Hey Bitches!!!

By Liz

Got your attention, didn't I?  Good, now stick with me, I'm not trying to be crude, I promise.  I would not call myself a  feminist, although I am totally for equality.  Equality in all realms: Gender, Race, Orientation, Religion, and the list goes on... Today however, I speak on to my fellow ladies and to the gentlemen out there that want to be enlightened.

Recently, I went to a workshop geared to young women balancing life and career.  Very empowering day, made me think of my life, and all my 'sisters' out there.  Part of what we discussed was how women can be each others biggest obstacles. Odd, eh?   Around the same time as the conference, I saw a Tina Fey quote that really hit it on the nail for me. "Know what? Bitches get stuff done!"  

So true, right?   Even with its truth, the word bitch is less than empowering. Actually, it is very disparaging in a way.  There are many, many other appropriate words out there that we can use when describing the awesome assertive woman that gets shit done.  Yet, when we (as women) get threatened or insecure we automatically go to the negative, "She's a bitch!"  Insecurity is nothing we ever struggle with, right? 

Are there actual Bitches out there?  No doubt, but lets try some of these more appropriate adjectives when describing our fellow sisters.  Like most of our parents and teachers taught us, use your words.  Here are a few words to get your minds juices flowing.  Thank you thesaurus: Assertive, insistent, self-confident, self-assured, aggressive, forward, determined, strong-minded, resolute, unwavering, controlled, precise, meticulous, organized, and brilliant to name a few.  All far more amazing and most likely well suited in lieu of 'Bitch'.   I too hope to practice what I preach here, not using that word when talking about my fellow womankind out there.  I know you can do it too!

Found on Pintrest

Another Love Letter

Dear Seattle,

In February I asked you to be my Valentine, because I heart you in all of your awesomeness. Today, at the beginning of May with the bright sun shinning upon your spring city glow, I am ever as much in love with you! I share this with my friends, family, and the world.

I was treated to a lovely view of Seattle today, when I visited a co-workers new digs located near the Seattle Center. What a lovely new apartment building. To top it off, the building is fitted with an amazing roof top deck. Thus, a great view of Seattle and the Puget Sound had me swooning. Now I share the views with you, enjoy!

TJ's gushing...

by Liz

The art of good customer service is not completely lost.  However, these days it seems like a diamond in the rough when one comes across truly good customer service.  The exception to this however is my favorite  store Trader Joe's.  Now, I don’t mean to rub it in West Michigan.  I know recently you all thought you too would get one of these fantastic stores, just to find out that it was some major mis-communication.

TJ’s as it’s aptly referred to gets to see me about 2-3 times a week.  Each visit is met with extremely friendly staff and a business model that is odd, but works well.  The products work well with my needs and wants.  What is not to love about TJ’s? 

A particular great experience with TJ’s has me recounting it here.  After picking up some mid-week refueling items, I took my half full basket to wait in line.  Waiting in line at TJ’s is never that big of an issue, they call cashiers up quickly if more than two or three people are waiting in line.  I was ushered to a just opened lane by Lorelai.  Yes, I immediately thought of Gilmore Girls too!  Located at the convenient checkout area are some highlighted product.  One of which I remember mulling over in the isles.  I picked up the mango, coconut, chocolate thingy’s and asked Lorelai if she had ever tried these.  She had not had the experience.  Well, no worries I did not need the treat anyways right?  

Next thing I know she takes one of the packages off the shelf, rips it open, and says “Let’s remedy that then.”  Oh, seriously?  I don’t have to buy the $4.00 packet just to see if it is something I like?  It was as easy as that?  We both tried it and as while it was yummy in some sense, I’m glad I did not buy a whole packet.  Now I know…  What excellent customer service.  A small thoughtful act made me all the more gushy about a store that already has me hooked.  As customer’s needs/wants change and businesses aptly adapt, it is great to remember that a little goes a long way.

Full Circle

By Liz

It's been no secret that the Rider Chronicles has been less about the riding these days.  The bus has taken a non existent backseat as the need/want to have a little more control over my time.  Also, since King County Metro made some cuts and changes 6 months ago the buses are not as reliable and way more over crowded than they were a year ago.   There are still the few circumstances that arise where I find myself needing to rely on public transit.  One of which was today.   

Granted my trip was one way since I was able to get dropped off at work this morning.  Yay!!!  As five o'clock neared, I fired up the good old One Bus Away App to see if it was going to be the D-Line or the 15 express.  Ten minutes before the proverbial whistle blew, it looked like the 15X was going to be the winner.  Packing up my desk and glancing at the App one more time, I realized that the App is in fact crap. Delay after delay popped up and I changed my course heading to the D-line bus, when lo and behold, I see the 15x that was supposed to be 14 minutes late.  Yup, heading for the stop a block away.  Good thing I've been running and was able to make it on board before the bus took off.  

