New Behavior

Moving to Colorado and the great wilderness area behind our house meant converting our outdoor cat, Edmond, into an indoor one. He's adjusting quite well. I think he was ready to settled down and enjoy the cush life! However, Edmond still thinks he can scratch at the ground, like he did outside.

I've been working with him to re-enforce the good behavior (using the scratch post instead of the carpet) and then spraying him with water when he attempts to shred the carpet. It's not his fault. The rules changed, and he is still learning the inside rules.

We often get into habits, and when we try to change them, we revert to the old ways. It is what we knew. May times, we were taught these old rules and had them implanted into our minds, so changing them takes time.

Give yourself some understanding...you are still in the learning curve. Don't beat yourself up when you have an "ooops" to the old behavior but celebrate the times you do remember! Before you know it, you'll be on a new path with the old a mere memory.

Child-like Wonder

When I was running this morning, a young kid stopped, dropped his bike and squatted down on the trail. It looked like he was hurt, so I came up to him to ask. "Nope," he said. "I had to check out this cool catapillar." I was glad he wasn't hurt, and I was actually thankful for the quick break. It was hot out there! But as I ran away, leaving him to stare endlessly at this neat creature, I recalled the same wonder I had as a kid.

What happens to us when we become adults? Why do we zoom past cool things and move on to the next step so quickly? Some how we lose the awe and wonder. The world is still an amazing place. It's summer, get out there and BE in it!

Traditions

Here in Loveland, Colorado, the Fair has occurred since the 1880's. Through the years, they have added new events to keep it fresh. But from what I read in the paper this morning, it is the traditions that matter most to the folks.

I like traditions. Special holidays, moments, events...these are what I remember and treasure from childhood. From the simple to the complex, traditions give us a sense of comfort and belonging.

Experiencing new things is great, too, but don't forget to keep some of those special traditions alive and well.

A little kindness goes a long way

Remember me sharing about the ordeal I endured to get a desk set? The product was defective and the staff members rude. Today, I had the opportunity to share my frustration with upper management. She was gracious and kind as she listened and agreed that some of their systems needed evaluating...and some folks just shouldn't work in customer service!

Her attitude was completely different than that of my experience thus far with Office Max. It didn't make up for the headache and inconvenience they put me through, but it did make a difference of my opinion of the entire company.

It's a reminder that we could all use a little more kindness in our lives and should look for those times when we can be the giver of it.

Enjoy the scenery

I went on a lovely hike today with a friend I've known since I was about 18 years old. We enjoyed taking a walk down memory lane and getting some exercise. We're both at different ages and stages of life now, but we both agreed that one of the benefits of being a little older is stopping to smell the roses.

When we were younger, we'd power hike and push hard. Granted, I still do at times, but I can also kick back a bit and take in the scenery. The pressure is off to impress anyone, and could just have a nice visit. We did.

Be sure to slow down enough to be in the moment...the here and now, even on your walks down memory lane.

An Opportunity

I was just on the phone with a friend, and we were sharing about how places don't give customer service any more. In fact, entire industries are suffering from a lack of it and may not exist in five years. What he said next, though, caught my attention. He said, "Well, this is an opportunity."

As we explored what that meant, we discussed how we all can shine brightly by simply doing the right things with kindness. My mind went further. This IS our chance to "be the change we want to see in the world."

Rather than complain about what we aren't getting, give it. Instead of focusing on how people are not behaving, be better. As Mother Theresa said, "Love them anyway." Every closed door is indeed an opportunity if we choose to view it in the right light.

Self Help

I read an interesting article last night about how we have moved from very little customer service to none at all. The gal pointed out how we are now doing most everything ourselves: booking travel on-line, self-checkout at the grocery store, on-line banking, computer check in at airports, and on and on her list went. Before we know it, we'll be cutting our own hair and conducting surgery on ourselves...all in the name of money!

Companies are pushing more and more responsibility back to us...yet they are charging more. Coke just announced today that it needs to increase its costs to consumers because we are drinking less Coke. That is my problem HOW exactly?? How about providing better products? How about giving us some service??? What has happened?

Does anyone remember the days of companies trying very hard to get our patronage? I recall days when they went over and beyond the call of duty to ensure you were a satisfied customer. Now they don't seem to care at all.

It really is time for us to fight back and give our business to those who do try to give quality products and services. Otherwise, we have no one to blame but ourselves. The old saying, "We train people how to treat us" applies here.

Determination

Since moving to Loveland, I've been running this path that is all up hill on the way back. It isn't the biggest hill, but it's 1 1/2 miles long. It's been hot and humid, so it's been a tough run. Today, the cloud cover was the perfect opportunity to get out there and run. So I did. On the return, sure enough, I started losing steam...again.

