Stuck

This week has been similar to last week - feeling a bit stuck. However, there's been a bit of forward movement. My apartment looks a bit less cluttered and I got rid of a lot of stuff.

But as I get on the scale each morning, I'm noticing a trend - I'm hovering around 170, +/-1. Huh, that seems like it could be a political poll result. The interesting thing about this revelation is that so far, I'm ok with it. I know I need to get back to riding my bike and going to yoga, but other than that, I'm not freaking out that I'm not losing anything (I think I'm a bit happy I'm not gaining anything!).

So - the question I've been trying to answer is how to get motivated. I don't have the freaking out motivation to lose weight (by getting on the bike, etc.), but I want to start being active again...so says my brain.

I also need motivation to clean my apartment more (finally started again this week), submit even more job applications (I feel like it's never enough, especially lately) and I need to start being more productive with my time (instead of wasting away online doing NOTHING).

As I'm on my search for motivation - where do you find yours?

Things I've learned while unemployed...

It's funny - I thought about writing this blog post earlier today, but time didn't allow me too. Though, it seems quite appropriate to write after today's events.

Without further ado - things I've learned while unemployed:

- The mounds of stuff in my apartment doesn't decrease, no matter how much stuff I throw out!

- Somehow, no matter what, parents are always there for you.

- Sometimes, crappy stuff happens, but it could have been worse.

- It's not easy to be without your car.

- I need a routine!

- You have to trust the right thing is happening, regardless of how horrible it feels.

- Sometimes, the people you think will be there won't; sometimes help comes from unexpected places.

- I love my dog more than she can comprehend. She's a good listener.

- It's still my duty to help my community no matter what is going on with me.

It all may not be much, but it's something. There's a lot of things to learn from experiences in life, and I'm at least trying to make lemonade out of lemons.

Pet Photos with the Easter Bunny - Lansing Jaycees

Today brought me to a new project in my home chapter, the Lansing Jaycees. For a few years, the idea has been kicked around that since the chapter owns a bunny costume, why not use it to do photos? And since we have lots of animal lovers in our chapter, why not pet photos?

This year was the year we finally pulled the trigger. With the help of the Animal Placement Bureau, we were able to host an event today and the chapter raised over $500 to donate to Animal Placement Bureau and the Spay/Neuter Clinic at the Capital Area Humane Society.

We had three different members pose as the Easter Bunny throughout the day, and lots of members and community members bring their pets. There were mostly dogs, some cats and even a hamster!

It was great to see so many people bring their pets in and the variety of pets! Great job on a fun new event!

Special Olympics - Grand Rapids Jaycees

I had the privilege to visit the Grand Rapids Jaycees this past Friday, as they began the weekend hosting the 2011 State Basketball Finals for Special Olympics.

I have to be honest - I have never volunteered with Special Olympics before. I'm fairly new to learning about the organization and their mission.

While I was at Rockford High School for the tournament, I had the opportunity to watch a couple of games before the opening ceremonies. These guys were good! But what impressed me most was the way the members of each team worked together and were so encouraging. I could hear members of each team on the court and on the bench giving each other tips and encouragement. I could see the pride each and every one of the players had for their team and their play.

And then - opening ceremonies. There is nothing like watching over 900 athletes pour into a gymnasium to Olympic music and cheering loudly. I also learned during the opening ceremonies that this is the 30th year the Grand Rapids Jaycees have hosted the State Basketball Tournament for Special Olympics. It was amazing to see so many of the past chairs of this project in attendance at the event.

If you have never had the opportunity to go to this event, please try to go or volunteer next year. You can also get involved on the local level by going to the Special Olympics Michigan website at www.somi.org

Thank you to the Grand Rapids Jaycees for allowing me to come out and visit this event. It was a great experience and has inspired me to learn more about Special Olympics!

Time

I admit it. I'm guilty of making the comments "I wish I had more time" or "I don't have time for that." Come on - you know you have too.

