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It’s Finally Friday

It’s finally Friday, which means absolutely nothing for except that the hubby will be home for the next two days. Additionally, I may even let myself sleep in, but we’ll see about that. My Friday began like any other with Dunkin’ Donuts coffee and some morning news. Naturally, I am never lonely during this period as the dogs are always excited to spend time with me in the mornings.

Today’s my abs and yoga day. I started a little earlier since my yoga class got moved up a half and hour. This week’s ab workout included skipping rope, which I continue to suck at. Fortunately, it’s a good way to get my heart rate up. As for the rest of the workout, I’m amazed at how much easier some of the workout are becoming. Of course, I’m sure Kayla Itsines will ramp up the workouts as the weeks progress. Needless to say, I’ll enjoy my brief respite from incompetence and inability.

Since I had teacher training this afternoon, I opted to take my yoga class via Zoom today. Fortunately, the boys only interrupted me 5-6 times and only once during shavasana. Needless to say, I was not so peaceful when asking them to leave me alone. Jen’s class was so good today! We did some great work opening up the entire body. With the new schedule, I know get 75 minutes of yoga with Jen on Thursday’s and Friday’s. Truly, it’s a great way to end the week.

Unfortunately, my yoga teacher training got cancelled today due to a family emergency. I was bummed. However, I felt rushed all morning I gotta and kind of enjoyed being able to take a break. Also, my teacher has been working non-stop since the pandemic started, so truly it was good for her to have a bit of a break. With all the stress of our current world, it’s important to take time for oneself and one’s family. Thankfully, we’ll pick up right where we left off next Friday.

Since I didn’t have yoga teacher training, I brought Goalielocks to his friends’ clubhouse to hang out with his friends. Naturally, since he goes to high school in Boca, all his friends’ live in Boca. In fact, most of us them live near his uncle’s place. They have gotten together a couple times since the state has started to reopen. However, they spend their time hanging out outside where there’s less risk of sharing the coronavirus. Also, it’s good to get him out of the house. He hadn’t left the house in weeks until he went to his friend’s clubhouse last week.

Meanwhile, I was feeling pretty bummed last night about how far backward my foot/ankle progress had gone. I’m happy to report that today was much better. Significantly, I’m not the having pain in my heal anymore. This is great news. I treaded lightly in yoga and skipped some downward dogs as it irritates the injury. Needless to say, I’m glad that it’s feeling much better today. Naturally, I’ll try it out on the treadmill tomorrow with a brief walk. If if feels okay during the warmup, I’ll log my run.

Tonight we’re chilling watching Seinfeld. My middle son doesn’t understand what’s so funny about it. In fact, he finds the show quite vexing. Obviously, he doesn’t know what he’s missing. For dinner, we had some great chicken sausage bolognese courtesy of HelloFresh. It was mighty tasty. My Mayor, who used to by my adventurous eater, has become quite picky. He didn’t want to eat the zucchini or sausage. Thankfully, he actually ate the pasta.

Last night, the hubby brought the boys down to Kendall Ice Arena for an evening skate. This was the first time the Mayor has been on the ice since the pandemic started. Naturally, it makes the most sense for us if we can get both boys on the ice at the same time. Especially if we’re driving down to Miami. Needless to say, both boys were happy to spend sometime back on the ice. The Mayor was especially happy since it was his first time back in the rink since March!

As I leave you all for the night, I’d like to renew my request for prayers for my friends. Michelle is struggling with Covid19 and is in horrific pain. Please pray that the pain will abate and that she starts to heal. My friend Sharyn and her son Jorden remain in Arizona while Jorden undergoes treatment for his injuries. He has significant pain and his mom is enduring significant stress during this time. Please pray for peace for Sharyn and healing for Jorden. Please also pray for Cole, who underwent chemo this week in his battle against osteosarcoma. All of your prayers are appreciated!

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

*Reading O Pioneers by Willa Cather

*Morning and afternoon meditation

*Gentle Flow with Jenn at Open Heart Yoga Studio

*Took obligatory picture of Anakin

*Obedience training Anakin

*Still missing my airmen!! I love him!

*Worked on building my website

*Week 4 BBG 2.0 day 5 abs

*Took Anakin, Maya and Athena out for a walk

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Dreaming Piggie

As I write this, I’m sitting next to my dreaming Piggie, who must be dreaming based on her leg movement. After all, she had a busy day protecting Anakin from Maya. Before we added Anakin to the household, she was obsessed with chasing lizards. Now she’s obsessed with Anakin and making sure he doesn’t pay more attention to Maya. While she dreams away, the hubby and I are binge watching Seinfeld. Anakin must be having his own dreams since he’s barking in his sleep.

