Mo's Great Ride

Trust

2010-10-08T21:02:00.003-05:00

Where do you put your trust?
Is it in yourself? In others? How about in God?

A recent journey has shown me that I place trust in all of the above. Trusting others is healthy. Trust after all is the foundation for a healthy and loving relationship. I am learning that trusting everyone with your heart and emotions is not something to be so open with...and...that my Mom is right.
I find it interesting that as a woman, women as a whole can be loving and nurturing or on the flip side..hurtful, mean, and well...spiteful. Now, not all are like this.....maybe just ones who need to do a self adjustment and work on their own issues first.

Judge others? Are you ready to cast the first stone when living in a glass house? If the tables were turned, would you want to be treated as you treat others?

Do not judge....its not your place. Leave that for God.
Do unto others....treat others as you would want to be treated. You want love in your life? Live life with love and it will be returned 10 fold.

There really are different levels and kinds of love. Having been married and happily divorced, I can see that love is different from love I have towards family, friends, and dating others. Love for God is an entirely different level. The absolute highest. So when you find that love in another......what would you do? Embrace it? Treat it so gingerly.....like a new rosebud. Fragile yet painful. I learned when the feelings I had were not softened...and that one has retreated. Absolutely respect his space and where he needs to be. What will happen? That my friends....that is in the hands of God.

I am totally at His mercy.

Did I fall off the blog planet?

2010-01-31T20:48:00.013-06:00

I see it has been some time since I checked in on ye 'ole blog here. Will not be a stranger, I promise. Let's catch up shall we?

What have I been doing since August? A whole list of things. I broke the topics out in sections to be more reader friendly in case you need a break. As a lot has been happening, this is part 1 of a 2 section series.

I am still involved in Real Estate as an Investor and am waiting on a contract to go through for a rehab in much need of TLC. However, that is not where the real passion and excitement is...so let's move on to those topics shall we?

Nutrition/Health
I have always had a strong interest in any topic related to health, fitness, and nutrition. Mags you see around my house are usually cycling, running, or fitness magazines vs gossip. As you may recall, Jan 09 I graduated from Massage Therapy school. While in school, I knew I would be doing something different with my education and already had plans to apply to UIC for a BS in a Sports Medicine related field.
Fortunately, because of school, I was able to work the 2008 Chicago Marathon as a MT in the recovery tent. I talked to all the runners that came across the table, mainly related to their run, how they were feeling, and checking in on their hydration levels. There was one runner who came over to our table and happily hopped on for a 15 minute rub down and stretch. However, there was something very different about this runner in comparison to others. Was it his level of extreme happiness? A glowing level of positive energy that seemed to surround him? That he felt great after running 26 miles in a time of 3:38? Which by the way is incredible time! Maybe it was a combo of all the above? What he probably didn't know is that I had a big smile because of all of the previously mentioned. Absolutely refreshing energy level which was noticed by a fellow classmate and friend working on a runner at the next table.
I vividly recall a label peeling off in my hand that was on his shirt. Naturally this struck up a conversation due to my inquisitive nature. What was it at one time? Was he sponsored by a company to run? I had just finished Tour DVA a month prior, so was this similar...to raise money for charity? It was a label of the nutritional products he trained with, uses every day, and also markets. Hmmmm....interesting and of course my brain spun almost as fast as Lance rides Tour de France.
You see, a few months before, I broke up with GNC. Yes. Broke up. We had a very unhealthy win-lose relationship. Every month, I purchased multivitamins that gave me zero results, except for the neon-green/yellow coloring in my urine. I laughed at the GNC rep who said that was a sign to tell me that the vitamins are "working." Ok, seriously, I know I may have been talking with a bit of a Southern accent, but I certainly did not fall off the turnip truck yesterday!
After the break up, I checked out a vitamin specific store who in theory was more "holistic." I was very excited and hopeful that spending nearly $300 for most of what I needed would be my answer. After all, if I spent a lot of money at a holistic store, that means it will work.......right? A few days later, I became another disappointed consumer and never took the vitamins again due to the extreme amount of time being unnaturally sick over them. I only say unnatural because the body in theory should not be reacting to a vitamin as a toxin if taking the recommended amount. Don't you think that seems a little odd? Vitamins are good for us, right? So, I took a break from finding the perfect vitamin/supplement relationship and stayed with my trusty bottle of Nanogreens and some form of a Fish oil supp from the gym. Couple that with glutamine and you have the supplements I used while training for Tour DVA.
Now it makes sense why my head was spinning when I was talking to this unique runner. We exchanged emails for a follow up since unfortunately his time was up and I had to keep the line flowing. The few classmates that were with me were excited and when I clued them in on the discussion, they became intrigued. Fast forward a few months later. I did my due diligence and researched the products and found that this was the answer to my eternal quest for finding the most ideal long term relationship, marriage if you will, of my body and a vitamin/supplement that will provide what she needs to maintain a healthy and active lifestyle. I know....a mouthful... but that is what it felt like! You've seen Indiana Jones and The Last Crusade. If you will, this was to me, the Holy Grail of supplements.
Why did I bring all this up? So you can get an understanding of where I was 13 months ago. When I was laid off in August, I took this as a sign and opportunity to follow my dreams and passions. You are only given so many chances to follow your dreams. Personally, following them now vs at retirement is much more appealing. Yes, I transitioned from a Consumer, who loved the Holy Grail of supplements, to an Associate which gives me a greater ability to spread the wealth of knowledge to others. A total win-win for everyone!

