Vegmom Moments

This Week's Smile File

Because really simple things amuse me, and I have nothing exciting to blog about, I'm sharing the things that made me smile this week!

To start with, Hubs bought me this for Mother's Day:

How can you NOT smile at that???

Moving on....

My Mom lost an inch off her height and then found it again... this made me laugh!  Chemo may take hair, but it can make you an inch taller, who knew??  *wink*

I came across some old emails from an email friend of years past.  Re-reading them put a huge smile on my face!!!  

It is funny how I classify friends since the web... I have old work friends, web friends, bloggy friends, school friends (which are also web friends), Childhood friends, K-Moms friends, Email friends, Coaching friends, CrossFit Online friends and in-real-life friends.  

Before the web, we either had friends or we didn't.... Now I feel like I must classify them since the people I chat with on-line I may never meet in real life and vice/versa.  Not that it matters to label them, but remember the first part of this post:   "Really simple things amuse me"

Continuing:

Waking up in the morning to my dog sideways taking up 90% of the bed, and me tucked in to a corner 1/2 off the bed, makes me wonder how that happens while I'm sleeping.  Then pondering this thought of him scooting me over in my sleep, makes me smile.

Hearing the husband admit that I can do more push-ups than him.  Now THAT was pretty funny.

Getting a text from my Step-Dad, telling me all about his Green Smoothie adventures was AWESOME!  But I also got a text from an old friend who finally purchased a blender and was making her very own smoothies. Then asked for recipes by a Facebook friend wanting to make them too.  It was a Green Smoothie week all around and THAT makes me happy!

Stopped at a casino on our way back from Michigan to see what could happen with $5.  On his first pull, the husband thought he won $200.  Turned out he was at a penny machine..   But he did win two bucks.

Watching a CrossFit friend get a ONE HANDED HANDSTAND for the first time was incredibly awesome.

Watching my Mother-n-law's face when I did a two handed handstand in her garden against a narrow tree with cactus all around was priceless

A CrossFit friend told me of their dream that had me in it, where I was making a Kale Pizza.  If only that was real life and I knew how to make a Kale Pizza.

Got a note from someone that worked for my Uncle many many years ago but is now a Raw Foodie and works at the cancer center where my mom visits.  How cool is that?  

And totally out of the blue, I got a Facebook message from a Veggie friend I used to work with over 10 years ago that I haven't seen in about 10 years.

Needless to say, this was a week with a whole lot to smile about.  Even if I'm the only person that finds these events smile-worthy... You have to at least smile at this:

*SMILE*

You are a Package

I was talking to a client the other day and we went down this road of imagining she were a gift.  Thought it would be fun to share here in case someone out there could use a pick-me-up!

Imagine that you are a gift that you are giving to someone.  Inside that wrapped package contains all your bits and pieces.   Not just looks, hair color and skin type, but also thoughts, feelings, emotions, good qualities, bad qualities, your soul and your heart.  (the list goes on)

So if you take away the looks as we age or with illness, all those other things are still a part of our package.

It is OK to own those feelings and we shouldn't ever feel bad because people don't like them.  It is who we are.  

We are who we are.  Yes we improve, we can also decline, but our heart and our soul remains through out.   If you don't like something about yourself, work on changing it.  If you don't like how you deal with situations, start dealing with them differently.  The key here is to make changes because YOU WANT to, and not change for anyone else.

People may like you, they may not....  But you are who you are, a wonderful little package all filled with goodness (and maybe som bad-ness)

The same goes for those around us, they are each their own package.  We can't change their "package" we may be able to Re-gift them or pass them off at a white elephant party...(Oh, just kidding)

But we CAN change who we are, if only we think it is necessary.  What others think about us, is their thoughts to own, but what we think about ourselves makes or breaks how we live.

So if you are reading this, know that you are truly special and amazing!!

Now go take care of yourself because being special comes with responsibility!

Hugs from a Vegmom!

 

Fun Weekend With Friends

A friend and her kids came to visit last weekend, only instead of staying with us, they went up to tourist-ville.  Unfortunately, the weather didn't completely cooperate but there was a lot of indoor fun to be had.

We met them two days in a row for indoor activities, tourist attractions, food and swimming.   

At the end of it all and after we left, she saw a beautiful rainbow.  I'm not sure if this is in the rule book or anything, but I think that qualifies as a perfect ending to a really nice weekend.

 

Week in Review

This was a very interesting week.   A dead pig, chemo update and special visitors all in one post.... really, it doesn't get much better than that!

Some say "Great learning opportunity"...  I say, it was horrible timing for our family, parents should have been notified, and my Vegkid should have been offered a better OPT out option.  (all children should have been offered a better opt out option)

Yes, I'm referring to the dead pig portion of the first sentence in this post.  

I picked up my very upset kid from school this week to find out that some well-meaning parent brought pig guts (with carcass) in for the kids to dissect.  The pig was killed earlier that day for sausage, and apparently this was considered a great learning opportunity for the children to cut it open.

Without too many details (because I've already put my close friends through this), I will say that the good news of how that day evolved turned in to the following:

• The boy is so grossed out now, that he has added this to his thought bank of never eating 4 legged animals.  The memories from that day will be forever stuck in his brain.
• He truly is a compassionate soul, and I am one proud Vegmom
• I'm even more proud that he tried to stand up for himself in spite of the negativity surrounding that effort
• Hubs and I were on the same page (that is always a bonus)
• The Vegkid's career choices have narrowed
• We get to spend a whole day together with no school (reads, sleeping in) while more of the pig guts get chopped to bits without his presence.

Now for the Chemo part of this discussion... NeeNee (my Mom) had her first session yesterday and it went better than she expected.  No immediate allergies or complications.  As of last night, she was in pretty good spirits.

Regarding the special visitors...  My bestest friend and her boys came through town for a couple days.  The kids played with wizards, dragons, arcade games/tickets, and swam until their little fingers were total prunes. My boy went down very large water slides for the first time ever as his water-confidence continues to improve.  And her kids were fearless the whole time.

