My Secrets to Successful Aging...it's not all about the genes

I recently changed my Facebook profile picture from a photo of my feet in crocs standing in sand to a photo of my face with my chin resting against my hands as I am seated on a piece of Pilates equipment in my studio. Nothing special, just a photo taken by a friend for use "professionally" when needed.  What struck me was the almost immediate (and continual) responses, "likes" and "comment posts" to that photo. Truth be told, that photo was taken a few years ago, however I still look pretty much the same. And that's exactly what was being mentioned by friends who were posting. People from my high school days were saying "you look exactly the same as you did in high school" and "it must be the water you drink in California", "what are you doing?"

Well allow me to share some of my secrets (which are really not so secret). Yes DNA does play a small part, however genetics are only 10% in play here and those genes I can say without a doubt came from my dad. Throughout his life my dad was consistently told by so many people (mostly his doctors) that he looked at least a decade if not more, younger than his chronological age. This would infuriate my mother because she would often be kidded about "marrying a younger man". My mother is two years younger than my dad's age and she let everyone who made that comment know that fact.

So here are my not so secret "secrets" that I live by. But before I get into that..... here are (3) photo's taken over the decades so you can see for yourself. 

  This is my HIGH SCHOOL photo from my yearbook circa 1978.  Age 17 at the time

This is a photo from my "Aerobic Instructor Days" (80's hair) circa 1989   Age 29

This is my FB profile photo I posted - taken Oct 2010 - Age 50


Ah yes, if you do the math this year in August I will be 53. I am damn proud of it too. I also for the most part hardly ever wear make up, except on the rare occasion when I dress up for an event- (yes I am wearing some light make up in the above photo). Even then my make up consists of a few blush strokes on the cheeks, mascara and lip gloss. I have no time or patience for make up.  

Here are my 10 age busting not so secret secrets....

1. Surround yourself with LOVE. People you love and who love you. Tell them you love them. Partners (husbands, wives), family, friends and animals. Daily. Connect however you can (in person, voice, email, text). DAILY.
2.  Remove TOXIC people from your life. Toxic people are like vampires, they suck away your soul and leave you with nothing. Get rid of them and you will feel lighter, instantly. Trust me on this one....
3. Laugh EVERYDAY. My husband asked me why I fell in love with him. My answer...He makes me laugh, EVERYDAY. We end an argument by breaking out into laughter and forget what stupid thing we were arguing about. laughing is good for the soul and burns a lot of calories.
4. Drink Red Wine (except if you have an addiction then skip this one). 
5. Eat WHOLE FOODS EVERYDAY and make them the bulk of your nourishment. 
6. Eliminate TOXIC foods and Toxic products (toxic anything that comes in contact with your skin -read labels and check the ewg.org website) from your life. COMPLETELY. 
7. MOVE your body DAILY. Outside preferably. If you want to call it exercise that is just fine by me, just move. And Stand and Sit with proper posture, always.
8. DRINK WATER daily. A lot but not too much. 
9. SLEEP deeply and soundly as best you can. I realize this is a tough one for many people. Try going to bed earlier, that may be a good start.
10. FEED your mind. DAILY. not with crap either with good stuff...you know what I mean.    

Yes I do all this - and it keeps me living a reduced stressed life (notice I did not say stress free because that would be a lie). The truth is - Stress is the number one thing that will age you faster than anything else. I am also extremely blessed to have a career that I love, which everyday I am so grateful for. 

So that's it - my not so secret secrets to how I believe I stay looking and feeling younger than my chronological age.  

You got any secrets? 

Till next time - L        

For Whatever it's Worth...in my humble opinion...

My New Years resolution for 2013 is to try new experiences. My latest experience was a fitness workout that has exploded over the past few years called "CrossFit". I'd been curious as to what the hype was all about, so I decided I would join a friend who is totally into it and find out for myself. I first heard about CF in 2007 after reading NYT article that was not too favorable about this new type of training. According to the NYT, people have died doing this workout, which is certainly not a good endorsement in my humble opinion.

 With that said, I feel it is important to be open minded and fair and reserve judgement  until after I personally have experienced any workout I wish to express my personal opinion about. Which leads me to this latest blog post about various fitness workout trends that have come on the scene over the past several years and how I feel about their validity. 

I have been involved in the fitness industry for over 30 years wearing many different hats from "aerobics" instructor, fitness facility owner to exercise therapist. I've tested and passed a multitude of certifications and earned a Master's Degree in Exercise Science throughout the decades, so at this point I feel I can say I am qualified to give an opinion when it comes to fitness.

Along with Crossfit, I have taken Core Fusion (The Bar Method), Pilates group reformer SPX (Pilates Plus/Platinum), Circuit Works and Zumba. I will give my personal experience "review" on each and try not to scare or bore you. 

 (Zumba Photo by CIMM)

Let me begin with Zumba.Watch for yourself FUN, FUN and (more FUN to watch actually) but....Seriously, my hips don't lie and don't operate like that any more (hip injury is limiting).  The class was FILLED with all ages and sizes so I was impressed at its widespread inclusion. The instructor was young, tiny, and exposing her rock hard abs AND she was a little difficult to understand (even with a mic) competing with the very loud music. Holy crap I am old..... The music did make me want to move my body and I must say many of the movements were so familiar so I was able to do most of the class. In fact, the moves were pretty much recycled from my "aerobics" instructor days. YES, grapevines and more. The class was fun, but I must say I had "been there done that" enough times in my life that I didn't need any more of it. Zumba (check) just not my kind of workout.


Circuit Works...Sample reel - good name because it works! I love circuit training, it's a great bang for your buck combining both cardio and strength training in one workout. It moves fast and it is HARD. Because the class moves fast (the intervals are timed) YOU must pay attention to executing good form throughout. The trainers will be busy correcting (if they are good) and leading the class so it will be up to YOU to self correct. Be attentive and don't push beyond what you can handle properly or you can get injured. Be SMART and have fun. Also the class should have no more that 6-8 people to (1) trainer ratio. If you walk in and the class has 15-20 to (1) trainer - beware you better know what you are doing.

The Bar Method (Exhale's-Core Fusion)...See for yourself It's a ballet bar class on steroids, overworking the glutes to no end. I took this class (4) times and not because I liked it. I wanted to make sure that it wasn't the instructors teaching and it was the format that I completely disagreed with. They work primarily in a pelvic tucked (posterior tipped pelvis) position (NOT in neutral) which is counter to the positioning I instruct my clients/students to work in in Pilates training. Posterior tuck is NOT a good position for the pelvis because it compresses the lumbar spine. This class HURT my back every time I walked out the door. I followed instructions knowing full well it was counter to everything I know and preach as a Pilates practitioner and Exercise therapist. Why? Because I wanted to fairly review this workout and put on record it is by far my least favorite and to steer clear unless you would like a herniated disc injury in your future. You can come see me for your repair....

