Hey peoples! Wanted to tell you about two opportunities I had yesterday that gave me a new perspective on life and what we consider our place in the world is. These chances don't come everyday; wonder why I had two in the same one. Maybe I just happened to notice them instead of letting them pass by as I move through a busy life.
First was our Crossfit WOD for the evening. The workout is usually posted the night before on the website or facebook page. The one yesterday turned out to be a tribute to a friend of the people who own the gym. A good friend passed away after a battle with cancer.
"Randall"
Run 500 metres
3 rounds of:
3 Thrusters 95 lbs for women (I did 70 lbs)
4 Burpees
9 Pull Ups
21 Box Jumps
500 metre run
Before getting to the gym I thought a lot about this workout. About how since my mom was diagnosed I have realized how far reaching this disease really is. How I am lucky to be here on this earth and healthy enough to even be able to do this workout. About how things could have been different as I could have just as easily been mourning someone I cared about too. I felt for their loss.
Right from the start this workout felt difficult. There are days once in awhile where my energy seems low and things are tough. I felt it in the first few hundred metres of the run. My mind started to dread the rest but this workout was for someone who fought and lost to cancer and I knew I had no excuse whatsoever to not give all that I had at the time. Even if I didn't think it would be my best. I made it through with what I feel was a decent time for me (16 minutes and 42 seconds). Josh seemed to be having the same day as me and struggled. It was on his face during the last run. The WOD left us nauseous, weak and just not feeling very good at all. I said on the way home that it was fitting - multiply it by 1000 or even more and it might be close to what chemo and/or radiation felt like. At least I knew the feeling would be temporary for me.
After we got home we collapsed for a bit. Then my second opportunity for perspective was revealed. When Josh started telling me about his day I realized that I am not the only one who works under a system that is broken. I work for the legal system as a probation officer and I'm sure we all have a story that shows how messed up things can be. I never thought about it that much but our health care system can be the same. Josh is an EMT and he encountered a few people who the system should be helping but isn't doing a very good job. He asked me something to the effect if I ever have days where my faith in the system is tested. He knew the answer, but I never saw that there was a potential for it to happen to him too. I love him for caring about these people and questioning why institutions that are supposed to help or protect people sometimes do the opposite. I used to see what he does as something that always helps people. Much more than what I do. And I'm sure we both do, but it is so much easier sometimes to find the examples of failed opportunities.
But he did tell me that he got a thank you from a random person in a store. In the past I have gotten a few heartfelt thank you's as well. We should hold on to those as they can be few and far between. And some people in our professions might never get one. Thank you to that person who was brave enough to give a a complete stranger, who just happened to be by wonderful boyfriend, some appreciation. More people should do the same. For strangers and those we care about.
Wednesday, 30 May 2012
Monday, 28 May 2012
Getting comfortable on the water.
This weekend was really nice. We relaxed and took it easy. Finished up some camping laundry and chores on Saturday. Oh and the farmer's market! Our first time this season. It was great - except for the crowds. We sleep in and by time we ride our bikes there it is around 11 and busy. Makes Josh grumpy. So not sure the solution because we really like sleeping in! lol But we did find some huge ass turkey legs at one of the food stands. I seriously mean huge! People were staring and commenting. A paleo/all meat breakfast for sure!
Sunday was a great day. One of those good weather and everything works out as planned day. We went to Bower Ponds for Vahalla Outfitters demo days. Wanted to try out a canoe. Probably a good idea if we are going to do our river trip in July. Seemed to go well. We didn't tip and Josh did a good job of steering. It was huge so will be able to fit gear and stuff. We'll be renting one (even though Josh wants his own now) for the trip and will probably go another day on the river to make sure we can handle it. Also tried a kayak. My first time so it felt somewhat awkward.
I also tried a paddle board! They had a few kinds and when I saw people trying them out at first I thought no way! But everyone seemed to be doing well and no one had fallen in by the time we finished trying boats. Nervously I decided to get on, fearing I would be the first person of the day to fall in. Turned out to be a cool experience. Even got bumped by a little kid in a kayak who couldn't steer and only a little wobble. Would have been a much different situation if either of us were at higher speeds. I for sure would not have been happy to get dumped in the water!! Unfortunately I couldn't get Josh to try. He said he didn't have as good balance as myself. I think he would have done just fine, but I could not seem to convince him to try. That's when I realized he seems better at convincing me to do things I'm unsure about than me convincing him. Made me a little sad. Well maybe more pouty as in "no fair" than sad.
