Although many would argue that it is miserable in Omaha (below zero and just got dumped with snow), I disagree. I am enjoying my sunny, snowy, cold day and have big aspirations for the day. First off, with the clear blue skies, it is absolutely gorgeous outside. Now I will own the fact that in a couple of days when the white snow turns to dirty snow (that is not going anywhere for a while), I will think differently. But for today, it is beautiful :-)
From a workout perspective...there was NO ONE at the gym this morning (or last night). No fighting for machines, no chatter...just a tranquil workout. Everyone hibernates when the cold takes over and we have a dump of snow. Perfect time to go to the gym. My boys love to join me at the gym this time of year too. And it is always a great reminder to me as I see them shooting hoops or joining a pick up game of basketball that this is SO much better for them mentally and physically then sitting in front of the TV/computer. AMEN to that.
Second great thing about the cold and snow (from a health perspective)...lots of home cooking is happening at my house. My ceramic crock seems to be a constant in the oven filling up the house with fragrent aromas. Amazing how you can fill your house (and the boys' stomachs) with healthy "core" food by just sticking to the basics, sliming the recipes down a bit and just avoiding the processed junk. Not only does this help the waist, but we all just plain feel better too!
So Omahans...embrace the day. Cook and fill the house with the sweet smells and tastes. Move whether it be the gym or scooping out the driveway...you will feel better...promise!
Sunday, January 23, 2011
Thursday, January 20, 2011
Back in 2011...
My mom just asked me if I had "blogged" lately. I hadn't, but had been thinking about it. Other than being crazy busy over the holidays, was also thinking I needed something of a bit more substance to talk about in my blog in 2011. I like having goals and striving for self-improvement, so a topic around my thoughts, goals and stepping stones to accomplish them felt good. Let's not confuse this with New Year's Resolutions...
Honestly, I am not a big fan of New Year's resolutions. Why wait until the 1st of a new year to make need changes in your life? Shouldn't you make them once you acknowledge that there is an issue and change is needed? So technically these aren't my New Year's Resolutions...just strangely coincidental with turning the calendar to a new year ;)
Current self-improvement goals near and dear to my heart...weight loss and physical fitness. We started a new round of "The Biggest Loser" competition at my office. I was shocked after my first weigh in last Friday to find that I had gained 3 1/2 pounds since the last competition. Easy to use the holidays as an excuse, but really gave myself a kick to get back to my ideal weight and make my physical fitness a high priority. Don't get me wrong...I feel good and don't feel overweight. But I am at the high side of my "acceptable" weight and at the low side of "acceptable" daily physical activity. To put it simply, I have gotten a bit lazy and content with average. Now that I have acknowledged that...time to kick it in gear!
The good news is that I have already dropped the initial 3 1/2 pounds (whew!), but now time to acheive "above average" results. The ironic part is that I enjoy working out and I like healthy food. So I am actually having fun with this. My mom is the "queen" of nutrition. I am feeling like my mom carefully reviewing nutrituional values, types of fats and compiling a list of healthful choices. She would be proud...I really have been a good study over all of these years.
Anyway...more to post later. Having fun on this new journey!
Honestly, I am not a big fan of New Year's resolutions. Why wait until the 1st of a new year to make need changes in your life? Shouldn't you make them once you acknowledge that there is an issue and change is needed? So technically these aren't my New Year's Resolutions...just strangely coincidental with turning the calendar to a new year ;)
Current self-improvement goals near and dear to my heart...weight loss and physical fitness. We started a new round of "The Biggest Loser" competition at my office. I was shocked after my first weigh in last Friday to find that I had gained 3 1/2 pounds since the last competition. Easy to use the holidays as an excuse, but really gave myself a kick to get back to my ideal weight and make my physical fitness a high priority. Don't get me wrong...I feel good and don't feel overweight. But I am at the high side of my "acceptable" weight and at the low side of "acceptable" daily physical activity. To put it simply, I have gotten a bit lazy and content with average. Now that I have acknowledged that...time to kick it in gear!
The good news is that I have already dropped the initial 3 1/2 pounds (whew!), but now time to acheive "above average" results. The ironic part is that I enjoy working out and I like healthy food. So I am actually having fun with this. My mom is the "queen" of nutrition. I am feeling like my mom carefully reviewing nutrituional values, types of fats and compiling a list of healthful choices. She would be proud...I really have been a good study over all of these years.
Anyway...more to post later. Having fun on this new journey!
Friday, December 3, 2010
Family
Isn't family awesome? It never ceases to amaze me how natural and warm the family bond feels regardless of the miles or months of separation. With the holidays, family events (good and bad), I have had the good fortune of spending some great quality time with cousins, aunts (including greats :), uncles, nieces, etc... as of late. This has filled my life with stories, smiles and lots of laughs. As I reflect on the whirlwind of recent events and encounters, I continue to count my blessings on my wonderful and expansive family. As a mother, it brings me great joy to watch my boys appreciate and truly value these relationships as well.
If I can sum it up...I have been blessed with a very generous family. Generous in whatever "gifts" they have to offer. Gifts come in many shapes and sizes. Unfortunately many people erroneously believe the best gifts are material possessions. The best gifts I have ever received (those that "top" the list) include laughter, joy, trust, unconditional love, empathy and companionship.
