Live like you were dying...

Hi friends, Happy Thursday!  It's extremely happy for me because it's my Friday.  Four day weekend...here I come!!!!  I hope you all have exciting 4th of July plans with your families. 

One of my favorite things to do is drive to work with my windows down and my sunroof open and just jam out to country music.  Though I don't always listen to country music, it's the best music to car dance/sing to.  The reason I really love country music is because the lyrics really do tell a story.  And one of the best country songs, in my opinion, is Tim McGraw's "Live Like You Were Dying." 

I think the message here is so powerful and illustrates how short life really is and how taking time for the little things is so, so important.  Hug your loved ones today, and everyday....

xoxo,
ryann

Tim McGraw's Live Like You Were Dying lyrics: 
 
He said I was in my early forties
with a lot of life before me
when a moment came that stopped me on a dime
and I spent most of the next days
looking at the x-rays
Talking bout the options
and talking bout sweet time
I asked him when it sank in
that this might really be the real end
how's it hit you when you get that kinda news
man what'd you do and he said

I went sky diving
I went Rocky Mountain climbing
I went 2.7 seconds on a bull named FuManchu
and I loved deeper and I spoke sweeter
and I gave forgiveness I'd been denying
and he said someday I hope you get the chance
to live like you were dying.

He said I was finally the husband
that most the time I wasn't
and I became a friend a friend would like to have
and all the sudden going fishin
wasn't such an imposition
and I went three times that year I lost my dad
well I finally read the good book
and I took a good long hard look
at what I'd do if I could do it all again

and then
I went sky diving
I went Rocky Mountain climbing
I went 2.7 seconds on a bull named FuManchu
and I loved deeper and I spoke sweeter
and I gave forgiveness I'd been denying
and he said someday I hope you get the chance
to live like you were dying.

Like tomorrow was a gift and you got eternity to think about
what'd you do with it what did you do with it
what did I do with it
what would I do with it'

Sky diving
I went Rocky Mountain climbing
I went 2.7 seconds on a bull named FuManchu
and then I loved deeper and I spoke sweeter
and I watched an eagle as it was flying
and he said someday I hope you get the chance
to live like you were dying.
To live like you were dying
To live like you were dying
To live like you were dying
To live like you were dying

My favorite thing about my job...

I know after talking to most of my friends that we can all find things we love and hate about our current jobs.  And of course, we always have the best ideas on how to make it better.  But yesterday, I was in a meeting with two business owners that have truly found their dream jobs and are so excited about the opportunity ahead of them.  Sometimes, in these meetings I am envious of these people.  I love how excited and passionate they are about their work.  I love how the ideas are all their own and that they're in total control of their destiny.  And then, I realize, that though I might not be a business owner, my job allows me to act like one.  AND, if gives me the opportunity to help these small business owners grow their business.

And during this meeting yesterday, I realized that my favorite thing about my job is getting to meet these great business owners.  I love hearing their stories and even hearing some of their struggles.  But the best part is, that I know I can help them.  I know I have a marketing solution, regardless of their business model, that will help them market their precious business to the right people and help them grow.

What do you love about your job?  What gets you excited about your job everyday?!  

xoxo,
ryann 

Training Day #1

Good morning, friends. 

So, I started my assigned training by my fabulous 'swim coach' Jen Pottinger yesterday.  She's out of town this week and after our first swim lesson last Thursday she told me she wanted me to swim for 15 minutes every day this week.  As somewhat of a 'distance runner,' 15 minutes seemed awfullllyyyyy short.  But, hey, she's way more experienced at this than I am...so I went with it.  And let me tell you....it took me 30 MINUTES to swim for 15.  Between the breaks and the trying to avoid other people in the pool and the recovering from the extreme shortness of breath....15 minutes felt like an eternity.  BUT, I did it.  And each lap seemed to get easier and feel more natural.  And as of this morning nothing hurts too badly, so I will be back in the pool today.  

