Year 2, Day 19: Catching up....

Well, my intent was to write this blog a little less often so I would start writing in my other blog a little more often.

Instead, I ignored both blogs!

However, I do have a good excuse. I thought I was moving and then my move was put on hold and now I have no idea if I am staying or going....so I am ignoring all things that involve a move and focusing on birthdays and Christmas!

Thankfully, during this time, I have been keeping up with my strength training and my Kung Fu practice.

Tonight's post is about Kung Fu.

Tonight, we took our test for Lotus Plum (our 1st student grade). It did not feel like a test. The entire class was devoted to working on all the things we should have learned for the 1st student grade. We worked with each other, we worked by ourselves, we worked with Sifu. At the end, he said we all passed.

I am so glad that is all the test was....I was nervous we were going to have to stand in front of each other (one by one) showing what we learned - like a recital. The kind of test we got felt more like a class.

We got a very cool Lotus Plum patch that we saw onto our shirts. We don't have belts like Karate.

Happy Walking!

Year 2, Day 9: 5 Gratitudes for Friday, 49

1. Well, this is a good as place as any to announce that we are moving, again. We are headed back "home" to family. Home is a relative term...it is really where ever the heart is and the heart is where the family lives. In this case, home is where extended family and some wonderful friends live. We are pretty excited. But the gratitude is not for the move, but for the reason - Steve has a job! I am always thankful that my husband has a job and is able to provide for us....especially since I love staying home!

2. My husband treating me to movers doing the packing this time around. Such a strain sensation to be decluttering and straightening the house only - the straightening is a must (have you seen my children's rooms lately?). My husband is laughing at me because as I am decluttering, I am also arranging the rooms....what can I say, I love to organize!

3. The early, quiet mornings...I spend it reading and exercising. I am not enjoying the strength training...at all. This is not a good sign since I want to do it for a full year. Trying to figure out what exactly I don't like so I can tweak it. Maybe I miss the children? Hmmm....What I do like is those early, quiet mornings. I love the peace before the rising "storm".

4. Hard working children. They are decluttering and organizing right alongside me. I am amazed at their willingness to give things away. They have been working very hard and only have another week or so of this kind of hard work. Such great children!

5. My sisters wonderful advice. Usually when my sister calls it is me dispensing the good advice, but this past week she helped me see my way clear of a fairly easy and "not big deal" problem - that I was, of course, making bigger than it needed to be. I love my sister!

Happy Walking!

Year 2, Day 3: Sore Arms

My arms are aching today.

Not surprising since today I worked on my arms.

I am taking my husband's advice and focusing on different muscle groups each day. So, abs are Monday and Thursday, legs are Tuesday and Friday, arms are Wednesday and Saturday.

I know there are ways to work all your muscles in one work out and do them every day, but since I am starting from 0 - I gotta agree with Steve.

Start off slow, make sure I have technique down and when my muscles are stronger than I can try other types of work outs.

Working my arms is different than my abs and legs. I use my legs every day so the soreness from workouts is from pushing myself. My ab work outs are also from pushing myself, but I have also "played around" with ab exercises a lot more through out the years (I admit it, I want a flat tummy).

My shoulders? My arms? Well, other than using them because I have too, I don't really use them at all. I have always been weaker in my arms, but today's workout made me realize just how bad.

My left side is weaker than my right side. My left side starting hurting (pain? soreness? incorrect movements?) sooner than my right. Actually my right never started hurting...just tired from doing the exercises. My left side hurt. I stopped. Pain means "STOP" in muscle language.

I think the next time I do my arms, I will have to do even less, go even slower....if I gain nothing else from this journey, I will gain the ability to go slow and steady.

Happy Walking!

Year 2, Day 2: 5 Gratitudes for Friday, 48

1. Waking up two days in a row (on time) to get my strength training in. It is hard to wake up earlier in the morning. It is hard to exercise earlier in the morning. But it is soooo worth it. I like how my day starts, I like that I am doing something that is hard for me.

2. A quiet Thanksgiving. We spent it alone - just the 5 of us. We watched "Planes, Trains & Automobiles" - the best Thanksgiving movie. We played Uno for the family championship belt. S won for the 3rd year in a row (I have a feeling she is getting a bit of help). It was wonderful - start to finish.

3. Discovering that Deseret Book has a free bookshelf e-reader app for the computer and iPad. I downloaded and also got 8 free books! So very cool! I have started "A History of Joseph Smith, by his mother" (or something like that). A very interesting read so far.

4. That a month or so ago the DeMilles were giving away free downloads to some of their seminars & stuff. I have been listening to Oliver DeMille (author of "A Thomas Jefferson Education" and my mind is being opened to the possibilities of learning - for myself and for the children. I have read "A Thomas Jefferson Education" and perused some of his other books, but listening to him is where it all comes together.

5. K giving a part of the lesson/message the sister missionaries wanted to share with our family. K did a great job talking about the Book of Mormon, asking questions and giving some of her insights. She is an amazing young woman.

Year 2, Day 1: YES!!!!

I love the first day of a new goal - it is 100% success and 0% guilt.  It is the best day of the whole journey....it is full of hope.

I started with my abs this morning.

I forced myself to go slow, focusing on technique instead of speed. Hopefully this will pay off in the long run. Since I have a history of petering out fairly quickly...I have to think "cross country" not "sprint".

My abs are a bit sore, but I am guessing I will feel it more tomorrow (and hopefully the days and weeks to come).

Happy Thanksgiving! (And Happy Walking!)

The End of a Year

This time last year, I posted about my new blog and my new goal of walking. You can read it here.

A recent picture of myself...trying out a scarf....not sure I like it. 

I thought I should do the same for the coming year. I have been talking about my goals for the new year a lot this week, but....I still wanted something....I don't know, final?

One year ago, I weighed 145 lbs.

Today, I weigh 142 lbs.

I lost 3 pounds over a 12 months period.

I honestly do not know if I should be happy or sad; encouraged or discouraged; or any other  opposite feelings that I can not think of at the moment.

I am going with happy and encouraged.

I lost weight.

I feel lighter. I feel better. I sleep better. I have more energy. I have accomplished my goal of walking for a year (with a slight adjustment of a few dance, swim and Kung Fu days). I have found an area where I am lacking and have chosen to tackle it this next year. I am also aware that my eating habits need to change (although I have not come to the same dedication/determination to actually change). I think I am a good example to my children - we certainly have fun playing together....because lets face it, all forms of exercise is just playing to children. :)

If I lose 3 more pounds next year that will be six pounds lighter than I was at the beginning of 2013 and three pounds lighter than I am right now. Sure I want to lose around 15 lbs, but sometimes it is okay to be slow and steady....at least, I hope so in this case!

I know I have said this a lot lately, but I really am nervous about starting strength training. I have never been physically strong, so I think it will be extremely hard. I do have my P.E. teacher in my head - encouraging me and telling me I can do it. The only time I have ever worked hard at strength training was the year I took Mr. Winkfield's class - he had a great way of inspiring his students to do their best....even when their best was bench pressing the weighted bar.

Here is hoping I don't let him down!

Happy Walking!

Day 370: More Details

So, after a lot of pondering, I think the best course of action is for me to do strength training first thing in the morning.

I am making this decision on several things:

1 - I tend to get my work outs in when I schedule them first thing in the morning.

2 - If I get up early enough (before 6:30am), I tend to be the only one up. I can send children back to bed and I can kick the cat outside....hopefully the husband will not be waking up extra early too often.

#2 is important because I tend to be kind of shy when I first start something. I don't want my husband or children watching me while I am attempting to work out. Walking, dancing, bike riding...those kinds of things are different. Probably because I feel somewhat confident and/or enjoy those items. Strength training? not so much.

3 - I am using my very old Tony Little tapes. Yeah, he is quirky, but he works. I don't like all of the exercises, but I think that is because I don't really like strength training so I never committed myself. Regardless of liking it or not, I am doing strength training this time.

4 - I am giving myself 3 months using the Tony Little tapes. If I don't see results or really hate the exercises than I will start looking for something else. I know from the past that I do really well working out with someone or using a video.

I am sure things will change as the year progresses. Last year I was excited to start and a little hopeful of proving my doctor wrong (he said a brisk walk, 30 minutes each day is all I would need for the rest of my life...more on that tomorrow). This year, I am nervous (maybe scared?). Nervous because it is out of my comfort zone...but so needed as I learned yesterday.

Happy Walking....hmm...maybe next year will be Happy Strength Training? Hmmm...

Day 367-369: Strength Training Here I Come!

At Kung Fu tonight, I grappled against my husband. Not only is he bigger than me, but he is strong and solid. Truly a dwarf if I have ever seen one.

When Steve chose to, I could knock him off of me and roll him over. When Steve chose to, I was stuck with absolutely  nothing I could do to make him budge....in fact, the harder I tried, all I did was wear myself out.

This taught me two things:

1 - I never, ever, ever, ever want to end up on the floor when fighting someone. A quick punch to the nose, throat or groin and then running for my life is my best bet. I am not Black Widow.

2 - I really need to strength train and build my muscles....it might give me a sporting chance against someone closer to my size.

I know I said awhile back that I was thinking about doing strength training this next year. I was also thinking about flexibility or a different cardio. Yeah, tonight showed me that I absolutely need to focus on strength training.

Again, because I am starting from less than zero, I am not going to do anything fancy - no cross training, no PX90 (or whatever the heck it is called). I am also not going to a gym - I don't want to pay money and I can not afford the time it would take to drive. Strength training with the children is probably not going to happen (unless they volunteer to be my weights).

I think my best bet is to do it first thing in the morning.

