Goals for the Week!

What's Working (and not so much): New Website, Wishes and Waistline!

2012-02-15T09:58:00.000-08:00

What's Working:

1. New Website!

I'm in the process of creating my new website and merging my lil' blog Goals for the Week, with my business website www.annemariesebastiani.com. It's been an overhaul, and I'm still in the process of creating the new site but I feel ready enough to have people come check it out! :) The gist of my work is that I offer workshops and programs that help people tap their limitless creative possibility and bring more of this into daily living.

2. Lil' A's Fairy Wishing Garden

Lil' A created this Fairy Wishing Garden in our front yard this week. Do I need to say anything more? :)

3. Valentines, Flowers and Dinner- oh My!

Yesterday was sweetly filled with kids' valentines, roses from the honey and a valentine DATE night out to dinner. Yup, you read that right folks. Date night out on Valentine's Day! The dinner was delish and we sat for over 2 hours to eat (I'm shaking my head in disbelief as I type this...)

and now, not so much:

1. New waistline:

I am FEELIN' dinner/dessert this morning. Well, to be fair, I've been feeling my new waistline coming on for a while, but last night's dinner put it over the top. Here's to wearing black lycra stretch pants and a comfy t-shirt today!

So...that's what's working and maybe not so much for me over here.

Now...how about YOU? Would love to hear what's working and maybe not so much over in your neck of the fairy wishing garden. Talk to me, talk to me! And I'd LOVE for you to leave a comment on this post at my new website :) :) :)

GFTW 7: Strides

2012-02-13T06:52:00.000-08:00

Happy Monday All. I ran with my Sherry bib for SUARs's cousin on Saturday, and it felt good to sprinkle her courage, strength and love back into the world. There were a LOT of runners out there doing the same! Felt nice to be a part of the movement.
And so keeping up with movement, this week feels like I'm in full stride for things coming into fruition. It's like I have my race bib on and I'm walking to the starting line. I still need to warm up and start, but I'm walking to the start. That's what this week feels like for me.

My Goals for the Week:

Health: 1 Yoplait yogurt for dessert (instead of 2 servings of ice cream each night). WATER

Mom: Have kids help make dinner at least 2x's this week

Athlete: 3 ST's, 3 Runs, 2 bike spins- working on cadence for all

Wife: Learn 1 new thing about him each day :)

Personal Growth: Listen to Intuitive CD #4 by Mary Swanson

ME: Get that multi-vitamin already AM!

As always, I write these down on a bookmark I keep in my organizer and review them each day as part of my morning routine. So, that's what I have going on for me over here. Oh! and I also have a new stride that's pretty big! My blog here is moving to annemariesebastiani.com:

I know, I know! It's all still a lil' crazy, but I decided to take the leap and combine my business site w/this lil' blog here because they are so interrelated and well....why not? It's still a work in progress- but I'm happy with the direction it's going so far. So would love, love, love, LOVE for you to check it out and find me there. I plan to start actively posting there next Sunday.

That's what's going on for me over here in my neck of the woods. Now...how about you? What do YOU have going on in your world? Would LOVE to know!

GFTW 6: Births

2012-02-06T07:05:00.000-08:00

Hi All! So, this is what I've been up to the last + four days: being there for the birth of my best friends' first child. I drove down to LA Thurs evening and was in the delivery room helping coach my best friend's baby into the world. Now, I've been a coach in the personal training and creative workshop and living world, but this here was definitely a new realm. I am still in complete awe and wonder over the experience and feel beyond blessed that I was with mama, papa and grammy when baby Max came into the world. Unbelievable.

So I've got births on my mind for obvious reasons. I also went through a rebirthing of many sorts. My paradigm on how all of the mysteries of the world work, my unique place in this big giant world, yah know, that type of stuff. So with births as my focus, here's what I have tee'd up for my Goals for the Week:

Athlete: Bike on trainer for 30 1x this week. 3 days of ST, 3 runs (my bf told me after the birth that she believed my words because I physically have challenged my body to new heights & feats through my training & races. Talk about a great motivator to keep strong!)

Wife: The goal is to not be right. Or win. The goal is to show up for who I am and let him do the same. Allow him to show up for who he is and be.

Auntie: Check in w/the BF every day

Health: Get a multi-vitamin (I listened to the complete set of Dr. Wield's Optimum health on the drive down:)

Personal Growth: Carve out the space so I can write about my experience as a coach and witnessing the birth of baby Max.

Me!: Facial, teeth cleaned AND getting my hair done. All this week! Woo-hoo!

As always, I write these down on a book mark I keep in my organizer and review them each day as part of my morning routine. So this is what I have going on over here.

AND actually I also have another 'Birthing' announcement!

I am moving my blog over to my business website! More info to come, but the site is: www.annemariesebastiani.com. I believe my goalsfortheweek link will be redirected there. I will (obviously!) keep you updated.

So a lot of births around here. Now...How about YOU? What do you have lined up for this week? Would love, love, love to know!

Sh*t Triathletes Say: What's Working Wednesday!

2012-02-01T05:30:00.000-08:00

What's Working Wednesday:

1. This Sh*t Triathletes Say YouTube video. I swear it's so spot on I'm embarrassed to admit it. I'm still chuckling from watching it. So if you're a triathlete or have a friend who's one...you'll love this.

2. My first piece of legit business mail to my new office. I've been here for six months and am finally using the mailing address.

