If you have never seen Division III football, you are missing something special. A bunch of young men who know they are going to school to get an education that will lead to graduate school or a job. But they still love football and aren't ready to give up on being the "boys of fall" yet. And there's an assortment of fans in the stands to go with those boys on the field. I've enjoyed these games. The play is enthusiastic and fun. And there is just something so middle American about the entire event.
One Saturday we drove to West Virginia for the game. Seated in the row in front of us just a few seats over was an English professor and her husband. Next to them was another teacher from my son's school. It was a cold, windy, rainy day and here were two teachers spending their Saturday watching their students play ball. Not because of incredible tailgates or exciting televised coverage of scholarship cheerleaders or bands. Just because they wanted to be there to watch their students. I loved that my son is going to a school that has teachers so invested in their students.
Another Saturday we went to small town Southwestern PA for the last game of the regular season. Our team was going for an undefeated season. We had already gotten our conference championship trophy the week before and with that our spot in the DIII playoffs. The other team was playing for pride and the bragging rights to say they were the only team in the conference to beat us. There were close to 5 thousands of people there. It was a hard fought game and they got the bragging rights. The boys played hard, the other team made fewer mistakes and earned the victory. Somehow that makes it easier to take on one hand and yet harder to take on the other hand. One particular memory stands out from that sunny afternoon.
Prior to the kickoff when the typical announcement for the national anthem was made, the entire stadium went silent and I think the area surrounding the stadium did, too. You truly could have heard a pin drop. Hats were off, people sang, and students from local high schools and both colleges stood still, silent, respectful. It was touching. I teach at an inner ring urban school and we have to have announcements to instruct students on the appropriate behavior for the national anthem or pledge of allegiance. Not here in Southwestern PA, not among those boys on the field or the assortment of fans that come with them. The atmosphere gave me a chill because I felt like that respect had been learned and earned through family members who made that moment possible. Parents, siblings, grandparents, uncles, aunts who had served and those who hadn't but wouldn't let the respect for that service be forgotten. It touched my soul.
Saturday, December 27, 2014
Saturday, November 15, 2014
Gifts From My Mom's Suffering
There's been a lot in the news the past couple of months about physical suffering and its effect on the patient and the patients' friends and families. I'm not judging anyone, no one knows what anyone else is going through, but I am going to point out the gifts that my mother gave me through her suffering.
My mother suffered many physical ailments throughout her life. The last 25 years of her life were especially frustrating and painful with osteoporosis, arthritis, gastrointestinal and neurological issues. Some days were good, some not so good, and some down right awful.
The Thanksgiving that she was in the hospital, I learned that my twin sister & I could make a real Thanksgiving dinner complete with our Grandma's stuffing. And (because hospitals were way stricter then) I learned how to sneak things into hospitals.
The Christmas that she was in the hospital, I learned that I was strong enough to be her rock. I had faith enough for both of us when she was so angry and frustrated that she just couldn't find hers. And since she was the most faith-filled person I knew, I also learned that we all struggle and lose sight of the fact that God is always working for our good. And later I learned that following these struggles, we can come back to our faith stronger and surer than ever before.
During trails and tribulations, I learned it's OK to depend on people that you aren't used to depending on. And sometimes people will let you down but other times people will come through in ways you never dreamed possible.
I learned that even when so very many things just would not be found in her memory regardless of how hard she searched, the words to her beloved hymns were there and when the music started playing the words came out as strong and beautiful as ever.
I learned that being asked to help with standing then showers then dressing then eating is uncomfortable but for the person who has to ask, it's humiliating. But through that I learned compassion in a way that I never could have. I thought I was helping her but she was helping me become a gentler, more patient, more compassionate person. And I relearned that making the best of a situation can create laughter.
And I learned that difficult conversations are horrible to have but once you get past being uncomfortable, you have an experience and a connection that is better than ever. And I learned for both of us to have those wonderful moments, it takes a lot. And it's exhausting but it is so beyond worth it.
But mostly I learned that my mom was an incredibly strong woman and even though her suffering took all things earthly from her, she gained a peace that wasn't about this world. And through that suffering she gave me the gifts of greater patience, compassion, humility, faith and love. And for that I am grateful.
My mother suffered many physical ailments throughout her life. The last 25 years of her life were especially frustrating and painful with osteoporosis, arthritis, gastrointestinal and neurological issues. Some days were good, some not so good, and some down right awful.
The Thanksgiving that she was in the hospital, I learned that my twin sister & I could make a real Thanksgiving dinner complete with our Grandma's stuffing. And (because hospitals were way stricter then) I learned how to sneak things into hospitals.
The Christmas that she was in the hospital, I learned that I was strong enough to be her rock. I had faith enough for both of us when she was so angry and frustrated that she just couldn't find hers. And since she was the most faith-filled person I knew, I also learned that we all struggle and lose sight of the fact that God is always working for our good. And later I learned that following these struggles, we can come back to our faith stronger and surer than ever before.
During trails and tribulations, I learned it's OK to depend on people that you aren't used to depending on. And sometimes people will let you down but other times people will come through in ways you never dreamed possible.
I learned that even when so very many things just would not be found in her memory regardless of how hard she searched, the words to her beloved hymns were there and when the music started playing the words came out as strong and beautiful as ever.
I learned that being asked to help with standing then showers then dressing then eating is uncomfortable but for the person who has to ask, it's humiliating. But through that I learned compassion in a way that I never could have. I thought I was helping her but she was helping me become a gentler, more patient, more compassionate person. And I relearned that making the best of a situation can create laughter.
