Happy Hour Chatter

Sometimes I have frustrations...okay...a LOT of the time.   I try to work through them as best I can.  I may vent from time to time but Im typically not a constant whiner ...more of a "take charge and fix it" type of gal. So, some of my frustrations, lately, have been with whiners.  You know ..the ones that could find fault with winning the lottery. I may be positive or overly optimistic 90% of the time...and perhaps I piss off the debbie downers too....but gawd! I'd rather be a bright light than someone who sucks energy out ya. Just sayin! #nodramazone #changeyourtude #findthelight

I think I am ready...for the most part.   I have gifts all taken care of, I just need an afternoon to wrap everything up...literally.   I'd gladly pay someone to wrap presents for me...cuz I'm horrible at it.   But, it's the thought that counts, right? So today starts the 12 days of Christmas.  There will be a whole lot of stuff packed in to the next couple of weeks and it's going to be fun. Tomorrow night I'm meeting with friends (current and former) for a few drinks at the Grille.  Then Saturday night we're going to the new Star Wars movie with Tom's nephew and his family.   Sunday is a baby shower for a family friend and co-worker.   Somewhere in there I'll find time to work out, in addition to teaching two yoga classes, and wrap presents, deliver gift cards, do laundry and wash dishes.  I'm superwoman....right? Next week I'll be teaching on my regular yoga schedule, but then I'm taking a break for a few days from...

...but words eccape me. So happy to have spent some time with my niece,Joan, when she was home this past weekend.  Seriously looking forward to her moving back to MN!   Then she and Karen better watch out, I'll be visiting often. My heart goes out to a co-worker embarking on medical treatment.  It's  going to be a fight, but I promised I'd take each step with her...and I will. Sometimes I feel the inner circle of friends is swiftly changing direction on me.  It's a struggle to be the social coordinator cuz everyone is uber busy...but I do what I can. The president is a bafoon and he's going to take this country right in the tank; he a already has.  Someone needs to wake up fast and start talking impeachment and start soon!  (My blog, my opinion...if you don't agree, don't read.  Youre entitled to your opionion, please respect mine). Society needs to get a grip and get back to the basics of being human. I feel sorry for us...where has our...

Adulting is difficult on most days, but on days when you're already hanging on by the fingernails, it truly is not necessary to hang on to my feet and pull me down. We've all been there.  You're cruisin through your morning, doing the positive brain framing, you've got your shit "handled" for the most part.   Then.... it happens. You know, the comment said with a sarcastic tone, the if looks could kill "look", the micro managers, the egotistical control freaks that dont believe anything can be done correctly unless they do it. Or, the spousal unit keeps calling, asking "did you do (insert task here) yet?"  Hmmmm, lemme see....not since you called me 15 minutes ago.  But let me drop everything Im working on at my job and get right on that honey. We all have that one little trigger or hot button...the one that fires you up faster than one of the Donald's Tweets .  You're lying if you say you don't!   And if you truly g...

I am in Fargo this weekend to attend a Pilates certification.   I know...Yoga, now Pilates?   I've been teaching Yoga for 10 years.  I've been very happy teaching Yoga, but the last year or so I've felt the need to do more....different...to change it up a bit.  So, Pilates it is.  I'm enjoying the class/certification and am already looking forward to bringing my knowledge in to my studio, as well as Anytime Fitness.  I'll need to reconfigure my class formats and schedules, but I think it will be well received.  (I hope). I've also been enjoying some clothes shopping.  I must say, it's been sorely needed.  I haven't had a shopping spree in four years, so cost wise, it's been good.   I picked up items that will go well for work as well as leisure. I also visited the Barnes & Noble bookstore.  Oh my gosh...I love that store.   I stocked up on a few authors, which should get me through the ...

I had the opportunity to have a psychic medium do a reading on me last night.   Actually, it was a small intimate gallery reading with 9 other individuals; I knew most of them.  The organizer of the event wanted to keep it small and intimate so that everyone was guaranteed a reading. The medium, Dean, introduced himself and explained a little about how he became or acknowledged that he had this gift.   He stated that he usually starts with a presence that is making itself known to him and whomever (in the gallery) validates the presence is the beginning of the gallery reading and he'll go around the room.  He also stated that when he reads others in the room, some things said to them may resonate with us - if we are meant to hear them.  He had written down a few notes on his tablet and stated he'd start with the first one, which was a man in his mid  70's, a butcher or someone who cut up meat, worked with knives in a kitchen - and did any...

