Cook, Study, and Be Crafty

Journey to my Authentic Self

2012-04-15T18:18:00.003-07:00

For as long as I can remember I have always believed in being true to myself (I thought) always learning about myself, always growing and not denying what is going on in my life. For the past few months I have been on a journey that is much deeper, more soul searching and even more healing than I ever thought I can imagine. Not only that but I never expected it not from the path I took. I never saw the path to follow coming though I am very grateful for it.

A little history, My sister wrote a few blog posts about buying new clothes and feeling better. Then she started sharing about her joining a program called Dressing Your Truth. I watched her for the past year as she learned how to accessorize, dress and look entirely amazing all the time even in her most comfortable clothing. Watched her feel better and gain confidence in herself. WOW! Well I wanted that too. She's been on this journey for over a year and well I wanted what my sister had.

I have also been looking to go back to work, and thought it would be helpful to get my wardrobe together. To know what to buy and how to go about putting outfits together, so I started to watch some videos on you tube, looking at others transformations and decided I wanted that too. However, I was not ready to make the financial commitment to it. I learned what I could without going through the course (which was a little but not much). Then one day, I got an email it was on sale. huge sale it was my time and I jumped in and bought the course. I haven't looked back for the past several months.

What little did I know was that I was going to discover a LOT more than what to wear. This was no makeover show. This is a complete journey to finding out who you are and dressing to accentuate your truest nature of who you are. I started the fabulous online course learning about Carol Tuttle's program dressing your truth and the 4 types of woman (and men, children etc). I kept identifying with Type 2 woman- soft and subtle. If you have known me for any amount of time you are probably laughing as I have and still do sometimes. That's OK. Deep inside it is the type I identify with most deeply.

Where the most surprise came is that I had no idea, how much emotions come along with discovering and accepting who I am at the deepest in core of my being. Some days have been down right hard to get through, emotional and drudging up issues from my youth I had no idea existed. Hey, I thought I was going to learn how to dress nice! What's up with that? I didn't know that I was going to have to feel 'pain'. In all reality. I have grown so much inside and out.

There is a great support network surrounded around the program and each of the energy types. I will actually take photos of myself to document the journey. Before I started this program my hair was in a ponytail everyday, I never wore make up, and I most often wore jeans and tshirts, even though I had some great jewelry I never really wore any except my wedding rings. I didn't take the time. I didn't know how to put together anything and I am not even really sure that I it mattered to me all that much.

Most of the ladies and my sister say it takes about a year to really get it and understand and grow. I am amazed after just about 8 weeks how much I have changed already. I feel good, I have more confidence and I find I am a better parent because I understand myself and my kids better. This is all amazing stuff and I feel very grateful for this fabulous opportunity to better myself!

I am still a newbie to this journey but I am looking forward to bettering myself. Not to mention I really can't wait to do some shopping. Even after about 8 weeks I haven't really done that much shopping. I am cautious and careful about the money I have to spend. Some days are harder than others and some times I don't feel like I am do well with the 'dressing' part, however the feedback from the more experienced ladies is good. They call it a signature style and well I don't have one yet... I will let you know when I do.

I would love to chat all about it so check out the link on the side of my blog (the big box that says what's my energy profile) or within the post and let me know what you think. It's a journey I don't think anyone of you will ever regret taking. I know I for one will not.

Here is a recent photo of me since I started DYT.

Old and New Traditions...

2012-04-09T07:59:00.000-07:00

Matzoh Ball Soup!

Cheesy Kale Chips

Being that it is Passover I wanted to share a traditional food with my kids. Matzoh Ball Soup seemed to fit the bill. So I set off to make matzoh balls for the first time since I really don't know when. I followed a basic recipe for the matzoh balls that you can find just about anywhere. Two of my 3 kids demolished them leaving nothing in their paths. Child number 3 the picky one took one bite and passed, I have to give him credit for at least trying.
The soup was not made from a recipe, I just sauteed onion, carrot, celery, zucchini and garlic

with some other seasonings and then poured the
broth in. Not so exciting, but healthy and tasty for sure. On the other hand, I also wanted to try something new. I have heard my sister and others talk about Kale chips for a long time. I have some in the fridge and decided to give it a try. The 'cheesy' sauce is not cheese at all. Here's how I made the sauce:
1 cup of cashews soaked in water for a few hours
1/2 cup nutritional yeast
Juice from one lemon
minced garlic to taste
Blended it in the blender and then mixed with well with the Kale. I baked it in the oven at 200 degrees for a few hours. The site I saw it on said 45 minutes but that wasn't near enough time to make it crunchy. So I kept baking. The family (with exception of picky eater number 3) gobbled up both trays in a matter of minutes. I was happy to give them something crunchy and healthy for them. I will definitely be moving the dehydrator up the wish list for the near future. I do believe that the kale chips will turn out much better in the dehydrator.
I have been really busy with life and the family. I haven't had much time to write nor really have had thoughts about what to write either. I am hoping to do some more writing and fill you all in on what I have been doing and working on at home. Stay tuned~

Just Joined a Locavore Challenge...

