You Can't Be a Disciple without Having Discipline

I amazed myself the other day. I finished a novel (non-Harry Potter at that!) in about 2 days. I didn't count the hours, but I bet if I added them all up it would maybe be less than 24. The last novel I read took me months. I really wasn't that excited about it.

Yesterday, I started a new novel. I will probably finish it before the month is out depending on how much I dedicate my time to it. Then, I started thinking about how I've neglected to read this other book I've been meaning to get into again lately.

A few days ago I came across a blog post on self-discipline. I say this like I just "happened" to find it. Actually, I read Penelope's blog pretty regularly. I highly recommend it if you are career-minded and can handle candid opinions. Anyway, back to the topic at hand, after reading it, my immediate thought was "I need to be more disciplined with my workouts, and this is how I will be self-disciplined again," because well, I have been somewhat of a slacker at late.

However, as the days rolled by, I kept having a nudging feeling (especially while I was enjoying my quite time alone with my novels), that I need to be more self-disciplined about something else that I have cast aside. When I googled the word "disipline" not surprisingly the wikipedia entry came up. So I read it. It led me to another word: disciple

Now, I took enough years of Latin in high school to remember that discipulus means "student." So I started thinking, "Am I really a student of God?" Sure, I believe in God, belive Christ died for our sins, yadda yadda yadda. But, do I really study him? My answer would honeslty have to be no. I probably used to. In college. Back when I was single, took 12 credits of classes, and didn't have any money. I had all the time in the world to devote to studying God (because, seriously, who went to class really). But, as I get older (and thus more "responsible") I seem to have let this aspect of my life slip.

But recently I have been feeling the pull to get back into it. So I need to take action. I need to make time to study God. Afterall, I obviously have time to spend an hour in the gym everyday and an hour or two reading for fun every night (and time to write this blog!), so therefore, I have PLENTY of time to study Him. My problem, actually doing it!

My new goal: spend 30 mintues every day studying God. For a month straight. If I miss a day, I start over! (Just like in high school swim practice "If you miss the interval, the whole team starts the set over!")

As a motivator (you'd think my salvation and relationship with God would be enough) will be to treat myself to a new Bible. My old one was given to me by an ex-boyfriend from college (I contemplated naming him), and still has my maiden name on it. It has tons and tons of writing in the margins (despite the fact my ex told me specifically NOT to write in it), passages underlined, and pictures taped to it. Full of memories. I will never throw it away, but merely archive it, and, when inspired, revisit to see who I was between the years of 2001 and 2009.

Today will be day 1. I think I shall retreat to the porch and indulge myself.

Halfway to 2010

Since I did a 1st quarter review of my "Resolutions", I thought I might as well do a 2nd quarter review as well. Helps keep me accountable (or at least that's what I tell myself).

Here it goes:

1. Finish my Master's - Graduated May 2, 2009.
2. Improve my 5K time and finish under 30 minutes (and then some) - My current PR is 28:35. You can verify here.
3. Travel outside of the US - I made it to New Orleans and to Orlando. Do these count?
4. Get back to my "Pre-Florida" weight - Still staying stagnat - I should change this goal, because, why the number on the scale is above where I used to be, the number on the tag in my jeans has decreased. Therefore, I consider my progress thus far successful.
5. Prove to the world that 30 is the new 20 - I'm trying to remember what the heck I was even doing at 20. I'm going to guess gallavanting around Ellis Hall chasing boys. All I know, is that, I am definitely smarter than I was at 20, and, I make more money too. I also think I'm in better shape despite the fact I was swimming 20hrs a week back then.
6. Become more well-read - In the last week I finished 2 novels. On The Road by Jack Kerouac (which, I loated every second of), and Angels and Demons by Dan Brown (which, I obviously loved because I finished it in a weekend). A few girlfriends and I have decided to start a book club. We're open to recommendations for our first book.
7. Spend more time in my music - I can honestly say I've only opened my violin case once, maybe twice since the last update. Also, I'm not sure I've sat down at my keyboard in weeks either. Not doing so hot anymore.
8. Get ahead in my career - I am in an interesting situation here. I've had an epiphany about my current position since March. All I can say, is that I'm having more positive experiences lately. I'm going to guess that there is some divine reason for this, and therefore am going to go with the flow for now.
9. Participate in a triathlon - I'm being a wuss on this one. I can't seem to consciously commit to this. I want to do it, I really do. September 12 is still on my calendar. And, I've been training (kinda). But, I haven't actually signed up to compete. I think part of it is because I know I'll be flying solo. All the past races I've completed I've done with a buddy. I'm slightly nervous to do one alone. Steve will come watch and support me no doubt, but, I like knowing someone actually in the race. But, really. I need to sign up. That will be my goal for July.