Lunchtime musings of a working superwoman: 1) enthusiasm is contagious 2)don't believe everything you think 3) Of course I will lose a glove of a set I've worn only  once 4) lead by example 5) right now there is someone in the world judging me without knowing me or my story 6) I could care less 7) I am in need of comfort food 8) if a question is asked of you that is of a person nature and you'd rather not answer, reply with "why do you Need to know?"...stops them dead in their tracks every time 😉 9) sometimes you just need a big bowl of ice cream to put things in perspective.  Or wine.  Wine works too 10) I just don't like this weather

I just came back from picking Blaine up from work and taking him home.   I took a different route home, past the Jamestown Business Center.  As we drove past, Blaine leans over and says "That's your old apartment."   I said, "Yep".   He goes on to say "He wasn't very nice to you."  Me: "John?" Blaine:  "Yep.  He wasn't very nice to you." Me:  "You didn't like John." Blaine:  "Nope.   I didn't.  I wouldn't come around until he was gone." Me:  "You remember John?" Blaine:  "Yep.  Grandpa and Dad didn't like him." Me:  "They were right....so were you...he wasn't a very nice man" Blaine:  "I won't let anyone hurt you like that again" Me:  "Thank you Blaine, that means the world to me" Blaine was very, very young when I was married to John.   I do not know if his conversation tonight was a result of his own feeli...

Greetings Blog Stalkers! I don't know about you all, but I could do with a little less wind these days!  Holy Smokes!   I've just finished writing/addressing invitations to my niece (and Goddaughter) baby shower, which I am hosting (along with her other Godmother) in November - which is just around the corner.   I cannot wait to see her!  She'll be home for a bit around Thanksgiving  then I may not see her again until after the baby is  born in January.  I'm uber excited to welcome baby LarBeck in to our family! Speaking of family, we had our annual Schulz Oktoberfest last weekend.  The usual suspects showed up and once again, life was busy for those that could not make it yet again this year: Randy, Dennis. Michael, Joan, Karen and Wendi.    I understand completely how life can be, but every year I hope that those who can make it, make it. What's been going on with me since the last post? Well, let's see.....

I haven't written in quite a while, but that's OK...I've been living life.  :) So what's new?  Well, I turned 55 on September 9th.  On that day, I was traveling back from a trip to Nashville.  What an amazing time that was.   I managed to do some sightseeing, ate some wonderful food, attended the Grand Ol Opry (center stage, row 2!) and fell in love with Tennessee Teas!  (Yes, I got the recipe and will be trying them out!).   I met my friend, Rick and his wife Dara, for brunch and drinks.  That was perhaps the highlight of the trip....catching up with a good friend.  Of course, traveling with Georgia was a riot.  She always has me in stitches!   Just this last weekend I, along with 3 other friends, spent the weekend at The Palmer House is Sauk Center, MN.  Oh my gosh!  What fun that was.  There was a group of about 15 of us - all either working at JRCC or affiliated with someone who works t...

Well goodness....the last time I checked in was quite a while ago.  Summer was in full swing and I was enjoying every moment of it.  Fast forward to today, September 1st.  Wow.  Time sure does fly!  Most of you know I'm a flip flop, tank top, sunroof open, sunshine loving gal. I live for the sun.  But I also love the fall.  There is something about the downshift, the shorter days and yes, even the cooler weather that makes you go ahhhhh. My summer was good in a lot of ways.  I managed to plant flowers and keep them alive through the heat even (whick is a huge feat for me), although a few of them have perished at my hands. I had some great times with friends on my patio, rode my bike (yes, Im still on my quest  to ride 400 miles) when I could and even took a spur of the moment trip to Duluth with the hubs. (What a fun place!) I turn 55 in eight days and Im giving myself an early birthday present...a trip to Nashville!  The opportunity...

Sometimes I get ahead of myself.  I over think the crap out of situations and let worry and anxiety take a hold of me.  My heart feels heavy, shoulders burdened and my head feels like it's in a vice grip.    I know this about myself and yet some days I'm powerless to stop the train wreck in my mind.   It never used to be this way.  There are a series of events happening in my life that I cannot control.  Things that will ultimately affect me in the long run.  I cannot change those outcomes by worrying about them.  But as a dear friend just said to me, "I have faith in you, so breathe deeply, exhale slowly, and repeat if necessary."  So very, very true!   The Universe will show it's hand eventually - I just need to trust in it and learn to roll with whatever cards it throws me. Today wasn't a good day for me.  I was busier than crap at work, playing catch up.  Although I was busy, my mind still had t...

