Reasons Why I'm Thankful....not *exactly* what you're thinking

A few years ago, a former colleague introduced me to the idea of posting something for which I'm grateful.  Every single day.  For the entire month of November.  It sounds tough at first, but then you realize that you do have tons of blessings.  So the tough part becomes making sure the things you post are meaningful and all that jazz.  "I'm grateful for my family" trumps "I'm grateful for these cute shoes I got on sale."  No one wants to look (gasp!) shallow, right? 

This morning, after reading a blog along the same lines, I thought I'd toss out a few of the less-than-deep side of why I'm grateful.  Bet you can nod along to some (many?) of these.  The woman who wrote the post that inspired this one noted that she was grateful for a bathroom door.  With a functioning lock.  Moms around the world, you know that'd be top of your list, too!  I am in total agreement, myself, but I can't steal her list---just borrowing her idea.

Pillsbury Pie Crusts.  Okay, judge if you must, but those puppies are great and they save me a ton of time. Of course, I use said free time to create some kind of Pinterest-worthy craft and clean my stove top with a baby toothbrush to get every nook and cranny "fresh-from-the-factory" clean.  Yeah.  No.  I use the pie crusts to save time and use that time to chill.  I'm serving pies to my family, and while I love them dearly, I'm pretty sure they're too busy eating to care whether or not I labored over a from-scratch crust.  

Turbo Fire.  This is a fantastic workout and an excuse to carve out some very needed "me" time.  Just because I didn't kill myself rolling out dough does not mean I don't need a break.  Am I right?  So I head downstairs to our "gym" (also known as the basement where, at any given time, there is a fort constructed out of a blanket, play mats, bungee cords and weights) and sweat it all out with some great music and motivating trainer.  Not only do I feel great when I'm done (and sometimes because I'm done!), I know I'm setting a great example for my family; health (mental and physical) is important.   

Pinterest.  This one is tricky.  Sometimes I want to delete the app from my phone and never venture towards that scripty red P ever again.  And yet other times, it's my salvation.  I'm creative and all, but it sure is helpful to borrow ideas here and there.  Sure, I would have eventually thought to stack a candle onto layers of uncooked beans, rice and corn inside of large glass hurricanes to make a centerpiece...eventually.  But not in time for this Thanksgiving.  And they'd look severely out of place at Christmas, would they not?  So thanks, Pinterest, for showing me all that I could/should be doing (she said sarcastically).

Facebook.  Same as Pinterest; it's the sword that cuts both ways.  Love it, hate it, hate to love it.  I'm glad that I can log on and see what others are grateful for.  I'm glad I can, with one post, send all of my friends a Thanksgiving blessing.  I'm glad I've "met" some great people I now consider friends, despite never being in the same room (or city, or state!) as one another.  Yes, Facebook, you can be a real time suck, but you've got some upside, too!

Flannel Sheets.  I finally caved, about a week ago, and switched to flannel sheets.  While it may have been the wisest decision I've made in a while (outside of using store bought pie crusts and snatching my centerpiece idea from Pinterest), it also reminded me why I wait so long to do it.  Not only is that act officially conceding that winter is coming (Three cheers for that.  Or not.), but those things are Kryptonite to my alarm clock.  It goes off and I am pretty sure my sheets wrap themselves around my legs, my pillowcase gently pushes my head down....I simply cannot get up.  Not easily anyway, and not without some seriously longing looks at my bed as I walk away.  The pull to get back in for "just one more cuddle" is as powerful as, well, I don't know...but it's best to hurry up and make the bed before I can look at them again!   Did I mention that my daughter's bed also dons flannel sheets?  Yeah---double dose of deadly.  And P.S.  Why must flannel sheets always have snowflakes and snowmen on them?  Clearly we know that it's cold.  I'd like to cozy up to flannel sheets with palm trees and flip flops on them---give a girl some hope of what's too come, why don't ya!?

Socks, Slippers and Boots.  I'm a girl who loves her pedicures.  Yes, I am.  But I'm 100% fine with the idea that no one has to see my feet from say, October until May.  So unpainted and unfussed-over my feet shall be during those months.  Sure, I slather on foot cream and put on thick, warm socks so they're not totally alligator-esque come May, but there is a great sense of relief in not having to stay on top of polish and filing and blah blah blah.  No, it's not a terribly tasking chore, but you know as well as I do that unkempt piggies sticking out of a flip flop or a peep toe are just unacceptable.  Giving my feet a few months off to hideout in all their bare glory inside my boots and slipper socks is a little gift I give to them.

