Page 47 of 80

Posted on

Missed a Day

So I missed a day! In my quest to write everyday since the pandemic began, I’ve only missed two days. Unsurprisingly, there is a commonality involved in both of these days. I’ll give you a hint, if tastes good and includes tequila. Yep, you guess it it was another epic night of margaritas and Prosecco. On the scale of margarita nights, it was a one paragraph night. Meaning I could only read one paragraph in my book before falling asleep.

Nonetheless, the margaritas were the perfect happy ending to a productive weekend. Before I got to Sunday night, I competed my Chair Yoga Certification with Eva at Open Heart Yoga Studio. Let me tell you, I wish I had chair yoga available to me when I tore my tendon. I could have kept up my practice without injuring my ankle further. Moreover, as the chair yoga class I took showed, the calorie burn was equivalent to a mat yoga class.

It was truly an eye opening experience. What I love about chair yoga is it makes yoga accessible. Importantly, I’m pursuing my yoga teacher training because I want to help people help themselves. A regular yoga practice has been cathartic band healing for me. Additionally, the training provided me with the opportunity to practice teaching. However, the best part of training was the teacher and fellow students. I learned so much from everyone. Eva teaches an amazing yoga class and is the perfect teacher. I loved every minute of it.

Pursuing yoga teacher training coincides perfectly with my desire to pursue a life where peace and happiness are the only choice. Clearly this doesn’t mean that everything will be perfect, but the things that no longer served me will be gone. Too often the only lens we see in this world is the one that gives the bleakest picture. All weekend we were inundated with pictures of rioters and looters. Meanwhile there were beautiful and meaningful protests going on across the country and in conjunction with local law enforcement. Even in the craziness, there was love to be found.

The last several months have been incredibly difficult for everyone: especially virtual school. So naturally I had to celebrate the end of the school year. The margaritas PJ was making were so good that we had a bit of a goose that laid the golden egg situation. We went through all the mixers and alcohol. Fortunately, I came prepared with a chilled bottle of Prosecco. Once the margarita well ran dry, the Prosecco rose merrily to the challenge.

We had such a great time with Mel and her folks last night. Since she officially graduates on Wednesday, we brought over her graduation gifts and card. Fortunately, we got a gift ourselves when Jake called via FaceTime. It was a lot of fun for him to talk to all of us. After awhile, we decided to give my parents a call, so we all spoke on FaceTime. It was great to see Jake looking so great and happy to be talking to everyone. Additionally, it was a great distraction for my parents after all the riots in Minnesota this past week.

Here’s a list of our day’s activities:

*Reading Vilette a wonderful book by Charlotte Bronte

*Morning and afternoon meditation

*watched Bolt

*Obedience training Anakin

*Enjoyed a well cooked dinner courtesy of myself and Blue Apron!

*Week 3 BBG 2.0 day 1 legs

*Took Anakin, Maya and Athena on multiple walks

Affiliate advertising supports this blog. By clicking on the link and making a purchase, you are helping to support the blog with no additional cost to you. Thanks!

Posted on

Last Day of School

It’s the last day of school!!! I officially survived the last two months of virtual school. Impressively, so did my kids! I couldn’t be more relieved to not have to fight too good fight day in and day out. Truly, it feels like a gigantic weight has been lifted from my shoulders. So cheers to all of us parents fighting our way through virtual school!

While my kids wrapped up their 19/20 academic year, I got in my ab workout for week 2 of BBG 2.0. The workout went great with the exception of skipping rope. I actually made it through each circuit three times per round. Previously, my best effort has only gotten me through each round 2.5 times per circuit. While usually I’d head to yoga after completing BBG, today I again headed to yoga teacher training.

In yoga teacher training, we had our first quiz, studied the chakras and began our study in anatomy. Particularly, I enjoyed learning about the chakras. I’ve never studied them in depth, but have been curious, so today was awesome! In order to be certified by Yoga Alliance, you have to spend 20 hours studying the history and philosophy of yoga. Thus far, I’ve found this study to be so vastly interesting. Tomorrow I’ll be taking a chair yoga certification, which will be great.

