It took a while to get there, but I finally made it to the gym again today - a week later.
My body in every sense feels amazing. I feel alert. Happier. Stronger. Leaner. Healthier. Dare I say, sexier?
I've been subject - rather I've subjected myself - to a wide variety of repeating injuries and muscular imbalances including my knees, back, and left shoulder. Last Wednesday at the conclusion of the snow storm, shoveling took its toll. Yes, I know, "bend with your knees and not your back", but shoveling eight inches of heavy, wet snow in the freezing rain unfortunately ruins my form. Result: aggravated, sore lower back. I sound older than my parents with that one.
I think the hardest part of going back to the gym, aside from trying to rebuild the habit, is getting back into workouts slowly. I miss running. And running fast. And training for races. But I've realized since July or August that maybe walking is going to be a lot better for me, even if it is a lot less glamorous and athletic than running. The pain isn't there after a workout. I know I am putting in the time and working out as part of a healthy lifestyle. I love this feeling good, instead of feeling hurt.
Taking it slow is a challenge to someone so used to competition. I think in the end, and even as soon as the end of the workout, I'm satisfied. Not quite sure I could have said the same thing after the "go fast" workouts.
Sunday, December 13, 2009
Friday, December 11, 2009
Middle school subbing, Day 4
Today I was a substitute teacher at a local middle school. I was assigned the in-house suspension room and had as few as three kids to as many as six. Most of the day there were five. When I looked at the room number on the sub sheet, I held my breath, hoping for the best for the rest of the day. I had been bracing for the in-house room since the day before; I'd been warned.
Surprisingly, the kids were well behaved and did all of their assigned work. Well, some read quietly but I'll take reading when they are in middle school. There were two kids in particular, and maybe even three now that I think about it, who really stuck out. Once we got to talking ("about life", they requested. "Mr. So-and-so usually does") at the end of the day, it became clear that these are good kids who are having a hard time. Or aren't getting the help that they need. Or are not getting the attention at home or from school. There's a divorce, a parent in jail, denial that a student has mental/physical health issues, family deployed, the list could go on. Never mind just being 12 and 13 years old, these kids are dealing with a lot more.
I know the teachers are doing their best and mean well, and only from my limited experience as a sub do I see the challenges they face at the secondary level with not just 25 kids at once, but sometimes more than 100 a day. How are you able to give each individual attention and teach all of them?
Days like today I just want to take the hands of a thousand kids and help them through school.
Surprisingly, the kids were well behaved and did all of their assigned work. Well, some read quietly but I'll take reading when they are in middle school. There were two kids in particular, and maybe even three now that I think about it, who really stuck out. Once we got to talking ("about life", they requested. "Mr. So-and-so usually does") at the end of the day, it became clear that these are good kids who are having a hard time. Or aren't getting the help that they need. Or are not getting the attention at home or from school. There's a divorce, a parent in jail, denial that a student has mental/physical health issues, family deployed, the list could go on. Never mind just being 12 and 13 years old, these kids are dealing with a lot more.
I know the teachers are doing their best and mean well, and only from my limited experience as a sub do I see the challenges they face at the secondary level with not just 25 kids at once, but sometimes more than 100 a day. How are you able to give each individual attention and teach all of them?
Days like today I just want to take the hands of a thousand kids and help them through school.
Saturday, December 5, 2009
Raindrops on roses and whiskers on kittens. Oh, and winning.
I love accomplishing, achieving, winning, and beating goals. Outside of relationships, they are probably my favorite things in life. I generally have two types of goals I am setting. The first type is a "big goal" and the second an "everyday" goal.
My big goals are, not surprisingly, big goals. Get a job. Keep paying down the mortgage and the car. Lose ten to twelve pounds. Become a Professional Engineer. I can't accomplish these without the little things.
The everyday goals give me the continual motivation to just keep on going toward what really matters. Clean the house? I know I need to sweep five rooms, do laundry and the dishwasher, put away pots and pans, wash the baseboards. Finding the job? Working networking opportunities, searching, writing cover letters, revising the resume, selecting companies. Knocking those tasks off my list really makes my day!
When I played college Field Hockey, my dream goal was lofty - win a D3 championship. You'd have to likely win the conference to earn a bid to the NCAA tourney. Winning the conference meant winning big games, nationally ranked teams. I didn't want to just be on a team that won a championship, I wanted to be a contributing player. A starter. And that required commitment in the off season, spring season, and obviously in season.
