Being Awesome Reminders

 Just a short, personal reminder that you've been doing awesome lately in a number of ways.  There is always room for improvement, but there is also always room for acknowledging how awesome these little things are - because as we all know, little things become big things.  So little awesome becomes big awesome!

• You've been doing great at wasting less food.  Americans waste an astonishing amount of food.  Part of the problem is Americans buy things that are good for us that we don't like and so the salads and fresh veggies go uneaten and go to waste.  Americans also tent to buy in bulk because its cheaper - but when you waste a third of it what was your real cost?  In any case, lately you've been doing real well at keeping track of things, always having staples available so there have been less last minute fast food dinners, etc. 
• You've been doing well with the Endomondo bike challenge.  It kind of got off to a slow start but you've been making it out on a regular basis - which can only be good for the waistline and it keeps adding points.  The beauty of their scoring system is you get 20 points for any ride over a mile, and additional point for every mile.  That means for someone like me that is usually only riding 2 to 5 miles on those weekdays, I'm still racking in the points.  And you were awesome to set a realistic goal of 1250 points for the challenge period.  Its a stretch, but you took into account the almost 3 weeks your unable to ride, so its doable.  Keep it up!
• You're dog expirences have been challenging, but things are going well.  You're doing your best to keep him happy and healthy, and it's working.
• The yard is really taking shape and you have a good habits and plans to keep it that way.
• You've been motivated to make long term plans - remember you not likely to get where you want if you don't know what you want!

As always there is room for improvement, but you're doing well and I hope this is a good reminder and pat on the back to help keep you motivate and striving further!  Go Barb Go!!!

Out of Karma and into Grace

My friend Jose posted this article Bono on Jesus.   It's interesting and this quote really touched me:

no: I really believe we’ve moved out of the realm of Karma into one of Grace.
Michka: Well, that doesn’t make it clearer for me.
Bono: You see, at the center of all religions is the idea of Karma. You know, what you put out comes back to you: an eye for an eye, a tooth for a tooth, or in physics; in physical laws every action is met by an equal or an opposite one. It’s clear to me that Karma is at the very heart of the universe. I’m absolutely sure of it. And yet, along comes this idea called Grace to upend all that “as you reap, so you will sow” stuff. Grace defies reason and logic. Love interrupts, if you like, the consequences of your actions, which in my case is very good news indeed, because I’ve done a lot of stupid stuff.
- See more at: http://www.patheos.com/blogs/frankviola/bono-on-jesus/#sthash.hGVKH1RP.dpuf

Bono: I really believe we’ve moved out of the realm of Karma into one of Grace.
Michka: Well, that doesn’t make it clearer for me.
Bono: You see, at the center of all religions is the idea of Karma. You know, what you put out comes back to you: an eye for an eye, a tooth for a tooth, or in physics; in physical laws every action is met by an equal or an opposite one. It’s clear to me that Karma is at the very heart of the universe. I’m absolutely sure of it. And yet, along comes this idea called Grace to upend all that “as you reap, so you will sow” stuff. Grace defies reason and logic. Love interrupts, if you like, the consequences of your actions, which in my case is very good news indeed, because I’ve done a lot of stupid stuff.
- See more at: http://www.patheos.com/blogs/frankviola/bono-on-jesus/#sthash.hGVKH1RP.dpuf

Bono: I really believe we’ve moved out of the realm of Karma into one of Grace.

Michka: Well, that doesn’t make it clearer for me.

Bono: You see, at the center of all religions is the idea of Karma. You know, what you put out comes back to you: an eye for an eye, a tooth for a tooth, or in physics; in physical laws every action is met by an equal or an opposite one. It’s clear to me that Karma is at the very heart of the universe. I’m absolutely sure of it. And yet, along comes this idea called Grace to upend all that “as you reap, so you will sow” stuff. Grace defies reason and logic. Love interrupts, if you like, the consequences of your actions, which in my case is very good news indeed, because I’ve done a lot of stupid stuff.

Michka: I’d be interested to hear that.

Bono: That’s between me and God. But I’d be in big trouble if Karma was going to finally be my judge. I’d be in deep s—. It doesn’t excuse my mistakes, but I’m holding out for Grace. I’m holding out that Jesus took my sins onto the Cross, because I know who I am, and I hope I don’t have to depend on my own religiosity.

