-kitchens-00400000065423/page7.html

5 http://www.coastalliving.com/homes/decorating/outdoor-rooms-beach-home-design-00400000049155/page10.html

6 http://www.coastalliving.com/homes/decorating/cottage-00400000027788/page15.html

7 http://www.coastalliving.com/homes/decorating/beach-house-bedrooms-00400000051306/page15.html 

8 http://www.coastalliving.com/homes/beach-style-sailor-chic-interiors-00400000048887/page7.html

9 http://www.coastalliving.com/homes/decorating/labor-love-00400000065707/page11.html

10 http://www.coastalliving.com/homes/pretty-painted-floors-00400000059004/

11 http://www.coastalliving.com/homes/decorating/beach-up-your-breakfast-nook-00400000042256/page2.html

12 http://www.coastalliving.com/homes/decorating/living-room-00400000051289/page13.html

13 http://www.coastalliving.com/homes/decorating/living-room-00400000051289/page20.html

14 http://www.coastalliving.com/homes/decorating/beach-house-bedrooms-00400000051306/page2.html

15 http://www.coastalliving.com/homes/decorating/beach-house-bedrooms-00400000051306/page11.html

16 http://www.coastalliving.com/homes/decorating/beach-house-baths-bathrooms-00400000051904/

Tear Drop In My Eye...

If this doesn't speak volumes about the kind of coach and team that West Virginia University's Basketball Program fields, you may have to question if your heart still beats.

It's a Hooiser's kind of thing, but we weren't the Cinderella's this year, Bulter was, is and may they win the National Championship as my team was taken out by a more undeserving opponent. For the record, we had just as much riding on this game as Bulter did/does.

Hell, the State of North Carolina wasn't routing for Duke, I would venture to guess the majority of the state was routing against them because if you are a NC State fan or UNC fan you cannot route for Duke, ever!

But what was the climate like in West Virginia and in any other state that has WV transplants? The fans showed intense loyalty, extreme frustration at the sports media bias, and above all a pride in our coach, our players, and the class and talent they put on the floor each game.

This was more than a basketball game, this berth to the final four, the first time in 51 years, was a rite of passage for West Virginians. It put us on the map, it broke stereotypes, or we hoped it would.  Unfortunately, many wanted the 'hillbillies' to go home, not to succeed and when we didn't win the media continued on the merry, righteous, 'told-you-so' way. But to the West Virginian followers, the players have become family, friends, and role models, a source of pride for our beautiful but down trodden state.

I know I speak for each Mountaineer fan when I say, the footage of Bulter and Coach Huggins on the floor together during Butler's injury was the highlight of the entire tournament. It proved that our coach loves his players. Coach Huggs, has made some mistakes but if West Virginians know one thing, it's that we are not perfect but we can take steps to make things right. Good step forward coach. I am very proud of the Mountaineers who fought so hard with such sportsmanship and such enthusiasm.

Please say prayers for Da'Sean Bulter as he deals with a torn ACL. I wish him the best and speedy recovery so he may enter the NBA and start changing the face of Pro Ball. We need more good guys like him in the league!

Easter Dinner: Success

Chad and I hosted our first Easter Dinner today and it was wonderful success. We had ham, scalloped potatoes, macaroni and cheese, green beans, pineapple cheese cake and coconut cream pie.

Chad got my this Fiesta Ware (my favorite!) pie pan for Easter and I made my first homemade coconut cream pie. (Well, the crust is pre-made as Chad told me my birthday present is a rolling pin and pie board) :) What a thoughtful gift and great pie!!

It made being away from my family that much more bearable. 

Happy Easter, Chad and I are enjoying Evan Almighty and then we are going to go to bed early!! 

Simple Pleasures: Mixer Prongs

In preparation for Easter Dinner, I made my coconut cream pie and pineapple cheesecake early so they could chill for the required amount of time. I recently bought a new mixer, hadn't had one for years and was excited to use it.

When I was finished beating the pudding and fruit together I ejected the mixer prongs and licked them like I used to as a child when my Mom would make cakes, brownies, or anything that required beating the ingredients together.

I was instantly taken back to the cozy, narrow, kitchen where I would stand on a chair to reach the counter and lick any number of kitchen utensils that my Mom was finished with but still had remnants of a sweet dough on them. We would laugh and she would tell me to help her stir whatever was in the bowl.

I mostly ate, watched, and was entertainment, or distraction for my Mom as she made countless cookies for Christmas or baked a cake for a birthday.

It was such a simple pleasure just to stand in the kitchen of my rental unit and be transported back to such a sweet memory. I miss my family dearly but with memories like this to keep me close even when we apart, I cannot be more blessed or thankful.

