Birthday Fun Times

Monday, April 4 was my birthday. I am now officially 33 years old/young. In the past I was never a big fan of birthdays. I have no good reason, just wasn't. However, this year I decided I was going to enjoy my birthday, heck I was going to enjoy the entire week of my birthday. I was also very determined to have some sort of cake to put my candles in.

So how did it go you ask...it was WONDERFUL!!! I can't take all the credit, actually I can't take any. Thanks to the amazing people in my life this year's birthday was one the best ever birthdays! It all started the Saturday before my birthday. The wonderful man in my life, Jay, took me to the aquarium. It was so much fun. I haven't been to the aquarium since I was a kid and truthfully I don't even remember it. I felt like a kid as we walked around and hopped between different exhibits. Good thing he knows how to read exhibit maps because I was just wandering. Also, on the health side my FitBit was showing some large number accomplishments after walking around all day.  

Admit it, you just played the jaws theme song in your head

I don't love winter, but I do think cold weather animals are so cute, and that includes penguins. They had the adorable black and white penguins for us to see, but they also had a new exhibit with blue penguins. They are Australia and just as adorable. 

Blue penguins.  I am pretty sure the guy on the end was posing. They were so adorable.  

Can't forget these guys, just because they may not be blue but they were so cute!!
The one on the mat didn't move for at least 20 minutes, we think he is still there.

Another favorite was the giant turtles. They are huge and yet they swim very gracefully. I could have watched them all day playing with each other and I think they were posing too. These animals know what they are doing. 

So huge and so graceful.  Let me in the water I want to play!

We also got lucky, after we were done inside we went to leave and to our very happy surprise the rain and nasty weather had cleared. We were able to walk and hang out along the waterfront for a little. 

Selfish at the aquarium!

I love being outside, especially near water. There is something so peaceful and freeing

Then it was off to dinner. I can't even tell you how wonderful it feels to be with someone who respects your health and understands you can't just eat anything and is okay with that. Never once does he make me feel bad that I eat differently or that I take my time and like to check out menus online first to be prepared. We picked a place to eat and off we went...is it wrong that I got seafood after going to the aquarium. Hmmm....

I was able to eat out, enjoy, keep it healthy, and was full after!

Yes, it tasted as delicious as it looks

Jay kept it healthy too with steak, and green beans.
He requested no mashed potatoes, but they showed up on his plate.
The man has willpower and only had a few bites. 

And that was only Saturday!

On Sunday my parent's came over to my place to celebrate with me since weekdays are always harder. My mom even brought over lunch and made food I could enjoy as well. I think it was hard for them at first to realize my way of eating wasn't about some fad or crash diet it was about my health. It was about feeling better and healing my insides. Now my mom makes food I can eat and enjoy as well. It means a lot to me. She even brought over strawberries for dessert. Adding to the fun was earlier that morning I decided to try making vanilla almond flour cupcakes (don't worry I will post about them). They were delicious!! I even put a little PB2 on top instead of icing and my dad put cool whip on his. My mom was able to put the candle in the cupcake for me and I got one of my wishes...my candle in a cupcake!! It's the little details in life that mean so much. 

Finally!! It's this the prettiest dessert. More than that, it meant a lot to me that my parents put it together.
(The brownies on the side my dad happily enjoyed)

Birthday presents! My mom and dad got me some really fun presents, but I had to share this beautiful bag.
I couldn't wait to use it for work Monday. 

While most of my birthday fun took place on the weekend, it was still for my birthday and so much fun!! I will never forget the amazing weekend I had, oh and in addition, I am having a party this coming weekend to celebrate with my friends. 

Dating, Single, and Happy

It's that time...dating update!

If you remember in my post called Dating Highs and Lows I mentioned that I had met someone through mutual friends; we hit it off and starting seeing each other. Over the next couple of months we had a lot of really fun times; and in addition, I learned a lot about him, dating, and especially me. At some point I think we both just realized our lifestyles and future plans didn't really go together. It's okay that it didn't work out between us. I still think he is a really wonderful guy who I hope to stay friends with and keep in my life. 

So back to the single world...

I always take myself on the best dates...like shopping!

Truth is, I don't mind being single. Sure I enjoy having someone in my life, but sometimes having the wrong someone in your life is worse and way more lonely. Yup I am speaking from experience. 

So very true

So what am I doing with all my free time...duh...going to the gym! I re-signed with my trainer, Mark. I am determined to make working out something that is always part of my life. I am also having a blast playing in the kitchen more, yes more food posts in the near future. I am going to try and switch up some of my food choices to see if  I can jump start my weight loss again, I will keep you updated. Plus I have been having the best time being more involved with my fire company, being creative and taking pictures again. 

