I'm feeling pretty damn awesome today. Feels like the planets are starting to aline and I'm learning more about what personal happiness looks like for me. Just like with planting a tiny seed in the ground, you have to make sure you give it a place to grow and thrive, the same goes for finding happiness.
That is exactly what I plan on doing with Monkey Toes. I have been researching into different (more mainstream and highly viewed) blog sites, as well as host sites (which is a scary and very new frontier for me). I want to make my blog more accessible and get more traffic through it. I want to get my stories out into the universe. Am I going to be a millionaire because of it? Errrr... probably not. But if in the process I am able to expand my horizons and touch other people's lives in some way, then I will feel just as fortunate.
In all honesty, I think a lot of us learn to grow from what we see others doing. Not to say that we can't think for ourselves but taking that final leap of faith seems a lot less scary when you have lived vicariously through others who have done it before. I feel like I have received a lot of my inspirations from some of the great memoirs I have read over the years.
Eat Pray Love got the ball rolling for me back in 2012. The author, Elizabeth Gilbert is an amazing woman. She is the kind of woman that, down deep inside, all women wish they could be. I strongly suggest reading Eat Pray Love and Committed as well as her newest book Big Magic. (The year I read Eat Pray Love I actually gave a copy to all my closest girl friends for Christmas). More recently, after reading Big Magic, I finally took the plunge and decided to pursue my creative side by investing in a new "big girl" camera (Nikon 5500) and Photography 101 classes that start in a couple weeks.
A couple of other amazing women are Cheryl Strayed (author of Wild) and Gretchen Rubin (author of The Happiness Project, Happier at Home, and Better Than Before). The Happiness Project has actually played a role in helping me to rekindle my blog and take it to a new level. And most amazingly, after reading all their stories, these women started to feel like sisters or at least like really good girlfriends. None of them lead exotic lives or came from money before their books took off. And it's easy to sense their humbleness in each word they share. Their stories helped me to start to change my life and to embrace my personal growth.
I truly hope you will take the time to read their stories. I hope they will help to inspire you too. I also hope you will follow me down my personal path with Monkey Toes. At the end of the day we can always use a couple more good friends.
Wednesday, December 23, 2015
Tuesday, December 22, 2015
Try the Tri Doc
So, if I find something that I really believe in, I will promote it over and over again, to anyone I feel it could benefit. Well some how over the past couple days I managed to hurt my ankle. Actually I have a minor sprain. It hurt to the touch. Was swollen in one area and worst of all, it was keeping me from running.
Like with any other running issues I've had, I made an appointment to go to see my chiropractor at The Tri Doc. They are amazing people there (I personally see Dr. Faulkner). I have always believed in alternative medicine and had seen a different chiropractor in the past. He was great, but his practice was not geared towards athletes. He used to tell me that I should stop running if I wanted my issues to ever clear up. No runner, or any athletic person, wants to hear that they should stop doing what they love.
No need to worry about that kind of advice at The Tri Doc. They too, are athletes and can really understand the struggles people face when they are injured. Dr. Tuggle has pictures from his past triathlons on the wall. Along with his running buddy, Miles (great name) the Vizsla, chilling behind the front desk. They believe in treating you, and giving you the tools you need to get you back out on the road, or bike, or swim or whatever sport your into. They not only assess and treat your issues in-house but they send you home with "homework", that if followed correctly, will get you on your way in no time.
Plus I feel like they truly do care. Dr. Faulkner is amazing and it's easy to see she genuinely loves her job and helping each person she sees. She always explains everything to me thoroughly. Whether it be explaining how the body reacts to certain stressors or how each "homework" exercise will help to heal me. I never go home not relieved to have seen her.
So please, I can't urge my fellow athletes enough, if you have an injury that is keeping you from doing what you love, go see the great people at The Tri Doc in Cedar Park, TX. Voted one of the best Chiropractors by Austin Fit magazine 3 years in a row!
