Do you ever have times when you just need to get away? It's easy to get caught up in the moment, or should I say the thousands of moments that comprise a day. Staying focused is a requirement, yet a challenge. Juggling everything gives a sense of accomplishment, especially when you are successful at it. But then there are those times of feeling overwhelmed, totally stressed, having the need to just get away.
Often, I can address this need by taking an hour out for myself and submersing myself in music, or perhaps a hot bath engulfed with bergamot-scented bubbles. A good bike ride or run does the trick too, or just cuddling up with my kids on the sofa and watching a good movie.
Perhaps sympathy has come into play for me now that I have reached the tender young age of 40. "You need to get away, just for a couple of days," my dad said. His translation? A vacation for one. Wow, that sounds nice, but totally unrealistic. All those thoughts come flooding back into my head again -- kids, household chores, bills, work.
STOP, he said.
Just stop and breathe, and refresh yourself. Go off on your own, and recharge your batteries.
So I took him up on the offer.
I'm sitting here in Bal Harbour, Florida, on the last day of my small little vacation. I turn my neck just a little bit and look out the 11th story patio, and have a beautiful view of the ocean; my own little world. There has been no agenda since I got here three days ago. My intention was to get caught up on work, but as luck would have it, I have been unable to get a connection on my computer until today. So what have I done? Nothing but recharge. I didn't think that I needed it, but I realize now how low my battery actually was. It was like I was running on fumes of an empty gas tank.
So what is the lesson? Take the time to invest in yourself every once in a while. It's not as selfish as I once thought. In fact, I think it's a pretty good investment, which will have a good ripple-effect for everyone and everything I interact with.
Thanks, Dad, for the suggestion.
Sunday, March 22, 2009
Rechargeable Batteries are the Best Investment
Monday, March 16, 2009
Join the Madness, Join the Mission!
Hello family, friends, and followers. For those who know me, you know that March is my favorite time of year -- it's not because of my birthday, and not because of St. Patrick's Day. It's MARCH MADNESS time! And this year, you have the opportunity to have a lot of fun and be a part of something special!
I invite you to join in the Team in Training NCAA Basketball Bracket Challenge. Even if you really aren't too into college hoops or don't think you are built for predicting winners, now is the time to get involved and have some fun and know that you are helping fight cancer at the same time.
What's in it for me? And where does the rest of the money go?
Each bracket entry fee is $25, with a maximum of 3, and all of the proceeds, minus the prize pay-out will benefit the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society. Prizes will be 25% to the 1st place person, and 15% to the second place. The more people that participate, the higher the payout, so spread the word and tell all of your friends!
How Do I Get Started?
Simply donate via the PayPal button below. Shortly thereafter, you'll receive an email inviting you to the CBSSportsLine.com bracket site where you can setup your brackets. (Setting them up is easy, and often many people do just as well if they don't follow college basketball!)
How much time is left before the final buzzer?
The deadline to setup your brackets is 12:00 NOON EST this Thursday, March 19th, so sign up today! Please, invite your friends; increase the prize amount and help me meet my goal.
Thanks so much, and good luck with your brackets!!!!!
In case you were wondering if I was legal.
Below is the formal letter from the Michigan Chapter of Team in Training, on behalf of the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society. The letter serves as proof that I am indeed raising money for a good cause, and not trying to scam you in any way.
---------
March, 2009
This letter is to confirm that Andrea Duncan is serving as a volunteer for The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society, Michigan Chapter, and is eligible to collect funds on our behalf.
The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society is licensed with the state of Michigan as a
501 © (3) not-for-profit agency. Our mission is to cure leukemia, lymphoma, Hodgkin’s disease, and myeloma, and improve the quality of life of patients and their families. Andrea Duncan is a member of our Team In Training program and has agreed to raise a minimum of $4400 for the Society and train to complete a long-course triathlon. Please support Andrea’s hard work and efforts, on our behalf. Andrea's fundraising page is http://pages.teamintraining.org/mi/gctri09/andi.
For additional information on The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society or Team In Training program, please contact the Michigan Chapter at 248-581-3942 or 800‑456-5413.
Sincerely,
Tami Duquette
Campaign Director
Posts
