Good morning!!! How is your Wednesday? Brrrr...it is a bit chilly in the big city of Little Rock today. Someone has definitely turned the heater off. I guess it is a good respite from the 90 plus degrees, but it is just not natural.
Have you complimented someone today? Given someone an encouraging word? I, personally, love getting a compliment and an encouraging word. It always seems to come at the right time. There seems to be so much more complaining going on and not enough complimenting, so I challenge you to encourage and/or compliment someone today. A different person than you normally would. Perhaps a stranger? I am a shoe fan. I love them. I have way too many, but shoes just make the outfit. If I see someone, man or woman, with an awesome pair of shoes, I will tell them. You would be amazed by the outrageous smile on some one's face when you tell them they have fabulous shoes on. Especially, a random stranger on the street.
I have created a facebook page in conjunction with my blog. So look it up and feel free to share. It is called Healthy Girls Love just like the blog. I have been encouraged by multiple people to expand my blog to other social medias so I am giving it a whirl. Let me know if you have any advice for me as this is a new thing for me. I am wanting to use the knowledge I learned in my degree field, health education and exercise science, in a new way. Yes, I know there are a ton of fitness blogs, websites, twitter accounts, etc; but I am going to try and make mine unique or at least unique to me. Hubby is a computer design guru, so he is going to spruce up my blog and even create a website for me. I am so excited! It is hard to juggle this and a full time job, but I love this part of my life, so I am going to create some time to dedicate to it.
On my facebook page, I posted some 10 minute workout suggestions. Yesterday, I did 10 minutes worth of yoga stretches before I went to bed last night, and I think this is going to be part of my regular routine. It felt so wonderful. I need to fit a yoga class in my schedule. My friend JP and I keep talking about it and I think when she gets back in town, we are going to actually put it into action. I am trying to decide which studio. The one I would like to attend is not the closest to my house, so I am thinking convenience may be the way to go. One just opened 5 minutes from my house, so I am going to check it out. I will let you know when if you want to join.
Enjoy your hump day!
Hugs!!!
Wednesday, July 16, 2014
Tuesday, July 15, 2014
Are you exercising???
Good Morning! Thank you for all the feedback from yesterday's post. I love getting feedback. When I started(re started) this blog, I was not sure what my intentions were. Mainly, I think, it was to journal on a regular basis. I have always heard this was good for mental health, but I have never been a regular journal writer. I do not consider myself a writer, but I am enjoying writing and sharing a few pieces of my life on a regular basis. So, when I receive feedback, I am very appreciative, especially when someone can relate to something going on in my life. So, I encourage those who are thinking about blogging, to go ahead and do it. It really is fun and good for the mental health.
Speaking of mental health, son's high school released their 2014-15 events for the upcoming school year. As you know already, my oldest(by birth) is graduating this year. On the calendar were the kick off pep rally(his last), Senior Ring Mass(a lovely ceremony where the moms only attend and the boys receive their class ring), Christmas Break, and of course Graduation. May 22nd. Oh boy. That was hard to see. I am excited and sad to see my oldest move on to his college years, but wow....that is my baby. This year will be full of more college visits, more ACT and SAT tests, applications, and getting him prepared to go off to college. I went to the University of Arkansas Little Rock, which was right across the street, so I lived at home and did not have the "true college experience" that I would like to give my kids. Luckily, hubby did and so did a number of my friends, so we are all navigating the waters together. I have been doing college research since his freshman year(I told you I was organized), so now we just have to make a few more visits just to be sure and then make the final decision. The important thing I have learned, is research is key. Looking into what is required for acceptance and of course, the much needed scholarship. So far we are good on that end, but there are a few out of state schools that he would like to consider, but we need a few more ACT points to get there. I feel confident he will get there, but if not, there is always a Plan B. Always have a Plan B as well as a C, D, and F. You never know what life is going to throw at you.
