** Every Friday, I will post a picture from our life.... enjoy! **
Lounging on a Saturday morning with my Sarah, Wichita Falls, Texas, January 2007
Friday, March 30, 2012
Photo Friday
Monday, March 26, 2012
52-Week Challenge: Week 13
A quarter of the way through the year. Can you believe it? I can't believe it'll be April on Sunday. Wow!
This week's challenge is "Eat Your Wheaties." I promise the whole thing about eating a healthy breakfast in the morning is not underwritten by the egg producers. There is actual science that backs up the importance of eating breakfast in the morning. Studies show that people who eat breakfast have more energy, better cognitive function and memory, and a lower BMI than those who skip breakfast. Eating breakfast increases your metabolic speed. Further, eating a well-balanced breakfast is instrumental in stabilizing blood sugar and combating fatigue. More importantly, individuals who regularly skip breakfast have 4.5 times greater risk of becoming obese. *shudder*.
Confession time. I think everyone realizes that I am NOT a morning person. I go straight for the coffee and don't think about eating breakfast until the fog lifts, which is normally around 9:30 or later. I have an early morning exercise class twice a week and I do eat on those days before I leave the house. But other days, like this morning, it didn't occur to me to eat until 10:15. I have been trying to do better, so this challenge couldn't come at a better time.
The key to a good breakfast is that it is well rounded; I don't have any problems there. Ideally, you would like a lean protein coupled with high-fiber carbs. My exercise morning breakfast is a piece of whole wheat toast topped with 1 Tbsp. natural peanut butter and banana slices, then I eat the rest of the banana on the side. My non-exercise days, I normally go for Greek yogurt and a piece of fruit. I also stock eggs, grits, oatmeal, and lots of fresh fruit.
Yes, Greek yogurt - it's all kinds of yumminess. I prefer the Chobani brand and my favorite flavors are mango, pineapple, pomegranate, and lemon (try the lemon with some graham crackers - YUM MO!) I also have the plain fat-free Greek yogurt in my fridge and I just found out that you can add one of those on-the-go flavorings for water to 3/4 cup of plain Greek yogurt (or plain regular) and you have insta-flavor!
Obviously my problem isn't having something to eat, it's the remembering to eat it. This week, I will focus on eating my breakfast at the same time that I eat on my workout days (around 8am). It's going to be tough, but I'm putting a sticky note by the coffee cups to remind me ;)
So, eat your breakfast - get a great start to the day!
Other resources:
Healthy breakfast ideas: http://www.realsimple.com/food-recipes/recipe-collections-favorites/healthy-meals/breakfast-to-go-10000001047596/index.html
And another: http://www.cookinglight.com/food/quick-healthy/quick-breakfast-recipes-00412000070253/
Make-ahead frozen breakfast recipes: http://busycooks.about.com/od/breakfastmenus/a/Make-Ahead-Frozen-Breakfast-Recipes.htm
The book we're following: http://www.amazon.com/52-Small-Changes-Healthier-ebook/dp/B0056J4ER0/ref=sr_1_1?s=digital-text&ie=UTF8&qid=1325722556&sr=1-1
Jenn's blog: http://thewoogies.blogspot.com/search/label/52%20Small%20Changes
This week's challenge is "Eat Your Wheaties." I promise the whole thing about eating a healthy breakfast in the morning is not underwritten by the egg producers. There is actual science that backs up the importance of eating breakfast in the morning. Studies show that people who eat breakfast have more energy, better cognitive function and memory, and a lower BMI than those who skip breakfast. Eating breakfast increases your metabolic speed. Further, eating a well-balanced breakfast is instrumental in stabilizing blood sugar and combating fatigue. More importantly, individuals who regularly skip breakfast have 4.5 times greater risk of becoming obese. *shudder*.
Confession time. I think everyone realizes that I am NOT a morning person. I go straight for the coffee and don't think about eating breakfast until the fog lifts, which is normally around 9:30 or later. I have an early morning exercise class twice a week and I do eat on those days before I leave the house. But other days, like this morning, it didn't occur to me to eat until 10:15. I have been trying to do better, so this challenge couldn't come at a better time.