Diving/Marine Biology/Conservation efforts
Something I have always been in love with is the ocean and sharks. Ever since I saw Jaws as a kid, I have always been fascinated by sharks. When we were at the Cape for summer vacation, I always looked for the majestic Great White. When cable and Discovery were created, a show called Shark Week became the most fascinating thing for me to watch. When I was a kid, I always thought diving was for people like Jacques Cousteau. Boy I was wrong!
Fast-forward to college, I went to Central America for a month long backpacking trip, and yes, I even received credit for the class. At the time, my focus was Wildlife Biology, to study primates, with intention to go to VaTech. While in Roatan, Honduras, I was snorkeling off the Belize Reef and saw 3 divers 30 feet below on a reef shelf. Excited, I asked a few friends about diving and even some of the locals. Although I was offered 2 jobs to stay in Roatan, I felt it would have been wise to fly home to DC since I enjoyed my life as I had it. My parents would have flown down and picked me up, but would have given me the lifelong guilt trip so learned by many generations of Irish Catholics. I switched majors, picked up a college class for Scuba Diving, and moved to Va Beach 6 months later where I worked at the aquarium as a shark feeder.
On the path to a degree in Marine Biology, with a job lined up in the Keys as a Dive Master, and 3000 dives logged under my belt by 30, life happened and everything was put on hold for 10 years. Over those years, many life lessons happened. Difficult? Yes. For a reason? Absolutely. Happy now? You betcha Norm!(think Fargo) I find myself in a position now to follow those dreams further and in different ways then I originally planned 12 years ago.
Over the past year, a dive shop opened up a mile down the street. The first time I stopped in, I stayed for hours talking to the owners about diving and finishing my certifications through Dive Instructor. In a few months, when the lakes thaw out, I will be completing my Rescue Diver certification. Swimming 800 m is not my concern. Pulling a 250 lb man out of the water is. While waiting for the deep thaw, I hooked up with some fellow divers on Facebook. I joined and started a few campaigns for shark, dolphin, and whale conservation efforts. Yes, I will go into this in detail at another time. I began talking to the webmaster of The Shedd Aquarium who sent my info to a lovely lady in the conservation dept. Although she loves my ideas and passion, there are no open positions. However, she wanted to be sure I could get involved immediately and sent me to the volunteer coordinator. He and I exchanged emails and I was offered a volunteer position giving me the ability to speak to the public, providing education about the animals and how we can make changes in the world. Sunday morning, I go down for an interview to go over all the details. So even though my life took a minor derailment, which landed me in the Mid-West, far away from any ocean, I persisted until I succeeded and most definitely am not only making the best of it, but am by far the happiest I have been....ever!

I am now in the process of submitting everything to UIC, transcripts pending, so I can finish my BS in Biology and Nutrition with a minor in Photography....another lifelong passion.

There is more to tell you, reader. But the hour is late, and this is an exceptionally long blog. Tune in next time for the next major update. You will likey!!

Fear of Success, Fear of the Unknown

2009-09-17T10:12:00.003-05:00

Laid off Aug 3, I've had friends and family alike ask me, " Mo, what are you going to do? Do you have a job lined up? " I informed them that I have been working with a Real Estate Investor group since March doing marketing. Now that I am laid off from a JOB, I can finally have the freedom to be doing REI and Marketing full time! In one month, I have been able to learn so much more then I ever did since March. When I tell them this, there is confusion, some are excited but mainly confused. When I get into more detail about REI, some have fear, some excited, some still confused. Now I get asked " Are you looking for a job? " That is my favorite to respond to. Why would I look for a job when I can create financial independence. Will a job give me that? No. If I did not know about this group, I would be screwed because of having to sign a non-compete clause, for my severance, which prevents me from going back in the same field for 6 months. Fortunately, the questions have silenced for a little bit. Now friends are sending me properties to look in to.

Now, the ultimate question. Why Fear? Why be afraid of working hard and creating your own success? Is it because of fear of failure? Maybe it is fear of the unknown. It is amazing the levels of self-doubt, those who have such a low self esteem that a job is the ideal situation for them. Someone else tells them what to do, what time to work, when to take a lunch break, how to dress, etc.
Ever since I was a kid, I told my parents doing what you love is more important then doing a job for money. I don't view what I do now as a job. I love it and it creates financial freedom for me while helping others get out of a sticky financial situation. Not to mention, in my free time, I can scuba dive and start volunteering at The Shedd aquarium as a diver! Total dream job for the diver in me.

http://www.livestrong.com/article/14659-handling-fear-of-success/

If you want to succeed, you believe it, you work for it, and you just do it. But, if there is the smallest amount of self-doubt, it will come up. Choose your attitude, choose it wisely.