Because I Said So.  Not the movie, although it is a cute flick, but the words.  I'll admit it, I'm not always on my A game when it comes to being a Mommy.  Yuck.  And, from time to time, the best answer in the moment is the age-old, "Because I said so."  Before the words are out of my mouth, I am regretting them.  I know better.  My daughter deserves better.  And I don't let her get away with "because" as a response to a question I've posed to her.  Because I said so usually stops the whole conversation, we both take a few seconds, and then come back, better and more open.  Usually.  Every now and again, it's the reason and that's that.  I'm a Mom who uses store-bought pie crusts for heaven's sake.  What do you expect?

Sally Hansen Insta-Dri nail polish (In Slick Slate).  I'm guessing Sally is a Mom?  Who in the world has time to sit around, fingers poised in the air to avoid the dreaded smudge, and wait for a manicure to dry?  God Bless this lady and her invention.  The polish goes on like a dream, truly dries in a snap.  My feet may get the luxury of a  few months off, but these hands aren't being hidden in gloves.  I get to treat myself to a relaxing manicure and, within 5 minutes, I'm free to answer the "Mooommmmmmmmmmmy, I'm donnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnne." call.  You know the one. 



Quiet Time.  When I get it.  Which is rarely, hence the deep, deep gratitude. I love my husband and my daughter beyond measure, but if I can have the house to myself for more than 10 minutes, I'm almost too awe-struck to move.  Remember the mention of a locking bathroom door? Yeah--it's like that.  Only bigger.

Sweater Dress.  What a lovely invention for Thanksgiving dinner, don't you think?  The sophistication of a dress, the comfort of PJs.  It's brilliant as far as I'm concerned.  And I'm pretty excited about wearing it, I won't lie.  

China.  The dishes, not the country.  Although I suppose I should be grateful for the country, too.  Sure.  Why not?  I love using my china; we use it every chance we get.  I'm all about that whole "life itself is a special occasion" thing.  I don't want to save my china for some fancy-schmancy ordeal.  We use it.  And we love it.  Well, to be fair, I'm sure Mark could care less about it, really.  So I'll edit.  I love it.  And I even love washing it.  If you didn't think I was crazy before, feel free to slap the label on me now.  There is something about a huge stack of dirty dishes and a sinkful of hot, soapy water that brings out my OCD.  I stack the dirty dishes "just so" before I even begin.  The mess has to be organized before I try to deal with it, and then when it's done?  All that sparkle and shine, neatly placed on the island to be put away?  Bring.  It.  On.  (the dishes and the eyerolls; I know you're doing it!)

Wooby Pants.  And finally, what list of mine would be complete without paying homage to wooby pants.  When the dishes are done, and the sweater dress has been hung up (okay, tossed on the floor in the closet!  Gosh!!), this girl likes to acquaint herself  with a pair of super soft, totally broken in, and only-to-be-worn-in-the-house wooby pants.  Throw in some spa socks and an oversized sweatshirt, throw my hair in a messy bun and I'm set.  

Clearly, the list could go on.  And, it should go without saying, I'm incredibly grateful for "real" stuff too (although I dare anyone to argue the realness of the kind of gratitude that wooby pants can bring) like my husband and my daughter.  I'm grateful for all of my family.  That we all are healthy.  That we're employed--well, my parents are retired, so....I'm grateful for our home and the food we'll share this afternoon (and again this evening, and probably tomorrow, too). I'm glad we'll be together and I'm really glad they'll all keep their judgements about my pies to themselves.

Have a very happy Thanksgiving. 
Be sure to count your blessings.   

Road Trip

This past weekend, we hopped in the car for a rather spontaneous road trip to Washington, DC.  The goals; cram in some fun, get the heck out of town AND visit with my super cool cousin, Julianna—a freshman at American University.  We accomplished all of that, I’m quite pleased to say.  And when we got home, we checked off “Road Trip to DC” on our fall bucket list, leaving only one more project to tackle: BAKE COOKIES!  And we will…maybe even tonight!

 

Our trip started out less than perfectly….best laid plans, right?  I was able to wrap up my day a little earlier, thinking we’d be able to get on the road a little earlier as a result.  Not so much.  The hubs had issues with a work project, so Abby and I sat…and sat…and sat…waiting to leave, and praying that Mark wouldn’t be too irritated when we finally did leave.  Can’t blame him; some people wait until the very last minute to ask for your help, and suddenly their poor planning is your emergency.  Not cool.

