Goals, but not really

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The end of my vacay is coming WAY too fast.  I mean I've only been off of work since 2014.  Ahem, but seriously, I have to go back too soon and I don't wanna.  On another note, Here is a list of top 10 things (Not goals) I would like to accomplish in 2015...If I say they are goals, then it probably won't happen, because I feel like goals set me up for failure.  But that One Word I am embarking on this year Loved can fit into each of these.  I Love my body when I eat healthier, do yoga and run.  (See where I am going with this?)  I feel love for my home when I organize it, etc, etc, etc...And here you go:

1. Eat Healthier
2. Do more Yoga for my Back.  
3. Run a 5K (again)
4. Spend more time in my scriptures
5. Craft/journal more
6. Make more home cooked meals (See #1)
7. Organize my home
8. Rejuvenate my Blog after quitting
9. See Miguel get married (see this post)
10. Quit my job...I mean did you look at these things I want to accomplish?  There is no way I can do them all without quitting my job.  

Deciding What's Important...

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A few weeks ago I talked about how Something Just has to Click in order to become successful in the healthy living quest.  Back when I was still struggling with consistency, my husband mentioned "You just have to decide what's most important."  I was a little put off at first.  Of course, healthy eating and working out was important to me.  I work part time, come home eat lunch, read my scriptures, do laundry, house cleaning, errands and other things important to home management.  Sometimes my work out got shuffled to the back burner.

So, I heeded my husbands advice and decided what was most important.  I have been getting up at 5:00 am to go to the gym.  With exactly 45 minutes to work out before I need to head home to get ready for work, I can get in some strength moves and a 25 to 30 minute run.  Working out is now literally coming first.  It feels good and a great way to start the day.  The only drawback?  I'm ready for bed by 8:30.

Do you work out?  

If so, when do you find time to squeeze it in?

What works for you?

Things on my mind

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1.  Spring Break
2.  Fitness/wellness - exercise, healthy eating, sugar detox, gave up soda, weight loss.
3.  Trying to figure out what to do with everything in my craft room...we are getting a permanent house guest
4.  Air Force man is coming home in 23 days!
5.  Time with my four year old niece.
6.  Birthdays, late cards letters and gifts...I just can't get it together.
7.  Birthday, mine, today!  I'm getting SO old.
8.  Family history - tracing family lines...How fascinating!
9.  General Conference weekend - So uplifting!
10.  I've thought about you, truly I have...I've just been so busy in body, mind and spirit.

Turns out I was just really sad...

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The other day I was diagnosed with moderate depression.  I was shocked.  But then again, not so much.  I went to the doctor to have my hormone levels checked since I am getting to that age of changing hormones.  Weeks of crying at the drop of a pin, loss of interest in things I used to love (like blogging), not able to do much besides lay on the couch curled up like a ball apparently are all indicators of depression.  The funny thing is, I didn't think I was sad.  He said that months sometimes years of stress can catch up with you, and the strongest coping person can sometimes succumb.

I didn't think I'd been stressed particularly, but then I thought back over the last few years...TJ left for the Air Force and Miguel left for his mission.  Both of which were very hard on me...For someone who has been used to mothering three for so long, I suddenly had to reevaluate who I am besides a mom because then there was one (Ladybug...love that girl).  I had my back issue last summer and then the surgery in September.  Being in constant pain, I remember understanding why someone would commit suicide in a similar situation.  Not that I would, but I could empathize because quality of life is all but diminished and waking up in the morning thinking, "Is this all there is?" while life goes on around you and without you, can be quite depressing.  Then the holidays came, and as hard as I tried to embrace a minimalist Christmas this year, I was still overwhelmed.  Then the weather, oh the weather!  For over a month, we were smothered under a blanket of inversion.  At times I felt like I was going to suffocate beneath this foggy darkness that I just couldn't rid myself of, there was no escaping it, and I so desperately missed the sun.

Being called to be the Youth Leader was a blessing with excitement and also stress because therein lies a lot of responsibility and expectations.  But the kicker, the one that broke the camel's back, so to speak, was when I learned my parents wanted to move 12 hours away to Las Vegas.  Poof!  A light went out, I broke, I felt like I had nothing left to give.  I was not worthy, worthwhile, why me?