The key to a good breakfast is that it is well rounded; I don't have any problems there. Ideally, you would like a lean protein coupled with high-fiber carbs. My exercise morning breakfast is a piece of whole wheat toast topped with 1 Tbsp. natural peanut butter and banana slices, then I eat the rest of the banana on the side. My non-exercise days, I normally go for Greek yogurt and a piece of fruit. I also stock eggs, grits, oatmeal, and lots of fresh fruit.
Yes, Greek yogurt - it's all kinds of yumminess. I prefer the Chobani brand and my favorite flavors are mango, pineapple, pomegranate, and lemon (try the lemon with some graham crackers - YUM MO!) I also have the plain fat-free Greek yogurt in my fridge and I just found out that you can add one of those on-the-go flavorings for water to 3/4 cup of plain Greek yogurt (or plain regular) and you have insta-flavor!
Obviously my problem isn't having something to eat, it's the remembering to eat it. This week, I will focus on eating my breakfast at the same time that I eat on my workout days (around 8am). It's going to be tough, but I'm putting a sticky note by the coffee cups to remind me ;)
So, eat your breakfast - get a great start to the day!
Other resources:
Healthy breakfast ideas: http://www.realsimple.com/food-recipes/recipe-collections-favorites/healthy-meals/breakfast-to-go-10000001047596/index.html
And another: http://www.cookinglight.com/food/quick-healthy/quick-breakfast-recipes-00412000070253/
Make-ahead frozen breakfast recipes: http://busycooks.about.com/od/breakfastmenus/a/Make-Ahead-Frozen-Breakfast-Recipes.htm
The book we're following: http://www.amazon.com/52-Small-Changes-Healthier-ebook/dp/B0056J4ER0/ref=sr_1_1?s=digital-text&ie=UTF8&qid=1325722556&sr=1-1
Jenn's blog: http://thewoogies.blogspot.com/search/label/52%20Small%20Changes
Friday, March 23, 2012
Photo Friday
** Every Friday, I will post a picture from our
life.... enjoy! **
The girls at Everland, South Korea, April 2010
Korea is lovingly referred to as the land of the not quite right. Everland is the largest theme park in South Korea and, conveniently for us, it was about an hour's drive from us. They have a little bit of everything that you need/want in a theme park - zoo, roller coasters, kid rides, and the best caramel popcorn! Of course, they also had things that would make you turn your head and go "huh? Lost in translation..."
The girls were out for Spring Break, so we went Everland for the day. From the blog: "It was a beautiful day and the park wasn't that crowded, which was really nice. The tulips and other spring flowers are starting to pop up and most of the flowering trees were in bloom. I discovered they had a times guide in English printed up, so we were able to hit a few shows. The girls really enjoyed the seal show and they have a new festival square show complete with some magic tricks. Mostly we just walked around, enjoyed the flowers, and played until the sun went down."
Looking back now, it was a really nice day... as summed up by the cheeky expression they gave me on the way out of the park (the picture above) :)
Wednesday, March 21, 2012
XX
I can't watch the news anymore... or at least I can't watch what passes for news by American standards. I can't read the newspaper. I can't visit Google news. I am completely and utterly fed up with what I am seeing. And I am angry.
I am a woman. I'm a wife, a mother, a daughter, a sister, a friend, a relative, a coworker, a student, a neighbor, and an aquaintance. I could be any woman in America with how plain Jane I am. I'm not a powerful politician, an influential lobbyest, or a scholar. However, I am a woman with a voice, and as a woman I am fed up!
I am fed up being told that I am inferior because I am a woman who can birth babies and because of that fact I should do certain things. I am fed up with the pandering I see in the current election campaigns. I am fed up with "news organizations" who feel they need to spin everything. I am fed up with personhood laws restricting the rights of my fellow women. I am fed up with the restrictions I am seeing being placed on access to women's health. More importantly, I am fed up with other people thinking that they can make the "best" decision for ME!
I must need to check my passport and be sure that I reentered the United States back in October. I thought this was America... and I thought we were over this.
