There Is No Secret Ingredient.

Recently we watched the adorable animated film, "Kung Fu Panda."  What a precious movie this was! 

I adore the overall message in this film.  It really had me thinking deeply for several days.  Yes, a cartoon!  What's wrong with that? 

At the end of the movie, Po (the Kung Fu panda)'s father tells him that there is no secret ingredient in his famous selling noodle soup.  In other words, people (like his restaurant customers) just have to believe that there is something special in there in order for it to be special. 

Po's Father: “The secret ingredient to my secret noodle soup is.... There is no secret ingredient.”

And this is just the key that Po the Panda needs to realize his true powers. His father's concept is confirmed when Po opens the famous Dragon scroll (which is supposed to hold all the Kung Fun moves and special skills needed to rule the kingdom).  For he sees nothing inside of it, except for his reflection.

I love that!

There is no secret ingredient.  You just have to believe that there is one, in order to believe in yourself.

Isn't that philosophy true about so much in life?  You could apply that to so many things in the world around you.

It's true that Olympic athletes may have been born with natural talent (and hopefully not gotten ahead from using performance enhancement drugs) and skills in the particular sport they do.  Yet, somewhere along the way, they began to believe that they could be the best at their sport.  Then they worked hard and climbed their way to the top.  They may not have done it alone but they believed within that they could reach the Olympics.

It's true that recipes have ingredients that could make or break a flavorful dish. But someone, somewhere first came up with the idea of what should go into a meal because they believed it would be good.  The cook believed it was worth writing down and sharing with others.  And now the rest of us can modify it to our specific needs and likes.

Designer labels may have cost the original seamstress less than twenty bucks to make.  But someone, somewhere decided to place a $200 price tag on it because it is "worth" that much. And people buy into into, literally, because they believe it is special.

We do things because we believe we can.  We want certain things because they hold some special place within our hearts.  And if we want something bad enough, we find a way to make it a reality.  There is always a resource out there that we can use in terms of support and education to reach our goals and our potential. 

On the flip side, if we don't make things happen, it is probably because we lack faith and determination (and perhaps we're just lazy).  I should know, I've been there before....  Sitting back making excuses on why things were so bad in my life, instead of taking action to resolve my frustrations. 

Getting the most out of life takes work.  Sure I realize that some people fall into the right opportunity at the right time.  And sometimes mother nature throws a national disaster in your direction too.  There are some fortunate (and very unfortunate) accidents. 

Still, despite all that, we have choices.  We choose how to live each day and we choose the kind of person we want to be.  Personally, I think that is really friggin' great! 

Now, think about the ingredients you want to put into your life.  Take a look at your own reflection.... Are you living up to your full potential?  I really believe that you have powers to further enrich your life and the lives of others as well.  You just have to want it bad enough and perform the work it takes to get there.  The stars and the sun's alignment cannot compare to the decisive mind of a determinded individual. 

I hope you can find that something special within you.  Just like Po the Panda. 

An Ode To Jillian Michaels

"The toughest trainer out there"
That's what you said
I hear it every damn day
As I complete your 30-day shred.

You're so annoying to me
With your horse-shaped face
Always barking orders
Telling me to pick up the pace.

Guess what, you don't scare me
Even though you sound like a man
I'll pull out your long pony tail
In your eyes, I'll throw Florida sand.

By the way, my boobs are bigger than yours
Your abs aren't even that tone
But mine look like a worn out tire
So I guess that's why I groan.

Still every day this March
I will get through your workout routine
To prove to myself that I can be stronger
And do, not just say, what I mean.

So instead, let me reply, "Thank you"
For helping me work toward my goals
Now if only I could have Gwen Stefani's midriff?
And the booty of Beyonce Knowles?

Dear Minor Setbacks,

Dear Minor Setbacks,

You don't scare me.  You will not make me fold under pressure.  I have a monthly challenge for March and I'm going to complete it, no matter what.

First you gave me a stomach virus on March 1 and 2.  In your sick mind, you may be trying to teach me a valuable lesson.  But that is a cruel, very un-Mr. Miyagi kind of philosophy.  And I will catch the fly with my chopsticks without your help, thank you very much. 

Next, you somehow managed to jam the console on my treadmill making it impossible for me to use for perhaps the next two weeks. That was low, by the way.  Who did that inside job for you?  Was it the dog, the cat or even my own sweet Vivian? 

