Winter Joggers o.O Really????

Image by Getty Images via @daylife

Okay, so I'm still not blogging regularly..but I haven't given up. I think about you often and some of the things I'd like to share and then life gets in the way. 

I was up very early this morning and I came across some of those hard core runners...you know the ones that jog in any weather - rain, sun, snow storm... 

My question is WHY? 

Why do you insist on running in bad weather? Why are you out there in the middle of winter? And do you have winter running shoes? How does that work? 

I mean I understand the fundamentals of you love to run and it's good for you or addictive or whatever and I get it in the decent weather...I'll even give you the rainy weather, but winter??? Are you all insane? 

I've done some crazy things in the name of fitness, but running outside in the winter just ain't one of them. Seriously, I really wanna know about the shoes...you must have to replace them often! And if you're a hard core runner you certainly don't have cheap running shoes. 

Can someone enlighten me? 

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For Technorati: 4JG9KSSVN4M9 

Simplicity

I feel like this chicken...

I probably look like this... 

...you know...

...the crazy eyes...

Happy Saturday and welcome to our new look! Blogger added dynamic views and I figured since this is a new chapter in my life my blog should reflect that. 

Simplicity.

That's what my life needs right now. 

I crave the simple things in life...like having time to eat breakfast and enjoy a cup of coffee before I start my day or a simple afternoon nap. But this is the real world and at this time in my life nothing is simple and time is very precious because I can see it flying by, slipping through my fingers. 

Don't get me wrong I enjoy school. I love my course and the wonderful people in my class. I knew it was going to be tough. I knew it would be stressful. I did not know how much of a toll the stress would put on me and my family. I'm on edge all the time. I'm stressing out about everything and as a result I've gained a bunch of weight. 

So, now enter guilt on top of stress. I'm in the cycle of feeling too tired to do anything but knowing if I do I'll have more energy. 

So? What's a girl to do? I know a lot of it boils down to managing my time better. How do I  get everything done in the day without passing out from exhaustion? I need to find time to take care of me. 

If I'm not well how can I take care of everyone else? 

Wish me luck. I'd appreciate a few prayers for me to get my act together. I do hope to blog more...I need an outlet and always enjoy sharing with my readers. 

Hoping you're all well!

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A New Beginning

Hello my faithful readers! I know it's been a while since my last post, but I promise you it's not due to laziness this time. A lot has happened in the last few weeks. The biggest change of all is that I was finally accepted for financing and I started school September 12th! As you can imagine life has gone from busy to chaos! 

Last week I had Student Success Strategies which helps get you back into the swing of things. Teaches time/stress management studying/test taking skills etc. I'm still working on that time management one! I have a lot of things I want to do and a lot of things I need to do....not a lot of either are getting done. 

I've met a lot of amazing people both in my course and in other courses. This week we're taking Public Speaking. We have a presentation to give tomorrow as a group. The group I'm in works really well together, so I'm really quite excited about presenting. All of us come from very different places, but we are all connected. I must say I feel very blessed to be a part of such an amazing group of people. We start our "core" program next week, I'm really excited although I'll be a little sad that we won't have the same teacher. The woman who's been teaching us for the last two weeks is A - M - A - Z - I - N - G! She's human and she's full of life. I have not fallen asleep in 1 class! (Yes, this is a record for me) 

I will try my best to keep my blog up-to-date, but please bare with me as I work through my "new" life. 

Until next time! 

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70% Off ANY Dance Class at KADC!

Hey All!


Only 3 days left to take advantage of KADC's LivingSocial deal! Only $69 for a full 18-week semester of ANY dance class you like.


Choose from Ballet, Jazz, Hip Hop, Tap, Lyrical/Contemporary, Acrobatics, Stunting, Tumbling, Aerial Hoop/Aerial Silks and adult classes as well!


Check us out on LivingSocial and save 70% on dance lessons from KaliAndrews Dance Company!

In the meantime, check out our Halloween Circus Workshop video to see some of the fun we have!

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Try a full semester of ANY dance class for just $69

If you've been thinking about putting your child in dance, or if you're interested in trying out an adult class yourself, we've got good news!

