I haven't written in a while. Which means I'm kind of being a bad blogger. Which makes me think of other things I am bad at. So I will share some of them with you.
1. I am bad at not talking about myself. Fitting, right? It's my blog-party and I'll say what I want to. I have noticed this recently, that most of my stories and conversations revolve around me and my friends and my mom and my my my me me me. I want to take this moment to say, I apologize for being a self-centered 25 year old. I don't mean to talk about myself, and because I have friends who really do make it all about them, I try not to be so me-centric. Please know that even when I am talking about me, I am also listening to you.
2. I am bad at eating what I'm supposed to be eating. That being said, I am great at eating foods that are bad for me. You remember that post I made last month, confessing that I was a hot mess when I finished college. I am an embarrassment sometimes. There is a reason it has taken me as long as it has to get down to where I am now, weight-wise. I like things that taste good and not always things that are good for me.
I eat my fair share of fruits and vegetables, but I am easily swayed by dinners out and beers and homemade tortilla chips from the local farmers market. I have more friends here than I ever have (after three years of living here, that's saying something), and when they want to do something, I don't turn them down. I have fun with my friends. But I also lose my self control and my plans for a healthy dinner.
I know it's my fault. I have tried Weight Watchers. It just doesn't work well for me. I want to eat nuts and avocados. (Don't say I could because I can fit them in with points. This argument is lost on me.) A friend of mine has had great success on WW this spring, after I suggested she try it with me. I quit. She didn't. I'm jealous that she's being successful, but I know it's my fault. I don't like the program, even though I know it works for so many. I have been on it numerous times (at least 5) and it has never worked for me, because I get too obsessive about what I'm eating and what I could be eating and I stop thinking about what I should be eating.
3. I'm bad at being proud of accomplishments. Yes, I have been running. A lot. My goal for this month was 30 miles, and with a whole week left, I'm less than 3 miles away from that. But yesterday I had a bad run, and I ate a falafel pita, and I had raspberry cider. It basically doesn't matter that I ran (if you can call it that), because I made poor choices. And I'm mad at myself about it. Just so you know.
And really, I should feel a little proud. I got a PR in my 5k on Saturday by 3:30. It felt good. It didn't hurt. Yet... I'm focused on the negative. So really I'm bad at making good choices and I'm also bad at being positive.
I don't want you to feel bad for me (OK, let's be honest, you probably don't anyway). Maybe I need you to be my drill sergeant and tell me to suck it up. Maybe I need a new brain so that I'm wired to do the things I need to do instead of the things I want to do. Maybe I need to stop reading blogs about people that have had their "a-ha!" moment (like here, here and here) and get around to having my own. You know, one that actually sticks.
Maybe this comes from this blog I read this morning (which you should read, because this guy is kind of my hero). It basically says not to be complacent. Make changes. Do something different. I worry I am complacent. I worry I'm just... settling. I'm not sure if I'm bad at being content or bad at finding what will make me happy. Guess I better work on figuring that out.
What are you bad at? What have you done to change your bad habits to become a better you?
Thursday, June 23, 2011
Thursday, June 16, 2011
the impression you give.
I am a sports fan for a number of reasons. It seems that sport can bring people together for a common goal, and often times people overlook their differences to root for the same team. Politics and religion are not issues, because sport is political and religious in its own right.
Last night, two great hockey teams played for the Stanley Cup. It has been an exciting series, and the Boston Bruins had forced a game 7, as they had throughout the entire playoff season. The game had promise. Would there be overtime? How close would the score be? But it was not what anyone expected. Boston blasted Vancouver, scoring four unanswered goals. Tim Thomas (Michigan native!) had an outstanding game and became only the fourth player in NHL history to record a shutout in Game 7 of the Stanley Cup finals, winning the Conn Smythe Trophy. Boston hadn't won a Cup since 1972 - it was their time.
However, as the game was ending, things took a turn for the worst in Vancouver. People began fighting in the streets and it escalated quickly from there. Cars were set on fire, store windows were broken, people began looting. Vancouver, who had been host to the 2010 Winter Olympic and Paralympic Games just one year ago, fell on its face. The example the city set for the rest of the world was wiped away in a matter of hours, because a group of people chose to be poor sports.
Photos: Riots, fire, destruction after Vancouver's loss (National Post).
This has me thinking. What roles do you have in your life? Family member, friend, neighbor, employee - whatever you are and whoever you connect with make you part of a community. My actions reflect on me, definitely, but my actions also reflect on my parents and my brother, my friends, my sorority sisters and my workplace. You hope that as part of a community, the people that make up your network will be gracious in good times and in adversity. This proves one thing: you just never know.
The city of Vancouver was not out in force. The people milling around in the streets and causing a ruckus were only a small percentage of the people that live in Vancouver, in British Columbia and in Canada. But because of the actions of a few, the entire community has egg on its face. And really, it's a shame.