2011-08-27T11:42:00.000-07:00

My friend Jenny invited me to take a locavore challenge in which she is team captain. I had some time today and check it out. There a different levels that you can join in, to support, and become part of the local eating challenge. When you register you can choose from 3 levels, Bite Size, Feast Size, or Meal Size. I jumped right in with the meal size challenge. It means doing three challenges from three different areas, here's what the areas are and the challenges I chose:

Cook Grow Eat:

Can Or Preserve Summer Foods (done)
Shop at a local Farm stand (done and continue to do)
Compost kitchen Scraps (done)
Grown and Herb Garden (I have an indoor kit I really need to get going)

Join The Movement:

Like the NOFA-NY Facebook Page (done)
Blog about the experience (part done)
Read a Locavore Book (In Progress)
Attend a Locavore event

Take Action:

Join Millions against Monsanto (done)
Ask your representative to support local Farming
Volunteer at a local Farm or community Garden

So there you go. I didn't need anything else to do, but I have already completed some of these actions and intend to do them all before September 30, 2011. If you would like to join the movement you can register here.

Anyone else doing this challenge?

The fruits of Our Labor!

2011-07-29T10:24:00.000-07:00

Well aside from the ONE tomato we ate last week, Here is the start of the tomatoes. I had a few with my lunch. They were delicious! The plants look like a jungle and there is going to be more tomatoes than we know what to do with! Yeah for a healthy harvest!!!

How are your gardens doing?

Some things never change....

2011-07-12T04:54:00.000-07:00

That would be mostly the age on my scale, mainly because I don't know remember how to adjust it. It still says I am 39 years old. I only feel 25, however I am really turning 43 today.

I woke up to more birthday wishes in my email box, on Facebook and Ukulele Underground than I think I have received in my entire 43 years of my existence! Wow.. Well I can say this, I have been touched and molded by all the people that have come into my life. I know that many of you I haven't seen for years, some of you may see too much of me, and some I only someday hope to meet in person. To all of you. Thank you for being a part of my life!

This year has been full of more challenges than I care to share publicly. Today I woke up and put in my last pair of new contacts in my stash- hopeful to start this next year with clear eyes and a positive outlook! It's not what we have (or don't have like my lack of air conditioning on this hot day, anyone know a good repairman?) it's who we are, today I strive to be better... So I am going to nourish myself with good food (Thanks Denise for the box of Mangoes) and great people!

Be Great Today!!

Fantastic Weekend memories...

2011-07-04T13:57:00.000-07:00

This weekend I was privileged and blessed to meet a half sister that I only found out about a few years ago! Without going into detail (and honestly it's not that important) It felt so great from the get go, after so much time emailing and more recently talking on the phone it was amazing to meet face to face and have her and her boy friend at our house!

It was so nice to chat and catch up on what seems like a lifetime we missed, however, there were lots of stories, emotions and a definite connection as sisters! We shared lots of good food too! that's when I knew without a doubt we are related!

I took them to the farmers market (Say cheese) and We enjoyed the booths and came home with bags of fresh veggies, natural peanut butters, cheeses etc. Not to mention I found out that one of my favorite shops on Jay was closing, Carol good luck and we can not thank you enough for the incredible moment that you shared with us in your shop. We have been truly blessed by stopping by your shop! Wish you the best and thank you so much for talking to us, I have been touched deeply by you!

Anyone that knows me knows how much I love pickles. So we had to stop by and check out the pickle stand at the market. Delicious and definitely have to go back for more.. her's Alissa and Ariana posing happily at the pickle booth.
After the farmers market we went home, then for a walk around town, we showed Alissa the park near where we live and got out for some fresh air. Just the girls this time. We spent more time chatting and talking and walking. Fun and great memories for sure!

It was fun to get Alissa and Rob into the kitchen with me. We whipped up an absolutely fantastic meal together which was great fun and delicious! I learned some great cooking tips and ideas from Rob too. Love that!

Here's Rob entertaining the kids with magic card tricks. I am not sure if he had more fun (with a new audience) or if the kids enjoyed it more! Sure was fun!
The kids say that you can come back and play games and do magic tricks anytime!

Before they left this am. We took out Ariana's deck of Yoga Pretzels and had some fun doing some stretching and trying out some partner yoga moves! I enjoyed trying out some new moves and laughing a lot with everyone. As you can see from the next photo, we tried some more challenging moves too.

Fun stuff..

Here we are together. We are missing Zach as he is gone right now at camp. He is doing a Counselor in Training program for Boy Scouts and he did get to meet Alissa and Rob the first night, he was up and out early by the second morning.
Sure hope that there will be more fun weekend visits like this one!
Thanks so much Alissa for coming and making the step to have us as part of our lives. Sisters are a true blessing. Next time I hope Denise will be around, its the only thing that could make it more fun!

It was a great weekend I wont forget for a long time!