As I reflect on my many blessings; the generosity of my family is felt daily. They continually give their gifts to eachother through out the year. This holiday season I have decided to "pay it forward" and share the generosity of my family with others who would welcome these gifts. What better way to share to "feelin' of the season" in a manner that exemplifies my family? Pay it forward it is!!! I need to get busy with my boys in "wrapping the gifts" and spreading the joy. Can't think of a better tribute to my loving extended family than to pass on the gifts I that have been so generously shared with me :) Merry Christmas!!
If I can sum it up...I have been blessed with a very generous family. Generous in whatever "gifts" they have to offer. Gifts come in many shapes and sizes. Unfortunately many people erroneously believe the best gifts are material possessions. The best gifts I have ever received (those that "top" the list) include laughter, joy, trust, unconditional love, empathy and companionship.
As I reflect on my many blessings; the generosity of my family is felt daily. They continually give their gifts to eachother through out the year. This holiday season I have decided to "pay it forward" and share the generosity of my family with others who would welcome these gifts. What better way to share to "feelin' of the season" in a manner that exemplifies my family? Pay it forward it is!!! I need to get busy with my boys in "wrapping the gifts" and spreading the joy. Can't think of a better tribute to my loving extended family than to pass on the gifts I that have been so generously shared with me :) Merry Christmas!!
Sunday, November 28, 2010
Windy morning in Nebraska
I feel like one of my teenagers...slept in until 11:00 a.m.! Well rested and great perspective though. Gotta love it! It is amazing how a Sunday of organization, catch up, and exercise can prepare you mentally for the work week. I have a lot of ideas going through my head on what I want to accomplish, but I will stick to the basics...laundry, e-mail, light cleaning, back packs AND Christmas decorations. Although my 17 year old professes to hating Christmas music, he is going to have to suck it up this afternoon as I will need his muscles for the boxes. Also on my list will be list items I "owe" others...family history stories for my mom, cook for my boys, card for my man, work on Christmas presents. Ah, yes, it does feel just as good to give as to receive, even in small ways, doesn't it?
Saturday, November 27, 2010
Blogging on a whim????
I have to be honest. I really didn't fully understand how this "blogging" worked until about an hour ago. I was talking to a young cousin at a family wedding. She shared with me her blog story, so of course, I had to look it up as soon as I got home. Fascinating! Hmmm...I like this concept and enjoyed reading her posts. In my last chapter I was the queen of journaling. I would memorialize my daily life. Typically entries would include funny things my boys would say and do. Many times I would add a random snapshot trying to capture the memory...the day. My life was so awesome. I just wanted to capture every moment so I could go back some day and relive it all again. And writing is so therapeutic. When chapter 2 came to an abrupt halt, I was encouraged to write it all down to clear my head. Good advice! Now I am in chapter 3 and so far a very happy and fun adventure. Time to break out the thoughts and put them on paper (wait...I think I mean put them in cyberspace??)
Anyway...feels good so far :) My story in a nutshell...Born in a small (very small) Iowa town. I have two older brothers who toughened me up an kept me in line as kids :) On to college...was supposed to be an art major, but between a guidance counselor, who happened to a priest, and my dad, I was influenced and convinced that accounting was a more "fitting" major. My parents fled Iowa for sunny Arizona after my freshman year in college. I met my future husband a week before they left. We were engaged our senior year and I was married at age 22. We moved to Omaha and I started my career in public accounting. We followed all the set timelines. First child born at age 25, next at age 28, and the last at age 32. All born in the month of April. Three boys, husband, great family...living the dream. And then the bomb hit somewhere around age 40. After a crazy (REALLY crazy) year, I am now divorced and a single mom. I won't get into all the blah, blah, blah because it is all that...blah, blah, blah. Old news and quite honestly, a downer. I like happy and sunshine. Soooo...now I am in chapter 3 and it is AWESOME. Don't get me wrong. This isn't something I ever wanted or ever dreamt would be my life. But when life gives you lemons, make lemonade, right?
Anyway...feels good so far :) My story in a nutshell...Born in a small (very small) Iowa town. I have two older brothers who toughened me up an kept me in line as kids :) On to college...was supposed to be an art major, but between a guidance counselor, who happened to a priest, and my dad, I was influenced and convinced that accounting was a more "fitting" major. My parents fled Iowa for sunny Arizona after my freshman year in college. I met my future husband a week before they left. We were engaged our senior year and I was married at age 22. We moved to Omaha and I started my career in public accounting. We followed all the set timelines. First child born at age 25, next at age 28, and the last at age 32. All born in the month of April. Three boys, husband, great family...living the dream. And then the bomb hit somewhere around age 40. After a crazy (REALLY crazy) year, I am now divorced and a single mom. I won't get into all the blah, blah, blah because it is all that...blah, blah, blah. Old news and quite honestly, a downer. I like happy and sunshine. Soooo...now I am in chapter 3 and it is AWESOME. Don't get me wrong. This isn't something I ever wanted or ever dreamt would be my life. But when life gives you lemons, make lemonade, right?
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