After all that paddling we were starving. Good thing we planned ahead and brought some smokies. I was pretty sure they had free wood for the fire pits at Little Chief park, and they did! Josh brought his axe and we (mostly he) made the best looking and cooking fire there! He is the absolute master of fire making. Didn't even need paper. I try when we camp but I suck at it and he usually has to fix what I have already tried to do. lol
After we had to have ice cream. We were trying a 21 day sugar detox thing but Josh fell off on Friday and Sunday I was the one who brought up ice cream. So we have changed our agreement. IF we do not have any sugar during the week we are allowed ONE sugar treat on the weekend. As long as we do something active the same weekend as well. On top of our regular gym visits of course. I think this is totally doable - well for me at least. I think Josh was thinking about getting M&M's yesterday. ;) At least it should help us cut down on sugar while still being allowed ice cream. How can you not want some on a sunny summer day? Did I mention we now want an ice cream maker? To make our own ice cream with coconut milk and honey/maple syrup - got some paleo cook books with recipes already.
All in all it was a relaxing weekend, and just what we needed. We looked at June and it's gonna be busy!!
Did I mention I want to go paddle boarding again? ;)
Sunday was a great day. One of those good weather and everything works out as planned day. We went to Bower Ponds for Vahalla Outfitters demo days. Wanted to try out a canoe. Probably a good idea if we are going to do our river trip in July. Seemed to go well. We didn't tip and Josh did a good job of steering. It was huge so will be able to fit gear and stuff. We'll be renting one (even though Josh wants his own now) for the trip and will probably go another day on the river to make sure we can handle it. Also tried a kayak. My first time so it felt somewhat awkward.
I also tried a paddle board! They had a few kinds and when I saw people trying them out at first I thought no way! But everyone seemed to be doing well and no one had fallen in by the time we finished trying boats. Nervously I decided to get on, fearing I would be the first person of the day to fall in. Turned out to be a cool experience. Even got bumped by a little kid in a kayak who couldn't steer and only a little wobble. Would have been a much different situation if either of us were at higher speeds. I for sure would not have been happy to get dumped in the water!! Unfortunately I couldn't get Josh to try. He said he didn't have as good balance as myself. I think he would have done just fine, but I could not seem to convince him to try. That's when I realized he seems better at convincing me to do things I'm unsure about than me convincing him. Made me a little sad. Well maybe more pouty as in "no fair" than sad.
After all that paddling we were starving. Good thing we planned ahead and brought some smokies. I was pretty sure they had free wood for the fire pits at Little Chief park, and they did! Josh brought his axe and we (mostly he) made the best looking and cooking fire there! He is the absolute master of fire making. Didn't even need paper. I try when we camp but I suck at it and he usually has to fix what I have already tried to do. lol
After we had to have ice cream. We were trying a 21 day sugar detox thing but Josh fell off on Friday and Sunday I was the one who brought up ice cream. So we have changed our agreement. IF we do not have any sugar during the week we are allowed ONE sugar treat on the weekend. As long as we do something active the same weekend as well. On top of our regular gym visits of course. I think this is totally doable - well for me at least. I think Josh was thinking about getting M&M's yesterday. ;) At least it should help us cut down on sugar while still being allowed ice cream. How can you not want some on a sunny summer day? Did I mention we now want an ice cream maker? To make our own ice cream with coconut milk and honey/maple syrup - got some paleo cook books with recipes already.
All in all it was a relaxing weekend, and just what we needed. We looked at June and it's gonna be busy!!
Did I mention I want to go paddle boarding again? ;)
Thursday, 24 May 2012
Slurrp!!
I have been feeling quite like a sponge lately soaking up all kinds of information and learning things on a ton of topics lately. I have been subscribing to blogs and "liking" any facebook page that interests me lately. Paleo, crossfit, homesteading, earth building, even home schooling if you can imagine. (As soon as I can really figure out how to link things here I will throw out some good blogs that I like to read) I think it took awhile but I finally realized today that facebook has totally changed for me. It went from negativity and dread that at anytime the next post or message could induce huge levels of stress, to positivity, motivation and a place to find information!
Well what do you know? I like this new facebook!
Or maybe I just finally figured out how to use it the right way. ;)
Well what do you know? I like this new facebook!
Or maybe I just finally figured out how to use it the right way. ;)
Wednesday, 23 May 2012
A Camping We WIll Go!
Ah! Our first camping trip of the season is under our belt. We went to Waterton Lakes National park. A favourite of ours. Overall it was good. A rainy day on Monday caused us to pack it in early, but that gave us a day to relax yesterday before both going back to work.
I had Friday off and used it to prepare for the weekend. It was our first camping trip since going Paleo (and we're doing a "no sugar policy" for 21 days) I kept thinking that packing food could be a challenge. Turns out is wasn't at all, just a very different menu. We took bacon, eggs burgers and smokies from Big Bend, which is much better quality than what we used to take. Took way more vegetables and fruit which was a change. No more easy store bought potato salads and stuff. Also no more chips and junk food. Oh and Josh made a version of Laura bars - nuts, dates and other goodies blended up and cut into squares. Those were so yummy! We actually brought too much food! I remember constantly eating during camping trips but this time we ate two big meals a day and a snack when we were hiking or biking and we were good! Very different and crazy when I think about it.
