Today is it. The sparkly ball drops in Time Square at the stroke of midnight. And, so it begins. The infamous rite of passage from the old to the new year.
The start of a new year signals declarations of change, better known as New Year Resolutions. A good number of these such as diet, fitness, and financial reform call upon life changes for success. All require ongoing learning, practice, repair and commitment because they are not simple fixes like a new hairstyle or new tires for the car.
So, this made me think of my 2010 resolutions and the catalysts — my motivations — for these declarations of change.
Resolution: Keep my mind, body and spirit strong. At the start of 2010, I implemented a holistic fitness plan to live better physically, mentally and spiritually. Success was largely due to increased physical activity, outdoor time, balanced nutrition, mental fitness and spiritual development. My regimen has become habit. It is a part of my daily routine. Also, my holistic fitness plan is a work-in-progress. I change it and improve it as I go.
Catalyst - my husband made a commitment to live healthier at the start of 2009. Today, he is leaner, more energetic, sexier and more fun to date.
Resolution 2: journal three times a week. Writing is therapy I use for managing parental stress. Both of my children have developmental delays with their fine and gross motor skills. Also, my daughter has Attention Deficit Disorder (ADD). A writing schedule that coordinates with school, extra-curricular activities, and bed time enables me to journal daily. Not only did I write as declared, I created and published this blog.
Catalyst - treatment sessions with physical and occupational therapists, psychologists, speech pathologists, teachers, and social workers helped me learn more about how fitness impacts core strength, muscle tone, strength, agility, balance, mood, and concentration.
Resolution 3: be a friend. I made a pledge to spend more time with my girlfriends. Being a more attentive friend found me great company for playing tennis, laughing at Going the Distance, shopping at Macy's, and eating hot fudge ice cream puffs at Kruse and Muer.
Catalyst - the death of many family members and friends within the previous 18 months. I have lost two grandparents, two uncles, an aunt, a long-time family friend and the toddler son of a cousin. Death of so many at varying ages woke me up. I realized my time on this planet is limited; and the time my family members and friends have on this planet with me is limited. There is no time to waste. I want to spend time with those I love and care about.
In closing, I am declaring my 2011 resolution. That's right. I have just one…
Ignore all celebrity-focused news. Linking to or reading about movies, music and creative projects is still okay because it is important to be informed about art, entertainment, media, and lifestyles.
Catalyst - timely, relevant and critical local, state, national and global issues that need more focus. What if tabloids contained headline-grabbing, quick-reads on city budget deficits, unemployment, unfair international trading policy, and never-ending civil strife in Africa? What would we talk about?
Friday, December 31, 2010
Saturday, December 25, 2010
My Wishlist
Creation of a wish list began weeks ago. As I created, the title — Christmas Wish List — was all wrong. My wishes are for every day, not just December 25. So, I penned 2010 in place of Christmas. This didn't read right, either. 2010 is nearly done. My wishes represent future hope. I deleted 2010 and typed 2011. Again, not satisfied. Frustration mounted. Uggh! Just give it a title already…
How about My Wish List? This one could work. The wishes are for all-time. If one or any of them come true, I have a collective wish: that it/they last forever.
My Wish List
1. Love
2. More date nights with my husband
3. More quality time with my children
4. Health and happiness for family, friends and strangers
5. Good times for those facing adversity
6. Global peace
7. Enrichment and learning opportunities for all
8. Paparazzi-like-focus on local, state, national and global issues
9. More movie nights with my girlfriends
10. Winning seasons for the Red Wings and the Pistons
11. Style for my closet and home
12. More music from U2, Foo Fighters, Red Hot Chili Peppers, and Madonna.
So, it is finally here. December 25 arrived peacefully enough for my family. What about yours? Santa Claus hid treasures all over the house for my two children — Maurissa and Griffin and my husband — Tracy — to discover. Despite finding — among other gems — drums, four Zhu Zhu pets, a police car, and a Superfriends DVD — there is harmony. Plus, it's pajama day. We celebrated big on Christmas Eve so that we could play, relax and reflect without pushing the children out the door for warp-speed feasting.
How about My Wish List? This one could work. The wishes are for all-time. If one or any of them come true, I have a collective wish: that it/they last forever.
