Making Life Simple using technology

Life is good. I got a new toy today. I am blogging from a samsung galaxy tablet. I can see how this little device is going to make my life simple.

Prep Time Is Important ~ Planning Easter Lunch Today

Good Morning World. I have a busy blessed day ahead. Just like you prep for a good meal we should prep for a good day.
Spend some time every morning reviewing your schedule for the day. Planning makes you feel in control even when an unplanned task shows up.



Today I will prepare for Easter Lunch All of the kids but two will be home for Easter. Lunch for 16 people. Please leave me suggestions for what to cook.
Have a simple organized blessed day ~ ConnieKay

Do- Over For a Non-Runner

Today is the first day of the rest of your life - I have heard that saying throughout my life.  What does "the first day of the rest of you life" really mean to a runner who has become a non-runner.

It means I get a do-over.  I get to start today with a clean slate. I do not have to feel guilty because I did not run  yesterday, or the day before, or last month.

I am rereading Jeff Galloway's "Marathon You Can Do It"  This week's schedule is 30 minutes of walk/jog on Monday, Wednesday, and Friday followed by 3 easy miles on Sunday. 

Some of you are thinking - what that is not marathon training. Yes it is marathon training, when the only real training you have been doing is walking the 11 year-old dog.

Angel is a good dog - but her springy step is short lived. 

Check back tomorrow - hold me accountable.  If I know you are watching maybe I will run.
~ Connie ~

Happy But Frustrated

Here it is Sunday night and I find myself frustrated and happy.  I am happy because I enjoyed the weekend.  I had planned to take off Friday but I ended up helping decorate a table for the hospital at a senior citizen fund raiser.  I am really proud of how the table came out.

The center piece is one I put together for my dining room.  I added the hurricane lamps that also came from my dining room

My niece came for a very short visit - she is allowing me to keep her four-legged babies while she finishes her last year of college.

Meet Angel - She is 11 years old. She is a sweet girl.

And, Oreo - he is 10 years-old. He is a great guy. He is trying hard to understand why he has to share our house with other four-legged babies.

Ok - so why am I frustrated - Another week has gone by and I have read a couple of books on running but not hit the road. So maybe next week.  Maybe my motivation will find the strength to get me up and moving.
Have a great week ~

Why can't I run at night?

No Fear - I have always lived by this rule.  I know I am blessed. I know God is watching over me. My husband also lives by this rule. So, why is he so weird about me going running at night?

I am not a morning person. If I could start my day at 10 AM, I would be very happy.  I do my best work at 8 PM. 

My life is full. I work 8 to sometimes 6:30 at night. I come home and work on line till 9 or 10 PM (at least four nights a week).  I spend my lunch time at meetings or checking in on the Great River Charitable Clinic.

So, running after dark is logical to me.  Last night I said something about running - he acted weired. I said I would take one of the dogs with me - he immediately started asking what I would do if a stray dog came after us.  - What is a girl to do?

Repacking the waggon.

It has been a while since I sat down to write – Last week I wondered why my wagon wound not roll - but this week I know the wagon is rolling. I just need to repack the wagon to make everything fit.

Blogging is therapy for me. I was reading Maria Shiver’s blog tonight on managing your to-do-list without getting distracted.  I realize I put important task on my to-do-list but I never include me time.

I live by a to-do-list (actually my outlook calendar on my iPhone). The little black techie thing I carry around with me everyday - you know the thing that makes you panic if you can't find it.

I was reading Jeff Galloway’s book Marathon You Can Do It. Mr. Galloway says I only need 30 minutes a day. 30 minutes is not much time. Looking at the little black thing in my hand I have thirty minutes - everyday (and for those of you who know me - it is not during sleep time).

So my new to-do is 30 minutes a day of me time. Running, petting a four-legged baby, or blogging these are the things that make me happy. I am repacking the wagon.

