Week 22: Bolder Boulder

This week's goal was #3 from my list:

Participate and dress up in at least one fun race like the Bolder Boulder

Bolder Boulder is a big tradition for me. This was my 21rst consecutive year of participating in this 10K and I love it for many reasons. It signifies the start of summer (my favorite season!), it's a great way to remember my brother (a runner who served in the Air Force and died on Memorial Day), and.. it's just a fun party!

I love that  people dress up, that there are bands, music, and people on the sidelines doing crazy thing like giving out shots of tequila or belly dancing or squirting all the runners with water guns.  I love the beautiful scenery as we run through the streets of Boulder and every year I think: "I am SO lucky to be able to experience this!"

But I admit, this year I had a touch of melancholy, too. I have back problems and had been told by doctors to give up running a couple of years ago. Of course, in my naive I-can-overcome-anything way, I had hoped that if I built up my core, ate better, and built some muscle, maybe the doctors would give me the thumbs up to run again.  But, no..  Still too much risk of a fracture due to my curvy spine.

OK, so I couldn't run. That was disappointing. But, when there was a group on the sidelines that said they'd drink for push-ups, I was easily able to crank some out! (Something tells me the drinkers were paying no attention and were not impressed, but, hey, I was proud.)

Another cool thing? When the Bolder Boulder Marketing email to remind everyone to sign up was sent out, the picture that was used was one with me, my two sons, and daughter-in-law from last year:

Now that made me feel awesome! I may have a bad back, but we were the frickin' poster people for the Bolder Boulder!

This year, none of my family went with me (probably another thing that kind of bummed me out), but I was happy to be able to walk with a new friend, Mary, who just moved to Boulder. Here we are posing with a dino. (I have an immediate bond with anyone who will hug a dino with me.)

Even though rain was in the forecast (and you can see, I was prepared with my umbrella hat), the weather held up and the end-of-race festivities and skydivers were all able to take place with the background of patriotic songs, honors and military anthems in Folsom field.

The music and the tributes always move me and remind me that there are heroes out there and people who have made such big sacrifices for the safety of our country. Thinking about them reminds me that my back problems are nothing in comparison.

What worked well

• Weather held up!
• Love this tradition that I've been able to participate in every year for 21 years.
• Love honoring my brother and all those who served in the military, especially those who gave their lives.
• Love the colorful shoes and clothes and all the costumes and creativity.
• Love the bands, dancing, and sideline parties.
• So grateful that I'm still healthy enough to be able to participate.
• Fun that I got to know a new friend.
• Exciting that my family was the "Face" of Bolder Boulder in the reminder email that went out.
• Nice that I was strong enough to easily crank out the push-ups so that those sideline people could drink.

What could have been better

• Disappointed that I couldn't run.
• Had so much fun last year with my family, so missed being with them this year.

Happiness is.. the Bolder Boulder

Today I participated in my 20th consecutive Bolder Boulder! This is the first year I didn't run, but it was the best time I ever had!

First a little history..  My brother, Chris, an Air Force pilot and runner, died in a car accident on Memorial Day, 1997.  This was the day I learned what heart-breaking grief is all about. Chris was 35 years old and about as full of life as any one person can be. He was fun, full of energy, and always ready to play. Whatever we were doing, he was 'all in.'

In 1999, we moved to the Bolder area and I heard that the Bolder Boulder 10K race was one of the biggest Memorial Day celebrations in the nation. Even though I wasn't a runner (we're talkin' worst athlete ever..) I thought it might be an event that would help me remember Chris.

When I saw what a party that race was, I knew Chris would have LOVED it. And when the Memorial Day tributes took place after the race in Folsom Field stadium, I was reminded of how much grief others have lived through... how much sacrifice was made so that we can have all the freedoms we take for granted.

It was at that time, and because of that first race, that  I became "a runner." I've run countless races since that day, some years more than others, but the one annual race I never miss is the Bolder Boulder. I made a promise to myself that every year I'd train to run it in under an hour. It's been a great motivator, come January, for me to get in shape. For 19 years, every Memorial Monday, I've run that race, thinking of Chris, and thinking how lucky I was to be alive and healthy.

Fast forward to January, 2018. After more and more back pain, a physical therapist recommends giving up running.  And the pity party in my head begins. "Poor, poor, me. No more Bolder Boulder. And this was going to be my 20th year!" (This is oddly reminiscent of my husband wanting a divorce when I'd been planning for our 20th Anniversary party!)

As I was telling my pathetic sob story to my grown-up kids, my sweet daughter-in-law, Stella, offers, "We can walk it with you."

"Really?" I ask (knowing that my sons are pretty competitive and would undoubtedly think walking was for wimps!) "Would you wear costumes?" (Another thing that my sons are unlikely to want to do...  and that's putting it mildly.)

