Well, since I have no fans yet, I am writing this for the sake of continuity. Last week, I am happy to say, I got another of those happy phone calls. Come back to the CHLI for a second and I am assuming a final interview. Agian, not tennis shoes, so I am assuming that they are not going to test my agility or how many times I can run around the grounds. The dress is again business casual, there are fewer invitees this time, and as I recall, the date of decision was supposed to be March 18. The allotted time is 2 hours this time and I have to be there at 5pm. I am debating whethere I should be wearing green this time, as one of the interviewers mentioned that he thought I would be wearing green that time. It is not really my very best color, But I happen to have a shirt in that color. I am feeling pretty excited about this whole process, and yet am calm. I realize that my schedule will change drastically if I am chosen, as I will have to appear there a minimum of three times a week. However, to take six months and just concentrate on me, on what is good for me, and to learn some things about how best to do that is very appealing.
The possibility of being included in this experiment is very exciting. I have never before really concentrated on me, what is good for me and having some help with that. I guess pregnancy comes the closest to such self awareness and self care, but is it really self, or is it all for the baby?As I recall, it was not the self that was the important part, unlike this experiment. It was the self as a vessel for something else. I worry that it is too selfish to do this, but I have no one depending on me. My children are grown, my husband is self sufficient, and I keep saying that I want it to be my turn. I have to really mean it. I think I do.
I imagine what it will be like to dance again, and to feel light, and to be able to wear the clothes I really love instead of what might look good for the moment. I keep feeling that this is a great chance for me to really do it, and I hope that even if I don't get chosen, I will be able to stay with what I have learned and to make a better stab, one that will really stick for the long haul. I have realized that most of my eating is pretty good. I realize that I have two real enemies, and they are sweets and bread. I just adore bread in any form, and of course that includes whatever tops them like butter and such. I stopped eating bread and sweets last week, and it is amazing how aware it has made me of all the other things that I put in my mouth. When I am in control of what I am putting in my mouth, I feel happier.
So here is to aware eating, aware exercise, and hopefully making a personal transformation with the help of the CHLI. It is a heavenly place, the surroundings are gorgeous, everyone smiles, there has been so much attention to detail, to serving every part of one, the eyes with the exquisite surroundings, the ears, with the sound of gently falling falling water, the sense of smell with all of the flowers and orchids, and the on and on. What an interesting next six months we could have learing all about how to take better care of ourselves, because if I am chosen, I would love to share all I learn.
Tuesday, March 16, 2010
Wednesday, March 10, 2010
Well, Hello again. I wanted to tell you all about the interview that I had last Saturday at CHLI. When they called me to say that I was a finalist, I was thoroughly surprised to have them say that I should plan to be there three to three and a half hours. Wow, I don't know what I could say for 4 hours. But actually I did have a lot to say. But the interview or should I say interviews lasted only about 20 minutes each and there were two of them, but I got there a little after 10am, and left at about 1:30pm I was the last one to leave. They grouped the finalists in sets of 6 or so. There were 6 in our group, 2 men and 4 women. There was a folder for each of us with a lot of promotional materials and an individualized itenary of what would go one for the next several hours.
First there was a '"readiness to begin" questionaire. It questioned whether you were really into beginning to do something, or you were there because someone else wanted you to be. Then there was a tour of the facility. Even though I have been to the Institute a number of times, I didn't really see all of the facilities and the grounds. We started out in the teaching kitchen where people were taking a cooking class to learn to prepare healthy meals. It is really impressive. Then we continued on downstairs to the fitness area with pools, locker rooms, and lots of the spa facilities and services. The spa is beautiful. All the things that one loves to see. Plenty of rooms for relaxing and relaxed progress through whatever you are doing there. There is a salon, two swimming pools, indoor and out, with appropriate lounging facilities, and even private cabanas you can rent for a day or half day for provate services, or parties. The locker rooms should really have another more elegant name. The whole thing is absent of the clanging one usually assocites with the sound of locker rooms. Showers and surrounding are simply elegant. The ante-room/waiting room for services have several lounges facing a shallow pool with lots of potted orchids everywhere. I wonder who is in charge of keeping the orchids at the peak of perfection. I never have any luck with mine. I guess there is not enough moisture in the air at my house. There is a red laquered footbridge in the area near the outdoor pool. Quite a feast for the eyes, as is everything in the hotel and especially the CHLI and SPA. One can see that "no expense was spared". I wonder if dinosaure come out there to frolic at night after everyone is asleep.
Then there was some down time before we were summoned to speak individually with the experts panel, and the marketing panel. The experts included the head of the fitness services, one of the doctors from the medical arm, the head nutritionist, and another young woman whole title I didn't get. The doctor remarked he was expecting to see me in green, but truthfully, it is not my most flattering color and I wanted to look my best. Questions included what we thought we would most use if we were chosen, and what was something that we feel was a long term major accomplishment in our life, and what we would like to accomplish with this. I have to say that I was pretty comfortable with it all.