Because I am a bit of an overachiever I thought I might tack on a little bit of biking and running onto this 'super short' swim workout.  After peeling off my bathing suit and pulling on a sports bra and workout clothes I jumped on the bike and biked a quick 4.5 miles.  Easy enough.  I was still soaking wet from the pool, but the bike part wasn't too touch.  I tried to vary the resistance to be more realistic, and it seemed okay.  After that, my plan was to run 1.5 miles.  As of last week,  I could run 3 miles with my eyes closed and without any heavy breathing, so I figured this would be a good way to end my workout.  HA!  After being on the treadmill for a mere 3 minutes my calves started to tighten up...not to mention the screaming my hip flexors were doing.  Sheesh, it was tough.  I literally only made it .5 miles. 

At first I was very frustrated by this.  I've always prided myself on being pretty in shape...particularly when it came to running.  But the swimming and the biking warm up reallllyyy made a huge difference.  After recapping my workout in my head and compared it to what my body was used to I came to terms with the idea that though running and biking come naturally to me, this whole adding swimming business is going to make a huge difference.  And that I need to be patient with myself while my body adjusts.

So, that's my plan today.  I'm going to get in a short 45 minute workout with my trainer....then get in my 15 minutes of swimming...and perhaps just a short run afterwards.  I will keep you posted!

Have a great day, everyone!

xoxo,
ryann  

You can change your life for the better!

Good morning, friends.  I hope you all had a wonderful weekend!  Our was crazy and busy, as usual.  However, my body finally took over and  I was asleep by 9p last night.  Ten hours sleep makes Monday morning MUCH more tolerable.  I read this blog this morning and it ran along the idea of what I wanted to share with you.  I'm smart enough to do know not to reinvent the wheel, so I hope you all enjoy.  Again, this one comes from:  Positive Thoughts and is credited to Louise L. Hay.

Have a great day! 

xoxo,

ryann

Don’t waste your thoughts on blame. No person, place, or thing has any control over your feelings because they don’t think in your mind.

This is also why you really have no control over others—you see, you can’t control their thoughts. No one can control another unless that person gives permission. So you want to be aware of this powerful mind you have. You can take total control over your own thinking. It’s the only thing you’ll ever have total control of. What you choose to think is what you’ll get in life. I’ve chosen to think thoughts of joy and appreciation, and you can, too.

We can learn to think only about all the good in the world. We can lift our thoughts up. We can greet each day with a smile. We can let the world know that we’re happy to be alive. We can express gratitude at every turn. We can love our bodies. We can be our best friends.

Today is a day for you to begin creating a joyous, fulfilling life.
Today is the day to begin to release all your limitations.
Today is the day for you to learn the secrets of life. You can do it.
You can change your life for the better.
You already have the tools within you to do so. These tools are your thoughts and your beliefs.

Louise L. Hay

Are you a Fashionista?!!!

TGIF, friends!  I hope you've all had fun and productive weeks. 

I'm dedicating today's blog to a friend of mine, Danielle Nelsen!  After what could have been a set-back she decided to pursue her dream job of owning her own retail boutique!  Danielle was laid off from her job and rather than let that frustrate her and discourage her, she rallied with her friends and family and is finally celebrating this exciting adventure in her life THIS weekend!

Fashionista Exchange is a upscale resale boutique in Overland Park, KS.  She carries women's clothing size 0-16 including designer shoes, handbags and accessories.  She's also gone as far as to find local designers to add even more excitement to her store with awesome handmade jewelry and other super-fun and cute things.  For more info and details go to Fashionista Exchange!

I've had the opportunity to work with Danielle on the professional level as well, as she an advertiser in the magazine, and her preparation and research and hard work have been so inspiring and exciting.  The fabulous pink decor and adorably dressed window models make it impossible NOT to stop into the store for a look around.  With the resale model, her inventory will change often.  Not to mention if you have some gently used, name brand things you aren't using these days, Danielle will pay cash on the spot!

Stop into the store whenever you can, but the big celebration is tomorrow, June 25th from 2p-6p.   She will be providing refreshments and also doing some great sales and giveaways.  It's a great chance to spend some time with your girlfriends and find great clothes at even better prices.  The cool part of the buying model is that she will buy during business owners.  So ladies, clean out your closets, make a little cash, and find some great new treasures at this fabulous new store!  

And Danielle, congrats!!!  I'm so excited for you....and I'm wearing my new skirt today :).  Thank you!

xoxo,
ryann

We all have that person....