My favorite part (shhhh, don't tell them)  I brought vegan and gluten-free cupcakes for the kids since it was one of their birthdays.  They gobbled them up with NO complaints and said they were GREAT!!!  Woohooo!! 

I also liked getting a turn at taking some yummy green goodness to a very deserving Mom.  Turned in to a pretty lovely visit.

So to that, I end this post, treasuring each good day as a good day and not taking a single one for granted!

 

 

Earthfest 2013

One year ago in April, I saw that Earthfest was coming up and I could get a booth pretty cheap.  For years I had gone to this festival as a patron but having my own booth seemed to good to be true.

This was the first option to bring my passion to reality and the first time of putting myself out there as a business owner.   I remember talking to a friend and saying "I pushed submit, I did it"....

From that point forward my life has been moving so fast.  My experience at Earthfest 2012 brought so many opportunities and the ability to talk with kids and moms that I wouldn't have reached otherwise.  It also gave me the opportunity to learn about more festivals, get workshops signed up and share my ideas with a local university.

Many of my classmates at the time were going on to do festival booths and thought because they didn't get any clients out of them that they weren't worth the money, a waste of time and unsuccessful.  Well, I beg to differ!  Of course success is going to mean different things for every person.

For me, the success at Earthfest 2012, was just getting there.  Having the right materials at my booth, and being able to speak with people about a topic I was passionate about.  If one person changed their lunches, or one person thought about their daily habits, than I made a difference to that one person.  And that to me was success.  

Fast forward to Earthfest 2013:

 

I was asked to do other festivals that same day, and I turned them all down.  In my mind, I had to get Back to Earthfest and see what has changed within myself in that year's time.

OH MY KALE, so much has changed.  But my absolute favorite part of going back to this festival was having people remember me from the 3 minutes they spent with me last year.  I had one person bop up to my booth with a thrilled face.  I recognized her from last year and she says "Oh my God, I'm so glad you were here, I was hoping I would find you today"  She got so much use out of my lunch tips last year, that she wanted more ideas.  Thankfully I had brought snack tips with me this time.

Another person came up to thank me for my newsletter that she receives each month.  She had signed up last year and wanted to come tell me how valuable that was to her.

I spoke with kids while their parents stood back and watched.  I spoke with parents, non-parents, school teachers and everyone in between.  Even had someone come up to me saying their grown children were diabetic and they wished they'd had these resources 30yrs ago.  They asked if they could share my info.  Why YES, please!

The stories continued all day long, my feet were sleepy by the end of standing that long on hilly grass, but my mind was so thrilled.  It was such an inspiration to see that what I was doing meant something and the changes plus memories within a year were huge.  

Discussions in 2013 were so different than 2012.  Give-aways at my booth had changed too, and I enjoyed promoting other companies that fell within my message of "food-fitness-life".

Some other coaches would ask, "Why do you have things at your booth that don't promote something you are selling, what a waste of space"...  First of all, I like to support other small businesses and second because I'm not going to be an expert in everything.  It is important to provide people resources, and by having those things at my booth in a completely no cost manner, that also means no pressure so the conversation is all about them and not what I'm trying to sell them.

Needless to say 2013 was a huge success, just like 2012.  I was so pleased with the turn out, and very glad that I signed up for this one.

As for what is next for my business, only time will tell.   I'm currently getting my articles published all over the web, teaching workshops, classes, groups and individuals.  

Spreading the Falling in Happy way to whom ever will listen and for that I am grateful.

PS. I recently found out that people are reading this blog that I didn't know were still reading it, so I took a peak at my traffic and Woah!  There are a lot of you.... If you are out there and you read this post, do something for you this week that makes you feel your best.  Whether that is adjusting your food intake, getting out for a walk, trying out a gym, or if it is just putting a smile on your face.  Know that I'm thinking of you...  

P.S.S.  Comments can be anonymous, In the past people have left me notes and asked that I don't publish them.  Those people are now awesome webby friends.  If you are out there, feel free to say HI!

Hugs to all of you and thank you for sticking with me through the most wonderful yet challenging years of my life!!  This blog/journal is always my mental reprieve, a way to connect to family and so much more.  But knowing that people are still reading my complete and total nonsense after all this time, is a pretty awesome thing!

~Hugs!!

 

 

 

 

That Call

I put the CrossFit post update on here first as I was purposely trying to think happy thoughts while waiting to hear back from my Mom's doctors appt.

That call where we would find out the severity of her diagnosis and the treatment options.   In my heart, I knew what the words were going to say and yet when I heard them, it sounded so different than I had prepared myself for...  "Inoperable, both lungs, chemo starts next week" 

Well OK, chemo starts next week... lets get this thing goin!!  

But then it hit me... Chemo starts next week...my brain is going a mile a minute.  I want to go for a run.  Not to run away from problems but to run towards my thoughts.  Like if I go run as fast as possible, I will find clear thinking on the other side and the positive outlook that I plan to keep.  

It is dark, running isn't an option, and so crying sounded like a good alternative.   I had a moment... a short moment of just going within, good memories running through my brain.  All the things that she can do "naturally" to help shrink this bugger.  How I can help, what I should do, what I should say.....  And then I remember that this is HER journey.  

Can't change her past, can't make different past decisions, what she decides from this point forward is for her, and I will support what ever that decision is.  Do I fill her head with green food?   Or do I fill her head with loving thoughts?  Do I send her stuff?  Or just leave her be?

If my thoughts are racing, I imagine what hers are doing and that makes me sad for her.  In general, I'm staying positive, with every challenge there are blessings and I'm looking toward the blessings.

Like conversations with my family members and the humbling experience of 100's of complete strangers from my health coach training sending my mom good words.   Phone calls, email and facebook messages from people we haven't heard from in years.  I'm thankful she got the flu, or we wouldn't have this time to be talking about chemo.  And things like my little man playing tunes on his recorder then deciding to give me a hug just because.  

Today was the end of a week full of waiting, thoughts and discussions preparing myself with happy visions and knowing that she was living with this thing before we knew about it, she will live with this thing now that we know about it.  

