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Ho Hum

Ho Hum, what an appropriate title for a shit show of a day. Our internet with AT&T went down early this morning along with our cell service. Fortunately, we have Comcast as a backup. Unfortunately, Comcast still sucks. Needless to say, it’s been a trying day. It has me counting down the hours to Momcation 5.0.

I should have known today was going to be a special kind of crazy. After all, it is the day the taxman cometh. One bright spot was that our menagerie was hopping this morning. We even had a new visitor. A beautiful mottled duck joined the others for a snack. The animals have gotten so used to me that they don’t fly away anymore when I bring out the food or water. Even the skittish blue jays and squirrels have started to stay.

Instead of running, I’ve been working on Zumba chores for Momcation. I haven’t taught since I tore a tendon and was diagnosed with Graves, so I’m excited to give it a go. After all, it’s only been six years. Honestly, I had forgotten both how hard and how much fun it is to put together a class. I’m a bit rusty, so hopefully I’ll be able to give my fellow moms a good workout. It’s also a test to see if my ankle and body will tolerate it. If it goes well, I’m going to start teaching again as I need a second income.

Describe a positive thing a family member has done for you.

My family has done so much for me that I don’t even know where to start. I guess I’ll put it in broad strokes because otherwise, we’d have a War and Peace size answer here. The biggest thing was that they have supported me through life at every stage and every difficulty. I know that’s a pretty general answer, but the truth having support makes a huge difference.

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All Set

Our new highly efficient washing machine is all set and I couldn’t be happier. The hubby was able to install it quickly last night, so we could run our first load through it. Goodness, what a difference a new machine makes. No longer does it sound like something is about to take off from the laundry room. It was so loud the dogs would alternate between barking at it and being afraid of it. It’s so quiet. I love it!

I’m not quite all set for my trip to Mexico, but I’m working on that too. Delta sent a notification that there are a lot of delays with luggage, so I think I’m going to go with a carry-on only. This is a big step for me as I am notorious for over-packing. Nevertheless, I’m going to take the opportunity to make lemonade from the lemons and pack it efficiently. Well, at least I’m going to try.

The trip can’t come soon enough. I’m fried and could use a week in paradise to clear my head. Even my computer at work knows it’s time for some self-care. Fortunately, Momcation is exactly what the doctor ordered. The only things on the schedule aside from relaxing are yoga and Zumba. This will be my first time teaching since I was injured in 2018, so I’m pretty excited. Hopefully, my ankle and foot tolerate it well, so I can go back to teaching all the time.

Oh and one last thing, please join me in wishing my parents a wonderful wedding anniversary. You guys are the best! Happy Anniversary! I hope you guys do something fun to celebrate your special day.

Describe one positive change you have made in your life.

Kaplan laid me off in 2019 from a miserable job. I worked with the best people, but the job was no longer the right fit. Fortunately, it gave me time off to spend with Jake before he left for the military. When I went back to work, I went back purposefully into a role that would give me a work-life balance. My new job fits the bill perfectly. Although some days are a little too slow as I’ve watched all the documentaries on Prime.

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It’s Been Crazy

It’s been crazy around these parts hence the several month hiatus from the blog.  While the kids went north this summer, the hubby and I worked.  Oh and I tore my posterior tibial tendon, which has been so much fun.  Needless to say I didn’t do much this summer but work and elevate my leg.  Now I’m bootless, scooterless and ready to write!

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I did take on a new, super girl like identity as the summer ended: Scooter Girl.  You know like Avril Lavigne’s skater boi just older, with a boot and a lot less coordination.  I spent eight weeks in a boot and on my glorious scooter.  Whoever invented the scooter, also known by its significantly less sexy name as a knee walker, is my hero.  I can’t imagine having to spent eight weeks in a boot and on crutches – I wouldn’t have gone anywhere.  The scooter was a complete lifesaver.  It helped, of course, that my scooter was pimped out with a basket, a cup holder (how else would I carry my coffee), a memory foam padded knee pad cover and a bell (thank you KB.)

While I was on the scooter, I noticed that people were much nicer and helpful.  Even the snowbirds near me were sweet – amazing.  It was, however, a little demoralizing when a woman in her 80s told me she had been in the same boat and that I’d be okay.   She was so sweet.  Seriously, the snowbirds were sweet and if you lived in S. Florida you’d understand how amazing that really is.  It also sucked having to put on a cast bag to go outside or take a shower.  Having a cast during rainy season isn’t awesome.