First of all - Happy, Happy bday to one of my very best friends in the world, Cynthia Jordan!!!  I can't spell your new last name, so I'm sticking to the old one.  I hope you have an amazing day.  One of my very favorite memories is your 21st bday trip to Long Island.  Loved it, and you!  xoxoxo

Okay...back to the point at hand.  We all have that one person in our life.....or maybe more than that....that we used to be friends with.  And somewhere along the way we were forced to fire them due to toxic behavior.  I may admit, I have more than one....way more than that.  But, what happens when you've fired this person, but the other people in your life haven't?  You constantly run the risk of running into this person, listening to your other friends talk about this person, and worse yet, KNOWING you'll be in the same social setting with this person. 

I don't know about you, but this causes some pretty high anxiety for me.  I know, I know, I'm working on controlling my thoughts and feelings, but I will admit I haven't entirely mastered it.  So, as I prepare to be in the same social setting with this person (okay, I admit it, I'm focusing one particular person here), a million scenarios run through my head.  It's been over a year since I've seen or spoken to this person.  And, I still have nothing nice to say.

So, I guess what I'm asking is....how do I handle this social situation?  Say hello?  Don't say hello?  Ignore?  Smile and be polite?   What would you do?!

Thanks for the help and input here, friends.  Have a wonderful Thursday.

xoxo,
ryann 

Triathlete?

I believe I may have reached a new level of craziness.  I'm about 90% certain I am going to train for a triathlon on August 28th in Paola, KS.  The problem....I'm not a swimmer.  I do have home court advantage for the biking part as I've been biking around that lake since I was 12.....I also have an advantage of endurance being only about 6 weeks past my last long race.  BUT, again, I'm not a swimmer. Luckily, this race has what they call a "sprint," meaning it's a 10.42 mile bike, 5k run, and just under a half mile swim.  Yikes!

However, I am fortunate to have a WONDERFUL friend who is a swimmer and has offered to help.  Jen Pottinger claims, depending upon my current skill level in the pool (low), she can help me get there.  Let me make this clear.  I can swim to save my life.  I can float.  I even know what the stroke is supposed to look like.  What I lack is grace and a rhythm.  I'm hoping this is where Jen comes in.:)

I've found a few websites that talk about training for you first triathlon and some training schedules, so I'm hoping those come in handy.  I've gone as far as to freeze my Title Boxing Club membership and RE-join 24 Hour Fitness to have access to a pool.  I guess all I need is a bathing suit (apparently my green bikini isn't suitable for training), some googles, and a swim cap.  I've seen what chlorine does to hair...I'm not above a swim cap.

Soooo...now that's it out there, I guess I have to do it.  I will be making a trip to Target and/or Wal-Mart sometime this week and hope to get started on Monday.  Wish me luck, kiddos.

xoxo,
ryann

What you focus on expands....

The last two books I've listened to are Lynn Grabhorn's "Excuse Me: Your Life is Waiting" and James Arthur Ray "Harmonic Wealth: The Secret of Attracting the Life you Want." They both have very similar messages delivered two very different ways.  I went as far as to buy and check out these books at the library to review the material.  And though the message is different, the idea is simple: What you focus on EXPANDS.

I don't know about you, but for me, this couldn't be more true.  By nature, I'm a worrier.  I'm a high strung individual.  I analyze and reanalyze everything.   And focus on the negative.  I worry about paying off my debt, losing weight, being successful at work.  Not that these aren't real problems in my life...and you probably have a few that you focus on as well.  But what both Grabhorn and Ray make very clear is that the more you focus on what you DON'T want...the more you get of just that. 

They go as far as to say that the Universe/God/Higher Power that you believe in  grant ALL of your wishes.  And they don't understand negative words.  So saying I don't want anymore debt....the Universe hears "I want more debt."  I don't want to gain weight becomes "I want to gain weight."  I tell you what, THIS was a huge wake up call for me.  It's more than "thoughts becoming things" - it's controlling your thoughts in a way that paints the exact picture of what you DO want.  "I want to be a consistent performer at work.  I want to hit my monthly goals and earn more commission."  They also say that thinking/feeling in the PRESENT tense is important.  "I am a consistent performer at my job. I hit my monthly goals and earn more commission each month." 