Then after the little moment of tears and knowing there will be more of those moments when I just have to collect myself, it dawned on me....  SHE IS HERE NOW, what are you fretting about?????

My Mom is here on this day and is every bit as awesome as the day I first remember running to her arms as a child.  And even if she lives to be 100 then passes on, she will still be here in my heart.  Every memory, every thought, every stroke of my hair... Even the time she tried to brush my hair while I was in labor.  Yeah, that didn't go over so well. 

The time she first held my son, and the times we went on trips together.  The time she slept in the tub because she was snoring so loud, or when she hopped on a plane because I broke my foot. And all the moments she got on the floor with her grandkids.  This thing growing in her lungs does not take any of that away, nor does it change who she is inside. 

She is My Mom, my Brother's Mom, and our kid's grandma (aka NEENEE) she is the person that I want to talk to when ever something great happens, she is the person I email/call when things not so great happen.  She has been my biggest fan and one of only two people in this world that have ever understood me.   

I have written a lot about her on this blog and if you have been around for a while, you know that I started this blog for her.  I keep it updated for her or she calls in a panic.

So to that I say, she is here now and every bit a part of my life as she was before I knew about chemo or the reason for it.  And each day on this earth is a new blessing.  

Today was a great day, I got to talk to my Mom!

We never know what each day brings or if each new day will happen, so share with those you love.  

No matter what the result for my Mom in the future, she is here today and for that I am blessed!

 

Garden at Legoland

Loved the green house in Legoland!

The lego farm stand was Adorable:

Even lego butterflies were fluttering about:

Eating with a Group

One thing I miss about my old job is the funny stories that came from eating with business comrades while traveling.

Every new group brought it's own story.  Probably my favorite being the time I sat near people with lobster and the flesh ended up all in my hair.  Meaty and fishy "starters" always ended up in front of me and the conversation ALWAYS turned to some sort of dead critter.

There could be 100 people in a room, and I would end up sitting with those that had a conversation about dead animals.  EVERY SINGLE TIME!

So yesterday when I went out with my Hubs for a lunch with a group from his church, I had to laugh when the conversation at my end of the table turned to dead critters.  And I'm not just talking about what they were eating.  NOPE!!  

I'm talking about shooting groundhogs, chopping heads off of chickens to see what their bodies do, and I won't share the deer, goat or other details.  

Note to self, when living in Tennessee, don't ask someone about their garden... it may or may not lead to talks about tomatoes!

Poor Neglected Blog

Oh Dear Blog, I have neglected you so!

What an interesting month March has been!!!

Here is the excitement in two paragraphs or less:

We are looking at new schools for the Vegkid, went to a fun science expo, hit up Clearwater Beach and Legoland, finished the "I am CrossFit" challenge.  I discovered that a size 4 pants is within reach (never ever imagined that) cleaned out all my clothes for donation, won a food contest, submitted pictures to a photo contest, applied for several coaching jobs, put in a ton of proposals, confirmed several speaking engagements, increased my fitness level by a ton, taught other people how to cook and prepare food, and got called for some consulting work.

I've enjoyed coaching some of the best clients on the planet, watching major changes take place in their lives.  Had my first article post on MindBodyGreen, was featured with a Health Coach Association, and a guest blogger on several sites.  I've finshed the first 4 Modules of a business extended learning program and passed my first test.  Am preparing for the Falling in Happy birthday, ran a 5k (actually ran the whole thing with no training), built a website for a coaching friend, signed Veg up for karate,  finished some serious filing and taxes, made several holiday cards, joined my first virtual CrossFit competition, began looking at summer kid plans while enjoying an extended spring break, and in the process of planning huge business projects that I can't wait to announce.  

Other than that, life is normal... Nothing new!

I'll start posting random photos as the fun continues.

Did I mention... LIFE is GOOD!!!   HAPPY SPRING everyone!!!

The Hunger Monster and a Challenge

Most days I eat what I consider a normal amount of food.  A lot to some, less to others but normal for me.

Today, however I'm feeling super duper duper hungry like nothing can satisfy my hunger monster.  I'm relating this to one of two things.  A crazy intense workout this morning, or PMS.   Well I'm going to pretend it was the workout.  

One of those partner workouts where each team of two had to complete 100 reps of 6 different exercises.  Throw in 35 burpees, a crazy warm-up and handstands after the workout... lets just say I'm HUNGRY!!  

So, I have consumed a giant smoothie (and when I say giant, I mean like 32oz), 3 salads (yes I said THREE), almonds, avocados, macadamia nuts, coconut, Fajita veggies and beans and I'm STILL HUNGRY. 

I've guzzled, 60oz of water already and it is only 6:15pm.  Guess what?  I'm STILL THIRSTY...

On that note I shall show you a peak in my fridge this past week:

Our coach had us prep a week worth of meals and take pictures.  They are being judged for "most prepared" and will see next week who wins the contest.

Even if I don't win the contest, I won in my house.  By not having to prepare a single meal for an entire week.  It was SOOOOooooo nice!

As for the bigger challenge, it is going well.  I'm working out at least 5 days a week and constantly improving, gaining skill, adding weight to the bar while losing weight and inches on the bod.

But the best part is making new friends and having people question my eating.  The more they question, the more I get to share.  It has been absolutely wonderful.

Speaking of food... think I'm going to eat more... did I mention I was HUNGRY!!

Weddings...

Just FYI, won't be posting here for a few days while I head out to a wedding...  but as I reminisce, I'll post this:

I have only been to 7 weddings my whole life (that I remember)...

One was an older cousin....  I was a young tot at the time but I remember having to dress up and couldn't stand it.

Two was my own... a pair of jean shorts and pink t-shirt is all I had to wear at that one

Three and four were Navy friends... A pair of jeans and sweater was perfect at each.

Five was my step sister's...  I had to wear a dress... Not Happy!!

Six was my brother's wedding... This one on a ski slope and ski gear was as fancy as it got!

Seven was my bestest friend...  SHE MADE ME WEAR A DRESS!!!  While pregnant... NOT NICE!