"The state of your life is nothing more than a reflection of your state of mind."
Dr. Wayne W. Dyer

If you think you'll lose, you've lost,
For out in the world you'll find,
Success begins with a fellow's will,
It's all in the state of mind.

If you think you are outclassed, you are,
You've got to think high to rise,
You've got to be sure of yourself before
You can ever win a prize.
Life's battles don't always go
To the stronger or faster man,
But soon or late the man who wins
Is the man who thinks he can."
Arnold Palmer

Dave Matthews Band..really kicks up the heat!

2008-11-12T23:06:00.002-06:00

So, everyone who knows me knows what a huge fan I am of DMB. Tonight I felt the need to let Dave into my soul and fill me up..."pick me up love, from the bottom..." By far, the lyrics to Say Goodbye are just so passionate and intense...must share with you. As a Scorpio...this is my nature and what is within...intense and passion!

So here we are tonight
You and me together
The storm outside, the fire is bright
And in your eyes I see
What's on my mind
You've got me wild
Turned around inside
And then desire, see, is creeping
Up heavy inside here
And know you feel the same way
I do now
Now let's make this an evening
Lovers for a night, lovers for tonight
Stay here with me, love, tonight
Just for an evening
When we make
Our passion pictures
You and me twist up
Secret creatures
And we'll stay here
Tomorrow go back to being friends
Go back to being friends
But tonight let's be lovers,
We kiss and sweat
We'll turn this better thing
To the best
Of all we can offer,
Just a rogue kiss
Tangled tongues and lips,
See me this way
I'm turning and turning for you
Girl just tonight
Float away here with me
An evening just wait and see
But tomorrow go back to your man
I'm back to my world
And we're back to being friends
Wait and see me,
Tonight let's do this thing
All we are is wasting hours until the sun comes up it's all ours
On our way here
Tomorrow go back to being friends
Go back to being friends
Tonight let's be lovers, say you will
And hear me call, soft-spoken whispering love
A thing or two I have to say here
Tonight let's go all the way then
Love I'll see you,
Just for this evening
Let's strip down, trip out at this
One evening starts with a kiss
Run away
And tomorrow
Back to being friends
Lovers...love...lovers
Just for tonight, one night...love you
And tomorrow say goodbye

Love yall
Mo

Do you believe in mulligans?

2008-11-12T00:27:00.004-06:00

"In golf, a mulligan is a retaken swing, usually due to a previously errant one. Like gimmes, mulligans are strictly prohibited in the official rules of the game, but are commonplace in social golf. Traditionally, mulligans are allowed only on the first tee shot (usually one per round) and are not just taken at any time of the golfer's choosing. Golf tournaments held for charity may even sell mulligans to collect more money for the charity.
Some social golf games also allow one mulligan per nine holes (thus two for a round of 18).
Some golfers also allow for the "rolling mulligan," which can replace a taken mulligan shot that is no better than the original shot. In other words, the player retains his or her right to play a mulligan later in the round-- thus the "rolling."" Wikipedia

Initially I was thinking about the phrase taking a mulligan due to a situation where I let others get to me which in turn, made me not at all act like myself. Instead of being my usual laid back and easy going self, I turned into someone who was overly nervous and over thinking everything vs going with the flow. Lately I have been thinking more about this and in a much broader sense.
Life really is a series of mulligans, of do-overs. You've heard the phrases..if at first you don't succeed, try try again...or how about..if you fall off the horse, pick yourself back up, brush yourself off, and get back in the saddle again, back on the horse. Not only is life a series of do-overs but also learning lessons from those situations. I know I have used my share of mulligans and will be using more in the future.

Perhaps one of the hardest to overcome is that of a marriage that ends in divorce. I know this is the first time I have talked about my divorce openly, at least in this format. I am hoping that by speaking about it, to let you, the reader, understand me a little better and also to learn from my past. I won't call it a mistake because I don't regret it at all. I'll attempt to keep this short because I know I could go on about this. Something tells me I will be taking this offline and just journal on paper.

Looking back over the last 10 years I learned a very valuable lesson, never turn your back on your internal voice. Although, there is a reason for my experiences over the last 10 years. I believe that people are meant to come into your life for a reason and without this having happened, everything else may never have too. No, don't regret anything at all. I am still working through so many emotions I did not expect to have, but am handling them very well.

Why be bitter? That is one thing I don't understand is when a marriage ends in divorce, there is so much bitterness and hatred. Why? Things did not work out for a reason. No reason at all to be bitter, that major negative feeling makes it so you don't move on. Most see the end as a sadness, for me I see it as a happy part of my life.

Happy, yes....This is a new beginning, a new chapter, and an opportunity to truly be happy and share my life with the one man who I truly am meant to be. It would really be unfair to pursue anything serious right now since I am still going through a bit of left over emotions that I just need time to process and let go. I know the man I asked for through meditation is out there, its just a matter of me being ready for him. Of course, I know that when my internal voice speaks up, I will be listening very well.

