What Alice Forgot

I recently read the book entitled What Alice Forgot and last night met with the book club to discuss it. It was a gripping story about a 39 year old woman who has an accident and cannot remember the last 10 years of her life. She thinks she is recently married and pregnant with her first child- when in fact she has three children and is going through a very ugly divorce. As she tries to understand how her life is, her children are, her friends are, and why she and her husband are going through a divorce she comes to several important realizations. In discussing the book last night there were several questions that we discussed as a group and one of them really struck a chord with me- Are you more like the younger Alice or the older Alice and are you proud of your parenting style with your children. This was a very hard question to answer for me, and some of the other women also struggled to pinpoint their answer. Our oldest child just turned 7 in March, so ten years ago, it was just me and my husband- what did we do with all of our time? It was hard for many of us to remember what that was like- almost like we too like Alice couldn't remember or relate. In the world I live in now, we are constantly on the go- soccer, tee ball, or ballet practice, kids birthday parties, making lunches, helping with homework, volunteering at the school and/or church. I have this great sense of having to keep all the balls in motion while maintaining a calm disposition- is that even possible when working full time and managing 3 children under the age of 7? I desire to have a calm, relaxed environment for the children to grow up in, yet so often I find myself stressed or anxious to ensure all is perfect..... where is the balance? I like Alice, need to be more flexible and patient when understand the current situation/surroundings. Try to take a step back and see if it is worth the effort, stress, and emotions in whatever you may encounter. As I have mentioned before, I think a lot has to do with the environment that our family is currently in. My husband and I both work full time, with demanding jobs that require a lot from us Monday-Friday. On the weekends, we are busy with sporting events which occupy quite a bit of time, yet the kids love them- it is part of the American dream- yet we still have to get house chores done, grocery shopping for the week, homework/book reports completed, and then have time to ourselves as a family. I need to remind myself more often that it started with my husband and I, and the love we had built a wonderful family with three amazing children. Cherish these years, because like everyone says they grow up so fast- which is so true, it is hard to believe our oldest is 7 and the twins will be 6 in August. Try to be patient, calm, relaxed, flexible- especially when the situation is stressful and unnerving at the moment- take a deep breath and push away the stress- be better to live in the moment.

Challenges are great for the mind and body!!

This morning started off with  6am pickup from two friends to head to Santa Cruz for a half marathon run. It was a beautiful morning, the course was so scenic- along the coast. I had finished the previous two half marathons in 2:10 and 2:11 each- today was 2:14.... Honestly I had hoped to finish in less than 2:10, but within 4 minutes isn't so bad right? Considering I hadn't really been running and/or training seriously I think it was good. Some runs you are in that groove- the music, the tempo, the strides- however I haven't got to that point where my body isn't fighting my mind- but hope to break this barrier in the coming months.  I'm planning on running another half marathon in July and hope that I can push through and run stronger, continue to improve!!  

Release- Ride the Wave

I find it interesting that I use this blog as a cathartic way to get things out of my system, yet the only one that really sees this is me.  I am a huge Pearl Jam fan, love them- since the first time I heard them.  Over the years their music has progressed while I have as well.  Last night I finished the book The Husband's Secret- complete page turner.  I found the author had done an amazing job with both character development and weaving them all together, that I could almost place myself in the book.  The books theme is about secrets and how knowing the truth is not always the best answer. It discusses that in life, everything we do, especially in relationships is about our ego. Sometimes we forgo what we want or what we need to make others happy and continue to keep the balls in motion. We all need to be better about being flexible and releasing some of the things on our agenda, but that often leads to no time to yourself- to make you happy, full fun, smiles, and laughter? For now, I take a deep breath, and release it knowing that tomorrow is a new day and full of new opportunities to start with a positive outlook, flexibility, and smiles. Cheers to that!!

Angels

Today I learned that Jennifer Kranz, the niece of someone at our St Martin's community has gone to heaven to spread her glitter.  While I have never met Jennifer or her family, feel so much empathy for their family, and they are so strong, more than they know.  I truly believe that God gives you what you can handle-there is a reason everything happens- although we may not agree or know at the time.  I have to believe that God had big plans for her, needs her.  I pray tonight for ever present love surrounding the Scharrenberg and Kranz families as they go through this trying time. #Love4JLK 

Friendships

I feel so blessed to have such amazing friends who support, listen, and help guide me through so many things. It seems that if life you have friends at different stages of your life who at the time provide what you need then. In the past few years I have been so fortunate to have bonded with an amazing group of woman who can appreciate working full time, juggling multiple chidren, and enjoying life all at the same time. I find it interesting that the friendships I have are so strong for a handfull of women, like my core, that I can share anything with them and know that they too can do the same. This security brings me such joy and happiness. I love the calls/rants, the texts to see how sick kids are feeling, the few times we get together as just moms for a coffee or drink, and the long runs which help to gel things even more. Today I feel so blessed to have such amazing, strong, supportive friends and look forward to even more memories with them all.

