Wednesday, December 23, 2009
Advent Conspiracy
I just picked up this book Advent Conspiracy. I'm so excited to read and better yet, to be transformed this Christmas...in a meaningful way that exchanges consumerism for compassion. I want to invest in relationships and not material things. Simply put, wouldn't it be amazing to feel "Free to give without comparison, receive with gratitude, and worship with abandon"
Christmas at the Farm
It was nice to be back on the farm for Christmas this year! The morning was not so pleasant cause of a near car accident on 494 with my mom, my niece and nephew in the car. We arrived safely and all was calm. Lots of conversation with many relatives, so it wasn't exactly a quiet day. Great food and lovely setting.
Santa appeared at the window, so we invited him in to share gifts with the kids. Some of their expressions were hilarious! My cousin played the guitar and people were singing. Loved it! There was plenty of time for the boys to be out in the snow while the rest of us spent time in the basement and attic acquiring different things from Grandma. I ended up with some silver, a fantastic tapestry, a blanket and some other cherished items. I'm starting to appreciate more and more the depth of our family history and the personal value of having some things passed among generations. It is a blessing to be surrounded by good and beautiful memories too. Being around all the kids helps remind me to relax, laugh and find joy in the simple gifts - such as fresh snow!
Santa appeared at the window, so we invited him in to share gifts with the kids. Some of their expressions were hilarious! My cousin played the guitar and people were singing. Loved it! There was plenty of time for the boys to be out in the snow while the rest of us spent time in the basement and attic acquiring different things from Grandma. I ended up with some silver, a fantastic tapestry, a blanket and some other cherished items. I'm starting to appreciate more and more the depth of our family history and the personal value of having some things passed among generations. It is a blessing to be surrounded by good and beautiful memories too. Being around all the kids helps remind me to relax, laugh and find joy in the simple gifts - such as fresh snow!
Baby it's cold outside!
Holidazzle was really fun!
It was one cold adventure.
Great group of girls to spend time with!
Tuesday, December 8, 2009
Holidazzle Parade
I've never been to the Holidazzle Parade! Join me for my first experience with this classic MN favorite. Free bus ride from my condo this Saturday too! Departure 12/12 at 5:59pm with arrival at Nicollet Mall in time for the Parade. We'll return back to my place for some hot chocolate. Perhaps we'll play some games or decide to go out to the new bars at West End. Call me if you're interested!
Tuesday, November 24, 2009
Easton
I had a great time in Ohio with the Miami girls. It was a quick trip and slightly ahead of schedule - we usually meet up in December for our Christmas shopping and have done this for a few years now. It is always fun to be together and I absolutely love this shopping area. Can you tell that we were successful?!
The sunshine felt wonderful. It was a beautiful weekend and we took advantage of it by bouncing around from store to store. I really got a good laugh from my co-worker Kris. She called for something on Friday and asked what it was like. I explained that the layout could be compared to Monopoly....Nordstrom, Macys department stores and AMC theatre on the corners. B&N, Crate & Barrel, Tiffanys and everything in between. Restaurants galore! So, Kris asked if we take one quadrant at a time. Ha! We are so random and go all over. No agenda. No timeframe. It is glorious! This time we had lots of coupons Thanks to Kate and her new approach to money management - Dave Ramsey style! I just love my Miami Girls.
The people at Hampton Inn were very accommodating. Kate forgot to tuck in the shower curtain and flooded the bathroom. Shortly after, a bottle of wine shattered in the entry! It was somewhat entertaining, so of course there is a picture of the girls with the clipboard from our man Marvin who kept coming up to assess the damage!
Strings of lights create a canopy at night. Horse and buggy rides are available too. Big Christmas tree at the center. So fun.
See you again next year, ladies!
The sunshine felt wonderful. It was a beautiful weekend and we took advantage of it by bouncing around from store to store. I really got a good laugh from my co-worker Kris. She called for something on Friday and asked what it was like. I explained that the layout could be compared to Monopoly....Nordstrom, Macys department stores and AMC theatre on the corners. B&N, Crate & Barrel, Tiffanys and everything in between. Restaurants galore! So, Kris asked if we take one quadrant at a time. Ha! We are so random and go all over. No agenda. No timeframe. It is glorious! This time we had lots of coupons Thanks to Kate and her new approach to money management - Dave Ramsey style! I just love my Miami Girls.
