2013

With the New Year always comes renewal and hope. There is a clean slate, the chance to start over and begin again. I have been reading about everyone’s various commitments over the last few days filled with intent and promise.

As we all know, the majority of these won’t end up fulfilled. Rather, they will be on 2014′s list all over again. As we kick off the New Year, I encourage you to forget the resolution mentality and instead try to think of a few small things you would like to try or start this year. From walking more to giving up soda. Joining a book club or trying to bake something from scratch. Going to see a play, skydive or take a vacation with a good friend. Having lunch with a friend you haven’t seen in a long time. Sledding with your kids.

I think if you live your life without “resolutions” but instead focus on “living” and “trying new experiences”, it becomes so much more enjoyable, doable and exciting. Once you start getting outside of your comfort zone, you’ll be shocked to find that you put fewer limits on yourself.

I am all about new experiences and broadening my horizons. This year, one of my plans is to get to Trinidad to see my family and to walk around the neighborhood where my mom grew up. I also want to help redecorate and organize my mom’s house for her. I would love to jump out of a plane and to try more wines. I want to read a few great books and run a few more races. I also want to add more weight training to my life.

I probably won’t get to all of these but I plan on enjoying 2013 trying. Happy New Year to you all. What’s on your list?

 

The Randomness

Today I rode the bus with Tali 1 to teach him his future route to school. He paid attention going and was able to show me how to return all by himself. That boy is going to do just fine. (I will be getting the phone!)

I purchased a vegan Mandarin Chick’n (no meat meals) from Whole Foods at the recommendation of a few friends. Can I tell you how tasty this is? I was so prepared not to like it but it is quite delicious. Give vegan a try people!!!

As a nerd, the other day when CNN ran the news story about the unmanned craft that crashed during test exercises in the desert….uh yeah, I firmly believe an alien ship crashed and they were covering up. You can’t convince me otherwise.

I LOVE back to school shopping especially selecting supplies, pencil cases and new clothes. I always loved it as a kid. Too bad my own kids don’t share my enthusiasm.

I am running in a 5K in a few weeks to benefit colon cancer. The catch. I have to run in underwear. I plan on wearing Wonder Woman underoos.

My friend was on an elevator with an ELDERLY gentleman and his phone rang and the ringtone was Candy by Cameo. LMAO!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Love him.

I just purchased two new pair of jeans because *drumroll* all my jeans were TOO BIG FOR ME.

Tali 2 is still feisty. Some things will never change.

 

 

Yes, I can

When I started wanting to run a 5K, I could barely run two blocks. I had asthma and more than 20 pounds on me that I could stand to lose after having my two sons. I was 38 years old and I wrote on this blog that my goal was to run a 5k race (3 miles) before I turned 40. I ended up running that 5K (and it was not easy) that same year. Since that day, I have completed numerous 5K races. I have completed an 8 mile race, a 10 mile race and two triathlons. I started here:

and am currently here…

Now I only had 20 pounds to lose and I know so many people have more than that as a goal. Losing weight is daunting. I do not profess to be any type of expert on the subject but I can share a few key things I have learned for myself.

1) You have to burn more calories than you take in. PERIOD. EVERY SINGLE DAY.

2) Excuses get you nowhere. Before you come up with a million reasons why you can’t wake up and go work out, just get up and LEAVE YOUR HOUSE. You will feel awesome once you do it.

3) Find friends who have similar goals. I started running with Black Girls Run here in Philly. They have groups of women running every day. There are no more excuses. I can always find someone to run or walk with me. 85% of the group is made up of walkers. All shapes, all sizes. Walkers turn into woggers (walk/jog combo). Woggers turn into joggers. Joggers turn into runners. The big thing is, you have to START somewhere. Just start by walking.

4) Track your calories. It is eye opening. I used my fitness pal. I downloaded the app on my phone and I tracked everything I ate. I have learned to make every calorie count and to not waste my calories on junk. If I want a beloved donut…I can only have them on a day I run or swim. FYI, It takes a 30 minute swim or run to burn off that one donut. Guess who thinks twice about donuts now?

5) I used to think I could eat whatever I wanted because I worked out. Uh….NO. Do not eat all the calories back and undo everything you did at the gym. As I learned…ABS ARE MADE IN THE KITCHEN, NOT THE GYM.

6) Lastly, There are everyday people on a fitness journey all around you. Someone around you has lost weight, is taking Zumba, started running, is learning to swim, just got the Insanity DVD, is looking for a walking buddy. Instead of looking for someone to hit up happy hour with you, approach someone you know who is doing something active and ask if you can go too. I have tried so many new activities in the last year that I never thought I would ever do. While I didn’t love all of them, I have embraced the experience. It’s great to challenge yourself. I finally stopped thinking “I can’t do that.” I have learned that I can do pretty much anything I set my mind to if I work hard and believe in myself.