Well hello, blog stalkers!   Hope your weekend has been exactly as you've planned.   As usual, I'm writing this on a Sunday.  I always have good intentions of updating my blog on a daily basis, but fall short of the goal.  So much life going on.  Summer is in full swing, although today you wouldn't know it.  It's a balmy 62, cloudy and breezy  in the northland.  That didn't stop me from going on a 22.80 mile bike ride this morning.  I didn't intend to go that far, but the legs felt good and I was in the mood to ride.  I was ten miles in to the ride when my chain slipped off.  Not what you want to happen when you're riding in town, let alone out at Pipestem Dam...but I was able to get it back on and continued on my ride.  It was actually my first time out at the Pipestem.  I can't believe it took me until the end o June to get out there.  Pipestem holds a special place in my heart and I love it out ...

Lunchtime musings of a working superwoman: 1) sometimes people are afraid to hear the truth as it causes them to face their own truth 2) if you think you're perfect and above reproach, think again.... we All have our issues, 3) sometimes criticism really is meant to be helpful, but it depends on the delivery, 4) seasoned veterans are called that for a reason...they've been through the muck in the trenches.  They know the score.  Listen to what they have to say, 5) talk is cheap, but it takes money to buy whiskey, 6) don't ever forget where you came from...we were all peons once, 7) when in doubt,  don't assume...Ask...communication really IS a good thing.  Really., 8) sometimes you do really need to give a shit! Go out on a limb and stand up for what you believe in.  Don't let anyone quiet your voice or break your spirit 9)life isn't fair...if it were, there would be peace, love and harmony everywhere.  Let your character and integrity speak loudly...

The world is a bit different at 5 am.  It's quieter.  Less people milling about, less wind, less chaos. I like this place and time.  It allows me to be my authentic self.  My soul is mine, my smile (or frown), comes truly from within and is unmared by influences of others.  My mood ..is simply mine. Unapologetic. I can be free and uninhibited because no one is around to judge, to criticize,  to laugh or point.  People can be so cruel at times, can't They? Who are they anyways, these humans who dare to impose their will on others?  Insignificant. I like this time...this awakening of the day, mind, and body.  Thoughts spread like wildfire across the blank, tired canvas of the mind.  The agenda a myriad of possibilities, hopes and dreams.  Some dashed before 510, others gain steam as the seconds become minutes. Muscles make themselves heard throughout the little nuances of movement....moaning and groaning their response  to t...

I had four glorious days off from work for the long, Memorial weekend.  I can't say that the official kickoff to summer was that beautiful as the weather was absolutely putrid; cold, windy and rainy.   I had so wanted to log some miles on my 400-mile biking journey, but that didn't happen.   So what did happen? Yearly work night down at the family cemetery plots was a success; family IS everything. I was able to sleep in until 8 am on three of those days; that rarely happens. I planted flowers, lots of them; I'm not a gardener, I was able to visit with my friend, Becky, face to face; that doesn't happen often, Blaine is a wonderful dinner guest, My to-do list is still there, No matter how much time off I have, I'm still not ready to go back to work,

I really don't know what to write about today.  Nothing spectacular or out of the ordinary has happened to me recently.  Life has been pretty mundane and, dare I say, boring of late - which may not entirely be a bad thing, I guess.   The alternative is chaos and drama, right? So, I guess I'll write about the ordinary and mundane. Last week was Mother's Day.  It was a quiet day as 1) my mother and mother-in-law are not alive and 2) I'm not a mother.   I didn't do anything to speak of , laundry I suppose.   I did go for a 10 mile bike ride in the morning.  It was the only time that I got out last week.   In honesty, I haven't gotten out at all this week due to the weather.  My mileage count for May is 36 miles now.  I believe my goal is a hefty 80 miles per month (5 months).  Which means I had better get moving!   T.S. Eliot says, " Only those who will risk going too far can possibly find out...

Working in a prison setting is not for the faint of heart.  We attend training constantly, review policies and procedures and hold drills.  We prepare for the worst in hopes that we'll never have to do the "real thing." Today was a drill, but it had all the adrenaline and chaos of the real thing.  The simulation had two inmates escaping the facility, but not before they assaulted a staff member and took two staff hostage.  The all-staff call-in was initiated and a command post was set up.  Staff arrived at the staging area, incident command and operations issued assignments, local law enforcement, highway patrol and other agencies responded.   There were issues, of course, but that's the reason we hold drills such as the one we did today.  I'm very proud of the staff and the professionalism they portray each and every day.  Although everyone knew it was a drill, everyone took it quite  seriously.  Veteran staff paired w...