Things I think I already knew but needed to hear

Last week, I had lunch with one of the managers where I work. I've been somewhat intrigued by this person since I started my current job. I'll admit though, that not all of my past opinions of this individual have been positive. I was subjected to a myriad of negative gossip upon the start of my current position, and much of it invloved this person.

However, over the past year or so, I've started watching this person (ok, sounds slightly stalker-ish, but not what I mean). I wanted to see if I could figure out how he "finagled" his way into his current position. Interestingly enough, he is not the manipulative sycophant many people describe him as (or wish he was). He really is just a charming, yet humble, individual who seems to have a great knack for comprehending and establishing working interpersonal relationships with great business-sense. I believe this skill (which I'm really hoping I can learn from him) really helped drive how he got to where he is today.

So, I asked him if we could do lunch. I wanted to pick his brain and get some advice. I learned four tidbits of wisdom that will help me get ahead in my career:

1. Surround yourself with good people. And, surround yourself with the right people. There is nothing wrong with a little bit of shoulder rubbing if it will help you get to where you need to be. You must market yourself and been seen if you want to get ahead. But don't just rub shoulders with anyone. Don't waste time with negative people, even if they are bigwigs. Their negativity could rub off on you, making you less likeable to those who can have an impact on your career.

2. Look for opportunities (projects) that will have a big impact. This can directly relate to #1. If people don't know you, they most likely won't think of you when they need something done. However, if you see a need, then jump on the opportunity to be involved. Don't wait for someone to ask you to do it.

3. Be good at what you do. This falls right in line with the first two. If you aren't good at what you do, your projects won't be successful. People will remember the lack of results, not that you "did your best". Spend the time to learn how to be the best at what you do now.

4. Get supervisory experience**. This will come with time. No one gets to be a manager right away. But, the sooner, the better (I'm guessing). This is one thing I currently lack in my career. I haven't had any opportunities to supervise. I have however, had plenty of project management experieince, in which, I did have to directly work with others and manage their work. Not quite like being a supervisor, but, still holding myself accountable for others' results.

So after all this, he suggested we meet again in a month. I had yet had any time to absorb anything he said. I wasn't even sure I had paid enough attention to what was being said since I felt nervous and out of my comfort zone the entire time. So much so I don't remember eating anything - but I'm pretty sure I downed three big glasses of water. But, apparently it sank in as I wrote this entire post on it. I agreed to a second lunch, but I think I sounded somewhat hesitant about it. Like I said, I hadn't really figured out if I got anythign out of it until later. So, I will reconfim this week, and go ahead and schedule it now so I can make it a priority.

I may just have a mentor here....something that has been absent from my professional career since leaving NCS. I'm looking forward to learning more, and I have a ton of stuff that I want to ask now. Next time, I won't be so nervous - hopefully, and, I might actually eat something.

**Between you and me, I hope #4 is in my very near future. My boss retires at the end of this month, and, I've applied for his job. I'm really going to have to turn my charm on over the next few weeks.

The Big Easy

Early yesterday evening we got back from New Orleans, LA. It was more fun than I remembered it to be, and just as beautiful as every. Vieux Carre is truley one of the places that everyone from the U.S. must visit at least once. It is filled with so much beauty, history, ghostly encounters, and just plain fun. Even the famous VooDoo Queen Marie Laveau has a beautiful tomb. Extremely creepy? Sure. I felt like I might be cursed just by taking photos of it, but, it was too beautiful to forget.