Have a Blessed Easter.

Goal: Meet People!

I took step one in meeting some people last night. I did something that I am relatively confident in, or was, swimming. I attended a US Swim Masters practice in hopes of meeting some swimmers my age and to get into a workout that I will look forward too.

Well, my evening started with trepidation as I entered the pool parking lot, clueless as to who might guide me in the direction of a Swim Master Member. I had *NO IDEA* how popular swimming pools are in Maui. Duh, right? Swimming, water polo, diving, you name they are amazing and gung-ho about it. The weather is perfect for it year round so it make senses.

Anyway, I saw an older man, no make that, an older gentleman, who looked like he might be involved in the swim master program. He was *SO* kind. He explained everything and was genuinely excited for me to join the group.

I was still nervous, even after this great introduction because I began to wonder about my swimming skills and how they would stack up against the other swimmers. Let me remind you, it has been 2 years since I have swam regularly so I am no where near in swimming shape.

Bob, the very nice gentleman introduced me to the swim coach, Mike. He instantly started asking me what my swimming background was/is.  "Uh, I do sprint triathlons and was on a club swim team in college. I'm self-taught and not great, but I CAN swim." I left out the part that I was on the team for two days and really? 'I can swim?' Ugh.  Anyway, I still had this crazy feeling that I was going to impress everyone with my graceful swimming.

Nope, sorry to say, that graceful swimming was worthless and drowned last night. I learned some techniques to swim more appropriately and actually use the rest of my body versus just my arms. My abs are actually sore and that is GREAT!

So after realizing that I wasn't that good, in horrible swim-shape, and not very fast. I thought "What the hell, this is great. No cares, if I hold them up because they aren't waiting for me."

For once in my adult life, I was able to let go and focus on improving my technique and totally forgot to worry about what others might think of my ability. "So what if I suck, I am trying and listening to what I am told." This motto of sorts kept running through my head, it was a great realization. Oh and the fact that I wasn't last in every set, some sets yes, but in others I was in the middle of the pack. For being out of shape and learning so much, I am proud of the results.

I cannot wait until next Tuesday to go back, learn more, and maybe meet a couple of the swimmers that were my age. After all that was the goal I went in with, but came out with a whole slew of other goals that I met by attending that one practice and hope to continue to meet at other practices.

Yoga Beginnings

My flexibility has always be subpar, it's a mix of hating to stretch and inherited inability to sit "cris-cross applesauce".  So I have decided to teach myself some basic yoga moves in hopes of stretching, strengthening, and toning the muscles that don't like to budge.

My first attempt was yesterday evening after work, I laid out a beach towel, turned on my fan, and began by reading the description of a pose and then tried it. I have never been one to breathe correctly when I work out so I really focused on calming, deep breathes. I worked through 6-7 poses before I was interrupted by Chad's early arrival home from work.

If this would have happened in any other work out, I would have been frustrated but the breathing techniques I practiced with each pose had me so calm, I was happy with the progress I had made and was truly happy to have Chad home. (Like I should be!)

The moves are not easy but my muscles felt so good when I was finished and I was at peace. I have a problem of thinking too much and this workout was great not only for my body but my mind as well. I think yoga will be good for me to be able to focus on one thing, I always have about 30 things running in my head and it's not like I am busy. I am just a worrier and as I work from home, sometimes not having anyone to talk makes my mind run even more.

And when I work out, I am usually thinking about getting it over with or what else needs to be done. But doing these yoga poses that are difficult forced me to only think about keeping my pose correct and breathing.

So even though I haven't taken a class yet and don't plan to until I get a little better at the basic moves, I am sold.

I used the Best Yoga for Women slideshow from Women's Health and will continue with this to master these moves. My plan is to do 10-15 minutes of this a day as a supplement to my walking. I am also hoping that yoga will help with some of the pain that I incur while I run and will allow me to get back to training for some races, as that is at a stand still for now.

I think the yoga will help release some of the mental frustration I am encountering as a result of not being able to run like I want too. I hope.

Protest...the right issues.

"Baby Killer!"

I find it hard to support freedom of speech when it is closer to slander and libel than exercising the right to speak our opinions in an educated, constructive manner.

I feel many of the recent protests, referring to the past year and a half, are racially charged and based on matters that are always used to throw the attention off the issue at hand.

Need examples? Abortion. Gay Marriage. Gun Rights.  Not to say that these are not important issues, they are. I think they are trivialized each time they are thrown into the political spectrum just to get voters on one side or the other based on what you believe on these emotionally charged topics. They need to have their own forums, their own discussions, and their own time to be the ONLY issue. But that never happens.