Wednesdays are busy since I double up my workout with the BBG arms and an interval runs. Usually, I do the BBG workout in the morning and then do the run in the early evening. Today was no exception. Undoubtedly, lay down half burpees are all together awful. I’d rather do a full burpee. However, aside from those damn half burpees, the workout went really well. Hopefully, my weight loss efforts will soon mirror my workout and diet efforts. Once they do, I’ll be golden!

Today’s high interval run was a doozy. I do fifteen minutes of intervals followed by seven minute run with a gradually declined speed. As for the intervals, I did five at 7, 7.5 and 8 mph respectively. Basically, the intervals at 7 mph were easy. Comparatively, the intervals at 8 mph were very challenging, but lively. As for the 7.5 mph, I’ve been inured to them. I kid, I kid, they’re not woefully unpleasant. However, I am getting used to the tempo.

I spent the rest of the day working on my website and hanging out with the puppies. Clearly, it’s a hard knock life for my and my dogs. Naturally, I avoided Facebook as much as possible since people have lost all logic and reason. If you want to spend your day buried in hate, Facebook is the place for you. If you want to spend your day sorting through unqualified and illogical garbage, Facebook is the place for you. However, if you want peace and happiness, log off and give yourself a break from the toxicity that Facebook has become.

Instead of spending my time on Facebook or social media in general, I’m trying to spend my time being productive adding new skills and improving my blog. Moreover, I’ve established non-negotiable that must happen daily to maintain and improve my health. These include exercise, meditation, not eating gluten, writing my blog and reading every day. Unfortunately, autoimmune thyroid disease predisposes needs to bone and muscle loss and loss of functionality in my tendons and ligaments. Consequently, it’s important for me to stay physically active. What are your daily non-negotiable?

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

*Reading Wildfell Hall by Anne Bronte

*Morning and afternoon meditation

*Took obligatory picture of Anakin

*Obedience training Anakin

*Still missing my airmen!! I love him!

*Week 4 BBG 2.0 day 3 arms and cardio

*Took Anakin, Maya and Athena out for dinner 

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Here Comes the Sun

Here comes the sun, doo-dun-doo-doo. You sang that first line, didn’t you? I knew it because I totally did. As the title suggests, we finally saw the sun today!!! Yay! Can we get a hurrah for the natural provider of vitamin D? It seems like a year since we last saw the son in 2020. Mostly because each week of 2020 seems to be taking a year. Anyway, the sun has me in a Beatles inspired mood.

Speaking of which, my morning got off to a late start. I was going to wake up early to go for a walk, but my stomach was not feeling it. Clearly, I can’t afford to be non-compliant with a gluten free diet. Unfortunately, it means I really can’t eat it at all. Needless to say, I ended up sleeping later that anticipated, which means the dogs got taken out later than normal. Consequently, poor Anakin had a lake in his crate when I woke up.

I got him out of ASAP and wiped off his feet and body with a towel. Afterwards, I took him out for a walk. Naturally, he needed a bath, which the Mayor gave him after his walk. Together we cleaned up the mess while also taking care of our other two fur babies. All three of the puppies were in great moods this morning. They love to play all together. Honestly, there is not greater gift than a dog. They love unconditionally and are always happy to see you.

Despite the rocky start to the morning, I found my zen on my mat with Monica at 10. My muscles were tired today. Not sure if it was from the hard work I did in Monica’s vinyasa class Sunday or just old age. Nonetheless, it was a good class. My legs and hips definitely needed the gentle flow today as they were quite tight this morning. The gentle flow has been a great addition to my yoga practice.

Afterwards, I took a brief snack break before launching into my BBG leg workout. Significantly, these workouts have gotten a lot easier for me. Obviously, it means I’m making some great progress. Moreover, I see a lot progress in my yoga practice due to BBG. The BBG workouts have really made me strong as I’ve become more flexible. Consequently, I have a lot more mobility now than ever before. For example, in wheel I used to have discomfort in my lower back, now I only feel a great stretch on my belly.

This afternoon, I had my yoga teacher training focusing on anatomy. Fortunately, I have a pretty good understanding on anatomy courtesy of my house full of athletes (myself included.). Afterwards, I started cooking dinner, which was shiitake hoisin burgers courtesy of Blue Apron. It was very yummy. When the fridge shutoff in the middle of the night yesterday, I grieved all the meal kits that had been spoiled. Until I realized I had most of ingredients that were spoiled in the kits in my fridge. The only thing I had to buy was the meat. We also grilled some steaks since I accidentally got the meal kit for two this week. Whoops!

