I get it. Call it an epiphany. I understand now why older folks, of whom I include myself, are not generally svelte, are not hitting the running trails in force. I understand why you might wake up starting to feel aches and pains and think that nature is taking its toll. It’s time for comfortable shoes and the fear of exasperating the pain, the lack of exercise, creates more cranky muscles. I’m starting to feel the morning tension but the difference is when I feel that way, I interpret it to mean I need to do more. Just as Youngest did when she first started daily long walks. She’d say to me- my legs hurts after today and I’d just answer, that means you need to keep it up so it stops. Now she is devoted to her daily regime and I haven’t heard complaints for some time.
This doesn’t mean that I understand Mom Jeans (that will indicate dementia), but merely for the non-athletes amongst us, growing older sucks. Now I have developed a routine before I get out of bed. I pull my knees to my chest, twist legs to one side and then the other. I stretch my feet. Sitting up, I twist to each side, I roll down over my piked legs and up again loosening up my neck in all directions. After I get up, I use the bed to stretch my calves. When too much time goes by without training, things are really tight and uncomfortable so I judge my fitness in part by how tough (or easy) each morning movement feels. If I didn’t know better, and I do, I would reduce my activity rather than increase it. Ow!
It doesn’t make sense to me not to try to keep physically fit. No Olympic athlete here, but I keep weights in my office for quick lifting. When I walk Beef in the early morning, I do squats when he stops for his business. Some days I pretend to jump rope to get the blood flowing instead. Every day I try to take advantage of little moments.
A few years ago, I was an athlete and while I didn’t expect to stay at that level indefinitely, I do look forward to more training when I move to NC. After a year of working double, lots of travel and recovery from a back injury, I am eager to find joy in playing again. As part of the life balance value, I intend to sign up for equipment Pilates, dance classes, join a gym to lift and run again. I’d love to own a rowing machine. I want to keep moving and feeling good as long as I am able. Let’s see how this journey goes.
Sunday, May 31, 2009
Thursday, May 21, 2009
The Move is On!
Yesterday was a day of many decisions and all of them where made smartly and in line with the Value system that Kevin and Meagan introduced me to. I’m proud of myself.
Because D has not been in communication during this critical time of business, I feel I need to be down there now to keep things moving. Since this has been in planning since Memorial Day last year, it’s now or never. But just in case that D is wrong about the technology, or has gone off the deep end, I put together a cleantech consulting gig (sole proprietor) and already have 2 verbal acceptance of clients (retainer in the mail tonight) so that there is a reasonable income coming in until the NewCo starts. If it doesn’t, I’ll ramp up the consulting clients and wait out the year in Hootersville before moving to Austin. Not trying to be pessimistic, but realistic and reducing risk.
Instead of buying the house of my dreams, which I could have done but any unexpected financial issue would have left me in a world of hurt, I opted for the boring rental house. The rent is expensive for the area but absolutely a steal by NoVa standards. It has no personality at all, is cheaply built and in a neighborhood where every other house is for sale. But I have enough money to float and with the consulting starting, can make the rent for several months without concern. I want to eliminate the stress that I can while learning to deal better with the stress that I cannot. I will have more money to save and less worry until it strongly flows again. My part time deal on the side has the ability to grow to full time. And if things don’t work out with NewCo, I will not be tied to the area with purchased home. I listened to my head and not my heart. The relief is amazing!
There will be enough money to take classes and other things that fulfill the Adventure/Fun Value without breaking the bank. The local Y Express (no pool – so sad – HA) is $27 to join and $25 membership fee per month. I can’t wait to lift again. And this facility is less than a mile from my new place. There will be enough cash to take Pilates and Bollywood dance classes (the second activity with Youngest). I will need to remain frugal but with the low cost of living down there, it won’t need to be extreme. This is also part of Balance, another Value I have chased for years.
The movers are coming on the 13th and then the stuff arrives there on 15/16. We are making plans about how to move Mac’s car (that was an estimated $900 with long distance mover). If Youngest can recruit a friend to drive and we pay return flight, there will still be enough money left to go towards a washer and dryer. Need to get two air mattresses so we can finagle the move with my return to R-town for the last week of work.
The long distance movers are highly rated. I will pack up most things but will pay for them to do the art and TV’s. I will do the bike myself on a separate trip. The fee is less than I expected but way more than I hoped for. But it is most important that I don’t need to worry and I can afford it.
