A MINOR INCONVENIENCE

Love the colors of these trees

Just as I was fine tuning my running, I had a minor setback. I cannot do anything the usual way, it always has to be odd. We were cleaning up after working out in the yard on Saturday. As I was putting my shoes back on the shoe rack in the garage, I pivoted in my “fit-flops” and broke a couple of blood vessels in my right foot. Yes, the pain was excruciating and now I have this very ugly bruised foot.

Sneak Peek

But I will not let it get me down. I will accept that we all have temporary setbacks. What I will do is pick up my routine as soon as I can, which hopefully will be this coming Friday or Saturday. It isn’t the end of the world and I can still lift the weights, I just can’t run at the moment.

It doesn’t matter how often we fall, what really matters is whether or not we get back up. We all will go through successes and failures, highs and lows, steps forward and steps back, times of plenty and times of difficulty. When the dust settles and the books of life are squared away, we are doing well if we come out the other side better, stronger and happier for the experience. It is all about having a positive attitude.

So you see I will not fret or worry about not running for a few days. I know the bruise and soreness will go away. What matters is my attitude and keeping it positive.

Same picture just thought it looked "cool" posted side by side

NOTE: I would post photos of my “beautiful” foot but Kevin said it is ugly and he gave me a complex… :) so I will leave you with pictures of our lake instead. :)

NOT JUST A PRETTY FACE

Aunt Mary, E and Rhonda

Have you ever woke up in the middle of the night with the most beautiful words inside your mind and thought I need to write about that tomorrow. And then get up and can’t put into words what you thought about the night before.... Honestly, there are times thoughts enter my mind with such eloquence that it literally takes my breath away but then when I sit down to write it, all I see is a HUGE jumble of words that make no sense at all. Isn't that just the most annoying thing in the world? To me, yes. The end of the world, no!

When I got home late last night from the car dealership with Scott, I had the most marvelous gift in the mail. It was from my cousin Rhonda. One of the most selfless human beings in the world. God definitely knew what he was doing when he sprinkled the angel dust on her.

I wonder how many of you know how beautiful Rhonda truly is? How she comforts you without you having to say a word… she just knows… :) She is my cousin, but my SISTER at heart. Her heart is bigger than anyone else’s I have ever met and her blue eyes are always welcoming, and her laugh is contagious. Her beauty and selflessness should be bottled and only released to those most deserving. She TRULY is that amazing…I hope for those who have never met her, do and can see first hand her amazing compassion and generosity. I have been touched by her as many others I am sure.

Which brings me to selfless people in the world….. there are selfless people, people who think they are selfless people, and selfish people who do not even bother to hide it. And there are a couple of categories thrown in between there, but I do not feel like getting into those.

The selfless people are the ones who just care. They really, sincerely care, without an ulterior motive and without trying to make people see they care so that they become appreciated. That kind of person is pretty obvious.

Anyways, yeah. Selfless people, I love them. That includes you beautiful Rhonda.

Thanks for being, well, YOU!

Cheers to you Sweets and thank you for the Faithful Journal.

IT IS ALL ABOUT BEING HEALTHY

Friday night I was fortunate enough to attend the 2009 Natural Southern States Classic Figure/Fitness Competition Show in Liberty, MO. Even if you are not the biggest fitness fan or freak, you have to admire the hard work these women have endured for the last several months to get into such great shape. It all boils down to hard work, dedication and commitment and getting your head in the right state of mind. I know for years, I struggled with my weight and even today, still do, to some extent. I used to read all I could get my hands on about health, nutrition and exercise but I never seemed to be able to put it all together in a program that worked for me until I was introduced to Body For Life. Now after five years of knowing what to do, I still need that pick me up to get inspired. That is why I go to these shows, not to just support my friends competing, but to also get inspired and motivate myself to be in the best possible physical shape I can be in, even in my 40s. (side note: most of these women are in their 40s….Just sayin!).

In case I have not said this before this isn’t just about looking pretty or being vain. It is about being in the best possible health you can be in. We all have setbacks, I know I have but ultimately I know I am doing what is best for my body. My goal is to be a positive role model for all age groups and to help promote and make people aware of the infinite mental, physical and spiritual benefits of a healthy lifestyle. A lifestyle that includes a clean diet and regular exercise and one that can positively influence one's outlook on life. I also want to motivate people to continue to pursue their dreams and personal fitness goals. One of the most flattering things someone can tell me is that I inspired them.

Hope you enjoy the pictures as much as I enjoyed the show!

Special thanks to Dawn for tagging along and keeping me company! :)

FOGGED IN

We woke up Saturday morning to this:

and this:

and this:

and this:

and eventually watching the sun rise and the last of the fog fade and the fog become history:

COME & GO

You know what really gets on my nerves? People who fly up behind me while I am driving and get right up on my bumper so that I cannot even see their headlights.......It makes me sooo angry…but only for a moment. I do not let their belligerent aggressive driving ruin my day. What is the old saying? Feelings come and feelings go.

It is kind of like working out. We all have days where we feel frumpy or down on ourselves for whatever reasons. We may even doubt if all the time and effort will REALLY change our bodies. BUT we must learn to turn those emotions off. Allow your feelings to come BUT more importantly, allow them to go. When you let your emotions flow naturally and gracefully through your life, they become more valuable, useful and fulfilling. So seek to let your feelings be and then let your feelings go and fully experience life as it touches you, and you will grow richer with each moment.

AND whatever you do, do not let those crazy aggressive drivers this long holiday weekend get to you!

Oh and by the way, all that time and energy REALLY does pay off.

HOME BOY REMY

This past Friday, Remy had a visit with the vet. We were getting him micro-chipped, groomed and he had the last of his puppy shots. He weighed in at a whopping 44lbs...... Schnikes boy, that means he has gained 23 lbs since we brought him home at the end of January! Life is good for Mr. Remy!

It never ceases to amaze me at how much our dogs can teach us about unconditional love, loyalty, forgiveness and just living in the moment. Stoli was a perfect example of that and now we have Remy. Each day it seems I am being taught something new and refreshing from Remy.

For instance, on our daily walks, Remy has taught me to savor the moment. I breathe in the cool Spring air and I can’t wait for what Spring brings us. New beginnings, a fresh start. I also take time to notice God’s creation all around me, whether it be the clouds in the sky or the dew on the grass.

Even when I get lost in thoughts, memories of yesterday and plans for today and tomorrow, there is that pull on the leash and I am back in the present, savoring the moment …. because Remy is constantly and totally in the present on his walk. Remy teaches me to forget about those memories for a moment and the things that might happen tomorrow, and sometimes it seems he is challenging me to look around and cherish the here and now. And to think I could have missed these exquisite moments in my life.

Remy gets it…. that LIFE is supposed to be fully enjoyed and that we should be living in it NOW.

Enjoy the pictures.

Remy patiently waiting to be let in

Kevin's Favorite