4 Hour Body update...

2011-06-22T14:43:00.000-07:00

Well I completed the 4 weeks that I committed to the 4 hour body. Truth be told, I wasn't going to do the extreme stuff ice packs and supplements etc.. that he talks about in his book. In all, more than anything I missed fresh fruit especially this time of the year and I am no longer willing to live without it and crave it all week.
So I am going to back to my whole foods diet. What I did learn is that I can do without as much cheese and dairy as I normally eat and that I don't need the carbs. I also discovered that I love beans even more than I think and they really don't give you gas, they have a bad reputation for it!

So what's up? Just going back to my whole foods diet! That's it! Yummy and the summer fruit is so amazing this time of year!

I just made three batches of Jam in the past few days with fresh picked strawberries and rhubarb! I love it. Going to give some of it away as gifts!

4 hour body self experiment...

2011-06-05T08:40:00.000-07:00

Well gang, I have been missing from my blog for a long time. Dealing with stuff with family, school, and life, busy as ever. I am writing so much for school some days the thought of writing anything else makes me want to scream. This I have to share and get your opinions for sure.

As some of you readers know starting from 2004 I lost a lot of weight, about 120 lbs. Since our big move to NY the weight has started to creep up.. Frustrating especially when you know what to do! I am after all working on a master's degree in nutrition. Well I read a few blog posts on the 4 Hour Body by Tim Ferriss and decided to give it a whirl and see what all the excitement was about. I am still most hesitant about fad diets and all the hype that goes along with them however I just had to try this one out for myself!
The rules are pretty simple.

1. No dairy
2. No grains- What no pasta, no brown rice, no nothing.
3. No Fruit- bigger shocker how in the world would I survive a day without fruit. I am a total fruit a holic!!!
4. No soy products! I am vegetarian where will I get my protein from!
5. Eat at least 20 grams of protein each meal, including 1/2 of beans a legumes each meal.
6. take one day off each week (preferably after 5 days) I pick Saturday.

Seems pretty simple right? Well day one starts. I am so lucky because my husband and my workout partner decides to jump on the bandwagon with me. Then what happens, I head out for my run with my friend and take a pretty awful fall, injuring my hand and knee (doing better but still recovering) So day one gets postponed until Monday.

When Monday am hits sore and barely walking, I get up and decide eggs is going to be the breakfast of the 4 hour body (4HB) So here it is scrambled eggs with BEANS, on a bed of spinach topped with a little salsa. GAG! really I was gagging. The first week of breakfast I missed my banana Oat cakes and or green smoothies. Lunch and dinner more beans, salad greens and veggies. I am VERY full, but missed my pasta and fruit boy did I miss my fruit.

The first week was REALLY hard! Today is the last day of week two! It is getting easier to stick to plan. The foods are repetitive and taste great. The best part is that I am eating whole foods. The worst part, I miss fruit. The reason why I tried this is pretty simple. An experiment of sorts, with the book, checking out the hype, wanting to kick start some weight loss but mostly something I have been learning in school too many carbs (even the healthy whole grain ones) in the diet lead to insulin imbalance, which leads to weight gain, regardless of calories intake. Too much sugar (yes even fruit sugars) lead to weight gain.

So all week I was looking forward to binge day (yesterday was my second). I went shopping on Friday and bought watermelon and strawberries. Not exactly what you would call a binge food but it is truly what I wanted. I couldn't wait to eat my oatcake. I had no bananas so I ran out early in the am to get them. It was heavenly. In the afternoon I made a carrot cake with my daughter, I wanted to make pizza for dinner but ran out of time since we were going out to the drive in movies. I ate a sandwich instead. I hadn't had bread in weeks. Lunch was some leftover pasta that I had made for the kids, I missed this recipe. Guess what? I didn't taste all that good! HUH? My favorite pasta didn't taste good! How could that happen it's all cheesy and everything! Weird, I must be changing. Something inside has shifted!

Funny thing, when I woke up this morning, I felt like crap. I stayed up too late, ate junk (in my standards, although it is healthy eating for most Americans, sad but true). Could it be true I woke up this am, READY and WANTING to eat beans and eggs for breakfast! Then I checked my email. My friend on the plan with me wrote that she had the 4 hour hangover! I laughed hysterically when I saw the title of her email! It's so true. That is exactly how I feel. I imagine that on some level my body chemistry is changing. Binge week will be very different next week! Or will it?

I have committed to myself (and my friend) 4 weeks on this program. Where it is fadish and I am sure in the long run I am not going to eat exactly like this forever, I feel a true change and that is the important part of it all. There is a long lasting positive result. Health! I look forward to what the next two weeks bring and then I am going to alter the plan. I have swayed a little bit from the plan and added small amounts of organic tofu to my diet and a serving or two of quinoa (a high protein whole grain) otherwise pretty much following to the letter. The good news is, it is working. I am down about 5lbs and my husband is down somewhere around 7-8 lbs.

I am already looking into modifying this plan for life long changes. Adding small amounts of grain, less eggs and a little fruit. My goal yes to lose weight, but to get myself off of so much pasta (even whole grain which is what I eat) and eating more raw, and whole foods. Which I see when I do I feel better. There are quick results. That I can tell you I notice more when I indulge in a binge day.

