Let the Holidays Begin!!!!

It's Black Friday - the busiest shopping day of the holiday season. I am proud to say that I was not one of those loonies up at 4 a.m. waiting for the stores to open. Don't get me wrong, I like to shop for my loved ones (and myself) during the holidays, but I don't feel the need to cram myself into an overflowing store, get stampeded by sale-crazed people and wait in line forever.

Yesterday was Thanksgiving. I started this holiday off with an 8K run called the Turkey Trot out at Lake Hefner. The weather was cool, but not windy which translates into a perfect day to run. I was happy with my time which was 44:53 (chip time) and/or 45:20 (official time). I would've been a little faster, but my first mile was spent weaving in and out of walkers or slow joggers. We went to my mom's house for the big meal. My sister and one of her kids were there. I tried out a new dessert recipe given to me by one of the girls I work with at the YMCA. It was a sopapilla cheesecake - YUM!!! It was awesome! After eating way too much, Scott and I crashed and bid the kids a good night (at 6:30 p.m.). Yes, we know . . .

As the holidays are now underway - try to remember the reason for the holidays and keep a level-headed perspective. It is not about the sales, the stores, etc. It is about our faith, our family and friends.

What a week!!!

TGIF never held so much significance!!! Work was busy this week. I'm trying to get everyone in before the holidays begin; grocery shopping so I can avoid the crowds next week; the weather turning really cold (o.k. so maybe 50 isn't cold to you, but it sure is to me); trying to put together a syllabus for homeschooling the kids (oh yeah, didn't mention that we're pulling the kids out of school at the end of December to home school them).

This month has flown by - I know how cliche that sounds, but it there is truth to most cliches. Thanksgiving is less than a week away and before you know it Christmas will be here. I love the holidays, but I hate the shopping part. I'm not one of those women who loves the thrill of the hunt for sales. If I could do all my shopping (grocery included) online - I would be set! Trying to get all my workouts in is definitely a priority - to keep my weight in check and keep the stress under control. I love the decorations, lights, music and food.

Talk to y'all later!!!

I attended my Reformer Level 3 training this weekend and, boy, am I sore. It was a great workshop; Sarah Malloy was our instructor and she is wonderful. There are many exercises on the reformer that I do not intend to do anytime soon! I still have several more workshops to take before I can take my test which is a little discouraging, but I just need to keep plugging along. If you have never tried pilates on the reformer, you need to try it. You will never want to lift weights again.

I'm back to running a little more lately and so far so good. I ran with Cori yesterday (5 miles) and I felt strong even though it was cold and windy. Hopefully I can get myself geared up to run the half-marathon in April. Many of my friends ran the San Antonio Marathon this weekend & it was sad watching them all train - I wanted to go too!!!

Last night after my workshop, I went to eat at Red Rock Canyon Grill with Scott & Sherri. If you've never eaten there - OMG!! You must! It is my favorite place. The atmosphere is so relaxing and the food is terrific. It is "the" place to go.

An Attitude of Gratitude

Our lesson in Relief Society last Sunday was about gratitude. These are two of the quotes that were shared (they are not scriptures, but still relative) :


Buddha:
Let us rise up and be thankful, for if we didn't learn a lot today, at least we learned a little, and if we didn't learn a little, at least we didn't get sick, and if we got sick, at least we didn't die; so, let us all be thankful.

Eric Hoffer:
The hardest arithmetic to master is that which enables us to count our blessings.

During my yoga classes this week, I've challenged my participants to think about three things they are grateful for - not matter how big or small. Sometimes our lives are so challenging that we need to have the perspective (like the Buddha) that at lease we didn't die. Other times, the blessings seem to flow.

The last few months have been very challenging for me spiritually - sometimes only holding on by a thread, but looking to my blessings has made all the difference. I have an incredible husband who supports and loves me despite all my "issues". My kids, though not perfect, are wonderful. I am in a career field that allows me to make a difference (not all the time, but sometimes) in the health and life of others. I belong to a church that promotes the importance of family and faith. My life is rich - I may not always see it that way, but I am blessed.

During this time of year, don't get overwhelmed by gifts, meals, errands, etc. - remember the blessings or gifts in your life. Thanks for being a part of mine!

Cervelo P2 2009 model

Christmas is just around the corner, so for all my "fans" out there - this is what I would like for Christmas. It is a Cervelo P2 (for those of you not familiar with tri bikes - this is the most awesome bike - Chrissie Wellington won three Ironman competitions riding this model). If all my loyal, loving friends would just put a $100 in the pot- then this bike could be mine!!!

Seriously though - I cannot believe that Election Day is tomorrow. Please, please go out and vote (unless you plan to vote for Obama then stay home). Let us pray that Heavenly Father will keep His followers safe - whatever may come. All things happen for a reason - to test us, help us grow, show us His mercy, etc.

God Bless.
(Don't forget - Schlegal's sells the above shown bike & they have layaway.)