We headed out early Saturday for our 4 hour drive. After Calgary the scenery is quite nice, especially when nearing the Pincher Creek area. This year Waterton was so much greener than May long last year. Again we saw a bear within five minutes of being in the park. Pretty close to the car this time! We got our spot at Crandall Lake campground and set up camp. We have a "new and improved" smaller tent this year. More Josh's style than mine. With much smaller sleeping mattresses that are ON THE GROUND! Ugh. Not my style at all. Josh also thought I packed way too much for the entire trip. I'm a car camper, and while I don't think I'm high maintenance he is very minimalist and would be happy to backpack into the bush with only one pack on his back. Anyway we did our set up and inevitably we got grumpy at each other while setting up. Always seems to happen. Good thing we are a get over it pretty quickly couple. We tried having a nap but just ended up laying down for awhile. Our neighbours were playing Aqua songs and it made us giggle. Why do others think that everyone else likes the music they play? A quick bike ride about the campground to the nearby river, supper and a fire. We were in bed before it was totally dark out! Sad. lol.
Sunday morning we went to town and perused the Outfitter store there. Learned that bear bangers are illegal in National parks. Will just have to be loud then to keep the bears away! We went to the other trailhead to hike up to Crandall lake. There is one by our campground but we did that one last year over quite a few parts of snow covered trail. This side was supposedly easy so we wore our Vibram shoes instead of hiking ones. Wasn't bad. Downside though was since you had to pay more attention to where you were stepping it wasn't always easy to look at the mountain scenery. The lake is a small one right up in the mountains. The trail ended in a tiny spot on the water's edge just big enough for a few people to stand. We headed back and around to the other side where there was more of a beach and camping area. VERY windy there. We checked out the hike-in camp sites there. I thought they were okay. Not much privacy between them. We saw a little path that we follwoed, thinking it would take us the rest of the way around the lake. It did for awhile but it seemed to run out and we were bushwacking for the last 20 min or so. We came out at the small spot where a family was eating lunch. We got some funny looks and I explained that there was a path when we started. They seemed a little less confused about what the hell we were doing.
We got back down just fine and drove the rest of they way up to Cameron lake. Boy was there snow there! They had plowed the parking lot and made a path to the lake area. At some points it was even over Josh's head! The lake was still snow covered and frozen. I didn't realize it was such a tourist attraction and it was pretty busy there with people taking pictures and stuff. Reminded me of Banff with all the foreign tourists. We found a fairly quiet spot and had some lunch of lara bars, berries, beef jery and coconut flakes. Yum. We went back down and spent a little time in town. Busy again so we got out of there as quick as we could.
I wish I had taken pictures of our meals. But the phones were put away and I didn't want to break the camping vibe. Turning off the electronics can be nice, and needed every once and awhile. We ate and enjoyed the fire while each of us read. We were able to stay up a bit later.
Oh I forgot about Josh finding a tick on my stomach!! Silly us we didn't check ourselves after all that bushwhacking. Especially since I found a tick in my hair last trip to Waterton. I had even changed some of my clothes and we happend to be in the tent when he saw it on me. It had just bitten and he got it off. Freaky!! Yuck! He thinks I probably got it from the wood pile when we stopped there for firewood. I cringe to think of it. What if we just happened to not be fooling around and ticking each other at that right time? Eep!
Monday morning we woke up after a night of heavy wind and it was drizzling rain a bit. We wanted to go for a bike ride but just weren't sure what the weather would do. We didn't want to just sit around camp tho either. So we said let's just do it and we went. We started up the mountain towards Red Rock Canyon. Was that a tough ride or what? There were a few points where I thought I could have jogged faster than I was peddling. We stopped only a couple times for a drink of water. Probably about half way up it started raining harder. When we got to the top it was pouring. Oddly enough I was still okay with it. Felt like a big accomplishment that we just peddled up a mountain!! We found a trail that went into the woods and took that for awhile. This time we felt like we were actually mountain biking. The trial wasn't too rocky, but it wasn't long before my legs would just no longer peddle. Josh went on for a bit and I headed back. Stopped a couple times to watch the rushing river in the canyon below. There aren't many things like being in the mountains. Hard to describe. He made it back after not too long, we had our snack and headed back down. And it really was down! By the end we were soaked but had fun! Josh got up to like 30 MPH by the end of the roadway! He went whizzing past me and beat me to the campground turn off. Into the tent to dry off and stay warm. Nap time too.
It didn't seem to want to quit raining so when there was a lull in the weather we made ourselves crawl out, had a cold lunch and packed up. We made record time I think. Teamwork at it's best! We headed to town for a coffee to go (didn't find anything good), but had ice cream instead. We found a kind called Screaming Brothers that was made from coconut milk, sweetened with honey and flavoured with natural extracts. We were pretty impressed, and it's made in Lethbridge by two young kids. And we didn't break our no sugar rule! (We had already determined honey was allowed. Josh got some from the Ponoka farmer's market and it is delish!!) We made it home before 10 pm but it felt like a long drive.
