Page 4 of 7

Posted on

Win Some, Tie Some

You win some, tie some.. Oh, wait the phrase is you so Some, you lose some. Whoops! The good news for Goalielocks and his squad is they won their first game and tied the second game. Unequivocally, it would have been nice to grab a second with, but it wasn’t in the cards.

I have to say we’re spoiled in Florida hockey. When you leave a rink in a Florida, you warm up almost instantaneously. Unfortunately, with temperatures in the 40s today that simply isn’t possible.

As I write this, I’m still cold as we ride home in the Bachman party bus. It will take a while to un-thaw, but it’s a small price to pay for spending quality time with the boys and our friends.

Between games we were able to catch lunch at my favorite local restaurant Cafe Murano. It’s a great, reasonably price restaurant that’s relatively close to the rink. I enjoyed an exceptionally delicious bowl of spaghetti Bolognese. The food came out quickly and was amazing. Truly, the did great accommodating our group of 30 people.

We headed back to the second game to freeze are arses off again. Even my Starbucks was quickly cooled as I sat in the box waiting for the puck to drop. Fortunately, I was significantly less busy in the box than the first game. Unfortunately, I was significantly colder during the second game.

Goalielocks had a great game as did his partner in crime. Neither faced a significant number of shots, but both came up with some huge saves when they needed them. Naturally, I was super happy for Goalielocks. I loved seeing his winsome smile as he skated off the rink today.

Now we head home in the party bus, only to venture over to the West Coast for the Mayor’s games. It’s another day on the road and another day at the rink. Of course, we wouldn’t have it any other way.

Today’s song performed by the Beatles is “Don’t Let Me Down.”

Posted on

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.

download (17)

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?

tenor (4)

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.

anigif_enhanced-20011-1443126331-8

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

Posted on

Back To The Grind

It’s back to the grind as the holiday season has come to an end.  The roads were back to their usual busy, over-crowded annoyingness with the snow birds amping up the aggravation level. Even as I headed into the office around noon, due to my annual physical, the turnpike was packed with cars unwilling to go the speed limit.  It actually felt good to be back to normal at work.

I booked my annual physical for today as my doctor is going concierge at the end of March. I’m not super excited about this expensive change, but I absolutely love my primary care doctor.  Unfortunately, it is extremely difficult to find a good primary care doctor in South Florida.  At this point, I’m leaning towards staying with her in the concierge model.

My appointment went well and everything looks good (well sort of) I would, however,  suggest not going immediately after the holidays lest you want to get yelled at for your weight…  #lessonlearned. I was super excited when the nursing assistant checked my height announcing it at 64.5 inches.   I’m sorry what?  “64.5 inches.”  I’m here to tell you I’ve been 5 ft. 4 since (64 inches) since I was 18.  In fact, I was just barely under 64 inches in 2016 thanks to a lack of stretching a Zumba and running.

doctors_office

Consequently, when the doctor came into the room, I had to ask her about the gain in height.  She confirmed what I was already thinking that the yoga (particularly the aerial yoga) and stretching had gained me some height.  I mean a 1/2 an inch, can I tell you how stoked I am about it?  I would love to be taller!  Understandably, I made sure to make my reservations for aerial yoga on Thursday and Sunday as soon as I got to the office.

9021594_f520

When I shared this information with my co-worker, she booked herself a class for this coming weekend.  What women doesn’t want to be a built taller? This is especially true for me as I’ve watched my Grandma lose several inches of the last decade or two due to osteoporosis and scoliosis.  You can imagine that both myself and my mom are doing everything in power to avoid that same loss of height.

5844a2_5d4bb0cac29a43549c6ad925419538f1_mv2

Tonight’s yoga class was a mat class, which I love.  Fortunately, Monica teaches both my mat class and aerial classes (Th and Sat.)  I was so excited to share with her that I gained over a half of an inch since my last doctor’s appointment.  She wasn’t surprised by this news since she’s been teaching for awhile, s.  Although, she was quite excited for me.  As a result, I told her our new goal was to get me to 65 inches!   I can’t even tell you how excited I am to have gotten a little taller!

