A Month of Being Thankful "N" is for Nature

Nature, pure unadulterated nature, it clears my mind, frees my spirit and grounds me. Our family loves to be out in it, breath it in and enjoy it's smells and colors. Though I love nature and need it, I find it's something that I take for granted during the business of the week when I rushing from here to there racing the ever present clock.

These days with work and other responsibilities I find that I'm getting out in nature less than my body needs and I can feel it in my soul. My goal for myself for the rest of this year and next, to start building a pattern, is to get out in it again, revel in it, soak it up, get dirty, feed my spirit and feel it in my core. I feel so blessed to live in San Diego, a 10 minute run to the beach and a 1 hour drive to the mountains, it's time to get out and get going.

A Month of Being Thankful "E" is for Exercise

Oh how I love exercise. Talk about a great way to give your energy a jolt and feel fresh and alive. I love running, biking, walking, kicking the soccer ball, anything that gets the heart rate up. This year I became a Mad Dog certified Spin Instructor and have had the best time motivating people to keep going even when all they really want to do is stop their legs and take a long drink of water. I was raised to love sport and hope to pass that passion on to my kids. Maybe Cary and I subconsciously named our daughter Mia thinking it would make her a world class soccer star, who knows.

Today at lunch I was reminded of just how much I need to burn energy when the pressure of the day is getting to me. I went to the gym at work and the class I wanted to take was full and what a huge let down that was and it was amazing just how it impacted my next few minutes.

This weekend I need to get outside and play!! Join me!!

A Month of Being Thankful "A" is for Audrey

We've had Audrey in our lives for 81/2 years now and she's still the same playful dog that she was at 3 when this photo was taken. Audrey loves to run, fetch, play and a good belly rub. She's the most loyal friend you could ask for and she always happy to see you. She's the 1st person to greet you when you get home and the last to nuzzle her nose under your arm to say goodnight. She loves fun. Audrey is 100% love. Audrey is so gentle to Mia and Wyatt and wouldn't hurt a fly although she belts out a heart stopping bark in the night at the slightest sound, so she a great burglar alarm too (she's all bark, no bite, don't tell). We all love Audrey. Today, we are reminded how thankful we are that Audrey is in our lives.