You even managed to get the Nordic Track technician to lie for you, saying I have (a) a problelm with my console, (b) a problem with the controller, or (c) a problem with the wiring that connects the two together.  Hmmmm, and it worked just FINE for the past three and a half years and FINE just days ago when I last used it before you poisoned me with the stomach plague.  Again, I will repeat....  This is a really, really low and a dirty stunt to pull with me just fourteen days away from my race.

Then you caused me to stub my toe!  Don't deny it.  I know you forced that table to jump right out in front of me with full-on hockey goalie gear.  What's next?  Me in a body cast?  But I am prepared to become Wayne Gretzky and slip by you in the next table rounds!

I will not give up.  I will not quit.  Do your worst.  I'm ready for you. 

Setbacks may put me behind.  They may cause me to throw up for 24+ hours.  They may cause me to run outdoors in the cold, windy weather.  They may even cause me to say endless profanity in front of my two year old as I bump into pieces of furniture around my house. 

But they won't cause me to quit.  I'm still a contender.

And guess what?  My gloves are about to come off!  The March Monthly Challenge is still on!

Mandy's Monthly: March 2010 Challenge - A Stronger, Healthier Me

I've had to rewrite and retitle this post several times.  More on that in a minute......

First, thanks to all of you who sent me one-year blog anniversary wishes from my last post!  And thank you to those of you who were brave enough to send me your numbers so I can call you.  I've had the pleasure of hearing some of your charming voices.  Others, I've had to leave messages.  And some I have yet to call.  It may take me up to a week to get everyone as I just remembered I have a guest coming into town tomorrow (and I have a guest room to clean and laundry to do)!  So if I don't catch you this week, I'll be dialing your digits soon enough! 

And now....Welcome to Mandy's Monthly, a new segment that I'm introducing on this blog.   My plan is to create a challenge for myself every month and then talk about it here. 

My challenge for March 2010 is to be A Stronger, Healthier Mandy. So, how will I achieve that?

Honestly, I'm not off to a very good start at being healthy since I spent the greater part of March 1 and the first half of March 2 dealing with a stomach virus.  Yes, the first two days of March were extremely fun times that included me hugging the porcelain goddess for hours on end with leakage coming out of all holes. 

Then just after midnight on March 2, I stumbled into the bathroom for a third time with the sensation to blow chunks.  Somehow I blacked out, ran into the wall, tripped over our floor heater and hit my head on the cabinets.  The end result was my body sprawled out across the floor.  I don't remember quite how it happened.  I just recall Kirk standing over me with great concern, asking me if I was okay and trying to lift my arms.  (Reminds me of my drunken college days, except the booze made me more limber back then.....)  I'm still feeling soreness in my body two days later from this incident.  Kind of like someone kicked the crap out of me but I don't remember how exactly it happened.

So, originally, my goal was to be A Stronger, "Slimmer" Mandy in March.  However, throwing up, falling down and losing all water in my body is not what I had in mind to reach that achievement.  Therefore, I reserve the right to change my challenge and my title.  I now intend to be A Stronger, "Healthier" Mandy instead. 

But enough about my ailment which is on the mend now, thankfully.  Back to my challenge...

Well, while basketball fans are gearing up for the March Madness games, I intend to be training for my first, ever 5k race. I'm nervous and excited over thoughts of completeing 3.1 miles in front of other people and not the privacy of my treadmill with me singing along to Billy Idol's "Dancing With Myself" and "White Wedding" tunes.

Running (or walking/jogging) a race is something I've considered doing for awhile now. I just finally put my dream into effect by actually signing up for a race. The race begins on March 20th at 7:30 a.m.  My dad is going to do the race with me.  And probably Kirk too.

Since that still leaves me with a week and a half of nothing to train for at the end of the month, I'm making this a two-for challenge. Because I've let myself become chubby during and after my daughter Vivian's birth over two years ago, I've been working hard to slim down since October 2009.   I've lost thirteen pounds so far and I'd like to lose about another seven pounds by the end of April. (But not via any more stomach viruses, please!!)

