Three Big Things I Did In March

March Madness is over

March is officially over and we are now into April. It was a busy, stressful and healthy month for myself. I started eating avocado toast more regularly due to its health benefits. I’ve been going back to the gym during the week more and also staying busy with school. The three big things were: eating more home made meals, staying within 90% for my grades and working out more…again.

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Avocado Toast: Homemade

Homemade avocado toast and vanilla cold brew with foam.

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I’ll usually have this as an after work snack before I start my studies for the day. I was able to make it in less than 10 minutes and go about homework that needed to be completed.

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Staying Within 90% for Grades:

With my first semester of nursing school almost complete, I have been striving to stay within 90% or higher with my grades. I’m taking 4 classes and staying above the 90% percentile except for one. My math class grade is a little lower than I wanted, but I’m happy where it’s at because I am not the greatest at math. All I can do is keep doing my best and putting all I have into class.

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Working Out More…Again:

I had a little break from working out, which always turns into a longer break and this is what exactly happened. I would work out sporadically or do the bare minimum knowing well that I needed to do more. So far for the month of March I used all my allotted days from Orange Theory Fitness and walked more than I have consistently. It also made me feel better as well.

“Let food be thy medicine and medicine be thy food.”

– Hippocrates

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Happy April!

Where has time gone? It is already April and these months have sure flown by. For the month of April I have joined a challenge for the American Cancer Society. The challenge is, to do 25 push-ups, every day for the month and record your progress. The challenge is to spread awareness and bring everyone together. You can also check out their Facebook page to see everyone’s progress and future news. I am doing this for my Auntie who was diagnosed with Breast Cancer and for everyone who has been affected by Cancer. 💓 Stay strong, stay safe.

https://www.cancer.org/

“Cancer is a word, not a sentence.” – John Diamond

August Recap and September Goals

August seems to have flown by for me. One minute I’m setting up my goals and thinking about school, the next minute I’m in school and working full time. Let’s see what goals I have been able to achieve and work on from August. If you’d like to look at them click here.

• I need to continue to stay more active with my blog. Trying to write or put up a little daily insight.
• I have been working out almost 3 days a week. I had a pretty good schedule. With work I have to find some time.
• I am still working on the “28 Day Challenge.”
• Meal prepping…It’s been kind of working. I need to learn more and become better at it.
• I am becoming more organized and using my journal more.
• I am still staying positive and having a happier attitude. Some day’s are harder than others.

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Now, while I’m still growing and achieving these goals, here are some goals I added for September:

• Learn to meal prep more effectively.
• Stop procrastinating with homework and things that I have to get done. One example would be my online training for work.
• Get back into a Yoga routine.
• Find a skin care routine that works for me, and stick to it.

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What are some of your goals for September? Are you currently in the middle of working on some goals? Let me know down in the comment section below. I would love to hear them!

“You are never too old to set another goal or to dream a new dream.”

–C.S. Lewis

August Goals

I recently was browsing through some wonderfully written blogs, and found one that started talking about goals for the month. I love having goals. The thought of having a goal helps me strive for it even that much more. I know it’s not the beginning of August, but that doesn’t mean you can’t start. Last month I managed to complete a goal that took me a few months to complete. You can read more about it here. So, my goals for August are:

• Stay more active with my blogging.
• Keep working out.
• Complete a new “28 Day Challenge.”
• Try to meal prep.
• Stay organized and use my bullet journal more.
• Keep being happy.

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These are things that I’m trying to be more conscious about. Sometimes writing them down makes them feel more real in a sense. Out of these goals that I decided on, I think the last one is the most important to me. Trying to keep my soul happy. During this pandemic it may seem a little harder to do, but I’ve been trying to find different things to do. Some things that I like to do are yoga, working out, hang out with my family, write, and play some video games. I find that these activities help me find happiness in the days. What are some of our goals for August? What are some things that make you happy?

“Happiness is when what you think, what you say, and what you do are in harmony.”

