Dreary Day

It is a dreary day in Central Arkansas and my mood is definitely reflecting it. They are forecasting some sun later on today and I am hoping that rings true. I hate feeling dreary. I am a glass is not only half full, but it is ¾ full. Life is challenging at the moment and getting me down. I have situations that I not only do not have control over, I do not get a say so. I hate watching a train wreck about to happen and not being able to pull the emergency lever. I refuse to let myself stew in the current mood I am in for long. I am pulling myself up by the boot straps, in this case some lovely pink plaid rain boots, and moving on. Life is about choices and I am choosing to not stay dreary. How do I do this? By making a list, I love a good list, of what is positive right now. Here goes:

I had a free lunch yesterday and get another one today.

There is a chance of some sun this afternoon and we will not be running in the rain tonight.

Princess is having a great time in Nashville and I get to see her in 3 more sleeps!

A friend of mine was offered a new job.

Even though I am not sure about my new haircut, I have been getting lots of compliments. So, thank you everyone for making me feel more confident about going short again.

I still love my new job. It challenges me and I love the people I work with. I am even getting used to my little walk in the mornings and afternoons.

The fitness team I am leading at work is in 7^th place! That is fabulous and I am very excited about this.

I have a wonderful husband. We are celebrating three years in May and the time has just flown by.

I have great kids and step kids. They are accomplishing great things at the moment and I am bursting with pride.

 Ahhhh…feeling better already. Now it is time for my free lunch! What does your list look like? Take the time to make one and feel free to share.

Hugs!

 

Staycation

Ahhhhh, don’t you just love a good staycation? Hubby and I took a couple of days and enjoyed the beauty that is Arkansas and I want to thank Mother Nature for accommodating us as well. Sunday after celebrating my eldest step son’s 21^st birthday (yikes!), we came home, packed and headed up to our friend’s cabin for the night. We stopped by my favorite winery on the way up for a couple of yummy reds. I love going to the cabin. It is in the middle of nowhere and there is no wifi, so it is great to just unplug. We took a small hike to the lake when we got there and enjoyed the view and each other. Nature’s sounds are the best. So relaxing and soothing. The weight of the world just drops off your shoulders when you can escape like that. Monday morning we headed up to Petit Jean. We have not been there for a couple of years so it was nice to see it again. We took what we thought was a small hike to the falls, but ended up being an hour and a half hike with a decent climb at the end. It was well worth it. The day was beautiful and just the right temperature. I would like to go when it is warmer and play in the falls. It was a bit crowded as it is spring break, but I loved everyone being out and enjoying nature and there is always someone ready to help you with the best photo op. We lunched at Mather Lodge and the food was excellent. We split the Reuben sandwich and a Chicken sandwich. We were then off to scratch something off of my bucket list, Wye Mountain. I have never been there.  The daffodils are beautiful and the smell is magical. I am going to take princess up there before they wilt because she would love it and I have a perfect photo opportunity for her. On the way home we stopped by Mooyah’s and split a banana/peanut butter shake. Yummmm!

 My advice to you today: Get away with your significant other. Hubby and I feel refreshed and more in love than ever. We made some discoveries about each other while away and I seriously think I love him more. I did not think it was possible, but it is. I am very blessed and fortunate to have this man in my life. I love you, my Mark.

 

Hugs!

 

Let's Run a 5K!

 Busy, busy busy. Busy working, busy playing, busy getting fit. That is right, hubby and I have caught the fit bug…big time! I am leading a group of beginning runners for Women Run Arkansas and I love it. Hubby and I did our first 5K together this past Saturday and I used the WRA program and it was fabulous. I have always been a sprinter and never learned the proper way to run distances so the WRA running program has been a lifesaver. Hubby and I did a 1 minute run and 3 minute walk for the entire 3.1 miles and finished in less than 45 minutes. It felt good. I felt good. It was exhilarating. Hubby ended up with a medal because he is just awesome like that. We are now addicted. He is training to run the Rocket 5K and I am going to do the 1 mile walk with Zeke, the Catholic High Dog, with Wally, our dog, because I volunteer and will be too busy to do the 5K. The good thing is that I will be at the finish line to cheer on hubby. Sunday, we went to Two Rivers Park and did 4 miles at the same pace and felt great. So as a reward and because he spoils me, he bought me a Fitbit. It’s beautiful and pink and named Fred. It is a clip on so I am not advertising to the world what I am doing. I love Fred. If you have a Fitbit, friend me and let’s get fit together.

