TRUE Opportunity

Today I reflected on how fortunate I am to have such supportive people around me and how much grace  I have felt from what to others may seem like small things.   It was very humbling really.  I don't know that I deserve it but that's maybe the grace part?   Before I was always so busy - too busy to help, or participate or really notice what others were giving.

Wonderful Man just keeps telling me all is good, and encouraging me not to question and second-guess myself in this journey.   To have that kind of support in your life is invaluable!!!   I hope and pray that all of you experience this level of absolute commitment, whether its in a marriage, or friendship.   I only hope that he feels that I am returning the same level.  I don't think I show it the same but I am hopeful he knows (and maybe reading it here will help!)

I was asked to help a friend out and watch her kids.   Mine haven't been little like that in a long time, and I forgot the joy and wonder that they provide.    Holding a little one just brought back such memories.    Oh, to look at the world so sweetly and just need a story and a song before bed to make things all right in the world!   And to giggle and laugh about silly things, and let them stay up longer than I should have (sorry Mom!).   I was struck by their innocence and I just wanted to say "Stop!   Don't Change!"   I hope that they will always be this happy and sweet and joyful!   Being with them reminded me that when you approach life in a simple and innocent way, like a child, the result is being happy for no other reason than simply being.   No presents or toys or events - just being happy because you are.

SIDE NOTE:   Story about Boy 2 at age 4.   Good friend watching him one day.   Told him to eat his vegetables, that they will make him big and strong.   Boy 2 answers very seriously "I can't.  My mom doesn't want me to".   Okay, since she's a good friend, she knows that isn't right and presses why he thinks that.  Boy 2 answers "My mom said I'm perfect just the way I am!"    

I recently finished a series of Christian fiction I had been reading and I just am so thankful for the friend who keeps providing me these books to help further my faith.    This is a busy lady but she always takes time to check on me, find out how I'm doing and I so appreciate that from her.   Other's who've met me for coffee or lunch, brainstorming and just being there for me.   Offering a supportive word or just a thought about something that is relevant to my situation.   These things make a difference and their value cannot be underestimated.

Lastly, I was blessed to start a bible study this morning (you know, during the workday!).   A good friend called over the weekend and mentioned it.  She brought the book over and I was hooked (Max Lucado is author; "3:16" is title.)  Bible study isn't something I have done or am familiar with, so there's an aspect of uncertainty here.   (To illustrate:   This is Bible Study and I failed to bring a bible with me; good thing it was a church and they had some!)     But what an amazing group of women who so went out of their way to make me feel welcome.   Again, humbled by it truly, and not really feeling worthy.  But, I am so excited about the book and a chance to dig further into my faith that I will just try and be the best I can and somehow try and add to their experience.

These are all opportunities I had that were fostered by important people in my life.  People whose influence and support have been invaluable.  Little things like what I describe above have made all the difference to me.   And I want to offer to all not to underestimate the power you have to influence or help someone.    A kind word, a smile even can make all the difference to someone who is struggling.     The TRUE opportunity here is in helping someone in a way that really just takes some of your time and a little effort.   The payoff for the recipient can be huge - trust me on that!   It goes with that acronym I found MAD:   Make A Difference.  You all can.   And so many of you have.   THANK YOU!!!

A Decision Made

Its possible someone has been wondering if I am ever going to work again.    I am…   But its very doubtful that I will ever work for someone except myself.     (Notice I didn’t say “never”.     When you are +40,  life has shown you that issuing proclamations with “never” usually ends up biting you somehow!)

I’ve mentioned that I reactivated my real estate license.  What I didn’t mention is what I’ve been doing with it since then.    I took some time, evaluated the current market (oh boy!) and thought for a long time whether I could do this again or not.    What I came to realize (remember?) is that I am good at real estate.   My business savvy combined with honest and timely advice provided my clients with really good representation.     My client’s may not have always heard what they wanted to hear – but I always told them what they needed to hear when they needed to hear it.   I’m not afraid of the current market; rather I view it as a challenge.   Its not a time when you stick a sign in the yard and wait for an offer.   Houses now sell on line requiring an entirely new marketing strategy.    (Home shown is actually one of our listings!)