Tuesday we spent unpacking and putting things away. I hate that part. And there's the laundry to get done too. All and all it was a good trip, we were excited to get away to hike and use our new bikes. The bike rack we deciced to get worked well. And we bought an annual National Park pass. Made us feel special.
Can't remember what we planned next but I think the next big one in the river trip in July. Gonna float down the Red Deer River for 4 days. June should be busy with getting ready for the Relay for Life. Have had a lull in momentum since the garage sale so will have to get on it again and sell some raffle tickets!!
I had Friday off and used it to prepare for the weekend. It was our first camping trip since going Paleo (and we're doing a "no sugar policy" for 21 days) I kept thinking that packing food could be a challenge. Turns out is wasn't at all, just a very different menu. We took bacon, eggs burgers and smokies from Big Bend, which is much better quality than what we used to take. Took way more vegetables and fruit which was a change. No more easy store bought potato salads and stuff. Also no more chips and junk food. Oh and Josh made a version of Laura bars - nuts, dates and other goodies blended up and cut into squares. Those were so yummy! We actually brought too much food! I remember constantly eating during camping trips but this time we ate two big meals a day and a snack when we were hiking or biking and we were good! Very different and crazy when I think about it.
We headed out early Saturday for our 4 hour drive. After Calgary the scenery is quite nice, especially when nearing the Pincher Creek area. This year Waterton was so much greener than May long last year. Again we saw a bear within five minutes of being in the park. Pretty close to the car this time! We got our spot at Crandall Lake campground and set up camp. We have a "new and improved" smaller tent this year. More Josh's style than mine. With much smaller sleeping mattresses that are ON THE GROUND! Ugh. Not my style at all. Josh also thought I packed way too much for the entire trip. I'm a car camper, and while I don't think I'm high maintenance he is very minimalist and would be happy to backpack into the bush with only one pack on his back. Anyway we did our set up and inevitably we got grumpy at each other while setting up. Always seems to happen. Good thing we are a get over it pretty quickly couple. We tried having a nap but just ended up laying down for awhile. Our neighbours were playing Aqua songs and it made us giggle. Why do others think that everyone else likes the music they play? A quick bike ride about the campground to the nearby river, supper and a fire. We were in bed before it was totally dark out! Sad. lol.
Sunday morning we went to town and perused the Outfitter store there. Learned that bear bangers are illegal in National parks. Will just have to be loud then to keep the bears away! We went to the other trailhead to hike up to Crandall lake. There is one by our campground but we did that one last year over quite a few parts of snow covered trail. This side was supposedly easy so we wore our Vibram shoes instead of hiking ones. Wasn't bad. Downside though was since you had to pay more attention to where you were stepping it wasn't always easy to look at the mountain scenery. The lake is a small one right up in the mountains. The trail ended in a tiny spot on the water's edge just big enough for a few people to stand. We headed back and around to the other side where there was more of a beach and camping area. VERY windy there. We checked out the hike-in camp sites there. I thought they were okay. Not much privacy between them. We saw a little path that we follwoed, thinking it would take us the rest of the way around the lake. It did for awhile but it seemed to run out and we were bushwacking for the last 20 min or so. We came out at the small spot where a family was eating lunch. We got some funny looks and I explained that there was a path when we started. They seemed a little less confused about what the hell we were doing.
We got back down just fine and drove the rest of they way up to Cameron lake. Boy was there snow there! They had plowed the parking lot and made a path to the lake area. At some points it was even over Josh's head! The lake was still snow covered and frozen. I didn't realize it was such a tourist attraction and it was pretty busy there with people taking pictures and stuff. Reminded me of Banff with all the foreign tourists. We found a fairly quiet spot and had some lunch of lara bars, berries, beef jery and coconut flakes. Yum. We went back down and spent a little time in town. Busy again so we got out of there as quick as we could.
I wish I had taken pictures of our meals. But the phones were put away and I didn't want to break the camping vibe. Turning off the electronics can be nice, and needed every once and awhile. We ate and enjoyed the fire while each of us read. We were able to stay up a bit later.
Oh I forgot about Josh finding a tick on my stomach!! Silly us we didn't check ourselves after all that bushwhacking. Especially since I found a tick in my hair last trip to Waterton. I had even changed some of my clothes and we happend to be in the tent when he saw it on me. It had just bitten and he got it off. Freaky!! Yuck! He thinks I probably got it from the wood pile when we stopped there for firewood. I cringe to think of it. What if we just happened to not be fooling around and ticking each other at that right time? Eep!
