Archive for the ‘Bucket List’ Category

A few months ago, I met Matthew Rich. Although we’ve only hung out two times, I consider him a good friend. In fact, I’d call him my inspiration. He’s taught me so much about life.

How we met
It was interesting how we came to know each other. See, I have this Fit Friends fan page on Facebook and one of my friends suggested that Matthew fan the page. Right away, I noticed him. He was really enthusiastic about the health and fitness information I was posting, and was adding a lot of interesting comments. He really loved the purpose of the fan page — to motivate others to be happy and healthy.

We decided to chat on the phone — we were both interested in creating a video with workout moves and other fun stuff. After a little while, I had to go, but we made plans to keep in touch and get together to do more brainstorming. I’ll never forget what Matthew said before we hung up … he told me that there was a lot more he still had to tell me. Matthew told me he has cerebral palsy and is in wheelchair. That really caught me off guard because I knew he was a personal trainer, loved karate and just started dance classes. He uses his crutches whenever possible.

The key here is that I didn’t know he had any physical challenges. With his attitude, his accomplishments and his goals — you’d never know it. That’s how he lives his life. He doesn’t let things hold him back or feel saddened by what he can’t do. Matthew pushes ahead and does the things that people wouldn’t expect. He does it for himself, but he does it for other people too. He’s an example of how with hard work and determination, anything is possible. He says his place in life is to inspire others. I LOVE IT.

Appreciating the small things
After we hung up the phone, I got emotional immediately. I never told Matt this, but I called our mutual friend right away and cried. “Meeting” Matthew really put things into perspective. At the time, I was really stressed out with work, managing my time and meeting my personal and professional goals. I’m often really hard on myself … looking ahead to the next big thing … but Matthew’s influence has helped remember the little things.

It’s easy to forget how fast and easy it is to tie my shoes, go out for groceries or make myself a meal. For him, it’s more challenging. It takes more time, or maybe he needs help. Read the rest of this entry »

I love living serendipitously — accepting invitations, taking chances, starting conversations and learning whatever I possibly can. With this outlook, the sun is always shining. The opportunities unfold. I laugh a little harder … and I’m less stressed because life’s an adventure.

I’m amazed at the people I’ve met. Published authors, athletes, crafters, designers, business owners … it’s pretty awesome. And, I’m happy with my adventures and the stories that go with them — mud runs, flea markets, photo shoots, traveling, trapeze classes, rock climbing, fundraisers … and more.

There is so much out there, and it’s a shame that sometimes we get so “stuck” in routine. Well, you know what? I encourage you to do something different and have an open mind about it. Try a new class. Have lunch with a co-worker. Cook a new recipe. Host a theme party. Volunteer. Set a new goal. Start a new hobby.

When you open yourself up to adventure, you never know what could come of it. Life is meant to be enjoyed. GO FOT IT!

Photo by happyshooter.

Security is mostly a superstition. It does not exist in nature, nor do the children of men as a whole experience it. Avoiding danger is no safer in the long run than outright exposure. Life is either a daring adventure, or nothing. – Helen Keller

Photo by Phil Strahl.

I always wanted to go rock climbing. My cousins told me I’d love it. I did!! I gathered a bunch of my “Fit Friends” and we went one day to Elite Climbing in Maple Shade, NJ. I felt like an expert wearing the harness. It was the same thing we wore during my aerials class at the Philadelphia School of Circus Arts.

When we were there, I said a bunch of times that I could get addicted to this!

It was really cool to get all the way to the top! Of course, I could do the beginner walls no problem. It was awesome. The other walls … woah hard, especially the kind that are not completely flat. I was too short to reach sometimes … and I think that’s how I got hurt. I ended up messing up my shoulder. I felt it two days later after rock climbing and kickboxing the next day. Apparently my scapula got stuck to my rib cage. I couldn’t reach for anything, it felt funky. Luckily my friend, Amanda, an occupational therapist, manipulated my shoulder and literally separated it for me. I liked getting the stem treatment. I liked being hooked up to the machine with the sensor pads? it was a good pain. After some treatments and rest, I feel better. I just am hesitant to go back there right away …

So what’s my advice? Bring friends! Try it. STRETCH before — we are not spring chickens anymore!!! Do some arm circles, shoulder shrugs, squats, etc!

In a previous blog post — 10 Things to Do in 2010 — I encouraged you to “Set a new goal each month.” The blog said: “This year, pick 12 things and stick to them. Your goals may include cleaning the garage; trying new recipes; using coupons whenever shopping or saving extra money for a family vacation. Whatever your goals are, write them down, and stick to it. It may be helpful to do some online research to help you get organized or get started.”