This morning before starting my day, I spent some time in the garden. Only in my garden, would there be baby ducks growing next to the sweet potatoes. In addition to the garden blooming, we also have mangos and avocados on the trees. Surprisingly, we don’t have a large harvest of mangos this year. We had an early heat wave followed by cooler weather, so perhaps that suppressed the crop. Nonetheless, I’m looking to harvesting some avocados and giving away some mangos.

As for my night, I made a glorious poem sausage bolognese courtesy of HelloFresh. It was amazing. I’m enjoying the dinners, however, the HelloFresh meals tend to have a lot more calories than the Blue Apron meals. However, both meal kits have provided some great dinners. Both the Hubby and I enjoy trying the different recipes and food. After being a family for 21 years and eating the same things, or so it feels, it’s nice to add some variety to the dinner table.

Of course, I spent much of day with my wonderful puppies. These dogs are my saviors and keep me sane. It’s hard to be anything but happy when you’re hanging out with your dogs! Anakin is doing well today after having his rabies vaccine yesterday. Fortunately, he doesn’t seem to be limping as much. I love watching him play with his two sisters. He likes to hit at Maya and then Piggie will get super protective of him. I’ll have to record them playing, so you can enjoy the cuteness.

Here’s a list of our day’s activities:

*Reading Vilette a wonderful book by Charlotte Bronte

*Morning and afternoon meditation

*Yoga teacher training with Monica from Yoga Mundo

*Week 2 BBG 2.0 day 5 abs day

*finished my internship in virtual school leadership. Yay for the last day of school!

*Enjoyed a nice, celebratory glass of Prosecco

*Obedience training Anakin

*Took Anakin, Maya and Athena on multiple walks

Affiliate advertising supports this blog. By clicking on the link and making a purchase, you are helping to support the blog with no additional cost to you. Thanks!

Posted on

Bacon and Steak

Oh yeah, it’s Wednesday night so we had bacon and steak. What could be better then a filet mignon wrapped in bacon and grilled to perfection? Nada. I worked hard today completing my BBG 2.0 Arms day and HIIT workout on the treadmill. I may have even added a hill run onto my treadmill workout. Naturally, I’m sure I’ll sleep well tonight after all that hard work and a hearty dinner of bacon and steak.

The most convincing argument I’ve heard for staying home

For the first time since Saturday, we had good weather this morning. Truly, the crystal clear blue skies were a thing of beauty this morning. Clearly, I be become a bit spoiled living in Florida. Otherwise, I wouldn’t complain about 72 hours without sun. Growing up in the Midwest, we’d go seven months (at least it felt like it) without seeing the sun. Then, as per usual during the rainy season, the beautiful clear skies gave way to stormy skies. Nonetheless, the stormy skies put a snag in my afternoon walk plans.

Today is the 27th, which means I have two more days of virtual school to survive. This has been a colossal undertaking for all involved. Okay, maybe for the parents and teachers. Needless to say, I won’t miss fighting with Goalielocks to get up and get on Zoom. Nor will I miss the countless emails and calls that my child is missing some work. Truly, the 29th will be a day of celebration. In case you don’t believe me, check back Friday so you can see pictures of me popping bottles to celebrate.

Since I was doubling up my workout today, I spent some time chilling with the puppies. With everything that is going on in the world, the unconditional love of man’s best friend is the perfect anecdote. We’re fortunate to have three dogs with great, loving dispositions. Indeed it’s fun to watch them interact with each other and how it impacts there interaction with me. For example, if I call Maya over, you can be sure that Anakin and Athena will try to be her to me. If I call Anakin, Athena is sure to show up. In fact, our sweet Piggie re-learned to lay down, but only on the “Anakin lay down” command.