About a month before starting 4 hour body - the experiment, I started something new with my kids, being that they complain all the time that I never have 'treats' in the house. We started making a true dessert once a week. With a few rules, They have to help and it has to be made from scratch. If they don't help we don't make it. I feel better giving them home made treats than buying pre packaged crap. Once a week is OK to me.. yesterday was carrot cake... it was good.

I hope to keep you up to date on this experiment and how it is going anyone else try 4 hour body, what are you thoughts on it?

Something Crafty(knitted) and Just for fun!!

2011-02-06T15:08:00.000-08:00

Just for fun and a break from schoolwork and such, I knitted up this cute little hedgehog. I won a kit to knit it years ago in WA state when my favorite yarn shop Sweet Stitch went out of business. I miss that shop and don't even live anywhere near it anymore. So I pulled out this kit and knitted away, I actually changed the color to a more purplish color from a hot pink that was in the kit. Above this is a photo of him all knitted and ready for felting. I did my felting in the dryer! I loved it so much better than felting in the washing machine. I stuffed him with some plastic so the front and back didn't felt together, it was faster and less messy. I got a bowl will hot water and a small amount of laundry soap and soaked him, zipped him in a pillow case and put him in the dryer. I checked it about every 10 minutes, half way I soaked him again and put him back in the dryer! I loved this process! If haven't felted this way, I recommend it!

Here he is all finished and sewn up. I think he is just adorable!! Too cute. I ordered some safety eyes from etsy for him.

Just another angle, He's fluffy and puffy. He needs a name! Any ideas???

Winter Food Doldrums!

2011-02-03T10:46:00.000-08:00

I seem to be in a real 'pickle' lately. I want fresh tasty produce, alas there really isn't much of that here in NY right now. Unless miles and piles of snow is considered produce. Well it was produced by something right?

Not really what I had in mind. I feel stagnant at best with my eating, I am grateful for my frozen blueberries as they go in my smoothies as often as I can stand the cold! I find I am eating the same things over and over again, lots of pasta (whole grain) but still probably way more than I know I should be eating, because it's quick and easy and tastes so good in so many ways.

I have been so busy with my family and schoolwork that I have neglected the search I used to do for delicious new meals. My youngest son has become SO incredibly picky, I find myself saying nah, it's just not worth the upset at the dinner table. So here I find myself in a slump... Which would be why you haven't seen to many posts lately, this has been dragging on for awhile now.

I find myself already dreaming of spring, and seed packets and making another go at the vegetable garden. Perhaps I will become re-energized for cooking and preparing foods. I so need it for my mental clarity!

Until the spring hits, I guess I will have to strap on the snowshoes and head out for the crisp (cold) fresh air in hopes for some good meal inspiration!

How about you all what do you do when you get into food slumps?

So what's on my Agenda now?

2011-01-26T11:08:00.000-08:00

It's been a long year, this 2010 and I am glad that it is over!! I can't say that 2011 has started off very exciting, but I wiped the slate clean and figure I am just starting over.
I always have goals so I don't really like to say I made resolutions, but I guess I did!
Here they are:

First I registered for The Warrior Dash, I have spent the last few years exercising, will little goals except to not gain any of the weight back that I had lost. Well I can't say that it was a very successful goal. So I decided that I need to TRAIN and not just exercise. So I have designed an exercise program for myself to increase cardiovascular endurance, upper body strength and increase my all around fitness level. More weight training, and added interval training with plyo thrown in. So far, I am enjoying it and shedding a few pounds to boot.

Next, I am learning to play ukulele. I am having fun with it. I have never played and instrument, so this year I want to get competent at it and just have a good time. I am going to start a 10 week course in February. Yeah!

Another goal I have is to knit myself a sweater. I have made a few baby sweaters and lots of cool stuff that doesn't need to necessarily 'fit' so this year I am going to knit myself a sweater. I believe it is going to be this one. I am really looking forward to getting this started soon.

I continue my schooling, and I am making progress. Slow and steady for sure. I have 5 more classes left before I start writing my thesis! I am nervous and excited because I want to do it, but really NEED to get my topic situated so in all my reading and work, I can start to put together research materials. This may be the most grueling part of my year! It's hard to believe that I have made it as far as I have!

I am also working on some fitness certifications. This is going VERY slow. As you can see, I keep very busy. I am making progress and moving forward though. YEAH!

I continue to do volunteer work for the Navy and the school PTA. I enjoy it however it keeps me busy for sure! The family is good, the kids are always busy which means that Mom's taxi is always running out of gas! ( pun intended) I can't complain, I manage to make time for everything! I still cook and do crafty things when I can as well.

Sure hope that all of you are starting out this new year with some great, have you given up on new years resolutions already? I hope not, and if so just make some new ones and keep moving!

Exercise DVD Review!!

2011-01-12T06:06:00.000-08:00

Another great DVD to add to your collection! Jillian brings it on with her usual vengeance. Jillian uses a series of good old fashioned exercises (burpees, squat thrusts, planks) to raise your heart rate along with strengthening your core, you also get down on the ground for some good old fashioned abdominal work as well. Don't expect to just do a crunch or two, Jillian gets your whole body involved! I have done level one 2 times now and definitely got some great calorie burn out of the 35 minutes!

