Fabulous! I had to share!
Post Broad Street Run
06 May 2012 2 Comments
in Family Living, Fitness, Inspiration, Uncategorized Tags: 6abc, Broad Street Run, CBS, Clubs, Health, healthy-living, personal goals, Philadelphia, Races, running, Sports
The is the front of the line where the 4 minute milers are positioned. Yes! That read 4 minute milers! Lol!
I ran! I conquered! At least that’s how I feel. Lol! After a much-needed warm and bubbly bath, my feet are propped up on the sofa. My son is hypnotized by his Nintendo 3DS game, while my hubby and my daughter are getting their sleep on. I thought I’d be sleep, but I’m not sleepy… yet.Truly blessed is how I feel. After getting about 4 ½ hours of sleep, my hubby, daughter and son got up at 5:00 a.m. today to go with me one hour away to Philadelphia for the run. I was dropped off near the start of the run and they set off to park and to coax our son on to take part in the kids events. He did not participate. It was probably too early for him. What I love most about running events is that there is an abundance of comradely. Runners of all age, gender, ethnicity, race, religion, social status, income, and physical ability all come out. Most are supportive and encouraging.
Along the course, I saw a young mom pause from running to bottle feed her baby in a jogger’s stroller. Not even an infant prevented her from partaking in the annual run. If she can do this, surely anyone can.
A healthy life style is a conscious decision.
Confinement to a wheel chair hasn’t stopped this participant!
You choose to participate. Runners of all shapes sizes and ability run the course. The time on the official clock is of no importance to the average runner. What ultimately matters about time is that living a healthy lifestyle may add to one’s life. I said, “may.” I know that only life and death are guaranteed.
Mom loathes when I speak of a healthy lifestyle. She is quick to name those who ate well, never smoked, and exercised yet died from cancer or another terminal illness. I also point out the data that supports the principles of maintaining a fit régime, but it doesn’t matter.
I believe that to change our perspective we must be open to new ideas. If we’re not open to new viewpoints, then no amount of data or persuasion can adjust a person’s thinking. I accept that and stop trying to convince her to take better care of herself. She believes that at 78 no one can change. That is her truth, which I now respect.
Most runners set personal goals. Perhaps complete the race because it is their first run. Possibly run the entire event versus a walk-run. I try to improve my time but regardless, I am overjoyed at completing another organized running event and wish that I could bottle the feeling for other days that are more challenging. What’s next? I don’t know, but more running for sure. I also want complete a mud run and a triathlon. Don’t they sound like fun? Lol!
Here are more pictures from the Broad Street Run.
Okay so if you are incredibly fast, you do receive special treatment. No!! I am not nor have I ever been considered an “élite runner!” Behind the sign was a tent that looked like it had food and beverages…most importantly, a bathroom that did not have a long line.
Dozens of portable potty’s service thousands of non-elite runners. Thankfully, I had my own tissues.. there weren’t any in my potty. The potty was well stocked with hand sanitizer. I hope that everyone used it. Hmm…
Lol! I am standing in the grey corral waiting for the race to start. There are just as man runners in line behind me. It took my group nearly 20 minutes to get to the official start line. I felt a little like herded cattle.
Me and Amy Buckman posing at the front of the runner’s line. I also wanted to take a picture with CecilyTynan, but I think she was hiding from me. One of my friends probably told her that I was looking for her. Six ABC News is my favorite news station.
I picked up my race packet on Friday. This is near the beginning of the line! The line moved quickly though.
If you haven’t participated in a run or run/walk event, I suggest that you give it a try. You will love the feel of accomplishment when you complete the event.
Although I feel short of my goal, I finished the run and I am happy!
This is me before the run. I dressed really bright so that my family could easily spot me.
I finished in 1:32:45
Pace: 9:17 minute/mile
Time of arrival: 10:26:45
Keep it movin!
Day (192) - 5 Words
12 Apr 2012 2 Comments
During my more challening long distance runs, I like to keep these 5 words in mind.
Oops!
06 Apr 2012 2 Comments
Ok folks. Oops! That last post was meant to be on my other blog and was meant for students at Atlantic City High School. Lol! I am officially on spring break, but am always looking to help my students. Lucky for them, I am always turned on when it comes to job opportunities.
The post is from my iPhone without my reading glasses and in a laundry mat. Please excuse any typos. Hubby and I just left the gym, where we took an intense spinning class. I am stinky and dripping wet from sweat, but I want to get my sheets & towels washed for the weekend.
Our washing machine is out of of commission. I am NOT happy. It was supposed to be repaired earlier in the week, but the first technician goofed and we are now waiting for another part. Grrr!!!! My situation could be worse, so I’m smiling too.
Happy Friday!