My Wish List
1. Love
2. More date nights with my husband
3. More quality time with my children
4. Health and happiness for family, friends and strangers
5. Good times for those facing adversity
6. Global peace
7. Enrichment and learning opportunities for all
8. Paparazzi-like-focus on local, state, national and global issues
9. More movie nights with my girlfriends
10. Winning seasons for the Red Wings and the Pistons
11. Style for my closet and home
12. More music from U2, Foo Fighters, Red Hot Chili Peppers, and Madonna.
So, it is finally here. December 25 arrived peacefully enough for my family. What about yours? Santa Claus hid treasures all over the house for my two children — Maurissa and Griffin and my husband — Tracy — to discover. Despite finding — among other gems — drums, four Zhu Zhu pets, a police car, and a Superfriends DVD — there is harmony. Plus, it's pajama day. We celebrated big on Christmas Eve so that we could play, relax and reflect without pushing the children out the door for warp-speed feasting.
Monday, December 20, 2010
Celebrate or Bust: 12 Eating Tips for the Holidays
One of my long-time high school friends sent me this via e-mail this afternoon. I couldn't resist posting it. Pour yourself a glass of something festive and enjoy!
1. Avoid carrot sticks. Anyone who puts carrots on a holiday buffet
table knows nothing of the Holiday spirit. In fact, if you see carrots,
leave immediately. Go next door, where they're serving rum balls.
2. Drink as much eggnog as you can. And quickly. It's rare... You cannot
find it any other time of year but now. So drink up! Who cares that it
has 10,000 calories in every sip? It's not as if you're going to turn
into an eggnog-alcoholic or something. It's a treat. Enjoy it. Have one
for me. Have two. It's later than you think. It's Christmas!
3. If something comes with gravy, use it. That's the whole point of
gravy. Gravy does not stand alone. Pour it on. Make a volcano out of
your mashed potatoes. Fill it with gravy. Eat the volcano. Repeat.
4. As for mashed potatoes, always ask if they're made with skim milk or
whole milk. If it's skim, pass. Why bother? It's like buying a sports
car with an automatic transmission.
5. Do not have a snack before going to a party in an effort to control
your eating. The whole point of going to a Holiday party is to eat other
people's food for free. Lots of it. Hello?
6. Under no circumstances should you exercise between now and New
Year's. You can do that in January when you have nothing else to do.
This is the time for long naps, which you'll need after circling the
buffet table while carrying a 10-pound plate of food and that vat of
eggnog.
7. If you come across something really good at a buffet table, like
frosted Christmas cookies in the shape and size of Santa, position
yourself near them and don't budge. Have as many as you can before
becoming the center of attention. They're like a beautiful pair of
shoes. If you leave them behind, you're never going to see them again.
8. Same for pies. Apple, Pumpkin, Mincemeat. Have a slice of each. Or if
you don't like mincemeat, have two apples and one pumpkin. Always have
three. When else do you get to have more than one dessert? Labor Day?
9. Did someone mention fruitcake? Granted, it's loaded with the
mandatory celebratory calories, but avoid it at all cost. I mean, have
some standards.
10. One final tip: If you don't feel terrible when you leave the party
or get up from the table, you haven't been paying attention. Re-read
tips; start over, but hurry, January is just around the corner. Remember
this motto to live by:
"Life should NOT be a journey to the grave with the intention of
arriving safely in an attractive and well preserved body, but rather to
skid in sideways, chocolate in one hand and wine in the other, body
thoroughly used up, totally worn out and screaming "WOO HOO what a
ride!"
Have a great holiday season!!
1. Avoid carrot sticks. Anyone who puts carrots on a holiday buffet
table knows nothing of the Holiday spirit. In fact, if you see carrots,
leave immediately. Go next door, where they're serving rum balls.
2. Drink as much eggnog as you can. And quickly. It's rare... You cannot
find it any other time of year but now. So drink up! Who cares that it
has 10,000 calories in every sip? It's not as if you're going to turn
into an eggnog-alcoholic or something. It's a treat. Enjoy it. Have one
for me. Have two. It's later than you think. It's Christmas!
3. If something comes with gravy, use it. That's the whole point of
gravy. Gravy does not stand alone. Pour it on. Make a volcano out of
your mashed potatoes. Fill it with gravy. Eat the volcano. Repeat.
4. As for mashed potatoes, always ask if they're made with skim milk or
whole milk. If it's skim, pass. Why bother? It's like buying a sports
car with an automatic transmission.