And I learned that difficult conversations are horrible to have but once you get past being uncomfortable, you have an experience and a connection that is better than ever. And I learned for both of us to have those wonderful moments, it takes a lot. And it's exhausting but it is so beyond worth it.
But mostly I learned that my mom was an incredibly strong woman and even though her suffering took all things earthly from her, she gained a peace that wasn't about this world. And through that suffering she gave me the gifts of greater patience, compassion, humility, faith and love. And for that I am grateful.
Wednesday, October 22, 2014
PBJ Again
This past weekend was a three day weekend for me, my husband, and our high school son. We spent Friday catching up on some things (including this blog). And I took a couple of hours to go to my dad's apartment and sit and chat. This does not happen as often as I'd like so I wanted to take advantage of a day off work to spend some much needed time with him and give him his late birthday gift. And my husband spent a couple hours with his parents as well on Friday. All three 80-something parents were doing well.
Saturday the high schooler was busy all day with previous commitments. The daughter was going on a school sponsored bus trip with one of her roommates. My hubby and I were heading down to West Virginia to see the college football player's game thinking it would be an enjoyable day. The parents and kids were all good. The leaves along the way were beautiful. We were bringing college son home for a couple days for fall break. Life was good and we were ready to spend a relaxing day together.
And then I got a text. Apparently a few hours after I left my dad, he started coughing and couldn't stop. So early Saturday morning, my brother took Dad to the ER. They were still running tests but the cough had subsided a bit. He seemed to be doing well, he was in the hospital where all his "ologists" are on staff: cardiologist, nephrologist, oncologist, etc. And not much I could do at that point while I was traveling in the opposite direction.
So on we went, looking forward to a fun afternoon of football. Then my husband's phone rang. His sister. This was not going to be good. His dad had hurt his leg and was in the ER. They were still running tests to see what was wrong and what the game plan would be. Again, nothing we could do at that point except tell her to keep in touch.
On we went, wanting updates but not really wanting to hear from any other relatives. At this point I was beginning to worry about things happening in threes.
Really the rest of the day was blissfully uneventful and not much to write about. EXCEPT our freshman son got in for two series and his team won! He has worked really hard and loves football. Seeing him so happy and doing what he loves makes us happy.
Several days later the college son is back to school after break and both dads are out of the hospital. My dad is back at his apartment. My father in law is in rehab getting physical therapy for his leg. And once again life in the sandwich is good, sometimes a bit too interesting but always good.
Saturday the high schooler was busy all day with previous commitments. The daughter was going on a school sponsored bus trip with one of her roommates. My hubby and I were heading down to West Virginia to see the college football player's game thinking it would be an enjoyable day. The parents and kids were all good. The leaves along the way were beautiful. We were bringing college son home for a couple days for fall break. Life was good and we were ready to spend a relaxing day together.
And then I got a text. Apparently a few hours after I left my dad, he started coughing and couldn't stop. So early Saturday morning, my brother took Dad to the ER. They were still running tests but the cough had subsided a bit. He seemed to be doing well, he was in the hospital where all his "ologists" are on staff: cardiologist, nephrologist, oncologist, etc. And not much I could do at that point while I was traveling in the opposite direction.
So on we went, looking forward to a fun afternoon of football. Then my husband's phone rang. His sister. This was not going to be good. His dad had hurt his leg and was in the ER. They were still running tests to see what was wrong and what the game plan would be. Again, nothing we could do at that point except tell her to keep in touch.
On we went, wanting updates but not really wanting to hear from any other relatives. At this point I was beginning to worry about things happening in threes.
Really the rest of the day was blissfully uneventful and not much to write about. EXCEPT our freshman son got in for two series and his team won! He has worked really hard and loves football. Seeing him so happy and doing what he loves makes us happy.
Several days later the college son is back to school after break and both dads are out of the hospital. My dad is back at his apartment. My father in law is in rehab getting physical therapy for his leg. And once again life in the sandwich is good, sometimes a bit too interesting but always good.
Friday, October 17, 2014
Move In Weekend Part II
Wow. That was a much longer break than I anticipated. There were a couple of reasons for it. One was technical but the other was just because it has been much tougher than I thought it would be.
When any child goes off to live away from you, it is just so difficult. As a mom, I knew there were so many things I should have and wanted to teach him and with life going so stinking fast, I just never got to them all. I know he knows right from wrong. He's a hard worker. He's a good person. He knows how to take responsibility. He is smart and can figure out a new washing machine. Thanks to his high school and grade school teachers, he knows how to write a paper for college and how to study. And the college will clean the bathroom and cook for him. So really, he will be fine and my mind knows this.
But then there is the fact that he doesn't like change a whole lot. And new situations are stressful for him so I knew that actually making this move was going to be the most difficult thing he has ever done. And it should be the most difficult and stressful thing he has ever done. He's had stability and support. So moving from that should be hard and yet it should be done. That saying that you are only as happy as your most unhappy child is so true. Child happy = mom happy. Child stressed = mom stressed.
As a mom, a child leaving changes your role so very much. I'm not going to be there to see his face and know he's OK. I'm not going to be the one that he tells when football goes well or he has a big test or that he had the best sub or burrito for lunch. Our relationship changes and grows into a very different relationship. And that is a huge transition for someone whose everyday life remains the same except for yet another missing piece.
