But He's Got a Five-Year Plan....

I recently read an article in Self Magazine about how planning life goals can be rewarding and enriching. It can also be depressing if you tend not to actually reach your goals. The trick is to set your sites on things that are challenging yet attainable. Author Erin Zammett Ruddy suggests an easy exercise in her article that will help flesh out realistic and positive achievements you'd like to reach. I'm using this post as a way to complete this exercise and hold myself accountable.

First, jot down 5 past accomplishments you're proud of. Remembering these triumphs will make you feel confident and more likely to pursue future, and potentially more challenging, goals.

1)Graduate from college. Not only did I accomplish this but my overall GPA for my four years at Temple University was a 3.5. Not to shabby.

2) Work at a major publication. After getting my journalism degree I desperately wanted a taste of the magazine publishing world. My 6-month internship at Redbook satisfied that hunger and gave me experiences I never could have received elsewhere. I'm proud to have been published in the magazine during that time and met some amazing women!

3)Do something positive for my community. I am active in local fundraisers and charities and plan to always be. I'm currently on the Executive Leadership Committee for our local AHA Heart Walk.

4)Get my Master's Degree. Dunzo. Summa Cum Laude from Lock Haven University.

5)Maintain a happy and healthy life with someone I love. I'm fortunate to have married by best friend. We live an active and healthy life and value each other tremendously.


The second part of the exercise is all about brainstorming. I have to admit that brainstorming is one of my favorite things to do. What other productive task can you do at any hour of the day in any situation? Whether it's during your morning jog, sipping on a glass of Old Vine Zinfandel, doing sun salutations in your back hard, sitting with a co-worker or laying in bed- there are endless opportunities to get your wheels turning. Ruddy suggests setting a stopwatch for 10 minutes and listing everything you want to accomplish in your lifetime. That could be a loooong list. But regardless of how ridiculous some of the things may seem WRITE THEM DOWN. If you are having trouble getting past line 1 you can ask yourself 3 questions: Is there anything I've left unfinished that I'd like to complete? Are there classes I'd like to take or skills I'd like to learn? Are there ways I can give back to others?

Timer set. Go.

Write a book about gender in the media
Write a memoir about a personal experience
Teach at the university level
Learn Spanish
Re-learn French
Take a 2 month tour of europe
Spend a few weeks in Asia
Scratch the above two, I want to travel EVERYWHERE
Run a marathon
Have a child
Adopt a child
Run an Animal Rescue
Create a local chapter for the National Ovarian Cancer Coalition
Ride a wheelie on a sportbike (for those of you that don't know I ride motorcycles)
Own a vacation home in Asheville, NC
Write a semi-famous blog
Be published in a national publication again
Read more
Buy my older sister a car
Have a garden without killing it
Become a yoga instructor
Complete a triathalon
Own a boat
Attend Le Mans


Wow, that's quite a list! You can tell I've been thinking about these things for a long time. Ruddy then suggests scaling it back to a five-year plan. To do this she recommends picturing yourself in five years. Which items would you regret not having completed by then? Once you've cut it back a bit it's time to dissect those that made the cut and determine if they are something you want for yourself or goals others want for you. Understand the motivation behind your planned achievements and how they will affect your life.

My 5-year List:

Write a memoir about a personal experience
Learn Spanish
Re-learn French
Travel more internationally
Run a marathon
Have a child
Adopt a child
Be an integral part of an Animal Rescue
Help create a local chapter for the National Ovarian Cancer Coalition
Write a popular blog
Be published in a national publication again
Read more
Have a garden without killing it
Complete a triathalon
Own a boat
Attend Le Mans

Now that I have my list it's time to put it into action. In order to reach the bigger goals I need to set mini goals to help me attain them and keep me motivated. For example, if my goal is to write a popular blog, then a mini goal should be to research and blog at least once a week. It will help me be creative, hone my skills and acheive more followers. If my goal is to be an integral part if an animal rescue I can set a mini goal of volunteering at one. I can learn the ropes and feel proud of the selfless work I'm doing. Achieving each milestone will fuel my desire to keep going.

Planning can be a daunting task but on the same token it can be exciting and realistic. Now that I've put all these out there I'll need you all to keep me on track! Happy planning!

It Whispers- So listen!

On a sunny Sunday morning in May 2007 my sister and I meticulously worked teal accents into our outfits. Teal stones in her sandals, teal earrings with matching necklace, and various other teal items were added here and there. After checking the mirror for the last time we headed over the Delaware River from PA to New Jersey for our first ever Teal Tea fundraiser to raise awareness of Ovarian Cancer. We'd be joining over 100 other women, 20 of which our close family and friends, for an afternoon tea, silent auction, and serious discussion. This function would grow into an annual event, held on the first Sunday in May each year, drawing more and more people. But this first one was significant.