Truly blessed

2008-11-11T20:07:00.003-06:00

For those of you who do not have a myspace account or are not linked to mine as a friend, here is a post I put out in myspace land last week. Since I love to write, as if you couldn't tell already, I often go through and read what I wrote. It is great for strong reminders of my purpose or what I have overcome in the last decade or so. So...enjoy the read...

Sometimes we, as humans, tend to overlook the small things in life that make it so beautiful. Stop and smell the roses, enjoy the little things life has to offer...sayings to remind us to stop, slow down, and truly love yourself and love life.

Friday (Nov 7th), will mark another year I have been blessed to be here, living and loving life. This past year, so many changes have happened, all positive, all have brought me to this point in my life. I am truly fortunate to be entering my 33rd year on Earth, happy, healthy, vibrant, positive, and feeling the love from my friends and family.

This next year, I feel will be a most magnificent year! I look forward to the big and positive changes that will take place. Positive growth, deep relationships, rewarding life experiences, educating others, working in a healing environment, love for self and others, following my dreams and desires completely. This is truly walking my path. Finally, I am walking my path and no longer sitting on a rock near the path watching my life pass me by. It is a beautiful thing when things align and you are doing what you are meant to do.

To my friends and family, thank you for the continued support. I am blessed having you in my life and for having your love and respect. I hope some of you I am able to see very soon too! My wish to you this year, be happy, practice wellness, love yourself, follow your dreams, and be yourself.

Love........

Maureen

The Grinch..must see for Christmas

2008-11-09T20:22:00.004-06:00

Since the ride has come and gone and next year is still many months away, you now will see more blogs about a whole bunch of random stuff. A lot has been going on lately so, I am now taking the time to slow down enough to write in here, at least 2 times a week. Although today, this makes 2 times in one day! So, what am I going to write about.......Christmas!
I know...groaaaannnnnn..why is she bringing up Christmas already, can we get through Thanksgiving first, Christmas is 47 days away, and whatever else you sour pusses want to groaaann out your mouths. Well...so sorry...if you don't want to hear about how excited I am because the holidays are upon us, then stop reading. No one is forcing you to continue! Now, for those reading still....beware...I might make you smile or at least dream a little bit better tonight!
What pray tell, has sparked this sudden burst of excitement for Christmas or at least the holidays? I would have to say last night is where it really started. There is something about a first snowfall that gets me giddy like a school girl, although very, very mild and light by Chicago standards, still...there was snow.
The last day of clinic, I skipped out of there, with a million thoughts running through my head all happy of course. Although nervous and my head racing, I had a lovely evening with a very unique, down to Earth, and sweet guy. As we were leaving a very sweet gals birthday party, is when it started snowing enough to see the white in the distance. There is just something about snow and lights on trees, yes, some parts of Chicago do have lights on trees already. Of course, this had me thinking on the way home and all today, that summer is over, fall is here and almost over too, winter is going to be sooner then we realize it.
Fall, my favorite season (see previous post) gives way to Winter. Since I am and always will be, a kid at heart, snow is the best part of winter. I always jump up and down when there is too much snow for anyone to leave. Snow day for kids is almost as fun as snow day for adults! Yes it is, well, for me anyhow. Snow ball fights with the dogs and friends, sledding with friends and their kids, peeling off all the cold and wet clothes, hot shower and hot cocoa, wrap up under a blanket after lighting a fire, cuddle with Ara...the sweetest dog in the world. And, although I give everyone a hard time who puts a sweater on their dog, yes....Ara will be getting one this year. Its not to make her look cute, its so she can stay warm. With her hair, like other short-haired dogs, it is understandable why a sweater or something is needed for this area. But, summer time and other warm months, no...she does not get dressed up.
The other great moment of snow, perhaps my favorite, is when it is the middle of the night, fresh snow has covered everything in a pure, white, blanket. As no plows or drivers are on the road, the stillness is breathtaking. The peacefulness as you hear only snow falling on snow. Crystals falling onto other crystals. Other then the sound of snow falling, there is the occasional animal scurrying off to seek shelter or maybe some traveling in a pack to find food, howling in the distance.
I normally stand outside for a few minutes, wrapped up in a blanket, just listening to the sound of snow falling to the ground. Once I am too cold, I go upstairs and stare out the window for a few more minutes, watching the unique flakes fall in front of me. What normally happens with when snow starts falling, I start singing...especially parts of Let it Snow. Have you ever actually listened to the lyrics? That is old school romantic right there. I don't care what some of you say, I am a sucker for romance. A true gentleman who is comfortable enough to be romantic too...that's enough to make me melt.
So, although this may not have been directly related to Christmas, there was still the tone of the holiday. Snow, holiday music...pure joy. On that note, I bid you farewell...to another night. Dream of the beauty snow offers. The beauty just before anyone drives in it. Before you have to drive to work. The part where you may watch the flakes come down and cleanse everything. Natures way of purifying everything....
Have a most wonderful week. Be happy in all you do and spread that joy to others who may need it more then you realize. Be sure when you watch The Grinch Who Stole Christmas, you will listen to the message that is in the end. Christmas Spirit doesn't only apply to that one day of the year, its every day of the year!
Peace, love, and happiness
Maureen..."Mo"