Well blog stalkers......I'm well on my way to my 400 miles by October 1st.   I logged 36 miles in one week.  If I can keep that up, I'll hit my goal before October. I did have one little mishap Thursday evening.  I was at an intersection waiting for oncoming traffic.  The pickup truck had his turn signal on to turn my direction, so I got up on my pedals to start across...and the pickup kept coming.   I had to do a hard stop (brakes and slam down foot to stop) in order to not get hit as he passed me - narrowly missing me.   I was seriously lucky that I wasn't run over.  However I, unfortunately, did the hard stop with my left leg - my bad leg.  I'm feeling twinges in the outside of the knee - especially when I bend the knee.  I probably didn't do it any favors when I rode 10 miles yesterday.  So, I'll back off of riding until this weekend, which will be okay.

If I say it out loud, it'll happen, right?   Ok...if I say it out loud in front of other people ...then for sure it's going to happen. Tonight in my 2nd class, I made the bold statement that I had a goal of riding 300 miles this summer/fall.  Heck, I've already gotten 16 miles under my belt.  So on the way home, I actually revised that goal to an ambitious 400 miles by freeze-up (putting bike away for the winter).  Barring any unforeseen circumstances or health issues, I believe that I can do it.   (There's that word again... Believe!) .  So blog stalkers....I said it out loud...in front of other people.  I'm going to ride 400 miles by freeze-up (bike storage).  I'll figure out a way to keep a running total on this blog - to keep me accountable to y'all.  LOL Stayed tuned for updates! 

We all have those people in our lives....the ones that were with us for a season, a reason, or a lifetime.   Their mere presence in our lives touched us, shaped us, and made us who we are.   Though gone, they're not forgotten.  I heard this song yesterday...and I thought I'd share it...as a tribute to those have touched my life in such a profound way. I Remember You (Skid Row)

I was finally able to get on my bike for a ride this morning.  I had set out to do just a short ride - but ended up doing 16.2 miles.  Granted, they were all in town miles - but for the first ride of the season, that's alright. I took a hill this morning and was pleasantly surprised when my legs (and lungs) didn't give out on me.  I remembered my shifting, standing on the pedals (thank you riding mentor!) and didn't give up.  It was freeing.  My thoughts went everywhere, yet nowhere.  Friends filled my mind, family filled my heart, my soul fed my energy and my body fueled the fire.   It was so beautiful this morning.  I didn't get out as early as I had liked but all was good.  I layered up, found my gloves, and headed out.   I said good morning to everyone I saw.   People were out walking dogs, walking the park, doing gardening or yard work or just sitting enjoying coffee on their decks having a leisurely coff...

I was working a file today and I had to take a moment and breathe deeply.   A social worker wanted to bring a young child in to visit one of our inmates.   The boy, not even a year old, is placed with Social Services because his mother was doing drugs (meth) during her pregnancy and tested positive after she had given birth to him. The child was listed in our database as son to another inmate - the mother's husband.  In reading through the 12 page guardianship papers, it was revealed that the "husband" didn't/wouldn't claim the child as his own.   The current inmate, at one time, claimed paternity of the child, but has since rescinded that claim.  The documents also stated the mother had listed two other "potential fathers" who both denied fathering the child.   Paternity tests are being done, but in the meantime, the child is coming in to visit his "father"...or the last man to claim to be as such. As I was reading ...

There are things I wish, Things I withstand, and things I do.   There are things I do without, and things I want, but I have what I need.   So I work on my patience a little every day. ~Sherry~ '17

Recently I've been seeing dimes and pennies appearing in my path.   One dime and two pennies, to be exact.  I've seen them in the farm house when I was cleaning....at the gym (one the floor) when I was lifting weights....on the floor in the grocery store ..and in the house.   They appear, seemingly out of nowhere.  It's actually kind of freaky.   I spoke with a friend of mine who said that it's a message from a loved one...trying to tell me. So, I googled it. The Mystery of Dimes Appearing Fascinating read.  Now to figure out who from the other side, is trying to send me a message.

I woke up this morning with a cold. Oh joy.  This is the third cold I've had since the beginning of the year.  It seems that my weakened immune system hasn't strengthened all that much.  Not sure what is going on, but I'll continue to get better....healthier...stronger.  I have to, I have a lot of bike riding to do this spring/summer.   I did take the bike out yesterday for the first time this spring.  It felt wonderful!  I didn't go very far - just kept it to a couple of the local parks.  I didn't want to get too wild and crazy on the first trip out. Besides, even though they say you never forget how to ride a bike, there is the simple thing of gaining strength in the legs and confidence in oneself in order to tackle the trails.  Those hills can be pretty darn scary.  I have been incredibly lucky in that I haven't wiped out too badly - I hope I never do.   I invested in a tire patching kit and some canisters of Co2 t...