My water drinking is going great! I now consider it a part of my daily routine instead of having to remind myself. I have also started doing some additional at home training. I banged up my knee, so my squats are on hold for a bit, but I added some more arm and back training so I can get my sculpted back to where it was. When I cleaned out our basement/storage area I found a ton(and I mean ton) of hand weights, so why not put them to good use. I discovered I have a bit of arm flab. What the heck? I have never had arm flab before. Being a mid 40's female is kind of rough on the physical aspect of the body. I am hoping to fit in going to the gym. I love going to work out. I know, it's crazy, but I feel so awesome after a good workout. All the glistening(I do not sweat), means I have achieved my workout goals. I have a free membership to the UALR gym as a paid alumni, so I need to start using it. I wish I was an early morning workout person, but alas, I am not and never will be. So after work it will be. What do you do for exercise? Remember, 30 minutes a day is ideal. Make sure you are moving, people!
Someone has turned the heater off in Arkansas. The high today is only going to be 82 degrees and the rest of the week in the 70's and 80's! What the heck??? I should be frying an egg on the street. I want my 100 degrees and to glisten when I walk outside. I do not live in the north, my July should not be 80!!!! But, I know I am in the minority with this one, but I need my heat!!!! So, Arkansans, enjoy your respite weather. I am praying for my 100 degrees to come back.
Hugs!
Speaking of mental health, son's high school released their 2014-15 events for the upcoming school year. As you know already, my oldest(by birth) is graduating this year. On the calendar were the kick off pep rally(his last), Senior Ring Mass(a lovely ceremony where the moms only attend and the boys receive their class ring), Christmas Break, and of course Graduation. May 22nd. Oh boy. That was hard to see. I am excited and sad to see my oldest move on to his college years, but wow....that is my baby. This year will be full of more college visits, more ACT and SAT tests, applications, and getting him prepared to go off to college. I went to the University of Arkansas Little Rock, which was right across the street, so I lived at home and did not have the "true college experience" that I would like to give my kids. Luckily, hubby did and so did a number of my friends, so we are all navigating the waters together. I have been doing college research since his freshman year(I told you I was organized), so now we just have to make a few more visits just to be sure and then make the final decision. The important thing I have learned, is research is key. Looking into what is required for acceptance and of course, the much needed scholarship. So far we are good on that end, but there are a few out of state schools that he would like to consider, but we need a few more ACT points to get there. I feel confident he will get there, but if not, there is always a Plan B. Always have a Plan B as well as a C, D, and F. You never know what life is going to throw at you.
My water drinking is going great! I now consider it a part of my daily routine instead of having to remind myself. I have also started doing some additional at home training. I banged up my knee, so my squats are on hold for a bit, but I added some more arm and back training so I can get my sculpted back to where it was. When I cleaned out our basement/storage area I found a ton(and I mean ton) of hand weights, so why not put them to good use. I discovered I have a bit of arm flab. What the heck? I have never had arm flab before. Being a mid 40's female is kind of rough on the physical aspect of the body. I am hoping to fit in going to the gym. I love going to work out. I know, it's crazy, but I feel so awesome after a good workout. All the glistening(I do not sweat), means I have achieved my workout goals. I have a free membership to the UALR gym as a paid alumni, so I need to start using it. I wish I was an early morning workout person, but alas, I am not and never will be. So after work it will be. What do you do for exercise? Remember, 30 minutes a day is ideal. Make sure you are moving, people!
Someone has turned the heater off in Arkansas. The high today is only going to be 82 degrees and the rest of the week in the 70's and 80's! What the heck??? I should be frying an egg on the street. I want my 100 degrees and to glisten when I walk outside. I do not live in the north, my July should not be 80!!!! But, I know I am in the minority with this one, but I need my heat!!!! So, Arkansans, enjoy your respite weather. I am praying for my 100 degrees to come back.
Hugs!
