So I've talked a lot to my friends about getting back on track this year. I know its about finding the time, putting it in my routine, and getting back to running which I love. But let's be honest - it has been way too cold to run outside in Ottawa recently (and I do not love running on the treadmill). So I decided to look for something else that would help me get back into the swing of things.
Enter Boot Camp. An amazing fitness coach that I follow on Facebook posted that she was starting a twice a week, 30 minute boot camp near me. I thought - Perfect!! The timing works, and I can certainly handle 30 minutes twice a week. Then I went to my first one. All I can say is ouch. Like serious, I can't put my socks on, ouch. And I loved it.
I love the atmosphere of a small group of ladies with the same determined look on their faces. I really do like feeling like I've worked out cause my muscles scream at me for two days afterwards. And I really like how motivating the coach is. Btw if you don't follow Liz on Facebook you should - https://www.facebook.com/BodyblissCoaching . Not only is she inspirational but she is real...and she posts funny stuff too :-)
As much as I love Boot Camp I'm not gonna lie. I could barely walk after the first session. And lifting my arms to brush my teeth after the second session brought tears to my eyes. And I found a new hate for burpees. But I have a goal...I will be able to do a full set of burpees by the end...this is my focus for right now. Well that and being able to comb my hair the day after the sessions. And thanks to my sister for doing it with me...at least we can commiserate together the next day.
As I've said before, try something new, find something you love. That is what will keep you on track.
Friday, February 20, 2015
Tuesday, January 20, 2015
Staying Active
I have never hesitated to share my opinion that the key to staying active is to find something you love to do and do that. For me, it was running (I haven't run much the past few months but am getting back to it). For my kids, they never really found anything that stuck - we tried dance, sports, martial arts but nothing grabbed them enough for them to want to really stick with it.
Until now. Both girls have fallen in love with something that keeps them uber active and I love it!
Ally has found cheerleading. And for those who hold on to the stereotype that cheerleaders are not athletes, I dare you to try to run, jump and do stunts continuously for 2 hours at a time. I dare you to lift girls into the air, throw them and catch them, have them stand on your legs while you support them. They are athletes - and amazing ones. These girls are strong and have to work as a team every second they are on the floor. The flyers need to trust their teammates implicitly - and the bases and backs know how important their jobs are. It is a thing of beauty to watch.
Marianna has found tumbling. She always loved to jump, but gymnastics didn't stick because she didn't want to do the beam and vault. She just wanted to flip and tumble. She has joined a trampoline and tumbling class and loves it. It is 90 minutes of hard work (she is sore the day after), repetition and bending in ways that make me cringe. And she does it all with a smile...well unless she is ticked off she can't get something fast enough. Then she just gets this determined look on her face and goes to do it again.
I love that my girls have found this stuff. And the best part is I discovered (thanks Kelly!) a gym where they can do both. If your kid loves to cheer, you need to check out Black Widow Cheer Gym; and if tumbling is their thing, you need to call Laws of Motion. I can't say enough good things about both of these organizations - we're hooked!
Until now. Both girls have fallen in love with something that keeps them uber active and I love it!
Ally has found cheerleading. And for those who hold on to the stereotype that cheerleaders are not athletes, I dare you to try to run, jump and do stunts continuously for 2 hours at a time. I dare you to lift girls into the air, throw them and catch them, have them stand on your legs while you support them. They are athletes - and amazing ones. These girls are strong and have to work as a team every second they are on the floor. The flyers need to trust their teammates implicitly - and the bases and backs know how important their jobs are. It is a thing of beauty to watch.
Marianna has found tumbling. She always loved to jump, but gymnastics didn't stick because she didn't want to do the beam and vault. She just wanted to flip and tumble. She has joined a trampoline and tumbling class and loves it. It is 90 minutes of hard work (she is sore the day after), repetition and bending in ways that make me cringe. And she does it all with a smile...well unless she is ticked off she can't get something fast enough. Then she just gets this determined look on her face and goes to do it again.