3. Reading a new book, Aleph, on my Kindle. They're both awesome and it's making me look forward to getting to bed earlier to imbibe on my reading. Who out there is a Paolo C fan?

And now, not so much:

1. This awful zit on my chin! Really? At this age I'm contending with these? And the worst part is I fell for it and made it MUCH worse by horsen' around with it. Ehhhh!

So, that's what's working and not so much for me over there. Now...how about YOU? What's working in your neck of the woods? And who's seen this tri video, or read anything by Paolo C? Or who else out there is contending with adult acne?! Aghhhhh!

GFTW 5: Closet Overhaul Brings in Life!

2012-01-30T05:30:00.000-08:00

Hi All! Is it me- or does it feel more like it's Week 10 of 2012 vs. only Week 5. I feel like I've gone through winter hibernation already these past ~4 weeks and now I'm ready to roll. Maybe it's from spending the entire weekend gutting out the kids room/closet, installing a new closet system and dumping ~ a ton of toys out to our local thrift store. Here's all the loot that came out of the kid's room:

You like how the dog had to get into the thick of it? Yah, and here's the kids new elfa closet system:

And I'll tell you what, with all the +beep+ out and a more solid closet system in place, I think we can all breathe a little better for the moment. And that includes the dog.

So with everyone breathing in some new life over here, here's what I've got tee'd up for my Goals for the Week:

Mom: New Chapter Book at Library- And...help kids put dirty clothes in laundry (i know, i know may sound like a tedious goal, but i'll tell ya- if they can own this, it'll be awesome)

Athlete: Put bike on trainer 1x this week. 3 Days of ST, 3 or more runs, 2 bike. I'm contemplating swimming....

Personal Growth: Listen to Mary Swanson's Intuitive CD #3

ME!: Brow appointment and buy 2 audio books on my kindle for my road trip (any suggestions?)

Friend: Be ready to roll down to LA when my BF has her baby hopefully this week!

As always, I write these down on a book mark I keep in my organizer and review it each day as part of my morning routine. And that's what I've got in the books so far this week. Now...how about YOU? Would LOVE to know what you've got planned in your neck of the woods. Talk to me, talk to me!;)

From Blogger to Wordpress: What's Working (and not so much) Wednesday

2012-01-25T11:32:00.000-08:00

What's Working:
1. Blogger to Wordpress Website Makeover:
Back in November I decided I was ready to take the leap and invest more time, effort and money into my business website and my baby blog. So...I reached out to an old friend who is a BIG Wordpress Guru to help me makeover my site. So I'm in that process and it's pretty fun. Here's an idea of what my new header will look like:

Also, my blog will be under my new business website most likely in the next ~2 weeks. I'll DEFINITELY keep you posted!

2. Feeling my purpose:
This is the first week of 2012 where I've been able to actually DO my work. I led a workshop, met with a client, created art with my kids, cooked taco tuesday for dinner...ya know, it's all been flowing this week and it gives me the anchor of feeling needed and purposeful. Which may sound hokey but when you are creating your own business which is a nebulous feat- it feels good when your feet feel grounded.

3. Moving from Blogger to Wordpress:

With the website makeover, I'm moving over to Wordpress and I know it'll be great. I know I will have more options and ways to make my website work for me and my business and blog. Change is good...

and now, not so much:

1 Moving from Blogger to Wordpress:

AGHH! I'm still a bit freaked that I'm makin' the move! It's just, well....I know Blogger so well, that's where my roots are- where I'm grounded- and this whole move has made me feel uprooted! Now... I'm learning all the ways and words of Wordpress. And with that figuring out how I want my site to look- what the heck do I want on each page, blah blah blah. Can you feel the upheaval in my voice?

So that's what's working and not so much for me over here. Now, how about all of YOU? What's working and not so much in your neck of the woods. Talk to me, talk to me! Also- two questions- If you are on wordpress how do you like it? And if you're on blogger- I need to make sure I don't loose you when I switch! AGHHH! :)

GFTW 4: A 5k Date and More!

2012-01-22T18:43:00.000-08:00

Happy Sunday All! Here's me and the DH in the San Francisco Bay this morning for a small 5k, put on by the fabulous DSE Runners Club. Yah... we're cute like that. Truth is though- we haven't raced together since early June at Dipsea. So last night when I realized I had the kid coverage already set in place- I thought 'Heck! I wanna go too- and have a 5k date!' Me and him; mano a mano, pie a pie :)

And this race was my first 5k I did two years ago. So it was rewarding to come back with more wisdom, ~~wrinkles~~ and age under my skin. I didn't deal with the big nerves like the first time and I wasn't shooting for a PR in mid January. The sweetest thing was just running with my hubby. Each of us as equals, supporting each other, racing our race and having an adventure together. It was pretty sweet.

And speaking of sweet, look at the loot we scored! I love it when a $5 race hands out blue finisher ribbons and age group medals.

And I swear, it's moments like this I need to tap my own shoulder and say 'Girl, you know, this is pretty sweet'. Five years ago I would have laughed in utter disbelief if you told me I'd be running races with the hubs and placing for fun. Really.

But yup. It's true. That's me. That's us. That's where we are in our life right now. And I don't give myself or us as a couple enough credit.

