Tuesday, November 27, 2012
An Imperfect Insight: Letting go of concerns - a critical activity.
An Imperfect Insight: Letting go of concerns - a critical activity.: As I sat in Mass on Sunday morning at Our Lady of Grace in Parkton, MD, the priest was discussing the concerns that we have in life. He had...
Letting go of concerns - a critical activity.
As I sat in Mass on Sunday morning at Our Lady of Grace in Parkton, MD, the priest was discussing the concerns that we have in life. He had attended the blessing of the hounds at St. James School and was discussing how people who were attending seemed to have set aside all cares while at the event. It struck me that maybe that was the same reason that I always liked Thanksgiving.
Unlike other holidays, where there always seems to be pressure to find the right gift, be at all the holiday parties, stay up to watch the ball drop, or abstain from certain foods. While there is nothing wrong with any of these things, it does place additional strain on people. These concerns weigh on them every year. At thanksgiving, the goal is usually to eat lots of food, enjoy the company of friends, watch some football or play it, and then eat some more. This places little concern on people outside of cooking and cleaning the dishes - although I have found cooking the turkey and making the stuffing very relaxing.
I can fondly remember coming home from Hamilton College know that while I only had a few days at Thanksgiving break, I also had little else to do. Hanging out with family and high school friends were both easy to do and very familiar. It was a very relaxing time, with little concern. Even today, the kids had no homework, no place they had to be and little to do but relax and enjoy family and friends. It was a great four day weekend.
While sitting in church, I also remembered how relaxing I always found the time in church. It was another great time to forget about certain concerns and just relax and listen to the readings, homilies and sing. Singing in church was always very soothing and something I greatly enjoyed. I think that was why I attended so frequently in college, it was a great release and escape from all exterior concerns that seemed to take over some times. It was great to be able to set that aside, focus on something that was both healing and comforting.
I think we all need to find ways to let go of those concerns we carry with us every day. The weigh on us and make it that much harder to see through the clutter to focus on what is really important. As I look back on this Thanksgiving holiday, I am thankful for the calm and the chance to let go of those concerns for a while and truly enjoy time with family and friends. I hope that each of you were able to do the same thing, especially as the stress of the end of the year approaches where we always have to much to do and not enough time to do it. Try to find time to set those concerns aside, however you are able to do that - may it be church, a walk, some meditation or some other means. This will help you better enjoy the upcoming holidays. So give thanks and be well.
Unlike other holidays, where there always seems to be pressure to find the right gift, be at all the holiday parties, stay up to watch the ball drop, or abstain from certain foods. While there is nothing wrong with any of these things, it does place additional strain on people. These concerns weigh on them every year. At thanksgiving, the goal is usually to eat lots of food, enjoy the company of friends, watch some football or play it, and then eat some more. This places little concern on people outside of cooking and cleaning the dishes - although I have found cooking the turkey and making the stuffing very relaxing.
I can fondly remember coming home from Hamilton College know that while I only had a few days at Thanksgiving break, I also had little else to do. Hanging out with family and high school friends were both easy to do and very familiar. It was a very relaxing time, with little concern. Even today, the kids had no homework, no place they had to be and little to do but relax and enjoy family and friends. It was a great four day weekend.
While sitting in church, I also remembered how relaxing I always found the time in church. It was another great time to forget about certain concerns and just relax and listen to the readings, homilies and sing. Singing in church was always very soothing and something I greatly enjoyed. I think that was why I attended so frequently in college, it was a great release and escape from all exterior concerns that seemed to take over some times. It was great to be able to set that aside, focus on something that was both healing and comforting.
I think we all need to find ways to let go of those concerns we carry with us every day. The weigh on us and make it that much harder to see through the clutter to focus on what is really important. As I look back on this Thanksgiving holiday, I am thankful for the calm and the chance to let go of those concerns for a while and truly enjoy time with family and friends. I hope that each of you were able to do the same thing, especially as the stress of the end of the year approaches where we always have to much to do and not enough time to do it. Try to find time to set those concerns aside, however you are able to do that - may it be church, a walk, some meditation or some other means. This will help you better enjoy the upcoming holidays. So give thanks and be well.
Tuesday, November 20, 2012
An Imperfect Insight: Chemicals in our Lives
An Imperfect Insight: Chemicals in our Lives: This past weekend I had the pleasure to watch my girls participate in the Hereford High School production of "These Shining Lives" . It was...
