An active vacation, a mountain climb with the sisters…life is good!

I just noticed the drought in blog communication and decided to take a time out to focus on Lori.

I was on vacation this past week and, as a result, the work is piled high.

Plus, I have close friends in town this weekend, a pool party, am behind with friend communication re: birthdays and special occasions. My pay it forward opportunities are piled just as high as the work. The yard work is calling. I have meals to prep for the week. Whew. I am starting to feel the stress of it all. Time to blog.

Writing this blog keeps “me” in the equation when times are stressful. Neglecting it often means letting “me” slip. So when there is a drought in communication, please email and ask what’s up.

An active vacation…a role model

Lots happening of late. The most exciting of which is a great vacation to Bayfield,WI and the Apostle Islands that turned into an active vacation.

Unlike past trips where I was an observer, shopper, and diner, this time I did all of that AND played too. I walked every morning exploring the sites and sounds of the harbor and took my Mom and nephews with me on foot whenever possible. We played on the beaches, swam, biked the Island, sailed, walked, hiked to the sea caves, and walked some more. And it was fun! What a difference 130 lbs makes.

We had a great time and I feel more connected to my nephews because I could get out and play rather than sit on the sidelines. What a gift. I also really realized during this vacation that, indeed, I am a role model for them. And, I am certainly more proud of the role model I have become as an active Auntie than when I sat on the sidelines and cheered. So fun to explore this new role.

Next up – vacation number 3 this year and a “real” mountain climb.

I am sooooooo excited to report that my sorority sisters (among my closest group of college friends) will be joining me for one week in Maine at my friend Anne’s house overlooking Penobscot Bay. This is a group that hasn’t traveled out of the state of MN together since college, and has had a tough time all connecting regularly in MN. Between busy careers, families, kids’ activities, and well, just life, we try to connect but seldom all 8 make it. So this is big.

The occasion is to mark my -100 lb (and I expect my -150 lb) marker on this journey. My friend and professional coach/mentor, Anne, owns a gorgeous house in Maine and has very graciously offered it as my reward for reaching this milestone. (THANK YOU ANNE!) I couldn’t be more thrilled to have my group of eight “lions” – who joined me at Bluefin Bay last November just one week before my live-in FN experience – along for the ride. I am a lucky girl.

The plan is to mark this milestone by climbing a “real,” more challenging mountain in Acadia National Park – and to crack the champagne on the summit. I have two months to train my knees/joints for the climb, and to reach my goal of losing at least another 10-15 lbs. I am in training now with my Twin Cities trainers – Julie and Sandra from Balance for Life – and of course, the Chief – my program director Leif Anderson. If any of you have climbed this mountain and have tips to share, please let me know. I am hoping to do the aggressive climb that includes getting to the peak of Penobscot Mountain and hiking over to Sargent Mountain as well. And hope my team of 8 will all join me.

There will also be some BIG birthday celebrations on this trip, ideally marked with a BIG birthday party on the deck overlooking Penobscot Bay as the sun sets. And did I mention, plenty of lobster and libations?! (Yes, Leif, I will be going “off plan” that week, certainly post mountain climb!) This group of 8 has been friends for nearly 30 years so the trip is without a doubt going to be one we will all remember for a long time to come.

In the meantime, business at Marketing that Matters is great, but balancing it all remains a daily challenge. This is something I seem to be getting better at, though it requires constant focus on the goal. The opportunities for new business are plenty and the MtM team is getting bigger and stronger as a group with each passing day. So exciting!

So, there is much to look forward to as summer winds down and fall approaches. FALL! My all-time favorite time of year and I look forward to MANY more trips up to my beloved North Shore including for a fabulous Unplugged X: the Northern Harvest event in Grand Marais, Bluefin Bay’s Fall Food and Wine Lovers Weekend (hopefully accompanied by my Women in Leadership Group of new friends from last year), and of course, Girls Gone North Weekend at the Bluefin Bay Family of Resorts.

I’ve got nothing but joy and optimism for the future, my new active life, and the tons of fun coming down the pike. Feeling so blessed to be in this place. And yet, still taking it one day at a time.

What’s on your agenda this late summer and fall?

Hugs.
Lori