Let’s Get the Party Started!! Zumba!!

Posted on May 18, 2012 by stephanie

I feel exhilarated!!

What a far cry from earlier today…

This morning I woke up stiff and sore from my weight training session yesterday.  The first thought that entered my mind was I don’t think I can do the Latin Heat class today as I rolled out of bed from under my sheets to get the kids ready for school.

While I felt really great after my workout yesterday, it was a different story altogether this morning.  It was quite obvious to me that my 30-minute session yesterday was very effective.  My muscles were literally screaming at me as I got dressed to take the kids to school.

I had been looking forward to the Zumba class all week but, at that particular moment in time, it was very easy to start making excuses not to go.  First I told myself You had a great muscle workout yesterday; you need a day to rest.  That sounded reasonable.

But then my other little voice said, You need to go.  You only feel sore.  No pain no gain.  Now quit making excuses – you’ll kick yourself in the arse if you don’t do this.  Plus, this will give you a chance to see if this class is really for you.  You will never know if you don’t go.

After I got the kids to school, I ate a good breakfast and took a shower.  I was still on the fence about going; however, the more I was up and moving the better I felt.  It was a Now or Never kind of moment!  I decided that my other little voice was right.  I would kick myself in the arse if I didn’t at least try the Latin Heat class…

…so, the next thing I knew I was in a huge studio with mirrors on every wall and at least 50 women (and one brave man) positioned all over the dance floor.  50 may be an understatement  – the class was packed.  And there she was, the Zumba instructor, decked out in her hip-hop clothing.  As the Latin beat started, feet were kicking, hips were twisting, and bodies were turning to the rythm to the music.  I completely forgot about my pain.  I was too focused on trying to keep up with the moves, at first feeling awkward and unsure on my feet, but then I just went with it (even if I went in the opposite direction at times).

It felt so great to be dancing again.  Some of the moves were a bit complicated at first, but I quickly caught on to a lot of the routines and just let the music move me.  The Latin, Indian, Arabic and Hip-Hop sounds really got the entire group into a groove.

We danced for a full hour and my shirt was completely drenched in sweat even though I was well hydrated.  I filled my water bottle twice and it was empty by the time we cooled down.

After the class was over I went over to introduce myself to the instructor, Tracy Sharrer, who gave me her card.  She is truly an awesome fitness professional and is now a role model for me.  My next step is to get appropriate shoes and workout clothes in which I can better move (twist, slide, glide, kick…)  It is my goal to be able to shake my thang like Tracy!  Watch out, Girl!!

I’ve always heard positive things about Zumba and now that I’ve experienced it for myself I understand why people love it. What a fun way to get into shape.  It’s a dance party and I’m ready to party some more, muscle soreness be damned.

Did I mention I feel exhilarated?

Posted in Life, Sports | Tagged , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

Breaking the Mold

Posted on May 17, 2012 by stephanie

Ok…so, yesterday I stated that I need to make myself write regardless of how poorly my writing may be.  This is to ensure that I stay in the practice of writing on a consistent basis.  I often go way too long between writing sessions and this is NOT good.

Of course, writing just to write like this may get boring or mundane.  I mean, I guess I’m doing this for practical purposes (as part of an experiment of some sort to see if I can get to a disciplined state of writing) but I can also see that I am probably going to have to mix it up from time to time.

This reminds me of exercising.  Exercising is fun and invigorating, but you have to change it up from time to time in order to keep it challenging.  If I were to do the same ole same ole everyday: push-ups, sit-ups, 3-mile run – I’d get bored very quickly and my body would not be challenged.  It would be counterproductive and I would not get the best out of my workouts.

Soooo…..how do I keep this interesting and challenging for me?  I’m asking fellow writers to share your tips of the trade with me.  Perhaps I should already know what to do but it can’t hurt to ask. I don’t think there is a one-size fits all type of answer.  So…it would be interesting and helpful to me to hear about others’ trials and tribulations when it comes to writing.

I really want to write novels and a children’s series.  I have 3 ideas in my head.  My problemo is that I just haven’t started in earnest to write them.  Sure…I’ve drafted the concepts, I’ve developed some characters, and I’ve outlined some of the plots…but, I have not gotten serious about sitting down to complete my stories.

