Update

Wow its been a while since I've logged onto my blog but here is my update.

Risk management class is going well, I actually enjoy it alot more than the introductory class to project management. I'm learning alot about what can be applied to daily risks as well as how to mitigate risk.

I still haven't signed up for bike lessons, I'm not sure if I want to take that risk of gambling life after this class, but its still on the table.

Personal training has kind of left the table as I'm trying to focus more on project management since I wont be taking a year off from working anymore and will actually be starting work in August. I guess you can always make plans in life, but they will always be altered as you go - not necessarily in a bad way or good way... its just life.

- 265 days to go

Smiling

Completed class 1 in project management and received an A!

Begin work August 2, 2010!

Relationship is going strong!

I don't know what more I can ask for now. Things seem to be on the bright side but I still must not lose focus on my goals.

My arm is healing and physical therapy has become once a week until I get full motion back. I see the doctor next Tuesday for hopefully, the final follow up.

CPR class will be taken soon, and becoming a personal trainer requires $500 of materials to study. Hm...

- 288 days to go

Why can't life just be simple and carefree? Maybe I think too much and need to be more proactive with my train of thoughts...

The business plan is being postponed because my partner and I have a slightly different vision from visioned.

My car is doing great, I'm getting the hang of it, but canyon driving is a whole different story.. do I have what it takes to practice?

Project management seems like the only thing that is moving forward although I need to be more attentive to absorb the new information and skills.

Bike lessons is still out of the picture until my arm is fully healed.

Along with all this mess being broke and useless isn't helping much either. How do I keep myself from feeling so low? I also noticed a few new wrinkles and poor skin... am I going through a crisis?

- 306 Days To Go

Too Much?

It wasn't until today I was sort of shook by how things have crept up on me. I've been living in the slow lane for the past two months and it feels like the World's turned upside down as I'm trying to adjust my daily activities. These activities are to help me bring me one step closer to my goals, but why do they feel so far away? Should I be making smaller goals instead of these big ones, or should I - just do it.

Project Management class feels like a bore, I feel like I need to get my hands on it in order to fully understand all the new terminology I'm learning.

I went to the orthopedic today and good news! The X-ray actually showed signs of bone growth. *whew* Although it will be another 5 weeks before my next visit, I am able to push my arm a lot more, and I'm more motivated than ever to spend more time each day stretching it.

I need to learn how to simplify and not think too far ahead, so I must keep telling myself, baby steps Grace, baby steps.

Patience....

Focus...

Just Do It!

- 314 days to go

If the Winds Change, Adjust Your Sails!

Starting off with my arm, It's still very limited and for some reason I feel the healing process is procrastinated because I am not motivated in working on it outside of therapy sessions. I need to overcome the prolonged pain.

Fourth week into class, I hope some of this information will stick with me. I try to keep reading every day so it will stick. C'mon brain, use some brain cells!

My car is doing better, I'm getting more use to driving manual and having fun at the same time. I hope it all pays off when my arm heals and I can test my limits on it. Or I can just go go karting and figure it out first =)

I looked up CPR/AED classes to get certified. At Red Cross they offer a 5 hour class in receiving it. It will be valid for one year and I'll need to get it before I can begin personal trainer lessons. So that is my next appointment on my agenda once my arm is well. Here I come!

- 322 Days to Go

Blues

Yesterday I encountered one of those days where you just feel under the weather. Literally, it was pouring out when I began to recap on my day, how things are going.

Studying is alot harder then I remembered. Its hard to stay focused and keep learning. I walked into 24 hour fitness and their motto was "Challenge yourself everyday to keep improving." I took it to heart with everything and sat on a bike machine for a full hour while reading. It was tough but felt great after completing.

Same goes with driving. I went up to the canyons and just drove. It really did feel good. I see myself improving everyday.

I need to keep in mind, everything takes time. Don't leap forward too fast, and stick with baby steps.

- 332 days to go

Planning

Since the start of this blog. I had three goals.
1. To get certified as a Project Manager
2. To get my bike license
3. To get certified as a Kickboxing instructor

These three goals have some how manipulated into more complex goals and I'm trying to keep them simple.

1. Taking classes and reading is one thing, but I need to find some way to apply the concept and skills. I want to somehow network into the sporting industry and work in a company I'll appreciate and love.

