Saturday Saves and Safes

Happy Labor Day weekend!! Mine started off LABOR free, but not driving free. This morning mom and I had a realllllllllllllllly nice breakfast, then hit the road, back to NJ.  10 hours later……..we are home 🙂   Ahhhhh. I am SOOO Happy that I de-cluttered and organized the house BEFORE I left. I absolutely LOVE walking in to a nice, clean, and neat home!  Diana and Christine (aka Thelma and Louise) are HOME (for now)!

Where will our travels take us next? If I do move, I am trying to convince mom to take a solo trip to Myrtle Beach herself, making all the little stops she would like along the way!

Arriving in NJ felt “weird”.  It was so much”homier”, and prettier in South Carolina. Everything looks so boring, dull and blah here!  :*(  I miss it there already.  I am going to miss my roommate (my mom).  We had a blast!

 

 

Here are a few Saves and Safes I would like to share with y’all (ugh oh! Been in SC too long!)

 

Safe:   Breakfast at Shacks in Cherry Grove Beach, SC.

 

 Seriously.  This place was amazing.  It is quite possibly the best WESTERN omelet I have ever had, even beating my fritatta.  It was absolutely perfectly prepared. Extremely fresh ingredients, not over done, and slathered up with unnecessary things. It was a nice thin omelet, not wet, mushy, etc. Perfect texture, consistency and just the right amount of onions, peppers, swiss, ham and mushrooms, Not too much and not too little JUST RIGHT!

The grits were delicious too!  As well as the fruit salad. Very fresh! I can honestly say I have had the best melons this week in Va Beach and Myrtle Beach! Go figure!?

 

My mom had the pancakes, eggs (scrambled) and sausages.

We both ended up with clean plates. SOOOO you know the deal.

COMPLIMENTS TO THE CHEF for the BESTEST omelet ever!

 

Safe:  Enterprise rent a car (Maple Shade Rt 73 Location)

They were phenomenal! Very accommodating, friendly and even gave us tips on places to go in Myrtle Beach.  Very nice, friendly, terrific customer service. I would use them again in a heart beat!!!

 

Save:  Barefoot Landing

 

Next time (soon!)  Just was not in the mood for shopping this time!

Safe:  Walking – I walked, walked and WALKED in Myrtle Beach, so did Lily.  I walked on the beach, I walked to yoga, I walked to the pool, I walked around the “resort”.  Walking is good AND walking is exercise. In fact, today I was SORE, from walking. Along with being sore, I also felt…….good.  No terrible “ripping” pains, my feet feel so much better, my legs feel better, I have MORE energy.  Plus, the best part.  Lily gets to join me.  I love walking.  I get to slow down.  Look at things, explore.  If it werent for walking, I would have missed so much…..like ….starfish, stingrays, and hermit crabs

walking IS a workout

 

Save:  wow, this looks incredible! I will let you know the verdict!! most likely I will attempt this tomorrow

Baked Spaghetti

Safe:  Moms and teachers! It is THAT time. Time for back to school. Parents help teachers by participating and being involved in your children’s school day!  It is fun!

**It would be cute to print these and put them in a little pencil-case/box at home.  Each day during after school snack, or dinner, pull a card out and discuss it!!

25 ways to ask your kids about their day

 

safe:  I absolutely LOVE Long Beach Island, New Jersey.  It brings so many wonderful memories and times.  There is a wonderful write-up in the Courier Post today (Sunday August 31)

Surfs up in Ship Bottom

 

Also check out blogger Robin, from NY wishes Chicago Dreams top 5 picks for LBI here!!

Save:  Bradford, PA.  The Lodge at Glendorn, according to courier post , this is one of the TOP us places to getaway!  A mini, more luxurious camping retreat.  I really want to go!!!

Save:  This dress for back to school. Super comfy looking and cute!! (Gah its on sale too!! )

 

Save:  Happy Thoughts $62 ouch 😦

 

Save:  nifty notebooks, cute for journaling, notes, etc

You can customize your notebooks and planners. How cute.  From $14-$22

May Designs

I am kind of liking this one

 

Save:  B. Good at the Promenade in Marlton

This place looks interesting!! i am excited to try it out. They even have milkshakes. Will my Panera have competition??