Truthfully, I hate wearing these restricting things!  My toes need air...they need to breathe.. the need to be free! Sandals cannot come soon enough.  We're almost there...just a few days of consistent 50 degree temperatures and I breaking um out of the closet! When I was younger, on the farm, I ditched shoes.  I was barefoot 90% of the time.  The soles of my feet were so conditioned, I could run barefoot on gravel and not feel a thing.  Poor mom....always a struggle with me.  "Sherry! Put some shoes on!" I'd comply, but only until out of eyesight. Lol. She knew, of course.   But the joke was on me when it came time for school.  My poor toes were relegated back in to shoes....sad, confining, uncomfortable shoes.  Pure agony! And mom would utter the infamous "I told you to wear shoes". While I may not run barefoot as I did in my youth, I still hate wearing shoes!

He's the other man in my life.  He's my trainer...and he's amazing.   Tonight's workout was absolutely a killer but I loved every minute of it.   And that is mostly because of Nick.  He infuses humor at just the right time...like when I'm just about ready to give up on an exercise.  He gives me encouragement but busts my chops when he sees incorrect form, or me cheating to make an exercise easier. More importantly, he's taught me to never give up on myself when the going gets rough.  When I've completed a difficult exercise and said, "I didn't think I could do that,"  he's replied, "I did."  I know that he's the facilitator and that I'm doing all the work, but when you have someone that believes in you, it can make all the difference in the world.  The difference between just making it through an exercise, or powering through and coming out stronger on the other side.  And that's the point.   Believe....

Hello.  It's me again.   Seems like the only time I get to write on this blog is on Sunday evenings...after I've lived life for  a few days.   It's been amazingly  good for me the past few weeks.   I've gotten to spend quality time with some of the most amazing women in my circle. Last weekend I went to the Journey concert (for those who know me, Journey is my ALL time favorite band of ALL time!!) with my besties Donna and Vickie.   We had such an amazing time just hanging out with each other...laughing, grooving to the music and just "being" together.   I have tons of photos to share, but they're all on my phone and I haven't a clue how to import them here (I'm kind of technologically challenged). This weekened I was fortunate to have time with one of my longtime friends... Becky  We've known each other for 20 years.   I've seen her through thick and thin...and vice versa.  She's one ...

There are songs that are just too beautiful not to share.  I played this in both my classes tonight during final relaxation.  More than one student asked who was the artist.  Eva Cassidy.   Enjoy. Songbird

I've been doing better with moods and anxiety.  I've tried hard to not get wound up in thoughts and worries about things, events or people I have no control over.  It's taken a LOT of self talk, deep breathing and exercise to get me there. Then...BAM!..I have a day like today. Totally threw me for a loop.  I felt like I was derailing in slow motion...powerless to stop the downward spiral.  I can't tell you what started the whole thing, but a conversation I was having didn't help matters. I had to walk away.  I had to breathe and let go...but it wasn't working.   I actually sat in my space and teared up.  I threw on some oils, which did help for a bit...at least until I could get to the gym. Nick  (trainer) saw it immediately.  He's seen it before.  He didn't give me time to think.....all I did was sweat.   It helped...it always does.  Until I'm alone with my thoughts again. I just took a hot bath...and I'll hit ...

I always have grandiose ideas of everything I'm going to get accomplished on the weekends.  Then reality sets in.  I took Friday off from work - but quickly realized that this was a day that was not conducive to productivity.  Gym time, a reflexology appointment, lunch with sisters and a nail appointment took up the entire day.   That's alright....I deserve days like that.   Saturday saw two yoga classes, then major league house cleaning and laundry.   I have been a bit neglectful of the house due to other obligations.   I knew I had to get on top of it this weekend as the next two weekends I won't have time due to being out of town.  It was kind of fun though - because as I was cleaning, the annual Running of the Green participants literally went by my house.  Talk about entertaining!    Hundreds attend each year and it's quite the event.    I picked Blaine up from work at 5:00 ...