2. Biking classes can't start until my arm is completely healed. With this at stalemate, practicing manual has taken its place for now. Rev matching is definitely my challenge.

3. Looking into the industry and my wide range of advantages, I'm changing kickboxing to being a certified personal trainer instead. This way I can help people on a one to one basis to reach their goals and bodies they want. But first I need to reach my own goal.

Simple still right? Lets keep it at this for now and hopefully there will be more progress in the next few weeks.

- 335 days to go

Recap

I was anxious to see my X-ray during my orthopedic visit on Tuesday. Although the X-ray showed the fracture still there, it was good to hear the doctor say that I am on the right track to recovery and assigned physical therapy to start deep tissue massages. I still can't lift anything heavier than 5lbs 'nor can I run. But knowing that I'm almost there, makes me work harder on reviving my arm.

In class we're learning about scope and project management charters. My group is fun and consist of a wide range of individuals from large corporations like Kaiser to a small self employed construction company. I learn alot from them as I do in class. Hopefully, I can apply their knowledge and skills into my own life and obtain those skills.

Manual is getting easier everyday. I'm not as nervous at traffic lights and rev matching is just around the corner, I just need more practice.

I've also started my weight watch and walking routine that requires me to walk as much as I possibly can. Two and a half hour was where I maxed out at and felt completely sore and exhausted after. I can't believe walking can be such a challenge! But I'm staying focused to regain my endurance so I can begin doing more with my body.

The most relaxing thing I've done was enjoy a $15 foot massage, where I asked them to focus more on my left arm, and dub oh dub (wow) it felt amazing. I can't wait for more!

- 338 days to go

Staying Above

Day two of my walk-a-thon and I feel great. Two hours a day makes me feel 10x's better mentally and physically. Although my legs are extremely sore from being out of shape, but one step at a time. I'm also looking forward to step foot back into the gym, as well as do some bikram yoga to help release the muscles around my left arm.

Driving manual gets easier by the day. Babe taught me how to rev match yesterday so I've been practicing on that. Hopefully I'll get it down soon. Driving now a days feels like a challenge and a test. Weird how something so simple can be so complex - I feel alive.

I've also been reading my PM books and tomorrow will be the second class meet. Focus Grace, its a lot of reading, but focus.

- 341 days to go

Life Guard!

It's been a while since I've updated my blog and I do feel guilty for not keeping posted. Physical therapy is going well, I've improved my range of motion, but still have no strength in the arm. My therapist recommends that I don't do any running until after I get my new X-rays in next Tuesday. Can you believe three weeks flew by like that.

I started class last Tuesday. It was quite a refreshing awe to sit in a classroom again for three hours. However, the students are all working professionals in the project management field, most look like their late 20's to mid 30's. I think me and two others are the youngest in the 30 student classroom. We had some in class group discussion time where I got acquainted with six other classmates exchanging backgrounds and experiences. It was good.

I'm learning to drive my new manual. It's a lot of fun and my man does a good job keeping me thorough and accurate on driving.

Well, I'm anxious to see what my bone looks like now after three weeks. Hopefully it's healed so I can really start pushing to regain my motion and strength.

- 342 days to go

Feeling Sore

My arm is far from recovery and I only really accepted that fact today at physical therapy. All I can say is, "ouch." I need to really focus more on moving my damn arm so I can get on with my life.

Some other things I've been procrastinating on is filing my tax return, cracking open my PM book, and registering for my classes at IVC. Okay Grace, time to refocus here...

Tomorrow I plan to
1. file my taxes
2. hit the gym
3. physical therapy
4. one chapter in my PM book

Will I succeed?

- 353 days to go

Marinating

Spending my quarter century birthday handicapped wasn't as horrible as I'd imagined. This weekend actually turned out to be quite healthy and fresh. It was also the first year in many years that I did not plan a birthday party and kind of went where the winds took me.

I spent a lovely afternoon with my boy's family at El Torito Grill where I enjoyed some California sun and the santa ana winds on the scenic balcony. Food was delicious and it had been a while since I've eaten so much, food coma kicked in. I later pampered myself getting a pedicure and dozing into a coma. Later I attended my friends' BBQ where I spent the rest of my birthday. It was great. Seeing things from a different perspective really has made me a happier person.

