"But My Hand Was Made Strong......"

Good morning, my friends. How are you? I hope your week is going well! :)

Today is August 15th which means...... it's my birthday and I am another year older. Up to 39 now! Yikes. Which means, 365 days until I'm 40. I'm not sure why but this turning 39 deal has been a little harder than previous birthdays. Maybe because that big 4 is looming ever closer. I know the deal that age is a number and 40 is the new 30, yada yada....but that 4 stinks! haha! I have several friends who are hitting that milestone next year. '74 babies!! Woo! Well, here's to the next decade bringing some awesome things. I am totally ready for awesome!

My boys are so sweet about it all. Talking about how today will be a great day for my birthday. I was telling them that they are my best presents. Sammy said in his adorable little voice "Mommy, we're not pwesents, we're boys!" hahaha! He could be a cartoon character.

So do you feel stress and anxious at times? Whether it be a new job, a new relationship, troubles in the relationship, family issues, or just overall stress from life. I'm sure we all have those moments and sometimes that can affect our relationships with other people. I have felt stress lately due to actions of other people who continue to try to create stress in my life. These people blame me for the mistakes they make and the misfortune in their life. I have become the scapegoat. All I've been doing since my divorce is working and caring for my boys and trying to create a life for us in a very expensive area. Why I have anything to do with others and their choices, I have no clue. Some people just can't see the truth of things and never take responsibility. So be it. I have accepted that these people will continue to make things difficult rather than just focus on creating a secure, happy life for themselves with hard work as I've been doing. 

The good news is that exercising regularly helps things immensely for me. AND you!! When life is weird an trying to create havoc and misery, the best medicine is often a great sweat! I can wake up in a bad mood some days and as soon as I move my body, I feel so much better and more myself. I wish I could buy my favorite machine at the gym. It is $4,000 though! haha! It's an awesome, kick-ass workout and I get off of it and feel like I could conquer the world. I've always thought of it as an elliptical but it's actually called the Precor AMT 100i Adaptive Motion Trainer. And from the reviews, it seems to be the closest thing to a runner's high without running. That is from those that run and can't anymore due to body parts not cooperating. But you can get an amazing sweat on this machine and go easy on the body too. There are 4 at my gym and only 3 of them work properly. Sometimes I have to wait to get on one.....but luckily the majority of people seem to be afraid of it and stick to the ellipticals. You practically have to jump to get this one to move. It's awesome!! 

Back to stress. Booo, hisss! Stress stinks. But it's out there anyway. And you can eat certain foods to help with stress and feelings of anxiety. Blueberries are packed with antioxidants and vitamin-C which can help to repair and protect cells that are stressed out. Munch on almonds which are packed with vitamin B2 and E which can help keep your immune system strong during these stressful times. We all know that we seem to get sick easier when stressed out. You can beat that with proper nutrition.Also try to load up on Omega-3's..which can help protect you from the cortisol and adrenaline that spike when you're stressed. Salmon is an excellent source of this. Spinach is another food to eat when things are not ideal. It is full of magnesium which can also regulate cortisol. And of course we all know what eating a lot of turkey at Thanksgiving does (at least those in the United States). It is full of tryptophan which releases serotonin and creates a feeling of calm and often sleepiness. But that is the opposite of stress, so it's lovely! :) Oatmeal is another great food to help release the serotonin. Try the old-fashioned oats you have to cook rather than instant for ideal results. 

It's amazing what eating a proper diet can do for you.The ability to live a calm, peaceful and happy life really is within your grasp despite outside influences trying their best to keep it from happening. There are those that wallow in drama and misery and try to bring others down with them. Yuck! Some complain constantly, others constantly insult to bring you down so they feel better. And others are just divas that need a dose of what real worries are. I live my life thinking "It could be better, it could be worse". And just try to focus on the great things in my life rather than the things I really don't want to waste my time thinking about. 

Well, off to get around for the day. I am sure I will treat myself a bit today. If you can't do it on your birthday, when can you??? :) 

Have a lovely day!! Catch you on the flipside! Maybe eat a spinach salad with salmon or turkey!! You'll be feeling badass in no time. 

