Be Nice...To YOU

Over a year ago, my husband got me an awesome present.  A dream present.  It was a gift card...for a glorious massage; 1 hour of bliss, relaxation, and time to myself.  What a gift, what a guy.  He was so thoughtful to think of me, and to give me the slice of Heaven on Earth...that I so deserve!

Looks like it would be pretty great, huh?  Too bad I wouldn't know!

Well, you see, I've yet to use it.  Over A Year Later!

WHY?  I have no idea!  I spend a lot of time thinking that 1 hour could be used so much more efficiently. I could be doing something else that is more productive, or that is more useful for other people in my life.  Spending an hour away just laying there on a table having someone knead through my sore muscles, and letting the quiet be my guide is not helping anybody...or is it?

Revelation #1:  That's the point!  My wonderful husband saw that maybe, it was something I needed!  Maybe, the people who depend on me will be just fine for 1 hour in time!  Perhaps they would gladly send me off to relax in the hopes that I come back with more patience, and feeling less stressed.

Revalation #2:  Doing something Nice for myself isn't a sin.  It's ok to treat myself to an indulging massage, or manicure, or coffee, or whatever...every once in a while!  These things are not going to harm my little sidekicks (and big one too)...in fact they will be happier knowing that Mommy is happier, right?

Revalation #3:  I've actually begun treating myself months ago when I decided to revolutionize my life with health and fitness!  Exercising is definitely one of these indulgences that makes me a happier lady.  I can't stress how much better I feel after working up a sweat; even if for just 30 minutes.

I've been really trying to look for the positives in life to make me smile.  The more I smile, the more those around me do too.  Out of all of my personal goals, fitness and otherwise, having a happy and healthy family is the ultimate #1.

Being nice to yourself is so important.  It's not always selfish.  It's rarely selfish.  Taking time for YOU is so very crucial, and shows your children and those around you that not only should you care for and about your loved ones, but you also should care for and about YOU.

Now, where's that massage gift card?  I hope there's no expiration date!


What is it that you've been putting off...something for just you?

25 Things and Experiment

Since I have to running or fitness news whatsoever, I thought it might be fun to list the top 25 things that came to my head in completely random order...

25 Things You Don't Know (maybe you do) About Me:

1.  Pizza is my all time favorite food, and I could eat it every day.  

2.  One time, I got my foot sucked into the down escalator at Hudson's.  

3.  I'm on Team Edward.  Still.

4.  My least favorite body part is my feet.  By a landslide.

5.  I would rather have potato chips and dip over sweet dessert any day.

6.  My favorite candy is Good N Plenty.  Black licorice, mmmm.

7.  I would loose my head if it wasn't attached to my neck.  

8.  Riding a bike is my least favorite outdoor activity.

9.  I used to be able to hypochondriac myself into having any disease/sickness.

10.  I eat the middle out of Oreos, then throw away the cookie part.

11.  When I run, I don't even hear the words to the songs, just the beat.

12.  Concentrating on 2 things at once is virtually impossible for me.

13.  I would rather eat live bugs than deal with conflict.

14.  I regret never auditioning for high school plays.

15.  If I'm running with someone, I'm always secretly racing them.

16.  Coffee is a complete must for me every morning.

17.  Cooking is one of my weakest household/family duties.

18.  I'm a huge fan of the Bachelor.  I laugh when they cry.  That's mean.

19.  Next to pizza, popcorn is my other all time favorite food.  Dangerous.

20.  I've never met Kid Rock, but I am bound and determined to.

21.  Laundry is my nemesis.  Mostly my own...putting it away...uggg.

22.  I think Kroger brand pop tarts are way better than the real thing.

23.  My favorite movie of all time is "Can't Buy Me Love".  Love Ronald Miller!

24.  One time I had to stop at a stranger's house to use the bathroom on a run.  It was an EMERGENCY.  Very awkward.  Very.

25.  I never said a swear word until 6th grade, and it was a dare.  Then not again until 9th grade.

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I mentioned my workout / running routine has been shotty at best since Saturday, so I decided to conduct an experiment.

I've been using Shakeology now for quite a while.  I love it.  For one, it's really good tasting.  I mean it.  It tastes like a Frosty from Wendy's but without the guilt!  And, I've added all sorts of things to it, like frozen fruit, bananas, coconut milk...and it's been delish every time.  Not to mention the never ending list of nutrients, vitamins, and super foods that are in this miraculous chocolate-y drink!

Since Saturday, and since I've been a bit lax about working out due to weather, time, and well, a bunch of stupid excuses...I've not had my Shakeology either.  It's kind of a reward for me for keeping up with my fitness.

Let me just tell you, that I have totally seen marked differences.

I feel tired.  Not tired like I just had a great workout, but tired like lethargic!  I have been craving the crappiest foods.  You name it, things I haven't thought about eating in months.  Sugar and salt, mostly.
My skin, since Saturday, has taken a turn...right into adolescent-ville.  We're talking - ahem - z.i.t.s.  Gross!

I'll bet you all this gross-ness has everything to do with the lack of Shakeology in my life!!

Today, though, I had a shake for breakfast and for dinner.  I'll be back on track in no time.  My body was turning on me!  You would be surprised at how much Good Stuff is packed into one little serving of this miracle powder!

I'll be back to report my findings once my poor bod is back on the fitness train, and soaking up the goodness!