 

Finally, we were on the road.  And we were happy.  Traffic was a non-issue, Abby was happily singing in the backseat, playing with her Leap Pad and reading to herself.  We made it over an hour before we got the first request for her Little Mermaid CD (score!) and, because it was dark, I was forced to just chill…no reading, no writing lists, no working…just sit in the front seat and enjoy the adventure.  I had to think about the last time that happened; it felt fantastic. 

 

We stopped for a quick dinner/bathroom break.  “Grabbing a quick bite” turned into a long wait thanks to a huge group that ordered moments before we did.  Sigh.  Fortunately, Abby got some of her pent up energy out while we waited, and when we were on the road again, there was contented silence as we all ate our dinners.  Food, drink, and, as a special treat, a movie for Abby.  Can’t go wrong with Happy Feet in the backseat, right?  Sounds like a great gameplan for a road trip to me.

 

If only there was audio to go with the visual!

Before long, those happy feet were arriving at our hotel and checking in.  Thankful to be out of the car and in a new space, Abby promptly got an uncontrollable case of the giggles.  No matter that it was over an hour beyond her bedtime, this kiddo was wound up and I was helpless (and, frankly, "wantless") to calm her down.  This was a “tears down your cheeks” kind of laugh that, when suppressed, only got more ridiculous.  The only thing that made it better was that nothing was even funny at that point!  God love Mark for putting up with our silliness.  And God love Abby for being such a happy kid.  I mean, really.  

Eventually we conked out, Abby insisting that I 'sleep' in her bed…any parent out there knows what that looks (and feels) like.  Sleep is interrupted, ribs are kicked and space becomes scarce.  No matter; holding onto her warm little body and hearing her gentle snore and occasional sighs makes it all okay (well, mostly.  There’s just something about being whacked across the forehead at 3:18am that’s less than okay). 

When she woke up on Saturday morning, Abby excitedly launched herself out of bed, declaring that “Today is 'Julianna Day'!” and set about trying to get herself dressed so we could hurry up and find her.  Knowing we had some time until Jules was free to meet up with us, we took off to Georgetown in search of breakfast.  The walk was peppered with stops to explore various shop windows, pick up leaves and get in and out of the stroller about 35 times, but we finally arrived at a chic little bistro and fueled up for the day.  As soon as we were done there, we had to (yes, had to) check out Georgetown Cupcake across the street.  Apparently the place is famous.  Not being a huge cake fan, I couldn’t tell you one way or the other, but the line out the door a mere 10 minutes after it opened for the day suggested that this place is, indeed, legendary. Two cupcakes later (in a box, I mean, it was only 10:30am for crying out loud!!), we were on our way to see monuments.  

American Ninja Warrior

We saw the Washington Monument, still undergoing repairs from an earthquake a couple years ago, the Lincoln Memorial and, from a distance, the Jefferson Memorial.  Although I’d seen them all before, they’re still so breathtaking in person.  And, being a history geek, I love the idea of all the important things and people that have been on those very steps (our snack break not being one of them!).  One of the day’s more exciting moments was meeting a real live competitor from American Ninja Warrior.  He was on the metro with us, and sweetly pulled up the video of his performance on his iPhone and showed it to Abby who was genuinely disappointed when he fell off the salmon ladder.  He graciously posed for a picture, too.  I think he may have been more amazed at Abby’s interest in the show than she was of him! 

 

Conked out, but she WAS there!

As we waited for Jules at one metro station, she surprised us, coming from another.  Abby tackled her with a huge hug, and instantly grabbed her hand, determined not to let it go.  Together, we decided (or Abby insisted...and we were only too happy to oblige!) to check out the dinosaur museum and set off in that direction, Abby and Jules skipping, hand in hand.  Our last stop before dinner was the White House.  Abby conked out about a block away from the front gates, but we’ve got proof that she was, in fact, there!  Her well-timed nap actually worked out beautifully, and she woke up just in time to have a little treat while we waited for the bus to take us to dinner at Clyde’s.  Chill out; it's decaf and totally diluted with milk. 

 

**Cousins**

Spending time with my cousin like this—don’t know that I ever have—was really special.  She’s so confident and comfortable in her new surroundings, and energized when she talks about school and the swim team.  It’s fantastic to see.  She’s a sweet girl, who clearly values family.  