Ugghhh…it is sooooo frustrating (this is me whining, sorry).  It’s frustrating not because I can’t do it but because I just won’t.  And, I really don’t know what is holding me back.  All my life I knew I wanted to write and publish a book.  It is the one thing I want to accomplish before I die.  I’ve had dreams of becoming a best-selling author.

But, like anything in life…dreams are just that – dreams.  It takes hard work and effort – maybe more than one or two (or three or more) attempts – to actually realize a dream.  No one is going to do this for me.  I need to do it.  But, I need to break the mold of my seeming lack of motivation to get the party started.

So…I will continue to make myself write every day.  I will have a routine but I will mix it up just to keep it fresh, interesting, and challenging for me – just like building up for a 10-miler, marathon, or climbing a mountain.  Writing my books is my goal.  It is the peak of the huge hill I need to get over. Writing here every day is my exercise routine. I will mix it up a bit just to keep things fresh and challenging for me.  I don’t want to fall into a slump again.

I know I can do it.  I can break the mold and make my dream come true.  Will you help me?  I need encouragement.  I don’t need a hand to help me up the hill.  I need someone beside me telling me I can do it. Sometimes I may need someone behind me giving me a little push (or a gentle kick in the arse).  This is my challenge but I won’t dismiss some help – “I Ain’t Too Proud to Beg”.

You with me?

Posted in Dreams, Life, Thoughts | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

Is it OCD…or do I just like pulling weeds?

Posted on May 16, 2012 by stephanie

Last night as I was taking my daily power walk, I noticed some weeds popping up on a neighor’s lawn. Everyone in my neighborhood keeps their yard immaculate, but – as I’m sure most of you know – it’s an ongoing job to maintain a sterling lawn.

Those weeds are pesky. Dang, they remind me of Liberals – persistent and hard to get rid of. (I digress…)

As I looked down on one of the ugly, sprouting weeds, I felt a sudden urge to bend down and yank it out by the roots. If you don’t get the roots, you risk the weed growing back.  Tenticles…just like Liberalism…gotta get down to the grassroots to try and wipe it out.  (oops…I digress again…)

I pulled the one weed and then I saw another so I yanked it out. Then I saw another. I felt my adrenaline rush as I forgot all about my walk and started ripping those little buggers out of the ground…

Something inside me said, Calm down and Carry On, as I realized I was on someone else’s property. Luckily that little voice inside of me brought me out of my rampant pursuit of erradicating every vesticle of liberalism, er, I mean pesky weeds…

So, I stopped what I was doing, looked around to make sure I hadn’t been caught in the act, and walked off like nothing ever happened. Mind you, I walked even faster than before.

After I got home, I started looking at my own yard. This is, afterall, the time for those dang weeds to start showing themselves. Even though we use a lawn service, I still yank out any unwanted herbaceous plant I may see. These aggravating plants, left unchecked, will strangle the grass and take over. So, while I may not always see a weed, I know it’s there…lurking…waiting for me to falter.  It will grow in numbers and then, when least expected, take over the yard. Not my yard…ughh ughh…I’m keeping my yard free of radical plants…

So, I wonder if this is some form of OCD kicking in or…do I just like pulling weeds? One thing I know for sure…one must be vigilant always…get my drift?

 

Posted in Politics, Thoughts | Tagged , , , , | Leave a comment

Where’s the Mojo? Somewhere in the Desert…

Posted on May 16, 2012 by stephanie

I seem to have lost my writing “mojo”…where did it go?  According to Urban Dictionary, “Mojo” has at least 7 various definitions – most of which have to do with self-confidence and sex appeal, but the word also has ties to Mike Myers  (“Austin Powers” and “Wayne’s World”), The Power Puff Girls, and first generation Mexican Americans.