I love this video for its pure exercise experience, it is not difficult to do the maneuvers, but don't get me wrong, most will be challenged by this workout! Jillian explains each exercise well and goes slow enough the first round that most anyone can understand how to do these moves. She has two gals with her, one doing a more modified move and one doing the more advanced, she gets close up and personal with each, to show the importance of great form and modification.

I picked this video up for $6.99 at BJ's club and I have to say, it could possibly be the BEST 7 bucks I have ever spent on a video. Definitely the best bang for the buck or save yourself the trip and order it here.

Ariana-concert Mistress!!

2010-12-07T17:00:00.000-08:00

Here is one song Ariana and the kids in her Orchestra did. These are 5th graders and they did a fabulous job tonight. I am one proud mama!!!

Reflecting on my Life with Grandma Pauline

2010-12-01T15:00:00.000-08:00

I know I haven't been on here in a long time, but this is something I feel very strongly I need to write and share. My grandma Pauline passed away this afternoon, She was hospitalized on Thanksgiving and passed this afternoon.

I can remember as a little girl, living on Long Island, mom taking us to the train station on Friday as Grandma would arrive. It surely meant we were going to have a great weekend... I loved the excitement of the big black train coming into the station, my heart beating and knowing grandma was going to get off. Searching through the people until I saw her! One thing was always inevitable Grandma had peanut brittle in her purse and I was going to get some!

When Grandma was visiting Saturday am was certain to be met with silver Mexican jewels that she brought back from one of her trips. By the time I was 6 I knew the names of most of the gems and always loved seeing photos of her trip. She traveled a lot, with her sister Esther.

When we were old enough my sister and I would go to visit her in Brooklyn. She took us to see the rockettes, and museums. I loved the subway, but had a hard time sleeping with all the noise! I loved riding her elevator and I always remember dreaming about the "diamond door knobs" in her apartment. I have a house full of them now and I always think of being a little girl in that Brooklyn apartment. It is very comforting in a way!

When grandma retired from her job as a bookkeeper, she moved down to Boca Raton. She lived in a retirement community and it was always fun to go visit. There were pools, and workout rooms, hot tubs and lots of other teenagers. We played shuffleboard and I rolled my eyes as she dragged me to senior water aerobics. Little did I know how young I would be when I found water aerobic 'fun'! ha... She was unique but busy in her own life...

Then when she wasn't able to take care of herself, we moved her into an assisted living facility. Cleaning out her condo was interesting for sure. We found the pink melamine plates we begged her to leave in Brooklyn and many other odd things tucked in the ceiling tiles of her kitchen. I got yelled at by some old guy with argyle socks for filling up the trash can! We found love letters from her ex, as a kid we called him Grandpa Pizza Pie! He made cakes with more layers than onions, and were chocolate. Oh he loved her, I don't know what happened between them, but everyone should have someone love them the way this man loved Grandma!

As I was older, I didn't get to see her very much. We talked on the phone until her hearing got to bad. She was always happy to hear from me, and I made sure to send her photos of the kids. Grandma had 2 children, 4 grandchildren and 8 great grandchildren. I can say that she was a fabulous grandmother that has given me so much. She spent quality time with me as a kid and as she leaves this Earth leaves me for one with joy for having had her as my grandmother. Although I am sad to say goodbye, I am happy and relieved that she left with little pain and suffering and her dignity in tact as much as one can at 95 years!

Grandma thank you for being part of my life... you will always be remembered!

PS- I will add some photos in the next few days as I have time to scan some in!

Our Little Opossum Rescue!

2010-08-24T07:34:00.001-07:00

There never seems to be a dull moment at our house! On this particular day (A week ago Sunday) We had a little extra excitement! My husband headed out early that morning to continue working on digging post holes for the new fence we are putting up in the yard. Well hubby came running in because something was splashing around in the hole he had dug the day before! He thought is was rats, but with only the light of a headlamp(thank you boy scouts) I was quickly able to identify the little creatures as opossums! Yikes, how the heck were we going to get these little creatures out of a 4 foot hole?

They were pretty scared, and not very responsive, it was cold, and they were drenched with water from the garden hose, as it was the only way my husband could get the dirt out that deep down it was too sandy otherwise. Anyhow, after a few failed attempts, we were finally able to scoop them out with a hoe. Poor little things, yes I know what their parents are capable of, however, we still had to save them! Here there are cuddled up to each other, after we started to dry them off. I was on quick alert that momma wasn't looking for her babies, as I later learned opossums make terrible mothers! They were so tiny and helpless, what do you do next? Well I ran inside to the computer and got on google. I found a NY state licensed animal rescuer in our area and called right away. I am sure that she was thrilled when I woke her from bed at 10am on Sunday, but alas, she did pick up the phone as soon as she heard me say baby opossums! She was at our house within 40 minutes and all the excitement was over! We had to get back to fence building, runs, laundry and cooking! It was a great distraction. I was relieved to know that the little critters would be taken care of and released into the wild on the rescuers property of 100 acres.