So if you were keeping track... Shorts, Jeans and Ski Gear make for awesome wedding attire.  But Dresses, not so much.  I mean really.. what does it matter the type of clothes I wear in the grand scheme of a wedding?  Why do they have to be fancy at all?  Me wearing jeans is not going to make or break a marriage and me wearing a dress is not going to guarantee marital bliss.  

In fact most couples don't even remember the event because they are too busy, too nervous or too tipsy to pay attention to who is wearing what.  Which leads me down a whole other rant about spending so much money on a wedding you may or may not remember.... oh never-mind...

NOW # EIGHT is upon us.., will be my younger cousin's wedding!  The dress is "Dressy Casual"... They will be playng the SUPER BOWL at the wedding, so we don't have to dress fancy, but jeans are not an option.

Soooo, I have to dress up casually... which is kind of confusing...  Me and dressing up, don't go so well together, but casual, I CAN DO!  As for the whole wedding thing itself, my younger cousin is also a crafty cousin and has already proven how fun and creative she is making this event.

Which means, I may just have a really good time,  even if it is a wedding and even if I have to dress nice *smile*  I'll be seeing some family that I haven't laid eyes on in 30yrs.

Should be a ton of fun to see everyone and I'm sure there will be stories to post upon my return!!

Have a great weekend!!

 

 

 

Officially Graduated

2012 was an amazing year!   It will forever be known as the year I found my HAPPY!!!  

So many new things happened including my changing careers and finishing up a school program.  

While I've had my certifications for a little while, I just recently received the fancy golden sealed version in the mail.  I feel so good about where I am personally, physically, & emotionally... Now it is time to kick this business idea of mine in gear.

2013 is the year that something big will happen on that front.  I just haven't found it yet!   But then I think about all the people I have touched in such a short time frame, those with positive feedback, positive results and testimonials and it makes me think that I've already done something BIG.  Changes in one person's life is super BIG to them, right?

However, trying to start a business is not all roses and butterflies... Sometimes it starts with the Caterpillar.

What I didn't expect was how fast some family, friends, and acquaintances would become such negative nellies.  Sometimes it gets a little frustrating to be lacking support and watching people turn their back on you just because you won't join the status quo and/or you got out of the "corporate world".   

Well here is the deal!  I've spent way too much time proving myself to others, and now it is time I prove myself to NO ONE but me!   I may fail, I may have to get a "Real Job" as everyone keeps calling it but for the time being, I push ahead and continue to reach as many people as possible with my mission of health and happiness. 

When I gave a workshop recently to find the audience in tears, laughter, hugs, and positive outcomes, I knew that this is what I'm supposed to be doing.   I left that day saying "THIS IS IT".....

I'm now listed as Alumni of The Institute for Integrative Nutrition, I have my name in the National Health Coach Directory, am a member of two Interntaional Health Coach Associations and Monday kicked off my extended learning program because you can never stop learning. 

Still on the journey, but this is what I'm supposed to be doing, at the exact time that I'm doing it!!!

ACT AS IF!!

Ice Day and Some Soap

We had rain and snow, why not some ice to make it a trifecta!  *smile*

Thankfully we got to spend the day at home and it was so beautiful!

 

Even the Kale was pretty:

What is one to do when the homestead is covered in ice???   Go outside and skate of course.  Croc style!

Then carve some soap... because really what else is there to do?

A friend gave us this whittling idea and the males had quite a bit of fun.

And crafties... We got out the crafties... This guy is my favorite:

Turned in to a pretty awesome day.  I didn't get as much work done as I would like but it was worth it!

 

Shoulder Update and a Fun Workout

Yesterday, I really took good care of my arm/shoulder.  

I rested, used ACV, eucalyptus rubs, stretched, massaged and made a whole lot of green juice with celery anti-inflam goodness!

But while heading to the store to find more celery, I ran in to a friend.  We stood outside in the freezing cold for over an hour and caught up on all things good in our lives.  It was so much fun... At some point, my toes were numb, and my nose was shiny red, but we kept talking/listening.  

So awesome... when I got home to carry up the bag, I realized my arm didn't hurt.  Nor did my shoulder, not nearly as much... The cold must have made my arm happy again!

Anyway, this morning it was back to the CrossFit box and I planned to take it easy with light weights.  

Turned out the stretches/warm up portion was so fun, and I got through it, no trouble... next up bench press and concentrated ring dips.. My shoulder held up again.  All was good!!   

And finally the actual workout which we call WOD's (workout of the day).. It was a partner WOD and the girls were out numbered so I ended up with a guy.  A very fast guy!  I immediately apologized that he was stuck with me and explained that I was slow... 

He was very understanding, told me to do only what I could and not to worry about my speed.  But by golly by gosh, I was wearing my KALE shirt... I couldn't be slacking with a KALE shirt on!! 

So the options were RX, Intermediate and Beginner.   My partner was taking the RX version (most reps and furthest run)...  I told him that I knew I could pull off the RX but would be holding him back on time.  He again encouraged me to do what I could.  So I offered to give it my best shot, worse case scenario, he got longer breaks if I was too slow.

We made our plan... I would go first... As soon as the buzzer went ding, I kicked it up a notch and have NO idea where it came from, but man did I move with the quickness.  Together we were ahead of the rest of the RX'ers and when it was time for me to run, my partner was always outside cheering me back.  We worked so well together.

When he was headed back, I was on to the next movement waiting for his signal, when I was done, he was starting... we moved in perfect sync and I got to watch him finish his final run.  Boy could he fly!  

We finished a full 90 seconds before the recommended time and first RX team to complete the WOD for our class.  It was Soooooo fun!!  

Welllll.. I TOTALLY forgot about my shoulder and I think I represented the KALE shirt perfectly OK... 

As of this post, I'm still feeling really good.  Practiced some push-ups, double-unders etc. all without any pain.  If I try to do my pull-up hanging practice, I can feel it, so I'll hold off on those for a few more days.

Tomorrow's work out has some more craziness (what else is new?)... But first I will be teaching my first health coach workshop of 2013.  Really excited to meet another group of Moms and hope I can inspire them to try new things in the new year!

Sooooo one week in, how is your 2013 treating you???   