The people at Hampton Inn were very accommodating. Kate forgot to tuck in the shower curtain and flooded the bathroom. Shortly after, a bottle of wine shattered in the entry! It was somewhat entertaining, so of course there is a picture of the girls with the clipboard from our man Marvin who kept coming up to assess the damage!
Strings of lights create a canopy at night. Horse and buggy rides are available too. Big Christmas tree at the center. So fun.
See you again next year, ladies!
Sunday, November 15, 2009
New Music
I borrowed a bunch of random CDs from my brother Ben and the album description for The Avett Brothers caught my eye. I haven't actually listened to the music, but these words are lovely!
The words "I" and "Love" and "You" are the watermark of humanity. Strung together, they convey our deepest sense of humility, of power, of truth. It is our most common sentiment, even as the feeling of it is so infinitely uncommon : each to proclaim these three words with his or her very own heart and mindset of reason (or lack thereof); a proclamation completely and perfectly new each time it is offered. Uttered daily and nightly by millions, the words are said in an unending array of circumstances : whispered to a newborn in a mothers arms; shared between best friends on the playground; in the form of sympathy -said by a girl to a boy, as the respect continues but the relationship does not. It is said too loudly by parents to embarassed children in the company of their friends, and by grown children - to their fading parents in hospital beds. The words are thought in the company of the photograph and said in the company of the gravestone. It is how we end our phone calls and our letters... the words at the bottom of the page that trump all those above it, a way to gracefully finish a message, however important or trivial, with the most meaningful gifl of all : the communication of love. And yet the words themselves have been the victims of triviality, a ready replacement for lesser salutations among near strangers, burst forth casually as "love ya." Truly? To what degree? Why, how much, and for how long? These are questions befitting of the stature of love, though not the everyday banter of vague acquaintance. The words have also been twisted by the dark nature of deceit : To say "I love you" with a dramatic measure of synthetic emotion; a snare set by those who prey uponn fellow humanity, driven to whatever selfish end, to gain access to another's body, or their money, or their opportunity. In this realm, the proclamation is disgraced by one seeking to gain rather than to give. In any case, and by whatever inspiration, these words are woven deeply in to the fibers of our existence. Our longing to hear them from the right place is maddeningly and simultaneously our finest strength and our most gentle weakness.
The album "I and Love and You" is inashamedly defined by such a dynamic of duality. As living people, we are bound by this unavoidable parallel. We are powerful yet weak, capable yet temporary. Inevitably, an attempt to place honesty within an artistic avenue will follow suit. This is a piece which shows us as we are : products of love surrounded by struggle. The music herein is, in many ways, readable as both a milestone and an arrival. A chapter in the story of young men, it bridges the space between the uncertainty of youth and the reality of it's release. The record is full with the quality of the question and response. As far as questions go, there are plenty-normally residing within the tone and delivery of the lyrics themselves, which, ironically, are sung with so much confidence. Among songs and thoughts so driven and purposeful, the most basic relatable doubt comes through with a resounding clarity. Outside of the eternal theme of romantic love, the album speaks thankfully upon a landscape of light-filled rooms, word-filled pages, time machines, forgiveness, singing birds, ocean waves, art ,change, confessions of shortcomings, and reasons to continue on. Hope and a cause for smiling follow naturally. In the midst of all this, there are allusions to the less-than-ideal conditions of life : the loss of memory, the inability to control temper, insecurity, indecision, jaded indifference, and the general plague of former and current weakness. "I and Love and You" is an album of obvious human creation, chracterized by it's best and it's worst. Emotional imperfection is a reality for those who recorded the piece, just as it is for those who will hear it. The conclusion of the song from which the title is taken admits that the words "I love you" have become "hard to say". And perhaps that difficulty is as common as it's counterpart. Perhaps the inability to say these heaviest of words is as much a part of life as the lighthearted candor of those who say them without any difficulty at all. And so it ends with the phrase whispered to and by those of us most defeated and most elated... I and love and you...