― Mahatma Gandhi

30 Days of Yoga Challenge

What It Taught Me

It took me a little longer than 30 consecutive days to do this challenge, but that’s okay. I actually started it back in March, which was a while ago. Even though it took a couple months, I still accomplished the challenge. There were many times that I thought I should just stop. Mostly because I wasn’t able to do it within 30 days or anything close to it. That has always been something I have struggled with. I felt like I had to do it within that time frame, or it wouldn’t count. I know that may sound funny, or a bit odd, but that’s how I tend to think. This challenge helped shape my way of thinking into something more positive. Something calming and something to look forward to. So what exactly is this 30 Day Challenge you ask…….

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This challenge is part of the “Home series” of Yoga With Adriene. Anyone, and everyone, can participate in the routines in her videos. They range from beginner, to fairly advanced techniques. I’ve started off with her beginner videos and have slowly been working my way up. I am still nowhere near being an expert, but I’ve made a lot of progress through this challenge. I saw improvement in my form and flexibility, it also helped to calm my mind. This video above takes you on a journey of strength both physically and mentally.

How I Felt After Each Practice

My yoga days may have been sporadic, but I managed to do the videos in order. Some days I would be in a terrible mood before a video, but I would push myself to do them with the help of Chris and my family. I would set up my little area, turn on the video and focus on my yoga practice for the day. I would try to let go of what happened during the day and why I was feeling the way I was. After the video, my mood and attitude would be on a much lighter and happier spectrum. I started realizing that I can manage my stress and mood, with a little guidance, exercise and breathing. Sometimes.

What I Took Away From This Challenge

More and more I realize that yoga isn’t just different poses, flexibility and breathing exercises. I learned how to bring more positive vibes into my day. I learned that with a little tough love, and added motivation, I can finish something I put my mind to. Always remember, no matter how long it takes you to complete a goal or finish a challenge, if you keep at it, you will get there. This has given me a different perspective on challenges for myself. I will pursue my goals and keep motivating myself to achieve them. Yes, I get little bumps of encouragement along the way and that’s okay. It is awesome when someone gives you a tiny bit of motivation to make you work harder towards your dreams. Don’t forget to show appreciation to those that help motivate you. So stay strong. Stay motivated, you’ve got this. Give it your all and just go for it. 💚

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“The Way To Get Started Is To Quit Talking And Begin Doing.”

– Walt Disney

Hiking in a Pandemic

Being able to enjoy the outdoors almost feels forgotten. With the impact of COVID-19, we should make sure we do our part in keeping ourselves and others safe. In California, it has been an up and down battle on getting things under control. Sunday, my family and I decided that it was possible for us to get back into hiking and do our weekly walks. Of course we took precautions and followed the suggested guidelines. We had our hand sanitizers, keeping six feet apart and wearing our masks.

The Trail

We decided to go to a less strenuous trail and hopefully wasn’t too crowded. We took Rex this time, so we only managed to make it about 2 miles.There’s a variety of starting points for a nice walk. It can start from Fernandez Park in Pinole and end all the way at Pinole Shores. Or you can start at Fernandez Park and find yourself in Hercules next to Leila by the Bay Restaurant. I have only done this hike once before when it first opened up and it was beautiful. Now, almost two years later, it still is a beautiful trail and kind of maintained in this Pandemic. The trail we decided to take had the starting point of Bayfront Park. Since the tide was out, we could walk out into the bay quite a ways. It’s can be very slick, so be careful. After we walked out into the bay, we made our way over the bridge which gives you a beautiful overlook of both the bay and Mount Tamalpais. We hit our 1 mile mark on my Fitbit and turned around. We couldn’t go much further because Rex was with us and it was hot! By the time we got back to the truck it was a little over 2 miles. The trail wasn’t very crowded at all. When we did see and pass people, we all had our masks on and practiced the 6 feet social distancing rule. It was nice to be outdoors again, and even nicer that people were polite and courteous of the situation.

The new bridge on the Bay Trail.

Some Things to Bring

• Good walking or hiking shoes.
• Water. Always a good idea to hydrate.
• Sunblock to protect your skin.
• If you bring your dog, they are required to be on a leash.
• A walking stick if you would like.
• Masks
• Hand Sanitizer.