"Sure," she answers! (Luckily, Stella has a lot of influence with my sons.)

So, today, on the 20th Memorial Monday since I began this tradition, instead of running like I usually do, I fully experienced this amazing race with my two sons and daughter-in-law. We danced to the bands, we jumped on the trampoline, we slid on the slip'n'slide, we took advantage of every high-five, water spray, and food offers from people on the sidelines.

My sons took the opportunity to drink way too much beer that was offered all along the route, and when the military songs played, they both proudly stood and sang their respective anthems for the branches they serve (one for the Army and one for the Air Force).

As I listened to the patriotic songs and Memorial Day tributes, 21 years after Chris's death, tears welled up in my eyes like they do every year.  My tears are partly still grief, but more than anything, they're tears of pride and gratitude.

I will always be sad that I lost my brother, but he's the one that showed me how to live..  to get in the race... whether I'm running or walking or dancing or being pushed in a wheelchair.

I learned an important lesson about the Bolder Boulder today:

The front runners may be fast, but those in the back are having a much better time!

Beautiful June Weekend

I really can't express how much I love the beautiful weekends I've been enjoying, both last weekend in Colorado and this weekend, back in Minnesota. Instead, I'll just post some of the pictures with some captions.

One thing I'll note, though, is that when I was home in Colorado, sitting in the stands of Folsom Field at the Bolder Boulder and looking out at the beautiful mountains, I thought how much I take that beauty for granted. I didn't want to leave.

I arrived back in Minnesota at 1:30am, having to go to work bright and early with a bad cold and in rainy weather. However, my cold and the weather cleared up and this weekend, as I was enjoying the beautiful lakes and green parks I thought how lucky I was to be getting to spend the summer in a new lovely place! How awesome that I get to experience this most gorgeous time of year here!

Gal Pal Brunch at my house in Colorado, complete with mimosas!

My 18th consecutive Bolder Boulder - Perfect weather and wonderful Memorial Day Celebration, remembering Chris, Uncle Neal and other veterans who lost their lives for our country.

Surprise gift from Matt and Stella waiting for me back in Minnesota!

 Went to dinner and to a fun comedy show in downtown Minneapolis.

Edina Art Fair had so many fun and colorful creations on display. I bought a few gifts and things for myself!

This was new! Chicken Salad in a bread cone!

Much Ado About Nothing at Shakespeare in the Park. Fun performance!

Lake Nokomis - Yet another of Minnesota's scenic lakes

Week 30: Social Connection

One of the most ill-defined, yet also one of the most fulfilling goals on my list of 60, is goal #10:

Foster strong and deep communication with everyone I meet. Aim to have at least one positive social connection every day and at least one event every week. 

This is one of those goals that's more about having a mindset of being friendly and outgoing.  My natural personality tends towards a left-brained "thinker." I spent my younger years perfectly happy being in libraries or bookstores or hidden away somewhere with my computer. (I even wrote a book about realizing that my closest relationship seemed to be with my computer, "Laptop Guy.")

In that book, I was determined to fall in love (with a man, not a laptop). What I discovered, is that love is so much more than "romantic love." Every single person and relationship I have is an opportunity to both give and receive love.

This year, I have been making an intentional effort to foster every relationship, dig a little deeper, and look for new opportunities to get to know people.. to find what I love about each person I have the honor of having in my life, whether for a day or a lifetime.

Again, this doesn't come naturally, but there are some things I've been doing during my '60-until-60 project' that are helping me foster deeper connections:

One-on-One Celebrations

Instead of (or maybe in addition to!) a big 60th birthday party, I have wanted to have 60 one-on-one celebrations with friends and family.  I like to find out about the passions of my fellow partier and hopefully find a way to celebrate that passion.  Then I find out a song they particularly like and create a 30-second slide show with a clip of the song playing in the background.

This week I had three of these celebrations: One with my grandson, Diego, who turned 10 this week, one with my friend, Isaac, and one with my friend, Sandy.   Below are just single representative pictures, but full slideshow with music will be in place in time for my 60th birthday! 

I just love when people talk about something they're passionate about and teach me about it. I learn something new--often something I'd never even known existed--and I see the excitement in their eyes and voices as they tell me more.

Diego and I went video game shopping and had his favorite lunch (Hawaiian Pizza) at the mall.

Isaac combined his passion for photography with his interest in insects to take very unique macro shots of bugs!

Sandy taught me how to defend myself using Krav Maga

AirBnB Hosting

A very unexpected benefit of becoming an AirBnB Hostess is that I really enjoy meeting all the guests and finding out more about them. This week I was honored that one of my first AirBnB guests, Christina, created a "Watch Party" highlighting her stay in Boulder and featured a short interview with me!