Then I waited for the last interview with the marketing group. A group of very nice young women, also asking why I would want to do something like this program. My answer is one I have discussed with my BFF, that I want women my age to know that it isn't all over, that we can take on new challenges and accomplish them. Of course, that isn't the only reason.
It was an interesting morning, and it was fun. I have to admit that I was pretty tired when I came home. But I was OK enough to tackle some of the garage stuff. I have had a bath renovation and the garage was of course the staging area, which took the brunt of the mess.
It will be very interesting to see who they decide to choose for this Personal transformation, and what in the final analysis will be involved. As I said, I would be willing to have my story told, but I am not into humiliation. I will keep you posted on the outcome. I see my nutritionist tomorrow and she might be able to tell me how she thought I stacked up. I'm sure that she cannot give away anything.
First there was a '"readiness to begin" questionaire. It questioned whether you were really into beginning to do something, or you were there because someone else wanted you to be. Then there was a tour of the facility. Even though I have been to the Institute a number of times, I didn't really see all of the facilities and the grounds. We started out in the teaching kitchen where people were taking a cooking class to learn to prepare healthy meals. It is really impressive. Then we continued on downstairs to the fitness area with pools, locker rooms, and lots of the spa facilities and services. The spa is beautiful. All the things that one loves to see. Plenty of rooms for relaxing and relaxed progress through whatever you are doing there. There is a salon, two swimming pools, indoor and out, with appropriate lounging facilities, and even private cabanas you can rent for a day or half day for provate services, or parties. The locker rooms should really have another more elegant name. The whole thing is absent of the clanging one usually assocites with the sound of locker rooms. Showers and surrounding are simply elegant. The ante-room/waiting room for services have several lounges facing a shallow pool with lots of potted orchids everywhere. I wonder who is in charge of keeping the orchids at the peak of perfection. I never have any luck with mine. I guess there is not enough moisture in the air at my house. There is a red laquered footbridge in the area near the outdoor pool. Quite a feast for the eyes, as is everything in the hotel and especially the CHLI and SPA. One can see that "no expense was spared". I wonder if dinosaure come out there to frolic at night after everyone is asleep.
Then there was some down time before we were summoned to speak individually with the experts panel, and the marketing panel. The experts included the head of the fitness services, one of the doctors from the medical arm, the head nutritionist, and another young woman whole title I didn't get. The doctor remarked he was expecting to see me in green, but truthfully, it is not my most flattering color and I wanted to look my best. Questions included what we thought we would most use if we were chosen, and what was something that we feel was a long term major accomplishment in our life, and what we would like to accomplish with this. I have to say that I was pretty comfortable with it all.
Then I waited for the last interview with the marketing group. A group of very nice young women, also asking why I would want to do something like this program. My answer is one I have discussed with my BFF, that I want women my age to know that it isn't all over, that we can take on new challenges and accomplish them. Of course, that isn't the only reason.
It was an interesting morning, and it was fun. I have to admit that I was pretty tired when I came home. But I was OK enough to tackle some of the garage stuff. I have had a bath renovation and the garage was of course the staging area, which took the brunt of the mess.
It will be very interesting to see who they decide to choose for this Personal transformation, and what in the final analysis will be involved. As I said, I would be willing to have my story told, but I am not into humiliation. I will keep you posted on the outcome. I see my nutritionist tomorrow and she might be able to tell me how she thought I stacked up. I'm sure that she cannot give away anything.
Wednesday, March 3, 2010
I have been so excited about the interview that I am to have as a finalist for the CHLI Project Transformation. Then of all the times to have things happen, I had some little things taken off my face, those little growths from too much sun exposure as a child, and today, the coup de grace, a root canal. I am trying to keep the swelling down with ice, and wondering how I will look by Saturday. Not too too much like a frog I hope. I have so much to think about these days, and it is like having a little sweet tease that keeps luring me away when I think of all I could accomplish with a bit of help. I really want this transformation, and I really hope that they like me enough to pick me. I have been thinking about adding to my daily workout, and having some direction from people who really know what they are doing would be simply heavenly. I was reading about brain health today, and thinking of all the new things that I have taken on. There is no reason not to do and see and learn new things, no matter what one's age. There are many things that one has to do to stay healthy, and movement is so much a part of that. I am so inspired when I see photos of women who decide to take up some strenuous sport in their 60s and then are running marathons in their 70s. While I really have no intention of running marathons, afterall, there is no reason not to aim high. Also, Last year on my birthday, I decided that I wanted to learn a new language, so I bought Rosetta Stone and started in. I am on the second level, and I am doing pretty well. There is really nothing that one should not try if one wants to no matter what your age. I hope to make the cut, I would love to be a spokesperson for CHLI. Years ago, I was a spokesperson for an organization that was helping my handicapped daughter. It was a pleasure and an honor. So it's all good. Keep your fingers crossed for me. Thanks.
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