"Emancipate yourself from mental slavery. None but ourselves can free our minds" - Bob Marley 

xoxoxoxo
Tam

Helloooo..is it me you're looking for?? :)

Good morning! How are yous guys?? 

I know I've been a serious slacker on here. Someone emailed me on My Fitness Pal asking me where I've been. So sorry! :) Guess those Dog Days/Lazy Days of Summer have gotten to me. Though I'm not exactly lazy. Besides working full-time, taking care of my two boys and working out, I move my bod a lot! haha! 

I've been using my glasses more especially at work when I have to read a lot of small print and also using the computer. I have to say, it feels good! My eyes don't feel as tired at the end of the day as they once did. So, as much as I was moaning about it, it is a good thing in the end. 

My weekend was good. I worked through Saturday and then saw We're The Millers with my friend on Saturday night. It was a good laugh! I needed it! Sunday was about working out and getting a few errands done. And then relaxing until my boys came home at 5:30. I always make the best of my time to myself but my home is too quiet and to empty and it just doesn't feel normal. As soon as they return I say "All is right with the world!" :)

And yesterday was another court  date to deal with things with my ex-husband. I hope it's all resolved for awhile now. I always say I could write a book about my life. It's rather TV movie of the week. It's mostly about finances but some other things too. I certainly hope nothing further happens. I don't think any of us have time for this constant nonsense. 

I am reading recipes and planning my meals more. I just get tired of the lunches I have at work and want to make them and bring them more. The same applies to quick, healthy breakfasts. I want something I can easily grab on the go as my work-week can be somewhat hectic. They say breakfast cereals are one of the worst things you can eat. Most of them anyway. I eat a lot of greek yogurt, bananas, etc. but just feel rather ho-hum about it all. Sometimes I have an almond butter and banana sandwich. These look delicious! Gluten-Free too! Turkey Sausage, broccoli and egg muffins . You can really do any variation of that egg muffin. Meatless, include more veggies, herbs, etc. So easy and yummy! These look awesome too. Healthy Cherry Vanilla Almond Breakfast Cookies That website, The Skinny Fork looks awesome in general. Lots of great recipes. And of course smoothies are always a quick and easy way to get lots of good stuff in your body in the morning. If you have certain things on hand and can throw into a blender, the habit of starting the day healthy will be much easier! :) 

For lunch, hmm....besides salads and sandwiches. I need to cook dishes on Sunday that freeze well. The Fall is easier for that as sauces, soups, chilis, stews all freeze pretty well. Though other dishes can. Or just making ahead, not necessarily freezing. I am a foodie and just love food! Flavors, colors, smells, etc. I did punch in "Fast healthy lunches" on Pinterest and got a slew of ideas. We will see!! I like the idea of little bento boxes too. For both my boys and myself. Little bit of this, little bit of that to snack on. Fun too! I think we're going school shopping this weekend. That time is upon us already!! Yikes. Need to pick out lunch boxes, new backpacks school supplies, yada yada! 

If you want a quick cleanse to just give you a little pep in your step and make you feel cleansed and detoxed.....try this one. It doesn't take long and really can make a difference in how you feel. It can sort of jump start a cleaner way of eating as well. 

It's so funny, when I have a splurge day and had a great workout, I end up craving roast chicken, veggies, sweet potatoes..more than junk. And the treats just don't hit the spot as much anymore. I will have something and think "Mehhh, that was OK!" When your body is used to eating a certain way, it craves THOSE things. And you feel so much better when you eat it. 

Welp, I need to get up and around and head to work! Have a great day!! 

"Act with kindness, but do not expect gratitude" - Confucius 

xoxoxoxo
Tam

I think I can.....I think I can!!! (You can!)

Hi guys!! 

How are you? I hope you've had a good week. I have been MIA! I had a busy but good weekend with my boys and then the week just got hectic before I knew it. I woke up on Tuesday with a swollen and itchy eye which has not felt great for the past couple of days. No idea where that came from but it was not a good look, haha. And yesterday morning my youngest woke up with a fever and lethargic. :( My poor little guy. His fever continued last night. It got up to 103.2. I was a concerned but monitored him and put cool cloths on his head. His fever slowly started to drop and he is much better this morning. Phew! Not sure what caused it. I just can't stand it when my babies are sick. I feel so helpless! 