I am excited, but also nervous. I have never been a very strong person. In high school, I could barely bench press the weighted bar....sad & pathetic. I have always shied away from weights because I didn't want to look bulky.

Yes, I understand that isn't really possible.

I will officially begin on Thanksgiving morning (same as my walking journey from last year). I will keep you posted!

Happy Walking!

Day 366: 5 Gratitudes for Friday, 47

1. Being able to help & serve (in a small way) to those who were affected by the tornados that hit the mid-west. One of the tornados touched down and hit a town about an hour from us. Since my children remembered how scared & worried they were during the tornado warnings; then how relieved they felt after it missed us, they really wanted to help those families who were not as a lucky (because let's face it, there is no rhyme or reason to where a tornado touches down). So, Tuesday we gathered food, non-food items, clothing and blankets for those who needed it most. I was amazed and humbled how freely my children gave of their own belongings.

2. Dinner with good friends - I mentioned this last night, but it is still worth mentioning again. I will miss my friends when they move, but I am glad for the last couple of years with them. And I am especially glad we could hang out last night.

3. Reconnecting with a dear friend from high school. I got an email from her earlier this week....and it came at the perfect time. Such a pick-me-up. Oh, how I wish to see her again someday.

4. Steve coming in to save my daughter's day. The friends I mentioned moving? Well, one of them has a daughter that is the same age as my daughter. My daughter wanted to make matching necklaces for her friend as a going away present. K is very talented. She makes beautiful necklaces, but....this particular necklace just wasn't working. Not sure why, but K had a lot of technical difficulties. We got one of the necklaces done, but not the other one. Last Saturday was a going away party and K was devastated that she didn't have this gift done in time. Steve, the knight in shining armor, the super hero, took K to the store to buy matching bracelets (charm bracelets). Sometimes it is a good thing to have a dad that spoils.

5. Z reading. I am so excited that he is reading. He is reading without fighting me. He is reading almost 30 minutes a day (or a little more). He, once a week, goes to the library to read to a dog. Such a great program! Z is reading. Love it!!!!

Happy Walking!

Day 365: Saying Goodbye

No, I am not saying goodbye to you.

I had to say goodbye to some really good friends. Tonight, we had dinner with two other couples whom are being transferred by work. We laughed, we cried, we ate, we talked, and laughed some more. Goodbyes are like that.

We will miss them, our children will miss their children.

It is hard saying goodbye....unless you are saying goodbye to bad habits, to unwanted weight, to clutter, to a bad relationship, a bad haircut, an ugly dress....well, you get my drift - some goodbyes are good.

I am currently decluttering the house. This is a good goodbye for me. Not so good for my children.

I am finally saying goodbye to clothes that I could wear when my youngest was born (she is a teenager so I am pretty sure the clothes are out of date anyway....).

I hope to be that size again someday, but I think it is important to let go of that past. I am not the person I was back then. I am older, wiser and have a little more gray in my hair.

I am going to say goodbye to those clothes and continue to say goodbye to bad habits. That I can live with.

Happy Walking!

Day 364: Near the end

I am quickly nearing the end of year long journey of walking and blogging.

I have loved this past year.

I have loved walking, I have loved blogging, I have loved finding connections in my life, I have loved having my children be apart of my journey, I have loved having friends join me along the way and at different times, and I have loved becoming a person who wants to walk.

I really do.

I want to walk. I want to move. I want to be healthy - no where close to where I want to be or should be, but I want to keep this journey going so that I can become that person.

Happy Walking!

Day 359-363: Internet problems

Gotta love modern technology!

Quick story: we use a wireless router and for some reason the router always kicks my computer (and the printer) off the router. I didn't realize this until late last night when I finally broke down and asked my husband to fix my computer.

Now I know the secret of getting my Internet connection to work again...so hopefully this won't happen anymore!

In other updates...my children have learned a new way to torture, er, help me. In Kung Fu we did some sparring that included fighting on the ground. We learned how to flip an attacker off of us if we were being held down. The children loved this because the technique requires you to hook your leg around the attackers leg and then force them to go where ever you move your leg...well, when you are 5'1" and your children are no where close to that height...guess what? You can't hook your leg onto their leg! There is not enough leg to hook!!!

So my children had my arms pinned, I couldn't hook their legs and I was forced to sit up to get away from them...I have a hard time doing a sit up with my own weight without their extra weight!

The children thought it was great they could "pin" me down.

On the plus side it was actually a really good ab work out so I may have to do it again...

Happy Walking!

Day 357 & Day 358 - Keeping On

Sorry about missing yesterday's post, but I completely forgot because of a break through reading session for my son. He doesn't like to read. Our library has a "read to a dog" program. It is for struggling readers. My son loved it - was able to have 3 read sessions with the same dog, Bear, and asked to go back next week. I am ecstatic!

But on to the purpose of this blog!

We have found the perfect time to practice Kung Fu - right before snack. We work up quite an appetite (and sweat), then gratefully sink into a chair for some water & sustenance. It is divine.

Arms are still incredibly sore - either I am doing my punches and other hand work incorrectly or I am using muscles that I never use. (hoping for the latter). I love the kicks...I really feel like I am stretching and gaining some of my old flexibility; not to mention gaining better balance and strength. Still dislike the "fall down & pop right up again" thing we have to practice. Each and every time I feel old, fat, and completely out of shape....hehehehe, I guess I know what I need to work on!

All in all, loving the Kung Fu!

Happy Walking!

Day 356: Loving the current schedule

I am really loving the current schedule the children and I have come up with for school, keeping the house straight and practicing Kung Fu.

I miss walking, but we have added a good chunk of time back into our day by not driving to the mall.

I have a friend who still wants to mall walk - so we can chat. We have decided that Fridays are good day for this since we don't do a lot of school on Fridays (I never liked going to school on Friday....)

K is really blossoming with all the extra Kung Fu practice. I probably am too, but all I seem to notice is the pain!  :)

But I am sure that will go away in time....

Happy Walking!

Day 355: Snow???

I know I am really suppose to talk about exercise and stuff, but really....snow in November? Ugh!

I am such a wuss when it comes to cold weather....

Okay, onto the actual topic.

Tonight in Kung Fu class we were learning how to defend against kicks. The defense requires us to use our legs in the same way we use our arms against a punch....meaning we block it!

So, at one point Steve and I were practicing - he kicked and I defended. Steve was wearing pads; not to painful. Then we switched. Steve was wearing pads, but for some reason when I kicked and he defended the pads did not cover the area of the leg we were hitting.

It hurt so bad.

I am striving to not shout out in pain every time I get hurt. Trying to set a good example for my children. In the process of trying to suppress the urge to shout out in pain, I also had to suppress the urge to ask Steve to stop defending so well.

This caused a giggling fit. I had this image of a bad guy asking the victim to play a little nicer because the victims defense was hurting them.

Getting the giggles was actually a good thing....I managed to get through my required number round of sparring with Steve. Still, I will probably have some good bruises tomorrow.

Happy Walking!

Day 354: The day after

I am pretty sure it is normal to be more sore the day after an intense activity, but it always surprises me which muscles are sore.

My legs are not nearly as sore as my shoulders....I never realized you use your shoulders/arms while riding a bike.

My bottom is very sore....the seat was very hard & uncomfortable...I think I am going to buy a deluxe, super soft seat when I get a bike.....well, maybe once I am riding all the time it won't bother me anymore. :)

Hopefully tomorrow I will be back to a 100%.

Happy Walking!

Day 353: Bike ride

We were blessed today with sunny weather - topping at a balmy 59 degrees.

K and I hopped on bikes and started riding.

K's desire is to ride all of the bike trail in our town. Since the trail covers approximately 45 miles in all sorts of directions, it is a goal that we will slowly have to work towards.

However, I did promise my daughter that one day we would ride and ride and ride and ride until we were exhausted. Which is what we did today. (Steve came and picked us up & took us home.)

I don't know the actual distance we went, but what I can tell you is that we were gone for an hour. We did make a couple of stops along the way (for me, I needed the breaks), but really, that is a lot of bike riding!

I know this will be the last time we can bike ride this year, I am hoping to get my own bike so we can ride a lot next year.

Yeah, I rode my daughter's bike and she rode her brother's bike...not the most ideal situation, but it worked.

I am exhausted, but so happy that we could partially fulfill one of K's dreams.

K, of course, was only temporarily exhausted - she is now on a date with her dad.

Happy Walking!

Day 352: 5 Gratitudes for Friday, 46

1. Quiet early mornings with my oldest daughter. She curls up on the couch (half-asleep) and I read to her. Currently we are reading, "No Doubt About It" by Sheri Dew. We are thinking about learning more about women in the scriptures because of Ms. Dew's book. But regardless of what we do, having that time - just my daughter and I - has been tremendous. I have seen a real positive change in our relationship (and in my daughter's attitude).

2. My inspired plan to give my oldest daughter "life classes" along with her regular studies. She is currently in charge of making either lunch or dinner each day. She craves to be seen as older (not a little kid like her siblings). Having her take on some of the adult responsibilities in the home has really bolstered her sense of "self-reliance" and independence.

3. My stolen minutes each day to listen some audios by Oliver DeMille (author of The Thomas Jefferson Education). I have read the book, but these audios give so  much more. I am really understanding my role as a mother/mentor/home schooler so much better. I am thankful that I have found a way to spend a few minutes each day furthering my own education/understanding.

4. Our daily Kung Fu work outs.... wow! It is hard. We don't always want to do it, yet I know I am working my muscles, plus learning these skills better. Again, I think  my oldest daughter really needed it. She takes her practice very seriously...she even gets to help me remember some of the sequences that I tend to do out of order.

