Musings
Video: Gold Medalists Unplugged
I was watching the Olympics and wondering what were Jordyn Wieber and Kyla Ross thinking as they cheered on their former teammates and future Bruin? So I drove over to Jordyn’s house and streamed our conversation live. Enjoy! LIVE on #Periscope: Golden Couch Talk with Jordyn and Kyla https://t.co/LMccoI0l6l — Valorie Kondos Field (@OfficialMissVal) August 8, […]
Is There a Benefit to Being Anxious?
I was driving when I got the call from my doctor, “Could you pull over so we could talk about your results?” I pull over. “Your tests have come back positive. You have breast cancer.” At that moment my world stopped… my mind immediately went to the horrific experience my mother went through 30 years […]
It’s More Than Bragging Rights
I’ve never flipped, never been able to do a pull-up, and have a fear of heights. How the heck did I become the Head Coach for the UCLA Gymnastics team; one of the most prestigious athletic programs in the country? The short version: I grew up studying classical ballet and piano. I was dancing professionally […]
GET TO vs HAVE TO: Perspectives from my Chemo Spa
I GET to go to chemotherapy. I GET to have poison shot into my vein that will hopefully kill the cancer in my breast. It all started when my oncologist said, “You’re going to go through a year of chemo and surgery, but you’ll be fine.” I went home, sat on my couch, and E-X-H-A-L-E-D… […]
The Importance of “You’re Welcome”
“We can do not great things, only small things with great love.” ~ Mother Teresa “You’re welcome” is the dance partner to “Thank you.” Think about a time you said “you’re welcome” to someone’s “thank you.” It felt like you had a “moment,” a small connection with that person, didn’t it? A sincere “thank you” […]
“Thrive” by Arianna Huffington
Thrive: The Third Metric to Redefining Success and Creating a Life of Well-Being, Wisdom, and Wonder by Arianna Huffington I am obsessed with this book. I literally wake up in the middle of the night just so I can read one more chapter, which is actually contrary to what the book is hoping to achieve. I met Arianna […]
Why I Hate the F Word
Failure. I don’t know what mean-spirited person thought up the word Failure, but I simply don’t believe it exists. It is a grouping of letters with absolutely no meaning for me. “You may encounter many defeats, but you must not be defeated. In fact, it may be necessary to encounter the defeats, so you can […]
“The Majesty of Calmness” by William George Jordan
The Majesty of Calmness Individual Problems and Possibilities by William George Jordan Most of the gifts I received from Coach Wooden were a byproduct of his time. The time I got to spend with him and his daughter Nan was priceless, thought provoking and always fun, as Coach had a tremendous wit. I received a […]
Ceviche – Fool Proof Recipe
I got this recipe from my awesome friend Sue Berlin and it’s always the hit of the party. (Yes, she’s also Ariana’s mother). This recipe turns out amazing 100% of the time if you use enough lemon juice. You can use as much of the ingredients as you’d like, just make sure you’ve got plenty […]