Chemicals in our Lives
This past weekend I had the pleasure to watch my girls participate in the Hereford High School production of "These Shining Lives". It was a great play and very well done. It tells the sad story of women who worked in a factory in the 1920's painting watches with radium that eventually lead to their illness and ultimate death. The company knew of the danger they put these women in, but did nothing to help them. Ultimately, their suffering changed the laws for factory workers. The play told the story of how chemicals used by companies can be awful for those who come in contact with it.
Recently, I got involved with a great company that manufactures products that we use every day that do not use chemicals and do not test on animals. Melaleuca (www.Melaleuca.com) provides more concentrated products that are comparably priced to normal department or grocery store products. Instead of spending money on advertising, Melaleuca uses better ingredients and rewards its marketing executives for introducing people to the products and shopping with the company. It has really made me think about what we put in and on our bodies and what we use in our homes. Could the chemicals in cleaning products, shampoo's, detergent and lotions and make-up cause similar problems as the women faced in the play.
While I don't read every label, I feel better about what I am getting from Melaleuca than what is in a store. I really started thinking about it as I was cleaning the house and needed to clean the stove. Cleaning the stove always includes gloves, masks, fumes and the need to ventilate the kitchen. With my new found appreciation for not wanting to put myself and family up to those issues, I decided to try and use some Melaleuca product to clean it.
It had probably been a year or so since the stove had been cleaned, it was in need of cleaning. So I got started using a product that was basically for cleaning counter tops, not stoves. In a little more than 25 minutes the stove was in much better condition. There were a few spots that I could not get out, but there were no fumes, I did not wear gloves or a mask and there was no reason to ventilate the room. I was throughly impressed and thankful that I decided to try it and not by the chemically filled products most people use. It made me feel that much better about my decision to start using Melaleuca products. I highly suggest anyone who has a concern about what is in the products we use to check out their research and information.
The girl's play reminded me of the dangers we face if we are not careful of what we use. Clearly today's products are not as deadly as Radium, but they can be harmful just the same. That is why many carry safety warnings, you won't find those on Melaleuca products. Take the time to look into alternatives. I would be happy to share more about my Melaleuca experience if you would like, just ask. Hopefully we can avoid some of the future risks by being more informed.
Recently, I got involved with a great company that manufactures products that we use every day that do not use chemicals and do not test on animals. Melaleuca (www.Melaleuca.com) provides more concentrated products that are comparably priced to normal department or grocery store products. Instead of spending money on advertising, Melaleuca uses better ingredients and rewards its marketing executives for introducing people to the products and shopping with the company. It has really made me think about what we put in and on our bodies and what we use in our homes. Could the chemicals in cleaning products, shampoo's, detergent and lotions and make-up cause similar problems as the women faced in the play.
While I don't read every label, I feel better about what I am getting from Melaleuca than what is in a store. I really started thinking about it as I was cleaning the house and needed to clean the stove. Cleaning the stove always includes gloves, masks, fumes and the need to ventilate the kitchen. With my new found appreciation for not wanting to put myself and family up to those issues, I decided to try and use some Melaleuca product to clean it.
It had probably been a year or so since the stove had been cleaned, it was in need of cleaning. So I got started using a product that was basically for cleaning counter tops, not stoves. In a little more than 25 minutes the stove was in much better condition. There were a few spots that I could not get out, but there were no fumes, I did not wear gloves or a mask and there was no reason to ventilate the room. I was throughly impressed and thankful that I decided to try it and not by the chemically filled products most people use. It made me feel that much better about my decision to start using Melaleuca products. I highly suggest anyone who has a concern about what is in the products we use to check out their research and information.
The girl's play reminded me of the dangers we face if we are not careful of what we use. Clearly today's products are not as deadly as Radium, but they can be harmful just the same. That is why many carry safety warnings, you won't find those on Melaleuca products. Take the time to look into alternatives. I would be happy to share more about my Melaleuca experience if you would like, just ask. Hopefully we can avoid some of the future risks by being more informed.
Thursday, July 19, 2012
Back on the Horse
My apologies to those who have read this blog in the past, it has been over 10 months since my last post. Last September, I just had to much classwork and writing with my MBA classes to find time to add to this blog. While I have missed the opportunity to put down some thoughts, which is always helpful, I was able to finish my MBA at Saint Leo University and try to figure some things out.