The words "I" and "Love" and "You" are the watermark of humanity. Strung together, they convey our deepest sense of humility, of power, of truth. It is our most common sentiment, even as the feeling of it is so infinitely uncommon : each to proclaim these three words with his or her very own heart and mindset of reason (or lack thereof); a proclamation completely and perfectly new each time it is offered. Uttered daily and nightly by millions, the words are said in an unending array of circumstances : whispered to a newborn in a mothers arms; shared between best friends on the playground; in the form of sympathy -said by a girl to a boy, as the respect continues but the relationship does not. It is said too loudly by parents to embarassed children in the company of their friends, and by grown children - to their fading parents in hospital beds. The words are thought in the company of the photograph and said in the company of the gravestone. It is how we end our phone calls and our letters... the words at the bottom of the page that trump all those above it, a way to gracefully finish a message, however important or trivial, with the most meaningful gifl of all : the communication of love. And yet the words themselves have been the victims of triviality, a ready replacement for lesser salutations among near strangers, burst forth casually as "love ya." Truly? To what degree? Why, how much, and for how long? These are questions befitting of the stature of love, though not the everyday banter of vague acquaintance. The words have also been twisted by the dark nature of deceit : To say "I love you" with a dramatic measure of synthetic emotion; a snare set by those who prey uponn fellow humanity, driven to whatever selfish end, to gain access to another's body, or their money, or their opportunity. In this realm, the proclamation is disgraced by one seeking to gain rather than to give. In any case, and by whatever inspiration, these words are woven deeply in to the fibers of our existence. Our longing to hear them from the right place is maddeningly and simultaneously our finest strength and our most gentle weakness.
The album "I and Love and You" is inashamedly defined by such a dynamic of duality. As living people, we are bound by this unavoidable parallel. We are powerful yet weak, capable yet temporary. Inevitably, an attempt to place honesty within an artistic avenue will follow suit. This is a piece which shows us as we are : products of love surrounded by struggle. The music herein is, in many ways, readable as both a milestone and an arrival. A chapter in the story of young men, it bridges the space between the uncertainty of youth and the reality of it's release. The record is full with the quality of the question and response. As far as questions go, there are plenty-normally residing within the tone and delivery of the lyrics themselves, which, ironically, are sung with so much confidence. Among songs and thoughts so driven and purposeful, the most basic relatable doubt comes through with a resounding clarity. Outside of the eternal theme of romantic love, the album speaks thankfully upon a landscape of light-filled rooms, word-filled pages, time machines, forgiveness, singing birds, ocean waves, art ,change, confessions of shortcomings, and reasons to continue on. Hope and a cause for smiling follow naturally. In the midst of all this, there are allusions to the less-than-ideal conditions of life : the loss of memory, the inability to control temper, insecurity, indecision, jaded indifference, and the general plague of former and current weakness. "I and Love and You" is an album of obvious human creation, chracterized by it's best and it's worst. Emotional imperfection is a reality for those who recorded the piece, just as it is for those who will hear it. The conclusion of the song from which the title is taken admits that the words "I love you" have become "hard to say". And perhaps that difficulty is as common as it's counterpart. Perhaps the inability to say these heaviest of words is as much a part of life as the lighthearted candor of those who say them without any difficulty at all. And so it ends with the phrase whispered to and by those of us most defeated and most elated... I and love and you...
Friday, November 13, 2009
Ski dance
This is one of those videos you watch and think "really?!" and laugh out loud.
Click Here and enjoy!
Click Here and enjoy!
Sunday, November 8, 2009
Uncomfortable Humor
My brother and his friend Greg introduced me to the "Tim and Eric Awesome Show, Great Job!" at the cabin this weekend. They had three seasons to watch! Unreal. I can't believe that I actually found some of it slightly humorous. The sketches are so random! I'm totally in the dark when it comes to stuff like this on cable TV. I've always known my brother Ben has an odd sense of humor...this was a little over the top.
