Staying Fit Takes Effort

Today I went to Lifetime Fitness and took a water aerobics class. I have not done this class in a while but its always nice to get in the water. The instructor was enthusiastic and she had us using the dumbbells quite a bit. We moved and grooved in the water to various tunes, running, lifting our legs, knees, and arms. We even did the cupid shuffle with bands on our feet like the one in the picture.  We ended the class with Stir it Up by Bob Marley which was a nice way to slow down and enjoy the water. After the class, the whirlpool was calling my name. I make a real effort to get in as much exercise as I can. Its hard work but worth it!

A Walk in the Neighborhood: Appreciating the Simple Things!

I have gained a new appreciation for my neighborhood the past couple of days. I like to walk outside but normally just walk around and have not taken the time to stop and enjoy the sites. I am lucky that we have sidewalks and walking trails, bridges and a natural lake. I decided to walk down to the lake and take in the sights and breeze. 

I observed the birds  flying overhead and ducks and cranes floating in the water. It was so nice and pleasant just to sit there and breathe in the fresh air that I sat out for nearly two hours. I walked around periodically skipping through the grass and picking up and blowing dandelion flowers.  I had my phone so I was able to capture the scenery and put it into this little photo collage displayed here. 

I have decided to make an effort to spend more time sitting by the lake and enjoying the outdoors. It was so relaxing and I felt so free listening to my music and singing along to some of my favorite songs.  My wish is for everyone to be able to take time out to enjoy and appreciate the simple things in life. You will be better for it.

Aunt Minnie Lee: Living life, challenges and all with a smile on her face.

This weekend, I attended the surprise birthday party of my Aunt Minnie Lee. She is one of 15 children by my grandparents Daisy Mae and Jesse.  Aunt Minnie Lee just thought she was going for a ride when she stopped by my cousin’s house. She did not want to get out but when she got inside and they took her out to the deck, she almost dropped to her knees when she saw her siblings, nephews, and nieces. What a wonderful surprise indeed.

Aunt Minnie Lee is an example of someone living life to the fullest no matter the circumstances.  My auntie has battled illnesses for years. She has been in an out of the hospital countless times. Just last week she was at the emergency room for four hours. However, you would never know it by the smile on her face at the party.  My auntie lives in a nursing home and I learned this weekend she is the life of the party. Residents fight over who gets to sit by her when she comes down to the lunch room.  Everyone wants to chat and laugh with her because of her spirited personality.  For many years, she used to sew and make quilts and she is still putting her skills to use by hemming uniforms and other clothes for workers at the facility. She has been known to say, “look at those pants, you need a hem, give them to me” and she goes to work. 

Auntie is very organized but she has a lot of stuff. I remember that from growing up. Well she only has so much space in her room at the facility and at any given time, she is in her closet organizing. Many times her sisters can’t reach her because the closet has her attention. She calls right back though once she gets things situated. One time my cousin was over for a visit and she went to move one thing in the closet and the entire rack fell down. LOL Auntie did not find that funny though. And when I say she is organized, apparently she has a notebook with every item listed so if anything goes missing, auntie knows it.

One of her favorite things to do is go to the thrift store. One of my cousins lets her have free reign rolling through the aisles in her wheelchair as long as she wants. While the other puts a time limit on her escapades. When time is up and they are rolling her to check out, in one last ditch effort she just grabs stuff from the racks, does not matter the color, style or the size.

Before auntie blew out her candles on her birthday cake, she closed her eyes and made a long wish. Once she was done, with one blow, all the candles went out.  I know her wish will come true and I hope she has many more to come. She is a wonderful, feisty little lady who despite the medical issues she has had to deal with in her life; she is living it, embracing it and thanking God for it. We can all learn a thing or two from her. Here’s to you Aunt Minnie Lee!

One of my most favorite things.....

Today I am doing one of my most favorite things: TRAVELING. While there are various ways to get around car, train, bus, my preferred mode of travel is by air. I enjoy taking to the friendly skies as often as I can. Whether its to visit family and friends, go to a conference or a relaxing vacation, I love to get away if only for a few days.  Travel can help you rejuvenate and recharge. I think that everyone should experience the joys of travel when possible and blessed that I can experience it often.

