It’s the Little Things

These are 10 moments in life that truly take my breath away, leaving my happy… and insanely full of gratitude for this amazing life I lead:

#10  I adore beautiful handwriting.  I appreciate those who can write each letter with sheer perfection and harmoniously combine them to form words.  It is an artistic talent of architects and calligraphers alike.

#9  We are building a house.  To see progress being made brings me true joy.  Today, I was giddy over putting up a mailbox.  Yes, it is weird even in my eyes to be elated by a mailbox.

#8  Creating… signs, presents, cards, water bottles, whatever my imagination allows.  Using my Cricut helps me to get it just the way I want it (like those perfect fonts that I can’t create with my own hands, or a perfectly symmetrical circle).

#7  I crave that feeling of freedom that comes with running.  It usually takes about a mile for it to kick in.  Then, I feel like I could just keep running and never, ever stop.

#6  As a teacher, watching a student’s face light up after they accomplish something they didn’t think they could do is amazing; it is magical to see (and the reason I love my job).

#5  Sand between my toes and a warm ocean breeze kissing my cheeks is an ideal setting for happiness.  The cool ocean water refreshes me after the warm sun soaks into my pores – down to my very soul.

#4  Waking up sandwiched between a soft, plump cat and a sweet, cuddly black lab is a dream come true.  The love of my pets is unconditional and makes my heart happy.

#3  The strong arms of my adoring husband wrapped around me brings comfort and peace like no other.  I will always be safe in his arms.

#2  The genuine, exuberant, belly laugh of my son is contagious.  I am not able to hold in my own laughter when I hear his joy simply exploding from his small body.

#1  To watch my daughter perform on stage is the ultimate magic and the most magnificent feeling in my heart.  Sometimes, teenagers can be distant, but to see her up there on that stage is to see her very soul shining through the darkness.  She is a beacon to show us the way home.

What makes you this happy?

Your Favorite Workout Songs

I always need new inspiration to keep me energized during workouts, and music usually does the trick.  Since variety is the spice of life, I need you to share your FAVORITE workout song in the comments below.   Please, help a girl mix it up a bit!

Here are my current Top 10 Favorite Workout Songs:

10. All I Do Is Win (feat. T-Pain, Ludacris, Snoop Dogg & Rick Ross) – DJ Khaled

9. Believer – Imagine Dragons

8. Try – Colbie Caillat

7. Shouting Grounds – Crowder

6. The River – Jordan Feliz

5. Flashdance…What a Feeling – Irene Cara

4. Footloose – Kenny Loggins

3. Eye of the Tiger – Survivor

2. Rise – Katy Perry

1. Hall of Fame (feat. will.i.am) – The Script

 

Now, share your FAVORITE WORKOUT SONG! TIA

-AC

 

 

It’s a Journey – Not a Destination

Part of losing weight is gaining the mindset to keep it off – you know, that eating healthy stuff and exercising stuff. I have major cravings once in a while (as all dieters do) – some show improvement in my mindset. Some don’t. Here are my top 10 cravings. Don’t judge.

10. Carrots

9. Potatoes – Mashed, Fried, or Roasted

8. Trail Mix

7. Chicken Noodle Soup – or any soup really

6. Spaghetti with Meat Sauce (and lots of Parmesan Cheese)

5. Corn on the Cob

4. Queso and Chips

3. Popcorn – microwave or movie

2. Frosting Covered Sugar Cookies

1. Pizza, Pizza, and Pizza with Cheese, Cheese, and Cheese

Progress from 6 months ago? Definitely. Guarantee that I won’t just gain the weight back? Not so much.  I’m still a work in progress. If awareness is 1/2 the battle, I’m 60% on my way to success!