Your Big Yellow Bus
The big yellow school bus is coming down my road again. The neighborhood kids seem happy. The dogs are not. The kids are no longer around during the day and Jersey is going to drop a little weight without all the treats they have been bringing her this summer. I must admit that when I see the bus, I feel sorry for those poor suckers.
And I express my gratitude that I'm no longer going back to school this time of year. But I am noticing that September stirs in me the urge to learn and do something new. How long do we have to be out of school before we lose the September urge? How long does it take, how many generations must pass, before we lose our agrarian urge to harvest in the fall?As soon as the days get noticeably shorter, as soon as the nights are a little crisper, and as soon as the big yellow school bus starts appearing in the morning, I get energized to learn. I could tell it was starting last week when I bought a new hiking skirt and a batch of socks. They are soft, fluffy chenille socks.
They're perfect for fall weather and sticking my feet into them makes me feel oh so very good. The urge to write is stronger too. I've got more newsletter ideas than I can hold in my little brain so I picked up a batch of 25 yellow legal pads and more pencil lead just for the occasion. And read. Yesterday I went to Amazon.com and ordered ALL the books I've had on my wish list for some time.
And I've bought some new PDF software that I'm now learning as I play with some new coaching offerings. You'd think I was getting ready for school myself. New clothes, new software to learn, new books to read and a writing frenzy. Yup, as much as I think I've graduated, the back-to-school syndrome seems to be ingrained in me. I know it's not just me.
My coaching practice always picks up this time of year with new clients wanting to make big changes. I think we're all ready to learn a little something new about ourselves.So as 2003 begins to wane, take on some new environments, meet new people, and learn something new while wearing something new.Between now and winter break, your assignment is to surrender control rather than seize it. Learning is never about taking control, but about letting go and trusting. Since the big yellow bus was a place where we could all go internal, especially on the morning ride when we were not quite awake, put yourself on that bus now. You're in 3rd or 4th grade and on your way to school.
You didn't ride the bus to school? That's okay. You can play too. If Mom or Dad drove you, put yourself in the family car. If you walked, imagine yourself on the path. Ask yourself these questions:What is the one thing I've been dreaming about since those bus rides of my childhood; the thing I've always wanted to do but have not done yet? Don't know what that is? Ask a close friend or family member.
Ask the person who sat next to you on the bus. They'll be all to willing to tell you what you've been saying for years you've wanted to do.What's the one thing I loved doing as a child?the thing I wish I were doing instead of riding this bus?that I have stopped doing as an adult? If these take some learning, then get the book or sign up for the class. If they mean buying some supplies, new clothes or gear, get them. Now get on your own Big Yellow Bus and take the ride!.
Deb Martin is a Transition Coach, coaching individuals to simplify life and business transitions by seeing their brilliance and honing that brilliance. Subscribe to her free e-newsletter, PORTAGE, for insights designed to help you feel and act differently in order to attract what you want, naturally. Please visit her web site at: http://www.portagecoach.com to subscribe.deb@portagecoach.comWhat to Look For When Buying Athletic Shoes
You've finally had to throw out those cross-trainers.
They've been your companions through miles of workouts and it breaks your heart to have to dump them.
It's been so long since you've had to purchase a new pair, you don't know where to begin.
Here's a short guide to help you decide which pair to buy next.When shopping for athletic shoes, you should already know what sport you will be using them for.
Will you be using them to train for a marathon, or will you wearing them to basketball practice?
Running shoes are designed differently than, say, tennis or cross-training shoes, and choosing the right shoe can help your performance and help you to avoid injuries.
Athletic shoes fall into different categories.
For example, there are sneakers which are appropriate for running on a track or road, and they are those models which are designed to give you traction when trail running.
Likewise, tennis shoes are designed to...
Socks > What to Look For When Buying Athletic Shoes
Seniors and Athletes Seek Natural Products to Stay in Top Shape - Herbs and Enzymes Offer New Solutions in Skin and Foot Care
(ContentDesk) May 16, 2006 -- The grocery chain, Whole Foods, is booming thanks to the increase in the popularity of natural food products.
Even Wal-Mart is shifting its produce mix to include organically grown items.
Skin care products have turned to shea butter, aloe vera and minerals, such as MSM, normally found in supplements, to appeal to seniors and fitness buffs.The foot care industry is not far behind.
Foot calluses and rough, cracked heels are among the most common problems, especially for older individuals or those with very active lifestyles.
Runners, walkers, tennis players and other athletes are particularly prone to developing calluses and other minor foot problems such as yellow, discolored toenails.
C. J. Buck, MIA of Xenna Corporation (www.xenna.com ), which distributes CalleX? Callus Ointment says, "There's an increased tendency to develop unattractive dry, cracked soles and...
Seniors and Athletes Seek Natural Products to Stay in Top Shape - Herbs and Enzymes Offer New Solutions in Skin and Foot Care
Socks > Seniors and Athletes Seek Natural Products to Stay in Top Shape - Herbs and Enzymes Offer New Solutions in Skin and Foot Care
How To Cut Your eBay Fees By More Than 90%
Now, are you ready for the REAL TRUTH about selling on eBay? It's simple; don't list too many items for sale using their auction format. Instead, set up one of their stores. The cost starts at just $15.95 per month. Why is this a good idea? Let's do the math: If you list an item for sale using the auction format, the cost is anywhere from $.35 on up to several dollars PER AUCTION. What's worse is that the auctions are only good for 3, 5, 7, or 10 days.
BETTER WAY: Sell the item in your eBay store. The listing price is just 2 or 3 cents per item...and get this...They're good for a FULL 30 days! For example, I recently sold a $500 item that I listed in my eBay store. The listing cost me a whopping 3 cents! The same item, if I'd sold it using the auction format, would have cost me several dollars! Using eBay's Auction format to list 500 items at a minimum of $.35 each = $175.00 (and these are only good for 7 days each so you'd have to list them 4 times each per month) $175 x 4 =...
How To Cut Your eBay Fees By More Than 90%
Socks > How To Cut Your eBay Fees By More Than 90%
When Should Your Baby Wear Shoes?
There is actually a bit of controversy about this question. Some pediatricians recommend that your baby not wear shoes until at least 15 months of age. Others feel that a child should start to wear shoes as soon as they're walking. However, you have to consider where your baby is walking. If they are cruising around your own home, then there is usually no need for shoes.
But what about outdoors? Obviously you wouldn't want your child running around barefoot on cement or in the dirt. Babies should be wearing a firm shoe in this case to prevent injuries (and dirty socks). Shoes are also protection from sunburn, cold weather, scratches and bumps. Just make sure that when your baby has the opportunity to go barefoot, let them. And don't keep shoes on for too long at a time.If you do purchase outdoor shoes for your baby, make sure they fit properly.
Their tiny toes should not be cramped. Also, make sure they are flexible enough that their feet can still wiggle in them. Mothers...
When Should Your Baby Wear Shoes?
Socks > When Should Your Baby Wear Shoes?