It was a welcomed and overdue sleepy Saturday for the first time since August. We did nothing today, but relax, grocery shop and put a dent in the laundry. It couldn’t have been a better day for it as the afternoon and evening hours were cool and rainy.
The Mayor and Hubby went down to Fort Lauderdale to fish and hangout on our friends’ sailboat. It’s a tough life. I wasn’t feeling 100% and desperately needed to get the grocery shopping and laundry done, so I stayed North. Not to worry, however, as I’ll be headed down that way tomorrow morning to collect the Mayor and enjoy a nice brunch.
Goalielocks and I hit up Kohl’s before hitting up the aquarium store. We picked up a new led light for the coral tank. Of course, it would have been foolish to think I could get out of there with just the light. We picked up another snail and a coral frag. Suddenly, we have a real nano coral tank going on. Goalielocks has done a phenomenal job setting up and managing the tank.
While Goalielocks worked to acclimate our tank’s new inhabitants, the Mayor was busy fishing up a storm in Lauderdale. After fishing they enjoyed a nice dinner inclusive of mermaids, king crab and stone crab. Meanwhile back home, we enjoyed a tasty frozen pizza. Based on the pictures and videos, it would appear he and his buddies are having an amazing time. We’re heading to bed early since we’ll be losing an hour of sleep tonight and we’re heading to an early brunch in Fort Lauderdale. Have a wonderful evening!
Its March first and its time to restart on my new year’s resolutions. To be fair, it’s not like I’ve abandoned them completely. I just haven’t been focused, healthy or well-rested. Life, you may say, has got in the way. Nonetheless, there’s no time like the present to get refocus on achieving the goals I’ve set for myself in 2018.
I set very specific running goals for myself for 2018. My posterior tibial tendinitis somewhat derailed my running when they decided to rebel. I haven’t been able to run really at all this year. My ankles/feet are feeling better and the orthotics definitely help out. Moreover, my doctor has cleared me to return to running. To celebrate this monumental day, I signed up for my first (of 8) 5K of the year. The Mercedes Benz Corporate Run is a blast. Thankfully, it’s a night run, which for me is a much better proposition.
I set a resolution to attend 5:30 am classes, but that resolution fell by the wayside come February. We had multiple viruses and a concussion in the house, so my priorities were elsewhere. Plus, who wants to be that gal that bring the flu to the gym – not me! This coming week, I’ll be back at with a M-W-F morning class rotation. I miss the circuit classes and the weights.
All of these things will become much easier next week as the hockey season comes to an end. Its a bittersweet time of year. Bitter because the season is over, but sweet because we get our lives back. Tomorrow Goalielocks and I are driving to the West Coast for his state tournament. I wish the scheduling Gods would have scheduled both tournaments on the same coast, but, beggars can’t be choosers. Wish us luck as close out our hockey season, hopefully in a grand fashion, this weekend here in Florida!
P.S. Goalielocks has been headaches free for almost 3 days now! He has returned to school and skated last night. He was happy to have skated, but it was a tough practice for him.
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.”
I think the title says it all, but my sexy new accessories finally came into the podiatrist office today. Oh yeah, that’s right those sexy mo-fo orthotics came in. They cut a mean silhouette – Louboutin has nothing on these. Now I’m taking my look to a new sartorial high, or low since I’m still in flats, with these sexy inserts. That is of course if your definition is comfortable arches and less tendon pain. It sure is for me! Honestly, I really miss wearing my heels and I miss running. I’d also like to be in less pain, but I’d be happy to be in heels.
Truly, it is exciting as it the first step towards a return to normalcy. I dream of the day that I can go back to wearing stylish heels with my dresses and not my Asics. Moreover, I dream about getting back to training for all the races I want to run this year. The longer it takes to heal; the harder it will to fit in all my races. After all is said and done, I want to hit my running goals in 2018, but with healthy legs, ankles and feet.
I know you’ll be surprise, but this weekend we’ll be back at the rink. We only have one game this weekend, which is about all I can stomach. Sunday Goalielocks and his team are headed to the beach to do workout. Meanwhile tomorrow night I’m going to an art gallery opening in Wilton Manors. I cannot wait to see the gallery and my colleagues art, which will be on display. Myself and several of my colleagues are headed there to show our support, so it will be a fun night.
In other news, the flu has taken hold here in Florida. It has become so prevalent that the boys’ school sent home a letter today. In the letter, they asked us to keep kids home that are showing any symptoms that could be flu related. This comes on the heels of the passing of a 12 year old boy in Palm Beach County due to the flu. It is unbelievably sad. In fact, this flu season has claimed over 37 healthy children. Its devastating. Fortunately,our pediatrician gave my boys flu vaccine earlier this fall. The vaccine will offer them some protection even if the strain isn’t a complete match.