Like with any other running issues I've had, I made an appointment to go to see my chiropractor at The Tri Doc. They are amazing people there (I personally see Dr. Faulkner). I have always believed in alternative medicine and had seen a different chiropractor in the past. He was great, but his practice was not geared towards athletes. He used to tell me that I should stop running if I wanted my issues to ever clear up. No runner, or any athletic person, wants to hear that they should stop doing what they love.
No need to worry about that kind of advice at The Tri Doc. They too, are athletes and can really understand the struggles people face when they are injured. Dr. Tuggle has pictures from his past triathlons on the wall. Along with his running buddy, Miles (great name) the Vizsla, chilling behind the front desk. They believe in treating you, and giving you the tools you need to get you back out on the road, or bike, or swim or whatever sport your into. They not only assess and treat your issues in-house but they send you home with "homework", that if followed correctly, will get you on your way in no time.
Plus I feel like they truly do care. Dr. Faulkner is amazing and it's easy to see she genuinely loves her job and helping each person she sees. She always explains everything to me thoroughly. Whether it be explaining how the body reacts to certain stressors or how each "homework" exercise will help to heal me. I never go home not relieved to have seen her.
So please, I can't urge my fellow athletes enough, if you have an injury that is keeping you from doing what you love, go see the great people at The Tri Doc in Cedar Park, TX. Voted one of the best Chiropractors by Austin Fit magazine 3 years in a row!
Monday, December 21, 2015
The new normal
Just kind of tired tonight. Had a really eventful day and got a lot of things crossed off my "to do" list. Still trying to adjust to not having to be anywhere, at any certain time. Working on getting back to the gym and back to running but I've had some injuries and set backs. Just waiting for everything to start to fall back into place. To fall into the new normal......
Sunday, December 20, 2015
HITS 10k hills smack you in the face!
I ran a pretty crazy 10k today. It was the HITS Running Festival 10k at COTA. The run itself, was on the track, making it very hilly and challenging. There were a lot of steep hills and twist and turns on the out and back course. The weather was not that great, overcast, rainy, chilly, and windy! Hills are bad enough, but adding a head wind makes for fun times. I did really well though. According to the gun time, I came in fourth in my age group (57:07). But according to the time on my Garmin, I should have placed 3rd (56:32). That was a little frustrating. We waited through all the results to see if I had placed (I had a pretty good feeling about this race). Unfortunately, my name was never called. I did email the director of the race about the difference in information, but I doubt anything will come of it. My running coach and my girl friend who ran the race with me, where both very proud and impressed with my time. I just so badly want to place in my age group at least once! This is the second race I have placed 4th in. Just have to keep on keeping on, and it will happen.
The whole "festival" part was very lacking. The attendance overall was very low (it could have been the weather, location, or even that it was less then 5 days till Christmas) which was very surprising considering all the hype the official website had advertised. The "expo" consisted of about 5 tents set up from the various sponsors of the race, all of which I had never heard of. And being at COTA, I thought we would be able to go inside the venue to get out of the elements but instead we were in the garages were the race cars are prepped and worked on. And without access to the inside of the main venue, we still had to use port-a potties that were pretty bad compared to ones I have used in the past.
The timing of the start and finish of each distance left people crossing back and forth over the track, which in turn, would create obstacles for runners (and cyclists). The trophies where literally a piece of paper slid into a curved plastic frame (but man I wish I could have got my hands on one). And even though some athletes were still on the course, they ran out of water (big thumbs down). The recovery food was very sketchy as well. Cut up banana pieces thrown out on to plastic tables with no supervision. Along with "community" jars of peanut butter to put on the "community" bags of bagels also left out unattended. Needless to say, I ate the food that I had brought with me (can't beat a vegan Oreo Voodoo Doughnut after a strong run).
I will say the race shirts were pretty awesome. Bright highlighter yellow v-necks with the Austin city scape on them (great to wear on early morning or evening runs). And every one received a finishers metal that was specific to their distance completed.
