Simple Life - Slow Down

Last week I told you my New Year's Resolution -- to Simplify My Life.  Well, one of those ways is to free up my time.  When I free up my time, I will be able to go out and Enjoy My Jeep with My Family. I am making the choice to slow -  down -  the -  pace.

I want to have a greater appreciation of life.

I want to enjoy the natural world around us. 

I want to savor my time with my family.

I want to enjoy the every day simple things we do. 

   With the advancement of technology, we are used to getting things quicker and faster right at our fingertips.  But the irony of modern technology saving us time, is we are actually losing time.  We fill up that saved time with more projects and activities.  We have to have it all, and do it all.  Time is passing us by too quickly. Are we really enjoying life -- Or are we in this never-ending loop of hectic activities?

     Here are some tips to get out of that fast-paced, frenzied fever we call life.  I have scoured the internet to find what others are doing to slow  --  down  -- the --  pace.  I have compacted the ideas into short simple phrases to allow you more time to Enjoy Your Life.  

Slow --  Down  --  the  -- Pace  --  Tips

• Do Less & Focus on the Important - pick what's really important and needs to get done and let go of the rest.
• Prioritize Tasks - pick 2 or 3 things you want to do that day & do them 1st.
• Plan your day
• Delegate
• Learn to say NO!
• Do it right the first time
• Get ready the night before
• Reduce distractions & stay focused
• Filter your email
• Do your errands at the same time
• Reduce your TV time
• Automate bill payments
• Sort your mail in hand 
• Remove the clutter
• Create a family calendar
• Plan meals weekly
• Grocery shop once a week
• Wash dishes while you cook
• Combine activities 
• Shop online

Enjoy Your Life Tips

• Live in the Moment - Be aware of what you are doing and don't let your mind drift about what you need to do next or later.
• Do Less
• Disconnect from technology when possible
• Focus on the people you are with
• Appreciate nature
• Eat slower and savor the flavors and textures
• Drive slower
• Find pleasure in anything
• Exercise
• Sleep
• Eat a healthy diet

Make the year 2014 your year!  That's what I'm going to do, slowing down to smell the flowers and savor every moment I am on this great, big, beautiful earth. Along the way I hope to cultivate new friendships, explore new places and enjoy life's adventures!

 Jeep -- It's not Just an Adventure!  It's a Good Life.

Lifestyle Goals

Simplify My Life - Reduce Stress - Enjoy Life

     Well, it's getting to be that time of year again -- time to make those New Year's Resolutions. Every year it seems we make the same resolutions over and over again -- to lose weight, quit smoking, exercise more and, so on.  Mostly it's about getting healthy. By the end of January we've given up or forgotten all about the resolution. Well, no more of those resolutions that you will inevitably fail at. This year it's time to pick something you will succeed at.  That's what I decided to do -  I am going to Simplify My Life -- to make more time to Enjoy My Life. 

     This resolution has many benefits. When I simplifying my life, I will reduce stress, create more time for myself and my family, which will allow me to enjoy life and all those things I wanted to do but didn't have time. Studies show simple living helps alleviate tension-related reactions such as insomnia, nervousness, anxiety, neck and shoulder spasms, and chronic fatigue.

     Simplifying doesn't have to mean to do with out or be frugal. It could -- but it doesn't have to. Rather, it could mean to slow down and live a more balanced, deliberate, and thoughtful life.

      Here is my list of ideas on how you can Simplify Your Life . This resolution can be modified to each individual.  However you choose to simplify your life, remember that simplicity is not about poverty or deprivation, but creating a stress free life. 

 Tips to Simplify Your Life

Clear the Clutter - This is one of the biggest creators of stress in your life.  We all tend to have too much.  Go through each room, closest, drawer and evaluate what you have.  Do you really need it? Can you do with out? Then get rid of it.   

Automate - online banking, shopping, post office.  This limits post office drop-offs, reduces time and money spent on stamps and licking envelopes. Saves time spent standing in lines.

Reduce Debt - This is another big stressors in our life.  When we create a strict budget, stick to it and start paying off the debt we feel we've accomplished something. 

Disconnect - turn off your cell phone when you don't want to be interrupted. Don't take a cell phone to an appointment or when you are focusing on someone else.   Don't give out your cell phone number. Use it only for outgoing calls.  Screen calls by using caller ID.   Use the "delete" option -- early and often. Arrange for calls from the office only in cases of emergency. Let voice mail take your calls.

Work Free Vacations   

   

Reduce Information overload - Being flooded with stimuli is a tremendous source of stress. Limit the amount of information you expose yourself.

Shed Activities - Make a list of your (and your kids) activities - prioritize your to-do list and shed those that are no longer fun or serve a purpose in your life.

Negative Relationships -- Cut out (or minimize) relationships that cause you stress.

Nurture Relationships - nurture the people who make you feel good and laugh.  Invite them to lunch, send a nice note, invite them to hang out. 

Live within your means

Unsubscribe from junk emails

Learn to say No when asked to do something you really don’t want to do.

Delegate - Don't try to do it all.  Share the workload at home and work by asking for help.

Shop/Cook - Dedicate one night a week to plan and prep for the weeks meals & school lunches. 

Clean out your Garage

Create a Family Calendar 

Organize your medicine Cabinet  

Run your errands during the week not on Saturdays.

Plan time for yourself everyday.

     Even if you do just one of these next year you will be better off than last year. Most of these things I've all ready started to do and it feels great.  I'm looking forward to start checking off those bucket list items because of all the free time I will create!