Where you stand on abortion or contraception shouldn't matter right now. What matters is the general trend of what we are seeing - women's rights being eroded left and right. What matters is what is going on in our legislatures. According to a recent FoxNews report (yeah, I know, but still it's a source plus they were quoting The Atlantic), there have been over 80 new pieces of legislation introduced in the past year that place restrictions on abortion. First it's mandatory transvaginal ultrasounds (way to go Texas!), then it's opt-out rights for companies to provide contraception coverage. Somehow, those states feel that they shouldn't "force" a company to provide coverage on something that they feel is morally wrong. Really - because we've all seen our companies make the right decisions lately haven't we? Seriously, what's next?
What matters is how we as women treat other women whose views differ from ours. I see some of the harshest criticism coming from women on staying at home versus going to work, breastfeeding versus bottle feeding, and now women's access to abortion and contraception.
Here's the thing... at my core, I don't believe in abortion. It's against every grain of consciousness that is in my body. However, that does not give me the right to dictate what is right or wrong for someone else. That is their decision to make and to come to terms with. And I support their right to make it, just as I support the stay at home moms and the working moms; the breastfeeding moms and the bottle feeding moms.
I'll leave you with this to ponder on your own.
"First they came for the Socialists, and I did not speak out --
Because I was not a Socialist.
Then they came for the Trade Unionists, and I did not speak out --
Because I was not a Trade Unionist.
Then they came for the Jews, and I did not speak out --
Because I was not a Jew.
Then they came for me -- and there was no one left to speak for me."
~ Martin Niemöller
I am a woman. I'm a wife, a mother, a daughter, a sister, a friend, a relative, a coworker, a student, a neighbor, and an aquaintance. I could be any woman in America with how plain Jane I am. I'm not a powerful politician, an influential lobbyest, or a scholar. However, I am a woman with a voice, and as a woman I am fed up!
I am fed up being told that I am inferior because I am a woman who can birth babies and because of that fact I should do certain things. I am fed up with the pandering I see in the current election campaigns. I am fed up with "news organizations" who feel they need to spin everything. I am fed up with personhood laws restricting the rights of my fellow women. I am fed up with the restrictions I am seeing being placed on access to women's health. More importantly, I am fed up with other people thinking that they can make the "best" decision for ME!
I must need to check my passport and be sure that I reentered the United States back in October. I thought this was America... and I thought we were over this.
Where you stand on abortion or contraception shouldn't matter right now. What matters is the general trend of what we are seeing - women's rights being eroded left and right. What matters is what is going on in our legislatures. According to a recent FoxNews report (yeah, I know, but still it's a source plus they were quoting The Atlantic), there have been over 80 new pieces of legislation introduced in the past year that place restrictions on abortion. First it's mandatory transvaginal ultrasounds (way to go Texas!), then it's opt-out rights for companies to provide contraception coverage. Somehow, those states feel that they shouldn't "force" a company to provide coverage on something that they feel is morally wrong. Really - because we've all seen our companies make the right decisions lately haven't we? Seriously, what's next?
What matters is how we as women treat other women whose views differ from ours. I see some of the harshest criticism coming from women on staying at home versus going to work, breastfeeding versus bottle feeding, and now women's access to abortion and contraception.
Here's the thing... at my core, I don't believe in abortion. It's against every grain of consciousness that is in my body. However, that does not give me the right to dictate what is right or wrong for someone else. That is their decision to make and to come to terms with. And I support their right to make it, just as I support the stay at home moms and the working moms; the breastfeeding moms and the bottle feeding moms.
I'll leave you with this to ponder on your own.
"First they came for the Socialists, and I did not speak out --
Because I was not a Socialist.
Then they came for the Trade Unionists, and I did not speak out --
Because I was not a Trade Unionist.
Then they came for the Jews, and I did not speak out --
Because I was not a Jew.
Then they came for me -- and there was no one left to speak for me."
