Another Month Gone

Here it is, the end of January.  Where did the time go? Seems like I blink and another day is gone.  Not a bad thing when it's the work week, but dangit - I'd sure like these weekends to stick around a bit longer.

Saturday was an especially long day for me.  Two yoga classes in the morning, time with my friend/stylist Eva in the afternoon, an hour with my friend Donna's house, then another yoga class at The Arts Center.  This was a "Yoga and Wine" event that I thought I'd try out and see how it goes.  This type of things goes over well in Fargo, but here?  Well, I had 10 people for the first time out.   Yay me!   My original arrangement was to do a 60/40 split with the Arts Center, but I ended up giving all the proceeds to the Arts Center.  It made me feel good to do that and it helps them out too.   I'd like to try doing another one in the summer - perhaps in the Arts Park.  I'll discuss it with the director in the future and see what we can come up with.

Today was about cleaning and laundry.  Yuck.  I did go to the gym for a little bit also.  Even took my bike out on the road for a little road riding.   I miss it and it felt amazing.  I look forward to riding a lot this spring, summer and fall.   I've got a few people who want to ride with me...Donna and Jennifer.  But I'm not so sure they're up to my style and speed of riding.   I like long rides where I can lose myself.  Just me, the bike, the trails and my thoughts.  I'm going to take my bike in to Scheels in mid-March to have it serviced and ready to go.   Because when I'm able to find the time, I'll be out riding.

I have several bike trails I want to try this year and I need to be ready both physically and mentally.   I've been stepping up my game at the gym, in so far as cardio.   Mentally, I need to know that I can handle those steep hills.  I'm a better rider than I was a few years ago, certainly.   Just need to remember that as I'm heading down a steep hill.   Also need to make sure cell phone is charged in case I crash and burn.  lol   (Quit that thought, Sherry!!)

Melting

Today the sun was out and it actually  got up to 41. The wind was blowing but I didn't mind.  What a wonderful reprieve from the dark, gray days we've been having.

If makes me hopeful that we'll be having a fairly nice spring.  Perhaps even an early one?

That's what gets me smiling.   Warmer weather, and the prospect of being outside more!

The house in town is still a work in progress.  Hopefully by the middle of Feb. we'll be able to clean and start moving stuff in slowly.  I'm tired of hanging in limbo and just want it done already.

It'll be a change for sure, but in some aspects I'm looking forward to it.  I will be in town and able to do more things with my best friends.  And more bike riding time!  (In theory)

Changes are happening all the time.  Some good, some bad.  Some take getting used to, others I try to deal with the best way I know how...which usually involves going to the gym to destress.  It's my coping mechanism.

Oh well....it's melting today....Spring...hurry up!

Gym Time

Got some serious gym time in today. I didn't want to go, but new I needed to.  I was right.

I hit the elliptical for 45 min, did weights and abs.  Tunes were blaring and sweat was dripping.  I felt 10 ft tall and free.

Twists and Turns

Sometimes life takes you on the straight path.  Sometimes there's a lot of twists and turns.  It's those times of twists and turns that we need the strongest Faith that everything is as it should be, and Believe with all your heart.

Some days it's easier said than done. 

I continue to handle curveballs thrown in my direction on a daily basis;  sometimes it's hourly.

I try to deal with them with grace and integrity.   And remember that each day is a new day....hopefully better than the last. Hope...Faith...Believe. 

Health

When we're young we take it for granted.  As we age, we begin to notice that, hmmm...I should start paying more attention to diet and exercise.

I'm often criticized for my health or exercise regime.  My diet can always be better and I can always do more exercise.  Who couldn't?

I'm stepping up my game for 2016.  Better health, mentally and physically.  More days in gym for cardio, more time on my bike (can't wait#), lighten up, laugh more, have more fun, be more positive and worrry less! 

The other thing I'm ready for? Spending quality time with my best friends.  They are the people who have proven themselves to me time and time again.  I can always count on them...and I hope they know they can count on me!

So watch out world...ready or not...here I come#

Down Time

Some days a person wants a little down time.   Time to deflate, regroup, and set a game plan for the upcoming week.   That's what I wanted today, but haven't gotten.  Yet.  

Slept in until 7:30 am,, which is HUGE for me.  Normally my internal body clock has me up and going by 6 am on my off days.  I forced myself to sit, drink coffee, read a chapter in my book (I know!!  I'm trying to get my mind to quiet down enough to read again!), then hit the ground running at 8:30.  Cleaning, laundry, organizing, put a roast in the crock pot then set out to the gym. 