I love that my girls have found this stuff. And the best part is I discovered (thanks Kelly!) a gym where they can do both. If your kid loves to cheer, you need to check out Black Widow Cheer Gym; and if tumbling is their thing, you need to call Laws of Motion. I can't say enough good things about both of these organizations - we're hooked!
Thursday, January 15, 2015
Give me Strength
So here's the truth...I've always considered myself a strong person. I can handle lots, am pretty good at turning the other cheek when I need to, and I can square my shoulders and take stuff head on with the best of them. I try to avoid drama when I can, but when I'm in the midst of chaos I can take a breath and handle it pretty well.
I thought I was strong...then I had children. Now I watch them and marvel at their strength. I don't remember school days being so tough - I guess that's a good thing. I'm sure there must have been days growing up when I felt like I was drowning, but I can't clearly remember any of them.
I've watched my girls have amazing times - giggle with their friends, take silly selfies, act like kids. I've also watched them struggle with things that would make us cringe as adults - people talking behind their backs, realizing friends weren't really friends, trying to figure out "why them".
Even on days when the "why me's" outweigh the silly selfies, I've seen their strength. I've seen them do their best to turn the other cheek, or to just remember to breathe when chaos takes over. I've also listened to them rant and held their hands through tears. I've tried to explain, with little success cause I don't understand it, why some people feel the need to put others down.
Through it all I've seen their resilience and I've seen them be stronger than I would have been at that age. I've seen them develop a thicker skin and I've watched how they have found reason in the actions of others...even when those actions are not reasonable. I've seen their strength outweigh my own.
I wish they didn't need to have this kinda of strength right now. I wish it could stay rainbows and roses for a little while longer. But it can't. So that means I need to continue to nurture their strength, and to find my own when I'm ready to lose it on the situation at hand. I need to make sure they keep talking to me about everything that is going on, and I have to stay in listen mode rather than go into fix it mode. I must encourage them to find the good in all situations even when they are not sure their is any.
Most of all, I need to remind them that it's ok not to be strong all the time. It is ok to lose it, to ask for help, to lean on those who care about us. Sometimes that is when we find our strength we didn't know we had.
I thought I was strong...then I had children. Now I watch them and marvel at their strength. I don't remember school days being so tough - I guess that's a good thing. I'm sure there must have been days growing up when I felt like I was drowning, but I can't clearly remember any of them.
I've watched my girls have amazing times - giggle with their friends, take silly selfies, act like kids. I've also watched them struggle with things that would make us cringe as adults - people talking behind their backs, realizing friends weren't really friends, trying to figure out "why them".
Even on days when the "why me's" outweigh the silly selfies, I've seen their strength. I've seen them do their best to turn the other cheek, or to just remember to breathe when chaos takes over. I've also listened to them rant and held their hands through tears. I've tried to explain, with little success cause I don't understand it, why some people feel the need to put others down.
Through it all I've seen their resilience and I've seen them be stronger than I would have been at that age. I've seen them develop a thicker skin and I've watched how they have found reason in the actions of others...even when those actions are not reasonable. I've seen their strength outweigh my own.
I wish they didn't need to have this kinda of strength right now. I wish it could stay rainbows and roses for a little while longer. But it can't. So that means I need to continue to nurture their strength, and to find my own when I'm ready to lose it on the situation at hand. I need to make sure they keep talking to me about everything that is going on, and I have to stay in listen mode rather than go into fix it mode. I must encourage them to find the good in all situations even when they are not sure their is any.
Most of all, I need to remind them that it's ok not to be strong all the time. It is ok to lose it, to ask for help, to lean on those who care about us. Sometimes that is when we find our strength we didn't know we had.
Monday, December 29, 2014
My word for 2015
So usually I get around to posting my "word for the year" after New Year's, but decided that this year I would try to be ahead of the game. Last year my word was Breathe. I really did find myself stopping a few times to catch my breath, and trying to remember (in the words of Mr. Miyagi) "breathe in, breathe out". At the very least, nothing got to the point where I was hyper-ventilating so I guess it worked.