Small but Mighty!! Love my Fellow Navy Spouses!!!

2010-08-13T06:34:00.000-07:00

If you have been reading my blog for awhile you know that I attempt to be a runner, not a fast one but a runner none the less. What you may not know is that I am a Navy Spouse, my blog isn't really about that, so I don't talk about it much. It has been quite a ride (maybe better if I learned how to swim years and years ago, I digress). I was excited and pleased last night at a meeting of the Navy Family Readiness group when one of my fellow spouses brought up forming a team for the Susan B Komen Race for the Cure~ I signed up as soon as I got home!

I am excited to be part of this, it's the first time I have fun for a cause, and in my heart I know and believe that this is a good one! I am blessed to be part of a team of amazing people some who will be running or walking their first 5k or 2 mile (family walk). I have motivated myself, and I hope to motivate others not only to improve the lives of others, but their own.

Here's how you can help!

Join our team, run as an individual, or form your own team(traitor): HERE

Donate any amount you can: HERE

(If you can not donate how about tweeting, share on fb, or on your blog, the link to my blog post, I thank you and the tata's thank you!!)

Or how about volunteering: Go HERE

Anyone want to be our team photographer? Please let me know!

So here are my goals:

To inspire my fellow runners to achieve their best and feel good about the race!

To raise a million dollars (a girl can dream right)

To feel good about my efforts to help the cause

To improve my 5K time

To Lose 10lbs before the race!

Wish me luck and support me and my fellow runner's for our cause!! I can say now that I have never been more proud to be part of the Navy spouse community!! I am blessed! Now get out there and train!!!

How To Be Alone

2010-08-10T12:21:00.000-07:00

I just loved this video, it really touched me. It was shared on my school message board by one of the instructors. I hope you all enjoy it as much as I did! Have a great day and strive to be the best you can!

Deepening My Educational and Personal Journey

2010-08-10T05:17:00.000-07:00

Imagine my surprise when this box showed up at my door! It wasn't like I didn't know it was coming; however, the overwhelming reality is I had no idea what I signed myself up for! This pile of books, CD's and DVDs is the American Fitness Professionals and Associates(APFA) Master Trainer Certification course! I have looked at their programs for a long time, as long as I looked at the ACE certification, well circumstances presented itself (thank you MyCaa) and I am now enrolled. I feel like I just went from Kindergarten to Grad school in one fail swoop!

The program encompasses a second(for me) personal trainer certification, a nutrition and wellness certification, a sports conditioning certification and one I am very excited for children's fitness specialist certification! After attaining these (how sad is it that I am going to have to enlist my elementary children's help to make power point presentations) I will do a series of practicals to get the master training certification! Wow.. lots of work ahead.

I have to remember to balance myself as I am still working on my Master's degree and that I am getting closer and closer to thesis writing time as the days pass! I still have no topic which I hope to render in the next few weeks as I have conferences scheduled with my professor. I also have a husband and 3 children, too many commitments to count and the UN-ability to say NO, which I am getting better at!

Also, some of you know that I have been trying to get paperwork (ie a name for a business) together along with the rest of the papers necessary... well I have decided that when the kids go back to school in a few weeks, I will get my insurance and begin training clients business name or not! Please contact me privately if you are interested! I am only planning to take on a few clients at first to gradually work into more work hours, and insure that my clients get the best possible trianing. I can not express how excited I am to help others embark on this path to a better and more healthy life! Are you next?

This poor neglected blog!

2010-08-06T04:49:00.000-07:00

I will not say that I have neglected my blog on purpose. I miss it so! However, my brain has been reeling around so many things! First of all my kids have been out of school, and not that it is an excuse, but we have been busy! I spent much of July hanging out with them, or immersed in my studies! I also spent a few weeks busy making things for cub scout day camp, and a week 'working' on staff. I use the term work lightly as it is not a paid job, but a volunteer position. One in which I enjoyed beyond measure!

This group of kids was amazing! I worked in the Nature area, which in itself is funny because I had to learn, to teach the kids! Flying by the seat of my pants became my middle name that week but these kids and their curiosity and spirit won over my heart! I will be back for more next year! Trust me when I say, I learned WAY more about many things than I taught, either way we all came out with a smile on our faces! The cardboard horses were a huge hit... maintenance was fairly easy and Nikolas' horse "Deady" is hanging tough on the front porch! Too see the Entire collection of camp photos click here. On top of a joyful cub scout rodeo, we celebrated 100 years of boy scouting! I am so pleased that my family gets to benefit from scouting... It's a great thing. (and yes popcorn sales is coming, on their defense I have to say their popping corn is the best I have used) And I have been busy learning how to can, it's been GREAT. I SO enjoy it! Here is a few batches of blueberry and strawberry rhubarb jam I made. I have mad several since. I am SO happy to give my kids wholesome choices that do not have artificial chemicals added. They love it and so do I. Here is a batch in process! I can say that it's been great and fulfilling to learn, do and experience so many wonderful things in life! I suppose it is a great thing to be so busy and happy doing it!