This particular transition would be difficult because life has not always been easy for this boy of mine. He has faced challenges and with each of those challenges, I have been at his side. When he was a baby, his asthma was so bad that I would get him from a nap and his hands and feet would be blue. We had to give him breathing treatments for over a year. My husband and I shared the job but I was the stay at home mom so I had all the daytime treatments and all the nighttime ones. When you schedule your life around holding your baby and making sure he can breathe, you bond in a different way. Then there was watching him being wheeled into an operating room two different times. This is the child that missed nearly entire year of school because he was horrifically sick. The testing for brain tumors and myriad of other diseases and conditions was awful. And since the company I was working for at the time (along with much of the country) went into a financial crisis, I was once again a stay at home mom that year so I was with him for each and every test and treatment each time not knowing if our life was going to be forever altered. Thankfully, God saw him through that year and for the most part he is past it. Just like his asthma, he has learned to manage and live with his symptoms although I know that there are some issues that could flare up at anytime, he is going to live the life he that he was meant to live. Through his sports injuries and minor flare ups of his health issues, I have been there. I have tried to make sure he recognizes symptoms and pays attention to them but he is an 18 year old boy, it makes me nervous to send him away and know the he is on his own. He's been through so much and it's a lot to manage. More than an 18 year old should have to think about while studying and playing football and just doing regular college things and that worries me.
And so it was hard to think about this and write about it. However, it's two months later, I have seen him several times and been able to look into his eyes and he is OK. He is happy and doing well. He is making friends, doing well in school and football. Life is good and I'm so thankful that both my college kids are doing great. Life is different but I'm adjusting to that and will write more on that next time.
When any child goes off to live away from you, it is just so difficult. As a mom, I knew there were so many things I should have and wanted to teach him and with life going so stinking fast, I just never got to them all. I know he knows right from wrong. He's a hard worker. He's a good person. He knows how to take responsibility. He is smart and can figure out a new washing machine. Thanks to his high school and grade school teachers, he knows how to write a paper for college and how to study. And the college will clean the bathroom and cook for him. So really, he will be fine and my mind knows this.
But then there is the fact that he doesn't like change a whole lot. And new situations are stressful for him so I knew that actually making this move was going to be the most difficult thing he has ever done. And it should be the most difficult and stressful thing he has ever done. He's had stability and support. So moving from that should be hard and yet it should be done. That saying that you are only as happy as your most unhappy child is so true. Child happy = mom happy. Child stressed = mom stressed.
As a mom, a child leaving changes your role so very much. I'm not going to be there to see his face and know he's OK. I'm not going to be the one that he tells when football goes well or he has a big test or that he had the best sub or burrito for lunch. Our relationship changes and grows into a very different relationship. And that is a huge transition for someone whose everyday life remains the same except for yet another missing piece.
This particular transition would be difficult because life has not always been easy for this boy of mine. He has faced challenges and with each of those challenges, I have been at his side. When he was a baby, his asthma was so bad that I would get him from a nap and his hands and feet would be blue. We had to give him breathing treatments for over a year. My husband and I shared the job but I was the stay at home mom so I had all the daytime treatments and all the nighttime ones. When you schedule your life around holding your baby and making sure he can breathe, you bond in a different way. Then there was watching him being wheeled into an operating room two different times. This is the child that missed nearly entire year of school because he was horrifically sick. The testing for brain tumors and myriad of other diseases and conditions was awful. And since the company I was working for at the time (along with much of the country) went into a financial crisis, I was once again a stay at home mom that year so I was with him for each and every test and treatment each time not knowing if our life was going to be forever altered. Thankfully, God saw him through that year and for the most part he is past it. Just like his asthma, he has learned to manage and live with his symptoms although I know that there are some issues that could flare up at anytime, he is going to live the life he that he was meant to live. Through his sports injuries and minor flare ups of his health issues, I have been there. I have tried to make sure he recognizes symptoms and pays attention to them but he is an 18 year old boy, it makes me nervous to send him away and know the he is on his own. He's been through so much and it's a lot to manage. More than an 18 year old should have to think about while studying and playing football and just doing regular college things and that worries me.
And so it was hard to think about this and write about it. However, it's two months later, I have seen him several times and been able to look into his eyes and he is OK. He is happy and doing well. He is making friends, doing well in school and football. Life is good and I'm so thankful that both my college kids are doing great. Life is different but I'm adjusting to that and will write more on that next time.
Sunday, August 10, 2014
The things you don't think about
As is true for many of you, I have a ton of information in my head that I don't use on a regular basis. And much of that information I don't think about or talk about. It is just there. The more I write this blog, the more I realize that I don't really talk about me very often either. For example, a dear friend of more than 20 years, messaged me after an earlier post and said, she didn't know I crocheted. Huh. I love to crochet and almost always have a project going.
If you read the last post, you know I hurt my knee in May. My daughter is an athletic training student who just finished her sophomore year of college. So when she got home, I had her make my ice bags for me. I could not believe how cold they were. And I couldn't believe how much the ice hurt. I typically have a very high tolerance for pain but this was pure torture! My daughter thought I was just being a wimp about the whole thing. Once the ice was off, the swelling had gone down so I ice it quite a few times and each session was accompanied by pain and eye rolls by my family.
Two months later, I had a doctor's appointment because we had noticed a skin pigment issue on my hands. The day before the appointment, I was talking to my daughter about my hands and just casually mentioned that I had Raynaud's. She literally dropped what she was doing and said, "You have Raynaud's?" I couldn't believe she didn't know that but she obviously didn't. She couldn't believe that she didn't know that. Immediately she was saying that she never knew that and telling me that I shouldn't ever ice. Apparently, one of the first things you learn about icing athletes is that people with very few conditions (such as Raynaud's) shouldn't ice injuries.
