Gratitude and Running with Joy!

Hi There,

A few days ago, I actually published the link to a post I wrote a few weeks ago. Yep - that sums up how things are going around here these days, but life is good.

The Milwaukee conference jumpstarted a semi-regular return to exercise. I am not yet where I desire to be, but I am moving in the right direction. I got home last night and it was rainy. I changed into clothes, put on a slicker, and headed out. In retrospect, reflective gear and/or a headlamp would have been smart to have with me, but that's ok. I ran with joy and now my goal is to always run with joy, even if I mess up the eating and the results are not what I anticipated.

Phase 2 is going well with the students - yes, we are still figuring out how to make it all smoother for next year. This is life.

I stopped taking Benadryl last Monday and I started feeling better almost immediately. I was on time or early to all of my meetings and I confirmed that the poison ivy oil is gone from the clothes. Now I just have to decide what to do with the bad Poison Ivy area. Removing it myself is out-of-the question as I can still see the poision ivy spots on my body.

Overnight I advanced to 45-60 minute cello practices. Granted - I sometimes daily practices do not happen, but I am still enjoying it. I am working on incorporating dynamics and not getting Rosin (this helps make the bow grip the string) on my clothing. The sound is better and now I have to continue practicing optics and efficiency with my bow and finger movements.

2019 continues to be one interesting thing after another, but I learning - after many good chats - to accept what I can control (my reaction to things) and to remove myself or tightly reign in reactions that are not appropriate. It is something that will take time, of course, but it is nice to see some progress.

Fall is here. I have new containers for Oscar, who is my Spider Plant, and I am up to four new little plants. I am not yet sure when I will transplant them or if I will gift them to people. In my new planting area and the back, I am putting in more crocus bulbs and I am adding Tulips - so fun! I got them for a good price and so, if they do not work, I am not sweating it.

Tuesday Morning is dangerous place to go and check out these photos, if you do not believe me!


Happy Tuesday!

Finding my Why, 4 Characteristics, Milwaukee, and Happy Weekend

Hello, All!

My professional conferences are done and oh were they fun, stressful, and yet enlightening. I learned a lot and I am putting it all to use, before the next one appears.

Backing up to two weeks ago, when I started my mental training class, and I was asked to identify three characteristics:

Energetic:  I have a lot of energy and sometimes this scares or intimidates others. Tip - Expect that I will have more energy. If I admit that I am tired, you know that I really am.

Curiosity:  Why is my favorite question. Most people grow out of it. I never did. This might be one reason I love research, because I get to spend time answering some of those questions.

Enthusiastic: I can get excited about most things. If I cannot get excited or if the idea holds no appeal, I usually drop it and then decide, if my mind changes about it, to investigate it more. My first reaction is usually spot-on though.

Flare for Drama:  This is something that I initially tried to ignore and deny. I make faces - most of the time unintentionally - and I am not great at memorizing, which really means I should not have taken the acting class. I did and I learned how to manage interviews. It is not bad to have a Flare for Drama, if I manage it appropriately.

After my last half marathon in late October of last year, I started to struggle with my why when it came to running. I began having this battle in my problem with work/professionally within months of earning my graduate degree.

Running Why(s):

• I return pumped with adrenaline and ready to tackle the world.
• I enjoy it - provided I can stop and take a picture without causing anyone harm.
• I do not enjoy racing right now - I may never enjoy it again. If I get excited, I will do it or I might just be a runner, who chooses not to race.

Professional Why(s):

• My students, faculty, and staff energize, excite, and, yes, sometimes they aggravate me. I still have a better day, when they appear in my office or get in touch via email.
• Research - it improves how I do my job and I love it.

Milwaukee was lovely and I would happily return for another visit. The Harley Davidson Museum was funny and I would be just fine never ever sitting on another motorcyle.

I am whipped and so I am delaying cello until next week. I would only be frustrated and tired, which does not make for a fun lesson.

Happy "Almost" Weekend!