I believe in Karma and I desire to be more graceful.  I love his point that karma is in physics " every action is met by an equal or an opposite one" - it makes the inner science geek in me happy. And my personal philosophy on religions - almost all religions - is that they can be basically driven down to try your best to be good and you will be rewarded here and/or in the after-life.  Or in other words, karma - what you reap you will sow.

It opens my eyes to see the transformation from karma to grace.  Grace is a character trait I wish I used more often.  I will say on my behalf, I'm getting better at being graceful - improving, but still with lots of room to grow.

And I do love this line Grace defies reason and logic, because I have a niece Grace who does on a regular basis defy all reason and logic with her choices!  Which makes her fun and joy to be around.  

preretirement thoughts

I'll been reaching my toes into the 'pre-retirement' phase of life.  

It's something that has been on my radar for a while.  My financial planner and I have talked about this - and the how to plan for becoming a snow-bird with two houses - one here in Wisconsin and another someplace warmer for the winter.  We've talk all types of possibility.  My expectation is that I'll move from my single family home within 4 to 10 year into a condo-- probably being closer to 5 or 6 years than 10 years - but anything is possible and (so far) there is no driving need for the move.   The condo will give me a lot more freedom by taking away much of the outside maintenance and upkeep.  Right now I don't mind the grass cutting, snowblowing, etc.   Those tasks reduce my freedom to take off.  My job can be done from almost anywhere with good internet and phone connections and it would be easier to leave a condo than my house for a couple of months at a time.  With a condo, I wouldn't have to get coverage for the snow removal, grass cutting, etc - things are needed to make the house not look abandoned and ripe for thieves.

Over the next couple of years I plan to rent a place in the February and March time frame.  Rent for at least a month and maybe 6 weeks or the full 2 months.   Time to try out living in some of those areas while still working my job full time - basically with no changes except the contact phone number.  Be there long enough to check out the tourist /key activities and also have enough nights and weekends when nothing special is going on - rent a movie, take a neighborhood bike ride, etc so that you can get the full feel of how it really would be to live there.

I've started the search, although not very effectively for Austin, TX for the spring of 2014.  That area makes the most sense because I have family there, it fits my warm weather requirements, etc.   I hope over the next couple of year to also do this for Columbus, OH; where I have lots of friends that are like family to me. I also would like to do this in some vacation spots for me - Canyon country in Utah, Lake Norris in Tennessee, Washington DC are Virginia area.   Most of these locations make more sense for me to do after I've moved into a condo here in Milwaukee.  

The dog also impacts this.  This plan started when I had Wally.  And then all I had to check was that the rental place allowed for cats.   With dogs its a different story, or at least with Zeus it is.  I'll need to have an area to take him out multiple times a day, need to find a dog kennel and dog day care place for him, and frankly he is more destructive than Wally ever was so I'm not sure about leaving him alone in a place he doesn't know.  May need to create him like when he was a little puppy.   And it changes what type of rental I'm willing to take - with Wally I would have been comfortable with an apartment style, but with Zeus and his barking it make me nervous to be that close to other people.   Not sure what to do, but Zeus changes my plans.

And even with all this plans - the most critical task (to me) is reducing what I own.  I have too much stuff.  I need to reduce and declutter what I already have - it will make it easier to move and downsize into a condo, and it will help make the house more attractive to buyers.

It's also easier said than done.   Reduction and decluttering have been on my list for a while and honestly have been some of my top desires - but its to a point where it is so overwhelming that its hard to start and hard to make enough progress to make the process motivational.   Plus I really do have a zen-budda personal philosophy deeply ingrained in me that I have a very hard time throwing away things that are still usable - and this stretches to giving these items to a Goodwill type place - if I don't think someone will appreciate the items then I don't want it to go there.   I really want to 'use-up' all the excess I have - have it lead a good life, thank it for its service and let it go in a respectful way.   Now how many people think about that when considering pens with more than half their ink gone?   I know I feel too much.  But this is hard for me.  And I need to start working on it now to have the retirement I want.

June's Time For Myself - Mega Hike at Starved Rock State Park

Well looky here - its only June 3 and I already have done and am posting about June's time for myself! 