So two lessons learned here. For me, it's possible that maybe I should mention a few things about my self to those close to me. I never mentioned Raynaud's to my kids because none of them ever had symptoms so I didn't really see a reason to bring it up. And I am not really a detail person. I don't need or want to know details so I don't really spend time finding out details that don't interest me. Perhaps it would have been good to pay attention to a couple details about Raynaud's. Knowing that little detail would have saved a couple hours of pain. And for my daughter, regardless of how well she thinks she knows an athlete, she will always ask the question about Raynaud's. The experience has given her a great story to tell when she is working with world class athletes or teaching future athletic trainers.
So other information that I have but rarely talk about or even think about. The address of the house where I lived during kindergarten because I had to write that address on the lines under the picture I drew. My grandparents' addresses because back then you had to actually write letters on paper, put them in an envelope and mail them to keep in touch with far away people or to thank them after birthdays and Christmas gifts were received. I know how to double or triple a recipe because I love to cook and bake for people and athletes with large appetites. And because the largest of said athletes will soon be going to college, I will be able to half recipes just as easily I am sure. I can sew and tie a crazy square quilt from sitting at Grandma's sewing table watching and chatting. I know how many yards are in a mile because when I started competing in track, the track was 440 yards long. I also know that the flags at the end of a swimming pool have a purpose and a name, they are not just for decoration.
And apparently a bit of information that was there and never really talked about is the fact that I have Raynaud's. When I was playing basketball in high school, the other moms would ask mine what was wrong with my hands that made them change colors. She always had cold hands and so did I. It just was and that's pretty much what she told them. Fast forward a few years (or a decade) and my husband thought that it was insane that some one's hands could get as cold as mine. So on a visit to a doctor, I asked her about my hands. It was determined to be Raynaud's. My hands really didn't bother me so I was content to have a name for it and a bit of information. The quick explanation for those of you not familiar with Raynaud's: a condition that causes blood vessels to spasm when exposed to cold or due to stress. These spasm can cause color changes in the skin and be very painful.
If you read the last post, you know I hurt my knee in May. My daughter is an athletic training student who just finished her sophomore year of college. So when she got home, I had her make my ice bags for me. I could not believe how cold they were. And I couldn't believe how much the ice hurt. I typically have a very high tolerance for pain but this was pure torture! My daughter thought I was just being a wimp about the whole thing. Once the ice was off, the swelling had gone down so I ice it quite a few times and each session was accompanied by pain and eye rolls by my family.
Two months later, I had a doctor's appointment because we had noticed a skin pigment issue on my hands. The day before the appointment, I was talking to my daughter about my hands and just casually mentioned that I had Raynaud's. She literally dropped what she was doing and said, "You have Raynaud's?" I couldn't believe she didn't know that but she obviously didn't. She couldn't believe that she didn't know that. Immediately she was saying that she never knew that and telling me that I shouldn't ever ice. Apparently, one of the first things you learn about icing athletes is that people with very few conditions (such as Raynaud's) shouldn't ice injuries.
So two lessons learned here. For me, it's possible that maybe I should mention a few things about my self to those close to me. I never mentioned Raynaud's to my kids because none of them ever had symptoms so I didn't really see a reason to bring it up. And I am not really a detail person. I don't need or want to know details so I don't really spend time finding out details that don't interest me. Perhaps it would have been good to pay attention to a couple details about Raynaud's. Knowing that little detail would have saved a couple hours of pain. And for my daughter, regardless of how well she thinks she knows an athlete, she will always ask the question about Raynaud's. The experience has given her a great story to tell when she is working with world class athletes or teaching future athletic trainers.
What aren't you sharing with people close to you? Something about a hobby or craft that could result in some fun outings or at the very least, some fun conversations? Or something that could be important like a medical condition? There are situations where it could prove important for others to know such details.
Thursday, July 31, 2014
What's New in the Sandwich
Wow! I'm not really sure how it got to be the end of July. I'll start catching you up on what has been happening here in my world.
Shortly after my last post, on a beautiful, clear, dry, warmish morning, I went for a quick 3 mile run and tore the meniscus in my left knee. I have been active my entire life and this was the first major injury I have ever had. In our house, we have had lots of practice being on the injured reserve and obviously, no one really likes it but I have to say, I am the least patient with it (anyone else think that being the MOM has anything to do with that?). I couldn't put weight on it for weeks yet the job and family responsibilities did not stop. Not being able to just get up and do whatever I wanted done, was a humbling and frustrating experience. Some things I couldn't easily do: carrying laundry to or from the basement laundry room, bringing food up from the freezer, taking things to or from my bedroom, cooking (remember one of my favorite things to do), loading and unloading the dishwasher, grocery shopping, passing out papers at school, carrying books, papers back and forth from my car, etc.
The entire experience was humbling and forced me to really take stock of all the things I am normally capable of doing. And that led me to spend time contemplating all the things I have been blessed to be able to do because of the typically strong, healthy body God has chosen to give me. I had lots of time to contemplate since I was absolutely exhausted at the end of the school day. I spent hours with my hugely swollen knee elevated and under a bag of ice being grateful for so many things I have been able to do. Basketball, track, softball, volleyball, I have done every sport I have ever wanted to try. I have walked or hiked or biked along beaches, forests, country highways, mountain ranges on two continents. Swimming at the Y, multiple great lakes, and a few oceans & seas. I was blessed to give birth to the three most amazing people I know.
Here are some things I learned these past 2 1/2 months while rehabing my knee: to be more patient (this is just not my strong point), to appreciate being able to unload the dishwasher, to appreciate going anywhere I want without hesitation, to be grateful I can walk to that very far parking space, to enjoy going grocery shopping alone, to be grateful for the ability to ride my bike or go for a walk. I learned not to take simple, everyday things for granted. I am an incredibly independent person but I realize now that I am that way because of the blessing of a healthy body.