5. Our families D&D game. Steve loves D&D (Dungeons & Dragons, a role-playing game). I enjoy D&D. The children enjoy it because it is just like a round-robin story, but with dice. We have all created characters and Steve is the GM (game master) so he runs the game (or gives the framework to the story). We have decided to do this at least once a week. Our current game has 3 possible mysteries to solve. It is a lot of fun - filled with a lot of laughter.

Happy Walking!

Day 351: Amazing

All that is worth doing is hard....it takes dedication, it takes mindfulness, it takes endurance, it takes failing and standing back up again, it takes humility...it takes all that we have to offer.

Yet, it is always worth doing because it brings out the best in us and helps us grow and become who we were always meant to be.

Hehehehe, at least that is how I feel today.

Being healthy, being a good mom, being a good wife, becoming a better me...all so hard, but worth the hard work. I can see how the lessons learned in one works for the others. I can see how principles applied to one works for the others.

Who knew the same effort to losing weight and being healthy would be the same to reaching and teaching my children? or meeting my husbands needs? or bettering myself?

Amazing how it all works together.

Happy Walking!

Day 350: Must be on the right track...

I can always tell when I am on the right track when it comes to exercise - I am exhausted the first few weeks. :)

This is the 3rd day that I practiced Kung Fu for 30 minutes. I am exhausted. On top of that every part of my body is sore (especially my arms).

This is a good thing. This is something I should have been doing from the beginning of my Kung Fu class.

I guess, in this case, better late than never.

Happy Walking!

Day 349: Adjustments

If life were a destination than it would be easy to get from point A to point B....I am guessing point A is birth and point B is death? Hmmm....no wonder the saying is "life is not a destination, but a journey."

Since life is a journey, point A is not birth but the pre-existence and point B is not death, but the hereafter (or heaven).

Realizing that life is journey that encompasses everything from conception to death than it would make sense that adjustments must be made (we usually use the dreaded word "change").

Before I started my year of walking (and blogging), I had the (wrong) notion that if I started a project or had a goal that it must be done correctly, perfectly and seen through to the end (sometimes bitter end).

Now, I have a better sense that when we start a project or have a goal, it is merely a pointer...a type of direction marker. I want to lose weight. That is a worthy goal, but that is merely a direction marker to something much bigger in my life: good health, longevity, better posture, restful nights, etc....

My life, as a journey, picks up those destination stickers you see on suitcases (Paris, London, New York, etc..). My current life has the sticker of "walker", "Kung Fu student", dancer (so long ago....), volleyball player (another old one), etc...

And sometimes, just like a journey, adjustments must be made as you head toward the final destination (since Heaven is the final destination in this analogy, my adjustment is more to help get me closer to the "big" direction marker: good health).

My current adjustment is that I will not be walking every day the last few weeks of my journey. I have strived to do it every day since starting school - it was easier when the weather was nice and the children rode their bikes, but now....driving to the mall is taking up to much time. I need to focus on other important goals: my son's reading skills, my daughter's spelling skills,  my other daughter's math skills. We need to focus on the house getting cleaned and decluttered (we are in limbo once again with my husband's job). I need to focus on helping my son achieve his goal of earning his Arrow of Light and my daughter working on Personal Progress.

All of these things are worth my time and attention...and there are only so many hours in a day.

So, from here until Thanksgiving day, I will be walking 2 days a week and practicing Kung Fu 4 days a week. My oldest daughter wants to be better at Kung Fu and she struggles to find time to practice on her own. Since walking counts as PE, I decided that Kung Fu will count as well.

I feel conflicted with my decision. A part of me feels that I am quitting close to the finish line. Another part of me feels that I am merely "tweaking" and there for am still meeting my goal. However anyone sees it, the bottom line is that walking did a lot to help improve my health and weight, but did not achieve all the goals (I didn't lose a ton of weight, nor did I lose a lot of inches). I am pretty sure that truly being a well -rounded healthy person takes small portions, eating slowing, eating healthy foods 80% of the time, being well rested, cardio, strength training, and improving flexibility.

That is why next year I am adding in strength training. One reason why I see Kung Fu as part of the bigger picture/plan/goal.

Hopefully no one will think less of me as I continue with this adjustment. I plan on writing each day.

Happy Walking!

Day 348: The Halloween solution

We have a ton of candy left over....a ton.

We didn't get any trick or treaters this year so not only do the children each have too many pounds of candy to count, but our very large silver bowl of give away candy is still completely full.

What is a girl to do?

I could throw the candy away....but that seems wrong.

I could sit down and gorge on candy a few nights in a row and be done with it all....but that also seems wrong (and a little gross).

Or I could learn self control like my children.

Since my children were little, their Halloween candy has been put into a cupboard and doled out a little each day (usually a piece a day). Amazingly my children have never tried to grab some behind my back or negotiate for more candy. Never. Weird right?

They are totally unlike me...I have no self control when it comes to candy. If I have one piece or one small bag or one bite...than I always....always crave more.

I have decided that it is high time I learn the same self control as my children.

My children came up with the following rule for this year (simply because we have so much candy):

One piece of candy after every  meal (except breakfast), every day.

We have been doing this since Friday.

It was really, really, really, hard the first couple of days - I sooooo wanted more chocolate.

Thankfully, I told myself that I could wait for the next piece after snack (or dinner or lunch the next day). I then did something that kept me out of the kitchen (we have too much candy to hide in the cupboard so it is either on the counter or in the fridge [we like chocolate in the fridge]).

I am no longer craving more candy after I have my one piece. I am no longer having to avoid the kitchen. In fact, I am not even thinking about the candy at all. When I have a meal, I grab a piece of candy. It has become a kind of "no big" deal thing. This is pretty cool.

Maybe over time I can wean myself down to one piece of candy a day and then one every other day and then one a week....ooh, the possibilities!

But I am getting ahead of myself - for now, I am happy that I can have my candy and not have the cravings!

Happy Walking!

Day 347: Daylight Savings Woe....

I was so proud of myself - I got up with my alarm clock.

Yeah....forgot to reset my alarm clock when I went to bed so I didn't get up at 5am....yep, got up at 4am.

On the plus side I wasn't late to church!

Happy Walking!

Day 346: Take on the world

I love it when I wake up in the morning full of energy. Those mornings when I feel like I could take on the world.

Well, I didn't take on the world, but I did have a great day - starting with a walk.

And maybe that is enough.

Happy Walking!

Day 345: 5 Gratitudes for Friday, 45

1. The joys of dressing up, being silly, getting lots of candy and staying up late. This year was extra special because we went trick or treating with friends on Halloween night. Despite the rain, everyone had a great time - I loved seeing my children enjoying themselves with friends (who sadly will be moving soon).
2. The opportunity to do better and be better. I fall short in lots of different areas, but everyday I get the opportunity to do better. I like that. It brings me hope.
3. Our Pikmin costumes recognized by others! We tend to pick group costumes based on books, movies, or video games that we enjoy. This year, we chose Pikmins (Nintendo game). I was nervous no one would know who we were....but thankfully we were recognized and complimented on the outfits!
4. Warm beds on cold nights, hot chocolate, fun (and uplifting) Halloween movie - we love the Good Witch movies shown on the Hallmark channel.
5. Still being able to snuggle with my children.

Day 343 & 344: Happy Halloween!

As I stated earlier this week the dreaded temptation of Halloween candy is upon me.

Actually, I am kind of glad for the opportunity to work on self-control and self-discipline.

It takes discipline and dedication to walk every day (especially on a cold & snowy day). I think eating healthier takes the same sort of discipline and dedication - I just haven't been willing to do it in the past.

I am starting to think most effort (if not all effort) takes the same sort of discipline and dedication.

Hmmm....something to ponder as I resist the chocolate calling to me.

Happy Walking!

Day 342: Temptation begins....

I am a junk-aholic...I love junk food.

I love french fries. I love cheeseburgers. I love grilled cheese sandwiches. I love pizza. I love cheese breadsticks. I love donuts. I love chips. I love root beer. I love ice cream. I love chocolate. I love candy.

I know I love these things. I know I am a junk-aholic...it is far better to never take a bite (or sip), than to attempt to take just one bite (or sip)....it is almost an impossibility for me to show any kind of self restraint.

I admit this freely. I hang my head in shame over my weakness...but it is a truth. I love junk food.

If I don't buy it, I won't eat it. If I can hide what is bought (in the freezer, in a high cupboard or in the back of the pantry) than I will forget it about it (out of sight - out of mind).

If the offending item sits on my counters or in my fridge than I will constantly crave it. The more I fight the crave, the more I want it. Take a bite to satisfy the craving....I want more. This is a very serious problem. very serious.

Most of the year I can keep a handle on this loss of self-control....and then....Halloween comes. Yup, my old nemesis, Halloween.

The candy is everywhere in my home. It calls to me often. I strive to rid my house of all candy on Halloween night just to end the nightmare, but alas, my children bring more into the house!

I have, over the years, learned to control myself if the candy is in a bag or bowl that has been labeled with someone's name. My brain understands "this is not yours, do not crave." Sigh. Why does that not work with the "no-man's" candy?

We went to church for trunk or treating tonight (the nightmare begins early this year!). I will not touch my children's candy, but the chocolate...the candy....that is left over and ready to give our Halloween night beckons to me....calling me.

I must resist. I must find a way this year to overcome my struggle. My love for all things junk. I must.

Happy Walking!

Day 341: Reprieve!

It actually got a tad bit warmer today, so after lunch we rode bikes (the children rode bikes, I walked) to a bike trail close to our house.

Z did a great job going through a tunnel and over a bridge - he is always a bit nervous to new experiences, but he loved going down hill!