This time, however, I had a talk with myself. "Self, you have been through much worse. You have beaten Lyme Disease for crying out loud! You can do this. God gives you strength; use it." So, I kept my lazy butt moving. I shaved 3 minutes off my time today. That was a good feeling.

The moral of the story? When you are facing an obstacle, remember the other times God and you got through it..beat it. You can do it!

Anyone out there?

Okay, I've been trying to blog on a regular basis, but the concept behind blogging isn't a solo event...it's a two way street. Someone shares a thought or idea, and others respond and build upon it. It becomes a conversation between interested parties. It's a great way to stay connected, too.

So, anyone out there reading this? If so, I'd love to hear from you and what YOU think. You never know...something you say might be just what someone else was thinking or needed to hear.

Anyone? Anyone? Bueller...

Aging Gracefully

Okay, I have to admit it. I have been watching The Closer on a regular basis. I didn't think I'd get pulled into the show (especially with her false accent), but I have. Kyra Sedgwick's role is definitely quirky (almost obnoxious), but something about her character was real. Now that I have seen the first episode of this season, I realize what I liked about her: she is a woman in her 40's and looked it.

And I mean this is a good way. She's attractive, but she wasn't perfect. It made her tolerable and approachable. But her "new" look totally disappointed me. Her face doesn't move when she talks now, and her eyes are hidden behind the plastic. Why??? Now she's just annoying.

For those folks who have embarked on the journey of facial surgery, I am not judging you. We all have flaws that we can only determine if we can live with or not. Unfortunately, I think we all spend too much time comparing ourselves to those "perfect" people, who, by the way, need help to look that way too! I have heard commercials lately with a husband saying, "My wife looks 20 now that she is 50 with such and such project." Good grief! When looking good at your age isn't good enough, we've gone too far.

My approach: eat right, exercise, manage my stress and get plenty of sleep and water. Accept what comes. I know everyone has different genes, and some may need more help than others (and I'm all for a little help), but think hard about it before you do anything "major." If God wanted us all to look alike (and like we were 20 all the time), then He would have.

PS Ask me how I feel about this when I'm 70!

The Heat is On

It has been hot here in Colorado with unusually high humidity. I've been out the last couple of days running, and I thought I'd die the one day. When I returned to learn it was 98 degrees with 45% humidity, I knew why.

Heat changes everything. I may be in good condition to run, but my body exerts itself more in the heat. Humidity makes it even worse. My body has more moisture to attempt to wick away, and is unable to cool itself. Needlesstosay, we should all be very careful on hot and humid days. I paid a price...I was dizzy and overheated most of the day.

The good news is that my run the next day was a little easier since it was about 10 degrees cooler. Drink plenty of water this summer and don't forget your electrolytes!

By Association

I haven't been watching much of the Tour de France this year. It just isn't the same with a lot of riders out. I still think Floyd Landis is innocent! Regardless if the individual was indeed doping, riders were disqualified this year if a single member of their team was suspected or caught. This has removed many riders.

Whether you agree with the regulation or not, this is a harsh reality, isn't it? We can often be judged by who we are associating with and hanging around. It doesn't mean we have to become who we hang with, but associations will be made. I guess it makes me want to choose even more wisely those people in my life.

The older I have gotten, I have certainly gone for quality not quantity. Even in my business life, I want to work with honorable people. Food for thought I guess...

A New American Idol

Since moving to Colorado, I've picked up reading the local paper (shocker, I know!). I've enjoyed the local happenings and events, but I'm also reminded why I don't like reading the paper.

Apparently, some female inmates from a prison had their own "American Idol" contest, and of course, it's making the news. They are getting attention and popularity.

Is it me or is there something wrong with our criminal system when inmates have a better lifestyle than many hard-working citizens. For crying out loud, they get all their food FREE, a place to sleep without having to pay rent or utilities, workout rooms, libraries and programs such as these. Doesn't seem like hard time to me??

If our jails and prisons are a fun ride, what is the incentive for not committing another crime? I think we really are creating new American Idols.

Focus Forward

Coming back to Colorado has brought back memories for me. I spent 20 years here, experiencing many successes but also making many mistakes. The flash backs are like watching a movie; it's like another person or another life time ago. Well, it kinda was...I'm certainly not the same person who lived here before.

I spent too many years beating myself up and wondering what I could have done different. I came to a few conclusions: 1) We don't know what we don't know 2) We can only do our best at the time 3) Learn, grow and move on from your mistakes.

Getting stuck in the past doesn't do any one any good. Some times, like in my case, I can look back, smile and tell myself, "You've come a long way, baby!" It's all about focusing ourselves and our energies forward. We can't change the past, today is already over...so let's work at making tomorrow better.

Staycation

Have you heard the new buzz word this summer? It's Staycation. It is when you can't afford the gas or airline prices to take a real vacation, so you stay at home instead. Hmm. At first, this doesn't sound fun at all. When I'm at home, I ALWAYS see things that need to be done (laundry, dishes, dusting, weeding, etc). However, as I look out my window to the mountains, I am reminded how beautiful our world is...right in our own backyards.