I am happy to say that I am progressing well at school, I have 6 more classes left before writing my thesis (of which I have no topic) and I am cruising right along with my current class (with a push from MyCaa) either way the goal is to be writing my thesis this time next year, better get on the topic huh? Could I really be graduating by winter 2011? yowza! What's a girl to do?

Well no worries, I have big plans coming so keep tuned in for more information. I have been making plans and will spill that soon!

For now, I am getting ready to head out for run! I need it, Last week there wasn't much exercise aside from hauling myself around Camp Boyhaven! So I have a lot to make up for!

Things are looking up in many areas... Stay posted!!!

Oh June, Where did you go?

2010-07-02T10:09:00.000-07:00

It's amazing, I caught 'The Teenager' on film(not exactly on film) but digital sounds ridiculous! He actually smiled too! There was the field trip to Howe Caverns (Brian went with Nikolas) There was field day... and more field day... What's with these big kids on these little hoppity hops?

The ever important crossing over to Weblos I! This is a big moment for Niko.

There was girls U-10 soccer.. and mixed U-8 soccer Sweat and more sweat. And of course more field days for Ariana. A trip to the state capital building and NY state museum. A chat session with Senator Farley, with some very interesting questions asked by 4Th graders! I loved it! They really challenged him!

And the celebratory birthday yell when on little girl opened her big "I am 10 now" gift! Lots of new scooter riding from one little girl that loved the gift from her Florida Grandma!

It's been a mammoth of a month.....

Comet has the right idea, don't you think so?

Getting Crafty!! and it's about time!!

2010-05-26T11:19:00.000-07:00

Well everyone, I have seemed to 'misplaced' my nutrition book. (under a pile of yarn, laundry, or I am just not looking very hard for it, it just happened to show up as I was waiting for photos to upload) Too bad, I get to finish my post now!

I has been too long since I have posted anything much that is crafted. Not for lack of wanting to. I just haven't finished many projects until now... YEAH! and best of all I have MORE in the works!

This is a close up of the needle felting I did for my neices slippers... My first needle felting project These are a photo of the slippers. They were knitted and felted. They were a fun project to work on. The pattern was from a kit from knitpicks. This is my second needle felting project. Did it like a paper piecing project but with felt and then needle felted the penguins on the slippers. I love how the penguin turned out. Thanks to Brian for helping cut out the tiny tiny pieces! Here's the completed slippers. I debated about putting laces in these guys and decided not to. I can if you girls decide you want them! Just let me know! Here is Sackboy. I have never seen the game. My youngest has played this game with his friend, and since his friend is moving away, it's his gift from us as a going away present.. Shh don't tell.. ha ha Nikolas already told him before I got the yarn! What a stinker! Here's Sackboy in pieces... my first knitted toy, so much fun to make. I will definitely be making more knitted toys in the near future! I already have plans for some more things! For now they are a secret! Not entirely crafty, unless fixing the hole in the wall and painting is crafty; however, I did sew up the curtain. One more bathroom to go and then we have to get painting outside and pretty much start painting the inside all over again. (sigh)

So any of you crafting anything fun out there? Please share!

Chi Running Clinic

2010-05-23T13:26:00.000-07:00

I had the privilege of attending a chi running clinic this past weekend. I had read the book a few years ago, and have tried to follow the principles in the books as much as I can. I am excited to say that one clinic wasn't enough, however it was excellent! It was led by Ann Margaret McKillop of My fitness Recovery. I can't say enough good things about Ann Margaret or her clinic!

Chi running principles are focused on injury free running, utilizing good posture and the strength of your core to keep strength through your core. Keeping your core strong to be able to relax the rest of your body will help you remain injury free when running. I can see that this process can take years to master just as it would if you were to take Tai Chi or another martial art form.

First she walked us through some great postural exercises, some felt really weird as I suppose I really don't have perfect posture (sigh). I have to say, it is amazing how strong our bodies are when they are in alignment! That would be the chi part of it. Strength and alignment. The strength comes from the core. She explained so many things about posture and injuries and how they interrelate to each other. I am sorry to say that I can not remember all the things she said.

I do remember the practice of walking we did lifting our knees and letting our ankles relax! Yes, we need to relax our ankles when we run, who knew! Ann Margaret says this is how knee injuries are born! It amazed me the difference I feel already, even just walking focusing on relaxing those ankles! We sort of joked about feeling like zombies doing this exercise, however I can see with practice the difference it is going to make in my body and my running.

I will be reading the book again to be sure that I refresh my memory on posture, gait etc. She was unable to got into much more detail because it was a large group. I am excited to have new things to focus on with my running and that my running buddy was there with me so we can help each other out with the techniques we learned yesterday!

Thanks to Ann Margaret for a great class and to The Hudson-Mohawk Road Runners Club for sponsoring it!

Weight loss and the stress of it the scale

2010-05-07T05:34:00.000-07:00

So I saw this video in a newsletter and really wanted to share it with everyone. I know that the weight loss journey seems like a forever battle and the scale isn't always gracious no matter how hard we feel we are working at it! This video is a reminder that things within our bodies change rapidly. A whole pound this lady gained in a matter of minutes just by drinking water!