5. Do not have a snack before going to a party in an effort to control
your eating. The whole point of going to a Holiday party is to eat other
people's food for free. Lots of it. Hello?
6. Under no circumstances should you exercise between now and New
Year's. You can do that in January when you have nothing else to do.
This is the time for long naps, which you'll need after circling the
buffet table while carrying a 10-pound plate of food and that vat of
eggnog.
7. If you come across something really good at a buffet table, like
frosted Christmas cookies in the shape and size of Santa, position
yourself near them and don't budge. Have as many as you can before
becoming the center of attention. They're like a beautiful pair of
shoes. If you leave them behind, you're never going to see them again.
8. Same for pies. Apple, Pumpkin, Mincemeat. Have a slice of each. Or if
you don't like mincemeat, have two apples and one pumpkin. Always have
three. When else do you get to have more than one dessert? Labor Day?
9. Did someone mention fruitcake? Granted, it's loaded with the
mandatory celebratory calories, but avoid it at all cost. I mean, have
some standards.
10. One final tip: If you don't feel terrible when you leave the party
or get up from the table, you haven't been paying attention. Re-read
tips; start over, but hurry, January is just around the corner. Remember
this motto to live by:
"Life should NOT be a journey to the grave with the intention of
arriving safely in an attractive and well preserved body, but rather to
skid in sideways, chocolate in one hand and wine in the other, body
thoroughly used up, totally worn out and screaming "WOO HOO what a
ride!"
Have a great holiday season!!
Thursday, December 16, 2010
Reality Check
On Tuesday NBC hosted its 10th The Biggest Loser season finale. Up until this September, I was an avid viewer. First, contestants from Southeastern Michigan celebrated tremendous successes on this show. Next, the show extends a powerful, positive message: anyone can make lasting positive lifestyle changes given the right environment, support and resources. Finally, the celebrity personal trainers, Jillian Michaels and Bob Harper, appear to have a proven track record with helping people achieve long-term life transformations. Their exercise DVDs have been among my best fitness aids because they have helped me realize visible, lasting results.
With that being said, I also think the show encourages at-home viewers to develop unrealistic fitness and weight management expectations. For example, most of us do not have the luxury of leaving professional, parental, marital, social, and household responsibilities to focus exclusively on weight and fitness management for extended periods of time. Next, devoting all wakeful hours to exercise is not a consistent reality and it is unhealthy. Finally, it is unnerving to watch the weigh-ins at the end of each episode. With self-esteem hanging out for all to see, each contestant steps onto the scale for the moment of triumph or defeat. Smiles deflate, shoulders slump and words of disappointment come forth when losses don’t match expectations. I can relate to this. There have been objectives — some too grandiose — I have set for myself. Along the way, I encountered challenges and experienced frustration that zapped my confidence. But, I think contestants should be encouraged to stand proud for all pounds lost. A loss is a loss. Plus, it’s unrealistic for at-home viewers to expect losses comparable to what they see on The Biggest Loser.
With that being said, I also think the show encourages at-home viewers to develop unrealistic fitness and weight management expectations. For example, most of us do not have the luxury of leaving professional, parental, marital, social, and household responsibilities to focus exclusively on weight and fitness management for extended periods of time. Next, devoting all wakeful hours to exercise is not a consistent reality and it is unhealthy. Finally, it is unnerving to watch the weigh-ins at the end of each episode. With self-esteem hanging out for all to see, each contestant steps onto the scale for the moment of triumph or defeat. Smiles deflate, shoulders slump and words of disappointment come forth when losses don’t match expectations. I can relate to this. There have been objectives — some too grandiose — I have set for myself. Along the way, I encountered challenges and experienced frustration that zapped my confidence. But, I think contestants should be encouraged to stand proud for all pounds lost. A loss is a loss. Plus, it’s unrealistic for at-home viewers to expect losses comparable to what they see on The Biggest Loser.
Thursday, December 9, 2010
Keep It Strong: Mind — Body — Spirit
Wikipedia defines fitness as a general state of good health, usually as a result of exercise and nutrition. To me, the achievement and sustainment of good health requires a holistic regimen because fitness is not just about keeping the body strong; it’s also about nurturing the mind and spirit.