There have been some highs and lows in these past 10 months. Missed job opportunities, kids activities, fun trips, new experiences and some revelations. One of the best experiences was the week long trip with Keegan's baseball team to Dreamspark in Cooperstown, NY for a baseball experience. Much more than just a tournament, it was a week that neither the players nor the families will soon forget. Keegan had a home-run and hit the ball the best he did all season.
It has been a struggle to find a job in my interest of sports or fund-raising that would keep us here. Just not many opportunities at my level. So for the time being I have engrossed myself in a sales opportunity with a great company, Transworld Systems Inc, which has help businesses for over 40 years increase their cash flow and recover slow paying accounts. While the progress has been a little slow, I know that it takes time to grow a business. I have really enjoyed networking in the local community and working on my presentation and sales skills. Additionally, I have met some wonderful people who have been very encouraging and willing to help.
In that time I have learned about many businesses that provide a wide variety of products and services. Some are just really great business models and others are longtime industries like insurance, financial planning and others. One of the most intriguing is the company Melaleuca, who develops and produces high level products that are kid and environmentally friendly. Shoppers can buy over 350 items directly from the company at a savings and receive benefits for shopping this way. They make products that people use every day. I tried the products and think they are great, they are concentrated and so a little goes a long way, and they cost about the same or a little less than at a store. People can also get people to shop and make some extra money, which these days everyone can use. If you would like to learn more let me know. A very easy way to shop and with a little work you can make some extra money.
In all of this, I have learned a lot more about myself and realized a number of things. Mostly, that I really like meeting new people and building relationships with them. I hope to find a way to work with a group of people and help them, help themselves. Want to join me?
I also read one of the best business books I have come across The Go-Giver by Bob Berg and John David Mann. I highly recommend this book. It is an easy read that provides five guidelines that we could all live by wrapped in a story about a salesman trying to make his way. I read the book twice within a three week timeframe. If you take the time to read the book, let me know what you think.
I am not sure where all of this will take me, but I know that my family is happy and that is what is most important. I will do what I can to make sure that does not change. I look forward to posting more frequently and letting you all know how these opportunities go and I hope that some of you may join in the journey in what ever way makes sense to you. Thanks for reading.
There have been some highs and lows in these past 10 months. Missed job opportunities, kids activities, fun trips, new experiences and some revelations. One of the best experiences was the week long trip with Keegan's baseball team to Dreamspark in Cooperstown, NY for a baseball experience. Much more than just a tournament, it was a week that neither the players nor the families will soon forget. Keegan had a home-run and hit the ball the best he did all season.
It has been a struggle to find a job in my interest of sports or fund-raising that would keep us here. Just not many opportunities at my level. So for the time being I have engrossed myself in a sales opportunity with a great company, Transworld Systems Inc, which has help businesses for over 40 years increase their cash flow and recover slow paying accounts. While the progress has been a little slow, I know that it takes time to grow a business. I have really enjoyed networking in the local community and working on my presentation and sales skills. Additionally, I have met some wonderful people who have been very encouraging and willing to help.
In that time I have learned about many businesses that provide a wide variety of products and services. Some are just really great business models and others are longtime industries like insurance, financial planning and others. One of the most intriguing is the company Melaleuca, who develops and produces high level products that are kid and environmentally friendly. Shoppers can buy over 350 items directly from the company at a savings and receive benefits for shopping this way. They make products that people use every day. I tried the products and think they are great, they are concentrated and so a little goes a long way, and they cost about the same or a little less than at a store. People can also get people to shop and make some extra money, which these days everyone can use. If you would like to learn more let me know. A very easy way to shop and with a little work you can make some extra money.
In all of this, I have learned a lot more about myself and realized a number of things. Mostly, that I really like meeting new people and building relationships with them. I hope to find a way to work with a group of people and help them, help themselves. Want to join me?
I also read one of the best business books I have come across The Go-Giver by Bob Berg and John David Mann. I highly recommend this book. It is an easy read that provides five guidelines that we could all live by wrapped in a story about a salesman trying to make his way. I read the book twice within a three week timeframe. If you take the time to read the book, let me know what you think.
I am not sure where all of this will take me, but I know that my family is happy and that is what is most important. I will do what I can to make sure that does not change. I look forward to posting more frequently and letting you all know how these opportunities go and I hope that some of you may join in the journey in what ever way makes sense to you. Thanks for reading.
