Friday, January 21, 2011

Clowns to the left of me, Jokers to the right

It is a serious winter wonderland outside today. Our office is still open but most schools and such are closed. That 100% worked out for me because the commute was slow - going weather wise, but not traffic wise. It took me a little over an hour to get in, which is equivalent to a bad traffic day. It's supposed to stop at 12, which should give the roads time to clear before I head out around 3p. And - it is really pretty outside 


So - not a bad morning, right? Well -  I'm dealing with some super annoying things right now. Since this isn't a private blog, and who knows who will find it, I can't be too specific. However, the general gist is - being stuck in the middle is awful. Whether it is a fight between friends, personal indecision, or being the confidant to multiple people - it is frustrating. When it is out of your control, it gets worse. When it affects you but you can't do much to change it - torture. Sometimes it's good to be neutral (i.e. Switzerland) but even that gets tiring. I am eager for the weekend, to unwind, relax and not worry about the ridiculousness I have to deal with M-F. 

One thing that is 'stuck in the middle' that does NOT suck - this song: 

Thursday, January 20, 2011

walking fail

On Good Morning America today they talked to the woman who was so preoccupied texting that she walked into/fell into a fountain in a mall. Ok - that is an unfortunate incident. Thankfully she was ok. 


The issue I have here, is she has a lawyer, and is trying to sue the security guards for 1. posting the video on line, 2. laughing at her and causing embarassment, 3. not coming to see if she needed help. 


1. Was the best decision to post it online? No. They could probably be fired for that. 


2. Ok, huge ego blow to fall in a fountain because you aren't paying attention. However - If she didn't come forward - who would have known it was her?? She claims her nephew called and said he saw it, but could he really recognize her in the grainy video or did she tell him what happened and then he saw it and knew it was her? 


3. She says her self that she walked away immediately, so if they did come, they would not have found her. But - I get it, they could have been more responsible. 


I really hope the mall doesn't have to compensate her for her klutzy inability to pay attention.





Friday, January 7, 2011

Evaluation



Here were my 2010 goals - Let's see how I did. 

In no particular order...
- Read more. So far that means Shakespere (bc I haven't read much of it), and books from the GG list.   FAIL. I bought some Shakespere books, but didn't read anything from the GG list. 


- Learn the Presidents. In order. Mostly because I feel dumb not knowing most of them, or when they were in office.  FAIL. I completely forgot about this until today.



- Learn at least one song on the guitar. I know, I know - this has been a goal for the past TWO years. This time, I mean it. And Scott plays so I have access to a real guitar. (and someone who can play) FAIL. Ok, I'm a slacker. 2011 is about DOING not wishing. I mean, it's ok to wish for some things, like winning the lotto. But not ok to wish to not be lazy. Just don't be lazy. I got a guitar for Christmas (Thanks Scott!!) and I'm fired up and ready to learn. (Yes Heather, the goal is still to learn Edelweiss by Christmas!!) 

- Be better with $. Pay things off. Save money. Stop buying things I don't need. I'll give myself 1/2 credit on this. I made some aggressive payments on some credit cards so I'm close to paying off those. I will have no car payment soon, and hopefully I can do fun things w/ tax money and not pay bills. I still spend money I don't need to sometimes, but I'm working on it. I'm a sucker for draft beer, and Target. And Archie's wings. Oh and gas money :( 


- Be more consistent at going to the gym and reach personal goals. I know, we tried this last year, but then hit a bit of a snafu. Instead of a FAIL, I'll give myself a SLACK. 2010 was lazy. I enjoyed myself. I drank wine, drank beer, relaxed. Too much. I'm paying for it now with the physical disgust I have with myself. So, no excuses..  



-Blog more. I have lots to say but just don't post it. Sometimes I just don't feel like it, so this is a fluid goal.


2011 goals coming soon! 

Thursday, January 6, 2011

Precious

Pictures like this make me realize how quickly things can change. 
One of my best friends (Jen) got into a car accident, and is THANKFULLY alright, but her car is not. 
Crazy taxi drivers in Burlington, VT are dangerous! good thing her trusty Altima protected her! 




Be Careful Everyone!! 

Monday, January 3, 2011

Focus.

