Go Team!!!

This season is the season of giving and it's not even Christmas yet. I've decided to join Leukemia and Lymphoma Society's Team in Training (TnT). The Leukemia and Lymphoma Society (LLS) provided us an opportunity to train for a marathon or half-marathon. They also have other programs such as a triathlon and the century ride. All of which are endurance activities.

I have personally committed to fundraise $3250 this season towards Leukemia and Lymphoma Society. It's a very high commitment to make in such an economy. However after finding out that the society have funded research for Gleevec, a cancer medication, it became personal. I have also discovered numerous personal contacts that also have to go through cancer treatments. In my line of work, I've spoken to patients that has to go through different kinds of conditions from cancer to multiple sclerosis to rheumatoid arthritis. My heart reaches out to my patients that have to suffer through their condition. Knowing how much money it takes to stay on therapy and be able to afford the maintenance medications each month, raising my commitment amount seems menial.

As an alumni to TnT, I can't say that this is my very first marathon. I have also trained and completed my first marathon back in January 2007 for the Disney Marathon. To this day, it is still a challenge to be doing an endurance run since my body is adept at doing short distances. I believe that with the right training, I should be able to complete it. I've done it before so it shouldn't be a doubt now. The biggest challenge is the fact that this season's marathon is going to be held in San Francisco, California. The course would encompass the famous hills. And I live here in Florida - known for being flat. Coach indicated that we would be running a lot in Clermont. With that in mind, keeping up with the 6-days a week training becomes essential.

I'm open-minded to a lot of suggestions regarding fundraising and training. I've been getting a lot of advice regarding modifying my diet and taking supplements. To my dismay, I have to figure out everything I'm eating and putting them into categories so I can find out what nutrition I'm lacking. I'm sure it's not all that bad once I get going. The only problem is I love to eat so I'll be stuffing it in before trying to analyze how much protein or complex carbohydrates I've just eaten.

I wish to be able to brainstorm regarding fundraising with someone. I'm trying to fill in the how to be able to reach my fundraising goal at the moment. Possibly raffle off a trip? Or sell something else? This calls for a plan of action.

Provided that training with TnT requires mental and physical challenges, it's been an interesting journey for far. And the season has just started.

"Accept the challenges so that you may feel the exhilaration of victory." - General George S. Patton

If you'd like to help and donate to Leukemia and Lymphoma Society, please stop by my site -> Jan's Team In Training Page

Five Ways To Be Happier Today

I came across this blog today, Five Ways to Be Happier Today. Just brought in some interesting food-for-thoughts. Come check it out. I'm thinking of making a gratitude journal and see what a difference that makes.

39 Pounds of Love

What an inspiring movie!!! 39 Pounds of Love is a movie about a 34 year old man named Ami whose mom was told that he only has 6 years to live when he was 1 and no more. And here he is, at 34 years old, fulfilling his dreams. A must-watch movie especially when things look bleak and need some uplifting messages of living life to the fullest and loving love.

Ami is now in my book of a really great role model who shows that you can do whatever you want in life just as long as you put your mind into it, never give up, and keep going. During the movie, I felt guilty since here I am, a healthy woman, who at times felt that all hope has gone and living life is too hard, thought the way I do when times get tough. But I believe that people like Ami is around to show everyone that even times get tough, there's still love and life is full of adventure.

Really inspiring and motivating. I'm glad I came across this movie.

Link to the movie: 30 Pounds of Love

The Mirror Has Two Faces

This movies is utterly moving. Barbara Streisand and Jeff Bridges have done a terrific job. This movie is about two professors who were fed up with love. Shy, plain English professor, Rose Morgan, met Mathematics professor, Gregory Larkin, after Rose's sister's intervention. Gregory has a theory that sex complicates the relationship between a man and woman. Therefore, is looking for a relationship that is platonic and completely intellectual. However, theories don't always apply to emotions and different feelings arises.

In a way, I'm jealous of Rose because she speaks her mind and have intellectual conversations with someone. I can sympathize regarding not feeling very beautiful and yet to find out that it's confidence that makes someone shine. Like Rose, I yearn to find someone who just "gets me".