I think we ended up being outside for an hour...it was so nice.

Totally have to grab those days when we can.

Happy Walking!

Day 340: Day of Rest

Had a great day of relaxing with my children, helping my son with scouts and going to church.
I love Sundays when they are like this.

Happy Walking!

Day 339: Jazzed up

I am jazzed up.

I am not doing anything different. Not adding anything new in. Not taking anything old out.

I did, however, have a shift in thinking. Nothing awe inspiring, just plain old common sense:

"Do something is better than do nothing; my something is better than nothing; my success is based on my improvement...and "most improved" is a good thing...it means you are improving."

Walk at the mall, walk in the neighborhood, spend 5 minutes in between subjects running stairs, riding bikes, practicing Kung Fu, eating off the kid's menu, sleeping at 9pm....it is all good. It is my good because it works with my schedule, my life, my habits and hopefully, one day, it will get the weight off. In the meantime, I am improving each and every day.

When I was younger, every class I took I was the "most improved" student. I hated being the most improved...now? I want to embrace it. I didn't appreciate what the teachers were actually saying to me. I heard: not good enough; what they meant: you have come really far, keep it up!

Hehehehehe, I guess it is better late than never to figure that out!

So, yeah, I am jazzed up. Jazzed up to be me and to do things my way.

Happy Walking!

Day 338: 5 Gratitudes for Friday, 44

1. Halloween costumes are done! I started the project, got help from my friend Syndy and my friend Karen finished them up & made the outfits oh, so perfect. Long story, but the basics: my machine died and my two friends pitched in by letting me use their homes, their machines and their talents. I am just so excited the children are already for the Halloween fun (which actually starts Monday night for us).
2. Mall walking. Who knew I would be thankful after my whining about it earlier this week! Yet, walking there this morning was so nice. It was like being home - it was comfortable, it was warm (pretty important) and mall walking makes me push myself. It was good to be back.
3. Slightly warmer weather....high 50s. Hopefully it will stay like that tomorrow so my oldest and I can ride bikes. A request I should have filled many weekends ago.
4. Listening to my husband and son on speaker phone with my son's friends while they try for umpteen number of hours trying to get the two computers to talk to each other so my son and his friend can play Minecraft together. (yes, that was a run on sentence). I am thankful my husband was willing to help out and I am thankful my son got some "on-line" play with his friend.
5. For early morning hours of quietly reading General Conference talks. I love the quiet solitude, but I love inviting the spirit into my home first thing....just sets the tone so nicely for the rest of the day.

Day 337: Let the mall walking begin!

Quick update tonight.

It is very, very, very cold outside - even the natives are saying winter came much to early and much to cold this year. (lucky me.)

The Halloween costumes are done thanks to the help of some great friends.

Officially starting the mall walking tomorrow.  Walking at home and/or out in the cold is just not cutting it.

Happy Walking!

Day 336: Brain overload!

This should really be an uplifting post....something positive...something encouraging...

Can't do it today. I am totally wiped out and all I did was sew all day!

I am making Halloween costumes. My sewing machine broke. I spent 5 hours at a friends house using her sewing machine (and her help) to get the majority of the costumes done (all I have left is hand sewn items).

I am tired.

I will do better tomorrow. Tonight...I sleep.

Happy Walking!

Day 335: Why do we forget?

Why, do we as humans, forget our dreams? or better....why do we stop striving after we have reached our dreams?

I really do not understand why we do that.

I have admitted in the past that my guilty pleasure is watching the reality show about the Dallas Cowboy Cheerleaders. This week one of the veterans got cut because of poor attitude, too much weight gain and no improvement in dancing (actually she slid in her dance ability). This is a young woman who professed this was her dream - to be a Dallas Cowboy Cheerleader. She did it for one year, forgot how stiff the competition is and decided to coast? I just don't get it.

I don't get it when football players (professional) do not work out and practice in the off season. I don't get it when singers, actors or anyone else stops working at the thing that brings them a paycheck or the thing they profess is their dream. I don't get it.

I guess I don't get it because I don't have that big of dreams? Or maybe because I have always had to work hard for the things I can do? Or maybe....and really, I am sure this is the truth, I fall down in other areas, but just don't realize it? (but that is a different post for a different day.)

I get nervous that the closer I get to my one year deadline I will drop the ball and stop walking. It got very cold this week (tried to snow today!), I really have to convince myself that the thing to do is get up and go to the mall. I didn't think it was going to be that hard once the time came, but it is. I want to stay home where it is nice and warm. Sigh. I just remind myself that this is my goal and the children's P.E. - it is important. (Maybe tomorrow won't be quite so hard to go and do.)

Happy Walking!

Day 334: Track

I don't remember if I mentioned getting really sick last week while practicing Kung Fu, but I have been thinking about that a lot.

Every time I have started any kind of exercise program something always happens to me - I get sick, I pull a muscle or things in my life - like the bed bug wars.

I've often thought it was the universes way of saying, "It's not your time to get in shape! Focus on the children!"

Right or wrong, that is how I have felt.

I realize now that it is just my challenge. Figuring out how to exercise is a challenge for me. I am totally impressed with friends who have more children than I do and still exercise. I am impressed with friends who are single mothers and still exercise. I am impressed with friends who have health issues and still exercise.

Me? I have 3 children, I home school and I am healthy and I struggle to exercise. Weird, right?

But actually, it isn't so weird. We all have struggles. My friends who find time to exercise struggle in different areas - I am just not privy to those struggles. I am only privy to my struggles.

Walking is no longer a struggle, but it was in the beginning. As I practice Kung Fu more it will no longer be a struggle - even if I get sick. When I start strength training, I will probably struggle...a lot. Strength training is something I have actively avoided. :)

Tonight in Kung Fu, Sifu showed us the different levels of learning - 12 student levels and 12 teacher levels...that is a lot of levels. To earn the top would take a life time of studying, practicing and a lot of dedication. Probably a lot of struggles too. My Sifu is at a level 5, teacher. I honestly can't figure out what else he needs to learn.

I guess I kind of see my struggle with exercise like that. I am at a student level 1 for Kung Fu, for walking and all other forms of exercise. My friends who seem to get it in despite the things in their life or just at a higher level than I am...with patience and practice I can get their too. Not competing against them, just trying to improve myself and move myself up the track.

Happy Walking!

Day 332 & 333: Chicago Trip with Kiddos

We decided to take a weekend trip to Chicago before it got bitterly cold. :)

The children had a great time. Since this blog is suppose to be about walking....let me just say, it is so nice to be home!

Okay, but seriously, the children walked up and down The Magnificent Mile (and then some) like troupers. Of course, being children, they managed to find their energy at the end of the day to go swimming....man I miss that kind of metabolism!

They also spent about 5 hours at aquarium (mostly walking)....again, they were troupers. Never complained, even found some extra energy for a small playground close to the parking garage.

However, I can tell the weekend wore them out a bit - they slept really well last night and they were more than ready to head to bed tonight.

Me? I am tired, but handled all the walking just fine.

Looking forward to bed, but am sitting up late to do laundry - no desire for a second bed bug war.... :)

Happy Walking!

Day 331: 5 Gratitudes for Friday, 43

1. Cold days that coincide with sick children so I have a built in excuse to have lots of reading days. I love snuggling down with the children and just reading all day long. My throat is a tad hoarse, but I still loved every minute of this week.
2. Our home filled with the sound of laughter.
3. My son climbing to the very top of a climbing apparatus at that Children's museum - this climbing thing is suspended over the first floor. You start on the second floor and climb up to the third floor - it is crazy. Z did it today....lots and lots of times. His older sister figured out how to inspire him (but I have a feeling overcoming his fear of bike riding earlier this month helped a bit too).
4. K having the opportunity to babysit & loving it. A friend from church asked her to babysit Thursday afternoon for a few hours. What a boon to K's confidence, plus she did a great job. All the children loved her.
5. Getting to chat on the phone with my mom. It is never long enough, but I always love it.

Day 330: Sick

Has anyone gotten sick while in the midst of a work out?

A couple of days of go I got dizzy (which makes me feel sick in the head) while attempting "flip overs" for Kung Fu - but I totally expected that. I don't have the best equilibrium and get motion sickness really easily.

This morning, I was practicing punches (first thing in the morning) and all of sudden knew I was going to be sick...sadly that is exactly what happened. Sigh.

Steve thinks it was because I was exercising on an empty stomach. I guess that could be the case, but really? from punches? I mean, I am standing in one spot and punching with both arms over and over again...not exactly exhausting work, but...I don't know...maybe that was more than enough for my stomach?

Hmm....I guess I will need to eat a "light" snack before punching! Weird.

Happy Walking!

Day 329: Kung Fu

The longer I am taking Kung Fu the more I want to be good at it.

I really hate being a wuss. Oh, I am not beating myself up - I am a wuss. The slightest thing can hurt me...or at least I think it can (which is actually a big difference).

I enjoy sparring. I enjoy moving my hands, arms, legs, feet in the desperate attempt to keep from being hit. I don't like getting hit. Did I mention I am a wuss?

Yet, when I get hit now (and I do realize that I am not getting hit with the full force of any one's punches....well, maybe my children's) instead of stopping to stay "that hurts!" or shout "Ouch!" or even cry - I suck it up and keep going!

It is a very empowering feeling. I can take pain. True, not a ton of pain - not the Die Hard kind of pain, but I can take some pain and keep going.

I guess that is why I want to get better. That is why I practice the same moves over and over again each morning - I want that muscle memory. I want to spar without having to think about what to do next. I want to get good enough that I don't get hurt.

And that is a good thing.

Happy Walking!

