Friday

Thursday

It's Thankful Thursday again. Sometimes I think, "What do I have to be thankful for?", but that's the exhausted and wanting to go back to bed version of me. When I dig deep and face reality with a clear mind, I always have plenty to be thankful for like... 


...uplifting texts from friends.

...waking up pain free (you'll see that as a consistent gratitude!)

...good relationships.

...invitations to brunches, lunches and showers.

...flowers at work.

...a kind boss.

...great and encouraging coaches.

...hard working employees.

...vacation.

...sunny days.

...massages.

...fabulous workouts.

...meals I don't have to cook.

...multi-tasking (successfully).

...mani & pedi appointments.

...expedited shipping for last minute packages.

...more daylight!

...chiropractic healing.

...Spring! (it's right around the corner!)


  

Zinc

I refuse to be sick! I don't believe in the use of most over the counter products that treat cold and flu symptoms as I think they can do more (long term) harm than good, but one product I do personally approve of is zinc! Most commonly advertised and found in Zicam products (avoid the nasal sprays!) I do believe that the use of zinc shortens the duration of colds. I was recently told to try Sambucol as well, which contains mainly elderberry and some zinc - so we'll see how healing goes!

In the most basic explanation I can think of, zinc is proven to basically "suffocate" the germs in your body from reproducing and spreading more disease and distress. I have, knock on wood, never had a cold progress past a sore throat and sniffle once I've introduced the use of Zicam. Fingers crossed that the same occurs today! What are your "go to" cough and cold remedies? 

Positive

This cartoon resonated with me greatly. Not only for it's obvious sentiment that the world needs more positivity but for the simple imagery as well. As someone who has been dubbed a penguin runner (slow!) and nicknamed Turtle, I adore the image of the little snail working to keep moving forward to obtain his goal. He's finishing his race no matter how long it takes and let that be a reminder to us all. 

Life shouldn't be a competition about how fast we can rush through and achieve our goals. Whether they be physical or mental, life should be more about creating meaningful goals and celebrating our progress along the way. It's easy to celebrate the completion of a task with that big victory dance but what about the journey? Isn't the trip and all the sights along the way just as great as the destination? It's the journey that changes you and makes you stronger, not the finish line.

Like the snail above, I hope we all have the blessing of having positive and loving cheerleaders during our journeys who help us to stay focused and course correct us as needed. If you don't have your own cheer squad then know that I encourage you to get out there and go after your dreams and goals! It's never too late and the journey is never too long. Remember to encourage those you encounter along the way, it makes the trip a lot lighter and more fun!  

George

Today is President's Day. Originally designated to celebrate George Washington's birthday, this day seems to have lost it's meaning, if it ever did hold one for the general public, to being just another day off from school or work. So why did our nation decide to celebrate George Washington in the first place? George Washington is considered the Father of Our Nation and was one of few presidents who not only fought in a war (French/Indian War) but lead the Continental Army through the Revolutionary War. Serving as our first president, he helped to establish the Constitution and the roots of our independence as a nation. 

I won't continue the history lesson here but hopefully have sparked enough interest for you to search out more information on your own. What I will leave you with for today are some "fun" facts about President Washington. Happy President's Day!


1) His false teeth were not made of wood. His false teeth were known to be made out of a mixture of bone, other people's teeth and ivory. Gross by today's standards! 

2) During the French-Indian War two of the horses he was riding were shot and he received many bullet holes to his clothing, yet none to himself. This lead an Indian Chief to think he had a divine power on his side.    

3) He added the now common phrase, "So help me God." to the end of the Presidential Oath of Office.

4) He is one of two (Lincoln being the other) who appears on both a coin and bill in US currency.

5) Although he has many educational institutes named after him, he never attended college.

Lox

Lox and bagels are my newest breakfast addiction! Never had it? Don't know what it is? It's been around forever, but I'm just now embracing the taste of salmon, cream cheese, red onions and capers on an Everything bagel. Relatively low calorie, compared to a meat and cheese omelet, it packs a good source of protein and healthy fats. This offers me a yummy alternative to my typical homemade breakfast tacos (corn tortillas, egg whites, cheese with avocado and tons of hot sauce). Chances are your local bagel shop or favorite brunch spot has this little gem on their menu, check it out! 

Cold

Valentine's Day

If I asked you to make a list of all the things you love, how long would it take until you named yourself?