Before we left on Sunday, we had brunch and then Jules gave us a tour of her school and several sincerely grateful hugs.  As we pulled out of the parking lot, waving out the window, we vowed to come back in the spring.  We’ll still walk a ton, we’ll still get cupcakes, we’ll still hit museums and we’ll still hang with Julesy…maybe this time we get on the road a little earlier, though! 

Writer's note:  Cookies were not, in fact, baked this evening.  We have a tired munchkin on our hands and she's quite happily curled up, blanket and Tallulah at her side, reading!  Can't interrupt--and wouldn't want to!--that! 

Real Talk

About a year ago I started actively Coaching.  I had been a Beachbody Coach for about 3 months or so at that point, but only became active once I had completed my own 90 day transformation.  And here we are; a year later.  I've run a few Challenge Groups and continued on with my transformation while helping others.  

So, here it comes:  Real Talk.  Sometimes I miss being a Challenger.  Sometimes I miss the feeling of being motivated vs being the motivator.  Sometimes I forget that I'm in the game, too...and stay a little too on the sidelines, wearing my Coach hat.

As I get ready to start up another Challenge Group--and, man, do I love them!--I've made a vow that I will be involved differently this time.  Sometimes, a group starts to grow quiet.  Enthusiasm wanes and posts become less and less frequent.  And, in my Coach hat, I get a little disappointed and wonder what I could/should be doing differently to prevent that.  In my Challenger hat, I'm also bummed because I need to hear from others as much as they need to hear from me.  

True confessions; in my last Challenge group, I didn't even set a goal for myself.  How lousy is that!?  I was so focused on the other folks, that I didn't see myself as an active participant.  Not this time around.  Accountability is a two-way street.  When someone in our group needs a 5am text to wake up and workout, that someone may just be me this time!  If someone doesn't get enough water in during the day, I'll be posting my own pictures of each cup consumed, supporting them along the way.  And, on the flip side, when a Challenger posts a super NSV (non-scale victory) I will be first in line to high-five them (or "thumbs up" them as Facebook would have it) and share one of my own.

We're in this together; it's not a phrase, it's not a phase!  It's the real deal and I'm excited to be a different kind of part of it.  

If you're interested in being part of it, too, let me know.  There's certainly room for you!

Check it Out!

 
   
 

Go To Chicken

We all have "go to" meals, right?  Those "I'm too fried to even think about food or a meal or anything so I'll grab whatever we have on hand and make something that I know how to do with little to no thinking involved" dishes we can whip up pretty much on demand.

Here's one of ours.  A recipe that we've been enjoying for years...yet it still ranks up there as a fan favorite.

Chicken With Cheese and Mushrooms (not the most inventive name, but....)

4-6 thinly sliced chicken breasts
1/2 cup of flour
Butter/Olive oil
8 oz sliced mushrooms
1tsp garlic
4-6 slices of provolone or mozzarella cheese

Lightly dredge the chicken in flour
Add a dot of butter and some olive oil to a non-stick pan
Brown in a pan over medium high heat until pretty much done
Remove chicken and place it on a baking sheet
Saute mushrooms in the same pan with a little garlic
When the mushrooms are tender, place a scoop onto each chicken breast
Cover with a slice of cheese
Place in the broiler for 3-4 minutes or until cheese is melted and beginning to brown

Serve with wild rice, green beans and your sanity which has been
nicely preserved thanks to this "save" you put on the table.

Soup's On

Highs in the low 40s, lows near 25...yeah, sounds like soup weather to me.  And wooby pants, and afghans, and fireplaces....I could go on.  But this evening, I'll simply share two of our favorite soups.  Okay, technically one is a stew, the other a chowder.  Whatever.  Point is, they're warm and cozy and you eat them with a spoon.  Bonus, as the days grow shorter (and so does your fuse!) these both fall into the "easy to put on the table" category.  And let's face it--we could all use a few more things in that bucket! 

This first one is pretty healthy, comes together quickly and doesn't make so much that you're eating leftovers for weeks on end.  Enjoy!

Cheesy Corn Chowder

1 14.5oz can chicken broth
1 10 oz package whole kernel corn
1 4.5oz can green chili peppers, drained
1/2 tsp chili powder 
2 cups milk
3 tbs flour (or cornstarch)
1 cup finely shredded American cheese (I use cheddar)

Combine broth, corn, chilis and chili powder in a large saucepan.  Bring to a boil, then reduce heat.  Simmer, covered, for 5 minutes.