Here it is, 9:53 pm on a Tuesday night.  I just finished a hot soak in the tub.  Quiet time for me...to reflect on the day and it's happenings. In a nutshell....not much.  lol Woke up uber early and just wasn't feeling the day at all.  It made me dream of being independently  wealthy and not having to be anywhere or do anything except what I really wanted to do.  No worries, no obligations, no stress.   Then I got to thinking....well shit...that isn't going to happen ..so no sense dreaming about it.   Then I got to thinking about dreams.  A good friend once told me, "Never stop dreaming...you might get lucky someday." Which got me thinking about luck.  Are we really lucky?  Or is the Universe at play and it gives us what we really need at just the right time. Which lead me to thinking about timing...or, specifically...bad timing.  Bad luck?  Bad Timing?  Or, there again...the Universe ha...

It's a necessary evil in life and or seems like it's all I've been doing lately. Today was Blaine's day off.  I went to his apartment at 10ish and visited with him over a cup of coffee and some breakfast Pizza.  We discussed our plan of attack and set out to tackle it.  I'm SO proud of him!  He's been working hard to keep up with dishes and garbage.   He is taking pride in his apart now, which I hoped he would.  I keep stressing to him that the more he does on his own, the less it cuts on to "Our" time.   Today it took us only 1 hour to clean.  Positive reinforcement = progress! We celebrated with lunch and a beer ..then I came home to do my own house.  I did a load of laundry and prepped three meals for the week.   It feels good to be a bit on top of things. Tonight, I'm all about relaxing.  I'm fried....physically,  emotionally and mentally.   I'm enjoying some of the simpler things ...then headed...

The last few years, March has been a big Change month for me.  The Changes have been significant ones in my life.  In 2015, T decided to buy his mother's house, which led to a year long renovation process. In 2016, I started the whole process of packing up and starting to move items in to town every weekend. Now, in 2017, I've been doing the final purging of unwanted items from the farmhouse and, this last weekend, power cleaned it to get ready for sale. I had set aside the first three weekends to clean. But my dear, wonderful friend Donna offered to help.  We power cleaned Saturday and did six rooms...everything but the kitchen. I took Blaine to work at 11:30 on Sunday then headed to the farm.  I cleaned from 12 until 630pm.  As I had the music playing, windows  open, I was very nostalgic.  T lived there since 1968; I moved there in1989. A lot of memories in that old house.  The final walk through each room, standing on the deck and hearing...

Here I am, home, sick - again.  I had a procedure done at the hospital yesterday that required anesthesia.   The procedure turned out ok, I think (still waiting for test results).  I felt like crap yesterday (headache and nauseous); today isn't going any better.   My headache is leaning towards the migraine status.  When the nurse called to check up on me from yesterday's procedure, I asked her if this is a reaction to the anesthesia.  She said that in all likelihood, it was.   Her recommendation was to hydrate, get plenty of  rest and take Tylenol (or Imitrix if it turns to Migraine)  as needed .  I'm already on it.    Today is about lots of naps, watching Netflix (Heartland), drinking my weight in water and taking it easy.    In truth, I'm not complaining; I  needed to downshift.              

I was feeling good for three weeks.  Then BAM! Another cold hit me like a ton of bricks last night.  The doctor said I had  weakened immune system, but geezzz!...this is ridiculous! So here I sit, cough drops, Kleenex, Tylenol and tea.   Golly Gee! 🤒 I had my abdominal ultrasound today, which was not a pleasant experience.  The technician was focusing a whole lot in the direction of my right ovary, which is where the doctor said "didn't feel right." I'm a pretty positive person.  But if you caught my last blog post, you'll see one of my thoughts listed was "why do we always think worst case scenario when faced with the unknown."   (Thank you, Rob, for your insight on that one). So, I'm trying hard not to let my Virgo mind (anxiety) create a problem where there probably isn't one.  I'll cross the bridge when/if I need to.  Otherwise, not much else is going on.  Taking life day by day and trusting the Universe has me ...

1) I'm tired of turning on the news and hearing hate and discontent 2) I'm not willing to give up easily on things or people I Believe in. 3) Too many do. (Referring to #2). 4) Seriously not looking forward to upcoming medical tests. 5) Why do we immediately think of the worst case scenario when faced with the unknown ? 6)  My lunch isn't very appetizing 7) Just 4 weeks until the first day of Spring 8) I ache.  The full speed ahead approach in the gym isn't always the best approach 9) I believe I've settled on my next tattoo design and location 10) I have a filter.  50%of the time I don't use it when I should, generally in those moments when I'd like to say, "are F'ing kidding me?!" but hold my filter because I don't want to 1)cause hurt 2) be a bitch 11) That's me....peacemaker. 12) I am SO grateful that yoga and exercise help to calm me down. 13) Despite everything going on around me, in me or to me....life could always be...

