tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-16202245905478408432024-03-06T04:00:30.367-05:00Inspired WiningSix women who started a wine group and found inspiration. PPMD is our cause - we'll help you discover yours. Join us in inspiring new possibilities.Inspired Wininghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14618229988183644937noreply@blogger.comBlogger35125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1620224590547840843.post-47727073658113221592013-08-30T17:13:00.001-04:002013-08-30T17:13:20.557-04:00Running down a dream<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
So if you know me in real life, you know that I am not a
runner. Until recently, the only reasons
I have ever run are to run after my children or to make a run to the grocery
store (or wine shop). But last winter, I
decided that I wanted to run the 5K in the annual <a href="http://www.parentprojectmd.org/milesformatthew" target="_blank">Miles for Matthew</a> race.
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
For years, I’ve worked behind the scenes
helping with the race, and I’ve been there on race day to cheer on my husband
and friends as they crossed the finish line. However, last winter, I decided that to really
show my support for my dear friends and the “marathon” that they are running
against Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy, I had to get my feet in the game. </div>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKyePK6GP1FrL9WFbTvl9q6FpFxd8RVejpHeGUPMVqz4mf2sU_DoytwvU0T8400Diw6mVJ3w64LjgRWMV2Fm_-qHiHSGHJTmZEi0l4iPLTf2CpgCNUcKI9PLWXaLZzgRApjePpnEQkUZA/s1600/running_pain-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="292" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKyePK6GP1FrL9WFbTvl9q6FpFxd8RVejpHeGUPMVqz4mf2sU_DoytwvU0T8400Diw6mVJ3w64LjgRWMV2Fm_-qHiHSGHJTmZEi0l4iPLTf2CpgCNUcKI9PLWXaLZzgRApjePpnEQkUZA/s320/running_pain-1.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Photo courtesy of <a href="http://westiela.com/">westiela.com</a></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Well, as often happens with good intentions,
life got in the way. I intended to start
training and running in the Winter, then Spring. But, between work, family, volunteering and
just getting thru the always present pile of dirty laundry, my goal of training
for the race fell by the wayside. I
managed to run a few times but then the kids got out of school and my running time
came to a screeching halt. I think I ran
once or twice in June and July, but I certainly wasn’t able to go the necessary
distance. If I continued at that pace, it
would take me almost two hours to finish the 5k. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
When my kids started back at school in early
August, I decided that I was going to try again. I hit the treadmill in
earnest and started a true training plan. I also registered for the race, which sealed
the deal. There was no way I was going
to back out once my friends and family knew that I had signed up. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
When you start your running career in your
40s, your body has some not-so-subtle ways of letting you know this may not be
the best idea. I’ve had to have many pep
talks with my knees over the past few weeks. But running this race is not about me; this is
about Matthew and all of the other boys and families living with Duchenne. This is about raising awareness and critical
research dollars for Parent Project Muscular Dystrophy. My training has gone slowly, but I am hopeful
that I will be ready come race day. In
30 days, I will stand at the starting line and run and hope that I am still running
when I cross the finish. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
After all, hope
starts here. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<i>If you would like to
join in the race or make a donation, please visit the <a href="http://www.parentprojectmd.org/milesformatthew" target="_blank">Miles for Matthew</a> page. <o:p></o:p></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<i><br /></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhb2JtrRJ6XgaYIiMjxJyZzupDTIsskzCIszs0u08eCYTydXf5-jyXFJkfq0MfwqlnKnyrDGaBMFKBG_ILeRyZT6QCY7SBoNVBDQorEHNgPFsUHq-u-tL6-CqKX6eJVFNcL77eMTKVeV4w/s1600/michelle.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhb2JtrRJ6XgaYIiMjxJyZzupDTIsskzCIszs0u08eCYTydXf5-jyXFJkfq0MfwqlnKnyrDGaBMFKBG_ILeRyZT6QCY7SBoNVBDQorEHNgPFsUHq-u-tL6-CqKX6eJVFNcL77eMTKVeV4w/s200/michelle.jpg" width="150" /></a></div>
<i style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 20px;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 13.5pt;">Michelle Gauffreau is a founding member of Inspired Wining. She is also a wife, a mother of two and an active volunteer in her community.</span></i></div>
<!--EndFragment--></div>
Inspired Wininghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14618229988183644937noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1620224590547840843.post-41099381008218667322013-03-15T13:38:00.001-04:002013-03-15T13:38:35.924-04:00The brothers of Duchenne: Watching my son begin to understand what DMD will mean<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
<w:WordDocument>
<w:View>Normal</w:View>
<w:Zoom>0</w:Zoom>
<w:TrackMoves/>
<w:TrackFormatting/>
<w:PunctuationKerning/>
<w:ValidateAgainstSchemas/>
<w:SaveIfXMLInvalid>false</w:SaveIfXMLInvalid>
<w:IgnoreMixedContent>false</w:IgnoreMixedContent>
<w:AlwaysShowPlaceholderText>false</w:AlwaysShowPlaceholderText>
<w:DoNotPromoteQF/>
<w:LidThemeOther>EN-US</w:LidThemeOther>
<w:LidThemeAsian>ZH-CN</w:LidThemeAsian>
<w:LidThemeComplexScript>HE</w:LidThemeComplexScript>
<w:Compatibility>
<w:BreakWrappedTables/>
<w:SnapToGridInCell/>
<w:WrapTextWithPunct/>
<w:UseAsianBreakRules/>
<w:DontGrowAutofit/>
<w:SplitPgBreakAndParaMark/>
<w:EnableOpenTypeKerning/>
<w:DontFlipMirrorIndents/>
<w:OverrideTableStyleHps/>
</w:Compatibility>
<m:mathPr>
<m:mathFont m:val="Cambria Math"/>
<m:brkBin m:val="before"/>
<m:brkBinSub m:val="--"/>
<m:smallFrac m:val="off"/>
<m:dispDef/>
<m:lMargin m:val="0"/>
<m:rMargin m:val="0"/>
<m:defJc m:val="centerGroup"/>
<m:wrapIndent m:val="1440"/>
<m:intLim m:val="subSup"/>
<m:naryLim m:val="undOvr"/>
</m:mathPr></w:WordDocument>
</xml><![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
<w:LatentStyles DefLockedState="false" DefUnhideWhenUsed="true"
DefSemiHidden="true" DefQFormat="false" DefPriority="99"
LatentStyleCount="276">
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="0" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Normal"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="heading 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 7"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 8"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 9"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 7"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 8"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 9"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="35" QFormat="true" Name="caption"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="10" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Title"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="1" Name="Default Paragraph Font"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="11" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Subtitle"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="22" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Strong"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="20" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Emphasis"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="59" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Table Grid"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Placeholder Text"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="1" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="No Spacing"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Revision"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="34" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="List Paragraph"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="29" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Quote"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="30" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Intense Quote"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="19" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Subtle Emphasis"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="21" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Intense Emphasis"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="31" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Subtle Reference"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="32" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Intense Reference"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="33" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Book Title"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="37" Name="Bibliography"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" QFormat="true" Name="TOC Heading"/>
</w:LatentStyles>
</xml><![endif]-->
<!--[if gte mso 10]>
<style>
/* Style Definitions */
table.MsoNormalTable
{mso-style-name:"Table Normal";
mso-tstyle-rowband-size:0;
mso-tstyle-colband-size:0;
mso-style-noshow:yes;
mso-style-priority:99;
mso-style-parent:"";
mso-padding-alt:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;
mso-para-margin-top:0in;
mso-para-margin-right:0in;
mso-para-margin-bottom:10.0pt;
mso-para-margin-left:0in;
line-height:115%;
mso-pagination:widow-orphan;
font-size:11.0pt;
font-family:Calibri;
mso-ascii-font-family:Calibri;
mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin;
mso-hansi-font-family:Calibri;
mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin;}
</style>
<![endif]-->
<!--StartFragment-->
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
“What am I going to do when Matthew is in a wheelchair?”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
There was desperation and fear dripping from these
words. His eyes were brimming with tears
and I knew that he was experiencing the sense of loss that I had experienced 5
years ago when Matthew was diagnosed. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
My
son, Owen, is 9. He is old enough to
grasp the difficulties that Duchenne brings, but young enough to process it in
very selfish terms. He saw how the changes
in his brother’s abilities were going to affect him. He cried as he mourned not being able to
wrestle on the floor with his brother, the days when they would no longer chase
each other, taunt each other and behave in the rough way that brothers do. He got a glimpse into the future and it
horrified him. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I remember that feeling.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
When Owen, Bobby and I talked about it, we did not sugar
coat the effects of Duchenne, but did stress the honest hope that we feel. When we talked about the research, he perked
up and said, “I bet those doctors can figure this out.” I told them that I was sure that they would,
but it takes time and a lot of teamwork. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
We talked about the race (www.parentprojectmd.org/milesformatthew) and he said that was one fun thing that has
come out of Matthew having Duchenne. I
cherish this response because I always want my children to see the glass half
full. Finding something good in every
situation is so powerful and it keeps us strong.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Duchenne does not just disable its victim; it disables and
disarms all who love him. There is,
however, some relief in sharing this burden with our son, however painful it
is. It is not a secret, it is not unspeakable,
and it is not taboo. It is part of what
defines and drives our family and we embrace it in the sense that we all must
own it. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Nine-year-old boys are not often
known for their empathy. This moment of
pause, reflection and emotional outpouring was truly beautiful, to be
treasured, because it is the greatest show of love and concern that a person of
that age can give. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
So here is the glass half full: In a moment of painful
realization came a connection between parents and child and a new outlook on
family for our son. I believe Owen grew
up a little last night. This is a gift to cherish.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-cxeb1bhhPw2-IHsd5-w572j8BNVXbSPTJC-N-DOJs-Y1amCiS4pvLhiHx4L7WrvsrDv4xWpNeYqQzCbWfEswsjgucfy72xWJanBrcQAvdCzzh8-21iZVqDuarw9JdbvoyrqqXRjr5JQ/s1600/al.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="133" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-cxeb1bhhPw2-IHsd5-w572j8BNVXbSPTJC-N-DOJs-Y1amCiS4pvLhiHx4L7WrvsrDv4xWpNeYqQzCbWfEswsjgucfy72xWJanBrcQAvdCzzh8-21iZVqDuarw9JdbvoyrqqXRjr5JQ/s200/al.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<i style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 20px;">Allison Wood Greiner is a high school French teacher, a founding member of Inspired Wining, a wife and mother to three children, including Matthew, who has Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy.</i><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 20px;"> </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<!--EndFragment--></div>
Inspired Wininghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14618229988183644937noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1620224590547840843.post-69220365539031434572013-03-12T22:25:00.000-04:002013-03-12T22:25:19.598-04:00Raising kids with spunk<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; text-align: -webkit-auto;">
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPY_cFS45xTLJ8VXftXa_4A_3xjvZikp3Kj91pf_nzeg4qwC0YS2jA1g7TN8ogwA0HOZFhXcC_eppQRCqDixX_oSG0mWrq-6K28jRfy-skDBGhsMFAsO2fJCOqKSiriC1geSGm3LErcew/s1600/photo.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPY_cFS45xTLJ8VXftXa_4A_3xjvZikp3Kj91pf_nzeg4qwC0YS2jA1g7TN8ogwA0HOZFhXcC_eppQRCqDixX_oSG0mWrq-6K28jRfy-skDBGhsMFAsO2fJCOqKSiriC1geSGm3LErcew/s1600/photo.JPG" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Can you guess which one is my little man?</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
So today our little man, almost a head shorter than every other basketball player on his team, ran out on the court all fired up to play the last tournament game of the season. He was doing the masculine arm flexing you see NBA players do as they run onto the court along with a few chest bumps (in his case, chest/hip bumps) with his teammates. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; text-align: -webkit-auto;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; text-align: -webkit-auto;">
What he lacks in height, he makes up for in determination and competitive spirit. It probably comes as no surprise that he plays point guard. He’s agile and, like Wayne Gresky, he has a really good sense of where the ball is going to be. He’s always in the middle of the action.<u></u><u></u></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; text-align: -webkit-auto;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; text-align: -webkit-auto;">
He is also astute in knowing his weaknesses -- height and consistent shooting. He knows how to overcome them by dribbling well down court and passing to the kid who can shoot more consistently. Or when there’s a scramble for a ball, he grabs on tight and flops to the ground, pulling the bigger kid down because he almost always gets possession. Then he gets to his feet and gets away, running down the court faster than the other kid. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; text-align: -webkit-auto;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; text-align: -webkit-auto;">
Needless to say, his spunk is what makes it so much fun to watch him play ball.<u></u><u></u></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; text-align: -webkit-auto;">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.blogger.com/video.g?token=AD6v5dyWD9wIZ2JHEM3kbQpY35XJSSXTAr6t_mMKwVtcNJwqxBJjp9viOah4UGf8RgM_0jGkl1aikxCQJpCCBqhBPA' class='b-hbp-video b-uploaded' frameborder='0'></iframe></div>
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; text-align: -webkit-auto;">
However, this same spunk gets him in trouble at times. At school, at summer camp and even Sunday school, he’s had his fair share of discipline for being a class clown. Often times, he has an inability to contain his restless energy, he talks too loudly or he takes his competitive spirit to the playground. Sigh. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; text-align: -webkit-auto;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; text-align: -webkit-auto;">