While this race could not hold a candle to say the Austin 10/20 or Capital City 10k, it was still challenging and worth the effort.
The whole "festival" part was very lacking. The attendance overall was very low (it could have been the weather, location, or even that it was less then 5 days till Christmas) which was very surprising considering all the hype the official website had advertised. The "expo" consisted of about 5 tents set up from the various sponsors of the race, all of which I had never heard of. And being at COTA, I thought we would be able to go inside the venue to get out of the elements but instead we were in the garages were the race cars are prepped and worked on. And without access to the inside of the main venue, we still had to use port-a potties that were pretty bad compared to ones I have used in the past.
The timing of the start and finish of each distance left people crossing back and forth over the track, which in turn, would create obstacles for runners (and cyclists). The trophies where literally a piece of paper slid into a curved plastic frame (but man I wish I could have got my hands on one). And even though some athletes were still on the course, they ran out of water (big thumbs down). The recovery food was very sketchy as well. Cut up banana pieces thrown out on to plastic tables with no supervision. Along with "community" jars of peanut butter to put on the "community" bags of bagels also left out unattended. Needless to say, I ate the food that I had brought with me (can't beat a vegan Oreo Voodoo Doughnut after a strong run).
I will say the race shirts were pretty awesome. Bright highlighter yellow v-necks with the Austin city scape on them (great to wear on early morning or evening runs). And every one received a finishers metal that was specific to their distance completed.
While this race could not hold a candle to say the Austin 10/20 or Capital City 10k, it was still challenging and worth the effort.
Saturday, December 19, 2015
Keep moving forward
Got out and ran today for the first time in a week. I had been laid up with a little "issue" (we are all adults here, I had a hemorrhoid ok?) and then literally laid off from my most current job. So between dealing with both of those pains in the ass (pun intended), I literally didn't run or hit the gym at all this past week.
I was so glad to get out today. I felt like me again. I ran with my group, Lifetime Run-North Austin. I have made a lot of really great friends from this group. A few had known about my struggles this week. So I got a chance to catch them up and hear their opinions. And others, were just great to be around and encouraged by.
Running is so important to me and I am so glad that I will have so much more time to focus on it now. I am doing the Austin Half Marathon on February 14th, 2016. One of my goals for the past couple of years was to run a half marathon by 35 and a full by 40. I may not have done the half BY 35 but I will finish my first one BEFORE 36, so I'm excited about that.
At the end of the day, as with running and life, you have to "keep moving forward" (my motto and what you will find on my RoadID).
I was so glad to get out today. I felt like me again. I ran with my group, Lifetime Run-North Austin. I have made a lot of really great friends from this group. A few had known about my struggles this week. So I got a chance to catch them up and hear their opinions. And others, were just great to be around and encouraged by.
Running is so important to me and I am so glad that I will have so much more time to focus on it now. I am doing the Austin Half Marathon on February 14th, 2016. One of my goals for the past couple of years was to run a half marathon by 35 and a full by 40. I may not have done the half BY 35 but I will finish my first one BEFORE 36, so I'm excited about that.
At the end of the day, as with running and life, you have to "keep moving forward" (my motto and what you will find on my RoadID).
Friday, December 18, 2015
Who has time for stress?
So I have been home all week. And now with the dust settling on my new found freedom, I have realized something. I feel a lot less stressed out. And that's super wonderful. I will say that the whole "change" thing was a little crazy at first, but I think I'm finally getting the hang of it.
I decided to go out today to handle some "adult stuff". I needed to stop by the bank and roll over my 401k into an IRA account. Over the years I have learned about a lot of "adult stuff". Whether it was buying my first car or my first home. To getting married for the first time as well as divorced. Every time you do something for the first time it can seem scary and stressful. With all those things, I would find myself over thinking things to death. But not today. Today I had to go a learn about IRA's and which one was the best for my small, but just as important, 401k to roll over into. But it wasn't scary or stressful. I filled out the paper work that I needed to fill out. Chit-cahtted with the banker while she did her thing. And then I was on my way. Am I 100% about everything that transpired? Not really. But I realized that I could make changes later if I needed to. It didn't need to be perfect the first time around. Today's task was just to get the ball rolling so that I could avoid a 20% penalty if the account got cash out. The end. No need to be stressed over "what if's" because it can always be changed later.