 

Safe:  Thinking out loud…..jealousy/envy

“Love is always patient and kind. It is never jealous. Love is never boastful or conceited. It is never rude or selfish. It does not take offense and is not resentful. Love take no pleasure in others people’s sins, but delights in the truth. It is always ready to excuse, to trust, to hope, and to endure whatever comes.”

Do you get jealous of other people? their relationships, financial situation, status?  Jealousy and competition and COMPARING yourself are so unhealthy.

I am really trying not to compare my food and exercise to others, I also have been trying very hard to look at things from different angles and perspectives and not be quick to judge situations. Every one and every situation is unique.

 

So try to remember, do not judge. Talk about it, ask questions, communicate. Do not falsely accuse someone of something. IT can be very hurtful.  I know….

 

Envy to Joy

YOU are better than that

feeling judged?

 

Safe:  Do you have daddy issues?

 

I love this chart!

 

Safe:  I stayed in the WRONG marriage for 11 years

Your Turn

1.  What are YOUR Labor Day plans?

2.  Back to school shopping.  For kids only, or adults are just as fun?

3.  Give someone a compliment today.  Someone you know. A stranger. IT FEELS SO GOOD!

Thankful Thursday

I am thankful for being able to see another beautiful Myrtle Beach sunrise

I am thankful for this vacation.

I am thankful I get to spend time with my mom. I am overly happy and thankful that we get to talk, explore, and relax together. Something we both have difficulty doing. Like mother….. Like daughter

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I am thankful for being able to identify my feelings. Good or bad. I feel torn. I love it here so much. I really could see myself living here. I would be five minutes from the beach, and I absolutely love my morning walks with lily. It's my perfect retreat. I love waking up and having my coffee on the porch and feeling excited about the day ahead. I always say it because I always feel it…. Early mornings are my most favorite part of the day. I could really see myself living here and being happy. Not that I am unhappy back in NJ , I just get a different "vibe" here. It feels more "me" if that makes sense. So easy. Move here , right? Not so fast.

Here are pics of the two condos I really like. One is upstairs the other down. I am leaning towards the lower level for many reasons

Here is why I am really leaning towards the lower level…..
1. I could walk or jump to my aunt and uncles
2. A screen in balcony on the lower level. Perfect for lily. (No more carrying her upstairs!!!!). My back would love it!!

I am thankful for being able to admit I am not having a good day. I am thankful that I am also able to acknowldege that this will pass and a great day will be right ahead!
I am torn and I am scared. I scared if leaving my comfort. I have a comfortable job, home, family , etc. I am comfortable. I know that moving will not make me happier, but I feel the experience may be good for me. I am single. No children. I am the perfect candidate. Yet I am so scared.

I am scared of failing. I am scared of leaving my comfort zone. I am scared of being new. Yet all those same things excite me

I love being alone yet I am scared of being alone. I want to just relax. Take things as they come and stop stressing myself out over nothing

My anxiety is high today. I need to make a decision. A decision for me. It will affect me and be a lot of work to carry out. I am scared I won’t be able to do it. Just like I was scared of peanut butter, french fries or ice cream (all of which I eat now, some more than others (my peanut butter addiction!)

I am thankful for my wonderful fellow teacher and friend Denise, she has given me is much support, comfort and encouragement, I do not think she knows just how much. She showed me that she cares. By reading my blog, enjoying it, giving me tips, and being so sweet to accept me for me. I am excited for the new school year. I am in such a better place . I am excited to let that shine through to my students and coworkers

You go girl!

I am thankful for Denise’s tips on proper “shark tooth hunting”. Just like she suggested , I squatted down to ground level and waited for the water to recede then looked for the jagged appearance that could possible be a shark tooth. When I spotted one I would run over and lily would be right beside me, excited to help me dig. Lol

Here I am looking at the water line:)

I think I found one!!!

I am thankful to be alive…..unlike these guys.

Your turn

1. What is your favorite pizza topping?

2. Have you taken any risks lately?

3. What is one thing you are thankful for today!?

Wednesday wants

I want….. To move to North Myrtle Beach. (Seriously).

I want……more space in the kitchen. I love to cook. I need to work on making my kitchen more comfortable for me. Does your kitchen have these ?