KaliAndrews Dance Company is offering new students a full semester of ANY dance class for just $69... that's 68% off! This offer is only up for a limited time, so head over to Living Social to check out the deal. Got questions? Call Kali at 613-601-KALI or visit www.kaliandrews.com to see the fall schedule.

Classes start September 12th so don't wait!

In the meantime, here's a video of KADC performing on A Channel's /A\ Morning Show!




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Physical Defeat

Good Morning, Fans of Being eLLe!

Today's dance video is one that will blow your mind! We were surprised and pleased to see that this video has received close to 450 hits in just 3 days! We hope you'll enjoy this acrobatic / contortion routine, and if you like it, please share the link with your friends!



Also, please remember that today is the last day to take advantage of KADC's Little Steps pre-school dance deal. Register your child for 6 weeks of pre-school dance lessons, for only $39! Sessions are starting every 6 weeks throughout the year, so your little one can begin at any time.

Check out our deal on WagJag here!

The fall semester at KaliAndrews Dance Company begins on September 12th!

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5 Ways to Keep up with the Housework

Image by katybird via Flickr

Today's post was going to be something fun for training, but as life would have it I'm not in a fun mood today. As we all know sometimes the best paid plans can get thrown out the window and stomped on by a passing elephant. Wow...apparently I'm creative when I'm tired...or maybe I just sound like a complete whack-job.

Last night was date night with my husband. We went out to dinner and had a wonderful evening. When we got home the kids were already asleep, how wonderful was that?! Well, about 11 pm Riley woke up because she was scared - I'm not sure what she was afraid of. I calmed her down and put her back to bed. I went to bed shortly after that.

This morning I had zero energy. I could barely make the kids breakfast, let alone workout or clean the house. This got me thinking of how I can make life easier on myself. I came up with some common pitfalls and solutions to keep the house somewhat organized and clean.

1. Dishes 

I don't have a dishwasher...I AM the dishwasher. I find when the mess from supper is cleaned up, the next morning I'm able to keep up with the kitchen. The nights I "leave it until tomorrow" I end up with a disaster that grows beyond chaotic to monstrous.

2. Laundry...laundry...laundry...laundry...laundry...

We're a family of five and I...HATE...laundry! It's NEVER done! Realistically, if I did one load a day I could keep up with it, but who wants to do laundry every day? Instead it piles up until I can't find my laundry room. Or worse, the laundry is clean but needs to be folded and put away! That's when I cant find MY room.

3. Bathrooms

I admit it...another one I'm not good at keeping clean. Clothes all over the floor, a layer of dust on the back of the toilet and a black ring around the tub. (Comon...I have 3 kids, it gets a black ring after one day of bathing them.) This is another one that seems so hard to do, but can be very simple. Keep a laundry hamper either in the bathroom or near it. Keep a cloth in the bathroom under the sink to wipe the sink, counter and any other spots that need wiping.

4. Main Room (Living Room or Family Room)

I think if it was just my husband and I we'd be okay with keeping this room clean. Unfortunately, with kids, comes all of their stuff. Oh and it doesn't help that I've "lost" my office so the living room has become my surrogate office. The room starts off clean

5. The Kids Rooms

I can only stand their version of clean for so long. This is the bane of my existence. How many times a day do you ask (tell) your kids to clean their room? If you're anything like me, you ask them too many times.  To be honest...I don't have any real answer for you here. I've asked nicely, bribed, threatened. They've all worked and they've all failed. Please feel free to send me your suggestions!

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Date Night...

Image via Wikipedia

Are you married or in a serious relationship? Do you have kids? Remember the good ole days when you could just go out whenever you wanted? Now that my kids are a little older and thanks to a wonderful friend my husband and I finally get to go out together. 

At first, we'd go out and be home after about an hour. Other times we didn't plan for the evening and ended just driving around. 

Well, I think we're finally getting used to date night. Tonight, we had money, we went out for dinner and went shopping. We stayed out for about 3 hours! We got home and the kids were asleep! It was so nice to NOT have to put them to bed. 

It's surprising how difficult it can be to get back that part of your relationship. The part where you go out together without the kids and you have to have a conversation that isn't interrupted by the kids. That's not to say my husband and I never talk. It's just different! 