This past weekend I completed the Mega Hike at Starved Rock State Park.   It was a great hiking experience - challenging and enjoyable.  It was certainly a tough physical day.  There were lots of ups and downs, and many miles of the trails were 2 to 6+ inches of muddy muck and of course the water crossings!!  The water crossings bothered me - first I really think the Illinois park system should (and easily can) add rocks or boards to make those crossings less wet.   It was inefficient, and if your a reader on my blog you know I hate inefficiency!! Plus they had us hike those water crossing canyons first of the day and also first after lunch (when some of the group had just changed to dry shoes)

My iphone died before lunch so there are limited photos. 

This first picture is from Illinois Canyon - the 'waterfall' as less than 18 inches tall and about 2 to 3 feet wide.   And to get there we needed to cross the stream 3 times (and 3 more times to exit the canyon).   Some of the crossing had the water up to just below the knees.  My hiking boots are waterproof but not when the water goes up and over the top!  Honestly this waterfall was so small and such an uncomfortable trip to get there that they should rethink this as the first canyon.  It makes for long day of hiking in wet socks and shoes - not a good start.  Because the next two canyons were still flooded (Ottawa Canyon and Kaskaskia Canyon), they had the trolly pick us up and drive us to the parking lot across from Hennepin Canyon.  While on the trolly I changed to dry socks - it helped but since the hiking boots were submerged and drenched the feet were still wet - better with dry socks but still not the best.   If I do this again next year - may want to wear keen sandals or other water shoes and change to boats after exiting Illinois Canyon - from what I understand this always requires 3 stream crossings and it will always have water in it.  Again the best approach is if Starved Rock added some larger stepping stones or some wood planks to keep you from needing to submerge your boots.

Nice water flow near on the
connecting trail to Hennepin Canyon

A few more thoughts.... this was a nice break with a mid size drive (3.5 hours each way) which gave some good self thinking time and an evening alone in the hotel.  I thought I would get more self reflection and planning done - but it was still a good rejuvenation evening.

Orange mushroom fungus

This was an unusual Mega Hike for them - it was rescheduled from the April date because the Illinois River  had flooded the park.  They have never had to skip canyons before - they skipped 2 canyons because of the flood damage and we had to backtrack in and back out of a couple of connecting canyons because of flood damage. In April the park was filled with wildflowers, which had all finished blooming by our June Mega Hike.  So going during their regular time would change the expirence - also normally there is much less mud than we encountered - maybe as much muddy area, but not the deep shoe stealing mud we fought through.  Less of the deep mud means you can hike through it - we spend time bushwhacking our own path along side the supper muddy sections - and therefore cover the distance faster.

Another point was this is a challenge to go by myself to these things and make friends/interact with the group.  Overall I did well and felt like I fit in.   But the flip side of that is that I'm glad I went alone because not many of my friends could keep up with the group's pace and would be able to deal with the mud and water.  I'd rather be by myself than have a friend along that is slowing down the group or complaining about the conditions - as that would stress me and reduce my enjoyment.

I'm not sure I feel the need to go back here on my own again for a Spring/Summer hike.  But I am interested in either coming back in the fall to see the trees in full color, and its peaked my interest to see this in winter - apparently even some of the waterfalls that only run part of the summer will always have ice waterfalls.  Out guides said you must wear Yaktrax on your winter boots.  

And I would do their Mega Hike again - I probably can't do their Fall Mega Hike this year since it is the same weekend as the Wisconsin - Ohio State football game and I expect to be Columbus that weekend.  But I'll watch for it on their calendar and try again in 2014 - either their Spring Waterfall one, or their Fall Colors one - or both.  This was a good physical challenge.  I'm tired today, but happy about the experience. 

think: Help This Person

I ran across this link today (Three words that will transform your career) and it is very simple but is almost exactly what I have been trying to follow at work.  Their point is for everyone you run across, think Help This Person - a three word motto that can make all the difference in their day and how they respond to you now (and longer term).

For a while my mantra has been "we're on the same team".  I've been using that to help me focus on the big picture of what's import and to help me let go of getting upset when people are being stupid, illogical, and/or lazy -- all of which bother me greatly. 

This guy's advice takes it even further - help this person for each and every person you interact with.  'Help' doesn't have to be something monuments - it can be as simple as helping to make someone simile.

I've been working on my personal mission statement lately - and this needs to fit into it.

Chicago Botanical Gardens

Ah, one of the time for myself plans actually worked!  Well, that's only half true....if you remember the first plan was an over scheduled weekend in South Central Wisconsin.  But the Plan B worked great! 

