Col's Weight Lose & Raise Money for Carter Kettner Fundraiser

As 2010 is just around the corner, I think about what my health goals are for the New Year along with reflection for 2009.

One of the greatest gifts that I received in 2009 was from the Kettner Family. I know that sounds crazy considering all that they have been through; however, through them and those that love and support them, I’ve grown as a person, witnessed beauty, HOPE, kindness, and so many other wonderful human spirit attributes. I’ve seen amazing things through them and have met some incredible folks.

So, I thought…how can I turn my fitness goals into a fun way to support the Kettners?

Well, here it is…I ask you to pledge a dollar amount for each pound that I lose.

· My goal:
· To lose 33lbs. You can do the math and make your pledge.

· Timing:
· Today through March 31st.

I’ll report to the group, every other week of my progress and a sponsor update.

On March 31st, I’ll email everyone a final report and ask that you log onto Carter’s Website Page and make the donation straight to The Carter Kettner Fund and emailing me your confirmation form. If you would rather mail a check to me, (made out to Carter) that will work too!

It is only 13 weeks so the likelihood of me losing the whole 30 is pretty unrealistic; I’m thinking (and HOPE-ing) I’ll lose 15 or so.

So, I ask you to help me stay motivated in my fitness/weight loss goals and together we can help raise some moola for the most fantastic 6 year old super hero, Carter Kettner.

For those of you who don’t know his story …visit www.carterkettner.org – once you read it, you’ll not soon forget it.

Two last things:
Please share this with all of your friends so that we can get many folks on board to help Carter!
If weight loss is a goal for you, join me in this fundraiser!

With love, (and too much caboose!)
Colleen

Fred Said It Best!

I just love this song from Fred Rogers.

What a great man he was.

It's you I like,

It's not the things you wear,

It's not the way you do your hair--

But it's you I like.

The way you are right now,

The way down deep inside you--

Not the things that hide you, Not your toys--

They're just beside you.

But it's you I like--

Every part of you,

Your skin, your eyes, your feelings

Whether old or new.

I hope that you'll remember

Even when you're feeling blue

That it's you I like,

It's you yourself,

It's you, it's you I like.

~Fred M. Rogers© 1970

Just a quick hello

Dear Blog,
I haven't written here in a while but I just re-read the last few posts and thought to myself, hmm...I really do like what I've written and I miss writing here. I don't have much time right now, but I'll be back soon.
With thanks,
me

unclear clarity

how do you know
how do you decide
there is give
there is take
acceptance
unconditional

For that, I know

but…there is that one thing
that behavior
that tendency
that makes me wonder

am I doing the best for them
am I giving them all there is

how do I know for sure

Fred Rogers said it BEST..."It's you I like!"

I've always been a fan of this song by Fred Rogers.

Not only is it a great song to include in a card to a friend but also a great personal reminder to love yourself just as you are, in the present moment.

It's you I like.
It's not the things you wear.
It's not the way you do your hair,
But it's you I like.

The way you are right now,
the way down deep inside you,
Not the things that hide you
Not your toys--they're just beside you.
But it's you I like.

Every part of you--
Your skin, your eyes, your feelings
Whether old or new.
I hope that you'll remember
Even when you're feeling blue
That it's you I like

~ 1971 Fred Rogers (what a great man!)

Crazy thoughts

Okay so this is truly going to be a rambling of thoughts....If I were you, I'd grab a cocktail, glass of wine or a beer before proceeding. Its for your own good! Some is bitching and some if from the heart loving depths of my soul. (I actually started this back at the end of April and am just now getting back to it - some items are a little dated)

First - AT&T: (bitching)

Rob and I have been working on lowering our overall cost. So, we started with Eating Out; which we do (did) way too much and our Home Phone, Internet, and Cable services. So...we called AT&T to check out their prices based on some feedback that we received from our friends. After speaking to a lovely sales person we realized we could save approximately $100 each month by switching all three services. So...I set it ALL UP with AT&T. ($1200/year savings - woo hoo)


Let me start by telling you I just finished my third glass of FABULOUS Sacred Stone Red Wine(Master's Red Blend) from Vino 100...its a blend of several grapes and will delight you! (this was back in April and today June7th, I'm having the same wine again; its that good!)