The Waggon

Why is that one day you a riding the proverbial wagon, life is great. You are moving along. When a bumps comes along you just hang on you were prepared for the bump.
The next time you try to ride the wagon you can't stay on the wagon no matter what you do? The wagon keeps stopping or flips over. You have no will power, strength & motivation. It is just easier to walk. Should I paint the wagon make it more attractive? Buy a new wagon, maybe the old one is worn-out? Maybe I have forgotten how to drive the wagon, education? Maybe I was just meant to walk? The mysteries of life.


- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone

Promise for the Upcoming Week

I have been thinking about the word “Simple” today. Life should be simple. Relationships should be simple. So, why is it that I find myself feeling like life and relationships are not simple?

Today I decided to focus on something fun. My friend Katie Orse uses a journal for her business and creative thoughts. If you are looking for a journal check out Katie’s website . There you will find great handmade journals. I decided not to buy one (yet) so I created one today. I want to make sure I will use a journal. I do not want my journal to become a chore. If it works out I have my eye on the Liz journal with the lime green flower.

My Journal is tabbed with areas for things that are important in my life: faith, simple, running, creativity, and leadership.

This week I am also going to try a new schedule. Instead of getting up early to run – I am going to work online (nursing students) before heading to the hospital. I am taking cloths so that I can lift some weights at lunch. When I get home in the evenings a bike ride or a run will be first on my list. Of course my day will end with puppy therapy.

My promise for this upcoming week – keep it simple. Focus on what is important.
Have a Graet Week ~

Breathe in and out - I can do this!

My Word for 2011 is Simple – Life is simple. We (people) make it complicated. The very basics of living– breathe in and out, eats, sleep, and live by the golden rule. The plan was for each of us to live our lives making a difference in someone else’s life.


Every day I strive to follow these four simple steps. I ran Wednesday and had planned to run on Thursday, but I did not get home till after 10 PM from the charitable health clinic. I had two classes to check-in. So – running did not happen.

Friday started out behind. I overslept and was late getting to the local radio station to talk about the upcoming Wild Turkey Foundation banquet. I did make – but I hate being late.

Home early form work – so running can happen tonight. Only 31 days till Little Rock ~ now I am starting to have second thoughts – what if I can’t finish the race? What if I am the last to cross the finish line?

Breathe in and out – keep it simple ~ I can do this!

I came home from work and took a nap. I graded papers and now it is bed time. I miss feeling energized. I miss feeling in control. I miss feeling my muscles stretch and contract with movement. I want to feel the fresh air deep in my lungs – even if I am gasping for air.


Reality is the leading cause of stress amongst those in touch with it (Lily Tomlin)

Once again I sit here writing about energy, control, and feeling great. Yes, I know for weeks I have posted about being in control. It is all up to me.

It is up to me? Well, this me is down to 40 days to prepare for the Little Rock Half Marathon.

The number forty is used by God to represent a period of testing or judgment (the length of time necessary to accomplish some major part of Gods plan in his dealings with various portions of mankind). The 40 days of rain in the days of the flood were the judgments of God. The 40 day periods of fasting, testing, and communing with God that were faced by Moses and Jesus were a form of God's judgments.

Ok – Tomorrow starts my 40 days. Can I be dedicated? Can I find the strength? Can I find the motivation?

Conscience is the inner voice that warns us somebody may be looking (H.L. Mencken).

The Ramblings Of A Not So Dedicated Runner

The ramblings of a not so dedicated runner – overslept today. I thought I would get at the least 20 minutes on the treadmill before work this morning – that did not happen. So, why not? I am the only person who has the ability to control my schedule and my behavior.


I found a saying the other day - “For many people, one of the most frustrating aspects of life is not being able to understand other people's behavior.” For me, one of the most frustrating aspects of life is not understanding my own behavior.

Why do I procrastinate – I am not lazy. I just get side tracked. Or do I? Maybe I am overwhelmed. Even as I try to contemplate my life and my actions or inactions the phone is ringing with issues from work.

Wow - Simplifying your life is not easy.