Football, firewood, bonfires...signs of Fall

2008-11-09T16:58:00.005-06:00

For Chicago anyways, the leaves have not only changed, but have fallen to the ground. All the brightly colored leaves scattering in the wind. Although I love the warmer months, I do love all the seasons. I think Fall is my favorite though, ever since I was a kid. Favorite childhood memory, raking the leaves up in the yard with my brothers and my Dad. Of course, being the youngest, I just HAD to do what my brothers did, even though it resulted in chores. Summer time I would cut the grass, Fall..rake the leaves up. The most fun though, flinging the leaves at my brothers which resulted in a leaf fight. Chasing each other and throwing leaves. Of course, then we would get yelled at by Dad for making a mess and to quit horsing around. We would always burst out in laughter and clean up. The end result, we would dump the leaves in the wooded part of the backyard. I remember making a leaf fort every year and would spend hours playing in it, sometimes falling asleep in a giant pile of leaves. So, this time of year, I sometimes get caught up in child hood memories. Most of the time, end up goofing off with friends and their kids.
Fall as an adult: going to/having bonfires, watching the leaves change and fall, playing the role as Auntie Mo while chasing the kids all over the yard, prepare for a cold winter's sleep (firewood, snow blower maintenance, unpack winter clothes), watch football, get the last bike rides in before its too cold, snuggle up with the dog, kids, and friends. Yes, am working on finding a good snuggle buddy.
Last night was a reminder that Fall is almost over and Winter will soon be upon us. Then I will be singing...Oh the weather outside is frightful But the fire is so delightful And since we've no place to go Let It Snow! Let It Snow! Let It Snow! Of course, one of the best things about the holidays is watching all the movies and shows that are still playing from when I was a kid. Yes, I am a kid at heart, truly one thing that will never change.
For those who are in warm weather right now, roll out the sleeping bag, I may need it come January just to thaw out for a few days!

Wishing you and yours a most terrific and happy week! Will be wrapping up Tour DaVita 2008 blogs this week with one long and final note.

Published through work blog!

2008-08-26T21:24:00.002-05:00

So, check it out everyone! In case you are wondering where my blogs are for this site, I am pouring my energy into the blog that was set up for the Tour DaVita. There were a few riders who volunteered, myself included, to write weekly. So, Tuesdays are my days to submit. I have to say, I absolutely love it. It is such a healthy creative outlet and to be paid for it is even better! Maybe I should start writing articles weekly for magazines or something. Get paid for something I enjoy....nah. I still love it, love doing something that is not considered "work."

Check out the link on this page, far right side, called Tour DaVita. That will put you to my postings.

Peace, love, happiness....you only live once!
Mo

We can learn so much

2008-08-19T23:29:00.003-05:00

Robin Williams has played some fabulous roles. The one that stands out the most for me is that of Hunter "Patch" Adams. Tonight's post will be dedicated to this man, who is a real person. Ordinarily I don't list a bunch of quotes from movies, but these are too good to not post. For those of you who are unfamiliar with the story of Patch Adams, he is a brialliant man who pushed the envelope with the medical community as a med student. Really brought out the meaning of being a doctor and this day, a provider does not only mean one with MD at the end of their name.

"Our job is improving the quality of life, not just delaying death. "

"We need to start treating the patient as well as the disease. "

"All of life is a coming home. Salesmen, secretaries, coal miners, beekeepers, sword swallowers, all of us. All the restless hearts of the world, all trying to find a way home. It's hard to describe what I felt like then. Picture yourself walking for days in the driving snow; you don't even know you're walking in circles. The heaviness of your legs in the drifts, your shouts disappearing into the wind. How small you can feel, and how far away home can be.
Home. The dictionary defines it as both a place of origin and a goal or destination. And the storm? The storm was all in my mind. Or as the poet Dante put it: In the middle of the journey of my life, I found myself in a dark wood, for I had lost the right path. Eventually I would find the right path, but in the most unlikely place."

I wanted to become a doctor so I could serve others. And because of that, I've lost everything. But I've also gained everything.

What's wrong with death sir? What are we so mortally afraid of? Why can't we treat death with a certain amount of humanity and dignity, and decency, and God forbid, maybe even humor. Death is not the enemy gentlemen. If we're going to fight a disease, let's fight one of the most terrible diseases of all, indifference.

Laughter is contagious. Laughter is the cheapest medicine.

"You're only given a little spark of madness. You mustn't lose it."
-Robin Williams

Pay It Forward

2008-08-13T22:36:00.002-05:00

So, everyone has seen the movie Pay It Forward, right? If not, go see it. While you are at it, go see The Bucket List. These are two movies we all can learn a lot from and of course bring into our daily living.