I want…….to remember how good, relaxed and content I feel RIGHT NOW on the beach. I ate my lunch on the beach and didn’t care if anyone saw me, or my belly that I , for the first time in a long time, forgot about. I actually breathed in and out. Not holding my breath tying to make my tummy look smaller so people around me didn’t think I was a “pig”. I do not care anymore. Today I don’t care that my stomach is not perfect, I care that I enjoyed every bite of my delicious sandwich. Finally seeing it as good nutrients for my body, and caring about myself, NOT fat and calories.

I spent so many years worrying about what others thought about me……I see it now. No one cares about my belly or my sandwich (well maybe the seagulls do) they care about……the fact that I told a mother and her three kids sitting on the shoreline they are the perfect opt for a beautiful picture. They care about telling me about the dog, a Doxie and yorkie mix…..making it a DORKIE!! They care that I threw my trash in the trash bin and kept the beach beautiful and clean.

I want……to share how happy my mom is. She is finally letting go and being herself. I am proud of her. She deserves this…..

I want….. To share that reading other blogs that feature WIAW (what I ate Wednesday) gives me anxiety. I feel I eat so much. I need not to compare. I may be hungrier than you today. That is ok!

I want….. To make these chicken Parmesan meatballs

I want…..to say I have the best dog ever. I absolutely love her and seeing how happy she is. Running on the beach, digging in the sand. Splashing around in the water. Saying hello to other people and pups! She’s my BFF!!!

I want ……. More dog friendly trips in my future. It is so much fun !! Love exploring, trying new restaurants, hiking/biking new areas

I want……to see the sunrise again tomorrow and Friday and Saturday…..

I want…..to continue practicing yoga in all the states!!!! South Carolina…..check!!!

I want…… To make this for my desk. Back to school!

I want……to check out these hotel vacations recommendations. Maybe one day

I want……you to read It’s ok

I want ….. To share this beautiful story. Size does not matter it is all about health

I want…..my dad to read this

I want…. To say this has probably been the best beach day ever. The weather , sand, sandwich, company, breeze, and sounds. I NEVER stayed on this beach this long. Ever. And I thought I wasn’t a beach person! Could it be? Am I actually……relaxing??????????

I want….. To be like Mike, if I could be like mike.

Ok so I’ve been wanting to do that each time I write “I want” lol.

I want……everyone I know in a relationship (or not) to read this. Then take the quiz for yourself. It has taught me sooooop much about myself and others

I want…..to thank Melissa for really making me smile. Out of nowhere I received a text today that she thought of me so made me something!!!! It is beautiful just like you Melissa!!!!!

Ten for Tuesday

1. Early mornings. My absolute FAVORITE time of the day. It’s quiet. Peaceful. Breathtakingly beautiful……especially here in North Myrtle Beach. In a few days my life transformed from this craziness…..

To this……

My morning started off with a walk on the beach with Lily. She loves it. The man using a metal detector was not amused when lily started helping him dig….. Lol

I think the early morning ,before the crowds and the heat, is my personal favorite. Plus North Myrtle Beach allows dogs on the beach until 9 am. Perfect!!

2. Acting like tourists. It’s weird how much you feel like a tourist until you finally get used to the area. I asked so many questions and spoke to so many people to get tips and familiar with the area. Love hearing the locals advice. Always the best. Soooooo since we did the whole tourist thing….. Here we are….typical tourists!

First we stopped at the cute, Quaint little fishing town, Murrels inlet. So quiet, laid back…. Had a very key west vibe to it. Murrels had tons of bars, restaurants and watersports. I want to do the kayak , mom liked the banana boat (haha)

The

The next tourist stop was broadway at the beach. Super cute for kids. I can’t imagine how crazy it must be when crowded. Very touristy but of course we had to see it once.
If I had kids, we would probably be back, however I think I’ll stick to the quiet areas from now on. I will have chaos and noise in about a week…..

Then we stopped at Food Lion (shop rite? Wegmans? Acme?) to grab wine and a few staples for dinner. I dropped my mom off at the pool to read and I went back to walk lily and prep dinner…..