2014 was also the year that I lost a little bit of the drive that pushed me in 2013. I got a little lax with (well a lot lax) with running - and believe me when I tell you I can really feel it. I feel way more sluggish and tired since that fell to the wayside. So 2015 is the year I want to get my mojo back - hence my word for 2015:
Focus.
I want to focus on all the things that make me happy this year. Family time, date nights, laughing with friends, hanging with my girls (who are growing up way too fast), crafting, reading a good book and running. So this year the plan is to focus on all those things, and although I'm a queen at multi-tasking I have learned that I can't focus on it all at the same time. Thank you Captain Obvious, but it really did take me way too long to realize that trying to do everything meant I didn't get to truly focus on anything.
So there you have it...this year I will focus. Truth be told I'm going to hang on to "breathe" for a little while longer. That one really should not have a shelf life of only one year!
What word will you live by this year?
J
2014 was also the year that I lost a little bit of the drive that pushed me in 2013. I got a little lax with (well a lot lax) with running - and believe me when I tell you I can really feel it. I feel way more sluggish and tired since that fell to the wayside. So 2015 is the year I want to get my mojo back - hence my word for 2015:
Focus.
I want to focus on all the things that make me happy this year. Family time, date nights, laughing with friends, hanging with my girls (who are growing up way too fast), crafting, reading a good book and running. So this year the plan is to focus on all those things, and although I'm a queen at multi-tasking I have learned that I can't focus on it all at the same time. Thank you Captain Obvious, but it really did take me way too long to realize that trying to do everything meant I didn't get to truly focus on anything.
So there you have it...this year I will focus. Truth be told I'm going to hang on to "breathe" for a little while longer. That one really should not have a shelf life of only one year!
What word will you live by this year?
J
Monday, September 1, 2014
Deep breaths...
So I'm figuring out that I turn to writing whenever I need to wrap my head around something big. It helps me remember to take deep breaths and take everything in. I don't write frequently anymore, but am happy to have this space to do it when I need to.
As I sit here the night before school starts, I can't help but feel a bit teary...and not only cause it means summer is officially over and we're back to craziness and routines...and making lunches. Yuck!!
I'm actually choking up at the thought of my oldest starting Grade 7. It's weird...I'm super excited for her, and she is very excited to start, but at the same time I have this feeling of complete angst. I'm not even really sure why. Maybe cause it's a bigger school and I'm afraid she'll get lost in the crowd, or because I don't do well with change. Or maybe it's because for the first time I truly realize how much she is growing up. I won't be able to walk her to school (the suggestion that I might resulted in an epic eye roll) and watch her safely go in. Instead I have to watch her (from afar) get on a bus and take care of herself when she gets to the very large high school. It sucks you guys...why can't they stay little and need their mamas forever?
Instead, I have this independent girl who wants to do everything on her own, who tells me that she is sooo ready for this next chapter and who is excited at the prospect of trying a whack of new things now that she's in Grade 7. I know, I know I should be overjoyed that this is the attitude she's starting the year with - and I am. I want her to have an amazing year filled with new friends and activities. I just want her to do it while she's holding my hand. Too much to ask?
For now, I'll just be happy that's she's excited. And make her promise to always answer my texts. And make sure I get lots of hugs in before she leaves the house. And hope with all my heart that she is still this excited when she is in month 2 of Grade 7. And take deep breaths as I watch her walk away from the house in the morning.
Truth be told the plan is to follow at a safe distance behind her just to make sure she gets on the bus ok. I can't be expected to give up complete control on day one can I?
Happy first day of school to all the kids out there (including my youngest who starts Grade 4 - not to worry cause there's an entry coming on that one eventually too!). And to all the parents who are in the same boat as me...deep breaths!