Here’s a list of our day’s activities:

*Reading Vilette by Charlotte Bronte

*Morning and afternoon meditation

*Week 2 BBG 2.0 day 3 Arms and HIIT

*Watched Curb

*Looked online for roses that grow well in south Florida

*Obedience training Anakin

*Took Anakin, Maya and Athena on multiple walks

Affiliate advertising supports this blog. By clicking on the link and making a purchase, you are helping to support the blog with no additional cost to you. Thanks!

Posted on

Rain Rain Go Away

“Rain rain go away. Come again another day.” Like seriously, the rain can stop already. It’s been almost constant rain and storms since Sunday morning. At this point, we’ve received close to six inches of rain since this started. Clearly, that’s a bit excessive, but also effective for keeping the beaches and roads empty this holiday weekend. At any rate, it would be nice to see the sun and be able to take a walk outside with the dogs. Maybe if it was cool enough, I’d even take my run back outside!

Since the weather wasn’t cooperated, I again took my run inside. I was a little worried that my heart rate would go high since I took my T3 later than normal, but the run went okay. My peak heart rate was definitely higher than normal, but overall my heart rate was only slightly higher than normal. During the course of the run, I finished season 10 of Curb, I really hope there will be an eleventh season. The nice thing is I’m back to a point in my training where the run is more enjoyable than it is arduous. I guess it helps when it doesn’t feel like your chest and bosom are going to explode.

My post stretch routine took me right into my Tuesday yoga class with Monica. Today’s class was a gentle flow, but with some additional poses over Monday’s class. For years, half moon pose was elusive on both sides due to my tight hamstrings. However, since restarting my practice in late October, my hamstrings have opened up making the pose accessible on both sides. This may seem a bit silly, but it’s pretty exciting to me. The lack of flexibility and mobility in my legs undoubtedly contributed to my tendon injury. Being able to open up my muscles and improve my mobility while resistance training and running is a huge win for me.

After yoga, I grabbed some leftovers from yesterday. The pasta was amazing. Then I made myself some coffee and enjoyed a nice chat with my folks. My mom and dad have been working the garden, so it’s nice to hear about what is in bloom. Unfortunately, they might get some hail tonight or heavy rains that may damage the peony blooms. They are my absolute favorite and I hate that we can’t grow them here in Florida. Hopefully, my mom’s peonies don’t get taken out by poor weather tonight.

I spent the rest of my afternoon working on my websites, stretching my shoulder and reading insipid posts on Facebook. In fact, I truly read some of the most ridiculous things today. Following the list, I’ve added a gif of Larry David, which sums up my feelings nicely. Here’s a sampling:

  • COVID-19 is actually a bacteria and WHO is lying to everyone…
  • Wearing a mask leads to hypercapnia, which has a 71% chance of killing you, which is a significantly higher risk than dying from COVID19. Finally, we have an explanation for what’s killing 100% of the doctors and nurses wearing masks throughout their 12 hour shifts! #smh
  • JFK Jr. really isn’t dead…. wow – just wow!
  • COVID19 isn’t spread by asymptomatic carriers. This is just dangerous! It is spread by carriers.

If there’s anything this pandemic has taught me, it’s that we need to be careful in the information we take in. There’s so much information and misinformation out there that it’s not surprising people are anxious. Chiefly, the amount and disparate nature of the information can be alarming, which is why we need to selective in our sources. Facebook groups filled with opinions are not a reliable source for facts. Nor has the mainstream media been for that matter, which is why I’m a fan of sticking to the Mayo Clinic, my doctors and John Hopkins for information. When you cut out the crap, your anxiety levels will decline.

Lastly, here’s a quick update on Goalielocks’ friend. Yesterday he was moved from ICU to the ortho floor, which was a huge step for him. Additionally, he was supposed to have surgery on his shoulder, but his doctor was able to reset the shoulder without surgery. This kid is a walking and talking miracle!!!! Your prayers are making a difference, so please keep them coming.

Here’s a list of our day’s activities:

*Reading Vilette by Charlotte Bronte

*Morning and afternoon meditation

*Gentle Flow with Monica.