It's February 14th, a day that can vary in emotions for many people. It's either a day of historical reference to the heart of Saint Valentine, a Hallmark holiday made up to sell candy or perhaps, it's just another Friday.  No matter how you feel about today I hope you realize that self love is the best love. Do something good for you today.

Sure this might sound lame but seriously, when's the last time you did something for yourself with no guilt? Something that was frivolous and fun? When's the last time you said something nice about yourself? Get to it already! Order that take out. Buy a new outfit. Compliment yourself. Whatever the gesture, it doesn't have to be grand. Start with appreciating where you're at and who you are. Put your name on that list of things you love today! 

Fear

Today's post brought to you from my "300 Writing Prompts" book and poses the question, "How do you act when you're afraid?". 

I suppose for me it depends on my level of fear. At the most intense level of fear, I realize I mask it in absolute anger. I will be a bit irrational. I will say not so nice things. And if you dare to question me as to why I'm acting that way, you might just see me break down and cry. And then I'll be angry that I'm crying. 

What about you? Do you seek comfort in others when you're afraid? Do you show your true feelings? How to you handle your fear? 

What Winter?

If I ever own a Jeep, I want to park like this in the winter! 

Summary

Monday

What do you do when you wait all week for the weekend and it's "just okay"? Before you know it, it's Monday morning again  and you don't even feel like you had any time off. It's back to the grind, back to the routine and back to wishing for the upcoming weekend. Sorry Monday, I just wasn't ready for you today! 

Mental

Even though it felt like January was far more than a month long, it was a good month for me. I maintained my new year's resolutions and joined Club Pilates. I managed to read a few more pages in the book I'm currently reading and had a positive attitude more days than not. I got a facial, did some stretching and got a massage. I mindfully thought of what I was grateful for each day and it made all the difference. 

February seems to be off to a slow start as far as positivity goes, but I am working on it. I was reminded via a simple, yet greatly timed, text message that how my day goes is all in my head. My mental attitude propels my future and the state of my own happiness. As if the text wasn't enough of a reminder, I then scrolled upon this image while perusing social media and did a "double take". Ok universe, I'm listening! I openly accept the text I received and this Billy Cox quote as a reminder to refine my mental attitude and to focus on more positive things, mainly an attitude of gratitude! 

What messages do you get from the Universe? Do you think there are such things? 

  

Club!

Based on a friend's recommendation, I signed up for a running club! No, I am not running a marathon nor long distances or for a ridiculous amount of time on any given day. I signed up to partake in the "Couch to 5K" program which is about 30 minutes of group training outdoors, up to 3 days a week. My schedule won't allow me to participate all 3 days but I am excited in general to give something new a try. I mean, if Brittany can run a marathon I can train outdoors for a 5K, right? (By the way, I highly recommend that movie!)

I've participated in many 5Ks over my lifetime however I've never trained outdoors for one which has always left me at a deficit on race day. Running outdoors is far harder than running on a treadmill as there's wind resistance and incline to deal with that wasn't previously factored in on the treadmill. I am excited to train outdoors with a, hopefully, supportive group of people and build new relationships along the way. Training begins at the end of March, so here's to hoping my excitement today tides me over until then! Fingers crossed!

What is something new that you're trying this year? 

Friday Favorites

What are your go-to apps? 

My favorite apps are...

Orange Theory...
I love being able to easily schedule classes and rock my workouts with amazing people.

Activity...
The Apple watch Activity tracker keeps me on pace with my fitness goals.

Calm...
I love this app and listen to bedtime stories almost every night. I actually get upset when I fall asleep before the story ends and don't know the outcome! 

Netflix...
Ok, this one's pretty obvious.


Other entertainment honorable mentions are...
Facebook
Yahoo
Best Fiends 

Flexible

I am taking a moment today to appreciate the flexibility I have. I'm not talking about my body because that's a work in progress but rather, the flexibility I have in my life. I am most grateful for the flexibility I have in my work schedule and, as of late, my doctor's office who allows me to "last minute" cancel and reschedule without negative ramifications. I would still survive without these concessions in life, but they sure help it go more smoothly! What are you thankful for today? 

Wordless Wednesday

~ Hope ~

Half Time

I may be one of a very few, but I really didn't like the Superbowl half-time show this past Sunday. I do like both Shakira and J-Lo individually and think they have great talent, amazing confidence and phenomenal athleticism but the show? Let's break it down. 