So here's to embracing and taking in credit where it's due. Here's what I have lined up for my Goals for the Week:

Athlete: 4 Runs, 3 ST's. extra bike, spin or fun something

Mom: Volunteer for Art in Kid's class this week. Finish and mail b-day thank you's

Wife: Choose His Own Adventure: coffee, breakfast, lunch or movie date. He chooses:)

Personal Growth: Listen to Intuitive CD #2.

ME!: WATER

Friend: Be ready for the call: my BFF is due to have her baby this week in LA. When she does...I'm driving down to see her!;)

As always, I write these weekly goals down on a bookmark I keep in my organizer and review them each day as part of my morning routine. This is what I have lined up for me this week. Now...how about you? What's on YOUR docket for the week? Any 5k's or races around the corner? Any loot won in your camp? Talk to me, talk to me!

What's Working (and not so much...) Wednesday: NYM Baby!

2012-01-18T11:25:00.000-08:00

What's Working:

1. I shared with you all my 2012 Passions Vision board (above) I created at the end of November. I was intrigued that NY showed up like it did. So I sat with it. Played around with it. And then when my friend asked me to sign up for the NYMarathon, it hit me: that's it. That's one way I'll get to NY. So.....

2. Just got email confirmation: I'm IN for the ING NYM! Oy dios! I felt simultaneously excited and nauseous when I read those words. This'll be my first marathon- so what better way to run 26.2 miles than through the five boroughs of NYC.

3. The marathon isn't til' Nov 4th- a perfect time of year if you ask me. The Summer Olympics will be the perfect motivation during my ~3 month serious training leading up to the race. Then I'll race and have the rest of Nov and Dec to imbibe in Turkey and holiday melee.

and now...not so much:

1. The weather over here in California is LIKE I'm living in New York City! It's really, really cold!(okay, yes I am a wimp- It's still ~29 degrees, which is almost balmy winter weather to you mid west folk. But still...lemme pout;). I still managed to get my outdoor run in and I'll tell ya...there's nothing like a great race to dangle in front of me for inspiration. Thanks NYM :)

So....that's what's working and maybe not so much for me over here. Now, how about YOU? Would love to know what's getting two thumbs up and maybe a thumb up the (bleep!) in your life. Talk to me, talk to me!

GFTW 3: Quick and Speedy!

2012-01-17T10:07:00.000-08:00

Quick and Speedy...just like my 'besties' above. :) Watching the Olympic Marathon trials on Saturday got me PUMPED. So I had to show off my shot w/ Shalane and Kara (we're on a first name basis...like the entire rest of the world).

So with the speediness of these gals in my head and the Olympics on the horizon, my list is short, speedy and quick so I can get on with the next set of intervals of my week (work, picking up kids, cooking, etc, etc, etc)

My Speedy Goals for the Week:

Athlete: 4 runs (1 includes a 60 minute run), 3 ST, 1 bike or yoga.

Mom: Xmas thank you's are done. Now, round two: Birthday thank you's!

Wife: Date night!

Personal Growth: Posture, posture, posture be mindful of this through out my day

Me: Intuitive Session with Mary Swanson:)

Daughter: Create an activity to do w/my mom this week to commemorate 1 yr ago her diagnosis, treatment and recovery from C.

Now, as always, I write these down on a book mark I keep in my organizer and review them each day as part of my morning routine. That's what I've got in my record books for this week. Now...how about YOU?? Would LOVE to know what you have cooking' in your kitchen? Talk to me, talk to me!

What's Working Weds: Medicine (Outside in) & Meditation (Inside out)

2012-01-11T14:25:00.000-08:00

Hi All! Hope your week is going well. For me...I am loving the normalcy that comes with the New Year. So let's get to what's working ( and maybe not so much) this week.
What's Working:
1. Medicine: Part of my wish list for myself this year and beyond is to continue taking care of my skin. I hit the big 4-0 last year and I gotta face the fact that aging is a part of life. And I want to take the best possible care of my skin now so that it lasts me a good 5 decades more. I began using the Rodan and Field's skin care last year (it was my 2011 goal to have an actual skin care regimen). And I'm finally getting around to reading the book they shipped me a few mo's ago. I gotta say...It's a good read. It's nice to read I'm doing a lot of things right, and I'm learning new info and tools that'll help me keep my skin lookin' good (fingers crossed). Here's a tip: After your run when you're face is really red, cool it off with a cool wash cloth. I did that for the first time (ever) this week...and it felt great! I think my skin was really happy. I know it sounds so simple, but doing this actually helps keep your skin happy and not getting the tiny red vessels popping up and staying around.

2. Meditation: I just got my hands on a six week CD series that teaches the basic principles of Intuitive Development. I am so happy to have these in my possession. I'm really excited to listen and practice the meditations in my life.

3. Sweating Again: It felt soooo freakin' good to sweat on the treadmill this morning (and use my cool washcloth;), and continue to sweat during weights! Ahhhhh....my body was shiny happy afterwards. Anybody feelin' me with this one?

And now, maybe Not So Much...:

1. Needing Cold Medication: The DH was sick and I thought I dodged the sick bullet. But last night I felt the definite sick throat tickle in my throat. Errrrrr....

And I love the poetic visualization that Medicine is healing from the outside in and to Meditate is from the inside out.

:)

So this is what's generally working and maybe not so much for me over here. Now...how about YOU? Would love to know what's working and maybe not so much in your neck of the woods! Talk to moi, talk to moi:).

