I'm among the Elite

I love a bargain, as I may have mentioned a few times on this blog.  One of the things I enjoy doing is shopping a consignment shops.  In particular, I love a local St. Paul consignment shop called Elite Repeat.  


I have only become a fan of the consignment clothes shopping world in the last 4 or 5 years.  It started because I was always hoping to be a size smaller than I am and therefore didn't want to spend a ton of money on clothes.  So I stopped in one day and discovered a great world of beautiful, designer, often brand new clothes at incredible prices.  I have found great bargains in Jones NY, Eileen Fisher, Talbots, Liz Claiborne and Coach designs to name a few.  My friend Diane works at Elite Repeat and always is happy to help me find a piece that will add to my wardrobe or a special event item, particularly helpful for those of us who are fashion challenged.


I also like supporting the "green" initiative of consignment shopping - again, I can find lovely things that someone else doesn't want any more and save both money and the environment.


I'm always thrilled to find great pieces to add to my wardrobe without spending an arm and a leg.  I know that I will want to hit a "real" store when I hit my lifetime goal on Weight Watchers this year, but for now I love being one of the Elite.

Collective Wisdom - To Kindle or not to Kindle?

I love a bookstore.  I had a few minutes between meetings today so I headed into the Border's store in St. Paul.  I could spend hours there just browsing.  I've never been a real shopper, but bookstores are the exception for me.  Perhaps it is from all those years working in my parent's bookstore in Rye, NY, but I have to say it feels like home when I'm in any type of bookstore.


I also love to read and I'm fairly techno-savvy, so I'm considering purchasing a Kindle.  A Kindle is a wireless reading device, sold by Amazon.com.  There are other similar versions out there, but the idea is the same.  One can download an entire book, magazine, newspaper or other media on to the Kindle and only have to carry one device rather than toting a bunch of books along.


I must admit I'm tempted - I like the idea of having all the information in one place and the ability to throw it in my bag and read whatever suits my fancy while I'm traveling or waiting the innumerable hours in between meetings, sporting events etc..  


But, I'm torn - I thoroughly enjoy holding a book, being able to see how many pages I've read, and collecting my favorites on my bookshelf.  I also feel a little guilty potentially being a part of the demise of the independent bookstore. In  addition, I can see the potential for a little "download" problem - I think the books are fairly inexpensive, but I'm sure it can add up fast.


Anyway - what's your opinion?  Are you a traditionalist vehemently opposed to the technology?  Are you a Kindle user and you wouldn't give it up?


Let me know your thoughts - I'd love to hear.

In the Driver's Seat

I drove 2 hours this morning to a meeting in Western MN. I love to drive because it combines a number of my favorite things. 


First, I'm an introvert, so I savor the time in the car by myself.  I usually don't even have the radio on.  Especially living with a bunch of extroverts, the car can be my opportunity to recharge between activities.


Second, I like to think out loud - what better place to do that than in the car.  It's a great time to talk through scenarios and prepare for meetings.


Third, I'm a closet songster. when I do have the radio or CD on, I can be seen, and sometimes heard, singing at the top of my lungs.


I also really enjoy nature - I drove through farms and fields this morning and watched deer, pheasants, hawks and a variety of rodents scurrying around.  


Lastly, I think being in the "driver's seat" fits the rest of my life too.  I like to be in control, and driving gives me that on days when I don't feel like I have it anywhere else.


So I'll enjoy the return trip tomorrow and be rested and ready to re-enter my house when I arrive.

Comfort Food

As this weekend of family, friends, support and grief wound down today, I realized that the term "comfort food" had taken on a new meaning for me.


I've always joked about the importance of comfort food - enjoying favorite and/or traditional foods during times of stress or need. I've certainly done my share of eating a little too much "comfort" even in happy times.


This weekend, however, I experienced the capacity of the food as a part of this process.  Many family members and friends dropped off food at our houses as the Kenney family was caring for Kathy in her final weeks.  Those dishes were both practical and relational.  The food itself was a godsend for those busy days, and the love and support they represented was readily felt in every salad, casserole, ham sandwich and brownie.


Bill and I enjoyed hosting the dinner on Saturday night and I marveled at the way the food connected all the pieces.  From my fabulous friends swooping in to help make enchiladas, to every beautifully prepared dish that arrived to be shared, the "comfort" of the food was fully present.


As I stood back and listened to the house full of talking, laughter and occasional tears, I truly experienced how food can, in fact, provide true comfort.

M. Kathleen

My Mother-in-Law, Kathy Kenney died early this morning after a long and gracious battle with stomach cancer.  Kathy was a kind, spiritual woman who faced her illness in much the same way she lived her life - with humor, faith, patience and compassion.


She will be greatly missed by her wonderful family, colleagues and friends and I know her passing leaves a hole in the lives of her husband, John, children and grandchildren.


I enjoyed talking with Kathy about many things, but in particular we loved comparing notes on the books we read - what we liked and what we couldn't get through (mostly me as I think she finished almost everything she read).  I still have a list of recommendations I'll work my way through this year.


We also shared a love of coffee and I know now that every time I order a Caribou, light roast with a "touch" of cream, I'll remember her.


Rest in Peace, Kathy.  I'll miss you.

Just Don't Stop for Heavens Sake

OK - I started running again today.  Truth be told, I haven't really run since the Triathlon in August.  God it stinks to start over.


I'm doing the couch25K program - beginning with walking a lot and running a little and over time transitioning to all running.  


I'm kicking myself - not literally, as I can't begin to reach that high.  I had a good running schedule going over the summer - I'm really slow, but fairly strong and comfortable when I'm consistent.
Why did I stop? Laziness, the eternal "I'll start tomorrow" thing, life interfering, a million excuses I'm sure.  Anyway I begin again.


I am going to try my hardest, once I build up some endurance to JUST KEEP GOING!  It's got to be easier to move a little on a regular basis than to start all over again.


Feel free to remind me to keep at it - let's see if I can learn from the not-so-distant past.


PS - do you think it's a problem if I'm tired just watching the woman running in the picture?  She's already run way more than I can at the moment - ah well slow and steady right?

Happy New Year

Well it's a new year and a new decade - amazing!  I guess it's time for those pesky new year's resolutions - so here goes.


My plan this year is to  keep the resolutions to a minimum and actually see if I can achieve them. I don't have a great track record in this area, so I'm aiming for improvement. I think a few categories and a goal or two in each should be plenty.  Focus is always a good thing.


The Blog - I plan to write every weekday and once on the weekends, and I'd love increase the number of comments I get so we can share the wisdom


Health/Wellness - I want to complete 3 triathlons this year and reach lifetime status at Weight Watchers


Work - I'd like to continue to grow my business with new work, new clients and have fun


Family - I plan to stop swearing (maybe the hardest one yet) and focus on patience as a parent of teenagers.


World beyond Maggie - Find a volunteer opportunity that fits - so far I've dabbled in a few, but haven't found the one that I feel great about yet.


OK - that's enough I think - I'd love to hear your resolutions - are you doing any?  What fits for you for 2010?