"The premise of the novel Pay It Forward is one that any person can implement in his or her own life, at any time. It begins with doing a favor for another person-- without any expectation of being paid back. Indeed one would request that the recipient of that favor do the same for someone else: ideally for three other people. The unconditional favors can be large or small. As Trevor observes: it doesn't have to be a big thing. It can just seem that way, depending on whom you do it for. " http://www.payitforwardfoundation.org
Thus, making the world a better place to live. This is so easy to do and makes a difference whether you believe it or not. It is so much easier to be positive then negative, healthier to smile and laugh, then frown and be upset. It carries from you to others. There is even a commercial with Liberty Mutual on TV.. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wMwoexR1evo
So, we have this beautiful concept of how we can help each other out and make a major difference on each other. The other, as you make a positive impact to others, is doing what makes you happy. Here comes in The Bucket List. The main thing to pull from this: only you can make you happy. You are responsible for your own happiness. Do not let life pass right by you. Make a list of everything you want to do and cross it off when you do it. This is what is called a bucket list. Pretty much....live each day to the fullest.

Now, you must be wondering, where does this fit in to my standard raising money for charity postings? Well, I am doing this ride to raise awareness in kidney disease, to pedal a lot of miles for those who are fighting the battle of kidney disease, for those who have lost it, and for those who have yet to have it.
This post tonight is what I pulled from school tonight and am spreading to you dear reader. Be positive, be happy, help each other out, and leave only your footprints.

4th of July

2008-07-04T16:54:00.000-05:00

Happy Independence Day to y'all!

I hope everyone is having a great day enjoying the gorgeous weather and whomever you are spending the Nation's Birthday. So far, I have been able to sleep in, get some cleaning done, watch some movies, and play with the dogs. Absolutely loving it.
So, some of you may be wondering how the training has been coming along? Well, very good and progressing nicely. I think I have dropped 20lbs since Jan, I am sure a little more. I am still working with a very wonderful Personal Trainer at the gym. Not the same one from day one, actually #3 since I bought PT sessions in Nov. for my birthday. However, most definitely, the best one there. A+ in my book for sure. I am with him 2x/week working on strength training and the other days of the week, about 3-4 days now, I am doing nothing but cardio. When I have the time, which is 1-2 days a week now, I am doing 2 1/2 - 3 hour cardio days rotating on different machines. Sounds insane, but it is fun and helps a lot. I have from now until Sept to get my endurance up as much as possible to cruise right through the 240 miles. My goal is to do more riding, competitive, next year. I think Sundays I will reserve for trail riding, so if anyone is interested, drop me a line!
Now, the hard part I am coming across is getting the donations in. I have had about $750 donated verbally, but need at the minimum $1000 turned in by Aug 1. So far, I am at $250. So, please, spread the word. My goal by Sept is to raise $2500 at the minimum. This is truly for a worthy cause and something that affects a lot of the general population. It is not just about those who are on dialysis, kidney awareness also applies to those who are in the pre-dialysis stage. Things like Hypertension or High Blood Pressure, Diabetes, Congestive Heart Failure, etc. all are conditions that cause wear and tear on your kidneys. Many of these diseases can be linked to Obesity as well which the American population is really having a problem with each year. We all hear or read about the studies that come out every year, healthiest cities, fattest cities, obesity is up by a certain % this year, kids are heavier by another % this year.
Every year, a long list of people make their New Years Resolution and the top being to lose weight. Approx 2-3 months later, the trying stops, until the realization of swimsuit season is around the corner. Then back to the gym to burn off years of calories. Or, how about when the doctor says he/she would like to see you lose 10% of your weight to help with whatever issues might be going on. The doctor offers to send you to a nutritionist or maybe suggests Weight Watchers or another support group. Sometimes we listen, most of the time, we are in denial and roll our eyes thinking its the doctors' job to say that so I can look like the people in the magazines these days. Well, what if the doctor stressed that if you keep down this path of unhealthy behavior, you could possibly suffer from these diseases. Believe me, there is a long list of things that could plague the body if you are not practicing a healthier lifestyle. Then the doctor tells you, by the way, the end result could be your kidneys shut down and explains the process of dialysis. I bet then, people would listen.
You may wonder, wow Mo, you are being so brutal. What gives? I'm not seeing this as being brutal, but more educational. Am I raising awareness in you reader about kidney disease? Are you going to look up on one of the many medical search engines and look up what kidney disease is and what could cause it? We all have been seeing the other charity events, primarily for Cancer, going on. This is another charity event who can hit us hard and whose disease can cause harm in many. However, the difference is most of us have the ability to control this disease and hopefully prevent it from happening.

So, those are my thoughts for today. I encourage you, please donate anything you can to my fundraising page on the right side of this blog. The link, Tour DaVita 2008, just above my fundraising page also has more facts on CKD. Once you are on the website, there are 2 places on the far right, one is the CKD brochure and the other just below is CKD facts. Good reading too! Other then that, have a most terrific day and enjoy the long weekend! Be safe in all you do!

