She Didn’t Know How Much She Could Do Until She Got Off Her Ass and Did It . . . a LadyBird to motivate and inspire us girls to achieve our goals.

Jun. 6, 2009 at 10:05am By Caz

Love it!

Jun. 7, 2009 at 02:41pm By Beth Cardwell

After 16+ years as a Probation Officer, I “got off my ass” and retired to pursue my Photography business full force. It is scary how being in one position for so long starts to define you as a person. I don’t want to be defined anymore!!!
My last day is in July and while most days I go from wanting to do a jig to wanting to throw-up, I am excited for the possibilities that are opening up in my life.

Jun. 7, 2009 at 02:44pm By Waxela (wa-shay-la)

Oh you are so right! I have a 7 month old baby and there is ALWAYS something else I need to do that distracts me from working out! I’m making a concerted effort to “change my mind” and get off my ass because my 20th year class reunion is in 6 weeks!

Jun. 7, 2009 at 03:20pm By Heather Alexander

I have a serious latte addiction. Just the other day, my hubs was listening to the radio in the car – the John Tesh show thing where he gives random facts between songs (oh gosh, we must be *that* old) and he was talking about how we drink more calories than we think we do. That got me thinking about my non-fat mondo huge monster-latte I drink every morning – that I make for myself in my super gynormous rooster mug. The next morning, I thought about that little nugget of information as I made my latte. I started adding up the calories of my non-fat latte. Over 300! Huh? What? No! So I continued to make my latte, swearing to myself that it would be my last one.
The next morning, I made myself another. I hadn’t had a big *last big every-morning latte* ceremony…and you really have to celebrate these milestones, right? So I made my latte and drank about a third of it and then had to run my daughter to school. I came home and put my latte in the microwave to reheat it…and as I pulled it out of the microwave, I lost my grip and the whole thing came crashing down. My 9-year-old mondo gigantic rooster mug was gone. Gone. Deceased. So…I ceremoniously threw the mug in the garbage, got off my ass and put my latte machine away. Fellow caffeine addicts, never fear! I pulled out my drip coffee maker and now have a small cup of coffee with a little creamer in it – roughly 40 calories – every morning. Not nearly as enjoyable, but I’ve lost 2 pounds in a week…I got off my ass and my ass is shrinking…
)

Jun. 7, 2009 at 03:20pm By alysse hennessey

That gave me chills! When I read your fun writing request, I thought, I’d write about learning to run, then I arrived at this page, and you are talking about running!

Five years ago, after I had my two babies and was still feeling chubby, I took up belly dancing! My torso was round in all directions when I began. I gained stamina, muscle, grace, and had a GREAT time with a fun pack of women.

Several months after I started dancing, I needed more work outs. Something simple that I could do from home. I wondered if I would like running. I live in a running capitol of the world….. see people running all the time, but it always looked, well, sweaty and boring. Suddenly it was interesting. I got curious, got a beginner’s book and learned that people were built to run! Next a decent pair of shoes, and out the door I went, following a program of run/walk/run/walk.

It was hard, but I was into it four days a week! Six weeks later, I reached my goal: I could run for 30 minutes straight. I could run three miles!

You can research me online and find some of my running scores for 5K races. NOt fast, but I completed them. I became a runner. All on my own, just by getting curious and not stopping.

I dropped down to my ideal size. My body became flat and muscly and alive! I run with my kids, have lots of energy, no PMS, my thoughts are clearer, and now feel if I want to do something I just DO it. Off MY ass! And loose some ass in the process.

The best of luck and joy on your journey too!
Alysse

Jun. 7, 2009 at 03:24pm By LeslieB

I really, really need to lose weight and improve my health, and I usually start the process with a 21-day detox. So it was time to do it again for about the 6th time.

THIS TIME I spent 3 weeks getting ready by drinking tons of Dr Peppers and eating “Last Meals” every day. Last chicken fried steak, last French toast, last pasta, etc. I was so sick of eating by the time I started detox that it was easy to eat right!