Monday, July 14, 2014
Body Image
Happy Monday! We had a fabulous time at the beach. It is definitely my happy place. I will blog more about the details in the upcoming week, but I want to talk about something that is on my heart today. Body Image and how we perceive ourselves. There has been a lot of talk on the Internet about positive body image. We are definitely our worst critics. I will give you an example:
Here you have two pics of me from the beach on Friday, a front view and a back view. I could name lots of things that are wrong with me in these pics. I need better posture, bigger boobs, my upper arms need more definition(they used to be very sculpted) as well as my back, my butt is too big, my hips are too big, and are those dimples on my butt??? See what I am talking about. What I should be seeing in this picture is the super big smile on my face because I am at the beach in beautiful water on vacation. Why are we so critical of ourselves? Why can we not focus on the positive? I can guarantee that no one really gave a thought about what I looked like (except for hubby who thinks I am beautiful and sexy and loves me in a bikini). So why should I be so critical of myself. What I need to see in this photo is a mid 40 mom of two kids who still has a pretty amazing body that is at the right weight and shape, for me. I do not obsess about what I look like, I just try and focus on what I would like to change. A good friend said to me yesterday when we were discussing this topic, if you do not like what you look like quit eating the donuts! In other words, if you are not going to do anything to fix the situation, quit griping about it and change it. So, people, men and women both, love yourself. You are not just your outside appearance. And please, if you do not like what you see, change it for yourself and not for others. You will never be successful unless it is something you want to change.
So, we left Jake, my oldest son, home alone while we were away on vacation. He will be a senior this year and then off to college, so why not? He is very responsible and I was only a little nervous while we were away. Well, he did a great job! No parties, that I know of, and the house was clean when we got home. I love having responsible kids. Makes me think we did something right.
We are dog sitting for this week and it is making me realize I miss having a dog. I do not think I am ready for another fur friend yet, but maybe soon.
Have a fabulous Monday and remember to love yourself!
Hugs!
Wednesday, July 9, 2014
Clean yourself up
Today is my Friday and I am so very excited. This time tomorrow I will be able to smell the beach. I can hardly wait. While I am sad the boys will not be joining us this trip, I am glad to get some time away with the hubby. It will be fun to spend some beach time with the princess too. It's been forever since I have been to the beach with her. I am so glad hubby and I get to travel together. It seems to be our thing. I think our first weekend get away was after 6 weeks of dating. Lots of memories and lots of firsts for us. I love it. You really get to know someone on a 6-8 hour car trip.
Speaking of trips, how do you prepare for vacation? Do you make a list? Pack ahead? Wait until the last minute? I used to pack a couple of days before a trip, but I am not organized enough for that anymore. So, I will be packing tonight after work. I did all our laundry yesterday, so at least I am one step ahead. I will lay all my outfits that I want to take on my bed, complete with shoes and jewelry, and then whiddle down my choices or add to them. Packing for the beach is super easy because it basically consists of bikinis, sundresses, and sunscreen. Hubby and I are going to try and share a suitcase, but that rarely happens if we are going to be gone longer than a weekend. I have a lot of stuff, people! Not really, I just like to be prepared for whatever event make take place. You must try and always look your best. This leads me to my next topic, yes, call me squirrel. Why is it that when people are single, women especially, they always dress up, put make up on do their hair, etc in order to find a partner, but then after they get married, shack up, or whatever you call it these days,they let themselves go? I am not just talking weight gain. I mean, you are going out to dinner with your person and you barely take a shower. Take some pride in your appearance and be the person on the inside as well as the outside that your person fell in love with. That's my advice for today. Clean yourself up! Yoga pants are meant for yoga. Brush your hair, put some make up on. When you look better, you feel better. In the wise words of Billy Crystal's character on Saturday Night Live, "It is better to look good than to feel good".
I'm not sure I will be blogging on vacation, but I will try. At the very least, I will try and post fabulous beach pics!!!
Have a great weekend and behave!
Hugs!