Take a minute to contemplate some of the things you take for granted but that truly are blessings and try to appreciate each of them a little bit each day. Don't wait until you lose them even for the briefest time to be thankful for the gifts. Like the song says, "You don't know what you got til it's gone."
Shortly after my last post, on a beautiful, clear, dry, warmish morning, I went for a quick 3 mile run and tore the meniscus in my left knee. I have been active my entire life and this was the first major injury I have ever had. In our house, we have had lots of practice being on the injured reserve and obviously, no one really likes it but I have to say, I am the least patient with it (anyone else think that being the MOM has anything to do with that?). I couldn't put weight on it for weeks yet the job and family responsibilities did not stop. Not being able to just get up and do whatever I wanted done, was a humbling and frustrating experience. Some things I couldn't easily do: carrying laundry to or from the basement laundry room, bringing food up from the freezer, taking things to or from my bedroom, cooking (remember one of my favorite things to do), loading and unloading the dishwasher, grocery shopping, passing out papers at school, carrying books, papers back and forth from my car, etc.
The entire experience was humbling and forced me to really take stock of all the things I am normally capable of doing. And that led me to spend time contemplating all the things I have been blessed to be able to do because of the typically strong, healthy body God has chosen to give me. I had lots of time to contemplate since I was absolutely exhausted at the end of the school day. I spent hours with my hugely swollen knee elevated and under a bag of ice being grateful for so many things I have been able to do. Basketball, track, softball, volleyball, I have done every sport I have ever wanted to try. I have walked or hiked or biked along beaches, forests, country highways, mountain ranges on two continents. Swimming at the Y, multiple great lakes, and a few oceans & seas. I was blessed to give birth to the three most amazing people I know.
Here are some things I learned these past 2 1/2 months while rehabing my knee: to be more patient (this is just not my strong point), to appreciate being able to unload the dishwasher, to appreciate going anywhere I want without hesitation, to be grateful I can walk to that very far parking space, to enjoy going grocery shopping alone, to be grateful for the ability to ride my bike or go for a walk. I learned not to take simple, everyday things for granted. I am an incredibly independent person but I realize now that I am that way because of the blessing of a healthy body.
Take a minute to contemplate some of the things you take for granted but that truly are blessings and try to appreciate each of them a little bit each day. Don't wait until you lose them even for the briefest time to be thankful for the gifts. Like the song says, "You don't know what you got til it's gone."
Tuesday, April 29, 2014
It's about health and nutrition, not weight loss
I offered to chat with a neighbor (who struggles with her weight and soreness from inflammation) about Advocare a few weeks ago. Her response "Oh I already get shakes from So and So and those are fine. All those things are the same anyway" made me literally scream out of frustration. So this post is to explain just a bit what Advocare really is and why it is so different.
Advocare is owned by a family trust and was started by a man named Charlie Ragus. He wanted people to be able to buy the best nutritional supplements possible through a knowledgeable coach who would be a caring advocate for each of their customers. Charlie Ragus assembled the top minds in the medical and scientific world to serve on the Advocare Scientific Medical Board. These experts serve on the board without being employed by Advocare so it is an independent board. The experts on this board are world renowned in their fields and our products have to be world class if these people are going to be associated with it. Learn more about the Sci-Med Board When Charlie Ragus started the company, he had 7 Guiding Principals for the company which are still being used 21 years later. Those of you who know me, will know that I was hooked when I read number one was: Honor God through our faith, family and friends.
One of the main goals of Advocare is to help people look and perform their best and in my opinion, they definitely succeed at that. That is a goal for the Olympic, professional, college, and high school athletes taking the performance products but it's also the goal for my 82 year old father who loves that the arthritic knees and shoulder feel better than they have in years. I love being able to provide a way for my family and friends to feel better. The quality of the products is so high and pure that the athletes can take them without worrying about failing a drug test. One of the US bobsledders who medaled multiple times in 2014 was tested 32 times during the Olympics and never worried about failing because he had complete confidence in his Advocare Supplements. My own athletes are nowhere near qualifying for the Olympics yet I know that the supplements they are taking are manufactured to the highest standards possible and are safe.
My daughter is in the final two weeks of the semester at college. I love that she is drinking Spark and an occasional Slam to help her get everything done. Instead of a bunch of sugar and ridiculous levels of caffeine, she is consuming a normal dose of caffeine, 21 vitamins, and amino acids. These products don't just help her stay awake but help with mental focus so that the time is more effective and at least in my mind, she is getting a little more sleep because she is able to focus more. Plus, she can help her friends get this mental focus and make a bit of spending money. Two wins for a college kid.
Dr. Oz is always promoting omega3's but then realized that many are rancid or poor quality so he arranged for an independent study to find an omega 3 supplement that he could recommend. The research company found they could confidently recommend just two out of the 24 tested. One of those was Advocare Omegaplex. Here is a link to the clip from Dr. Oz's show.
Link to Dr. Oz study results
I could go on forever but the point was just to point out a few things about the company and products we really believe in. Feeling better, having more energy and making a bit of extra money while helping friends look, feel, and perform better is a blessing for us.
Advocare is owned by a family trust and was started by a man named Charlie Ragus. He wanted people to be able to buy the best nutritional supplements possible through a knowledgeable coach who would be a caring advocate for each of their customers. Charlie Ragus assembled the top minds in the medical and scientific world to serve on the Advocare Scientific Medical Board. These experts serve on the board without being employed by Advocare so it is an independent board. The experts on this board are world renowned in their fields and our products have to be world class if these people are going to be associated with it. Learn more about the Sci-Med Board When Charlie Ragus started the company, he had 7 Guiding Principals for the company which are still being used 21 years later. Those of you who know me, will know that I was hooked when I read number one was: Honor God through our faith, family and friends.