Thursday, September 1, 2011
Whew...where has the time gone
It is hard to believe that it has been six months since my last post. I think that was when I began taking two MBA classes per term at Saint Leo University and got plenty of writing in those classes. In some regards a lot has happened since that time and yet as I sit here tonight I am still without a job and nearing a crossroads (that will be the next entry). Now that I decided to only take one class this term, I thought it would be good to return to my blog.
At that time, I had begun the biggest loser program at Brick Bodies and by the end of the program I had lost 25 pounds. Since that time I have been fortunate enough to work with two great personal trainers at Brick Bodies Padonia Kate Del Solar and Tim Naff and have dropped another 22 pounds, which puts me under 200 pounds for the first time probably since college. My waist is down from a 40 to a 35, I am wearing a size large instead of XXL, and actually bought a size 44 suit. It is hard to believe the difference that I feel. Now I am trying to build strength instead of being focused on weight loss.
I also turned 44 last week and celebrated my 25th class reunion in early July. it was great to catch up with some longtime friends and others that I had not seen since graduation. I took a stroll down memory lane on a tour through the old Scio Central high school. My other trip to Scio was with the family for the annual family reunion over the July 4th weekend. Always a fun event and it was good to spend time with my parents, my sisters and their families.
Speaking of our family, my sister Maggie and her husband Matt travelled to China to adopt their new daughter Anne. After many years of waiting and some minor issues, all arrive back in Albany safe and sound and from all reports they are adjusting well. My wife Liz spent 18 days in Germany as an official in the U19 Women's lacrosse championships and had a great time and met many new friends.
In June, I travelled to Florida for the annual NACDA convention for athletic administrators. it was a great chance to connect with my network in that community as well as catch up with some old friends Matt Bassett and Troy Tucker, as well as my former boss Mike Hermann. I enjoyed the opportunity to stay connected.
It is hard to believe that the summer is over and the kids went back to school yesterday, following a two-day delay from hurricane Irene. They are excited to be back at Hereford Middle and High school and look forward to the school year. I hope that they new school has great things in store for them and the rest of the family
At that time, I had begun the biggest loser program at Brick Bodies and by the end of the program I had lost 25 pounds. Since that time I have been fortunate enough to work with two great personal trainers at Brick Bodies Padonia Kate Del Solar and Tim Naff and have dropped another 22 pounds, which puts me under 200 pounds for the first time probably since college. My waist is down from a 40 to a 35, I am wearing a size large instead of XXL, and actually bought a size 44 suit. It is hard to believe the difference that I feel. Now I am trying to build strength instead of being focused on weight loss.
I also turned 44 last week and celebrated my 25th class reunion in early July. it was great to catch up with some longtime friends and others that I had not seen since graduation. I took a stroll down memory lane on a tour through the old Scio Central high school. My other trip to Scio was with the family for the annual family reunion over the July 4th weekend. Always a fun event and it was good to spend time with my parents, my sisters and their families.
Speaking of our family, my sister Maggie and her husband Matt travelled to China to adopt their new daughter Anne. After many years of waiting and some minor issues, all arrive back in Albany safe and sound and from all reports they are adjusting well. My wife Liz spent 18 days in Germany as an official in the U19 Women's lacrosse championships and had a great time and met many new friends.
In June, I travelled to Florida for the annual NACDA convention for athletic administrators. it was a great chance to connect with my network in that community as well as catch up with some old friends Matt Bassett and Troy Tucker, as well as my former boss Mike Hermann. I enjoyed the opportunity to stay connected.
It is hard to believe that the summer is over and the kids went back to school yesterday, following a two-day delay from hurricane Irene. They are excited to be back at Hereford Middle and High school and look forward to the school year. I hope that they new school has great things in store for them and the rest of the family
Wednesday, March 2, 2011
My effort to be the "Biggest Loser"
For the last few years I have been a closet, well probably not so closet, fan of the TV Show "The Biggest Loser" and have not missed many episodes. I guess I like to hear the stories of how people just lost control of their eating habits and then how with hard work and some education about eating habits they lose enormous amounts of weight and also gain significant amounts of self-confidence and drive. Usually these people are surrounded by families or cultures with long histories of heart illness and diabetes and many are young people.