I saw this commercial on TV last night and it really moved me because everyone has it in them. Everyone. Don’t be afraid to start your own journey.

Summer Vacation

In case you hadn’t noticed, I took a mini hiatus. My writing mojo was fading and sometimes, you have to stop and live your life. Living gives you new stuff to write about.

While I was away, you will be pleased to know that I accomplished a few things.

1) I sent the Tali’s away for an entire month.

Yup, the Tali boys left and went to Trinidad to hang with my Dad. While I did miss them terribly, it was nice to not have to cook, to clean my house on a Monday and still have it clean on Friday and to actually SLEEP. They had a great time. They spent a few days in Tobago at the beach. They snorkeled. They ate. Most important, they bonded with their Grandfather and my family back home. As many of you know, I didn’t grow up with my Dad in my life. This was a huge step for me. I sent him my most valuable and precious assets. This has gone a long way towards strengthening our Daddy-Daughter bonds. I reflected the other day that my boys have now spent more time ( at one stretch) with my Dad than I have. While it’s a sad thought, it makes me happy that I am able to move the relationship forward and give them the opportunity that I missed out on.

2)  I finished my 2nd triathlon.

This year, I focused on a few things. I actually stuck with the swimming. I swam all winter and all spring. I focused on it and I truly improved. Last year, I was the last person out of the water and it took me over an hour. This year, I made it out in 30 minutes flat. Huge improvement. I also went from dead last to middle of the pack. GO ME! Hard work pays off. I am currently focusing my efforts on my running. Don’t tell anyone but I think there is a 1/2 marathon somewhere in my future.

3) I took a vacation with Mr. 1969.

Why is this such a big deal? It’s the first vacation we have taken without our kids in 10 years. We are never away from our kids. We spent a long weekend here. We lounged by the pool. We jet skied through the Everglades and saw dolphins and a manatee. We swam in the ocean. It was great. We are determined to do this once a year if we can.

The Tali’s have returned and we are enjoying the remaining lazy days of summer. Today is one of those days that I woke up feeling really good. I feel like I am in the best health of my life. My family is wonderful. My friends are great. While there are always things I could improve, my life is a blessing.  I think I needed the mental break from writing to get out and do some things for myself.

I am happy to be back and hope you will all stick around as I ease back in to the blog. Hope you are all enjoying the summer.

What the Fudge???

On Saturday morning, I woke up early, worked out and realized the temperature was going to hit 90 degrees in Philly. I fed the boys and decided to take them to the Indoor Water Park at my pool for a few hours.

As soon as I got them in the pool and settled into a nice seat to observe them, the gentleman sitting next to me leaned over and said ‘Miss, are you going to be here for a while?”

In my head, I figured he was a dad that either had to go to the restroom or forgot something in the car.

“I just got here, so I will be here.”

“I need to run to the Post Office, can you keep an eye on my kids?”

SCREEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEECH.

Uh Dude? Seriously?

“How many children are you here with?”

“Three”

“Well, I am so sorry. I don’t know you and I do not feel comfortable being responsible for three children in addition to my own at a pool where anything can happen. Perhaps you can go to the Post Office when you leave here with your kids rather than leave them with a complete stranger?”

“Uh. Ok I’ll just ask someone else.”

“Great!”

I sent Mr. 1969 a text and he told me to move immediately and do not sit next to that disturbed azz man. LOL

I didn’t give it a second thought until I read the news yesterday. In one day, I read a story about:

The Face eating man in Miami

The Wrestler that cut open someone and threw his heart in a wood burning stove because he ingested mushrooms and it made him think he had to save the man from the devil.

The man that cut off his own *ahem*….goodies and then cooked them and served them to his party guests.

The man who threw his intestines at the police in New Jersey.

The Woman who ate her baby’s brain.

Yeah…all in one day. So if someone approaches you with any foolishness…it’s not a bad idea to pay attention to the voice in your head that tells you to keep it moving. Maybe I watch too much Walking Dead but the zombie apocalypse may be closer than we think.

Catching Up

Since I last posted, I attended my 25th High School Reunion in New York and looked pretty fab if I do say so myself. Here I am with my equally hot best friend…See?

I returned home and decided on MONDAY to run the Broad Street Run in Philly that SUNDAY. The furthest I have ever run is 8 miles and I have only done that once. Well, I figured, why not? In my head I figured that if it got really rough, I could just walk. I found somebody who couldn’t run and they sold me their spot. Lo and behold, I ran 10 miles straight! No stopping….and I did it right at 2 hours which was my goal. Crazy right? Here I am with my soror and running buddy repping for TEAM Black Girls Run with my finishers medal.