*Week 2 BBG 2.0 day 2 cardio

*Watched Curb

*Obedience training Anakin courtesy day Goalielocks

*Took Anakin, Maya and Athena on multiple walks

Affiliate advertising supports this blog. By clicking on the link and making a purchase, you are helping to support the blog with no additional cost to you. Thanks!

Posted on

Memorial Day 2020

Memorial Day 2020 was a wet and stormy day. Clearly Mother Nature thought Florida needed a little help in maintaining social distancing. Apparently, a nice low pressure system has setup and is ensuring South Florida will no longer be in a drought. Fortunately, I had nowhere to go, but to Dunkin’ this morning. I hate driving in rain here. Word is if th me gator sees his shadow, we’ll have six more days of rain. I’m only kidding.. We should be sunny by Tuesday afternoon.

Despite the holiday, I made sure I didn’t forgo my Monday workout routine. I kicked it off with a great yoga class with Monica from Yoga Mundo. My body was much more obliging today and really felt good during and after the class. Monday’s class is more gentle than Sunday’s, so it offers a nice contrast and balance to my practice. Afterwards, I took on day one of week two of BBG 2.0. It was an easier workout than last weeks, but my lower back was not feeling it. Consequently, I made sure to take additional time to stretch between each around circuit.

For dinner tonight, I made a vegetarian dish from Blue Apron that only I ate. While I enjoyed my gourmet meal, the boys enjoyed some veal parmigiana. It works out since I wasn’t really feeling the acid that comes with tomato sauce. My dish, a cheesy baked cavatelli pasta, took awhile to make so I made that first. Then while that baked, my hubby and I made the veal parmigiana. Team work makes the dream work! At the end of the meal, the whole family was well fed and happy.


Today we remember those that paid the ultimate sacrifice for our country. As a military mom, these holidays resonate in a different way. Today I’d ask that as you remember those that died for our country that you’d remember the gold star families- parents, spouses and children – that were left behind. For them this solemn holiday is a reminder of their loved one and their sacrifice.

The concept of sacrifice seems to have become somewhat foreign to us. Over the last couple of months, I have seen people complain about the sacrifice they have made by wearing a mask or not going to a restaurant. Perhaps the most offensive post, however, was one that equated the combat deaths of our military members with those that have been hurt by the quarantine efforts. Are you fucking kidding me? You’re going to argue moral equivalency between someone sacrificing their life for your freedom and someone on unemployment due to COVID? For fucks sake, sorry mom, get your head out of your ass and get a grip. We have all had to make sacrifices during this difficult time, but they pale in comparison to the sacrifices of our troops.

Nobody wants to be in quarantine for perpetuity, especially those of us that are parents. No matter are location, career path or economic station, our lives have been turned upside down. A lot of weeks, virtual school has been hell, but you know what? It’s a lot better than a foxhole in the mountains of Afghanistan. Also, this time in quarantine gave me the perfect excuse to go to a Target or Publix with out the kids. #winning

As for wearing masks, it’s a small thing we can do to mitigate risk. I understand there’s some debate as to their efficacy, but wearing one in public does no harm. Also it’s not your constitutional right to not where a mask into the business. I sometimes wonder if the people protesting the mask requirement also protested the requirement of shirts and shoes in stores. After all, it’s the same argument is it not? Nonetheless, until my doctor or the Mayo Clinic tells me otherwise, I’ll be wearing my mask while in public.

At the Military Working Dog Memorial at JBSA Lackland

Now that my rant is over, let me update you on Goalielocks’ friend. He had an awesome day today! In fact, he was able to stand up and is being transferred out of the ICU and into the Ortho unit. This is absolutely incredible news! Undoubtedly, all of our prayers are making a difference. He continues to surprise his doctors with his progress. Although he’s made great progress, the road to recovery is still long. He and his family will need our continued prayers during this difficult time.

Here’s a list of our day’s activities:

*Reading Vilette by Charlotte Bronte, which is a place I’m likely to find the word gossamer.

*Morning and afternoon meditation

*Gentle Flow with Monica.