In their time on "the ranch" they go through amazing transformations and what really impresses me is those people who leave early in the show, but continue to lose weight at home. Obviously, these people learned a great deal about the importance of diet and working out in weight loss. No pills, fad diets, just good old hard work and commitment to healthy eating in appropriate portions.
As I watch the show, I can easily see how people can lose control and the energy to stay healthy. I look at how crazy my life has been over the last four years from commuting for two plus years to the stress of being without a boss and then without a job. Before the family came down I was working long hours, eating at my desk and not getting much sleep - all things that are bad for your health. When you add in high blood pressure and cholesterol, that is a recipe for disaster.
With Liz working at Brick Bodies, I thought that with my time off it would be great to try and get in some exercise. Sadly, I had ballooned to over 240 mostly due to inactivity and eating too much food and the great things my daughter bakes - she loves to make cookies and cakes. To start I really did not have a game plan and was not really losing much weight but at least getting some aerobic exercise. Fortunately, the gym offered a special eight week program "Extreme Brickover" modeled after the TV show. I figured that I would at least learn some things and maybe be more focused on what I was doing.
On the first weigh-in they took a number of assessments, including initial weight, body fat and waist to hip ratio. On the back of the sheet they had a chart that assessed the measurements. It is never good when yours comes back as obese. Now, I new that I was not in great shape and overweight, but did not think it was obese. I think that was the shock that I needed to make a change. In reading through the material they provided, the thing that caught my eye was the importance of knowing how many calories you burn and how many you eat. So I started tracking what I was doing and making more conscious decisions about food and portions and was committed to getting at least 30+ minutes of exercise a day.
Unfortunately, I missed the first weekly weigh-in as I was travelling for a job interview and was excited to see where I stood at the second weigh-in. I knew that I had to have lost some weight, since I was on the last notch in my belt and I was spending a lot of time pulling up my jeans. I was very happy to see that I had lost 12 pounds in two weeks, I was hoping to be below 230, but I was still happy and dropped 5% of my body weight. One thing that was really helpful was the calorie counter on my blackberry, it allowed me to track my calorie intake as well as my workout and calorie burn. I look forward to the next 6 weeks, although I hope I have a job by then since I will need some new clothes!
#BrickBodies, #
In their time on "the ranch" they go through amazing transformations and what really impresses me is those people who leave early in the show, but continue to lose weight at home. Obviously, these people learned a great deal about the importance of diet and working out in weight loss. No pills, fad diets, just good old hard work and commitment to healthy eating in appropriate portions.
As I watch the show, I can easily see how people can lose control and the energy to stay healthy. I look at how crazy my life has been over the last four years from commuting for two plus years to the stress of being without a boss and then without a job. Before the family came down I was working long hours, eating at my desk and not getting much sleep - all things that are bad for your health. When you add in high blood pressure and cholesterol, that is a recipe for disaster.
With Liz working at Brick Bodies, I thought that with my time off it would be great to try and get in some exercise. Sadly, I had ballooned to over 240 mostly due to inactivity and eating too much food and the great things my daughter bakes - she loves to make cookies and cakes. To start I really did not have a game plan and was not really losing much weight but at least getting some aerobic exercise. Fortunately, the gym offered a special eight week program "Extreme Brickover" modeled after the TV show. I figured that I would at least learn some things and maybe be more focused on what I was doing.
On the first weigh-in they took a number of assessments, including initial weight, body fat and waist to hip ratio. On the back of the sheet they had a chart that assessed the measurements. It is never good when yours comes back as obese. Now, I new that I was not in great shape and overweight, but did not think it was obese. I think that was the shock that I needed to make a change. In reading through the material they provided, the thing that caught my eye was the importance of knowing how many calories you burn and how many you eat. So I started tracking what I was doing and making more conscious decisions about food and portions and was committed to getting at least 30+ minutes of exercise a day.
Unfortunately, I missed the first weekly weigh-in as I was travelling for a job interview and was excited to see where I stood at the second weigh-in. I knew that I had to have lost some weight, since I was on the last notch in my belt and I was spending a lot of time pulling up my jeans. I was very happy to see that I had lost 12 pounds in two weeks, I was hoping to be below 230, but I was still happy and dropped 5% of my body weight. One thing that was really helpful was the calorie counter on my blackberry, it allowed me to track my calorie intake as well as my workout and calorie burn. I look forward to the next 6 weeks, although I hope I have a job by then since I will need some new clothes!
#BrickBodies, #
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