Entries from January 2009 ↓

Julian Gude circa 1980, Fremantle Western Australia

As I walked the other day I was reminded about some books I read some time ago about negative self talk. My own internal dialogue is best described as polar opposites of good and bad. As I’ve grown older I have found more fault in my own actions (and therefore my self talk) but also more compassion for my weaknesses.

Today, what I refer to internally as ‘the real me’ is this sunny blond headed kid with a big infectious smile who is connected wholly to his heart. Every day I live I try to remember him and that me is the one who makes me a better father, husband and friend. From this boy came this simple common sense reminder on a walk the other day and I thought it might be good to share with you.

Negative self talk

“Instead of listening to your own bad advice in the form of negative self talk instead think of giving a good friend advice if they had the same problem. You wouldn’t think of talking to a friend like you talk to yourself.

The next time you give yourself some advice think of it as a gift you would give your loved one or friend.

Try it in business, try it with your relationship and parenting advice, try it on the golf course.  – Julian “

Known affectionately as ‘Gunny’ by her family, Shannon’s Grandma passed January 5th at the age of 82. I am glad I had the opportunity to meet her. She was like a Tiger!

“Catherine M. (Kroskey) Seery
CENTER TOWNSHIP
Published: Wednesday, January 7, 2009 8:53 AM EST
Catherine M. Seery, 82, of Center Township, formerly of New Brighton, passed away Monday, Jan. 5, 2009, in the Allegheny General Hospital.

She will be sadly missed by her family and friends.

Born Nov. 3, 1926, in New Brighton, a daughter of the late Frank and Veronica Kroskey, she was a retired nurse for The Medical Center, Beaver, and was a member of the Holy Family Roman Catholic Church, New Brighton.

In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband, John Seery; two children, Kevin and Mary; a granddaughter, Crystal Rayl, and seven siblings.

Surviving are three sons and two daughters-in-law, Sam and Karen Seery, Salem, Oregon; Patrick Seery, New Brighton, and Daniel and Tina Seery, Patterson Township, and two daughters and a son-in-law, Veronica Seery, Center Township, and Christine and Daniel Patsch, Rochester. She also leaves behind her beloved grandchildren, Shannon and her husband Julian, Ryan, Kurt, Shaun, Erin, Bree, Caitlin, Daniel, Michael and Molly; two great-grandchildren, John and Julia; a brother and sister-in-law, Ed and Marie Kroskey, New Brighton; a sister-in-law, Agnes Gray, and brother-in-law, John O’Keefe, both of Monaca, and numerous nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.

Friends will be received today from 2 to 4 and 7 to 9 p.m. in the J&J SPRATT FUNERAL HOME, 1612 Third Ave., New Brighton, www.jjsprattfh.com, where prayer will be held Thursday at 9:30 a.m., followed by a Mass of Christian burial at 10 a.m. in St. Cecilia Catholic Church, Rochester, with the Rev. Father Greg Brown, O.F.M. Cap., officiating.

Memorials may be made, if desired, to the Beaver County Bookmobile, St. Joseph Cemetery or a charity of your choice.”

John asked to go on a long run with me today and so we set off after some instruction. The hardest thing for him to do was to hold back. The concept of running at less than full speed in order to run more distance left him befuddled.

Here’s a chart showing time, distance, breaks and the course of his first mile run. You’re on your way John. Just remember that all runs, no matter the distance begin with the first step!