The scooter also got us VIP entrance and upgrades at a couple of concert.  I definitely was not  looking forward to being on the law at an amphitheater with my scooter.  However, nothing was going to stop me from seeing the Imagine Dragons or Lindsey Stirling and Evanescence.   I think maybe that’s the lesson in all of this.  No matter what life throws at you, don’t stop living.  P.S. The Imagine Dragons with shirtless Dan is a must see show!

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Thankfully, I’m off the scooter as the craziness of hockey season is in full swing. I did have a scooter buddy at the beginning of the season, but I’m happy to report we’re both off our scooters!   It was a challenge to fit my scooter and their gear in the car.  Not too mention it’s tough to navigate the rink and find a comfortable viewing place for the games. I’ll admit that the bell prevented several potential collisions as I glided down the ramps at Ice Den.  Fortunately, the breaks on the scooter were quite effective.

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Perhaps the hardest part of the boot life is the inability to really exercise.  For eight weeks I was relegated to water workouts only.  We don’t have a pool at home, so I was at the mercy of traffic and the weather.  It’s been tough to be outside my normal workout habits.  It’s also tough to be passed in the pool by a geriatric swimmer, but I digress.  I’m still not cleared to run or do Zumba, but spent sometime on my TRX this past week.  It felt amazing.

What progress looks like

What progress looks like

At any rate, it feels good to back at the blog and bootless!

P.S.A.

While I won’t be able to run this year’s Purple Stride, I am still captain of Team Deb Force Five and am taking on an expanded role at the event.  Please join the Fight by joining Team Deb Force Five as a participant, donor or virtual strider!  Together we can help PanCan double survival rates by 2020.  Here’s the link:  Join Team Deb Force Five

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It’s That Time Of Year

It’s that time of year folks: it’s Girl Scout cookie time.   To be honest, it’s a bit cruel to start selling these delectable cookies a mere 3-4 weeks in our new years resolution.  Who can resist a Samoa, Thin Mint or Tagalong?  These sweet, little morsels of evil come around just a we’re starting to hit our “new year, new you” stride.  Frankly, they’re cryptonite to those of us with a sweet tooth.

While they may have derailed me in the past, they will not this year.  This year I have a plan.  Oh yes, my strategy is to leave them out, grab 1 or 2 and let the boys finish them off swiftly.  I bought a paltry five boxes, which in a house of 3 teenage boys will probably last me about 24 hours.  In fact, I’ve been home no more than an hour and already 1.5 boxes are gone.  #Winning

Unfortunately, these cookies aren’t calorie or sugar free, which is a total bummer.  Moreover, some are so sweet, I feel a cavity  and 10 pounds coming on as I eat them.  This, of course, is why my master plan is so important.  Thus far, I’ve only had one.  Can you see me patting myself on the back?  Because I totally am.

Tomorrow morning I’ll be headed to Circuit Burn in the morning and Zumba in the evening.  The two-a-days will also help counteract the evil doings of the cookies.   I’ve been off the gym for a week due to the sinus infection, Goalielocks’ almost procedure and my ankles.  Consequently, I’m looking forward to getting back to hitting the weights and the TRX.

Tonight’s song performed by Three Doors Down is “Krptonite.”

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Almost Friyay!

You know the best thing about Thursday is that it is almost Friyay!! I love Fridays. The day brings an air of satisfaction as it symbolizes yours survived the work week. Moreover, it signals that you’re about to indulge in the rest and relaxation that is the weekend…. And then I wake up, remember I’m a hockey mom and accept there’s no rest for the weary.

I’m back at Zumba this week, which feels amazing. There’s nothing better than being reunited with my girls. My recently injured tendons are handling it okay. It’s odd because Zumba doesn’t really bother my left posterior tibial tendon. However, it really bother my right tibial tendon. Of course, it is the opposite when I run. Unfortunately, neither side can seem to agree on which activity it can tolerate, which is beyond frustrating.

One thing that doesn’t bother my ankles, is aerial yoga. Unfortunately, the invasions haven’t been working so well this week due to major sinus congestion. In fact, they’ve been borderline painful with tons of pressure. I did, however, notice that afterward my sinuses felt clearer.

Tonight I had a plan in mind to help decompress my back while opening the sinuses. The first try didn’t go so well and was pretty uncomfortable. On the second try, I just screwed it all sorts of way and was able to gracefully fall out of the silk. Fortunately, I found great success with subsequent attempts. The key tonight was closing my eyes and concentrating on my breath as my body and sinuses became acclimated to the inversion. Success!