Tidewater is beautiful. The facilities are beautiful. Clean. Quiet. Perfect. I want to live here……

I mean ….so many pools and hot tubs ….

3. Dinner. What can I say. I am enjoying food. Tonight I cooked an easy meal for us. Eating out. Gets expensive plus lots of tummy troubles! Plus this condo is so amazing I think it is my favorite part and place in North Myrtle. The porch. The trees.

Peach recipes? Have any to share?

Peach and blackberry cobbler

Greek yogurt chicken salad

4. How to find the courage to walk away from money and stability

This is very fitting for me right now. Not that I make a lot of money, but at least I get a pay check, can Pay my bills, etcetera. With my recent career change thoughts this exact topic had been on my mind

5. Relationships. Ahhhhh. Well I feel completely comfortable and great withy relationship with mom. We are definitely boarding “healthy”. Now I just need to work that into my love and friendships as well. Which I am doing (for once I have standards!)

Is your relationship healthy?

6. Moms. I know so many great moms that demonstrate the following qualities!!

7. Do you have a passion? I believe I have found mine

8. Bojangles. Ok can some one please give me the scoop? Is this place good? What do you order? I feel like such a tourist. They are everywhere. MY heart still belongs to McDonalds. Happy meal. Playground. Number 2

Do people really not go to McDonlads anymore!?

9. With my focus being less on good (on good days) I can think about how to overcome other fears I may have. These are wonderful

10. I definitely feel unfulfilled at times. It’s weird. Through out my day I feel good, then unfulfilled, then confident, then unconfident. I just want consistency. I want to eventually feel the way I do the first few hours of my day. Inspired. Hopeful. Full of energy. I know life will have it’s downs. I working on bringing them up sooner rather than later.
unfulfilled and uninspired

Your turn

1. Do you prefer a quiet, lazy vacation or more structured , jam packed vacation?

2. End of summer thoughts?

3. Did you do all the things in your summer bucket list?

Un-manic Monday

Wow. Seriously. Best un manic Monday ever! Mom and I are on vacation this week. Thanks to my wonderful aunt and uncle for sharing their beautiful North Myrtle Beach condo with us!

If you are following my blog we began our “journey” yesterday. We drove half way to Myrtle Beach and stopped in Virginia Beach for the night. We stayed at the gorgeous, dog friendly, Founders Inn. I WILL be back there. Perfect location. Away from the hustle and bustle. Quiet. Beautiful. Clean. Serene anddddddd dog friendly!!!!

My anxiety was sky high yesterday but around dinner time I was finally able to unwind. All the food thoughts, exercise thoughts, negative thoughts were let go over a glass of Merlot and fresh caught flounder overlooking the rough surf of the Atlantic, from our breath taking view.

I am lucky. Very lucky and very grateful.

I had the best nights sleep. The beds were soooooo comfy. I am not sure whether it was the bed or the fact that I barely slept the night before , but I had one of the best nights sleep in a very long time……even beside Mrs. “Snor-ski”.

I woke up early and well rested. I grabbed Lily and we went off for a walk. My absolute favorite time of the day. Before the rest of the world is up. It is my time. Time for coffee. Time to reflect. Time to think ahead. I feel best and think so clearly.

I grabbed coffee at The Muffin Cafe

After a little walk/jog around I showered, got mom up , and packed. Then it was off for some yoga…….

After yoga we went to The Swan Terrace for the $9 breakfast buffet. Wow. I was impressed. Delicious, great , quality choices. Perfect amount of options including oats (wooooohoooo), grits, toppings, pancakes , bacon, sage sausage (this was sooooo good) , assorted breads, bagels, muffins, pastry, the BEST fruit salad (cantaloupe and honey dew heaven).

scrambled eggs, bacon, and omelette station.

Plus assorted cold cereal and chocolate milk (thought this was really cute)

My omelette was great, but I learned I am not a fan of cheddar cheese. I am happy I am finally having thoughts and opinions about food. I know it may not seem like a big deal to most , but for me this is a huge step in my recovery

After our bellies were full, my mom went to have a pedicure and I spent some quality time with Lily. We walked around the grounds, taking it all in and then headed to the dog park, at the hotel. Yes that is right. The hotel has it’s own dog park. It was beautiful. Gated, huge, two Separate sections and super clean.