How do you prioritize? According to Stephen Covey “You have to decide what your highest priorities are and have the courage - pleasantly, smilingly, nonapologetically - to say 'no' to other things. And the way to do that is by having a bigger 'yes' burning inside. The enemy of the 'best' is often the 'good.' ~

I was flipping through a magazine (Women’s Health) earlier today that said – 38% of women break their resolutions in a month or less. The biggest reason for not sticking with a resolution is a lack of motivation.

Ok – so I have completed all the research. I have downloaded Covey to the Nook . I have stroked the inner fire – I have found my bigger yes ~

I am focused, I am focused, I am focused – keep reading – watch me simplify (and run).

Unfulfilled Potential

Well – I did it, a short run on the treadmill. The shins hurt but everything else felt great. I am living by my new rule – if it is important I have time for it.

Pope John Paul XXIII said “Consult not your fears but your hopes and dreams. Think not about frustrations, but about your unfulfilled potential. Concern yourself not with what you tired and failed in, but with what it is still possible for you to do.”

What is still possible for me – running a half-marathon in March? My goal is to complete 13.1 – I do not have to be fast - I just have to finish.

I have unfulfilled potential and this is the year to fulfill it.
Living Simply – with my best friend!

Order of Priorities

A lazy Sunday for me – slept late and would have slept later except our boys felt the need to wake us up. Nothing like being woke up by two 27 (yes I said 27 not 7) year-old boys jumping on the end of the bed. Felt a little like old times.
Do you ever wonder why when something is important to you – you cannot find the motivation to get started. I say I do not run because of time issues but I do not think I am being honest with myself. I love running when I do it. I love the way I feel during and after a run. I know that others cannot run for me –

Robert McKain says “set priorities for your goals. A major part of successful living lies in the ability to put first things first. Indeed, the reason most major goals are not achieved is that we spend our time doing second things first.”

Joyce Meyer believes that “wisdom is choosing to do now what we will be happy with later:” That is not always easy because it may require us to sacrifice something we could easily have today for something better we can have tomorrow. For me the things I have today are sleep, time with my husband, or completing work.

There is no point in saying I do not have time for something, because I make time for whatever is important to me. If I am not doing something I can assume it is not a priority for me.

Why do I want running to be important for me? The benefits out-weigh the negatives. How do I make it a priority – Just do it. It is not hard. Keep it simple

 The four-legged children reading my blog

~ Clowie, MeMe, Clinnie and Paco Joe ~

Simply Enjoy the Journey

Ok – you know something is wrong when you do not know what day of the week it is – today I had to ask someone if today was Tuesday or Wednesday. I guess it could be worst. I did not have to ask what my name is!

I am reading a new book – 100 Ways to Simplify Your Life by Joyce Myers. Ms. Myers states “Those who want to enjoy life must learn to enjoy the journey, which is filled with waiting. Eventually, we reach our destination only to begin again on a new journey to another place; therefore to never enjoy the journey is to never enjoy life.”

So does it matter if today is Tuesday or Wednesday? Not really, what matters is I can look back on today and say I did a good job. I can rest tonight knowing that those I love know how much they mean to me. I can feel comfortable knowing that tomorrow is a new day and a new opportunity to simply live this life full of blessing that I have been given.

Connie

Countdown Started

57 Days to Little Rock - Wow. It is time to seriously work on adding mileage. My Goal is to finish - follow me as I spend the next 57 days keeping it simple focusing on my goal.

Converstaion and Genes Ensure I Am Me

Sunday morning – a hot cup of coffee and computer in hand I am sitting at the kitchen table reflecting on the last couple of days with my family. Focusing on my word – "simple". I realize that relationships are anything but simple. Five adult children, my father, and my sister make a dynamic group.
Dynamics in any group are not simple. We can control only ourselves – we can guide our own thoughts but we have zero control over others – even our own offspring.

 Sometimes I have wondered if I was adopted or found under a cabbage leaf - I have very little in common with my family. But this weekend, I did realize that I share the same genes as my mother and grandmother.

