In the summer of 2008, my dad passed away after a 4.5 year battle with cancer. He was the most amazing man, and I continue to miss him every day. I feel his influence in everything I do – particularly over these past few months as I have made a commitment to live in a more healthy manner.
Dad was a lover of food. His mom (my grandmother) made a carrot cake you’d step over your own mother to get to. It was tradition to eat “Hot Choc” (chocolate gravy) and biscuits the morning after Thanksgiving… the more you could stuff in your belly, the better. Miraculously, no one in my family was/is obese… but Dad realized he could stand to loose a few.
As with anything else in his life, Dad set his mind to becoming more healthy and achieved his goal. He cut out the “bad” carbs and sugars (no more eating Cool-Whip directly from the container) and began exercising regularly.
One of Dad’s favorite sayings:
You can do anything you want to if you want to badly enough.
Dad, still smiling!
Dad lost a lot of weight and kept it off for years. When I don’t want to get off my butt and exercise, I am inspired by the fact that even when he was sick and in Houston for treatments, he could be found on the treadmill, walking to keep his strength up.
Dad’s girls with the Rambiln’ Wreck
Dad was also a Georgia Tech grad, and I’m glad he at least knew that I was in the MBA program there. Sadly, when I graduated he wasn’t here to see it.
With my uncle, also a Techie
Graduation day was a little easier with Dad’s college roommate and best friend, Randy, there cheering me on. Randy presented me with a card at dinner, full of congratulations and advice.
The family, Me, and Randy at graduation
One thing he encouraged me to do was to write down goals. He said I’d be surprised how many of them I would accomplish by doing this, even if I never looked at the list again. Of course, I put the card aside and got caught up in the working world once again. When I bought my condo I ran across his card and decided to take his advice (better late than never, right?).
Wonder of all wonders, he was correct. I documented 6 month, 1 year, 5 year and 10 year goals. 6 months later, I’d accomplished all but one of my shortest term goals.
Amazing how that works. 🙂
So, with my dad’s strength and determination at my back and Randy’s advice on my mind, I am documenting my 2011 Goals here.
1. Run (another) 1/2 Marathon
After the Gobble Jog in my Half shirt
I did it in 2009 and swore I never would again. It took me a while, but I am ready for #2. The one I have my eye one is the Publix Georgia Half Marathon (formerly known as the ING).
2. Work on my fitness
This goal is two fold…
2a. Continue to be more responsible with how I fuel my body
I developed some pretty unhealthy habits over the past couple of years. Since cutting out/reducing my intake of processed foods, desserts, alcohol, and red meat, I have felt SO much better. My goal is to continue on this path, and continue to improve in the area of moderation.
2b. Build more muscle
I’m a beast
Overall I’d like to be more toned. And I want a 6-pack. I know it isn’t feasible to keep it forever, but I want it even if it is for 5 minutes.
3. Develop more original recipes
Plotting dinner
This is both a blogging and personal development goal. I love to cook/bake/create. In 2011, I’d like to learn more about flavor combinations and the “science” behind baking.
4. Surround myself with good people
I’m busy. Really busy. Time is precious – too precious to spend it on people who drag you down. In the past I have made the mistake of spending time with people who negative and hinder personal growth. This year I want to spend my time with friends who are positive, healthy, and fun.
The best of friends
5. Advance at work
I’ve been in my new job for almost 6 months. Don’t get me wrong – there is still lots to learn. But I’m ready to step it up more. I’d love to begin developing a solid niche and build my reputation in my company.
Cheers to my dad, to achieving goals, and to a fantastic 2011!
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What are you looking forward to accomplishing in 2011?
What an amazing and powerful post! Your father was such a wonderful husband, father and friend. We miss him, too. He was, and is, so proud of you. You couldn’t ask for a better guardian angel!
You’re too sweet! He was a pretty incredible guy (and I know an awesome guardian angel!).
Where do I begin, this was an amazing tribute to your Father and the importance of “Family and Friends. I’ve watched you grow over the past two and a half years and you would make your Dad so very proud and you’re living what he stressed, “Make Yourself Proud”.
Your goal of living in a healthier manner is a great New Years Resolution. a wonderful tribute to your Dad and a goal that will also “Make Yourself Proud!
I want to join you on this New Years Resolution, Just like you joined me on the purification program! We did it and we see through your Father that its a good thing to set goals and writing them down is very important!
And I can’t go without saying that I know i made Christmas difficult with my “Surgery gone bad episode” You were there for me and your sisters and your cooking skills (that i never dreamed you would be interested in) came in handy! Now look at you, you are so into cooking and have your own “Food Blog”! I can’t imagine going through that time and you girls not knowing how to cook! Lots of frozen and Take Outs! Ha!
I love you and I’m with you and behind you on your New Years Resolution! You Can Do It, because you have your goals set!
Muh Fuh Ugh! Cheers!
Mom
Thanks, Mom! You are BOTH great influences. 🙂
I’m just glad you’re feeling better. Now, get a 6-pack with me and I’ll start calling you “Grandma Sheppard.” http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2010/07/13/ernestine-shepard-74-year_n_644607.html LOL!
my resolution is to join the Tech graduate club, too. I’m on track to graduate from gt in may! your dad’s quote reminds me of one by Bill Cosby that you have to want it more than you’re afraid of it. great goals and I cannot wait to see you achieve them!
Congrats! What are you in for?
I didn’t know the Cosby quote – thanks for sharing!
This is such a ridiculously sweet post-so glad I found your blog!
Best post yet. 🙂 You go girl. There’s no stopping Laura Hall when she puts her mind to something.
What a special post! A tribute to your dad and a reflection on yourself too. I have no doubt you will reach your goals – and that your dad would have been very proud. 🙂
Wow….you are amazing! You’re words and tribute not only making your Mom proud but these words you express about your Dad are such a tribute. He was truly an amazing man and was so proud of you… Love you…and thank you for being ‘you’!
This was so beautiful post, thank you for sharing
Laura, you are an amazing person, no doubt in large part to your father’s influence, and the support of your mother, who also comes across as a wonderful lady. He sounds like he was a terrific father and man in general. I’m so sorry that he passed. I wish you luck in achieving all of your 2011 goals(my fave is #4), and I’m certain they’ll all be met. Your blog is at the top of my list, as you are a true inspiration to me and I have a tremendous amount of respect for you.
Mark – thank you so much for your kind words. My dad was an amazing man who continues to inspire me daily.
You inspire me Laura! And this is a beautiful tribute to your Dad!
Awww… I heart you Angelene Rose.