Therefore, when I'm not jogging or preparing for the race, I intend to do the Jillian Michael's 30-day Shred almost every day for the month of March.  I have to say "almost" since I skipped it on March 1 and 2 due to my intestinal issues.  Funny, I feel like I did complete her workout on those days,  after all the aches and bruises I have after my nasty fall a night ago.  Oh, if only a video camera had captured those magical moments....  But seriously, going forward, I will be my own personal trainer and not allow myself to miss a workout..... unless another serious virus arises or my death bed is upon me.

Jillian's workout is only twenty minutes and there are three different levels -- beginner, intermediate and advanced. So if I'm feeling a bit sluggish or need rest, then I'll do her beginner's workout at a moderate speed.   And NO, I get nothing for mentioning Jillian Michaels or that show she's on...what is it? The Biggest Loser? I've never even watched an entire episode of that reality series. I really don't watch much television at all. I have only heard of her through friends. Then I spotted her workout DVD for just nine bucks during a shopping trip recently. That's how she was chosen.

Anyway, not only do I hope that her concept works-- that I really do shred myself in 30 days-- but I also want to commit to doing something daily like that. It's a great way to kick off this "Mandy's Monthly" segment -- by actually doing something nearly every day for a whole month.

Overall though, this monthly segment is going to be about what I have achieved at the end of every month. In addition, I will talk about what I've learned (if anything) and any obstacles I encounter along the way.  We all have our bad days (ahem, vomitting on March 1 and 2) or our bad weeks. Life gets crazy. But in a month's time, I believe you can do amazing things with focus, determination and hard work.  And by laughing at yourself too.

I'm going to prove that to you (and to my own often cynical, skeptical self). Stay tuned for my progress report later this month. 



"Keep on beginning and failing. Each time you fail, start all over again and you will grow stronger until you have accomplished a purpose - not the one you began with perhaps, but one you'll be glad to remember." --Anne Sullivan (teacher of Helen Keller)

My Blogiversary, My First Post, A New Segment, And A Unique Giveaway

Happy Blogiversary To Me!

Exactly one year ago (on March 2, 2009), I began this blog.  Today is my Blogiversary as it's known to other fellow bloggers. 

I'm not quite sure what made me type my very first post one year ago.  I had friends who had been blogging for awhile and they raved about it.  I'm typically always behind on the trendy stuff though.  I resist until I find a reason to do it.  I suppose one year ago I found a reason.

Early last year, I was very frustrated with things in my life.  I was having a hard time being a mother.  I felt like a failure.  Vivian wasn't walking yet and she was fourteen months old.  Developmentally, she seemed behind the curve.   Plus, I wasn't truly happy in my career.  I wasn't making time to exercise or take care of myself.  This site actually began out of my need to escape from reality.
 

My Very First Blog Post
This was my very first post a year ago.  Here, I'll paste it below:

"March 2, 2009:  Figuring It All Out

Maybe one day I should be on a Jeopardy show. Not that I know a damn thing about obscure knowledge or history or literature. But I'm always asking questions. I could invent a game about questions.



I'm the one that can always come up with something to ask about. Have I always been this way? I'm not sure. I don't remember. My memory stinks and it has gotten worse ever since I had my daughter (October 29, 2007). I'm always analyzing this or that about myself, my life, my choices, the fruit in the grocery aisle, my socks with the holes in them, and so on and so on.


I wonder if I'll ever be truly satisfied or find a place where I can just be and relax. At age 30, I had hoped I would have had more things figured out by now. Nope! I'm more confused now than ever. I struggle with being a good mom, a good wife, a good friend, a good person. Do I believe in God? Do I really need that piece of chocolate? Why didn't I remember to pick up that liquid dish detergent on my way home? It's always something....


Maybe writing this blog will help me figure things out. Or maybe it will just be fun or a journey that I can share with my daughter Vivian someday. We'll find out. Let the fun (and lots of questioning) begin...."

--------------------------------------

That's it.   My first post, unedited.  Nothing special.  But it is honest.  And I was still trying to find my voice after being quiet for way too many years. 

I think back to my mental state last March. I felt so differently back then.  I wasn't very happy.  I stayed up a lot of nights worrying and questioning.  Don't get me wrong, I still do that sometimes now, but not as often.  And I'm always working toward ultimate happiness, but I'm many steps closer to it today than I was one year ago.

