A Touching Story

The truth is that I've become an NPR junkie. I listen to it each day as I'm driving to work. On Fridays, NPR features "StoryCorps," which is basically a story told by two family members or friends about a particular meaningful part of one person's life. I've heard a father interviewed by his daughter about growing up in the depression. I've heard a story about a nun who made a difference in the lives of others, but also has a great love for baseball.

Today's story was especially touching to me. It made me cry. Stories are what connect us to each other. A story tells so much more than numbers, statistics, or straight facts. For me hearing a story like this makes all the bad news we constantly hear much more bearable. I hope that we don't forget to tell the stories that show love, demonstrate compassion and express our humanity. The story is called, "Forgiving Her Son's Killer: 'Not An Easy Thing'. I hope you enjoy it.

www.npr.org/series/4516989/storycorps

What song brings you back?

It seems that music can heal the brain. I didn't get to see the movie that illustrates this idea, "The Music Never Stopped," but it's on my list for Netflix. The movie is based on "the last hippie" case study by Oliver Sachs, neurologist and writer, whose brain research was the basis for the movie, "Awakenings".

Basically, the premise is that music heals. A beign brain tumor has left Gabriel Sawyer without most of his memory and he's prevented from forming new long-term memories. He's stuck in the past. It's music from his youth, especially the Grateful Dead, which brings him back. This gives new meaning to Deadheads.

Music is such a great way to improve your mood. I am once again trying to learn guitar, and it's a fun challenge. I didn't forget everything from my first rounds of lessons, but even so I feel like I need hand holding to figure out the technique. My playing never sounds as good as the instructor's. Even so I love it because it makes me access a different part of my brain as I learn how to play. And someday maybe people will actually want to hear me play my own songs.

Speaking of songs I love the fact you can instantly download songs. Remember when we had to buy CDs. That is so old school. Music has power and it forms the soundtracks of our lives. Who doesn't have a song that brings them back to a certain time. The song Hey Ya! will forever be linked with good times with my friend Carrie and Aspen when I lived in the Roaring Fork Valley the first time.

What song brings you back?

Finding a home

Well I'm in search of an apartment. In a city where there are more apartments to chose from it might be easier...but it's more of a challenge here in the Roaring Fork Valley. I thought I had found the apartment in Basalt, but alas it went to someone who had a three-day jump on me. I was bummed.

I'm going to see another apartment today. So cross your fingers. I enjoy seeing apartments so it's been cool to see what's out there, but I'm getting weary from the process. It's interesting to see what's available at what price. The truth is that you get what you pay for...without a doubt.

So if you know of a good place in the area, let me know. That way I can spend my evening hours enjoying the spring weather instead of apartment hunting! That being said I took last night off and went on a hike with my friend Jenny instead. It was great!

Are you getting outside?

Quote of the Day

“Our lives, along with the weather and happiness, will forever be up and down and sideways and all over the place. That’s how life and the weather are, and that is as good as it gets. How do I know that? Simple. It is all I've got. If the future does not exist and the past is gone, then this must be as good as it gets, because there is, right now, nothing else. And even if you don't believe the truth of that statement, living each moment as if now is absolutely as good as it gets will have you celebrating your life every day. It’s not a bad way to live.”

--Robert White

Happy Mother's Day to all

Well I think spring/summer is here. At least it felt like summer on the Front Range. We went to Byers to celebrate Mother's Day on Saturday with the Gair family. My grandma loved having everyone there. She's been a mom for 67 years. Pretty amazing!

My mom has been one for almost 38 years. I'm not that old, but my brother is turning 38 this year. We went to lunch and then to the Denver Botanical Gardens. The flowers were beautiful, but they made me sneeze. Overall it was a great weekend to celebrate mothers.

Thank you to my mom and all mothers. You deserve flowers every day!

Blog updates for you

Well I got one answer about how to handle plateaus. Read my friend Ruth's blog at www.insightfulish.com where she gives her take on this particular question. I thought her insights were spot on. (That is a phrase that Australians use a lot, and I think Americans should use it more often, too.)

I also wanted to update you on my eye area injury. Today one of my coworkers saw it and said she couldn't even see it. I've still got a slightly red mark, but it is amazing to see the change in a week. I'm also a great believer in Mederma, which is a scar reducing cream. I'm not normally one to recommend a pharmacuetical, but this one deserves a shout out. It is made from onion skins and it truly does it's job. So next time you need to prevent a scar, run don't walk to pick up this cream.

My next update is that my trainer sent me a workout that I am responsible for doing on my own at least one other night per week. I'm planning to do my workout assignment tonight. I need to work out after enjoying last night's closing day celebration at Aspen Highlands a little too much. Last ski run of the season was good. The snow wasn't great, but I couldn't help smiling as I went down the hill for the last time of the 2010-2011 season. It was good, and now on to spring, which is taking its time getting here. I mean I want to wear open-toe shoes. Is that so much to ask?

How do you stay motivated when you hit a plateau?

Well last night I worked out with a personal trainer for the first time. This is my first time actually working out with a trainer, and it was great to have someone else directing me to workout for an hour. (No slacking off is allowed). If only I could work out with a trainer five days a week. No really just this weekly meeting sets a tone for the rest of the week's activities.

Last week my personal trainer asked me to keep a food journal. It wasn't my best week with two birthdays and my friend Ruth in town. I had more cake and wine than I normally do. But even so writing your food choices down makes you think about what you are eating and why. You have to look at both your food choices and your level of activity.

For me, I am consistent in that I do exercise each week, but it varies how much, I average about two to four times per week. I would like to get to five to six times per week. The reason is that with two to three times per week I just maintain. Since I'm trying to lose weight I know I need to up the activity levels. (And continue to focus on what I'm eating).

I started this health focus in January, and I've done well, albeit the process has been slow. Now I'm trying to speed it up by working with a trainer, varying my workouts, getting outside, and paying better attention to my food choices.

Writing down what you eat and what exercise you complete does make a difference. Then you can see on paper how the week went. You can then gauge your results with that formula and adjust accordingly. I actually know a lot about health and fitness, but applying it is another thing. Also, you have to figure out what works for you.

Sometimes I wish there was a quick fix. (Obviously, I'm not the only one or the weight-loss industry wouldn't be making billions). But I know that a quick fix isn't the answer, and it has to be a lifestyle change. Now if only I can get a personal chef.

I would love to hear how you get past the plateau and stay motivated. We can help each other.