May's time for myself was a day trip to the Chicago Botanical Gardens in Glenco, IL.   This was another shinny example of what this challenge is supposed to be about. The gardens have been on my list for a while, it was something that I knew I probably had to do by myself, and it was a nice day of reflection and introspection for me.

The timing was good - their tulips were bloom and looked beautiful.   Tulips are my favorite flower.

This may be geeky - ok, I know it is - but one of the things I like about these solo trips is 1) it feel stealthy and 2) I love what I learn - not so much about the plants, etc but the learning and deciphering of logistics and and how to do it "better" next time.

Knowing I like to walk and hike, I'm jazzed that I found details on the length of some routes in the CBG.   I was searching for information like that and coming up empty.  Turns out they print it right on their map (and only upload the detailed map).

I also figured out more info about the alternative parking at the train station.  That is a good alternative for the summer/warmer months.  The walk is nice but it is over a mile - that would not work for most of the people that might go with me.  They would view it as too long - especially if it was done both ways.   I figured out more about the timing links between the train and trolly and that the trolly is Sundays only, and the bus is all days except for Sunday.  I'd really like to take the bike and cycle between the train station and the CGB.  I think that would give me more freedom (from the trolly/bus schedule), be more enjoyable and faster than walking, and give me an opportunity to explore the near by bike paths and the streets of Glenco.

I love that I'm capable of saving the $25 parking fee by being smart enough to investigate before and healthy enough to enjoy the walk.  This feeling is a bonus that want to come out from these days of rejuvenation - feeling good about myself.  I can't picture too many of my friends and family that would think or be able to do this.  And I personally think my friends and family are above average - I feel confident even less of the general public would be able or willing to do this checking and walking.

It was sunny but cool (high 50s), which makes a nice day for faster walking.  I dressed in layers and was able to keep adjusting to the ever changing wind and comfort.   Again it made me feel smart to do that - so many people there looked uncomfortable because they were not dresses appropriately for the day.  This pushes on my function over fashion sense -- which is worrisome; function is important but I probably tend to go too much on function and not enough on fashion.  That is an area I need to work on and make sure increasing my fashion doesn't decrease my feeling of intelligence.  I know this is a weird correlation, but it does exist for me and I need to be watchful of it - and not allow myself to go too far in either direction.
I also feel vindicated that I was right in thinking I had to do this by myself.  The drive (combined there and back) was about as long as the time in the garden itself.  Most would not have thought it was worth the effort to go.  So I'm glad I went by myself and not have had people complaining about it.  I'm also glad I went by myself (especially for this first introduction) because I could enjoy walk at my faster pace.  There are too many that would have slowed me down, either because that is their best pace or because they wanted to stop and see every little sign.  Since the place was crowded for Mothers Day, it was really nice to be able to walk by myself and not get my group caught trying to nagivate around other groups of people.   That can get slow and frustrating and it's far from efficient.  The drive and the walking gave me a lot of time to thoughtfully consider my current situations and what I need or want to do.  Perfect for me

Another learning bonus - I put together a Evernote for keeping track of my plans and findings.  I've been wanting to learn how to make better use of Evernote for a while.  Evernote is one of those online software apps that so many of the bloggers sing praises about.  And with this effort, I feel like I have a much better idea of how to use it to make me more efficient.  As you probably know from reading my blog, my key word is Efficiency - I'm sure I have a Logic and Efficient gene that most people do not get.

I worry that the tone of this post is negative towards others - not my intention at all! I'm trying to explain why I like these days, and why they are good rejuvenation for my soul.   I mean no disrespect to anyone else.

Just a few more points...first the day started off really rough - and that update is intended for a different post, but the day ended (as planned) with the Survivor season finale and without the dog - both made it a good day.  I've been watching Survivor since its first season in 2000, and I still really like it.  To end this day with 3 hours of Survivor really was the cherry on the sundae (weird analogy since I really, really don't like maraschino cherries).  And as sad as this still is, it did make me more relaxed to have the dog gone.  I could have rushed and been able to be pick him up Sunday before they closed but knowing it may be too close to make "my day" enjoyable I had gone ahead and booked him through Sunday evening.   I get more done while he is gone - he is a big distraction (although he is getting dramatically better) and he takes work.  I wanted to settle in and watch the shows - it would have frustrated me to get up to take him out, and especially with it being unseasonably cooler.  It does bother me that I'm happier without the dog - I was never happier without the cat.   Zeus is a good dog - and I do love him.  But I'm just not a dog person.            