My promotion of holistic fitness stems from a discussion I had with a high school friend. She is a licensed psychologist and has experience counseling children with a range of learning and behavior challenges. We discussed holistic treatments for children with Attention Deficit Disorder (ADD) because my daughter was diagnosed with the disorder at age five. Following a holistic health regimen is an unending — but very worthwhile — challenge because every member of my family benefits. In addition to better managing my daughter's ADD, my husband is lean and mean. Plus, I have more energy and a number of strategies for managing stress.
Mind – When my brain feels fatigued, I spend 10 minutes solving crossword or Sudoku puzzles; or I play Scramble on Facebook. What recharges you?
Body – I strive to workout at five days a week for 30 minutes each session. Sometimes, I only get in three days; especially during busy times such as the holidays. If I miss, I don’t break into a cold sweat. I just try to do better the following week. How do you feel when a workout is missed?
Spirit – Meditation/prayer is my catalyst for generating “big picture” ideas, fueling creativity and gaining clarity. How much time do you devote to spiritual development each day/week?
Body – I strive to workout at five days a week for 30 minutes each session. Sometimes, I only get in three days; especially during busy times such as the holidays. If I miss, I don’t break into a cold sweat. I just try to do better the following week. How do you feel when a workout is missed?
Spirit – Meditation/prayer is my catalyst for generating “big picture” ideas, fueling creativity and gaining clarity. How much time do you devote to spiritual development each day/week?
Helpful links…
Good Enough Just As We Are from Laura Harvey, editor of the Daily Word. I found this post to be very insightful, important and timely.
Get Some Sleep from Lisa Shives, M.D., Sleep Expert, CNN's The Chart Blog. This post brings back memories. Before children, I made numerous flights from Detroit to Las Vegas and to various cities in California to manage tradeshows. I would wake up at 4/4:30 am (I am not an early bird) so that I could manage EST action items in additon to my tradeshow responsibilities.
The information/commentary on this page is not and does not intend to convey health advice. I am a work-at-home mom with two children who have delays with fine and gross motor skills. Advocation of a consistent, balanced fitness program is a necessary component to their intervention plan; and has promoted a sustained active lifestyle in my family. It is intended to encourage discussion about timely health-related topics. For personal health advice, please consult with a physician, medical professional, personal trainer, nutritionist, or fitness expert.
Good Enough Just As We Are from Laura Harvey, editor of the Daily Word. I found this post to be very insightful, important and timely.
Get Some Sleep from Lisa Shives, M.D., Sleep Expert, CNN's The Chart Blog. This post brings back memories. Before children, I made numerous flights from Detroit to Las Vegas and to various cities in California to manage tradeshows. I would wake up at 4/4:30 am (I am not an early bird) so that I could manage EST action items in additon to my tradeshow responsibilities.
The information/commentary on this page is not and does not intend to convey health advice. I am a work-at-home mom with two children who have delays with fine and gross motor skills. Advocation of a consistent, balanced fitness program is a necessary component to their intervention plan; and has promoted a sustained active lifestyle in my family. It is intended to encourage discussion about timely health-related topics. For personal health advice, please consult with a physician, medical professional, personal trainer, nutritionist, or fitness expert.
Wednesday, December 1, 2010
Feel the Rush
Well, it's official. The rush is on. Deck the halls. Send wishlists to the North Pole. Visit Santa. Complete daily shopping marathons. Attend school and church functions. Give generously. Do homework. Bake. Party all weekend. Update far flung family and friends.
It's all good. The Grinch, Rudolph and Frosty are regulars. Snowflakes are flying. Plus, Starbucks has those gingerbread lattes at the ready.
Guess what? I skipped out on decorating, shopping and baking during the Thanksgiving holiday. Instead, I opted to watch Pulp Fiction, Kick-Ass and Jungle Book 2; ride the Yak Attack and stomp spiders at Jeepers; and eat french fries at McDonald's. Funtimes with my children rule. Plus, is anyone really going to miss a few dozen cookies?
BTW, how about some controversy to sparkle the season? Here's a link to a CNN article about dueling holiday billboards at the Lincoln Tunnel in New Jersey. Why can't people just get long? http://religion.blogs.cnn.com/2010/11/30/dueling-billboards-face-off-in-christmas-controversy/?iref=allsearch
It's all good. The Grinch, Rudolph and Frosty are regulars. Snowflakes are flying. Plus, Starbucks has those gingerbread lattes at the ready.