(pilates reformer photo by KOMUnews)

Pilates "Plus/Platinum" Group Reformer (SPX)....Sample workout here -
I took this SPX group reformer method at (2) different studios and they were both very different using the same workout method. This is not Pilates the way Joseph Pilates intended his name to be associated with an exercise regime. It's timed, it's fast and pays little to zero attention to technique, form and execution of movement because of the format. One class was horrible (Pilates Plus on Abbot Kinney) and the other class was OK (Sweat Pilates in Culver city). So here is an example where the instruction makes all the difference. While I am NOT a fan of group reformer classes, I do feel that as long as a "group" is limited to (4) students (tops) who are at a similar fitness level and have had at least 10 private reformer sessions, I am OK with it. SPX is far from Pilates that it should be called "minus the Pilates" instead of Pilates Plus.

(photo by CrossFit Fever)


CROSSFIT LA.....Check this... I joined a friend (who is a few years younger than me) in a BEGINNER Crossfit LA class one evening a few weeks ago. She LOVES this workout,is totally addicted and wanted me to come with her and see what it was all about - (swearing to me LACF was different than all the other CF workouts out there). To me CFitters get this addiction (drink the cool-aid) and join the "cult". I have such a negative impression of this workout (especially after watching you-tube videos and reading that NYT article of this insane workout)- BUT I was ready to be open and try it. SO..I went.

 My first clue should have been the extensive waiver (3 pages) that I needed to initial every paragraph on, and sign my life away at the end. I have never seen a more detailed waiver that you could not possibly read and understand in the time given. I mentally prepared myself. They do limit the class to 16 participants (to one instructor) so that is good, I guess.... I was clearly the oldest person in the class (I am a few years older than my friend) and one of 6 woman (excluding Shirley the instructor). The class consisted mostly of young guys wanting to get "buffed" and test their testosterone. The thought in my head at that moment was, "I am so screwed". Still, I was prepared. The class is 50-60 mins and has a specific format (WOD-workout of the day) that ALL classes (every level) do that particular day. The WOD consists of basically 3 to 4 exercises that get repeated over certain time intervals throughout the hour. The first 10 mins is a warm up of either foam rolling or using a small ball to prep a particular body part that will be mostly worked (i.e. Lats). The first exercise which consisted of raising a weighted bar over head (snatch high grip pull?) which I used just the 15 pound bar only (during the actually exercise) was instructed and rehearsed prior with just a light pole. The instructor Shirley was very clear, concise and attentive I do want to mention (I really liked her). The other 2 exercises were tuck jumps (plyometrics) and push ups but not the traditional push ups. You begin lying on the floor pushing yourself up (modification can be on knees) lowering to the floor with arms bent, raising your hands then pushing yourself up again. I'm not sure what these pushups are called because I think it's a "CF" push up (they were new to me). These 3 exercises were repeated to exhaustion in a sectioned timed format with the push up section being counted so everyone has a number to report at the end which gets written on a white board at the end (next to your name) and then a picture of the board is taken and posted on facebook. This congers up the competitive edge within and silently among your CF com-padres. At the end of class we celebrated a class participants birthday by joining in doing the number of burpees of the age he was turning. I think it was 34. I passed on the burpee's - no thank you - celebrate on your own, I'll eat cake. 

I know people LOVE this workout and more power to them. I said to my friend, "just be VERY careful and don't do ANYTHING that would be compromising and lead to injury". I trust her and know she will be smart. While I may not agree with the workout format or choice of exercises (I feel they could lead to serious injury), I did like the instructor - she was NOT intimidating and allowed the participants to do what they felt they could handle (which is NOT like most CF's) where I understand the instructors intimidate participants into doing things like lift heavier weight (overhead) that is way beyond their control. The social aspect and camaraderie is like no other I have ever seen (cult like or not). This socialization keeps people interested and exercising which is what I would rather have than the alternative couch potato with one hand on a remote and the other in a bag of chips.   

NEXT..... I'm going to try Richard Simmons "aerobics" class in Beverly Hills, so let me find my thong leotard, headband and leg warmers and sweat to the oldies! 

Till next time..... 

:) - L

I wish I had more......

TIME
I find myself constantly saying that. Look...it's been since NOVEMBER since my last blogpost and writing is something I really LOVE to do. OK maybe not so much love after all, but it is something I do enjoy. Since that last Nov. post I have been to Tampa to see family, went with Dennis to Tuscany & The Amalfi Coast for 3 weeks and in between all that? Well I worked A LOT in between. Oh! I did recently go see Prince at The Forum, which was a treat since the last 'rock" concert I'd been to was about 12 years ago. Other than that, well....hanging with my "menace", dinners with good friends, hikes, Farmer's Market runs, Book Club dinners and I am sure other things can be added.

This sounds really like what amounts to is a very FULL life. Yet, I always complain I need more time. Why? Why am I not fulfilled with the time I get? I mean isn't 24/7...365 enough?

In all actuality.. It is really...

I believe the key here is TIME management.
I somehow need to carve out having a "second" Sunday on another day.

Maybe, the real key here is - getting away from my time stealer's... There I said it... TIME STEALER'S and we are know what they are...anything that has to do with an online connection. Yes folks they are time stealer's and I need to come clean here and admit that if I spent less time on "FB" and everything else with a connection to the cyber world I would probably have more time that I would know what to with, maybe even a "third" Sunday...

Really what I need is a power outage and to say bye (for now)...
Going to take a nap :)

Thanks for letting me rant...till the next time, if something doesn't STEAL IT!!!

What gives me JOY!

While contemplating what to write about in my blog this morning I could not help but notice how great I feel. Is this JOY? Am I feeling joy(ful)right now? What exactly is making me feel this good and can I hold onto it forever, or at least for a while. So I decided to write about it and put it in the archives.

One thing I definately know that is giving me joy is SUNDAY. This is my favorite day of the week because it is my day to be unscheduled without guilt. This is my guilt free day. Suffice to say, yes I am someone who does possess those unruly feelings that no one wants to have (guilt, worry, anxiety etc....) you know them.... because everyone to some degree has them.

Sunday I give myself guilt free permission to drink COFFEE (which I have for the most part given up caffeine) and I LOVE coffee! Happiness in a cup...love it. I get up early and watch CBS SUNDAY MORNING which to me is the only show worth waking up early to watch (no I don't have DVR or TIVO). Then I go to the farmer's market and get my bounty for the week...YUMMMMM. Today I decided to also blog because it has been about a month since my last post and just because I wanted to.

So today.... Is My JUST BECAUSE I WANT TO DAY and that gives my utter and complete JOY!