Time for Myself - replanning

This is another update to the year long on-going rejuvenating time to 'sharpen the saw' as Stephen Covey wrote about in 8 Habits of Highly Effective People.

I don't think I've been doing this right!  The intention was to do stuff I like and have been wanting to do - with or without others, that's part of the 'for myself'.  These are outings that I don't really care what other people think about them - in fact this is (attempting) to push myself to do these outings that I want to do even/especially when I know others don't think much of them.  For example, the January date trip to Appleton to see the Leonardo Da Vinci exhibit is a shinning example of what that challenge is supposed to be about.  It was something I was interested in, and something that I knew I would (1) have a hard time finding others that wanted to do this with me, and (2) probably not enjoy it as much if I had 'dragged' others to go with me.  Most of my friends and family would not have thought the drive was worth it for that simple exhibit.  It was better that I went by myself - and I did really enjoy it.  Shinny example.

So I'm refocusing on what I want to get out of this challenge and changing my May plans.  I had a tentatively planned a (big) two day trip to do a bunch of stuff in south-central Wisconsin.  In some ways, this was right on target - several of these things had been on my *list* for years - but in the most basic way this was wrong for the challenge because it was too much.  Taking time off of work, hotel and other expenses -- these were leading me to dread this more than look forward to it.  

Yesterday my brain started working better (I've had trouble focusing and getting things done - that due a post for itself), and the idea of a day trip to the Chicago Botanical Gardens popped into my head.   Like so many things, this had been on my list for a long while - it had resided on my Christmas list (they have an amazing amount of Christmas lights and displays) but it was again something I couldn't find people who would want to go with me, be able to keep up with my pace (ie, making the experience enjoyable for me - there were people who would have gone with me and not complained, but it would have been a slow going effort and it would not have been enjoyable for me), and its expensive to go alone (they charge $25 per car for parking, but the gardens themselves are free).  So it stayed on my list.  

So for this weekend, I'll board the dog over night Saturday (big family party) and be able to leave early early Sunday morning.  I'll plan to park at the metra station and either walk (free) or take a trolly ($2)to the gardens.   I wish it wasn't Mother's Day because I expect this is a popular destination for families on that day.  But it is what it is and I have to stop letting perfect outings be the enemy of the good outings.   Plus as bonus they probably have outstanding tulips - and those are my favorite flowers. 




To recap:
January - day trip to Appleton to see the Leonardo Da Vinci exhibit at their History Museum. 
February - day trip to Lake Geneva's Winterfest to see the national snow carving competition and hiked a trail at Big Foot Beach State Park that they light by luminaries
March - Zion Passion Play.  This was something that has been on my bucket list for a while and going there with Barb and Jon ended up enhancing the experience. 
April - there were a lot of 'sort of' experiences, but I'm counting this as the Brewer game with Anne. She had awesome seats (1st row behind the visitor's bullpen), seat were free, it was spectacular weather, first time this season the the roof was open for a game, a great walk to the stadium having a few Hard Root-beers and catching up.   All and in, this was an outstanding night.

And moving forward:
June - Mega Hike was reschedule for June so I have Sat, June 1 for travel and and Sun, June 2 for the hike- this is the weekend Danny graduates from St Dom's and there may be family celebrations, so its just tentative until I hear about those plans.   Barb T can no longer go with me so this is a solo adventure.  I also put a tentative hold on the weekend of Jun 14 - 16.  That may be a good weekend for a Door County visit, with the extra stop to the Shrine of Our Lady of Good Help where there was the approved apparition; or possibly a camping weekend





July - Possible a trip to Spring Green area to see the House on the Rock and Cave of the Mounds.  Both have been on my (minor) bucket list for a while.  Along with them, if there is time, I can add the Frank Lloyd Wright house, Taliesin; and possibly camping at Tower Hill State Park.  Solo camping has also been on my list and I do want to test out my new tent - Alternative plans are there are several movies coming out that look really good - may be time to do a personal double feature, with a hike? or a bonfire?  Or maybe the day in Madison with a bike ride from the farmers marked to picnic park, another ride through the Arboretum, and possibly a tour of Camp Randall and the Kohl's Center.

I still have a lot of work to keep this challenge active and meaningful.  I need to focus some planning time and then to commit to it.