Adam the taxi driver

I was in charge of planning the trip to Israel. My plan was travel to Israel -- I am not a great planner so schedule  this tour schedule that tour, is usually not my style. I like to get there and then plan, which makes my type A husband a bit nervous. I have always has great traveling mercies and plans make it feel less like a vacation and more like work. Our apartment I found on Craigslist and turned out to be $1500 less than the hotel we had planned to stay at and is in a great part of Jerusalem. We have a washer and dyer , kitchen for cooking and  two bedrooms and two bathrooms - I made a good choice there. Today, our first day out was loosely planned to head to the western wall and the old city of David. While walking toward the old city we were stopped by a taxi driver - hoping we would need a ride. He asked if we needed a taxi- we told him no and he asked why we weren't taking the short cut ? We of course did not know he short cut and he offered to drive is there for $12. We agreed and he began a full day of touring Israel with Adam the taxi driver . A messianic Jew ( a born again Jew ) he knew all the sites we would want to see and told us how to see this amazing city. He began by saying he planned to open our hearts and not just our eyes -- what an amazing day-
Today we saw- The Mount ofOlives , The Via Delarosa , the garden of Gethsemne. Bethlehem , Jericho , the tree where Zaccheus was called down out of the tree - went to the Jordan river and put my foot in the very spot where Christ was baptized. I rode a camel and was told I was worth 100 camels by the beduion farmer. We saw some amazing things today and the time magnificent.
Adam - took us all these places told the best way to see things when we would be on our own and was great with the kids. Helped us find deals and made sure we had the best tour ever - and yes he charged us but it was worth every dime. My favorite today was Jericho - I had no idea it was considered an oasis in the desert and the desert is crazy dry humid and desolate but here sits Jericho -- best lemons, figs, pomegranate  and date farms around - lowest place of land on earth (400 meters below sea level) and considered a land of miracles due to the agricultural prosperity. We got our Jericho today richly blessed by a man who found us. His comment that really gave me something to think about - we asked Adam what he thought about (something not sure what) and he responded "I don't think I pray" he felt thinking was not as important as praying because one has more power than the other. I have agree -- need to do less thinking more praying after all that's how we found Adam, a simple prayer.

You matter to me

Last Monday didn't start the same way as most of my Mondays do. I carried a large poster board with writing all over it - words that would touch the heart of anyone who read them.  I walked down a quiet hallway in a place for people waiting to leave this earth the name of the place was Solace, a hospice center  in Asheville, NC.

Bob Scroggs was a wonderful man, a senior member of life and of our church. Bob was the kind of  man who hugged you and made you feel welcome every Sunday. He was diagnosed with lung cancer earlier in the  year and was in the final stages of it last week. I wanted to visit Bob during his battle with cancer but I was in the thick of another fight with friend who was battling cancer, and I had not seen him yet. In the final weeks of Bob's life I knew I needed to see him but I lost my dear friend Cindy only four short weeks earlier and wasn't sure I could actually visit Bob with the memories of her death so fresh in my mind.  I wasn't sure I would be able to say goodbye again so soon. 

Sitting in church they announced that it would be only days before Bob would die and played a video where he spoke about volunteering in the children's ministry at church. For several years, Bob and his wife would bring two boys from their neighborhood whose mother worked second shift and couldn't take them. They would make sure these boys were able to attend church, youth nights, retreats and youth activities outside of church. As the video clip ran it felt as though Cindy was saying to me "you have to see him and tell him, Its so important." 

As Cindy began to realize she could lose her battle with cancer she would often say to me "I hope I have made an impact on people. I hope that people will think I made a difference, that my life mattered." I loved those moments because I could tell her over and over how much she meant to me and how much she mattered in my life. I knew this was a precious gift to tell someone they matter and that their life made a difference. I realized after her death that cancer was really a gift for her and I. In spite of the thief it felt like -- I was given and opportunity to say and do things  as we knew how precious those moments would be as they were fewer and fewer with each passing day. 

