Feels Like Its Been Forever

I was thinking this morning that I couldnt remember the last time I blogged, I didnt realize it had only been two weeks ago.  I guess this is what happens when life goes on, right? I tend to forget that I have to blog, that I even have a blog really.

Nothing much new is going on, though we are well into the Christmas season already.  I did buy that new tree like I said I would, and I am SO happy with it.  It was a breeze to put up, took all of 10 minutes.  I still have the old tree in my garage, and I am pretty sure that will be going to Goodwill this week along with another truck full of stuff.  I am finally ready to let go of some things, one of them being the tree and the other being Barrys fridge that he had in his truck.  They are just taking up space in my garage, so it is time to say goodbye to them.  What purpose do they serve anyway but gathering dust? Someone else can use them.

I cant remember if I have blogged about what we are doing for Christmas, so if I have, please forgive me. I dont have the energy...or should I say I am too lazy, to go back and see if I did already. The kids and I will be having Christmas at our house on the evening of the 23d, and then going to my hometown to spend Christmas with my family.  I really have a lot of mixed emotions on this, because I really wanted us to spend our first Christmas here in this house, here.  But I do believe it is more important for us to be around family right now anyway.  Perhaps next year will be different.  Well be spending Christmas Eve at my moms house, and then Christmas Day at my Dads place.  Then the next day my brother and I will pack up the kids, and head back here for a couple days, and hell take the Amtrak back.  We havent seen him in a year, since last Christmas, so it will be nice to have him at my house too for awhile and he can spend some much needed time with the kids.  They love their Uncle, so it will be nice for them too.

Quite honestly, I am just not ready to tackle this major holiday on my own without family around.  I cant do it yet.  Its still too raw and painful, and being alone with out anyone but me and the kids would just bring so much attention to who is missing.  At least if we are with family we can be distracted, and have fun.  That doesnt change that I will still miss Barry, and think of him all day long, but we at least will still be able to have a fun day without too much sadness.  I hope.  Last year was the worst Christmas ever, and I dont ever want to experience that again.

My plans for mine and Barrys anniversary have started to take form too, but I havent quite decided yet what the kids and I will do.  I am pretty sure I will be taking them to Barrys favorite restaurant, the Chinese Buffet he loved so much.  We loved it as a family actually, and havent been there in months.  Since his birthday in march I think.  I guess Ill be buying him an anniversary card too.  It amazes me that this year would mark our 11th wedding anniversary.  Unbelievable. Time flows by so quickly, doesnt it? Just 12 years ago today I was a young girl of 18 and had no idea that I would soon be meeting the guy I was to marry in a yahoo chat room, and marry him just a year later.  What a difference 12 years makes.

Well, its the last day of the weekend, and I need to go load up my Honda Pilot with goodwill items, and clean this house.  I will write again soon, Ive just been pretty busy being mommy.

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8 Valentines Day Gifts for the Fitness Fanatic you Fancy

Got a fitness junkie in your life, whom you love and want to spoil this Valentines Day, or are you the beloved fitness junkie (if so, pass this along to your lover for a subtle hint)?

Chocolates arent the best idea for the runner, the lifter, and the lover of clean eating... Here are some gift ideas that are so awesome they are better than chocolates, and dare I say roses?

The Aqua Zinger Flavored Water Maker

Aqua Zinger

Water is the center of a fitness junkies world. Adding mint, lemons, and raspberries adds a myriad of health benefits, but choking on seeds is never fun. This bottle mixes the juices in to the water but holds the pulp in a separate little grinder. They go for around $20 and you can find them at Brookstone.

Salad Dressing Portion Control Lids

As someone who is watching my weight, I am constantly counting calories. One of my biggest pet peeves is measuring out every little thing. Im all for gadgets that make measuring easier, and this is one of them. This Portion Control Lid fits different bottle sizes and when you squeeze the bottle, the chamber fills with 2 Tbsps of the dressing, one serving size, and its ready to pour. This handy gadget is about $20 at Brookstone.

Gnarly Workout Tank

Gnarly Workout Tanks

Every Fit Female needs an awesome workout Tank. Gnarly Nutrition has a great line of neon acid worn tank tops. They have multiple colors and sizes range from small to large. You can find them at GoGnarly.com for only $19.

Food Huggers

Fitness addicts need fuel. Fresh fruits and veggies are usually a major part of a healthy, balanced, diet but a lot of times they go to waste because the left overs dont keep well. The frugal fitness geek will LOVE this Food Huggers. Cut a tomato, use whats need, then put a Food Hugger around the rest. It stays fresher than using a Ziplock bag! A set of four multi-sized Food Huggers is only $19!

Zip Tunes Earphones

Food Huggers

Tangled earphones can mess up momentum on runs, bike rides, kickboxing and more. Zip Tunes Earphones get rid of the hastle with a tangle free design, plus they have a built in handsfree microphone component. Find these on Boxwave.com for under $30.00.