And so, I am forming a team with another successful local agent.  Combining our skill-sets will result in providing our clients with aggressive, cutting-edge marketing and unmatched customer service.    Further, given the increase in foreclosures and short-sales its important that both buyers and sellers be represented by agents who have the financial background to bring the transaction to a successful close.   

I’m excided and of course, a little nervous.   I’ve been told its not the best time to be jumping into the market.   But I think maybe it is for someone who is committed and hard working and reasonably intelligent!   I also have a true appreciation for houses and their design and layout.     As well, I know that for most people, their home can be both (or either!) their largest asset or debt.  Protecting their interests and position is something I take seriously.   I had said previously that if I was going to sell something, I had to have a passion for it.  And, this is something I am definitely excited about.  

And besides my daily writing therapy which you are all so blessed to share in (ha, ha), I’m also working on an idea I had for “gift shopping” that would match superior products with those looking to give quality gifts.    I plan to continue my research on it in the next couple of weeks and would love to be able to share that with you all too!   So, its an exciting time for me.    But at the front of it all, is still the rule that I will maintain balance; putting the right things first and finding a way to give back.

NOTE:   The Big 10 network is now in our house and after dealing with an incompetent technical support line, I did switch our frequencies so no more Jersey Shore here!   As well, it looks like Saturday's may just be my day!

Do Not Change the Channel!

Image by CoCreatr via Flickr

There's an interesting phenomena going on in our house.     Something or someone has taken over the TV remote.   Recently Boy 2 was watching a football game when the channel was switched to Jersey Shore!!  (LOL!!)   Boy 2 switches it back - and then it happens again (and again and again!)   We are obviously sharing our satellite frequency with someone close by!   This isn't the only time its happened; its random and I am sure whoever has the other remote is just as irritated as we are.    Boy 2 is relentless - he does not give up - he did watch his football game.   And someone missed Jersey Shore (or moved to another TV).   Husband has also been interrupted by this, usually during some "I can't miss this game" moment!

Its in my power to get this fixed; a phone call to our provider should result in a re-programming which should take care of it.   But I am not really a TV watcher, and so I just haven't been affected.    And, truthfully it kind of fun to see these guys get that upset, pushing buttons on the remote harder and harder (like its going to make a difference?)!    Its also ironic that whoever it is watches such opposite shows to these guys  (eg., Jersey Shore, Say Yes to the Dress, etc.).

The nice thing to do would be to call and get it fixed.   I am sure my secret channel switcher would appreciate it too.  Of course, they could have called as well!    Its just having to go through all those menu choices, but none of them are actually "reprogram remote", so I have to choose between Technical Support and Customer Service.   Hmmm.   That's always a tough one because it could go either way.   Clearly the reprogramming is going to require something technical BUT I am a customer in need of service.   I have actually used the Technical Support option with another vendor only to be told my issue was not "technical enough".    For Them, I guess.    I was told to contact Customer Service.  By Hanging Up and Dialing Myself.

And to make my guys even happier, I need to find out how to get the Big 10 network for them.   If I could do that, Saturday's at my house would be heaven for them.  And will leave me completely free to do whatever I want.   My motivation just changed!    I'm looking up the number right now!!!

Thank You, Thank You

Image by Bitterroot via Flickr

Monday morning saw me having x-rays taken of my foot.   Nervous and scared, I sat there wondering what verdict I would hear.   My foot was still swollen but not really hurting (except for that weird "bump").    Two x-rays later and I'm told no fracture - stress or otherwise!      Most likely a tendon is extended and just needs a little "rest".   Ya!!!   But then I had to grasp what "rest" meant; no running for at least a week; swelling and pain must be gone.    I am allowed, however, to ride my bike.