*Week 2 BBG 2.0 day 1 leg day

*Watched Family Guy

*Obedience training Anakin courtesy day Goalielocks

*Took Anakin, Maya and Athena on multiple walks

Affiliate advertising supports this blog. By clicking on the link and making a purchase, you are helping to support the blog with no additional cost to you. Thanks!

Posted on

Rainy Day

Rainy day?!?! Say what? So I knew we had a tropical wave coming for us on Monday and Tuesday, but I expected today to be nice. Imagine my surprise when upon waking I found out that today too would be a rainy day. Ugh! We need the rain, but not the three days worth of tropical soaking we’re expecting. Clearly, living in South Florida, I can hardly complain about the weather, but this rain is for the birds!

Last night I had a bit of a tension headache starting in my neck and shoulders. Unfortunately, it was still there this morning. I wasn’t sure if yoga was going to be in the cards, but I decided it would do more good than harm. Beforehand, I also used the tune up therapy balls to massage my neck and shoulder muscles. Yoga went well, albeit my body was super fatigued. Given the discomfort I was feeling in my neck and shoulders, I took it a bit easier than last week. Nonetheless, I continue to see gains in all aspects of my practice. I’m really excited to be on this yogi path.

After yoga, I ate a quick lunch before heading down to my friend’s house for a visit. Don’t worry we adhered to social distancing rules! Truly, it was nice to get out of the house for the afternoon. Moreover, it was great to spend time chatting with a women! Sometimes it’s tough to be the only woman in the house. It was wonderful visit and I had a great time.

Since I was out for the afternoon, the hubby made dinner. This inspire of the fact he worked most of the day tearing out a bowling alley floor. Tonight’s dinner was balsamic burgers with mozzarella salad. Everyone, but my Mayor, really loved the burgers. Perhaps it comes as no surprise to you dear reader that I was the only one that enjoyed the salad. My boys, including the biggest one, described the salad as tasting like grass. Nonetheless, I was a happy customer.

Much like the rest of the week, I was again super tired. I’ve been on the 16:8 intermittent fasting plan for the last week, so it could be my body adjusting to it. Clearly, I’ll need to re-evaluate it next week if I’m still dealing with the defcon 10 physics fatigue. Needless to say, I was an absolute coffee machine on this rainy day. I’m sure the weather doesn’t help either as it’s the perfect weather for staying in bed all day. Consequently, I got none of the tedious housework on my list completed. Moreover, I’d love to start dancing and working choreography again

As an update to last night’s blog, Goalielocks’ friend is improving, but is still in ICU. He and his family need our prayers and support now more than ever. While there is never a good time for these things to happen, there couldn’t be a worse time than now during the pandemic. Please continue to pray for his recovery and for his family! They need all the love and support this world can muster!

Here’s a list of our day’s activities:

*Reading Vilette by Charlotte Bronte

*Morning and afternoon meditation

*Vinyasa with Monica. Since I’m in teacher training, she taught the primary series of Ashtanga yoga.

*Week 1 BBG 2.0 day 7 active rest

*Visited Terri and talked about everything from our kids to journalists inability to do their job.

*Watched Rocketman and Family Guy

*Obedience training Anakin courtesy day Goalielocks

*Took Anakin, Maya and Athena on multiple walks

Affiliate advertising supports this blog. By clicking on the link and making a purchase, you are helping to support the blog with no additional cost to you. Thanks!

Posted on

Burgers and Dogs

Today’s weather was perfect for slapping some burgers and dogs on the grill. Normally, I’d be hard at work in the kitchen cooking up my latest Blue Apron box, but tonight we switched it up a bit. I was exhausted and my hubby was up for grilling, so burgers and dogs was the perfect solution. In fact, it was so perfect because I had everything we needed for both! Yay me!

Needless to say, I feel like I struggled with the BBG resistance workout today. Ordinarily, the Friday workouts I breeze through as it’s mostly ab work and I actually have strong abs. You just can’t see them yet. Sadly, I did have to face my nemesis of jumping rope. Obviously, I have lost a lot of coordination since childhood or my rope is insufficient. I even tried shortening the jump rope today, but that didn’t help at all. One of these days, I’ll master it!