For me...what gives me great joy lies in the simplicity of my life, the uncomplicated-"ness" and mere enjoyment of the experience of feeling what is going on inside me at the moment and not missing it because I am too damn busy to notice. I seem to be able to do this on Sunday. I only know one person who can do this everyday and that is my husband. Yes, I can honestly say he really is able to do this everyday, whether he is in Cozumel scuba diving or whether he is home living his "normal" daily life. It is truly enviable and I strive to be more like that. Right now I will take Sunday....

So today "My Joy" is simply:

Waking up when I want
My coffee and CBS Sunday Morning
Farmer's Market
Breakfast with my Mom-in-law (whom I adore)
Listening to KPCC (NPR) while cleaning mi casa (which today I don't mind)
Making guacamole for Book Club tonight
Skyping with my daughter and hopefully Dennis
Watering the trees and enjoying sitting among the Bamboo & Palms in my backyard
Seeing my Book Club buds for laughter, good food, discussion
Wine without the Whine
And whatever else my heart desires
Getting what I hope is a restful full nights sleep

My desire is to extend this to the rest of the six other days of the week, but for now I will take this one day and "simply" relish in "My Joy"....

What gives you Joy?

Ciao for now~

My "INNER" Experience

It is one week now since I returned from the INNER IDEA conference in Palm Desert CA and I am happy to report that what I learned there is still with me. Beyond attending four days of jammed packed informative sessions, being with other "like-minded" individuals, sharing stories and a room with 2 women who were 15-20 years younger than me, I also learned something about myself. I learned that there is always something new to learn. It never ends and that is the beauty of gaining knowledge.

It's been so long since I have attended a conference, mostly because I had the attitude of "what am I going to learn that I don't already know" which is the most arrogant thought. Well...frankly A LOT! It was my own arrogance that was my biggest barrier, because after 30 years in the fitness business I guess I felt entitled to have it. WRONG. This was very hard to admit to myself and (to now write this publicly), but also very important. It's not that I ever really stopped gaining "exercise" knowledge, it is that I gained it through private avenues, watching you-tube videos, educational DVD's, reading magazine articles, books, and other on-line sources. After attending years of conventions, conferences, workshops, seminars I guess I was done with it and needed to learn via other avenues and gave up attending anything that gathered a bunch of "fitness" people together in one place. Well I am so glad I changed my attitude and attended this years Inner IDEA conference.

What drew me in to go to "inner" verses say the "World" Fitness Convention (held the month before in downtown Los Angeles and much more convenient location) was the AHHHHHHH factor. The Inner IDEA conference was formed 5 years ago in an effort to step away from the traditional IDEA mega conventions that normally generate thousands of attendees who come and spend days attending high energy fitness frenzy sessions and milling around the expo taking in all the latest and greatest gadgetry the fitness industry has to offer. Truth be told it gave me a headache even thinking about. When I first started in fitness these types of industry "get together's" were my adrenaline. Now for me, I can tell you those days are way over. So when I first heard about the Inner IDEA conference (which primarily attracts attendees who are teaching yoga, pilates, meditation, nutrition etc..), I thought "now this is something I could attend" and really enjoy. Not wanting to go alone, I recruited another friend/colleague who recruited a couple of others and we registered. I must say another big incentive was the LA Quinta resort and the 500 person limit to attend.

After the almost 3 hour drive to the desert, I began to experience this feeling of calm and utter joy come over me (mostly because I was on vacation) as we drove onto the gorgeous property of the LA Quinta Resort. We checked in to the hotel with ease and then went to register for the conference. Another breeze....no line, 5 minutes tops and if we wanted to change sessions no hassle, just show up to the session you want and if it's full we were able to just stand and observe. Easy schmeezy... love it. We proceeded to go to the room, unpack, decompress and get ready for the first session, which was Creating Reformer Choreography presented by Nora St John who was fabulous. From that moment on, my creative juices (that were on drip) began to flow. I could feel the cogs in my brain turning and I knew, in order to keep this going I needed to be 100% present the entire time so I didn't miss a thing. I now learned lesson - #1) NOTHING ELSE "OUT THERE" is as important as BEING RIGHT HERE RIGHT NOW. Being Present is the gift I gave to myself for the entire weekend. That message was reiterated again at the opening ceremony with beautiful words and music, chanting and an inspiring key note address by Brant Secunda (Huichod Shaman and Healer) and Mark Allen (six-time Ironman Tri-Champion) and authors of Fit Soul Fit Body. I turned to my friend Megan and said "I am not opening my lap-top this whole weekend" as I made a silent vow to myself to step away from the outside world. This for me (and you all know what a FB and email addicted junkie I am) was a HUGE progressive step.

Every session I attended I learned many new things, along with being introduced to many of the finest presenters in the world. Scott Josephson, who is from the Hippocrates Health Institute did two brilliant presentations: Women, Metabolism and the Hormone Highway and Search and Explore popular diets. I don't think I ever laughed so hard, nor had more fun than in Lawrence Biscontini's Bosu:Hard Core Peace Core. Who would ever think you could do mindful yoga, pilates, t'ai chi, chi gong and chants on a bosu and SWEAT?
Lawrence was brilliant, and deserved The INNER award he received at the opening ceremony (especially after taking his Moonlight Meditation class and there being more distractions than ever thought possible) and he still managed to keep the entire class centered and focused. Paul Check's "The Last Four Doctors You will Ever Need" completely threw me for a loop when here I was thinking traditional docs and it was metaphorical. Dr Diet, Dr Quiet, Dr Happiness and Dr Movement, "well being is as simple as 1-2-3-4. How true is that statement? Very... Micheal Kings' reformer sequencing brought new light to putting movement together in a beautiful seamless sequence like a dance. Break it down and Build it up by Michael Fritzke took traditional Pilates movement and broke them down down into teachable pieces we could use for own own classes. I could go on and on but I would be remiss if I did not mention the session that stuck with me the most. That would be the last one I took and ended my weekend on such a glorious high note with . Sue Hitzmanns' MELT on Pilates rocked my world.
Can I say I LOVED IT any louder? This woman was not only an amazing, knowledgeable, dynamic presenter but her passion for wanting to heal everyone in the entire world through her technique came through loud and clear. I was so beyond impressed I decided that when her instructor training comes to Los Angeles I will be the first sign up. I have used everything I had learned from that one session since, and my clients, students and patients just melt (literally). I am Melting over this and cannot wait for more.


We (Megan, Emilee & me) ended on a beautiful note leaving Palm Desert, the 117 degree weather and the most wonderful attendees we befriended (especially Susan & Diane yes you guys!) behind, filled to brim with knowledge, purpose and inspiration. I would say this was the best money and time I have ever spent on an educational conference and I am definately going to attend next year. AND.... my industry colleagues who are reading this...you are all invited to share with me this amazing experience.