Okay.  I have a bike.  I have ridden it a couple of times in the last three months.  When I was a kid, I loved riding my bike.   For me, it was total freedom:  Out of the house, running around the neighborhood until lunch time, then back out again until dinner.   And they say, you never forget how to ride a bike.   Which is true BUT I do not think you are as fearless to go flying down a hill and rounding a corner at the same time.   At least I am not.  Which is why my ride today was kind of tentative.   That and the fact that my lower back was spasming and my quads were killing me (I'm guessing they aren't used much in running!)   I also need to get a helmet.   Interesting how I spent my youth on a bike, never wearing (or even hearing of!) bike helmets but as a grown up, I will not venture out of the neighborhood or lake path without one.    As well, I feel like I need to issue a bulletin that I will be out there riding.  Tonight I said "on your right" when I meant "on your left" and we were all confused!  Good thing they laughed about it!  It could have been ugly.

But the point is, I get to do something.   I am not sidelined.  I can continue with some exercise for both my muscles and my mind.   And if I'm careful I'll be back to running in no time.   That means more fall sunrises and mist-filled mornings to be treasured.    This little "bump" has reminded me the importance of expressing gratitude for the simple things, like being ABLE to exercise.    So, Thank You, Thank You, Lord, for keeping me on this path.

Say it ain't so!

Image via Wikipedia

So you all know about my limited experience with running and trying to get ready for a 5k here in early October.   As well, I've previously mentioned using a training program from running.about.com.    I don't know if I've given enough attention, however, to the way that this makes me feel emotionally, how its improved my mental state and just overall peace of mind.   I actually think the exercise has had a VERY significant contribution to how I've handled myself these past three months.  

Which is why I am very, very sad to report that I think I'm about to be sidelined.

Friday I had a great run - mentally, anyway.   My speed was actually slower but my breathing and overall state of mind could not have been better!   As I walked home off the trail, I remember thinking about just how positive running has made me feel and how thankful I was that I had found (somehow) the perseverance to stick with it.   

Sidenote:  Running outside has been amazing for me.   There have been several mornings that I've seen the sun rise.  Further, a few "cool" mornings have allowed me to witness the stunning morning mist over the lake, with reflections of sunlight as it starts to peak out.   Words (certainly mine) cannot describe the beauty God presents at this time and I am in total awe to witness it.

Had a great day and then headed to our high school football game.   Upon arrival I step out of the car and as I put my foot down and step, I suddenly feel a sharp pain in the top of my foot.   I didn't fall; I didn't twist or turn my ankle.  (Not that those who know me would be surprised to hear that I had!)  Just a normal step.   I grab husband's arm and voice my discomfort (I catch rolling eyes as he asks what happened!).   I take about five steps and the pain subsides.   I don't think about it again that night.   

Saturday night I notice that my foot is tender and swollen, and there is a strange "bump" on the top, left side of my foot which is painful to touch.   Friend hears that I have been running - increasing my training over these past two months - and says to me "Stress Fracture".  I've heard of these but thought they were more common in legs or knees.   Research indicates that while that is true, it is also common in the foot, specifically the metatarsals.   Now, I have a vague recollection of an anatomy class in college that your foot has some crazy amount of bones and remember that the metatarsals are basically the toes extending back to the ankle.   I can't really tell if my bump is on the metatarsal (it would be the 5th one!  I think....assuming your big toe is 1).

And so as some of you are reading this, I am heading to the doctor instead of finishing my Monday morning run.   I would ask you to think positive thoughts for me; I am truthfully scared about what this means. Will I lose my momentum (and to me its more than just exercise - its all wrapped up in my mental well-being)?   I cannot describe the angst I am feeling about this and am just wondering how this fits into my re-invention plan.   So, stay tuned for the concluding episode tomorrow!