Category Archives: exercise

Thankful

Posted in connection, exercise, family, Gratitude, happily ever after, Happiness, intention, memories, motherhood, moving, nature, parenting, positive living, simple living, work life balance by

 

This was the highlight of my day. My kids came out for a hike with me, even though some thought this was a horrible idea.  I wanted us to get out for some fresh air, to move our bodies and to share conversation along the way, away from other distractions. There was some complaining and whining at the beginning and I kept focused on being grateful and patient, thankful that we were all together enjoying the crisp, fresh air and muddy puddles.  I loved watching them taking pictures, bird watching and deer and squirrel watching too. They laughed and danced and ran up and down the hills, teasing each other too.

This was a great way to end our Thanksgiving holiday break. I am thankful for my family, near and far, for traveling and being together sharing meals and conversation and chaos, and for being back home again.

I hope you all enjoyed your holiday, making memories and celebrating with those you love and like!

nAMaste

Day 50: Summer

Posted in connection, Cooking, exercise, family, food, Friends, Gratitude, happily ever after, Happiness, one love, positive living, simple living, work life balance by

Today was much better than yesterday. And it’s day 50 of my summer staycation. I still woke up very early, and Charlie was up early too, so I just snuggled with him on the couch while the morning was still and everyone else was still asleep. It was nice to do “nothing” together.

After having coffee and reading the paper, I prepped the ingredients to make fresh spring rolls for this evening, which took more than 2 hours. After straightening up the house and decluttering, including washing all the dishes, I squeezed in a quick workout before showering and preparing for my lunch date.

Juliana invited her friend and her mom over for a double date with us. We served fresh fruit and baby carrots, and made grilled paninis, while they brought cookies and chips to share. Afterwards, we went to get luxurious pedicures together that felt so good!  I loved the girl time together.

We got home in time to relax for a bit. Actually, Charlie asked Juliana to bake him a strawberry cake and she was busy making the frosting while I relaxed. There is a perk to having big kids!  I loved that she did this for him.

Soon after we progressed on to the first stop of our progressive dinner. We enjoyed potstickers and sushi, shrimp chips, fruit and rice balls. 

It felt really strange to show up empty handed. Everything was amazing!

After an hour we progressed to the next house, where we enjoyed an Hawaiian theme, with pulled pork sandwiches, mango coleslaw, and pineapple.  Everything was so good and I was having such a great time, that I forgot to take a picture before we progressed to our house for the 3rd stop.


We made fresh spring rolls with dipping sauces. By the time we got to our house, we were all so full and we still had to save room for homemade strawberry birthday cake.  

I was happy being organized and prepared early this morning, getting all my work done, to be able to enjoy the entire rest of the day and night. I guess that’s a bonus to waking up early. It was another fun day to be on a staycation.

I hope you’re enjoying your end of the week.

hugs

Day 40: Summer

Posted in exercise, family, Gratitude, happily ever after, Happiness, intention, Love, motherhood, positive living, simple living, work life balance, working mom by

Summer days are really long, especially when you get up before the crack of dawn and go to bed at midnight!! I have 14 minutes left in the day and hope to be in bed in 7, so I’ll make this quick.


This was the highlight of my day: getting out of the house for a run and dragging Charlie along on his bike. 

The run part was very hard and my legs felt like lead and it was hot!!

Today was a day of resistance and digging down deep to find gratitude when I wanted to cry and scream. I did come untethered and almost cried but was too tired to care to cry. 

In the middle of feeling like shit, I tried to remember all the important things you need to know when you feel down.  The problem with practicing what you’re supposed to do when you don’t want to is that it takes a lot of will power and energy when you don’t have a lot of will power and energy.  I did it anyway and could feel the shift. I know it works when we practice, but man, fighting that resistance is a challenge.

Today was a challenge.  And tomorrow is another day for peace, with hopefully a little more sleep, a little more food, more water and more down time.

nAhhhhhhhhMaste…..

Day 21: Summer

Posted in exercise, family, intention, motherhood, positive living, rooted, simple living, spark joy, work life balance, working mom by

Today was beautiful. Seriously. In so many ways.