Breath- Just breath

As part of my new year's resolution I wanted to learn to be more patient at home. Often times with all of the things that I am juggling physically and emotionally, I loose my patience... I am become short, anxious, and exhausted. Over the past week I have been really trying to take time to quiet my mind when I feel situations like these are happening or are approaching. Taking a deep breath, holding in and then exhaling really does help- it does quiet the mind and body. It can be easier said than done, but with more practice the kids are so much more responsive and receptive to what is being asked.

Friendships

One of my best friends will be moving from California to Switzerland for 3 years. This past weekend, our family attended a going away party for her and it was so nice to see old friends, and wish her the best. You know those friends who have been through everything with you- Maggie is one of them. She has always been there for me over the past 20 years- boy have we had some fun. The first time we both learned to snowboard we had an amazing trip- we were laughing so hard it took us forever to get down the first bunny hill- good times. After college we traveled to Europe together and again created some amazing memories. I can always trust her, laugh with her, cry with her, understand her- what a true friendship should be. As she gets ready to leave for her next adventure, I hope that she takes the opportunity to find new places, meet new people, have fun, and create her own new memories that she can share with me.

Appreciating our fans in Salt Like City: Franti Friday, Michael Franti (...

Roasted Butternut Squash and Pumpkin Soup

This past weekend I decided to try making butternut squash and pumpkin soup- wow was it amazing!!! I found this on Pinterest and it was simple to follow and everyone in the family loved it! I would add a little more spice- used red peppper flakes to kick mine up a notch and served with hot sourdough bread. Ingredients: – 1 1/2 lbs. butternut squash 1 can pumpkin puree 4 cups (2 cans) chicken broth 1/2 cup chopped onion 2 garlic cloves, minced 2 tbs. extra virgin olive oil (plus extra for roasting) 1/2 tsp. cinnamon 1/4 tsp. nutmeg 1/4 tsp. ground cloves 1/2 tsp. cayenne (add more for more heat if you prefer) – salt and pepper to taste Directions: 1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Peel squash and remove seeds. Chop into smaller pieces. Add squash onto a parchment-lined baking sheet. Drizzle with some extra virgin olive oil and sprinkle with salt and pepper. If you want, you can also sprinkle some cinnamon, nutmeg, and ground cloves on top (I did, and it was yummy!). Roast squash for approximately 20-25 minutes or until tender. 2. In a food processor or blender (remove the top part of the lid if using a blender), puree the roasted butternut squash with the chicken broth. Add pumpkin and mix until well combined. 2. In a large pot, heat 2 tbs. of extra virgin olive oil. Add onions and garlic. Saute for 2 minutes. Add squash and pumpkin mixture. Add cinnamon, nutmeg, ground cloves, cayenne pepper, and salt and pepper to taste. Simmer soup for 20 minutes before serving.

 http://eat-drink-love.com/2011/10/roasted-butternut-squash-and-pumpkin-soup/

Pray for Grace

I often find that music is way for me to express how I am feeling inside. Michael Franti and Spearhead are one of my favorite artists/bands. His music speaks to me on so many levels- the lyrics really resonate with me. Today I share with you the lyrics of classic from 2003 albumn called "Pray for Grace" Why must I feel like this today I'm a soldier but afraid sometimes To face the things that may Block the sun from shinin' rays And fill my life with shades of grey But still I long to find a way So today I pray for grace I take a moment to myself So I can myself To feel myself And be real myself Life's addictions and afflictions 'Cause abrasions from their friction Sometimes, it's easier to live in fiction I can run, but I can't hide From the pains that Reside deep down inside There is no pill That can be swallowed There is no guru That can be followed There's no escapin' From my own history Those that I hurt And those that hurt me I was dead for a million years 'Fore I was born and I'll be dead for a million more After I'm gone So I live, to give somethin' That can live on Like the way you hum a song when the music's gone Like the warmth on the sand When the sun goes down And I'm sittin' with myself Nobody else is around but [Chorus:] Been a long, long time Since I been away Been a long, long time Since I felt this way Been a long, long time I found the words to say How much I'm grateful For my life today 'Cause under every cup You might find a nut Behind every corner You might get jacked up At the end of every rainbow You might find gold The last bite of your sandwich Hope you don't find mold 'Cause none of us Can live the perfect life The kind that we see on nick at night And sometimes, we all Just lose sight Of the pain that will guide us From dark into the light We fall down yes, but we get up And sometimes we just need A little bit of love To help make it Through another day Into the night, into the light Into a Saturday So in the morning when I'm waitin' For the sun to raise And my head's a little foggy Like I'm in a haze I remind myself that Everything is gonna be okay I take a breath, slow down and say...