Your actions never just affect you. Whether you realize it or not, there are other people who will be impacted by your decisions, especially the bad ones. It might not even be a direct impact. It might be indirect, a day or a week later. But acting like a fool (or as CTV said many times last night, a yahoo) only makes people question your personality, your loyalty, your sanity.
Put your best foot forward, always. Don't post things online that will embarrass you or your friends or your mother. Don't think no one will notice - someone always does. Don't blame others - take responsibility for yourself and own up to your mistakes. Make things right.
Be your best self.
Last night, two great hockey teams played for the Stanley Cup. It has been an exciting series, and the Boston Bruins had forced a game 7, as they had throughout the entire playoff season. The game had promise. Would there be overtime? How close would the score be? But it was not what anyone expected. Boston blasted Vancouver, scoring four unanswered goals. Tim Thomas (Michigan native!) had an outstanding game and became only the fourth player in NHL history to record a shutout in Game 7 of the Stanley Cup finals, winning the Conn Smythe Trophy. Boston hadn't won a Cup since 1972 - it was their time.
However, as the game was ending, things took a turn for the worst in Vancouver. People began fighting in the streets and it escalated quickly from there. Cars were set on fire, store windows were broken, people began looting. Vancouver, who had been host to the 2010 Winter Olympic and Paralympic Games just one year ago, fell on its face. The example the city set for the rest of the world was wiped away in a matter of hours, because a group of people chose to be poor sports.
Photos: Riots, fire, destruction after Vancouver's loss (National Post).
This has me thinking. What roles do you have in your life? Family member, friend, neighbor, employee - whatever you are and whoever you connect with make you part of a community. My actions reflect on me, definitely, but my actions also reflect on my parents and my brother, my friends, my sorority sisters and my workplace. You hope that as part of a community, the people that make up your network will be gracious in good times and in adversity. This proves one thing: you just never know.
The city of Vancouver was not out in force. The people milling around in the streets and causing a ruckus were only a small percentage of the people that live in Vancouver, in British Columbia and in Canada. But because of the actions of a few, the entire community has egg on its face. And really, it's a shame.
Your actions never just affect you. Whether you realize it or not, there are other people who will be impacted by your decisions, especially the bad ones. It might not even be a direct impact. It might be indirect, a day or a week later. But acting like a fool (or as CTV said many times last night, a yahoo) only makes people question your personality, your loyalty, your sanity.
Put your best foot forward, always. Don't post things online that will embarrass you or your friends or your mother. Don't think no one will notice - someone always does. Don't blame others - take responsibility for yourself and own up to your mistakes. Make things right.
Be your best self.
Monday, June 6, 2011
boston: a love story.
This weekend I was lucky enough to meet a trio of my [sorority] sisters in Boston. I had never been to Boston before, and I was amazed at how beautiful and historical the city is.
I love to travel. Obviously I have said that before (here and here), but each time you travel it teaches you something new, either about yourself or about an area of the world you've never had the chance to experience.
In Boston, I realized a few things:
1. While America is not as old as many other countries around the world, we still have amassed a great amount of history here in the last 500 years or so. Yes, America was discovered before that, but the pilgrims came here in the 1600s and that was when things really started happening here.
I had never even been to the East Coast before this weekend, so I quickly realized I have been missing out on seeing America's history first-hand. That makes me sad. I love history (especially our own - I am proud to be from here even though sometimes our people are ignorant to other beliefs and cultures from around the world) and to be in a building where lanterns were hung to warn that British troops were about to march into the area (for example) was astounding. I wish we had been able to spend more time there.
2. While there is history around the U.S. that I am missing, it's even more obvious to me that as a traveler, I am missing opportunities to travel abroad to see the world. This is a fitting realization to make today as it is the anniversary of D-Day, when troops stormed the beaches of Normandy to fight the Nazis. World War II fascinates me, especially since my grandparents lived through it, and I want to go there and see it.
(Side note: a friend of mine just posted this link to color photos from days surrounding the Battle of Normandy. Recommended.)
This is just one example. I want to go to Poland, and see the country my ancestors came from. I want to go to Italy. I want to go back to Spain because I think I would appreciate the wonders of Madrid more now than I did when I was 16. I want to go to England and Ireland and so many other places.
One lesson I believe I learned from my grandparents is to see the world while you can. My mom repeats this often - I think she's hoping to see more of the world too. So (and I hate to say this) I'm not going to let money be my limitation. Yes, I need to be smart, but as my dad says, it's just money. Maybe this is not the right attitude. But I want to see the world and I don't want to wait until it's too late.
Where in the world have you been that you would recommend to a wannabe world traveler?
3. Sometimes, the best entertainment costs much less than you think it will.
Fitting, considering what I just said in my last realization, but we decided to go on a sunset harbor cruise one evening in Boston. The cost? $22. For a 90 minute tour of the bay, this was incredible. We saw the Boston World Trade Center among other historic sites, and we got to see the sunset ceremony for the U.S.S. Constitution, which includes a cannon blast.
