Mistakes and Change

Over the last week or so I have been watching a lot of sporting events. Not that that is really different than normal but now I have added on the World Cup and the US Open. With the World Cup there are many teams that fell victim to bad calls from the refs. When something is called wrong, you can see the teams are now even more stressed and mentally it is much harder to get back in the game. What would have happened if the calls were made right? Would it bring more fans to the sport? Would it make a difference in peoples lives?

Now heading to the US Open, many times you are planing for yourself. There has been the longest game in history (3 days). What would have happened to John Isner if they would have given his body a full day of much needed rest before his next match? Maybe he would have not gotten creamed. Maybe he would have lost still but don't you think that much like a pitcher in baseball, rest is needed. There have also been many upsets. The Williams sisters are out of the doubles, and #1 Roger Federer literally just got beat by the #12 seed. What a boost this gives #12 Tomas Berdych from Chech Republic!

With all the hype for the big players in whatever sport it may be, change is good. Change brings new and exciting drama to the sport. Change brings new/old talent up for more recognition. Change brings interest and intrigue. If the same team/person were to win each and every year, it would get boring.

The same is said for our own lives. Change is good. Change doesn't have to be big or elaborate. Maybe it is a date night with your honey. A special day with your kids. A change in wardrobe, hair, or shoes. Change could be a different place to eat out this week. Change could be making a phone call instead of sending a text or an email. What if you took that day with your kids and you went to the local food pantry and bagged food? What if the place you went out to eat was donating a percentage of your bill to help the children's hospital? What if the change in your wardrobe meant that while you were getting something new for yourself, you were donating your old stuff to the homeless? What if by calling someone you brightened their day just because they heard your voice and they passed along the happiness to others?

Change is good. We all need change.

Thanks for listening,
Sheryl

Today the US soccer team came back in the 91st minute to win the must win game. Even with the bad call last week and the same bad call today, they still believed. They believed in themselves. They believed in their bodies. They believed in the fight. The fight for a title for the USA. When you think the referees and the world are against you, fight for yourself. Believe in you. Landon Donovan believed and followed through. Keep believing.

Eat out for LESS MONEY!

Want to eat out for less money? Go to www.restaurants.com and you can buy $25 gift certificates for just $2.00. I have used this several times and it saves a ton of money.

Enjoy!
Sheryl

Politeness and Manners

I was out shopping today (which I hate) and I was astonished at the politeness of people in the mall. I was at Macy's for their "One Day" Sale and as usual, it was insane. I shopped for a little bit and went to the fitting rooms. It gets a little tiring walking around and standing with this boot on my leg. Anyway, while waiting in line, I had several women ask me if I would like to sit in a chair and I would still be able to keep my place in line. It was very generous of them but I respectfully declined. I went in to the fitting room, tried on my clothes and proceeded to the nearest register. A worker asked to hold my clothes at the register while I waited in line. It was awfully nice of her. She did not have to do that.

I moved on to the next store. While shopping in the store, it was nothing different than I would experience on a normal day. The associates were polite and helpful but nothing more. And to be honest, nothing more was expected. I finished my purchases and began walking out of the mall, I noticed about half a dozen people just staring at me on my way out to the parking garage. I understand that it isn't everyday you see someone walking around with a bit boot on their leg but still... It isn't nice to stare.

When I entered the parking garage, I went to the elevator. I parked up on the 2nd level. I waited for about 5 minutes for the elevator and it never came. As I was about to gather my bags and head up the 4 flights of stairs, a few girls were coming down. One said to me, "Ma'am," like I am old or something, "I think the elevator is stuck on an upper floor." I thanked her and began heading up the stairs. I had 3 heavy bags full of purchases and my purse (which really should be considered a bag itself). As I rounded the the top of the first flight of stairs a teenage boy and his father were passing me on their way down. The boys were approaching me first. The first passed, the second slowed down, stopped and asked me if I would like some help with my bags. I respectfully declined as I did earlier but I was pleased to see a kid with manners.

So often as children we are taught manners and know when to use them, but choose not too. And as parents we hope that what we instill in our children stays with them and they choose to take what they have learned and use it correctly. Not only was I happy to see a teenager with manners, but I was also proud of his parents for teaching him what is right.

Thanks for listening!
Sheryl

It's not all about you.

Hey everyone! I found a few websites for everyone to look.

www.charityhappenings.org
You can find events to attend in your area to help others. If you have an event that you are hosting and would like to post for others to see, you can post it on there as well.

www.tonic.com
Find programs and people who care about helping others. Share in their stories, be inspired and get ideas on what you can do to help those less fortunate not only around you but far away.

www.citizenyou.org
This site is about how active citizens can bring about social change. Jonathan Tisch wrote a book and is helping to change the world. He is sharing his secrets with us. You can post your story and also find places to volunteer.


It is important to remember that while volunteering makes us feel good, it is not about us. It is about those in need. If you find a cause that is important to you, ask them what they need help with the most.

Thanks for listening!
Sheryl

Struggles

There are so many things in life that we as people (and human beings) struggle with. Many of times we are aware of our struggles. Perhaps we even put our own selves in the situation on purpose. For instance, the bike ride for MS that I did. I on my own, put myself in a struggling situation. I hadn't rode a bike since junior high and then I committed to riding one for 63 miles. With that being said, it was a good struggle.

Other times there are struggles within ourselves. For instance it could be what we want to be when we grow up, how to deal with a loss in our life, or simply a way to get through the day. It is hard to deal with these struggles as there is no cure, there is no remedy and there is no definite end. When times like this arise, I am reminded of a sign that my friend has hanging by her front door. Much like the Footprints poem, remember you are not alone. Her sign reads:

"To get something you never had, you have to do something you never did. When God takes something from your grasp, He is not punishing you, but merely opening your hands to receive something better. The will of God will never take you where the Grace of God will not protect you. Something good will happen to you today."

I hope you have a fantastic day and that you will remember the above quote when you have a struggle of any kind.

Thanks for listening,
Sheryl

MS Bike Ride

Hello all! It has been quite some time since I have last been on here. The time came closer and closer to the bike ride for Multiple Sclerosis and I found myself consumed. I was on the bike 6 days a week and my last ride ended up being 44 miles. The thing is, is that the path that I have been riding for the 6 weeks prior to the ride is only 7 miles in length. So to ride it back and forth for hours can get pretty mundaine.

As I prepared for my ride, I was also planning travel, working, and continuing to fundraise for MS. We left and were off to the Martha's Vineyard. The weather was fantastic! Apparently the last 3 or 4 years it was just cold. People were wearing earmuff and gloves. This year it was upper 70's and sunny. I told everyone that I packed the sun in my suitcase and brought it with me from Atlanta. I actually have suntan lines on my legs from my bike shorts.

There are a lot of hills in Martha's Vineyard. I had no idea! The first 23 miles were nothing but hills but after that, it was a slight incline and riding along the coastline. Just beautiful! I finished in just under 6 hours with 3 water breaks and a 20 minute lunch break. 6 hours was my goal so I am very pleased with myself.

All in all I raised nearly $2,500 for MS and had the experience of a lifetime! I was able to ride for those who can't. I was able to ride for those who some can't even walk. I was able to raise money from family and friends to help find a cure for MS.

Thank you all who donated and supported me throughout the journey.