Monday morning we woke up after a night of heavy wind and it was drizzling rain a bit. We wanted to go for a bike ride but just weren't sure what the weather would do. We didn't want to just sit around camp tho either. So we said let's just do it and we went. We started up the mountain towards Red Rock Canyon. Was that a tough ride or what? There were a few points where I thought I could have jogged faster than I was peddling. We stopped only a couple times for a drink of water. Probably about half way up it started raining harder. When we got to the top it was pouring. Oddly enough I was still okay with it. Felt like a big accomplishment that we just peddled up a mountain!! We found a trail that went into the woods and took that for awhile. This time we felt like we were actually mountain biking. The trial wasn't too rocky, but it wasn't long before my legs would just no longer peddle. Josh went on for a bit and I headed back. Stopped a couple times to watch the rushing river in the canyon below. There aren't many things like being in the mountains. Hard to describe. He made it back after not too long, we had our snack and headed back down. And it really was down! By the end we were soaked but had fun! Josh got up to like 30 MPH by the end of the roadway! He went whizzing past me and beat me to the campground turn off. Into the tent to dry off and stay warm. Nap time too.
It didn't seem to want to quit raining so when there was a lull in the weather we made ourselves crawl out, had a cold lunch and packed up. We made record time I think. Teamwork at it's best! We headed to town for a coffee to go (didn't find anything good), but had ice cream instead. We found a kind called Screaming Brothers that was made from coconut milk, sweetened with honey and flavoured with natural extracts. We were pretty impressed, and it's made in Lethbridge by two young kids. And we didn't break our no sugar rule! (We had already determined honey was allowed. Josh got some from the Ponoka farmer's market and it is delish!!) We made it home before 10 pm but it felt like a long drive.
Tuesday we spent unpacking and putting things away. I hate that part. And there's the laundry to get done too. All and all it was a good trip, we were excited to get away to hike and use our new bikes. The bike rack we deciced to get worked well. And we bought an annual National Park pass. Made us feel special.
Can't remember what we planned next but I think the next big one in the river trip in July. Gonna float down the Red Deer River for 4 days. June should be busy with getting ready for the Relay for Life. Have had a lull in momentum since the garage sale so will have to get on it again and sell some raffle tickets!!
Tuesday, 15 May 2012
Amazing Things
Have you ever had a moment when you realize you have just accomplished something you thought you never would? I'm sure we all have. We plan to do things and they get done, but I find the unexpected accomlpishments to be just a touch sweeter.
This weekend we went for a bike ride out by Olds. Nothing crazy but we peddled about for awhile in the country. We came upon a big hill and slowly made our way to the top. When we finally got there I realized that a year ago there would have been no way I would have made it all the way without having to stand up and peddle or get off my bike. Kinda cool!
Yesterday we went for a 4km trail run. Out behind Kerrywood Nature Centre. Have I mentioned before that I hate running? I think I have. But since we are doing the Mud Hero and Spartan Sprint this year I figured we better do some practice because I at least want to finish the races. We started off and after not that long I was already hating it. Josh is able to go much faster than me, and I try to tell him to just go ahead and do his thing but he usually stays pretty close. I think this helps me actually as I try to at least keep pace a few feet behind. I just kept telling myself to get to at least a certain point in the trail. Then when I got to that point I set another mark in the trail for myslef. I was suprised that I was making it up the hills and even recovering quickly before the next. I just about didn't make it up the stairs though! Doing them two at a time with these little legs was not easy! But we both did the whole loop without stopping. Not being a runner I was pretty happy with myself. Josh seemed to be hapy too. What really struck me is that I have never had the goal until that day to run 4km without stopping. Why not?
Cause I wasn't in shape! I was in okay shape a year ago but not like I am now. Doing things with your body that you never expected really makes you see how much change occurs. I think I like change. :)
This weekend we went for a bike ride out by Olds. Nothing crazy but we peddled about for awhile in the country. We came upon a big hill and slowly made our way to the top. When we finally got there I realized that a year ago there would have been no way I would have made it all the way without having to stand up and peddle or get off my bike. Kinda cool!
Yesterday we went for a 4km trail run. Out behind Kerrywood Nature Centre. Have I mentioned before that I hate running? I think I have. But since we are doing the Mud Hero and Spartan Sprint this year I figured we better do some practice because I at least want to finish the races. We started off and after not that long I was already hating it. Josh is able to go much faster than me, and I try to tell him to just go ahead and do his thing but he usually stays pretty close. I think this helps me actually as I try to at least keep pace a few feet behind. I just kept telling myself to get to at least a certain point in the trail. Then when I got to that point I set another mark in the trail for myslef. I was suprised that I was making it up the hills and even recovering quickly before the next. I just about didn't make it up the stairs though! Doing them two at a time with these little legs was not easy! But we both did the whole loop without stopping. Not being a runner I was pretty happy with myself. Josh seemed to be hapy too. What really struck me is that I have never had the goal until that day to run 4km without stopping. Why not?
Cause I wasn't in shape! I was in okay shape a year ago but not like I am now. Doing things with your body that you never expected really makes you see how much change occurs. I think I like change. :)
Thursday, 10 May 2012
Where Have I been?
Wow it has been a week since my last post? Seems much longer.