Just several days earlier, on April 23, 2007, my Aunt Martha died from Ovarian Cancer at the age of 53. The days leading up to this event were difficult. Our wounds were fresh, our spirits shaken, and we hadn't yet had proper time to grieve. Our grief was still very real and extremely apparent to everyone in attendance. But then again they all had stories similar to ours. Some were still battling, some in remission, others lost loved ones...in this group our story was not unique. They knew what we were going through and could empathize whole-heartedly.

But regardless of how much support you have, nothing can make you feel whole again. Looking at my aunt’s daughter, her sisters, her mother, nieces and friends I knew we all felt similar pain and were holding back the tears (or at least trying) through every speech, every story, and every prayer during that tea party. But despite how difficult and painful it was to be there we were becoming involved in something very important. Something bigger. This group of women were devoting themselves to raising awareness of Ovarian Cancer. Raising awareness for this particular cancer is important for many reasons.

First, Ovarian Cancer has very subtle symptoms, almost all of which can be easily blamed on lifestyle, hormonal changes, or other factors.

Early Symptoms of Ovarian Cancer:

-Abdominal Swelling/Bloating/Clothes Too Tight
-Abdominal/Pelvic Pain or Pressure or Feeling "Full"
-Gastrointestinal Symptoms (such as gas, indigestion, nausea, or changes in bowel movements)
-Vaginal Bleeding or Discharge
-Urinary Problems - Urgency, Burning, or Spasms
-Fatigue and/or Fever
-Pain During Intercourse
-Back Pain
-Difficulty Breathing

The subtly of the symptoms often result in misdiagnosis. Diagnosing it correctly can take months. Only a specific blood test, CA-125, along with a pelvic exam and a transvaginal ultrasound, will alert the doctor of the danger of Ovarian Cancer. These tests will not be performed at an annual OBGYN visit or physical. Chances are you will have to ask for them.

So the symptoms are subtle and diagnosis is difficult but there is another dangerous aspect to Ovarian Cancer: IT IS INCREDIBLEY COMMON. 1 in every 55 women will have Ovarian Cancer. Think about your high school, your workplace, and your family... The fact of the matter is YOU know someone who will have Ovarian Cancer.

Because of these things it's necessary to educate woman on how silent and deadly this disease is. Teach them the symptoms and encourage them to be their own advocate with their doctors. If caught early you can beat it. You just have to listen to your body and stand up for yourself. Too many women, my aunt included, don't know they have Ovarian Cancer until it's far too late.

September is National Ovarian Cancer Awareness month. It's also the month my Aunt Martha was born. She would have been 57 this year.

Tell somebody. You may save a life.

"My Aunt Martha with her 6 sisters and mother"

"Teal Tea 2007"

"Teal Tea 2008"

"Teal Tea 2009"

"Click Here for the National Ovarian Cancer Coalition"

The Impossible is Often the Untried

I remember the day I decided I wanted to be a runner. I was 18 and in my freshman year in college. I desperately did not want to be one of the women to succumb to the "freshman 15." Because all of my previous ways of staying in shape were through sports (mostly cheerleading and dance), I didn't really know how to workout efficiently. I tried a few classes at the gym on campus, but mostly I just ran. What started out as a 2-mile morning run on the indoor track quickly turned into 3 miles, then, 4 and eventually five. I'd run at school, I'd run after work with my mom....I just loved to run. The problem was I never pushed myself. I was comfortable doing 5 miles and it seemed to impress others. I'd follow up every run with 30 minutes of abs and stretching.

Now, almost 10 years later, I realize that although I may have been doing a great job caring for my heart with all the cardio, by leaving out strengthening exercises I hadn't been caring for the rest of my body. Additionally, I've learned that doing workouts at the right time of day is critical to building lean muscle and burning fat. I am finally learning and am fitter than ever.

Notice that I say FITTER and not THINNER. I certainly was thinner when all I did was run run run. But now I have shape. I have muscle. I am strong. I have a body that I am proud. That pride and strength translates into confidence which helps me physically, emotionally, professionally and personally.



For example, I'll start the day with a 3 mile run on the golf course in my neigborhood. It's a beautiful and safe route and I love starting my day this way. At the end of my run I may do 20 lunges, 20 burpees, 15 pushes, 50 bicycle crunches and a few minutes of stretching. This early morning workout is what we Tone It Up members call our Booty Call :) We get moving first thing to jump start our metabolism.