P.S. ( FYI- I was not paid to write about the skin care line, book or intuitive CD's. I didn't even tell them I was giving them a shout-out;)

GFTW 2: Ready to Begin Anew...

2012-01-09T07:30:00.000-08:00

Whew! And we're back! Actually we left 5am Friday from D-land to bolt back home to have a lil' down time before yet ANOTHER mini tiny kid b-day party for em' Sat (two thumbs up for a Round Table Pizza back room for 1.5 hr kid party!) and ANOTHER friend's kid b-day party Sun- I'm finally ready for 2012.

And not just because of desperately needing to detox from the December debauchery. But because 2011 was a harder year in general for me. Granted- with all hardships come equal amounts of growth and untapped strength discovered, but still, it was hard. From my mom's diagnosis and yearlong treatment of cancer (she's completely recovered and doing fine now), to personal axioms tested- I was tapped in deep areas of my life.

So I see 2011 as the groundwork laid for great things to flourish in 2012. I just know it. I feel it. It's like my sixth sense telling me to keep looking up at the horizon. Like I've built the tracks, the road, the way...for things to come, so just keep looking up and out as the road will guide me...

And with the vision of my lil' A embracing her inner Snow Princess New Year Spirit at Disneyland as my Guide...here's what I have lined up for my Goals for the Week:

Mom: Thank you notes from kids for xmas and b-day! oy. Sign up for art lessons and gymnastics

Athlete: 5 days of 60 min of run/wts, bike/wts or stretch. I day of 30 min wts

Health: WATER, normal dessert no mas dulces! ~1450 cal a day

Wife: Mix up our regular nightly routine of dessert and t.v. at least 2 days with maybe hanging out in different parts of the house, talking, reading...gettin' busy...who knows!

Personal Growth: Artist Date with my new intuitive guidance tapes:)

As always, I write these goals down on a bookmark I keep in my organizer and review them each day as part of my morning routine. And this is what I have going on for me over here in my neck of the woods. Now...I'd love to know...what do YOU have going on over in your hood? Talk to me, talk to me!

What's Working Wednesday: Sunny skies and Roller coaster Rides!

2012-01-04T18:31:00.000-08:00

Hi All! Yup...we're here. The Big D-Land. And I'll admit it right now...I'm a Believer. This park and vacation is all it's cracked up to be. I'm honestly inspired by the Magic. Yup...I just wrote that. I'm a sucker for this Magic.

1. Sunny Skies: Wearing shorts, a tank top and a spaghetti strap Ariel princess dress in January. Can't beat that....

.
2. Roller Coaster Rides: This is the first family adventure where the kids can ride all of the rides. All of em'! Here we're taking in Space Mountain. Uh, yah...I swear the kids loved it despite the looks on their face of absolute boredom...

And now maybe not so much...:

1. The Plantar Fasciitis: OY! Standing in lines all day is not the best for a foot that has re- occurring PF problems. I'm being pro-active though and wearing my orthotics, run shoes, AND compression socks (I frankly look like I'm gearing up for a race or something). I know it's helping but my foot is achy as I'm typing this.

So...that's what's working and a lil' not so much for me over here. Now...how about YOU? What's working and maybe not so much for YOU on this first week of the New Year? Are you sticking to your new found intentions for the year? Or maybe not so much? Would love to know!

GFTW 1: And We're Off...Round 3!

2012-01-02T05:00:00.000-08:00

Happy 2012 Everyone! These past two weeks have been a bit of a whirlwind for us over here. Christmas was last week which was simply sweet.

But I also had a lil' of this as well:

My twin's SIX year old birthdays...five days after Christmas. So their morning looked like this. And those blue/pink post-its all over the house were a bunch of these:

And having a birthday so close to Christmas is pretty cool b/c you can use the tree as sort of a Birthday Tree. It's like round two:

And what are those two sweet SIX year old Mickey Mouse wrapped birthday gifts under the birthday tree? Well..it's a new rolling backpack with a note saying in they're off to visit the Happiest Place on Earth for the first time, the first week of 2012:

I'm chuckling at myself as I'm writing- it's been a whoooozy! My current status:

I am tapped out! AND...we've got Round 3 of the Big D-land! Good grief.

NO but really, it's all good. promise.

It's just my normal Goals for the Week-especially numero UNO- will take a back seat (next to the rolling luggage) so I can soak up one more week of vacation gluttony. I still have my goals...but they're not the big, awesome over the top, let's get this party started!- sort of goals. They're more about managing in a sense.

vmvmvmvmvmmvmvmvm (that's the car starting)......My Goals for the Week:

Athlete: Get at least 2 days of ~30 minutes of exercise in while at D-Land. I can do it, I can do it

Mom: SOAK this trip UP!!! Just B.E. Bring my good camera for pictures

Wife: Scratch his back and tell him how awesome it is he made the trip happen

Health: W.A.T.E.R and bags and bags and bags of carrots!!!

ME!: Stick to my morning pages even while all in the same room on vaca. Write in bed, try to go in the lobby- just give myself ~15-20 min to write each morning at least 2x.

Personal Growth: Attempt to sign up for New York Marathon (yeah...you read that right. Wish me luck!)

This is what I have written down on a bookmark I keep in my organizer and review each day as part of my morning routine. I'd love to know what you've got going on in your neck of the woods for 2012! Talk to me, talk to me!

Discover YOUR Inner Passions for 2012 through Vision Board!