Well, I’m heading to be early, so I can try to get some rest before heading to the gym and hockey tomorrow morning. The sinus infection has been the pits this week and has kept me out of my classes at the gym. I’m looking forward to getting back to it tomorrow.
Tonight’s song performed by the late, great Janis Joplin is “Piece Of My Heart.” This video it veritable gold. First of all, Janis’ performance was amazing. Second of all, the audience members dancing on stage are comic gold. I hope you enjoy the video. Janis would have been 75 on January 19th, which is crazy.
After skipping the 5:30 am class on Wednesday, due to a sinus headache and running on CST, I was back at it this morning! I know, I know those of you that know me are in a state of shock that I’ve made it to not 1, but 3 5:30 am classes in the last week. The truth of the matter is I feel much better during the day when I log an early workout. I think more clearly, I have more energy and the endorphin rush lasts most of the day. #winning
Tomorrow I’ll be back at Burn for a 30/30 class, which is a combination of spin and a circuit class. Honestly, for me it is the perfect balance of cardio and strength training. Moreover, the 30 minute spin session is much easier on the tendinitis. Since I re-joined Burn in October, I couldn’t be happier with the results. I’ve been taking Barre, Yoga, Aerial Yoga, Circuit Burn, Power Burn and Spin classes at the gym. I’ve been a cardio queen for much of my adult life, but thanks to my awesome instructors at Burn I’ve gotten a lot stronger. I couldn’t have imagined being able to do one-legged planks and crunches on the TRX when I started. Now I can do them with relative ease – thanks Adam!
I wrote about the glamorous mom life that many of us lead. As a hockey mom, I don’t have the luxury of being able to go everyday or every weekend. For example, last weekend we were in Chicago, so I planned my workouts accordingly. This way I was able to maximize my time in the gym before heading north. This week isn’t much different with games on both days. Consequently, Sunday will be my rest day as it is also a travel day. Meanwhile Saturday morning I plan on enjoying circuit burn before heading to the Mayor’s hockey game. Since I was up early this morning and plan on getting up early tomorrow, I’m off to bed.
Tonight’s song performed by Santana – Ft. Rob Thomas is “Smooth.”
The realities of mom life aren’t nearly as glamorous as Gloria from Modern Family would have you believe. In fact, they can be quite the opposite of glamorous unless you include cleaning up vomit in your definition of glamorous. I know I don’t! In the 18.5 years of motherhood, I’ve learned the key to motherhood is the learning to be agile in your planning and expectations.
While I would love to have nice things and perfectly clean house, I’ve found with three boys in the house it is darn near impossible. When the boys were younger, we removed all of the toys and furniture from our upstairs loft. At the time, and still to this day, my boys use the space as their mini hockey rink. Yeah, it’s crazy. Yeah, there’s damage to the walls and floor. I mean, who doesn’t love when the kids take permanent markers to their new wood floors? But you know what, my boys have had a blast spending their days/nights playing mini-hockey. Moreover, it is much better than video games. As a mother, you quickly learn which battles to fight and which ones to let go.
I always have high ambitions for my weekends. I’m going to go to the gym, run all my errands, hang our with friends, organize my closet, etc. The reality is again I have to be agile in my expectations and planning. My plan may be a bit grandiose given my hockey mom schedule. While the reality of what I’m able to accomplish, in my own mind, is quite paltry compared to my ambitions. I guess when my kids reach 18, I’ll have time for all of those grandiose plans.
Moreover, this weekend in Chicago I had hoped to see downtown and eat relatively well. I can’t say that ate completely poorly, but Giordano’s -while amazing- is not anti-fat ass compliant. Fortunately, we only ate there two out of the four days. As for the sight seeing, our hockey schedule simply didn’t allow for it. I had planned to do this Monday before heading to the airport, but this plan was derailed by both boys’ teams making the semi-finals. It wouldn’t have been nice to see downtown, but truth be told I’d rather be watching my boys at the hockey rink.
While we were in Chi-town, the hubby installed the yoga silk. Initially, I had envisioned that I’d be the only one using it while the rest of my family made fun of me for it. Oh how I was wrong. Surprisingly, my younger two boys (in particular) love doing inversions in the silk, swinging on the silk and laying back in the silk relaxing. I’m not mad that they love it, but I’m definitely going to need to buy another silk for the house. I had hoped that the boys would use it post-hockey practice to help decompress their backs while opening their chest and shoulders. Thankfully, they’re doing this, but I think they want to live in it.
Meanwhile it was back to work for me with a sinus headaches courtesy of the cold weather and flights. Fortunately, I only came back to 1,000 emails. That made for a fun morning. Truly, it was nice to be back at work and back into our regular routines. My body was clearly still on CST as I woke up way later than I had hoped.