I’m in such a happy place - feeling more secure with these good decisions while still making the leap that I hope pays off in the long run. To celebrate, I bought the hammock that I have been dreaming of for a while. And to keep with the frugal theme of late, it was on sale for 40% off, no shipping fee and the double size was less expensive than the single size.
I slept like a baby last night . Life is beautiful!
Because D has not been in communication during this critical time of business, I feel I need to be down there now to keep things moving. Since this has been in planning since Memorial Day last year, it’s now or never. But just in case that D is wrong about the technology, or has gone off the deep end, I put together a cleantech consulting gig (sole proprietor) and already have 2 verbal acceptance of clients (retainer in the mail tonight) so that there is a reasonable income coming in until the NewCo starts. If it doesn’t, I’ll ramp up the consulting clients and wait out the year in Hootersville before moving to Austin. Not trying to be pessimistic, but realistic and reducing risk.
Instead of buying the house of my dreams, which I could have done but any unexpected financial issue would have left me in a world of hurt, I opted for the boring rental house. The rent is expensive for the area but absolutely a steal by NoVa standards. It has no personality at all, is cheaply built and in a neighborhood where every other house is for sale. But I have enough money to float and with the consulting starting, can make the rent for several months without concern. I want to eliminate the stress that I can while learning to deal better with the stress that I cannot. I will have more money to save and less worry until it strongly flows again. My part time deal on the side has the ability to grow to full time. And if things don’t work out with NewCo, I will not be tied to the area with purchased home. I listened to my head and not my heart. The relief is amazing!
There will be enough money to take classes and other things that fulfill the Adventure/Fun Value without breaking the bank. The local Y Express (no pool – so sad – HA) is $27 to join and $25 membership fee per month. I can’t wait to lift again. And this facility is less than a mile from my new place. There will be enough cash to take Pilates and Bollywood dance classes (the second activity with Youngest). I will need to remain frugal but with the low cost of living down there, it won’t need to be extreme. This is also part of Balance, another Value I have chased for years.
The movers are coming on the 13th and then the stuff arrives there on 15/16. We are making plans about how to move Mac’s car (that was an estimated $900 with long distance mover). If Youngest can recruit a friend to drive and we pay return flight, there will still be enough money left to go towards a washer and dryer. Need to get two air mattresses so we can finagle the move with my return to R-town for the last week of work.
The long distance movers are highly rated. I will pack up most things but will pay for them to do the art and TV’s. I will do the bike myself on a separate trip. The fee is less than I expected but way more than I hoped for. But it is most important that I don’t need to worry and I can afford it.
I’m in such a happy place - feeling more secure with these good decisions while still making the leap that I hope pays off in the long run. To celebrate, I bought the hammock that I have been dreaming of for a while. And to keep with the frugal theme of late, it was on sale for 40% off, no shipping fee and the double size was less expensive than the single size.
I slept like a baby last night . Life is beautiful!
Sunday, May 17, 2009
Frugal Light
With so many goals for the next year where a strong financial standing is required (number one goal – new house), I have been putting into practice several frugal behaviors. Another one of my GOALS is Balance, so I’m trying with this new move and change in lifestyle, to also allow myself some pleasures without breaking the bank. I’m looking forward to Hootersville where the cost of living is so much cheaper (housing is 61% less than current location).
· Movies. I quit going to the theaters because the times are inconvenient, the food costs are ridiculous, and it makes me feel lonely. I love movies and especially enjoy them while riding my bike on the trainer. I used to race to purchase new release (hence the boxes and boxes downstairs), but then began to order off cable for $4.99 (only $3.99 in Hootersville). But since discovering the joys of the Red Box Movies at Safeway, I can get a movie for a dollar for 24 hours. There are new releases and classics. This weekend I have watched the new release of “The Day the Earth Stood Still” along with the 1951 original (where the femme fatale was a secretary versus the scientist in the newer version) plus “Rachel Getting Married”.
· Clothes. Going against common wisdom that endorses the “if you haven’t worn it in a year, throw it out” concept, I hold on to my clothes and shoes. Shoes are kept in tissue in the original box. This is smart if you have the space. Example, one particular pair of sandals from 1995, is back in style for the third time now. Still in good condition, I would have had to buy new pairs with increasing cost of goods. Also, my new job requires very casual clothing. My size on top has been the same for several years. Since my former work was the opposite, I have few tops that could transfer over (halters and spaghetti straps are too casual and silk shirts are too formal). I’ve bought a few new cute tops that can pair with the multiple pairs of jeans that I’ve collected over the last decade and a half. Add a few new inexpensive, flat, casual and comfortable shoes and I’m good to go.