Well, I’m none of the latter mentioned (not that I know of)…and I’m not sure what my current lack of enthusiam with writing has to do with sexual charm or self-confidence, but I like the word “Mojo”…

It’s not that I’ve lost my confidence in writing.  It’s just that I feel like I now have to force myself to write.  I’m forcing myself to write right now – can you tell?  Someone once told me that “Writer’s Block” is just a state of mind.  It doesn’t really exist.  I’m still on the fence about that one.  On one hand, this may be a true statement.  I can always force myself to write.  I just may not be able to always write with enthusiam or charisma.  On the other hand, this lack of enthusiasm does interfere with the writing process, thus somehow “blocking” the ability to write.

What do you believe?  Is “Writer’s Block” just a state of mind?  Does it just take mind over matter to get out of a dry spell?  Because…that’s what I have once again allowed to happen…I’m in a drought.

I read that a writer should just write – even if the writing if boring or poor because this will keep the writer from going into a dry spell.  I can understand this.  It’s really just a matter of discipline, isn’t it?  Just like working out.  Does a person lose their ability or confidence in working out, or is it because they get lazy?

Lazy…now that might be an applicable word.  I need to face the music.  I haven’t lost some imaginary “Mojo” in this desert called my mind.  There aren’t tumbleweeds drifting along the dusty trails of my subconscious.  No…I’ve just been out of practice; out of my routine.  The longer I go between writing, the larger this problem I’m experiencing seems to grow.

I can’t allow the convenient reason of “Writer’s Block” to excuse me from not writing.  Yeah, I think I need to jump off that fence.  “Writer’s Block” is just an excuse.  So,  I need to jumpstart my “Mojo”, dig deep, and get disciplined.

I need to get back into the practice of writing every day – if only to keep my mind active and to stay in the habit of writing.  If I do so, perhaps – instead of experiencing a vast desert of emptiness – I’ll instead enjoy a steady downpour of thoughts to flood my mind with awesome material to write about.

What do you think?

Posted in Life, Thoughts | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

I am Woman Hear Me Whine…

Posted on March 7, 2012 by stephanie

…cuz Rush Limbaugh is a swine…that’s kinda the anthem that I can just imagine churning through the thick skulls of some of today’s feminists…I agree with the first part…

Today’s Liberal females mostly whimper and whine rather than roar.

What has become of the independent woman? Does she exist?  Or is she just a figment of our imagination? I tell you…she does exist…but not on the dark side of the moonbat. She exists in the ranks of Conservative women – women who aren’t afraid to be women – women who don’t follow lock-step in line with all other women simply because they can share vagina monologues with each other.

Conservative women share the spirit of womanhood with all our sisters, regardless of race, ethnicity, social status or political affilitation.We stand up for injustices against women where there is true injustice. But we also recognize insincerity and bullcrap, even when it is disguised otherwise, so don’t expect us to side with an insincere woman just because we share the same sex chromosomes with her.

Conservative women are independent thinkers. We will not be molded like soft clay into mini Gloria Steinems or boxed into a one-size fits all container. We are defined by our true independence – we are free to say we love being women. We love men and we are not afraid to acknowledge that men and women are different.

If we want to be stay-at-home moms, more power to us! Does this mean we are subservient? Hell no!

If we want men to be men, more power to all of us. Guys, it’s okay for you to open the car door for us or to throw your jacket over a puddle so we don’t get our feet wet. Chivalry is not dead – at least not in our book. Of course, we’ll pick up the tab if you need us to;)

We value the Constitution and all that it stands for: life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness. We push family values, defend free speech, support national defense as well as our personal right to protect ourselves.

Considering all above: Conservative women are self-reliant;want limited government of, by, and for the people;and believe in personal responsibility. We own our actions – right or wrong.

The one thing Conservative women don’t want to be is whiners.

Is life fair?  No. But, we will not allow ourselves to be defined as ”victims” of social injustice.We do not cry “wolf” everytime someone says a mean thing about us but we will stand up for those who truly can’t defend themselves in times of trouble. We do not throw the victim card in attempts to try and intimidate people or organizations into kowtowing to our demands. We do not have a hidden agenda…we are just…women.

Does this mean we don’t honor the women before us who paved the way to equal opportunity and women’s rights?  Absolutely not! We recognize that because of them we have a voice and we are free to use that voice whenever and however we want. Because of them, we can choose to be all that we can be, to borrow from the old Army slogan.