I actually gained the courage to start this blog after I won an essay contest through a local newspaper and online site.  The essay was about being a frustrated mom.  Here is the post about that essay and the fun spa day I had because of it.  Winning that contest, even though it was a small event, gave me the courage to start this site as well.  Each day I gained a little more confidence in myself as a writer.  And that was me, one year ago.

Today, a year later, well.....I'm still me.  But I feel like I'm in a much better place, mentally and physically.  I have a better attitude and I'm taking control of my happiness in a whole new way.   And I am reassuring myself that it's okay not to have the answers to all your questions.  Sometimes the unknown is where you're supposed to be.  The fact that I am questioning means that I'm on the right path. 

Since last year, I've changed the priorities in my life.  I'm not very focused on writing for a newspaper or magazine, or even beginning a novel, play, short story or poem these days.  In fact, besides this blog, I'm not even doing a whole lot of writing.  Sometimes I feel down about that but on most days, I'm okay with that.  After all, I'm really enjoying being a mom these days.  That's SO DIFFERENT than how I felt last year.  I'm also reinventing myself by creating new challenges, which brings me to my next topic....

A New Blog Segment Is Coming Soon

Right now I am very interested in making positive changes in my life, my attitude and those skeptics around me.  So true to my stagnant nature, I've decided to start a new segment on this blog.  It will be called "Mandy's Monthly" and it will include my monthly goals and my progress with each achievement.   I already have a few drafts in the works now and they will be posted very soon. 

This new segment will be a great addition to this site.  And also an ideal way for me to stay motivated and keep focused on my personal goals.  It's where my head and my heart lies at the moment, so I'm going with it.  Maybe it will lead me to write more frequently and passionately.  I relish in knowing that I'm moving past my sense of humor to attempt something more meaningful.  I'm sure they'll be some laughs along the way though.

But back to my one year status....  It really is amazing when you think about it, that I have committed to doing something for a whole year like blogging.  How many other things can you say that about, well, besides eating and taking breaths? 

A Unique Giveaway For You!

I wish I had something fun or cool to giveaway in honor of my one year blog anniversary.  But I don't have any spare change these days.  And let's face it, giveaways aren't really my style either.  I almost never enter them, even on my friends' sites.

Still, I'd like to offer you something.  You are worth it, after all.  How about a real-life conversation with me?  How about a chance to hear my southern accent and hear Viva the Diva count up to thirteen?  She does it very well, by the way. 

If that is something you'd be interested in -- a phone call from me, and I promise to make you laugh at some point during our conversation too, then please leave a comment telling me that you'd like for me to call you.  And I will.  Or you can call me, if you'd prefer me not to have your phone number. 

Come'on!  Let's take our virtual relationship to the next level.  Can you handle it?  :-) 

Or if you're not a phone talker....  Truthfully, I'm not much of one either but I'm making an exception here.... Then perhaps I can write a poem for you, or one for a friend or spouse of yours.   We can come up with something.  Tell me what you'd want, within reason, and I'll try to offer it to you.  Leave your suggestion in the comments section.

Oh, and this goes for all my faithful readers, friends and followers.  You know who you are.....  This is open to EACH of you, NOT just one.  Because I think the more, the merrier!  Let's have a party!  You're all invited.  Let's chat live, like a couple of old friends over beers and cocktails would.  Post a comment and email me at littlebit.mandy@gmail.com with your telephone number or your interest in calling me. 

Seriously, I want to thank you for being with me on this journey.  Thank you for your comments and for your words of encouragement.  I love my blog and its readers.  I'd still be wrting even if no one commented.  But the comments do add something special to the site.  

Surprisingly, I'm very happy with the number of followers I have.  In fact-- Shhh, don't tell your friends about me!  I like being able to keep up with the people on here and not get lost in numbers, visitors or who I'm networked with.  I like our intimate conversations.  I like not having to apologize for whenever I don't post.  I like writing and sharing things with you.  And even if you decide to go away someday OR if your life gets busy and you don't comment or read that often in the future....Well.... I would understand.....  In fact, I already do, since that is how my life has been lately too.   You don't have to apologize to me either.  I won't feel sorry for living my life.  But for now, please know that you being here is special and my blog is even more meaningful because you are a part of it.

So thanks!  And Happy Anniversary, Bloggy-Style, To Me!  Here's to another great year to come~ 

Mandy's Monthly: A New Segment

Every month, I typically look forward to my menstrual cycle. I like using the phrase "monthly visitor" too.