It saddened me that the city doesn't take better care of their historic cemeteries. Ok, I realize, they are flat broke and then some due to Katrina. But, the dilapidated tombs made me feel sorry for the people who rest inside of them. Did they realize that after hundreds of years of being laid to rest that the world would soon forget and not care about their lives? I guess however, the fact that these tombs still exist at all is a miracle. Another creepy thought would be if a hurricane DID take out these cemeteries and dead bodies and skeletal remains ended up floating around the French Quarter. The city would for sure be cursed, if it's not already.

On a lighter note, the food was just as fantastic as I remembered it. Cajun hot sausage, jambalaya for breakfast, red beans and rice w/ andoulle sausage...makes me hungry just to think about it. Too bad I ate way more than my share of food. At least the majority of it was fresh food versus fast food. Although, I ate more than my fair share of fast food as well. And, can I just say, I think my body is rejecting fast food in its old age. I cannot stomach it, and haven't been able to for about a year, no matter where it is or what I get. Its guaranteed that within an hour of consuming that devilish food I get a wrenching stomach ache that makes me wish I could be a temporary bullimic. Yet, I don't seem to have learned my lesson, as I just had McDonald's for lunch today. And, yes, my stomach felt like crap until about 4pm today. I really just need to lay off the juice!

So, I think I will have a new goal of avoiding fast food whenever possible. I don't eat it all that much. I'm no junkie. But I do have a hard time denying myself when we're on the move and my stomach feels like it's about to implode if I don't give it food. Get a salad you say? Well, I'll admit that while most fast food joints have come a long way in attempting to offer healthier alternatives, not all fast food salads are created equal. Generally, you end up with a brown, wilty, almost moldy bowl of iceburg lettuce with two tomatoes and sliced carrots. I'd rather take my chances with the tasty burger and fries thank you!

We'll see how it goes I guess.

What's up D.O.C.?

I didn't make it to the pool today. Right around 5pm, I got a raging headache. It came out of nowhere. I drank plenty of water today as well - I had about 2.5 liters. Dehydration is no excuse. So I used my headache as an excuse to go home and pour myself a glass of cabernet.

I've had a good week. In fact, I've had a great week. Not something you'd expect from someone who worked on their day off. My week is only going to get better. We're leaving for New Orleans tomorrow. I leave work at noon. I will get to see my mom, her hubs, and my brother, Drake. I have not seen Drake since our family reunion in 2007. He lives in Japan, and, I'm pretty sure he's never coming home.

I hated Drake as a kid. He annoyed the crap out of me. Always in my way, following me around, trying to get me in trouble. Typical boy. Not to mention, since he was "the youngest" he got away with EVERYTHING. When I got in trouble, I had to stand in the corner with my nose touching the wall. My mom would even come check. When he "stood" in the corner, he was allowed about a 4 foot radius in which he could fart around. And, if a cat came walking by, well, watch out. "Time out" turned into "Cat Torture Time."

I always had to baby sit him, and, while I liked being "responsible" I secretly wished they would take my brother with them. One time, he threw my mom's sewing scissors at me. He was 4, I was 11. I was livid. As livid as a 5th grader could be anyway. I remember wanting to hurl those scissors back SO hard!

We never really connected until we were "adults" - and the Vancouver trip was pretty much our first "adult" encounter with each other. He was 20 in the summer of 2007. Its weird to think he'll be 23 this year. I met Steve when I was 23. Seems like such a short time ago I was still living behind Woody's off Laurel in Fort Collins.

23.

When I was 23, I was certain I would be married and have 2.3 children by the time I was 26. I didn't get married until I was 26. I still haven't had any children. I'm 30.

Reminscing about my early 20s makes me miss my Colorado friends dearly. I'm reminded about Poudre Canyon and going sunbathing on a rock over the Poudre River. Remembering the sunrise hike up Greyrock we took to only spend over half our day getting lost hiking down (Ange & Molls, I still remember Psalm 24) . Praise God for those days.

I could use some of those days. I recently reconnected with one of my CO friends, she's living in the UK. Its amazing how much changes in such a short time. I can only imagine what my brother will be doing when he turns 30. Maybe by then, I'll have my 2.3 kids.

I have a lot to be thankful for and I often forget it. I am bad about taking the every day things for granted. I remember I did an exercise once where I was supposed to write down EVERYTHING I was thankful for. I got bored and stopped after 2 journal pages. I got the idea.