IMG_1337

While the gain in height may seem insignificant, it highlights the importance of staying active and taking care our bodies as we age.  It is easy to get caught up in the cardio mindset and let strength and stretch training fall by the wayside.  However, both strength training and stretching are absolutely crucial to staying happy.  Fortunately, I love yoga, which allows me to work on strength training and stretching at the same time.  I’ve also added weights, TRX and some circuit training to my repertoire to keep me fit.

The bottom line is that I am now 64.5 inches.  Just imagine…. If I gain another inch or two, I won’t have to hem my pants! Now that’s something to get excited about!  Tonight’s song performed by Guns N’ Rose, and in keeping with our South Florida weather tonight, is November Rain.

Posted on

Finally

Tonight we’ll finally put to rest the year that was 2017. In many respects, 2017 was a brilliantly evolutionary year. While in others it was a devastating year that often brought us to our knees.

2017 started off with the loss of a beloved employee, followed by the loss of a beloved employee’s son. In March, we lost a dear friend, who was family to us. Unequivocally, the loss of our beloved friends and co-workers was tough to stomach. Death is never easy, but losing people young is particularly cruel.

In loss, there was a beauty. We carry forward the many memories and lessons that those beautiful souls imprinted on our hearts. I look forward to running again, so I can see the yellow butterfly that greets me as I make it to Debbie’s neighborhood. This is just before I hit the mile mark. Consequently, I’m struggling find my legs, my will and my strength. Miraculously, the butterfly greets me and encourages me on every run.

To say I learned a lot from Debbie would be an understatement. One lesson I’ll always carry with me is to live fully. In fact, she was a huge inspiration in us going to Norway. It was an expensive trip, but it was worth every penny and more. There is no greater gift we can give our loved ones than the gift of time and experiences together. To this day, if you ask my boys, they’d move to Norway in a heartbeat.

2017 was very much a transition year for our family with Jake graduating high school and the Mayor transitioning to Middle School. We also sent Jake to Italy with school while the Mayor went to DC with safety patrol. There were a lot of big life changes for us last spring. Albeit the boys handled these transitions beautifully. Mamma bear may have struggled a bit, but that’s life and completely normal.

Now as we wind down the clock on 2017, Jake has a semester of college under his belt. The Mayor has acclimated beautifully to Middle school while Goalielocks is slaying his last year of Middle School. 2017 was a year of transitions, loss, beauty, experience and love.

As I look back on 2017, I remember the moments spent with those I love. The marquis moments of my kids’ lives and our incredible time in Norway. Lastly, we will always carry the the beautiful people we lost in 2017 in our hearts and minds.

To celebrate the New Year, we’re headed back down to Lauderdale to hang out at the marina. My younger two boys will spend their evening fishing with friends as we relax on the boat with our friends. It’s a boy mom life for me and one I wouldn’t change for the world.

Tonight’s song performed by the Beatles is “In My Life.”

Posted on

My Day

My day was fantastic. Last night I was feeling good post-spin, no leg soreness, fatigue or pain in the proverbial arse.  Unfortunately, I woke up to the post-spin pain in the butt.  It wasn’t nearly as uncomfortable as I expected, but nonetheless it was omnipresent.   Fortunately, my legs still feel pretty good.

49b0cbb96f226d5ecbfaa1a7484d096c--running-humor-running-motivation

Ordinarily on Thursdays, I run 2.5-3 miles before yoga.  However,  my left leg is still bothering me.  Consequently, on the advice of my massage therapist and prudence, I skipped the run.  Admittedly, if my massage therapist hadn’t suggested I see my doctor about the leg and skip the run, I probably would have been running tonight.

Thankfully, aerial yoga doesn’t put much stress on my leg.   One of my favorite things about yoga is that I can see my progress from week to week.  Each week, I’m gaining both flexibility and strength.   It’s absolutely rewarding to see and feel the progress as the weeks go by.  I totally love it!

images

Now I’m back home all comfy and cozy on the couch with an ice pack on my leg binge watching The Office.  This show, much like music in other people’s home, is the sound track to our lives.  We’ve recently transitioned from Family Guy to the Office in anticipation of the Family Guy leaving Netflix in Mid-January.  P.S. Netflix, we’re not happy about this!

images (38)

Goalielocks finally got his new pads, but is still begging for a dubia roach colony.  Talk abut things I don’t want in my house and roaches will be at the top of the list.  Nonetheless Goalielocks in persistent request to buy a roach farm.  Now that he’s financially responsible for the lizards’ food, he’s pricing out the cheapest options.  Meanwhile, he doesn’t understand why neither mom nor dad want a roach colony in the house.  Undoubtedly, Goalielocks’ would give Gerry Durrell a run for his money when it comes to collecting animals.