Guess what? I skipped out on decorating, shopping and baking during the Thanksgiving holiday. Instead, I opted to watch Pulp Fiction, Kick-Ass and Jungle Book 2; ride the Yak Attack and stomp spiders at Jeepers; and eat french fries at McDonald's. Funtimes with my children rule. Plus, is anyone really going to miss a few dozen cookies?
BTW, how about some controversy to sparkle the season? Here's a link to a CNN article about dueling holiday billboards at the Lincoln Tunnel in New Jersey. Why can't people just get long? http://religion.blogs.cnn.com/2010/11/30/dueling-billboards-face-off-in-christmas-controversy/?iref=allsearch
Friday, November 26, 2010
Do Shopping Marathons Qualify as Exercise?
Do shopping marathons qualify as exercise? I think so. They both require planning, goals, motivation, comfortable shoes, strategy, selectivity, focus, competition, stamina, strength, resilience, aggression, and great eye candy.
Planning makes it easier to focus and get down to business. Without a workout plan, I spend too much time deciding which exercises to do. The same is true with shopping marathons. Planning where I'm shopping and what I'm shopping for saves me. Important note: plan flexibility is required for deviation, detours, and impulsive behavior. See my post about the little black dress at Kohl's.
Motivation is a direct link to making workouts and shopping marathons successful. Something clicks in my head. It pushes me to kick-ass on the track. When I get my shopping groove on, I wake up feeling the rush of adrenaline in my veins. I know achievement is at hand.
Comfortable shoes are critical for sprinting and getting to all the must-have deals before my competition does. Marathon shopping is not for the weak and feeble. Proper foot attire is necessary for speed walking, standing for long hours, kicking competitive shoppers in the shins — just kidding — and avoiding fashion faux pas.
Strategy is different from a plan. I define strategy as a methodology for ensuring plan success. When I play tennis, it involves opponent assessment, shot placement, and skill inventory. Shopping marathons require store layout assessment, merchandise knowledge, wish list prioritization, time management, competitive shopper analysis, personal shopper recruitment, checkout line comparison and exit preparation.
Selectivity or prioritization enables me to complete timely workouts and saves me from overworking muscle groups. This ideology saves time and money on shopping marathons.
Focus means unwavering drive to achieve or acquire. When I bike the Clinton-Macomb trail, I am driven to ride a minimum of 12 miles. During a shopping marathon, I am focused on acquiring items from my ever-changing wishlist. I do my best not to exit the store until my list is maxed out. But, my children often cause my memory to shortcircuit. This means I forget stuff and repeat visits to fave stores are often necessary.
Competition is a healthy part of any fitness regimen or shopping marathon. It is expected. A competitive fitness program makes exercising fun. At Rochester's Dragonfly Boutique, there are only so many silky jewel-purple ruffly jackets on deep-discount sale racks. Hesitation to grab one-of-a-kind treasures is sure to kill a shopping marathon before it even gets started.
Stamina builds over time. For example, I was huffing and puffing after five minutes on my elliptical machine 10 years ago. Yesterday, I made 4.75 miles in just 30 minutes. At Parisian's Labor Day Sale, I entered the store at 10 am and exited at 3:30 pm. I could have lasted another five hours. But, my children's day with Grandma was ending at 4 pm.
Strength also gains when exercise is consistent, practiced and frequent. Shopping marathons are labor intensive and may require heavy lifting. A strong physique makes it easier to carry shopping bags, push carts and lug anticipated purchases to fitting rooms.
Resilience is especially important during DVD workouts with Jillian Michaels and Bob Harper, Biggest Loser trainers. Shopping marathons — especially ones involving bathing suits — require a tough, resilient attitude. I keep looking and trying stuff on. In the end, I usually find something dazzling. If not, I try again on a different day or after a few 7-and-7s.
Aggression fuels my workouts. I translate daily stress into positive interval and weight-training sessions. Stress and aggression need healthy outlets. Shopping marathon survival requires some aggression. Blocking competitive shoppers, keeping a place in the checkout line, and asking for store assistance all take some finesse. Important note: Stampeding retail employees, injuring/killing others, and fighting for merchandise are not considered retail therapy. Participation in these and other violent crimes while shopping calls for a jail cell.