 

 

Cat Visitor

A couple of months ago our neighbors brought home a kitten.  I always saw the cat with a human when outside but he seemed to live in the house otherwise.  Then one day... he was outside for good, all alone...

I would see him circling their door, meowing for hours and I felt soooo bad for him.  They started to keep a spot in the garage for him, but he was mostly outside.  Now I'm not a cat person (allergic actually) but this guy just seemed too little to be outside all by himself with no big cats showing him what to do.

Well it turns out after a while, he got bigger and does NOT act like a cat!   In fact he plays catch, and badminton, and frisbee.   I know this because every time the Vegkid and I go out to play... this little guy scurries in to our yard and grabs our toys.

He leaps in the air, jumps out of bushes, and will chase what ever throwing object we happen to have.

As of this posting, we still don't know his name.  We don't feed, water or shelter our new friend, but he sure enjoys spending time with us.  When this picture was taken, he was in our yard for the better part of two hours.

The Vegkid LOVES cats, so he wants to keep him.   I'm Puuurrrrfectly OK with just having him visit for a game of catch though!

Finally a Pair of Real Jeans

You may remember my hunt for a real pair of jeans:

 Part 1  and Part 2

But even after I found some, the years went on, sizes dropped some more, and the quest for a real pair of jeans continued.   You know, light blue DENIM jeans... not spandex, not stretchy, not boyfriend or Skinny!

Just a REAL PAIR OF JEANS!!!

Then today I stopped in at Sears where I never go to find the Husband something that only they sell, and guess what I found???

REAL JEANS!!  For $17 no less... Yes, apparently Lands End makes a real pair of plain ol denim jeans that were on sale...  I only grabbed two because I didn't try them on first, but now I want to go back.

Light blue denim... no boot cuts, slices or dices.  Just comfy, baggy, lovely denim Jeans!!!  

Me= Happy Camper!

 

 

 

Let Kids be Kids

Someone told me this today.  "Let kids be kids"  as in don't worry so much they will be fine..  But it made me ponder on my own child... Yes he is a KID, yes, that is true, but he is a different kind of a kid.

The kind that comes home from 4th grade to teach me about atoms, neutrons, electrons, protons, and the chemical make up of table salt.   The kind that gets upset to see a cut down tree and then says "Oh great, there goes more of my oxygen"  The kind that says "I'm going to charge him $15 for my book, because I figure I need to make a profit"  and the kind that offers to attend the advance chess club knowing he will lose but learn more in the process.  He'll walk up to a chef and request healthier options of food, while saying please and thank you.   And ask his Dad to stop playing so many video games because it is rotting his brain.

He doesn't understand jokes (most of the time), takes everything literally.  (Couldn't get out of his bed once because the Husband told him to get out on the right side of the bed which happens to be against the wall)

He can touch his nose with his tongue while doing a curly thing, make spock hands, and has an imagination that no one understands but him.  He can sit in a car with me for 8hrs without making a peep on a travel adventure,  and spend hours outside trying to shoot a stuck badminton birdie out of a tree with a nerf dart and be perfectly content.  

He loves to help me set up for events, and especially likes when our friend shows up so he can go out to dinner.  But if no one shows up, he says, "Don't worry Mom, we'll just change venues"

This same kid, can also throw a tantrum, is always the one to leave a party with a hurt body part, and has dealt with keeping migraines away since he was 3.  He is sensitive, intelligent, loving, while challenging and amazing in every way.  

When he was age 2 and knew all his states, body parts, letters, colors, shapes, numbers, was adding/subtracting and completing 100 piece puzzles, my friend said "You are in trouble, what will he have to learn in school?".  

When he was three, I had a teacher tell me "He is so intelligent that he will be difficult to parent"  The more I learn about kids like him, I learn about their negotiating skills.  Supposedly he will make a good lawyer.  And boy were they right!!   Looking back, he was negotiating at 15 months old...

Trying to get one more O, one more book, one more cup of water and always trying to get himself out of trouble.... He was negotiating before he could walk or talk with his sign language.    "Please more yogurt"  We don't have yogurt "Please, help me, more yogurt" he would sign this... it was 2am... we had no yogurt... Oh the tears... let me tell ya!!   

Now it is stuff like "You told me not to say that one more time, but I said it two so you can't get mad at me"

If he acted like a "kid" I could let him be a kid, but he doesn't.  Yesterday he says "Moooommmm, Spunky is scratching his P*nis"....  Really???   What kid says that???  And when he heard me say that it was "my time of the month" to a friend on the phone, he replies with,  "Ohhhh, I know what you mean, you are shedding your egg"...  Well yes, actually.....

Talking to his grandmother he said:  "I would like to read now, Can you please call back tomorrow afternoon, and use my Mom's cell number, that would be preferable"

He remembers EVERYTHING!!!!!   Hears EVERYTHING.... I love it when the husband whispers to me  thinking he is telling me something secretive and my little guy replies with "I CAN HEAR YOU!!"  

I sent him off to camp for a week to be a kid with other kids in the mountain wilderness.  Literally in the Smoky Mountains.. But when I picked him up, I found out he had made friends with all the counselors and was even in the counselors end of session play.  It was supposed to be for counselors ONLY.

So I'm not bragging, there is nothing to brag about, all kids are unique and amazing, and every parent has wonderful things to say about their kids in every way.  But when reflecting on the statement "Let kids be kids"  I have to stop and say....

I WOULD LOVE TO!!!   It just doesn't work that way in our house.   

Besides, then I wouldn't have any funny stories for this blog!

 

I Love These Days

Just Because!

 

Finishing up the Year

2012 has been such an amazing amazing amazing year... Did I mention AMAZING!!!

www.fallinginhappy.net

All the new things, changes and happy thoughts.  This time last year I was working in a Corporate Job wondering what my future held.  There was nothing concrete giving me that feeling, I just knew something wasn't right.  

So I signed up for a school that I thought would offer me knowledge, little did I know that knowledge would change my life.  Looking at this month of Graduation, certifications and teaching more classes to groups of Moms.  I just can't imagine doing anything else.