After work (I work a full 8 to 10 hours daily) I'll head to the gym to complete one of the Tone it Up workouts. Yesterday I did the below routine:



I followed it up by an intense 30 minutes of HIIT (High Intensity Interval Training) to burn as much fat as possible. By the time I was done I was exhausted. 15-20 minutes of stretching and I was on my way home, with nothing but refueling on my mind (aka dinner).



I've also learned how to set goals for myself to keep me going. Last weekend I ran a 10K. It was my goal to place. I wanted a medal. Sure enough I came in 2nd place overall for women!! I could have pushed it harder and therefore have set my goals higher. Today I began training for my first half marathon.

I found out about a group of people in the area also training and ran with them for the first time this morning. I'm used to running alone and was surprised at how easy it is to run further and push harder when you're running with others. Before I knew it we soared past my comfort-zone (6 miles) and completed 9.12 miles! I was amazed and proud. I'm eager to see how far I can go next saturday and so thankful for finding my new running buddies to motivate me :)

I've found most of my inspiration through the Tone it Up community. Katrina and Karena, our trainers, motivate hundreds, if not thousands, of women everyday. They keep us involved, excited and make getting toned a group activity. Their meal plan is incredible and has taught me a lot about healthy eating. Finding these two online has positively affected my life more than I can describe. I don't think I'd have the confidence to try a half marathon if I hadn't already been training with these two, building my strength and endurance.

I will keep you posted on my progress. Until then, remember that it's only impossible if you don't try it. Lace up those running shoes and hit the pavement. You may surprise yourself ;)

Eat, Work, Live, Love, Run...repeat

It's been over a month since my last post. It may seem like I'm slacking but in actuality I've been in overdrive! August was an insane month. On top of the birthdays (yours truly included), out-of towners visiting and a record-breaking month at work, I've been focusing heavily on taking care of my body. Thanks to Karena and Katrina from Tone it Up I've been eating healthier than ever, trying challenging workouts each day, and developed the discipline to follow a fool proof and successful routine. For my Tone it Up Booty Call each morning I run 3 miles on an empty stomach. My meals are all fresh and nutrient dense. I do strength training and more cardio in the evening, and finish of the day with a healthy homemade meal. I have to admit, however, I still indulge in my regular glass of red wine and the occasional mixed drink or beer. A girls gotta live a little, right?!?

I also completed the Tone it Up 7-Day Slimdown. My sister-in-law and I did it together, which held us both accountable and kept us on track. At the end of the detox we both saw significant results and felt like a million bucks. The cleanse is a great way to flush out heavy toxins and balance both your hormones and PH levels. K&K recommend doing it bi-monthly. I can't wait until October! After I completed the slimdown I had a photo shoot with a friend on the beach to document how great I felt.

I've also recruited another TUI member, a co-worker of mine with a drive to shed some pounds. Having friends and family be passionate about healthy living makes it a lot easier to stay focused. I'm looking forward to doing the 7-day slimdown with her :)

I've learned more about cooking in the last 2 months than I have in 10 years! My diet now consists of seasonal fruits and vegetables, beans, healthy grains and seeds and hardly anything processed. Though it requires more work I am having fun and my energy level has skyrocketed. My husband is enjoying the variety of foods as well and is eating things he never thought he'd try. Knowing I am making us both healthier is an incredible feeling. We also enjoy the quality time we're spending making and eating our exciting new meals.

My life has been go,go,go and I suprisingly do not feel exhausted. I am happy, healthy, and loving life. More updates to come :)

My Tone it Up Experience

I've recently discovered a team of incredible trainers who feature a blog and website ToneItUp.com. Karena and Katrina, out of Hermosa Beach, CA, are quickly becoming internet sensations as well as well-known trainers. They are super interactive with social media, which is not only keeping me engaged but guilting me into completing my workouts for the day. They regularly post new workouts to try with clever names like Itty Bitty Bikini Workout and Backless Dress Workout.

What sets the ToneItUp workouts apart from others is that the moves engage several muscle groups at once, resulting in more calories burned and an overall greater result. Pair a workout routine with a 6am Booty Call (an extra workout squeezed into your morning routine to jumpstart your metabolism) and you're well on your way to getting toned!

In addition to giving workout tips and motivating you constantly through email, twitter and facebook, they've also created an online community to help members enage with one another and keep each other motivated. We share tips, recipes, and more. The best part is it's free! You can submit your stories online, interact to win goodies, and meet like minded people. It's a win-win!