As annoying as the start to my commute home was, I found the ride carefree and a lot speedier than I expected. Of course it's been too long and I'm not sure if I can chalk this up as the norm or an exception.  It only took about twenty extra minutes to get home and start my post work activities.  I might just have to break down and bus it to and fro a couple times a week.  The money saved may be worth time and such.   I guess I won't know if I don't give it one more go!   Here is to coming full circle on the commute train.  

The Great Competitor…

 by Liz

 

A little healthy competition can bring about some desired results.  Competition with others or just yourself can be a motivating tool.  Recently, I’ve found that my biggest competition is myself, however I do like to compete with others when I can.  Usually unsuspecting folks too.

For instance, last night during my usual Wednesday swim activity I found myself sharing a lane with a familiar swimmer.  So familiar that I’ve nicked-named him “Torpedo”  because I don’t know his real name and he swims so fast.   He gets in and just goes goes goes, through his routine.  The great thing about his speedy excursion is that I benefit with little extra push/drive in my own swim.

Although Torpedo is lapping me and I’m sure that is not going to stop, I always try to increase my pace enough so I get just a little further each time before he passes me.  It’s a game that helps me get out of my head more, kick up my pace, and let my inner swim goddess dance when I kick my own ass. 

Talking to Jamie she too, said she applies a similar unrequited competition when out for runs.  Why not, right?  It is great to have that friendly competition and  break up the monotony of an activity.  That increases the likelihood that the burnout rate will decrease.  I hear all the time how exercising with a friend is a good thing, it drives you a little further and gives you additional accountability. 

However, if you’re a do it aloner (kinda like me) then you can either compete with yourself and previous times or on the unsuspecting athlete who is just getting their work out in too.  You never know, maybe they are competing against you too. 

Surprise and Other Life Changes

By Liz

It was an event two years in the making. In March 2011, during one of the two plus hour long phone conversations with my sister Micki we decided enough is enough. We were going to change. We were going to be healthy. Then in two years March 2013 we would surprise our parents, family and friends in Michigan by returning and running a 5K Race. The Irish Jig in East Grand Rapids, was the designated goal. By gum, we totally pulled it off too. The first stop in this current journey incorporated a few extra people for me and was not an easy task, but one that I’m proud of. Damn proud!

In March 2011, I was at the heaviest I’ve ever been. Now, I’ve always been a big girl and I don’t believe I’ll ever be a size two. However, I was truly just unhealthy. I felt more and more like Aunt Marge after Harry accidently gets angry and she balloons up. Clothes were not comfortable, small taskes were laboring, and I started to get more and more depressed. It was a cycle that I had enough with. The reasons for my sister may have been different, but we both wanted the end results. To be HEALTHY!

Slowly changes happened. We joined a online calorie and exercise tracking system that we could both keep eachother accountable on too. A tale as old as time was the solution. Cut calories and exercise more. Simple right. Well, after years and years of bad eating habbits and starting on seditary lifestyle I had to retrain my mind, body and soul. Eating was emotional for me, probably will always be even though now it is so much easier.

Slowly we both saw the pounds chip off. For me I was able to lose 60 pounds in the first year. It was a blessing that made life so much easier. I was able to do so much more in the activity realm. Like join a work softball team, swim, and not have pain after long walks. The change was great, however I still would lose motivation at times. Maybe even gain back a pound or two then start tracking again. My momemtum slowed down from spring of 2012 through the holidays. I lost an additional 20 pounds. Nothing to balk at. 80 pounds down is huge, amazing even! I was of course hoping for faster results. Who is not when change like this in play?

Nothing like a kick in the pants and the realization that the goal you set two years ago is close on your heels. When we rang in 2013 there was realization that in 11 weeks I was supposed to be home and ready to run a 5k with Micki. She of course had already started training, and I was the slacker. Not for long though, something clicked and I knew that if I was going to actully run and I mean run this whole race I would have to start my training. So I did… I downloaded a C25K App (Couch to 5K) for my first training tool. I’ve heard positive things about them and have never run more than I had to from my highschool athletic days, so I needed to start somewhere. The app has you running three days a week. Starting off slow with gradually adding minutes of running. It was hard, but feasible. If anyone is thinking about starting a running regimine I recommend it highly, good way to ease yourself in with limiting the possiblity for injury.