Great eye candy makes any workout better. I burn hundreds of extra calories while watching movies starring Brad Pitt, George Clooney, Johnny Depp, Hugh Jackman, Matt Damon, or Leonardo DiCaprio. The time and intensity of my workouts increase when I watch these guys. Whatever works, right? Shopping marathons are all about great eye candy. The more the merrier. After taking a few moments to take in all the must-have goodies, my mind clears and I am on-task to accomplish my mission.
Planning makes it easier to focus and get down to business. Without a workout plan, I spend too much time deciding which exercises to do. The same is true with shopping marathons. Planning where I'm shopping and what I'm shopping for saves me. Important note: plan flexibility is required for deviation, detours, and impulsive behavior. See my post about the little black dress at Kohl's.
Motivation is a direct link to making workouts and shopping marathons successful. Something clicks in my head. It pushes me to kick-ass on the track. When I get my shopping groove on, I wake up feeling the rush of adrenaline in my veins. I know achievement is at hand.
Comfortable shoes are critical for sprinting and getting to all the must-have deals before my competition does. Marathon shopping is not for the weak and feeble. Proper foot attire is necessary for speed walking, standing for long hours, kicking competitive shoppers in the shins — just kidding — and avoiding fashion faux pas.
Strategy is different from a plan. I define strategy as a methodology for ensuring plan success. When I play tennis, it involves opponent assessment, shot placement, and skill inventory. Shopping marathons require store layout assessment, merchandise knowledge, wish list prioritization, time management, competitive shopper analysis, personal shopper recruitment, checkout line comparison and exit preparation.
Selectivity or prioritization enables me to complete timely workouts and saves me from overworking muscle groups. This ideology saves time and money on shopping marathons.
Focus means unwavering drive to achieve or acquire. When I bike the Clinton-Macomb trail, I am driven to ride a minimum of 12 miles. During a shopping marathon, I am focused on acquiring items from my ever-changing wishlist. I do my best not to exit the store until my list is maxed out. But, my children often cause my memory to shortcircuit. This means I forget stuff and repeat visits to fave stores are often necessary.
Competition is a healthy part of any fitness regimen or shopping marathon. It is expected. A competitive fitness program makes exercising fun. At Rochester's Dragonfly Boutique, there are only so many silky jewel-purple ruffly jackets on deep-discount sale racks. Hesitation to grab one-of-a-kind treasures is sure to kill a shopping marathon before it even gets started.
Stamina builds over time. For example, I was huffing and puffing after five minutes on my elliptical machine 10 years ago. Yesterday, I made 4.75 miles in just 30 minutes. At Parisian's Labor Day Sale, I entered the store at 10 am and exited at 3:30 pm. I could have lasted another five hours. But, my children's day with Grandma was ending at 4 pm.
Strength also gains when exercise is consistent, practiced and frequent. Shopping marathons are labor intensive and may require heavy lifting. A strong physique makes it easier to carry shopping bags, push carts and lug anticipated purchases to fitting rooms.
Resilience is especially important during DVD workouts with Jillian Michaels and Bob Harper, Biggest Loser trainers. Shopping marathons — especially ones involving bathing suits — require a tough, resilient attitude. I keep looking and trying stuff on. In the end, I usually find something dazzling. If not, I try again on a different day or after a few 7-and-7s.
Aggression fuels my workouts. I translate daily stress into positive interval and weight-training sessions. Stress and aggression need healthy outlets. Shopping marathon survival requires some aggression. Blocking competitive shoppers, keeping a place in the checkout line, and asking for store assistance all take some finesse. Important note: Stampeding retail employees, injuring/killing others, and fighting for merchandise are not considered retail therapy. Participation in these and other violent crimes while shopping calls for a jail cell.
Great eye candy makes any workout better. I burn hundreds of extra calories while watching movies starring Brad Pitt, George Clooney, Johnny Depp, Hugh Jackman, Matt Damon, or Leonardo DiCaprio. The time and intensity of my workouts increase when I watch these guys. Whatever works, right? Shopping marathons are all about great eye candy. The more the merrier. After taking a few moments to take in all the must-have goodies, my mind clears and I am on-task to accomplish my mission.
Thursday, November 25, 2010
The Magic of Football
I love football. Local high school, Big Ten and NFL match-ups are magic. The magic relates to memories, tradition and unmatched athleticism.