First off, knowing everyone lip syncs doesn't bring any value to the table for me and I was completely unimpressed by Shakira's tongue wagging mid song. The tongue wag and shrieking (turkey gobble sound) I understand can be used as an Arabic sign of happiness, kind of a war-cry if you will, but it came off ridiculous looking (and sounding) in the middle of one of her songs. To the average person, the half naked lady bouncing around the stage sticking her tongue out does not look like a professional that you'd want your daughter to emulate.  

Then there is the dancing. I thought the dancing took over the show and maybe that was the point? But I didn't like the fact that each singer seemed to have 15-20 other dancers on stage with them and felt like I was watching a high school dance competition versus a concert-like performance. Now, don't get me wrong, both women are great dancers with ridiculous endurance, I am not knocking their ability. I just didn't care for the dancing and would have preferred more "singing". It just missed the mark for me.

And finally, the outfit. Good heavens J-Lo. Yes, you have an amazing body that you work hard for, no doubt about it! But when bending over during her first song the outfit that was underneath (the second layer) was showing. I had to stop to question what was going on in her nether-regions and could only assume it was a potential wardrobe malfunction or shoddy design. When bent over with full butt in view it looked like a feminine product was hanging out of her underwear! It was not sexy. At least not to me. Gross!

If the NFL was working to attract and entertain guys by showing scantily clad, beautiful women shaking their money makers all over the stage then their goal was achieved successfully and more power to them (I guess). If the NFL wanted to showcase two power-house women at the ages of 43 and 50 owning what it is they do, then they nailed it. But, if the NFL's goal was to show pure talent that stands on it's own merit, doesn't need 20 other dancers to blouse-it-up then they fell short and should have brought back a stand alone performer such as the likes of Prince or Jon BonJovi, just sayin'.

So there you have it. The opinion that doesn't matter or change the world, but gave me something to blog about today! What are your thoughts on the half time show? Who would you like to see on stage next year? 

Un-Crab

I woke up this morning CRABBY! I didn't sleep well, couldn't relax, couldn't get comfortable, blah blah blah. I woke up earlier than normal and was just irritated. I tried to fall back asleep until it was time to actually get up (at 4am) but that didn't really work either. The alarm finally went off to put me out of my toss-and-turn misery, but I hit snooze anyway. As if that extra 8 minutes of unrest was going to change my life? Yeah, it didn't. 

Begrudgingly, I got up and dressed for the gym and left the house by 4:35, late by my standards. Oh well, I thought. At this point just showing up is a "win". Despite my cranky demeanor, I was happy to be met by my fellow 5am class takers (we are a special breed!) and chat pre-workout.  

With a goal in mind I put my body to work and went all out the best I could. I cheered on others, I talked smack and got to listen to some of my favorite tunes (Crazy Train by Ozzy is the all time best to work out to, I swear by it!). Before I knew it, my 55 minutes of insanity was over, my calorie goal was met and I was stretching in my cool down. I fist bumped my Coach and a few others on my way out wishing them all a good day. Yes, it will be a good day I thought. Crabby-crisis averted.

What helps you un-crab yourself when you're in a bad mood? For me a good workout is paramount, but when the gym isn't available I believe in the aromatherapy power of  Aveda's Chakra 2 Balancing Mist, check it out! Well, despite how you may have woken up here's to a happy Monday!  

Ramen

I loved the Pilates class I took yesterday so much so that I signed up for a basic membership and am going again today for a stretching session! So what does the picture above have to do with Pilates? Well nothing, technically. But since it (the ramen above) was something new to me as well as the Pilates class I thought I'd post about both. After class the hubs and I went out to lunch to try Japanese Ramen and I ordered the Chicken Red ramen, extra spicy! I loved the over all spice and flavor, skipped the spinach since I don't like the wilted texture of it and loved the seasoned egg most of all. It was very filling and I have plenty of leftovers for dinner. What is something new that you've tried as of late?  

  

Pilates

A while back I listened to Shonda Rhime's book, "A Year of Yes". In it, she discusses getting healthy and that the only exercise which sounded appealing to her was Pilates, because you could lay down during it. Well, here goes nothing! I'm taking a free, 30 minute trial class today at a local facility to see if I like it. I have a few friends who swear by it but I fear I won't survive! I would be looking to supplement my current workout routine with this activity versus replacing it, so we'll see how it goes! Fingers crossed and happy February!