· Gym privileges. I quit my local gym some time ago to cut down on costs. Since I’m not competing in triathlons anymore, I don’t have to swim. My office has a full service gym and I have my beautiful bike on the trainer. But with the added responsibilities of setting up a new business while working in a profession where 60 hours/week is the norm, I haven’t had time. I want to get back in training when I move (GOALS Balance and Health), I checked the YMCA Express less than a mile from my (hopefully) new home (Lease not yet signed). The sign-up fee is $30 and the monthly fee is $25. The R-Town Y was over $100+. No pool at the Hootersville Y but my new neighborhood as a pool so if I ever get the inkling, I’ll have one available.
· Coupons. Yes, I have become James-like in embracing grocery coupons but in my defense, with the current economic atmosphere, it’s “In” again. I do draw the line at 2 for one restaurant coupons but mainly because I don’t eat out at restaurants. Each house on the block got a coupon for the most excellent new restaurant called “Flippin’ Pizza”. The coupon is not for a slice, but for a full sized 18” pie, Sunday through Wednesday. While out walking Beef, I saw one in the road and actually picked it up so now we have 2. Tonight Kenzie and I indulge after a day of packing.
This is just a few ideas/actions but they work for me.
· Movies. I quit going to the theaters because the times are inconvenient, the food costs are ridiculous, and it makes me feel lonely. I love movies and especially enjoy them while riding my bike on the trainer. I used to race to purchase new release (hence the boxes and boxes downstairs), but then began to order off cable for $4.99 (only $3.99 in Hootersville). But since discovering the joys of the Red Box Movies at Safeway, I can get a movie for a dollar for 24 hours. There are new releases and classics. This weekend I have watched the new release of “The Day the Earth Stood Still” along with the 1951 original (where the femme fatale was a secretary versus the scientist in the newer version) plus “Rachel Getting Married”.
· Clothes. Going against common wisdom that endorses the “if you haven’t worn it in a year, throw it out” concept, I hold on to my clothes and shoes. Shoes are kept in tissue in the original box. This is smart if you have the space. Example, one particular pair of sandals from 1995, is back in style for the third time now. Still in good condition, I would have had to buy new pairs with increasing cost of goods. Also, my new job requires very casual clothing. My size on top has been the same for several years. Since my former work was the opposite, I have few tops that could transfer over (halters and spaghetti straps are too casual and silk shirts are too formal). I’ve bought a few new cute tops that can pair with the multiple pairs of jeans that I’ve collected over the last decade and a half. Add a few new inexpensive, flat, casual and comfortable shoes and I’m good to go.
· Gym privileges. I quit my local gym some time ago to cut down on costs. Since I’m not competing in triathlons anymore, I don’t have to swim. My office has a full service gym and I have my beautiful bike on the trainer. But with the added responsibilities of setting up a new business while working in a profession where 60 hours/week is the norm, I haven’t had time. I want to get back in training when I move (GOALS Balance and Health), I checked the YMCA Express less than a mile from my (hopefully) new home (Lease not yet signed). The sign-up fee is $30 and the monthly fee is $25. The R-Town Y was over $100+. No pool at the Hootersville Y but my new neighborhood as a pool so if I ever get the inkling, I’ll have one available.
· Coupons. Yes, I have become James-like in embracing grocery coupons but in my defense, with the current economic atmosphere, it’s “In” again. I do draw the line at 2 for one restaurant coupons but mainly because I don’t eat out at restaurants. Each house on the block got a coupon for the most excellent new restaurant called “Flippin’ Pizza”. The coupon is not for a slice, but for a full sized 18” pie, Sunday through Wednesday. While out walking Beef, I saw one in the road and actually picked it up so now we have 2. Tonight Kenzie and I indulge after a day of packing.
This is just a few ideas/actions but they work for me.
Saturday, May 16, 2009
Return of the Beefmeister
After a scary rough period, Beef has made an unexpected strong recovery. Not too long ago, walks had degenerated down to an achingly slow creeping along the front lawn. He was in pain, cried for hours each night and could barely walk. Beefer was vomiting often, suffered from acid reflux and sounded hoarse from the throat damage. I was struggling with what my responsibilities to this long-term friend. There was one night in particular that if it was during regular vet office hours, I would have called. We laid together and both cried. But now this. Next time that Bef is not doing well, how will I know if it’s the right time for intervention? Just think – had I opted to put him down last time, it would have been premature. How will I know when it’s for real?
