Praying for Aurora

Hugging our children a little tighter and keeping those affected by the awful theater shooting in Aurora, Colorado in our thoughts and prayers. May those killed find their final rest with God.  May He comfort the friends and families of those taken and bring healing to those hurt both emotionally and physically. Praying in the precious name of Jesus, Amen.

Instant Optimism: Don't be Judgmental

“The more time we spend considering the shortcomings of others, the smaller we become.”

 

 

 

 

 

Instant Optimism: Starting again!

 

“If one dream should fail and break into a thousand pieces, never be afraid to pick one of those pieces up and begin again.”–Flavia Weedn

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Instant Optimism: Focus on Your Task

"Success is not hocus pocus--but focus focus." 

 

 

 

Instant Optimism: Start Today!

"It's never too late to be what you might have been."~ George Elliot

 

 

 

 

Instant Optimism: Be a "Fast Forgiver"

"The only people you should ever get 'even' with are those who have helped you out." ~ John Honeyfeld

 

 

 

 

3 Simple Tricks to Help You to a Healthier 4th!

1) Lots of yummy things at the BBQ? Use a small plate to load up. Research says folks who choose smaller plates eat less without even noticing. Calorie consumption of those tested was up to 50% less, but they still felt full. 2) Now that your plate is full of all those yummy things, eat the fruits and veggies first. You'll make sure and get the healthy stuff in and you'll have less of a chance of over-eating the junk! 3) Still have room for dessert? You don't have to deprive yourself of sweets, indulge--but split your treat with someone else! Want more? You can check out other healthy ideas on this website summertomato.com

Instant Optimism: Be a Dreamer and a Doer!

"Vision without action is a daydream. Action without vision is a nightmare." ~ Japanese Proverb

 

 

 

 

A Proud Mom and Her Son The VoiceOver guy!

Just like putting a picture or a report card on the frig, a mom loves to share what her children do! This video for "Biggest Skiing in America" was voiced by my son Joe!

Remembering 9 11 01: An Ordinary Mom's View

Those "where were  you" conversations are happening all over America this weekend. Many people on TV, radio and the net are sharing their stories. Here is mine: 

Pushing my then two year old on a swing and staring up to quiet skies is my most vivid personal recollection of that day. You probably recall that all planes had been grounded across the country… and in my neighborhood-- like most-- not much was going on “on the ground” either. People were not “hanging out” outside. But I felt the need to keep things as normal as possible for my son who was obviously too young to know what was happening; so late that afternoon, we went to the playground.  As I pushed him on the swing, I couldn’t help think of the victims and their families: men and women who would not ever hug their loved ones again. Children who not be tucked in by their mom or dad that night…or get pushed on a swing. Such a simple thing suddenly seemed threatened.

I can never fully grasp the unimaginable pain felt by those affected, but as an ordinary American I can tell you I found much comfort in family and friends-- and in the innocence of children. Normally I would have been on the radio, but I had the day off. I wonder if I may have had to bring some of the news to our listeners. It was an intense day for many of my colleagues and friends.  I spent much of the morning glued to the TV with another mom as our kids played unaware in the background.  As we stared in shock, we didn’t speak much-- but it was good not to be alone. There will be a lot said this weekend by many whose lives were directly affected by the tragedy, many officials and politicians. I hope and pray for peace for the victims’ families who will be reliving the day again. I also pray for Americans to be inspired to unity. We’re so much better together.

Instant Optimism: Achieve!

"Do just once what others say you can't do, and you will never pay attention to their limitations again." ~James Cook

Instant Optimism: Challenges

"We must free ourselves of the hope that the sea will ever rest. We must learn to sail in high winds."~ Aristotle Onassis

Instant Optimism: Extra Effort Pays!

 

"There are no traffic jams along the extra mile." Roger Staubach

Going Red and Getting Healthy

From my posting at http://detroitgoesred.blogspot.com/

It's exciting, as of my Beaumont weigh in yesterday I am officially down 6 pounds and over the weekend I was back into size 6 jeans! I've gotten sooo much help from both the staff at Beaumont and St. John Macomb-Oakland with diet and exercise.  It's been a challenge, because like most of us, I have a full plate (not food! lol). Here's some great suggestions from this week: Prepare healthy meals in advance and freeze them, then you're not scrambling at the last minute...and we know where scrambling leads...to something easy and usually unhealthy. Running and walking with my dog is OK for exercise as long as I alternate the 2 and sustain it for 20-30 minutes. Ali and I are both happier and healthier. I know what you're thinking, it's too cold to run outside...but  I bought an awesome pair of fleece sweat pants that really help me to be able not only to tolerate, but enjoy it. They are actually made out of recycled water bottles. Cool, huh? And as you may have read in some other posts, we are learning meditation and stress reduction techniques from Dr. Chinnaiyan. Stress hurts our minds -- and bodies-- in so many ways. It's a journey to health I'm so happy to be on  --with some of the coolest people too!

