A Few Sayings

I found a few art pieces with quotes from people and had to share.  

Stay adventurous my friends!

Wanderlust

Lately with most of my friends traveling, experiencing life and adventures, I find myself with wanderlust.  Its hard too when you see things like:

*photo courtesy here

This travel bug bites me often, often leaving me wondering why I chose the life I have (although in all fairness, it has been chosen for a reason).  It gives me a calling to view the world differently, for its amazing relationships, like a boy and his dog or Lens Between Us.

It inspires to make this world better, in the little efforts we can:

So today, do something new - something adventurous.  Even if its small, like a cup of coffee enjoyed in a stolen moment, or that new restaurant.  Get out of the grind, the routine, and challenge yourself.   Enjoy the things that others view in your life as different.  After all, isn't that what travel is all about?

Sending Greetings

What is better than getting something in the mail that isn't junk or in the form of a bill?  It can make someone's day!  Last night, I received a note from my aunt and it was so fun! 

You don't often have to say much, just the thought counts and the love that comes with the card.  So dear reader, go send a quick note to someone today to say "Hi!  I'm thinking of you!"  It will make all the difference! :)

I love sending a variety of cards to people.  I'd recommend the following: 

Wild Baby Safari

Holly Hobbie

Retro

Birds

Fernweh

In the past week, this has fit! 

Adventures await!

Cheating Yourself

I've heard this phrase so much recently.  In workout classes, at work, with friends, etc.  Don't cheat the moment.  You only get this once so don't cheat yourself out of it.  Pay attention and listen.   Do what you can while you can.  

Flower Memories

This week one of my co-workers brought these beauties in from her garden for me:

 

I have found myself remembering my mom's rose garden and how amazing the roses looked and smelled.  My mom's green thumb was not something I inherited unfortunately. The few times I have tired to grow something or keep something alive have failed.  Although, I believe this deepens my appreciation for home grown.

Funny, how things you never found significant before trigger memories.  This occurs more the older I get with flowers.  Case in point - The Daisy:

I miss you Grandma

Monday Zen

Perhaps because of this beautiful day (which I am stuck inside on) or because these are the motto of my life recently, but here are the quotes for today:

 

Post Half Marathon!

So I officially have completed a half marathon!! (Say wha?!) :)

A huge shout out and thankful spirits to my friend, Carrie, that ran it with me.  I know I would not have completed it as well without her!! She is an angel for having to put up with my complaining and entertain me! 

This was an amazing (and honestly at times - hellish) experience. I would do it again (in a heartbeat) but would do the make sure I did the following:

1. Train - don't let excuses become your enemy.  You will thank yourself later. Part of the training is mental as well.  I think that last little hill at the end would hardly seem like a barrier to my goal of completion had I trained. 
2. Shot Blocks/Gu Energy and water -  take these with you!!!  Although the race had water and one gu station, I couldn't imagine going the whole distance without them.  Its recommended that you use shot blocks or sports Gu for every hour you run. This will help you get your second (third and fourth) wind! Staying hydrated will help as well.  I have found with soccer (and this run) that the more water and hydrated you are, you will cramp less.
3. Say thank you and encourage- there were so many supporters on the race today.  Running behind more experienced racers, they often said thank you.   Its important to let them know how much your support means. They did make me want to keep running.  (so did the video drones).   Also encourage other runners!! I cannot tell you how important this is.  Especially near the end!  When you are tired and ready to quit, partly because you HURT everywhere and swear you cannot take another step,  having someone give you that bit of encouragement can help you finish that extra mile.  
4. Go with a friend -  for this being a first time event for me, I know the miles 8-10 (which seemed to be the hardest) would have been utter hell had it not been for my lovely friend telling me great stories. Not only did they make me laugh but they made the miles seem so short! I can not thank her enough for going with me! 
5. Golden Rule - run the last mile.  Your body can do more than you think!  This is part of the mental training mentioned earlier.  You can do it, don't let your legs and body tell you otherwise!  You will feel wonderful for obtaining such a goal! :)
6. Treat yourself - heck you earned it! I'd recommend a McDonalds McGriddle Sandwich (my new tradition) 

Also a huge shout out and thank you to Moretta for supporting me in this life goal! :) You are the best!!   Your cheering at the end made me cross that finish line! :)  Tons of Love!