And honestly, although it was a treat to see Boston, it was also great to see my friends. Just sitting and talking and being together (even for a run!) were highlights of the trip.
4. You can't beat cannoli from Mike's Pastry. Seriously.
5. This last thing is not really a realization I made, personally, but it was advice that was doled out from the operator on a red line train we rode on Saturday. At each stop he concluded his announcements with the following:
We all have tough days - we're tired, we're broke, we're hungry, we're operating on someone else's schedule, we fight a losing battle. But when it comes down to it - have a five star day. Don't let anyone get you down. You're better than that. Enjoy the day and what it has to offer, even if it's not what you were hoping for. Someone may brighten your day in a way you weren't expecting.
Like at the Red Sox game we went to Friday night. We were ready to throw in the towel, quite honestly. Despite my secret crush for the Sox and the joy I felt being at Fenway for the first time, our feet were tired and the Sox were losing. We were trying to see over masses of people who were lucky enough to not have standing room only seats (which we bought because they were $24 and not $90). Then, a man walked by with his family. He said, "We're leaving. Do you want our seats?" Well, yes please.
We ended up staying for the rest of the game, in our new-found seats, to watch the Sox win. It was glorious. It was, as a matter of fact, a five star day.
What's the best vacation you've ever had? Why?
UPDATE: You and me could win a trip to Paris (how fitting that I wrote this today) - just go to Oh Happy Day Goes to Paris and find out how you can win (and take me with you).
I love to travel. Obviously I have said that before (here and here), but each time you travel it teaches you something new, either about yourself or about an area of the world you've never had the chance to experience.
In Boston, I realized a few things:
1. While America is not as old as many other countries around the world, we still have amassed a great amount of history here in the last 500 years or so. Yes, America was discovered before that, but the pilgrims came here in the 1600s and that was when things really started happening here.
 | |||
| The North Church |
2. While there is history around the U.S. that I am missing, it's even more obvious to me that as a traveler, I am missing opportunities to travel abroad to see the world. This is a fitting realization to make today as it is the anniversary of D-Day, when troops stormed the beaches of Normandy to fight the Nazis. World War II fascinates me, especially since my grandparents lived through it, and I want to go there and see it.
(Side note: a friend of mine just posted this link to color photos from days surrounding the Battle of Normandy. Recommended.)
This is just one example. I want to go to Poland, and see the country my ancestors came from. I want to go to Italy. I want to go back to Spain because I think I would appreciate the wonders of Madrid more now than I did when I was 16. I want to go to England and Ireland and so many other places.
One lesson I believe I learned from my grandparents is to see the world while you can. My mom repeats this often - I think she's hoping to see more of the world too. So (and I hate to say this) I'm not going to let money be my limitation. Yes, I need to be smart, but as my dad says, it's just money. Maybe this is not the right attitude. But I want to see the world and I don't want to wait until it's too late.
Where in the world have you been that you would recommend to a wannabe world traveler?
3. Sometimes, the best entertainment costs much less than you think it will.
Fitting, considering what I just said in my last realization, but we decided to go on a sunset harbor cruise one evening in Boston. The cost? $22. For a 90 minute tour of the bay, this was incredible. We saw the Boston World Trade Center among other historic sites, and we got to see the sunset ceremony for the U.S.S. Constitution, which includes a cannon blast.
 | ||
| The USS Constitution rides one nautical mile every July 4 to stay in commission. |
And honestly, although it was a treat to see Boston, it was also great to see my friends. Just sitting and talking and being together (even for a run!) were highlights of the trip.
4. You can't beat cannoli from Mike's Pastry. Seriously.
 |
| Cannoli might be my new favorite food group. |
5. This last thing is not really a realization I made, personally, but it was advice that was doled out from the operator on a red line train we rode on Saturday. At each stop he concluded his announcements with the following:
Have a five star day; don't let anybody get you down.
We all have tough days - we're tired, we're broke, we're hungry, we're operating on someone else's schedule, we fight a losing battle. But when it comes down to it - have a five star day. Don't let anyone get you down. You're better than that. Enjoy the day and what it has to offer, even if it's not what you were hoping for. Someone may brighten your day in a way you weren't expecting.
Like at the Red Sox game we went to Friday night. We were ready to throw in the towel, quite honestly. Despite my secret crush for the Sox and the joy I felt being at Fenway for the first time, our feet were tired and the Sox were losing. We were trying to see over masses of people who were lucky enough to not have standing room only seats (which we bought because they were $24 and not $90). Then, a man walked by with his family. He said, "We're leaving. Do you want our seats?" Well, yes please.
 |
| The baseball gods wanted us to be happy. |
We ended up staying for the rest of the game, in our new-found seats, to watch the Sox win. It was glorious. It was, as a matter of fact, a five star day.
What's the best vacation you've ever had? Why?
UPDATE: You and me could win a trip to Paris (how fitting that I wrote this today) - just go to Oh Happy Day Goes to Paris and find out how you can win (and take me with you).
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