I needed to have three glasses to just calm myself after four-days of a flippin debacle with AT&T half ass, under qualified customer service buffoons. (ok, so I'm laughing out loud). Not all of them are half ass, under qualified customer service buffoons, but when I first wrote this, I thought they were.

Anyway...I just about, verbally, ripped a new butt hole from several customer service folks.

I totally felt like I was going to lose part of my mind. Seriously...

They finally got us up and running today and I needed to contact Linksys (my router) to get up up and running with both the home computer and my work laptop. This guy from Linksys, is from INDIA and I love him. I totally invited him over for cocktails but he said that the ocean was going to be a bit of a barrier. We talked (worked) for over an hour but at the end of it all, he got my router, along with my home computer and my laptop intermingling as one happy unit.


dear God...thank you for red wine and my friend of India! LOVE HIM. Ok, so I don't know his name but when I get the survey...I will sing high praises for him over and over....


Okay...now on to the next topic:

My friends! (heart lovely soul)

I am the luckiest girl on earth. Seriously - I know some amazing women who love me, who support me, who accept me as I am (God - how do you all do that?) and those who are there with me whether that be on a daily basis, or as needed or only through the universe and the ways of the/A higher being....Angelique, Shelly, Cathy, Kristine, Jeannine, Julie Falbo, Julie B., Rose, Paula, Carrie L., Carrie C., Erin, Elizabeth, Jen D., Nadia., Sherry, Leslie B., Lisa S., Kristie, Chris, Julie P., and so many more....You all inspire me to be a better person, inspire me to be more like your best qualities, and are just there to take me as I am. I love each of you for many different reasons and I am so blessed to know each of you! Thank you thank you thank you!


New Friends:

Through some very tragic situations, I have met some amazing people....the Kettners, Brian, Michelle, Traci, Lori, Sarah Couch, all the residents of Huntley that have been supporting the Long Family, the parishioners of St. Mary's and so many others....

I get so emotional when I think of Tom and Chris Jacobs love for the Long Family or Brian and Michelle who extended their love to the Long Family while their little Hero, Carter, continues to fight for his life. Joe and Cinnamon Kettner, who I can't say enough good things about today or EVER...these two humans, exceed my expectation of "humanity" of "loving" of "kindness" of "selflessness" of "genuineness". I must believe that God has his arms wrapped around you both and has you in a loving embrace. I can't think of another reason why you would be able to be who you are. When I doubt my beliefs, which I do no longer...It is because of you both. Thank you for the gifts that you give the rest of us. Thank you for being brave enough to be our teachers and mentors. Thank you both for being our friends, when it is you who needs the friendship. Cinnamon and Joe...I love you both and those you love. My heart, my soul, my prayers are with you every day.


An amazing group of women:

The last few weeks (okay, now longer as this post is old) I've seen six amazing women come together (along with a few hubbies) to do something for a family that they each love in their own way; indirectly or directly. These women, shared a talent or skill to help the greater good; a family who needed their love. We each gave in different ways but our love and intent was equal. The power of community is so much greater than what we can do alone. I am a better person because I know...Rose, Jeannine, Erin, Julie, Lisa, Beata, and Debbie; thank you for giving so much of yourselves, for teaching me, and for being you. I am lucky to know each of you!


Okay...I think that's it for now...oh wait...ROB!

There is not enough time or Internet space for me to write about Rob. Through the ups and down of marriage; the short of it is that he loves me, he gets me and he still likes me. WOW.


drink wine, dance, be happy,

Col

Shift

standing on the waters edge
the sun's warmth
the cool breeze
joy, happiness

grateful

in a moment
the sky goes dark
the air changes
the rain falls

the wind changes direction
the joy, the happiness
gone

in that moment, fear

to be understood
to be heard
loved

anger
intolerance
begets fear

sad, scared