I’m off to ice my leg again and cuddle with my Mayor.  Tonight’s song performed by The Cranberries is “Zombie.”

 

 

Posted on

Spin Class

I must confess until tonight I’ve never taken a spin class.  I know, I know, its hard to imagine, but I’ve always gotten my cardio fix from Zumba or running.  Well tonight the stars aligned.  My circuit burn teacher was subbing tonight and barre was cancelled, so the 30/30 (spin plus weights) class it was tonight.

e086e4b67e3e1ec23c85577ba50a93d0--spin-class-humor-a-class

The class title says it all, but for clarity its about 35 minutes spin followed by weight training.  It’s the perfect balance of cardio plus weight training.  Undoubtedly, it was also the perfect introduction to spin for the uninitiated (myself included.)  Admittedly, I was a bit nervous before class.

tenor (3)

I definitely learned a couple of key things today about spin.  First, running shoes aren’t the best fit for the spin bikes.  It is much better to have a narrower shoe (see below) that fits into the pedal straps.  Secondly, bring a towel.  Even after only 30 minutes, I was sweating buckets. Truthfully, it didn’t take too long for the sweat to be dripping.   A headband is also a must!

anigif_enhanced-23848-1393024350-4

Thirdly, the seat isn’t super comfortable.  However,  this discomfort supposedly abates after taking a series of classes it gets better.   Honestly,  I didn’t find it horribly uncomfortable, but again I didn’t do a full 60 minutes of spin.  Moreover, make sure you hydrate wisely.   I brought two bottles of water, but I also took electrolyte tabs before class.  You could also add Nuun tablets (electrolyte tabs) to your water bottle.  This will make sure you replace the minerals you lost as you sweat.

download (14)

Additionally, as with any other workout, you gotta respect your body.  I have tendon/ligament issues in both of my ankles.  Consequently, there were times when my ankles didn’t tolerate 2nd or 3rd position.   When this happened, I simply went back to sitting to take pressure off my ankles.  Lastly, I really enjoyed the class and variety is the spice of life.  If you only do the same workouts over and over, they lose their efficacy.  When you introduce variety it keeps your body guessing leading to a more effective workout.

tumblr_mvjdkwMRpU1so11geo2_250

Tomorrow it will be back to running and yoga for me, but I thoroughly enjoyed my interlude with spin.  Tonight’s song performed by Shakira is “Whenever, Wherever.”

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

Back to Reality

It was back to reality today.  I gotta say this whole Christmas on a Monday and back to work Tuesday stuff is for the birds!  Nonetheless I headed into work Dunkin’ hand.  Truly, I was somewhat relieved that my clothes still fit after this weekend and that traffic was relatively light.  When I got to work, the parking lot was absolutely empty.  At its peak, it wasn’t even close to half full.

friends_holidayweight2

After a weekend of eating everything in sight, today was a good time to get back on track.  Unfortunately, I have a proclivity for sweet treats.  As much as I planned to be good, how could I turn down a perfectly good Christmas cookie?  After all, I won’t be making them again until next December.  I don’t think you can argue with that air tight logic.

eb347b0e2eafce343cc901941de78bf176943ba30277231ff5be33cf5fc79694

Since I indulged in a couple of sweet treats today, I definitely had some extra motivation for my run.  The Piggie and I logged 2.5 miles before I headed to yoga.  Indeed it was a nice run with comfortable temperatures and a pretty consistent pace.  As I ran, I was a bit mad at myself for not maintaining my running last spring.  In some ways, I feel like I’m back to the beginning of training.  Whereas, last spring I finally got my mile below 8 minutes, I’m back to running a mile in 9:5 minutes.

images (37)