It's A Full Time JOB to Stay Healthy In This World

It has been several weeks since my last blog, and frankly I just needed a break from feeling like blogging was a job (even writing a blog once a week sometimes feels like pressure). Writing is a passion of mine and I want to keep it that way, so when I am inspired and have something to say, I will. Today I do, and now I write.

I have been feeling like I need a suit of armor (or hazmat) to survive and stay healthy living on this planet. I know that sounds extreme, but lately that's how I feel. Sometimes reading and empowering myself with knowledge may not be such a good thing...I may now be thinking "ignorance is truly bliss." Have you ever noticed that just about everyday something else comes out across the wire that can be harmful to your health?...Egads!!...It is amazing people actually live past birth. Between our air and water being polluted, our food supply being sprayed and genetically modified, personal care products being filled with toxic chemicals penetrating our skin how do we even have a chance? And you think the western medical establishment and BIG PHARMA will help if we succumb to disease? Well think again...because that's a crap shoot as well. Like I have said over and over again, taking responsibility of ones own health is the first (and BEST) defense. Over the past month, I have made several very positive healthful adjustments to my lifestyle (and my husbands...he he) to help promote our best defense and increase "our" vitality.

Way Back in my early twenties (during the stone age), I became a vegetarian which lasted for about 17 years. I was later bamboozled into thinking animal-based protein was the very best source of the so-called highly nutritionally valuable macro-nutrient source, whereby having me start eating meat (poultry actually) once again. I became hooked on meat, and did buy into touting it's nutritional value trying to convince myself of it's worthiness. I did this for fifteen years until I recently decided to become a plant-based/whole grain eater once again, and honestly, it wasn't so difficult. The turning point for me was reading the book The China Study. I have read more books about nutrition, diet...yada yada over the years to realize this book really had me at "you want to know how healthy you are...look at the end of your fork" (also watching FOOD INC about 100 times). The author of this book says throughout "I am a researcher" and indeed he is. Not only is T. Colin Campbell a researcher, he is a very thorough one at that. His list of cited studies and references was the size of a small book. His argument for eating a plant-based, whole grain diet could not be disputed. While he does tout vegan-ism, vegetarianism is the next best thing so that I knew I could do with the intention to go vegan (someday?). Now the tough part was getting my 2 gallon a week milk drinking, cheese eating, carne asada burrito consuming husband to make that shift, and that was a whole other story. I decided to use the old "blood doesn't lie" trick and went straight to the cholesterol and triglyceride (he just had a physical and blood work done) in your face these are your levels.. truth. "You need to get those blood levels down especially now that you're in your fifties" was my rant and I used the book as proof. My husband is a "just the facts ma'am" guy, he wants legitimate cited studies, research, hard core proof...so then I knew I got him because this book has it all. Thanks to T. Colin Campbell and The China Study book, now Dennis is a transformed man (OK on his way to being a transformed man). It's been a week for him now, and I already see the changes and it's great. He may slip in a little meat here and there on the road to being a vegetarian, but I will take it...this is a major milestone.

As far as I go, well this week I ate just about completely vegan and I feel fabulous. I prepared my first all American vegan burger recipe (from my new vegan cookbook), which will be grilled tonight, and eaten along with accompaniments of fresh greens from the FM and (of course) wine (not giving that up). I must say vegan prep has a labor intensive learning curve, but definately worth time put in. I also went through my medicine cabinet, and storage drawers and threw out all the toxic sun screen, cosmetics, and personal care products that did not score above a 3 on http://www.cosmeticsdatabase.com/ which amounted to a few hundred bucks worth. I decided our health and life was worth it. I am now using this website to restock my supply of just about everything which has now turned into another job. I have officially become a product researcher...OY Vey.

In this ever growing toxic world we live I believe the best defense starts at home, making positive changes using reliable, trustworthy resources (as in never believe the FDA) and yes it takes work to find them. And I am happy to pass them to you so you can have another job as well...

OK put on your HAZMAT suit and go out and enjoy the world!!!!

See you next time....

yours in Good Health ~ L

MOM a beautiful 3 letter word

Turns out Mother's day is really like every other day with the exception of everyone wishing you a "Happy Mother's Day". My daughter called at 7:04AM to wish me a Happy Mother's Day knowing I would be awake watching CBS Sunday Morning (she's 3 hours ahead or she would NEVER call that early) and felt her obligation was done. I appreciated the call with gratitude and asked her if we could Skype later on as I needed to get a few more sips of coffee in me to be able to speak any more words. She said "no problem I'll call you when i am in front of my computer", then we said our I love you's and hung up. My next call was to my mom who always seems so surprised to hear from me when I call. Weird... especially being that it is Mother's day. My husband wished me a Happy Mother's Day and asked me what I wanted (meaning a gift of some sort) and I replied "I don't want anything but you can clean the house". I couldn't have been more serious. We proceeded to go about our normal Sunday, going to the farmer's market for our weekly bounty and then getting ready for his mom and brother coming for dinner which has now added more work for me on my 24 hour vacation day and mother's day holiday. Woop-tee-do..... I had mentioned to my husband that it was his mom coming for dinner and that since it is mothers day he should make dinner. He turned on the grill and asked when he should put the meat on to cook. That was his contribution. Well not entirely, he did clean the bathroom. Woop-tee-do. I spent most of the day shopping for food, dusting, stripping beds, preparing dinner, cleaning the kitchen and it's 15 minutes before Desperate Housewives and I haven't even showered yet. Yep, this is like every other day with the exception of a bunch of Happy Mother's Day wishes, flowers from my mother in law and more work than I would normally do on a sacred Sunday.

Time for a shower...then I am crawling into bed, turning the TV on and shutting the bedroom door and enjoying what is left of my Happy Mother's Day....

Till the next time...

Ciao~ L

Making A Healthier Earth One Person At A Time

We just celebrated the 40 year anniversary of Earth Day and it made me sad that so little has been done to really help the planet in 40 years. It's appalling actually. My greatest hope is that my daughter and her generation will be more aware and make vital changes in their lifestyle and become the "sustainable" generation. I do my best to set a good example and have changed my "evil ways" over the years. I can honestly say these changes were simple and are no big deal once you get into the mind-set of wanting to do what is right for the earth, your family and yourself. What is interesting, is the changes that make a healthier planet also make a healthier you. Many changes were made because of chemicals that can leach from materials into the food that's eaten.

Some of the changes I have made over the years...