My summers consisted of three to five double sessions a week to get my body conditioned to needing to be available for more than one workout in pre-season. Long runs for endurance in the morning, and focused skill workouts and speed development after work. On weekends, I waited to do my workouts until midday and early afternoon. It just seemed worth it. Played in a league with the team once a week, and we commonly played pick up once a week as well. When late August rolled around, I wasn't just in shape, I was ready to dominate.
Unfortunately we never made it out of the conference. I am in awe of the teams and student athletes that make it so much further. Boyfriend's oldest younger sister has two D3 championships. How cool is that?!
I am watching the SEC Championship Game, Alabama beating Florida in the fourth quarter. Tonight's win isn't the big goal. It is just the current step in winning the national championship. Watching the UCLA v. Stanford women's soccer semi finals yesterday had me close to teary eyed thinking about what it felt like to be so near the pinnacle of your sport.
Originally, I had wondered what the feeling was to be at the pinnacle of the sport, but even a win in that game only guaranteed finishing in at least second place. I'm reminded of when Cal Bouchard, former Boston College point guard who played for the Canadian Olypic team in Sydney (2000). I can't find the article that was in the Globe, but she wrote about how wonderful so many people thought it was to have the ability to play in the Olympics. Her thoughts on the subject (as I recall almost 10 years later) were that it was an honor to play for your country, but that the real point is to win gold, see the Canadian flag waving high, and hear the national anthem played. Everything along the way is just part of the grander plan.
Although the big ones are pretty nice, too.
My big goals are, not surprisingly, big goals. Get a job. Keep paying down the mortgage and the car. Lose ten to twelve pounds. Become a Professional Engineer. I can't accomplish these without the little things.
The everyday goals give me the continual motivation to just keep on going toward what really matters. Clean the house? I know I need to sweep five rooms, do laundry and the dishwasher, put away pots and pans, wash the baseboards. Finding the job? Working networking opportunities, searching, writing cover letters, revising the resume, selecting companies. Knocking those tasks off my list really makes my day!
When I played college Field Hockey, my dream goal was lofty - win a D3 championship. You'd have to likely win the conference to earn a bid to the NCAA tourney. Winning the conference meant winning big games, nationally ranked teams. I didn't want to just be on a team that won a championship, I wanted to be a contributing player. A starter. And that required commitment in the off season, spring season, and obviously in season.
My summers consisted of three to five double sessions a week to get my body conditioned to needing to be available for more than one workout in pre-season. Long runs for endurance in the morning, and focused skill workouts and speed development after work. On weekends, I waited to do my workouts until midday and early afternoon. It just seemed worth it. Played in a league with the team once a week, and we commonly played pick up once a week as well. When late August rolled around, I wasn't just in shape, I was ready to dominate.
Unfortunately we never made it out of the conference. I am in awe of the teams and student athletes that make it so much further. Boyfriend's oldest younger sister has two D3 championships. How cool is that?!
I am watching the SEC Championship Game, Alabama beating Florida in the fourth quarter. Tonight's win isn't the big goal. It is just the current step in winning the national championship. Watching the UCLA v. Stanford women's soccer semi finals yesterday had me close to teary eyed thinking about what it felt like to be so near the pinnacle of your sport.
Originally, I had wondered what the feeling was to be at the pinnacle of the sport, but even a win in that game only guaranteed finishing in at least second place. I'm reminded of when Cal Bouchard, former Boston College point guard who played for the Canadian Olypic team in Sydney (2000). I can't find the article that was in the Globe, but she wrote about how wonderful so many people thought it was to have the ability to play in the Olympics. Her thoughts on the subject (as I recall almost 10 years later) were that it was an honor to play for your country, but that the real point is to win gold, see the Canadian flag waving high, and hear the national anthem played. Everything along the way is just part of the grander plan.
One of my favorite lines of the Alpha Gamma Delta's purpose: "To possess high ideals and to attain somewhat unto them". Go big. If you don't get there, at least there are the small victories along the way.
Thursday, December 3, 2009
One man's trash is another's treasure.