The past couple of days I have been utterly and completely exhausted. And not just the run of mill sort of exhaustion, but complete systemic exhaustion. Naturally, I took it as a sign that I was not ready to add another run to my schedule. Initially, I was thinking that I’d add a high intensity run to both Wednesday and Friday. Now I realize that would be too much too soon. I’m interested to see how I feel next week at this time. Additionally, next week will be three weeks on the T3 supplementation, so my body should be accustomed to the change.

Friday afternoons are for yoga teacher, which I love. Naturally, it’s the only time of the day that my kids need me. Today was no exception as they interrupted class severe times. Unfortunately, I took it easy for part of the practice session as my foot has been giving me trouble today. Before I rested, however, I was able to teach Surya Namaskara A and Surya Namaskara B. Truly, I was happy with how it went, but teaching and doing Namaskara B is no joke.

Perhaps the most exciting part of today was the realization that there are only seven more days until the last day of school. This year has been trying for so many reasons and then came the pandemic. Honestly, I hope these kids are able to go back to school in the fall. If not, me and my fellow virtual school parents will be banging our noggins against the wall. I had high hopes that we would settle into a routine and all would be easy. However, in a crisis and with teenagers nothing is ever easy. Thank goodness for my sweet puppies Anakin, Athena and Maya. They help keep me sane.

I guess it would be easy to just complain about the last couple of months in the blog, but that would be an incomplete picture. Despite my frustrations, I love having this time with my boys. In a few short years, we will be empty nesters. After my oldest left the nest this December, I don’t look forward to that transition. Needless to say, having a child go off into the military makes you realize how precious and short lived your time as a family unit is. I’m not ready for the hockey mom days to be over. I am, however, ready for the quarantine days to be over.

Here’s a list of our day’s activities:

*Reading Vilette by Charlotte Bronte

*Morning and afternoon meditation

*Week 1 BBG 2.0 day 5 resistance and!

*Checked on the duck nest in our garden. We now have six eggs. We should have seven, but someone grabbed an egg to put in the incubator.

*I didn’t watch any tv today!

*Strategy session with my girl Jodi

*Obedience training Anakin courtesy of me!

*Took Anakin, Maya and Athena on multiple walks

Affiliate advertising supports this blog. By clicking on the link and making a purchase, you are helping to support the blog with no additional cost to you. Thanks

Posted on

The Wall

So I added a high intensity interval into my routine yesterday, which left me feeling like I hit the wall at 9:00 am this morning. Nonetheless, I still got on the treadmill for my steady state run this morning. Holy hell was it difficult! Flash forward to my noon yoga class, which is a gentle flow, that killed me. My body was exhausted. Clearly, it’s going to take awhile for my body to adjust to the Wednesday night HIIT workout!

Despite the fatigue, I got both of my workouts in. Speaking of the wall, I got a great trip from my yoga teacher Kaye today. Legs up the wall is one of my favorite yoga poses. It makes you feel incredible, stretches your leg and takes little effort. Consequently, this is how I usually spend my morning meditation. Based on Kaye’s tip, I completed my afternoon meditation in that pose. Unsurprisingly, it worked and I felt invigorated afterward.

I enjoyed my afternoon coffee while talking to my mom, who was (loudly) walking her circuit at home. Truly, this is such a great, innovative approach to making home exercise work. Too often people use lack to equipment or the weather as an excuse to skip their workout. In this case, my parents are getting their daily walk down inside. They live in Minnesota where gyms are still closed and the the weather still questionable, so their simple yet innovative approach to logging their working is awesome.

It’s easy to get the blues while in quarantine, but exercise is a good way to counter this. Fortunately, you don’t need equipment to get a walk in or even jog in place. When Jake was young, I used to use his step stool as a stepper. After he went to bed, I would exercise on the stepper for 30 minutes while watching tv. This was perfect because I could hear him if he got out of bed or needed something.