As a parent it’s a struggle to navigate the balance between discipline and encouragement. But as I watch his team win the game and witness one of the taller players picking up my little man and slinging him over his shoulder for a court side celebration, I have to think that he’s going to be more than A-Ok with that competitive spirit and ambition. I think it shows that he is willing to overcome obstacles and utilize his strengths.<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="background-color: white; clear: both; color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 20px; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbYl9PJs_cgjoKHPnsWMW2m0kWTZOd9EB-xv4NwGt29YVw520ZT8moINKFzH7MgNdsocbZFNLuld-X3cCh9WTE-j1OrzYKUbohRytSg88gHqCCbADLpz9HEmg33PTx_00n8x6b32oBQFg/s1600/TC+headshot.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; color: #cc4411; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-decoration: none;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbYl9PJs_cgjoKHPnsWMW2m0kWTZOd9EB-xv4NwGt29YVw520ZT8moINKFzH7MgNdsocbZFNLuld-X3cCh9WTE-j1OrzYKUbohRytSg88gHqCCbADLpz9HEmg33PTx_00n8x6b32oBQFg/s200/TC+headshot.jpg" style="border: none; position: relative;" width="142" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 20px;">
<i style="background-color: white;"><span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.917969); color: #595959; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; text-align: -webkit-auto;">Tiffany Crenshaw is a North Carolina native, wife, mother of 2 wild and crazy kids, and an entrepreneur. She loves her family, a delicious glass of red wine, girl time and the occasional spa treatment. As an enthusiastic member of Wednesday Night Whine, she rarely misses a “meeting” unless she’s traveling for business. She is the President and CEO of <a href="http://www.intellectresources.com/" style="color: #771100; text-decoration: none;">Intellect Resources</a>, a recruiting and consulting firm specializing in the healthcare IT industry.</span> </i> </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
</div>
</div>
Inspired Wininghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14618229988183644937noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1620224590547840843.post-52496483224021930032013-02-16T09:44:00.000-05:002013-02-16T09:44:27.285-05:0040 - and finally figuring things out
<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
<w:WordDocument>
<w:View>Normal</w:View>
<w:Zoom>0</w:Zoom>
<w:TrackMoves/>
<w:TrackFormatting/>
<w:PunctuationKerning/>
<w:ValidateAgainstSchemas/>
<w:SaveIfXMLInvalid>false</w:SaveIfXMLInvalid>
<w:IgnoreMixedContent>false</w:IgnoreMixedContent>
<w:AlwaysShowPlaceholderText>false</w:AlwaysShowPlaceholderText>
<w:DoNotPromoteQF/>
<w:LidThemeOther>EN-US</w:LidThemeOther>
<w:LidThemeAsian>JA</w:LidThemeAsian>
<w:LidThemeComplexScript>X-NONE</w:LidThemeComplexScript>
<w:Compatibility>
<w:BreakWrappedTables/>
<w:SnapToGridInCell/>
<w:WrapTextWithPunct/>
<w:UseAsianBreakRules/>
<w:DontGrowAutofit/>
<w:SplitPgBreakAndParaMark/>
<w:EnableOpenTypeKerning/>
<w:DontFlipMirrorIndents/>
<w:OverrideTableStyleHps/>
</w:Compatibility>
<m:mathPr>
<m:mathFont m:val="Cambria Math"/>
<m:brkBin m:val="before"/>
<m:brkBinSub m:val="--"/>
<m:smallFrac m:val="off"/>
<m:dispDef/>
<m:lMargin m:val="0"/>
<m:rMargin m:val="0"/>
<m:defJc m:val="centerGroup"/>
<m:wrapIndent m:val="1440"/>
<m:intLim m:val="subSup"/>
<m:naryLim m:val="undOvr"/>
</m:mathPr></w:WordDocument>
</xml><![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
<w:LatentStyles DefLockedState="false" DefUnhideWhenUsed="true"
DefSemiHidden="true" DefQFormat="false" DefPriority="99"
LatentStyleCount="276">
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="0" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Normal"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="heading 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 7"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 8"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 9"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 7"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 8"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 9"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="35" QFormat="true" Name="caption"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="10" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Title"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="1" Name="Default Paragraph Font"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="11" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Subtitle"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="22" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Strong"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="20" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Emphasis"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="59" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Table Grid"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Placeholder Text"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="1" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="No Spacing"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Revision"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="34" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="List Paragraph"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="29" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Quote"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="30" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Intense Quote"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="19" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Subtle Emphasis"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="21" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Intense Emphasis"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="31" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Subtle Reference"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="32" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Intense Reference"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="33" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Book Title"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="37" Name="Bibliography"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" QFormat="true" Name="TOC Heading"/>
</w:LatentStyles>
</xml><![endif]-->
<!--[if gte mso 10]>
<style>
/* Style Definitions */
table.MsoNormalTable
{mso-style-name:"Table Normal";
mso-tstyle-rowband-size:0;
mso-tstyle-colband-size:0;
mso-style-noshow:yes;
mso-style-priority:99;
mso-style-parent:"";
mso-padding-alt:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;
mso-para-margin-top:0in;
mso-para-margin-right:0in;
mso-para-margin-bottom:10.0pt;
mso-para-margin-left:0in;
line-height:115%;
mso-pagination:widow-orphan;
font-size:11.0pt;
font-family:Calibri;
mso-ascii-font-family:Calibri;
mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin;
mso-hansi-font-family:Calibri;
mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin;}
</style>
<![endif]-->
<!--StartFragment-->
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
Well, I am 40 now. I
am heading down that slippery slope of becoming my grandmother, who knew absolutely
everything and would tell it exactly how she saw it. In a way, this kind of handle on life is
refreshing. It is black and white, very
clear and always amusing,<i> if</i> you are
not the victim.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I am going to make a valiant effort not make it to that
bluntly critical state as I journey through the second half of life, which
already has a few perks. The greatest so
far is the relief of having finally figured a few things out. And because there is a bit of my grandmother
in me, I can only assume that everyone wants to hear what I have to say and if
you don’t, I am going to say it anyway! <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
So here goes; the key to happiness, per Allison Greiner, who
has recently achieved middle age status:<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpFirst" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]-->1.<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt;">
</span><!--[endif]--><b>The first critical key to happiness is people.</b> I believe that we are shaped most by the
people in our lives, so we should be spending our time with those who lift us
up, challenge us, are honest with us, who give us perspective and make us smile. Don’t forget to smile. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpFirst" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]-->2.<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt;">
</span><!--[endif]--><b>Love yourself.</b>
Please forgive the cliché, but I really do believe this. I spent a lot of time ignoring this piece and
wasted a lot of precious time, as a result.
Here is the truth: The people that
we treasure in our lives do not love us for the way we look, what we have, what
we do for a living or in our spare time.
They love us for all that cannot be defined. There is a real freedom in letting all the
rest go and just being happy in your own skin and trusting that it is indeed a
great skin to be in.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]-->3.<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt;"> <b>
</b></span><!--[endif]--><b>Second, laughter is paramount.</b> Not just at the world around us, but at
ourselves. I take great pleasure in
laughing at my own expense and so do others.
As a teacher, I have a great audience every day and I think my
relationship with my students is stronger because I do not take myself too
seriously and can have fun while doing meaningful work. No one truly appreciates someone who laughs
at the expense of others, but it is very endearing to others when you can laugh
at yourself.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]-->4.<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt;">
</span><!--[endif]--><b>Perspective.</b> Tragedy and pain are a part of life, but what we all must remember that
there is no sorrow without joy, no grief without happiness. You have to know one to know the other. Someone very close to me does not know true
grief. She has protected herself from it
all of her life, but as a result, she does not know true joy, either. When my father died after a year of
suffering, she was so surprised when she found me so wrought with grief. She assumed that I would have been
relieved. I was relieved, but there was
something very beautiful about releasing all that emotion that reminded me how
important my father was to me. I embrace
moments of grief. It reminds me of how
rich my life really is.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpLast" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]-->5.<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt;">
</span><!--[endif]--><b>Faith is worth a try.</b> I struggle with this. I always have and probably always will. But the more experiences I have, both good
and bad, the more I open myself to the notion that this earthly life is not all
that we will know. I cannot define it
and do not want to. But whatever it is,
it is comforting. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpLast" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Voila! You may find
this little catalogue of ideas insightful or revolting, but please refer to
#2. It doesn’t matter. I am happy with it!<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<i style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 20px; text-align: left;">Allison Wood Greiner is a high school French teacher, a founding member of Inspired Wining, a wife and mother to three children, including Matthew, who has Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy.</i><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 20px; text-align: left;"> </span></div>
<!--EndFragment-->Andrea Spencerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07421107951162833813noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1620224590547840843.post-79368054641926424712013-02-02T15:51:00.000-05:002013-02-03T00:37:01.887-05:00Friends and a great cause can make you light on your feetThe summer before my freshman year of high school, my older sister invited me to go on a run with her. I was a soccer player. But I had never gone for a long distance run. For fun. Just because.<br />
<br />
We ran four or five miles that day, and it felt amazing. I was hooked. A few weeks later, I signed up for cross-country, and I ran. And ran. And ran.<br />
<br />
It was one of the only activities that seemed effortless to me. I could run for miles and miles. And I always had a kick at the end.<br />
<br />
Of course, there was <i>one</i> reason I felt so light. I was only 92 pounds at the time.<br />
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtwUDzUTCrMd7sqW6RrkQ6gIFL5iwCT9wZQluCN6kzDr712JGRV_DEJhCjJG_m9DJ0jqYM6Z06dDf5vy_LXO5Leu7Oci12-KL0zx9M3vg9BtAcvZGhCIrB1itq7IwgsrGS7xj_Sdcrel4/s1600/photo-4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="234" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtwUDzUTCrMd7sqW6RrkQ6gIFL5iwCT9wZQluCN6kzDr712JGRV_DEJhCjJG_m9DJ0jqYM6Z06dDf5vy_LXO5Leu7Oci12-KL0zx9M3vg9BtAcvZGhCIrB1itq7IwgsrGS7xj_Sdcrel4/s320/photo-4.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Broad Run High School running girls - 1989</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
But more than that, I simply loved the experience. The wind in my ears. My mind letting go as I entered the zone. The people cheering me on. The friends I made.<br />
<br />
Running became a different experience years later. I'm not so light and free anymore. I've been pregnant. I chase after two kids. I work a lot, and because I'm a writer (an occupation for which the motto for success is "Ass in chair"), I sit. And sit. And sit.<br />
<br />
But that 13-year-old runner girl was still in there somewhere. I just needed a little inspiration to coax her out.<br />
<br />
Fellow <a href="http://www.inspiredwining.com/" target="_blank">Inspired Winer</a> Allison Greiner and her son Matthew became that inspiration for me. Last year, Allison invited me to join her in running the <a href="http://www.rundisney.com/disneyland-half-marathon/" target="_blank">Disney Half-Marathon</a> for <a href="http://www.parentprojectmd.org/" target="_blank">PPMD's Run for Our Sons</a>.<br />
<br />
A half-marathon. Hmmm. I had been thinking about getting back into running, but a few 5Ks and the occasional 10K was all I had in mind. I couldn't imagine having the time to train for 13.1 miles. And, honestly, I had no desire to run more than 5 or 6 tops.<br />
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkPM_dFWJwZIqwGNs9lyt-iPMJce_vlU7C8zd16MhhcnvRW-yYMdtxPcA64kzPWy8GEXJk1PnqtraMFiF0VIw0ZbpAiIKa9P3aAvJrMY-barqroWFthIHuOIk6i4BM7bbT3wKz3fTgZFs/s1600/024.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkPM_dFWJwZIqwGNs9lyt-iPMJce_vlU7C8zd16MhhcnvRW-yYMdtxPcA64kzPWy8GEXJk1PnqtraMFiF0VIw0ZbpAiIKa9P3aAvJrMY-barqroWFthIHuOIk6i4BM7bbT3wKz3fTgZFs/s320/024.jpg" width="206" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Cindy, Mary, Allison and me </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
But a good friend had made a generous invitation. She trusted me to take on the challenge. And here's the bottom line: Life is going to get challenging for Matthew. How could I say 13 miles was too much when such a feat may never be a possibility for him?<br />
<br />
Matthew inspired me throughout my training program. Anytime <a href="http://mp3skull.com/mp3/my_body_young_the_giant.html" target="_blank">"My Body"</a> came on my iPod, I thought of him.<br />
<br />
<i>"My body tells me no. But I won't quit. Cause I want more. I want more. It's my road. It's my war."</i><br />
<br />
On January 12th, Allison and I joined our friends Mary and Cindy for the Disney Half-Marathon. That Saturday morning, we woke up at 3AM, hopped on the monorail, and joined more than 23,000 other runners at the starting gates. Music pumped from speakers that were taller than I am. Fireworks lit up the black sky to signal the start.<br />
<br />
The energy of the entire experience carried me the whole way. Being there with my friends. Watching the sun rise over Magic Kingdom. Waving at the characters and high-fiving spectators and kids from high school marching bands. People were genuinely excited to see the runners and cheer us on.<br />
<br />
Some of their signs made me laugh - "Toenails are for sissies," one read.<br />
<br />
Others made me incredibly grateful. "I don't know you, but I'm proud of you." That sign reminded me of the many generous donors who had donated to my fundraising page and cheered me on. Friends, relatives, and some people I haven't even seen in decades got involved. Their support was humbling.<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIVpV-TNA6PkQUHbqGmDny3zTqCs639nhPX3jqivaBf0anx1FI7y6oYh19EZJqM1XfD-yRiRqpx22Dp2mdFWeHLJo5-J5Yl527UrqpRBuIKN-buc5OQH3hFG-53I8hgtbNNm2sIVi5qx0/s1600/736827_10200198975445319_934519616_o.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="227" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIVpV-TNA6PkQUHbqGmDny3zTqCs639nhPX3jqivaBf0anx1FI7y6oYh19EZJqM1XfD-yRiRqpx22Dp2mdFWeHLJo5-J5Yl527UrqpRBuIKN-buc5OQH3hFG-53I8hgtbNNm2sIVi5qx0/s320/736827_10200198975445319_934519616_o.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">At the finish!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
Allison, Mary, Cindy and I crossed the finish line arm-in-arm. Then we huddled up, heads together, silent for a few moments.<br />
<br />
I never imagined all those miles would feel so good. Every single step was pure adrenaline and joy. I could have run 13 more. I was light once again.<br />