One of the main goals of Advocare is to help people look and perform their best and in my opinion, they definitely succeed at that. That is a goal for the Olympic, professional, college, and high school athletes taking the performance products but it's also the goal for my 82 year old father who loves that the arthritic knees and shoulder feel better than they have in years. I love being able to provide a way for my family and friends to feel better. The quality of the products is so high and pure that the athletes can take them without worrying about failing a drug test. One of the US bobsledders who medaled multiple times in 2014 was tested 32 times during the Olympics and never worried about failing because he had complete confidence in his Advocare Supplements. My own athletes are nowhere near qualifying for the Olympics yet I know that the supplements they are taking are manufactured to the highest standards possible and are safe.
My daughter is in the final two weeks of the semester at college. I love that she is drinking Spark and an occasional Slam to help her get everything done. Instead of a bunch of sugar and ridiculous levels of caffeine, she is consuming a normal dose of caffeine, 21 vitamins, and amino acids. These products don't just help her stay awake but help with mental focus so that the time is more effective and at least in my mind, she is getting a little more sleep because she is able to focus more. Plus, she can help her friends get this mental focus and make a bit of spending money. Two wins for a college kid.
Dr. Oz is always promoting omega3's but then realized that many are rancid or poor quality so he arranged for an independent study to find an omega 3 supplement that he could recommend. The research company found they could confidently recommend just two out of the 24 tested. One of those was Advocare Omegaplex. Here is a link to the clip from Dr. Oz's show.
Link to Dr. Oz study results
I could go on forever but the point was just to point out a few things about the company and products we really believe in. Feeling better, having more energy and making a bit of extra money while helping friends look, feel, and perform better is a blessing for us.
Friday, April 4, 2014
The Real Reason
As I write this, my husband and I are at the end of Day 13 of 24 on the Advocare 24 Day Challenge. We are working on improving some habits that aren't as healthy as they should be. We have also refocused our workout routines. I feel better. I have more energy and I have lost over 8 pounds so far. Losing pounds and inches while gaining muscles is really motivating but that isn't the real reason I love Advocare products. I am passionate about Advocare because of a promise I made and I am doing everything I can to keep that promise. Before I get to that promise, I need to explain a couple of things.
First, my family health history is like living in a genetic minefield. A quick overview (not in any particular order) includes heart disease, arthritis, neurological issues, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, thyroid issues, horrendous osteoporosis, kidney disease, cancer, diabetes, vitamin deficiencies.
Second, my mom was an amazing grandma. She absolutely adored her seven grandchildren. I firmly believe that this world would be a completely different place if every child was loved and believed in as much as my kids, nieces and nephew were loved by their grandma. Each of them knew they were special and cherished by her. Regardless of what they were doing, she was their biggest cheerleader. Unfortunately, she had a permanently broken arm and a multitude of other health issues that truly inhibited how much she could do with her grandchildren. So for most of their lives, Grandma was on the sidelines, not actually playing with them. After decades of suffering with unimaginable pain and various ailments, her body gave out at 78 years old.
This where the promise comes in. My youngest son couldn't even remember a time when Grandma could sit on the floor with him and play. He had fond memories of reading or watching TV with Grandma but no memories of playing with her. That made him sad. He asked me to promise to do whatever I could do to stay healthy and active so when he had kids they would have a grandma that could play with them and not just watch them play.
So at that point, I needed to figure out how to keep that promise. Growing up, my family ate healthy. My Dad subscribed to Organic Gardening in the 70's. We grew dozens of vegetables and had numerous fruit trees. We canned and froze fruits and vegetables at their peak nutritional value. We bought freezer meat right from the farmer. Every day the recommended servings of produce was consumed, in addition to multivitamins. Regular exercise was a normal part of life. My parents were strong and ate as healthy as possible and yet their health was not optimal and hadn't been in decades.
Being physically active wasn't a problem, as long as I scheduled my workouts. I love to cook and could shop for great food so eating right wasn't going to be an issue. Exercise combined with eating right hadn't been enough to insure long-term health for my parents so I knew I needed more to keep that promise. But what was that something more? I read and researched and searched for that missing component. I hoped when I found it, I would know.
And once that first 24 Day Challenge was completed, I knew my search was over. I felt amazing with an energy and vitality that was different. I had scoured the internet to find every bit of information I could find on the products and company before allowing my boys to take the supplements, so I knew what I had was different and special. Honestly, with proper exercise and diet, I know that my Advocare wellness supplements will be a big part of avoiding health issues. Unlike my parents or siblings, I am on track to make it out of my forties with no chronic health conditions.
First, my family health history is like living in a genetic minefield. A quick overview (not in any particular order) includes heart disease, arthritis, neurological issues, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, thyroid issues, horrendous osteoporosis, kidney disease, cancer, diabetes, vitamin deficiencies.
Second, my mom was an amazing grandma. She absolutely adored her seven grandchildren. I firmly believe that this world would be a completely different place if every child was loved and believed in as much as my kids, nieces and nephew were loved by their grandma. Each of them knew they were special and cherished by her. Regardless of what they were doing, she was their biggest cheerleader. Unfortunately, she had a permanently broken arm and a multitude of other health issues that truly inhibited how much she could do with her grandchildren. So for most of their lives, Grandma was on the sidelines, not actually playing with them. After decades of suffering with unimaginable pain and various ailments, her body gave out at 78 years old.
This where the promise comes in. My youngest son couldn't even remember a time when Grandma could sit on the floor with him and play. He had fond memories of reading or watching TV with Grandma but no memories of playing with her. That made him sad. He asked me to promise to do whatever I could do to stay healthy and active so when he had kids they would have a grandma that could play with them and not just watch them play.