Karena and Katrina also feature a diet plan with proven results. Though I have not tried it myself (I plan to in th next month or so) I've seen before and after pictures of several women who have and the results are incredible! I have, however, tried some of the recipes they post on Food Friday and am enjoying the tasty yet healthier recipes. I also LOVE how they constantly remind you of the importance of drinking water throughout the day. Although I'm running to the restroom more often, my body is definitely happier and my cravings have been curbed.

And if all of this isn't enough inspiration they're both amazingly gorgeous and fit. If nothing else, seeing them daily pushes me to work harder.

I've been plowing through their workouts for about a month and have noticed a difference in my body. I'm stronger and more toned. I also completed my first duathlon (5k run, 20k bike, 5k run) and came in first for my age group!

Land Rover Hilton Head sponsored the event, so my good friend Jonathon and I were happy to bring cars to display and compete. Jonathan also won first place for his age group!

Go us!

I'm enjoying my more active lifestyle and definitely recommend it to others. To learn more about the ToneItUp girls, visit them at the below links.

YouTube

Facebook

Twitter

Blog

Happy Fathers Day, Dad

My first attempt at a slideshow...not exactly what I was going for but it gets the point across. Happy Fathers Day, Dad. I love you.

Customize your own free digital slideshow

Pieces in Asheville

I had the brilliant idea on a Tuesday morning to check out the events schedule in Asheville, NC. The funky little town, tucked within the Blue Ridge Mountains, is one of my absolute favorite places. It has the speed of the South but the culture of a city. And with dozens of mom-and-pop establishments, pet friendly cafes and restaurants, happening bars and endless outdoor activities I find myself fitting right in and never wanting to leave.

We picked our destination, rounded up some friends. The plans were set and we were ready and eager for the 6 hour trek.

We rolled up to our cabin at about 1 a.m. with 1 car-full, 1 truck, 2 dogs and 2 motorcycles. The pleasantly rustic cabin was a quaint place to rest our heads, although we didn't hit the sheets until about 2 hours later after several mojitos and 1 shaved head (I'm practicing my fade). The company was ideal with the perfect mix of friends.

The agenda for Saturday was to set out early to the Blue Ridge Parkway to drive fast and enjoy the turns. Pat and Doug geared up in their full leather suits. I started the ride on the back of Doug's bike while Ashley rode in the GTI with Jonathan.

Winding through the Blue Ridge Mountains is difficult to describe. The air was crisp and the scenery simply breathtaking. Each time the mountains opened up and a beautiful view was revealed I immediately felt small, humble and amazed. Still, we were able to cram in a quick 90s rap pose at a scenic overlook.

We rode for about an hour until Doug and Pat decided to hammer down through the Diamond Back Loop. I hopped in the car with Jonathan and we were off. This particular road consists of nothing but hairpin turns and blind corners. It's not uncommon to hear squealing tires and screaming exhaust.

After about 15 minutes Doug and Pat were no longer on our tail and we began to worry. Climbing back up the mountain towards where we last saw them I began to panic. My heart sank deeper and deeper with each moment we didn't see them. We finally came around a turn and saw Pat's bike on the side of the road, kick stand down. No Pat, no Doug, no Doug's bike. Naturally, I freaked out but was quickly calmed when I looked over the ledge and saw Doug standing on a gravel driveway next to a destroyed motorcycle. He was standing. My husband was okay. He had crashed at the best spot with only about a 20 foot drop. His bike skinned trees on the way down while he tumbled through the brush until being stopped by wrapping his torso around the trunk of a tree. He had survived what could have been a deathly accident, walking away with a few broken ribs, torn cartilage and a collapsed lung. The bike was in pieces but my husband was in tact. I couldn't have been any happier at that moment.

Despite his injuries Doug was happy and thankful, as were the rest of us. We celebrated by sticking to our plans of going to Beer Fest. The next few hours were filled with fun and laughter. The joy we felt that Doug was okay made the day incredible! We sampled local brews, met interesting folks, hung with the hipsters in the water fountain and truly enjoyed the good company.

After a day of fun we set out to experience Asheville at night. The small town with metropolitan-sized buildings became bustling at night. Locals played music on street corners while we strolled past shops and enjoyed dinner on the patio of Carmel's Restaurant and Bar.

We ended the weekend with a hike on Mount Mitchell, the highest point east of the Mississippi. We soaked up the views and reveled in the beauty of the vast mountains before us. The weekend was eye-opening and simply wonderful.