After I left the bank, I felt compelled to go out into the Christmas rush to find my husband a gift. It was only 1:30 in the after noon but the highway was already packed. At one time I looked down to see I was going only 12 MPH in a 65. But, that too was ok. What could I do about it? Nothing. So why get upset? I turned up my Christmas music, slurped on my smoothie, and finally made it to my destination. When I arrived, I parked in the first spot. Went in and found a gift for my love, and was on my way again. End of story.
It was all rather lovely. Sure there were a lot of triggers that could have set me off, but for the first time, in a long time, they didn't. I got done what I needed to get done and came home to chill out for the rest of the evening with my little family.
With each new experience you will learn and hopefully take something with you. Buying cars became easier and easier. Hell I've gotten offered jobs by car sales-men before! Buying my second home with my wonderful second husband was 100 times easier. And now if I need to manage another 401k, I will know how to do that as well. As far as Christmas shopping goes, with only a week till Christmas, well I think I just got lucky!
I decided to go out today to handle some "adult stuff". I needed to stop by the bank and roll over my 401k into an IRA account. Over the years I have learned about a lot of "adult stuff". Whether it was buying my first car or my first home. To getting married for the first time as well as divorced. Every time you do something for the first time it can seem scary and stressful. With all those things, I would find myself over thinking things to death. But not today. Today I had to go a learn about IRA's and which one was the best for my small, but just as important, 401k to roll over into. But it wasn't scary or stressful. I filled out the paper work that I needed to fill out. Chit-cahtted with the banker while she did her thing. And then I was on my way. Am I 100% about everything that transpired? Not really. But I realized that I could make changes later if I needed to. It didn't need to be perfect the first time around. Today's task was just to get the ball rolling so that I could avoid a 20% penalty if the account got cash out. The end. No need to be stressed over "what if's" because it can always be changed later.
After I left the bank, I felt compelled to go out into the Christmas rush to find my husband a gift. It was only 1:30 in the after noon but the highway was already packed. At one time I looked down to see I was going only 12 MPH in a 65. But, that too was ok. What could I do about it? Nothing. So why get upset? I turned up my Christmas music, slurped on my smoothie, and finally made it to my destination. When I arrived, I parked in the first spot. Went in and found a gift for my love, and was on my way again. End of story.
It was all rather lovely. Sure there were a lot of triggers that could have set me off, but for the first time, in a long time, they didn't. I got done what I needed to get done and came home to chill out for the rest of the evening with my little family.
With each new experience you will learn and hopefully take something with you. Buying cars became easier and easier. Hell I've gotten offered jobs by car sales-men before! Buying my second home with my wonderful second husband was 100 times easier. And now if I need to manage another 401k, I will know how to do that as well. As far as Christmas shopping goes, with only a week till Christmas, well I think I just got lucky!
Thursday, December 17, 2015
Bring it!
Sometimes the universe opens up and changes things. Change seems to always be perceived as something bad or hard or undesirable. At first, it can be really scary. Whether it's moving out of state, starting a new career, getting let go from an old one, or even committing to paint a room in your house. But as time passes, and the dust starts to settle, things tend to seem normal again. But can you imagine how life would be without change?
Just the other day I posted about what it would be like to be able to write in my blog everyday for a year. When I did it, nothing had changed in my life. Everything was still the same. Get up, go to the gym, shower, eat, off to work, back again at the end of the day, run, eat, shower, and off to sleep with the promise of a new day. And so it goes on and on.