I’ve since eaten dinner, so there will be no more inversions for me tonight. However, I’m writing this post as I am laying in the silk swinging ever so gently. You can’t beat it!

Before settling into the silk, I headed upstairs to see Hammy the Hamsters new and more secure digs. Much like our chameleon, she made a break for it over the weekend while we were at hockey. When Goalielocks discovered she was missing, he let out a trill of a sound that was unintelligible

Upon hearing this confounding noise, I quickly headed upstairs to see what was wrong. I quickly realized he was in hysterics as Hammy and escaped. He, of course, was convinced that she was dead and gone, but I had hope.

I had a gut feeling that she was in the Mayor’s room finding and I was right. It took 3 of us 20 minutes to lure her out, but we were successful. Goalielocks put her back in the cage and put books over it, so she couldn’t escape. Meanwhile, I had the foresight to have all the doors closed and items placed underneath the door, so she couldn’t get out of his room.

Unfortunately, no more than 24 hours later, the escape artist had escaped again! We were back to hysterics. This time she hadn’t made it out of Goalielocks’ room. She had stashed a lot of food and herself in the tiny space behind his armoire. With the help of Hubby, he was able to get her back into her cage. Since she had escaped twice in a short span of time, we moved her to a smaller cage with much less space between the bars.

Fortunately for Hammy, her new cage arrived tonight and she is loving life. She’s got plenty of space and activities to do. Meanwhile, we’re thrilled because she can’t sneak out of this cage.

We’ve had a hell of a week between colds, sinus infections, escaping hamsters and almost surgeries. I am definitely looking forward to relaxing this weekend and catching up on some rest. Well, at least when I’m not at the hockey rink…..

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Priorities

Priorities – everybody has them, but we’re not always effective in prioritizing our lives or sticking to those priorities.  At the beginning of every new year, people around the world set resolutions and intentions for the forthcoming year.  Consequently, in January that gym is absolutely full.  Not to worry fellow gym rats, in the coming months the crowd will thin out.

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The beautiful thing about priorities, when executed right, is that they help keep us on track while living a fulfilling life.  For example, when you make fitness a priority, your more likely to carve at time (even if it is at 5:30 am) for our workout.  This year I’ve  committed to getting stronger.  In order to make that happen, I have to accept that the 5:30 am workouts are here to stay.  With my work schedule and the boys hockey schedule, the early morning workouts are key to meeting my goals.

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I went to spin this morning, which was fabulous.  Of course, it was miserable getting out of bed at 5:00 am, but it was well worth the short term misery.  Since I’ve worked out early morning the last two days, I’ve noticed my mornings at work are much smoother and I’m much happier.  Moreover, I’m more mentally alert.   The only drawback is by early afternoon I desperately need coffee or I’ll fall asleep.

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Post work, I headed over to Burn for aerial yoga with Monica.  Honestly, its a bit more complicated since I have to wear sneakers all the time.  I have to confess that I did take them off for the inversion part of the practice.  Aside from that I had to worry about my sneakers getting caught up on the mat or the hammock.  Like the other classes I’ve taken this week, I had to modify to accommodate my legs.  Confession time: it is super hard to take a decent selfie upside down, but I sure had fun trying!

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Despite the sneaker and tendon issues, aerial yoga was a complete blast.  We had a great crew tonight and shared lots of laughs.  Truly, I love the way the inversions feel in aerial yoga.  Its truly like a weight has been lifted off your back and shoulders.  Each week in class, I can feel myself getting stronger and stronger, which is awesome.  When I first started aerial yoga, I struggled to do a pike.  Now I can do ten pikes without struggling.  There’s nothing better than seeing yourself progress in your practice from week to week.  Its a great feeling!

Tonight’s song performed by Linkin Park is “Castle of Glass.”

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Brilliant Combinations

When it comes to brilliant combinations, you may not think about designer dressed with sneakers.  Since I’m unable to wear heels or any other shoes except for tennis shoes, I’ve had to pair my BCBG dresses and nice jackets with my kicks.  Now I love my Asics, they’re the best running shoes around.  I just don’t love the dress and kicks look.