I routinely call a child by the wrong name – example If I am wanting to talk to Jax, I call each child’s name till I get to the correct one – Jeffery, Justin, Chad, Jer Jer, (finally) Jax. – is this a sign of dementia? I do not think so – my grandmother and my mother both called roll till they got the right name.

“It is a wise mother who gives her child roots and wings” Chinese Proverb

 

Running for a future – my athletic genes come from my Dad.

He asked as if surprised - you run? my reply - I try to run. 

His next question - why? my reply - to keep me healthy. 

His next question - how far do you run?  my reply - 2 to 5 miles.

His next question - you are running in a race? my reply - I am focusing on completing a race.

His next question - why?  my reply - because I want to.

His reply - simply shaking his head as if to say "I do not understand".

Some forms of conversation never change ~

So – I am off to run, grade a few papers, and scrapbook memories from this weekend. (Notice I put me first – not work).
Keeping it Simple ~

Wow – where has today gone? It is 11 PM and I am just finishing discussion questions with my students. Of course watching the HOGS play the Sugar Bowl I am sure has had an impact on my time management skills.

Football is really a simple game – move the ball down the field and stop the other team from moving the ball down the field in the other direction.

Again today – the best laid plans of mice and men have been derailed. I find myself not completing everything I want to do. Maybe I want to do too much?
I am off work (no hospital) for 5 days – I have some time to re-evaluate my “to-do-list”. Maybe I will think about my “to-do-list” while trout fishing tomorrow – Not.

Check back tomorrow for the fishing report.

Spring River: Mammoth Springs, AR.

Nothing Simple About Today

Well today did not go simply - I overslept. I did not get a morning run. I did not get to follow my timeline at work to accomplish a few overdue tasks. I forgot I had a clinic board meeting tonight – ran (not literally) to that, then home to chat for two hours with students. Wow – are you tired yet, I am.

So – who created this mess? Me. Who can fix this mess? Me.

How – more organization? More self-control?

Tomorrow is a new day – I am going to try self-control. Alarm set – husband agrees to use size 15 foot to help me out of bed.  Follow me tomorrow to see how self-control equals simplicity.

Simple with Purpose

Today started off, to a late start, with a calmness and organization that is often missing in my mornings. Two quick miles on the treadmill completed, followed by coffee in my study. It is funny how my word “simple” added to this morning.

Before Christmas, I was feeling overwhelmed every time I walked in to my study. Why – the room had become the “catch-all” space. I spent one afternoon throwing out stuff – mostly papers. It is amazing how much I print to read or file because I want to be able to put my hands on it latter. Magazines were another complication.

Also having a plan this morning helped me stay focused on how to spend my time. See I often let obligations dictate my time. Work (full-time nurse admin and part-time nurse faculty), and volunteer (full-time charitable clinic admin and humane society advocate) activities overwhelm my life at times causing chaos.

I have a plan – a simple plan: Run early (I owe this to me), work hard (I owe this to the organization), schedule activities (it is my time – use it wisely).

Eleanor Roosevelt once said “I could not at any age be content to take my place in a corner by the fireside and simply look on" – neither can I. I can however not run chaotically into the day – but instead move deliberately and with purpose.

Sounds simple – let’s see what next week holds.

What does 2011 hold for me? Simplicity?

My word is simple ~ as in simplify your life. The original plan was simple – the plan begins at birth – we breath in and out. No one tells us to breath, we do not have to purchase something, we do not have to collect anything, and we simply breathe. So 2011 is my year of simple. What made me think of choosing a word for 2011.

I follow Katie Orse’s blog . Katie is choosing a single word for 2011, in keeping with my thoughts on needing to simplify my life I have been using the word simple in my goals even before thinking I need a single word for 2011. Here are the running goals for 2011 posted on RunnersWorld.com before reading Katie’s blog :
The Little Rock Half-Marathon
Run 700 Miles
Simplify My Life

So what other goals are will guide my simple life in 2011:
Listen more
Enjoy the simple things in life (family, friends, health and faith)

Ok – so follow me in 2011 and see how simple works in the hectic life I have created.
Happy New Year
~ Connie ~