You may be thinking.... WHAT?!  But, it's true. I could never use any of those new birth control devices where you go months or years at a time without having a period. Having a monthly cleanse is a comfort to me.

Tomorrow is my one year blogiversary on this site and I've decided to add a greater depth to it with an idea for a monthly segment -- "Mandy's Monthly" is what I will call it.  Does that sound strange or sexual?  Oh well.   That's what I am naming it.  

I'm at a point in my life where I want more. I need more. I get so tired of the mundane. So to keep myself (and my family who live with me) from going insane, I am attempting to create monthly challenges for myself. Some will be big. Some will be small. All will be determined by me but I'm looking for ideas from anyone willing to give them to me.

I want a life that has a purpose. I want to have experiences. I want to share my tales with others. So many people inspire me. I hope to perhaps inspire others, especially myself.

If nothing else, I can learn from my attempts, failures and successes. Or just how to avoid those pesky cramps for next time.

Thanks for being here with me.  Tomorrow I will take a look back at my blog over the past year, offer details on a giveaway, and give greater details about my upcoming challenges. 

Let's see where this new monthly challenge journey takes me....

It's All Relative ~ Our Recent Trip To See Family

We recently took a trip to New Orleans and its surrounding areas to visit family.  In the past three years, we've only been able to go there once a year, or sometimes less.   Now that we are located just 3-4 hours away from relatives, we hope to make the trip to see our parents, grandparents, siblings and other extended family members more often. 

Vivian sure loved the attention from her relatives.  We just had to get through the ride there first.  Thank goodness for Elmo DVD's and an Elmo pillow that we picked up along the way.



When will furry, red monsters get old for a child?  I don't know!  As long as the Diva is happy, I suppose it doesn't matter.



Our first few nights were spent in Houma where my parents live.  After a drive through flat roads and swampy bayous, we enjoyed the sight of my dad (Buddy)'s newest addition to their exterior.  See for yourself, pictured below:



No, that is not a image taken from a random website.  My father really had an outhouse just to the right of his driveway to enter the home.  My dad is having a shed installed in his backyard and the workers must use this Port-O-Potty to do their business.  The workers gave my dad the choice to place it in the back of the house for indiscretion.  But my dad said no, let's put it out there for all the neighbors to see.  Because that is how my dad likes to play folks.  :)

While we were in deep south Louisiana, the rest of the U.S. received record snowfall amounts.  We only received rain, wind, cold temperatures and gloomy clouds.  Still we made the most of it by just spending quality time with family. 

And taking lots of pictures, like this cute one of our family (below).  This is a rare gem indeed since one of us is usually not looking at the camera (Vivian), blinking (Kirk) or looking like she crawled out from a toilet bowl (Me).  But this one isn't so bad, I thought.




While in town, I made visits to see my grandmothers who I hardly ever see these days.  Vivian was a little scared of them at first.  It may seem hard for a two year old and an over eighty-year old to relate on any kind of level.  But when you think about it, they actually have a lot in common.  Both ages consist of daily routines that revolve around poop, food and sleep. 






On our second day of visiting, I suggested a round of bowling since there wasn't much we could do outdoors.  Vivian is both fascinated and slightly afraid of the balls, pin and alley.  Still, my parents made it fun for her anyway.









While in New Orleans, we spent a lot of time with Kirk's father, stepmother, sister and her children.  Unfortuantely, Kirk's mom was sick and we didn't visit with her.  The same went for my brother, his wife and my neice Brooklynn.  They were not feeling well either.  Lots of illnesses were floating around but we tried not to let it put a damper on our visit. 

Vivian had the best time with her older cousin Kristen (age 11).  She continually called her "Girl" or "Hey Girl" instead of her name.   They drew pictures, read books and played magic show together (pictured below).  She was all smiles when Kristen was around.  It makes me think that Vivian will probably make a wonderful older sister someday.




Kirk's sister and I spent an afternoon drinking and playing board games at their dad's home.  I hadn't done anything like that in awhile and really enjoyed it.   Plus, I beat her at Yahtzee too.  I actually love the rivalry and name calling that goes on during serious game playing.  I don't understand people who cannot enjoy an intense game of scrabble, trivial pursuit or scattegories.

