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
Tuesday, August 26, 2008
Tuesday, August 19, 2008
We can learn so much
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
"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
Wednesday, August 13, 2008
Pay It Forward
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.
"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.
Friday, July 4, 2008
4th of July
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!
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!
Wednesday, April 16, 2008
The Mayor's Blog
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
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
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