It seems today’s feminists  don’t practice what they preach. In an age where all women should practice self-reliance and personal responsibity, why is it that Liberal women are enslaved by the government?

What a sad state of affairs this long trip to women’s liberation has taken many sisters on the Left. They are so blinded by so-called injustices but only when it benefits their Liberal causes.  For, you see, all Liberals band together.  While Liberals put everyone in neatly, packaged boxes sorted by race, gender, religion, etc., today’s feminists are more than willing to be gift-wrapped in government paper. And, they’ll shun any woman who doesn’t wear the same colored wrapping.

Conservative women reject the notion that we have to be in complete solidarity with all women, even those who don’t share or respect our values.  However, we do not shun or dismiss other women who only think collectively and who shun us. This is just the difference.

So there you have it…With the grace of a Conservative woman…

I'm listed in Personal

Posted in Politics, Thoughts | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

Mom’s the Word…

Posted on February 28, 2012 by stephanie

Ever since I retired from the Army four months ago I’ve been living the dream…

…well, it’s not quite the dream you might be thinking of but it’s the one I have fantasized about for a little while now.  After 26 years of serving in the military I can finally be a full-time mom. Not that I wasn’t a mom before, but I felt like I was only filling a part-time job. Now I can perform my most important life role – 100%  – without having to wear the combat boots.

Now I don’t have to worry about getting up at the crack of dawn, kissing my kids before they wake, and getting home sometimes 12-16 hours later kissing them on their foreheads as they go to bed again.

Now I don’t have to worry about going on pop-up TDY’s (temporary duty) or extended deployments.  Never again will I have to worry about being in some foreign land for a year wondering if I’ll ever get to see them again…to spend time with them again…to hold them again…

Now I can spend lots more time with them during the waking hours.  Now I have time to pack them their lunches, chauffeur them to school, greet them as they get off the bus in the afternoons, sit down to do homework with them, take them to afterschool activities, cook dinner (…well…still working on this one a bit…I’m 3/4 of the way there but hubby likes to supervise me and often ends up finishing dinner – hah.)

Now I have time to volunteer at their schools: to chaperone angsty teenagers; to help with the new physical education tests; to be a room mother…it’s a mom’s life, but somebody has to do it and I’m glad it’s ME!  It’s awesome to have both quality and quantity time together!

I’ve always worn this badge of honor proudly.  Before I was a proud Soldier-Mother, serving both my country and my family the best I could.  But…now…I’m  just plain old Mom without the M16 rifle and 9 mm beretta and I’m loving it!  WORD:)

 

 

Posted in Life, Thoughts | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

Rolling with the Thunder

Posted on February 24, 2012 by stephanie

Today is one of those days I could spend the entire morning AND afternoon safely tucked away in bed under my warm comforter.

I don’t know if the sun will ever poke its head out from behind the dark, billowy clouds hovering over my parents’ house. Outside the damp ground is getting saturated and unable to soak up any more rain as it drizzles down from the sky.

Oddly enough, the slow rolling storm is calming to me. Every once in a while I hear the low roar of the thunder as it moves in the not so far distance. I sit here listening to Mom’s wind chimes as they whistle their melodic tune on her patio out back. Everything in the house is quiet and still.

It’s times like this when I appreciate the nurturing aspects of nature…the rythmic sound of the rain drops as they hit the roof, the whistle of the wind as it flows through the hanging chimes…the low hum of thunder as it makes its way across the countryside…

I close my eyes and let the sounds carry me off to distant shores…the world around me suddenly looks completely different as I travel through this dream world.

Above me the sky is purple and the clouds move in quick and everchanging patterns. I stand on a cliff overlooking a gray ocean. The wind ripples through the dark, deep waters forming wave after wave which come crashing down on the rocks below me.

I stand there, feeling free and unabashed. If I had wings I’d take flight up to the violet heavens above me.

Suddenly, the winds stop and the clouds dissipate as quickly as they had formed. A beautiful orange sun appears, shining its rays upon my face and warming my soul. I am at peace.  I hear a faint trace of a wind chime and then nothing…

Oh…I’m back. All is quiet in this house. I sit here at my computer and gaze out over the top of my screen. There sit three of my favorite people in the world…all quietly reading and lost in dreams of their own.

