Katie Romano-In the Groove!

Holy Wow!

2009-11-09T19:16:00.000-08:00

This is one of those moments when I am incredibly grateful to know so many talented people! Thanks to the folks at Jencks Photography , I now have a new photo! A BIG Giant Thank you to my friend Barbara Marsden, Mary Kay Consultant/Goddess, for doing my make up and making me look like this! THANK YOU THANK YOU THANK YOU!

Katie

2009-10-07T09:40:00.001-07:00

My Intention for today is:
I intend that I am looking within to see what would give me the most joy, and then I am consciously creating it. (From the Intenders)

2009-10-06T04:28:00.001-07:00

Just discovered Cafe Via while working on my next day of http://ping.fm/X2TH3

2009-09-16T07:23:00.001-07:00

Great news about our current market: http://ping.fm/JbgDH

Groovy Girl Gets Unlimited Potential

2009-09-14T05:54:00.001-07:00

“Change is the only constant in life”

My world changed dramatically these past few weeks and thanks to the people closest to me, I have been able to take another step towards achieving my wildest dreams. With the addition of a new partner, Annemarie Blue, Get Groovy has reached a point where Shell and I can step back and release the reigns enough to add other projects, and boy, do I have the opportunity of a lifetime!

This past week I joined the team at Unlimited Potential Marketing, which is owned by Ray Higdon and Brad Dohack. Working with them is like living an all day workshop with Richard Branson and T. Harv Ecker EVERYDAY! I feel so incredibly blessed and best of all, we are all helping thousands of people achieve their dreams though the most innovative internet marketing techniques in existence!

2009-09-09T08:21:00.001-07:00

Pulling the trigger on change!

2009-09-08T14:21:00.001-07:00

I am so grateful that I am helping so many businesses to grow and gain ground in their market!

2009-09-07T09:06:00.001-07:00

Awesome blog, pardon if this is a double post (I'm playing on Ping.fm):
http://ping.fm/SQzmg

2009-09-07T08:51:00.001-07:00

That would be business ownerS (plural) lol

2009-09-07T08:49:00.001-07:00

Helping business owner drive traffic to their sites and monetize their blogs!

Passion

2009-04-08T03:00:00.001-07:00

Passion. It’s the driving force that wakes you at 2 am and compels you to act. It’s the power that pushes you through obstacles because you know, in the very core of your being, that you are on the right path.

Many of our neighbors have lost their passion, a great deal of our friends and family members have even lost their hope. Changes in local and national economy have shaken beliefs, jobs have been lost and yes lives have been changed—but there is hope, and thanks to one man’s passion help is just a few hours away.

This Wednesday, April 8th at 6:30pm at the Clarion Hotel in Fort Myers, Ray Higdon, founder of the Forever Wealth Club, will share strategies to answer the question, “Where do I go from here?” This is a FREE event. There are no sales pitches, lotions, potions, CD’s or propaganda, just passion and real life-changing strategies.

I’ll be honest with you, there aren’t a lot of people I would drop everything and get a sitter to see, Ray is one of those people. His message is timely and meaningful, his presentation is dynamic and most of all, I believe that he is going to make profound difference in this area with his work. So I guess the biggest question I can pose to you is: Are you ready to live your passion?

Alexander Pope once said that, “Passion is the gales of life.” I say, “let the winds blow strong, embrace their wildness, and harness their power to create the life of your dreams, right here and right now.”

See you tonight.

:) Katie

Angels Are Everywhere

2009-03-19T20:04:00.001-07:00

As a single mother and business owner, it’s easy to get caught up in the grind, the rush of homework, housework and profit and loss statements. It’s a busy lifestyle and potentially isolating because getting out and meeting people, forming meaningful friendships and relationships seems secondary to the necessities of daily living. That’s where my angels come in.

Angels don’t always have wings or halos. Sometimes these wonderful Beings of light are clad in sundresses, flip-flops, business suits or occasionally Spiderman sneakers. They get jam on the counter, show up to work late on occasion, make sandcastles and do all sorts of ordinary things but they are also precious pieces of light, touch stones of sanity, and sources of encouragement. They help me to stay on track, grow as a person, and parent in a manner that helps my amazing, creative children to live healthy, happy lives.