First Half Marathon

Can you believe its right around the corner?

 

Wish me luck! :)

Me in Barre Class

I think, therefore, I am.

Poulsbo Calm

This place is one of the most peaceful places for me.  It hold amazing memories of good friends, family and the reminder of home.  Every time I visit, or view photos of it, I acquire a very strong feeling of calm. 

 

 

 

This time was no different.  With a cup of coffee to warm my hands and a donut from the famous Sluy's Bakery (Yelp Review) - try the maple bars if you visit or the maple doughboy (you will not be disappointed) - I wandered along the walkway and docks watching the many birds go about their normal day.  The beauty of this place often overwhelms me.  I am reminded why I love the color green so much!

Although this sleepy town has kept its charm, be warned the pace of life is a lot slower.  Errands that would take you 30 minutes in Seattle or San Diego, can take over an hour to accomplish.  However, if you are not in a hurry, it is almost like a deep breath.

Happy Friday!

Last night I tried to play soccer.  I could not run as I was so sore it hurt.  At the second half of the second game, my legs finally started work....then it was over.  I love this.

No classes today! (thank God!) It was too nice of a day to stay inside!!

Have a wonderful weekend all!!

Barre Class - Day 3

It took a long time to get out of bed, get ready for the day and walk down stairs. My abs and calves are the parts of me that are most painful.

I briefly thought about canceling the class this morning as the soreness was crazy, but I’m glad I did not.   Today was actually quite fun.   Our instructor had a great vibe about her and kept the class upbeat.  She was about 14 weeks pregnant, so congratulations to her!

Today we did a lot of butt and oblique work.  If I keep taking her class, I will have a nice toned butt (yea!). I am learning a few of the terms, like relevѐ, so that when they’re said I’m don’t have that deer in the headlights “what did she just say to do?” look.  Who knows…maybe I’ll look like this soon:

While doing our oblique abs work, we were instructed to imagine an amazing gorgeous  guy leaning over us, then to lift up and kiss him.  Somehow Hugh Jackman made it to my class today.  Just in case you are wondering who this gorgeous creature is, or just for your viewing pleasure:

 

Barre Class - Day 2

I woke up today a lot less sore than expected. Since it is the new year, my co-worker and I are trying to get back into being active, so of course, we signed up for every day this week. After all, we need to get our money’s worth of the unlimited monthly classes we paid for right?

Today’s instructor was a lot better. She focused a lot more on form, which was good, but I could use a lot more instruction on that. I am fascinated with the other participants grace and probably am freaking them out with my constant stares. Although completely confused by the terms (there were a LOT more today), I found a new favorite move – the passé. Now granted I looked more like a flopping chicken then the graceful non-hip movement that was being demonstrated or performed by the remaining of the class, it was fun to do.
 

When we return to the office, I have a few things occur 1) I cannot walk fast. Today it is as my brain must manually tell my legs to move one in front of the other. 2) I get very tired. I tried eating protein before going to class and after and that seems to help today. 3) Every muscle in my legs are screaming and I make grunt noises when I get up from my chair. I’m sure my cube neighbors love it.

I do find it addicting however. It is something new, so I am learning something daily. Friends have informed me that it seems to help with their weak ankles, and although I am icing mine on a nightly basis, they still ache. Forget wearing heels anytime soon.

Day two’s conclusion: I want a burger and fries.

Barre Classes

I got suckered into going to a barre class this week. What is it you ask? A new trend it seems where the work out is based around a ballet dancers "warm up." (Warm up?! no wonder they have 3% fat on them) I used to think that I would love to dance and be a ballerina, isn't that every young girl's dream? I now have a new found respect for these tight wearing athletes.

I play soccer three times a week and go to yoga which you'd think would give me enough energy for these pile centered work outs. Wow, was I in for a surprise.  Totally confused by the different language they spoke defining different movements (yea for demos), I clumsily tried to be as graceful as the obvious dancers in the room. 

The first day was a cardio class.  It was relatively normal, the terms used were ones I had heard before (except pile), and the instructor was extremely energetic.  Almost to the point that you wanted to kick her.  Literally.  I had visions of taking the ball between my legs  and drop kicking it into her “fat between her thighs.”  Now, I have fought long and hard to accept what I am and that my body shape is different than others, but seriously?  You tiny petite thing….