Let's see .. where have I been. Last weekend we had a garage sale Saturday and Sunday to raise money for our relay for life team. Saturday was soooo yucky with the rain! Having my sister, Josh and his mom there helped make it not so bad. We did well money wise! This is about the 5th year I have had a team in the relay. My mom was diagnosed with colon cancer about 6 years ago. She is doing fine now but it deeply affected us all. I have tried to get on things earlier this year to try to avoid some of the panic and feeling that I could have done more. I ususally feel this every year when the relay comes. I think we have done more this year already than last. So a win for us!
In the middle of Saturday's garage sale we took a belay course at the collicutt. It teaches you how to be the partner on the rope for soneone rock climbing. Josh had signed us up before we decided we should do the garage sale. Good thing we had helpers! We did this for two hours and rushed back to the sale.
After tearing down the sale on Sunday I was pretty pooped, but next morning I was at the gym! It seems I have become some sort of leader for two of my friends who have started paleo and crossfit. I brought them to Crossfit Mommas class. They loved it and plan to keep coming! So happy! Seeing them feel so much better after only a week of paleo is great too. And as an aside the WOD was a 2000m row but since there was not enough rowers I grudenly decided to run. Twice around the BIG BIG block and I may hav been goign pretty slow but I did not stop once! Impressive for me. The fact that after doing the math and realizing it was 2km made me feel even happier and more confident being able to do 5km for our Mud Hero and Spartan races.
The rest of Monday we kept busy until the evening and went to take our belay test. I was a bit nervous as of course I don't want to drop Josh when he is climbing. When I wasn't tying my rope properly over and over again I became pretty frustrated. He was patient as ususal. We both passed and can now climb the walls at the Collicutt! I ased Josh if it was just for indoors and he assured me that's all we would be doing for awhile. So guess who convinced me yesterday we should take an outdoor climbing course in July! My lord!
So after a busy Monday off, my work week started again. I was off to Calgary overnight to take a couple courses for work. We are much better than we used to be earlier in our relationship but Josh and I still hate being away from each other overnight. The king size bed I was in by myself felt much too big! Looked for Fiver Finger shoes downtown and they didn't have either of the brands I want. Neither did Red Deer when I checked. But I did pick up some needed camping gear and I am excited for going to Waterton next weekend. After getting home last night I put ingredients for bone broth in a crock pot and this morning had a nice warm batch of it. SO good! Much better than last recipe and in the crock is so easy! Also made supper last night for when my man got home. Felt like a rock star cook!
I'm still doing some catch up at the office and then I do my monthy drive to Coronation tomorrow to see clients. That's a two hour drive each way from Red Deer. Yikes. And on Monday I work in Lacombe. I didn't realize how little I will be in the Stettler office this couple weeks.
Tonight is gym and Saturday I think we are going back to Calgary again! Silliness! I don't think I have been this busy since I was single and was never home! It felt nice to be busy when there was no one there to come home to anyway, but I have always had a bit of a homebody side too. Slowing down and spending time just with my man feels so much better ! :)
Let's see .. where have I been. Last weekend we had a garage sale Saturday and Sunday to raise money for our relay for life team. Saturday was soooo yucky with the rain! Having my sister, Josh and his mom there helped make it not so bad. We did well money wise! This is about the 5th year I have had a team in the relay. My mom was diagnosed with colon cancer about 6 years ago. She is doing fine now but it deeply affected us all. I have tried to get on things earlier this year to try to avoid some of the panic and feeling that I could have done more. I ususally feel this every year when the relay comes. I think we have done more this year already than last. So a win for us!
In the middle of Saturday's garage sale we took a belay course at the collicutt. It teaches you how to be the partner on the rope for soneone rock climbing. Josh had signed us up before we decided we should do the garage sale. Good thing we had helpers! We did this for two hours and rushed back to the sale.
After tearing down the sale on Sunday I was pretty pooped, but next morning I was at the gym! It seems I have become some sort of leader for two of my friends who have started paleo and crossfit. I brought them to Crossfit Mommas class. They loved it and plan to keep coming! So happy! Seeing them feel so much better after only a week of paleo is great too. And as an aside the WOD was a 2000m row but since there was not enough rowers I grudenly decided to run. Twice around the BIG BIG block and I may hav been goign pretty slow but I did not stop once! Impressive for me. The fact that after doing the math and realizing it was 2km made me feel even happier and more confident being able to do 5km for our Mud Hero and Spartan races.
The rest of Monday we kept busy until the evening and went to take our belay test. I was a bit nervous as of course I don't want to drop Josh when he is climbing. When I wasn't tying my rope properly over and over again I became pretty frustrated. He was patient as ususal. We both passed and can now climb the walls at the Collicutt! I ased Josh if it was just for indoors and he assured me that's all we would be doing for awhile. So guess who convinced me yesterday we should take an outdoor climbing course in July! My lord!
