I've learned....

I've learned that we don't have to change friends if we understand that friends change.

I've learned that no matter how good a friend is, they're going to hurt you every once in a while and you must forgive them for that.

I've learned that true friendship continues to grow, even over the longest distance. The same goes for true love.

I've learned that you can do something in an instant that will give you heartache for life.

I've learned that it's taking me a long time to become the person I want to be.

I've learned that you should always leave loved ones with loving words. It may be the last time you see them.

I've learned that you can keep going long after you can't.

I've learned that we are responsible for what we do, no matter how we feel.

I've learned that either you control your attitude or it controls you.

I've learned that regardless of how hot and steamy a relationship is at first, the passion fades and there had better be something else to take its place.

I've learned that heroes are the people who do what has to be done when it needs to be done, regardless of the consequences.

I've learned that money is a lousy way of keeping score.

I've learned that sometimes when I'm angry I have the right to be angry, but that doesn't give me the right to be cruel.

I've learned that just because someone doesn't love you the way you want them to doesn't mean they don't love you with all they have.

I've learned that maturity has more to do with what types of experiences you've had and what you've learned from them, and less to do with how many years you have lived.

Monday's Macrobiotic Miracle

Monday's Macrobiotic Miracle

Join in Monday at 8pm for a Free Conference Call. You'll be able to hear my full story and ask questions on Macrobiotics. And yes it's FREE. Hope to be speaking with you!

Day 8

I love Dirt Bikes and Beer!

Especially when you mix them together. I don't know, I must be out of my mind. But that was the most exhilarating 2mins dirt bike ride ever!

Trying to hit the sack early tonight as tomorrow there's a 7 mile hike....that's more than 3x longer than the last hike so you can imagine my concern.

Other then that, it's just been another good day. Good food, a little hip hop dance, and some umeboshi kuzu to put me to sleep.

ciao!

Day 7

....and on the 7th day she began to change the way she sees things.

Day 6

The art of sitting still.
Amazing how us New Yorkers, not only have not conquered this skill, I don't think we even knew it existed. Free time was scheduled during the conference today, and I was at a lost. I managed to find a chair out on the porch and just sit..and watch. That must have lasted 5 minutes before I started fidgeting and went to grab a book to read.

Two great lectures today and a slap of reality.
But no worries, because when all else fails, just go jump on a bunch of trampolines for an hour. It will seem like all your worries and troubles just fly into the air with each jump. Look Ma! I'm a big kid again!

I might not want to leave this place. It's like Disney land in the 1800's. You know it's getting bad when the worst part amount using an outhouse is that you have to put shoes on every time you go outside. What has gotten into me? You also know it's bad when you're excited to wear a pretty pink skirt to dance to folk dances which probably are as outdated as they work when they were popular. But wearing the skirt is fun.

Another movie night, another good night. Going to sleep on my floor now. Adios!

Day 5

The stomach bug.

Yes. It's been going around and I caught it.

You know what's really strange...I'm in a log cabin, using an outhouse, surrounded by about 30 people and oddly enough, I felt quite comfortable.

The people here are so wonderful! I've been in good conversations throughout the day. And when the day rains, there really isn't anything much else to do. After sleeping for half the afternoon I felt much better. Everyone's been going through huge adjustments here and when you're given a little TLC and good company you can't get much better than that. You really need to stop to think about what's most important in your life. Is it the new dinning room set? Is it your bedroom set? Is it the marble counter top in your kitchen? Or, indoor plumbing can you say?

Wouldn't you say the most important part of life is being out close net family who love you dearly. Would devote every minute of their day to enjoying each other's company. You can sleep on a futon mattress on the floor, or eat every meal on a 1' high wooden table, or live without carpets or pretty walls. But the one thing you can't live without is love and family and wonderful friends. Ionia, in my eyes is the riches community I've ever come across.

Day 4

So I woke up this morning and felt fantastic. If you really want to know why it was because I finally FINALLY figured out how to use the outhouse. I guess my body just gave in that there wasn't going to be any plumbing anytime soon...so when you gotta go, you gotta go.

Feeling like a whole new person, I was really eager to make the best of out this day as I can. Starting with a little tai chi class, moving on to an awesome stretch. A bit sore of course from the 6 hour hike the day before, but the stretching took care of that problem. I quickly got dress in my country jeans (got them at Old Navy) and went out to see what activities I can get involved in. "Seems like a great day to paint a barn," I thought to myself. Something every true New York does day to day. So I took on the challenge. I think I was quite good at it, being the "experienced" painter I am. Bottom line, I had fun. The day included a lecture from a brillant, almost too brillant, Mark V....and I can't remember the rest of his name. Than, a miracle.... the sun came out!! We spent all afternoon playing Volleyball it was awesome! Haven't felt this young in forever. And the best part was I felt GREAT!

Speaking of great, ever eaten Alaskan fish fresh out of the sea? Amazing! We got to hang out with a bunch of real professional fishermen tonight. Had ourselves a little bonfire. Roasted a little marshmellows (I didn't eat them just watched) and had a jolly time. The life of a fisherman in Alaska....I never could imagine.