<br />
Free.<br />
<br />
Inspired.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjl_Jr2qR6k0Y-AgLO7bkz_GIXC7cGTqUxSG_e3g3pxhymKvXfnPqmuzDtPtDK8HxmaP9fO0s-d5tWUUNV8HxHnqpzo_sq0SHlGdqRpV6k5DXxb-akiR0NQKF4Z2g9FRaSYijoaBIHCyYs/s1600/Spencer_2012_177.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjl_Jr2qR6k0Y-AgLO7bkz_GIXC7cGTqUxSG_e3g3pxhymKvXfnPqmuzDtPtDK8HxmaP9fO0s-d5tWUUNV8HxHnqpzo_sq0SHlGdqRpV6k5DXxb-akiR0NQKF4Z2g9FRaSYijoaBIHCyYs/s200/Spencer_2012_177.jpg" width="132" /></a></div>
<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;"><i><a href="http://about.me/andrea_spencer" target="_blank">Andrea Spencer</a> is copywriter and speechwriter for <a href="http://www.uncg.edu/" target="_blank">The University of North Carolina at Greensboro</a> as well as a professional writing consultant and a mentor to fiction and non-fiction authors. She holds a BA in English Literature from <a href="http://highpoint.edu/" target="_blank">High Point University </a>and an MFA in Fiction from <a href="http://www.snhu.edu/" target="_blank">Southern New Hampshire University</a>. Andrea is a wife and mother, soccer coach and one of the founding members of <a href="http://inspiredwining.com/">InspiredWining.com</a>. She is currently seeking representation for her novel <a href="http://andreacrossleyspencer.com/" target="_blank">The Promise of Water</a>.</i></span><br />
<br />
<br />Andrea Spencerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07421107951162833813noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1620224590547840843.post-13898398872544933492013-01-27T17:02:00.000-05:002013-01-27T17:02:14.362-05:00Sometimes inspiration is right next door<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; text-align: -webkit-auto;">
<span style="color: #404040; font-family: Cambria, serif; font-size: 12pt;">Gearing up for the usual after school shuffle from activity to activity, I careened into the driveway on three wheels. Knowing the drill, the kids were changed, had their bags packed and raced out the front door. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; text-align: -webkit-auto;">
<span style="color: #404040; font-family: Cambria, serif; font-size: 12pt;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; text-align: -webkit-auto;">
<span style="color: #404040; font-family: Cambria, serif; font-size: 12pt;">Just as they were piling in the car, our neighbors strolled by out for an afternoon walk. We stopped for a quick hello and few neighborly minutes of pleasantries. Then we waved good bye and drove off. As the car hurtled down the street, a little voice in the back seat said, “Mike and Cherry are such nice neighbors.”<u></u><u></u></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; text-align: -webkit-auto;">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh060WKZxOMhR_QhVhpe_ggogdB6yH5Zk2u01M0jd8DUNpGLX0vTjDBJvQwtdd9fuwwq6am9ecSAsA_ZQFCU7WkDDCzp3gabmdfcr9PUbsY5pNG8Dip590W75yll4l8Fz5YhrAjxMh12b4/s1600/photo.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh060WKZxOMhR_QhVhpe_ggogdB6yH5Zk2u01M0jd8DUNpGLX0vTjDBJvQwtdd9fuwwq6am9ecSAsA_ZQFCU7WkDDCzp3gabmdfcr9PUbsY5pNG8Dip590W75yll4l8Fz5YhrAjxMh12b4/s1600/photo.JPG" /></a></div>
<span style="color: #404040; font-family: Cambria, serif; font-size: 12pt;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; text-align: -webkit-auto;">
<span style="color: #404040; font-family: Cambria, serif; font-size: 12pt;">Smiling into the back seat via the rear view mirror, I confirmed, “Yes, we hit the jack pot when it came to neighbors didn’t we?” The car was quiet as we all reflected on the kind of neighbors who never miss a birthday, bring over baked goods just because, watch the house when we travel, lend a hand whenever asked, gather the neighbors for parties and always give out cheerful how do you do’s.<u></u><u></u></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; text-align: -webkit-auto;">
<span style="color: #404040; font-family: Cambria, serif; font-size: 12pt;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; text-align: -webkit-auto;">
<span style="color: #404040; font-family: Cambria, serif; font-size: 12pt;">How lovely was that moment? Right in the middle of afternoon chaos, at the prompting of my kids, we paused to appreciate life’s unexpected gifts. I propose a toast to all of those truly wonderful neighbors! We should all be luck so lucky to have have them right next door.<u></u><u></u></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; text-align: -webkit-auto;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; text-align: -webkit-auto;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 20px; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbYl9PJs_cgjoKHPnsWMW2m0kWTZOd9EB-xv4NwGt29YVw520ZT8moINKFzH7MgNdsocbZFNLuld-X3cCh9WTE-j1OrzYKUbohRytSg88gHqCCbADLpz9HEmg33PTx_00n8x6b32oBQFg/s1600/TC+headshot.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; color: #cc4411; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbYl9PJs_cgjoKHPnsWMW2m0kWTZOd9EB-xv4NwGt29YVw520ZT8moINKFzH7MgNdsocbZFNLuld-X3cCh9WTE-j1OrzYKUbohRytSg88gHqCCbADLpz9HEmg33PTx_00n8x6b32oBQFg/s200/TC+headshot.jpg" style="border: none; position: relative;" width="142" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<i style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 20px; text-align: left;"><span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.917969); color: #595959; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; text-align: -webkit-auto;">Tiffany Crenshaw is a North Carolina native, wife, mother of 2 wild and crazy kids, and an entrepreneur. She loves her family, a delicious glass of red wine, girl time and the occasional spa treatment. As an enthusiastic member of Wednesday Night Whine, she rarely misses a “meeting” unless she’s traveling for business. She is the President and CEO of <a href="http://www.intellectresources.com/" style="color: #771100; text-decoration: none;">Intellect Resources</a>, a recruiting and consulting firm specializing in the healthcare IT industry.</span> </i><span style="color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 20px; text-align: left;"> </span></div>
<br /></div>
Inspired Wininghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14618229988183644937noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1620224590547840843.post-19424218488570747062012-09-07T12:42:00.001-04:002012-09-07T12:42:39.676-04:00Confessions of a woman who doesn't like to shop<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
<o:OfficeDocumentSettings>
<o:AllowPNG/>
</o:OfficeDocumentSettings>
</xml><![endif]-->
<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
<w:WordDocument>
<w:View>Normal</w:View>
<w:Zoom>0</w:Zoom>
<w:TrackMoves/>
<w:TrackFormatting/>
<w:PunctuationKerning/>
<w:ValidateAgainstSchemas/>
<w:SaveIfXMLInvalid>false</w:SaveIfXMLInvalid>
<w:IgnoreMixedContent>false</w:IgnoreMixedContent>
<w:AlwaysShowPlaceholderText>false</w:AlwaysShowPlaceholderText>
<w:DoNotPromoteQF/>
<w:LidThemeOther>EN-US</w:LidThemeOther>
<w:LidThemeAsian>JA</w:LidThemeAsian>
<w:LidThemeComplexScript>X-NONE</w:LidThemeComplexScript>
<w:Compatibility>
<w:BreakWrappedTables/>
<w:SnapToGridInCell/>
<w:WrapTextWithPunct/>
<w:UseAsianBreakRules/>
<w:DontGrowAutofit/>
<w:SplitPgBreakAndParaMark/>
<w:EnableOpenTypeKerning/>
<w:DontFlipMirrorIndents/>
<w:OverrideTableStyleHps/>
</w:Compatibility>
<m:mathPr>
<m:mathFont m:val="Cambria Math"/>
<m:brkBin m:val="before"/>
<m:brkBinSub m:val="--"/>
<m:smallFrac m:val="off"/>
<m:dispDef/>
<m:lMargin m:val="0"/>
<m:rMargin m:val="0"/>
<m:defJc m:val="centerGroup"/>
<m:wrapIndent m:val="1440"/>
<m:intLim m:val="subSup"/>
<m:naryLim m:val="undOvr"/>
</m:mathPr></w:WordDocument>
</xml><![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
<w:LatentStyles DefLockedState="false" DefUnhideWhenUsed="true"
DefSemiHidden="true" DefQFormat="false" DefPriority="99"
LatentStyleCount="276">
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="0" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Normal"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="heading 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 7"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 8"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 9"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 7"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 8"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 9"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="35" QFormat="true" Name="caption"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="10" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Title"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="0" Name="Default Paragraph Font"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="11" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Subtitle"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="22" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Strong"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="20" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Emphasis"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="59" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Table Grid"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Placeholder Text"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="1" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="No Spacing"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Revision"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="34" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="List Paragraph"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="29" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Quote"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="30" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Intense Quote"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="19" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Subtle Emphasis"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="21" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Intense Emphasis"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="31" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Subtle Reference"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="32" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Intense Reference"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="33" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Book Title"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="37" Name="Bibliography"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" QFormat="true" Name="TOC Heading"/>
</w:LatentStyles>
</xml><![endif]-->
<!--[if gte mso 10]>
<style>
/* Style Definitions */
table.MsoNormalTable
{mso-style-name:"Table Normal";
mso-tstyle-rowband-size:0;
mso-tstyle-colband-size:0;
mso-style-noshow:yes;
mso-style-priority:99;
mso-style-parent:"";
mso-padding-alt:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;
mso-para-margin:0in;
mso-para-margin-bottom:.0001pt;
mso-pagination:widow-orphan;
font-size:10.0pt;
font-family:"Times New Roman";}
</style>
<![endif]-->
<!--StartFragment-->
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">Call me crazy- but I do <u>not </u>like shopping for
clothes. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">--I don’t like the process of trying things on or taking the time to
find things that fit. I'm lazy like that. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: xx-small;">--</span><span style="font-size: 10pt;">I struggle with feeling comfortable
shopping in stores that I perceive to be “chic” or “ hip”.</span><span style="font-size: 10pt;"> </span><span style="font-size: 10pt;">Truth be told, even though my children
would love for me to fall into those categories- I really am quite ordinary. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: xx-small;">--</span><span style="font-size: 10pt;">I also think clothes can be too expensive. Therefore, I find myself looking for sale items or good deals -- even when I would prefer something more
expensive.</span><span style="font-size: 10pt;"> </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: xx-small;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">The whole process makes me feel self
conscious and inept. I don’t know what
style to pick, what color to choose, or if it is a good “ piece” to add to my
wardrobe.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">Well, last Thursday I attempted to shop for clothes.
I headed to Friendly Shopping Center and commenced my normal routine- start at Banana
Republic, then The Limited, Old Navy, The Gap, Belk and last, Macy’s. Just
when I thought I was going to leave empty handed--- I met Ms. Janice Paschal at
Macy’s. Unbeknownst to me, I saved the best for last!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">Janice saw me coming with my stack of clothes and
offered to find me a fitting room. From that point on, she reminded me that
excellent customer service often seals the deal. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">1) She introduced herself and made eye contact with
me. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">2) She asked my name and offered to help me get other clothes.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: -.05pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; tab-stops: 1.0pt 15.0pt 28.0pt 56.0pt 84.0pt 112.0pt 140.0pt 168.0pt 196.0pt 224.0pt 3.5in 280.0pt 308.0pt 336.0pt; text-autospace: none;">
<span style="font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">3) She followed, calling me by my first name and asking if
things were going well.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">4) She assisted me with the belt and zipper.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">5) She offered accessorizing help----i.e. what
color shoes to wear, what style of jewelry.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 0in; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; mso-pagination: none; tab-stops: 1.0pt 15.0pt list 27.0pt left 56.0pt 84.0pt 112.0pt 140.0pt 168.0pt 196.0pt 224.0pt 3.5in 280.0pt 308.0pt 336.0pt; text-autospace: none; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">6 <span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt;"> </span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">6) She discounted my purchase with both a Macy’s charge and a coupon.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 0in; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; mso-pagination: none; tab-stops: 1.0pt 15.0pt list 27.0pt left 56.0pt 84.0pt 112.0pt 140.0pt 168.0pt 196.0pt 224.0pt 3.5in 280.0pt 308.0pt 336.0pt; text-autospace: none; text-indent: -.25in;">
<span style="font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"></span><br /><span style="font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 0in; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; mso-pagination: none; tab-stops: 1.0pt 15.0pt list 27.0pt left 56.0pt 84.0pt 112.0pt 140.0pt 168.0pt 196.0pt 224.0pt 3.5in 280.0pt 308.0pt 336.0pt; text-autospace: none; text-indent: -.25in;">
<span style="font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"></span></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8J0IsqhhWU9hKJk51yH_MAlkAGLbYsTKkoIL7hfI61xvmMgHsXq9eP1jvkPt-CwSU_tyZ5RmplZk0lcaGMwvHg1f5pFVIPIgtfRJrDa0inMkeTjNTqp9F094emoF3wfyrgLdsaKZGXdI/s1600/0.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="296" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8J0IsqhhWU9hKJk51yH_MAlkAGLbYsTKkoIL7hfI61xvmMgHsXq9eP1jvkPt-CwSU_tyZ5RmplZk0lcaGMwvHg1f5pFVIPIgtfRJrDa0inMkeTjNTqp9F094emoF3wfyrgLdsaKZGXdI/s400/0.jpeg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The wonderful Ms. Janice Paschal. I'm betting local shoppers recognize her.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 10pt;">Best of all, Janice made me laugh and feel comfortable.
At one point, I could not figure out how a belt was supposed to work with the
dress I was trying on. It appeared to be positioned at the top of the zipper on
the back of the dress. I asked if she could help me figure out how to tie it.
Janice studied the belt and draped each side over my shoulder. She then
proceeded to tie it around my neck (see picture below). At the same time, she and I
both burst out laughing!</span><span style="font-size: 10pt;"> </span><span style="font-size: 10pt;">Obviously, that
wasn’t what the designer intended! After much thought, we figured out that the
belt was stuck in the top of the zipper and in the wrong place all together. It
was to be tied underneath my arms and around my ribs.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjM-ynsQur6urx74mw8eTFsPurmYIsrJMaDh560VUqMrDVBzV1KCNZ1QG3CGQPJURPT0ZwEHieIHF76esDTMCWGKfhyKsH-AfoCtw6mQi-ZVn56i3iOgFHtpex6Yzwcpyf4JRZSxMaab4E/s1600/0-1.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjM-ynsQur6urx74mw8eTFsPurmYIsrJMaDh560VUqMrDVBzV1KCNZ1QG3CGQPJURPT0ZwEHieIHF76esDTMCWGKfhyKsH-AfoCtw6mQi-ZVn56i3iOgFHtpex6Yzwcpyf4JRZSxMaab4E/s200/0-1.jpeg" width="168" /></a><span style="font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">After the morning of shopping, I ended up buying
only one item--the dress seen in the picture with Janice. </span><span style="font-size: 10pt;">Regrettably, that was the only item that fit.