On Sunday I took them to Fort Trumbull here in Connecticut (New London). It's a national park and an old Revolutionary War fort. Had some cool things to look at and canons! (my youngest kept saying canyon! hehe). But I grew up going to places like this and think it's important for kids to see them and have an understanding of things. My dad and uncles would take my brother and I to the Fort Lewis military museum in Washington state. We'd climb on tanks and planes, etc. Fun stuff for a kid! Even a girl. ;)

I was talking with a lady yesterday. she does some work with meditation using cd's. She was saying that it has to do with how listening to the cd actually changes the brain waves and can help someone achieve whatever it is they're looking to achieve. Whether it be a new job, school, relationships, weight-loss, recovering from addiction, etc. I can see how something like this could be effective as I often talk about mind over matter. I was able in succeeding in creating a healthier lifestyle from sheer will, hard work and educating myself. However, none of that could have happened if my mind wasn't ready to believe it was possible. 

I think many of us are victims of the "get rich quick" or "lose weight quick" schemes because we want success at the hands of other people's thoughts and ideas. And that is why many of them fail. When you don't get there through your own will and thoughts, then you aren't going to believe in yourself. Just look at famous quotes by famous thinkers. A lot of them talk about how our thoughts control our lives. To think it can be that simple. But belief in oneself gives you the confidence and determination to achieve the goals you have set. If you aren't confident then nobody is going to be convinced, especially yourself. 

Something else that can be tied into this is while you are working on thinking you can get things done, maybe try not to judge or complain about others so much. This is a goal I have set for myself. The fact is we aren't going to get along with everyone and we aren't going to think the same way as everyone. But really, what kind of boring world would that be anyway?? The differences of the human spirit does make things a lot more interesting. And while there is a lot of ugly out there and people that upset us and make things difficult, there are also a lot of decent people that are far more like-minded than we realize. Hard-working, caring, rational, fair, honest and who have their priorities straight. And more than likely, these people have struggles of their own in some way. So why judge? 

I find myself getting very irritable with people I feel are acting "spoiled" or entitled. There are many that act as though they are too good for things and that their needs are the only thing that matter. That kind of attitude is annoying. But really it is something within them and at the end of the day I need to just relax and let it go. I work very hard to take care of my boys and myself. When I'm not working I'm trying to keep my home up, keep healthy food on hand and enjoy fun activities with them. I am the constant hand holder, responsible and strong. And I'm pretty nice and happy go lucky usually despite this stuff. And sometimes being strong and happy go lucky is hard and I get tired of being that person and that's when my irritation for people being petty about things bubbles over. I guess it's all about perspective. And being a "survivor" of sorts...has admittedly made me a little less tolerant to certain types of "entitled attitudes". That is something I need to work on. These people are not my cup of tea, no...but so be it. Why let it make me be less of the person my mother raised me to be? :) And I'm sure they are struggling with their own issues and problems. 

No, this doesn't mean being a pushover and allowing people to just take advantage all the time. But by allowing their attitude and behavior to affect me in any way, I am not controlling my thoughts. I can choose to just laugh it off and deal. There is a time and place and a way to discuss certain things. It still might not end up well but if you at least control things on your end and approach it in a calm, rational way..then you can rest your head knowing you did your part to keep it calm and fair. We can be patient...and work on tolerant. And sometimes..all that is left is acceptance. Accept it and let it roll off and move forward. 

                                                 This is another goodie!! :) 

So if you're trying to achieve weight-loss or just trying to live a healthier life or make any positive changes in your life.....work on believing you can do it first. You HAVE to know that. You have to understand you are capable of it. Then you will be able to do it forever no matter what comes your way. And try not to let the petty crap of life get you down along the way. It really doesn't matter. Focus on the things that do matter. 

Have a great day!! 
                                 