In 2018, I’ll be re-committing to running and regular training. I’d love to finish 2018 with either a half marathon or two 10ks under my belt, but more on 2018 in a later post.  In order to train successfully, I have to make sure my legs stay healthy.  Consequently, I spent a good 15 minutes stretching my legs post-run tonight.  I did this even though I knew I’d be headed to yoga afterwards.

hmm-typing-means-i-cant-be-eating-christmas-cookies-247-cookies-it-is-thumb

In addition to my post-run stretch, I’ve been going to Massage Envy a couple of times per week for assisted stretch.  Not only is this helping loosen up my legs for running, but it’s helping my yoga practice as well.  While I enjoy a good massage, the assisted stretch sessions have yielded much better results.   Unfortunately, neither my yoga teacher or massage therapist can help with the huge bruise I got on right thigh at paint ball.   I’m pretty sure that bruise is going to be around for a long time.    I’d post a picture, but it’s borderline indecent.

Tonight’s song performed by Michael Buble is “Feeling Good.”

Posted on

Come Fly With Me

Come fly with me, no seriously, you’ve gotta try aerial yoga at least once.  Now that I’ve have several classes under my belt, I’m starting to feel much more comfortable in the silk.  After an rousing hockey game last night and kick arse circuit burn class this morning, aerial yoga with Monica was the perfect way to decompress mentally and physically.   Additionally, the communal atmosphere of the class is awesome.  Everyone is supportive, eager to try new things and happy to cheer others on.

I know you’re wondering, what’s so awesome about aerial yoga. So let me tell you.  First, aerial yoga is great for your back.  While you’re in the inversions, your spine is able to decompress and there’s minimal strain on your back.  If you’ve got back problems, an aerial yoga practice may provide relief.

IMG_1338

Since the silk supports you in the inversions, you’re able to get into inversions, like handstands, and hold them much longer.  Consequently, you build not only strength, but also muscle memory for the poses.  This will translate into your mat practice.   Moreover, there are parts of the aerial practice that are nearly identical to TRX.  You’re able to use your own weight as resistance to build strength and flexibility.

IMG_1339

Thankfully, I was able to decompress both my mind and my spine this morning otherwise I would have lost my mine at the mall.   The Hubby and I are way behind the eight ball when it comes to Christmas shopping.  Although to be fair, the boys just posted their Christmas wishlists on the fridge yesterday.  Consequently, I headed to Kohl’s to find a present, but left empty handed.  I could not believe how picked over the shelves were. Since Kohl’s didn’t have what I needed, we headed to Macy’s and Dick’s.

What should have been a five minute ride took nearly 20 in the snowbird laden mall traffic. Ugh, Christmas shopping is bad enough, but throw in winter traffic and it is insufferable.  We ran in to Dick’s first, but again came out empty handed.  Afterwards we made our way to Macy’s, were we finally found what we needed to buy.  Unfortunately, we spent more time trying to exit the mall parking lot than we spent in Kohl’s.  Road rules and traffic regulations are not strong suits of Florida drivers.

images (36).jpg

Later the Mayor and I went to Target, so he could by his brothers some presents.  Fortunately, Target was better stocked and well staffed.  We were able to get our groceries, the presents and check out in less than an hour. This was amazing especially considering we made a detour to Starbucks as we shopped.

Tomorrow we’ll finish out last minute shopping after aerial yoga and then head to my brother’s tomorrow evening.  Of course, we’ll have to wrap all the presents and start preparing the dishes for Christmas brunch.  My family looks forward to Christmas brunch as its usually the only time I make caramel rolls.  You may recall that for hurricane Irma I made an exception.  Unfortunately, we were house bound so we couldn’t work off the calories.  Consequently, Jake and I are already planning a long run Christmas Day to counteract the thousands of calories and carbs we’ll consume at brunch.

Tonight’s song performed by the Chairman of the Board Frank Sinatra is “Come Fly With Me.” This song is one of my absolute favorites.  Enjoy!

Posted on

Winter Solstice

It’s the winter solstice today, well at least it was at 11:28 am this morning.  The shortest day of the year in the Northern hemisphere is also the harbinger of longer days to come.  Unequivocally, I hated the short days of a Minnesota winter.  There’s nothing more depressing than a sunset at 4:30 pm.