Saying 'Yes' to Invitations

Since I was doing so much traveling in the last few years, I had to miss a lot of local events and parties. I'm taking full advantage of saying 'yes' these days! Last weekend, one of my friends, Sonja, hosted a 7am gorgeous breakfast on her patio, complete with flowers everywhere. I'm an early riser, so 7am didn't bother me at all, and what a special experience! Five-star beauty in all ways!

Sonja's Garden Party Breakfast

Meetups

Some of the best new friends I've made have been from Meetups. Here's a picture of me with my new friend, Rebecca, who I met at a Bowling Meetup. She was visiting Boulder and has a home in Sarasota! Since Sarasota is one of my snowbird locations, I'm excited that I already have a friend I'll be able to stay with when I'm out there!

New Sarasota friend, Rebecca!

Introductions from others

Another new friend I've made is Mary, the mother of someone I worked with in Omaha. When Amy texted me and asked if I'd want to meet up with her mother, little did I know we'd become fast friends! She was even my walking buddy for this year's Bolder Boulder!

This week, Mary's sister, Katie was visiting and the three of us got together both Saturday and Sunday nights for fun conversation, cocktails, and dancing! So my friendship with Amy led to a friendship with her mother, Mary, and now Katie, as well!

Me, Katie, and Mary at the St. Julien for fun cocktails!

Celebrating Goofy Holidays

Did you know that there are SO many zany holidays? Every day has multiple special ways to celebrate which really appeals to my inner child!  And what better way to celebrate a special day than with a friend?

Celebrating National Ice Cream Day with Michael!

I've been pretty nervous about being lonely in retirement since I'm single, my kids are all grown up and independent, and most of my friends are busy with jobs or with their own families. But I'm learning how fun and easy it is to make new friends and to really enjoy spending time with all the people in my life!

60 Until 60 Celebration: Jan.1, 2019 - Feb.26, 2020

I was born in 1960. Feb 26, 1960, to be exact. If you do the math, that means I'm 58. I want to be clear about that because as soon as I start talking about all this '60' magic, people start thinking I'm already 60.  Still in my 50's people!

However, being the obsessively goal-oriented person I am, I thought it might be fun to have a 60-week countdown to my 60th birthday. Counting 60 weeks backwards from my 60th birthday, I discovered was January 1, 2019! My 60th birthday is EXACTLY - to the day - 60 weeks after New Years Day.

That’s like some kind of woo-woo numerology magic, right? It’s like a “twofer” goal-setting deal. I already try to figure out some kind of weekly goals for New Years and now it doubles as my 60-until-60 project!

I’ve been pondering exactly what 60 things I should do for my 60 until 60 project (I have a 32 page document with ideas!) but I’ve narrowed it down to the list below as a starting point. I’m going to be all ‘Agile’ about this not keep these set in stone, but I will have a weekly “demo,” “retrospective” and plan for the next week. I also want to find people who have their own goals so we can collaborate and support one another.  So take a look at the list below and let me know what goals you have for the New Year!