As I sit here the night before school starts, I can't help but feel a bit teary...and not only cause it means summer is officially over and we're back to craziness and routines...and making lunches. Yuck!!
I'm actually choking up at the thought of my oldest starting Grade 7. It's weird...I'm super excited for her, and she is very excited to start, but at the same time I have this feeling of complete angst. I'm not even really sure why. Maybe cause it's a bigger school and I'm afraid she'll get lost in the crowd, or because I don't do well with change. Or maybe it's because for the first time I truly realize how much she is growing up. I won't be able to walk her to school (the suggestion that I might resulted in an epic eye roll) and watch her safely go in. Instead I have to watch her (from afar) get on a bus and take care of herself when she gets to the very large high school. It sucks you guys...why can't they stay little and need their mamas forever?
Instead, I have this independent girl who wants to do everything on her own, who tells me that she is sooo ready for this next chapter and who is excited at the prospect of trying a whack of new things now that she's in Grade 7. I know, I know I should be overjoyed that this is the attitude she's starting the year with - and I am. I want her to have an amazing year filled with new friends and activities. I just want her to do it while she's holding my hand. Too much to ask?
For now, I'll just be happy that's she's excited. And make her promise to always answer my texts. And make sure I get lots of hugs in before she leaves the house. And hope with all my heart that she is still this excited when she is in month 2 of Grade 7. And take deep breaths as I watch her walk away from the house in the morning.
Truth be told the plan is to follow at a safe distance behind her just to make sure she gets on the bus ok. I can't be expected to give up complete control on day one can I?
Happy first day of school to all the kids out there (including my youngest who starts Grade 4 - not to worry cause there's an entry coming on that one eventually too!). And to all the parents who are in the same boat as me...deep breaths!
Friday, June 27, 2014
Times goes by...
Yes, it has really been 6 months since I lasted posted a blog entry. I could say that it is because I didn't have anything to say, but truth be told lots has happened in 6 months. I just was too busy out living it all that I didn't take the time to chronicle it here.
That being said, I could not let today go by without taking the time to put a few words down. Today marks a pretty big day for 2 amazing people in my life - my daughter and my nephew.
First my munchkin. Today Marianna officially moves on from her elementary school and is heading to junior high school. To say this is an emotional day for me doesn't even start to describe it. This week I watched her at her Grade 6 Leaving ceremony and all I could think of was how grown up she looked. She sat there in her dress and heels, with her straightened hair and jewels and all I could see was my little girl with big brown eyes and ponytails.
It hasn't always been easy for her in elementary school, but I am so proud of how she has finished out her stint there. She has strengthened some very dear friendships this year, she has worked hard to get herself organized and she has matured a ton in the last six months. Yes, she has grown up and I am ok with it - mostly cause she still doesn't mind me grabbing her in a big hug whenever I want.
As she moves on to Grade 7, my wish for her is for her to remember that every day is a gift, that she will have bad days but this does not equate to a bad life, that she can lean on those of us who care about her whenever she needs it and that both laughing and crying are necessary. Oh and that mama bear is never far when she needs me :-)
Now for my nephew. Today B officially graduates high school. Wait what??? How is he old enough to graduate high school and be off to university in the fall? This one makes me feel like I've been smacked over the head - I can't believe how fast he has grown up. And I have to keep remembering that he is not a little kid anymore (although I do still grab him when I want a hug LOL).
We are so proud of the man he has turned out to be. I watch him with my girls and my heart swells. I don't know many 18-year olds who are willing to chat with his much younger cousins and not bat an eye as they tell him about their very challenging lives on the school yard.
B I feel truly blessed to have you in our lives...even when you give us attitude (LOL). I am proud of all you have accomplished...life is not always easy, but if you remember that you have family that loves you and will support you no matter what comes your way, you can get through anything.