I've learned it is important to be happy with yourself!
Live and enjoy

While I am perfectly happy being single, I find that my friends who are in relationships are not happy about me being single. I have a formal dinner for my fire company at the end of the month, I can count on one hand the amount of times I brought a date to this event. I don't believe in just bringing someone so I am not alone. If I bring you, it's because you mean something to me. Recently a friend of mine asked if I was going to have a date for the dinner, when I told her no, she made a very sad face, sighed, and said "don't worry someday you will meet someone and until then you have us to hang out with". I tried so hard not to laugh. I'm not worried, at all. I do believe I will meet someone for me someday and if that's not in the cards, that's okay too. I knew she was just being sweet, but she was way more upset than I was about going alone to the dinner.  Me? I am really looking forward to the dinner. I get to hang out with an amazing and fun group of people. Wear a really cute outfit. Take photos. Eat good food. How could I not be excited?!? 

I can't speak for everyone, but I know that I don't need a date to have a fun time. I promise to post some pictures after the dinner. 

For my final dating though on this post..... I believe that when you are being true to you, enjoying life, smiling, and laughing all the right people come into your world at the right time.  

I love Lady Antebellum music!!
This song made me get up and dance in my living room

Healthy Feel Good Vibes

In the past whenever I went on a diet and tried to lose weight I would make deals with myself, like if I lost 5 lbs by a certain date I would treat myself to a manicure or buy some new clothes. I have to admit most of the time I didn't make my goal and then usually felt way worsen and usually buried my disappointment in a package of oreos. This time has been totally different.

About a week after joining the gym and really getting into fitness I started noticing how cute some of the women looked. Sure they were sweaty hot messes, but they looked darn good. I looked down at my normal outfit of baggy pants and a plain shirt and felt frumpy. For those of you who can relate, do we agree that is not the best feeling and definitely not motivating? I decided it was time to change that. Since I was on a pretty tight budget I headed to Walmart and hit the jackpot!!  I found pants that came in different lengths, I am short so that is a big deal. I found some really nice and great quality tank tops and shirts. I had so much fun trying them on and picturing myself working out in them. I still get excited when I put on a cute outfit to go workout. After another few paychecks I got myself a new pair of sneakers. I loved putting them on and knowing I was going to break them in with every step I took. The purchases were not for not for anyone to compliment me or comment, they were for me to smile every time I used them, too look forward to using them, and to feel good while doing something good for myself.

Just a couple of the Danskin tanks and pants I got at Walmart.
That's Abby in background helping model

ASICS Women's Gel-Unifire TR Training Shoe
I had a lot of fun breaking them in

One of my best friends is trying to lose weight and when we were talking the other day she seemed so blah and down about herself. I told her to treat herself to something that makes her feel good inside. I noticed that when I take care of me I want to continue to take care of me. When I feel good in my own skin it makes me motivated to continue to work harder. The next day she told me she made a healthy breakfast for herself, first time in a long time and was going to get her nails done, again first time in a while. I was so proud of her, finally stepping up and ready to take care of herself. We even talked about meeting up at one of the parks this week to go walking together.

Hardest lesson I had to learn, but best lesson

I realized it's not about spending money or showing off, it's about what makes you feel good and treating yourself special. Buy some pretty measuring cups or get a hair cut. It's anything that makes you smile, so that every time you go to take care of yourself you remember the feeling. You look forward to your new workout clothes, new measuring cups, or even having your nails done.

Why should we only reward ourselves when we hit a goal. I'm not saying go shopping every day but occasionally treat yourself nice and remember you are important. Everyday that you get up and keep trying and working towards a healthy fit you is a success!!

Lucille Ball put it perfectly!
 Love yourself first!!

Time For a Regroup!

It's easy to get caught up in the daily grind of life. Work, errands, cleaning, bills, relationships, being healthy and the list goes on and on. I can often relate to how a hamster feels running in the wheel thing, especially when I am on the treadmill (ha ha). I also find it all to easy to get caught up in worrying about all the things listed above. What's going on at work, what does the future hold. Running errands from one side of the state to the other. Bills...well do I really need to elaborate on those. Cleaning...yeah because that is what I want to do in my free time. Relationships, I love spending time with my family and friends and being part of everything going on, but I also enjoy me time, and what about dating and wondering if I will ever meet my Prince Charming. Being healthy is a job in itself, writing the grocery list, making meals for the week, planning workouts. Well I think you get the hint. This is just my list, everyone's list is different and everyone's struggles are unique and important to them.