In the meantime, he’s enjoying life as a geriatric, taking our long walks again and hanging near me as if I’m the center of his universe. I know he’s mine.
In the meantime, he’s enjoying life as a geriatric, taking our long walks again and hanging near me as if I’m the center of his universe. I know he’s mine.
Friday, May 15, 2009
Public Speaking and Business Development
I apologize for the break in blogging. It seems that there are never enough hours in each day. Sometimes I’ll write a whole episode in my head while driving to Hootersville but then never find the time to write it down. So in the spirit of catching up, I hope to have a flurry to read over the course of this (packing) weekend.
There is a section on this blog entitled “Things I suck at” and as a counterpoint, today I have established “When I Kick Ass”. They will be painfully unequal, but there will be the occasional kudos from me to me. This is one of those times.
Last week I was drafted to speak at the “Seriously Geeky Conference” as a favor to the IP section of the firm. There were some internal politics trying to get a section director to pay my expenses but now it’s a different story with everyone trying to take credit. First I had to smarten up on the topic because funding for one industry is not the same as funding for another. But I love to learn and figured that I could talk at grass tops level and get away with it. Some of my medical clients cautioned me not to attend due to the higher amount of Swine Flu in the area which added to the nerves.
I can remember about 7/8 years ago where my ability to speak in public, even in front of a small group of professional friends, was pathetic. I would hum and haw, race and mumble, trip over my words and basically make a fool of myself. I’m not a retiring flower so I have no idea what was the deal. Pathetic. But in the intervening time, I was forced to hone my speaking skills while speaking about my profession across the globe – literally. Somewhere I must have developed skills because I put on quite the show at the conference. I was funny, passionate, educational, entertaining and compelling. Just talk about what you know. The other panelist was from the loan division of the Import Export Bank. The line to speak to me afterwards was at least twice the length. One individual told me that I was the best public speaker that he’d ever heard and he has taught the subject at University level. Another said that they’d never heard someone so funny and honest (I told them NOT to give money to politicians). For the rest of the conference, I had lots of businesses trying to finagle some time with me. One of the conference organizers told me that I was the Prom Queen and I felt like it.
Now I have to struggle with the ethics of bringing on new clients when I am near to resigning. While no one is irreplaceable, I know they are interested in working with me and not a replacement. It feels like bait and switch. I’ll deal with it. But it was nice to feel on top of my game for a couple of days. Yea me!
There is a section on this blog entitled “Things I suck at” and as a counterpoint, today I have established “When I Kick Ass”. They will be painfully unequal, but there will be the occasional kudos from me to me. This is one of those times.
Last week I was drafted to speak at the “Seriously Geeky Conference” as a favor to the IP section of the firm. There were some internal politics trying to get a section director to pay my expenses but now it’s a different story with everyone trying to take credit. First I had to smarten up on the topic because funding for one industry is not the same as funding for another. But I love to learn and figured that I could talk at grass tops level and get away with it. Some of my medical clients cautioned me not to attend due to the higher amount of Swine Flu in the area which added to the nerves.
I can remember about 7/8 years ago where my ability to speak in public, even in front of a small group of professional friends, was pathetic. I would hum and haw, race and mumble, trip over my words and basically make a fool of myself. I’m not a retiring flower so I have no idea what was the deal. Pathetic. But in the intervening time, I was forced to hone my speaking skills while speaking about my profession across the globe – literally. Somewhere I must have developed skills because I put on quite the show at the conference. I was funny, passionate, educational, entertaining and compelling. Just talk about what you know. The other panelist was from the loan division of the Import Export Bank. The line to speak to me afterwards was at least twice the length. One individual told me that I was the best public speaker that he’d ever heard and he has taught the subject at University level. Another said that they’d never heard someone so funny and honest (I told them NOT to give money to politicians). For the rest of the conference, I had lots of businesses trying to finagle some time with me. One of the conference organizers told me that I was the Prom Queen and I felt like it.
Now I have to struggle with the ethics of bringing on new clients when I am near to resigning. While no one is irreplaceable, I know they are interested in working with me and not a replacement. It feels like bait and switch. I’ll deal with it. But it was nice to feel on top of my game for a couple of days. Yea me!
