The Green Girl's Updated Motivational Collage

The Green Girl decided it was time to update her Motivational Collage.

Since my last collage, I did manage to accrue 54 out of the 60 professional development units (PDUs) required per three-year cycle for my my PMP certification.

In terms of dreaming and following my heart, I took some chances and ended up with some bumps and bruises along the way.

My updated collage reflects the following:

• Heal
• Balance head and heart

My number one focus right now is an amelioration of my mind, body, and soul.

A significant portion of this healing process will be the rehabilitation of my right heel. I've been struggling with Achilles tendon bursitis (retrocalcaneal bursitis) since the beginning of this year.

I believe finding a balance between my head and heart will be an integral part of this journey for me.

Healing comes from taking responsibility:
to realize that it is you – and no one else –
that creates your thoughts, your feelings, and your actions.
Peter Shepherd

The Green Girl's Updated Motivational Collage

The Green Girl decided the time had come to update her Motivational Collage again.

Since my last collage, I did manage to Say Goodbye. I mentally bid farewell to things I needed released from my life.

I did not re-Cisco certify and I've decided to let that one go for now.

I have started spending more time in the kitchen and I'm slowly learning how to prepare some basic dishes.

My updated collage reflects the following:

• Follow my heart
• Dream
• Accrue PDUs for PMP certification
• Find balance

In order to maintain my PMP certification, I must earn 60 professional development units (PDUs) per three-year cycle. This is achieved by attending Project Management Institute (PMI) events and certified educational courses.

The ॐ symbol represents my desire to find balance in my life.

For the most part, I'm a rationalist. Growing up, I was intrigued by the English scientist and philosopher, Francis Bacon, and his theory of empiricism. Empiricism is the view that knowledge is derived from experience.

I have a tendency to be overly logical and analytical and I find great comfort in mathematics and science - in proven fact.

Following my heart and dreaming are ways for me to work on expanding my reality.

If a man will begin with certainties, he shall end in doubts; but if he will be content to begin with doubts he shall end in certainties. Francis Bacon

The Green Girl's Sunday Bolsa Chica and City Run

The Green Girl missed her Saturday morning Sole Runners run because she had to attend an Advanced Topics Seminar (ATS) on Special Regulations and Requirements for the Healthcare Industry.

In order for me to maintain my Project Management Professional (PMP) credential, I must accrue 60 Professional Development Units (PDUs) every three years and this involves attending meetings and training courses on a regular basis.

One of the Sole Runners, Michelle, joined me for an early afternoon run at the Bolsa Chica Ecological Reserve.

As we ran, the occasional raindrop fell from the dark stratus clouds low in the sky.

It had been awhile since I had the opportunity to run on dirt and I was thrilled to feel the soft, uneven ground beneath my feet.

As the drizzle become more consistent, large breaks of clear blue sky appeared in between the grey clouds.

There are many things I love the cooler months and being able to run later in the day is one of them. In the summer, I feel like I'm always trying to squeeze a run in before it gets too hot or after the sun goes down.

I admired the ripples created as the ducks skimmed the water's surface in formation.

On account of the impending rain, we cut our run short but later on in the evening, I decided to go for a run around the city.

As I headed out, it started to sprinkle again. I wasn't expecting this so I didn't bring any rain gear.

As I continued to run, the drops became more consistent. I ducked under business awnings for temporary shelter from the rain as I ran.

Much to my relief, Mr. Green Garmin appeared indifferent to the precipitation.

Marina Run and Phiten Necklace

The Green Girl went on a night run with one of the Sole Runners, Michelle, after work yesterday.

We both wanted to get some mileage in last night because neither one of us were going to be able to make it to today's Sole Runners run. I was registered for a Project Management Institute (PMI) course on Complex Program Management this morning.

We ran along the Shoreline Pedestrian Bikepath towards Shoreline Marina.

Right before we reached Shoreline Village, we followed a narrow peninsula out into the water. I never realized you could get so close to one of the whimsical oil rig islands. I marveled at the colorful waterfalls.

Back inland, we heard lively music and spotted the giant tents from the Long Beach Lobster Festival

We followed the path around Marina Green Park. We were soothed by the patterns of the rolling ocean waves in the water.

We paused at the end to stare back at the Downtown Long Beach skyline. It felt so good to breathe in the cool ocean air.

At Shoreline Village, we stopped for a bathroom break right next to the Marina Showers.

It actually worked out perfectly because we ran out of steam at the same time. At around 7 miles, neither one of us had any run left so we just walked the rest of the way.

After my class this morning, I stopped by my favorite Phiten store. They had a special promotion giveaway going on where they provided you with a token to insert in a giant gumball machine and depending on the color of your gumball, you won different prizes.

I got a pink gumball and ended up winning a navy blue and green Phiten necklace. Whoo hoo!