I brought the kids and their friends out paddle boarding and kayaking and packed a picnic lunch.  Of course, this is after I already worked 4 hours bright and early this morning so I could enjoy the day “off.”  I struck a balance this week and it felt really good.

I loved that the kids wanted to go with me and had a good time. I loved that I got to paddle too! And the sunshine and weather was just right. 

Life is good!  Happy 4th weekend everyone. Be well.

xoxoxox 


Day 13: Summer

Posted in exercise, Gratitude, happily ever after, nature, positive living, rooted, simple living, work life balance by

When you’re counting the days, you’re more aware of time passing. I feel like the kids just got out of school, but we’re already going on two weeks out. The summer is going to fly by!


My favorite tree has a major broken limb. It’s still beautiful, just the way it is, perfectly imperfect, just like this one beautiful life we are living.

🙂

Day 4: Summer 

Posted in belovers, exercise, happily ever after, intention, Love, Mindfulness, one love, positive living, spark joy by


We played dodge ball today. I wish I could share the photo of all the children, youth and adults playing together and the smiles on their faces. I am refraining from sharing to protect their privacy, but it was amazing. My favorite part was playing with the kids in wheel chairs, and watching them play and laugh with the group. 

In the wake of what happened in Orlando this week, and thinking about what we can do, I have the answer.

We can choose to love one another and to play nicely together, no matter what. It’s one small way to make a difference. Listen. Share. Play. Love. Be fair. Take turns. Follow the rules. Include everyone. Be gentle. Run and laugh. Keep moving. Be kind. Repeat. (Just like playing dodgeball.)

nAMaste BeLoveRs. Spread the love.

Bubble Soccer

Posted in exercise, family, Gratitude, happily ever after, Happiness, intention, Love, memories by


The boys played bubble soccer today at their end of the season soccer party and everyone had a good time, watching and playing. It was hilarious to watch them bumping into each other and trying to get up again. I would definitely recommend this for a party!


June is a busy month for us and it feels like Christmas time with all the commitments and celebrations.  Maybe bubble soccer will help us to remember to go with the flow, to let things bounce off of us, to get back up when we fall and to laugh along the way!

Life is good! Stay calm and cool.

Love and Light

Posted in exercise, happily ever after, Happiness, intention, Love, love and light, nature, positive living, rooted, simple living, spark joy by

These are my favorite words right now. I love them as a blessing to others and I love experiencing both. I love the thought of love and light and focusing our attention on all that is good. What we focus on, is what we create and I choose love and light. They’re kinda like my BFFs.

Today I loved finishing the second to last day of my 30 day challenge, completing 240 squats, 38 push-ups and 95 leg lifts!! This makes me very happy. What challenge should I accept next, Yaya?

I decided to complete today’s challenge before dinner. The only thing that’s been consistent with this challenge is completing the daily challenge. Some days I’ve worked out in the morning and others at lunch, mid-afternoon, before dinner and at least before bed. Those ones were the hardest!

Tonight I finished the challenge right around 7pm and decided to shower before dinner. I loved the late afternoon sunlight coming through my bathroom window and didn’t want to leave until sunset.


Love and light. May it surround you and be part of your every day.

namaste

28

Posted in exercise, Gratitude, Happiness, intention, joy, Love, rooted, simple living by

I did 28 push-ups today, for real!


I’ve never done 28 push-ups before and surprised myself. I’m doing a 30 day challenge to get ready for summer, and everyday for the past 24 days the reps have been building up. I am loving this strength challenge that is pushing and motivating me to be stronger and more fit. I am surprised that I can now do 185 squats and a ton of leg lifts! 

I am loving that I’ve stuck with the challenge and haven’t missed a day. This is practicing discipline. I think I’ll do a 30 day food related challenge next month. This daily challenge inspires and motivates me and I’ve found my stick-to-it-ness!

Thank you Cori for originally sharing the challenge on FaceBook. I love it!

Do you like challenges? Are you following any that you love?  I wish you well!

nAMaste