2011-12-30T06:56:00.000-08:00

Hi All! I've shared my Vision Board making process a few times here, and thought it timely to bring it up for the New Year. Here's my Inner 2012 Passions Board just created this week. I've created Vision Boards on several different themes in my life so far: Inner Athlete, Relationships, Career, and Family.

I'd like to invite you to choose an area in your life you'd like to bring more energy and awareness to and create a Vision Board. Grant yourself ~50-60 minutes for the exercise.

1. Before you get started you’ll need the following:

1. One large piece of paper for the exercise such as the inside of a brown paper bag, but you could also use poster paper, newspaper or tape a few standard pieces of 8 x 11 together.

2. A pile of magazines and catalogs (choose a mag that you've always spied but never buy...;)

3. Pair of Scissors and glue stick.

2. Now, with the idea of your Inner Passions for 2012 as your intention (or choose another area you desire), start to pour through your magazines. Don't think too much, just move fast and tear the images out. Let the mystery guide your hands and try not to judge the images you feel attracted to pulling, just because some may feel different. Trust the process, and simply stay curious. Spend 5-10 minutes on this.

3. When you are ready, start to sort through your images and glue them down. AGAIN, DON'T PLAN. Glue and move. Let your instinct guide you. What wants to go where? Glue them down. While you are doing this, notice your thoughts, your body, and your energy. You will know when you are done. If you are unsure, ask yourself, ‘Am I done?’ and you will most likely know the answer. Again, trust the process all the way through to the end.

4. Next, communicate with your new Inner Passions collage through writing. You can do this on a piece of paper or in a journal. Without judging. Be curious... almost as if you are looking at the collage of someone else. Start each sentence with "It appears that …”Again, allow yourself to simply write. Don’t judge. Just keep writing non stop for ~5 min.

5. Next, Identify any NEXT STEPS that came forward from your collage and write them down.

6. Hang your vision board in a place where you can gain daily inspiration. Use your collage as a pillar of strength, inquiry and guidance.

I create an Vision Boards every few months to rejuvenate and refocus my energy. I also use Vision Boards as a spring board when doing my own goal setting sessions (which I still promise to share). So...here's my latest and greatest. The bottom line on why Vision Boards are so great- visuals tap our intuitive self much stronger than words. They hit a chord in us that words often can't describe. That is why I love doing these boards. I learned this technique through my friend Heather Bleasdell :)

Now...I would love to hear if you've ever done a board! Or do you plan to do one in the New Year? Talk to me, talk to me;)

GFTW 52: There is a Blog in You!

2011-12-26T16:49:00.000-08:00

Wow. Can you believe it's here; the l.a.s.t week of the year. And I've been accounting for my weekly goals here now for three years. Three full years. I know. Can't believe it myself. And I'm smiling as I type- because my blog is a daily reminder of what can happen when you take a leap.

You know, that leap. The one you often wanna take, but then allow Mr. Fear or Doubt to get in the way- so you never find out what would happen if you put yourself out there.

Well, three years ago- I was pretty freaked out to take the tiny leap and start this blog. My ego and mind was consumed with self doubt- What if no one read the dang thing (and no one did for a l.o.n.g time), or I didn't know what to write about. Or did I even know HOW to write? But I was inspired by the blogs I read and knew I too had a voice I wanted to cultivate and share as well. So I sucked up my pride, wrote my first post on Jan 1, 2009 and hit the Post button.

And I didn't tell a soul.

And I posted for a few weeks and kept it to myself. I finally told my husband and a few close friends and kept in to about ~10 people that first year.

Then, 2010 was my 'breakout' year for my blog. I put in more time and energy by posting more, commenting more on other blogs and really began to feel a part of the blogging community.

Then in 2011- I decided to put more of my energy into my Personal Training business and Try-on modeling for an women's athletic clothing company. I feel very happy I took the leap and invested my energy into these areas, but my blog took a back seat so I could cultivate my external businesses.

And now as I reflect on 2011- and look to the horizon of 2012 I know I'm ready to bring more energy back into my blogging. I miss posting more than 1x a week. I miss the blogging community.

I know I want more of it in my life next year.

So...this is a really long GFTW post. And I haven't even written my weekly goals, but I wanted to share my blog journey because I know this is the week where many people reflect and think about what leaps to take for 2012.

So take the leap and start a blog:) You know you have it in you. And if not a blog- dabble in some form of creative expression you've always maybe sorta thought about trying but that dang inner critic has gotten in the way.

OH! And for my Goals for the Week, I'll make em' short and sweet:

Athlete: 3 days ST, 3 days run, 1 bike- this week for SURE

Mom: 2 adventures, order 2 birthday cakes (their b-day is this week), and firm up b-day plans for them

Health: Operation Back to Basics. More water, less sugar. Write my intakes this week. My body is yearning for healthy food!

Personal Growth: Catch myself literally looking up and out onto the horizon. So often we only look down immediately in front of us- so our field of possibility is only that big. Broaden my field of possibility by literally looking up and out more

Wife: Share my Goals for 2012 again with him.

Now...as always...I write these down on a bookmark I keep in my organizer and review them each day as part of my morning routine. Here's what I have on my radar this week. Now...I'd love to hear a few things from YOU! What are your GFTW? Or what type of blog do you wanna do? Talk to me, talk to me! OH! And pinky promise I'll post my GFTW and GFTYEar process by this weekend.

Peace out!~

GFTW 51: Oh! What Fun!