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

*Reading Wildfell Hall by Anne Bronte

*Morning and afternoon meditation

*Gentle Flow with Monica from Yoga Mundo

*Yoga teacher training with Monica from Yoga Mundo

*Obedience training Anakin

*Cooked a super yummy dinner courtesy of our friends at Blue Apron

*Week 4 BBG 2.0 day 1 leg day

*Took Anakin, Maya and Athena out for dinner 

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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

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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

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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

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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

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BBG 2.0

Today day marked day one of BBG 2.0. After finishing week on yesterday, I had thought about repeating 1.0. However, at that point, I didn’t know there was a 2.0 version. Fortunately, BBG 2.0 (the BBG stands for bikini body guide) builds on the momentum of 1.0. After my experience with the primary series of Ashtanga yoga yesterday, I’m excited to build on the gains of my first twelve weeks. So here I am surrendering to to the tortured of Kayla Itsines again.

Naturally, my first leg workout as a part of 2.0 didn’t take up my entire day. I started the day with a gentle vinyasa class with Monica. Unsurprisingly, my body was a little fatigued from yesterday’s great class. Nonetheless, it was a great way to warm up my body and legs for my BBG workout later in the day. Additionally, the timing of the class helped me keep my 16 hour fast. Once my yoga class has finished, I broke my fast with some strawberry skyre.

After breaking my fast, I completed my leg workout. Today’s workout was challenging with some different moves and added weights. My lower back was a bit tight, but did loosen up by the third circuit. Unsurprisingly, I struggled wit jumping rope the most. There were of course burpees and plank jacks, which are always fun. In addition, there were some weighted squats with a twist and deadlifts. Needless to say my legs are going to be sore tomorrow. It may be a quick run tomorrow!

The afternoon brought lots of severe storms and rain. We’ve been under a flash flood warning for several hours. Fortunately, I didn’t have anywhere to go today and my hubby made it home safely. Consequently, my afternoon meditation did not happen in complete silence, but rather the sound of rolling thunder and rain. This evening I made my last Blue Apron meal for the week, which was amazing. I forgot to take a picture, but the chicken, rice and roasted vegetables were amazing. Needless to say, I love Blue Apron. If you’d like to try it, let me know as I have free boxes to give out.

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

*Reading Vilette by Charlotte Bronte

*Morning and afternoon meditation

*Week 1 BBG 2.0 day 1 legs

*Vinyasa Yoga with Monica from Yoga Mundo

*Watched Great

*Obedience training Anakin courtesy day Goalielocks

*Took Anakin, Maya and Athena on multiple walks

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Margarita Time

It was margarita time today and oh boy was it delicious. For the first time in over two months, we headed over to our neighbor’s pool for some socially distanced margaritas and snacks. Interestingly, I have had more margaritas during this pandemic than the preceding two years. Moreover, I’m enjoying them more than I ever had before. Although I’m not sure if it’s due to circumstance or my changing tastes. Nevertheless, I am appreciating a good margarita these days.

Sunday’s are traditionally an active rest day for me, so my only activity on the docket was my 11:00 am yoga class with Monica. I was a little nervous that I’d lose energy throughout due to my fasting schedule, but I did awesome. Since I’m in teacher training, Monica taught the Ashtanga primary series today. It was my first time attempting the primary series and it was awesome. Interestingly, I was happy with how strong and capable I’ve become while at the same time having so much room to grow. It was an awesome experience.

I’ve been trying the 16:8 intermittent fasting since last Thursday and so far so good. It’s easy to ow and I’m able to navigate my workouts around my fasting time. Naturally, I’m going to give it a couple of weeks to see how it works and how I feel before making a commitment to the practice. Unlike other diets or diet programs it requires. I special foods and is super easy to follow. At this point, it seems like a great way to overcome some bad eating habits like late night snacking. Clearly, I’ll let you know how it works.

Today was nice because we got out of the house for a bit and got some social interaction. Since the lockdown started, we haven’t had much of any social interaction. Additionally, it’s always a happy day when your pool side under a palm tree. It’s the perfect environment full of intimacy, i.e. a nice private atmosphere, to hang out with friends and stay safe. We even got to watch a storm roll across to the south, which always beautiful.