We had a nice time up north! My mom and I decided to go on short notice - sun was shining, perfect day for a drive. I was amazed at all the bright orange gear people were wearing in the trucks that passed me on the highway. Tonight on the way home, I decided to follow the hatchback with a road bike on the rack. It was a safe option, considering I almost threw up in my mouth when I got close enough to a car in front of me with two deer tied up in a tarp with bungee cord securing them on the back of an Astro van. Eeeewwww. Not Ok!
I schooled the group at a card game called Nertz. It was fantastic! We might spend Thanksgiving weekend at the lake too. Love it there. Nice sunset too.
We had a nice time up north! My mom and I decided to go on short notice - sun was shining, perfect day for a drive. I was amazed at all the bright orange gear people were wearing in the trucks that passed me on the highway. Tonight on the way home, I decided to follow the hatchback with a road bike on the rack. It was a safe option, considering I almost threw up in my mouth when I got close enough to a car in front of me with two deer tied up in a tarp with bungee cord securing them on the back of an Astro van. Eeeewwww. Not Ok!
I schooled the group at a card game called Nertz. It was fantastic! We might spend Thanksgiving weekend at the lake too. Love it there. Nice sunset too.
Sunday, October 25, 2009
My morning hike
I went for a walk in the woods this morning at Fish Lake Park in Maple Grove. I have a ton of pictures from here and this is my favorite! In early October, I found this park and started thinking about how lovely it would look when the leaves turn a new color. It is usually pretty quiet, even more so today because it was cool and rainy. I did have an interesting encounter with a deer. It was running towards me in the woods - so I yelled "Don't come near me" and it dashed off. I soon realized why the thing was heading my direction - there was a man with 3 dogs on the path! It was a nice boost of adrenaline. I'll post more photos of the transformation soon.
Tuesday, October 20, 2009
Relational Intelligence
I joined a small group at my church and we're planning to read the book "Relational Intelligence" by Steve Saccone. He talked at the Upper Room a few weeks ago. I'm really jazzed about it because I know this can impact my faith and also influence my relationships. This book will likely offer great conversation and joining a new group offers an opportunity to connect with some new people. Here is a snapshot of some of the key concepts of the book:
Michael Scott Syndrome
The energy carrier
The Likeable Hero
Michael Scott Syndrome
The energy carrier
The Likeable Hero
Monday, October 19, 2009
Positivity
Lots of hype on how coaches can use the models of appreciative coaching and the principles of positivity. I went to the website tonight and took a short quiz on my positivity ratio. I have some work to do! Create awareness, practice mindfulness, focus on gratitude, pursue dreams, etc. I love that I get to explore and discover these things as part of my work!
The quote at the beginning of her book sums it up quite well:
One's own self is well hidden from one's own self: Of all mines of treasure, one's own is the last to be dug up - Friedrich Nietzsche
The quote at the beginning of her book sums it up quite well:
One's own self is well hidden from one's own self: Of all mines of treasure, one's own is the last to be dug up - Friedrich Nietzsche
Wednesday, October 14, 2009
Michelle Obama
I just like her...a lot. The good news is that she mentions the wellness programming and community efforts that will support a healthy future in a recent USA today video.
Tuesday, October 13, 2009
Thursday, October 1, 2009
Boston
Interesting trip to Boston! I went for a conference sponsored by Harvard and McLean Hospital on "Coaching in Medicine and Leadership". I arrived on Thursday evening and it took me forever to make my way from the Airport to the hotel. (I quickly learned that GPS is not the way to go) I stayed in Cambridge - which is apparently right across the river from Downtown. The conference was right on the water near Seaport village. The whole event was perfectly run and the speakers were outstanding:
Ben and Roz Zander: The Art of Possibility
Ellen Langer: Counterclockwise
Coach Meg and Carol Kauffman: Institute of Coaching
David Cooperrider: Appreciative Inquiry
I held back on purchasing books and standing in lines for autographs. It was nice to be on my own - using the breaks between sessions to journal about the changing nature of the coaching world and how this all translates to Medica and to my life. I had lunch with a psychiatrist who works at a homeless shelter in Philadelphia, a school psychologist from Rhode Island, and a psychotherapist from Arizona. Can you just imagine our conversation?! It was fascinating to hear so many perspectives and witness such great minds coming together.