The Mayor's Blog

2008-04-16T17:05:00.001-05:00

What a great area to live! I know the weather can be brutal at times, long winters followed with a week of Spring and a lot of heat in the Summer. But, if you can look past that and see how this community is, that is where it matters.
Last night, I received word from Mayor Gentes, that I was going to be his "Star Attraction" with today's blog. I thought to myself, alright! Get the word out! As I read the blog this morning, I could not help but smile and get a little teary eyed. I think what really got the tears streaming is reading a comment from another blogger who has Chronic Kidney Disease. Her words hit home and really put everything together of why this ride exists and what makes this company great to work for.
To you Jennifer, if you are reading this, thank you for the simple note you put out there. I am doing this for you and for so many others who like you, are not able to do what they once were able to do.

Peace all and have a Wonderful Wednesday!
Mo

Training Mode started early!

2008-04-15T19:48:00.000-05:00

Today= $200 raised, 10% of my goal of raising $2500 has been reached! Keep it going everyone!
I just got back from a very enlightening vacation in FL. I thought training mode was going to start when I got back yesterday, but I was certainly wrong. How you may ask? Well, a few tests were thrown my way at the very beginning of the trip! Here is how the vacation started with one of my BFFs Kelli.
Tuesday night, was our initial flight to Tampa. Direct flight. Flight was cancelled and re booked for the first flight out of O'Hare Wed. morning. Show up, guess what? If you guessed I was flying AA, you guessed right! Of course, being a MD-80, the flight was cancelled. We patiently waited in line with a slew of really upset passengers. We had such a great time cracking jokes and staring at the news crews that were there covering this huge event.
We finally got to the counter, where we had a very lovely lady help us out with getting on another flight. Meanwhile, the lady next to us is screaming at the poor guy who is really trying to help her. She actually demanded a letter be written to her boss! Flashbacks of school hit me. Apparently in this situation, the AA employee is the parental figure and her boss is the principal/teacher.
Low and behold, the words come from the nice AA lady's mouth, "I have you on a flight to Hartford CT airport. From there, you have a flight to Tampa with Delta. You will have to check-in, but you have seats on that flight." Yay! We skip away after checking our bags, which we would reunite with in Tampa later. Go through security for the first time mind you. Grab a Starbucks once inside and wait for our flight.
We landed safe and sound in Hartford, CT. We arrive at the Delta counter very happy. Little did we know that the turn of events was about to unfold and that we would soon be very intimate with the layout of this airport. We hand over our tickets to get our proper boarding pass, to the really nice Delta employee. The look on his face said it all since it was the same look back at O'Hare when we were trying to find a flight. We hear the words, "I'm sorry to say, you are on stand-by. They booked you as stand-by vs putting you in the system."
One would think that we would get irritated. Nope, we laughed. We could not do anything but laugh. How funny is it that we fly from Chicago O'Hare, one of the largest hubs in the USA, to Harford, CT? We were told our chances looked really good to getting on. Just check-in at the Delta counter, where we were to get on the stand-by list.
So, we went through security. We won the special award to get probed. That was a really fun experience. A lot of laughter for sure. We patiently waited until the Delta counter opened up. We grabbed a brew at the airport lounge. I had a really good local lager and we talked to two guys going to CO for a bachelor snow boarding trip.
4:00pm hits, we go to the counter to get on the list. This is where things get hairy. Flight is overbooked by 5 and the chances do not look good of us getting on. So, we run back to the AA counter, which is clear on the opposite side of the airport in the older side. Now the fun really begins. AA eventually found a flight for us with US Airways. We run to US Airways to get a ticket. That lady had to write us a ticket to get on since the flight was closed out due to leaving in 10 minutes! Yes, in 10 minutes we had to grab the plane. After the worlds slowest lady checking the id, we rush through security and run to the gate. Guess what? The plane had just started to pull away. I let the staff know that was our flight, stop the plane! 30 seconds. We missed it literally by 30 seconds!
Through all this running around, we kept saying that we are on a path of seeking enlightenment. We are really being tested. Normally, we would laugh. But, after missing a flight by 30 seconds, it really was hard to see the humor. At this point, we had been through security 3 times in one day with a stack of boarding passes getting thicker. We grabbed our stuff, got to the SW counter, our last hope. Bought actual seats to the next flight to Tampa. We ran back to the AA counter with one hour left so that they could begin the refund process.
At this point, every airline employee asked what we were doing since they saw us run back and forth repeatedly. The security knew us by name, normally not something you want at an airport. We got put ahead in line to get the refund paperwork started so we could grab our flight. Back to the other side of the airport, we bid farewell to the employees of the airlines and security of the Hartford, CT airport. Got on the SW flight and cheered when we took off. When we landed, I broke out in laughter when the flight attendant said, "Thank you for choosing SW airlines today." Not much of a choice on our part. It was certainly a last resort.
Arrive in Tampa. Reunited with our luggage. Day ends with 4 security checks and 4 airlines and a very eventful story of how we got caught up in the AA fiasco. We could have been angry and upset the entire day. Instead, we chose laughter as we dropped 5 lbs each running from one end of the airport to the other. This was our true test of enlightenment and the beginning of my Training Mode. Not only were we tested physically but mentally as well. I am proud to say, we passed with flying colors!
Vacation was packed with adventure. We packed in a lot each day. But the great thing was going on a real vacation with a great friend. The first vacation in 10 years. Certainly an adventure I will not forget. A vaca that kicked off training mode with high spirits and a highly positive attitude.
It just goes to show you, there will always be obstacles to overcome to get to your destination. Never let someone tell you that you are incapable of doing anything your heart desires. We were determined to get to Tampa and got there in one piece safe and sound.
I have been told over the last 3 1/2 years that I cant/shouldn't do this or that due to my injuries. I used to listen to those doctors. Last year, I was blessed to have started treatment with a local Chiropractor who really has allowed me to get back to who I truly am. He opened a gateway, a path, I did not think was possible 3 1/2 years ago.
Now, when someone tells my I should not do something, my response is always to fight for what my dreams and passions are. A true Scorpio to the core, I am a born and natural fighter. I am rather fortunate to have a terrific and strong support network which is filled with positive energy. I know through this ride, I will hear in my head, You CAN do it! You WILL do it! Go Mo Go Mo. Just keep ridin just keep ridin! No matter how tired I get, no matter how hard the ride is, I won't quit. I will overcome and keep ridin. I WILL GO ALL THE WAY!

