Make time to spend time with your family

The last time I saw my family was just over 3 years ago. My mom said I was overdue for a trip just over a month ago and so we made a little game plan. My mom wanted to pay for me to come home and I didn't want it to cost very much so I decided to take the bus from San Luis Obispo, California to Salt Lake City, Utah.

I began my journey the evening after Christmas day. I missed the first bus in San Luis Obispo and so I had to drive to Santa Maria and try to catch it there. I was very fortunate the driver let me on as the bus was standing room only. I arrived in Los Angeles, California and had a short layover before departing for Las Vegas, Nevada. I arrived in Las Vegas at 4:00 a.m. and had a 3 hour layover there. I departed the bus and found the hotel next to the bus station and found a fitness center so I could relax after all that sitting on the bus. I had the most boring bike ride of my life on the stationary bike for 30 minutes and my hamstrings are still letting me know they didn't approve. I then found a dumbell which I turned into a miniature bar and did some strength work. I then boarded the bus bound for Salt Lake City. The bus made a short stop in St. George, Utah where my Aunt and Uncle came to say hi.  I arrived in Utah Tuesday evening around 5:30 pm.

 I got to my parents house just in time to watch my dad starting to filet a trout he caught. I then headed off to my running group where we had a really fun night of running a viewing a Christmas light display.

Wednesday morning I got to go to Wasatch Crossift and do a front squat burpee ladder and I was amazed at the challenge it was with the elevation difference. Wednesday night all my siblings came over for dinner which I was able to prepare. It was nearly all paleo except for the few little treats that my mom added in such as her famous lemon jello salad that I requested and some mini eclairs for dessert which I am proud to say didn't eat a single one. My family loved it and my mom said she was so happy to have a new idea of what to feed everyone. The kids especially loved the fresh fruit platter.

Thursday I went to visit my Grandma. It is amazing to see how she had aged in just the past 3 years and what she does to stay occupied and how she gets around with her wheelchair.

Thursday evening I went to exercise at the Bountiful Rec Center and then met my friend Emily and her sister Katie for drinks and appetizers. It was so great to catch up with her. She truly is such an example to me.

Today I got up at 4:00 to go to the airport in Salt Lake City, Utah to fly into Long Beach, California. The flight was delayed and so when I arrived in Long Beach I had a very short period of time to figure out how to get inexpensive transportation to the greyhound bus terminal so I could come home on the bus. I took two city busses and arrived at the Greyhound station to find out I was supposed to pick up my ticket one hour prior to departure. I was given a standby bus ticket and received the last seat on the bus departing for Los Angeles, California. I made it to Los Angeles and had a 3 hour layover so I asked where a shopping center was and was told to take a city bus into downtown. I found a little mediterranean grill to have a paleo lunch at. I then decided I would walk back to the Greyhound station. I walked down 6th street and later learned I had walked down what is famously coined Skid Row. I walked down numerous city blocks of trash and saw people living in ruins and poverty, but each time I smiled at someone or an unwelcome remark was made I simply stayed positive and wished them a happy new year. You never know the difference an unkindness returned with a kindness will make or how a smile may help someone in need.

I made it back to the Greyhound station and arrived back to where I had parked my car. I had a great time, but was so grateful to be back to my familiarity, my abundance of blessings and a beautiful place to live.

One day at a time

Today I set out on a bike ride with my goal in sight. I wanted to see how well the road leading to the botanic gardens was improved. There had been a road closure for the previous two weeks so I was looking forward to seeing the progress. I made sure I had my additional hydration and some snacks and I began my ascent. The rain started out lightly. I enjoy the rain and the beauty it brings so I continued on. I arrived to the midpoint of my goal and the rain began coming down a little harder and I could see the road was getting muddy. I wanted to be conscientious of the new road improvments so I gave way to my goal and set it aside for another day.

I came home and finished sewing a little butterfly quilt in just a couple of hours. I'm looking forward to seeing my family in less than 2 weeks and having my mom help me finish the quilts I have been sewing.

I then made my way over to crossfit. I told my friend I was going to try to beat my time running there. I did this in order to hold myself accountable. I have found that making a commitment and telling someone I will be trying something and receiving that encouragment really improves the desire and drive.  I was able to run to the box in 2 minutes 18 seconds that was a personal best for me and the last 25 meters was the most challenging.

Today's workout consisted of bench presses, dead lifts, pushups and situps. The dead lift, pushup, situp portion was to be done with a 25 pound weighted vest. Deadlifting with the vest wasn't very challenging but pushups were much harder and situps were brutal. I only lasted one round with the vest but I completed the WOD in 12:55. The most rewarding part for me was that 3 years ago I lost that 25 pounds and to put that vest on today and see how heavy it felt was a major milestone I realized I was able to overcome. I am so grateful for improved strength and a much more positive outlook. I also saw how possible it really is to see my goal and visualize success.


See your goal
Understand the obstacles
Clear your mind of doubt
Create a positive mental image
Endure the struggles
Stay focused
Say you will

That is the formula I strive to follow for success

time to appreciate strengths and weaknesses too

When I give my word it is my bond and I will keep it or die trying. Yes indeed I do strive to live by the old saying a person is only as good as their word. I can only hope my word is great!

All year I have been settling for a shorter box to jump up on in crossfit. Tonight the trainer Ben turned my box on the tall side and I looked at him then he asked me if I wanted it changed. I said,"NO, I am up for the challenge!" I gave my word! I graduated to the taller box yes that's a 24" box I'm jumping on now. Tonight's work out catered to all my favorite things.  Strength was front squats and squat cleans. I maxed out on my weighted front squat at 155 and I perfected my jump stance on my squat cleans. The conditioning consisted of a ladder 10,9, 8, 7, 6, 5, 4, 3, 2, 1. deadlifts, box jumps, games standard pushups all done in 12:32 I was pretty content with today's wod.

I went to the market after my workout and bought food to prepare for dinner then I went back to crossfit for open gym and to practice my pull-ups. I also wanted to see if my callus method I used before hand would hold up to the bars and I'm proud to report my hands are not as torn up as they could have been. A kipping pullup is still incredibly hard for me, but I see gradual improvement and I am going to keep trying until I accomplish what I've set out to do and find success.

I came home and made dinner and this is how it turned out. Avocado and tomato, crimson pear, mango, pineapple, red grapes, kiwi and cantaloupe and then boneless pork ribs with asparagus, carrots, radishes, broccoli stems and shallots

Today was a fantastic day of learning, growing and loving!