Sunday, July 30, 2006
Four Generations of Power Women
Left to Right: Rebecca Gibson (3rd generation); Ruth Wilsher (1st generation); Emilie Hamel (4th generation); Dianne Gibson (2nd generation).
On Saturday July 29, 2006, our grand daughter, Emilie, met her great grandmother, Ruth Wilsher, for the first time. It was the perfect opportunity to take a picture of four generations of 'power women.' (click on the picture for a closer look) GG
Thursday, July 20, 2006
On the Value (and Limits) of Goal Setting
When you set a goal and then don't reach it, was it a mistake to set the goal?
I don't think so.
At the start of this year, one of my three fitness goals was to "slalom" water ski before the end of the year. After strength training from January to June, we went to Williams Lake last week with our son, Paul, and his wife, Heather. It was time to reach the goal. As the boat took off, I popped up out of the water and was on my skis. I was delighted (my workouts had paid off!). But the excitement was short lived. I lost my balance and fell awkwardly, hurting my lower back. There would be no chance that week to "drop a ski" and reach the goal. Disappointing.
What do I tell those who knew about my goal? Possibilities I have considered. The "old age" excuse? (At 53, don't try something this difficult.) The "there's still time" rationalization? (Six more weeks of summer to go!) The "blame game"? (It was the boat ... the waves ... the equipment ... the weather ... that's why I fell.) The "victim" syndrome? (In 2006, there seems to be a black cloud hovering over me.)
No. I'm going to be honest. I may not reach my goal this year. But having that goal has given me focus for losing some weight and increasing my strength. I have made great progress so far! I'm doing things I couldn't do one year ago and the improvement in both health and outlook are substantial. The goal was the motivating force that made all that possible.
And don't forget, there are still six weeks to go in the summer of 2006. Check back at this URL by Labour Day Weekend! It may still happen. GG
Saturday, July 08, 2006
Ever Have A Bad Hair Day?
During a recent trip to our daughter's home in Sudbury, Ontario, Dianne, snapped this picture at the breakfast table. It looks like Emilie and her grandpa are both enjoying a bad hair day!
The summertime provides a different pace for our ministry. The requests for meetings drop off and we can work ahead on ministry projects as well as spend some time with family. Today, Dianne and I will make a day visit to her parents at their cottage at Maple Grove Retreat near Thamesford, Ontario. Next week, we are looking forward to three days at William's Lake with our son, Paul and his wife, Heather. At the end of July, Emilie will bring her parents for her first visit at Grandma's house in Kitchener!
If she forgets to bring her comb, Grandpa will either lend her one or do his hair the same way as in the picture. GG