A morning thunderstorm really does have a calming effect…

 

Posted in Dreams | Tagged , , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

My German Christmas Traditions

Posted on December 20, 2011 by stephanie

Christmas is one of my favorite times of the year because I have so many fond memories of the German traditions I enjoyed as a child.  Although I no longer live in Germany, these traditions are still are a very important part of my life as they are extensions of my German heritage.

I love Christmas, or Weihnachten, as it is called in Germany.  During this time I enjoy reflecting on past holidays spent with my Omi and Opi (my German grandparents) and how my family carried our traditions forward to the present day.

“Advent, Advent, ein Lichtlein brennt…”

One of our most important traditions is the celebration of Advent, which officially begins on the first Sunday after November 26th.   Growing up, we always placed a beautiful wreath, decorated with four red candles, on our dining room table. We would light a candle on each of the Sundays leading up to Christmas Eve – first one candle, then two, then three and  then all four candles on the Sunday before Christmas!

The Advent is one of the most endearing traditions of the Season; however, as a child, the most exciting part of the Christmas countdown was the Adventkalender!  This is a Christmas calendar with 24 windows that children open each day starting on the first day of December through December 24th – Heiligabend (Christmas Eve).  My calendar always had chocolate behind each window and I couldn’t wait to open the windows each day to find out what kind of chocolate I would get – a kid’s slice of Heaven for sure!

Every December 5th, before going to bed, my little sister and I would place one of our boots outside our bedroom doors in anticipation of Saint Nikolaus‘ arrival .  While my family didn’t celebrate the traditional religious observation of the good saint, we did recognize this important date as part of our German heritage.  If we were good, my sister and I would find a small bag of goodies in our boots when we woke up every December 6th.  We certainly did not want a lump of coal or a twig for bad behavior!

Finally, when Heiligabend arrived, we would go to my grandparents’ house!  I could hardly contain myself through all the excitement.  My Omi would not allow my sister and me into the living room until we heard a bell, which signified that the Weihnachtsmann had come.  Then she would open the door to the living room and we would race in to see the beautiful tree which Omi decorated that same evening.

The tree was beautifully lit with real candles placed carefully on the evergreen branches but later Omi used fake candles (safety reasons).   She usually put wrapped chocolate ornaments all over the tree which my sis and I would later eat.  Under the tree would be our Christmas plates filled with nuts, tangerines, cookies and chocolates and, of course, our gifts from the German Santa.  The table was decorated for our traditional Christmas dinner and there were presents on each of the place settings for the adults.

After our meal our entire family would exchange the gifts.  What excitement it was to tear off the wrapping to reveal the special surprises within!  My sister and I would sing, jump and dance around and my uncle would record every minute of the festivities on his camera.  We would later get to see all our antics on film.

Celebrating with my German family every Christmas Eve when I was a child is something I will never forget.  My grandparents are forever immortalized in my memory and I feel their spirit every Weihnachten as I celebrate and carry forward some of my German traditions for my own children to enjoy.

 

 

 

Posted in Life, Thoughts | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

Once Upon a Memory

Posted on December 19, 2011 by stephanie

Oh Geez!  It’s Monday…AGAIN!  Well, it’s not like I really have anything to complain about, other than IT’S MONDAY!  But, seriously…where does the weekend go?  Where does the time fly?  In that vain, where do the years go?

Sometimes I remember things as if they were only yesterday and then I realize I’m remembering stuff from several years ago.  This is kind of an anomolie for me, considering I sometimes can’t remember five minutes ago.  It’s as if all the events in my life have been woven together so tightly that I can’t find the seam between yesteryear and the present.

I wonder if this is what happens to Alzheimer’s patients.  No, I’m not making fun of people with Alzheimer’s.  My husband’s grandmother had it and it was very sad to see something like this happen to such a once vibrant and interesting woman.  It’s just that, on occasion, I make fun of myself when I can’t remember something…I then blame it on my “early onset Alzheimer’s”.

Maybe I shouldn’t make light of something so devastating.  After all, what if it actually comes to light?   If it were, would I even be aware of it?