Why? Because of actions like when a senator yells “Baby Killer” in the voting process of the current health care bill. He is setting up another prefect example of getting the American public off what the true issue is: lack of a solid, fair health care system, and onto the worry that everyone is going to have free rain to abort pregnancies.

Whatever you choose to believe, why can’t we have a little more faith in human kind that we are all not baby killers regardless of our social, political, religious, and financial positions, opinions, and beliefs in life?

It is this insecurity and ignorance that politicians play on. We are getting nowhere. I am so frustrated by the fact that politicians use the tactics to hide the really hideous problems in our government.

But you can bet the Tea Party Protesters will be out there fighting taxes for a program that will likely help most of those with picket signs in their hands. Why don’t you have a tea party against the astronomical pork barrel spending and wasteful use of state and government tax revenue? Why don't you protest the fact that our children's education systems are failing? That our teachers are paid at poverty level? Why don't you protest the injustice, not the issue that will take some of the injustice out of our healthcare program? Protest the right issue! 

But will we ever get so far as to protest the injustices that truly matter? So long as senators are yelling “Liar” and “Baby Killer” and generally not willing to do anything to improve the gridlock fight between Democrats and Republicans, I guess the American Public can expect no less of a similar argument over the wrong issues.  

Simple Pleasures: Cards from My Mom

I got the cutest card from my Mom today, if I wrote about each card she sent me it entry would start out this way. Cutest, sweetest, nicest, most thoughtful, I'm lucky, I have a Mother that loves to write and shares how much she loves me whenever she can.

I also enjoy the Mary Engelbreit clip outs she sends me. She often writes who the illustration refers to and they always brighten my day. I have kept every single one she has ever sent me. They are now in various places but I bet I have over 100 and 98 of them are different. She's only duplicated one illustration. Amazing.

Mom always says that when she writes a letter it's like having a conversation with the person she is writing too. I feel the same way. I don't write much snail mail but when I do I feel more connected to the person I am writing to without them even realizing it. I think if more people wrote letters again friendly connections would deepen. Yes, email is irreplaceable but so is the smile that a piece of mail, a hand-written letter puts on the receiver's face.

In, college my friends, guys and girls alike would gawk at how much mail I got from my family. As we would leave the mail room many of them would say "Wish I got mail like that! Tell me if you got anything good." This reaction always made me happy, I of course would share my care packages and the $10 or $20 bill enclosed in a note sometimes went to a pizza party, just to share the love.

I count my blessings every night and I try to hit one small pleasure each night, as not to ever take them for-granted. Tonight will be the notes, letters, and cards I get from my mom. :)

Goal: Spend Less Time on the Computer

As a work-from-home graphic designer I am on my MAC all the time. I work for 8-hours, then I design and write  for the three blogs that I keep up, I check my email constantly, Facebook frequently, and scour local sites like craiglist.org and Maui Time for island events and activities. I also get my recipes online; I see my family online (Skype) and I shop online.

I have made an effort in the past to be on my computer less and it has been enjoyable and not all that hard of an adjustment but some how I just keep retreating to my computer little by little and spending way too much time doing nothing online.

Of course there are some influences, I live in Maui, my family lives on the east coast, email and Skype are my connection to them and thank goodness for them both!  I am new to Maui so researching events is a must, especially since I work from home and don’t get much input from others.

But the time I log on Facebook, Amazon, and other places are wasted in my estimation. So I am again concentrating on spending less time on my computer. This time I identified old hobbies and new, alike, that I would like to invest more of my time in. I am satisfied with my selections and think it is creating for a healthy balance of media time, me time, and hopefully social time.

Pastels:

I have taken up my pastels again and am almost finished with my first piece of, “for my own pleasure” artwork since 2004! It is so therapeutic. I sit on our beautiful lanai and draw in the evening breeze listening to classical or Bob Marley.  I am glad I am making the effort to draw again and am pleased with the positive impact it has made on my artistic confidence already. 

Jigsaw Puzzles:

I also adore putting puzzle together, something I realized, when Chad’s friend Angie, from Vancouver, Canada visited us several weeks ago, had never put a puzzle together. We got some people together and had a puzzle party with pizza and beer. Angie enjoyed the evening and was able to mark that task of her ‘life list’. 

So I am now putting together a Charles Wysocki’s ‘Americana’ puzzle together. They are my mother’s favorite puzzles and are mine as well. They remind me of the hours she and I have spent talking, laughing, and eating at the puzzle table in our living room, such a great memory and one that boosts my mood very much.