2011-12-19T08:56:00.000-08:00

Hi All! It's all about Christmas over here this week. We're not an organized religion based family, but I definitely have belief in Faith. And this time of year shows that a good part of mankind does too. What God, religion, belief we follow isn't what matters- What does is having the capacity to display Goodwill and Faith. It's what makes the world go round for me.

What also makes my world go round is sending out the holiday cards. Yeah...I'm one of those types- The kind that eats that stuff up! And I just had to show off this year's card. I'm pretty proud of it. Usually someone has to take one for the team but not this year:)

So here's my holiday card to all YOU! :) Have fun this week. May you revel in the wonder and joy of the season. Here's what I have lined up this week so I can do the same:

Goals for the Week 51

Mom: Take my lil' A caroling (she's been asking all month), wrap gifts together and read a holiday storybook each night

Wife: Share my 2012 Goals and process. Coffee or lunch date

Athlete: 3 runs, 3 strength training sessions

Health: WATER, no Luna protein bars- have carrots/hummus instead

Personal Growth: Find ~+ 20 Acts of Synchronicity

ME!: Find some cute hair clips to spruce me up

As always, I write these down on a bookmark I keep in my organizer and review them each morning as part of my morning routine. This is what I have lined up for my week- more or less. Now...how about YOU? Would love to hear what you've got lined up in your neighborhood. Talk to me, talk to me!

Run Fun: Name Your Top 3 Heroes at the Moment

2011-12-17T11:30:00.000-08:00

Okay, this'll be quick and short. I know we've got gifts to wrap and holiday melee to ensue...but on my long run this morning I thought Who are my Top 3 Heroes for the Moment.?
Well...they are...

1. Steve Jobs

2. John Lassetter

3. Intuitive Counselor- Mary Swanson

Then I thought- I'd love to ask all YOU! So tell me, who are your top 3? But wait!- a few things, just list em- no need to go into PHd explanation on why or what not, you just have to list em'. Whatever comes up in your brain. Also- family members don't count for this round. Short and sweet. To the point. Without explanation. And ..my list of heroes changes all the time. That's how I roll.. Now...I'd LOVE to know who's your top three at the moment! Again, just list, no explanation. List em', list em!

Killer Filler Friday!: Wishes

2011-12-16T13:44:00.000-08:00

Happy Friday! So this morning I had the pleasure of teaching Art to my lil' ones' kinder class for the first time. Initially, I planned a Vision Board- but the idea was quickly shot down- 'All we do is rip out pictures...' Okay. fine. So then the task became to create a project for 20 plus 5 year olds that was fairly manageable, fun and hopefully novel. So I discovered a box of popsicle sticks and a bag of swarovski crystals I had stashed in my 'craft' closet. These materials became Holiday Stars or Snowflakes- which ever they chose.

The process and project was priceless. Because your mom teaching cool art to your class is on par with Santa showing up and choosing you as the Special Helper. They ate it up.

Now, most of us with lil' ones know all this already right? But for me, I think it was a timely experience. Because only a week ago I finally took the leap and gave notice to a job that despite being a steady paycheck, held me back from investing my energy towards my real life career passions and wishes...

And as I was helping kids glue sparkles on their stars it occurred to me that part of my 'career' wish was coming true and I didn't even realize it. The one where I'm simply a kick ass mommy. The cool mommy that teaches art and then eats with you during lunch. I felt it in my heart how lucky I am to invest more time and energy with my kids.

And no paycheck can replace this wish coming true. Well...maybe a million dollars.

nah :)

GFTW 50: Let er' Rip!

2011-12-12T09:59:00.000-08:00

Hi All! So guess who's second front tooth fell out this past week? And now she gets to sing...'All I want for Christmas is my 2 front teeth.' It's pretty priceless really- All the magic of the season through the eyes of five year old twins. How DO all the packages get delivered? How DOES he manage to get down all the chimneys? At this age, they really truly do Believe in Magic. Real magic.

And I wanna hug all this magic and never let it go. Ever. Because we all know the adage- Before you know it...

So here's to lettin' er' rip this holiday season! Let that magic swirl all around and fill our hearts with Belief. Real honest to goodness Magic and Belief. And with this- here's what I have lined up for Goals for the Week:

Health: Continue writing my daily intakes. Been helping a lot with managing the holiday food. And...NO protein/power/luna bars! I don't need them right now- not training to need em'.

Mom: Choose and prep art lesson to do with their kinder class this week. Also...play Christmas every night (it's the best)

Athlete: 3 runs, 3 days of Strength training (45-60 min a week for 6 days)

Wife: Awesome birthday for my hubby

ME!: Artist Date

Personal Growth: Find +10 Acts of Synchronicity each day.

As always, I write these down on a bookmark I keep in my organizer and review them each day as part of my morning routine. And this is what I have going on over here. Now...how about YOU? Would love to know! What's happening in your magical hood? Talk to me, talk to me.

P.S. (Also, as promised I'll do a post on how my GFTW are derived my GFTY (year) Goal Setting Session, most likely the last week of the year:) I actually am in the process of reconstructing blog along with my coaching site and I'll have a new shiny blog/website come mid- January...but I'll write about that in a later post:)

GFTW 49: Make up

2011-12-05T06:39:00.001-08:00

Happy full throttle in December friends! At least that's how it feels for me over here. I just got back from a 4 day (yup, really 4 day) LA excursion to visit my pregnant BFF. The weekend entailed a trip to the Korean Spa (if you've never had this experience...put it on your list), presenting a 'fun' shop to her school administrators, a BABY shower and...a lil' make up shopping.