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It is reminiscent of when I worked in the insurance industry in Minnesota.  In the winter, I would wear boots or somewhat sensible shoes into the office.  Consequently, when I got to the office, I’d put on my stilettos.  Stilettos on the ice are a sure-fire way to break your back, hip or head.  Fortunately, there’s no ice or snow to contend with here.  Unfortunately, that just makes my shoes look like a grand fashion faux pas.  I have to keep reminding myself it is only temporary.

Last night, I went to spin class, which my tendons tolerated pretty well.  Admittedly, I had to modify my ride to accommodate the injury.  For example, instead of going into 2nd or 3rd, I would stay in the saddle.  I was able to ride in 2nd position for a while, but I had to be judicious about it because too much time or resistance in that position resulted in discomfort.

Tonight I went to yoga.  Let me tell you, yoga in running shoes is pretty darn clunky.  It would have been hard to do a flow class in my kicks.   I found that I couldn’t get into my arm balances as my shoes kept getting caught up in the mat.  Oh well, it is a small price to pay for fully recovered tendons (hopefully soon!)  Fortunately, my instructors at Burn have been amazing in helping me modify moves in the classes to protect my legs.  Rather than do a flow class, Monica led an amazing stretch class.  It was exactly what I needed.

Since I’m headed to Chi-Town on Friday, I’m trying to get some great workouts in before I go.   My new year’s resolution was to start attending the 5:30 am classes at Burn.  Thus far, I’m 0-3.  After tomorrow morning, I intend to be 1-3.  Tomorrow morning is a circuit burn class, which is the same class I attend on Saturdays.  My teacher, Amanda, is freaking phenomenal.  Not only does she make sure we’re all maintaining our forms, she’s quick to provide modifications for those of us nursing injuries.  It makes a huge difference!  I’ll let you know tomorrow night if I was able to get up at 5:00!

Lastly, we’re almost ready for Chicago.  The last of our winter wear should arrive yesterday.  I’m so looking forward to spending some quality time with Goalielocks and the Mayor.   Moreover, I looking forward to seeing my bestie Jenny and hanging out with my fabulous hockey parents.  As we held our poses tonight, I was reflecting on how lucky we are to have so many amazing people in our lives.  We’re truly blessed.   The photos I’ve included on the blog are from three of my favorite hockey trips: Ottawa, Peewee Quebec and Minneapolis.

Tonight’s song performed by Shakira at her Paris concert is a “Nothing Else Matters/Despedida” medley.  As an aside, “Nothing Else Matters” is one of my absolute favorite songs.  I loved watching this clip from her concert and witness the universal nature of a great song.  It is awesome hearing the audience sing along to it.

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Podiatrist Friday

It was podiatrist Friday for this girl.  I headed there post lunch to finally have my left ankle checked out.  The office was small and quaint.  As expected, I brought the average age of the office down to 75.  Fortunately, the staff was fantastic as was the doctor.  This was a welcome surprise as it is not the norm at doctor’s offices in South Florida.

After filling out an encyclopedia of paperwork customary to a first visit including any and all allergic reactions or surgeries I’ve ever had, I was taken back to see the doc.  The offices are setup quite differently than a normal office and there wasn’t the normal blood pressure, temp and pulse checks.  As I waited, I noticed the wallpaper had cursive letters scattered randomly.  It seemed like an odd choice for a doctor’s office.  It was like an adult version of a wallpaper you be more likely to see in a preschool.

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Comparatively, the visit was quick and painless.In short order, the doctor was in to assess the situation.  I was pretty specific on the intake form that it was probably stress fracture of posterior tibial tendinitis.   She was a bit surprised that I was so specific.  I explained I had been seen at urgent care, plus friends in the business.  P.S.  It turns out I was right!

She examined both legs and was quickly able to determine the issue was the posterior tibial tendon.  On my left leg, the tendon is aggravated at the insertion point into the muscle.  Whereas on the right leg, the pain was in the arch of the foot and lower ankle.  The pain in both legs is due to an overly high arch on my feet, which causes the foot to collapse as I run.  Sounds amazing doesn’t it?

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Of course the doctor asked if I had stopped activity.  She did not like my answer. Oh yeah, the podiatrist totally lectured me.  See I thought not running and not doing Zumba would be a sufficient reduction in activities.  Unfortunately, the doctor did not approve of the spin, yoga, circuit, and barre classes I’ve done since the injury.  Unquestionably, I’m not good at taking my foot off the gas, nor do I want to as I’m in a good groove.   Surprisingly, I agree to modify my activities and forego going barefoot or wearing socks at yoga or barre.  Much like the urgent care doctor, she looked like she didn’t believe me when I said I’d be complaint.