It's hard....believe me, I'm trying and I catch myself a THOUSAND times a day rewording my "thoughts" I'm projecting into the The Universe.  But when I think about it, it makes sense.  I promise you that my constant worry about debt certainly hasn't made it disappear.  And my constant worry about weight hasn't made that disappear either.  So, perhaps these folks are onto something.  Though there may not be a lot of "scientific" information to back these ideas up, I feel as if turning all worries and concerns in to "I wants and I haves" has to be more productive than the alternative.

Food for thought on your Tuesday morning. 
How do you feel about these ideas?  Any proof to back up them up or negate them?  Any other authors that discuss these same points that you'd like to share? 

Have a great day!

xoxo,
ryann 

Monday, Monday....

Good morning friends!
Sorry I'm a few minutes late this morning!

Oh Monday.  I have a love/hate relationship with Monday.  I know, it's the beginning of the work week and often follows a super fun weekend (at least that's the case in my world!)  But, it's often an opportunity to wash off whatever yucky stuff is left over my last week and start fresh.

I don't know about you guys, but my diet starts over every Monday!!!  I also commit to my work out schedule, not spending a fortune on stupid stuff I don't need, not drinking as much, and actually getting some sleep.  Every week in the summer, this is my life!  And every Friday...I'm back to waiting til Monday to get back on track.

So, my commitment to myself this Monday is this:
At least 2 great workouts w/ my trainer
At least 9-12 miles logged
Sticking to my diet (tator tots are not a food group)
No drinking until Friday (my friend Andrea's 40th bday partyyyy!!!!) 
Not going out to eat at night.  (I work in sales, I can't commit to not having to buy lunch on the road!)
Having a great week at work and setting myself up to have a KILLER July.

What goals have you set for yourself this week? 

xoxo,
ryann

To let go is to open a door...

Happy Friday, friends!
I was debating all kinds of way to bring up something that's been bothering me about a few situations without being negative.  After chatting with one of my closest friends yesterday about a person in her/our lives and realizing that people only change when they want to change and that we just have to accept them and let them go....this seemed perfect for today.  I'm sure we all have that person/thing/situation that we should let go but we're afraid of for one reason or another.  Perhaps this will help.  Again, borrowing from 
http://positive-thoughts.typepad.com/positive-thoughts/.

To let go isn't to forget, not to think about, or ignore.  It doesn't leave feelings of anger, jealousy, or regret.

Letting go isn't about winning or losing.  It's not about pride and it's not about how you appear, and it's not obsessing or dwelling on the past.

Letting go isn't blocking memories or thinking sad thoughts, and it doesn't leave emptiness, hurt, or sadness.  It's not about giving in or giving up.

Letting go isn't about loss and it's not about defeat.  To let go is to cherish the memories, but to overcome and move on.  It is having an open mind and confidence in the future.

Letting go is learning and experiencing and growing.  To let go is to be thankful for the experiences that made you laugh, made you cry, and made you grow.  It's about all that you have, all that you had, and all that you will soon gain.

Letting go is having the courage to accept change, and the strength to keep moving.  Letting go is growing up.  It is realizing that the heart can sometimes be the most potent remedy.
 
To let go is to open a door, and to clear a path and set yourself free.     
 
Leonard Jacobson

Post-race blues...

I never knew this actually existed.  Upon some more research, it's actually quite common for a person that trains for a long race has a period post-race that is somewhat melancholy.  Running doesn't sound fun.  Lack of motivation takes over.  And the need to fill the time once spent training is often tough to deal with. 

After training for my first half marathon in the Spring of 2010, I was so relieved when it was over!  And had no problem getting back in the gym!  But after my second race in May 2011, I fear that I'm feeling a little post-race blues.  I find it so hard to motivate myself to keep running.  I keep letting myself slack off, miss workouts, and not finish short runs at full speed.  I took the suggested "1 day off per distance ran" and haven't found a schedule that works for me since.  I'm sure that it doesn't help that I love training with my trainers at F3 Fitness (www.f3-fitness.com) and taking a boxing class at Title Boxing Club on 76th and Stateline (www.titleboxingclub.com) AND playing at least 3 days of week of volleyball.  