We also ran into and spoke to some pretty amazing guys. They were in Va Beach for the week for an amputee convention. They shared some great personal stories that were very touching. The 17 year old next “Tiger Woods” especially grasped me. They even posed for a picture with Lily. She is such a flirt!!!

If you would like additional information for you or a loved one, please contact Dean @ l_dean_jarvis@yahoo.com or Craig at Craig_van_kessel@hotmail.com

Please check out their website as well!!! National Amputee Golf Association

I went to meet my mom and asked for a quick tour of the beautiful spa. They were glad to give me one!! They even let Lily tag along.

Check out those pretty feet!!

Then it was off for our 6 hour drive ahead, which, thanks to Orange is the New Black, was not so bad. We made a few stops to eat and stretch and it was back to “jail”. I am really loving the book…..I really am changing my views, thoughts, and beliefs about prison! So far, Piper, has served about 3 months of her sentence. The journey is painful and feels sooooooo Much longer than that. I am grateful for my 6 hour drive ahead……I am thankful for my life, freedom and many opportunities.

I am lucky girl. A HAPPY, lucky girl.

I wonder what tomorrow will hold……

Weekend update and week ahead

Ahhhh. Last week of camp and a week of travel with mom and lily. Seriously. Life is good.

Friday and Saturday was spent prepping, packing, last minute laundry, tasks and unwinding from a crazy week of camp and a nasty summer cold. It’s finally here!

I finally got my nails done

I am loving the colors…..and the new me. I would have never chosen those colors before. Now I know it’s ok to not always be “safe”. I like it!!

Mom and I both both confided that we were unable to sleep last night. From excitement. Unfortunately that sucks when you have to drive all day. Mix that with anxiety and. Yuck.

The drive was beautiful. We took 13 instead of 95. The Chesapeake bay bridge is breathtaking! It took is about 51/2 hours with several stops to get to Founders Inn at Va beach. Not bad at all!

We listened to Orange is the New Black on audiobook. Chapter 6 and we are both loving it! I actually felt like I was heading to jail. The story is written so descriptively. It actually put knots in my tummy. Reality finally struck and I realized we were fortunate to be heading to Myrtle beach and not to jail, poor Piper

We arrived at The Founders inn a few hours before check in…..however they allowed us to check in early! We threw our bags in the room, switched into our swimsuits and hit the incredible pool for some rest before dinner.

The staff here is super sweet, helpful and really goes out of the way to make you feel special. I would stay here again In a heartbeat. In fact Va beach is totally ME. Quiet, quaint, peaceful. I feel like I could really relax here. Tons to see and do! Very different from our NJ beaches!

I explored a bit as mom relaxed by the pool. Wow. The grounds are gorgeous! Lakes, pools, mazes, flowers….

We got ready and drove to the coast for a beautiful view and seafood dinner. We decided on Lynnhaven Fish House. I made reservations In Advance (very smart. It was packed!) the view was beautiful. Literally right in the beach!

mom ordered the She Crab soup to start. I ordered a glass of Merlot. I needed to unwind. A lot of anxiety and guilt today.

We both ordered salads. I was very impressed. I may even have to say it was one of,if not the, best salads I have had at a restaurant.

We also received an order of hushpuppies, after some brief history of how they were originally used to keep the dogs quiet, hush…….Puppies…..they are also a basic ball of fried cornmeal. I stuck one in my bag to bring home for Lily. I must say she has it pretty good! Ha

I ordered the locally caught flounder with a caper artichoke sauce and sweet potato.

My flounder was flavorful and not “fishy” at all! The sweet potato was done to perfection. I loved the caper sauce choice. I love capers!

Mom order a smorgasbord of seafood including shrimp and scallops on top of pasta. She said the pasta was a bot overdone but otherwise it was very good. I tried a scallop and personally thought it was “chewy”.

Saturday Saves and Safes

Happy Saturday!!! I “feel” fall coming!! I am sad and excited at the same time!