Make up shopping?

Yup, you read that right. It happened by chance as we strolled past the MAC store window. I haven't bought make up in years. No kidding. But as we walked past the window I hemmed at how much I needed some. We're talkin' just some light foundation or something (I think I was influenced by my make for the prom party last wknd;). So we sat at the mirror and the sales gal gave us a whirl w/a light foundation (can't believe I just typed those words...) and gloss. But you wanna know what my REAL super cool make up a-ha moment was?

A new eyebrow pencil.

Yes, I've had them before, but I think the color was too dark, so it felt like stage make. But with a a lighter brow pencil- the result is genius! Here we are post brow pencil application:

Okay, so it's hard to tell...but I could and it felt good. Really good. Like I just learned an ancient make up secret or something. And now I'm spreadin' the good news to you all.

So with a new pencil to help shape my brows and holidays, here's what I've got lined up for my Goals for the Week:

Wife: Book Birthday getaway overnite

Mom: Find the children's meditation class I read about on a flyer. Get Nutcracker and Santa Train tickets lined up.

Friend: Mail out 2 thank you cards, get holiday card stamps and stickers tee'd up for writing and mailing out by mid next week

Home: Gut out living room to make way for Christmas room:)

Athlete: Simple: 3 runs this week, 3 days of Strength training - or combine em'. Just get em' in- YOU deserve it AM

Health: Write my intakes each morning- This will guide me during the holidays

ME!: Artist Date- carve out a bit of time (~an hour) to do something for me for fun. Something that intrigues me- a soothing or novel experience.

Now, as always I write these down on a book mark I keep in my organizer and review them each day as part of my morning routine. And these GFTW stem from my GFTY (Goals for the Year) and Big Thinking Life Plan. I realize as we come to the close of 2011 and into 2012 this is a BIG time of year where we all reflect on what has worked, and maybe not so much in our life and what we want to create for 2012. I plan to post more on the process- and also how I go about my goal planning sessions that derive my GFTW. I'm really passionate about the process (uh...obviously if I've created a blog around it).

But enough about me. Let's hear about YOU! What do YOu have planned for the week? AND...who out there is an eye brow pencil/make up believer? :-) Would love to know!

Then and Now- Prom Style!

2011-11-29T08:41:00.001-08:00

Yup...that's yours truly. The one in the hot pink flamenco style prom dress back in 89'.

1989 Baby!

And my high school bff- who is still one of my true bff's threw a Prom style 40th b-day party complete with a photo station and prom party bus. And now...yours truly in 11'.

2011' Baby!

Where else can I show off a 'Now and Then' photo opp but on my own lil' blog? And this post may seem a bit off the mark, but I'll tell ya what- I'll admit it right here: I'm pretty stoked I fit in my prom dress, and I think we look quite smashin' eh? And you wanna know why we do? We both make exercise a priority. It wasn't until' my mid 30's that I even began to grant myself permission to take myself a bit more seriously as an 'athlete' or someone who could run, bike or swim. Really. And I'm so thankful I took the leap and challenged myself to see my own possibility. Of course I go through ebbs and flows of how much I exercise or at what intensity- but that's part of the process.

So thanks for lettin' me show off the goods 'Prom Style'! And my question for you? Do you still own your prom dress? Have you shown off YOUR awesome goods Prom Style lately? Would love to know!

GFTW 48: This Turkey Went a Trottin'

2011-11-28T09:47:00.001-08:00

Hi All! Happy last week of November. I know. So weird, December is right around the corner. But before we get to that corner- I'd love to recount how great our Annual Grassroots style Turkey Trot went Thanksgiving Morning. The rain actually cleared just enough for our trot to take place. Again, it was awesome:

We had ~120 people and made ~$1500 for Meals on Wheels here in Sonoma.

And look who made an appearance for a second time! The one and only Marjorie from XLMIC:

I sported more of Punky Brewster look this year, and Marjorie shaved ~5 min off her 5k time. That's a lot a time folks! XLMIC- you rock for comin' out!

And now...this week is the kick start to the Holiday melee that will ensue for the next 4 weeks. Well...I say, bring it on. I'm ready for it. I'm ready for the magic, wonder, sense of hope and faith that year after year after year comes bubbling up to the surface in our lives. I'm a sucker for it all:)

I mean- what person doesn't get into it after skating in Union Square in SF:

So with visions of 5 year old wonder, excitement and Belief skating around in my head, here's what I have lined up for my Goals for the Week:

Mom: research bunk beds, wrap gifts for party, and read holiday story every nite

Athlete: 3 or 4 runs, 3 days ST or TRX, and look up my 2009 base training program to follow

Friend: Thank you to my BFF for an amazing 40th b-day. Finish party favors for my other BFF's shower this weekend

Finance: Quickbooks for week and month of Dec.

Home: Download Thanksgiving pics

Personal Growth: Have my BIG Goal Setting Session :)

ME!: Artist Date maybe in Los Angeles and time w/my BFF and LA friends

As always I write these down on a bookmark I keep in my organizer and review it each day as part of my morning routine. That's what's in the books for me this week- Now...how about YOU? Would love to hear what's going on in your neck of the woods this week! Talk to moi, talk to moi!