So at that point, I needed to figure out how to keep that promise. Growing up, my family ate healthy. My Dad subscribed to Organic Gardening in the 70's. We grew dozens of vegetables and had numerous fruit trees. We canned and froze fruits and vegetables at their peak nutritional value. We bought freezer meat right from the farmer. Every day the recommended servings of produce was consumed, in addition to multivitamins. Regular exercise was a normal part of life. My parents were strong and ate as healthy as possible and yet their health was not optimal and hadn't been in decades.
Being physically active wasn't a problem, as long as I scheduled my workouts. I love to cook and could shop for great food so eating right wasn't going to be an issue. Exercise combined with eating right hadn't been enough to insure long-term health for my parents so I knew I needed more to keep that promise. But what was that something more? I read and researched and searched for that missing component. I hoped when I found it, I would know.
And once that first 24 Day Challenge was completed, I knew my search was over. I felt amazing with an energy and vitality that was different. I had scoured the internet to find every bit of information I could find on the products and company before allowing my boys to take the supplements, so I knew what I had was different and special. Honestly, with proper exercise and diet, I know that my Advocare wellness supplements will be a big part of avoiding health issues. Unlike my parents or siblings, I am on track to make it out of my forties with no chronic health conditions.
Tuesday, March 18, 2014
Supplements from Headaches to a Compromise
When Advocare first found us, I was looking for workout supplements for my two teenage sons. At the time they were three sport athletes and spent hours over the summer working out. I am fortunate because I knew what they were using but I didn't like it. Each time my son wanted more supplements, he and I would go to a local retail store and I would get a headache. The sales people that waited on us annoyed me. Mostly because in my pre-mom days I was an athlete and coach and really didn't believe this kid talking to me knew more than I did. And I knew I didn't know much. What I did know was the supplement industry was unregulated and the quality of the product depended on the integrity of the company and people producing both the end product and its ingredients. I couldn't find out enough information to reassure me on any supplements we found in the specialty retail or big box stores.
That summer the boys were training at a nearby facility with some extremely qualified trainers. I was fairly confident in the owner's opinion on supplements. I was confident because I knew, in addition to the local high school & college athletes, he was training professional athletes that were being tested for banned substances on a regular basis. If he was going to recommend supplements, I knew those athletes had to be able to pass a drug test with them. I also knew that my friends, whose children were NCAA athletes, were warned against buying supplements in any of the retail establishments. The fillers and proprietary blends in those products are not required to be on the labels. As a result, the athlete could accidentally consume a banned substance and lose a year of eligibility.
Let me make it clear right now that I was not thinking my high school sons were going to be tested for drugs any time soon. However, if a substance is banned by the NCAA, NFL, MLB, NBA or Olympic committee why on earth would I want my children to consume it?? I worked hard to buy and make food that was as whole as possible with as few added ingredients as possible. The boys were going to take supplements, I accepted that. They, in turn, had to accept that those supplements were going to be the best quality that I could find.
We learned about the products, the scientific medical board, and the company. The hundreds of unpaid endorsers and Drew Breeze. I went home and researched. A LOT. I couldn't find anything I didn't like or trust about Advocare. I did find over 80 products. Obviously, the workout products the boys wanted were there. But there were quality omega 3's, multi-vitamins, energy drinks based on vitamins not caffeine or sugar, and a 24 Day Challenge Bundle. I trusted Advocare. I trusted the company and the products. I trusted the world class doctors and scientists who put their reputations on the line to guide product development. And so my first purchase included pre-workout & post-workout products and then a total splurge for myself a 24 Day Challenge Bundle. That will be another post but know since that day, I've been hooked.
Click here if you're wondering what the scientific medical board is:
Thursday, March 13, 2014
Snow Day
Yesterday we were hit with a crazy winter storm. Heavy rain in the morning that turned to frozen precipitating stuff and then finally all snow. It was a horrible storm that sadly claimed lives. But in my little world it was a gift from God. Why would a winter storm, appropriately named Vulcan, be a gift you ask. My college girl & oldest child is home on break. Technically spring break but that just doesn't seem right. My husband and I both teach high school. And my boys go to the same school where my husband teaches. And all of us were home because of the storm. Nothing in this world makes me as happy as all five of us being together. I had an entire, unscheduled day with all three of my kids & my husband. Gift!
I got to sleep until 7:15 and then went to work. Cleaning, laundry, Advocare: check. Such a feeling of accomplishment to spend some time catching up.
Being in my kitchen with my hubby or one of the kids sitting at the counter while I cook or bake equals happiness for me. I love cooking & baking. And I adore making a meal for my family then sitting and eating and talking and laughing together. I am blessed because this happens in my house. Just not very often with all five of us together. And I do make very healthy meals frequently. However, when God gives me a horrible winter storm and my entire family together I choose to make comfort food. So there was nothing consumed at that table last night that would have been 24 Day Challenge friendly. Our menu: pork roast, garlic mashed potatoes (yes home made with butter and milk), and broccoli in cheese sauce (again home made with butter, milk, and cheddar cheese). Freshly baked shamrock cookies with green icing. And for hubby and I some wine. It was delightful. It was indulgent. It did absolutely nothing to help me reach my health and fitness goals. The odds are highly unlikely of ever having another surprise, unscheduled family day so a culinary splurge was ok. Dinner was great but the talking and laughing was wonderful.
Every choice we make does lead us closer or farther from our goals. This choice definitely took me a little away from some goals but it gave us a wonderful family memory. That's a trade I am willing to make once in a while. And since it was a conscious choice, I refuse to feel any guilt or remorse about it. On normal, regular days, we need to make those memories without as many culinary indulgences so we can be alive and healthy enough to make wonderful family memories for decades to come.