Helping Us Get Healthy at Beaumont

Coordinator Women Exercising to Live Longer (WELL), Megan Donnelly

The American Heart Association's Go Red for Women "My Life Check Challenge Makeover" moved into its second phase for me with the wonderful staff at Beaumont Hospital and the Ministrelli Women's Heart Center. Almost a third of women die of heart disease and this deadly serious issue is addressed with such dedication at Beaumont. Today I went for my seven non-invasive tests to assess my situation (which they offer at for only $70).  I'll get my results soon, but it seems as though for me cholesterol is my greatest concern. Dr. Chinnaiyan and her team will help me with diet, exercise and stress. The doctor says stress reduction is imperative to health. This is so true, but so often left out of people's regimens. The holidays are so stressful for everyone and I am no exception. Like many of you, I am spinning extra plates right now and can't wait to learn and share stress reduction techniques. Of course, exercise is a great stress-reducer too! I'm looking forward to sharing my journey with you and welcome your comments!

Healthier for a Happier New Year

Today I had the honor of meeting some incredible women: health professionals, volunteers for the American Heart Association and other participants in the Go Red For Women "My Life Check Makeover Challenge".  Having worked with the American Heart Association before, I know how dedicated they are to stopping Heart Disease. It's the number one killer of women... but so much of it is within our control to stop or slow down. This morning we gathered at St. John Macomb-Oakland Hospital to meet the amazing Dr. Crawford and some of her colleagues. Next week I'll get to meet a second group at Beaumont Hospital in Royal Oak.

The other participants and I with Dr. Crawford (Hand over the Heart!)

Both hospitals, along with the American Heart Association of Southeast Michigan, are supplying experts in Heart Health, Diet and Exercise to whip us into shape. We all face similar challenges, but the big monster in my closet is cholesterol. It's very high and I'm going to have a go at bringing it down with diet and exercise before doing medication.  In the end, medication may be necessary--but let's just see how far I can take it. I'll keep you posted on my progress here and on the American Heart Association's blog. (I'll share that with you soon!). In the meantime, if you want to see how you're doing with your health, check out what the AHA calls the simple 7 - Get Active, Manage Blood Pressure, Control Cholesterol, Eat Better, Lose Weight, Reduce Blood Sugar and Stop Smoking. You'll answer a few questions and get your score

Here's to a healthier 2011!

Instant Optimism: Challenges

"When faced with a challenge, look for a way, not a way out."  ~ David Weatherford

Instant Optimism: Do your best!

"To give less than your best is to sacrifice the gift." ~ Steve Prefontaine

Instant Optimism: Giving Thanks!

If the only prayer you said in your whole life was, "thank you," that would suffice.  ~Meister Eckhart

A Candle That Brings Hope

Some drop out, some age out of foster care, others fall to addictions that catapult them to a life on the streets. If you think being  homeless would be hard for the mature, put yourself it the place of one of the 5000 youths in Michigan who will walk the cold streets alone tonight: no food, no shelter, no hope. 5000! Each with hopes and dreams. Each God's creation!





Suppose you see a brother or sister who needs food or clothing, and you say, "Well, good-bye and God bless you; stay warm and eat well" -- but then you don't give that person any food or clothing. What good does that do? James 2: 15-16 NLT


 
 This Thursday you can step up and help.  I hope you'll join my friends at Covenant House Michigan for their 13th Annual Candlelight Vigil. You'll be joining with some very inspiring individuals: residents, staff and supporters -- as they light candles of hope. And hope is so powerful! But even more than hope, Covenant House Michigan takes action by serving these youngsters with not only a warm bed and hot meals-- but education, job training and compassion.  In addition to an inspiring evening of singing, praying and listening to powerful speakers and testimonies, you can also have some fun and great food at the Afterglow at Bookies Bar & Grille! And, get this, Detroit 187's Erin Cummings will be there to lend her support!


“We host this vigil every year to make sure these precious children, who have been failed by those who are supposed to care for them, are not forgotten,” said Sam Joseph, Executive Director, CHM. “As kids continue to fall through the cracks of our society, it is our intent and hope that this vigil will shed light on the overall issue of youth homelessness and make sure these children are not forgotten.”

WHEN:
Thursday, November 18, 2010
6:00 pm – Program
7:00 pm – Candlelight Vigil
9:00 pm – Afterglow Benefit, Bookies Bar & Grille 2208 Cass Ave., Detroit, MI 48201
$10 Cover includes food, music, drink specials, raffles and prizes.

WHERE:

CHM Main Campus, 959 Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd. Detroit, MI 48208

WHAT:

Testimonies by current and past CHM residents who will share their first-hand experiences about being Homeless and how they are now on a road to success. Keynote Speaker, Leslie Murphy, President and CEO, Murphy Consulting and Committee Member, United Way Women’s Initiative. Tours of CHM’s campus offered following program.

CHM will be accepting hats and gloves, toiletries and monetary donations at the event. These donations will assist CHM in providing crucial services such as shelter, food, clothing, counseling, transitional living, health services and education, vocational training to homeless, runaway and at-risk youth less than 22 years of age.

Where to get more info:

(313) 463-2005 or visit www.covenanthousemi.org.