Bob needed to know that although our moments together in his life were brief and we knew very little else of each other but a kind word and a warm hug, he made a difference to me and his life mattered. I was able to ask our youth group to do a poster to him and write the kind words a man would want to hear in his final days and they did a fabulous job. They wrote things to him that would help him know what a difference his life made. They took a photo of everyone and several of the youth held up the letters spelling out "We love you". I picked it up Sunday night and worried that perhaps I should go that night worried he wouldn't make it. I asked my pastor if he thought the idea was ok to do he said that I may be turned away due to Bob's grave condition only family and clergy would be allowed in his room in these final days. However,I knew if this was a divine assignment every thing would fall into place.  

I was so anxious to get to Bob Monday morning, as death and regret often go together. I was worried about getting there in time, being able to see him and perhaps being able to share with him how he mattered to me.  I asked the front desk where I would find his room, I found his lovely wife there in his room with Bob, and the door wide open. Through my tear filled eyes I asked if it would be ok to share these thoughts on the board from the youth and a few of my own. She was very kind and very appreciative. Bob looked frail but eyes wide open he seemed to recognize me as someone he knew. I couldn't be sure he knew me but his wife reminded him of my children who they were and she introduced me again. Due to the cancer he couldn't talk much but he was there and he was listening. I leaned down close to his ear and read the words from the board. "Thank you for your constant encouragement and dedication to spreading the gospel" wrote one youth. "You mean the world to me", "You have changed so many lives". One kind sentence after another and they all had something about how much he meant to them. 

I left the script on the board and took a few minutes to tell him about how much he meant to me. I told him that although our moments were few they were important. He mattered to me and his life has made a significant difference and he will be missed by so many but also by me. I tried not to cry but I can't help but wonder as he would mouth the words "thank you" over and over again did he know and believe he made a difference? I hope so because he did and I was given such an incredible gift being able to say that to him before he left this earth. 

I saw his wife on Sunday she said he closed his eyes that afternoon and never opened them again. He passed a few days later. She said I arrived in time- I have to believe it was a divine appointment, a gift for one that blessed another.

It's no secret to many of my friends this has been a dream of mine- to do an Ironman. This is the year I have chosen to make that goal a reality. The training will be difficult and the time commitment pretty overwhelming but I am so anxious to make this dream come true I am looking forward to the work.
I haven't adopted a formal plan. The plan is train everyday- without fail. I hope to make sure that I am ready for the task. I have even scheduled all the events I plan to participate in this year, worked on getting all my equipment needs taken care of and started coordinating training workouts with other athletes. This is a going to be a great year and I can't wait.

What are your goals this year? Have you planned them? Written them down? Made steps to make this a reality? If not why not? It's time and I think this year is going to be great!!! If you don't plan you won't make it happen, you know it and I know.Plan for it!!

This month the TFT call is all about planning.  The form we plan to use is pictured here but to get your copy send an email to telephonefitnesstrainer@gmail.com and I can send you one!!
So if you can join us January 9, 2013 8:30pm for a conference call on How to plan a successful new year!!!

Ten healthy tips for January-

1)Don’t make resolutions - make a plan- outline steps to getting to your goal and a time line- resolutions are like fishing without a hook. If you have a plan you will have a  better chance of getting to your goals.

2)Get new shoes for working out - old shoes create problems- if you get new shoes not only will it be better for your feet - it will help you be more excited about getting outside to use them.

3)Plan for a healthier spring- sign up for the spring 5k now and start planning the training. Spring will be here before you know it.

4)Make Sunday your day to prepare for the week - get your food in order - making lunches for the week or getting your workout bag packed. Your intention will decide your ability to execute- start early in the week

5)Start slow- but track it- break out the pedometer and start to measure progress- make small goals but then work on increasing your numbers or download a program that can track your progress and measure how you are doing. What you measure you can improve.

6)Get back to things that worked for you before- writing down your food and exercise is a great way to start the process again. Starting over isn’t defeat - quitting is.