Day 328: Rainy Days

Rainy days...gotta love them. Actually, I do love them, just not for walking outside. I walked inside the house and worked really hard on my Kung Fu - I feel like I got a good work out in.

I know going back to the mall is going to happen - probably sooner than later, but darn it, I am not ready for mall walking. I just really enjoy being outside with my children. I enjoy seeing them ride their bikes (with me desperately trying to keep up). I have really been enjoying the sunshine - perfect walking weather; not to hot, not to cold....just right.

Okay, enough whining about the eventual coldness and mall walking...from now on, nothing but positive things to say about that!

Happy Walking!

Day 327: Just Keep Swimming!

Weather is finally changing - actually nippy in the air today.

Children coming down with colds and sore throats.

Not complaining, just stating some facts.

This is how the journey goes. Sometimes we are sailing - healthy and great weather. Other times we are sinking - not so healthy and not so great weather.

Either scenarios: Just Keep Swimming! (Or walking or moving or working or playing or learning)

The journey will go up and down, our efforts may go up and down, but us? We just keep moving forward - heading in the right direction and doing all we can.

Happy Walking!

Day 326: Sunday

Another great day with the family. It is only early evening and I am already looking forward to walking tomorrow morning. So different from a year ago when I really had to force myself a lot of mornings (after the initial excitement of a new project wore off).

Hope everyone enjoyed their Sunday.

Happy Walking!

Day 325: Had a feeling...

So, I woke up this morning with a feeling that I better get my walk in first thing - before doing anything else.

This was weird because my plan for today was to take my girls out for a long bike ride. My husband and son were headed to a cub scout launch in the afternoon and I wanted to do something fun with the girls.

I listened to the feeling, I walked before doing anything else.

Good thing I did, turns out we couldn't go out for a long bike ride because we had very rainy weather. Instead, we stayed in and watched funny YouTube videos (something I rarely do).

Man, I am glad I had that feeling!

Happy Walking!

Day 324: 5 Gratitudes for Friday, 42

1. Today. The whole day - start to finish. We worked (cleaned the upstairs, did yard work -all as a family), we played (we are in the middle of a "late over"), we watched TV/movies, we rode our bikes, we read books (we are currently reading Ender's Game out loud to the children), and we have spent the whole day as a family. It has been great. Great weather too!

2. Friends. Tomorrow I get to have a conference call with 3 of my best friends (we have been friends since college). Tonight, a friend dropped off some home made lasagna (she remembered me saying that lasagna was my favorite food, but nobody in my family likes it so I don't get it very often). Monday, a friend helped me make some hats for the our Halloween costumes (she will help me again this coming Monday). Friends are great...and sometimes I am served, sometimes I do the serving (not so much this week...) and sometimes we serve others together.

3. A clean basement. Seriously. My brain feels better. My house feels better. I am happier. I love having a clean, straight, and organized basement....I actually like having my whole house like that, but that takes time!

4. Summer like weather in the fall - how nice is that! I know the winter will come, but I am enjoying every moment of this warmer weather - the sun, the blue skies, the warm temperatures...all of it.

5. My children. Not only did they work hard and play hard today, but they chose to do yard work while playing a "talking" game outside. They love to make up stories - a kind of exaggerated round robin. As my oldest explained to me, "This is a talking game and we didn't want our hands to get bored, so we clipped all the ivy instead." Yes, my yard has been over run with some kind of vine. I am guessing ivy, but don't really know. It is every where and wrapping itself around everything. My children made a huge dent in it...all while playing. So very cool.

Happy Walking!

Day 323: Challenge

How do you know when you are ready for the next challenge?

I wish I knew the answer to that question, maybe it would help me to constantly challenge myself.

As it is, I have been observing my son because I am challenging him this year (our theme is: I can do hard things).

Before my son started to learn how to ride a bicycle he had a lot of "loose" energy that he didn't seem able to control. Most of his energy was usually aimed at his two sisters and not always in the best way. As he was learning how to ride all that "loose" energy seemed to disappear. He seemed happier. He was certainly behaving a lot nicer toward his sisters and he was very willing to do the every day stuff with me, with school and with the family.

This week my son has a lot of "loose" energy. It is mostly aimed at his sisters, but he is also "fighting" the every day stuff. Is it a coincidence that his ability to ride a bicycle has increased dramatically? All he  is "working" on now is building muscles and better control, but for all intents and purposes my son knows how to ride a bike.

I am now wondering if it is time to hit him with the next challenge - reading. He can read. He doesn't like it. He is below his reading level, but he can read. I feel this is one of those "hard things" he needs to do this year. He is well aware of this. Not sure if he is looking forward to it or not, but he is aware of it.

I am hoping that he is being challenged by reading that his "loose" energy will be used up again. I guess only time will tell.

I am thinking I need to apply this same idea to my girls and to myself. What attributes do we exhibit when we are ready for the next challenge?

More specifically, for me, when I am ready for the next hard physical exercise. Walking did get very easy - when exactly did that happen and what should I have done when I noticed? Will the same thing happen with Kung Fu? With strength training when I start that up in November?

I thinking challenging ourselves is a good thing. I think it keeps us moving forward.

Happy Walking!

Day 322: Take on the world

I woke up this morning feeling like I could take on the world! Despite the fact that I have been sleeping horribly and am so incredibly sore from Kung Fu.

Normally when I am tired and/or sore I take it easy. This week, I have been pushing myself to do the everyday stuff even though it is hard...maybe that is why I feel I can take on the world despite being tired and sore?

The feeling is also a little scary...like when is the other shoe going to drop and I feel like I am struggling again?

I know part of the journey is to enjoy it...

I should enjoy this feeling. I should bask in the knowledge that I have a clean basement - yup, that is right, a clean, organized and ready to go basement. I love it! I should be happy that I am sore because that means I am moving and I am alive! I should enjoy the desire to do more and perhaps I should act on it.

Here is to another great day!

Happy Walking!

Day 321: Sore, but good!

Woke up this morning incredibly sore - I guess I used more muscles in sparring than I realized! I even have a few bruises - one on my thigh hurts pretty bad.

What I wanted to do was lay around all day and not move a muscle. What I did instead was do all the physical work in the morning.

The physical work - walking around the neighborhood, cleaning out the basement, weeding the yard - was my hard thing today. I knew if I didn't get it done first thing this morning it just wouldn't happen. My children were great at the adjusted schedule. We managed to have a pretty productive day.

Me? I feel good that I did something that was hard for me, but mostly I am looking forward to bed. :)

Happy Walking!

Day 320: All in good fun

We did more sparring in Kung Fu class tonight....ooooh, some children got made at one another.....

When sparring, accidental hits are going to happen. That is just the way it works, but children - especially siblings - have a tough time remembering that.

Let's just say that some hits were an accident and some hits were more of the revenge kind. As for me? I got popped in the eye, the nose and a lot on the side (arms and legs). Thankfully the only place bruised is my thigh.

Getting hurt was my main reason for never taking a martial arts class in the past (especially when all of my siblings were taking one). Now? I want to be tough for my children. They need to learn that pain is not always a bad thing. Took me a long time to figure that out. I also don't want my girls to ever be in a situation where they can't defend themselves.

Happy Walking!

Day 319: Another week

Not much to share today. No great insights. No theories or secret wishes. Just rested today - pondered and contemplated much, but nothing worth announcing to the world (or at least publicly on my blog).

Tomorrow will be another day and a start of another week. I will strive to meet all my goals. I will wonder where the time went at the end of each day. I will wonder if I am spending my time wisely and some how the week will finish.  Will I be closer to my goals? Will I be enjoying the journey? Will I recognize my shortcomings and make the course corrections necessary? Will I remember to be thankful? Will I remember that love trumps all?

I guess that is why life is a journey and not a destination.

Happy Walking!

Day 318: Silly Wishes

I had dinner with some friends recently (I love getting some grown up girl time) and the conversation took an unusual turn - wishes.

We didn't dwell on this topic long, in fact, we each shared just one wish and that was it.

Since I don't have permission to share my friends wishes, I will only share mine: to be in the same shape as a Dallas Cowboy Cheerleader.

I know, silly, right?

I don't want to be a Dallas Cowboy Cheerleader (although, when I was in junior high, I had dreams of being on a drill team for one school and actually was a cheerleader for a different school. I think I would have been a cute cheerleader....but I digress.), I don't want to look like a Dallas Cowboy Cheerleader (I am not into the fashionista look), but I do want their stamina, their flexibility, their kicks, their splits, their spirit, their heart, their hard work, their dancing abilities...yeah, I want to be just like a Dallas Cowboy Cheerleader.

Why them? Well, why not! They are America's sweethearts (not sure if they named themselves that or if someone else has). They have their own reality tv show (which I am obviously admitting to watching). I actually have a past connection with them...although they wouldn't remember - you see, I was in grade school and had the honor of writing to the Dallas Cowboy Cheerleaders asking for a donation for our school's auction. They sent a signed picture. I was so excited to get a response! (No, I have no idea who bought the picture nor do I have any idea why we were having an auction.)

So, yeah, that is my silly wish - I want to be in the same shape as a Dallas Cowboy Cheerleader.

Walking will help, strength training next year will help...let's see, I will probably have to add in better diet, more sleep, more water, dance classes, more stretches (maybe yoga or Pilate's?)....hmmm....I don't see this as a quick or easy wish! But something fun to do.

Happy Walking!

Day 317: 5 Gratitudes for Friday, 41

1. A clean basement. I am no where close to having the basement completely done - I am deep cleaning, organizing/rearranging and de-cluttering. Yet, 3/4 of the basement is done and I love it. I feel like a part of me is at rest or at peace. I love knowing that even the area under the stairs (which we don't use at all) is clean.