Eating completely Organic and eliminated meat (on my way to poultry but not yet).
Replaced buying bottled water (or any liquid in plastic ) with filling stainless containers.
Using stainless or cast iron cookware NO longer any Teflon.
Replaced plastic storage containers with all glass.
Conscious driving (biking instead of driving, combining errands for efficiency).
Cut back on Flying.
Recycling, composting everything I can to reduce garbage.
Creating a sustainable front lawn that uses barely any water and no chemicals.
Lots of bamboo & palm trees in the back yard (helps filter bad air CO2>O2).
Using Cloth Napkins more replacing paper.
Showers (short ones) every other day (except when workout sweat calls me to shower!).
Replaced all appliances to energy savers and light bulbs too.
Computers on stand by when not in use.
Lights and water faucets off when not in use.
Bringing own bags for groceries.
Shopping for food locally at Farmer's market.
Supporting local merchants more (although I do shop at Costco still)
NEVER SHOP AT AT EVIL WALMART!!!!
#1 no flush #2 FLUSH!!!!
Buying less (conscious shopping ...rational vs emotional purchasing).
NO CABLE TV (we have an antenna on top of our house that works great).
Avoid buying anything from China.
Volunteer more.
Borrowing library books instead of buying them unless it's a book to reference.

And the list will continue....

It's about being conscious in a world where it's easy to go through unconsciously.

Last week I wrote about the book Organic Manifesto by Maria Rodale and how important I felt this book was for everyone to read. I am almost finished with it and I wish it was on the must read list for every school in America. Our world will change if we can start now to be the role models for the next generations upcoming. They will not have a chance if we do not make the changes in our lifestyles NOW. This is BEYOND important, it is NECESSARY.

As Maria states in her book:

"If we plan to stay on this planet, we must take a stand. And the very ground we stand on holds the magic key to our future here. We have a once-in-a-lifetime, no once-in-a-species'-history-opportunity to do either the right thing or continue down the path to our demise."

It's NOW time to take a stand.

Ciao~ See you next Sunday! L

We Are Part of the Great Chemical Experiment

Being in the Health/Fitness industry for the last 100 yrs has put me in information overload with all the "stuff" out there that wants to infuse into my brain. I have decided it can only process and store so much, and frankly these days I just never know what to really believe, especially when it comes to nutrition and food. I have certain "guru's" I follow (Michael Pollan being one) that I trust and feel are worth my time to read what they have to say based on research they have done. So when my friend Barbara recommended I read "Organic Manifesto" by Maria Rodale I thought "hmm it's Barb recommending this", who is a trusted source of honest material, but do I want to bother to read yet another food/nutrition book? I waited a few days to see if I still had any interest and then ordered it. When it arrived, I saw it was only 200 pages and felt relieved. I decided to open it up and read the foreword by Eric Schlosser (which i usually skip) and the first three lines read like this:

Pesticides are poisons. They are manufactured to kill insects, rodents, fungi, and weeds. But they can also kill people.

Now I know this. That is the main reason why I have been eating organic for a while - to avoid the poisons. Pesticides and toxic sprays used by agri-business was something that was not new to me, but I kept on reading and it was the next few sentences that hooked me and made me angry and scared.

Organophosphates-one of the most common types of pesticide-were developed in Nazi Germany to be used as chemical weapons. It was later recognized that the same sort of nerve gases formulated to attack enemy soldiers and civilians could be used against agricultural pests

.....he then goes on to say that over the past 60 years a multitude of these same chemicals

have been applied to the American landscape on a massive scale.

Turns out the federal government has not done a pesticide use survey since 2001 because President George W Bush in his last year of office halted the program because spending 8 million dollars to conduct such a survey was too expensive. I am sure Dow Chemical and Monsanto had something to do with this decision no doubt. Schlosser goes on to give a conservative estimate of the current pesticide use in the US agri business as being

1.2 BILLION Pounds a year

which equates to being about 4 pounds of this toxic crap for every American man, woman and child.

I started reading last night and will probably finish this book in a day or so. I can tell you that this book is an extremely important book for everyone to read. Maria Rodale is no stranger to this area she is an expert and has the lineage to prove it. She has been "walking the walk" along with "talking the talk" for years because it's in her DNA. In case you recognize the name, her grandfather J.I. Rodale, launched Organic Farming and Gardening magazine in 1942 in addition to the organic movement. Then Maria and her father launched Prevention magazine in 1950. This woman does her research and it shows in this book. A word of warning...it is disturbing and it should be. It should disturb every single person who eats, breathes, drinks water and walks on soil enough to do something. And what can "we" do? is the question... Well first get the book and read it. Be angry. Be disturbed. Be scared....but don't be paralyzed and do nothing. This is your life, your food, your air along with everyone else on the planet and this includes your kids. The generations after us are who is in the greatest peril and it is with them in mind that we must DEMAND ORGANIC and demand it NOW.

Go to this link and read this interview with Maria Rodale

http://featuresblogs.chicagotribune.com/features_julieshealthclub/2010/03/maria-rodales-organic-manifesto.html

See You Next Sunday... Now go get this book and read it.

http://www.rodale.com/maria-rodale-organic-manifesto

Ciao ~ L

Do Miracles Really Exist?

By definition a Miracle "is any amazing or wonderful occurrence" or "a marvelous event manifesting a supernatural act of a divine agent" according to wikipedia. I would agree with this definition and add that I like to think the "divine agent" are angels. Yes I believe in angels and I think my sister is one. I believe she has intervened several times when it has come to my dad's life.

I was thinking earlier while watching a particular segment on CBS Sunday Morning about children dealing with the grief of a death of a parent, that at age 50 (almost), I still have both my parents and what a miracle that is. Well at least in my father's case, (my mother I believe will stand the test of time) and live to the age of 200. About 10+ years ago my father (whose health is not the greatest) suffered to what we were told was a stroke and fell and hit his head on the marble threshold in the doorway of the bathroom while exiting. My mother only discovered him later when she came home, he was on the bed semi conscious with patches of blood along the floor and bed. She immediately called the EMT's who came rather quickly only to find they were dealing with a very combative man (which I hear is normal when someone strokes out) to take him to the hospital. My dad ended up falling into a coma and was in intensive care for a while and we thought we were going to lose him. I received a call and quickly arranged to fly to Florida (I was living in CT then) which was not easy to do since it was spring break and Easter holiday season. As a miracle would have it my friend Deb's husband Rob who sells airplanes somehow arranged for me to be a guest on a private jet that was flying to Florida the next day. I will be indebted to that man forever for that act of kindness. As our small family sat vigil and waited to see if my dad was going to wake up, I could not fathom losing him although I was prepared. I think the loss of my sister years prior, has prepared me for death. I just kept thinking though, this was not his time and a divine intervention would happen.