1. Keep doing strength building exercises do at least one unassisted pull-up. Accomplished Week 2: 1/11/19. 
2. Hike in beautiful spots Including Crested Butte during wildflower season Accomplished Week 32 
3. Participate and dress up in at least one fun race like the Bolder Boulder Accomplished Week 22
4. Research bone-healthy recipes and make dinner to share with other friends who are working on their bone strength Accomplished Week 6: 2/7/19
5. Learn a choreographed dance Accomplished Week 21: 5/25/19
6. Try PickleBall Accomplished Week 34
7. Call 10 friends and relatives who I haven’t seen in a long time to invite them to my 60-week virtual BD party and get a song for my playlist. - Accomplished Week 1: 1/7/19
8. Take a work mentor to dinner. - Accomplished Week 37
9. Every week share a “Cool Thing of the Week” via social media and encourage others to do the same. Accomplished Week 12: 3/24/19
10. Foster strong and deep communication with everyone I meet. Aim to have at least one positive social connection every day and at least one event every week.  Accomplished Week 30
11. Write a gratitude letter to the police who helped me during a family emergency Accomplished Week 44
12. Visit my Mom & brother in Sacramento as well as others in Northern CA who are available: Accomplished Week 50 
13. Visit my sister in Southern CA and go to this super-cool bookstore (among other things). Accomplished Week 3: 1/18/19
14. Practice a mindset of kindness and gratitude and journal weekly about reflections Accomplished Week 46
15. Contribute to any cause that a friend asks me to support Accomplished Week 27
16. Participate in efforts to help those with ALS and their caregivers Accomplished Week 48
17. Learn digital photography better with the help of a professional photographer (my sister, Michele) Accomplished Week 4: 1/28/19
18. Learn how to Meditate Accomplished Week 19: 5/11/19
19. Learn more about poetry and write a poem Accomplished Week 16: 4/21/19
20. Practice the piano and be able to play some of the pieces I used to play well along with some new pieces Accomplished Week 38
21. Experiment learning a new instrument - maybe the ukulele Accomplished Week 18
22. Sing with a group Accomplished 8/8/19 (Blogged about Week 33)
23. Explore an acting class or group and try to get a part in a play Accomplished 8/8/19 (Blogged about Week 33)
24. Get better at a foreign language (Spanish, French, and/or Italian) and practice with a friend Accomplished Week 24
25. Put together a playlist of at least 60 songs by gathering songs from friends Accomplished Week 58
26. Plan and host my 60th virtual/real birthday party Accomplished Feb.26, 2020
27. Create slideshows of the celebrations I have throughout my 60-week ‘party’ Accomplished Week 36
28. Host a theme party (Flamingo, Carpe Diem, Wine-Tasting, Murder Mystery, Games, Purple,etc.) Accomplished Week 25
29. Go to a foreign country and practice speaking the native language Accomplished Week 54
30. Research and explore snowbird locations Accomplished Week 15
31. Go to Disneyworld with the Tidds Accomplished Week 9: 2/28-3/1
32. Go to the Albuquerque Balloon Festival with Stella and Matt Walk 2019 miles in 2019 Accomplished Week 49
33. Go to the Meowolf exhibit in Santa Fe with Stella and Matt Accomplished July 6, 2019 (Week 28 Blog Post)
34. Visit New England in the Fall with Rebecca R. Accomplished Week 41
35. Do some TBD adventure with Scotty Accomplished Week 5: 1/30/19-2/1/19 Road Trip to CA
36. Visit Minnesota friends in August Accomplished Week 33 
37. Do a roadside altar road trip with Rebecca M. Accomplished Week 39
38. See all the movies that are up for Best Picture Accomplished Week 8
39. Dress up and go to a musical at the theater Accomplished Week 29 and Week 31
40. Read a book that’s on the best seller list Accomplished Week 45
41. Binge watch a Netflix series with someone Accomplished Week 23
42. Clean my basement window-wells Accomplished Week 17
43. Try marble contact paper on an old table Accomplished Week 40
44. Clean and organize the ‘craft area’ of my basement Create a Girl Cave
45. Sell, give-away, throwaway and organize what’s left of my games, puzzles, and toys Accomplished Week 29
46. Sell, give-away, throwaway and organize what’s left of my books Accomplished Week 14
47. Clean out my wardrobe and get rid of old clothes that I never wear Accomplished Week 10
48. Put DIY flooring or carpets in basement Accomplished (sort of) Week 47
49. Put DIY walls in basement that will allow me to hang pictures, etc. Accomplished Week 52
50. Refurbish window sills and baseboards that are old and chipped Accomplished Week 20
51. Label and repair my breaker box Accomplished Week 29
52. Get rid of or repair floor lamps Accomplished Week 29
53. Hang pretty lights in basement and bedroom Accomplished Week 43
54. Fix up den as a potential airBnB room for rent Accomplished Week 11
55. Buy something at a Thrift store and fix it up Accomplished Week 51
56. Create a course about using Agile in everyday life
57. Sign up on sites to get freelance Agile coaching / training gigs: Accomplished Week 2: 1/13/19
58. Update Website with my coaching / training / writing accomplishments Accomplished Week 42
59. Create outline for book about Agile in everyday life Accomplished Week 26
60. Continue to write freelance articles Accomplished Week 13

Out With the Old, In With the New

I have a lot of difficulty “letting go”...whether we're talking about a relationship or an old vase, I just am not good about getting rid of stuff. My ex is the opposite. When we were married, some of our biggest arguments were about throwing away old stuff. He would go through a room and just throw away anything that he thought was old or imperfect. “If it hasn't been used in a year, you don't need it”, was his motto. I, on the other hand, attached sentimental value to every object. The ticket stubs to movies, the silky nighty I wore on our honeymoon that had become worn out and lace-torn, the beautiful vase gotten as a wedding gift, now held together with hot glue.

So, 5 years ago, when my ex left (out with the old, in with the new), perfectly in character, he said he'd rather have cash than the house or any of the “stuff” within. This worked out perfectly for me. Though it's not easy to afford or maintain this big house, I get to hold on to all my glorious “stuff”. I even had trouble getting rid of the piece of driftwood found in Mendocino that we'd put on the bed to symbolize we'd felt disconnected... like we were “drifting” apart. (Although I admit to being tempted to throw that one through the window of his new house with a note that said, “your new wife might want this”.)