Ya, I drove in to town to hit the gym...in sub-zero temps.  Either I'm committed or crazy.   Well, it's one of the things that I promised myself for 2016 - Step up the game at the gym and start taking better control of my health - physically as well as mentally.  For you blog stalkers, I'm doing much better on the mentally part - still have my bad days, but once more, they're getting less frequent.  (Thanks to the aid of 5-HTP, fish oil, Vitamin B-12 and water!).  I hope that trend continues.  I'm keeping the S.A.D at bay the best way I know how and so far, so good.

The gym time was welcomed. I've always been able to zone out any problems that I have on my mind and use that anxious energy towards my workout.  It's a much more productive way to deal with things, I'd say.   I didn't stay a full hour, but I made good use of the time I had there.  I put on my Ipod to the kick ass play list and worked off some calories.  Yay me!  Rewards:  Quieter mind, worked off calories, renewed energy!

The rest of the day is going to be spent working on getting my laptop up and running again, working on my January 16 schedule (I know...I'm late!), then sitting down to get ready for the work week.  It's a full 40 hour week this week and that has me a little bummed.  But that's ok...cuz next week Monday is a holiday and I have the day off!  

Tonight, I'm going to have a glass of wine (or two), pack my yoga bag for tomorrow night, pack my lunch for work and get the mind geared up to hit it hard at work (again).  I was kind of quiet last week and everyone was wondering what was "wrong with Sherry."   Guess I talk too much, huh?  lol.  It's alright though.  I was in my corner focusing on work and got a lot done.  I'm hoping for more of the same this week.  

Hopefully my blog stalkers out there are getting some much needed down time and enjoying your day. 

Today

Today's post in summation : thank gawd it's Friday tomorrow!

Back At It

I had high hopes that 2016 would arrive and people would want to start the new year in a better frame of mind.  Boy, was I delusional!

My resolution for 2016 is to lighten up and not worry so much.   One day back at work and already I can tell that it's going to take a lot of self-talk, each and every hour of the work day, to make that happen.  That, and going to the gym to relieve stress.

I went to the gym tonight and felt like a newbie.  Good lord, I felt like a weakling after having a week off.  As usual, I was a little hard on myself and upset that I couldn't lift 30# on my last set. Nick was amazing and told me to "put it in perspective." 

So here I am, day 5 of 2016 and I can honestly say, "I wish I was still on vacation."  :)

On our way back

I'm writing this up on the plane.  Donna and Vickie are sleeping ..ok...theyre both awake and saying "we're not sleeping!" Geeez! Lol 

And I'm reflecting on my trip with these two wonderful ladies.

Our spirit guides definitely brought us together for this trip.  We had some amazing time together.

We shared amazing food, drink, gambled, laughs and some tears too.

The bond of our friendship was strengthened as we opened up with each other. 

The experience of Las Vegas was only enhanced by the presence of these two ladies.

I look forward to many more good times with them..be it monthly get togethers or bigger trips. 

And let me not forget to say thank you to Char Schmitt.  I'm sure she's up in heaven saying "Well done, ladies."

Last Day

It's 6 am in Las Vegas.  I'm thinking about everything we've done here and how relaxed I've been.

I've not worried about anything back home...until now.

It's safe to say.....I don't want to go home.

Saturday in Las Vegas

Today started out with breakfast in the room...booze..at 830 am.  What a way to start the day!

We did some gambling  (slots) then hit the Strip! We toured Caesars Palace and the Bellagio.  I can't believe the opulence!  Again, I'm grateful that I'm a beer and pretzels type of girl.  It makes me appreciate everything that I work for. 

We're spending our last night having some drinks,  eating some amazing food and hitting the Casino floor.

My friends have been amazing and if the this trend continues, 2016 just might be amazing! #hopeful

New Years Day

The day started slow.  Go figure! Lol

Yes, a little alcohol the day before slowed us up a little.  But a hot shower got the cobwebs out and away we went.  We found Mimosas for breakfast and that set the tone for the day.

Vickies brother was in town and he chauffeured us around Las Vegas showing us points of interest.  We went through the Venetian, the  Palazzo and the Wynn.  The Wynn definitely let me know that I'm not made of money.  Holy Cow!!  But that's ok.  Give me, beer, peanuts and Target and JCPenny any day!

Funny moment!  We quickly discovered that they charge an arm and a leg for less than (ND) standard drinks.  In our tour we found a liquor store and stalked up.  Unfortunately we had to carry it through a casino. Lol. 

New Years Eve in Las Vegas

Freaking Amazing!  Is all that I can say!.  We arrived safely, found our room and proceeded to explore. 

The people were amazing and VERY high energy!

New Years on the Strip was Out. Of This World!! 

The lights, the police, the music, the energy kept us going on our 20 hour day.   We didn't get tired until 1 am Vegas time.  Then we crashed hard!! 

Happy New Year!