Comments on: If I Leap, Will That Net Really Appear? http://www.timeoutwithtitlenine.com/missys-musings/if-i-leap-will-that-net-really-appear/ Thu, 02 Feb 2012 21:28:54 +0000 http://wordpress.org/?v=2.9.1 hourly 1 By: Nadine Budbill http://www.timeoutwithtitlenine.com/missys-musings/if-i-leap-will-that-net-really-appear/comment-page-2/#comment-4265 Nadine Budbill Fri, 06 Nov 2009 21:16:03 +0000 http://www.timeoutwithtitlenine.com/?p=1369#comment-4265 Taking leaps...and inspiring girls to do the same. A year ago I returned to my home state of Vermont to launch an organization called Girls Move Mountains. Our mission is to nurture girls' innate capacity for confidence, courage, and leadership through adventure-based experiential education. The organization builds on a girls' mountain bike program I'd been running for 8 years called Dirt Divas. We are now also developing climbing and skiing programs and will eventually add some wilderness/backpacking programs. Ultimately this work is about supporting girls' (and women's) ability to be strong, courageous, to be themselves, to live a life of positive leap-taking. I have to model this by digging deep for the courage to create this organization, chart my own course, and take the risk required to fully commit myself to this work. It certainly takes courage, perseverance, and determination but there is nothing I would rather be doing. So I leap, and trust that the net will be there...and so far it has...because this work with girls is powerful and necessary. Taking leaps…and inspiring girls to do the same. A year ago I returned to my home state of Vermont to launch an organization called Girls Move Mountains. Our mission is to nurture girls’ innate capacity for confidence, courage, and leadership through adventure-based experiential education. The organization builds on a girls’ mountain bike program I’d been running for 8 years called Dirt Divas. We are now also developing climbing and skiing programs and will eventually add some wilderness/backpacking programs. Ultimately this work is about supporting girls’ (and women’s) ability to be strong, courageous, to be themselves, to live a life of positive leap-taking. I have to model this by digging deep for the courage to create this organization, chart my own course, and take the risk required to fully commit myself to this work. It certainly takes courage, perseverance, and determination but there is nothing I would rather be doing. So I leap, and trust that the net will be there…and so far it has…because this work with girls is powerful and necessary.

]]> By: Debbie Lundeen http://www.timeoutwithtitlenine.com/missys-musings/if-i-leap-will-that-net-really-appear/comment-page-2/#comment-4260 Debbie Lundeen Sat, 31 Oct 2009 21:52:19 +0000 http://www.timeoutwithtitlenine.com/?p=1369#comment-4260 Turning 50 this year, it has been a year of firsts. I took a class in rock climbing, I started taking Taekwondo with my 7 yr old son (I'm a dark green belt now!) and I started my own greeting card business, P B Swammich Designs. After following my husband and his career across the U.S. and around the world for 30 years, I decided that it was time to try something for me. I'm just getting started, learning something new every day and it's terrifying! Learning about printing and paper, setting up a website, struggling with marketing (any ideas?), there is some kind of road block every day. I like what Laurie Hood said in comment #7. If you're doing something to better the world, there is a higher power involved. Something keeps you driving forward, facing those new and difficult challenges, and finding ways that whatever you're doing can be beneficial for those around you. I'm currently trying to raise money for a local Houston charity with a portion of my sales. I'm hoping I can do them proud! Turning 50 this year, it has been a year of firsts. I took a class in rock climbing, I started taking Taekwondo with my 7 yr old son (I’m a dark green belt now!) and I started my own greeting card business, P B Swammich Designs. After following my husband and his career across the U.S. and around the world for 30 years, I decided that it was time to try something for me. I’m just getting started, learning something new every day and it’s terrifying! Learning about printing and paper, setting up a website, struggling with marketing (any ideas?), there is some kind of road block every day. I like what Laurie Hood said in comment #7. If you’re doing something to better the world, there is a higher power involved. Something keeps you driving forward, facing those new and difficult challenges, and finding ways that whatever you’re doing can be beneficial for those around you. I’m currently trying to raise money for a local Houston charity with a portion of my sales. I’m hoping I can do them proud!