Sad about:  shorter days

Happy about:  Jeans, sweats, boots 🙂

 

• SAFE:  10 Free Handwriting Worksheets (time for BACK TO SCHOOL!)
• SAFE:  10 Habits of Healthy People (#4 Balance Work and Play – something I am truly working on)
• SAFE:  Thanks to Arman over @ The Big Mans World , I had this AMAZING Healthy Tiramisu Oatmeal pudding for breakfast this           morning!                                                                                                                                                                        YUM YUM YUM, it was perfect, just what I was craving.  Chocolaty, fluffy, thick, not too sweet.
• SAFE:  (phew!)  Organic Cocoa Powder (for baking)  at Whole Foods. I was a bit leery, I was hoping it did not destroy my meals with bitterness, etc.  It was absolutely PERFECT!  Well worth the $$ 
• SAVE:  I am possibly thinking of a career change……This would be a long, thought out process, but something I have been thinking about A LOT lately.  I absolutely LOVE LOVE LOVE teaching and children, however there are a lot of things I am not crazy about, all of which have nothing to do with actual teaching OR children (politics, no training, lack of understanding of needs for special ed, etc, etc , etc)  So, I have been thinking of joining Jefferson’s University Occupational Therapy program and becoming and OT!! I have several friends that do it, and love it!! Working at a sensory based summer camp this summer made me realize how much I love working one on one with students.  I do NOT feel overwhelmed. I can focus. I feel like I can really CONNECT with them.  I am excited for my information session on September 21 at Jefferson!!  Spotlight on Occupational Therapy!                                             I am very fortunate to know two VERY special ladies.  Lacey and Meghan.  They both share something in common.  They are both (excellent) Occupational Therapists, AND are both part of the reason for me WANTING to become an OT! Want to meet them?Meet Lacey!  I met Lacey a few years ago.  She started working as an assistant at the private school I was teaching at.  Lacey stood out in a heartbeat! Not only because she was drop dead gorgeous, BUT she had the most beautiful HEART.  Lacey absolutely LOVED the kids.  She really enjoyed coming to work every day.  She enjoyed HELPING the students.  She was very passionate about what she did and I KNEW she would make an excellent OT, and she did.  I recently ran into Lacey at my summer camp job. She is beautiful, happy and sweet as ever!  Thank you Lacey for inspiring me to do what I love!

Meet Meghan!  I met Meghan YEARS ago while she was moving from NY to NJ 🙂  She was warm, friendly, sweet, and beautiful on the inside and OUT.  I really loved Meghan’s style, taste, and most importantly……….dedication to her career.  She absolutely LOVES what she does.  She enjoys it and when you speak with her, you can hear just how passionate she is about being an OT.  I have recommended her to my closest friends and owe her a HUGE thanks for inspiring me to want to put my passion to the best use. For me, I think that will be becoming an occupational therapist!

 

•   SAFE: 9 Things You Are Never Too Old to Start Doing (Right Now I am feeling this one:  5. It’s not too late to follow your dreams.)
• SAVE:  This would be extremely helpful to have bedside                                                                                                  
• SAVE:  Saw this on my run this morning, my heart melted!                                      The best part, they were running slowly, together, healthy.  Maybe one day 🙂  Healthy partner, healthy relationship, healthy running, healthy habits 🙂
• SAFE:  My New Running Rules
• SAVE:  Catch 31 (VA Beach) and Lynnhaven Fish House
• SAFE:  9 Life Lessons Learned in Gym Class
• SAFE:  29 Dimension Relationship Test
• SAFE:  Keep my veggies fresh and my fridge neat and pretty! I just got this tomato saver and LOVE it.  I plan on getting other “savers”.  It keeps the veggies fresh as well as my fridge nice and neat. PLUS I know exactly what is inside! No more guessing!

• SAFE:  My new reading lamp.  I would LOVE recess lighting, but was not ready to get into that project…..So here is my Home Goods find I 

I love the cool light reflections on my wall from my lamp!