What I keep challenging myself to do is run at least 15 miles a week.  3 miles 5 days a week.  5 miles 3 days a week...or whatever combo works.  The most I've done is 9 miles in a week.  Does anyone have any advice on how to get over the post-race blues.  Or perhaps I should just focus on lifting and boxing and take a few more weeks off and not worry about it.  Currently my plan is to start training for the Kansas City Half Marathon in October around the mid/end of July.  Will it hurt the endurance I've built by not doing a lot of running between here and there?

And input is appreciated!!!  And tonight...I will play more volleyball :)

Have a great day, friends! 

xoxo,
ryann 

28!

For most of you it's no secret that I LOVE birthdays....particularly my own.  It's always fun to have at least one day out of the year that's all about YOU.  I hope that you get to plan your special day and do what you want to do with the people you love.

I've already decided the 28 will be my best year yet.  Being surrounded by some of the best people I've ever met and knowing that my friends afar are only a phone call/email/facebook message/text away allows me to be absolutely certain that it can only get better from here.

Some of my favorite things about the actual DAY of my birthday are:
1 - Calories don't count.  It just doesn't seem right to diet on your bday.
2 - Your Facebook page rivals most celebrities in regards to comments and posts.
3 - Your phone rings off the hook from the people that LOVE you.  It's always so fun to catch up with people you haven't chatted with in awhile.
4 - It's technically against the rules to pay for a meal on your birthday.  My momma's taking me out today :)
5 - Intense positive energy.  It is damn near impossible to have a bad day on your birthday.  With all of the love flowing your way, it's a great day to dream big. 

Thank you all for your love and support.  My life wouldn't be the same without you.

And I believe that all of you should have the BEST day....on MY bday.

xoxoxo,
ryann

Recipes for Self-Love

So I don't typically 'borrow' someone else's work this early in the week, but this blog completely confirmed that I was listening to on my way into work this morning ("Harmonic Wealth" by James Arthur Ray).  I couldn't help but share it with you.  This one is from http://positive-thoughts.typepad.com. 

Have a great day.  

xoxo,

ryann

Take full responsibility for your life.
Stop blaming others.
See yourself as the cause of what happens to you.

Do things you like to do.
Don't stay in a job you don't like.
Participate in life at the highest level you can.

Stop terrorising yourself with your thoughts.
Be gentle and kind and patient with yourself.

Give yourself the simple pleasures of life abundantly.
Wear clothes you feel good in, get a massage etc.

Watch what you say. Avoid self put-downs.
Stop being critical of yourself and others.

Take care of your body.
Give it exercise and good food.

Be willing to create a life-style that generates and nourishes self-esteem.
Associate with others with high esteem.

Acknowledge yourself frequently.
Keep a diary of your successes and accomplishments.

Avoid comparing yourself with others.
Remember that it's who we are, not what we do, that's important

Give yourself permission to do nothing periodically.
Schedule time by yourself.

Frequently take deep breaths.
Discover the benefit and pleasure of breathing fully.

Eat first class frequently.
Don't look at the right side of the menu.

Stop trying to change others.
Focus your attention on being the way you want others to be.

Look into a mirror regularly
and say "I love you, I really love you".

Stop feeling guilty and saying "I'm sorry".
See mistakes as valuable lessons and avoid judging yourself.

Consciously generate positive thoughts and feelings of self-love
in place of old thoughts of inadequacy.

Be willing to laugh at yourself and at life.
Stop taking yourself so seriously.

Accept compliments from others without embarrassment.
Don't invalidate their positive thoughts and feelings about you.

Be kind to your mind.
Don't hate yourself for having negative thoughts.
Gently change your thoughts.

Keep your awareness and your thoughts focussed in present time
instead of living in the past or future.

Acknowledge others frequently.
Tell them what you like and appreciate in them.

Invest money in yourself.
Go to seminars, workshops and courses that develop your talents.

Make a list of 10 things
you love doing and do them frequently.

Treat yourself as you would treat someone you really loved.
Praise yourself. 

Pre-Birthday weekend!!!!!

Happy Monday, friends.  Though it's not nearly exciting as a Friday, it the beginning of my 'birthday week' and I'm super excited about it.