Simple pleasures like taking a walk or bike ride may have a chance of coming back in style. What about hanging out in a hammock? Maybe looking nearby isn't such a bad thing. Any time we can connect with friends and loved ones instead of text messaging, IMing or staring at a computer screen IS indeed a vacation.

This is a test

No, not of the Emergency Broadcast System, but of life. I think I mentioned how I felt aspects of our move were going very hard. It continued today with running around to four different locations just to get a Colorado driver's license and license plate. Three hours later, we have a piece of paper stating that our licenses will be mailed to us. We did get our car plates.

I had other errands to run but had to sit in my car while a horrendous torrent of rain came down from a summer storm. As I sat there, I contemplated the hard stuff of life. I think some things are just that way but others may be a test for us. Are we showing compassion? Are we being kind? Are we looking out for others? I guess we can look at obstacles as painful, or we can choose to grow from them.

I have a theme going on, don't I? Well, I'm grateful that life allows me to learn a little bit at a time--that I can experience good and bad and glean from them both.

Proud to be an American

Yesterday we celebrated July 4th by driving up and through the Rocky Mountain National Park. With majestic snow-capped peaks, green meadows, blooming wild flowers and elk playing in a snow field, I was in awe of the amazing country we live in. We met people from around the country who were all enjoying the freedom and privilege that this country provides us.

Amongst all the BBQ's and get togethers, let us remember that we are Americans. We are not a perfect country, but we have more rights, opportunity and quality lifestyle than most of the world. And like anything, it is what me make of it that counts. As JFK once said, "Ask not what your country can do for you but what YOU can do for your country.

Here's to our country!

Suffering Serves a Purpose

During our move, we've had some challenges getting furniture in good condition, which has resulted in many lost hours, delays and frustration. As I received yet another call informing me that we weren't getting what we were promised, I wondered why it was going so hard. Although this isn't big in the scope of things, I've been suffering; it's very real stress. But as with any type of suffering-from the small to the large-we are refined through the process.

We have a choice, of course, of how we react. We can acknowledge that good always comes from things or we can get angry. I have certainly had my moments, but I know this will all work out. Through the trials, I am made more mature, more compassionate and more understanding. These are all good things, and for that, I can be thankful. It doesn't make the waiting and mishandled situation any easier, but it puts my focus forward.

Where is all the customer service??

Moving is stressful enough without having trouble getting what you paid for. For two weeks now, I have been trying to get a new office desk set. Between rude staff members, damaged goods, lack of communication and flat out failing to deliver what we paid for, I am left wondering where in the world has good customer service gone??

When I shared my frustration about Office Max with a friend, his reply was "I'd rather eat dirt than give my business to Office Max." After my experience, I'd have to agree. Unfortunately, it isn't just them. Many places seem to be giving us less, charging us more and being darn right rude about it. We ARE the customer, and I think it is time we stood up for ourselves.

Yes times are tough, but that never justifies treating people poorly. Without lowering ourselves to their childish and crass ways, we need to remind them that we pay their salary. We ARE why they are in business, and we can take it elsewhere.

In my case, I would return the desk set if I could, but we already put most of it together. We're stuck with a desk that is missing a critical piece. I did, however, demand some compensation, and I was given a discount on the entire order. This, by no means, gives me my time back (countless phone calls, etc.) or reduces my stress and inconvenience, but it is at least an offering of some sort of apology. I'll take it, and I will never give them any business again.

The Total You has moved!

My apologies for not posting my blog on a regular basis. My husband got transfered/promoted, and so we have moved from Southern California to Northern Colorado. I forgot how much work moving is...whew!

The process of being unsettled, uprooted and transitioned into a new community has reminded me of how important a solid foundation is in life. All certainty is out the window with a move...you are lucky to find your underwear the first day or so! But, if you truly know whose you are, where your real certainty comes from and where you are headed, you can face the changes with confidence.

The move involved leaving behind some very dear friends...ones that come around once in a lifetime if you are lucky. At first, I was very sadden by the distance (in miles) that is now between us. Yet if I go back to knowing whose I am, I can be at peace to know that these friendship have a bond that 1,700 miles cannot break. I believe a stronger, deeper relationship will evolve. Any change or uncomfortable situation provides us the opportunity to grow. As with everything, we have a choice. We can grow or we can become bitter and angry.

So it is with you. What changes are taking place in your life? I know they can sting on the onset, but have faith...good will come of it if you choose to believe and desire to grow. For all of us, a better person will be the result.

PS The new contact information for The Total You is:

1151 Eagle Drive
#334
Loveland, CO 80538
(970) 593-1848

PPS I will try to blog on a regular basis.