Upon filing for unemployment, I attended a "mandatory" session to be able to use the career center (CC) that the unemployment office was housed in. The session didn't offer me significant and new information, but I would imagine it was helpful for someone who was with a company for 20 years, didn't have significant skills, education, or experience, or just got out of jail.
I'm very big into making the best out of everything, so what did exactly did I learn? I did take away that I can go to school full time, stay on unemployment, and no longer apply to at least three jobs a week. There was also the reality at how fortunate I was to have a grasp on the small things - understanding how to use a computer and the internet, for example. It dawned on me that not everyone has that ability, even if it is 2009.
Most of the presentation centered on taking advantage of the website, library, and how to utilize these resources. Professional behavior was one topic they briefly discussed - and it floored me because they started the meeting ten minutes early. I felt my time (though no longer chargeable to a job) was taken advantage of. A strict "on-time" policy was outlined and the instructor was late in starting the meeting. She pleasantly shared during the presentation that the meeting didn't officially start until 10 past the hour. It seemed silly to me, but alas, it is apparently how they do business.
I took advantage of the opportunity to speak with someone about my job search and resume. This is someone whose occupation was helping others get to work! There was no reason to pass up a chance for another opinion. Had I not been so privileged to have such incredible resources at my undergraduate institution and great guidance along the way, it would have been a great session. The woman who worked with me was very intent on making sure I had every tool available. I didn't need to take up a lot of her time because I passed some of the basic tests - professional email account, actually had a resume and good experience, and was on time. My hope is that someone else could be helped, or that this woman had a few minutes to breath - her pile of applications was pretty hefty.
I think that career center is a fantastic resource for a lot of people. If only there was a way to demonstrate you knew the basic material... Perhaps better luck next time on my account?
I'm very big into making the best out of everything, so what did exactly did I learn? I did take away that I can go to school full time, stay on unemployment, and no longer apply to at least three jobs a week. There was also the reality at how fortunate I was to have a grasp on the small things - understanding how to use a computer and the internet, for example. It dawned on me that not everyone has that ability, even if it is 2009.
Most of the presentation centered on taking advantage of the website, library, and how to utilize these resources. Professional behavior was one topic they briefly discussed - and it floored me because they started the meeting ten minutes early. I felt my time (though no longer chargeable to a job) was taken advantage of. A strict "on-time" policy was outlined and the instructor was late in starting the meeting. She pleasantly shared during the presentation that the meeting didn't officially start until 10 past the hour. It seemed silly to me, but alas, it is apparently how they do business.
I took advantage of the opportunity to speak with someone about my job search and resume. This is someone whose occupation was helping others get to work! There was no reason to pass up a chance for another opinion. Had I not been so privileged to have such incredible resources at my undergraduate institution and great guidance along the way, it would have been a great session. The woman who worked with me was very intent on making sure I had every tool available. I didn't need to take up a lot of her time because I passed some of the basic tests - professional email account, actually had a resume and good experience, and was on time. My hope is that someone else could be helped, or that this woman had a few minutes to breath - her pile of applications was pretty hefty.
I think that career center is a fantastic resource for a lot of people. If only there was a way to demonstrate you knew the basic material... Perhaps better luck next time on my account?
Wednesday, December 2, 2009
Because the Folgers isn't ready until I make it.
I've discovered that the best way to start my day is making my bed.
- My room just looks cleaner and neater with a made bed.
- Everything in its place makes me feel a little less stressed out.
- I've already accomplished one thing on my day's to-do list!
- I'm refreshed from the night before - I could just climb in under neat sheets and quilt.
- I feel less incentive to climb back in under the covers.
- If my weight didn't cause some excitement I can redirect my attention on something else (kind of) positive.
Tuesday, December 1, 2009
Early thoughts on change and growth.
I am incredibly curious how the business of engineering will change as the country and the world are slowly (and probably for the better) climbing out of the recession. I'd imagine that as business as a whole changes, it will be shadowed in the engineering industry. Will it even change? Risk is risk and there will always be people willing to go far out on the branch and consistently take the big chances. As for me, I rely a lot on data and the experience of others. My risk aversion is pretty high. I can't take the plunge into the next big thing. It was after reading Made to Stick by Dan and Chip Heath that I felt better about that idealogy. If I am recalling the correct book (and I am hoping I am not mixing it up with Good to Great, as I was terribly disappointed with it), it is not what is on the market first that has the greatest success. The success is born through improvement in process, design, feedback, etc. It almost gives the rest of us normal people a hope to compete. Knowing it is cliche, slow and steady wins the race. I love slow, steady, measured. My personality is very go-go-go, and it is such a strange contrast with my feelings on growth and expansion - in business and personal life. I wonder why that is?