As you move on to university, I hope you remember to enjoy the experiences you will have. I hope you remember that you have people to help when you need it (although don't come and see me or Katie about math...you're on your own there!!). And I hope you remember that Tio and I will always, always have your back - no exceptions. I love you dude - can't wait to see all you will accomplish in the next phase of life...and I'll see you later for my hug!!
That being said, I could not let today go by without taking the time to put a few words down. Today marks a pretty big day for 2 amazing people in my life - my daughter and my nephew.
First my munchkin. Today Marianna officially moves on from her elementary school and is heading to junior high school. To say this is an emotional day for me doesn't even start to describe it. This week I watched her at her Grade 6 Leaving ceremony and all I could think of was how grown up she looked. She sat there in her dress and heels, with her straightened hair and jewels and all I could see was my little girl with big brown eyes and ponytails.
It hasn't always been easy for her in elementary school, but I am so proud of how she has finished out her stint there. She has strengthened some very dear friendships this year, she has worked hard to get herself organized and she has matured a ton in the last six months. Yes, she has grown up and I am ok with it - mostly cause she still doesn't mind me grabbing her in a big hug whenever I want.
As she moves on to Grade 7, my wish for her is for her to remember that every day is a gift, that she will have bad days but this does not equate to a bad life, that she can lean on those of us who care about her whenever she needs it and that both laughing and crying are necessary. Oh and that mama bear is never far when she needs me :-)
Now for my nephew. Today B officially graduates high school. Wait what??? How is he old enough to graduate high school and be off to university in the fall? This one makes me feel like I've been smacked over the head - I can't believe how fast he has grown up. And I have to keep remembering that he is not a little kid anymore (although I do still grab him when I want a hug LOL).
We are so proud of the man he has turned out to be. I watch him with my girls and my heart swells. I don't know many 18-year olds who are willing to chat with his much younger cousins and not bat an eye as they tell him about their very challenging lives on the school yard.
B I feel truly blessed to have you in our lives...even when you give us attitude (LOL). I am proud of all you have accomplished...life is not always easy, but if you remember that you have family that loves you and will support you no matter what comes your way, you can get through anything.
As you move on to university, I hope you remember to enjoy the experiences you will have. I hope you remember that you have people to help when you need it (although don't come and see me or Katie about math...you're on your own there!!). And I hope you remember that Tio and I will always, always have your back - no exceptions. I love you dude - can't wait to see all you will accomplish in the next phase of life...and I'll see you later for my hug!!
Sunday, January 19, 2014
My word for 2014
Last year I got this great idea to choose a word that you wanted to live by for that year...sort of rather than making a resolution. My word for 2013 was "content". Thought it would be a good idea to pick another word to help shape this year...must say I didn't agonize as much over what the word of 2014 would be...just thought of something I wanted to do to help me make the year a good one. So here it is...my word for 2014 is:
Breathe.
I spent some time in 2013 feeling like I was holding my breath. Whether it was waiting for test results, waiting for changes to kick in or just waiting to come out of the other side of a slump...I coped with the stress of waiting my holding my breath (ok not really or I'm pretty sure I wouldn't be around to share my word with you...but man it sure felt like it some days!).
I'm hoping that I remember than in 2014 its easier to come out the other side if I take deep breaths. And laugh. And lean on my friends and family when I need to. And I'm really hoping that this year the only time I will feel like I'm out of breath is when I finally run my 10K.
So there it is...my word is breathe. What's your word for 2014?
Breathe.
I spent some time in 2013 feeling like I was holding my breath. Whether it was waiting for test results, waiting for changes to kick in or just waiting to come out of the other side of a slump...I coped with the stress of waiting my holding my breath (ok not really or I'm pretty sure I wouldn't be around to share my word with you...but man it sure felt like it some days!).
I'm hoping that I remember than in 2014 its easier to come out the other side if I take deep breaths. And laugh. And lean on my friends and family when I need to. And I'm really hoping that this year the only time I will feel like I'm out of breath is when I finally run my 10K.
So there it is...my word is breathe. What's your word for 2014?
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