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 (...