However, I don’t feel like my shopping experience was for naught. In fact I
gained so much more than a dress. I was inspired by Janice Paschal and reminded of what lies at the heart of excellent customer service -- sincerity, the desire to help others around you, and the value of taking your work, but not yourself, too seriously.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">I'd love to hear from you. What shopping tips or experiences do you have to share? Or just simply tell us where you found an unexpected moment of inspiration -- because the possibility of being inspired lies around every corner.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<i style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 20px;"><span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.917969); color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; text-align: -webkit-auto;">Alexis Williams may</span><span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.917969); color: #222222; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', Arial; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px; text-align: justify;"> not be a good housekeeper and she’s even worse at being the tooth fairy. But she loves laughing, traveling, spending time with family and being a part of a community that makes a difference. Alexis is officially Inspired Wining's “go-to girl” for just about everything from developing community partnerships to securing our venues for Inspired Wining on Location events. A wife, mother of 3, a church and school volunteer, Alexis is the sharp-witted sweetheart of the group.</span></i></div>
<!--EndFragment--></div>
Inspired Wininghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14618229988183644937noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1620224590547840843.post-10024944172966600342012-09-01T08:09:00.000-04:002012-09-01T08:09:47.718-04:00Note to self<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
<o:OfficeDocumentSettings>
<o:AllowPNG/>
</o:OfficeDocumentSettings>
</xml><![endif]-->
<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
<w:WordDocument>
<w:View>Normal</w:View>
<w:Zoom>0</w:Zoom>
<w:TrackMoves/>
<w:TrackFormatting/>
<w:PunctuationKerning/>
<w:ValidateAgainstSchemas/>
<w:SaveIfXMLInvalid>false</w:SaveIfXMLInvalid>
<w:IgnoreMixedContent>false</w:IgnoreMixedContent>
<w:AlwaysShowPlaceholderText>false</w:AlwaysShowPlaceholderText>
<w:DoNotPromoteQF/>
<w:LidThemeOther>EN-US</w:LidThemeOther>
<w:LidThemeAsian>JA</w:LidThemeAsian>
<w:LidThemeComplexScript>X-NONE</w:LidThemeComplexScript>
<w:Compatibility>
<w:BreakWrappedTables/>
<w:SnapToGridInCell/>
<w:WrapTextWithPunct/>
<w:UseAsianBreakRules/>
<w:DontGrowAutofit/>
<w:SplitPgBreakAndParaMark/>
<w:EnableOpenTypeKerning/>
<w:DontFlipMirrorIndents/>
<w:OverrideTableStyleHps/>
</w:Compatibility>
<m:mathPr>
<m:mathFont m:val="Cambria Math"/>
<m:brkBin m:val="before"/>
<m:brkBinSub m:val="--"/>
<m:smallFrac m:val="off"/>
<m:dispDef/>
<m:lMargin m:val="0"/>
<m:rMargin m:val="0"/>
<m:defJc m:val="centerGroup"/>
<m:wrapIndent m:val="1440"/>
<m:intLim m:val="subSup"/>
<m:naryLim m:val="undOvr"/>
</m:mathPr></w:WordDocument>
</xml><![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
<w:LatentStyles DefLockedState="false" DefUnhideWhenUsed="true"
DefSemiHidden="true" DefQFormat="false" DefPriority="99"
LatentStyleCount="276">
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="0" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Normal"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="heading 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 7"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 8"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="9" QFormat="true" Name="heading 9"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 7"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 8"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="toc 9"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="35" QFormat="true" Name="caption"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="10" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Title"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="1" Name="Default Paragraph Font"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="11" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Subtitle"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="22" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Strong"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="20" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Emphasis"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="59" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Table Grid"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Placeholder Text"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="1" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="No Spacing"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Revision"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="34" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="List Paragraph"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="29" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Quote"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="30" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Intense Quote"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Shading Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light List Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Light Grid Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Dark List Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="19" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Subtle Emphasis"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="21" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Intense Emphasis"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="31" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Subtle Reference"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="32" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Intense Reference"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="33" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Book Title"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="37" Name="Bibliography"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" QFormat="true" Name="TOC Heading"/>
</w:LatentStyles>
</xml><![endif]-->
<!--[if gte mso 10]>
<style>
/* Style Definitions */
table.MsoNormalTable
{mso-style-name:"Table Normal";
mso-tstyle-rowband-size:0;
mso-tstyle-colband-size:0;
mso-style-noshow:yes;
mso-style-priority:99;
mso-style-parent:"";
mso-padding-alt:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;
mso-para-margin-top:0in;
mso-para-margin-right:0in;
mso-para-margin-bottom:10.0pt;
mso-para-margin-left:0in;
line-height:115%;
mso-pagination:widow-orphan;
font-size:11.0pt;
font-family:Calibri;
mso-ascii-font-family:Calibri;
mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin;
mso-hansi-font-family:Calibri;
mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin;}
</style>
<![endif]-->
<!--StartFragment-->
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
Recently, a friend of mine posed this question on Facebook: “If you could go back in time and tell a
younger version of yourself just one thing, what would you say?” </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
This inquiry really got me thinking. If I could send my Younger Self a list of many
things to avoid, they would include the obvious: don’t waste your time with that relationship,
don’t wear that outfit, and don’t ever do that to your hair. Of course, there would be some more practical
life pointers as well: save more, spend
less, and take good care of your health. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
But, if I could only say one thing, I would
have to choose my words carefully. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
As I looked back and tried to determine what nugget of
wisdom would be most beneficial to younger me, it became apparent that it is something
that I still struggle with today. Maybe
if I had learned it at a younger age, it would be second nature by now?<br />
<br />
<header style="background-color: #c0a154; text-align: -webkit-auto;"><div class="header-outer" style="min-height: 0px; position: relative;">
<div class="fauxborder-left header-fauxborder-left" style="background-position: 0% 0%; position: relative;">
<div class="region-inner header-inner" style="margin: 0px auto; max-width: 900px; min-height: 0px; min-width: 900px;">
<div class="header section" id="header" style="margin: 0px;">
<div class="widget Header" id="Header1" style="line-height: 1.4; margin: 0px; min-height: 0px; position: relative;">
<div id="header-inner" style="overflow: hidden;">
<div class="descriptionwrapper" style="margin-bottom: 25px; padding: 0px 20px;">
<div class="description" style="margin-bottom: 10px; margin-top: 0.5em; padding: 0px 2px;">
<b><span style="color: blue;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">"Enjoy the little things, for one day </span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large; line-height: 1.4;">you may </span></span></b></div>
<div class="description" style="margin-bottom: 10px; margin-top: 0.5em; padding: 0px 2px;">
<b><span style="color: blue;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large; line-height: 1.4;">look back and realize </span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large; line-height: 1.4;">they were the big things."</span></span></b></div>
<div class="description" style="margin-bottom: 10px; margin-top: 0.5em; padding: 0px 2px;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; line-height: 1.4;"><span style="color: blue; font-size: x-small;"><b> ~Robert Brault</b></span></span></div>
</div>
</div>
</div>
</div>
</div>
</div>
</div>
</header></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br />
<b>So Younger Self, here it is: </b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Learn to make the most of today, and find
something about it to enjoy instead of constantly looking forward to tomorrow,
next week or next month. Don’t get me
wrong Younger Self, you have been great
at making memories and making the most of the big days, the big life
events: the wedding day, the amazing travel,
the first time each of your children were placed in your arms (yes I said
children - as in more than one - don’t freak out Younger Self).<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
However, you have not done all that you could to make the
most out of the everyday. If I/you/we
had a dollar for every time we have had the thought that life will be better or
easier or somehow more memorable “after” – after I get thru this week at work,
after our schedules slow down, after the kids are out of school, etc./etc./etc.,
we would be very, very rich by now.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Of course, it is important to stay positive and to be
focused on the future. But, in the midst
of all that forward thinking, the current day and all it has to offer tend to
get lost in the four loads of laundry that need to be done. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Now Younger Self, I am not suggesting that
every day is going to be sunshine and rainbows because that is not the way life
works. What I am suggesting is that if
you look hard enough you can find something to celebrate, appreciate, or make
memorable in even the darkest of days.
Sometimes it’s just an encouraging word from a friend or a hug from your
child, but those little things are worthy of special memories too. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
So Younger Self, enjoy today and don’t wait for tomorrow to
make those memories. Drink that bottle
of wine that you are saving for a special occasion, wear those special heels
that make you feel fantastic, and take the time to tell your friends and family
how much they mean to you because “after” is not guaranteed to any of us. <o:p></o:p><br />
<br />
<i style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 20px;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 13.5pt;">Michelle Gauffreau is a customer service consultant for <a href="http://www.broadcast1source.com/" style="color: #771100; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank">Broadcast1Source</a> and a founding member of Inspired Wining. She is also a wife, a mother of two and an active volunteer in her community.</span></i></div>
<!--EndFragment--></div>
Inspired Wininghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14618229988183644937noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1620224590547840843.post-35281920562609809792012-08-08T21:42:00.000-04:002012-08-08T22:59:10.092-04:00Inspiration - Olympics styleI don't know about you, but I love the Olympics. I can't get enough of them. I tolerate a constantly running television to make sure I catch track and field, gymnastics, swimming, diving, field hockey, table tennis, and -- who knew - trampoline.<br />
<br />
I find it so inspiring that many of these athletes train most of their lives for this moment. It's thrilling to imagine them as young boys and girls, the time when a seed was planted in their souls - the hope that they, too, would someday perch proudly atop the podium as the crowd cheers and their flag ripples before them.<br />
<br />
And now they've made it. This time, to London -- all the training and the sacrifices leading them to a collection of moments in which they have to be at their very best. Total victory or the crush of defeat (if you can call it defeat) is determined by the narrowest of margins... and then it's over in a breath, it seems. Until the world's greatest gathering of athletes meets again four years.<br />
<br />
Tomorrow at 2:45 PM, my favorite team of all, the <a href="http://www.ussoccer.com/teams/us-women.aspx" target="_blank">U.S. Women's National Soccer Team</a> takes on Japan for their fourth gold medal. Their 4-3 nail-biter, semifinal win (seriously, my own fingers are proof) ended with a goal by Alex Morgan in the last 30 seconds of overtime. Inspiration at its finest.<br />
<br />
<b>In honor of the Olympics, I thought I'd share a few other inspirational Olympic moments and images...starting, of course, with Jennifer Ennis' abs (you heard me.) Please leave a comment and share your own sources of Olympic inspiration.</b><br />
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlHGunwLaiEahYNBjeBXE-uEa8NyaTC7Tc3S9E1pKs9IEQqG4xzVIfWnTxAYeR8-HsUyVl1mS097saKoT5bPYL7CE1RBlra6kJifg1_XJ-VgA-kOaHcOYfGm_8CkZnRlECnNfqfUoluns/s1600/article-1349648-0A8CA223000005DC-588_306x423.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlHGunwLaiEahYNBjeBXE-uEa8NyaTC7Tc3S9E1pKs9IEQqG4xzVIfWnTxAYeR8-HsUyVl1mS097saKoT5bPYL7CE1RBlra6kJifg1_XJ-VgA-kOaHcOYfGm_8CkZnRlECnNfqfUoluns/s200/article-1349648-0A8CA223000005DC-588_306x423.jpg" width="144" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Dailymail.co.uk</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Okay, so <b>Jennifer Ennis</b>. She won the gold medal in the heptathlon, which was impressive to say the least. But also inspiring are her chiseled abs. As an Inspired Winer, I also love that in a <a href="http://www.thesun.co.uk/sol/homepage/sport/olympics/4473244/Ill-down-rubbish-food-and-glasses-of-wine.html#ixzz22zsG4Ti9" target="_blank">recent story by The Sun </a>she plans to enjoy some wine post competition. "I'm definitely going to relax, eat lots of rubbish food, have a few glasses of wine, and enjoy this moment for as long as possible," she said. Cheers to that!<br />
<br />
Next on the list are pretty much everyone else's abs, including but not limited to: English footballer Micah Richards, Brazilian beach volleyball babe Juliana Silva, U.S. freestyle wrestler Jordan Burroughs, English diver Tom Daley, and the entire U.S. Men's Swim Relay Team.<br />
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjg2zQQ_gnIV49O62orwgSUwjFNDmGUedlQQIe-cQ7P9j1ikyfyBiZ27YeX_K5HEIQw0s6bpqyGUfaH9d5AIL6RV9u0_8kjG4QYz8y6p-CP58KWC9pmooSGD1tRx2p43j2flu4qjql_IVY/s1600/gty_oscar_pistorius_jef_120804_wg.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjg2zQQ_gnIV49O62orwgSUwjFNDmGUedlQQIe-cQ7P9j1ikyfyBiZ27YeX_K5HEIQw0s6bpqyGUfaH9d5AIL6RV9u0_8kjG4QYz8y6p-CP58KWC9pmooSGD1tRx2p43j2flu4qjql_IVY/s400/gty_oscar_pistorius_jef_120804_wg.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Michael Steele/Getty Images</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
How about South African <b>Oscar Pistorius</b>, who made history by becoming the first double-amputee athlete to compete in track & field? Oscar <a href="http://www.nytimes.com/2012/08/06/sports/olympics/pistorius-eliminated-track-and-field-roundup.html?pagewanted=all" target="_blank">made it all the way to the semifinal</a> in the men's 400 meters. According to a NY Times article, he did not look disappointed when finishing last in the semifinal. Instead, he was overjoyed with his accomplishment. <br />
<br />
And, as you might imagine, I have to give a shout out to Alex Morgan for that game-winning goal against Canada. But I can't do that without giving a ton of credit to teammate Megan Rapinoe. Without her two back-to-back goals, the U.S. wouldn't have been able to clinch the win in the final seconds and earn that gold medal game spot. <a href="http://www.nbcolympics.com/video/2012/top-nbc-moment-alex-morgans-goal.html" target="_blank">The video</a> is worth a look.<br />
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBfXTDD-E4EUp1Yo42yKSDE9m8UiVl3eApJ2E5fSLOXmuX3J8IjmsNVyNFbWesw-KrV2dw76Tf4mmcMYx9DrDisMu7zjlIdPyy6HxFzTm5fnFHEs2a9OCeMJZ53qWp64wXTqIi4t9GGfw/s1600/james_bond_queen_elizabeth_opening_ceremonies.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="179" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBfXTDD-E4EUp1Yo42yKSDE9m8UiVl3eApJ2E5fSLOXmuX3J8IjmsNVyNFbWesw-KrV2dw76Tf4mmcMYx9DrDisMu7zjlIdPyy6HxFzTm5fnFHEs2a9OCeMJZ53qWp64wXTqIi4t9GGfw/s320/james_bond_queen_elizabeth_opening_ceremonies.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">BBC</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
And while there are so many more people and moments to celebrate about the Olympics, I'll end by giving props to Queen Elizabeth. She took us all by surprise during the opening ceremonies by showing us that despite the royal family's long tradition of formality and reservation, there is indeed a time to cut loose and have fun.<br />
<br />
Not only was it hilarious to imagine her skydiving down into the center of all the opening ceremony action, it was fun to detect a little nervousness in the debonair Daniel Craig as he performed the Bond skit alongside the Queen. Cheers to her for reminding us that shared laughter is another form of inspiration...a language that transcends borders and cultures.<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />Andrea Spencerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07421107951162833813noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1620224590547840843.post-29708054876747611572012-07-23T22:59:00.000-04:002012-07-23T22:59:25.037-04:00Being the makers of our future<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
One of the hardest parts about being a parent of a boy with
Duchenne is worrying about how the changes and hardships will affect our son
emotionally. Just like any other parent,
my primary goal is to ensure the happiness of my children. As the years go by, I understand that my
fears are just that – <i>my</i> fears. I look at his disorder from the perspective
of a healthy adult who has lived half of her life already. It is impossible to imagine my life as a
handicapped individual.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Matthew is not yet handicapped, and God willing, he may
never bear that title. He has, however,
in his short life, endured a number of difficulties, treatments and limitations. The fact is that he has navigated all of
these experiences beautifully because they were his alone and a child has the
benefit of owning who he is much easier than an adult can, in most cases. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Duchenne will always be a part of who he is,
but that is not necessarily a tragedy.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
The keynote speech by Luca Buccella at the PPMD Annual
Conference this summer illustrates this point beautifully. As an adult with Duchenne, who has endured
many of the changes that DMD brings, he still has a positive outlook on life
and his purpose in life. For me, his
words are soothing and healing because they resonate hope and strength for our
boy and our family. I share them with you:</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div style="background: white; margin-bottom: 12.0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 9.5pt;"><i>Hello everybody, my name is Luca
Buccella, I am twenty-one, and I'm here to tell all the boys with DMD and their
parents, that a future is there. And I can say that honestly, because the
future that I started planning when I was eight has now become my present. To
tell everybody that even the "less fortunate" can have a full life.<o:p></o:p></i></span></div>
<div style="background: white; margin-bottom: 12.0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 9.5pt;"><i>In many charity campaigns - at
least in Italy, I don't know if it's the same in the United States - we hear
the expression "less fortunate than us" referring to disabled people.