Cooking/Baking

I have also taken up cooking and baking. I love to bake ‘healthier’ desserts; I make things with less sugar and wheat flour. Chad approves. I enjoy making dinner 3 or so times a week. It’s a true feeling of accomplishment when I finish a meal I thought would be challenging and it turns out tasty. Broiled scallops was my latest accomplishment, Chad said they were the best scallops he had ever had!

Walking/Running

I have always been an athlete and love the outdoors. Working at home I don’t get up and down as often as I did when I worked in the office. So now I make an effort to take at least two walks a day or a two-mile run. I also like to plyometrics outside. 

Blogging

Though Blogging is on my computer I feel it is a better use of my time. I write, design and think. I don’t just mindlessly scroll through pictures and “stalk” people.

Sketching Dress Designs

I did this all the time when I was younger and wedding dress design is still a passion of mine. I have yet to fully devote any time to this but when I am struck with the inspiration I have my sketch book prepared.

Stand Up Paddle Boarding

This is a completely new hobby that Chad and I do on the weekend. We went out this past weekend and I had a shorter, smaller board. I fell off a lot and got frustrated but a kind of mantra came into my head after awhile: ‘Get up, don’t think about falling, stand straight, and react to each wave.” I realized after about the 100^th time of repeating this, that I had learned a great lesson. I was overcoming a challenge in a extremely positive way. My mind just starting coaching my body and I was encouraging myself. I didn’t fall the rest of the day! J

Learning to Shoot and Handle Guns

I have shot a shot gun twice in my life and it has been within the past two months. Chad and I go to the shooting range in Upcountry to shot clays. I was terrified as first but the second time I went my confidence soared. Again, this was another activity that I was intimidated to try, but finally did and now love it and want to get better.

Next New Hobby

Calligraphy

I love hand lettering and fonts. So this is a natural progression for me. I am going to ask for a calligraphy starter set for my birthday. I have a lot of things to focus my time on right now so around the end of May (birthday time) I will be prepared for a new hobby to add to the mix. J

Tipping The Scales

Fashion is Finally Becoming Aware of the fact that most woman cannot safely NOR should they try to attain the stick thin model body. Hell, even the models that do these shows are not healthy. This article references the fact that a model died in 2006 immediately after steeping off the runaway. This model became a martyr battle towards realistically shaped and aged models.

I am happy to see that the fashion police are starting a trend towards healthy women (the article says 'voluptuous', that's a joke) but maybe changing their perspective can change the European and American views on the ideal, it's a hope.

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Life List

Life List (in no particular order)

Take motorcycle safety course and learn to ride

Learn to drive a stick shift, well

Do part time work at a cake shop or bakery

Attend an Olympic Games

Live closer to my family

Stop by my sister’s house for girl’s night

Attend Bible study

Visit the UK

Run a half-marathon

Go to Romania

Visit the great artworks of Itlay, touch the water in Venice

Do a volunteer trip/vacation

Plant a garden

Swim with dolphins in a natural setting

Take a floral course with my Dad

Attend an NCAA Basketball game or tourney with my Dad and Brother

Learn to quilt, ask my Mom for help

Design my wedding dress

Devote more time to my artwork

Visit Santa Fe

See a Georgia O’Keeffe painting in real life

Do therapy dog training and volunteer at hospitals and nursing homes

Coach High School Girl’s Basketball

Run, bike, or swim for a cause

Collect antique china place settings

Visit all of the National Parks

Rock climb

Get a tattoo

Go back to France

Learn how to do Calligraphy

Buy jet skis

Design a font

Live near a lake

Camp at least twice a year

Do not judge people

Do not complain

Train a dog to do agility trails

Listen better

Be spontaneous

Watch all of the Friends seasons

Design my Christmas Card

Learn CSS and web design

Work or volunteer with a wedding planner

Be a florist

Be the ‘cool’ aunt

Quit caring what other people think

Live in Colorado

Visit Washington State often

Take a pole dancing class

Get buff biceps

Skydive

Have a house with a library

Expand my vocabulary

Be more patient

Improve my relationships

Be more confident

Write more snail mail

Volunteer in an orphanage

Improve my flexibility

Be the change I want to see in the world

Speak out and up for what I believe in

Work in a design studio

Have someone have a crush on me

Get laser hair removal

Take a woodworking course

Do boot camp for a day…just to see if I could do it mentally

Make a friend that is a senior citizen

Eat more food that is locally grown and organic

Take a cruise

Drive a tractor

Be a living example of a moral/fair person

Goals that I have reached

Bale Hale – July 2009

Learn to Shoot a gun – March 2010

Sleep on the couch - 2008

Learn to Ride a horse – 2007