So after a busy Monday off, my work week started again. I was off to Calgary overnight to take a couple courses for work. We are much better than we used to be earlier in our relationship but Josh and I still hate being away from each other overnight. The king size bed I was in by myself felt much too big! Looked for Fiver Finger shoes downtown and they didn't have either of the brands I want. Neither did Red Deer when I checked. But I did pick up some needed camping gear and I am excited for going to Waterton next weekend. After getting home last night I put ingredients for bone broth in a crock pot and this morning had a nice warm batch of it. SO good! Much better than last recipe and in the crock is so easy! Also made supper last night for when my man got home. Felt like a rock star cook!
I'm still doing some catch up at the office and then I do my monthy drive to Coronation tomorrow to see clients. That's a two hour drive each way from Red Deer. Yikes. And on Monday I work in Lacombe. I didn't realize how little I will be in the Stettler office this couple weeks.
Tonight is gym and Saturday I think we are going back to Calgary again! Silliness! I don't think I have been this busy since I was single and was never home! It felt nice to be busy when there was no one there to come home to anyway, but I have always had a bit of a homebody side too. Slowing down and spending time just with my man feels so much better ! :)
Friday, 4 May 2012
People Know! :")
Well I guess the cat is out of the bag somewhat. I found out last night that a couple people I actually know (besides Josh I guess) are reading my blog. Eep! I have not told my family, or anyone for that matter, that we have been trying to get pregnant so it felt a little weird for the girls at the gym to know. We hadn't planned on telling anyone since I put enough pressure on myself let alone having family waiting and asking if we had succeeded yet. But oh well! Not a big deal! My family is not very technologically savy do I doubt they will stumble upon my blog without me telling them.
Crossfit last night was good! I think I am liking the strength part of the new system. Josh really likes it but I knew he would. We had a group chat after we were all done too. Talking paleo and nutrition and just life stuff. I thought that was nice!
I just read Becky's blog and she talked about having a moment where she felt overwhelmed by baby coming and not knowing what to do. I feel her pain in a way. I had my own freak out yesterday, but mine was over something that I didn't need to get that worked up over. I realized I was overreacting but just couldn't stop all that negative self talk we all do. I really don't know where it was coming from. I had some anxiety the other day too. Just felt it in my stomach. Not sure what is going on. Especially since I have been feeling so good since deciding ting to relax about TTC. (trying to conceive - might as well use the acronym to save typing time).
Is is hormones from being off the pill? Did my worry about TTC just move to the subconscious level and this is how it bubbles up? I don't know. I asked Josh if my "freak outs" were becoming more frequent. He didn't want to answer poor guy as he thought they were too. He said at least they don't last long and that is true. By the time I had driven towards home for ten minutes I was already calm. But what if they get worse? He just told me we would cross that bridge when we came to it. A common answer of his. Sometimes frustrating but more because I know he is right.
But this time I felt no frustration, only a calmness. Today my own self talk says not to worry about problems before they are even problems. Yes, they might become problems one day, but then again they might not.
Crossfit last night was good! I think I am liking the strength part of the new system. Josh really likes it but I knew he would. We had a group chat after we were all done too. Talking paleo and nutrition and just life stuff. I thought that was nice!
I just read Becky's blog and she talked about having a moment where she felt overwhelmed by baby coming and not knowing what to do. I feel her pain in a way. I had my own freak out yesterday, but mine was over something that I didn't need to get that worked up over. I realized I was overreacting but just couldn't stop all that negative self talk we all do. I really don't know where it was coming from. I had some anxiety the other day too. Just felt it in my stomach. Not sure what is going on. Especially since I have been feeling so good since deciding ting to relax about TTC. (trying to conceive - might as well use the acronym to save typing time).
Is is hormones from being off the pill? Did my worry about TTC just move to the subconscious level and this is how it bubbles up? I don't know. I asked Josh if my "freak outs" were becoming more frequent. He didn't want to answer poor guy as he thought they were too. He said at least they don't last long and that is true. By the time I had driven towards home for ten minutes I was already calm. But what if they get worse? He just told me we would cross that bridge when we came to it. A common answer of his. Sometimes frustrating but more because I know he is right.
But this time I felt no frustration, only a calmness. Today my own self talk says not to worry about problems before they are even problems. Yes, they might become problems one day, but then again they might not.
Wednesday, 2 May 2012
Today's a Good Day!
Just wanted to check in. I wasn't sure how often I would be able to post. Not just because of being busy (pretty sure I won't be putting anything up on the weekends), but also because I wonder what I am going to talk about. I just don't think my life is that interesting. But I shall blog anyway!
Yesterday ended well. Work and getting ready for a fundraiser garage sale this weekend had me quite anxious by the end of the day. I feel totally unprepared for the sale, as I always feel before events I do. However by the time I left work I was determined to let it all go and not think about it. I have to say I think I did well. Normally I let myself stew or worry but when I began to do it yesterday I would just shoo the thoughts away until next time. Then shoo again. I kept busy getting groceries after work and preparing dinner. Next thing I knew Josh was home and it was time to get to the gym.