 

YOUR TURN

1.  Have you ever made a career change, or a major career decision? How did you feel?

2.  What is your favorite season?

3.  What are your weekend plans?

Running Rules

I used to run……….for all the WRONG reasons. I had terrible reasons for running which included:

• maintaining my weight.  (Which is OK) BUT I would restrict if I did not run, or would reward myself with food if I ran, etc.  If I didn’t run, I “punished” myself
• wake up at 4:30 am and WANT to run.  (If I was a few minutes behind schedule, I would be very upset with myself)
• I am lazy if I missed a run
• I must run in the morning, or else I may not run later, and that would be terrible
• Run, even if I do not feel like it
• Run, no matter what the weather is like
• Do not let anyone pass me, or if they do, push myself 
• Run further, each time
• run longer, each time
• run through the pain
• run even if it feels like my muscles are “ripping”
• run before anything else, so I can go on with my day
• tell everyone how much I love and enjoy to run
• Run, so I do not have to think about anything else in my life
• Run, from my problems
• run, from the truth

I spent SO much time trying to persuade myself that running was healthy for me, running was necessary, running was enjoyable, running was ALL OR NOTHING. Either I run hard. Every. Single. Day. Or I am a failure.  Wow, because of that I missed out on so much……..I missed out on……ME!  I had no clue what my likes and interests were. I lied to myself and everyone else that I loved running so much.  I made it my life.  I made rules. I made rules with running and food. I made……..myself miserable and hate myself. What was I running for? A race? Nope, I was never even training for ANYTHING…..for health? Obviously NO, I lost my period, enjoyment of food and pleasure. I was running
because……..I hated myself

It was very difficult to let go of those old habits and Running Rules, but somehow, with the help of my therapist, family and friends, I have been able to create NEW rules.  Here are my New Running Rule(s):

1. Never set another running RULE again! Instead I will run:

• IF and when I feel like it.  Maybe one time per week, maybe 2 times per week, maybe no times!  Maybe I will not run for a month straight, or 2, or 3………..
• I will run and notice ONE new thing during each run. Flowers, a house, an animal.  Today when I went for my run, I saw a little church that I NEVER noticed in all my years of running. How embarrassing!  How could I run the same route and NOT notice something so beautiful? I was too focused and consumed with RUNNING to notice and my OLD RULES
• smile at people, it feels good
• look people in the eye and say hello (I can because I feel good, not out of breath, sweaty or exhausted)
• let people pass me , encourage them, say something positive
• notice how my body feels. (Wow, today I felt GOOD running, I had no aches, no pains, my feet felt flat and great for the FIRST time, I did NOT feel like my muscles were tearing…..)
• Walk if I need or WANT to
• eat to feel good so I want to run, or not run
• drink a lot of water because its good for me, whether I run or not
• eat that cheesecake, even if I didn’t run today, or for a week, or a month
• sleep in , if I feel like it
• without comparison to myself and/or others                                                                         

Not running has been the healthiest thing for me by far. I no longer limp when I walk. I no longer wake up feeling like a truck hit me.  I am more flexible.  I am more alert and aware. I am more connected to the world. It has taught me how to enjoy things again. It has taught me how to love myself.  It has taught me that life is too short to live by silly rules.  The world does NOT care how fast or far you run, whether you beat your “last time” or you beat the person in front of you……….The world is too busy living, now get busy……..LIVING too!

 

Friday Faves

TGIF TGIF TGIF!! Happy Friday!  Wooo hooo!

A few of my FAVORITES from the week

1.  Life Skills Your kids NEED (This is a huge part of the area I teach in. Is your child prepared?!)

Life Skills Kids Need:

• Your child should practice describing and expressing their feelings – ex:  “I am sad” or “I am sorry”.
• While active play is needed, preschoolers should also have a daily quiet time of independent play for up to 20 minuets at a time.
• Encourage your kids to be able to tell directions.  Ex: left v. right.
• Encourage independence.  Your kids should be learning to put their own clothes on, including jackets and shoes.
• Even at home, your kids need to practice cleaning up their space when they are finished with an activity.
• Practice waiting and taking turns, and following basic rules (board games are a great way to practice if not in a group).
• Follow multi-step instructions (ex: Wash your hands, get your lunch box and sit down to eat).  Take turns playing “Simon says” with each other.
• Help your child recognize basic cause and effect relationships (drop this it breaks).
• For safety:  Your kids need to know their phone number and be able to say their street address.