~ Martin Niemöller
Monday, March 19, 2012
52-Week Challenge: Week 12
Week 12 y'all! How was reading all those labels? Learn something new? Again, easy assignment for me because I have been reading labels consistently since last year's Lenten sacrifice. I gave up high fructose corn syrup and you would be amazed at the places you would find it if you just read the labels. What I hope this week brought was awareness to what goes into your food, and by proxy, into your body. We have been focusing on a more clean diet around our house for a few months, being sure to only eat processed foods that have food in it and not long chemical compound names. While I'm not perfect, we are a sure sight better off than we were.
If you're interested in the why behind limiting processed foods, take a look at Food Inc. or read In Defense of Food.
Okay, off of my soapbox now... because I can go on and on about this subject.
This week's challenge is focusing on breathing. And not just breathing, but deep cleansing breaths. The type that you take at the beginning and ending of a yoga class. The type that you take when you need a minute. The author argues that practicing this type of breathing on a daily basis has more benefits than just calming you. It can help with your blood pressure, aid in digestion, and bring overall stress levels lower.
The book includes several exercises to try, and I've posted some of them below. Try some of these breathing exercises in a few times a week.
Other resources:
Breathing exercises: http://www.drweil.com/drw/u/ART00521/three-breathing-exercises.html
The book we're following: http://www.amazon.com/52-Small-Changes-Healthier-ebook/dp/B0056J4ER0/ref=sr_1_1?s=digital-text&ie=UTF8&qid=1325722556&sr=1-1
Jenn's blog: http://thewoogies.blogspot.com/search/label/52%20Small%20Changes
If you're interested in the why behind limiting processed foods, take a look at Food Inc. or read In Defense of Food.
Okay, off of my soapbox now... because I can go on and on about this subject.
This week's challenge is focusing on breathing. And not just breathing, but deep cleansing breaths. The type that you take at the beginning and ending of a yoga class. The type that you take when you need a minute. The author argues that practicing this type of breathing on a daily basis has more benefits than just calming you. It can help with your blood pressure, aid in digestion, and bring overall stress levels lower.
The book includes several exercises to try, and I've posted some of them below. Try some of these breathing exercises in a few times a week.
Other resources:
Breathing exercises: http://www.drweil.com/drw/u/ART00521/three-breathing-exercises.html
The book we're following: http://www.amazon.com/52-Small-Changes-Healthier-ebook/dp/B0056J4ER0/ref=sr_1_1?s=digital-text&ie=UTF8&qid=1325722556&sr=1-1
Jenn's blog: http://thewoogies.blogspot.com/search/label/52%20Small%20Changes
Friday, March 16, 2012
Photo Friday
** Every Friday, I will post a picture from our life.... enjoy! **
Holly and Grandpa Angevine, Seattle, Washington, February 2005
I just LOVE this picture... it makes me smile big and wide. In February 2005, Holly was 5 months old and Ronnie was deployed. So, I took Holly to Seattle to meet her great-grandparents, as she was the first great-grandchild to be born. This is her sitting on my grandpa's lap. If you ever wonder who Holly looks like, this should sum it up.
Monday, March 12, 2012
52-Week Challenge: Week 11
Week ten has come and gone... Are you feeling more flexible? I rather enjoyed last week's challenge and had fun doing a good stretch on my "off" gym days. Especially because I increased my weight during my Body Pump class. Streching has so many benefits not just physically but mentally. I mean really, who doesn't feel good after they've had a good cat-like stretch?
I'm looking forward to week 11 because it's another "hey, I already do that" challenge. The focus of week 11 is reading the nutrition panel. The nutrition panel is mandated by the Food and Drug Administration and is there to help us "know" what is in our foods.
Back to the book, the author really breaks down what is on the panel and walks the reader through how to read it. Being that I have been paying very close attention to nutrition panels for some time now, I got this in the bag. I'll save my soapbox lecture for next week....
So, challenge, read the panel... pay attention to serving sizes, fat % per serving, and added sugars. Read the ingredient list, it's listed by weight and tells you EXACTLY what is in the food you are about to eat. I've included some links below to help you determine where your daily intakes should be and how to read a panel if you are new to this.