Memories near and far make each season. There was nothing better than watching my son, Griffin (3), pump his fists for the Lions as they attempted to beat the NY Jets a few weeks ago. The only moment to top this was at the start of Superbowl XLIV when Griffin and his sister, Maurissa (7) chomped popcorn and belted Louis Armstrong's "The Saints Go Marching In".
Distant memories include drinking beer shots with my dad on football Sundays, watching the Rochester High School Falcons on chilly starlit nights, and spending sunny Saturdays at the Big House in Ann Arbor with my sister, Tina. There are also recollections of early-morning tailgates at Western Michigan University and of passing people up the bleachers — and sometimes cats — at Western Michigan's Waldo Stadium.
Traditions are very much a part of the magic. Nothing compares with watching Lions' football on Thanksgiving. At 12:30 pm, it was all about the Lions battling the New England Patriots for drumsticks while eating mixed nuts, drinking beer, partying with family and smelling turkey dinner. What else do you need?
Another tradition is the selection of alternate NFL teams to follow. My husband, Tracy, and I are loyal Lions' fans. But, we usually abandon hope and cheer for other teams half way through the season. So, at the start of each season, we select alternate NFL teams to follow. Tracy's alternate is always the Pittsburgh Steelers. He is also a close follower of the Patriots.
My alternate selections are based on a good story or a connection to Michigan. For 2010, the New Orleans Saints and the New England Patriots are my two alternates. The Saints' story is incredible and mimics the Lions' story in many ways. First, the Saints play for a city — very much like Detroit — rich in culture and history with a legacy of crime and political corruption. Next, the Saints unified and rallied back from Katrina's devastating damages to the Louisiana Superdome in 2005. My hope — like all Lions' fans — is that one day — like the Saints — Ford and the Lions will wake up. The Lions show up at every contest and "almost" win. But, "almost" is not good enough. It is still a loss and their record is still 2-9. My nod to the Patriots is all about Tom Brady. His talent reminds me that despite recent challenges, the maize and blue are legendary.
Did you realize the end is near? Only nine weeks — including Superbowl XLV — and that's it for football until August 2011. There is always Pistons basketball and Red Wings hockey. Don't get me wrong. I support my teams. But, it just doesn't do it for me like football. The athleticism required to play and win at football is phenomenal and remains unmatched by anything I see on the court or ice.
How about those last four minutes of the Saints face-off against the Cowboys? It looked like a done deal. I hung my head. My shoulders slumped. Then, there it was. A superb defensive maneuver caused the Cowboys to fumble and the Saints to recover the ball. A touchdown drive was next and saved us all from Thanksgiving damnation!
Memories near and far make each season. There was nothing better than watching my son, Griffin (3), pump his fists for the Lions as they attempted to beat the NY Jets a few weeks ago. The only moment to top this was at the start of Superbowl XLIV when Griffin and his sister, Maurissa (7) chomped popcorn and belted Louis Armstrong's "The Saints Go Marching In".
Distant memories include drinking beer shots with my dad on football Sundays, watching the Rochester High School Falcons on chilly starlit nights, and spending sunny Saturdays at the Big House in Ann Arbor with my sister, Tina. There are also recollections of early-morning tailgates at Western Michigan University and of passing people up the bleachers — and sometimes cats — at Western Michigan's Waldo Stadium.
Traditions are very much a part of the magic. Nothing compares with watching Lions' football on Thanksgiving. At 12:30 pm, it was all about the Lions battling the New England Patriots for drumsticks while eating mixed nuts, drinking beer, partying with family and smelling turkey dinner. What else do you need?
Another tradition is the selection of alternate NFL teams to follow. My husband, Tracy, and I are loyal Lions' fans. But, we usually abandon hope and cheer for other teams half way through the season. So, at the start of each season, we select alternate NFL teams to follow. Tracy's alternate is always the Pittsburgh Steelers. He is also a close follower of the Patriots.
My alternate selections are based on a good story or a connection to Michigan. For 2010, the New Orleans Saints and the New England Patriots are my two alternates. The Saints' story is incredible and mimics the Lions' story in many ways. First, the Saints play for a city — very much like Detroit — rich in culture and history with a legacy of crime and political corruption. Next, the Saints unified and rallied back from Katrina's devastating damages to the Louisiana Superdome in 2005. My hope — like all Lions' fans — is that one day — like the Saints — Ford and the Lions will wake up. The Lions show up at every contest and "almost" win. But, "almost" is not good enough. It is still a loss and their record is still 2-9. My nod to the Patriots is all about Tom Brady. His talent reminds me that despite recent challenges, the maize and blue are legendary.