2. The opportunity to attend YW in Excellence with my oldest daughter. YW (Young Women) is the youth organization for girls age 12-17 at my church. YW in Excellence is held once a year and the young woman showcase their talents. I loved being with my daughter and seeing her growth. Even though I am with her every day, I am still amazed at what a mature, beautiful, thoughtful, generous and kind young woman she is becoming. My daughter show cased some necklaces that she made (she also got a lot of compliments).

3. For the smooth ride that school is so far this year. I have  simple outline, we just start somewhere each day and manage to get it all done. The children are enjoying themselves. I am enjoying the children. I think we are all enjoying learning, working, playing, and reading together. It is so great!

4. Gorgeous weather in October! It isn't exactly an Indian Summer, but it is pretty darn close. We are thoroughly enjoying the weather - yard work, ride bikes, walk, play outside, going to parks, and etc. I know the weather will get cold soon, but I am soaking up every ounce of this great weather that I can. I feel like I have been given a second chance to "get it all done". Not sure what "it" is, but we are getting things done!

5. Realizing that one of my talents is cleaning/organizing and that is okay. It might seem odd, but that is one of my talents. When I ignore that talent than I (and my life) just don't seem to function as well. I am happy to pass my knowledge/love/talent on to others....my children might not always appreciate being the recipient of this gift, but I have noticed that their life seems to run a bit smoother as well. Plus, they are getting use to all the cleaning. :)

Day 316: Looks like I have some believers!

My son informed me at the beginning of his "you will learn to ride this bike" lessons that he would never enjoy riding a bike.

Today, when I said we were going to walk instead of ride - he groaned....loudly.

My son is now a believer....or at least he has embraced his bike and realized it is a lot of fun!

Now I just need to get a bike!

Happy Walking!

Day 315: Winding down and gearing up

Well, it has taken most of a year, but I think I got this walking thing down, but more importantly, I think, I got the whole "move your body"thing down.

It doesn't matter if it is walking, or practicing Kung Fu, or riding bikes with my children, or attempting Zumba on the Wii - I like to move. Every day, I move and I like it. I look forward to my walks. I enjoy my rest on Sunday, but are revving to go by Monday morning.

This, I believe, is a good thing.

Now my thoughts are turning more and more to my next year long challenge: strength training.

I have always been scared to strength train (I don't want to bulk up) and I think there is a lot of confusing information out there - the best ways to tone and so forth.

I am already trying to decide if it will be an every day event or an every other day event or a 3x a week event or a 2x a week event. I am trying to decide if I should include my children or figure out how to do it on my own. Should I go to a gym? Use free weights at home? Should I try resistance bands? Should I do more yoga/Pilate's that focus on using your own weight?

So many questions and not a lot of time to make these decisions. But more importantly - I am excited to answer those questions and start my next journey!

Happy Walking!

Day 314: Running behind

My son ventured out of the parking lot and out onto the sidewalks/street to ride his bike today. Me? I walked/jog/ran behind him. Good work out for me, but boy do I want a bike now!

I don't know if I mentioned this before or not, but I realize that part of my job as a parent is to help my children succeed.

Not the fake "everyone gets an award" success, but the honest-to-goodness "I've worked hard" success. I guess that is why this year, our theme for school is "I can do hard things".

I want to succeed at the hard things, I want them to succeed at the hard things and I want all of us to achieve hard things together.

Finding ways for my son to succeed at riding his bike was hard - and sometimes I failed in my job - but the hard work (his and mine) have finally paid off. That is the good kind of success.

Hopefully I am applying that same lesson to myself with this walking journey...

Happy Walking!

Day 313: Rhythm of the seasons

Today, I felt for the first time that Autumn is truly here and it is time to get ready for winter. I have a strong drive to get the last of the yard work done (weeds pulled, trees trimmed, etc.) and to get the house in order (deep cleaned and de-cluttered).

What is interesting, is I have the same drive to get myself in order. I want to get all the sunshine, physical movement, and play that I can because I know soon (much too soon) I will be indoors for the long, cold winter.

I don't remember feeling like this the last two years...so is this a result of my journey? 

Interesting to think that simply by walking every day that I am now getting the rhythm of the seasons.

Happy Walking!

Day 312: A quiet Sunday

We had a very quiet and peaceful Sunday today.

I think a big part of that is because I made sure to get up at my regular time - a good hour before the children get up. This gives me time to wake up slowly and get some things done for me.

It also makes me more aware of them wasting time. :)

Either way it was a nice day.

Happy Walking!

Day 311: Inspiration

Today, I had the opportunity to chat with some friends - always a nice opportunity!

Our chatting turned to exercise - my walking with the children, the best bike routes, hitting the gym and training for a race.

One of the mother's trained for the last 2 months to run a race last night. Her youngest son participated in a fun run, her husband ran a marathon (this morning) and my friend and her 2 teenage daughters ran a race as well (I don't remember how long).

My friend told me that her goal was to run the entire distance - which she did! The inspiration comes from the surprise of beating her two daughters. That's ride, a 40-something mother beat her two teenage daughters in a race.

Why?

I am not sure because I didn't see the race, but my friend thinks it is because she spent two months training while her daughters sort of trained - did enough to meet requirements for school, but nothing extra for this particular race.

Now, that is inspirational.

If I tried to race my children, right now, I would lose. I know that for a fact....however, I am now wondering if I trained, if I put the time and energy in could I beat my children in a race? Would I have the endurance to go the distance?

I am kind of liking this idea. Showing my children what their "old" mom is capable of...after some training!

Happy Walking!

Day 310: 5 Gratitudes for Friday, 40

1. All the hard work the children and I put in this week so we could play today. We discovered a very cool and very fun nature center. It has an interactive center for children, it has loads of hiking trails, a stage, a picnic area and a great "explore" area for children. The explore area had forts, trees to climb, a zip line, an obstacle course, sand/dirt/mud to dig in and a creek. We had such a wonderful day and the weather was perfect!

2. The opportunity to talk and meet with so many wonderful women from my church this week. I really felt uplifted.

3. To overcome my frustrations earlier in the week. To be able to find creative ways to help my children succeed. To know and realize that what I do every day matters, but my attitude toward it matters the most.

4. Modern technology! I love that I can set my DVR to record some television shows and then I can watch them later. What I love more is that we recorded the season premier of Agents of Shield and then watched Wednesday morning as a family while we ate our breakfast - none of us could wait until the weekend to watch. :)

5. Books. I love books. I am so grateful to have books in my life. I wide range of genres and topics - I love them all. I also love that I can read without feeling too guilty!

Happy Walking!

Day 309: Bike shape

My oldest daughter has the goal to ride the entire (or a really big portion) of a bike/walk trail in our town. The trail follows a portion of an old train line - it not only loops around the majority of the city, but also cuts through it in various parts. It is a great trail, easy to "pick up" almost any where in the city and hardly ever crosses a street (lots of tunnels and bridges though!).

I am decent shape for walking, but not bike riding....so I have decided to bike a little bit every day to get in shape to ride the trail with my daughter. We are hoping to do this at the end of October before it gets to bitterly cold.

I had my first bike ride today in a long time (too long to count). I am tired and I am sore...but a good tired and sore.

I am also pretty excited. I like pushing myself.

Happy Walking!

Day 308: Playing with the Enemy

I just got done reading, Playing with the Enemy, by Gary W. Moore.

It is a book about Gary Moore's father, Gene Moore, his brush with baseball greatness, WWII and playing with the enemy (in this case, some German prisoners).

I mention this book because one it is an amazing book, an amazing story and worth reading.

I also mention this book because several truths? lessons? observations? popped out at me.

In life, we can do everything in our power to help someone succeed, but in the end the person has to do it themselves. In the book, Gene needed to play ball like he wanted to make it to the majors - this was after a severe bone break in his ankle.

Gene, for so long after that break chose to drown himself in alcohol instead of taking the problem head on.

How many of us choose to drown in our chosen poison? (be it food, video games, ipads, television, books, etc...).

Gene never made it to the majors, but he stayed in the minors long enough to help a friend make it to the majors. The friend was willing to stay in the minors until Gene could make it to the majors too, but Gene knew that his ankle was never going to let him play at that level. Gene did all he could to ensure that his friend made it.

This is noble, but for so long afterwards Gene still felt depressed about this choice - even after marrying and having children.

One of the German POWs returned to visit Gene years after the war was over. This wonderful man named his son after Gene. Even told Gene that he was living the life he was destined to live. Gene didn't get it until the German POW asked him this question: If you had made it to the majors would you have met your wife and had your children? Which would you rather give up? Gene realized at that moment he would rather have his wife and children.

Gene went on to have a good life, even built a company with his wife where his charisma that made him a great ball player helped him be a great boss.

How many of us constantly playing what if. What if I moved here instead of here? What if I took this job instead of that job? What if I had followed a dream?

Instead we should ask what part of our life would we want to give up? If I had done my life differently in the past would I have the husband and children I have today? I don't know and not willing to find out.

Life is a journey. It is a hard journey. Some feel that we are destined for specific destinies or missions.

I think, for me, after reading this book, that our destinies are more complex than we can imagine, but it is Satan's job to think we have messed it up - be it a broken ankle that destroys a career in the majors or broken a marriage or weight gain that we can't quite get rid of.

Our job is to be each others coaches, helping each person reach their potential without forgetting that we have to do the actual work for ourselves. I can give my son the bike, but I can't ride the bike for him. My husband can give me support to walk and eat right, but I am the one that has to do the work.

I hope this post makes sense. Basically, we help one another, but do hard work on ourselves. We apply our talents to the important things in our life and we let destiny take care of itself.