First, I would like to acknowledge Shell. I am eternally grateful to have her as a business partner and friend. She’s someone the boys and I can count on (which is truly priceless),’ she’s a great aunt, my closest friend and confidant, and together we create things that make the world a far more interesting place.

My family lives close by, they help in more ways than I can possibly list. We don’t quite get to see them as often as I would like, but they are an ever-present part of our lives, blessing us with and almost visceral sense of stability and love.

We have not one, but TWO church communities the boys and I are lucky enough to be a part of. That means we have TWO networks of caring people who are invested in my boys and I individually as well as a family unit. In fact, I had a cup of coffee tonight with a friend from church. We worked for a bit on a church project and then chatted about marriage, divorce, children and work. I left the encounter feeling a deep sense of gratitude and connectedness. It is so awesome to know that I have people in my life who love the boys and I unconditionally and are as committed to our growth and wellness, as I am to theirs. That’s powerful stuff.

My “Angel List” also includes: my beautiful and amazing children who awe me with their creativity, intelligence, love and curiosity; the Lamers clan, who have embraced us with open arms; Lee and Patrick, who the boys look up to, our Groovy employees, who give their all everyday in support of the company vision they wholeheartedly embrace, our clients who bless us with their faith and trust; our office mate, Richard, who inspires us daily; our coaches, David Essel and Emile Gauvreau, who share their wisdom and help us to stay positive and succeed where others have failed; Ray Higdon, who is another partner of like-mind, a bright light, a trail blazer, an open, giving heart; and the random strangers who smile at the gas station, hold doors open when my hands are full….

Angels are everywhere. They shower me with blessings; remind me to slow down and savor each second of life, to take the time to form and cherish those important relationships and they conspire to make my life more magnificent each and every moment.

With gratitude and love,

Katie

When the Going Gets Tough...

2009-03-09T11:22:00.000-07:00

The Tough Get Giving

In case you haven't heard, Charlie Gay, British Philanthropist and founder of Humanity Unites Brilliance is speaking in Fort Myers Wednesday, March 11th at 6:30 PM at La Quinta Inn. His talk will include, among other things, how giving is the key to gaining more than you can ever imagine. As the former Executive Director of both The Mineseeker Foundation and Sole of Africa Campaign, I think it's fair to say he knows a thing or two about giving and what happens when you do.

As if his non-profit credits aren't enough to pique your interest, consider that Mr. Gay has also been a promoter for Pink Floyd, Fleetwood Mac, and even Margaret Thatcher. It is both his non-profit and for-profit savvy that first spawned the idea of a Fort Myers speaking engagement in the mind of Forever Wealth Club Founder Ray Higdon, "We were the first and hardest-hit by the real estate collapse, but there is still opportunity to thrive as a community. Bringing Charlie Gay here is my way to help the area evolve and mature economically and socially. Charlie’s message is both powerful and pertinent to anyone looking to truly create an abundant lifestyle locally as well as globally.”

Ray, rocks! His commitment to our area and to educating the masses about true wealth continues to inspire me.

I realize that funds seem tight for many right now, but encourage you to check out this event. The $10 (FWC members are free) will be well worth it. To register, go to: http://www.meetup.com/foreverwealthclub/calendar/9864750/ .

In Abundance,

Katie

Camping is so groovy!

2009-03-02T19:17:00.000-08:00

I love nature--in theory. The idea of taking two small children out in the woods and roughing it is therefore, not a natural progression of my thoughts. However, with a bit of encouragement from some friends (and a few loaned supplies), I ventured to the deep recesses of the eco-preserve the Unitarian Universalist Church of Fort Myers resides on and opened my heart to greater mysteries. I wasn't disappointed.