You can just imagine the dinners, desserts and alcohol indulgences we had while there.  Still, despite it all and despite me treating myself, I didn't gain any weight during our trip.  Okay, so I gained one pound.  But I lost it real quickly.  I won't complain at all.

The entire trip mostly consisted of a lot of sitting around and talking.  Very casual.  Still, it was an enjoyable time.  Sometimes it's nice to have a low-key vacation where not much is planned or expected. 

We are lucky to have a terrific family.  I realize that not everyone is as fortunate as we are.  Like them or not, your relatives are a part of who you are.  We decided awhile ago to just embrace ours -- loving, comical, faulty, crazy, deranged and all.   It's all relative.  And our relatives are one of a kind. 

Do You Like A Challenge?

I have a tendency to feel stagnant periodically - in my jobs, in my hobbies, in my daily routine, etc.  The only thing I don't seem to grow tired of is the relationships in my life (thankfully!) 

Because of my continual boredom, I enjoy a challenge.  The best challenges are usually the ones I create for myself.  Or they could be goals that I want to reach.

Lately, I strive to set a goal for myself every day (taking one day off per week to be a vegetable).  A simple task like going to the grocery store without aggravation or a tantrum is an example of a past daily goal of mine.  A weekly goal might be eating vegan meals for two days and exercising six days out of the week.  A monthly goal might be to lose four pounds and find five outdoor activities for Viv and me to do. 

These challenges or goals aren't rocket science.  Still, my need to feel like I can succeed is fulfilled when I look at my calendar and have something written out each day, even if it's just an optional activity.  Having a goal or challenge gives me a greater sense of purpose.  Since I'm not working outside the home, I feel better crossing off things I do from a list.  It also gives me something to talk about at the end of my day, besides what silly things Vivian has said or done or how many diapers I've changed.  After all, I don't live for that kind of stuff. 

Truthfully, I just don't want to be lazy.  That can happen when I'm eighty or ninety years old. 

I don't want to sit idle.  Although after yesterday, I probably should. 

On Monday I had over a dozen things on my to do list.  I wondered if I could get them all done.  But that is when Super Mandy kicked in.  Somehow she steps in when I can't hardly go on, with her eigth grade style permed hair and her cackling, wicked laugh. 

Together (with Super Mandy's help) I paced myself and got everything done.  From 7:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. with a few breaks in between, I managed to complete the following:

• vacuumed five out of seven rooms in our house
• made a chicken salad recipe (boiled chicken, sliced chicken and prepared the rest of the fixin's)
• made tea
• returned library books
• made an impromtu stop at the pet store so Vivian could run around looking at fish, birds, hamsters and cats
• played in the back yard with Viv
• pooper scooped our backyard and cleaned the cat's litter box
• mopped the kitchen and bathroom floors
• cleaned tables
• did the prep work for a potatoes au gratin dish
• spoke to my neighbor about an event I'm hosting the next day, informing him that more cars will be on the street than usual
• read a dozen books to Vivian
• jogged three miles on the treadmill
• prepared dinner
• gave Vivian a bath
• prepared lunches for next day

Normally I don't plan to do that much in one day, even though many of the list items didn't take very long.   But I hosted a social event at my home earlier today that required many of those cleaning to do's.  (The event went great by the way). 

I had written out those tasks on paper (with some in my head) and I managed to complete all of them.  That is a good feeling.   A sheet of paper filled with lines, instead of words barking at you, can often be a wonderful thing. 

Daily household chore lists can get old.  They can make me feel stagnant too.  So earlier this year, I began thinking a little bigger.  I wanted more difficult challenges that I would have to train for, work toward.  And I've decided to come up with a new goal for each month in 2010.  Something that can't be done in one day or as part of my daily routine.  I want a challenge that I can sweat over and cherish at the same time.

My challenge for March is to complete a 5K race.  I have talked about this before.  I even had it listed as part of my New Year's Resolutions.  Finally, I took action over the weekend.  I signed up for a race that is scheduled for March 20th here in Pensacola.  My dad and possibly Kirk are going to join me on this journey. 

This will be my first race, ever.  I'm nervous and excited over it.  For some reason, I just want to do it.   I want that t-shirt.  I want to taste that cold beer after completing my 3.1 miles. 