I'm so glad I went to the doctor, even though it wasn't what I thought.  Going to the doctor gave me answers and choices.  I could go the medicated route or I could make an attitude adjustment.  I decided to adjust my behaviors and attitude.  I needed to get back to working out since I hadn't been able to run in so long.  I needed to enjoy all those natural, happy endorphins, watch what kinds of food I eat and diligently fill my soul with the Word.  Because, quite frankly, I should be the happiest person ever!  I have awesome kids, a loving husband, a good job, a cute house, the gospel of Jesus Christ in my life.  Turns out I was just really sad, and an attitude change and faith in Jesus Christ will bring healing to my life.  I am stronger than depression and this is, yet, another opportunity for bravery.

And now you understand why I quit blogging, but then didn't...

Yoga and Wellness

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I've been practicing Yoga for several years.  My work schedule usually keeps me from participating in classes in the morning.  Since the start of the year and my goal word of Wellness, I have made it a point to attend three Yoga classes.  Some benefits I have seen that Yoga has created for me:

• The obvious more flexibility
• Increased muscle strength
• Toning
• Stress relief
• Working on my body balance
• Better sleep
• And because Yoga focuses on what your body can do, I think I am happier and have better self confidence.

Now Yoga isn't the only thing I do.  I also enjoy running or interval training.  Yoga has been a good balance for me.  It opens up and stretches what the running tends to compress.  I plan on attending classes or using my Yoga DVD's more often this year.  Yoga helps me connect my mind, body and spirit for overall wellness.  

Dealing with the Stress

Let's face it...the holidays can be stressful.  I've been trying to minimize and decrease the stress factor.  One of the best things I do for myself is I don't give up working out during December.  This really manages my stress level.  Plus I feel healthier, and I don't feel as guilty indulging in a cookie or two, or three.  You get the idea.  This was my running record last December.  I'm not perfect, but I really tried to get out as often as I could.  This year looks fairly similar except I'm working in some yoga classes, too.  Christmas should not be stressful!  I'm working on being balanced spiritually, emotionally and physically.

I kind of like the idea of a pedicure...Hmm, that would be relaxing!  

What do you do to manage the stress?  

Run, Run, Run

Ladybug ran her first 5k last weekend.  She didn't want to do it, and the loving supportive mother that I am, signed her up anyway.  We ran/walked as a family.  I wanted to show her how fun a race could be.  And you know what?  She absolutely loved it.  She was thrilled that she finished and amazed at what she learned her body could accomplish.  She ran with her daddy.  She kept saying, "But, Dad, I'm not a runner..."  and he'd quickly return, "Ladybug, you ARE running..."

Here is your photographic essay of the Famous Idaho Potato Marathon (5k version):

(PS.  Come to find out later that afternoon, there was a Mountain Lion lurking along the Boise Greenbelt)

A little pre run enthusiasm while waiting for the buses by Jenny

Ladybug right before the race starts

Yeah!  We finished!!!

Why else would you want to get up early on a Saturday and run 3.1 miles? To get your picture taken with Mr. Potato Head, of Course.  

Want to know what they feed you after the run?  

POTATOES!!!

Pshhh, I need a shower!!!

A Reacquaintance

My running shoes and I became reacquainted yesterday.  It has been a long hard two months.  You see, my running partner got very sick and then I succumbed shortly thereafter.  When you are just trying to Keep Calm, Breathe On, a good run or jog is almost impossible.  Sometimes just making sure your next breath stays in your lungs is all the workout that can be handled.  Seven medications later, my lungs are clear and I was ready to roll

It was a difficult run, I'm not gunna lie, I squeaked out 2.5 miles at a very slow pace, but I did it!  I had wanted to run a 10K in May, considering I have to rebuild my stamina I'll shoot for the 5K.  Baby steps, you know...Hopefully, I can continue to Protect my House.

As for the bad hair day?  Hey, I had just been to the gym!

2012 Expectations

Goals, resolutions, expectations...whatever you call them, we've all got some desires for the new year. My personal dreams start Monday! (Not tomorrow cuz, I'm cooking up a real nice dinner) But, of course, these goals do include fitness. Cuz let's face it, when you're my age, it gets harder and harder to maintain an ideal weight. But in my defense I do NOT have self control issues with the sweets. Ugh!

So for 2012, I plan to embrace this lifestyle.

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Not his ENTIRE lifestyle, because he's gay, and we all know I am not.  But his healthy eating lifestyle.  I've used it before and it is amazing and it works!  Jorge is a fitness/foods genius.  I lost 10 pounds using this, then I went on vacation, and all good habits seem to go out the window on vacation. At least for me...

Then I am going to reacquaint myself with this little buddy. 