2011 new year wallpapers 300x160 Happy New Year 2011 Wallpapers and greetings
I have plans to reflect on 2010, and discuss what I want to accomplish for 2011, but haven't been able to get to it yet. I had a great week in CT, and definitely stalled leaving to get back to MA. 
I got home around 9 or so, was greeted by a new set up in the hall and living room, as well as a new roommate. A lot to swallow on top of unpacking and mentally preparing for a new year, and a new work week (that is guaranteed to be busy!) 


Anyway. 


Our "Fitness Works @ Work" emails come to our inbox pretty regularly with tips, events, and articles. I read today's and thought - those are all obvious - no brainers.. but - do I do that? Not enough. At the end of 2010 - I was feeling like I wasn't accomplishing much in a few areas of life. One of my goals for 2011 is to DO  more. No excuses. No 5 more min on the couch instead of a work out that will make me feel better. Ultimately - stop saying 'I wish' and be able to say 'I did' or 'I currently am'. 


This article talks about easy ways to make yourself focus - which I fully admit I  need to do more of! 

Taming the Scatterbrain

Do you ever feel like you are going in a hundred different directions but not really going anywhere? Maybe you run upstairs to do something, only to forget what you were going to do. You start doing something else, and then abandon that project when you think of something else that needs to be done. Perhaps you're busy all day but have nothing to show for your busyness. This is what is called the Scatterbrain syndrome; or in other terms, lack of focus.
The Scatterbrain syndrome happens to everyone, but fortunately there are some quick fixes to this challenge.

Have a specific plan for each day.

Before you begin your day, know exactly what you want to accomplish and what's on your agenda. Pretend your day is over and ask yourself what you need to feel like you had a productive and focused day. What is most important to you for this particular day only?

Pick three or four tasks and activities from your to-do list.

Many people have a huge, ongoing to-do list from which they work. You add tasks to it at a much faster rate than you delete them. Looking at a large list can be distracting and overwhelming; this will interfere with your ability to focus. Pick three or four tasks you would like to focus on for the day, and write them on a separate piece of paper, on a white board, on an index card, in your planner, or some other place that is separate from your big list. Focus only on those tasks for the day.

Minimize distractions.

Everything and everyone is fighting for your attention. If you are trying to finish something and the phone rings, don't answer it unless you are expecting an important phone call. If you can't screen your phone calls, learn to tell people you are in the middle of something and you'll call them back. Save television and Internet surfing as rewards for completing the tasks you want to do. Use a timer to let small children know when you will be available to play, talk to them while you're finishing a task, or get them involved.

Stop multitasking.

You might be proud of the fact that you can multitask, but multitasking keeps your brain going in too many directions. Start and finish a task before you move on to the next one.

Take breaks.

You probably think you don't have time to take breaks, but what if they made you more focused and productive? During your 5-10 minute breaks, spend some time meditating and clearing your mind. Don't sit and think about all the things you need to do. Relax and let your mind rest.

Minimize stress.

Stress can create a scattered brain, so you need to find ways to minimize it. The two best natural antidotes to stress are sleep and exercise. When you are tired, your coping mechanisms get weak. Many doctors also say that exercise is the best natural antidepressant on the market.

Add fish oil to your diet.

Adding omega-3 fatty acids (in the form of fish oil) to your diet has significant health benefits. Fish oil has long been considered by doctors around the world to be one of the most effective remedies for many health-related issues, including depression, improving memory and concentration, and attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD).

Keep an "accomplishment journal."

Sometimes it feels like you have the scatterbrain syndrome, when in reality you've accomplished more than you think. At the end of your day, keep a journal of everything you did that day. For example
  • Did a load of laundry
  • Paid the bills
  • Went to work
  • Played a game with the kids
  • Called a friend
  • Changed the baby's diaper five times
An accomplishment journal helps you focus on what you did do, instead of what you didn't. Put your energy in the right place and give yourself the credit you deserve.
Being a scatterbrain does not mean that you are doomed to a life of forgetfulness or a lack of productivity or concentration. It probably means you're pretty normal, but you may need to try some new antidotes to the Scatterbrain syndrome.

Lori Radun - CEC (Certified Coach) is a certified life coach, speaker, and author for moms. Through personal coaching, speaking, her newsletter, and other personal development products, she helps mothers know and embrace their true selves and balance their many roles in life. To visit her Web site, go to http://www.true2youlifecoaching.com.