I'm not a runner at heart.  I don't really enjoy it nor do I receive that runner's high.  I will probably never do anything longer than a 5K.  I don't have that desire.  But there is something to be said for completing a race.  It takes determination.  It takes proper breathing.  It takes will power and the ability to push forward.   

I've been practicing for a few months and I am finally jogging three miles almost daily.  I don't know if will be able to jog the entire race.  I don't know what the weather conditions will be.  The path might be hillier and more difficult than what I'm used to doing.  I may have to walk parts of it or even 1/3 of it.  I'm okay with that though.  I just want to complete it and cross the finish line.  I want that feeling, that moment.  And I intend to have it. 

I'm brainstorming now for April's challenge too.  Since March is more of a selfish challenge for me, I thought April should perhaps do something good for my family as well.  My first thought is to organize my photo albums and the thousands of loose pictures that I have stashed away in a closet right now.  This would make Kirk so very happy since he refers to me as clutter queen or pat rack on various occasions. 

Tis' true, I admit it.  I have junk drawers, junk closets and just junk that I never seem to get to or sort through.  Well April is the time to declutter.  Spring cleaning is almost here.  I'm prepared to wow myself with untapped organizational skills.  I also desparately need to organize my recipe collection and cookbooks.  Stay tuned to see if decluttering is the next challenge I undertake.

I'd like to come up with something that would help others as well.  A task that could inspire and make a small difference.  Any ideas?

Do you like to challenge yourself?  Do you set goals, small or big, on a regular basis? 

What gives you a greater sense of purpose to help you get through the mundane?   Do you have any ideas for what I can do in May, June or July?  I want to know!  Post your thoughts and ideas.  Share your experiences in the comments section.   Come on now..... off your lazy butt and start typing.  I expect to hear great things from you.

Also, get out there and set a goal for yourself. Don't be a slacker! :-)

Who's Knocking At My Door Now?

When you live in a neighborhood, even a small two-street one in a rural part of town like I do, you expect that people will come knocking on your door.  An occasional girl scout selling cookies.  A neighbor asking you to politely move your friend's car.  Etc.  Then when the weather begins to warm slightly, the solicitors start a knockin'.  

On Thursday, I had two strange men come to my home door within an hour of each other.  (While Vivian was taking her afternoon nap too, gotta love that).   First it was an ADT Home Security businessman wanting to share details with me on house safety and fire prevention.  About thirty minutes later it was a Kirby vacuum and carpet cleaning salesman offering to clean my carpets.  (Note to self: Close the garage door during the day from now on!)  

I was polite to these two men.  I realize that they are just sales people trying to do their job.  Slamming the door in their faces won't make any of us feel better in the long run.  I listened to each of them for a few minutes, asked for a business card and said I'd share the information with my husband and we'd think it over. 

Still, why can't someone interesting come to my door?  Why can't some really outstanding person, product or service show up at my front steps?

Like what, for instance?  I'm glad you asked.

• Well, how about Bono for starters.  (No, not my dog.  The U2 rock legend singer that my dog is named after).  Wouldn't that be the most wonderful experience ever if Bono rang my doorbell and began singing lyrics from the song "One" to me.  Awesome!

• So that is wishful thinking I know.  Okay, well why can't massage therapists come cold-calling door to door?  They could offer a free five to ten-minute massage in exchange for a donation or future appointment.  That's someone that I wouldn't turn away or slam the door on.

• How about someone coming to deliver you a big check that you've just won?  A cash prize just for you, with no strings attached!  You'd gladly let that person in and bake him cookies.

• Or best of all, a friend you haven't seen in a long time.  Or maybe even a blogger buddy you haven't met yet.  That would be wonderful if one of YOU showed up on my doorstep to say hello and whisk me out for drinks and Mexican food.

Oh well, a girl can dream, right! That's just a short list of who I wish would come knocking at my door. 

Now let's cover a list of people I would not hestitate to slam my door in their faces, if they showed up at my place:

• For starters, a toe nail clipper salesman offering free toe nail clippings for the first visit.  He has sample nail clippings to show you just how great his equipment works. 
  

• Monica Lewinsky and her new line of stained dress cleaners. She has personal samples to demonstrate, as she has just made several visits to Congress meetings.

• Tiger Woods with a golf club jammed up his butt.  Frankly, I just don't want or need that kind of media attention placed anywhere near me.