]]> By: Robyn Fortlage http://www.timeoutwithtitlenine.com/missys-musings/if-i-leap-will-that-net-really-appear/comment-page-2/#comment-4198 Robyn Fortlage Sat, 10 Oct 2009 22:54:04 +0000 http://www.timeoutwithtitlenine.com/?p=1369#comment-4198 My leap was a decision to participate in the Breast Cancer 3-Day. All participants have to raise at least $2,300 in order to participate in the 3 day / 60 mile walk. Although I lack fundraising skills and I would have to begin my training walks while there was still snow on the ground, I registered as a 3-Day walker. Over the course of several months, I found out that my fears were for not. My family, friends, and friends of friends helped me realize that I do have some skill when it comes to fundraising. Six months later, with their help, I raised $3,900 and walked all 60 miles in the Chicago Breast Cancer 3-Day. My leap was a decision to participate in the Breast Cancer 3-Day. All participants have to raise at least $2,300 in order to participate in the 3 day / 60 mile walk. Although I lack fundraising skills and I would have to begin my training walks while there was still snow on the ground, I registered as a 3-Day walker. Over the course of several months, I found out that my fears were for not. My family, friends, and friends of friends helped me realize that I do have some skill when it comes to fundraising. Six months later, with their help, I raised $3,900 and walked all 60 miles in the Chicago Breast Cancer 3-Day.

]]> By: Anne B. http://www.timeoutwithtitlenine.com/missys-musings/if-i-leap-will-that-net-really-appear/comment-page-2/#comment-4195 Anne B. Fri, 09 Oct 2009 23:43:26 +0000 http://www.timeoutwithtitlenine.com/?p=1369#comment-4195 Single for the past four years, I've been struggling recently with my upcoming decision regarding when to retire - where to live, how to earn a little extra $ after I retire from teaching in NC's public schools for 29 years. For months, I've been circling the wagons, waiting for a "prudent" decision to feel right. I own 7 acres in Virginia, have two modest buildings on the property that can serve as housing for me, and still have to get water and septic to one so that I am comfortable... I've been struggling with what to do... This morning, I stumbled upon Missy's Musings and enjoyed the follow-up comments. I've been purchasing Title 9 stuff for at least fours years, but I've never noticed this part of the Title 9 website until today. Something happened - the synergy of the moment - and I knew in my gut that what is best for me is to leap forward in mid-June after I retire, to spend time with my parents who are still alive (though in their eighties) and to embrace life and whatever challenges, falls, and journeys present themselves. These words don't do justice to the fact that what I needed from the universe to make a decision was in the print and in between the print on the Title 9 webpage. Thank you, fellow T9ers for buoying my courage and for being a part of my decision to step forward eagerly into the next phase of my life. Single for the past four years, I’ve been struggling recently with my upcoming decision regarding when to retire – where to live, how to earn a little extra $ after I retire from teaching in NC’s public schools for 29 years. For months, I’ve been circling the wagons, waiting for a “prudent” decision to feel right. I own 7 acres in Virginia, have two modest buildings on the property that can serve as housing for me, and still have to get water and septic to one so that I am comfortable… I’ve been struggling with what to do…
This morning, I stumbled upon Missy’s Musings and enjoyed the follow-up comments. I’ve been purchasing Title 9 stuff for at least fours years, but I’ve never noticed this part of the Title 9 website until today. Something happened – the synergy of the moment – and I knew in my gut that what is best for me is to leap forward in mid-June after I retire, to spend time with my parents who are still alive (though in their eighties) and to embrace life and whatever challenges, falls, and journeys present themselves. These words don’t do justice to the fact that what I needed from the universe to make a decision was in the print and in between the print on the Title 9 webpage. Thank you, fellow T9ers for buoying my courage and for being a part of my decision to step forward eagerly into the next phase of my life.

]]> By: Kelly http://www.timeoutwithtitlenine.com/missys-musings/if-i-leap-will-that-net-really-appear/comment-page-1/#comment-4161 Kelly Wed, 07 Oct 2009 12:54:01 +0000 http://www.timeoutwithtitlenine.com/?p=1369#comment-4161 Some may call it a "mid-life crisis," but I prefer to see it as a "mid-life solution" ... as a birthday gift to myself when I recently turned 44 years old, I made a solemn vow to be faithful to myself -- to live my truth -- for the 2nd half of my life (or whatever is left of it). So ... I resigned from my "secure" (a.k.a., meaningless, but full-benefits, steady/generous paycheck, etc.) job, am preparing to put my downtown home on the market, and am gearing up to live a "life in the woods" (as Henry David Thoreau once said). Background: after spending the happiest 5 years of my life (so far) living quietly, simply and actively in Vermont, the economy took a turn for the worse and fear reared its ugly head, telling me to buy into mainstream society's message that I "should" focus more on my career, find a more steady job, and be more professionally ambitious. I abandoned the "simple life" and trudged off to the city, only to discover that being cut off from nature is not a sustainable way for me to live -- physically, emotionally or spiritually. Thus, my decision to take a leap ... to get rid of many of my material possessions, pack up what few remain, and head with my dog to the mountains of West Virginia, where I plan to build a rustic barn-type structure with a loft living space and plenty of room for my toys -- bike, kayak, snowshoes, cross country skis. Somewhere along the way, I'll figure out how to make a living doing something that doesn't prevent me from living ... truly living. Wish me luck ... and good luck to all of you who are also taking a leap and many thanks for the inspiration!!! Some may call it a “mid-life crisis,” but I prefer to see it as a “mid-life solution” … as a birthday gift to myself when I recently turned 44 years old, I made a solemn vow to be faithful to myself — to live my truth — for the 2nd half of my life (or whatever is left of it). So … I resigned from my “secure” (a.k.a., meaningless, but full-benefits, steady/generous paycheck, etc.) job, am preparing to put my downtown home on the market, and am gearing up to live a “life in the woods” (as Henry David Thoreau once said). Background: after spending the happiest 5 years of my life (so far) living quietly, simply and actively in Vermont, the economy took a turn for the worse and fear reared its ugly head, telling me to buy into mainstream society’s message that I “should” focus more on my career, find a more steady job, and be more professionally ambitious. I abandoned the “simple life” and trudged off to the city, only to discover that being cut off from nature is not a sustainable way for me to live — physically, emotionally or spiritually. Thus, my decision to take a leap … to get rid of many of my material possessions, pack up what few remain, and head with my dog to the mountains of West Virginia, where I plan to build a rustic barn-type structure with a loft living space and plenty of room for my toys — bike, kayak, snowshoes, cross country skis. Somewhere along the way, I’ll figure out how to make a living doing something that doesn’t prevent me from living … truly living. Wish me luck … and good luck to all of you who are also taking a leap and many thanks for the inspiration!!!

]]> By: Leslie M Pechta http://www.timeoutwithtitlenine.com/missys-musings/if-i-leap-will-that-net-really-appear/comment-page-1/#comment-4160 Leslie M Pechta Sun, 04 Oct 2009 20:04:33 +0000 http://www.timeoutwithtitlenine.com/?p=1369#comment-4160 Well I guess I found the right spot to pour a little of me out to you. When I saw your comment and invitation on the inside of the latest catalog I had to write in. My name is Leslie M Pechta, I am 26 years old, I live and am very active in Leadville, CO. I recently, July 4th, opened a thrift and consignment shop, clothing and sporting goods, in downtown Leadville. This being my leap I am beginning to realize that the net is and has continued to be there. Its so far has really been a wonderful learning experience and is paying off tremendously. The name of the shop is "Community Threads" and the point of the shop to me, other then supporting my life, is to give back to my community in many different ways. Last month we had a yard sale to benefit our local animal shelter and this winter we will be doing ski waxes the benefit our local trail "The Mineral Belt". This leap has been the best thing I have done for myself and my community, the results have been rewarding in so many ways. I feel better even have shared it with so many people including the title 9 crew. You guys are inspiring in so many ways as well. Next leap may be finding out how to become a title nine model straight from the mtns... Thanks for letting me share, Leslie M Pechta Well I guess I found the right spot to pour a little of me out to you. When I saw your comment and invitation on the inside of the latest catalog I had to write in. My name is Leslie M Pechta, I am 26 years old, I live and am very active in Leadville, CO. I recently, July 4th, opened a thrift and consignment shop, clothing and sporting goods, in downtown Leadville. This being my leap I am beginning to realize that the net is and has continued to be there. Its so far has really been a wonderful learning experience and is paying off tremendously. The name of the shop is “Community Threads” and the point of the shop to me, other then supporting my life, is to give back to my community in many different ways. Last month we had a yard sale to benefit our local animal shelter and this winter we will be doing ski waxes the benefit our local trail “The Mineral Belt”. This leap has been the best thing I have done for myself and my community, the results have been rewarding in so many ways. I feel better even have shared it with so many people including the title 9 crew. You guys are inspiring in so many ways as well. Next leap may be finding out how to become a title nine model straight from the mtns…
Thanks for letting me share, Leslie M Pechta

]]> By: Cheryl Foster http://www.timeoutwithtitlenine.com/missys-musings/if-i-leap-will-that-net-really-appear/comment-page-1/#comment-4157 Cheryl Foster Thu, 01 Oct 2009 16:04:16 +0000 http://www.timeoutwithtitlenine.com/?p=1369#comment-4157 My Leap – SPairz. And technically, I’m in mid-flight right now. In March I had my fill of my lame job at a lame company in a lame city. I could not even get motivated to look for a new job in the computer industry where I’ve spent the last 30+ years. So my best friend and I went to New Zealand for 3 weeks where we worked on a business plan for SPairz – compressed and shrink-wrapped cotton underwear for women. They’re about the size of a package of gum. The idea had been percolating for about 5 years after a girls night out when we all realized that having a spare pair of underwear nearby was beginning to make a lot of sense. By the second bottle of wine, we had them compressed and shrink wrapped. The idea seemed completely doable. So in April – I jumped! SPairz was off and running. Finding packaging, manufacturing, learning all about the apparel industry, UPC codes, trademarks – egads!. As of today, I’m about a month from production. I’ve learned that design & testing is not a linear process and that I need to stay true to my original concept and focus. It’s been fun watching the light bulbs go off when I describe SPairz to women, and really amusing to describe it to men. It’s been exciting and scary to risk it all. I’ll know if the net is there if Title Nine agrees to stock SPairz! They are oh-so-perfect for your gym bag, and no one does gym bags better than Title Nine! Cheryl Foster www.spairz.com My Leap – SPairz. And technically, I’m in mid-flight right now.

In March I had my fill of my lame job at a lame company in a lame city. I could not even get motivated to look for a new job in the computer industry where I’ve spent the last 30+ years. So my best friend and I went to New Zealand for 3 weeks where we worked on a business plan for SPairz – compressed and shrink-wrapped cotton underwear for women. They’re about the size of a package of gum.

The idea had been percolating for about 5 years after a girls night out when we all realized that having a spare pair of underwear nearby was beginning to make a lot of sense. By the second bottle of wine, we had them compressed and shrink wrapped. The idea seemed completely doable.

So in April – I jumped! SPairz was off and running. Finding packaging, manufacturing, learning all about the apparel industry, UPC codes, trademarks – egads!. As of today, I’m about a month from production. I’ve learned that design & testing is not a linear process and that I need to stay true to my original concept and focus. It’s been fun watching the light bulbs go off when I describe SPairz to women, and really amusing to describe it to men. It’s been exciting and scary to risk it all.

I’ll know if the net is there if Title Nine agrees to stock SPairz! They are oh-so-perfect for your gym bag, and no one does gym bags better than Title Nine!

Cheryl Foster
http://www.spairz.com

]]> By: Laurie Hood http://www.timeoutwithtitlenine.com/missys-musings/if-i-leap-will-that-net-really-appear/comment-page-1/#comment-4154 Laurie Hood Mon, 28 Sep 2009 22:25:03 +0000 http://www.timeoutwithtitlenine.com/?p=1369#comment-4154 My husband and I (and our two young boys) moved out to an area a little bit north of our prominent, Gulf of Mexico town of Destin, Florida. I have been an animal lover all of my life and I found out that our county, and several surrounding counties, were without an animal shelter of any kind. Tens of thousands of perfectly adoptable pets were being euthanized because there was not anyone to be their voice. I took a HUGE leap of faith and started a no-kill shelter on 10 acres of land across from my home. That was just 2 1/2 years ago, 3700 animals later and lots of tears and joy. I had no idea if the community would be behind me or if I would succeed. The funny thing is that there truly is a higher power guiding your leap, and when you are doing something to better the world... you always land safely! My husband and I (and our two young boys) moved out to an area a little bit north of our prominent, Gulf of Mexico town of Destin, Florida. I have been an animal lover all of my life and I found out that our county, and several surrounding counties, were without an animal shelter of any kind. Tens of thousands of perfectly adoptable pets were being euthanized because there was not anyone to be their voice. I took a HUGE leap of faith and started a no-kill shelter on 10 acres of land across from my home. That was just 2 1/2 years ago, 3700 animals later and lots of tears and joy. I had no idea if the community would be behind me or if I would succeed. The funny thing is that there truly is a higher power guiding your leap, and when you are doing something to better the world… you always land safely!

]]> By: Kay http://www.timeoutwithtitlenine.com/missys-musings/if-i-leap-will-that-net-really-appear/comment-page-1/#comment-4151 Kay Sun, 27 Sep 2009 18:03:09 +0000 http://www.timeoutwithtitlenine.com/?p=1369#comment-4151 I started teaching about 12 years ago, and about 5 years into it decided to get my teaching credential. I enrolled at a private university (read: $$$$$). As the second of three semesters ended, I was laid off from my teaching job. There I was, 2/3 of the way through a very expensive credential program, and now unemployed. The final semester consisted of "student teaching" -- only I had already been teaching for 5 years! I decided to take a leap and see if I could make this work to my advantage. I asked several teachers in one of the other departments at the school if I could student teach for them. Rather than being humiliating, it was a GREAT experience, and ultimately, I got my credential in this second subject area as well. At the end of it all, I got my dream job, teaching at my alma mater. So I would definitely say that the net DID appear. I started teaching about 12 years ago, and about 5 years into it decided to get my teaching credential. I enrolled at a private university (read: $$$$$). As the second of three semesters ended, I was laid off from my teaching job. There I was, 2/3 of the way through a very expensive credential program, and now unemployed. The final semester consisted of “student teaching” — only I had already been teaching for 5 years!

I decided to take a leap and see if I could make this work to my advantage. I asked several teachers in one of the other departments at the school if I could student teach for them. Rather than being humiliating, it was a GREAT experience, and ultimately, I got my credential in this second subject area as well. At the end of it all, I got my dream job, teaching at my alma mater. So I would definitely say that the net DID appear.

]]> By: Peggy http://www.timeoutwithtitlenine.com/missys-musings/if-i-leap-will-that-net-really-appear/comment-page-1/#comment-4136 Peggy Thu, 24 Sep 2009 19:10:57 +0000 http://www.timeoutwithtitlenine.com/?p=1369#comment-4136 I am about to make that leap ... I am a single Mom of 3 beautiful, smart, loving children - ages 10, 9, & 7. I found out a week ago I my job of 4 years is being eliminated beginning 10/1/09. I am terrified, and excited at the same time. I don't have any idea how I will make the monthly payments, but I believe strongly that I will end up better off financialy and more fulfilled than I have been. I will make this leap, for myself and my children. I'll keep you posted! Something wonderful is going to happen .... I am about to make that leap …
I am a single Mom of 3 beautiful, smart, loving children – ages 10, 9, & 7. I found out a week ago I my job of 4 years is being eliminated beginning 10/1/09. I am terrified, and excited at the same time. I don’t have any idea how I will make the monthly payments, but I believe strongly that I will end up better off financialy and more fulfilled than I have been. I will make this leap, for myself and my children.

I’ll keep you posted! Something wonderful is going to happen ….

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