Still having some issues with people seeing me run, I was happy to run in my neighborhood after the sun had set on those early winter nights. I was actually getting nervous about the daylight savings approch and more light at night. Ironically, by the time that happened I had overcome most of my apprehension and adopted a “who cares” attitiude if people saw me run/workout. Big step for me by the way!

2013 has been great for me health wise. I’ve been motivated and have stepped up to the self imposed challenge. My motivation is infectious and has made me work harder and be more motivated. Sticking to the training schedule allowed me to run my frist on my own 3+ mile about two weeks before heading to Michigan. My runs still may not look all that pretty and have the best pace, but they are runs and that is enough.

One of the best parts about the trip to Michigan is that it was the first time since 2007 that Micki and I were home at the same time. Also, it was a surprise that was two years in the making. Mom had a heads up that Micki and Renee were arriving at GRR and she was keeping the seceret from Dad. We had to make sure that they were going to be home that weekend or it would have been an interesting trip. Timing was key. Micki and Renee’s plane was set to arrive at 1:50pm and they would take their time in the terminal, then suggest a gift shop looksie, and finally a need for a afternoon latte at Starbucks before leaving the airport. This was to keep Mom occupied until my plane landed at 2:27pm.

There was almost a kink in the plan with Micki and Renee’s plane being delayed in Chicago for twently minutes. They did arrive a few momemts before me and located in the same terminal waited at my gate for me to deplane. It was great to see them. Micki looked great too, her training had been paying off and I was so proud. After some hugs and giggles we made Renee walk down first so she could have her camera ready. Then Micki walked out and Mom beamed so happy to see her oldest child home. Following her, the look on Mom’s face when she registered it was me behind Micki was priceless. Let’s just say tears were shed and she was beyond surprised. Phew!

One parent down and now we needed to drop off Renee in Rockford so she could visit with her family and then head back to Holland to beat Dad home for his surprise. Both of his daughters. Well, we made it home in time, in fact Dad decided that he was going to wrap up some extra things at work and took his sweet time getting home that night. Funny, he did not know he needed to come home so we could yell ‘surprise!’ Finally he arrived and we were able to bound down the hallway and get that smirk with the shaking of his head that only he can give in that way. Smiles all around, it had worked! As happy as Dad was to have us home, he’s not all that keen on surprises. Note made:O)

Greeting Mom at the airport, Dad at home, saying good byes...

Family time ensued. We talked, shared, joked, and laughed while catching up over dinner. Micki and I also were able to share the plans we had for that Saturday morning and was hoping that Mom and Dad would not mind watching us complete the Irish Jig. Little did any of us know that winter was still in full swing in Michigan and we would have snow the night before the run and chilling temps to greet us. It was still a blast. My friend Katherine and her son Jacob, who knew all these plans was also there to cheer us on with silly string and some sweet Irish Swag. We did it. We ran our first sponsored run/race together. What an accomplishment. I am so proud of my sister. Hell, I’m so proud of me! :O)

2013 Irish Jig 5k March 16, 2013 with Micki

Crossing this goal/run off my list made me happy and sad. What’s next? Well, with the encouragement from my awesome Seattle friends I’ve already registered for two more runs this year. I’m fresh in training for a 8k (5mile) run on May 4th (Star Wars Day). I also signed up for a color run with Jamie and Tier in August. I am so happy to have these goals to help me keep up my momentum.

This sure is a long story, thanks for hanging in there with me. I just have a few more things to share. I want to thank my sister for helping me start with setting our Jig 13 goal. It is what I needed. Katherine, my friend who has been there for me showing support and love along the way. Thanks for being part of this journey too! My roommate and friend Kelli also encourages and supports. I really appreciate her too! Finally, Jamie and Tier have been two Angels. These two strong women encourage and support me. We support each other. Checking in on our fitness and health goals. They have been invaluable part of my success. In other words I have not done this alone, I share my success with all of you.

About that kick in the butt since the start of 2013. With my amped up training schedule and momentum, I’ve been able to shed an additional 30 pounds since the start of this year. Yes, for those of you keeping up with the math, that is 110 pounds that I’ve lost. Wowzers Penny! Horray!!!!! I’m super happy about that, I’ve not felt this healthy in over a decade. The best part, is this just encourages me and fuels me to continue to keep going on my path of being a healthy person. Thanks for letting me share my journey so far with you. Hope it inspires and encourage you to set goals and to work at them. You can do it! I did!

To being healthy and happy, my wish to all of you!

 

At my heaviest Pic taken August 2010, Me today March 28, 2013 110 lbs lighter!

Lake Michigan

By Liz


Taking a break this week, but check back next week when I share my recent adventure back to the Mid-west. In the meantime enjoy these pictures of Lake Michigan at sunset.