In addition to all of this activity, we celebrated Tali 2′s Birthday last week. My baby turned 7. He went from cupcake smashing and goldfish killing to being an “A” student and one of the coolest kids in the world. I am so proud of the young man that he is becoming. Now if we could just send him to anger management classes….*sigh*

Tali 1 had orientation at his new school last week. He was so excited and I beamed with pride the entire time. This is going to be so good for him and his future. His future school is ranked on US News and World Report as the Top High School in the state of PA. He will be attending the middle school which is the feeder school for the High School. This is big! Harvard here we come.

I am also still training for this triathlon. I am able to swim 60 laps nonstop in the pool now. (I am still trying to overcome my fear of the open water). I can run 10 miles. I can muscle through the bike, I have lost about 20 pounds since training started. I think I am pretty ready to do this.

Mama 1969 had knee surgery and has bounced right back. She is up and back to work and no longer in severe pain.

Other than that….LOL…nothing new to report. What’s happening in your world?

 

 

Where in the world in Nineteen69?

What’s up readers? I know, I know….blog neglect is REAL.  What can I say? I have been working, training, getting ready for my 25th high school reunion, throwing birthday parties…you name it, I’m doing it. I missed blogging but was so darned busy. Never fear, I am back.

The sun is shining in Philadelphia. I am working right now in  seattle type coffee establishment and decided to take a quick blog break.  I finished all of my sales calls this morning, ran home, threw on some shorts and sandals and came out here for an Iced coffee and some people watching while I work on closing some sales. This weather is right up my alley. Bring on the heat and the sunshine!

We are all doing well. Tali 1 is enjoying being ten. Tali 2 is his usual feisty, cupcake snatching self. Mr. 1969 is doing well in his new job….life is really good. No complaints.

I finally found my dress for my reunion. It’s strapless, tight and short. Yup, it’s perfect since we are having a party at a New York club complete with dancing and dj. It’s simple enough to not give off “she’s trying WAY too hard vibes” but it’s definitely a “WOW” dress. Now I need shoes. UGH. I have been everywhere and can’t find exactly what I am looking for. I am so over the stiletto platform, I swear.

Training is going well. Your girl can now swim *drumroll* 6o laps STRAIGHT without stopping. Can you believe it? Neither can I. I swam it this morning in just about 30 minutes. My race is the equivalent of 40 laps straight so I am kind of over training so I will be ready. I have a good feeling about this year. Well, hell, it can’t be worse than last year.

I also rode my bike outside for the first time this season. No more spinning. I did 12 miles on Saturday. I rode all over Philly. I felt like such an athlete. I am scared to death of riding on city streets in traffic but we had a coach with us and she made the ride feel so much less stressful. It was actually enjoyable except for the massive hills we encountered on the way home. For those of you in Philly….riding up that hill by the Mann Music Center almost killed me. My thighs are STILL MAD.

Other than that, it is what it is. I am still here and I haven’t forgotten you all. Hope you are all having a great week.

 

Guess Who Made the Local News?

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My running group made the local news! If you look closely, you may see your friendly neighborhood Wonder Woman sporting a neon pink fleece hat and a gray fleece pullover helping a friend across the finish line and stretching

 

I truly ADORE you

It’s Valentine’s Day and I know, it’s a manufactured holiday celebrating nothing but commercialism…blah,blah, blah.

For me, it’s all about showing love and being thankful for the loves in my life. I helped my Tali boys write out all of their “Angry Bird” Valentine’s last night so they could hand them out to classmates today. I am sure they will return home with a bunch of Valentine’s. (Which I will be sure to inspect to make certain no hussies are getting fresh with my boys!)

Mr. 1969 and I stay away from the over-priced madness of this evening and instead, will have a lovely evening out on Friday night. He is taking me to Top Chef Winner, Kevin Sbraga’s new restaurant here in Philly and I am so excited. I hope he is at the restaurant.(FOOD NERD ALERT)

Tonight, we will have a great dinner cooked with love and finished with something chocolate for my three men.

Here’s hoping that you get the love you so deserve EVERY SINGLE DAY and that you also let someone dear to you know that you love them. Happy Valentine’s Day to you all and here is what I believe to be the greatest love song ever written.

 

Rest In Peace Whitney………..

In High School, Whitney Houston was everything to me. I remember that she was the first African American model on the cover of Seventeen magazine.

Whitney was resplendent on her debut album cover rocking her natural hair. I always remember my mother playing “Saving All My Love For You” and singing at the top of her lungs. My mom loved that album to pieces.

Then there were the live performances. The great soundtracks. From The Bodyguard to The Preacher’s Wife to Waiting to Exhale. Hit after hit. Song after song. From remakes like “For The Love of You” to singing the best National Anthem ever during my Giants Superbowl (which we won!) against the Denver Broncos.

So many songs that mean so much to me. Rest In Peace to an icon and truly, the Greatest female voice of my generation. My heart goes out to your family. You sing with the angels now.

My favorite….