Stay tuned....This marks Day 1 of training mode. The vaca was a great way for me to jump right in and get going. Queue Mission Impossible theme music...

Make it a great day y'all!
Your blogger,
Mo

The Blessings Begin

2008-04-07T20:28:00.001-05:00

You know you are truly blessed when you are fortunate enough to have friends and family not only leave words of encouragement, but also give so generously. I am so far 5% to meeting my goal! I was so excited today to spread the word and show friends my new blog and make improvements to my fundraising page.
One of my closest friends from work, is the one who made the very first donation. Alex is like a big brother to me and truly a dear, sweet, man. One who certainly deserves it all. Thank you Alex, if you happen to read this.
People, I am on a mission. I have a spark that has been lit inside of me that I cannot smother and will never let anyone else smother. There is a great big world out there and the best way to live in it, is through helping others and not just yourself. This ride, excuse me while I get a little teary-eyed, this ride is only the beginning for me in my quest for making a difference in this great, big, beautiful, home, we call Earth.
I have accepted this challenge to make a difference, will you?

The Journey Begins

2008-04-06T22:30:00.000-05:00

Friday, April 4, 2008, I hear the little yell from Steph who is all of 5 feet from me. "Mo, Mo, the Tour is open Mo! The Tour is open! Hurry and register, they have limited space! Hurry Mo, Hurry!"
Woohooo! Sweet music to my ears. The day I have been waiting for since last year. Last year was the very first Tour DaVita that took place through the Appalachians on the East Coast. Last year, when I found out about the Tour, although I wanted to do the ride, I was not physically or mentally prepared yet. The Tour is 4 days of riding, approx 240 miles, raising awareness for kidney disease and funds for The Kidney TRUST. So, since then, I have been looking forward to this year.
Alas, the time came Friday. I officially became a registered rider for Tour DaVita. This year, the ride begins in London, WI which is outside Madison, WI, about 1 1/2 hours from home. Over 4 days, the route goes North/NE, skirts through Green Bay, and finishes past Sturgeon Bay, WI. I know, for all you Bears fans, I will be sure to have something showing my Bears loyalty while riding through cheese country. Although I am a loyal 'Skins fan, I am a secondary Bears fan.

Why is this a huge deal?
For those of you who do not know me, I was in a car accident 3 1/2 years ago, my second day after moving to IL. While I could have let this traumatic event destroy me, I instead decided to learn from it and redevelop myself. I once was very active, whether outdoors or at the gym. This was by far the hardest thing to swallow, the activity level being slowed down in order to allow myself to heal. Now, I am working with a Personal Trainer, who is helping me regain my strength, endurance, and flexibility by challenging me every session. Of course, I could not have gotten to this point had I not found the best MT and Chiropractor. Most certainly, two people on my life list.
This has been by far the most interesting and enlightening journey the last 3 1/2 years. I am very fortunate to have met the best the alternative medical community has to offer. Through them, through my healing journey, I have learned a lesson that I am truly passionate about. It truly hit me when I was watching McConaughey give an interview with Oprah. This was shortly after the accident. I was feeling very sorry for myself when that sweet Texas man uttered the phrase in his sexy drawl..."Just Keep Livin'. You gotta just keep livin life no matter what." So true my friends and readers. Sometimes it takes a life altering event to truly understand how to just keep livin.
Now, I am in school studying to be a Massage Therapist, to give back what I have received. Where the education journey ends, I have no idea. Anything is possible and within reach. For now, I am working my way towards this major ride of my life. This will be a truly rewarding experience. Not only because I am raising money for a truly worthy cause, but because I am taking this as another life learning experience. Another journey towards self discovery. Another opportunity to give to others...to just keep livin'