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