Here in Florida, the sunset was around 5:30 pm tonight and was gorgeous.   If it weren’t for the horribly short days, you would hardly know it is winter here. Piggie and I were out on our run enjoying the beautiful weather.  As we pushed to mile 3, Piggie recoiled with fright into my left knee.   My left leg is a veritable disaster with hip flexors and a IT band so tight if it snapped, it would poke your eye out.  What was the monster that frightened her so?  Perhaps another animal or a loud car?  Oh no, my Piggie was afraid of the orange cone.  If I wasn’t so out of breath, I would have ended up on the ground in a laughing fit.

IMG_1303

As you’ve probably gathered from reading my recent blog posts, things have been a bit stressful in our household.  It’s not always amazing to own your own business, but that’s the price you pay for autonomy.  In addition, we had a health scare with one of our boys, so we ended up at a specialists office this afternoon. Fortunately, his bladder and kidney looked good on the ultrasounds.  This gave him quick relief as he was worried they’d find something in his organs.

Nevertheless, he will have to undergo an outpatient surgery in early 2018.  This should be quite simple and result in minimal downtime.  However, if anything is discovered during the procedure it could result in a more protracted and complicated recovery.  Here’s hoping for an uneventful procedure and a miraculous (quick and uncomplicated) recovery.

Speaking of miracles, I’ll need to start and finish my Christmas shopping (food included) in the span of 72 hours.  Unfortunately, this means online shopping isn’t going to work.  Well, unless I want to spend $250 for Saturday shipping, which I don’t as that’s ridiculous.  Wish me luck as I hit the stores with the snow birds and all the glorious people South Florida has to offer.

Tonight’s song, performed by one of our hockey sister’s Julia and her classmate, is “The Prayer.”

 

 

Posted on

Blissful Moments

As crazy as our Saturday was, Sunday was divinely low key and full of blissful moments.  I spent the better part of my morning cuddling on the couch with my Mayor, which is hands down one of my favorite things. My hubby, who had run out to Home Depot was kind enough to return home with my coffee. Yay!

IMG_1255

I worked  on the living room getting it ready for the Christmas tree.  I’m happy to report that we’ll hit our goal of getting our Christmas tree up before Christmas.  It’s the small victories in life.  Now that it’s up, we’ll have to actually decorate it before the holiday.  Meanwhile, Goalielocks and the Mayor cleaned their animals cages and did their chores. Additionally, I finally got the photos of Maya and Athena from Petco!

IMG_1253

Sadly, we missed the Jingle Bell Jog in Delray this year.  Our hockey schedule made it impossible for us to make the race.  This race is one of my favorite 5ks in South Florida. Its fun to see all of the runners dressed as Santa Claus.  Morever, the course is a beautiful run up A1A along the ocean.  The view is absolutely incredible.  I’d be remiss if I didn’t mention the mimosas and beer available post-race as it is a definite plus.  Unfortunately,  we’ll have to wait until next year’s event.

IMG_6394 (1)

Since we didn’t make it to the Jingle Bell jog, Goalielocks and I took the girls for a nice run this afternoon.  We logged 2.5 miles today and it was a good run.  As a fyi, I classify it as a good run when I don’t want to puke the entire run.  Nonetheless, nothing beats the bliss of the post run high or running with my boys.  I love that its another activity we can share together.  Much like hockey, they’re much better runners than me, but that’s okay.  Its just another way in which they amaze me.

IMG_6408

I’m thankful that I went in for the assisted stretch appointment yesterday.  My legs, including my left hip, were much looser than they were Saturday.  Additionally, my legs felt great on the run.  Where I was experiencing muscle pain or muscle cramps in my legs, I experienced none of that today.  After our run, I helped Goalielocks stretch his legs and then stretch mine.  I’ll be ready to run again tomorrow!

IMG_6369

Tonight I’m going to back up some of our mint cookies for Christmas.  After making the dough for the second time, I’m hoping to actually have some cookies to show for the dough I made.  If I delay baking these cookies, odds are they’ll never be made.  I’ll post some pictures for tomorrow’s blog if my boys don’t eat them!

Enjoy tonight’s song performed by Pentatonix is “God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen.”  I love this song!