Well, I’m not one to take my own advice. I have goals, but there are way more than one for each month. And, knowing me, I’ll get everything done by April and the list will have to be edited and revamped. So, here is the “guideline” that I’ll follow this year. There are some things at the bottom of the list that I couldn’t add to a particular month … yet.

Please let me know if you want to join me on any of these adventures, or if you have any advice or feedback you want to share. Um, and feel free to support me on these goals!

PS – I put an “x” next to the things that are free! I put a “*” next to the things I’m doing for the first time.

January

x*Take a Zumba class.

*Take a pole dancing class.

Take an Intro to Aerial Workshop class (Philadelphia School of Circus Arts).

x*Try Wii Fit.

x*Research and organized finances – talk with Tiffany!

*Take a money management class – online? In person?

Read the rest of this entry »

It’s the perfect time to do something different …

1. Start a family tradition. We all have favorite childhood memories. Fun stuff like pizza on Fridays, bagels and donuts on Saturdays, ice cream after each winning soccer game … and even $5 for every “A” on the report card. This year, start some new, creative traditions. Remember, they don’t always have to include “junk” food and sweets treats. For example, call grandparents or family members on speaker phone once a week. Or, hang a dry erase board in the kitchen and write special family accomplishments.

2. Challenge yourself. Do you have a bucket list? You know, things you want to accomplish in this lifetime? If you haven’t done so already, write it down and make it happen. There are a lot of interesting things to try — like a yoga or pottery. Check your town’s recreational department for upcoming classes.

3. Set a new goal each month. This year, pick 12 things and stick to them. Your goals may include cleaning the garage; trying new recipes; using coupons whenever shopping or saving extra money for a family vacation. Whatever your goal, write it down, and stick to it. It may be helpful to do some online research to help you get organized or get started.

4. Organize your pictures. Whether you have a stack of printed pictures — or a ton saved to your computer — get organized! With online resources like Snapfish, you can create flipbooks with captions or print out pictures. Prices vary, but are affordable.

5. Make health and fitness a regular thing. Most people are great at making New Year’s resolutions, but have a hard time sticking to them. If you’ve always wanted to get back into shape, do it! One of the biggest things to remember is that results won’t come quickly — and it’s going to be hard work. Start off with small, manageable goals. For example, workout every Monday to get your week and routine off to a good start. Then, add more challenging activities and additional goals. It may help to work out with a partner.

Read the rest of this entry »

Here’s a list of things I’ve done, discovered and liked in 2009. (Some of these might be from 2008 – but whatever!) Enjoy, and share a comment if you like something too!

FITNESS: Amerikick Medford, City Fitness, Princeton Running Company, Smart Bodies, Yoga Center of Medford, Philadelphia School of Circus Arts, Race for the Cure, Relay for Life, Shore Runner, outdoor workouts at Laurel Acres and Freedom Park, Maguire Air Force Base 10K Mud Run

PLACES: Grounds for Sculpture, The Chelsea Hotel, The Heldrich, Walnut Street Theatre, Camden Yards, Poconos, Puerto Rico, Boston

MAKEUP/BEAUTY: purple streaks in my hair, Aveno eye cream, MAC Studio Fix, Covergirl eye shadow – indigo, Wet ‘n’ Wild Lipstick 547B, Redken products for colored hair, OPI nail polish – espana collection

FASHION: ballet flats by Privo, crazy looking pink and purple pumas, simple shoes, legwarmers, Under Armour, The North Face, leggings, hoodies, jean jackets, phillies tee-shirts

SHOPPING: Paper Source, Five Below, Shanalogic.com, Jackson outlets, AC outlets, Urban Outfitters, Jazaams

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I look at ice skaters, gymnasts, break dancers and the karate powerhouses at who flip and turn — and I’m amazed. I’ve been to Cirque du Soliel and I’ve been to the circus, but I’ve never been close to what these people can do. (My time in gymnastics, dance and cheerleading … and even when I dabbled in learning how to break dance is nothing.)

Anyway, I had the chance to scratch something fun off my “bucket” list. I took “Introduction to Aerial Dance Harness” at the Philadelphia School of Circus Arts over the weekend. Karen Fuhrman, an instructor from New York taught the class. And, for the first time in years, I was somewhat graceful and flowing in air again.

My friend, Jessica, came with me. We didn’t really know what to expect. But when we got there, we saw people swinging from trapeze and hanging from long pieces brightly colored of silk. The girls (they were my age-ish) looked so cute in their pig tails, purple and pink hair, tattoos, leggings and legwarmers. I thought – Dang! And here I am having a “fat” day wearing my adidas pants and Phillies tee-shirt. I mean, I had the purple hair. I just wished I hadn’t eaten fists full of my mom’s eggrolls the night before. Read the rest of this entry »