Did you realize the end is near? Only nine weeks — including Superbowl XLV — and that's it for football until August 2011. There is always Pistons basketball and Red Wings hockey. Don't get me wrong. I support my teams. But, it just doesn't do it for me like football. The athleticism required to play and win at football is phenomenal and remains unmatched by anything I see on the court or ice.
How about those last four minutes of the Saints face-off against the Cowboys? It looked like a done deal. I hung my head. My shoulders slumped. Then, there it was. A superb defensive maneuver caused the Cowboys to fumble and the Saints to recover the ball. A touchdown drive was next and saved us all from Thanksgiving damnation!
Thursday, November 18, 2010
The Little Black Dress
Yesterday, I stopped at Kohl's to make an exchange. After making my selections I headed for the checkout. I was so proud of myself for not straying from my mission. But, the checkout was soooo long. Plus, I had an hour before picking Griffin up from nursery school.
So…
I start looking at other merchandise. Then, I saw it. It was a little black dress from Dana Buchman with a subtle cheetah print and a hint of purple. Ooh la la la! Tracy would be lovin' this. Plus, it was only $38.
So…
I frantically search the rack for my size. Out of the corner of my eye, I see another shopper looming over me. Despite having 5-6 inches on me, I give her my best smile, block her, and grab the size I want. She wants the same size but the one dress I have is it. She tries to distract me into giving it up. But, I think about how devastated Tracy would be. A night out without this dress just wouldn't end the same way.
So…
I stand my ground, make her laugh about my inability to give up the dress and head for the checkout.
So…
I start looking at other merchandise. Then, I saw it. It was a little black dress from Dana Buchman with a subtle cheetah print and a hint of purple. Ooh la la la! Tracy would be lovin' this. Plus, it was only $38.
So…
I frantically search the rack for my size. Out of the corner of my eye, I see another shopper looming over me. Despite having 5-6 inches on me, I give her my best smile, block her, and grab the size I want. She wants the same size but the one dress I have is it. She tries to distract me into giving it up. But, I think about how devastated Tracy would be. A night out without this dress just wouldn't end the same way.
So…
I stand my ground, make her laugh about my inability to give up the dress and head for the checkout.
Thursday, August 26, 2010
Team Players
Tomorrow, I start tennis lessons. I have not played since 1999. While I played for the tennis team in high school I was not a competitive or ranked player. The summer before tryouts my mom enrolled me in tennis lessons with a pro from U-M. In addition to teaching tennis basics, the pro encouraged a complete fitness regimen to ensure better endurance, speed, agility and flexibility on the court. All students ran track, completed timed sprints and did calisthenics.
At the conclusion of summer training, I was confident in my pursuit of a position on the high school tennis team. At summer physicals my BMI measured in the single digits. At the time I had no idea what this meant. I now know how impressive that little number was.
During tryouts I soon learned my summer of lessons did not compare with my peers' level of play. Many had 10 years competitive experience. Luck got me on the team. The school district was late employing a team coach. Hence, tryouts were not broadly publicized and not many students tried out.
My position on the tennis team was great exercise and fun. It was a very worthwhile experience. I loved playing because of the camaraderie that came with being a part of this fabulous team of young ladies. I am hopeful my re-entry into the tennis world will give me another opportunity to forge some new friendships while also putting some zest back into my fitness regimen.
At the conclusion of summer training, I was confident in my pursuit of a position on the high school tennis team. At summer physicals my BMI measured in the single digits. At the time I had no idea what this meant. I now know how impressive that little number was.
During tryouts I soon learned my summer of lessons did not compare with my peers' level of play. Many had 10 years competitive experience. Luck got me on the team. The school district was late employing a team coach. Hence, tryouts were not broadly publicized and not many students tried out.
My position on the tennis team was great exercise and fun. It was a very worthwhile experience. I loved playing because of the camaraderie that came with being a part of this fabulous team of young ladies. I am hopeful my re-entry into the tennis world will give me another opportunity to forge some new friendships while also putting some zest back into my fitness regimen.
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