I had a busy week settling back in to my world here in Virginia. I was either at the gym and/or Jazzercise every day. I was able to work out about 2 hours every day. It felt great although the chiropractor had a tough time with my alignment on Friday. I'm still a bit tight and the muscles a little sore, but I'll keep working it. I'm not great at stretching out and it's something I really need to do. I have been laying out with the foam roller and using it in the different ways recommended. Still trying to get used to it, but it really does help with deep muscles. I do take time between workouts for coffee!! I tell you I have come to love morning coffee. How are your workouts coming?
I attended a great networking event called Sterling Women. The organization has been around approximately six years and it has now expanded in the areas to other chapters. There is no fee to belong to this organization - which is fantastic. They have a networking lunch once a month with vendors and a featured speaker. I shared a table with several fantastic women and met several more as I walked around the room. The speaker, Jennifer Boykin, was wonderful as she ended with playing the flute for meditation. I have been wanting to meet Jennifer for a long time as I follow her writings via Life After Tampons (http://www.lifeaftertampons.com/.). Are you involved in any networking groups? What do you hope to get out of networking?
I had a wonderful dinner and wine tasting with friends and former colleagues. It was great catching up and realizing I'm sort of glad to be out of the rat race so to speak. I must admit when I heard there would be major shakeup my head immediately went to lists of what needs to be looked at and completed behind the scenes for a seamless change over. I found myself wanting to be involved and then I thought - I don't have to worry about that stuff any more. If they want my input or guidance, they will call me. Don't get me wrong, there are days when I miss the hustle and bustle of work and of course the people. How is work going for you?
I also went to an open house at Alternative House (http://www.thealternativehouse.org/)
to learn about their programs and volunteer opportunities. I was the only person not connected with a church and not part of the county. It is the only teen homeless shelter in all of Northern Virginia and has several other fantastic programs. I am trying to determine how I can use my HR background and Coaching background to volunteer with this organization. I am also looking at organizations in Massachusetts since I spend time there as well. I know several of my readers do volunteer work so don't be surprised if I reach out to you as well for ideas.
I finished reading: The Wednesday Sisters by Meg Waite Clayton. It is about a group of young women that come together in the local park in the 1960s and meet weekly thereafter for several years. The book takes you through some of happenings of the times and the views of these women. Also, how they support each other through several crises. It was published several years ago and I found it in a thrift store when on vacation. What are you reading?
I created a Facebook page for Beacon Coaching. Not sure what I'm going to do with it yet, perhaps just inspirational sayings or about coaching, but I put it out there for now. Do you have any recommendations for items you might want to see posted?
I am a little panicky today as we are starting a massive clean up in our house. The overwhelming picture causes me a bit of panic so I'm looking at one room at a time. We are having floors replaced and we thought it would be a good time to start cleaning out all the excess furniture, clothes, and other stuff. I have to remember to take a deep breath and stop when it feels too much. What do you do when you feel panic or overwhelmed?
I am going to leave it here today. I hope you have a wonderful week. Happy St. Patrick's Day! Enjoy some corn beef and cabbage, but don't drink too much green beer. Happy Birthday to my friend David - hope to see you soon. Take care. Chat soon. Marie
I give you some poetry for St. Patrick's Day.
Treasure Hunt
St. Patrick's Day is coming
And you might think it's a joke.
But I'd like to get my hands on
One of the little folk.
For they say in good old Ireland
If a Leprechaun you hold.
You'll go to the end of the rainbow
To his treasure pot of gold.
It may be a lot of blarney
For tis written in Irish folklore.
The Isle is home to the fairies
To be sure, to be sure, to be sure.
By : Nancy Russell
Danny
Oh Danny boy, the pipes the pipes are calling,
From glen to glen and on the mountainside.
The summer's gone and all the leaves are falling,
'Tis you must go, 'tis you must go and I must bide !
But come you back, when summer's in the meadow,
Or when the valley's hush and white with snow !
Then I'll be there in sunshine or in shadow,
Oh Danny Boy, Oh Danny Boy, I love you so !
And if you come, when all the flowers are dying
And I am dead, as dead I well may be
You'll come and find the place where I am lying
And kneel and say an "Ave" there for me.
And I shall hear, tho' soft you tread above me
And all my dreams will warm and sweeter be
If you'll not fail to tell me that you love me
I simply sleep in peace until you come to me.
Oh Danny Boy, Oh Danny Boy, I love you so!