Jeep -- It's not Just an Adventure! 

It's a Good Life.

Cold Weather Workout Tips

How Cold is Too Cold to Workout Outside?

Old Man Winter has arrived! -Days are shorter - Temperatures are plunging.
Early morning or evening outdoor workouts are during the coldest parts of the day. There is good news though.  You don't have to give up those outside sweat sessions due to the bone-chilling temperatures according to Susan Paul, exercise physiologist and program director for the Orlando Track Shack Foundation. It’s generally safe to work out outdoors until the thermometer hits a freezing 20 degrees below zero. Of course you need to be properly outfitted. Nor as a beginner would you want to start training for your first 10K during the dead cold of winter.

If you follow these simple cold weather workout rules you will minimize injuries and boost your performance.

Layers  -- Wear layers of moisture-wicking (dry-fit) fabrics that will keep you warm and dry. I usually wear 2 layers of bottoms -- Nike running pants and my favorite pair of Yoga pants. I like to wear at least 3 tops -- a dry-fit tank top, one thin long sleeved shirt and another thicker turtle neck, Under Armour makes a great one.  I also add a jacket that is easily removable. When I first start out running I'm pretty cold, but once I get to full intensity my body warms up pretty quickly and I shed the outer jacket and tie it around my waist.






Cover your mouth - wear a face mask or scarf wrapped around your nose and mouth -- this will help heat and moisturize the air before it hits your lungs.


Protect your extremities 
 gloves, mittens, wool socks, headband and a snug-fitting hat.

Socks - This is probably the hardest one for me.  My feet get cold very easily, so I like to wear layers of thick socks.  This is hard to do when you go running because there is only so much room in your running shoe.  So, I choose a dry-fit thin hiking sock for my first layer.  For my second layer, Nike makes a dry fit running sock that keeps my foot pretty warm.   

Gloves - You have many choices in gloves.  I usually wear a thinner glove when it's not as cold - like the gloves on the right.  But when the temperature dips lower, and the wind picks up, I reach for a thicker pair - like the ones pictured below.  Also the gloves below have the touch fingers which allow me to use my iPhone while running, a definite plus.





Take it Easy - It's better to run long and easy when the temperatures are frigid then a speed workout.  This is not the time break your distance record or beat your best time.

Warm Up - Since it will take more time in the cold weather, allow your body to warm up thoroughly to avoid the risk of injury.

Remember winter running is about maintaining miles not the speed.  If you are running longer distances you can break your runs up to avoid being in the cold too long. After your run make sure you avoid the post-run chills by getting out of your sweaty clothes and drink something warm.

Jeep -- It's not Just an Adventure! 

It's a Good Life.

Jeep Spa Day - Topless Time!

I can't believe it's been six months since I became a Jeep owner -- and what fantastic six months it's been. Having the Jeep has made the mundane, a lot more pleasurable. To celebrate I took my Jeep in for it's first of many oil change/check ups. We headed over to Darcars of Rockville. I was a little hesitant to turn over the keys to a complete stranger.  However, I didn't need to worry long.  The process was over in less than 30 minutes.  They did a fabulous job and were very hospitable -- even though they are undergoing major construction. The bonus was I didn't have to pay a cent.  The whole service was a gift to me from Jeep!

The customer service representative walked me back to my Jeep, I came across a beautiful site I just needed to share with you. 

 Even though the whole process of entrusting my Jeep to a complete stranger took less than 30 minutes, I am still feeling a little stressed. So it's now my turn for a spa day.  I'm thinking a day at the salon and a nice facial will do the trick.  In the meantime the one thing that always brightens my day and pulls all the stress away is going topless, and in December no less. 





Back on the Road for my Next Adventure! Happy Trails!

Bucket List: 10K Complete

Well, I did it.  I competed in my first 10k race and finished it.  I ran the whole entire 6.2 miles without stopping. I also improved my time by 3 minutes.  However, I was very disappointed with myself -- or should I say my body.  




Tuesday before the race my leg cramped up -- or so I thought it was a cramp.  I spent the next day on a heating pad and stretching.  The morning of the race I was nervous -- I was afraid my leg would seize up again -- it did. The first 3 miles of the race my feet and toes were numb.  I thought it was from the cold -- and during the whole race my entire right leg, hip and glutes were in pain.  But I wasn't going to let my body stop me from my goal.  I persevered and pushed through the pain.  I figure we tell our kids that everyday so I wasn't about to give up.



My leg is still in pain.  From my own internet diagnosis I believe I have sciatic nerve pain.  But I'm not quite sure what the cause is.  My best guess is I was doing exercises that my old body couldn't handle.  




Besides lifting weights at the gym and running 3 days a week, I was doing at home workouts I would get from the internet. My theory is these home workout exercises where doing my body more harm than good. But I will have to wait and see what my MRI says. Not only will they take a picture of my spine but my brain.  With previous numbness in my arms and legs the doctor wants to look at everything.

10K Prep Blog Post 

10K Prep 2 Blog Post 

It really sucks getting old.  But I'm excited about trying again and running another 10k.  This time I would like it if my body didn't let me down. But for the time being I have to wait to see what the test results say. I'm also going to have to remember my body isn't the same as it was 20 years ago.  That is the one hard fact that is really hard to live with -- We are getting older and have to learn to adjust.

Back on the Road for my Next Adventure! Happy Trails!