Without my ex around any more to throw away all my precious junk, my kitchen-cabinet-cleanup project is long overdue. My idea of making spaghetti sauce is heating up a jar of Prego so this is more kitchen than I deserve, but I still love it. Taking everything out, one cabinet at a time, I discovered all kinds of “treasures”. Cooking gadgets that I have no idea how to use. Holiday molds that release the jello into a unique shape causing guests to think “what the heck is that supposed to be?” I found another kind of mold, too....on an ancient sandwich left in one of the 10 Bolder Boulder lunch bags that I've collected. Ah...what memories. I found all the baby cups that Scotty used to drink chocolate milk from that have since been chewed up by our dog, Chloe. I found 3-kids worth of elementary art projects and I also think "What the heck is that supposed to be?" I even have a bunch cheesy stuff from MY childhood like my “St. Louis” souvenir cup and saucer.

Let's face it... I'm not just sentimental, I'm a packrat. I can't stand to throw away something that is too old or worn out or sentimental to give to charity, but still has some value (supposedly). I think the weirdest thing I found was something that looked like a urine specimen cup. It was still in a plastic container (unused thank goodness!) but I must have thought the container might come in handy some day when I stuck that little treasure in my food storage cabinet. I have to admit, it was one of the few items in there that actually had a lid that I could find. There were quite a few lids with no corresponding containers as well! Almost everything was stained and weathered from years of use. “Tupperware” was “special” according to my mother. (I can't believe she actually asked if she could take some of these sorry containers, saying I could send her the lids if I found them in my cleanup. Now you can see where I got my packrat behaviors from.) My son asked me if I was going to give them to the homeless... Um... No. I don't think homeless people want old and dirty food storage containers to store all their leftover food in their live-in “refrigerators”. What my Mom didn't want, I actually put in the trash. Thanks to Walmart, I was able to replenish my supply for less than 20 bucks. It may not be “Tupperware” but it's clean and has lids.,

I found lots of mugs that were the ex's... Far Side, “I Love My Daddy”, Enginerd... He drank a lot of coffee, so coffee mugs were a standard gift. I boxed them up to send over. Most likely he will throw them all away. I'm proud that I either gave away or threw away a lot of old stuff, too. But I'm keeping a few of the old things. The “I Love My Mommy” mug will never go out of style.

10 Things I Love About Stella!

Here are 10 things I love about my incredible daughter-in-law, Stella.

1. Smartie! She's extremely intelligent, earning a PhD in sociology from Florida State University! Her research and training was supported by the prestigious National Science Foundation's Graduate Research Fellowship. It takes a very disciplined academic to make it through a PhD program., but even with this advanced degree status, she remains humble and down-to-earth.  (She also authors a Stellar Recap Newsletter that I look forward to every Sunday morning!)

2. Gift-Giver Extraordinaire. She makes the most thoughtful gifts! Everything from home-made games to items she's painstakingly crafted, she finds a way to give the most meaningful, memorable gifts.  Often the gifts and messages have a punny message when she gives them to me because she knows I love a good pun!

3. Foodie and Chef. She's an amazing cook! When I was visiting Matt and Stella for two months at the end of 2022, Stella would make the most delicious meals for us!  I remember when I tasted this salad, it was the best salad I'd ever had! Better than anything I'd ever eaten at a fancy restaurant. Move over, Gordon Ramsey!

4.  Hostess with the Mostest. While we're on the subject of food and hospitality, Stella not only wows us with her cooking skills, but she makes her guests feel so welcomed.  She invited me in 2022 to stay for two whole months, and she and Matt hosted Thanksgiving weekend that year, too, including Megan and Scotty.  She and Matt provided a "Guess the Cheese" game. One in a series of other "Taste Tests" we've experienced over the years!

5. Gamer.  Stella married into a family of gamers and she fits right in. Regardless of the game or activity, Stella is "all in." I love how she embraces learning all she can about the strategies of any game and is up for trying anything at least once. Even though she's out of my league in skill level in most games, she always makes me feel included and welcomed.

6. Dress-Up. Stella also will humor me with dressing up in costume when I'm doing some kind of themed family event. I love that she dresses up for Halloween and is very creative in her costume choices and has even made minion costumes for their cute little dogs, Choco and Mochi.

7. Hiker and Runner.  Stella embraces anything she does full on. She tackled the Pikes Peak 1/2 Marathon the year she and Matt got married, and then, again last summer for their 10th Anniversary! She is amazing in her abilities, whether intellectual or physical.  She is also super-supportive of meeting me at whatever level I'm at. I was so moved that she, Matt, and Scotty party-walked the Bolder Boulder with me the first year I wasn't able to run it. And our picture made it as the cover ad the following year! 