Job Fair
06 Apr 2012 Leave a Comment
The Steel Pier is hosting a job fair on
April 14 and 15th at Resorts Hotel & Casino
10 AM – 5 PM on Saturday
9 AM – 4 PM on Sunday
To apply, you MUST be at least 16 years old.
(Starlight room near the steak house on the dinning level)
Over the forty somthin hump
30 Jul 2011 2 Comments
In a few days, I will be over the mid-forties hump. Embracing and welcoming the forties has been no different from reaching any other celebratory milestone in my life. To me forty plus is just a number and has unexpectedly delivered many enlightening and telling moments. While some woman stress, I’m happy to have reached a point in my life, where I’ve acquired a little something called wisdom. I’ve learned that:
- When someone does me or my family wrong, there’s no need to stress about it. I’m simply thankful that the person has revealed their true self to me. I say thank you and go about the business of ejecting them from life.
- It is genuinely okay to end friendships. Authentic relationships don’t outgrow one another and can with stand the test of times.
- There’s no need to say, “I told you so!” Both you and I know what I said, I was clear about my comments and I know that you remember exactly what I said.
- Only give solicited opinions; all others are unwanted.
- Trying to help those who are not seriously committed to helping themselves is pointless.
- Go about the business of improving, developing, or changing Tanya. She’s the only person that I can truly change.
- It isn’t necessary to take part in an event just because it is “expected” of me.
- Don’t allow someone else’s emergency to become mine. Failure to plan on their part doesn’t have to be intrusive on my time.
- Just because I earn a decent living/lifestyle, doesn’t mean that I have to share it with you. Entitlement is an UGLY thing. I share my blessing with those who genuinely care about me and my family…. Even if I’m unemployed and am living in a shoebox.
- Continue to laugh and embrace every smile line in my face.
- Dance even if you’re not good at it. I do!
- Smile. Everyone needs to receive one… some days more than others.
- Be gentle when bearing ugly truths. Just because the truth is unpleasant, it doesn’t mean that it has to be delivered in a cruel way.
- Don’t expect any different from family—they are people too. Some we love, some we love to…. Nope, I’m not going to say it.
- Most kids listen to their parents more than parents realize. I’ve lived it!
- Reading is good for the spirit.
- Talk less, listen more.
- Spirituality is internal not external.
- Don’t judge others even if they judge me.
- Embrace my true God-given self!
I hope that you’re having a marvelous day!
Random thought
08 Jul 2011 2 Comments
in Family Living, Uncategorized
While sitting my foot starting itching ridiculously! The itch brought back childhood memories. Mom and her sisters had many sayings or old wives tales to suggest future events. You know, “if your nose itches, someone is talking about you.” “If you drop a fork on the floor, someone is coming to your house hungry.” If your hand itches, you’re going to come into money;” I should be wealthy by now. Anyway you get the point. I don’t know where these sayings come from. Is it geographical—such as a southern thing, is it a generational thing, or something else. In any case, I remember them all too well.
Back to the itchy foot! As a kid, mom often said that if your foot itches, either “you” or “someone”is going to die. Kids tend to take adult words literally and I did. I don’t remember my age, but I distinctly remember crying myself to sleep one night. My foot itched and all I could think about is what happens when a foot itches.
I took those words to heart and thought my last day on earth had arrived. Did I think to talk to my parents? No. Why not? I have no idea. I just remember crying myself to sleep because the bottom of my foot itched. Us parents really have to be more aware of what we say in front of our kids. They are listening–even when we think they are not.
>A well understood wake-up call
06 May 2011 Leave a Comment
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“Every death is a wake-up call
to live life more fully”
to live life more fully”
- Oprah Winfrey
Wise and thought provoking. The rapid and untimely death of my cousin Marlene was my wake-up call. Actually- it was more like a violent jolt. Although our moms are sisters, Marlene felt more like a sister than a cousin.
She was 46 when she passed. I remember driving in my car, struggling to listen to one of my favorite songs, Mariah Carey’s, “Bye Bye.” Wondering why her? Why now?
Early in August 2006 everything was well. The disturbing cancer diagnosis came soon after. Two days after Christmas, she passed. She was a strict vegetarian for nearly all of her life. She never drank alcohol. Never smoked cigarettes or cigars and never used drugs. She had no risk factors, but was still struck by this non-discriminate and mortal disease.
- Fact: ”About 70-80% of breast cancers occur in women who have no family history of breast cancer. These occur due to genetic abnormalities that happen as a result of the aging process and life in general, rather than inherited mutations”
She was not suppose to be the one to leave the family yet! She was just too darn young and six months prior celebrated the youngest of her three children’s high school graduation. It’s been four and half years, and I’m still amazed.