It did happen. He eventually woke up and could not remember a thing. To this day, the events of that day are erased from his memory and we only have these "CSI" puzzle pieces to put together to form a scenario of what happened. It's now over 10 years since this happened and many hours of all kinds of therapy later, but if you saw my 84 year old dad you would never know that event happened to him. He does get his words scrambled a bit because of his lingering aphasia but other than that, I believe this man is a walking miracle. Before this "stroke" incident happen my dad already had heart by-pass surgeries years before and has lived with diabetes for as long as I can remember. He did manage to quit smoking after 30 years when he was told he had borderline emphysema. Let's put it this way, the man has taken crappy care of himself and manages to keep in ticking. Now that's a freakin' miracle! Now mind you he does have the help of about 12 different meds he must ingest everyday and has to take naps along with watching his "diet" (yea right..). It's not best way to live, but he is around to enjoy watching his family grow and hopefully will stick around to see the birth of his twin granddaughters (from my sis-in-law certainly not moi) and my daughter's college graduation and who knows what else? Maybe he will stand the test of time.... In that case it's my mother we all need to pray for....


Me and My Miracle Dad

This is just another one of a few miracles I have witnessed.


In a previous blog I wrote about my mother-in-law, who as well, literally came back from being so close to dead, it is just inexplicable. Other than she had so many people praying for her (and I am so not a religious person) I cannot believe she is walking around and living her life, still laughing, smiling and just being. If you could imagine the worst possible medical disaster (stemming from a botched colonoscopy) and multiply that by 100 that is what happened to my husband's mom. She's even baffled the doctor's. So Angels? Power of Prayer? Miracles? Who really knows? All I can say, is I am a believer.... especially when I witness (I have it on video) my husband vacuuming of his own volition....Now that's a true Miracle!!


The Jimenez Family (Uncle Beto, Miracle Mom, Dennis, Me & Gary Jimenez)



Till next Sunday

Ciao ~ L

Acceptance

First of all I would like to say Thank You to my friend Joey for my "Special Exception" Beautiful Blogger Award that she gave to me on her blogpost

http://catchjoyasitfliesby.blogspot.com/

Along with this acceptance I am to fulfill the following criteria:

1. Thanking the person who gave it to me (which I did).
2. Share 7 things about myself...hmmm
3. Pass the award onto 5 bloggers who you have recently discovered and think you are fantastic (I really don't follow too many bloggers)
4. Contact the bloggers you've picked and let them know about the award about the award..(ok..)

Hmmm... 7 things about myself.

1. I want a different set of legs but have accepted that I have this set for life.

2. Surprisingly, I still find myself being ridiculously competitive (as in the case of an 83 year old hiker that totally kicked my ass going up steep hills and I wanted him to eat my dust-errrrr).

3. Some days I skip a shower and use the excuse I am saving precious water for Southern California.

4. I would give up wine and chocolate before my morning cup of strong caffeine laden Java.

5. I have been dreaming about going to Italy for about a million years but I confess I am nervous to leave and go out of the country and so far away.

6. I am so glad I only had one child and sometimes wonder why I did not want any more.

7. I can be (and look like) a pretty tough cookie on the outside but really I am a total marshmallow on the inside...(pssst...don't tell anyone).

The next criteria is tough because I only read a few blogpost (one of which is Joey's).

I do read these others though:

1. http://consciouslyfrugal.blogspot.com

2.http://suethsayings.blogspot.com

Both are excellent and I would recommend you checking them out. Oh I am suppose to let them know about the award....hmmm OK will do.....

Anyway now that I have fulfilled my duties onto my weekly blogpost which is about Acceptance....

The term acceptance is defined as a verb, in which it shows to have several meanings.

The first is known as the act of taking or receiving something offered. For example, if someone is giving you a gift and you receive it, than that person has accepted the gift; therefore, having acceptance.

Another definition of acceptance has to deal with positive welcome; favor and endorsement. Such as, a person could like someone and have acceptance for them due to their approval of that person.

The third description of acceptance is that it can be an act of believing or assenting.

Acceptance comes in many different types:

1. Self acceptance - being loving and happy with who you are NOW! Like the set of legs above I mentioned...

2. Social acceptance -affects children, teenagers and adults. It also can affect people of all ages with mental disabilities because social acceptance determines many decisions people make in life. I would also say that would include acceptance of those different from us.

3.Grief acceptance - there is a difference between acceptance and resignation,you have to accept loss, not try to bear it alone. Realization has a lot to do with acceptance when it comes to grief. I find this comes in various stages and is often very difficult to deal with.

4. Conditional or Qualified -a type of acceptance that requires modification(s) of the conditions before the final acceptance is made (as in a business contract for example).

5.Expressed - acceptance of the set conditions, as in a person clearly and explicitly agrees to an offer. They accept the terms without any changes.

6.Implied - acceptance is implied by demonstrating any act indicates a person's assent to the proposed bargain.

I am writing about this today because I think acceptance (specifically social) has become a serious problem within our society in the United States as well as globally. We seem to be more intolerant of accepting and being open to ideas that go outside of our personal beliefs. This to me seems extremely selfish and its roots are so embedded that I don't know how we can dig out of this mess. Lately, I see it most in the polarization of this country being so divided with regard to issues on Health Care, Immigration, Gays in the Military/"Don't ask Don't tell". I agree that everyone is entitled to their own opinion, however when it leads to being so closed minded that bigotry takes over something has gone awry.

Listen, I was so angry when "W" stole the election in 2000 from Gore but I accepted it. I thought it was the most divisive election ever but I accepted (disgruntled mind you) and endured that idiot being in office for 8 long years. Did I threaten him??? NO...did I throw a brick through a window at the White House??? NO...(of course that would have lead to my arrest) but you get the point. Did I agree with the war?? ...absolutely NOT, but I accepted what was happening and lived my life. Did I agree or like what was happening??? NOT...however, what I did do was live my life and in my own way I disagreed and did what I could to create change in a peaceful non combative manner. I believe this line has now been crossed. People seem to no longer be "peacefully combative", and politicians (both sides) along with the media (Fox news mostly in my opinion) does egg this behavior on. Shame on those politicians and the media for stirring the soup and shame on the public for buying into it. Listen here, don't get me wrong - I get riled up, but I know when my rage can get the best of my rational mind and allow my emotions get the best of me. That is when I look to acceptance and realize that line is fine and can get easily crossed. I take deep breaths and read words (like below) to put my mind back on track.....

I consider myself more a spiritual person and not a religious person, however I think the Serenity Prayer has a perfect place here because it is truly about acceptance:

God grant me the serenity
to accept the things I cannot change;
courage to change the things I can;
and wisdom to know the difference.
Living one day at a time;
Enjoying one moment at a time;
Accepting hardships as the pathway to peace;
Taking, as He did, this sinful world
as it is, not as I would have it;
*Trusting that He will make all things right
if I surrender to His Will;
That I may be reasonably happy in this life
and supremely happy with Him
Forever in the next.
Amen.