Now, my grandfather didn’t have Alzheimer’s but I think he eventually developed a mild case of dementia.  He was in his 90′s when he died.  From what I remember, he was as sharp as a tack up until he turned 90.  After that, he started a downward slide into memory loss repeating himself over and over and over again.  The interesting thing was, he remembered events from his past – especially of his youth- as if they were happening in the present day.  As you can imagine, this made listening to his stories very interesting.  Unfortunately, he could not retain short term memory which made his life – and the lives of others around him – a bit complicated.

As for me, I seem to remember obscure details that may or may not have any relevance to my present life or circumstances.  It’s just that, for whatever reason,  I remember the oddest details yet give me directions to your house and I may end up on the opposite side of town.  I don’t think I’m slipping into dementia or have “early onset Alzheimer’s”; however, it’s a good excuse on some occasions…

Is it possible that I subconsciously “choose” to remember the things I want to remember, no matter how trivial or obscure they may seem?   After all, these little details are still bits and pieces of my life, aren’t they?  Perhaps these remembrances are triggers for a much larger memory I have “forgotten”.

Somewhere, out there, a long lost memory is trying to make it’s way back to the present.  Will I remember when it gets here?

 

 

Posted in Dreams, Life, Thoughts | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

Strategies for a Safe Shopping Season

Posted on December 16, 2011 by stephanie

Ahhh, the Christmas Season is in full swing! The stores and streets are all a buzz with frenzied shoppers looking for the best deals, the Season’s hottest must-have items and last minute gifts. While this time of year is supposed to be holly and jolly, it isn’t always fun fighting the hustle and bustle that inevitably occurs during the Christmas shopping days.  The scene is all too common – tons of traffic; crowded parking lots, malls and discount stores; long lines at the checkout counter; people competing to get the last items on store shelves; and tired, frazzled shoppers with bags and bags of goodies in tow.

“Danger, Will Robinson!”  Tired and frazzled shoppers with bags and bags of goodies in tow?    Well, this could certainly spell disaster.  Each year unknowingly vulnerable shoppers fall prey to holiday theft.  Don’t let this happen  to you!  While you can’t predict or prevent everything, you can still prepare yourself to take on the holiday madness with a  plan of action to keep yourself and your newly purchased items as safe as possible.

Consider these 5 tips as part of your safe holiday shopping strategy:

1. Start early – the earlier you can scratch off items on your list, the better.  First, if you start early, you will avoid the ever growing madness caused by panicked shoppers as they flood the stores for last minute items.  Second, by avoiding the mania, you will not be as stressed, preoccupied and distracted.  You will actually be able to enjoy your shopping experience and be more aware of your surroundings.

2. If possible, shop during the day.  If you shop at night – buddy up.  For safety reasons, it’s always better to have a friend with you; plus, shopping with a friend makes it a fun outing instead of a chore.

3.  Park in a well-lit area and as close to the store as possible.  Do I have to explain this one?  If you still end up parking farther away than you had wanted, make sure you note where you parked so that you find your way back to the car without any problems.  We’ve all seen the dazed and confused person in the parking lot trying to get into the wrong car or following the beep of the car several rows over.  Does this one sound familiar to you?  If it does, go ahead and put a big target on your back!  This scenario is ripe for the taking.

4.  Before you leave the store with all your merchandise, make sure you have all your items secure and you have your keys at the ready.  Besides wandering around aimlessly in a sea of parked cars, looking for your keys while you try to get to your car is also a BIG no-no.  You cannot be aware of your surroundings if you are digging through your purse or pants, now can you?

5.  Stay alert and be aware of your surroundings as you make your way to the car.  Get your items into the car quickly and lock the door while you take the shopping cart back to the drop-off point (don’t be one of those thoughtless people who just leave their cart in an empty parking space).  Once you get into your car, lock it right away.

Sound like paranoia?  No, it’s just common sense.  While you may feel some stress during seasonal shopping, why exasperate it by falling victim to theft?  With a well thought out and executed strategy, you can make your shopping a safe and enjoyable experience.   Now, happy shopping!

 

Posted in Life | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment