Worst Day of the Year

While this is not technically on My List of Impossible Things, an opportunity came up and I have decided to go for it.  In Portland, there is an organized bike ride that happens once a year, called the "Worst Day of the Year". I have never done something like this and it was a lot of fun!  It was amazing to ride throughout the Portland neighborhoods with 4,000 people.  This was a bold step for me to take and I actually feel proud of myself.  I look forward to the next community event!  This is one step closer toward my goal of running in a 5K!  Here are some pictures for you to enjoy!

Me and my dorky smile

My riding partner Michelle

I loved her costume!

Report Card

When I was in school, getting my report card was always an exciting time for me.  I was a good student, I enjoyed school, and so I expected good grades.  Sometimes my parents felt generous and would pay me for the A's and B's.  However, this enthusiasm does not extend toward my son.  He is secretive, tells half-truths about what is due and not, what is homework and not homework.  I listen to a long line of excuses such as: "I forgot...I  was supposed to due that?...The teacher is boring/stupid/gives dumb assignments...It is not a real class!"   He is  good kid but unorganized and lazy.  It is hard to stay on top of all the time.  I struggle with my own organizational skills and I have to teach someone else!

One thing is for sure, yelling does not work nor does bribery.  I have to find the balance between what is fair while remaining strict.  Plus, taking away the privileges of television/Ipod/video games means that the rest of us cannot watch television.  We live in a small house with only one television and my husband loves his television, so he feels "grounded" as well.  That is not fair.

I look forward to the day when my son makes the connection that when his motivation matches his ability life for him becomes a lot easier.  Plus his parents will get off his back.  I suspect there are adults who have not made this connection, ability finally meeting up with the desire.

Any thoughts or suggestions?  What are your experiences with motivation vs abilities?

The Difference Between Talk and Action

In the time that I have been writing my post, I have been a little impulsive with my words.  The original rules of my blog was that I would work out 6 days a week, lose 2 lbs. a week, and commute by bike everywhere.  While these are noble goals, some obstacles have gotten in the way.  First, I am a procrastinator; this is a huge struggle for me.  I am also unorganized; the whole day will fly by I will ask myself what did I actually do?  Finally, it is easy to talk.  It reminds me of contestants on The Biggest Loser, when they talk about watching the show from their couch vs actually being on the show with Jillian Michael's screaming in your face like an Army drill sergeant during basic training.  It is easy to talk but taking action is daunting.

Well, I have finally started to transition from talk to action.  I started Weight Watchers, I program that is based on decision-making.  And I have started to train for a 5K, which I have not done since my Army days 15 years ago.  This is definitely a goal on My List of Impossible Things.  I may be slow, with a walk 5 minutes/ run 30 seconds to start with, but I am getting there.  My lovely neighbor as kindly volunteered to train me.  I am not going to turn down something like that down!  Plus, I think she likes the excuse of hitting the trails for herself.

Collection and Development

Today I got to taste a sample of my chosen career path.  I visited a high school library and the resident library media specialist.  I stumbled upon her by the grace of God one day when I happened to work as a substitute teacher one day at the school.  It reminded me of the military, learning a whole new language.  I understood about 60% of what she was saying.  I will catch on eventually...I am really excited about my chosen career path even if it seems a little daunting.

Friends, Sacred Fire, and Running

Over the past month, I have been engaged in an e-mail "argument" with a dear friend of mine...sorry, I will refrain from the juicy details to protect her privacy.  It is hard to watch someone struggle, especially when I have strong opinions about how she should handle her situation.  My opinions does not really matter.  Ultimately, it is up to her to deal with her sadness.  The most I can do is just love and listen to her.  Human nature has designed us to run our mouths...that is why I think when individuals have mastered the skill of not talking, they are truly enlightened.  I am working on this.

So I decided to attend the Sacred Fire  out her house held once a month as a show of love and friendship.  Luckily for me she was friendly.  In case you are wondering, Sacred Fires affords the opportunity for people to gather together to talk, share, and tell stories similar to the ancient Native Americans.  It is very relaxing.  While sitting around the fire, I couldn't help but to smell my hands.  I actually made vegetarian red beans and rice (this is a huge accomplishment for me) and my hands smelled like onions, garlic, and campfire.  Yummy.

Finally, I am pleased to announce that I have actually started "training" for my first race.  Actually, I will practice with the 5K Shamrock "Stroll" this St. Patrick's Day.  My neighbor has kindly volunteered to help whip me into shape.  Running in an organized community event is on my list of "impossible things".  I haven't run since I served in the military!

What projects are you working toward you list of Impossible Things?

Birthday Dinner

Yesterday it was my mother's birthday dinner.  Usually my sister is the one to play hostess, kind of like a mini-Martha Stewart but not quite as neuritic.  So it was a little different and a challenge to step up and fill her shoes.  First of all, my parents arrived 40 minutes early with dishes in the sink and the table not cleared.  My son had barely finished vacuuming and I was still finishing up dinner.  We opened the door with a smile on our face and let them see the mess.  However, I think she was grateful that some things were unfinished.  My mom commented that she was glad to be healthy enough to help me (she is recovery from radiation for breast cancer treatments).  So I finished dinner, my mom did the dishes, and my husband cleaned the table.  We had a great visit and my dad told funny stories.  Actually, I should add that to my list of impossible things....to record my father's stories; he has some great ones!

Dreams...

Dreams are a funny part of mind.  Sometimes it is a reflection of our day or the last activity that we participated in.  Or sometimes I think dreams is a way to talk to ourselves about our joys, sorrows, or frustrations.  I also wonder dreams is a way for the universe or God to speak to us directly.  Last night I had four dreams (it is unusual that I remembered them at all) that all centered around the same theme: me looking for a job far away from my family.

Dream #1:  I am in Washington D.C. for a teaching job fair and I am by myself.  I have always traveled with either my sister or my husband, so it was unusual to be in the nation's capital on my own.

Dream #2:  I am in Singapore for a library media conference.  It is a meeting of school librarians all over the world.  I have never been to Singapore or overseas, so this really out of my league.  Again, I am traveling by myself with my family at home.

Dream #3:  This time I am in Chicago at a teacher's job fair for overseas school.  It is the last fair for the year in a frantic rush to fill teaching positions.  Same thing, I have only driven through Chicago once but never actually toured around.  I am by myself.

Dream #4:  I am back in Washington D.C. but this time I have my son with me.  My husband is at home.  My son and I are coordinating our evening plans and when we are going to meet up.  I am in the city for the same reason...a teacher's job fair.

Have you ever had strange dreams?  Were your dreams a message from the universe or from yourself?  Please share...