My FABULOUS friends allowed me to start the bday celebration a little early this year, and it's been fabulous.  But, before my bday celebration started, I started the weekend at a friend's house celebrating one of her friend's upcoming wedding.  What's the BEST way to celebrate (outside of a ridiculous bachelorette party?!)....a PASSION party!!!! This laughable party where a brave woman stands in front of a group of people and discusses things that aren't normal 'dinner table' conversation was actually a TON of fun.  I hadn't been to one in years and wasn't sure to what to expect....considering I wasn't super close with a lot of the attendees.  But Angela, of Passion Party By Angela (www.quitfakingit.com) did an awesome job and I believe the party was a success for everyone, including the Bride-to-be!

Saturday morning started early with a 3 mile run, which Jason begrudgingly joining me.  He's actually doing pretty awesome with his running, though he's definitely a beginner and certainly doesn't love it.  But his time and confidence are improving - and that's great news.  I continued to work off the previous evening's wine and Taco Bell with a great workout with my trainers at F3 Fitness (www.f3-fitness.com).  Jada and Andre are a great husband and wife team the training is SUPER affordable if you live in KC and are interested. 

After that I spent a few hours laying out on my deck and reading a book while my fabulous sister made sure Pepper got her exercise in for the day :).  I also treated myself to a little bday gift and headed to P31 Studios to get my hair done!  (David is FABULOUS!) 

From there, the troops rallied at our house and had few cocktails and ice cream cake (thank you, Jason!!!).  We took the trolley from Waldo to Martini Corner (awesome, super easy way to get around KC, btw).  The actual festivities were at Velvet Dog where my AMAZING friends proceeded to buy me shot after shot!  It was SUCH a good time and I'm so, so grateful for my wonderful friends.  You all are truly  great and I had SUCH a great time. 

And to top it all off, my pain in the ASS boyfriend dragged me at bed at 8:30 on Sunday morning to play coed doubles.  Needless to say, it was a great weekend.  I know this week will only get better.

Love to you all!

xoxo,
ryann

Tell yourself that you have a good life, count your blessings, and learn to stay positive no matter what.

TGIF!!! Whew, what a week! I hope it was a great one for you.  Because it's Friday, I'm borrowing work to share with you, again!  I don't know how to personally give credit, but this was borrowed from http://positive-thoughts.typepad.com.  There's some really great stuff on this blog - you should go check it out.  I hope you all enjoy your weekend.

xoxo,
ryann 

Count your blessings at the end of every day – don’t focus on the problems you’ve faced that day; rather, think of all the good things that happened and the happiness they gave you.

Think of others rather than yourself – when you do things, even the smallest favors, for other people who mean something to you, you feel good about yourself.

Be proactive rather than reactive – instead of fretting over a problem and letting it stress you out, focus on how to resolve quickly and effectively. When your mind is busy trying to find a solution, you stop feeling sorry for yourself and start thinking positively.

Don’t allow your mind to remain idle – it may be clichéd, but it’s also true that an idle mind is the devil’s workshop. So stay busy and keep doing something or the other to prevent negative thoughts from creeping in.

Stop negative thoughts before they form completely – if you find yourself becoming depressed because your mind is taking a negative bent, stop those thoughts in their tracks and start consciously thinking of positive things.

Spend time with people who love you and make you feel good about yourself – quality relationships make life worth living.

Anytime you feel that the weight of your burden is hard to bear, talk to a friend or someone with a sympathetic ear – even if they cannot do anything to help you out, just the fact that you have someone on your side is uplifting enough.
 
And finally, look around you before you start to feel sorry for yourself – there are people in situations that are a hundred times worse than yours, yet they manage to get through each day.

If you're bored, you're boring...

My mom used to tell me this when I was a kid and would whine that I was boreddddd and there was nothing to do.  Her response was..."If you're bored, you're boring..."  For some reason, that has stuck with me.  And believe me, my life has never been close to boring!

But with no race to train for, no school to study for, no kiddos to prep for Nationals....I honestly don't know what to do with myself.  It's quite strange having "free time" and I really don't know what to do with it.  I mean, I certainly manage to fill my time with workouts, volleyball, and hanging out with friends.  But, it's still weird on a Tuesday night to go grab dinner with a girlfriend.  Or not have to grocery shop on my lunch hour, because that's the only time I have to get it done.