2012 offered new adventures, new memories, new muscles *wink* and so many things that would only happen once in a BLUE MOON... Oh yeah, we had a blue moon in 2012.  *smile*  

Those little birdies up there have become my Business brand.  So we decked them out for Christmas.   Falling in Happy, is the new me and in 2013, big things are coming.  I can feel it!

As this year winds to a close, I'm so thankful for the opportunities ahead.  Using my experiences of the past to make my future even brighter.  

To those that still read this blog, thank you for your constant encouragement, love and support!!   Hope your 2012 brought many great things and that 2013 is your best year ever!!!

(that is if we survive 12/21/12 *smile*)

How are Things?

Hi There My Sweet Blog,

How have you been?  I've missed you so!  :-)

Well my last post was about the Earthquake, and no we didn't shake off the planet but that week got really busy, and then the next week got really busy, and then I got sick and then I got better and then I was really busy!   Do you see the trend *smile*

So you know me and this sick thing don't go well together.  I avoid sick bugs and when they hit, I conquer them.  This one was different.  I don't think this was an ordinary sick bug.  I think this was my body's way of saying "Slow Down".   I felt nauseous for the better part of two days but never threw up.  I felt dizzy but never passed out.  I had fever, but no symptoms.  My senses were in over drive as if I was pregnant but WAS NOT pregnant.

The slightest thought or smell of food and I was gagging, my eyes light sensitive and my ears would pop for no reason.  Small noises made my head hurt.  Nothing concrete, no symptoms, just this physical state of needing to take a nap.  

So I did!   Took a LOT of naps.  With all of my teachings as a Health Coach, truly listening to my body was a blessing and a joy.  No matter how bad I felt, I knew that it was happening for a reason.  The fever, was my body's way of burning off the bugs.  My nausea was a way to not eat and let my digestion process do it's thing.  The senses in over drive were to cue me that something wasn't right.  And my extensive dry throat, was my body's way of saying, NEED FLUIDS!!!   

Honey and Cardamom for Nausea

I drank a LOT of water, coconut water, herbal teas and veggie broths.  I took a LOT of showers, used cool rice socks, herbs, oils, and remedies to support my body in doing its thing!  Each day from the one prior, I improved.  Turned out to be an amazing Thanksgiving here of just R&R... (Recoup and replenish).   Sure, I would have liked to be dancing in the sun, and running a 5k that I signed up for, but my body had a different plan.

When I was ready, I headed back to CrossFit and began to build my strength back up.  Still fighting with a lack of hunger which meant lack of energy, I pushed through some pretty fun work outs.   Even getting little muscles..

Little CrossFit muscle

Along the month of November, I also worked through a CrossFit Burpee Challenge.  In fact by tonight I will have finished 2500 Burpees (not including workouts at the gym).   Tonight also marks the first night in 11 months that I don't have any school work waiting for me.  

YUP, I graduate in a few weeks and spent my down time playing catch up and refocusing my efforts on getting School done so I can get back to my efforts of running my business.

Speaking of business... I found a Falling in Happy themed tree which now decorates my little office space to remind me of peace and happiness:

So my sweet blog, that pretty much brings you up to date (sorta) have a lot more to say, but will stop here for now! 

Hope your life is treating you well,

Vegmom

 

 

Our Little Earthquake

I was upstairs and the guys were downstairs, when I heard this strange noise.  Sounded like big wind gust, so I looked out the window but the trees weren't moving.  

My next thought was a Jet, so I walked out on the deck, no Jet... Deck started shaking and dogs in the neighborhood were going berserk.  (Not my dog though, he was sleeping)  I came back in, house was shaking.   Then I thought, it must have been a train derailing near us.   I mean we don't have Earthquakes in Tennessee!   RIGHT?

OF course then I went to the all knowing expert called FACEBOOK... and discovered friends from across town were shaking too.  There goes my train theory.

Went down stairs and the Vegkid said "My head is rattling, was that you doing Burpees again"... HA!  NO!

Then he thought it was the dog shaking... No! 

Hubs shouts... "It was an Earthquake, People, Just an Earthquake"  As if he'd ever felt one before.  

But we don't have Earthquakes in Tennessee!

Well, so apparently we do!  But it was actually in Kentucky and we felt it here... Good to know that my Burpees don't rock the house that bad, and that this little quake was just enough to make us all laugh with no damage.

It is one more thing I get to add to my "New things in 2012" list! 

Very Big Tree House

While looking through my son's camera, I found these pics that I never posted.  He and his Dad went to a Tree House last summer.  A very BIG tree house.

From the top, you can look out in to the garden to find JESUS:

The inside had a LOT to look at too: 

This swing held on by duct tape (yes Duct Tape) was Vegkid's favorite part of the whole place:

At some point Veg said he wanted to go see the Tennessee Capital...  And Hubs took him.

I remember getting 4 phone calls,

"We are in Nashville, he wants to see the capital, what do I do?"

Gotta give the old guy credit for trying though!

After much driving around, a couple pictures and a stop at a Lego Store:

They made their way back home and the Vegkid couldn't wait to tell me every detail.  

Of course it only took me 4 months to tell you, but hey, better late than never!

Snow Capped

Vegkid and I took a run up to the mountains on Saturday because  Some of my school friends and I have a traveling necklace.  

Well the traveling necklace has made it to me, and I wanted to get its photo with the Smoky Mountain sign before sending it on.   That is what we did today.  Silly pictures, some putt putt, a nice lunch and a little walking around.  

But not before soaking up the goodness of those Snow Capped Mountains!  LOVE!!!

Trash Can Leaves Notes

Saw this at a store today and made me laugh... I wanted to say:

"Really, I'm a human, nice to meet ya"

But then I realized how sad it is they had to put that sign on Mr. Trash Can in the first place.  Shows that us Humans need a little assistance.

6 Weeks of CrossFit

Since I'm posting crazy pics of me on this site now, why not add one more?

6 Weeks of CrossFit:

• Muscles growing
• My chest officially sticks out further than my bum
• There is an indention (see arrow) on the sides between my chest and hips... a little one (can you see it?)  It is like a waist line...  Never had one of those before.