Today’s highlight came courtesy of our sweet Anakin. He loves to follow me into our master bedroom and bathroom and steal stuff. Consequently, this afternoon he stole some toilet paper from our bathroom. I was afraid that he would quickly tear the roll to shreds making a mess and wasting a precious asset, but I was wrong. Amazingly, Anakin took the toilet paper from our bathroom to our half bathroom and left it there for Goalielocks. It was super cute!

As of tonight, we only have five days left of school. This virtual school experience is one I hope is forgotten quickly. In fact, I hope school administrators forget about it before this year has even finished. Truly one name I never want to be called again is teacher. Naturally, I expect my kids hold the same opinion. Honestly, I’m looking forward to not having to fight virtual school battles on the daily. Clearly, I’ve hit the virtual school wall too. Five days and counting!

Here’s a list of our day’s activities:

*Reading Vilette by Charlotte Bronte

*Morning and afternoon meditation

*Week 1 BBG 2.0 day 4 cardio

*Checked on the duck nest in our garden. We now have six eggs. We should have seven, but someone grabbed an egg to put in the incubator.

*Watched It’s Always Sunny and the movie Bad Moms

*Obedience training Anakin courtesy of Goalielocks

*Took Anakin, Maya and Athena on multiple walks

Affiliate advertising supports this blog. By clicking on the link and making a purchase, you are helping to support the blog with no additional cost to you. Thanks!

Posted on

New Routine

Today marked the start of my new routine on Wednesday. Since my yoga teacher is now on maternity leave, I don’t have yoga at 5:30 anymore. Nonetheless, I have adapted accordingly. Since I’m on BBG 2.0 I added a high intensity cardio workout. This workout includes 15 minutes of 30 seconds of rest followed by 30 seconds of rest. Unquestionably, the new routine isn’t quite as relaxed as the old one.

One thing that didn’t change is our Wednesday night cookout. On the menu today was bacon wrapped filet, potatoes au gratin, broccoli and caramel apple desserts. Everything on the menu less the broccoli came from Omaha Steaks. Strangely, my youngest has become a pickier eater as our quarantine has progressed. He doesn’t like steak, barely tried the potatoes and didn’t like the dessert. Meanwhile, my middle son, who has always been picky has become an adventurous eater. My world is in chaos!

After virtual school caused a full on mental health breakdown yesterday, I’m happy report things were much better today. In fact, both boys did their school work and chores without needing much inducement from me. Oh yes, it was a victory! Now their school is all done for the day, the floors are clean and the dishes have been done! I wish everyday could be like today!

I did my first arm workout for BBG 2.0. Surprisingly, it was pretty easy for me. This, of course, is a testament to the foundation I built while completing BBG 1.0. Nevertheless, the number of pushups (regular, lay down and from my knees) that I did today was utterly obscene. Additionally, there were some new exercises like arm raises from a hover plank. Those were fun, said nobody ever!

After my workout, I had to run to Target to pick up a prescription and return a phone case. Additionally, I was hoping they’d have some weights because I need some 8, 12 and 15 lb dumbbells. Alas, it was not to be as there entire fitness section was sold out. I hung my head in disappointment as the Mayor and I made our way over to the food. I bought two more gallons of milk since they’d already drank the five gallons I had purchased Friday. As of now, we’re down to only half a gallon left! Ugh.

I started supplementing my synthroid (T4) with cytomel (T3) a couple of weeks ago. Nonetheless, I still experience fatigue some afternoons. Since I’ve never been much of a napper, I medicate with some afternoon coffee and meditation. Truly, my afternoon meditation practice has been cathartic and helps recharge my battery. This week’s mid-day meditation has been focused on gratitude. It’s always nice to spend time ruminating on things that make you grateful like family, friends and flowers. Of course, I’m also grateful for my new routine.