Additional Info

Parking is free and doesn’t get too crowded. Because of COVID-19 the trail upkeep is a little less. Be careful of wild animals, snakes and spiders. The area is relatively safe, but make sure to lock your vehicle and keep valuables out of sight. Bring a snack and water with you. Most of all, stay safe, have fun and enjoy the outdoors. 💚

East Bay Parks Trail

Bay Front Trail Directions

San Francisco Bay Trail

“Hiking and happiness go hand in hand or foot in boot.”

– Diane Spicer

June 10th 2020

I enjoyed today’s practice because I felt like it focused on your back. My back has been hurting a little bit the past few days. This video allowed my back to stretch and decompress and savor the stretching. When working out, stretching is so important to your muscles and your body. It keeps it safe and your body will enjoy it.

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“Every moment is a fresh beginning.” 

— T.S. Eliot

June 7th 2020

Keep striving for your goals. Everything counts, that extra second, that extra push-up. I constantly remind myself that if I don’t finish a workout video 100% that, it’s alright. I’m a work in progress and so is the way I think. Today I was proud of myself because during the HIIT video I follow. I managed to do tricep dips and a few jump lunges. I haven’t been able to do that yet, and I thought it was awesome. Then during my Yoga video I realized that I’m on day 15. Half way to the 30 day challenge…It may be taking me more than 30 consecutive days but, again that’s okay. I felt more flexible and able to do more.

So I guess what I’m trying to say is. If you feel stuck, if you feel like you’re not making progress, keep going! Be positive, strive for your goal, strive to do a little more each time. Be safe and have a great start to the week lovelies! 💚

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“We are shaped by our thoughts; we become what we think. When the mind is pure, joy follows like a shadow that never leaves.”

– Buddha

June 4th 2020

My Morning in the Heat

Summer is really starting to feel like it’s here. Taking Rex on his walk, he tuckered out faster than I thought he would. That was okay with me though, I forgot to put sunscreen on and I felt my shoulders burning. After I got him some cool water and some air I decided to do another HIIT workout from Monday. I wanted to do it before the heat became unbearable.

Grabbed my water, and my Ipad and headed to the backyard. Its the only space where I have enough room and don’t feel like I’ll bring the house down with all the exercises. By now it’s a little after eleven o’clock and the heat is making itself known. I’m doing my thing, sweating, keeping up and then it was time for burpees. I have a love hate relationship with them. I did them to the best of my ability but then, I felt it. After a while you start to really know your body and when you push your limits I was doing just that. I heard the slight ringing in my ears, followed by everything becoming muffled. I felt myself getting a little dizzy and tunnel visioned. You guessed it, the heat was getting to me.

Thankfully, I’m able to recognize when my body has had enough. I stopped, let my heart rate slow down, drank my water and got inside to the cool air. After a few minutes, my body began to cool down and get back to where it needed to be. Did I finish the workout? No. That’s okay though. I was a little bummed out, but I would rather be safe than not.

Things to Watch for:

• Heat Cramps. Heat cramps will feel like more intensified cramps.
• Heat Exhaustion. The skin will be pale, clammy with excessive sweating. Stop the activity and cool down immediately.
• Heat Stroke. Skin will be hot and dry, seek immediate medical help. This is very dangerous.

Be careful and stay safe working out in extreme temperatures. Make sure to have a source of hydration accessible. Wear comfortable clothing for you and your environment. Most of all, have fun! I hope my little excursion of the day helps with becoming aware of your body and in a hot environment 🙂 Have fun working out lovelies! 💚

“A change in the weather is sufficient to recreate the world and ourselves.”

– Marcel Proust

June 1st 2020

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After taking my pup Rex for his walk, I decided I wanted to do a HIIT workout before my Yoga. So I scrolled through YouTube trying to find something with enough intensity but still kind of low impact. I can’t jump into high intensity extreme yet because I still have to watch out for my stress-fracture in my tibia. Her video had low impact exercises to go with every exercise she showed. I absolutely loved that! It allowed me to do the full workout at my pace. Here’s to June and putting my best fitness foot forward!

What are some of your goals, wants and plans for June? Have fun and stay safe out there my lovelies! ❤️

“Don’t limit your challenges, challenge your limits.”

-Jerry Dunn