 

This guy was at the Box today and some girls asked how old he was.  When he answered in his 20's someone responded "Just wait until you hit 40, then you won't look like that so easy"

I LOVED his response "Nope, I'll look better!"  

 

Taking Care of my Brain

I have seen Daniel Amen several times via my coursework and his discussions of taking care of the brain.

But last night one of his talks was replayed and for the first time it really clicked for me why I'm changing so much at almost 40yrs old.  

He talks about the importance of positive people connections, better sleeping, better foods, continued learning, gratitude, etc.   All of which I'm doing.  And I'm finding my mind is sharper when speaking to groups.  My creative skills are more and I'm generally happy.  I mean really really really happy!   

But while listening last night, I understood that all these changes in my life are actually changing the parts of my brain that determine decisions, thoughts, and happiness.   So it is by no accident that I'm in the state of mind I'm in (literally) 

Just taking the "Positive Connections" piece.  Before attending IIN, I knew people at work and had a handful of family and friends that I socialized with.  I had a few on-line friends as well.  But really spent 90% of my time (outside of my family of course) being a wallflower.  My positive connections were slim pickins!  I knew who I knew, and didn't try to know anyone else.  After starting with IIN, I became part of a very large community of students and graduates.  

I've met many in person, and many more on-line.  We also communicate via phone, email or social media from all over the world.  I communicate with more people on a daily basis with like minds, shared concerns and positive life changes that I'm inspired every minute of the day.

When I don't sleep these days, it is because I'm so excited for what is next, or hearing someones great news, or planning for my next big thing and not because I'm bogged down with work schedules.   I have people calling, writing to check on me just because, and cheering on my accomplishments.  While I do the same back.  We want each other to be successful because when we are, the getting healthy ripple continues.  Positive connections at its finest.

Insert CrossFit and for the first time in my life, I'm not exercising alone.  I have inspiration, goals, and community that we all share.  People who write when they don't see me for a few days, and the kind words of a complete stranger for encouragement.  Someone told me last week that I was their motivation, and I said "No, you are your own motivation, we are just in it together" 

Then add in old friends, co-workers, clients, workshops, fairs, networking groups, the horse barn volunteers, and MAN am I making positive connections.   Turns out, I know quite a bit of people who know quite a bit of people.  With all that, my brain is making positive connections too.  

Learning new things... is another one he talks about.  Well, I sure am learning new things lately!  Heck I'm working with horses, starting a business, learning all the CrossFit movements, and of course the health coaching curriculum.  

So it is by no accident that I'm happier than I have ever been.  And it is by no accident that eating mindfully really does make a difference in your mind.  

Below, is one of Amen's talks (not the same one from our school but you can catch the gist of what he is about) you can find more on YouTube as well.  I think his work trying to prevent, postpone, or decrease symptoms of alzheimers is A-M-AZING!   

Anyone who has a family member suffering from this and/or has risks associated to alzheimers should check this out.  He also has information on behavioral issues, including ADD/ADHD and more.

Definitely worth a looksee!  The Amen Clinics

 

5 Week CrossFit Update

Well, today I finished my 5th official week of CrossFit!   (it is actually 6th week but I was off for 10 days so that doesn't count)

When I joined they said that 5 Week Boot-camp was required.  Their Advertisement says "Get bikini ready in 5 weeks"  So it seems I'm past the five weeks.

I will tell you two little secrets:

• Bikini ready will not ever fit me regardless of how many weeks I attend
• And their boot-camp is no different than the regular class 

So with "Boot-Camp" over, I really wasn't sure what that meant.  Someone told me that after boot-camp, you start doing normal workouts, where the first 5 weeks are easier.   

Let me tell you two more little secrets:

• I was doing "normal" work outs on Day 3
• THERE IS NO SUCH THING AS EASIER in CrossFit

The deal is, that you work to your level at least in our Box (which they call the gym), so if you start and need the beginners workout, that is great too.  But it isn't easy.  The beginner's work out for your body is just as difficult as the advanced for that person.  Your working at the same level, pushing yourself and neither is easy.

But since I started in OK shape, I pretty much went right to the regular work outs for most days.  Granted I used less weight, a smaller box for the jumps, and modified pull ups.  But I did the same amount of reps as people who had been there for 3yrs.  (some days)   On days like today, you bust your butt and just do as many as you can in a specified time frame.  We all did the same workout.  I finished with 88 points.  Not the highest number but not the lowest.  There were some days that he told me to cut back to beginners the first couple weeks to work on speed and endurance.  Other days, he told the entire class to do intermediate.   The goal was to finish strong.  More times than not, the majority of us girls were doing the same type of work out.

Sometimes advanced folk would push out way more weight, way more reps and/or finish with the fastest times.  But the goal is to focus on what YOU can do as an individual.  I'm not fast for example.  But I keep a steady pace.  Sometimes when the others are tiring out, I'm still moving.  For me that works.  Other times, I'm keeping up with them, and we finish at the same time.  

As for how I feel?  I feel great, strong, leaner and gaining muscles that I didn't know existed.  I haven't lost too much weight, but haven't gained any either and lost another pant size.  So my inches are shrinking.  But with muscle weighing more than fat, I'm excited to not have gained anything.  When I increase my running, I  always gain weight.  By not gaining with CrossFit, I think my body is happy.

This is me chillin at home on my cool rug after a workout:

When I ordered that shirt, it wouldn't fit over my shoulders.  Now it is super duper comfy!

Hubs went to hug me last night and said "If you get any more muscles, I'm going to be repelled backwards the next time I hug you"  Ha!   I've received more compliments from him in 4 weeks than I have received total in the 21yrs of marriage.  (or I should say, his type of compliments)  This morning he said my underarm wave is gone!  Now, is that a compliment or what *smile*. 

Oh, I no longer need a bra for my back...ha!  And my last extra chin is almost gone.  Ah, the little things that excite me.

Vegkid also likes to hear about my workouts every day.  He is so funny and will sometimes practice with me.  If I don't tell him first, he will ask as soon as he gets home from school.