Happy Walking!

Day 307: Comfort food

Isn't it amazing how our attitudes and moods can change so quickly? It is a lot like the weather - one moment all sunny and bright, the next moment rain and thunderstorms.

I am sure how we handle those changes is more important the changes themselves...and it is all part of the journey.

Yesterday I was loving life, by this afternoon - not so much.

I am looking forward to bouncing back tomorrow.

The day was going great until I chose to let my "I know better than you" get in the way of actually encouraging one of my children. I am 100% frustrated and disappointed with myself.

Yet, the one interesting thing is I noticed as I started beating myself up over my inability to stay the calm, cool mother that I wanted food - not any food, but junk food. I wanted a cookie or some chips or even some fast food. I wanted the food to make me feel better when I felt so terrible.

I only partially gave in....actually, I started to give in when I realized what I was doing: eating for comfort.

Knowing is half the battle, right? I now know that when I am down on myself I like to turn to food. Time to change that habit! Also time to start working on my patience. :)

Happy Walking!

Day 306: Knowing is half the battle...

G.I. Joe tells us that knowing is half the battle. I have often wondered what the other half of the battle is - hard work? practice? planing? executing your plan?

Maybe the other half of the battle is different for each battle.

In my life, battles include patience, procrastination, control, etc.

I think one of the reasons this blog and my walking every day has been so successful is because I took the time to identify my goals, wants, desires and identify potential problems and their potential solutions.

All that knowledge was half the battle, the other half was the actual doing. I believe because I took the time to identify everything then the actual doing was not so hard.

For example, it is Autumn where I live. Some days we wake up to gorgeous weather other days not so much. We have mornings that are cold and afternoons that are hot. There is nothing predictable about the weather (or the season),

Yet, I am able to achieve my daily goal of walking - at any time of the day - because I first gained knowledge and then I did. This gives me more knowledge which empowers me to do more.

I am not willing to go to the mall yet, so we walk around lunch (either before or after).

In other areas of my  life (like writing on my family blog), I am not doing so hot. I happen to know that I never took the time to think about that blog - what I wanted to share, how often I wanted to share, possible problems with sharing or finding time to share. As a result, my posting on that blog is very hit and miss.

I could go through with more examples, but I think you get the point.

I may not being fighting a battle with guns, but I am fighting personal battles. Knowledge is needed first, than the other half of the battle will (hopefully) fall into place.

Looks like it is time to apply this lesson to my other blog, to eating healthier and a few other areas in my life!

Happy Walking!

Day 305: Content

No great insights today.

Just so....content. Just content and happy with the day, with being "on top" of things, with my life, my body, my children's behavior and all sorts of things.

I know there are always room for improvements, but I do not feel anxious for those improvements. I want to improve, but I am also content with where I am at.

I think that is a good thing.

Happy Walking!

Day 304: Simple things

I woke up before my alarm this morning.

I couldn't go back to sleep.

Yet, it ended up being a great day.

I got a lot done this morning - a good 2 hours before anyone else got up.

Not once today did I feel as if I was running behind or not accomplishing or not living up to some unknown standard I have set for myself.

I walked before breakfast (which I truly prefer).

I was thankful for feeling alive and doing so much - even though it was just the simple things, like reading a book, checking emails and sorting papers.

There is joy in the simple things. I am glad today was one of them!

Happy Walking!

Day 303: 5 Gratitudes for Friday, 39

1. Children who are willing to share and give, not only of their time, but of their belongings. This week we did some decluttering. All the children happily went through their belongings.

2. My oldest daughter working hard on her talk and the giving a flawless talk on Sunday. No one could tell that she was speaking from an outline nor that she was nervous. She spoke for 5 minutes (which is the perfect length for a young woman). She even wrote in some bits of humor that garnered the laughs she was hoping to get.

3. That it is Friday night, I am done with all my chores and errands! (Now I can focus on computer related items!). I am looking forward to relaxing tonight and sleeping in (maybe?) tomorrow.

4. That we can be silly as a family. Yesterday was National Pirate Day. Krispy Kreme Donuts had a deal if you talked like a pirate you got a free donut. If you dressed like a donut you got a free dozen donuts. We all talked like a pirate. The children dressed up like a pirate and Steve wore a pirate hat. The worker must of liked us because he gave us 4 dozen free donuts. yeah....that is a lot of donuts! We then came home and watched Pirates of Penzance in honor of National Pirate Day - who says home schoolers don't get a good education?  :)

5. A grown up girls shopping trip. My wonderful friend, Beth, went shopping with me earlier in the week. We normally go out to eat, but I really wanted to do some shopping. I bought a scarf - the decorative kind that is pretty fashionable these days. It is sage green with studs. Beth says I need to break out of my comfort zone. I am sure she is right. :)

Happy Walking!

Day 302: Sometimes...

Sometimes in life you just need a break. Maybe you feel overwhelmed, or suck, or just feeling down or maybe you are just super busy...what ever the reason, sometimes you just need a break.

Today was that kind of day for me. I just needed a break, but I didn't realize it. My oldest daughter did though. 

We were suppose to go on a date, but I wanted to cancel - feeling overwhelmed and all. She insisted. We had a fabulous time - went to a craft store to shop for items for our Halloween costume and then a book store.

Wouldn't it be nice if exercise became the thing that helped when I was feeling overwhelmed. It would be pretty cool.

Happy Walking!

Day 301: Quick Update

So the amount of exercise I am getting while my son is learning to ride his bike has been a roller coaster.

In the beginning, when I was holding on to the bike, the exercise was very brisk (practically running in a couple of places). Then, when all I needed to do was help at the beginning, the exercise was practically non-existent (I had to remind myself to walk in place as I waited). Now, the exercise is moderate.

This week, we are going to the church parking lot because it is large and usually empty of cars and activity during the weekday (daytime). My son starts on one end and rides to the other end of the lot. He is not good at starting himself off or at turning, so I must walk (following him) so I can be available when he needs a good push.

In some ways, I am anxious to do it all without my help (so I can get a bike and we can ride as a family), but another part of me is enjoying the simpleness of him riding and me walking. Deep down, I know the time is short - he won't need my help forever.

Happy Walking!

Day 300: Wow!

Wow! If I did my days correctly, I only have 65 more days to the end of the year...somehow that can't be right...it doesn't feel like a year.

I have had such a great time with this journey.

I love that I love walking and I love that my children love walking (or bike riding). It is such a wonderful change to our slothful existence before I began this journey.

Happy Walking!

Day 299: Dangers in family exercise

As everyone knows, we take a Kung Fu class as a family. Martial arts classes typically have some sparring, ours is no different. Our teacher, Sifu Adams, tries to have Steve and I partnered as much as possible, but the children also need to partner with us so they can practice without sibling issues.
Tonight, I had the opportunity to spar with all 3 of my children.
They are getting very quick with their punches which makes me work hard at defense. While sparring with K, she socked me right in the jaw. Man, did I want to take a breather - it hurt! Not super bad, but bad enough I wanted a few minutes to "walk it off".
Unfortunately, can't do that when my children are watching me - if I "walk it off" every time something hurts than they will too. So, I sucked it up and kept sparring...but trust me, I watched that right hook a little more closely!

Happy Walking!

Day 298: quick note

Just a quick note.

Loving today.

K did great on her talk.

We had a great night as a family watching football and a movie while munching on goodies.

I really like Sundays because I can be a bum and not feel guilty.

Happy Walking!

Day 297: Cycles

I have had this on my mind a lot lately - life goes in cycles. I sometimes feel like the struggles I had when my children were young I am having again - not the exact same struggles, but similar struggles.

I think about this the most when I take a nap during the day or a child wakes me in the middle of the night.

I am thinking about it a lot tonight because I am waiting for my oldest to call & say she is ready to come home. She is at a friends house for a movie party. I just want to go to bed, but just like when she was a baby and didn't go to sleep (for whatever reason), I am sitting up.

I sit up because I love her. I will nap tomorrow and go to bed early.

The cycle continues, but hopefully I have become a better mom along the way.

Happy Walking!

Day 296: 5 Gratitudes for Friday, 38

1 - Two wonderful weeks of home schooling. I am not exactly sure what has changed this year, but I feel like I am teaching my children in the best possible way for them and for me. We have had a great week (even if we missed having Steve a part of the homes school day) - we laughed, we learned, we worked, we played and we (for the most part) kept the love.

2. Z riding his bike. I have known for a long time he deep down wanted to learn how, but just was not applying himself. I am glad we finally got it done. He is all smiles when he is on his bike - and that means the world to me.

3. Today. I am grateful for today. It was sunny with a cold breeze and I know winter is just around the corner. We chose to spend the day out - we walked, we played at the park, we went to the children's museum, checked out a new library and just spent a great day together - enjoying each other and the good weather.

4. Having the sister missionaries over for dinner. I love having the sister missionaries over. They are always so enthusiastic, bubbly, excited, sweet. I just love them.

5. My husband consistently meeting my needs. He is a pretty terrific guy. I know I don't say it often enough, but he is. And I am very thankful for him.

Day 295: Mapping Adventures

The children have become increasingly bored with walking around our neighborhood. I do not blame them, we have walked it almost everyday this summer. Yet, I am still not ready to move indoors. The weather is nice and I want to enjoy every minute of it.

In history we learned about Lewis and Clark. I decided the children should make maps of our neighborhood.

It was (and hopefully we will do more such adventures) a fun way to walk around the neighborhood. The children were absorbed with landmarks, the maps they drew and they began to notice "new" things  on their walk.

The walk was not as brisk as I would have wanted, but we were out a lot longer....I wonder if that makes the two walks even?

Happy Walking!