The mind is a fickle thing.  It controls so much of us....thought processes, body, personality,  mood, behavior. There is an entire show on the Discovery Channel called Mind Games.  It's rather interesting yet frightening. The basis is about what we (our minds) actually see and what we perce ive .  A car accident is witnessed by 3 people.  When interviewed separately, they each gave a different "eyewitness " report on what happened. How often have you heard something or seen something, and you immediately draw a conclusion based off of what you have just seen (or heard)?  Your mind, perception, steps in and a belief is formed. We, as humans, are quick to judge based off of our perception of reality.  The judgement comes from the innate need to be right. It's quite sad when people's lives, reputations and careers are affected by perception, and ultimately....judgement. Not all perceptions are real and true.  Think about that the next time yo...

Life is in a constant state of flux.  Change is never easy, but it's a constant part of life.  An oxymoron.   Relationships, people, moods, weather, jobs, health, thoughts, ...everything changes. Sometimes the change is welcomed, like winter turning in to spring.  Or when our health improves...change is good.   Change is unwelcome when it affects people I know and love in a negative way.   I have two friends that are going through some very difficult times right now.  Their lives have been in a constant state of upheaval the last two years due to accidents, cancer, depression, and job changes. It seems as though a  dark cloud of misfortune hangs above them.  I pray that things turn around for them soon, very soon.  It is true ..the saying Carpe Diem (Seize the Day).  In yoga, the words 'Be Present" mean the same.  We are all presented with 24 hours in which to live a day in our lif...

I'm at lunch right now and have a couple of things I need to get off my chest. 1) When did we become so disrespectful and an entitled society/nation?  We've become hurtful in words and actions.   We think nothing of getting on our computers or phones to belittle or demean people we may or may not know.  I was taught that it's OK to disagree on issues, if you can't say something nice then don't say it....or, address it with the person IN operson rather than cut them down from a computer app or behind their back. Entitlement?  You want to get paid top dollar but get upset when you're asked to do honest work for it?  Puuhhleaasssee!  Suck it up.  Start at the bottom, work your way up, earn the things you want....you just might appreciate what you have more and be less judgemental of those less fortunate than yourself.  2) If you're not willing to hear someone else's opinion,  then don't offer your own.  Conversation and debate are b...

It's the hardest thing I've  ever done....lose weight and keep it off.  It's a never ending battle.   If I didn't love food so much, it'd probably be easier.  But nooooo....I love food.  I love to eat food, cook food, smell food, taste food.   I try and limit carbs.  But...I refer back to the previous paragraph.  I love food. And that means carbs...all kinds of carbs.  Bread?  Oh hell ya!  Pizza?  All bets are off!   See where I'm going with this? Today I had a banana for breakfast, salad for lunch, protein drink and hard boiled egg for a snack and tonight I had mashed potatoes, gravy and chicken.  Healthy, portion controlled and not laden with carbs.   The trick is, to keep the trend going for more than one day.  LOL I do a lot of exercising... a lot . Yoga classes four days a week, meet with my trainer two days a week, and in between I try and fit in at least...

So this is what it feels like to feel good!   My body is finally starting to feel better...which goes a long way towards helping with my mood.   I took Blaine to work at 9 am this morning, or rather I took him to the Mall so that he could attend a movie (free) as part of the Walmart Christmas Party.   I sound like a broken record, but that guy just brightens my day whenever I'm around him. From there, I headed to the gym and did some serious cardio.  I haven't done that in a long time since I've been sick.   It felt good to sweat and open up the lungs.  Hopefully my body is on the upswing and I can focus more on getting healthier. What's on deck for the rest of the day?  A little housework, and going to a friends party this afternoon for a couple of hours. 

Today was a good day.  I taught two yoga classes and hit the tanning bed for some artificial sunlight. My mood has been up and down lately.  To be honest, more down than up.  It's the critical time of winter when my S.A.D rears it's ugly head.  A good friend pointed out my mood and said "don't spiral down so far...you know what you need to do.". They are right.  Winter takes me down.  Last winter it took me down hard...the year before that, even worse. What I've come to realize is I have a host of tools in my tool chest to help me conquer the winter blues. I have yoga and the gym.  No matter how bad the blues get,  if I can get on my yoga mat or hit the gym, the blues  are held at bay....if only for a while. Tanning...while not great for skin (wrinkles) or skin health  (cancer), the artificial sunlight does help with my mood.   Sometimes you have to weigh the good with the bad.   Stress and worr...