--Reinhold Niebuhr

*this particular line I left in but am reluctant with the line "surrender to his will" - I am more a believer in "karma" and what you put out in the universe will come back...so watch what you put out there....

I believe we need more of this within ourselves and in the world.

Yours in Peace ~ L

See you next Sunday......

Deciding YOUR own Health Destiny

It's after 3PM and normally I do my blog entry following my morning coffee and CBS Sunday Morning program. However, today I just needed a little more time and inspiration to develop what I wanted to say in my writing.

I decided to write about my favorite subject which is Health, apropos for the historic vote in congress on Health Care reform, in addition to the running of the Los Angeles Marathon. What is interesting about both of these events are the people involved in them are extremely passionate about health but in two completely different ways. One is curative and the other preventative. The curative being, government trying to resuscitate or rather "fix" somehow a completely broken Health Care system by trying in essence to put a band aid on a massive coronary, however I suppose a band aid is better than nothing. And... for many individuals here in the US, congress is also deciding their health destiny. The other being (for many running today) trying to prevent ever having a massive coronary (although some are destine to have one anyway). While I do think to some extent marathon running is extreme, it is exercise and that is a means toward prevention of certain diseases. So I guess in a way these are to extremes that have the common thread of health. Although, I think I would rather be running in the LA Marathon today than to be in that fire pit of of HELL called congress.

Whatever comes out of that hell hole today (which I do hope reform does happen because to lay dormant is certainly NOT progress) my hope is that individuals realize we have the power to a very large extent to dictate our personal health outcome. Can the unforeseen happen? Of course it can, however 70% of the cost the US spends on Health Care (crisis care) is in large part for diseases that are completely preventable. I strongly believe that if we all took an interest in our own wellness we would be headed collectively in a much better direction. No you don't have to run a Marathon but getting outside for a walk, a hike or just playing and being active puts you on a path toward a better and more productive outcome. It is truly that simple. Making better choices about food or addictive substances that wreak havoc with your body is a power we take for granted. It's all about choice and making the best choices to live a health life with unlimited vitality.

So on this historic day no matter what the outcome is with regard to Health Reform, choose to reform your own health and I guarantee you will come out a winner....just like all those people who pump their arms over their head when they cross that finish line at the end of 26.2 miles - they are champions of their own health destiny.

Yours In Health ~ L

Celebrating Life and Honoring Death

I have been on a great roll of writing in my blog on a weekly basis and wanted to keep the momentum going, but topics sometimes can be hard to figure out. So the other day I was staring at my calendar where I write friends birthdays and noticed that from March 17-27 I had four birthdays written down. Among those birthdays however, I have one other date in remembrance and that is the date of my sister Joyce's passing. That date I don't have to write down because it is burned into my memory. On that date she would be gone 22 years and that date is March 26th. So it got me to thinking about the celebration of birth and life and the honoring of death and that persons life as well.

I adore my friends and like to make their birthdays special, because I believe that everyone wants to feel special on that particular day. I try to be as creative as I can, some years more than others but no matter what, that day does not go by without an acknowledgment of the birth of their life from me. And depending on the person, I totally remind them (as if they did not know) how long they have lived on this earth. This is especially fun if they have been around longer than me (funny how that feels "fun" as we get older). So among the congratulatory celebrations over those days I have one very life that I celebrate in my own way on the day of her death. I light a candle, I look at pictures and I remember moments we shared as tears fall along my face. And I also smile and laugh as I honor those beautiful moments. I miss her. I miss her A LOT. I am sad she never met my daughter (who is named after her) and I am sad that my daughter never met her aunt Joyce. I am sad for my parents whose first born they outlived as the "natural order of things" says that is not suppose to happen. She would be turning 58 years old in May if she had lived beyond only 35 years. Not long enough especially when 6 of those years she was sick. Death is hard to wrap your head round, at least in cases like this for me it is. I like to think that there is a reason for everything but I have a hard time with this one as it sits so very close to home...it is home. I resolve myself by imagining she is doing something really great somewhere, where she was needed more than here on earth. The day she was buried my mother insisted she be dressed in the most beautiful blue dress that Joyce loved. I remember my mom saying "She's going to be the best dressed one up there", I laughed and thought "yes she will".



So here is celebrating your lives...Deb 3/17, Bobbie 3/23, Danae 3/24, Heidi 3/27 and yes my sister Joyce I celebrate your beautiful life too even in death. I love you all...

Yeah But can they TEACH?

There are a lot of mediocre teachers, some good teachers and very few great teachers. The ability to impart knowledge to another and have the individual take in that information and really learn from it is a gift. It's a gift for the recipient in reaping the benefit of a gifted teachers wisdom. Knowledge is empowerment. Knowledge is growth. Knowledge is priceless. It should not be taken lightly and neither should being a teacher. Teachers come in all forms, some more recognizable than others. Sometimes they stand in front of a room filled with students and sometimes they stand right beside only you. They can come in the form of a highly "degreed" educator, a coach, a parent, a mentor or even a friend. Never underestimate the power of information whether it be verbal or non-verbal and it's influence and never be fooled by bravado and it's lack of substance.

Being "wowed" by someone's ability to perform a skill to perfection, or just perform or even how they look is admirable, however it does not necessarily translate into the ability to be able to properly teach it to someone else. And that's what I mean by "never be fooled by bravado"...yeah but can they teach? It's the trap I see the unsuspecting person fall into time and time again. Think of this...You read a best seller written by a fabulous writer and perhaps what comes to mind is, I want to learn how to write from that person. Just because he/she can perform the art/skill of writing into a best selling book does not necessarily mean they can teach you how to write a best seller. That is not suffice to say that there are exceptions to that, but I believe more often than not it's the other way around. Those who can not necessarily do (to perfection), teach, and actually teach sometimes to perfection. So don't necessarily rule them out, as they may just be the jewel among the sparkly glass.

There are "performers" and then there are "teachers", and one world I know very well is the fitness world. I know I am biased but I can tell you without question my husband Dennis is a top rung swim teacher. He may not be able to "perform" and swim like Michael Phelps but he can sure teach a student to achieve that level if desired. I have witnessed personally him show a scared 2 year old who was so frightened of the water in the beginning of a 30 minute lesson embrace and feel the love of the water by the end of the 30 minutes. Amazing. It is truly a gift. His secret is trust, and building an honest relationship with his students. He's been teaching swimming for almost 30 years to kids from as young as 13 mos to 80+ yrs and he does it with love. He is passionate and compassionate and believes in the benefits of what he teaches. It goes beyond just arms and legs moving in the water arriving at a destination. It is about the journey, his students and the self esteem and confidence he sees grow and develop within and live within long after they get out of the water. He has seen this self belief emerge beginning with the simplest goal of just floating to scuba diving hundreds of feet underneath the ocean water. He makes his students feel safe, curious for more and empowered. He wisely figures out how they learn and then teaches to their ability to "get it".