Gradually stir the milk into the flour in a separate bowl until combined.  Stir milk mixture into the saucepan.  Cook and stir over medium heat until the mixture is slightly thickened and bubbly.  Cook and stir for one minute more.  Add cheese, stirring until it's melted. 

And I learned of this next one from a former local news anchor.  I've been making it for years and find it also super easy to toss together.  As with the chowder, it makes about 4-6 servings.  I like that we never quite make this the same way twice.  We toss in extra carrots, use less celery...chuck in whatever leftover veggies we may have--it all works.  Make it your own.

Beef Stew

1 lb beef stew chunks
1 large bottle of V8 (I use low sodium)
Sliced carrots
Sliced celery
Sliced/diced potatoes
2 beef bouillon cubes

Toss the beef in a bag with a shake or two of cornstarch, then in a pot, brown the beef with a little olive oil and garlic.  Pour the juice into the pot.  Dump in the veggies.  Add the bouillon cubes.  Sprinkle in some thyme and basil (I use an Italian seasoning blend that we like).  Cook on low for 2 hours.  That's it...no, really.

Stuffin Muffins

Years ago I discovered this recipe and it has become a staple in our Thanksgiving dinner.  Another Rachel Ray classic...I love how she takes something we all know and love, stuffing, and puts a twist on it.  These little gems are terrific hot out of the oven, at room temperature, cold on a leftover sandwich and even reheated.  The trick is making enough to actually have leftovers!  So here it is, by request from my sister, Jen.  Enjoy!

Stuffin' Muffins

2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil, 2 turns of the pan
1 stick butter, softened
1 fresh bay leaf, available in produce department
4 ribs celery and greens, from the heart, chopped (save time and purchase celery already washed, trimmed and cut into sticks, this makes chopping fast work)
1 medium to large yellow skinned onion, chopped
3 McIntosh apples, quartered and chopped
Salt and pepper
2 tablespoons poultry seasoning
1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley leaves
8 cups cubed stuffing mix (recommended: Pepperidge Farm)
2 to 3 cups chicken stock, available in paper containers on the soup aisle

Preheat oven to 375 degrees F.

Preheat a large skillet over medium high heat. Add extra-virgin olive oil to skillet and 4 tablespoons butter. 

 

When butter melts, add bay leaf and add the vegetables as you chop them, celery, onions then apples. Sprinkle the vegetables and apples with salt, pepper and poultry seasoning. 

 

Cook 5 to 6 minutes to begin to soften vegetables and apples then add parsley and stuffing cubes to the pan and combine. Moisten the stuffing with chicken broth until all of the bread is soft but not wet.

Butter 12 muffin cups, 2 tins, liberally with remaining butter. Use an ice cream scoop to fill and mound up the stuffing in muffin tins. Remove the bay leaf as you scoop the stuffing when you come upon it. Bake until set and crisp on top, 10 to 15 minutes. 

 

Remove stuffin' muffins to a platter and serve hot or room temperature. 

Recipe courtesy Rachael Ray

H is for....

Gosh it's been a while since I shared a post...and I'm glad to be back.  This entry is an "ode to the title" of this blog, so I suppose it's perfectly fitting.  It's a Juggle Out There:  Family & Work & Wellness....so very true!

H is for hustle bustle.  This past month has been quite the crazy!  October---or as I called it, "WALKtober*"---consumed me and I found myself a little overwhelmed.  I've said before that I don't think I'm unique, I don't think my life is any crazier than anyone else's, and even if it is, it's not a competition.  I compete with myself, which means I get to write the rules.  And this past month, I made up some new ones.  One of the most important rules was to give myself some slack, protect what matters most and be more present.  So the dust bunnies grew bigger, my wellness took a little bit of a backseat, all of the summer deck things aren't put away and my office is totally unorganized.  Did a few things not get done?  Sure---if you could see the desk from where I'm writing, you'd understand (can you say "File by Pile" theory!?  Yeah, I'm totally embracing that art!!) what I mean.  But here are a few things that did happen....