I think I'm on the mend.  I cancelled my yoga classes early on in the day yesterday.   I went to work when, in reality,  I should have taken another day off.  But, the dang work ethics won out and I went anyways.  There was no way I could've taught a class last night, let alone two.  My body and mind weren't up to it. I went home, put on jammies and headed for the couch, where I stayed until going to bed at 830.  Other than waking up once, I slept until 6am. I am better than I was yesterday,  so I'm headed in the right direction.  The trick is to keep me headed in that direction. I am going to the gym tonight but I'm not going to kill myself or let Nick kill me either.  I'll be done by 630ish....pick Blaine up from work and take him home...thanks home to eat, bathe and head to bed early. I'm honoring my body...steady, slow.  I want to stop being sick.  It's not fun and definitely messing with my MOJO.

This is day #3 of powerful antibiotics, being housebound and sick.  My body has been sick since before Christmas.  Gastrointestinal issues, cold and respiratory issues....a vicious cycle that wasn't getting better but worse. Doctor said it was a "bacterial body infection with weakened immune system"...in other words..."crud". I'm guilty in not taking care of myself.  I go, go, go, go until I crash and burn....which I did Thursday morning. I attempted to work.  I lasted 15 minutes and just couldn't do it.  After going home to crawl in bed for a few hours, I made the trip to the clinic where a very nice young Dr. gave me Azithromycin with orders to rest and get plenty of fluids.  He didn't need to tell me twice. I haven't moved from the house since my appointment on Thursday at 11.  I cancelled all of my yoga classes and have been doing plenty of sleeping and watching TV programs including all day coverage of the Inauguration of our 45th Presid...

It's not just an Eagles song.  I'm talking about Life.  It's already the 17th of January.  Holy Smokes! While I'm anxiously counting down the weeks until the 1st day of Spring (9 for those interested), I don't want time to go so fast. I have so much to do, things to get organized, projects to do, places to go and people to see.  But when?  I blink and my days are over.  I take each day as it happens.  I try not to schedule too much ....but I'm not one to sit in my chair either.  Life is meant to be lived! I've been helping my nephew Blaine take care of his apartment, cleaning, organizing and doing a bit of purging too.  He's so proud of his apartment and living independently, he just needs a little help.   That had taken up some free time of mine, but I'd do it a hundred times over if it meant Blaine would be happy. As of February,  I will no longer be doing yoga on my Fridays.   I'm doing That for me.  I n...

My brother's wife, Ron/Pearl, passed away before Thanksgiving.   I have made it a weekly date on Sundays to call him and check in....see how he is doing. We don't get to deep in conversation.  We talk about weather, his kids and grandchildren, what he did to occupy his time.  Occasionally he mentions his late wife, Pearl, and going out to the cemetery to visit her. They were "in love"....inseparable. We don't go too deep in conversation but tonight he said, "it's starting to set in that no one is here, she isn't coming back" I could only respond with, "when it gets too quiet, you're always welcome here. A temporary diversion, I know." I've come to treasure these weekly conversations with my oldest brother (and Godfather).   He reminds me so much of my father....mannerisms and look.  He has incredible insight  and yet is a man of few words.  These weekly talks are quickly becoming the highlight of my weekend. It's my con...

It's cold. Dang cold. -9 without windchill.  I'd like nothing more than to hibernate the rest of winter, but that's a bit unrealistic. I have started counting down the weeks until the first day of Spring....11 weeks!  I hope I last that long.  My seasonal depression always hits me hard in January and February.   I'm trying hard to fight it, but the weather and being "under the weather" are taking a toll.  I know going to the gym more often is integral to my well-being so I have already scheduled in more workouts in to my weeks.  It's all about planning. I've also started looking at cutting back on some yoga classes.  Taking a look at what I want to do in 2017.  I'm not going to lie....I'm getting a bit burnt out.  My first night back after a two week break was brutal.  I enjoyed my down time from teaching...which is an indication that I need to make some changes.  I feel bad, but my health needs to come first....without that,...

  Thoughts...here goes. 1).I'm a positive person, really...I am.  But I'm a little fed up with how winter is sucking the life out of my dunny disposition.  Now, being Ms Positive....it's only 11 weeks until the first day of spring. 2) Some people should be held to a higher standard 3)my winter cold will probably last 11 weeks at the rate it's going 4)time...I need more of it 5)I don't have a new years resolution, but I'm trying to make each day a good one (despite my whining) 6)tomorrow is already Wednesday and I get to teach yoga to amazing peeps! 7)I bought new tunes on Itunes...can't wait to listen to the new Playlist 8)messages from friends make me smile 9)my family is my heart 10) I have amazing friends!