Real life realizations. Also, an accidental reading list.
I realized yesterday while filing for unemployment that I am starting my fourth week of unemployment. The thought of being without work that long is a little dizzying, and it has hardly been a vacation. I'd heard rumors of job hunting to be a full time experience. Those who say so truly mean it. It is easy to fall into early on during the unemployment "game", as you start to look at postings that have been listed for over a month. As the layoff continues, the energy and excitement and possibilities start to slow down. There is seemingly not as much opportunity compared to the first few days.
I feel fortunate that I have been educated in a field that is still hiring people. Granted, this hiring is largely predicated by federal stimulus funds, but it is hiring.
I am also curious about the sudden and huge (and the way the media has described it, unexpected) drop in the unemployment rate. I love when they show the underemployment statistics because it shapes the picture a little better. In that case, it is not as rosy, but the artistry becomes a little more realist and slightly less impressionist.
My reading list is a little long, and I owe the Worcester Public Library a few books. Most recent reads have been fun and entertaining - smart, but couldn't be classifed as literary. I've come to love Marian Keyes of late, and the current read, The Other Side of the Story, is so far my favorite. I'd read Lucy Sullivan is Getting Married previously. I thought there was another book, but I must be remembering all of my choices at the WorcPubLib. I've also read Jennifer Weiner recently (Certain Girls) and I had been hoping to read Katherine Graham's autobiography, but that will need to be returned so it can be taken out again. On the side I also have Twilght (I couldn't help but be curious about the hype) and The Great Bridge by David McCullough. His writing makes me feel like I am on an A Christmas Carol-like adventure watching Roebling work. It is in the way where I feel as if I am in the scene, but nobody in it feels I am there. My take-outs today included a book on "toughest interview questions", the only book I haven't read by Alisa Valdez-Rodriguez, Dirty Grils on Top, the book on facebook The Accidental Billionaires, and the Brazen Careerest - The NEW Rules for Success by Penelope Trunk. Penelope Trunk's Brazen Careerist has to be my favorite blog. Of late it has been difficult to identify with as she is discussing working with Asperger's Syndrome, but it IS eyeopening to have sort of a view into someone's world.
Looking to get into a little research in the next few weeks. Learn more about myself and the industry. Hopefully with some gym time I'll also become a better basketball player! Well, at least against myself, for now.
I feel fortunate that I have been educated in a field that is still hiring people. Granted, this hiring is largely predicated by federal stimulus funds, but it is hiring.
I am also curious about the sudden and huge (and the way the media has described it, unexpected) drop in the unemployment rate. I love when they show the underemployment statistics because it shapes the picture a little better. In that case, it is not as rosy, but the artistry becomes a little more realist and slightly less impressionist.
My reading list is a little long, and I owe the Worcester Public Library a few books. Most recent reads have been fun and entertaining - smart, but couldn't be classifed as literary. I've come to love Marian Keyes of late, and the current read, The Other Side of the Story, is so far my favorite. I'd read Lucy Sullivan is Getting Married previously. I thought there was another book, but I must be remembering all of my choices at the WorcPubLib. I've also read Jennifer Weiner recently (Certain Girls) and I had been hoping to read Katherine Graham's autobiography, but that will need to be returned so it can be taken out again. On the side I also have Twilght (I couldn't help but be curious about the hype) and The Great Bridge by David McCullough. His writing makes me feel like I am on an A Christmas Carol-like adventure watching Roebling work. It is in the way where I feel as if I am in the scene, but nobody in it feels I am there. My take-outs today included a book on "toughest interview questions", the only book I haven't read by Alisa Valdez-Rodriguez, Dirty Grils on Top, the book on facebook The Accidental Billionaires, and the Brazen Careerest - The NEW Rules for Success by Penelope Trunk. Penelope Trunk's Brazen Careerist has to be my favorite blog. Of late it has been difficult to identify with as she is discussing working with Asperger's Syndrome, but it IS eyeopening to have sort of a view into someone's world.