So grab a box out of your pantry and read up... it's pretty interesting what you'll find when you do.
Other resources:
Interactive Guide to Nutrition Facts: http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/nutrition-facts/NU00293
If you really, really want to get into the weeds, here are the current Dietary Guidelines. See Appendix 5 and 6 for the breakdown by age and gender: http://health.gov/dietaryguidelines/dga2010/DietaryGuidelines2010.pdf
The book we're following: http://www.amazon.com/52-Small-Changes-Healthier-ebook/dp/B0056J4ER0/ref=sr_1_1?s=digital-text&ie=UTF8&qid=1325722556&sr=1-1
Jenn's blog: http://thewoogies.blogspot.com/search/label/52%20Small%20Changes
I'm looking forward to week 11 because it's another "hey, I already do that" challenge. The focus of week 11 is reading the nutrition panel. The nutrition panel is mandated by the Food and Drug Administration and is there to help us "know" what is in our foods.
Back to the book, the author really breaks down what is on the panel and walks the reader through how to read it. Being that I have been paying very close attention to nutrition panels for some time now, I got this in the bag. I'll save my soapbox lecture for next week....
So, challenge, read the panel... pay attention to serving sizes, fat % per serving, and added sugars. Read the ingredient list, it's listed by weight and tells you EXACTLY what is in the food you are about to eat. I've included some links below to help you determine where your daily intakes should be and how to read a panel if you are new to this.
So grab a box out of your pantry and read up... it's pretty interesting what you'll find when you do.
Other resources:
Interactive Guide to Nutrition Facts: http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/nutrition-facts/NU00293
If you really, really want to get into the weeds, here are the current Dietary Guidelines. See Appendix 5 and 6 for the breakdown by age and gender: http://health.gov/dietaryguidelines/dga2010/DietaryGuidelines2010.pdf
The book we're following: http://www.amazon.com/52-Small-Changes-Healthier-ebook/dp/B0056J4ER0/ref=sr_1_1?s=digital-text&ie=UTF8&qid=1325722556&sr=1-1
Jenn's blog: http://thewoogies.blogspot.com/search/label/52%20Small%20Changes
Friday, March 9, 2012
Photo Friday
** Every Friday, I will post a picture from our life.... enjoy! **
The girls at bedtime, Walt Disney World, Florida, September 2006
I still love this picture to this day! Earlier that day we had gone to Sea World with the Olivers and had checked into our hotel at Disney World. It was bed time and they were just giggling with one another. I'm so glad I caught one of those great sister moments on camera....
Monday, March 5, 2012
48 Hours
Not just a fantastic 80s movie....
Ronnie is busy getting fully trained for his new "job" meaning that we are in the midst of multiple training trips. This weekend, he was home for a scant 48 hours before having to head back on the road. So, with the weather in full cooperation, we made the most of our time with him.
Weather in full cooperation up in these parts means that it isn't pouring down rain (drizzle is just fine) and it isn't blustery-cold (cold is fine, windy is fine, cold and windy not so good when coupled with rain). Here's what I mean. Here is the typical forecast: Chance of rain 90% with rainfall amounts near 0.3 in. possible. Yep, it's going to rain, but it will be a slow drizzle. You get used to it though.
So, with the highs in the mid 50s, bright blue skies, and no rain, we headed for a typical Seattle tourist spot: Pike Place, the waterfront, and Seattle Center.
I loved going to the market as a kid. So many nooks and crannies to explore, so many vibrant colors, so much activity. Seems my girls enjoyed it as well. We picked up some fresh fruits to snack on, had lunch at one of the many fishmonger stalls, and just enjoyed the eclectic nature of the market.
We also sought out one of the "fun" things to do in Seattle, the gum wall. Seems that someone put their gum on this wall many many moons ago. Then someone else did. And so, on and so on. Yes, this is now a wall full of gum... and we were eager to add our little bit to the strange piece of artwork.
After the market, we walked down to the waterfront and just enjoyed the sun. How could you not enjoy green space on a sunny day that overlooks the Sound?