I love the visual it gives me.  Burn baby burn.

And since I am exercising my body, I shouldn't forget my soul.  

So I will be reading these puppies a little more diligently.

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And If I accomplish these whatever you call them, 

and I am real good,I think I'll buy myself something uber nice. 

What are your plans for 2012?

Depoe Bay, Day 1

 In the last 24 hours we have driven 500+ miles to the Oregon Coast, 

hiked up Horse Tail Falls,

saw the backside of water, 

hit a guard rail whilst riding in an RV,
camped on the ocean front
and ate at World Famous Mo's. 

Can't go to the Oregon Coast
without eating some shrimp and clam chowder. 

You just can't, and that's the truth!

This morning with a heavy mist sitting over the ocean horizon, KT and I took a morning run on the beach.  (I told you I'd run on the beach...)  The cool wet air was salty on my breath.  It was delicious.

Running & Me

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If I haven't told you already...I love running. I don't know why...It can be very difficult sometimes. I'm no marathon running mama, by any means, unless you count my monthly stats.

I have some friends who only enjoy running outside. They like to hear their feet hit the pavement and in the quiet of the morning hear the birds singing them on.

ZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZ 

Seriously. I think I'll take a nap! I can't get through a run without an incredible beat thumping in my ears.  So here are five random running tunes from my iphone, and later this week I'll be thumping to these tunes and running along an Oregon Beach.  

Be jealous!  

I know...

Do It Like This - Black Eyed Peas

I Don't Wanna Dance - Hey Monday

Like a G6 - Far East Movement

Right Round - Flo Rida

Click Click Boom - Saliva

Not too bad for an old lady...

Last Saturday, I ran in the Famous Idaho Potato 5k with KT.  The 3.1 miles run along the beautiful Boise River.  It was a gorgeous, cool morning for running.  I am so proud of myself, because I finished 7/33 in my age group.  78/329 women, and 177/571 men and women.  The best part, now shhhh, don't tell anyone, is that I beat KT by a minute five seconds.  I finished in 32.15.9.  That beats out my first 5k.  Feels good to improve.

Light bulb Moments

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Amidst a brain fog of literary blocks, I make my way to the gym. Something happens while I am on the treadmill. All the oxygen and blood flowing through my brain seems to sweep out the cobwebs to make room for an influx of ideas. It is then that I get in my best thinking. A continuous flow of ideas leaves me overwhelmed and perplexed with what to do with them. It's not like I can whip out my handy dandy notebook and take notes and jot ideas...Not while running, I can't even sip water and run, I don't want to get thrown off of that machine. (I've seen that happen to someone once, it wasn't pretty.) My quandary is then trying to make a mental note of said ideas so that I won't forget later.

When you're 41, it's easy to forget...But at least I'm running again.... 

Laziness and Fall

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I know how I have mentioned before my love of running and yoga. It's what sustains me and makes me feel alive. Come fall, though, my body wants to hibernate and nest inside my comfy, cozy home while the sun sets earlier and earlier. I have become complacent with my exercise and thus a pesky 7 pounds have added back on to my mere 5'3" frame. 7 pounds people! I guess I need to start wearing this little guy again.  I love him!

It is ironic...I become stressed in the early fall when school starts, and I let things go. The VERY things that help keep me sane and clear and stress free. KT drug me back to the gym last week. Almost kicking and screaming, I might add. I didn't want to go...But, I am glad I did.

Once I get back into the habit, I crave it. My body and brain need it, and my blogging gets better and more frequent, too. 

Ta ta my peeps...I'm off to the gym °Ü°

2busy Chronicles Take 5

In all the busy-ness of the past month, I also ran my first 5K.  I didn't run in the competitive wave.  In all the stress of the past few months, I hadn't been keeping up on my running.  I was in no shape to be competitive.

I ran in the Women's Fitness Celebration in Boise, (The largest Women's Fitness run in the Country, so I'm told)

with my good friend Jeni

In the "Purple" Wave

I did it in just about 40 minutes.  When I've been training I can run in 35.  I was just happy to finish.

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I was in disguise you know...Trying to go incognito with my pink BSU visor pulled low and my big sunglasses.  I'm so famous on my blog, that I was afraid of being recognized.  My thighs were eating my shorts.  I just want to give them a tug.  Ugh!

My kids called me a nerd for wearing a running pack, but I had car keys and a license.  What was I supposed to do?  Stuff things in my bra? 

(My husband was busy on the golf course.)