My oldest learned to roast dogs over an open flame and discovered that he has a seemingly endless supply of energy available for flashlight tag. My youngest held his very first baby cricket, learned that he is a marshmallow roasting master and I found a kinship with my fellow campers that can only be described as divine union. You see, somewhere between the feasting, the fire, and fun, walls fell and a new sense of Oneness was born. Children chose to be mentored by other people parents, adults shared stories of positive parenting and songs of hope were sung.

When the evening finally wound down, the boys and I retired to our tent. We shared our experiences and reminisced about my Dad, who actually was a nature-person in practice. I guess that was another miracle, connecting with the earth giggling and laughing under the stars as we remembered my father brought a deep healing to all of us.

We slept deeply, comforted by a chorus of crickets chanting that nature is much more than a theory.

Shift Happens

2009-02-23T06:14:00.000-08:00

Shift happens…

Two weeks ago in front of a crowd of about 600 people I shared those two powerful words. An enthusiastic audience hungry and open for deep wisdom proceeded to chant with me, “Shift happens. Shift happens. Shift happens.” It was the beginning of an awesome evening. My intro was followed by International author, speaker, life coach and radio/tv host David Essel, who was followed by a Center for Spiritual Living Minister, Emile Gauvreau, and International author, speaker, and member of Oprah’s Spirituality 101 team, Michael Bernard Beckwith.

Watching each man share their wisdom was like watching spiritual fireworks, followed by a love-fest. Strangers cried, hugged, held each other’s hands and breathed together in unison, ultimately accepting shift into their minds, their hearts, their lives.

As the CEO of the company who handled the Marketing and Public Relations for the event, participating was an extra-added bonus for me. We chose to be a part of the event because it was a culmination of something larger my business partner and I have been working on called “Conscious-Lee.” Last year, when we opened the doors of Get Groovy, my business partner and I agreed that the economy and general emotional malaise in the area could be turned around if we could somehow raise the consciousness of the area. The mélange of masters I had the pleasure of standing on the stage before were a culmination of that dream. And you know what? My desire for county wide change, ended up changing me.

This past weekend I participated in the level 1 certification course for Life Mastery/Life Coaching with David Essel. For me, the Dr. Beckwith experience was a powerful step on my journey, a metaphysical jumpstart to a tired battery, and the coaching course this weekend just provided me with a limitless supply of eco-friendly super-fuel to run my car of life on. This blog is my tool to keep my batteries charged, my windshield clear, and myself rocking out to the tunes of the Universe while sitting in the drivers seat of my life. That being said: I will be posting to share my process, nuggets of marketing and PR wisdom, coaching exercises, parenting joys, my spiritual process and all things in LIFE.

Peace out :)

Tadaaaaaa!

2007-09-05T19:03:00.000-07:00

I am back online and what a journey it has been! I am dedicated to not only enjoying my life, but helping those I love and care about enjoy theirs as well. I am healthy and getting ready to train for another marathon, too! UPDATES TO FOLLOW!

Katie

Courage: Life is often a test of endurance

2006-08-08T21:08:00.000-07:00

The photo I chose is of my grandmother and I celebrating our birthday, which was a couple of weeks ago. My grandmother is an inspiration to me, she is a survivor and without her I don’t know how much Will my grandfather would have had to endure his many years of treatments. I am running this race as much to honor her, and other family members of cancer patients who support their loved ones, as I am to honor: my grandfather, my friend Mike and my friends brother John.

Life has thrown me a few curve balls lately. I could list them here, one by one. Name them. Cry about them. Beg for sympathy. But, what purpose would that serve? What do we gain by living in our wounds? Cancer survivors make it because they do not have the time to wallow in misery or self-pity. Survivors have the strength and courage to endure the difficult times, the painful treatments, the disappointments of life, and they embrace hope. Following in the example of my honored teammates, my loved ones, my grandmother and incredibly supportive family members like her: I am choosing to embrace my challenges, endure them, count my present blessings and welcome a promising future with an open heart.

Reminder: Donation time is running out, please click on the donation link and make your choice to make a difference today! Make your choice to help bring hope to those fighting for their lives and the loved ones who support them!