I spent a lot of time in the rental car (which someone damaged in the parking ramp) but I learned so much about optimism and patience at the conference that it didn't seem all that bad! I decided to just get on the freeway one night and ended up in Arlington at a great restaurant. Best butternut squash ravioli I've ever had and wonderful conversation with a local. One night I decided to just park the car at the nearest place and walk around downtown. Turns out I paid $14 for 30 min and I had to ask someone to help me back out of the parking space! So embarrassing. I met up with my cousin Landon for lunch at a great vegan restaurant called Grasshopper. I enjoyed seeing him and hearing about his experiences in New Bedford. I'll certainly go back for another visit some day - lots more exploring to do.
Ben and Roz Zander: The Art of Possibility
Ellen Langer: Counterclockwise
Coach Meg and Carol Kauffman: Institute of Coaching
David Cooperrider: Appreciative Inquiry
I held back on purchasing books and standing in lines for autographs. It was nice to be on my own - using the breaks between sessions to journal about the changing nature of the coaching world and how this all translates to Medica and to my life. I had lunch with a psychiatrist who works at a homeless shelter in Philadelphia, a school psychologist from Rhode Island, and a psychotherapist from Arizona. Can you just imagine our conversation?! It was fascinating to hear so many perspectives and witness such great minds coming together.
I spent a lot of time in the rental car (which someone damaged in the parking ramp) but I learned so much about optimism and patience at the conference that it didn't seem all that bad! I decided to just get on the freeway one night and ended up in Arlington at a great restaurant. Best butternut squash ravioli I've ever had and wonderful conversation with a local. One night I decided to just park the car at the nearest place and walk around downtown. Turns out I paid $14 for 30 min and I had to ask someone to help me back out of the parking space! So embarrassing. I met up with my cousin Landon for lunch at a great vegan restaurant called Grasshopper. I enjoyed seeing him and hearing about his experiences in New Bedford. I'll certainly go back for another visit some day - lots more exploring to do.
Sunday, September 20, 2009
More cabin time
We picked a good weekend to be up north in September. The weather was incredible. Sunshine + No wind = Perfectly calm water. Melissa and Niki went for a ski...they were brave enough to go in the cold, cold water. Caleb is a cute kid. He kept us entertained. Niki and I went canoeing...I made the mistake of thinking that we would never tip over in the canoe. WRONG. I went in - fully clothed with iPhone in tow. Oops!
Friday, September 18, 2009
29 forever
Good humor as Kate celebrated her birthday! Schwartz is such a great friend - we had fun celebrating at her birthday bbq.
Tuesday, September 15, 2009
Health Coaching
I worked at the Medica booth during the MN State Fair this year. It was fun to see Health Coaching featured - we had our team there all week, offering "Health Advice" and using the interactive game "Spin the wheel" to set a health goal.
For those that don't know, I manage the Health & Wellness Coaching program at Medica. We invite health plan members to take an active role in their health by receiving customized support from a Health Coach. Check out this video on our website to learn more about it
For those that don't know, I manage the Health & Wellness Coaching program at Medica. We invite health plan members to take an active role in their health by receiving customized support from a Health Coach. Check out this video on our website to learn more about it
Thursday, September 10, 2009
Wedding #2
Erin and Scott Reader were married Labor Day Weekend. The interesting part of my day was helping to transport the cake from Le Cordon Blue to the reception at Centennial Lakes! We did alright. Pappas and I were her personal attendants, so it was fun to see what happens behind the scenes. Erin was the most calm, beautiful bride!
Wedding #1
Outdoor wedding of Josh and Laura Buboltz at his parents house in Spicer, MN. We had such a fun time! It was windy during the ceremony - we were right on the lake. They had a big white tent, lots of food from the grill, dancing and fireworks. Great to catch up with all the Spicer guys!
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