But a comment I saw the other night pushed me over the edge (I might have been having a stressful day - LOL). I happened to be working on something online and had one of the basketball games on in the background on my TV. Of course, it was one of those games that broke my bracket, which honestly could have been any game in the last few days!

Someone posted (paraphrasing this) that in another life maybe they'd have time to do something trivial like brackets. Now - I am not a basketball fan that watches games throughout the entire season. Though I find it fun to do a bracket and see how good my guesses are. It takes me about 10 minutes to actually put the bracket together.

This comment started to make me wonder "well, how much time do you spend on Facebook? Procrastinating? Doing whatever you do?" And it made me remember what time management is really all about - PRIORITIES.

People tell me that I'm busy all the time. And it's true. However, my schedule has been altered a bit since the beginning of the year - I'm not spending 8 hours a day (or more) at work at the moment. Things have been a bit easier to juggle, and it's been a bit easier to fit in some of the things I like to do but don't always put as a priority, like reading.

My position on the Michigan Jaycees state board of directors takes me all over the state. I'm in the car a lot. I've traveled over 2,000 miles just going to chapters across the state (that's not even counting all that I do with my home chapter). But, it's about putting a priority on things. I keep track of my deadlines and if I slack off, I know I have to bust my butt to get it done.

We all commit to something - whether it's our family, friends or extracurricular activities. We have time - we all have 168 hours in a week. But we have to choose how to use them, and balance our lives so we get the most out of them.

I'm actually looking forward to reading a book called "168 Hours: You Have More Time than You Think" by Laura Vanderkam. I still need help sometimes in prioritizing and using my time in the best way possible.

I know when I am back to work, I will have to reorganize my schedule and reorganize my priorities (goodbye reading, ). I am hoping this book helps along with knowing what I want to do with my time.

This is me - take it or leave it

This is me. Today, my friend Lauren took some photos of me at the Capitol, because I need a high quality headshot.

Today, I'm 5'6" and 170 lbs. Yup, I just divulged that information. Oh no!

I was inspired this week by a few amazing women who have decided to change their lives, give out some information and be comfortable with themselves.

In the past 6 months, I've been on a journey and I have no idea where it's taking me at this point. I'm honestly just along for the ride and dealing with things as they come. I started out this year after battling pneumonia in November and December. I was really good and ate well, exercised regularly. Since the beginning of March, I've slacked off just a bit and I've decided I need to get back to the plan I set in motion for 2011.

I've learned recently that I need to take more time for myself and I'm learning to balance things in my life much better. I'm looking forward to embracing who I am and enjoying life.

Yes, I'm new to some things. Yes, I will typically tell you what I'm thinking. Yes, I'm learning. That's who I am. This photo is who I am.

It's almost April...

I came to the realization today that it's almost April. Wow. Where has the year gone?

It happened that I got a phone call today for an appointment for April 5th. Wow, that seems really far away! Nope - less than 2 weeks. I hate when things catch me off guard!

And that brings me to today. I'm still on the hunt for a job. I've had some promising leads. I definitely want something to happen, but trying not to be impatient. Luckily, my parents are able to help me out a bit while I go through this rough patch. However, I think things will be better in the long run if I'm just not so impatient.

I'm still undertaking this purging project in my apartment. It's gonna be a loooong project. I can't believe how much STUFF I've accumulated in the last 10 years. And for as much stuff as I've already donated (8 boxes of clothes and a box of shoes), I still have a ton more to go through, shred papers and set aside stuff for a yard sale. It may take awhile, but I know I'll be better off for it to just get rid of things I don't need anymore. And my place might be somewhat presentable!

And to realize it's almost April, I then came to the realization that I haven't worked out since March 4th. Yup, that's a good 18 days. No more! I cleaned off the clotheshorse (er, exercise bike) today. However, I'll be using it tomorrow and going to yoga tonight. It's been far too easy for me to just not do anything or stay home. I have no excuse for not working out. I have time. I have an exercise bike. No money required. So, the excuses and procrastination stop today.

Here we go...