H is for hours--and lots of them.  As we roll into October, I offer Mark and Abby a blanket apology for, what I call, the "Sorry Season."  Seems there's a lot of, "I'm sorry, I'm going to be a little late" or "I'm sorry, I forgot x, y or z" going around.  And that's more about me feeling that way than it is Mark and/or Abby putting that on me.  I try so hard--maybe too hard---to make things "perfect" and so when I get a little off my game (which is really, totally normal!!) I feel like I owe them an apology.  Silly, I know.  In any event, H is for the hours I spend working on the Walk, being away from home and even, being "away" when I'm sitting right next to them on the couch.

You May Kiss Your Bride!

H is for Happy Anniversary---our 10th!  Mark and I hit a major marriage milestone this October.  We spent the weekend celebrating and reminiscing with a visit to Fallingwater and an awesome dinner at a new eatery.  It was fun to spend time just the two of us and take a breather from the busy time of year.  It's easy to forget how important it is to do that in the race to cram something amazing into every single second.  My favorite part of our weekend wasn't the fancy dinner, it wasn't the tour of the beautiful home and grounds of Fallingwater, it was the goofy conversation and laughter in the car and our spontaneous stop at Cracker Barrel (of all places!) for breakfast.  Being with him, being us!

The beautiful Fallingwater

Ten Years Later...

H is for Heart Walk (*hence "WALKtober").  As a Development Director for the American Heart Association, my main role is to raise funds to fight heart disease--our nation's #1 killer.  Our most critical fundraiser is our Heart Walk which takes place in the fall.  Over 10,000 people join us on a crisp (okay, some would say cold!) fall morning and walk the beautiful north shore of Pittsburgh.  Together we raise over $1,600,000...that doesn't happen overnight, and it sure doesn't happen without an incredible list of supporting characters.  

Three Generations at the Walk

I personally manage about 20 of our 100 companies including two large retail organizations, which means I spend a great deal of time in the car, criss-crossing the city meeting with my clients.  Whether I'm collecting donations, supporting a fundraiser, explaining our online resources and tools or saying a heartfelt thank you, I'm on the front lines day in and day out.  And it matters...and it works.  Last Saturday, we had an incredible event and I, personally, doubled my own fundraising goal thanks to fantastically generous friends and family.  If you want to know or learn more, check out our event here: Pittsburgh Heart Walk   

H is for hassle.  On the way home from work the Wednesday before the Walk, I was rear-ended by a knucklehead too busy on his phone to notice that I was oh, I don't know...IN FRONT OF HIM!  Minding my own business one second, then BAM.  I'm fine, car's relatively fine, but the hassle.  Yeesh!  An hour and a half later, I was on my way home to launch the process of dealing with insurance and all that jazz.  Good stuff, right?    

The Girls

H is also for Hallowboo--a fun day of Trick or Treating and rides at a local amusement park.  This year, it was more Hallowbrrrrrr than Hallowboo, but I suppose you only notice that if you're older than 10.  We met up with one of Mark's good friends from college and her family--they have a daughter just 10 days older than Abby and a little boy, too!  We had a great time catching up, watching the kiddos play and riding some rides.  And we had some of the BEST kettle corn I've ever had!

A few days later, it was Halloween:  The Real Deal!   Thanks to our Good friends (that's actually their last name, and it couldn't be more fitting!), Abby donned a lion costume and hit the streets of Sandywood despite the chilly, rainy weather.  One hour and 20 houses later, my little lion looked up at me, her marker-ed nose smeared by raindrops, and asked if we could be all done.  I tried to hide my enthusiasm when I answered in the affirmative.  She was more than happy to come home and check out her haul while we warmed up in front of the fireplace and read stories about ghosts and witches and goblins.  And that was just fine by me!

H is for happiness and heart and home...pretty much all synonyms truth be told.  And if not synonyms, they're at the very least all inextricably linked.  My happiness is my home, my home is my heart and I am so grateful to be starting November this full of joy.  As the month goes on, I know that feeling will only intensify--who doesn't want more joy!?  From friends and family, and the grace they've shown me during a busy time, to the clients (both Heart and Beachbody) who continue to inspire me and drive me to do and be my best...I'm thankful for them all.

Finally, H is for here.  And the promise I'm making to be more here each and every day.  It's not always easy, it's a conscious effort most days, but I'm working really hard to be here.  To be present.  To be in the now.  Speaking of which, it's time to make some pancakes for Abby.  She's up, it's breakfast time...that's what's NOW!

Thanks for catching up with me.  I'll do my best to not have it be so long until we do it again.