Speaking of trips, how do you prepare for vacation? Do you make a list? Pack ahead? Wait until the last minute? I used to pack a couple of days before a trip, but I am not organized enough for that anymore. So, I will be packing tonight after work. I did all our laundry yesterday, so at least I am one step ahead. I will lay all my outfits that I want to take on my bed, complete with shoes and jewelry, and then whiddle down my choices or add to them. Packing for the beach is super easy because it basically consists of bikinis, sundresses, and sunscreen. Hubby and I are going to try and share a suitcase, but that rarely happens if we are going to be gone longer than a weekend. I have a lot of stuff, people! Not really, I just like to be prepared for whatever event make take place. You must try and always look your best. This leads me to my next topic, yes, call me squirrel. Why is it that when people are single, women especially, they always dress up, put make up on do their hair, etc in order to find a partner, but then after they get married, shack up, or whatever you call it these days,they let themselves go? I am not just talking weight gain. I mean, you are going out to dinner with your person and you barely take a shower. Take some pride in your appearance and be the person on the inside as well as the outside that your person fell in love with. That's my advice for today. Clean yourself up! Yoga pants are meant for yoga. Brush your hair, put some make up on. When you look better, you feel better. In the wise words of Billy Crystal's character on Saturday Night Live, "It is better to look good than to feel good".
I'm not sure I will be blogging on vacation, but I will try. At the very least, I will try and post fabulous beach pics!!!
Have a great weekend and behave!
Hugs!
Tuesday, July 8, 2014
Enough
Finally back at work today. Busting it on the sidewalk led to a type of mini staycation only with pain meds and lots of hobbling. I still have the brace on, thumb still hurts, but hobbling is mostly gone and I am able to drive again.
Okay, I kinda had a crappy 4th of July weekend. I hate to say that because usually things are not that bad, but we just had one event after the other. I fell on Wednesday(you know those details), we put our sweet puppy dog Pete down(you know that one) on Saturday morning, and Sunday afternoon I had to rush Mark to the urgent care clinic for an allergic reaction. Enough!!! I am so glad we are escaping to the beach on Thursday because we need some downtime and relaxation.
Putting Pete down was one of the worst things I have to endure. I have never had to go physically and put down an animal, but I do not think I could do it again. The vet and their staff were very nice and accommodating, but knowing it was our last pet and kiss was horrible. We fed Pete about a million dog treats before the vet came and got him, so I know he went with a happy and full tummy, but they had to muzzle him because we could not get him to stand up and they needed to carry him out. Like I said before, he has bad arthritis and it is hard for him to get up and around. Pete got a little grumbly when his hind legs were touched and I know it was for the vet's protection, but it was still very sad to watch.
I had to move on, I was starting to tear up, but you get the point. In fun news, princess came home on Saturday as well as brother so it was awesome to see her as well. She will be joining her friend on Dauphin Island on Thursday and then she is headed to Orange Beach on Saturday to spend the next week with another friend and then it is off to her dad's for a week. Sigh, I will really miss her.
I went and had a pedicure today. I asked them not to put on the massage chair because it hurts my back. She replied, "probably because you are so skinny!". Now, I was not overly offended by this, but it still sticks in my craw when those comments are made. Why is that necessary? Enough about that, I am seriously tired of beating this dead horse. It will not change and I am sure I will get a comment that I should be thankful I am not fat. Which, I am, but I do work at it. I eat the right things, the correct portions and exercise. So, like I said, enough.
Okay, I am getting crabby again. Time to put a shut down on this work down and go watch my princess do some awesome cheer stunts. Tell me a happy story to cheer me up. I know you have some.
Hugs!!!
Okay, I kinda had a crappy 4th of July weekend. I hate to say that because usually things are not that bad, but we just had one event after the other. I fell on Wednesday(you know those details), we put our sweet puppy dog Pete down(you know that one) on Saturday morning, and Sunday afternoon I had to rush Mark to the urgent care clinic for an allergic reaction. Enough!!! I am so glad we are escaping to the beach on Thursday because we need some downtime and relaxation.
Putting Pete down was one of the worst things I have to endure. I have never had to go physically and put down an animal, but I do not think I could do it again. The vet and their staff were very nice and accommodating, but knowing it was our last pet and kiss was horrible. We fed Pete about a million dog treats before the vet came and got him, so I know he went with a happy and full tummy, but they had to muzzle him because we could not get him to stand up and they needed to carry him out. Like I said before, he has bad arthritis and it is hard for him to get up and around. Pete got a little grumbly when his hind legs were touched and I know it was for the vet's protection, but it was still very sad to watch.