8. Travel-Planner.  Stella has an uncanny knack for being able to find the absolute best places to stay and things to do when planning any getaway.  Picking the cozy Airbnb with just the right amenities, finding the restaurants with food catering to everyone's tastes, and planing a unique itinerary are all in her wheelhouse. She is a master at gathering data and creating the perfect unique experience. I'll always remember the trip to Santa Fe and the MeowWolf Adventure as one of my favorite lifetime experiences.

9. Supportive Wife and Adventurer. I appreciate how much of a close-knit partnership Stella and Matt have. I know they have one another's back and help and support each other with all the decisions they make. I feel so grateful that my son has someone so capable and loving as his life-long partner and that, together they enjoy life's adventures.

10. Because She's Stella. As I've gone through the transitions of the last decade with retirement, empty nest, grief, and moves, there have been times I've felt lonely and without a solid anchor.  I remember sharing this with Stella and without hesitation she said, "I'll be your anchor." It was such a sweet, thoughtful, heart-felt response that I still feel a little choked up thinking about it.

Stella is an anchor for me. I feel so blessed and grateful to have such a wonderful daughter-in-law who is such an integral part of my life and our family.  I really haven't scratched the surface in describing all her talents. She's such an awesome mix of off-the-charts everything - analytical, creative, athletic, and caring.  How lucky are we that she's part of our family!

Happy Birthday, Beautiful Stella. Thank you for being amazing you.

Week 13: Article Published and Quarterly Reflections

It's the last day of March and that means we're 3 months into my 60 until 60 project!  This week, my latest article for TechBeacon about Self-Organizing Teams was published, so I'm marking that goal  complete!

Since the "work" part of that goal (actually writing and submitting the article) was done earlier in the month, this was a good week for me to spend on reflections of my project as a whole or in Agile speak do my "quarterly retrospective" and planning for the next quarter.

Summary:

* I'm right on track with completing and blogging about one goal every week! (Marked green below)
* I've started or have a plan for goals that I'll plan to complete next quarter. (Marked yellow below)
* My on-going "individual celebrations" (Marked blue below) have been fun and I've made a Slideshow and Playlist with the first 13 celebrations:

* There's only one goal that I don't think I'll be able to complete (Marked red below) because Matt and Stella won't be able to attend the Albuquerque Balloon Festival after all. I'm going to change that to the most challenging goal I've been working on: Walk 2019 miles in 2019!
* Some items are ongoing or more about mindset (Marked purple below). These will be hard to ever fully "complete" so instead, I may just blog about a particular example and then mark them as done on my list.

What's working well:

* The list of goals and project gives me purpose. Without it, it's easy to say, 'some day I'll do...' but let other things get in the way.  This is helping me make sure I accomplish at least one thing on this list each week.
* Because I'm not working much, I have time to do a lot of other things beyond this list! As long as I get at least one thing from the list done a week, I can explore other things I want to do without feeling like I'm losing focus.
* Overall, I'm changing my mindset in the way I live my life, which is my overarching goal.  I'm constantly working on improving and doing things that are important to me.
* My weekly blog post helps me keep myself accountable.
* I really appreciate my sister, Michele, especially, for all the support she's given me with this project (including housing me for much of the winter!)  I also appreciate anyone who's helping me accomplish any of the goals or joining me in my celebrations! And thanks to MB for the comments on almost every post! (TY, TYVM).

What could be better:

* Some things on my list are very big and others are easy and small. Technically, the big items (features) should be broken down into small things (stories) that can be done in a week.  But I like keeping with my original list of 60 things (to keep to my 60 theme!)
* I know my blog posts are not very entertaining. If you've made it this far in this blog post, give yourself a big 'Yay' from me!
* It would be better if I were doing this project with someone else so we were holding each other accountable.  However, some of the goals, I'm doing with other people, and those are the most fun for me.