Winning is such fun, everyone should experience it!

Everyone who knows me know I love to win. However, I also love for others to win too. I often win radio call in contests and today I called in and was the 10th caller. I love hearing the dj say, "Hi who is this?" I gave him my name and he went on to say his little spill but then stopped mid sentence and said "I don't want to give that prize, you are going to get the Disney on Ice tickets". Sure, I am a fan of Disney but not that big of a fan. I told him I did not have any kids to take to see Disney and he should just take the next caller. A gentleman won and he sounded very excited to get the prize. So while I don't know him, I helped him get a night out with the family. YAY ME! 

Possibilities.......

I attended church this morning and the sermon was about possibilities. The pastor had a saddle on the stage. I was wondering how it would tie into the message but he discussed how you must pursue your destiny and make it happen.  Opportunity is not going to come knocking at your door, you must run it down.  He had the saddle on stage to represent that idea that you must work toward your destiny and do not wait on something to happen to or for you, you must put things in action. So in terms of the saddle don't wait to you get a horse to learn to ride, get a saddle and learn to ride and then the horse will come. 

Our greatest happiness in life does not depend on the condition of life in which chance has placed us, but is always the result of good conscience, good health, occupation, and freedom in all just pursuits.

Thomas Jefferson (1743-1826) Third President of the United States

A Friend Indeed

Recently I was watching the CBS Sunday Morning show and they had a segment on about Friends. The segment profiled several groups of friends and their relationships. It also discussed a study that suggested that friendship is something we need for the betterment of our health and our lives in general. In situations where persons were alone and had to face a challenge, it was harder for them to do alone. However, when they had a friend with them, they were able handle it better.

I believe this to be true. Friendship is a precious thing. We often use the term loosely and sometimes I do too, but I do recognize that there are certain people who are true friends.  I have made a collage of some of my good friends, not all of course (I could only use so many pics lol) and did not include any family members although they are good friends too.  These are people who have been there and supported me long term but especially this last year. Whether I talked to them on the phone, facebook, email, text, or hung out with them, they have added such value to my life. If you do not have people you consider genuine friends, you may need to look at yourself and ask why.  Have you been a good friend? Are you a jealous person or are you genuinely happy for others? Are you someone others can count on? Are you an encourager or do you discourage? Are you a taker or a giver? Do you display positive characteristics or negative ones? I can go on but you get the idea.  If your responses fall on the negative side, then you are not the friend you think you are, but you can change to be the friend you would want others to be to you. We all need support and encouragement and having people in your corner rooting for you, celebrating with you, praying for you, supporting you in times of sadness or sorrow etc. is a true blessing.

Friendships can be hard and sometimes they do not last. The thing with friends is that relationships are not always perfect. You may have disagreements and your friend may do things that you do not agree with but genuine friendships can withstand those situations. However, sometimes no matter how hard you try, some people are not interested in being your friend and you have to recognize that. Sometimes if you see yourself as the one always trying to maintain the friendship and always the giver in the relationship, it may be that the friendship has run its course. 

I had this conversation with one of my best friends Kennedy just recently. I have known him since I was 15. We both have moved over the years and me more times than most.  He is not even on Facebook, but we have been able to maintain our friendship. We may not talk all the time but for years we get together over Christmas break and any other time we are in town at the same time to catch up. I told him he needs to be on Facebook so he can connect with old friends. He said there’s no need because he has maintained his friendships. He is right and though I am not giving up Facebook, people make an effort with those they want to maintain friendships with. I hope I have been a good friend. I know I am not perfect and always striving to be better but I am just glad I have these people who are in my corner and I will be in theirs.

So people go forth and be a good friend. Be true to yourself and those around you. Enjoy your friends for they make life fun.

Check out the Sunday Morning segment here:

http://www.cbsnews.com/video/watch/?id=50143015n