GFTW 47: Sweet as Apple Pie

2011-11-21T12:56:00.001-08:00

I volunteered in my lil' ones kinder class this morning. I was the former school counselor at this school and left this career when my kids turned three-ish. Now almost three years later, it's so fulfilling to have my new school identity be 'A and N's Mom'. I'm beginning to no longer feel like it's the place where I used to work, but rather like it's the place where my kids go to school. They own it now and It's awesome. And my role now is Volunteer Mom for things like today, 'La Comida de Dia de Accion'.

The whole class made a Thanksgiving meal complete with apple pie. It was so sweet, and as we all sat around munching on our well earned plates, I thought to myself how thankful I am to have this role in my life:)

So with aromas of mashed potatoes and visions of Family Fun Run Turkey Trots dancing in my head, here's what I have lined up for this week:

Mom: Have kids help make posters for our Annual Fun Run Trot (If you're in the Sonoma Ca area, it's a fun family walk/run on t-day am, 7:30) email me for info!

Friend: make labels for shower party gift, gift for other BFF who turns 40 this Sat!

Community: Talk up Turkey Trot!

Athlete: get 5 ~45 min workouts in this week: 4 runs w/a lil ab/weights, a bike spin and/or a fun different class

Wife: Coffee date w/hubby

ME!: Pedicure

As always, I write these down on a bookmark I keep in my organizer and review it each day as part of my morning routine. And that's what's in the books for me this week (well, along with my sister's birthday, my mother's birthday, a SF overnite excursion on T-day, and a Prom Party Bus 40th B-day for my bff.) schwew, but that's all part of the package and already mostly set in motion. Can't wait. And...I'd love to know what you have Tee'd up for this Thanksgiving week! Any trots taking place in your neighborhood? Talk to me, talk to me!

GFTW 46: The Cat's Outta the Bag

2011-11-14T06:24:00.001-08:00

Hi All! And we're off for another mystery Monday... I had to share my latest a-ha moment. I am feeling more settled, present and excited this week- more than in weeks past. I think it's partly from getting more in touch with my own experience of things and attempting to share my feelings. So lately, I've come clean to a few key players in my life on what's going on in my head and heart- and it felt good. Awkward and different, but also good. And I thought 'It sorta feels like the cat's outta the bag'

Which made me think of The cat.

The dang cat!

The one above that's smack in the middle of my last Vision Board I made a few mo's ago.

I swear, that cat has been a conundrum for me from day one. Why the heck was I drawn to him/her- and why did I need to move the cat to smack in the middle of my board? I was drawn to that image for some reason- and it's such a weird picture. The goofy, embarrassed, exposed, awkward feeling cat.

Well, that cat is ME! duh. Attempting to let all my goofy, weird, awkward, embarrasing- ness be exposed, be embraced and a more real part of who I am AM...

So with my new BFF kitty cat as inspiration, here's what I've got lined up for for my Goals for the Week:

Health: 2 cups of joe in the am, and done by ~7:30am. I've realized caffeine makes me stinky. bummer!

Wife: Date night this week!

Community: Post a trot flyer each day, post school turkey fundraiser on FB 2x's this week.

Friend: Shower ends tied up..

Personal Growth: Read through journal pages of ~2 notebooks, Artist Date

ME!: Get Hair done. yipee!

Athlete: 3 days of ST, 3 runs, 2 spins and strrrretch.

As always, I write these down on a bookmark I keep in my organizer and review them each day as part of my morning routine. And this is what I have tee'd up for me this week. Now...how about YOU? What do you have lined up? Would love to know. Talk to me, talk to me!

Friday Footnotes: Continue

2011-11-11T06:56:00.001-08:00

Hi! This post will delve a lil' all over the place. But isn't that how footnotes are?

1. I've been continuing my strength training (yes!) and what's been really helpful is bringing a few post it's along to jot down all the ideas that swirl around my head. I could use my phone- but I know I'll get side tracked w/email, etc...and I want to stay focused. Does anyone else do this?

2. Outta sight, outta mind. With the Halloween candy gone and the pumpkin spice creamer virtually depleted, I'm no longer continuing the crazy candy snack path, and I'm continuing my more healthy intakes. N.i.c.e....

3. Here's my new friend: an up close giraffe we saw on our Safari West adventure yesterday. I am continuing to create fun adventures for the kids on our 2 days off. To all the Bay Area folks- this is one place you MUST visit. Safari West is an amazing animal preserve on the 'Sonoma' Serengeti. Worth the trek and ticket price...

4. Continue- The word itself is such a cool concept! What will I continue and no longer continue to do, be and have in my life? I did some journaling with the idea...(this probably is a bit heavy for this post/blog but aw well.)

I will no longer continue to...

think I'm responsible for every one else's happiness
let old agreements rule the way of my life
be the silent passive aggressive victim
squeeze myself to fit into every one else's life
squelch my own possibility

I will continue to ...

create my own dogma and live it
love and be deeply loved
keep with the flow of synchronicity
embrace aging- life's greatest reminder of our precious time here
know my worth and let it show
be emotionally available to me and my family
have fun adventures
let my lil' AM shine

I wavered on whether to post this or not, but said what the heck-and it's a hodge podge post after all. So, now my few questions for you? What Friday footnotes would you like to share? What will YOU continue and no longer continue to do in your life? Would love to hear it.