Marlene represented the true spirit of Christianity, but she never felt the need to make the declaration or to broadcast it to others. Instead she chose to live a quite Christian life and led by example. Marlene greeted everyone with a gentle and warm smile and loved sewing and crafting. Never complained, even when she had reason to.
The stats are astounding and no one is exempt from this deadly disease. I can take all the precautionary steps to minimize my risk factors, however, the fact remains that I can still be afflicted with the disease.
- Fact: ”About 1 in 8 women in the United States (12%) will develop invasive breast cancer over the course of her lifetime.”
My wake-up call reminds me to… Enjoy each day. Laugh often. Enjoy and appreciate the special people in my life. Partake in activities that are important to me, and most of all, have fun!
Now a days when I think about someone, I take the time to connect with them to say, “hello,” “how are you?” or “I was thinking about you” because the next minute, hour, or day is not promised to any of us.
I’m excited and feeling really good about running in this Saturday’s, Shirley Mae Breast Cancer Run and Walk . I am running in memory of Marlene. The event is also about celebrating survivors and I will be doing that too.
I will also be running to celebrate survivors Crystal, Vanessa, Dawn, and for those whom I don’t know. Congratulations ladies on your triumphs! Yeah!
- Fact: ”In 2010, there were more than 2.5 million breast cancer survivors in the U.S.“
Yes!!!!
Resources and related links:
http://gaming.courierpostonline.com/2011/04/14/boardwalk-run-benefits-breast-cancer-patients/
http://www.shirleymaefund.org/
http://www.shirleymaefund.org/detail.php?9th-Annual-Shirley-Mae-Run-Walk-13
http://www.cdc.gov/cancer/breast/statistics/%C2%A0
http://www.breastcancer.org/symptoms/understand_bc/statistics.jsp
Hello world!
03 May 2011 1 Comment
Welcome to WordPress.com. After you read this, you should delete and write your own post, with a new title above. Or hit Add New on the left (of the admin dashboard) to start a fresh post.
Here are some suggestions for your first post.
- You can find new ideas for what to blog about by reading the Daily Post.
- Add PressThis to your browser. It creates a new blog post for you about any interesting page you read on the web.
- Make some changes to this page, and then hit preview on the right. You can alway preview any post or edit you before you share it to the world.
>Are you a giver or a taker?
01 May 2011 4 Comments
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A giver. A taker. Which are you?
Givers will give you a listening ear. They will share their spirit, their heart, their love, their joy, their laughter, and typically anything that they can give to help someone in need.
The takers will take your time, your advice, your money, your spirit, your energy, and anything else that you are willing and able to give up.
A recent conversation with someone prompted me to write this post.
For the sake of her privacy, I’ll call her Shauntel. We were chatting about a number of topics. You know how it goes. Aimlessly jumping from one topic to another, playing catch up from a busy day, week, or month. Trying to cover everything in a short span of time.
With a hint of frustration, Shauntel asked my opinion about a situation she was experiencing. Someone had asked a favor of her. She agreed to the initial request. A day or so later, the person wanted to add more to the favor. Shauntel felt as though she’d extended herself enough and was second-guessing her instinct to say no to the additional request.
The scenario is so typical of the givers and the takers in the world.
Since she asked my opinion, I told Shauntel the following:
Don’t let this person guilt you into over commitment. Do what you can do. Do what you want to do. Do what you feel like doing. I’m so sick of the takers manipulating the generous hearts of the givers into over extending themselves.
The madness occurs at work (between colleagues, supervisors, subordinates, and mangers), at home (with parents, spouses, and kids), extra-curricular activities (amongst soccer moms, football moms, cheerleading moms, coaches, etc…), and with family (at holiday gatherings, vacations, weddings, and funerals)
Thankfully, I’ve come to my senses. I’ve matured and wised up some and can usually identify the givers and the takers that pass through my life. The takers use to try to suck the life out of me, but I learned to avoid them and to stay away from them like my life depends on it. I advised her to do the same. Run!
I also believe that the givers share the responsibility of the situation and the outcome too. It is not just the fault of the takers.
Rather than to continue to play the role of innocent victim, complaining and sulking to anyone who will listen as to how they’ve been done wronged and taken advantage of (by the way, Shauntel is not like this), the person should understand and access their own actions and determine what steps they can take to change the situation. Sometimes it takes extreme measures such as ejecting people from your life.
You bettcha! I’ve kicked full-fledged adult “takers” out of my life and felt darn good about my choice. “Don’t let the door hit you where the good Lord split you!” When I was a kid, I heard that phrase a lot.
My eight year old understandably struggles from time to time with the idea but my recently turned 22 year old has embraced the notion rather nicely. I hope and pray that I’ve taught and continue to teach my children to see the value of giving over receiving; it really is a life long process.
Give generously and take only when needed and only when necessary.