After the market we decided it was THE day... the day to go up in the Space Needle. So, we headed for Westlake Center, jumped on the Monorail, and rode down to Seattle Center.
The Space Needle is the iconic image the world holds of Seattle and it is celebrating its 50th birthday this year. We enjoyed beautiful views from the top, while also enjoying a local microbrew, and just were thankful for such a lovely day.
Ronnie is busy getting fully trained for his new "job" meaning that we are in the midst of multiple training trips. This weekend, he was home for a scant 48 hours before having to head back on the road. So, with the weather in full cooperation, we made the most of our time with him.
Weather in full cooperation up in these parts means that it isn't pouring down rain (drizzle is just fine) and it isn't blustery-cold (cold is fine, windy is fine, cold and windy not so good when coupled with rain). Here's what I mean. Here is the typical forecast: Chance of rain 90% with rainfall amounts near 0.3 in. possible. Yep, it's going to rain, but it will be a slow drizzle. You get used to it though.
So, with the highs in the mid 50s, bright blue skies, and no rain, we headed for a typical Seattle tourist spot: Pike Place, the waterfront, and Seattle Center.
I loved going to the market as a kid. So many nooks and crannies to explore, so many vibrant colors, so much activity. Seems my girls enjoyed it as well. We picked up some fresh fruits to snack on, had lunch at one of the many fishmonger stalls, and just enjoyed the eclectic nature of the market.
We also sought out one of the "fun" things to do in Seattle, the gum wall. Seems that someone put their gum on this wall many many moons ago. Then someone else did. And so, on and so on. Yes, this is now a wall full of gum... and we were eager to add our little bit to the strange piece of artwork.
After the market, we walked down to the waterfront and just enjoyed the sun. How could you not enjoy green space on a sunny day that overlooks the Sound?
After the market we decided it was THE day... the day to go up in the Space Needle. So, we headed for Westlake Center, jumped on the Monorail, and rode down to Seattle Center.
The Space Needle is the iconic image the world holds of Seattle and it is celebrating its 50th birthday this year. We enjoyed beautiful views from the top, while also enjoying a local microbrew, and just were thankful for such a lovely day.
52-week Challenge: Week Ten
Here we are... week 10... we are almost a quarter of the way through this challenge. Last week, the focus was on more alone time. Ronnie was TDY last week, so alone time after the kids went to bed was no problem, but I wanted to do something more "active" for my alone time, something just for me. I scheduled a sitter to come over so I could focus on my homework and worked in a quick trip to B&N to browse. I bought myself a coffee and just went rack to rack seeing what looked interesting. I wish I had more time to stay and look, but who are we kidding - I can spend all day in a bookstore and never be done.
The second thing I did was I tried to focus on not just sitting and watching TV after the kids went to bed... so I read. I did download some titles from Project Gutenberg, but I also had a few freebies I wanted to burn through. How great is just a good book and a cup of tea in front of the fire? I'll tell you, the hour I wanted to read flew by quickly and I felt totally recharged.
And yes, I did make that massage appointment. I have a "Spring Break" coming up next week, so I made my appointment then. I am really looking forward to it!
Looking forward to week 11, which is "Take Time to Stretch." The benefits of stretching are way to numerous for me to go into here. Look for the links at the bottom of the page.
The challenge is to stretch a minimum of 20 minutes, three times a day. I personally stretch a few times a day. It's a habit of mine stemming from my days as an office worker. I tried to get up every hour or so and roll my neck, round out my back, and stretch my legs. You would be amazed at how cramped up you get if you sit all the time. I've had to refocus on it recently with all the papers I have had due for my classes. I also do a small stretch when I get out of bed. I am not a morning person and I have to go down the steps to get to the coffee. Do you know how hard that is if you are stiff? It takes just a few moments a day and you feel so good after you do it. So this is a great reminder for me to get up and stretch, and stretch out right.