We’re back to a daily song and tonight’s song performed by The Cranberries is “Dream.” I was devastated to read that we had lost yet another amazing musician, Dolores O’Riordan, from my formative years. One of the first albums I bought was The Cranberries album Everybody Else Is Doing It, So Why Can’t We?. It was also an album that both my dad and I were really into. For me, it was one of the first times my dad’s and my musical tastes aligned on music. Of course, now it is a much different story with a lot of my musical preferences heavily influenced by my dad.
Skol Vikings!!! Holy cannoli Batman that was a nail biter of a game between my Vikes and the Saints today. Jen and I were biting our nails as we followed the live updates on the Score. Unfortunately, there was a bit of a time delay on the app. So we were a bit behind.
Fortunately, text messages from my hubby, the family group text and Chuckles and Roman kept us updated timely. Honestly, when C&R texted holy cow, what a catch, touchdown, I thought they were messing with me. (It’s not hard to do.) I was in disbelief until my hubby and the family group text confirmed the good news.
Truly it was a game that entertained the masses while giving Minnesota fans a heart attack. I was commiserating the Vikings impending doom with my hubby via text and Jen as watched Goalielocks’ game. When she said, “maybe there’ll be a miracle.” I replied as any hardened Vikings fan would, “miracles don’t happen to us.” Only this time it did thanks to our Keenum led offense and Diggs’ amazing catch.
Aside from the Vike’s amazing win tonight, my boys had four games at two rinks across town. Consequently, I’m utterly exhausted and not looking forward to a 5:00 am wake up and an early morning drive through the snow. Goalielocks’ Team was 2-0 on the day, but I’ll write more about that in a forthcoming post on instant karma.
Meanwhile, the Mayor’s team went 1-1 on the day. The Mayor notched two goals today scoring one in each of the games. In fact, he scored the only goal for his team in the morning game. Both boys’ teams have moved onto the semis bright and early tomorrow. I’ll likely miss the start of Goalielocks’ game.
Lastly, the boys are really loving the Chicago area. Unfortunately, it looks like we won’t be able to make it downtown tomorrow due to games. However, today I introduced Goalielocks to deep dish pizza. After their morning game, we went with friends to Giordano’s. Goalielocks and I shared a pepperoni deep dish pizza that was to die for. In his words, “it was the best pizza he had ever eaten!” Moreover, he wants to go back for more tomorrow.
Of course, the plus side is the pizza really fills you up. You really don’t need to eat too much the rest of the day after having that. Even after we got back to the hotel after Goalielocks’s game, I was still full.
I should also mention that it has started to snow here in Chicago, which makes awesome driving – said nobody ever!!! My boys though are loving the weather. In contrast, I’m praying for an early end to the snow and for the roads to be clear tomorrow morning when we leave. I’m off to bed as we have a very early wake up call tomorrow morning.
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.
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.
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.
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!
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.”
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.
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.
Monday, Monday it wasn’t all I hoped it would be.. Okay I’m totally exaggerating, but it totally sucked getting up earlier than the past two weeks. Moreover, not only did it suck for me, but it really sucked waking up the boys. After all, outside of Sunday morning for the Mayor, they haven’t seen a 6:00 hour wake up call for weeks. It was everything I expected to be and more – i.e. it was brutal for everyone.
I’m not a morning person, which is why my 5:30 am fitness class aspirations are such a big commitment. This morning I hit the snooze at least three times before finally rolling out of my nice, warm bed to wake up the kids. They fought the wake up, but acquiesced only to fall asleep again the couch. Consequently, you can imagine the forlorn looks on their faces when I woke them up again.
Fortunately, both the boys and myself made it to the bus top/work despite the general awfulness that can accompany an early morning especially a Monday morning. Unfortunately, with the return to normalcy and kids in school, we also enjoyed (not so much) a return to normal South Florida winter traffic. I would just like to say F you to the snow bird driving 50 in the left lane. You’re a dick.
Now that I got that out, boy oh boy do I feel better, work was great. The team and I had a productive day and no tears were shed. Put one in the win column for me! I’m not letting Monday (or an annoying snow bird) get in my way! After work I headed to spin class. I promised my podiatrist I’d stay in the saddle. Nevertheless, I think some promises are meant to be broken. I didn’t go into 3rd and I had to lower my resistance in 2nd, but I pushed it to my limit. If I felt any pain at all, I went back into the saddle. I left the studio with wet hair, super sweaty and having burnt 387 calories. Another notch in the win column for me!
After spin, I was able to wrap up yet another productive shopping spree on Amazon. Thanks to Amazon Prime all my goodies, hand warmers included, should arrive before we are northward bound. #Winning. As you can see, my Monday wasn’t too bad. In fact, it was pretty fantastic. Honestly, if that alarm had gone off just a little later, it would have been darn near perfect!
Tonight’s song is in honor of everyone’s least favorite day of the week. As you reminisce about the Monday that was enjoy The Mama & the Papas “Monday, Monday.”