Isobag Lunch Cooler

If your fitty is constantly packing lunches and planning ahead for meals on the go, this Isobag is a perfect way to help them stay organized. This lunch cooler can hold multiple meals (containers included) and has compartments for protein shaker bottles and utensils. No more packing multiple bags for multiple meals, this cooler lets you easily do it all in one. The three meal bag is only $54.99 on IsolatorFitness.com. 

FT4 Cross Training Heart Rate Monitor

FT4 Heart Rate Monitor

The price tag on this item is a little steeper than the others, but it is definitely worth it. The FT4 tracks heart rate, calories burned and shows when youre improving your fitness based on heart rate zones. It has button free operation to keep the focus on working out, and is made with comfortable, water resistant material. There are four different colors available. You can find this nifty gadget for $99 on Polar.com.

Bodum Tea For One Tea Strainer

Sometimes your valentine doesnt have time to make tea for two, and if thats the case, this Bodum Tea Strainer is perfect. Its strains a single serving of tea in a very portable container. It comes in multiple colors and is available for $18 at Bodum.com.

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Stress

I dont know what to write.

Im busy being mom, mommy, mama, widow, Joanna, "wife" ?, and all else that entails who I am.

I havent noticed how it happened, but it seems stress has crept into my life again without my knowing.  Ive been having tension headaches in my jaw and facial area.  Quite honestly, I think I am clenching my teeth without realizing it. The headaches arent THAT bad, but there is tension in my jaws, my face and the back of my head. I probably do it when I am sleeping.  It happens at random times during the day too.

I did have all four of my wisdom teeth removed in March, so I am hoping it has nothing to do with that.  I dont think so, as the tension has just started happening in the last few weeks.

Obviously something is bothering me, and Im sure its just grief...as always.

I miss Barry, but I am so busy most of the time, I dont have time to think about him.

Actually, I FORGOT about the 10th.  Can you believe that? I didnt remember until it yesterday when it hit me that the anniversary date had actually passed.  Ive almost forgotten a couple of times, but have remembered during the day.  I am shocked at myself.  How could I forget that? I am not upset about it, just in awe that I could actually forget such an important day.

I really dont feel like writing at the moment. I need a hot shower, I need to get dressed, I need to get out of the house.

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5 Ways to Avoid Stress During the Holidays

The holiday season is upon us. Houses are being decorated with glowing lights and sparkling ornaments. Neighbors are dropping off Christmas cookies shaped like stockings and snowmen. Invitations for holiday parties are coming in.

December is a lovely time of year, but its also very busy and sometimes stressful, and as the party invitations pile up and your gift list gets longer and longer, its easy to stop enjoying the beauty of the season. If you let yourself get too stressed out, it can completely ruin the holidays. One stressful situation too many, and suddenly instead of laughing with friends and family around the fire, youre curled up alone  in the fetal position on a pile of crinkled wrapping paper gorging yourself on Nanas rum cake.

Dont let a busy holiday season ruin your holidays. Here are five ways to avoid (or perhaps deal with) holiday stress:

Plan Out Your Month & Dont Deviate
This month, I printed out a December calendar (I do have calendar apps, but I remember things better when I actually write them down). I filled it in with parties, date nights, school tests, work deadlines, ect. This way I dont forget anything, and I can see how far in advance I need to bake treats, wrap presents, or complete assignments. Ill keep this calendar with me and add things when needed. Keeping a calendar prevents me from forgetting things and having to rush last minute to finish an important project. If its not on the calendar, I wont do it. As much as I love girls nights or spontaneous movies, they can set me back when I know I should be home wrapping gifts or studying for finals.

Keep Things Simple
Simplify as much as you can. Try spending more nights with your loved ones. Instead of doing a huge family outing, you can spend a night in playing games or watching old home movies. Instead of doing extravagant neighbor gifts, pick something simple that you can make or put together with your family.

Sip Tea Before Bed
You need your rest to keep up with all the festivities of the season. To ensure you get a good rest, sip some caffeine-free herbal tea before bed. It only takes a few minutes to make and its incredibly relaxing. A good night of sleep does wonders for minimizing stress.

Volunteer
It may not directly reduce stress, but spending a couple hours with your family at the local food bank can  help put your priorities into perspective. It is a good reminder that rushing to keep up with the Jones will never bring you the happiness that serving others will.

Stay True to the Spirit of the Holidays
Whatever your religious views may be, there is one thing most people can agree on:  the holidays are better when they are spent with the ones you love. If youre stressed out, the people you care about arent going to want to spend as much time with you. So when you feel yourself getting stressed, remember that above all else, your family takes priority. My ultimate tip for avoiding holiday stress is making your traditions less about rushing, running errands, and giving the newest and best gifts and more about expressing love for those around you. Focus on your family, focus on your friends, not what you can buy them or what they can buy you. Focus on helping others feel happy and accepted. Its hard to feel stressed when you are surrounded by love.

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