Looking to get into a little research in the next few weeks. Learn more about myself and the industry. Hopefully with some gym time I'll also become a better basketball player! Well, at least against myself, for now.
Saturday, November 7, 2009
Kate Toomey a strong second
It was disappointing to see Mom lose her bid for Mayor of Worcester. She (and the family and volunteers included) worked tremendously hard and ran an honest, clean campaign.
Maybe it was a blessing in disguise? We'll find out for sure over the next two years. I don't wish ill on Joe O'Brien or the rest of the council, but its going to be a difficult few years coming up. Mom has done a great job on the council and the way she finished so strongly in the council race is indicitive of that fact. I'm proud of her work, ethics, and responsiveness. The election was a tough blow, but I know Mom will be back fighting for the city of Worcester.
Maybe it was a blessing in disguise? We'll find out for sure over the next two years. I don't wish ill on Joe O'Brien or the rest of the council, but its going to be a difficult few years coming up. Mom has done a great job on the council and the way she finished so strongly in the council race is indicitive of that fact. I'm proud of her work, ethics, and responsiveness. The election was a tough blow, but I know Mom will be back fighting for the city of Worcester.
Monday, October 19, 2009
The top candidate for Mayor of Worcester - Kate Toomey
Kate Toomey's website has been up for a little while now. It's a great resource for understanding her beliefs and experience. You should contact her with any questions and if are so inclined can help the cause through PayPal - every penny, quarter, or dollar helps.
I have to laugh that people discount Kate Toomey. Are you serious? Do they live under a rock? This is a two-term city councilor who led a battle to lobby the state for changes resulting in a savings of $16million and 55 teachers' jobs for the city. Kate Toomey has been an advocate for growing and attracting businesses to the city long before it came a trend among candidates and necessary based on the budget shortfalls. Kate Toomey has been working to develop new and foster existing partnerships between the city and business and non profit organizations so that the needs of all are met. Kate Toomey has actively sought out ways to improve the quality of life for Worcester's residents, including the student population, and succeeded in selling the city to people who were previously not interested. Kate Toomey is extremely responsive to constituent concerns. Kate Toomey understands that Worcester is going to have to weather a difficult economic storm and isn't making promises that can't be kept.
Toomey is the best candidate for Worcester Mayor and City Councilor: hard working, dedicated, creative, an excellent listener, honest, enthusiastic, positive, experienced, successful, open minded, and collaborative, among many other traits.
Kate Toomey for Worcester: #1 in your hearts, #3 on your ballot for Mayor, and #4 on your ballot for City Councilor. On November 3, let's bring leadership to City Hall that will bring Worcester forward.
I have to laugh that people discount Kate Toomey. Are you serious? Do they live under a rock? This is a two-term city councilor who led a battle to lobby the state for changes resulting in a savings of $16million and 55 teachers' jobs for the city. Kate Toomey has been an advocate for growing and attracting businesses to the city long before it came a trend among candidates and necessary based on the budget shortfalls. Kate Toomey has been working to develop new and foster existing partnerships between the city and business and non profit organizations so that the needs of all are met. Kate Toomey has actively sought out ways to improve the quality of life for Worcester's residents, including the student population, and succeeded in selling the city to people who were previously not interested. Kate Toomey is extremely responsive to constituent concerns. Kate Toomey understands that Worcester is going to have to weather a difficult economic storm and isn't making promises that can't be kept.
Toomey is the best candidate for Worcester Mayor and City Councilor: hard working, dedicated, creative, an excellent listener, honest, enthusiastic, positive, experienced, successful, open minded, and collaborative, among many other traits.
Kate Toomey for Worcester: #1 in your hearts, #3 on your ballot for Mayor, and #4 on your ballot for City Councilor. On November 3, let's bring leadership to City Hall that will bring Worcester forward.
Thursday, October 8, 2009
Life, Liberty, and the Pursuit of an Education
Last night I went to a lecture on steel deterioration focusing largely on the science and impact of corrosion. Being back in a classroom and learning reignited my interest in going back to school. MS or ME in Civil? An MBA? Try for my JD? What about a dual degree? In my mind the doors have swung wide open.
I love learning. And I love that I love learning.
I love learning. And I love that I love learning.
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