Lastly, my brave Athena is absolutely terrified by the beep of the fire alarm. We changed the battery last night, but for some reason it is still beeping. Sadly, Athena shakes like a leaf when this happens. Consequently, my hubby had her on our bed in our room trying to calm down last night. She loved it so much she refused to get down. Finally, we were able to coax her done when the Mayor started practicing his handstand in the yoga silk. She didn’t quite know what to do with the situation, so naturally she went to the bathroom on the carpet. Oh Piggie!

Here’s a list of our day’s activities:

*Reading Vilette by Charlotte Bronte

*Morning and afternoon meditation

*Trip to Target for prescription and a few goodies. The store was not crowded.

*Week 1 BBG 2.0 day 3 arms and cardio (high intensity)

*Checked on the duck nest in our garden. We now have six eggs.

*Watched It’s Always Sunny

*Obedience training Anakin courtesy day Goalielocks

*Took Anakin, Maya and Athena on multiple walks

Affiliate advertising supports this blog. By clicking on the link and making a purchase, you are helping to support the blog with no additional cost to you. Thanks!

Posted on

Magic Trick

As I start my blog, the mayor is performing a magic trick. At least, I think it’s a magic trick. Based on my hubby’s reaction to the trick, it wasn’t too magical. Nonetheless, the magic trick that did get done tonight was all of his homework. You know that stuff he’s assured us he turned in until we checked his grades and it shows missing. Our backyard duck did a magic trick sometime this morning as the number of the eggs in her nest jumped to five.

Sadly, both boys are striking out in the virtual school arena this week. Needless to say, neither of them are in possession of their phones right now. Unfortunately, for them the depravation will continue until their grades improve and all missing work has been completed. In the meantime, my blood pressure remains at an all time high and my patience remains at an all time low. Clearly, this is not a sustainable situation.

Unfortunately, there is no meditation practice for surviving virtual school. Trust me I’ve looked on several different applications and YouTube. This experience has definitely left me with a lot more respect for teachers. Honestly, I can’t imagine dealing with more than one pupil at a time. Mostly because I can’t handle dealing with one at a time. Fortunately, the days of the school year are numbered. I’ll be popping bottles next Friday the 29th to celebrate my liberation from virtual school.

Anyway, my legs were like lead this morning. Clearly, round 2 of the BBG program is effective. Nonetheless, I still got in my run. Instead of a steady state run, like I did Saturday, I mixed the tempo up every sixty seconds. To ensure a challenging run that wouldn’t injure me, I switched the tempo between 5.5-6.5 mph. Previously, I had been alternating between 5.5-6.0 mph or steady state at 6.0 mph. Truly, I’m not in a hurry to aggravate my injury by adding too much speed to fast.

After my run and stretch session, I had just enough time to break my fast with some almonds and a munchkin. Today’s class was a nice, gentle flow. I was utterly exhausted, so it was a bit tough. Obviously, my favorite part of class in shavasana, the final relaxation pose. To say it’s my favorite pose may be an understatement. Today’s shavasana was longer than usual and I definitely fell asleep. Of course, the best part of shavasana is feeing completely restored afterwards.

Afterwards I called my folks to check in. It’s my favorite afternoon ritual. I make my coffee, take a seat on my couch and talk with my parents on speaker. Truly, these conversations have become one of my favorite parts of quarantine. It’s important to stay connected with our friends and family during this season. I spent the rest of my day fighting the good fight. Did I mention that I’m over virtual school?!?! Lastly, I made dinner tonight and it sucked. I cooked up some chicken to go with penne a la vodka. Sadly, the chicken tasted like rubber. Undeniably, I’m looking forward to my Blue Apron box.

Here’s a list of our day’s activities:

*Reading Vilette by Charlotte Bronte

*Morning and afternoon meditation

*Week 1 BBG 2.0 day 2 cardio

*Yoga For A Healthy Back with Monica from Open Heart Yoga Studio

*Watched Great

*Obedience training Anakin courtesy day Goalielocks

*Took Anakin, Maya and Athena on multiple walks

Affiliate advertising supports this blog. By clicking on the link and making a purchase, you are helping to support the blog with no additional cost to you. Thanks!