1. Keep doing strength building exercises do at least one unassisted pull-up. Accomplished Week 2: 1/11/19. 
2. Hike in beautiful spots Including Crested Butte during wildflower season) Record with Map My Hike App.
3. Participate and dress up in at least one fun race like the Bolder Boulder
4. Research bone-healthy recipes and make dinner to share with other friends who are working on their bone strength Accomplished Week 6: 2/7/19
5. Learn a choreographed dance
6. Try PickleBall
7. Call 10 friends and relatives who I haven’t seen in a long time to invite them to my 60-week virtual BD party and get a song for my playlist. - Accomplished Week 1: 1/7/19
8. Take a work mentor to dinner.
9. Every week share a “Cool Thing of the Week” via social media and encourage others to do the same. Accomplished Week 12: 3/24/19
10. Foster strong and deep communication with everyone I meet. Aim to have at least one positive social connection every day and at least one event every week. 
11. Write a gratitude letter to the police who helped me during a family emergency
12. Visit my Mom & brother in Sacramento as well as others in Northern CA who are available (My former in-laws, high school, and college friends.)
13. Visit my sister in Southern CA and go to this super-cool bookstore (among other things). Accomplished Week 3: 1/18/19
14. Practice a mindset of kindness and gratitude and journal weekly about reflections
15. Contribute to any cause that a friend asks me to support
16. Participate in efforts to help those with ALS and their caregivers
17. Learn digital photography better with the help of a professional photographer (my sister, Michele) Accomplished Week 4: 1/28/19
18. Learn how to Meditate
19. Learn more about poetry and write a poem
20. Practice the piano and be able to play some of the pieces I used to play well along with some new pieces.
21. Experiment learning a new instrument - maybe the ukulele
22. Sing with a group
23. Explore an acting class or group and try to get a part in a play
24. Get better at a foreign language (Spanish, French, and/or Italian) and practice with a friend
25. Put together a playlist of at least 60 songs by gathering songs from friends
26. Plan and host my 60th virtual/real birthday party
27. Create slideshows of the celebrations I have throughout my 60-week ‘party’
28. Host a theme party (Flamingo, Carpe Diem, Wine-Tasting, Murder Mystery, Games, Purple,etc.)
29. Go to a foreign country and practice speaking the native language
30. Research and explore snowbird locations
31. Go to Disneyworld with the Tidds Accomplished Week 9: 2/28-3/1
32. Go to the Albuquerque Balloon Festival with Stella and Matt
33. Go to the Meowolf exhibit in Santa Fe with Stella and Matt
34. Visit New England in the Fall with Rebecca R.
35. Do some TBD adventure with Scotty Accomplished Week 5: 1/30/19-2/1/19 Road Trip to CA
36. Visit Minnesota friends in August
37. Do a roadside altar road trip with Rebecca M.
38. See all the movies that are up for Best Picture Accomplished Week 8
39. Dress up and go to a musical at the theater
40. Read a book that’s on the best seller list
41. Binge watch a Netflix series with someone
42. Clean my basement window-wells
43. Try marble contact paper on an old table
44. Clean and organize the ‘craft area’ of my basement
45. Sell, give-away, throwaway and organize what’s left of my games, puzzles, and toys
46. Sell, give-away, throwaway and organize what’s left of my books
47. Clean out my wardrobe and get rid of old clothes that I never wear Accomplished Week 10
48. Put DIY flooring or carpets in basement
49. Put DIY walls in basement that will allow me to hang pictures, etc.
50. Refurbish window sills and baseboards that are old and chipped
51. Label and repair my breaker box
52. Get rid of or repair floor lamps
53. Hang pretty lights in basement and bedroom
54. Fix up den as a potential airBnB room for rent Accomplished Week 11
55. Buy something at a Thrift store and fix it up
56. Create a course about using Agile in everyday life
57. Sign up on sites to get freelance Agile coaching / training gigs: Accomplished Week 2: 1/13/19
58. Update Website with my coaching / training / writing accomplishments
59. Create outline for book about Agile in everyday life
60. Continue to write freelance articles Accomplished Week 13

Walk On!

I admit it. I'm competitive. If there's a way to get points, I want to get as many as possible. When I was a runner, I was always trying to get a PR. 

In January when my physical therapist told me to stop running because of back pain, I was bummed. "Walk instead" was the recommendation.

Really? Walk? But that's so...  slow! But, like the Type A person I am, I immediately bought myself a Blaze Fitbit and became obsessive with my steps. I get in at least 10,000 steps a day even if it means I'm doing laps around my couch at the end of the day.

It turns out, this walking habit has a lot going for it!

• My back is feeling better than it has in years! And there are a bunch of other health benefits that you get from walking.
• I really have fun discovering new places to walk or hike. 
• Hiking can be as much of an aerobic workout as running. There were some pretty steep climbs on the hike at Lost Maples that I went on last weekend.
• Hiking / Walking Meetups are a great way to make new friends! 
• It's a lot easier to find people to walk with than it is to find people to run with.
• I can get a lot of steps in at work without having to change into gym clothes.
• I can listen to podcasts or audiobooks for much longer than I was able to when running.
• I can talk on the phone while I walk.
• I don't mind when the car is parked far from where I need to go and usually prefer to take the longer route so I can get more steps. (I have gotten lost a lot at the huge USAA site which has really helped my step count!)
• Bolder Boulder was much more fun walking (and playing and dancing!) than it ever was running.
• I can always stop to take pictures or just enjoy the beauty of a scenic spot instead of running past it.
• It's free and easy to get CharityMiles just from walking.
• My FitBit helps me keep track of all the miles I'm walking and keeps me motivated by having those competitive gaming features.