Day 294: Achieving Goals

Achieving goals is a fine balance between group effort and solitary effort.

As I have watched my son this week struggle to learn to ride his bike, I see how all the help and support I give him does not actually get him to his goal. For him to reach the goal of a bike rider, he must put in the hard work. He must over come fears and failures. He must keeping pushing himself until he achieves his goal. I am merely the coach/cheerleader who helps, gives advice and tries to cheer him on.

My job is important, but it can not replace his hard work. On the other hand, when the goal is first realized - like today when my son rode, by himself, a good bit of distance, he needed me (and his sisters) to cheer, clap, holler and celebrate his success. If he had looked around and nobody had noticed or acknowledged his accomplishment....would he have felt the same or been willing to continue the hard work? (he still can't start himself off or steer.)

I think, getting healthy or staying patient or any other goal you have for yourself, is the same as my son learning how to ride a bike. For me to get healthy: go to bed on time, eat lots of fruits & veggies, walk daily, and etc. means I have to buckle down and do the hard work. I have to keep trying even when it is hard. Yet, during this journey to reach my goal, I need to be surrounded by people who can cheer me on, encourage me, share with me their knowledge and most importantly, when I finally reach my goal they need to cheer, clap and celebrate with me.

I have written before that I sometimes quiet after getting a compliment. I see now, that the compliment is like my words of encouragement to my son - it is not a reason to stop where I am at, but a reason to keep trying.

Just like my son, I can do hard things and will succeed in the end.

Happy Walking!

Day 293: Start with me

Over and over and over again I have heard that I must start with myself before I can help/influence those around me.

Sometimes starting with myself is hard.

Sometimes I don't know how to start with myself. It is much easier to fix/help other people.

Today, I realized that when I am frustrated with myself or at a loss on how to start working on myself, I  take it out on those around me. Sometimes it is just being nit picky, sometimes I nag and sometimes I get frustrated that the person I am working with is not catching on quickly enough.

To start with myself, in each of these cases, doesn't have anything to do with something physical, but with something much harder - my emotions, my patience....the part of me that makes me...me.

I am making great strides in taking care of myself physically - walking, eating better, sleeping better, etc., but now I realize I need to work on the other half...sigh...which is so much harder, I think.

I have felt for a long time, that our spiritual selves are tied to our physical selves. We need both selves strong - strength in one will increase strength in the other and vice versa. I know, and I don't know how I know, but I will not progress much further with my health goals, until I start working on my spiritual side - more specifically my patience, but also my procrastination. Both are holding me back.

Happy Walking!

Day 292: Just Keep Swimming

I can hear Dory's voice (the blue fish from Fining Nemo) in my head, saying over and over again, "Just Keep Swimming, Just Keep Swimming, What do we do? We Swim!"

I have declared this year to be the year of hard work and doing hard things.

It doesn't matter if it is my son learning to ride his bike, my daughter learning how to spell better or my humble attempts at getting healthier.

I did hard things today.

I really wanted to curl up with a book and a bag of chips...well, in the afternoon I wanted to curl up with a book and bag of chips. This was after a morning of doing hard things.

But I didn't. I just kept swimming.

Swim one hour at a time and one day at a time until I feel like I have been swimming my whole life. (Feel free to insert any habit for swimming.)

Happy Walking! (or should I say swimming?)

Day 291: A new day

I love waking up and feeling as if the new day is a NEW day....like it is magical or a clean slate or a do over....basically that all that went on before just doesn't really matter because today is a new day!

I don't have those NEW day kind of feelings very often, but I sure do love them.

Today was a NEW day. I woke up with the feeling that things could be different. should be different and maybe, just maybe are different.

What is strange is that the day was pretty much like any other Sunday, but it felt different...maybe it was my attitude that changed?

All I know, is that I am looking forward to this week. Looking forward to walking, to school, to reading, to writing, to going to bed on time. I am looking forward to taking care of me a little bit better than I have been. I am looking forward to working on the relationships with my children and husband.

And you know what is really great? None of those things were bad or needed to be fixed. I just want to do better and I am looking forward to it.

Kind of a nice feeling.

Happy Walking!

Day 290: What Are You Willing To Pay?

I watched the season premiere of Dallas Cowboy Cheerleaders, Making The Team, Season 8 last night. I find it rather fascinating that 500 young women show up for tryouts to make a cheerleading squad where they are paid so little.

I realize that many of them do this in the hopes of being discovered or that it will open doors for them in other areas...but I still find it fascinating.

I think the reason I find it so fascinating is that each young woman is paying a price for a dream. Perhaps the dream is to be a Dallas Cowboy Cheerleader or maybe the DCC is just a stepping stone to a bigger dream.

These girls work a full time job, some still go to school, but they all attend tryouts, training camp, practices, games, photo shoots, special events, etc... If you watch the show, it will give time stamps of when the day begins and ends. Many of these young women are up before I am and go to bed long after me.

They are willing to pay a big price for their dreams. What are you willing to pay? What am I willing to pay? Am I even coming close to paying?

I told my children at the beginning of summer that this is the year of hard things. We all (me included) need to learn to do hard things. We all (me included) need to learn to pay the price for our dreams.

I want to be healthy, but I have not yet paid the real price to attain that goal.

Maybe having a goal like running in a marathon or trying out for the DCC would make it easier to attain the healthy goal....I don't know. What I do know, is that I am not truly paying the price yet.

Yes, I am walking. Yes, I try to eat better. Yes, I try to get enough sleep. But deep down where it counts, I know there is more that I can do. I can eat more fruits, veggies and whole grains. I know I can eat less sweets and refined sugar/carbs. I know I could get more sleep each night. I know I could move more through out the day.

The simple truth is that I want to be healthy, but I do not want to change. I want my cake and be able to eat it too. At this point in time, that is just not possible.

If I want real change than I have to pay a real price - the price of hard work and sacrifice. It is that simple.

Happy Walking!

Day 289: 5 Gratitudes for Friday, 37

1. Steve spending the week with us and helping/doing home schooling. He is a natural teacher and the children love his teaching style. I do as well. It was a great week and I hope we can do something like this every year.

2. Listening to my children talk about math the way they normally talk about movies, books or video games. Steve taught Z the "magic" behind the 9 times table  - Z was so excited that he was telling his sisters all about it as we drove to lunch. K already knows the magic, so the two of them talked and laughed about how cool math is and all the different "magic" of math. Pretty darn cool.

3. Working hard all week so we could take Friday off. The children helped me find my Halloween clothes (we are being pikmin this year), went to the library and to the park. It was a great day and so relaxing.

4. Gorgeous weather all week - made it nice to walk, ride bikes and play at the park. It would be wonderful if the weather could be this great year round, but I guess the cold weather makes me appreciate the nice days so much more.

5. I love watching my children create. This week, they each took the poem "Caterpillar" by Christina G. Rossetti and re-created it through their preferred medium. S colored a picture, Z used LEGO and K cut out the different pieces from paper (so she could tell the poem with the cut-outs). Each child did a great job of capturing the poem.

Day 287 & 288: More fun and games

Steve ended up taking the whole week off and joining us for home school activities. The children loved it, I loved it, but the best part (for me) was having Steve involved with the physical activity.

He helped with kung fu practice, he helped Z with bike riding (Steve and Z even added air to all the bikes and adjusted Z's bike seat), and just did a great job of being the example of someone who can play hard and work hard.

That is one of the things I admire about my husband, he does a great job of balancing his life: work, family, play, etc.

I sometimes get tunnel vision. If I am playing, I don't want to stop to work or vise versa. I just go and go and go until I am burnt out on whatever I have chosen to focus on! Not the best strategy.

This week was good for me to see my husband in action and then, hopefully, put into action what I have learned.

Happy Walking!

Day 286: Special Treat

Our special treat today was having Steve with us when we went walking/bike riding. In fact, Steve helped Z with learning how to ride a bike.

It has been a long time since Steve has had the time to be a part of our morning workouts, but we always enjoy having him along.

I will happily wish for this special treat every day of the week!

Happy Walking!

Day 285: Happy Labor Day!

Despite by best efforts to convince my children that Labor Day was the day I rested and they worked...we had a really great day.

We played and worked together which is the best kind of day.

My oldest daughter and I had a discussion about me not giving her enough time to prepare for something a few weeks ago. This really bothered me because I let her know I was available to help, but I did not nag her or force her. I was truly attempting to give K the chance to do an assignment on her own.

It hit me later that of course she felt like I didn't give her time - I haven't ever taught her the concept of "here is the deadline and this is what you do to meet a deadline."

I am pretty sure I haven't taught it or been the example because I do not do it very well. Oh, I do great for a talk at church, but not so much with other areas. I struggle to make good use of my time and to meet deadlines.

I am sure this plays a part in my health as well.

I know how to cram - work hard in a short amount of time, but I do not do a good job of working a little bit every day to meet a deadline. This past year is the closest I have ever come (in terms of setting a long term health goal).

I must think on this more.

Happy Walking!

Day 284: Practice does not make perfect...

Practice does not make perfect (despite the old saying)...all kinds of research shows that practice can not get us to the perfection, but more in the 90% area. (read this to understand more.)

However, practice does help us be prepared to do those things that are hard and to get us through the hard times keeping those habits we have been practicing all along.

Today, two of my children spoke in primary (the children's classes) at church. They practiced all week and did a superb job.

It was a good reminder to me, that I am not practicing for perfection, but for good habits that will last me a life time.

Yes, I still need to figure out the "quit when I get a compliment" thing, but I also don't need to beat myself up. I walk every day and that was the goal for the year. I am forming a life long habit of movement which is always a good thing.

Happy Walking!