 After our run, we celebrated at Leo’s Greek Castle for brunch. Ridiculous. I have eaten lunch and dinner there, but never brunch. It was yummy. Saturday afternoon we took princess and my two nieces, who are also princesses, to see Cinderella. Great movie. Go see it. I am a bit of a princess myself so I love the story, the dresses, the shoes and the glass slipper was beautiful. I cried multiple times during the movie because I was feeling super sentimental. There were a lot of beautiful little princesses there to watch the movie and I remembered when my princess was that age. Time goes by way too fast! After the movie, we went to the store because there were two holidays to celebrate: Pi day and Steak and BJ Day. I hope you celebrated both because I did. Our pie was a peach crumble from  Fresh Market and while we were there got some steak too. Both were great. As far as the BJ thing, well that is TMI and I will just say this: that is celebrated quite often in my house as it should be and it is always great, for both of us.

  Enjoy your hump day. Get to exercising and make sure to give someone a hug. It will make their day.

Hugs!

Let's run in the rain!

  Happy Rainy Tuesday! Why the excitement? Because it is not Happy snowy Tuesday. I am tired of the snow and hope we have seen the last of it for the year. Spring is coming in less than 2 weeks and I am more than ready for it.

  Last night, we had our Women Run Arkansas clinic in the rain. Yes, it was cold, wet and miserable, but at the same time exhilarating. I am training the beginning runners and this is a challenge for me as I have said earlier, I have not run in forever. Well at least 2 months, but it seems like forever. I was not sure how I would fare, but I and my group did awesome. We did not let the rain slow us down. We did our 3o seconds of running followed by our 3 minutes of walking 9 times for a total of 2.3 miles. In the pouring down rain! I am so proud of everyone. It is difficult to show up in those conditions, but my first 5K was in the pouring rain so it is important to train in all kinds of weather conditions.

  Tonight I am finally going to see 50 shades of gray. I do not understand all the controversy surrounding this movie. I mean, have those people read the books? Sure he is into a bit of tying up (seriously, who isn’t?-oops tmi, sorry, ignore) and once you get past that part it is a touching love story about a girl who helps heal a man who grew up being abused. The man was burned by cigarettes on his chest as a child; you are bound to have some issues, right? I will admit, the second and third book could really just have been one book, but good for EL James for turning a love story into 3 best sellers.  You cannot fault her for that.  So, for future, do not comment without reading, you just sound ignorant when you do.

 

 Enjoy your Tuesday and go out and love someone today.

Hugs!!!

 

Ugh, more snow!

  Another day in the south, another snow day. Yeah, I said it.  Another snow day. I have had enough. Sure it's pretty and I get a paid day off work, but I am ready for spring. My daffodils are peeking out and I want to kiss winter good bye. I live in the south, dammit. Where is my warm weather??? Hopefully we will be able to dig out tomorrow. I have a big weekend planned. Dinner with friends Friday night, Hazynation at Cajun's on Saturday and dinner with more friends on Sunday. No snow. Melt, please.
  In other news, my life is bipolar right now. My oldest son is getting ready to start college and my daughter is getting ready to start high school. Talk about gear switching. On one hand, we are sorting out graduation, final college destination, working out scholarships, securing dorm rooms, yikes! On the other hand, we are wrapping up junior high, taking placement tests, getting accepted in high school, meeting with counselors to pick classes and getting ready for cheerleading tryouts. It's enough to make my head spin! If I had a third hand I would tell you my youngest stepson is wrapping up his junior year, finally getting his car back (I hope) and getting the final preparations done for his Europe trip this summer. His mom, grandma and he have paid for the bulk of the trip and hubby and I are just taking care of the last few expenses. If I had a fourth hand I would tell you my oldest stepson is turning 21 this month, finishing his class at UALR, and from what I hear, juggling two jobs. There is a lot going on, but I am so proud of all four kids. They make me smile and I love celebrating all their accomplishments with them.
  In fitness news, Women Run Arkansas started this week. I did not make Monday's clinic because I was exhausted from all the marathon activities and I bowed out. Tonight's clinic is cancelled, so I am starting fresh Monday. I hope I can get out and run this weekend so I will not be completely behind. I am training beginner runners and am super excited about it. I was a bit nervous at first because I am not an accomplished runner I have just played it. But, after looking at the training schedule,  I realized I can handle it. Hubby is going to run with me on the off days so that will be fun. I love that I have a partner that enjoys doing things with me. He has been trying to convince me to play soccer with him, but those guys are rough. I think I will stick to being his number one fan for now.
  I hope you are keeping warm and catching up on housework, reading or tv. Me, I am doing all three!

Hugs!!!!!