I've had the pleasure and fortune over the years to have a select few teachers who were great. Unfortunately, I have also had very mediocre teachers and some really bad ones. I remember one teacher I had in college who was so awful, I stopped writing and forgot how much joy it brought me until I asked myself why this idiot had so much power over me to stop me from something I loved to do. "Screw him", I said to myself and I started writing again, albeit many years later but I did and that's all that matters.

I learned a lesson in that and have used it in my own instruction as an educator.

When I began my fitness career 29 years ago I started out as an "aerobics" instructor (circa 1981 that is what it was called) because I loved to dance and choreograph and needed to make money. This was before the days of "certification" and everything being so technical, it was just about having fun, sweating and losing weight and of course, wearing leg warmers. We learned quickly about shin splits and the importance of beats in music, it was easy and again just FUN. I performed on a platform to my "fans" and made sure I could outlast everyone who was in my class regardless if my heart was pounding out of my chest and my feet killing me. I had to be better and I had to show it because it was of course all about me. My students were WOWED, kept coming to class as long as I pushed them, made them sweat regardless of how much they hurt or were sore for an entire week. The more pain they were in, the better I thought I was doing my job of kicking their asses (kinda like what Jillian Michaels does now on the biggest loser show except my students were not as large back then).

Fast Forward it's now 2010.

I still see "instructors/trainers" (group or private) still do this except now the audience sees it on TV or You-Tube. I watch an individual perform Yoga moves twisting themselves into knots while reciting something "zen", or a testosterone laden guy (or female) pumping 100lb dumbbells (or a body) over their head or a Pilates instructor doing a succession of very impressive moves on 4 different pieces of equipment upside down. And they are all in enviable amazing shape (OK - I will admit a slight bit of envy of what their body can do and mine cannot...ugh).... But that is not why I am writing about this and it is not about jealousy or envy it's about....CAN THEY TEACH???? Are they even qualified to teach? Can they make it about their client or student and not about them? Yet the public will see this and be enamored and mesmerized and completely taken in and fooled into believing they can be transformed to be just like their "guru" oops instructor.

I love what I do and can honestly say have come a long way since the days of headbands, thong leotards and leg warmers. I've spent time over the past 29 years educating myself (formally and practically) to go well beyond just fitness "training" my students and clients but really educating them about their bodies from the inside out. I have worked very hard to gain their trust and belief in me when I take their body into my hands (so to speak). This is a responsibility I do not take lightly, ever. Even though I have been in this fitness field for 29 yrs their is always something to learn because it is dynamic and ever-changing. I feel I have done my job well when my students have learned something beyond "the classroom" or "studio" and take that knowledge with them integrating it into their everyday lives. I feel honored when I see a client who was hunched over stand up aligned and they tell me their back or hip no longer hurts. I adore hearing how they have become physically stronger carrying that into them becoming mentally, spiritually and emotionally stronger. Regardless if it is in fitness, writing, swimming, math, reading etc... We need to seek out and honor great education in any form. We need to demand it (not just in the formal classroom but everywhere) so this way the performers can just go on and do what they do best, which is "perform" and teachers can do what they do best, impart knowledge and wisdom and "educate".

Until next Sunday...Ciao and I hope you learn something new today from someone...you never know who may teach you something wonderful.

This is why I LOVE Sunday....

Last week I wrote about my 24 hour Vacation so this week I decided to video tape a snip it of it with my Flip Cam. As per my ritual, I woke up early and watched my favorite program CBS Sunday morning drinking my freshly brewed mega strong volcanic coffee laying in my bed. Once sufficiently caffeinated and full of knowledge from learning all about money on this mornings "The Money Issue" on Sunday Morning I proceeded to get myself ready to get on my bike....Oh yeah - Getting Dennis out of bed is always fun... So an hour later after I was all ready this was our morning...




Off to Eat now...

See Ya next week...

My 24 hour vacation called Sunday

It is the only day of the week I can sleep late and it's the morning I wake up at the earliest hour. Why? Why on earth would I do that when I could actually sleep? Because I don't want to miss a minute of the most glorious day of the week (for me). Let me ask this question.... For most people when on vacation, do they sleep late or wake up early and take advantage of the precious moments of "freedom" to do what they want? Thought so....that's why I wake up early to the scent of my freshly brewed alarm clock waiting for me in the kitchen. Today I was up at 6AM because my Sunday Morning indulgence is to watch my favorite program CBS Sunday Morning propped up in bed with my cuppa brew. You may ask "why not just record the show and play it later?", answer...I do not subscribe to pay TV, have no Tivo and our VHS recorder is as old as dirt. Besides which it is just not the same as waking up and watching the incredible stories this show produces even if I do have to endure the commercials. It is the one quality TV "journal style" program worth watching (in my opinion) outside of PBS. After my 90 minutes of viewing is over I do a quick check of emails, read some FB posts, write a bit (here) or journal and get my husband Dennis up for our bike ride to the local Farmer's Market to get our feast for the week... Here is a visual sample...


Now mind you...I never lose sight of being blessed to have this amazing fresh, local, organic produce literally right out my back door (or at least a 10 minute bike ride away) an advantage of living in southern California. I suppose in a way it makes up for the lousy air we are forced to breathe and the daily threat of an EQ...but that's beside the point. When we return back home, we are hungry for breakfast and make seriously delicious concoctions (healthy of course) that satisfy us for most of the day....
We eat on our back patio area overlooking the amazing Bamboo and palm trees that Dennis planted 10 years ago when he envisioned replicating an Hawaiian paradise. This is probably the closest I will get to Hawaii (at least for now) so I savor it along with every bite I put into my mouth. This is the one meal of the week I take my time to eat and consciously enjoy every flavor. I eat slow. I think about what is going in my body and know that every nutrient is really good for me, and it feels good. My goal is to expand this consciousness beyond this one meal, although the nutrient part remains steadfast for the most part throughout the week. Even the clean up after the meal is not daunting. We do it together, and it gets done fairly quickly. Beyond breakfast my day is my own and I am never in question with what I want to do next. I may connect with family or friends on the phone or skype, take a walk at the beach, do some laundry or other chore (which I actually don't mind) or sit and read a book. The one thing I try and stay away from is being sucked in by this vampire called the internet. I really don't want to be sitting in my desk chair staring at a computer screen on my 24 hour vacation day. So I now say goodbye and go on with my rejuvenating precious one day vacation and enjoy every moment before it ends at 8AM tomorrow when my first client knocks at my door (with a smile of course).