I like that my food/drink intake allows me to work hard, finish strong, keep moving, and not hurt!!  (unless I bust myself in the lip with a bar)  

I have a Loooooong way to go and lots of goals set for myself, but I'll get there.  So to answer my question about the end of Boot-camp;  I guess Boot-camp being over just means that I show up on Monday!

As our Trainer says... You can't succeed if you don't show up!

 

Michigan Fall Visit 2012

The Vegkid and I made our annual Fall trek to Michigan but there were a few differences this time.

First, I didn't have to work.  Second, we didn't run all over and enjoyed some down time.  Third, it was a truly relaxing, quiet and wonderful vacation.

I spent a ton of time with my Mom, we watched movies, worked on a puzzle, and chatted (like old times):

I had lots of delicious food and drinks (even green juice):

And smoothies:

Went shopping with a friend as in ALL DAY shopping with lunch and dinner thrown in.  It was sooooo Nice!!

I took this cutie for a couple of walks and then she fell asleep at the table:

Saw one of these while in route to pick up some cider:

The Fall colors were either extra super bright this year, or my frame of mind was just that different, but I was in awe!   There were reds, purples, oranges and yellows.  I swear I even saw some pink.   I couldn't stop looking and admiring.  

Something about this trip was just so full of color both visually and mentally.

Even the mums!  Brightest most vibrant colored flowers I have ever seen.

Vegkid also had a nice time.  We opted not to run all over and only chose one adventure (for another post).

I know it is tough for all the other family and friends to not get to see us, but I think both Veg and I really needed this quiet relaxing, not running all over trip.  He even said so on our way back (also for another post).

Hubs and I haven't lived in Michigan for over 21 years, in that time I have never once called our trips to MI "vacations".   We come back exhausted from running all over creation and trying to please everyone else.   When Veg came along, this became even more of a chore but I knew how important it was for him to connect with family.  Granted we have had a lot of fun finding Great Lakes, lighthouses and activities, but far from relaxing.

This trip, however was definitely a VACATION of the finest relaxing kind.  Even better for it to be uninterrupted, and to come home with out a back log of work to dig through.

Yes, I have lots to do this week.  But it is different.  I can't explain!!   Oh, I also got back to the CrossFit box, which was hard after 10 days away but still awesome...

Tonight I'm feeling very rested and ready for October to keep shining its beauty.

More updates to follow!

 

 

Parent Sharing

The school Vegkid goes to has several open-house type things through out the year where we can see what they have been working on.  But sometimes they have what is called Parent Sharing.  Which is more like "observing" in that we aren't supposed to interrupt the kid's work cycle.

It is our opportunity to watch the class room in action.  The humming of the busy work and everything getting done for an hour or two.  One child working on cash register type exercise, another figuring out the food chain hierarchy, while another is building a temple, and another is practicing typing skills.

The room is full of students doing their work in their normal day and us parents stand back and observe.  Personally I'd feel strange having all those people standing around just gazing but these kids are taught to focus regardless of what distractions are about.  It is really quite cool. 

I watched some younger children working with continents, countries, states and capitals, while others were doing long division, multiplication and some quietly reading.  The room sure was a busy place and the hum of children working in a comfortable environment at their own pace is the most wonderful observation of all.

As for my Vegkid, in the time we were there, he did a little geography work, a little language work, some multiplication, and spent the rest of the time with another student building atoms.  Using the periodic table, they use marbles to symbolize protons, neutrons, electrons and something about isotopes.  Hubs and I got lost when they started talking all technical.   

Then suddenly it was "clean up" time.  This means that one student is chosen to assign jobs to the other students.  And each student then volunteers or is chosen for each job on the board.  Within moments, the kids are in a flury, emptying trash cans, feeding little animal creatures, sweeping, putting chairs up, and various other tasks.  Every member of the community is expected to do a task, however, they do so willingly.

It is always amazing to see how the class room operates.

 

 

Checking In

For those that still read this :-)  Sorry I've been neglecting.  Trying to figure out a "time budget" for what I do online each day.  But since most everything I do is On-line, that budget is becoming a little challenging.  Kind of digging through my to-do list one check at a time!

I've been working with a local website to get Falling in Happy posted and I notice they use a calendar method to keep track, I may have to go there with my sites so I'm keeping up with all of them in a timely manner.

Learning as I go people... just learning as I go!  *smile*

As for updates at the Veg house... Well, still moving the business forward, finishing up school in the next couple of months, enjoying the horses once a week, and hitting the CrossFit box 4-5 days a week.  I'm trying to walk or sit in the sunshine when able, focusing on family, good sleep, good foods, and happy moods.

I sent my Mother-n-law a silly video of me and she said "You are so full of energy, people are either going to love you or think your crazy"... 

Honestly, I can't say that I've ever been happier if that is possible.  Building the life that I want with the people I love.  It doesn't get much better than that!

Now if I can just stop hitting myself in the face, we'd be all set... Speaking of which:

I busted my lip at CrossFit for the first time in my life.  It bled (a lot) I finished the workout anyway.  And by the time I got home, had no feeling in my tongue, cheek or upper lip.  Strangely I had only hit the bottom lip.

I couldn't chew, smile, or sip fluids.  It was the strangest feeling ever.  I physically couldn't make my face muscles move.  I put a wet tea bag inside my mouth, ice on the outside along with coconut oil and tea tree.  Then rotated tea bags with aloe juice swishes.  If it didn't work, I was going to stop at the Doc.

At night, I went to sleep with a rice sock filled with rice of course and eucalyptus on my face.  By morning the swelling was down considerably.  I continued to rotate those little remedies, lathering with LOTS of coconut oil in-between and saw huge improvement.  By day 3 I had all the feeling back, could eat and smile and laugh with nothing left but a little bruise and poofy spot where impact was.

So if you ever find yourself with a busted lip that doesn't require stitches... tea bags, tea tree, eucalyptus, rice, aloe, and coconut oil made a huge difference for me.

I'm sure there is more to share, but I'll sign off for now, and try to pop back on later.

Hope all is well where ever you may be!