Well, I feel I'm fortunate, or lucky, in many fields. And then, is there such a
thing as fortune? Actually, fortune is useless without a strong will. But with
your will, fortune becomes mere clay, that you can reshape and transform with
your bare hands, just as you wish.<o:p></o:p></i></span></div>
<div style="background: white; margin-bottom: 12.0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 9.5pt;"><i>We must be the first to consider
ourselves as the normal people we are: the revolution must start within us. But
it's not because of our disability that we must take things for granted: we
must earn our chances, nothing's free, we have the same rights and duties of
every other human being.<o:p></o:p></i></span></div>
<div style="background: white; margin-bottom: 12.0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 9.5pt;"><i>Our bodies are handicapped, not
our souls: DMD doesn't determine the people we are, it doesn't make us better
or worse than anyone else. But it's a part of ourselves that we must learn to
live with. It doesn't represent what we are, but it may be considered as a
friend, sometimes annoying, with whom we must learn to coexist despite the
fights. It's not a part of ourselves, but it compenetrates us, and, if lived
positively, can even make us better people.<o:p></o:p></i></span></div>
<div style="background: white; margin-bottom: 12.0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 9.5pt;"><i>Just remember that it's not the
disease that makes us better, but the way we face it. We must never think that
our disability makes us better than others, or even special. We are unique, but
that's just like every other human being. We don't want to be seen as pure
spirits, light bearers with our soul tempered by years of sacrifices: our
disease doesn't determine our future, we have to do it. We can be anything we
want to be, if we convince ourselves. And to become the people we want to be,
it is essential to start planning our future.<o:p></o:p></i></span></div>
<div style="background: white; margin-bottom: 12.0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 9.5pt;"><i>And on this specific aspect, I'd
like to address myself particularly to parents. You are the first who must
raise your children giving them a certainty that a future does exist, and so it
must be planned and considered. Because just like everyone else on planet
Earth, since the very beginning you must start to build the foundations on
which to construct your future.<o:p></o:p></i></span></div>
<div style="background: white; margin-bottom: 12.0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 9.5pt;"><i>I've seen far to many people
giving up, thinking there was no future for their kids, that they would never
reach a certain age. But I believe that this is something you can say for any
individual, because no one has the certainty of what's going to happen
tomorrow. Abandoning every hope, convinced that there is no future for DMD
patients, would be like stopping to drink and eat, because eventually life is
going to end and nothing can change that. Whereas life must be planned, dreams
must be pursued, and human relations must be cherished, no matter what. Because
otherwise, at the age of twenty, you find yourself with no passions, no
interests, no love: and so, you don't have a present.<o:p></o:p></i></span></div>
<div style="background: white; margin-bottom: 12.0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 9.5pt;"><i>I owe my parents the fact that
I've never felt different: so, as they did, allow your children to take risks,
to fail sometimes, to savour life in every aspect good or bad. You'll see the
results, and your kids will be grateful. Just remember that first we must
realize that we're normal and we can have a full life, than we can show it to
the world. You cannot live your life hoping in a miracle, in a prodigious
remedy that is going to fix everything.<o:p></o:p></i></span></div>
<div style="background: white;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 9.5pt;"><i>In this last few years, research has taken a giant leap forward,
trials on men has started, showing that maybe a cure is not so far away. But
what would happen if you spent your whole life just waiting for a cure that
will finally allow you to live what society calls "a normal life", it
the treatment doesn't reach you in good time? You would have lost a life just
waiting, not living. You must become aware of the fact that you can live a
full, happy, satisfactory and meaningful life, that maybe the our disease isn't
all bad after all.<o:p></o:p></i></span></div>
<div style="background: white; margin-bottom: 12.0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 9.5pt;"><i>We must try and embrace our
condition, and then we can start to see upsides. Believe me, they are just as
many as the downsides. As my friend Pat Moeschen likes to say "Membership
has its privileges". And so, we have reserved parking, we don't have to
queue at amusement parks, movie tickets are less expensive. In my country,
people think twice before insulting you to your face. And if they do so, we can
"wheel" them down! And, in a relationship, a disabled person has the
absolute certainty that the person with whom he's involved, really loves him
for what he is.<o:p></o:p></i></span></div>
<div style="background: white; margin-bottom: 12.0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 9.5pt;"><i>Once we have learned that our
disability it's not an obstacle in the pursuit of happiness, if the cure were
to arrive, it would still be great. But if this weren't happen, it would not be
a problem. Because we had understood that we are, and always be, the makers of our
future.<o:p></o:p></i></span></div>
<div style="background: white; margin-bottom: 12.0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 9.5pt;"><i><br /></i></span></div>
<div style="background: white; margin-bottom: 12.0pt;">
<i style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 20px; text-align: left;">Allison Wood Greiner is a high school French teacher, a founding member of Inspired Wining, and mother to three children, including Matthew, who has Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy.</i><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 20px; text-align: left;"> </span>
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>Inspired Wininghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14618229988183644937noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1620224590547840843.post-9262064822268758042012-07-09T11:21:00.001-04:002012-07-09T11:21:10.944-04:00Smelly sneakers mean a boy's had a good time!<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; text-align: -webkit-auto;">
<span style="color: #595959;">Last week was the best week! I was in town every day (no business travel) . Our kids were at "grandparent camp," thus the house was clean and quiet. My husband and I actually had 3 date nights. We got to celebrate July 4<sup>th</sup>! And, Wednesday Night Whine provided the much needed dose girl and wine time.<u></u><u></u></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; text-align: -webkit-auto;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; text-align: -webkit-auto;">
<span style="color: #595959;">Best yet, our kids were having just as much fun as we were. One child was the beach with Scott’s family. And, the other was the mountains with mine. We'd planned a big switch midweek. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; text-align: -webkit-auto;">
<span style="color: #595959;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; text-align: -webkit-auto;">
<span style="color: #595959;">My husband and I enjoyed the nightly updates from each set of grandparents. But, this one in particular made me laugh. While I was Wednesday Night Whining, our son Foster was putt-putting, hitting on girls and stinking up the house. Please read this email update from my dad. I think he has a knack for writing. Perhaps we can convince him to guest blog on Inspired Wining one day!<u></u></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; text-align: -webkit-auto;">
<span style="color: #595959;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; text-align: -webkit-auto;">
<i><b>"Yesterday was a full day and Foster had a great time. First, Foster, Emma and I went to the Inn’s back yard for some baseball, where he hit a home run over the trees (and lost the ball). Then we all went to Mountain Miniature Golf where he scored a 435, not counting Mulligans (all 124 of them). Just kidding, of course, but his math needs some work. Let’s see 3 balls in row off the tee and into the water and then 3 more putts to sink it for a “3”. Hmmm. </b></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; text-align: -webkit-auto;">
<i><b> <u></u><u></u></b></i></div>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6AboVx44HjV8QmApqAg2FzK1LqVguYeY4vpq3YmsNxKnkv2hTdk9JGfgvMIyjVj-eQ6MSRgkmKbwD1-d4Ax5MQsvhoUN5DAK96343SbxRKvOLjwCVKJ9ncHColw0I0VGToAmX731p9Nc/s1600/sneaker.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6AboVx44HjV8QmApqAg2FzK1LqVguYeY4vpq3YmsNxKnkv2hTdk9JGfgvMIyjVj-eQ6MSRgkmKbwD1-d4Ax5MQsvhoUN5DAK96343SbxRKvOLjwCVKJ9ncHColw0I0VGToAmX731p9Nc/s320/sneaker.jpg" width="232" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Freedigitalphotos.net</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; text-align: -webkit-auto;">
<i><b>We then went to Jacob’s Ladder Falls with all the Miller kids for a creek walk and a Who-Can-Catch-the-Biggest-<wbr></wbr>Minnow Contest. Girls rule, boys drool! </b></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; text-align: -webkit-auto;">
<i><b></b></i><br /><i><b></b></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; text-align: -webkit-auto;">
<i><b>Foster paired up with Jake and they really enjoyed the fishing and swimming as the temps approached 80 degrees here in the High Country.<u></u><u></u></b></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; text-align: -webkit-auto;">
<i><b><br /></b></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; text-align: -webkit-auto;">
<i><b>The Millers came back to our house to watch Surf’s Up and Foster took a 1½ hour nap. Fully rested, then it was on to the picnic at the Inn and fireworks. </b></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; text-align: -webkit-auto;">
<i><b><br /></b></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; text-align: -webkit-auto;">
<i><b>Foster hooked up . . . well that’s not the right word today . . . played football with 2 cute, slightly older girls and 2 other boys. Why Foster insisted on shadowing one girl and trying to tackle her whenever she got the ball is beyond me. <span style="font-family: Wingdings;">J</span><u></u><u></u></b></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; text-align: -webkit-auto;">
<span style="font-family: Wingdings;"><i><b><br /></b></i></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; text-align: -webkit-auto;">
<i><b>Then the fireworks, without a doubt, the best ever at the Inn. He covered his ears the whole time, but seemed to really enjoy them. </b></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; text-align: -webkit-auto;">
<i><b><br /></b></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; text-align: -webkit-auto;">
<i style="background-color: white;"><b>Going on 10PM, you’d think the day was full enough, but we topped it off with a few WalMart fireworks at the Millers. Then we finally headed to bed, stopping in the bathroom to clean up and wash feet. Foster took off his shoes and everyone keeled over! I think we’re going to incinerate his tennis shoes today in a sacrificial fire that will surely ward off the deer that keep eating Jennie’s flower and the bear that eats her compost."</b></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; text-align: -webkit-auto;">
<i><br /></i></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbYl9PJs_cgjoKHPnsWMW2m0kWTZOd9EB-xv4NwGt29YVw520ZT8moINKFzH7MgNdsocbZFNLuld-X3cCh9WTE-j1OrzYKUbohRytSg88gHqCCbADLpz9HEmg33PTx_00n8x6b32oBQFg/s1600/TC+headshot.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbYl9PJs_cgjoKHPnsWMW2m0kWTZOd9EB-xv4NwGt29YVw520ZT8moINKFzH7MgNdsocbZFNLuld-X3cCh9WTE-j1OrzYKUbohRytSg88gHqCCbADLpz9HEmg33PTx_00n8x6b32oBQFg/s200/TC+headshot.jpg" width="142" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; text-align: -webkit-auto;">
<i style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 20px; text-align: left;"><span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.917969); color: #595959; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; text-align: -webkit-auto;">Tiffany Crenshaw is a North Carolina native, wife, mother of 2 wild and crazy kids, and an entrepreneur. She loves her family, a delicious glass of red wine, girl time and the occasional spa treatment. As an enthusiastic member of Wednesday Night Whine, she rarely misses a “meeting” unless she’s traveling for business. She is the President and CEO of <a href="http://www.intellectresources.com/" style="color: #771100; text-decoration: none;">Intellect Resources</a>, a recruiting and consulting firm specializing in the healthcare IT industry.</span> </i><span style="color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 20px; text-align: left;"> </span>
</div>
</div>Inspired Wininghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14618229988183644937noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1620224590547840843.post-76966765603811923272012-06-30T10:48:00.001-04:002012-06-30T11:10:22.070-04:00Are we "airbrushing reality" when we say women can have it all?<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="background-color: white;">In April, I published a post entitled <a href="http://inspiredwining.blogspot.com/2012/04/ive-had-it-with-being-too-busy-whos.html" target="_blank">“I’ve had it with being too busy. Who’s with me?” </a></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="background-color: white;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="background-color: white;">Turns out, a lot of you are. A lively commentary ensued with
the majority of readers commiserating.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="background-color: white;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="background-color: white;">While productivity certainly has its rewards, being overly
busy gives us the sense that we are missing something. It knocks us off
balance. </span><span style="background-color: white;"> </span><span style="background-color: white;">I’ve long felt that “balance”
is elusive. </span><span style="background-color: white;"> </span><span style="background-color: white;">We may think we’re pulling
it off, but are we consistently engaging with people and projects in the way that
we desire and that makes our experiences meaningful? “Harmonizing” our lives,
as Sheila Moeschen of <a href="http://herselffirst.com/" target="_blank">HerSelf First</a> puts it, feels more attainable, healthier. </span><span style="background-color: white;">The problem is
that career, family and personal harmony is only as possible as our society will
allow.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="background-color: white;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I promised a follow-up to my earlier blog. Today I bring
that to you in the form of what will likely be a controversial statement, a
statement that goes against everything you’ve heard for the past several
decades. Are you ready? Here goes:</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="background-color: white;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="background-color: white;"><b>Women CAN’T have it all.</b></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="background-color: white;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I have a friend who routinely says this to me. At first, I
disagreed, like many of you possibly. But
over time, I’ve come to realize that there is some truth in her statement. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
My friend’s view is that today’s generation of women has
been fed a fallacy since girlhood. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="background-color: white;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="background-color: white;">Whether it’s come from society or a tampon commercial or your
own mother, throughout your lifetime, you’ve probably heard the phrase, “Women
can have it all.” And if your mother told you this, believe me, she meant well.
She was excited that you would have more opportunities than she did. She was proud
to see you become a career woman AND a mother AND a wife AND a volunteer…AND
AND AND. </span><span style="background-color: white;"> </span><span style="background-color: white;">Indeed, these are wonderful freedoms
and roles for which I am deeply grateful.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="background-color: white;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Where, then, is the fallacy?
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
What none of us factored in was that while we’ve made it
impressively clear that we can DO it all, that does not mean that we are doing
it all WELL. Not all at the same time, at least. And when we don’t do it all
well, we blame ourselves for not being a more productive employee, a more
involved parent, a better housekeeper, etc. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
In her <a href="http://www.theatlantic.com/magazine/archive/2012/07/why-women-still-can-8217-t-have-it-all/9020/1/" target="_blank">recent piece in the Atlantic</a>, Anne-Marie Slaughter
calls the women-can-have-it-all mentality “airbrushing reality.”</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
When you feel “too busy,” do you also feel that you’re not
being true to yourself? During a given week, how often do you feel you are
reflecting your true self (your full potential, your most meaningful
contributions) in ALL of your roles – wife, mother, professional, volunteer, CEO
of the Home, etc. Can you relate the notion of an airbrushed reality?</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I’m not saying women can’t have a lot. And maybe we CAN have it all. But are we engaged in
each of our roles at a level that enriches our experiences and elevates our contributions? </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I can imagine a number of ways to mitigate the downsides of
women being able to have it all, and they all center on taking more control
over our schedules. I’m fortunate to have a job that allows me to work largely
from home so that I can be with my children. While that can create a whole different
kind of craziness, at least it increases my choices in the pursuit of harmony.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
But as Slaughter illustrates in her article, it’s not up to
us alone to find ways to control our schedules. There is a much greater force
at play; more American businesses and organizations must make a shift that puts
focus on “how we can help all Americans have healthy, happy, productive lives,
valuing the people they love as much as the success they seek.” </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Until then, I’m advocating for quality over quantity in our
lives. It’s a step in the right direction. Say “no” when you need to; say “yes”
when you want to. Trust your gut. Know when you are doing yourself – or the
very thing to which you are committing your time and energy – a disservice because
you are unable to fully engage. Give all of yourself to only a few things at a
time. And make sure that your own health and sanity is one of those things. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<a href="http://inspiredwining.com/" target="_blank">Inspired Wining</a> is an example of where I've gotten it just right. Take a close-knit group of women. Add a monthly gathering over
wine. And top it off with the most significant service projects of my life –
fighting a disease that is threatening my friend’s family while starting a movement among communities of women to find their own special group and cause. That’s how I’ve been
able to capture a quality experience. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
So, how about you? Do you think women (and even men, as Slaughter points out) can have it
all? I invite you to read <a href="http://www.theatlantic.com/magazine/archive/2012/07/why-women-still-can-8217-t-have-it-all/9020/1/" target="_blank">Slaughter’s article</a>, if not in one sitting, then over
time. I think you will find it a quality read as you ponder your own quality
time. And by all means, please leave your comments. I’d love to hear from you. </div>
</div>Andrea Spencerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07421107951162833813noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1620224590547840843.post-90320125747301609692012-06-27T15:46:00.001-04:002012-06-27T15:46:29.513-04:00Spontaneous Euro-Bungy<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<br />
<div style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.917969); color: #222222; font-family: arial; font-size: 13px; text-align: -webkit-auto;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgf4KUR0m5Gf4oqva3CxHvUiCRLl-n8XiDSryF5erfGVCjEvveo0vosOBwRuUNEGurnbT32Fx3TwAPOH2gJP7_IQoKyX5jt26kWCcotGKrItleJpY8D-MRJ6LFJWd5WWKHricg0TTzb7kQ/s1600/Euro+Bungee+004.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgf4KUR0m5Gf4oqva3CxHvUiCRLl-n8XiDSryF5erfGVCjEvveo0vosOBwRuUNEGurnbT32Fx3TwAPOH2gJP7_IQoKyX5jt26kWCcotGKrItleJpY8D-MRJ6LFJWd5WWKHricg0TTzb7kQ/s200/Euro+Bungee+004.jpg" width="150" /></a></div>
<div style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.917969); color: #222222; font-family: arial; font-size: 13px; text-align: -webkit-auto;">
Ever have occasions that you are delighted you were spontaneous? Last week, I had one. After relentless requests from our 6-year-old daughter, we allowed her to jump in the middle of a mall food court with a "Euro Bungy." </div>
<div style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.917969); color: #222222; font-family: arial; font-size: 13px; text-align: -webkit-auto;">
<br /></div>
<div style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.917969); color: #222222; font-family: arial; font-size: 13px; text-align: -webkit-auto;">
Ridiculous!!!! Who does this??</div>
<div style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.917969); color: #222222; font-family: arial; font-size: 13px; text-align: -webkit-auto;">
<br /></div>
<div style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.917969); color: #222222; font-family: arial; font-size: 13px; text-align: -webkit-auto;">
Here's the deal. Charlotte was secured with a harness between her legs and had bungee cords attached to either sides of her hips. The technician then had her jump on a trampoline and raised the cords so that she would ascend 20-25 feet in the air. </div>
<div style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.917969); color: #222222; font-family: arial; font-size: 13px; text-align: -webkit-auto;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEjKS6OZ44PgXAST-m9Sh0ULcjbYQ-u0Y1Ts86YMSj01_PxO7u7ZiyTRXAAyVttbYcLkqvNH_ln84iGEvuhZQfh13jxtXVw6TpwlMr4gnlzZ8i7LUtlIVZ9A8rMf8uynQngp964JPBaBw/s1600/Euro+Bungee+007.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEjKS6OZ44PgXAST-m9Sh0ULcjbYQ-u0Y1Ts86YMSj01_PxO7u7ZiyTRXAAyVttbYcLkqvNH_ln84iGEvuhZQfh13jxtXVw6TpwlMr4gnlzZ8i7LUtlIVZ9A8rMf8uynQngp964JPBaBw/s320/Euro+Bungee+007.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
<span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.917969); color: #222222; font-family: arial; font-size: 13px; text-align: -webkit-auto;">As Charlotte became more comfortable, she figured out how to jump high enough to flip around. Within minutes, she was jumping 25 feet in the air and completing double somersaults. It was amazing how quickly she learned. It was truly a "HOLY COW!" moment.</span><br />
<div style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.917969); color: #222222; font-family: arial; font-size: 13px; text-align: -webkit-auto;">
<br /></div>
<div style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.917969); color: #222222; font-family: arial; font-size: 13px; text-align: -webkit-auto;">
As I sat there watching, I realized I had no clue who these people where hoisting Charlotte into the air, nor did I have any knowledge of the equipment, nor did I sign any form that was considered a legal consent/waiver. When does this ever happen?</div>
<div style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.917969); color: #222222; font-family: arial; font-size: 13px; text-align: -webkit-auto;">
<br /></div>
<div style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.917969); color: #222222; font-family: arial; font-size: 13px; text-align: -webkit-auto;">
Because we were SPONTANEOUS, there were no directions or "pros vs. cons" conversations. Charlotte took a risk and you know what? She had a blast!</div>
<div style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.917969); color: #222222; font-family: arial; font-size: 13px; text-align: -webkit-auto;">
<br /></div>
<div style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.917969); color: #222222; font-family: arial; font-size: 13px; text-align: -webkit-auto;">
It was a great lesson for me as a parent and a person. Yes, we should be sensible and smart with our decisions. However, sometimes it just pays to take risks, live a little, and trust that things are going to be okay.</div>
<div style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.917969); color: #222222; font-family: arial; font-size: 13px; text-align: -webkit-auto;">
</div>
<div style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.917969); color: #222222; font-family: arial; font-size: 13px; text-align: -webkit-auto;">
So my challenge to you this summer-----take some risks, get uncomfortable, and be SPONTANEOUS!!</div>
<div style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.917969); color: #222222; font-family: arial; font-size: 13px; text-align: -webkit-auto;">
<br /></div>
<div style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.917969); color: #222222; font-family: arial; font-size: 13px; text-align: -webkit-auto;">
<i style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 20px; text-align: left;"><span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.917969); color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; text-align: -webkit-auto;">Alexis Williams may</span><span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.917969); color: #222222; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', Arial; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px; text-align: justify;"> not be a good housekeeper and she’s even worse at being the tooth fairy. But she loves laughing, traveling, spending time with family and being a part of a community that makes a difference. Alexis is officially Inspired Wining's “go-to girl” for just about everything from developing community partnerships to securing our venues for Inspired Wining on Location events. A wife, mother of 3, a church and school volunteer, Alexis is the sharp-witted sweetheart of the group.</span></i>
</div>
</div>Inspired Wininghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14618229988183644937noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1620224590547840843.post-11709307252281836032012-06-22T11:08:00.001-04:002012-06-22T11:08:48.877-04:00Summertime surrender<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<h4>
<b>“I do not save time, I spend it. Time is the one thing you cannot save. Time is spent without even trying. Don't save time, use the time that you have wisely.” –Danielle Bath, caregiver and mother of three.<i></i></b>
</h4>
<br />
Sixty seconds is all it takes to recharge, get an energy boost, or mentally, emotionally, and physically repair. At <a href="http://herselffirst.com/" target="_blank">HerSelf First</a>, “Make Friends with Time” is one of our Four Ingredients for Harmony, the four essential principles all moms/women/caregivers need to sustain their long-term wellbeing. As such, we created My Minute, a regular tip segment that offers easy ways to make your daily minutes work for you. The last thing anyone needs in our busy, over-scheduled, overly plugged-in lives are tasks added to our days. My Minute reinforces a model of working with the given time we all have over the course of the day to, ultimately, broker a new relationship to time that helps us to nurture and enhance our wellbeing.
<br />
<b><br /></b><br />
<b>This week’s My Minute: Summertime Surrender</b>
<br />
<br />
Summertime is a season when schedules shift, priorities adjust, and the world literally seems a bit lighter. Yet many of us insist on plowing through these lackadaisical months at our usual break-neck pace, and before we know it the leaves are tinged with orange and the familiar rush and hurry routines of our busy lives are back in play. Why not try a different approach? This season, surrender to the natural rhythms and cues of summertime to recoup your energy, reengage with your friends and family, and reinvest in your well-being.<br />
<b><br /></b><br />
<b>Play in the Rays:</b> For those of us who would mainline that sunshiny Vitamin D if possible, the longer daylight hours are definitely a plus. Take advantage of those precious post-five-o’clock-punch-out rays by serving dinner in the backyard, patio or deck. Leave the laundry folding and other chores. Kick off your shoes and get outside.<br />
<b><br /></b><br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiygwe75YODdaAHxRWmEktz0eiSKxFoIFTxq0Rwh3Qh3kqg-bRdMWrBWVB4Nzu-h3glThKECxYeaoOwurChoBskrqHVTnTRqJ8U5fEyujyE5q8O3I8UtcfHLfH1Jd9DMnTdpLMKAETYgcQ/s1600/Butterfly+(1).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiygwe75YODdaAHxRWmEktz0eiSKxFoIFTxq0Rwh3Qh3kqg-bRdMWrBWVB4Nzu-h3glThKECxYeaoOwurChoBskrqHVTnTRqJ8U5fEyujyE5q8O3I8UtcfHLfH1Jd9DMnTdpLMKAETYgcQ/s320/Butterfly+(1).jpg" width="293" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Photo courtesy of S. Moeschen</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<b>Get in the Kiddie Pool:</b> Not literally, or, o.k. maybe, go for it! By this, I mean, take a cue about summertime surrender from your kids. For them, every day is a blank canvas rife with endless possibilities. Play more, laugh a lot, be silly, take naps, have ice cream for lunch, spend more time simply spending time.
<br />
<b><br /></b><br />
<b>Lighten Up!:</b> Everything about summer—longer, hotter days, lush blooms, leafy trees, lulling water scapes, open-toed shoes and lighter clothing—screams at us: “Slow down! Relax! Lighten Up! for Pete’s sake! Let’s not make her yell at us so much; lie on the grass, laze in the pool, ditch the sandals and walk barefoot on the beach. Surrender to summer.<br />
<b><br /></b><br />
<b><i>About Dr. Sheila C. Moeschen, PhD.
Sheila Moeschen is the Director of HerSelf First, a program sponsored by Parent Project Muscular Dystrophy that helps caregivers invest in their wellbeing on a regular basis. She holds an Interdisciplinary PhD. in Theatre & Gender Studies from Northwestern University. Her research and writing has appeared in Women’s Studies Journal, Disability Studies Quarterly, and The Huffington Post. She resides in Boston.</i></b></div>Inspired Wininghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14618229988183644937noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1620224590547840843.post-56714621741647547912012-06-16T14:55:00.001-04:002012-06-16T14:55:12.848-04:00Summer's simple pleasures<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<br />
<h3 style="text-align: left;">
<b>“Summertime and the livin’ is easy”</b>-George Gershwin</h3>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Ahh.... Summer. The time of year when we linger with friends a
little longer, allow our kids to stay up a little later and enjoy a less hectic
day-to-day existence. For us, as soon as
school is done, mornings become less rushed, meals are more casual and the ever
present “to-do” list gets a little easier to manage. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Although we are only a few weeks into summer
(I know that officially summer doesn’t start until June 20th, but humor me),
we’ve already made some great summer family memories, and almost all of them have
been very simple.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_wajg8Pqs_fM5drZ_e2HMpkFrc4s3Zg8E55tFc2QR4ebZqtPrG0jVBPtuQfXVB24U-9piXT-1bN9bxtLSM6tTra6axj3WSfew9xagB765N5s-LNF0VkUE5HSlxYKN-zUL32v9mESsW-0/s1600/garden.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_wajg8Pqs_fM5drZ_e2HMpkFrc4s3Zg8E55tFc2QR4ebZqtPrG0jVBPtuQfXVB24U-9piXT-1bN9bxtLSM6tTra6axj3WSfew9xagB765N5s-LNF0VkUE5HSlxYKN-zUL32v9mESsW-0/s320/garden.jpg" width="212" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; line-height: 20px; text-align: -webkit-auto;">FreeDigitalPhotos.net</span>
</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Watching our kids run through the sprinkler and laughing for
hours. Sitting on the grass and watching
a baseball game on a Sunday afternoon while the kids danced and played with
friends. Planting a small vegetable
garden with the kids and telling them stories about my grandparents’ garden
when I was a girl. Having dinner with
friends and laughing over a good bottle of wine. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
So, my Inspired Wining friends, please join me in my quest
for summer’s simple pleasures by sharing your ideas and suggestions for fun and
simple family activities. Also, if you
have a favorite bottle of summertime wine or beverage, please share that as
well. After all, the grownups need to
make some fun summer memories of our own.<a href="" name="_GoBack"></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<i style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 20px;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 13.5pt;">Michelle Gauffreau is a customer service consultant for <a href="http://www.broadcast1source.com/" style="color: #771100; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank">Broadcast1Source</a> and a founding member of Inspired Wining. She is also a wife, a mother of two and an active volunteer in her community.</span></i>
</div>
</div>Inspired Wininghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14618229988183644937noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1620224590547840843.post-57806499969257451102012-06-03T21:51:00.001-04:002012-06-03T21:51:41.294-04:00Red wine, yoga and girl time<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<br />
As a guest panelist at a conference last month, I listened as one of the attendees posed the question, “How do you not burn out?”<br />
<br />
I was the first of the panelists to respond. "Red wine and yoga," I said.<br />
<br />
The room fell silent as the attendees chewed on that thought and then a slow laughter spread. But, I held steadfast. “No, I’m serious. I go at such a fast pace, juggling home/work/marriage and pushing our company to the limits that I need a consistent outlet to catch my breath and refresh. Red wine and yoga are my outlets.”<br />
<br />
As I was leaving the conference and dashing off to a shortened girls weekend, I pondered the thought<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhA-x4VEyFtzEcCA680OcSITsNx0_wVXxyL5LCfwqmz9RmypMSAhCaxuAm4z8bFTrG3mWvAWPpyB7WuVCvOW3f9UxVbbX3a1I539E2UHR0liWfC26gKQw0RdDcVhi1cSnH14IxWYuFW7eo/s1600/chatski.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhA-x4VEyFtzEcCA680OcSITsNx0_wVXxyL5LCfwqmz9RmypMSAhCaxuAm4z8bFTrG3mWvAWPpyB7WuVCvOW3f9UxVbbX3a1I539E2UHR0liWfC26gKQw0RdDcVhi1cSnH14IxWYuFW7eo/s1600/chatski.jpg" /></a>more and kicked myself for not adding girl time to that list. My mom and girl friends reenergize me whether it’s just by being there to listen or give advice or to cut up and de-stress with laughter.<br />
<br />
And you know what? During that girls weekend, we laughed and laughed. It felt great. The laughter started in a gift shop where we found a hilarious line of gifts and cards with circa 1950's and 60’s photos with funnies on them.<br />
<br />
A magnet that said, <b>"Wine is proof that God loves us and wants us to be happy."</b><br />
<br />
Another magnet --- <b>"Behind every great women are lots of women."</b><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFiBfIfZ2OC9awiVFCCPMrhJSC_yW9TFBTJCerXkVm0t3U0C67n2y-apyfA6mM4cRbEN-q-sfmwQ0AM_trELfGz6uSVgQBDmloMRTzwN2nnWkXH0ZW5M2SnRAF70buzA-rIhHBHsghFEE/s1600/chatski2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFiBfIfZ2OC9awiVFCCPMrhJSC_yW9TFBTJCerXkVm0t3U0C67n2y-apyfA6mM4cRbEN-q-sfmwQ0AM_trELfGz6uSVgQBDmloMRTzwN2nnWkXH0ZW5M2SnRAF70buzA-rIhHBHsghFEE/s200/chatski2.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>
<br />
Cards -- <b>"Grab the toolbox, let’s get hammered."</b><br />
<br />
Cocktail napkins -- <b>"I’m on a liquid diet and it’s going well; I’ve lost two days so far"</b> and <b>"You don’t have to put yourself down; we’ll do that when you leave."</b><br />
<br />
Of course I loaded up on chatskis for the special girls in my life, but I thought all of you, too, would enjoy a chuckle. Hope it will de-stress and energize you if only for a minute.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbYl9PJs_cgjoKHPnsWMW2m0kWTZOd9EB-xv4NwGt29YVw520ZT8moINKFzH7MgNdsocbZFNLuld-X3cCh9WTE-j1OrzYKUbohRytSg88gHqCCbADLpz9HEmg33PTx_00n8x6b32oBQFg/s1600/TC+headshot.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbYl9PJs_cgjoKHPnsWMW2m0kWTZOd9EB-xv4NwGt29YVw520ZT8moINKFzH7MgNdsocbZFNLuld-X3cCh9WTE-j1OrzYKUbohRytSg88gHqCCbADLpz9HEmg33PTx_00n8x6b32oBQFg/s200/TC+headshot.jpg" width="142" /></a></div>
<i style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 20px;"><span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.917969); color: #595959; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; text-align: -webkit-auto;">Tiffany Crenshaw is a North Carolina native, wife, mother of 2 wild and crazy kids, and an entrepreneur. She loves her family, a delicious glass of red wine, girl time and the occasional spa treatment. As an enthusiastic member of Wednesday Night Whine, she rarely misses a “meeting” unless she’s traveling for business. She is the President and CEO of <a href="http://www.intellectresources.com/" style="color: #771100; text-decoration: none;">Intellect Resources</a>, a recruiting and consulting firm specializing in the healthcare IT industry.</span> </i>
<br />
</div>Inspired Wininghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14618229988183644937noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1620224590547840843.post-69928847272559798942012-05-28T09:55:00.000-04:002012-05-28T09:55:10.653-04:00Confessions of an Inspired Wining "Widower"<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
My wife, Michelle, is one of the six amazing women who formed <a href="http://inspiredwining.com/" target="_blank">Inspired Wining</a>. I have to admit, when I first heard that their monthly gatherings would include charitable goals and projects, I thought to myself: “Yeah, right. I’m fine with you getting together with your friends once a month. You don’t have to pretend that there’s anything more to it than wine-drinking and the occasional man-bashing session.” <br /><br />Boy, was I wrong! What these women have accomplished is incredible. Not only have they forged deep and lasting friendships while having a lot of fun together, they have worked tirelessly to raise money and awareness in the fight against Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy and to inspire other women to unite for a common charitable purpose. <div>
<br /></div>
<div>
All of the Inspired Winers lead extremely busy lives with kids, jobs, and <a href="http://grace-methodist.com/" target="_blank">Church</a> and volunteer activities, but they nevertheless find the time and energy to make a significant contribution to a worthy cause. What a great example for their children! And, frankly, what a great example for their husbands. To paraphrase Jack Nicholson in “As Good as it Gets,” you make us want to be better men. <br /><br />[As an aside, I’m a little embarrassed to admit that I’ve seen “As Good as it Gets.” Of course, that movie did have a few good scenes with Helen Hunt in her prime, but I digress . . . .] <br /><br />So, I hope I can speak for the other “Widowers” (Bobby, John, Kevin, and Scott) when I say: Ladies, all of your time with Inspired Wining has been worth it, and we support you 100%. If that means some extra “Mr. Mom” time for us, that’s fine, and that’s good for us and for the kids anyway. <br /><br />Know these things to be true: You make a difference for <a href="http://www.parentprojectmd.org/site/PageServer?pagename=nws_index" target="_blank">PPMD</a>. You inspire each other, you inspire other women, you inspire your children, and you inspire us. We are proud of you. <br /><br />P.S. Maybe the guys will get together sooner or later and form a similar group of our own. Although, I’m not sure Inspired Bourboning has quite the same ring to it.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<i>Stu Gauffreau is General Counsel for a software company and a Colonel in the Army Reserve. He enjoys spending time with Michelle and their two children and the occasional half-jog/half-limp around the neighborhood.</i></div>Inspired Wininghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14618229988183644937noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1620224590547840843.post-86945251506221099482012-05-15T22:41:00.000-04:002012-05-15T22:56:19.105-04:00Unprepared<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;">
Yesterday, <a href="http://inspiredwining.com/index.html" target="_blank">Inspired Wining</a> got some <a href="http://www.huffingtonpost.com/sheila-moeschen/mom-enough_b_1510200.html" target="_blank">great publicity</a> in the
Huffington Post thanks to supporter, Sheila Moeschen of <a href="http://herselffirst.com/" target="_blank">HerSelf First</a>. I have to admit that I was on a high from the
unexpected accolades and the hopes that Sheila's lauding will yield some new
fans and supporters and will help us continue to grow and reach women all
across the country.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
My oldest son, Owen quickly sobered me up tonight when he
asked if you could die from Duchenne.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I was watching a video about Charley's Fund, another
organization who funds research for DMD.
Owen walked up and asked what I was watching. After I told him it was a video about
Duchenne, he blasts me with his question and I was totally unprepared.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I answered yes, you can die from Duchenne and explained as
best I could why this was so. Then, he
asked if Matthew was going to die. I
think I said “Maybe.” Owen said he hoped
not.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Maybe? Maybe? I couldn't do any better than that? I have been waiting for Owen to ask about
Matthew's condition for years and finally it happens and I botch it. This was not how I envisioned this
going. We were to be looking eye to eye,
not at a computer screen. My daughter
was not supposed to be screaming for me in the background. This was such an important moment and I come
up with “Maybe.”</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
So he leaves, I cry and a few minutes later track him down
in the bathroom and remind him that the races that we host every year are
helping make Matthew better. He nods
eagerly and escapes. After reading in
bed, I ask Owen if he has any questions about Duchenne and he is quick to say
no. I lost my moment.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Right now, I feel broken.
Not only because I didn't react the way I had always planned, but
because on the heels of a wave of a lot of positive movement, including Matthew's
first participation in a clinical trial, a recent Inspired Wining launch in
Charlotte and the new publicity, I am reminded that this isn't just about
momentum and progress. It is most of all
about that little boy in the next room who has all of our hearts and is
fighting the greatest fight there is and he doesn't even know it.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Ironically, I welcome this ache. It is life-saving and healthy to be hopeful,
but a little shot of reality is good, too.
I certainly never forgot the reason for all of our efforts, but I am
refocused. I imagine that just like in
all parts of life, the scales will tip from time to time. The cause will come calling again, but right
now, I am going to concentrate on the peace that resonates from the three
amazing creatures that sleep soundly down the hall.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<i style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 20px;">Allison Wood Greiner is a high school French teacher, a founding member of Inspired Wining, and mother to three children, including Matthew, who has Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy.</i><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 20px;"> </span>
</div>
</div>Inspired Wininghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14618229988183644937noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1620224590547840843.post-24289985536998924372012-05-14T14:59:00.000-04:002012-05-14T14:59:49.201-04:00The cause of friendship<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<div style="text-align: left;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTlsxh6Hzntvj40GAkkIdhTbLDYwRdWRH9NODp8SDUMC8KJ7U2Wmfco6De1AEkalE5No7Av2BSzfAwv7N_SNX08IrRsqU-hwKeKfyQGTIO1U8mL35sMgpkwhUppN9tuePNywE_krniyvQ/s1600/Michelle+Davis.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTlsxh6Hzntvj40GAkkIdhTbLDYwRdWRH9NODp8SDUMC8KJ7U2Wmfco6De1AEkalE5No7Av2BSzfAwv7N_SNX08IrRsqU-hwKeKfyQGTIO1U8mL35sMgpkwhUppN9tuePNywE_krniyvQ/s200/Michelle+Davis.jpg" width="150" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><i>Inspired Wining is delighted to welcome guest blogger, Michelle C. Davis, this week. Michelle recently started an Inspired Wining group in December. </i></span><br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><i>* * * </i></span></div>
<b><span style="font-family: inherit;">"Friendship is born at that moment when one person says to another, '</span><i style="font-family: inherit;">What! You
too? I thought I was the only one.'"</i><span style="font-family: inherit;"> C.S. Lewis</span></b><br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Several years ago, I was fortunate to be a part of a dinner
club that was forming among brand new friends.
During those first few months, we all began to reveal our inner selves to
each other -- and our passion for wine, food
& life! </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Fears of judgment began to chip away as I let down my wall and began to really share
“me.” Much to my surprise, no one really
cared if my house was not 100% presentable or if I gave my kids a bath while they
stood naked in a tub not filled with bubbles & toys. We also didn’t care that the culinary
experience at one of our homes was a simple (but delicious) homemade pizza! </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">What we
learned about each other during these times together was that while life is
happening, you need to share it with others around you, and when you do, true friendships form. Friendships that last forever!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Recently, I discovered another opportunity for a new circle of friends to come together. Last summer I joined Inspired Wining with one other friend. We
were already in a Bible Tasting ~ Wine Study group together. Out of this group of individuals, several
of us decided we particularly enjoyed the Wine Study and that we should
continue getting together once a month. Viola! Our Inspired Wining group was born. We've officially been meeting since December. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">In the short period of time since December, we've</span><span style="font-family: inherit;"> shared birthdays, deaths, life's ups and downs….AND OF COURSE
WINE!</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Although we haven’t found a particular philanthropic cause yet,
without a doubt we have been inspired to join together in the <b>cause of
Friendship</b>. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Cheers t<span style="font-family: inherit;">o my Inspired Wining friends & to those of you thinking about
forming your own group!</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"> ~ Michelle<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.917969); color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; text-align: -webkit-auto;"><i>Michelle C. Davis is currently enjoying a career at Greensboro College as a Senior Development Officer. This role exemplifies her love for relationships and the ability to share her "gift of gab" with people who have a great cause in common. Having two teenagers on the cusp of entering the world of higher education, Michelle has an appreciation for support of the college community. </i></span></div>
<br /></div>Inspired Wininghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14618229988183644937noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1620224590547840843.post-44167578100484831762012-05-04T08:29:00.000-04:002012-05-04T08:31:03.633-04:00Making memoriesSitting in the parking lot at our kids’ elementary school in January, it dawned on me that we had only 7 more school years until our oldest would be finished with high school. Holy Cow! How could this be? Had Y2K really been 12 years ago? Was middle school really a few months away?<br />
<br />
Well, of course, being the sentimental nut-job that I am, I came home professing to my husband that we needed to take some trips as a family, see the world, make some family memories- just the five of us. <br />
<br />
Luckily, John was on board and I set out to plan the best educational Spring Break family trip ever. For months, I agonized over where we should go and what we should do. I read websites, bought books and read blogs. I asked friends and strangers about their ideas on where we should go. I spent hours doing comparison-shopping for hotels, for our tickets and our meals.<br />
<br />
Finally, the decision was made that we would go to Williamsburg, Virginia. We would visit Colonial Williamsburg, Historic Jamestown, Virginia Living Museum, and The Mariner Museum and, of course, spend a day at Busch Gardens.<br />
<br />
We recently returned from our trip, and we had a blast! I will spare you the nitty gritty details of our adventure. But what I really wanted to share, was what our kids told us at dinner as we sat around the table discussing our trip and reminiscing about our week away.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhyphenhyphenmuHfOtescfGxD7Ofwvb0T4U3QBefVqUrwI1mGUx2bn1yj-w1DRBo_ztObfDHVj6Ttzeq8j2-0ofh61X_sEZCqTXCUNhZQg5FZ2fLVKzGOiJi08P_clo34aXqljH2M-rW-l4bLXAEGQ/s1600/lex+1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhyphenhyphenmuHfOtescfGxD7Ofwvb0T4U3QBefVqUrwI1mGUx2bn1yj-w1DRBo_ztObfDHVj6Ttzeq8j2-0ofh61X_sEZCqTXCUNhZQg5FZ2fLVKzGOiJi08P_clo34aXqljH2M-rW-l4bLXAEGQ/s320/lex+1.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
Question #1- “ What was your most favorite part of our trip to Williamsburg?” All three said- unanimously- “STAYING IN A HOTEL!” There was then much discussion about how thin the TV’s were, how the soap smelled fabulous, how cool it was to have microwave popcorn while watching a movie in the fold out bed, how great it was to have cereal from the individual serving boxes, and how awesome it was that they had gotten to have 4 consecutive days of Shirley Temples in the lobby at the manager’s reception. </div>
<br />
<br />
Question #2-“What did you learn on this trip that you didn’t know before?”<br />
“There were rumors of cannibalism during the ‘Starving Time’ at Jamestown!” exclaimed Jackson (11 yrs old).<br />
"JR – the skeleton in the Historic Jamestown Museum - died from a bullet wound to the knee!” declared Avery (daughter, 9 years old).<br />
“That lady’s skull we saw in the box--- she died with only 5 teeth!” shared Charlotte (daughter, 5 years old).<br />
<br />
Question #3-“ What was the funniest part of our trip?”<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLquQ1moqjrqraRV_9ZkLBl6KTYFsYtfFqaxZN0mhVacMM1G3N0eLPZdibZk31EOICMa8SzqEmeb9SnIEwMBIno0dNgbvFb6PvjdRSH-SB1wTk34UmB6WW2Q9RwPNgNZgux4xQpzM3u1U/s1600/lex+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLquQ1moqjrqraRV_9ZkLBl6KTYFsYtfFqaxZN0mhVacMM1G3N0eLPZdibZk31EOICMa8SzqEmeb9SnIEwMBIno0dNgbvFb6PvjdRSH-SB1wTk34UmB6WW2Q9RwPNgNZgux4xQpzM3u1U/s320/lex+2.jpg" width="320" /></a>“Watching you (Mom) get drenched on the Roman Rapids at Busch Gardens,” shared Jackson with a smile on his face.<br />
"Seeing Char terrified at the top of Da Vinci’s Cradle,” snickered Avery.<br />
And last, my personal favorite, “Locking Jackson up in the jail cell!” smiled Charlotte.<br />
<br />
Summary: Memories can be made anywhere. Obviously, traveling to the unknown can be great fun and educational. However, an occasional hotel room with Mom and Dad, a spooky Scooby Doo DVD to watch, maybe an indoor pool, snacks and some Shirley Temples is really all it takes to make great memories.<br />
<br />
<i style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 20px; text-align: left;"><span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.917969); color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; text-align: -webkit-auto;">Alexis Williams may</span><span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.917969); color: #222222; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', Arial; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px; text-align: justify;"> not be a good housekeeper and she’s even worse at being the tooth fairy. But she loves laughing, traveling, spending time with family and being a part of a community that makes a difference. Alexis is officially Inspired Wining's “go-to girl” for just about everything from developing community partnerships to securing our venues for Inspired Wining on Location events. A wife, mother of 3, a church and school volunteer, Alexis is the sharp-witted sweetheart of the group.</span></i>Inspired Wininghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14618229988183644937noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1620224590547840843.post-71379416829916531812012-04-27T17:25:00.001-04:002012-04-28T21:54:17.819-04:00Meet Mackenzie<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="text-align: left;">Four years ago I learned that I was going to have a baby
girl.</span><span style="text-align: left;"> </span><span style="text-align: left;">After life with two loud,
rambunctious boys, </span><span style="text-align: left;">I </span><span style="text-align: left;">rather looked forward to a peaceful existence with my
daughter.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;">
How naive
of me.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;">
The day
before my birthday, this new creature entered the world with a mohawk. After a bit of debate, we settled on the name
Mackenzie for this seemed to mirror the spunk of her hairdo. This name still suits her.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Let me try
to explain the phenomenon of Mackenzie.
She has never had much use for baby dolls and barbies, but loves a
dress, a pair of tights and “fancy shoes”.
She can wield a light saber as well as any boy and will go on and on
about Darth Maul, Darth Sidious and Darth Vader. (Please note that these are all
villains.) In fact, when playing with
her brothers, she names herself “Princess Darth Leia." That about sums it up.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1-XoCUHhxF9W5hcgAOj9P2kgNTEMPlhOS6Bl01c0kO5J7nJtGmmakOkWbADxYpE-3oVO5zBG7ni9uYpM4aFNXQUcQub7_-6TTn7lFD39BhcIlhsEHhcDdbk3afWUB0gPW-qK69tjUR00/s1600/mackG.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1-XoCUHhxF9W5hcgAOj9P2kgNTEMPlhOS6Bl01c0kO5J7nJtGmmakOkWbADxYpE-3oVO5zBG7ni9uYpM4aFNXQUcQub7_-6TTn7lFD39BhcIlhsEHhcDdbk3afWUB0gPW-qK69tjUR00/s320/mackG.jpg" width="213" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My sassy girl - as sassy as they get.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
She is more
independent than I could have ever imagined a person of that size ever
being. She manages to do and get
whatever she wants, whenever she wants, not to mention go wherever she wants –
down the street, in the neighbor's house, out the store and into the parking
lot (with unpaid merchandise). She
doesn't whine, she demands. She throws,
spits, yells and slams doors. We are all
“poo poos.”</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
We keep soap
in the car and a syringe of vinegar in the kitchen. Her bedroom door sticks, which makes for
complete confinement in time-out. We
have spanked, slapped, screamed, threatened
and ignored. There is no reeling
her in.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Of course, I could not live without this little tornado in
my life. When she is not demanding and
screaming, she is singing dreamily, laughing heartily and talking a mile a
minute. She is forever telling me she
loves me and gushes over how we are both girls. She is confident, smart, full
of life and forever entertaining. I
would not wish away any of these qualities which will make her a strong woman,
but I just hope I can survive it. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
If you have
any similar stories, advice or an escape plan, please share!</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<i style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 20px;">Allison Wood Greiner is a high school French teacher, a founding member of Inspired Wining, and mother to three children, including Matthew, who has Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy.</i><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 20px;"> </span>
</div>
</div>Inspired Wininghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14618229988183644937noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1620224590547840843.post-44271612383141030722012-04-17T22:04:00.000-04:002012-04-17T22:04:16.213-04:0010 sips, my ass<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
I gave up on conventional doctors after various physicians (including a specialist) recommended surgery. Tuning into my granola side, I sought a naturopathic physician. After one consult, we discovered the root of my troubles -- food allergies. Removing gluten <b><u>and</u></b> dairy from the diet solved all evil.<br />
<br />
During a recent check-up I told the doc that I feel great, but I also lamented. It pretty much sucked that removing dairy and gluten from an already healthy, low carb diet didn’t net any weight loss. Frankly, I told her, I expected to be a twig after nine months without gluten or dairy.<br />
<br />
She tried to cheer me up saying I’d lost body fat and gained muscle, but perhaps I’d see more pronounced weight loss if I changed up my exercise routine. (Believe it or not, she said exercise <i>less</i>).<br />
<br />
Then she recommend I cut out my wine.<br />
<br />
Wine? Isn’t wine supposed to be the healthiest of all alcoholic options? I don’t drink beer, gluten. I don’t drink liquor, calories. But wine? She must have seen the horror on my face to that recommendation, so she suggested I treat alcohol like a carb -- eat/drink sparingly. She recommended that at meals I skip the carb and drink just 10 sips of wine.<br />
<br />
Ten sips of wine? Hmm.<br />
<br />
I went home that night, dutifully passed on the carbs, and drank only 10 sips of wine. Please try it. See just how far 10 sips will take you. Once you do, you may come to the same realization I did: “10 sips of wine my ass, I’ll keep the extra poundage.”<br /><br /><i style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 20px;"><span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.917969); color: #595959; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; text-align: -webkit-auto;">Tiffany Crenshaw is a North Carolina native, wife, mother of 2 wild and crazy kids, and an entrepreneur. She loves her family, a delicious glass of red wine, girl time and the occasional spa treatment. As an enthusiastic member of Wednesday Night Whine, she rarely misses a “meeting” unless she’s traveling for business. She is the President and CEO of <a href="http://www.intellectresources.com/" style="color: #771100; text-decoration: none;">Intellect Resources</a>, a recruiting and consulting firm specializing in the healthcare IT industry.</span> </i>
</div>Inspired Wininghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14618229988183644937noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1620224590547840843.post-40137696748023058982012-04-13T00:21:00.003-04:002012-04-13T00:34:43.726-04:00I’ve had it with being too busy. Who’s with me?<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">I think we're facing an epidemic -- everyone seems "sick" with busy, over-scheduled lives these days. Look around and tell me who<i> hasn't </i>been stricken. I’d say it’s a stage of life thing, but even the retired people I know seem burdened with too many to-dos.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">How many times in a given week do you or those in your circles comment about how busy life is? We’re all so busy it seems that all we have time to talk about is how busy we are. In fact, calling our lives “busy” isn’t even accurate anymore. We’ve coined a new term for the level of insane over-scheduling and to-dos we take on; we call it “crazy busy.”</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;"><b><i>“Hi, Sarah. How are things going?”</i></b></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;"><b><i>“Good. Crazy busy, but everyone’s doing well. How about you?”</i></b></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;"><b><i>“Same. Slammed at work. Hectic at home. As a matter of fact, it’s so great to see you, but I need to run. I had to leave my yoga class early so I could pick up Katie from soccer and get her to the sitter. Joe and I both have meetings tonight. Let’s schedule a lunch soon when I’m not so crazy busy, okay?”</i></b></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;"><b><i>“Yeah, and this time we’ll actually go!”</i></b></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">I've had conversations similar to this. Have you? Sometimes I think I even see a call for help in a friend's smiling, but frantic eyes. <i><b>"Everything's great! Please call me an ambulance right now because I think I'm going to drop right here in Target,"</b></i> they seem to be saying. That’s not just busy. That’s crazy busy. When we can’t stop and talk to a good friend for more than a few moments without looking at the clock. When we give our children a hasty kiss and move them from one caregiver to another, promising to play Candy Land tomorrow. When we don’t share with our spouses what’s going on at work because there is no time or energy to have a meaningful conversation about our days beyond our plans for managing the <i>next</i> day.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">Am I exaggerating? Over dramatizing? Or does this sound familiar to you as well? </div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">While it’s possible I could use some tips on how slow my life down a bit (maybe even an intervention), I don’t think I am alone. On one hand, it seems that I have a number of friends who appear to navigate through their own busy schedules with more grace and ease than I do. But I have an inking they are just as burdened, behind and bewildered by the busy-ness. </div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">The moments when I marvel at my friends who are managing more children or more work responsibility or more charities, I remember the saying that some wise person once said (I was too busy to look up exactly who): <b><i>“Don’t compare your inside to other people’s outside."</i></b> </div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">There’s a lot of truth to that, isn’t there? I bet you any money, the laundry pile at 9 out of my ten closest friends is just as high as mine right now. I bet, like I do, they have hundreds of pictures waiting to be printed. Birthdays that creep up on them before the gifts are bought or the cards mailed. </div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">Even so, that’s little solace when my overscheduled weeks and overflowing to-do lists leave me feeling as though I’m missing out on my <i>real</i> life – the one I want to look back on fondly and proudly, not with regret. </div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">How does your crazy busy life affect you? To me, it’s a feeling of being consumed. My time, my thought process, my creativity, my ability to execute all of the ideas swarming around in my head – all of these are tapped out. And yet there is so much more I want to do with my life, so much I want to give to others. </div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">I don’t want to be busier; I want to be more productive. </div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;"><br />
</div><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGh0Jv1LL-d6KHxFEfDLEi-QMFEmTD_GwDZPsBFmbf4yrTWefVVufys_DgKwW1n5GeTUpT8irQW9Rr8i0mFbEUtlgQOahn5PzA7tUD1KVTa-pqLkJIT0caEIeGkBSisHparZ3dZ1JVTFY/s1600/Picture.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGh0Jv1LL-d6KHxFEfDLEi-QMFEmTD_GwDZPsBFmbf4yrTWefVVufys_DgKwW1n5GeTUpT8irQW9Rr8i0mFbEUtlgQOahn5PzA7tUD1KVTa-pqLkJIT0caEIeGkBSisHparZ3dZ1JVTFY/s320/Picture.jpg" width="315" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Me...before I knew what "busy" meant.</td></tr>
</tbody></table><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">I want to finish my novel (again) and query agents. </div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">I want to cook more meals, healthier meals. </div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">I want to spend more time soaking up my children’s voices, the feel of my son’s little hand in mine, the last years of my daughter’s girlhood. </div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">I want to better nurture my marriage so that our eventual empty nest won’t feel so empty. </div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">I’m tired of doing more. I want to <i>be</i> more – for people I love and even for people I’ve never met.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">Now before you ask me if I would like some more cheese with my “whine,” let me say this: I do have hope that I can better master my schedule with the right changes. I can continue my efforts to live more in the moment. And, indeed, I have a lot of meaningful experiences with my family, in my career, and through my volunteering. Inspired Wining is case in point. I’ve been involved for six years now, and I can very truthfully say, every single moment has been enriching. I hope you have people and projects that fill your life with meaning, or at least help you balance out, in some way, the challenges of being crazy busy. </div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">I’d love to hear from you. I plan to write a “Part 2” to this post in the near future and share tips for avoiding the pitfalls of being too busy. Or simply post a comment and tell me what you would do if only you had more time. Maybe just the act of expressing it here will give you the idea or fortitude you need to make it happen. (And the same goes for me!)</div>Andrea Spencerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07421107951162833813noreply@blogger.com39tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1620224590547840843.post-25559290547343435122012-03-29T23:25:00.001-04:002012-03-29T23:37:23.813-04:00Spring cleaning<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
I recently spent a weekend cleaning out my grandparents’
home in preparation for their move to an assisted living facility. Spending hours going through boxes containing more
than 30 years of Hallmark cards, newspaper articles and letters will have an
effect on you. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
For some, this exercise would make them more likely to keep
and store every keepsake. But for me, it
had the opposite result. While it was
lovely to see many of my grandparents’ long packed away mementos, it was the
memories of the events associated with those items that were truly important. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
This realization caused me to make a pledge to myself (and
my future grandchildren) that I would not put my family in the same position of
riffling through all of my relics 40 years from now. This is easier said than done because I am
one of those women who likes to keep things.
Between school art projects that my kids have created, special toys,
favorite books, and clothes that “still fit” and I might “need again someday” -
I have a basement full of stuff. And
that doesn’t include all of the extra stuff in my closets. While I am not close
to being a candidate for a “Hoarders” type of intervention, I recognize that I
keep way more stuff than I should. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTLJpPxZXVxoK_8bS3cfiUduZ2QmbaGJ7R5XzFx7ixHx8g5g-fqw0wbm2Brjp2GPqKl3HX1f6CEkRVNeBmH2gFBwJrwjFuwGCEAvYrafBadKv9QUtE2XLW2t2gFOOPJa0nPzZI-yxY3gw/s1600/mg+pic.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTLJpPxZXVxoK_8bS3cfiUduZ2QmbaGJ7R5XzFx7ixHx8g5g-fqw0wbm2Brjp2GPqKl3HX1f6CEkRVNeBmH2gFBwJrwjFuwGCEAvYrafBadKv9QUtE2XLW2t2gFOOPJa0nPzZI-yxY3gw/s320/mg+pic.jpg" title="De-cluttering!" width="239" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">De-cluttering our homes helps <br />
to de-clutter our minds and souls as well.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="MsoNormal">
While I was considering how I was going to accomplish this
paring down of stuff, I came across the “100 Things De-cluttering Challenge,”
and I was intrigued. Basically, the
challenge is to set aside one Saturday morning every other month to get rid of
100 things in your home. This can be
anything from sorting through your desk and tossing 100 pieces of paper to
donating 100 pieces of clothing. As long
as 100 things have left your home, your mission is accomplished. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
While I originally didn’t think I would be able to find 100
things that could leave our house, I was pleasantly surprised (and horrified)
to find that I likely have 1,000 things that can easily be disposed. My first “100 Things” attempt resulted in a
huge garbage bag full of old papers to throw away and a big stack of clothing
to be donated. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
So my fellow Inspired Winers, I invite you to join me on my
next spring cleaning “100 Things Challenge.” Go through your unused items and, if possible,
donate the gently used items to a charity that will use and appreciate them. While clothing is the easiest to donate, you
can also find animal shelters that will happily take your old towels, women and
children’s shelters that will take toys that are in good condition, and nursing
homes that would love your old DVD movies and board games. You will benefit from having a less cluttered
home, and the recipients will be blessed with something to enrich their lives. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
You and your grandchildren will be glad you did!<br />
<br />
<i style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 20px;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 13.5pt;">Michelle Gauffreau is a customer service consultant for <a href="http://www.broadcast1source.com/" style="color: #771100; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank">Broadcast1Source</a> and a founding member of Inspired Wining. She is also a wife, a mother of two and an active volunteer in her community.</span></i>
</div>
</div>Inspired Wininghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14618229988183644937noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1620224590547840843.post-89765305255540517492012-03-24T13:18:00.000-04:002012-03-24T13:18:12.230-04:00Injection of hope<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
It is amazing how quickly my moods can swing. One minute I am crying on the phone to my
husband, wracked with fear and ten minutes later I am feeling in control and
rather elated. The irony is that the
same event caused these two very different reactions.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I just returned from a three day visit with Matthew to
Cincinnati, where he sees a team of specialists on an annual basis at an MD
clinic. An added reason for the trip is
that Bobby and I enrolled him in a clinical trial for a growth hormone study
for linear growth and potential muscle strengthening for boys with DMD.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Matthew was selected to be in the test group. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Of course, I knew that there was a 50/50 chance of this and
in my heart of hearts was prepared for this, but if I have to be honest, I was
hoping that he would be in the control group.
I am not particularly proud of this.
I knew I should be wanting to provide my child with all the
opportunities possible for better physical health, but the idea of putting a
needle in my innocent boy, every day for 6 months, seemed to steer me away from
the big picture. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
So after the “shock” that should not have been a shock and
after my moment of weakness, we headed to see the nurse who was to show me how
to wield a needle. I should not have
been surprised when Matthew showed more curiosity about the process than
concern about the potential pain. He let
me poke him (over and over, in fact) and as I learned the procedure, suddenly
two things occurred to me.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
One – I am not the patient.
This is not all about me and if my child, the actual patient, is not
concerned, than I need to be strong for him and get the job done.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Two – Finally! After
years of feeling helpless in the wake of my son's diagnosis, I can actually be
part of the treatment process. I can
personally give him what may result in added strength. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
We agreed to have Matthew participate in this study because
we wanted to help further research. This
trip reminded me of how humbling it is to know that there are people out there
who have a passion for helping boys
like Matthew and have made a career out of this passion. I feel nothing but great fortune for the
opportunities that have been placed before us.
Hope abounds and life is good!<br />
<br />
<i style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 20px;">Allison Wood Greiner is a high school French teacher, a founding member of Inspired Wining, and mother to three children, including Matthew, who has Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy.</i> </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
</div>
</div>Inspired Wininghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14618229988183644937noreply@blogger.com0