Other resources:
Why you should stretch: http://www.sparkpeople.com/resource/stretching_benefits.asp
And one more on the Why: http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/stretching/HQ01447
How to strech: http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/stretching/SM00043
The book we're following: http://www.amazon.com/52-Small-Changes-Healthier-ebook/dp/B0056J4ER0/ref=sr_1_1?s=digital-text&ie=UTF8&qid=1325722556&sr=1-1
Jenn's blog: http://thewoogies.blogspot.com/search/label/52%20Small%20Changes
The second thing I did was I tried to focus on not just sitting and watching TV after the kids went to bed... so I read. I did download some titles from Project Gutenberg, but I also had a few freebies I wanted to burn through. How great is just a good book and a cup of tea in front of the fire? I'll tell you, the hour I wanted to read flew by quickly and I felt totally recharged.
And yes, I did make that massage appointment. I have a "Spring Break" coming up next week, so I made my appointment then. I am really looking forward to it!
Looking forward to week 11, which is "Take Time to Stretch." The benefits of stretching are way to numerous for me to go into here. Look for the links at the bottom of the page.
The challenge is to stretch a minimum of 20 minutes, three times a day. I personally stretch a few times a day. It's a habit of mine stemming from my days as an office worker. I tried to get up every hour or so and roll my neck, round out my back, and stretch my legs. You would be amazed at how cramped up you get if you sit all the time. I've had to refocus on it recently with all the papers I have had due for my classes. I also do a small stretch when I get out of bed. I am not a morning person and I have to go down the steps to get to the coffee. Do you know how hard that is if you are stiff? It takes just a few moments a day and you feel so good after you do it. So this is a great reminder for me to get up and stretch, and stretch out right.
Other resources:
Why you should stretch: http://www.sparkpeople.com/resource/stretching_benefits.asp
And one more on the Why: http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/stretching/HQ01447
How to strech: http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/stretching/SM00043
The book we're following: http://www.amazon.com/52-Small-Changes-Healthier-ebook/dp/B0056J4ER0/ref=sr_1_1?s=digital-text&ie=UTF8&qid=1325722556&sr=1-1
Jenn's blog: http://thewoogies.blogspot.com/search/label/52%20Small%20Changes
Friday, March 2, 2012
Photo Friday
** Every Friday, I will post a picture from our
life.... enjoy! **
Batting Cages, Insadong, Korea, April 2010
The batting cages were soooo much fun! As expected, Ronnie was hitting really well. But Koreans don't play baseball like we do. The entire batting cage came to a standstill as Ronnie finished his round. Guess it was his 5 minutes of fame.
Thursday, March 1, 2012
Volcanoes Erupt!!!
A few weeks ago, a note came home from school. But it wasn't "that" kind of note - it was announcing the science fair for this school year. Of course, we jumped on it! Yes, I am "that" parent who actually looks forward to science projects.
After some hemming and hawing, Holly declared that she wanted to do a volcano project, complete with baking soda eruption. We hit the library and the internet and read all about volcanoes. Then Ronnie's portion of the project came up - to actually build the model. I think it turned out rather good for her first project.
The other students at the school had some very interesting projects - biology, chemistry, and physics were all present. One student had a DNA project and extracted DNA from strawberries at the fair - so cool! Another student had a bicycle-powered light bulb and back up battery cells that you could charge with your "extra" electrical output. I swear kids these days are way too smart! And Holly held her own, answering questions about her research on volcanoes and making the model erupt for her class. I could tell Holly was really proud to show her teacher and class what she learned.
Congratulations Holly on your first science project! Now, time to make plans for next year.
After some hemming and hawing, Holly declared that she wanted to do a volcano project, complete with baking soda eruption. We hit the library and the internet and read all about volcanoes. Then Ronnie's portion of the project came up - to actually build the model. I think it turned out rather good for her first project.
The other students at the school had some very interesting projects - biology, chemistry, and physics were all present. One student had a DNA project and extracted DNA from strawberries at the fair - so cool! Another student had a bicycle-powered light bulb and back up battery cells that you could charge with your "extra" electrical output. I swear kids these days are way too smart! And Holly held her own, answering questions about her research on volcanoes and making the model erupt for her class. I could tell Holly was really proud to show her teacher and class what she learned.
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