I’m 13 days in with 8 more days to go and I’m feeling great, losing weight and VERY PROUD OF MYSELF. Just look what I can do when I get off my ass!

Jun. 7, 2009 at 04:00pm By Karen Seifert

I suppose having two kids under the age of 5 doesn’t allow me to opt out of work!!!

I think of Yoda saying “Try not. Do or do not, there is no try.”
~Karen

Jun. 7, 2009 at 04:38pm By colleen

After years of suffering from crippling depression, I finally got the right combo of meds and therapist, which got me up out of bed and into life. I hired a personal trainer and am losing that 50 pounds I put on while I really didn’t care about life or myself. Now, thanks to working out faithfully (even though it almost KILLS me), taking care of myself and most importantly: LOVING MYSELF, I am well down the road to recovery and even got a great job (even in THIS ECONOMY!!). So, I got off my ass in a huge way and am now so grateful for everything I have, because I lost so much during those dead and dying years. Sure, the work-out endorphins are great, but better is the sense of self I get from reconnecting to my own body. I’ve never felt happier or more alive in my entire life, and I can honestly say it’s from working out, from getting off my ass (and creating a brand new ass is cool, too).

Jun. 7, 2009 at 05:11pm By Jenny

Twenty six years ago my husband walked out on me and a 6 month old baby ( I was 20 years old). At that point I had no skills and decided to go back to school. I got off my ass because of my wonderful family and my sister who kept bringing home the college catalog and that little person who needed me to do better. I now have a wonderful 26 year old son who is a gift and a great career as a high school administrator. It took lots of work and butt kicking from family friends and even from some of my canine friends to get me where I am today but I would not trade one experience good or bad for a do over. It has all been a gift!!!! I love your stuff and have since I first saw it in a shop in Long Grove. You and lots of other women (and men) inspire me to want to be better!!!

Thanks

Jun. 7, 2009 at 05:48pm By Jan

For me, it was the gnawing knowledge that I had not finished my college education. Years ago, when I was young and didn’t care as much – I left college with only a semester (yes, a semester!) to go and wondered why my parents were so upset. So, nearly 30 years after that, I graduated (with honors!)from UNLV (we lived in Vegas at the time) with my bachelor’s degree. That was in 2004 and I still get a little bit choked up when I think about the fact that I actually did it. It was hard, but so worth getting up off my a** and doing it.

Jun. 7, 2009 at 05:53pm By Aliza G

After recently losing my job I realized that unless I get up off my butt and start moving towards a) either getting a new job b)starting my own business that I would sink deep into a depression – yes, even though it’s gorgeous and sunny outside!
So yeah, I decided to start my own freelance bookkeeping business and I have two clients already!!

Jun. 7, 2009 at 06:05pm By Sylvia

Well just this weekend I discovered how much I could do by getting off my ass and doing it when I at last started pre-baby crafting (I’m 21 weeks along). The thought of the little man entering the world this fall just made me go through a marathon of crafting this weekend, all those supplies, embellishments, the fabric took shape and became caps, stuffed animals, blanket… the more I made the more I wanted to make. So I hope the START and the thought of how much I can make will continue for the next months…

Jun. 7, 2009 at 06:12pm By Fluffy, of Fluffy’s Compleat Boutique and Island Retreat of Indian Territory

Dear Allison:
I had just put up a flat of local strawberries when, on Memorial Weekend my fridge went Bonkers. Well, it took me 2 days to start finding a home for the food in there. The Koi Pond got the crab legs… a little bit anyway. The Wild Cats, possums and Racoon Family got the rest of those, sharing from the compost pile. But what to do about the berries? Finally, I swept into un-inertia. Now, I’m Proud Mom to 3 gallons of strawberry wine. And the best part is that when I mop the kitchen, it bubbles! It bubbles like saying, “HI. I am becoming your Strawberry Wine.” Its like a Mopping Reward. I had to get a part for anaerobic digestion this weekend, and found a Maple Brew Kit while there at the Wine store. The maple syrup that had been in my fridge was just sitting on the counter, waiting to grow fuzzy while the Experts were ordering compressing parts. So, I got that too! Now I am makeing Maple Beer— even when I sleep. Yes, I know I am living on potatoes until the Fridge Man comes back with my thingy. But in about 2 weeks I will have a very Delicious Selebration of what you can do if you get off of your ass and make lemonade before the lemons grow moss. And when my Fridge comes back, if I have any potatoes left over, then I might just make vodka!

~Luv Fluff

Jun. 7, 2009 at 06:30pm By Tara

Darn you and your great designs! By the way, this is Tara, formerly of a wisegirl account. I had to stop using that one for the most part. But this taratirzah is gonna have to buy another necklace.

Jun. 7, 2009 at 06:59pm By Diane Benson

I not only finally got off my butt, but I also dragged my 83 year old mom off hers. We cleaned her closet! My mom is a compulsive shopper and we ended up with 132 sweaters on a guest room bed! It sounds like a little thing, but when you can’t even get into a huge walk-in closet, it’s pretty major!

Jun. 7, 2009 at 08:32pm By Michelle | When I Grow Up Coach

I got off my ass when I realized that I had stopped auditioning because I didn’t want to pursue a career as an actress, and yet my “day job” was sucking my soul dry! I enrolled in a career change workshop, where I discovered life coaching. I then got off my ass to find a great school, enrolled, & graduated this week! Now I’m getting off my ass so I can leave my new, less soul sucking (but still sucky) day job & become a full-time career coach for creatives. Yay me!

Jun. 7, 2009 at 09:15pm By Casey Brown

I’ve had a rough few months–that ole’ depression monster has got a hold of me. I am working on getting out and moving more, and I HATE HATE HATE to exercise. But I have the world’s cutest dog (she’s a fat little sausage) and she loves to go walk in the neighborhood.

I work with children with disabilities, and I have a patient who has a spinal cord injury that has left him paralyzed from the neck down. He even breathes on a machine. Over the past few months, as I have had some trouble with depression, he is slowly coming out of his. It’s such a blessing each day to see him growing in his confidence in his new life. I love watching him conquer the massive obstacles in his life.

Put the two thoughts together. . .Now, these days, when I go for my walks, I think of my patient. When I “get off my ass,” and that little voice starts spewing negative thoughts in my head, I think of “Nicky.” I think, “I am walking for Nicky. Nicky would love to be out here in this sunshine right now. Feel your legs aching, feel your blood pumping, see the interesting sights in your neighborhood, suck the air in your lungs on your own (no machines), and be blessed you have legs you can move.”

It’s amazing how an inspiring kid can really move you to get off your ass and LIVE.

Jun. 7, 2009 at 09:18pm By allison

Wow, each and every one of these comments touches me! You all are gonna inspire me on my run tomorrow… mwah!

Jun. 7, 2009 at 09:46pm By Teresa Young

I think you were thinking of me when you made this one!

Jun. 7, 2009 at 09:58pm By Melissa

I have lost 33 pounds since Feb since I decided to get off my butt and do something. I feel so much better about myself and love that I can wear smaller clothes. It is awesome!!

Jun. 7, 2009 at 10:45pm By Diane Pollock

Moving made me realize how much I could do in just a couple of days. Now I keep on top of things!

Jun. 8, 2009 at 12:36am By Suzanne Moon

I never knew how much I could do til I got off my ass – well, I work full time and thought that was enough, but I felt that something was missing. I needed a creative outlet! I saw some scrabble tile necklaces on ebay and thought those would make a great gift for my large group of girlfriends (who are classy, sassy and a little badassy) for Christmas. They were a huge hit and everyone clamored for more!
I had a small bead jewelry business before I had kids, but haven’t done anything creative since having them but I jumped right back into it!
I’m still working on the web site and finding time to get some good pics taken of my work. I love your wacky birds and art and they’ve been a big hit in my collection!
So I’ve been able to do so much more than I realized I could just since the holidays! It’s been a blast and I’m enjoying my new endeavor!
Thanks for your great inspiration!!
-Suzanne

Jun. 8, 2009 at 01:15pm By Andrea P.

With our nation’s children becoming heavier and more unhealthy every year, I decided to get off my ass and show my five year old son how to live a healthy, active life. If he sees me sitting on the couch watching reruns, he’ll want to sit around and watch tv too. I want him to be fit, so we are taking more walks, playing tee ball, throwing the football around and I’m even going to buy my first bike in 25 years!!

Jun. 8, 2009 at 02:21pm By Laura Aiken

YES get off my ass and get off the computer. So much to do. Love your work Allison….
Laura.

Jun. 8, 2009 at 02:51pm By studio lolo

I’m in the middle of packing for a cross-country move after living in central California for 16 years. I’ve put on 50 pounds out here, the land where I thought I’d lose 50 pounds because it’s always nice out! But we can get in ruts anywhere. Wherever we go, there we are.
I recently gave up my studio (hard to do) and tried to focus on my health. And now this move has come up and my focus is packing, pitching stuff out and starting over. My husband has been homesick and it’s time to go. As much as I’ve fought this move in the past, I think it will be just the kick in the ass I need to take care of myself because I won’t have my ‘usual’ distractions. I’ll set up a new nest and embrace old friends.
I’ll let you know when I’ve lost that fifty-plus poundage

Rest up missy! We won’t forget how to find you.

Laurel

Jun. 8, 2009 at 06:37pm By Tracey Ann Finley

Wow…this is one inspiring blog!
I kinda feel like this: If you just really, really set your mind to do something, anything, accomplish one little goal, your ASS has no other recourse but to follow BEHIND…….
Love to all and thanks for the inspiration….

Jun. 8, 2009 at 09:59pm By Shasta Y.

I love reading these stories

I lost my mom to cancer 7 years ago. It was absolutely devastating and I was a wreck for a long time. Some of her last words to me were to “enjoy life and do anything and everything that you can possibly do because it is too short”. It took some time before I really started to look at life that way, and I still battle with it just like everyone else.

I ran a marathon in 2005 and thought of her the entire time. I had never ran before and I wasn’t athletic in school but I decided to get off my ass thanks to a wonderful friend at the time. I trained for months and when I crossed that finish line it was one of the best feelings in the world.I realized that day that for a long time I had made myself a prisoner to my thoughts and actions. You can absolutely do anything once you make the decision to do it. You have to grab it, own it, and embrace it. It’s an awesome feeling.

Like I said, I have moments where I fall, but I always think of my one marathon that I finished and it reminds me that I can do anything

Jun. 9, 2009 at 02:17pm By Sara K

I’ve decided to get off of my butt in the mornings and do Jillian Michaels 30 day shred and it’s helped with not only how I look, but how I feel (giving me more energy, more desire to actually play with my kids and interact, etc.).

Jun. 9, 2009 at 03:38pm By Rebecca B

I have no problem “getting off my ass” and doing things for my three kids, if someone else needs something and getting things done around the house. My struggle is “getting off my ass” and doing something for MYSELF. Have been contemplating going back to school and getting a nursing degree, but have stalled out when it comes to taking the math exam which will lead to about a year’s worth of work on the prerequisites and then applying to programs where about one out of ten people get in. I have so many fears that I will fail at this and will waste so much time and energy pursuing this dream, I know I need to just “get off my ass” and try…

Jun. 9, 2009 at 10:39pm By vhtrabosh

My ass is better for it being up and not seated throughout the entire performance of my life. There is nothing better than realizing my ordinary buttocks and all that are attached to it accomplish the extraordinary simply by never sitting down (metaphorically speaking). Stepping up – stepping into my life requires a belief that by doing so changes everything. My ass has taken me through love, life, Rwanda, friendships, laughter, loss and grief. And it’s still hanging in there – though a few centimeters south of where it used to hang. Can’t WAIT to see how it looks when I’m 80 – can you imagine – that’s when the cataracts will come in handy…smooth the whole thing out!

Jun. 10, 2009 at 01:57am By Leigh

You have no idea how much I love this design and quote!! Laugh out loud funny and totally inspiring at the same time…and it came at exactly the right time for me, as well.

I just had my fourth (and last) child, and after too many years of carrying that extra “baby weight” that carried over (and over and over) from my first, I am SO ready to reclaim my body and a bit of my old self. Time to get up!

Jun. 10, 2009 at 02:30pm By Susan P

Man, women are awesome. Sometimes, it feels like a nuclear bomb wouldn’t get me off my ass, sometimes just an e-mail from a person whose work makes me smile. Wait, I’m still ON my ass. Darn computer.

Jun. 11, 2009 at 12:09pm By Jamie

I’m getting off my ass because I am not taking advantage of my life the way that I should. It’s time too bloom. I would like to purchase this piece Alison if it is for sale. Your art has always been such an inspiration. Love, Jamie

Jun. 12, 2009 at 11:15pm By Tammy

I so agree with all that you have written. Life is about a choice. I have spent the afternoon looking for sites that are motivational and real.

Good-luck with your new awareness.

Jun. 28, 2009 at 11:46pm By allison

These are just so inspiring, girls… thank you for sharing!

Jun. 29, 2009 at 06:20pm By susan varner

GREAT blog Allison!

Well, 2 years after meeting a wonderful man on an online blog site in 2006, I got off my ass and emigrated from Liverpool UK to be with him in Ohio, USA last September, and am now a happily married country girl! While I was in England waiting for my visa to be processed, I also got off my ass and studied for 8 months (while still working full time) and passed the American NCLEX nursing exam – so I was registered as a nurse in Ohio before I even got here, hahaha! I’m now waiting for my Green Card and Work Permit applications to be processed so I can start looking for a job over here.
In the meantime, I’ve gotten off my ass again and learned to drive!! I hated driving in the UK so didn’t bother even though I had my license for 20 years. But over here in the US it’s come so naturally and I’m LOVING IT!
I emailed you about it at the time last year, just before I flew over here and sent you a photo of me wearing my “she’s trusting her own little universe” necklace. I wore it on the flight – it was so appropriate Allison! And the stewardesses loved it, especially when they asked and I told them the story of meeting my husband and how that necklace was my good luck charm through it all!

Have a wonderful month off Allison, and enjoy the time with your family – you deserve it!

Best wishes, Sue Varner (MRS!!)

Jul. 10, 2009 at 07:53pm By Amber; Slidell, LA

I am 30. I have spent ALL my life trying to please others doing for them before I do for me. One day I woke up and was just sick of it. That day, I changed. (I can’t eve tell you what day it was.) I decided to do things for ME for a change. I’m married to an alcoholic. I have broken the binds of codependancy and enabling (though we are still married). I realized that to be the mommy that my 4 year old son deserves, I NEED to be the me that I deserve. I started drinking water, eating better, and exercising. (I LOVE Wii Fit and EA Active!) I’ve lost 20 lbs and counting. I feel better than ever!! Now I’m not only a better me, I’m a better mother and a better friend to those around me. My mantra? Do just ONE thing better for yourself for just one month and you are THIRTY TIMES BETTER than when you started! And just add to it! So Get Off Your Ass And Do Just ONE Thing Better For YOU!! Take care of you!

Sep. 11, 2009 at 01:25pm By Nurse Student

I don?t usually reply to posts but I will in this case. Thanks for helping.