So, thanks be to God for my brother (Drake Oscar Crane, USN), and for my husband, and for my kitties, and the rest of my (our) family and friends. And for my job, and our house, and for the freedom to be able to have a house and a job. I'll stop there, lest I bore you with the myriad of "thanks" I need to give. :)

Never Been a Fan of Lobster

I feel the direction of this blog might take a turn. I know I am supposed to be using it as a psuedo-workout log. But you know what, I can't make that kind of committment. I need the freedom to write about whatever I want - which, I pretty much do anyway.

So - quick workout update:
Monday: Biking (20min), Running (15min)
Tuesday: Legs/abs (lunch)
Wednesday: Swimming (45min)
Thursday: Upper body (lunch)
Friday: none
Saturday: Hauling beach gear back & forth in the sand in 99 degree weather.

our umbrella village

Yes, I said BEACH!!! Best beach day of the season (so far). I love going to the Cape (that's Florida-speak for "Cape San Blas" to all you non-locals). Slightly upset we didn't pick up some live shrimp. No bait fish in the entire ocean.....excluding the mini dead mullet I "caught" in my cast night. I was unable to catch my dinner. Sad, sad day.
I did see a giant sting ray which was pretty sweet. No, I did not catch that in the cast net thankfully!

boys on the MEGASTATION aka "U.S.S. Sofina"

Oh, and did I mention I got sunburned? It looks like I have a white bathing suit on when I'm naked. No joke. I am usually OCD about sunscreen, but, I think with the grossly hot temperatures compelling me to hang out in the water (and sweat off my sunscreen) highly contributed to my lobster-esque color. Oddly enough, my face and arms are sunburn free. Can't say the same about my legs, back, stomach or chest.

me in my new beach hat - $2.50 at Target!

Does this mean tomorrow I'll be tan? Wait - I'm Irish. I don't tan. Skin cancer here I come!

Ah well - the day was a success. I'm going to conclude the evening with a glass of Shiraz and Episode 10 of Harper's Island.

Tomorrow's Goals: Church, Mow Lawn, Clean House, Get Groceries

Next Weekend's Adventure: New Orleans!! I'll be seeing my brother for the first time since Vancouver (2007). Radical!

Where O' Where Have I Been?

Feel free to point out that I've neglected my blog over the last month or so. Since I generally use this as a tool to keep myself accountable for my workouts you can pretty much guess I haven't really been working out. I've been swimming a little, but not consistently. This is about to change.

I figure, what better way to get back into blogging than to review my New Year's Resolutions?

1. Finish my Master's - I FINISHED and have officially been awarded my degree!!
2. Improve my 5K time and finish under 30 minutes (and then some) DONE!
3. Travel outside of the US - really not sure if this will happen this year. One HUGE obstacle being that Steve gets next to nothing for vacation. There are still very tentative plans for a cruise the week of Labor Day, but, not sure we can swing it.
4. Get back to my "Pre-Florida" weight - I'm pretty stagnant in this currently. I mentioned my workouts have been sporadic at best. Really need to get on goal #9 to help out with this.
5. Prove to the world (or at least my friends) that 30 is the new 20 - So, I had an ok b-day. I turned 30 gracefully (I hope), and I know I'm probably healthier than the average 30 year old. But for some reason, I seem to LOOK older than I remember...no fair! But I guess I can cross this off. :)
6. Become more well-read - Still working on this - Currently reading Jack Kerouac's On The Road. Been reading it for several weeks and should be finished by now - been distracted by The Sims 3 ;)
7. Spend more time in my music - been slacking here as well. However, sounds like quintet will start back up next Wednesday. Better dust off the old violin.
8. Get ahead in my career - since graduating, I've updated my resume and managed to toss it around at a few places. I'm also working on utilizing LinkedIn a little more. Even though I've read that the average user is in their 40s, I still think it has a lot of good information and resources. Leveraging social media is something I've been working on lately.
9. Participate in a triathlon - I've been swimming, I've been running, and I've been biking. But, I've been pretty chicken about actually comitting to this whole triathlon thing. There is one in August. I need to bite the bullet and actually register. That will get my butt moving!