Yup, I'm feeling really grateful that I'm able to walk and hike without getting the backaches I used to get daily.

But I'm very well aware that that may not always be the case.

There was a man on our Lost Maples hike who was having a lot of trouble keeping up with the group. I was very impressed with one of my new friends, Jackie. She stayed with him the whole time and supported him, literally, so he wouldn't fall. While the rest of us were busy getting in our workouts, Jackie was patiently caring for someone who needed help.

If there were a way to earn 'good karma points' Jackie would have won them that day.  It was a good reminder that maybe it's more important to slow down enough to help someone else than to worry about how many steps I'm getting.

Now all I need is an app that gives me 'good karma points' and I'll be all over that!

UPDATE: Look at these kindness apps I just found! Let's go win some good karma points!

Smile and Remember Those Who Lived Fully

My friend, Linda, died last week after a 5 year battle with cancer. I didn't write a blog post last week because it seemed inappropriate to write about trivial little things that make me happy as though this major sad thing didn't just happen.

The 19th Anniversary of my brother's death is coming up as well. He actually died on May 30th, Memorial Day, in a car accident . Chris was a runner, so I've been running in the Bolder Boulder every year on Memorial Day weekend in his honor. Even though he didn't die in the war, Chris was an Air Force pilot, so when people honor the veterans on Memorial Day, I can kind of feel like everyone is stopping for a minute and remembering, if not him, someone... someone they loved and lost.  And I feel comforted in sharing that moment of remembrance.

When someone you know dies, it feels strange for life to just go on. People still get upset about the littlest things and you want to say: It doesn't matter! You're alive and healthy. Don't waste a minute being upset about something stupid.

At Linda's funeral, her daughter gave a wonderful eulogy, reminding us of how much spunk and vigor Linda had and how fully she lived.  She told us that Linda didn't want us to cry because she'd died, but smile because she'd lived.

Though facing mortality is tough, it does force you to remember and savor the joys in life.  I feel so grateful and lucky for all the sweet moments I enjoy daily.

A few of my recent sweet moments?

* Beating a new Minnesota friend (and a big, athletic guy!) at tennis. Though this may not seem like much, I've never been very athletic (always the last picked for the team in High School) so winning at any kind of sport is a big deal! Plus it was just fun to be playing with a big, athletic (and handsome!) guy.

* Coming home to Colorado for the week and being able to work out of the local Broomfield office. I'm so lucky that the office is less than 3 miles from my house and everyone was very friendly there.

* Seeing Reneya perform in her first big ballet performance. And today, I attended a beginner's ballet class for adults with Megan while Reneya had her 4-year-old class.

* Being home to see my irises and lilacs in bloom. My yard is so beautiful and I'm so lucky to have a housemate who lives here and takes such good care of it.

* Being in town for the celebrations both of Linda's life at her funeral, and the marriage of my friends Brad and Allison. Linda and Brad were both members of the Rebuilding Divorce Recovery group I was in over 10 years ago. That group of friends has been like extended family over the years.

* Celebrating my friend, Sue's, birthday at her gorgeous, newly redecorated home. Even though it was her birthday, Sue created such a beautiful table setting with a candelabra bouquet and fine china.  And I made two of my traditional strawberry-rhubarb pies!

 These are just a few of the things that have brought me happiness in the last couple of weeks.

It can be hard to find happiness in the little moments in times of grief..  it almost seems disrespectful or insensitive. But actually, I think those are the times we need most to find those simple joys and to smile. It doesn't mean we've forgotten the people we grieve. It means their death has reminded us to live fully.

So for Linda, Chris, Dad, and my friend, Craig... Thank you for setting the example of lives well-lived.

Happy Pictures of the Week: National Umbrella Day

One of my highlights this week was hosting a February 10th National Umbrella Day competition!

I picked celebrating Umbrella Day because I wanted an excuse to buy this flamingo umbrella!

When Michele's pictures were of Monet's Woman With a Parasol, I decided to follow her lead!

Love the cute kid umbrella pictures!

Lee is VERY thematic with umbrellas large and small in a Asian setting!

Michele's recreation of Monet Masterpiece

This was Ronald Richard Garcia's Entry from a show called "The Prisoner"

Sarah's entry with her son who looks like he's ready to fly like Mary Poppins!

Teresa's entry of an adorable little girl.

Another cutie!

Can't get enough of these cute kids!

Jackster's Ball Peen Hammer Umbrella

Becky taking a Yoga Stance with an Umbrella in the background

Tony (the winner!) with a flamingo umbrella (just like mine!) in a flock of flamingos!

Me with my Umbrella Hat from 2019 Bolder Boulder!