And finally,

• Chip and Dale. No, not the dancers - they would be welcome, of course. I'm talking about those pesky rodents that like to cause a mess, sort through your garbage and crap all over your house. They may seem cute but they're really the devil's spawn, I tell you. They must make their nest elsewhere.  I've got enough crazy animals in my house already. 

There you have it - some quick thoughts on who's been knocking on my door these days, along with who I wish would ring my bell and who I hope never comes to my front steps.

Who would you slam your door on? Who would you love to see show up suddenly at your place?

Self Worth Beats Net Worth

I spotted this very billboard (pictured above) along Interstate 10 as Kirk, Vivian and I were driving home to Florida after visiting our relatives in New Orleans on Monday.   I can't recall the sign's exact location -- somewhere between Mississippi and Alabama. 

But I LOVE, LOVE, LOVE the message.  Those words, "Self Worth Beats Net Worth," stayed with me for the entire rest of the ride back to Pensacola.

I realize that this billboard is not new.  It's part of the "Recession 101 Campaign" that came out in 2009.  In summary (for any of you who may not know), an anonymous donor paid an advertising group to develop and post positive messages across the United States during this recession. 

There are over a dozen spirited and clever phrases, such as:

-- Recession 101: It's a test, not a final.

-- Recession 101: The interesting thing about recessions....they end.

-- Recession 101: No one can foreclose on your future.

-- Recession 101: Bill Gates started Microsoft in a recession.

-- And many others....

How wonderful and odd are these notebook written billboards! I've personally seen only two different signs so far.  But when I do spot them, they lift my spirits when I read their message. 

This particular one on self worth really hit home with me though.  Self worth has been on my mind lately.   I've been on a positive upsweep in my life and I'm trying to continue the momentum. I enjoy it when I read/hear/see something wonderful and kind going on in the world around me. 

Now, I'm not always upbeat and positive.  I have my negative, down moments like everyone does.  Sometimes I think.... Gosh, I'm a stay at home mom now.  Geez!  Who would've thought?!  What will happen to my skills and experience in the workplace?  What am I doing to contribute to my family?  And I get depressed at times. 

But then I think more deeply.... Well, I do a lot for my family.  I'm spending time with my daughter, moments I will never get back again.  Not everyone has that opportunity with their children.  Also, I'm helping out financially by cooking more at home and not spending funds on eating out.  I find cheap or even free activities for Vivian and I to do during the week.  I'm experimenting with new foods and becoming creative in other ways.  I'm making the time to exercise.  I look better.  I feel better, most days.  Gee... my life isn't so bad!  And my life now isn't permanent.  I can evolve and change it at any point. 

And I snap myself out of it and think of all the many gifts I have in my life.  I am lucky to have what I do and the power to change me (both physically and mentally) at any moment.  Not everyone has that option.

I remember being a teenager and having a low self esteem, so unsure of myself and all those around me.  That is such a hard, awkward age for many kids, filled with peer pressure. 

Then I think back to being in college and being exposed to a whole new set of rules (or lack thereof) while digging deeper into who I was as a person.  That was just the beginning of real self-discovery for me.  The friendships I made there really changed me for the better.

Over the past two years, I've looked at myself in new ways again, as a mother, a wife and a friend.  These roles have had their ups, downs and joyous occasions.   It's been a thrilling ride to say the least. 

Today I look at myself and examine what I've done in just over the past four months, the last 120 days since I have been a Florida resident and a stay at home mom.  And I think.... Wow, you go girl!  Look at what you've accomplished!  Just like you wanted to do.  You're making things happen.  You're doing what you want.  You're working toward being the best Mandy you can be.

And I realize.... That's self worth.  That's attitude.  That's knowing who you are and embracing it.  That's changing the things you don't like about yourself (or your life) and tweaking them too. 

That's where I am right now.  And I must admit.... it feels damn good.  I like it.  I like it a lot. 

Self worth really does beat net worth.  That billboard is incredibly accurate.  And I'm lucky that it's presently a snapshot into my life.  I can't wait to see/read what the next sign will be. 

It doesn't matter what kind of car you drive (or if you don't have one).  It doesn't matter if you live in the nicest house on the block (or not in a house at all).  It doesn't matter if you don't own an article of clothing worth over $20. 

When it comes down to it, all that really matters is how you see yourself.  How you feel about you. 

Well, how do you feel?  How's your self worth?