2.   I WANT to try these (only 3 ingredients!)

3.  Yesterday was the LAST day of summer camp for me…………..

4.Favorite thing I ate this week:  Surprisingly NOT the cheesecake (Although it was fabulous)

I am going to have to say my newly created oatmeal concoction Peaches and Cream(cheesefrosting) overnight Oats

OMG, seriously. TO DIE FOR! What is wrong with me and oatmeal!?  Have I deprived myself so much of them!? I always thought I hated them!? But with fruit, and frosting, chia seeds……..I just can not resist. 

5.  Favorite activity I did with the kids at camp………….

I would say either:

Space camp

(we practiced sleeping like REAL astronauts!)

Wrote our own space story, typed it, created covers and PUBLISHED it 

And these were fun for our beach week…..

6.  Favorite buy…..well technically it was a gift, BUT I am very impressed by the Arbonne hand creme!! I love it!! Not greasy, smells great (“Orange y”) and makes my hands feel incredible!!

7.Favorite Conversation:  “The Running Man”.  

On Monday, I was off from camp. It was a beautiful morning. I FELT good.  It felt great outside (Beautiful, cool morning) I wanted to go for a run.  My body had no aches, pains, etc.  

During my run, a few people passed me.  Thats ok!  I am running for me! I am running to feel good, see the beautiful houses along the way, breathe the fresh air, and to give myself energy for the rest of the day.  Typically, I would feel terrible if someone passed me….“What are you doing? Speed up! You are LAZY! You don’t even work today, the LEAST you can do is run faster!”, but, I didn’t feel that way …..at all.

At the end of my run, I “ran” into an older man I would see EVERY SINGLE day (when I ran every. single. day.)  He was tired, looked achy, and for the first time, ran with me and we chatted.   He told me he has NOT missed a day of running for 393 days strait……I was impressed, but not envious.  I was actually sad……..for him, not myself.  I am OK with not running every day.  I see how much of my life it took up before. It made me unhealthy.  It made me lose my period, it made me feel bad….not good.  Mentally I thought I needed it, but I didn’t.  Physically, I definitely did not need it.  I heard the anxiety and obsession in his voice.  He wanted me to say “Wow, thats impressive, how do you do it, you must be in great shape, etc etc etc”.  I didn’t.  Instead, I said “I used to run every day, but it is no longer best for me.  So I run when I feel like it now.  If I feel like it”……then there was my stop. I stopped, he looked confused, and said “Are you ok?”. I said “Yes!  this is my stop.  I am finished with my run, I have other things to do! “

8.  Speaking of running.… yesterday was my last day of camp, so naturally today is my first day OFF! I have tons to do before our trip.  I woke up this morning feeling achy, sore, and stuffy (summer cold).  I went to WAWA to get my coffee, walked Lily, blogged, made my to do list and wrote “Run”……..YUP, Diana, normally runs on her days off.  Diana is NOT working so it would be LAZY of her if she didn’t run…..yet, I am tired. I feel achy. I have other things to do.  I do NOT feel like running. The weather is crappy, I can not breathe.  I don’t feel like running. The thought of it….yuck.  

So, I was going to get my shoes on because AFTER my run, I know I would feel better.  Instead, I laid back in bed, pulled the covers up, let my shoulders relax, hugged Lily and said  “Not going to run today. I am tired. I do not feel good. I will run when I really want to. I do not want to today and it is ok.”  

I am not running today.  I am not working today.  I am most definitely NOT lazy today

Your Turn:

 

1)  Something you are looking forward to this weekend?

2)  Something you love so much you could eat it EVERY day?

3)  Rainy days…..Love or hate?

My apologies

I just realized/noticed a huge error in my Wednesday Wants post! Since I am only beginning to really feel proud of myself at times (something I would never do before). I want to repost it because as silly as it seems. It’s a huge step for me.

This is what it should read:

There is cheesecake in my fridge …..and I actually forgot it was there. This may seem silly but it is a huge step for me. This is the first time I am actually satisfied and not thinking about that cheesecake and forcing myself not to eat it. I ate it three days I a row. It was good. I still forgot about it. I actually was perplexed as to what it was until I opened up the container and looked. I am finally not thinking and dwelling about things ,like food, constantly bcn cause I am being good to my body and giving it what it needs. Not constantly restricting and follow “rules” of safe foods.

Go me!!!!