                                        And just because I love him! O Solo Mio! :) 

xoxoxoxo
Tam

Mish-Mashy post. And just call me the guinea pig! :)

Good morning! Happy Friday! :) 

I hope you've all had a great week and have some fun things planned this weekend. My week has been fine and has gone pretty fast which is always good. I have a project planned for this weekend. It's called "Plan: Boys Room Awesomeness". I have plans for new beds, etc..but first we need to purge! Get rid of stuff that is just taking up space. There are toys in the closet that aren't being used at all. Old clothes, etc etc. We can take those to give to charity. So on Sunday my boys and I are working on that part of it. Getting rid of stuff. It will be great! My living room and dining room becomes the play room a lot and I think it's time to take it back and make it a living space again! Therefore, the room will be awesome! 

I have been experimenting with intermittent fasting. I basically eat for the duration of 8 hours and fast for 16. For me, I start about 6am (usually just a little cream in my coffee to start) and then my window closes at 2pm right after lunch. I am a little hungry at the end of the day but not unbearably. I like to experiment with things to give you all a true account of how things work. I have to say I like how I feel. I had a few treats this week too, during those 8 hours each day, but by the end of the day I felt great. When I went to bed I didn't have anything in my stomach. I have suffered from gastritis before so I am protective of my stomach. I feel like my digestion is better with this too. I am less bloated and sleep well. Some say a huge perk of this kind of eating is that you can eat whatever you want during those 8 hours and lose weight. I'm not sure that's a good idea. You do need nutrients and your body needs you to treat it right through the foods you eat. However if you do want a treat here and there, I say go for it. 

I eat a little "Lord of the Rings" like with breakfast right now. There is breakfast and then 2nd breakfast. lol! It's usually banana, yogurt, nuts, a Kashi protein bar, etc. A doctor brought in donuts the other day. I indulged and dunked one into my coffee.(It is a rare indulgence as sugar packed carbs are not our friend!) Then lunch is a big honkin salad with some antipasti, chicken salad etc..and soup. I might have some chocolate. And then at 2, bam! No more food until the next day. I don't find it that hard really. I prefer having a bigger meal earlier and I don't like to eat a lot later anyway. I am doing this Tues-Fri. And then eating "normal" on Sat,Sun and Mon. I did find that it was hard to eat normal this past weekend when I started experimenting with the fasting last week. It's amazing how fast your body adjusts to something. Plus I do drink a ton of water and that helps keep you full. 

If you do this, and sleep on an empty stomach and your body is given that time to digest properly...and then in the morning begin your day with at least 2 glasses of water, I bet you find yourself feeling better and your digestive system functioning better. We humans, especially Americans just eat so much food. Far too much than what is needed to survive and have energy. In fact a lot eat so much that it decreases energy, especially if it is in the form of crappy, zero-nutrient food. 

I have also been working on my plank duration. I am up to 2 minutes, 15 seconds. I have made it a goal to hold a plank for the duration of Bohemian Rhapsody. It's a 6 minute song! We'll see!! I will get there one day! I read a blog by a woman that held a one-legged plank for 18 minutes! WHAT?!! 

Also I wanted to share some info that I recently read. It is recommended to go meatless when possibly and even vegan, cut dairy. But that means we need to find other sources of calcium. Especially women! The good news is that there are plenty of plant-based foods that provide it. Yayyy! :) 

Do you know that sesame seeds are one of the richest sources of plant-based calcium?! Interesting, eh? Either by sprinkling them on stir-fry's...or using Tahini in dishes like hummus and other things is an easy way. Also, something I eat a lot of are chick peas (garbanzo beans) which are another great source. So hummus is an excellent snack overall! And as if kale wasn't badass enough, it is also calcium rich. Other sources are almonds, coconut milk, and quinoa. 

Alrighty, that's all she wrote today! 

For this I think I'd say a plank minute feels longer! haha! 

Have a great day everyone!! 

"Before you speak, think. Is it necessary? Is it true? Is it kind? Will it hurt anyone? Will it improve on the silence?" - Sri Sathia Sai Baba 

xoxoxoxo

Tam