I had to move on, I was starting to tear up, but you get the point. In fun news, princess came home on Saturday as well as brother so it was awesome to see her as well. She will be joining her friend on Dauphin Island on Thursday and then she is headed to Orange Beach on Saturday to spend the next week with another friend and then it is off to her dad's for a week. Sigh, I will really miss her.
I went and had a pedicure today. I asked them not to put on the massage chair because it hurts my back. She replied, "probably because you are so skinny!". Now, I was not overly offended by this, but it still sticks in my craw when those comments are made. Why is that necessary? Enough about that, I am seriously tired of beating this dead horse. It will not change and I am sure I will get a comment that I should be thankful I am not fat. Which, I am, but I do work at it. I eat the right things, the correct portions and exercise. So, like I said, enough.
Okay, I am getting crabby again. Time to put a shut down on this work down and go watch my princess do some awesome cheer stunts. Tell me a happy story to cheer me up. I know you have some.
Hugs!!!
Thursday, July 3, 2014
Just call me grace
So I busted it at work yesterday outside the office. I was going next door to do a little research and tripped on an uneven sidewalk and went flying. Of course I was in a dress and thank goodness there was no one around to witness my gracefulness. Luckily, I had my phone with me so I called hubby, who works next door, to tell him I had fallen and could not get up. He came running, literally, to my rescue. He and my sweet co workers bandaged me up, but realized a trip to the doctor's was needed. So the end result was sprained ankle, bruised and scraped up knee, and hairline fracture at the base of my thumb. And of course, it is my right hand so typing this is taking forever as I am doing this with my left hand. There are actually quite a few things that my right hand is absolutely necessary for. Such as wiping. TMI I know, but thankfully I just have a brace and can take it off to perform this task. It hurts like hell, but I really have no other option. My dancing plans for tonight are cancelled too. Sigh. I was really looking forward to it.
Jake comes home on Saturday from the beach. I really miss my kids. I will not see princess until Thursday and I can hardly wait. Reunited and a beach trip. Yippee!
Short blog today as I am getting tired of typing left handed. I leave you with a tip though. Be careful of uneven sidewalks!
Hugs!
Jake comes home on Saturday from the beach. I really miss my kids. I will not see princess until Thursday and I can hardly wait. Reunited and a beach trip. Yippee!
Short blog today as I am getting tired of typing left handed. I leave you with a tip though. Be careful of uneven sidewalks!
Hugs!
Wednesday, July 2, 2014
Thanks, Pete
It was a sad day in the Francis home yesterday. We found out our sweet Pete dog is going to have to be put to sleep. We knew this day was coming, but to hear it from the vet hit way too close to home. We brought Pete home yesterday from the vet's office for a bit more time at home before we make the hard decision to let him go. We have not quite decided when that will be as we are wanting to lay him to rest in our backyard that he loved so much and we need to prepare a spot for him. I have had the pleasure of having Pete in my life for 4 years, but hubby got him as a puppy so he is taking this hard. The youngest stepson is having a hard time with it as well. I called the kids in Florida last night to let them know. They said good bye to Peaches(princess calls him that because when they were introduced she thought we said Peaches and he is kinda the color of a Peach, so it made sense) before they left for their trip as like I said, we knew this was coming. It is so hard to lose a pet. They really do become a part of your family. Pete was a fabulous dog and I will miss his cute teddy bear face, taking him for a walk, going to the dog park, and just being greeted at the front door and my sleeping buddy. He takes turns most nights on whether he sleeps on the floor next to Mark and then the next night next to me. It is the funniest thing. Below is one of my favorite pictures of Pete.
It really shows his personality and that he really was a part of our family. He had his own chair forever until he was not able to climb in anymore. We will miss you Pete.
Hugs
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)