My point is, that we can't just measure the number on the scale because it is forever changing, if we are working out, we are sweating out water, if we are drinking or eating, go to the bathroom etc. Now I am not saying that you shouldn't ever pay attention; however, it should be a guide and not gospel!

When I lost the bulk of my weight, the measurements were very important. I think I had lost over 88 inches (That's over 7 feet!) in girth! I knew that I had lost fat! I didn't fit in ANY of my clothes I could move and for longer! Health was the key, I was and am healthy! So to those of you that get on the scale constantly, if it works for you, great, just don't base your day and how you feel about yourself on the number. I can get on my scale four times in a row and it could be .2 or .4 different each time. Take your measurements, and see how your clothes fit that is the real test! Even more real, how do you feel and what are you capable of doing now that you couldn't do before!

Live your journey today no matter what your size or shape, if there is something you want to do, do it! Don't wait until you are (________) just work towards the goal and get it done.

We are here for the journey and not just the destination! Always have a goal, away from the scale. If you want to walk, run, ride, create art, learn a new skill don't let yourself wait because of how you feel about yourself and your size.

The REAL change is on the inside! Accept yourself and love yourself not for a number on the scale but for the wonderful, creative person you are, this will ensure your success!!

Have a great day all!!

Why Can't You?

2010-05-03T12:19:00.000-07:00

So today I was in the grocery store, nothing new with my big hungry family! However, I have never had the cashier say, gee I am so jealous of the healthy organic foods you are buying! I didn't really think they ever noticed or cared, just rang up your stuff and hoped to get you out of there as quick as possible!

Well I thought it was interesting because she said working here and having 4 room-mates makes it impossible to eat healthy? She went on and on, well the truth is, there was a time 100 plus pounds ago I would have had a million excuses why I couldn't eat healthy too... No time, too busy, to expensive you name it, I could have give all the excuses in the world!

Despite the 100 people in line behind you, I asked her as I was walking away to let her help the next customer, Why can't you eat healthy foods?

And now I am asking you, Why can't you eat healthy foods? Really what's your excuse? Let's bust it right now! You deserve to have a healthy life and a fulfilling one too. It starts with nourishing yourself from the inside out.

So let's have it and bust those excuses!

Perspective...

2010-04-07T08:44:00.000-07:00

It was an interesting morning as I headed out for my Wednesday am run. Usually on this run I have my running buddy, but today I was heading out alone! It's always different alone. It was drizzly this morning so I was trying to talk myself out of going and just doing a DVD instead. However, I headed out the door anyway as I knew I would feel GREAT as soon as I got out there and especially after the run was over!

I cranked up some music (one headphone for safety reasons) and headed out the door! I was quickly reminded of why I love to run(note the sarcasm sign!) down certain streets on garbage day. I am not known for my ability to jump (Tony Horton would bust a gut if he saw me doing his plyoX workout, however I do it anyway because it's fun, challenging and good for me!) and off I go jumping and leaping over trash cans and lids. It didn't seem to matter if I ran street or sidewalk, the stuff is all over! I was blessed today to not trip and fall on this run! I don't know about anyone else, but my mind wanders when I run alone. I work to find my focus and just go, keeping myself at a fairly constant pace and heart rate.

So I have to admit, I was saying some choice words about and to the garbage collectors (in my head) about the obstacle course of trash cans all over... I forgot about it for awhile as I ran into an area away from the neighborhood that didn't have trash cans all over, then my mind wandered somewhere else for a bit. Then as I hit the turn in my loop where I head home, there is the garbage truck! I am heading up one of the larger hills and thinking to myself. GREAT not only do I have to jump over and around this stuff, but I will probably get hit with a flying trash can lid instead. Well much to my surprise, I start passing the truck (and they were stopped, weird) and there is two guys back there... GREAT now they are going to mock me instead! Here's where I got some new perspective. Two guys behind the truck, clapping and cheering me on... "Great pace, keep it up", "Good for you"! I was so floored I almost fell over! I'd been cursing them, and they totally blew me away, being nice!

I find it funny how the simple things make a difference in your day! Not only did I think about how much work it would be if all the trash cans, lids and recycle bins were all placed perfectly back in place (not that I don't think it would be nice) but I realized that they are people too trying to do their job to the best of their ability!

It takes all kinds of people to make this world go round... So what are you going to do to make today a better day for someone else, without expecting anything in return?

And on another note here's my new favorite smoothie 'recipe': Enjoy!

approximately 2 cups or large handfuls of Kale

scoop of chia seeds

1/2 cup of frozen mango chunks

1/2 cup of frozen pineapple chunks

1 cup of frozen blueberries

Blend in blender with adequate water to desired consistency. Yummy!!! This is my favorite breakfast before running.

Anyone have a favorite protein powder they like to use... I would love to try one, as it would be great to drink after hard workouts! Please share with me!

I hope everyone has a great day... I just opened the windows, as I realized that it is warmer outside then in and I was a bit chilly in here! Here comes the sun!! Off to do some homework now!!