7)Try to stick to eating the same things - create a meal plan you can stick to daily - when you don’t have to think about what to eat you are less likely to eat things you don’t need.

8)Wear clothes at home that are snug and not loose. Loose clothing makes you feel like you can eat more and can get you into trouble. Wear tighter clothes so you are less like to indulge.

9)Get away for wellness- go somewhere out of town for wellness- the Virginia creeper trail or Stone Mountain , Georgia. Sometimes a new place can renew your goals.

 10)Check your vitamin D levels- during winter less time outside can result in low vitamin D so have your primary physician check yours just in case- a simple supplement can help take care of this.

Jolene Puffer is the the telephone fitness trainer- would you like to start this year right? Call today for your first call with the TFT.

1-888-559-0285

Jolene Puffer's interview with Sandy Fowler 06/19 by eFitFamily | Blog Talk Radio

Jolene Puffer's interview with Sandy Fowler 06/19 by eFitFamily | Blog Talk Radio

When Hope gets Sketchy

                Yesterday Sketchers released a statement saying they would reimburse millions of Americans who bought their Shape Up shoes. Their original claim of helping people lose weight, strengthening and toning buttocks, legs and abdominal muscles, along with citing that a "clinical study" supported the claims has all been found false. As a fitness professional, it still baffles me how Americans can believe in a shoe built like a rocker that could actually create firmer thighs. During the past few years of speaking to different shoe industry people, I became aware of the actual results from these shoes; very large ankles and whole lot of  hip problems. 
               I had clients and friends alike who have looked me in the eye and told me they wouldn't have to do as many squats thanks to those shoes. I am now wondering if I could get in on the legal assault being brought on Skechers.  I lost a lot of revenue and business to the people who "actually" thought these things could replace traditional workouts.
                 I call these kinds of products and gadgets, that are out in the industry to replace hard work, "chump chum". Just like sharks in a feeding frenzy, when bait is thrown into the water we chomp at the opportunity to find the "quick results". I find it fascinating that Americans cannot believe in their government, the state of their schools, the banks, other Americans or the shrinking middle-class; but will put all their faith in a tiny little pill that will make them lose 25 pounds and be happier all at the same time.
                The cynicism in America is so upside down, wouldn't it be great if everybody believed that hard work paid off. Shouldn't we know that the best things in life will require some definite investment on our part. I think it's so fascinating that there are executives and board rooms all across America selling this crap to Americans.  
All the while smiling because they know in their hearts that that these products don't work and you the consumer will buy it for the "quick fix".  Americans wake up!!! People are getting rich on your inability to discern healthy lifestyles with putting in the hard work. It's not rocket science!!! Maybe I sound jealous that I didn't think of a supplement, pill or product that I could sell you that would help you get quick results. No that is not it, in fact I've spent the last 20 years trying to sell the truth and believe me it doesn't pay half as well as these other "things". One thing I do know to be true, the clients that have worked with me have been able to keep their weight off, be more confident and live healthier lives. To me, that investment in the future is so much more important than a small return in the quick immediate future. 
              Here's another news flash, if a supplement company offers cars, expensive vacations and other gifts to the people who sign up new dealers of the product...maybe it's not about the product and more about the company and of course-- the money. For me it's about more, I care deeply about everyone on this journey and what's unfortunate is I'm having to undo all the damage that's been done by quick fix  products. It makes me sad to know that many people are preempting a healthy, happy life because they believe the magic pill or product will work.  And when it doesn't, people decide never to try anything again. As Americans get smarter, we get fatter.  Does that sound like the kind of future you want? As we know more about obesity, it is important that we make smarter choices for our future. We should invest in the things that will last and that we know consistently will work. I'm asking all of you to make a conscious effort and  stand up and put these people out of business. They are actually praying on your weakness and need for instant gratification. Don't stand in the line to purchase that package of fat soluble pills or sprinkle powder that you can put on your hamburgers and french fries. Those things are not going to make you eat healthier. Start investing in things like a gym membership, a personal trainer, a dietitian, or healthy fruits and vegetables. Keep your money away from the gimmicks and the people who are using you to get BMW's and live richer lives. You deserve better and you can have better. Put your hope in what you know works....yourself and your abilities!! You can have success!