So I had no idea how I was going to make time to commit to such an idea. We become comfortable in our lives. Day in and day out the same thing. Maybe this is good, maybe its boring, maybe it just is what it is. But, then BAM, something changes. All of a sudden I found myself with, lets says, "a lot more free time on my hands". Actually I got let go from my place of employment. For the past 3+ years I gave a lot of time, blood, sweat and tears to this job. Loved it there. Great co-workers, great pay, on my feet all day (I love being active) and just an over all good fit for my life. Then things started to change and before I knew it my little world was turned upside down just 9 days before Christmas.
Right when it happened I was devastated. I know that's a strong word, but it hurt and it was really scary. I felt like the 110% I gave everyday never mattered. But I left gracefully and realized, in a short time, that I was the newest victim of change! I realized that as much as we would all love for good things to always stay the same, they rarely do. Change is a part of life and and it was upon me this holiday season.
I feel like, just like with making a mistake, it is all about what you can take from it. What you can learn from it. When it happened, I tried to salvage what I could so I could continue working there. It was taken into consideration, but no luck. Then I was sad. It was hard to say goodbye to everyone I worked with. And I would miss the work itself because I enjoyed doing it. Then I found myself very angry. There had been injustices and the timing couldn't be worse. But after I talked it out to death with my husband, mother, best friend, therapist and even my personal trainer, I accepted it. The "grieving process" was over and it was time to get up and dust myself off.
So here we are now. I actually had the time to sit down and write this. How novel! And now I find myself with a lot of time to do a bunch of other things I had been putting off. Things that I would find freedom and joy in doing. I signed up for a photography class. I can now properly train for my first half marathon and I may actually get around to painting our bedroom! And without this change, those changes couldn't have taken place. I truly believe that everything happens for a reason. So embrace change. Live with it, and learn from it and then just keep moving forward.
Just the other day I posted about what it would be like to be able to write in my blog everyday for a year. When I did it, nothing had changed in my life. Everything was still the same. Get up, go to the gym, shower, eat, off to work, back again at the end of the day, run, eat, shower, and off to sleep with the promise of a new day. And so it goes on and on.
So I had no idea how I was going to make time to commit to such an idea. We become comfortable in our lives. Day in and day out the same thing. Maybe this is good, maybe its boring, maybe it just is what it is. But, then BAM, something changes. All of a sudden I found myself with, lets says, "a lot more free time on my hands". Actually I got let go from my place of employment. For the past 3+ years I gave a lot of time, blood, sweat and tears to this job. Loved it there. Great co-workers, great pay, on my feet all day (I love being active) and just an over all good fit for my life. Then things started to change and before I knew it my little world was turned upside down just 9 days before Christmas.
Right when it happened I was devastated. I know that's a strong word, but it hurt and it was really scary. I felt like the 110% I gave everyday never mattered. But I left gracefully and realized, in a short time, that I was the newest victim of change! I realized that as much as we would all love for good things to always stay the same, they rarely do. Change is a part of life and and it was upon me this holiday season.
I feel like, just like with making a mistake, it is all about what you can take from it. What you can learn from it. When it happened, I tried to salvage what I could so I could continue working there. It was taken into consideration, but no luck. Then I was sad. It was hard to say goodbye to everyone I worked with. And I would miss the work itself because I enjoyed doing it. Then I found myself very angry. There had been injustices and the timing couldn't be worse. But after I talked it out to death with my husband, mother, best friend, therapist and even my personal trainer, I accepted it. The "grieving process" was over and it was time to get up and dust myself off.
So here we are now. I actually had the time to sit down and write this. How novel! And now I find myself with a lot of time to do a bunch of other things I had been putting off. Things that I would find freedom and joy in doing. I signed up for a photography class. I can now properly train for my first half marathon and I may actually get around to painting our bedroom! And without this change, those changes couldn't have taken place. I truly believe that everything happens for a reason. So embrace change. Live with it, and learn from it and then just keep moving forward.
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