Patience

I often find myself spinning from all the things that I constantly do to keep things going- I am a master juggler! I try to keep everything in line, however sometimes my patience runs thin. It isn't that I am negative, it's just that I am focused on so many little things, that perhaps my approach is taken the wrong way. This is a great reminder for me to understand that your attitude while waiting for things to get done and/or unfold is key.

It all goes by so fast

Today while browsing on Google+ I stumbled upon a picture that really stuck with me. Being a mother of three children, ages almost 7 and twins who are 5 1/2 everyone always says to enjoy each moment as they grow up so quickly. My husband and I both work full time, and it allows seems that we are busy with activites with the kids; soccer, ballet, t-ball, birthday parties- and all the daily routines still need to be kept in motion as well. With 3 kids, there is always laundry to do and dishes to clean- but one day in the future they will be off to college and then onto their own independant lives. One of my resolutions this year is to be more patient and not stress about things that are not in my control.

Happy Friday

Happy Friday to you all! With the New Year always comes resolutions, which I had posted about yesterday. When I went home last night I decided that I am going to try and do 100 situps for the next 100 days and also joined the "I Love to Run" event which is 100 miles in 100 days. I am off to a great start as New Year's day I did 1.75 miles and yesterday I did 3.45, with hopes of doing 5 today. Tomorrow I will be running in an event to support a friend's 6 old niece who was diagnosed with an inoperative brain tumor. Having children that same age, it is hard to image what the family is dealing with, and hope the the support of all of us out there running tomorrow morning will help- even if temporarily. If you are interested in helping support this family I have listed the website here- as every penny helps tremendously. http://love4jlk.org/

I leave you with this image as I feel like it resonates with each of us to some degree. 

Clean eatting

Black Eyed Pea Dip Skinnytaste.com Servings: 12 • Size: 1/3 cup • Old Points: 3 • Weight Watcher Points+: 3 pt Calories: 107 • Fat: 4 g • Carb: 15 g • Fiber: 4 g • Protein: 4.5 g • Sugar: 1 g Sodium: 65 mg • Cholest: 0 mg Ingredients: 15 oz canned no salt black eye peas (Eden) 2 cloves garlic, crushed or minced 3 tbsp fresh lime juice (from about 1 1/2 limes) 1 tbsp extra virgin olive 1 tsp cumin pinch crushed red pepper flakes 1/2 tsp kosher salt 1 cup cooked corn, fresh or frozen thawed 1 cup cherry tomatoes quartered 1/4 cup minced red onion finely diced 1/4 cup cilantro chopped 1 jalapeño, seeded and diced (optional) 1 medium avocado, diced Directions: Rinse and drain the black eyed peas in a colander. In a large bowl, combine the garlic, lime juice, oil, cumin, crushed red pepper, and salt and mix well. Add the black-eyed peas, corn, tomato, red onion, jalapeno if using and cilantro; mix well and refrigerate at least 20 minutes. When ready to eat, gently mix in the avocado and serve right away.

Good Morning

Feeling good this morning- a bit tired as I didn't sleep all that well, but back at work after time off for the holidays. I took Lucca for a walk yesterday afternoon, boy is he getting old. We walked about 1.75 miles, but he was really dragging the last 1/4 mile. I was thinking more last night about resolutions and have decided to try and do 100 situps each day for the next 100 days. Meant to take a picture last night so I can document results- but will take one this evening. Also, would like to try and learn/practice yoga in the new year. My borther talks about how he loves it and provides his such relief and calm/cleansing feeling, which is something I need more of in my life. http://fitmommydiaries.blogspot.com/2013/12/all-about-yoga.html

Resolutions

Welcome 2014, here is to hoping that this year will be the best year yet. There are so many resolutions but think it is important to focus on ones that are achievable and realistic. Here is a list of a few on mine for 2014- what are yours? 1. Run at least 2 half marathons 2. Eat healthy and make good choices everyday 3. Be patient with the children- this can be challanging when they all want my attention at the same time :) 4. Run 200 miles this year I am hoping by keeping the list short I can focus on these things and see the changes because I will be focused on them daily. What are some of your resolutions for 2014?