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The good news is custom orthotics, which are the same price as a pair of Jimmy Choo’s (albeit Jimmy Choo’s on clearance) should fix the issue.  The pain in my legs should go away once the arch is properly supported, .  Unfortunately, in the interim I have to hang up my heels, being barefoot and my sandals.  For the time being,  I’m only able to wear my running shoes.  My works clothes are gonna look great with our Asics.

Tonight’s song performed by PVris is “What’s Wrong.”

 

Allergic

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Holiday Stress

I’m sure we can all relate to the pressures of holiday stress.  At this time in the year, the stress level is maxed out as we hurriedly try to finish our holiday preparations.  When you’re a small business owner, you can amp that stress level up 100X as you wait for contractors to act on invoices sent over a month ago.  While they’re are definitely benefits to owning your own business, the added stress is not one of them.

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I’ve written about missing home before, but some times in the course of doing business I really, truly miss the Northland.  It would be unthinkable up north for a reputable contractor to sit on invoices for over a month.  Whereas, here in S. Florida it is completely normal for a contractor to pay invoices on island time.  Admittedly, I’m new to this business and my hubby assures me this is normal, but I want to fucking throat punch this guy right now.

Anyway, rant over because that’s not what this post is about.  Believe it or not this post is about ways you can reduce your holiday stress.  Here are some of my favorite coping mechanisms:

  1. Run –  Runner’s high is real and it is amazing.  The world is a better place after a good long run.  f0c4c054288a64ccf399c4ef4b13cbf2--runners-quotes-funny-motivational-quotes-for-working-out
  2. Meet me at the mat!  There’s nothing like a good Vinyasa class to remove your from life’s craziness and put you in the moment.
  3. Come fly with me….  If you’re not inclined to hop on a mat and namaste, then come fly with me at Aerial yoga.
  4. Bake some holiday treats with your loved ones or friends.  If your family is anything like my boys, make sure they don’t steal any cookies from the cookie sheet.  FL Christmas 2006 487
  5. Spend time with good friends  24883571_10155106304447371_1492472535565284382_o
  6. Enjoy a nice drink (i.e. Ciroc and vodka.)  See 5.  tenor (2).gif
  7. Pay it forward.  There’s nothing more rewarding than helping those that are less fortunate.  IMG_1144
  8. Hang out with your four legged friends.  I love chilling with my puppies!  IMG_1291
  9. Spend time doing the things you love with the people you love.  There’s nothing I love more than watching my boys (even the big one) play hockey.  I was in hog heaven last night as three of the four took to the ice.

    Monday Night Mayhem
    Monday Night Mayhem
  10.   Drink more Dunkin’!  Just think soon it won’t just be coffee I’m talking about it will be beer too!

I hope my list of tricks and tools to alleviate the holiday stress was helpful to you.  Obviously, if you’re not in to running or yoga, you suck.. I’m only kidding.  In all seriousness, if they’re not your poison, make time for your favorite workout.  It will do you a world of good!

Tonight’s song is “Baby It’s Cold Outside.”

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Dancin’ in the Rain

Is there anything more cathartic than dancin’ in the rain? I tend to think not.  In all actuality, now that I live in a place where the rain is warm, I don’t even mind dancing in the real rain.  There’s no mystery to why I teach Zumba several week nights.  First, it helps cover the boys expensive hockey habit.  Secondly, and most importantly, it is my sanity keeper.  Even when I’ve had the worst day at work, I leave my Zumba class refreshed, happy and ready to take on the world.

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Dance has magical properties that lifts burdens from our shoulders.  I see it in my Zumba students and myself.  At the start of class, we all look a little more serious and stressed than we do at the end.  To be clear it isn’t only dance that achieves this, however, dancing in my mind is a lot more fun running.  Whatever gets you moving and gets your endorphins pumping will put you in a good space.

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So if you’re having a rough day and thinking about skipping your workout, don’t do it.  Get up and give yourself the gift of dance, running, weights, barre, hockey or whatever your workout of choice may be.  I know its super tempting to sit and binge watch Stranger Things 2, but put it off for at least a 1/2 and get moving.

“Dancin’ in the rain
Dee-ah dee-ah dee-ah
Dee-ah dee-ah dee-ah
I’m happy again!
I’m singin’ and dancin’ in the rain”