An "AHA!" Moment

2006-07-19T06:57:00.000-07:00

As a single mom who has spent the better part of a decade switching channels on the remote as her sole form of cardiovascular exercise, raising two children, working full-time, running forty +miles a week and fundraising can get rough at times. What keeps me going? At every fundraising event I have been to, someone has told me his or her personal story. They have shared with me how the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society has helped them, their loved one, and even how the research the Society has done has saved the life of someone they love. Couple these moving stories with the generosity of those who donate funds, the constant support of my Church, my friends, my co-workers, my loved ones, and my miraculous little boys and you can see how truly blessed I am to do this work with such support. My oldest son recently worked a lemonade stand at a garage sale/fundraiser that I was working and raised 14-dollars with his partner in sales, a young girl named Olivia. How could something so sweet not motivate a feeling person? So, even on days like today when every muscle in my body hurts, I lace up my shoes and face the day, knowing that with each step, each breath, each fundraising call I make or letter I write, I am bringing someone in this world closer to a cure for a disease that is ravaging their body.

Recently, a friend asked me what the heck running had to do with Leukemia and Lymphoma. I didn’t really have much of an answer for him. Now I do: When a person is faced with cancer, their entire life changes. Their relationships change, their diet must change, their body will change as a result of treatments. There are days when they don’t want to get out of bed but in order to survive, they must endure the daily beatings their body will take as a result of chemo and radiation. Their bodies, minds and spirits must stretch beyond the bounds of “average” human capacity in order to overcome the beast that ravages their bodies.

Running is an endurance sport, and when an average person trains for a marathon, they agree to push their body beyond normal limits, to do what most would consider impossible. When a “normal” person agrees to undergo training for a marathon they must also learn to restructure their entire life: relationships, nutrition, sleep habits, recreational activities become a thing of the past. One must endure pain, occasionally beyond measure, and the daily mental as well as spiritual challenges that come with having to lace up your running shoes at 4 am for a cause when you just want to sleep in for once… While a far lesser challenge than enduring a blood cancer, a parallel does exist, and that is why at 33 I lace up my running shoes each day and make my fundraising calls—because even on my worst days, I’m still better off than my friends, my neighbors, my fellow human beings currently suffering through the fight of their lives.

Crunch Time

2006-07-07T06:23:00.000-07:00

The heat took it's toll this Wednesday, and I had to call practice early. Dizziness, nausea, and a headache: the early signs of heat exhaustion, hit me pretty hard. I was back on the treadmill yesterday and today, though. I'm gearing up for a 12 mile run tomorrow. My body has been protesting a little, but my grandfather didn't give in when he had to take his chemotherapy meds, and I'm not giving up on training.

Ouch! Ouch!

2006-06-29T18:12:00.000-07:00

Everything hurts. Do you know how many muscles you have in your body? I do, and not because of my training as a nurse. I know because they all scream when I walk. After a long week of workouts, we ran about 7 miles in the rain—speed work no less—last night. Today I tossed in some weights for good measure. Tomorrow, even though it’s going to hurt like heck when I try to roll out of bed, I’m still going to slip on my gym shoes and get my tush to the nearest gym because no matter what kind of pain I am in, it is nothing compared to what my loved ones went through. I’m lucky enough to be getting healthier every day, even though I have some soreness, and I am going to continue to celebrate my health while helping others. I hope you will join me in this battle against blood cancers and donate today: Save a Life Today!
Check back often, I promise to get better action-shots soon!

If you think running a marathon is hard--Try Chemotherapy!

2006-06-12T06:59:00.000-07:00

Today’s subject is a slightly modified quote from the San Diego Rock and Roll Marathon’s promo t-shirts. I thought it fit for this past week, I had a kidney infection that was so bad that my ankles swelled and my doctor benched me for the entire week. Talk about a pain. Not being able to workout at all made me a little stir-crazy, but I followed my doctor’s orders and when I felt a bit better went to Saturday’s race/practice. I still took it easy and was mindful of my health. Each step on Saturday was an affirmation of how great it felt to be able to beat a kidney infection with antibiotics and a couple of days rest. I am so grateful for my health, and so glad that I can help others while improving my own health!

