Smiles

There was a time when I didn't smile a whole lot - not because I was angry or sad, just not a smiley person. A homeless man stopped me in the street a couple years ago and told me to smile. Which at the time bothered me for some reason, but then I realized why not smile?

It takes a little effort for someone whose mouth naturally turns down but it feels good. It feels better when something makes you smile and you don't even realize it.

Some things that made me smile today...

Breakfast!

I hadn't had oatmeal in a couple weeks (not for any other reason than I've been on an eggs kick) and today's was particularly tasty with a little brown sugar, dried cranberries, and milk.

My cat
I mean really how does that not make you smile?

My favorite salad from the salad bar at work; a combo of spring greens, turkey, tomatoes, carrots, crasins, and just a sprinkle of blue cheese crumbles - topped with canola oil and some mustard.

An entertaining e-mail from the husband. And the most of the exciting smile of the day was the one I noticed plastered on face from ear to ear in my Zumba class. I've been going to the one class a week I can make for the last 3 months or so and have enjoyed it every time but this is the first time I can remember seeing myself smiling - twas good.

What makes you smile?

Holiday Recap

Now to catch up just a little bit:

While a mere 2 inches may cause 30+ people to abandon their cars on the side of the highway Snowmageddon 2010 didn't us from getting out and visiting family over Thanksgiving. It was great to be out and be with family and friends we rarely see.

The Husband and I need to get better at White Elephant parties (anyone need a OU grill?)

Christmas was great. Family, food, wine, Scrabble. The husband got me a Magic Bullet (I think my green monster habit – using the whole blender might have been getting to him) and an amazing new digital camera. Day after Christmas myself, my mom, and my grandmother all hiked Pinnacle Peak in AZ. (see – good camera!)

New Years was low key which is personally how I like it. Now on to the fun part – viva la revolution! Or Resolution…I've typically been one of those people who if I make a resolution my Valentine's Day I'm on to something new or different and when I want to accomplish something I just get out there and do it regardless of the time of year. So to keep in line with who I am these are some pretty loose objectives for the year.

Run More

See previous post regarding why I thought I hated running and then learned I hate running in the same scenery without water or music.

I have decided I enjoy running, I may not love it yet – but its still early and every time I go out I enjoy it a bit more. For the last year I have been playing around with the idea of running a half-marathon well now seems about a good time to start working toward that. So time to buck up and get going – now which run to run? Any recommendations?

Worry Less

I am by my nature a planner. I plan most everything – and I plan well. I have a spreadsheet or list or budget for just about everything (and its typically color coded). I plan meals/grocery shopping, workouts, travel, finances, work, projects etc.

However for some reason I still allow myself to worry. I'm not sure how I will worry a little less this year other than to trust myself a bit more. I've identified the variables and thought of contingency plans so what else is there to worry about?

Speaking of worries prior to the Holidays I realized I needed to take a little break from the scale – I was letting the number get the best of me and tracking what I ate and did at a level that made me feel uncomfortable (backstory on weight loss at a later date). So for two plus weeks I have been just listening to my body. And I have to say I’m feeling very free, happy, and comfortable (and my pants are even a little roomy). I think this may really be me living a healthy sometimes indulgent life - and less worries

Overall it was a great Holiday season!

Dear Blog

Dear Blog,
I'm sorry I abandoned you during the holidays. I resolve (and not just as part of that whole New Years thing) to share with you (almost) daily. I know I will a day here and there and it's not because I don't like you or need you – I'm just simply a gal with a busy life but I will do my best to make time for you.
--The Chick

Comfort Foods

Oh Monday, busy Monday! Started the day off with a green monster before the day o' meetings. I discovered the green monster on message boards which pointed me to the site http://www.greenmonstermovement.com/ which has some great ideas. I tried spinach, banana, peaches, and almond milk.

Managed to squeek out a lunch break and experienced reason #541 I love where I work. The salad bar at work - check out this glorious concoction.It tasted like fall mostly due to the salmon and roasted squash. Which then turned into this...
And led for a very very full me for the rest of my meetings. Sadly I ended up working too late to make it to the cardio circuit so I made up my own cardio circuit routine using a balance ball, bosu ball, resistance bands - resulting in lots of sweat. Feels so good!

Then came home to an easy dinner of BLTs and corn soup - I'd love to take credit for it but it was V-8 Southwestern Corn Soup. There is just something comforting about soup and a sandwich, specifically a BLT, such a classicNow back to watching House.