And for some strange reason, I have this weird guilty feeling when I choose to sit on the couch and read a book or watch endless episodes of Law and Order or NCIS.  I constantly feeling that there is something I NEED to be doing.  But in actuality, there is not.  My question is, I suppose, will this go away?  Will the strange feeling or not HAVING to be somewhere go away?  Or will I somehow manage to find SOMETHING to do to fill up the time?

Have a good day, friends.

xoxo,
ryann

10 Year High School Reunion

This past weekend was my 10 Year High School Reunion.  I didn't go.  A lot of people seem very surprised by this.  I mean, come on, it's been 10 years!!!  But, in my opinion, between Facebook and technology, I keep in touch with the people I want to keep in touch with.  The reason one goes to a reunion (in my opinion) is to find out where everyone wound up, how they're doing, and what they're up to these days.  With Facebook, we already know!  OR, we're not Facebook friends with the people we truly DON'T CARE what they're up to.

I understand, this may sound harsh or mean.  It's not meant that way.  Truth be told, people are so busy with their own jobs/live/families/kids/spouses/projects that reconnecting with old friends is pretty low on the list of things to do when it comes to priorities.  I mean, I hardly have time to keep in touch with the people that are active members of my life....much less those that I haven't spoken to in 10 years.  Or better yet, wasn't even friends with in high school.

And to be quite honest, high school wasn't high on my list of 'memorable years.'  I hated high school.  Yes, I said it.  I wasn't well liked.  I didn't like a lot of people.  I was opinionated and bossy (I know, some things never change!) and spending 2 hours with the people I haven't seen since then - won't change their opinion of me.  And better yet, I don't care to. 

What about you, friends?  Did you attend your big reunions?  What was your experience?  Or, do you plan on attending the next one?

xoxo,
ryann

Summer Mornings....

In my opinion, there is nothing better than a summer morning.  It's warm and comfortable, usually long before the obnoxious heat and humidity take over.  It's quiet and peaceful and if you're up early enough, you can only hear the sounds of birds and nature...and I live in the middle of the city. 

But one of my favorite ways to spend a summer morning is a nice, comfortable run.  Though it's not quite the same experience as sitting on your deck drinking coffee and enjoying the perfection, there is a feeling of accomplishment that only a morning workout will help you achieve.  And not to mention the beautiful weather and scenery.  And the camaraderie of the other runners on the trail.  It's almost enough to make you lose track of time and what you're doing.

This morning, I ran about 3 miles on the Trolley Trail in Kansas City from Waldo to Brookside and back.  And though my time wasn't great (apparently 3 weeks is too long to take off post-race) it was still just the best feeling in the world.  A little slice of happiness and Heaven....right here in KC :).

Enjoy your day friends.  And set your alarm a few minutes earlier tomorrow and go outside and enjoy the peaceful perfection of a summer morning.

xoxo,
ryann

In Search of...Happiness

Happy Monday, friends!

I receive a daily email from Jessica Northey and Finger Candy Media (www.fingercandymedia.com).  Primarily it's about Social Media and how to use these tools to help propel your business and brand.  I started receiving the email to gather tips about growing this blog and my soon to come website.

But, one of her emails over the weekend were about her personal life.  Or rather, about who she really is behind the "avatar" as she refers to it. Her message was that happiness comes from within.  It's not about what you do or don't have.  It's not about your perception of what other people have or how easy they have it.  It's about you and what makes you happy and what you're grateful for. 

She even goes as far as to make a list of what makes her happy!  Really, you should just check out the blog...
http://fingercandymedia.com/5209-in-search-of%E2%80%A6-happiness

But, she did inspire me, on this Monday morning, to share with you all of the wonderful things in my life that make me happy!  And to encourage you to make a list as well.  Trust me, it will make you smile!

A few things that make me truly happy...

Pepper
My family
Jason
Volleyball
Running
Spending time with my friends
Writing
Traveling to see my friends all over the country

These are just the first things that come to mind that make me smile, regardless of what's happening around me....stopping to think about ANY of these things can bring a smile to my face.  Seriously, try it.  Make a list of the things that make you smile everyday.  And to go one step further, read it every morning - so you can start your day with a smile.

xoxo,
Ryann

I believe....