In the fast paced world that we live in it can be easy to neglect our health and wellness. We're so busy racing through our day to day lives family, friends, work, social engagements that we don't take the time to look after ourselves. It ís really no wonder that so many of us are tired and run down. What are some simple things that we can do to improve our quality of life? You've heard it a million times and you'll probably hear it a million more drink more water! Think about it: The human body is 72% water. A 5% drop in fluids creates a 25-30% loss in energy. A 15% drop in fluids causes death! At this point in time 66% of us arenít drinking enough water, so over half the population isnít running on all six cylinders to begin with ñ before things like bad air, bad food and stress take their toll. Itís not really a difficult thing to remedy. Just drink one glass of water every half hour or so or 10-12 glasses of water per day and you'll notice a huge jump in your energy levels. A little known fact is that heating food above 116∞F destroys much of the nutrient content. Considering that we already aren't eating enough veggies, that ís a fairly substantial problem. Nutritionists recommend five serves of fresh vegetables per day. How many of us are actually taking that advice? A great way to get the nutrients found in fresh veggies without spending all day at stove or eating raw celery sticks is to juice your veggies. Make sure that you own a good juicer (some juicers expose vegetables to heat created by friction during juicing, which breaks down important enzymes), grab some fresh vegetables and drink your way to good health. It takes a fraction of the time (thereís no cooking involved, for one thing) and itís convenient. You can take your juice to work and even give some to the littlies for school lunches! Wheatgrass in particular is an excellent source of nutrition. Itís high in chlorophyll (sometimes described as a plant blood because it closely resembles human red blood cell molecules) and has over 100 elements that the body needs. Fresh grains are another excellent source for vitamins and minerals. Energy In and Energy out Exercise is another dirty word for most of us. The thing is, exercise doesn't have to be horribly time consuming or mind-numbingly boring. There are plenty of options. Years ago gyms usually offered weight rooms, aerobics classes and maybe a Hydro-circuit. Now you can add water aerobics, yoga, pilates, dance-ercise, step classes and a whole range of new workout options. If you don't really have the time or money for the gym, or prefer to spend your mornings/nights at home, then try an exercise bike or walker. Iíd be lost without my exercise bike and I set it up in front of the television and peddle away merrily during my favorite shows. Consider some invaluable advice that I got from my doctor: Once you're physically unfit, and particularly if you're also unwell, it can be a mammoth battle to just do the most minimal amount of exercise in a day. The danger is that inactivity leads to further loss of energy, which becomes a self-perpetuating cycle until you can barely get off the couch. An excellent way to get back into a physical routine is to start slowly. Ridiculously slowly, it may seem. For the first couple of weeks, walk/ride for 5 minutes per day in exactly 5 minutes, no more, even if you think you could continue. When the 2 weeks are up, increase to 7 minutes, then 10 minutes, 12 minutes continue to gradually increase your activity until you're at a level that you're comfortable with. It may sound a little silly, but it works. In effect, you trick your body into producing more energy. You're building your exercise time up so slowly that your body doesn't really realise what's happening. Follow this method and, before you know it, you'll be comfortably exercising within your limits every day. So, folks, that's the basics. If you can rearrange your life a little to allow for better eating habits and a little exercise, and if you remember to just drink a glass of water every half hour or so, you'll be well on the way to living a healthy life. On a final note, don't forget to take some quiet time for yourself. Meditating is an excellent way to minimise stress. You don't have to sit around for hours, just give yourself 5 minutes of quiet time every day and even in the shower, if that ís the only place where you can get time out and have a little catch up with yourself. And, last but by no means least, laugh! In fact, laugh like a loon the louder the better! You'll be amazed at how much such a simple thing can lift your spirits!