Success

2006-06-05T10:21:00.000-07:00

My high school cross-country coach used to tell me all of the time that on the days I least wanted to lace-up my shoes and run, I needed to do it the most. I needed his wisdom today. My youngest refused to sleep last night, and by the time he hit the sack I was exhausted. But, I know that both of my children carry the same genetics as me, genetics that may predispose them to lymphoma—the disease that killed my grandfather. It was the thought of my boys living healthy lives this morning and my former Coach’s sage words that echoed in my mind when my alarm went off at 5am. I allowed myself approximately one minute to groan before I chose to fulfill my commitment to: myself, my boys, my teammates, and leukemia and lymphoma patients everywhere. Without further ado, I laced up my shoes and began my morning ritual.

I understand that success is subjective, but today I feel successful because I chose self-discipline over self-indulgence. And I feel doubly successful because my oldest son noticed today that mommy was tired but decided to workout anyway. Always perceptive, nothing passes by him and recent conversations with him have proven that he is strongly influenced by my choices. He has said on several occasions that he is so proud of me for helping people, and that he understands more about doing the right thing, even when you don’t want to, because he watches me do the right thing on days like today, when I least want to. I may not have run a five- minute mile today, or helped to find a cure for cancer—yet—but lacing-up instead of giving up brought me miles closer to my children and to a cure. And that is success to me.

Overcoming obstacles

2006-05-29T14:02:00.000-07:00

Why is it that the people you love most always seem to disappoint you when you really need them? Do we hold them to unfair standards? Is it wrong to expect them to sometimes put their own anxieties and quirks away in order to come through on promises? As a nurse, I have seen countless family members suddenly unable to give rides to chemo, or to another doctor’s appointment. Fortunately, out of the 75 cents of every dollar donated to the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society that goes to: patient treatment, services and research; a portion of funds are allotted to help pay for transportation to and from treatments and therapy so that cancer patients have a sturdy plan A and plan B.

I had a major disappointment today. Someone I loved really let me down and put a hitch in my training plans, but I know that this is just one small setback. The road ahead is long, and I refuse to let these little set backs defeat me. Inspired by the loved ones I have lost to this disease, I didn’t’ give in to self-pity. I hit the gym, which wasn’t my original plan, but will keep me on track for training.

Please be sure to check my blog regularly for updates! And please remember that every dollar counts!! If you would like to donate, please CLICK HERE .

17 miles this week.

2006-05-28T15:54:00.000-07:00

Training is hard. I only managed 17 miles total this week, 6 of which were on Saturday. Getting back into shape certainly has its challenges, but when things get tough, I remember how hard my grandfather fought to live, and somehow getting on my sneakers before the sunrises becomes that much easier. I'm developing an appetite for the challenge.

My mentors and teammates are incredible. Thanks to my running buddy de jour, Todd, I managed to finish my six-mile run with a smile. Thank you Todd!!

Fundraising is still a bit bleak; I need your help!! Please open your hearts and your wallets and support this great cause! To make a donation to my secure website just click here: Save Lives!

Getting Started:

2006-05-25T07:45:00.000-07:00

This site is my training blog. I am training to compete in (and fundraising for) the Nike Women's Marathon with Team in Training in honor of the loved ones that I have lost to blood cancers: my grandfather, Frank Casabene; my dear friend Mike Longo, and the friend of a loved one, John Cooper. I am also running in honor of those fighting to stay alive. My goals are to complete the marathon and raise over 4000 dollars. I'm challenging myself to do what would normally seem impossible to me, because fighting cancer and winning seems impossible to so many. Since I am healthy, I can do this small thing and raise money for blood cancer patients, so that they can concentrate on staying alive. Please visit often and keep in mind that my training struggles are nothing compared to the struggles that those I am running for face daily in their fight to survive.

If you would like to join the fight against blood cancers as an athlete, or if you would like to donate funds please contact me and log on to my secure donation website: http://www.active.com/donate/tntscfl/tntscflKRomano