I have not forgotten about my goals though. 45 days after my injury, my arm is slowly healing as I try to push it just a little more each day, we'll see what the therapist has to say on Wednesday. I've received my textbooks for class that starts next week so I aim to throw myself into a library to do some quick reading through the introductory chapters.

I am excited for what lies ahead... all I need to do is implement and follow through my plans.

- 355 days to go

Soaking

Injury. Imagine a really bad bruise, now imagine it all over your left arm. That's what this feels like and technically there are green bruises around the fracture site. Any light pressure against it aches. Even just lying in bed. Physical therapy went well today. I learned a few exercises to get me back on the right path to recovery. My arm has also been shedding dead skin for two days, no matter how much I exfoliate, it keeps shedding. The doctor also recommends me not to drive still, but perhaps in another week, I can start driving myself short distances. After full recovery, I can begin training in kick boxing and get certified.

Friends. Those who truly care, have been there for me and that, I can appreciate. I will definitely take the time when I'm fully recovered to pay my appreciation. Thank you for supporting me through this.

Love. I realize you cannot choose the one you love, love chooses you. I hope the steps I am taking to strengthen my relationship will be a success. It will definitely be something I will cherish for a life time.

School. In another week and a half I will begin my first class. I hope to network with classmates who are either in the field or have interest in PM like myself.


- 358 days to go

Paddling

The past two days has been very productive. Not only was the doctor able to take off my sweat stenched splint, but I've also started purchasing books for class. I'm looking forward in receiving materials early so I can get a head start in reading.

I also start physical therapy tomorrow. Although the bone is not completely healed, the doctor strongly suggests I start moving my arm before it permanently freezes. The pain is indescribable, if not equivalent to the initial break. Just straightening my elbow is such a challenge.

I took my first fully submerged bath in five weeks. It was amazing. I also slept lying down for a full night. The arm was extraordinarily sore because every position it rested in felt bruised and ached. I'm still not recommended to drive for another three weeks.

Have I been making progress? I sure hope so.

- 360 days to go

In The Water

In the past three days I've spent with family, friends, and my love. I try to keep a positive attitude. When I catch myself thinking negatively I become quickly alert and repeat in my head "think positive, think positive, smile." Life is so much easier when you don't drill yourself into dark deep holes.

Project management introductory class begins 4.6.2010 in which I am registered. I must mentally plan to stay focused during each three hour session. Don't lose focus Grace...

For becoming certified as a kickboxing instructor, there is a group called Aerobics and Fitness Association of America http://www.afaa.com/ who have events called APEX. When my arm is stronger, that is when I will sign up to fulfill one of my goals.

For bike lessons Mt. Sac has classes given quite frequently. This will have to wait like kickboxing until my arm is stronger.

So there, I have my goals planned out, the challenge now is patience and balance. Taking baby steps to heal these fractures, one step at a time. Patience, to maintain calm, relaxed and healthy. Balance, to have a good amount of everything and don't over indulge in one thing.

I will have a doctor's visit tomorrow and I hope the x-rays will show some callus growth.

- 362 days to go

Capsizing

Its day 36 and I'm still in a splint for a fractured proximal humerus. During the past month, my entire life as I knew it was capsized and put to a stalemate. Not only did I fracture my bone, I fractured my relationship, my job, my friends and my family.

The love of my life and I are looking to grow strong as a couple. My love for him is indescribable, I really hope he can see that I truly love him.

I quit my job to open up room for new career opportunities. I'm moving home so I am not distracted from daily time killer activities, and instead use the time to improve myself and be productive. I start classes for project management 4.6.10 at UCI extension. I'm looking to complete it and get certified.

As a hobby, I'm also looking to get certified as a kick boxing instructor. Yes, I am a very active person and should make something of this natural talent and passion.

Aside from 7 years of snowboarding, another extreme sport I look forward to is getting my bike license this summer.

With my quarter century old crisis just next week, I've created this blog for the next 365 days to see if I can turn my boat around and sail in a better direction in life. In 365 days, I would like to get two certifications, bike license, experience in the PM, and hopefully hired and a working professional. By being a stronger individual, I hope my strength will rub off on others.


This is where my new life journey begins.

- 365 days