I got to sleep until 7:15 and then went to work. Cleaning, laundry, Advocare: check. Such a feeling of accomplishment to spend some time catching up.
Being in my kitchen with my hubby or one of the kids sitting at the counter while I cook or bake equals happiness for me. I love cooking & baking. And I adore making a meal for my family then sitting and eating and talking and laughing together. I am blessed because this happens in my house. Just not very often with all five of us together. And I do make very healthy meals frequently. However, when God gives me a horrible winter storm and my entire family together I choose to make comfort food. So there was nothing consumed at that table last night that would have been 24 Day Challenge friendly. Our menu: pork roast, garlic mashed potatoes (yes home made with butter and milk), and broccoli in cheese sauce (again home made with butter, milk, and cheddar cheese). Freshly baked shamrock cookies with green icing. And for hubby and I some wine. It was delightful. It was indulgent. It did absolutely nothing to help me reach my health and fitness goals. The odds are highly unlikely of ever having another surprise, unscheduled family day so a culinary splurge was ok. Dinner was great but the talking and laughing was wonderful.
Every choice we make does lead us closer or farther from our goals. This choice definitely took me a little away from some goals but it gave us a wonderful family memory. That's a trade I am willing to make once in a while. And since it was a conscious choice, I refuse to feel any guilt or remorse about it. On normal, regular days, we need to make those memories without as many culinary indulgences so we can be alive and healthy enough to make wonderful family memories for decades to come.
Monday, March 10, 2014
Getting Ready for the Challenge
It's been a tough winter. The weather has been crazy. My Dad has been sick. I have been helping my sister with a pretty major project. My youngest is trying to find enough time to learn to drive around all this snow & ice. My middle child is a senior so looking at colleges. My oldest is away at college. We are implementing new curriculums at work. And my go to comfort still involves consuming calories. So now not only am I busy but now my pants are tight and I'm annoyed.
I will feel and sleep better if I get back to my healthy habits. I have known for years that I deal with life more effectively if I am exercising regularly. And I love the energy I have and how clear I think when I am exercising and eating healthy in addition to taking my Advocare supplements. I need to reclaim my health & fitness goals and the best way I have found is with the Advocare 24 Day Challenge. I know if I commit to this and really rock it, I will be down 10-15 pounds in 3 1/2 weeks!!! I'll lose fat, gain muscle so obviously lose inches.
My husband is joining me on this and I AM PUMPED!! I know we'll reset our metabolisms. We'll get back to our healthier habits. And we are going to feel absolutely amazing.
So what is this 24 Day Challenge? And how is it different from the other things out there?
It's two two separate phases: the cleanse phase and the max phase. Let me explain what each is:
Cleanse Phase-- don't be afraid of this. It's a gentle cleanse that will remove the toxins from your body while you continue to work, workout, go to your kids' events, and keep living your life. The goal is to eat really clean on this phase. You WILL Eat food. Lots of real, whole, yummy food. Like every 3 hours or so. And in a few days in you'll realize that your cravings for the "comfort" foods & beverages have faded.
Max Phase-- now that you've cleaned those toxins out and your digestive track has been cleaned up you are going to continue eating lots of good, healthy, whole food. A bit more variety available than on the cleanse. In addition to the food, you will be treating your body to the best nutritional supplements available. And your body will thank you by reducing inflammation, increasing energy, and all around feeling good.
By the time I finished, I knew I was going to take these products for the rest of my life. Mike & I are going to be starting in a couple of weeks. Who wants to join us? It's amazing but if for some reason you don't think it is (can't imagine that happening) there is a money back guarantee.
Check out our website:www.advocare.com/12085431
for more info or to order your own challenge. I'll be with you every step of the way.
I will feel and sleep better if I get back to my healthy habits. I have known for years that I deal with life more effectively if I am exercising regularly. And I love the energy I have and how clear I think when I am exercising and eating healthy in addition to taking my Advocare supplements. I need to reclaim my health & fitness goals and the best way I have found is with the Advocare 24 Day Challenge. I know if I commit to this and really rock it, I will be down 10-15 pounds in 3 1/2 weeks!!! I'll lose fat, gain muscle so obviously lose inches.
My husband is joining me on this and I AM PUMPED!! I know we'll reset our metabolisms. We'll get back to our healthier habits. And we are going to feel absolutely amazing.
So what is this 24 Day Challenge? And how is it different from the other things out there?
It's two two separate phases: the cleanse phase and the max phase. Let me explain what each is:
Cleanse Phase-- don't be afraid of this. It's a gentle cleanse that will remove the toxins from your body while you continue to work, workout, go to your kids' events, and keep living your life. The goal is to eat really clean on this phase. You WILL Eat food. Lots of real, whole, yummy food. Like every 3 hours or so. And in a few days in you'll realize that your cravings for the "comfort" foods & beverages have faded.
Max Phase-- now that you've cleaned those toxins out and your digestive track has been cleaned up you are going to continue eating lots of good, healthy, whole food. A bit more variety available than on the cleanse. In addition to the food, you will be treating your body to the best nutritional supplements available. And your body will thank you by reducing inflammation, increasing energy, and all around feeling good.
By the time I finished, I knew I was going to take these products for the rest of my life. Mike & I are going to be starting in a couple of weeks. Who wants to join us? It's amazing but if for some reason you don't think it is (can't imagine that happening) there is a money back guarantee.
Check out our website:www.advocare.com/12085431
for more info or to order your own challenge. I'll be with you every step of the way.
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