Tonight we got to speak with Jake, which is what I look forward to every week. As always, he looks and sounds great. Thankfully, he was able to get in for a haircut this week to ensure he remains in compliance with their regulations. It is crazy to think it’s been over six months since he left for basic training. It seems like both yesterday and ages ago. Finally, a quick update on Big Grandpa (Hubby’s grandpa.). Fortunately, he tested negative for COVID-19 and will be returning to the memory care facility tomorrow. Thank you for your continued prayers for him.

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

*Reading Agnes Grey by Anne Bronte

*Morning and afternoon meditation

*Week 12 BBG day 7 rest.

*Vinyasa Yoga with Monica from Yoga Mundo

*Watched Curb Your Enthusiasm and Great

*Wasted away in Margaritaville

*Obedience training Anakin courtesy day Goalielocks

*Took Anakin, Maya and Athena on multiple walks

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Shout Out

I want to give a shout out to all the Palm Beach County high school seniors that had their last official day of high school today. I know it was not what you envisioned by any stretch of the imagination, but you did it! Truly, our high school seniors have been impacted in a massive way throughout this pandemic. Unfortunately, in this era of social distancing many of the milestone moments that mark the end of your school experience had to be skipped. I know that it is a bitter pill to swallow and I really hope that our school district is able to figure out a way for these seniors to have an actual graduation. They’ve earned it and so have their parents. I have so much empathy for all of them.


Particularly, my heart is with Mel. Or as you may know her, the M and J&M2. She’s a marvelous gal, who’s life has shifted dramatically when J left for the Air Force and then with this pandemic. Thankfully, her final high school musical production was able to complete its run as the Corona virus. Our whole family, and I do mean whole family, absolutely adores M. In fact, one of the best parts of BMT weekend for me was seeing Jake and Mel together again. Honestly, there’s nothing better than seeing your son so happy and so well treated and loved by another. Enough of the sappiness for tonight because I could go on for like seven years at least… Truly, by the time I’d finish Space Force will already have captured Uranus.

I’ve been working hard this last full week of BBG, so I was exhausted this morning. Although if I’m being honest, I was up last night way later than usual. I also started intermittent fasting 16:8 to see how it works with BBG and with the thyroid. Since today was a strength training day, I waited until after I broke my fast to log the workout. Needless to say, I continue to hate the half burpees and burpees with pushup and tuck jump. This has been an amazing ~15 week program, which is why I will be repeating it. As I repeat it, I’ll make it more challenging with added weight.

If I were to show you my before and after pictures, you might not see much change. Because when you’re functionally hypothyroid, the weight and inches just don’t melt off. What you may see is some definition in the arms, which never existed before. Importantly, what you can’t see is how much stronger I’ve become. Fortunately, the gains in strength and endurance have parlayed into my yoga practice and my running. The strength I have gained has helped me gain flexibility through yoga. Together they’ve given me improved mobility. Consequently, I’m not in pain after I run and I’m not injuring myself. This is a whole new experience for me. Nonetheless, it’s hard to be patient with weight loss when you’re working so hard.

My day was productive with the Melaleuca Virtual Convention and yoga teacher training. Why I love both of these things is that it has really helped me heal the auto immune disease. Who doesn’t want to be healthier with minimal pharmaceutical intervention? I even to practice teaching surya namaskara A again. We’ve been shutdown for what seems like forever, however, I’m excited. My quarantine time has been well spent and investment in me and my family. That isn’t to say I want to virtual school ever again, but I do love spending time with the boys and helping them succeed.

Lastly, an update on the ducks. We have two eggs in the incubator upstairs that were found in our yard a couple of weeks ago. Yesterday I found an egg in our garden. Today there were two eggs in the garden nest. Moreover, we actually saw the mother duck and her two ducks. Apparently, our garden duck is in a bit of a Three’s A Company type situation. To be continued….

For dinner we had cajun spiced steaks and biscuit courtesy of Blue Apron and it was magnificent. It was super tasty, filling and easy to make. Clearly, as you can tell, I’m enjoying this meal delivery service. Before I leave you tonight, I’d ask that you’d keep the Hubby’s grandfather in your prayers. He lives in a memory care facility in Minnesota, due to Alzheimer, and has been hospitalized due to a fall. Truly, he’s one of my favorite people on this earth and has been a big supporter of our family since day one. Thanks!

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

*Reading Agnes Grey by Anne Bronte

*Morning and afternoon meditation

*Week 12 BBG day 5 abs

*Watched Good Place and Regular Show

*Yoga Teacher Training with Monica from Yoga Mundo

*Virtual school torture with Goalielocks and the Mayor

*Obedience training Anakin courtesy day Goalielocks

*Took Anakin, Maya and Athena on multiple walks

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