I find Gregory's perplexing theory quite interesting about platonic relationships. Indeed humans need companionship and friendships tend to last longer than most relationships. However, without passion, it does tend to get stale. I feel that both worlds must be fused together and have a delicate balance to keep someone fulfilled.

Rose's words, "Why do we chase after love even if it has a short shelf life? Because it feels fucking great".

This movie is great to watch especially if you want to fall in love all over again. Can't truly categorize it as a "chick flick" because there's more meaning to it than the superficiality of the label. At the same time, it does have a Cinderella feeling to it. And who wouldn't want to meet their Prince Charming?

Writer's Workshop: Inspired Image

Writer's Workshop: “What images inspire you immediately? Open a magazine and create a piece of writing (poem, story, essay) about the first image that captures your imagination.”

I don't own too many magazines so I'm taking the stab on this the best I can... This image comes from my Dive Training magazine, a beach in Maui filled with black sands.

The roar of the waves
Crashing against the rocks
White foam reach out
Towards the black sand
A slight breeze brushed
The tops of the trees
Creating a certain lull
In the start of the day

The warmth of the sun
The blue, cloudless sky
Splash of the cool water
Mezmerizing, Tantalizing
The senses to seek ways
To enjoy the outdoors
Such a beautiful day -
A sin to stay indoors

Surfing, Snorkling
Wakeboarding, Kayaking
Fishing, Swimming
Jetskiing, Diving,
Sailing, Sunbathing
So much to do -
So little time
What to do first?

The sun have finally
Fallen behind the mountains
The twinkling stars
And bright round moon
Spread across the sky
After the excitement
Of the day have gone
It's time to say goodnight.

Home - “The ache for home lives in all of us, the safe place where we can go as we are and not be questioned” ~ Maya Angelou

From the Writer's Workshop, I chose to write about “The ache for home lives in all of us, the safe place where we can go as we are and not be questioned” ~ Maya Angelou.

The words of Maya Angelou strike a note inside me. From my past, I have felt that I've never truly been able to "go home". Home is more than just a place to live in. Home is a safe haven where the troubles of the world vanishes and fills one's soul with motivation, dreams, and inspiration.

For years, I have yearned to be loved for who I am and wished that I can voice my thoughts and opinions without being stomped on. I have dreamed about being able to share my dreams without being criticized about being far-fetched or ungrounded. I wanted to be inspired and motivated that I can fulfill my life's purpose and use my talents to help another individual. I needed security that I will always be loved despite my flaws, forgiven for my faults, and celebrate over everything that I have done right.

I have been achingly jealous of lots of family movies that always ended in happy endings. Where the family would gather together for a nice, warm meal and share the day's ordeals. Where you always know that once you're home, you receive warm big hugs, laughter, and kisses. Where you can enjoy each other's company by using a little creativity. Or share each other's thoughts about philosophies, history, and art. Where you get together during holidays and recount on wonderful memories.

It's funny how out of all what I want to do/be in my life, this is what I feeling I wanted the most... be able to be "at home".

Oh I wish I may I wish I might... this wish of coming home tonight.

Sacrifice for Lent: Facebook and Myspace

I can't say that I'm a devout follower of the Catholic church. Nor do I agree with all of the teachings of the church but that to me is a personal preference and choice. But when I went to church last Sunday with a friend and noted that Lent's coming up, it got me thinking about partaking in it this year.

After some thinking and meditation, I figured to just sacrifice using social networking websites for 40 days. To some, it's not big deal. But for a social butterfly like myself, it is a big deal. It doesn't help that I have just taken up on an interest in finding more about my family and reconnecting w/ family members through Facebook. So, I really can't wait for Easter to come around.

I have spent so much time just chatting w/ friends or finding out who's who and what's what in the sites. Needless to say, I have also wasted countless hours on the apps although they did provide temporary amusement until I get bored and want to move on to something else.

With all of the time I've used in these networking sites, I hope to develop a new habit of reassigning them to better opportunities such as retouching up on my marketing skills and just finishing up my pharm tech certification. Or work on my community service. Or finally spend a lot of much-needed time in the library.

Aside from reaping the benefits of creating new habits, I suppose I'm just taking the time to prove to myself again that I can do anything that I put my mind into. Not a bad idea right?

So, when is Easter coming again? How long do I have to wait?