Sunday, April 26, 2009
Personal Biggest Loser Show
I’m fat. How can I tell (besides the nearly year off of serious training after my back injury last year)? For one thing, I have boobs. For another, I dress for work not by what I want to wear that day, but by what fits. So maybe I should say plump and keep it context but it’s enough to prompt me to play Personal Biggest Loser for one week, starting last Friday. It’s not as easy as you might think because each day has been a normal splurge day. For example, today’s is youngest birthday and there is a frosted cookie cake screaming my name. And yesterday, I hadn’t seen my friend A for such a long time that I invited her over and had some triple cream Brie (mmm). But for all that, I have lost 1.5 pounds I think. It’s not quite for sure since my fancy, schmancy scale is dying and I’m being too frugal (another story for another day) to purchase a new one. Stepped on it 3 times and got three different numbers. Finally, times 4 through 7 were consistent so I’ve determined that’s the number for today. I need to work off some of the extra stress weight plus the leftovers from when the Addison’s meds were out of whack.
The weather cooperated (high 92 yesterday) so I ran both weekend mornings and I can’t remember the last time I did that. Bender ball and Pilates tape and we’re good to go. Tomorrow I will run stairs in the morning before anyone else arrives in the office with bike ride planned for the Monday evening. My friend and colleague, Beth, is joining in but started Saturday due to a pre-planned Friday night date at a Mexican restaurant. Understood.
The weather cooperated (high 92 yesterday) so I ran both weekend mornings and I can’t remember the last time I did that. Bender ball and Pilates tape and we’re good to go. Tomorrow I will run stairs in the morning before anyone else arrives in the office with bike ride planned for the Monday evening. My friend and colleague, Beth, is joining in but started Saturday due to a pre-planned Friday night date at a Mexican restaurant. Understood.
Ode to R-town #1
Right now I’m sitting on my back deck in R-town and loving the hell out of it. The most bittersweet and difficult part of my new journey will be leaving this place where I have lived for many years - this place is truly my home in every sense.
Just from the deck I can see (and hear) golfers, see through the canopy of forest to watch the parade going by on the portion of R-town’s multiple mile paved trail system. The trail is very important not just for exercise but as a mode of travel. R-town was designed with a shopping center no more than a mile and a half from each home. Residents use the trails to get to work, ride bikes, walk dogs, run and exercise. They are plowed before the roads. This morning I ran all around the area and it’s just too beautiful for words. At one point I stopped to watch a family of deer watching me. It’s a good surface to run on – asphalt, mostly covered by trees and lots of varied terrain. And all I have to do is step outside my door and get going. The trail goes under most roads for safety and if you ever get lost, just pop up to the roads to get your bearings. There are small play sets set in amongst the scenery. There are benches and picnic tables strewn throughout and they usually have people there eating, playing, canoodling, and enjoying living here. Some seating arrangements are by the lakes and others hidden in the deep woods.
The W&OD trail cuts through parts of R-town so serious cyclists can ride with speed from the Blue Ridge Mountains to DC. While preparing for marathons, halfs and triathlons, I have worn out many a shoe on both trail systems. You can run just about anywhere but the landscape and culture here make it one in a million. I’m already in mourning.
Just from the deck I can see (and hear) golfers, see through the canopy of forest to watch the parade going by on the portion of R-town’s multiple mile paved trail system. The trail is very important not just for exercise but as a mode of travel. R-town was designed with a shopping center no more than a mile and a half from each home. Residents use the trails to get to work, ride bikes, walk dogs, run and exercise. They are plowed before the roads. This morning I ran all around the area and it’s just too beautiful for words. At one point I stopped to watch a family of deer watching me. It’s a good surface to run on – asphalt, mostly covered by trees and lots of varied terrain. And all I have to do is step outside my door and get going. The trail goes under most roads for safety and if you ever get lost, just pop up to the roads to get your bearings. There are small play sets set in amongst the scenery. There are benches and picnic tables strewn throughout and they usually have people there eating, playing, canoodling, and enjoying living here. Some seating arrangements are by the lakes and others hidden in the deep woods.
The W&OD trail cuts through parts of R-town so serious cyclists can ride with speed from the Blue Ridge Mountains to DC. While preparing for marathons, halfs and triathlons, I have worn out many a shoe on both trail systems. You can run just about anywhere but the landscape and culture here make it one in a million. I’m already in mourning.
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