My friend Matt pointed me in the direction of this website: http://positive-thoughts.typepad.com/. His point was to share another blog with me, but this one grabbed me immediately. So yes, it's stolen material, but I'm giving credit where credit is due. Check out the website, there are some really great points to explore. This particular message is the work of Hugh Prather.

I believe-
That we don't have to change friends if we understand that friends change.

I believe-
That it's taking me a long time to become the person I want to be.

I believe-
That we are responsible for what we do, no matter how we feel.

I believe-
That either you control your attitude or it controls you.

I believe-
That heroes are the people who do what has to be done when it needs to be done,
regardless of the consequences.

I believe-
That my best friend and I can do anything or nothing and have the best time!

I believe-
That sometimes the people you expect to kick you when you're down, will be the ones to help you get back up.

I believe-
That sometimes when I'm angry I have the right to be angry, but that doesn't give me the right to be cruel.

I believe-
That just because someone doesn't love you the way you want them to doesn't mean they don't love you with all they have.

I believe-
That maturity has more to do with what types of experiences you've had and what you've
learned from them and less to do with how many birthdays you've celebrated.

I believe-
That it isn't always enough to be forgiven by others.
Sometimes you have to learn to forgive yourself.

I believe-
That no matter how bad your heart is broken the world doesn't stop for your grief.

I believe-
That our background and circumstances may have influenced
who we are, but we are responsible for who we become.

I believe-
That two people can look at the exact same thing and see something totally different.

I believe-
That the people you care about most in life are the essence of life.
Tell them today how much you love them and what they mean to you.

Our beliefs are so powerful that they color our entire world.
We literally see what we believe, but we can--and most of us
do--fail to take responsibility for what we see, especially what we see within.

Hugh Prather

Audiobooks

As an outside sales person, I've always been encouraged to listen to audiobooks. With all of the 'downtime' spent driving from one meeting to the next, the easiest way to make the best use of your time is to listen to something that's good for you!
So, over the last six years, I've tried and tried to get into them. I've purchased audio books, rented from the library, and borrowed them from friends and colleagues. But, for the girl who doesn't even like Talk Radio, audiobooks have been a challenge.

However, I came across a book by Mike Dooley called "Manifesting Change" that my library didn't have in regular book format. The reviews on Amazon were great and I love Dooley's Daily Notes from the Universe (check them out at www.tut.com)so I figured I would TRY the audiobook. Somehow, I flew through the 8 hours of material in a week. And somehow, I actually paid attention and was able to follow the entire book.

Since then I've made it through "7 Habits of Highly Effective People" (I had heard it's better on audiobook then in print)and am halfway through "Excuse Me, Your Life is Waiting: The Astonishing Power of Feelings" and really enjoying it.

I suppose the reason I'm sharing this is twofold. First, because I feel much more accomplished at the end of a day knowing that not only did I run around and make my sales calls but I was able to listen to some really profound material and ideas. And of course, I feel much better about my choice of sitting on the couch watching bad TV, rather than picking up an actual book! :)

And two, because it's always worth giving something a second or third chance. I hear people say all the time "I don't like to read," "I don't have time," "I can never get through a book," and I think it's a matter of the finding something you LIKE reading and something that makes sense and appeals to you. Before you shut down an idea, give it a shot. You never know what great opportunities may present itself.

New beginnings

The most exciting part of my life is the opportunity for every day to be a new beginning. Every day I wake up I get the opportunity to have the best day ever. What's even more exciting - is so do you.

As recently as two weeks ago, I started doing a little bit of soul searching. I love my life, I have a good job, my boyfriend is a huge pain in the ass, but he's great, I just completed my second half marathon, and have the best friends and family a girl can ask for. I mean really, what do I have to complain about?!

The short answer is nothing. I have nothing at all to complain about. But the fire in my belly says that there is more out there. There is more to my life. I had a conversation several months ago with a girlfriend of mine that ask..."Do you ever feel like you meant for something more? Something great?" And I roll that question around in my head, the short answer to that question is YES! Yes, I want more. Yes, it can get better. And yes, it will. If I want it to.

So rather than ramble on about my dating woes....being as Jason came along and ruined all of that :)...I thought I would start writing about the things I get excited about. Life. Marketing. Fitness. My friends. My family. My dreams. And the exciting journey I feel that is just beginning!

xoxo
ryann