Sometimes when I feel myself spinning on that wheel of life I realize that I am missing out on fun things. I don't dance and sing to music as much because I am in my head. I may not take the time to appreciate the flowers that I walk past going to my next store. At the end of the day I know inside I am missing something. Life should include happiness and enjoyment. This is the time I like to remind myself to REGROUP. Take a step back and breathe. Most of the time I will actually say out loud "Cindy you need a regroup". Stop and smell the roses. Whatever term you want to use, remember it and when you feel yourself getting stuck on your wheel of life remind yourself what is important. I know sometimes that is easier said than done, but it really does help, and it really does help you appreciate what you have. I love waking up and  instead of instantly jumping out of bed I will look over and see my cats snuggled up. I love thinking of the smiles on my nieces faces when I see them on the weekend. Having coffee with my mom and sister. Walks with my dad. Meeting up with my best friend Debbie and laughing over anything and everything. Loving the fact that I live close to work and can go home for lunch.

Having fun with my nieces, Ashley and Kaitlyn
I workout so I can keep up with them

The way I see it is the cleaning will always be there, do a little at a time. There will always be bills to pay, try not to add to them. Remember that being healthy benefits you and everyone that loves you and makes you feel great and is definitely worth all the time and effort! Running errands helps you get everything you need to stay on track and hey you never know who you will meet or what adventures you could encounter along the way.Wondering what the future holds, doesn't actually change the outcome, but living your life does so make it a happy one.

My best friend Debbie
Always encouraging me to be healthy, workout, and smile

I truly believe that happiness should always be a priority. And in case you are wondering, on days or weeks when I am on my wheel of life I will go back and read everything I just wrote as a reminder.

Change of Scenery

Weekdays for me are pretty routine. Get up and get ready for work. Go to work. Go to gym. Then usually home with the occasionally meeting or drill at the firehouse on Tuesday. Weekends are my random. Anything is possible on the weekend. But my favorite random is when I get up a little earlier and go for a walk outside. Fresh air, sunshine, room to breathe and enjoy the air, squirrels and birds.

The last few weeks have been crazy, nonstop. Some fun stuff and some not so fun stuff, but either way I was starting to noticed all the noise in my head. What noise am I talking about you ask? The noise of always thinking, thinking, thinking, planning, wondering...okay you get the point. By last night I was torn between going to bed and pulling the covers over my head and sleeping late since it was going to be Saturday or wanting to change up my day. Maybe changing things was just what I needed to clear the noise. But how was I going to do it? I mentioned it to my dad who suggested I try a park path he likes to ride his bike on. My dad rides anywhere between 20-30 miles a day on his bicycle, and has found so many neat areas, paths, and adventures. I loved the idea, but had never been there before; usually I just walk around my town in a big circle. I googled the park and found a map of the are, and thought to myself "I need to go there". My dad knew I was a little nervous since I didn't know the area; he offered to go with me and skip his bike ride for a day. I felt bad he was going to miss his daily ride, but he assured me it was good for him to switch up his routine too and he wanted to go. Outside, I played it cool, inside I was more excited than a kid on their birthday!

Pic from one of my dad's rides. 

We love to see where he goes!

Saturday morning I woke up even before my alarm, my dad came and picked me up and off we went!! We started walking and I can't even explain the sense of freedom that came over me. Everything bothering me, the noise included was gone. It was just my dad and me walking along a beautiful trail, the sun shining, the birds chirping, he and I catching up. He showed me where he likes to go on his bicycle rides and gave me some tips about the area. We also talked about his new iphone app called Cyclemeter. The app tracks his location on rides and even does his calories, speed, distance, all of that neat stuff. In addition, the app sends out an email or text every 30 min to let my mom, my sister, and me know where he is. This way we can't lose him. I checked it out when I got home and the app also syncs with my calorie counting app/program called myfitnesspal. Since I'm looking to explore more I thought this would be a great app to use. I downloaded it and will be using it on my next walk around town or out on a new adventure. 

Park views and 9/11 Memorial in the park

We finished up and I am already thinking about when I get back there again. It's amazing how a change of sceanery and good company can totally help you regroup, refocus, and feel relief from the daily grind and noise. I told my dad how much I enjoyed the walk, but I don't think he really knows how much he helped me today and how just by him offering to go with me made my day! 

Views from along the path. I told the deer to smile, but he didn't listen