The gym was great last night! I felt really strong. I think part of it was making sure I had some sort of snack at home about 45 minutes before I got there. Seems like when I don't have a bite to eat I don't feels as energetic and sometimes sickly when I'm done. Not last night though! The gym has started a new way of doing things where we work on a warm up, skill of the month and a strength move before even starting the WOD. We don't get out of there as quick as we used to but I can see how this way we can make more progress. I did learn that I need to push myself more. Our coach Jasmine is always telling me I can take it a step up and when I do it seems easy. Not sure why I don't think of it myself and just do it. Odd as I like to think I am pretty confident. Maybe I'm really not.
I did back squats with 75 pounds and it felt good. I have always had big strong legs from playing sports. A lot of this new stuff is based on the highest weight you can lift one time. I have no idea what that is most of the time and just guess based on the last time I did that move in a WOD. I think in the coming weeks we might try to find out what some of those weights are. Josh invited me to try it with him next week so I will.
I noticed to that my running seems easier. When first started crossfit we seemed to do a lot of runs outside. Like 200, 400 or 800 metres. I HATE RUNNING! I have never really minded sprinting but running long distance sucks for me! But last night seemed easier than when I first started WOD's last summer. Maybe I am getting better at stuff. Good thing because we signed up for two obstacle races this summer. 5 km. I realized only after that we will probably have to do some running to get ready. BALLS! That's a bit of a lie. I am starting to look forward to it a bit. Buying the five finger toe shoes might be helping.
I know! I always thought they were weird and freaked me out thinking about having my toes seperated. Not to mention the "trendy" factor that sometimes keeps me from buying things just to spite trend. But the more you think about it the more it makes sense. I have always read that shoes are bad for humans and makes our feet muscles weak and since getting into paleo community it's not all about eating. It's also about how our ancestors lived and why our bodies were made the way they are. Bare feet makes sense. Even though it is going to hurt for awhile getting used to it. After a bad first experience trying them on (I think I blogged about it in my Money, money, money blog) I tried them on again and they felt good. Having the right size probably was the key. Now I want a pair, and of course with my usual luck no one in town has the style I want in women's size. Arg! This always seems to happen the me. I hum and haw on something and pass up chances to get them and once I decide I want this item it seems to have vanished from easy reach. Bah! I will get some just not as fast as I probably want.
But such is life eh?
Yesterday ended well. Work and getting ready for a fundraiser garage sale this weekend had me quite anxious by the end of the day. I feel totally unprepared for the sale, as I always feel before events I do. However by the time I left work I was determined to let it all go and not think about it. I have to say I think I did well. Normally I let myself stew or worry but when I began to do it yesterday I would just shoo the thoughts away until next time. Then shoo again. I kept busy getting groceries after work and preparing dinner. Next thing I knew Josh was home and it was time to get to the gym.
The gym was great last night! I felt really strong. I think part of it was making sure I had some sort of snack at home about 45 minutes before I got there. Seems like when I don't have a bite to eat I don't feels as energetic and sometimes sickly when I'm done. Not last night though! The gym has started a new way of doing things where we work on a warm up, skill of the month and a strength move before even starting the WOD. We don't get out of there as quick as we used to but I can see how this way we can make more progress. I did learn that I need to push myself more. Our coach Jasmine is always telling me I can take it a step up and when I do it seems easy. Not sure why I don't think of it myself and just do it. Odd as I like to think I am pretty confident. Maybe I'm really not.
I did back squats with 75 pounds and it felt good. I have always had big strong legs from playing sports. A lot of this new stuff is based on the highest weight you can lift one time. I have no idea what that is most of the time and just guess based on the last time I did that move in a WOD. I think in the coming weeks we might try to find out what some of those weights are. Josh invited me to try it with him next week so I will.
I noticed to that my running seems easier. When first started crossfit we seemed to do a lot of runs outside. Like 200, 400 or 800 metres. I HATE RUNNING! I have never really minded sprinting but running long distance sucks for me! But last night seemed easier than when I first started WOD's last summer. Maybe I am getting better at stuff. Good thing because we signed up for two obstacle races this summer. 5 km. I realized only after that we will probably have to do some running to get ready. BALLS! That's a bit of a lie. I am starting to look forward to it a bit. Buying the five finger toe shoes might be helping.
I know! I always thought they were weird and freaked me out thinking about having my toes seperated. Not to mention the "trendy" factor that sometimes keeps me from buying things just to spite trend. But the more you think about it the more it makes sense. I have always read that shoes are bad for humans and makes our feet muscles weak and since getting into paleo community it's not all about eating. It's also about how our ancestors lived and why our bodies were made the way they are. Bare feet makes sense. Even though it is going to hurt for awhile getting used to it. After a bad first experience trying them on (I think I blogged about it in my Money, money, money blog) I tried them on again and they felt good. Having the right size probably was the key. Now I want a pair, and of course with my usual luck no one in town has the style I want in women's size. Arg! This always seems to happen the me. I hum and haw on something and pass up chances to get them and once I decide I want this item it seems to have vanished from easy reach. Bah! I will get some just not as fast as I probably want.
But such is life eh?
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