I highly recommend date night and it doesn't have to end up a disaster like in the movie Date Night. 

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Balancing Commitment & Trust

Image via Wikipedia

Welcome to another Faith Friday! 

I've bee trying to make a habit of reading the bible every morning. I managed 4 out of 5 mornings, so overall not too bad. I'm currently trying to get through Proverbs. It doesn't read like a story and I think that's why I'm having trouble getting through it. Having said that I have come across some gems through my reading. One such verse that stood out was this one: 

Commit to the Lord whatever you do and your plans will succeed.

                                                                                    Proverbs 16:3

I have a Tyndale Application Study Bible so I looked up the notes for this verse and here is what I found. (I sort of paraphrased what they said.)

There are different ways of failing to commit to the Lord. Some people commit their work only superficially. They say they are working for the Lord but they're really doing it for themselves. Others give God temporary control and when things start to go wrong they take back that control. Still others commit a task fully to God but they put no effort in and wonder why they weren't successful. The key is to find a balance: trusting God as if everything depended on him while working as though everything depended on us. 

I don't know about you, but I TRY to hand over the reigns of control, but always end up taking over. My husband says I'm like a bull in a china shop. (I admit, it's taken me years to try to take that the wrong way... I usually only hear the bull part and rant on how I'm not a bull.) The point is, I get a idea in my head and I run with it and I don't really take the time to think it through. I do the same thing with God. Life gets overwhelming and instead of taking all that stress to God, I try to make my life work without Him. 

While gathering info for this post I came across another verse that goes hand in hand with committing to the Lord:

Trust in Him at all times, O people; pour out your hearts to Him, for God is our refuge.                                                                                Psalm 62:8

But it's hard to trust God sometimes...isn't it? There's the one side of me that knows God can do anything. God loves me. God has a plan. But there's that doubtful side, the one that thinks I'm not good enough for God, why should he care about me? How can God love me? Sure, he has a plan, but I just want to know what it is or WHY something is the way it is. 


I've posted before about my challenges when I try to get closer to God...there's always something that gets in the way. Have you ever noticed when you are on track that life feels easier? Not that the challenges you face are gone, but they seem easier to handle. 

I don't know about you, but I'm trying harder to trust God. I KNOW He is faithful and I want to be faithful too! 


I'm trusting in God. He has a plan for my life and He has a plan for your life too! Join me in trying to have a little more faith this week. I have no doubt we'll all be surprised. 

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Training Log

Image by dr.coop via Flickr

Happy Thursday! Yay for working out twice this week! I decided to go heavy with today's workout. BTW I'm still feeling Tuesday's workout. 

Deadlift: 

5 sets of 85 lbs x 6 reps

NOTE: I LOVE LIFTING HEAVY!

Bench Press: 

1 set of 85 lbs x 6 

5 sets of 75 lbs x 6 reps 

NOTE: Okay, so 85 lbs was too much...75 lbs was almost too much but I managed! 

Bent-over Barbell Row:

5 sets of 75 lbs x 6 reps

NOTE: This was challenging but I did it. 

Overall, I worked really hard and had an awesome workout! It feels good to be back on track! 

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It's a hair salon not the Ritz

Image by JennaPrete via Flickr

Do you know what annoys me? Hair salons that make you feel like you're not good enough for their salon. This afternoon I decided I'm going to grow out my hair. I've had short hair for a number of years now, so it's time to grow it out. I wanted a style that works with longer hair. So, I had supper and then went out to get my hair cut. 

I went to 3 salons before I found one that had an appointment available for walk-in tonight. The first three looked nice and seemed friendly enough, but they were all booked up for the evening. They all made me feel like I shouldn't be in their shop. I can't say there was anything specific in how they treated me...it's more of a feeling you get when you walk in. It's a hair salon not the Ritz. 

I am a mom. 

I am a woman.

I do not have time to make an appointment.

I do not FEEL like dressing up to get my hair cut.

I repeat...I am a mom.

So, the last place I went should have been the first. My girlfriend recommended Le Look a while ago, but for whatever reason I drove all over the place before I ended up there. I was welcomed right away with a genuine smile and only had to wait 20 minutes. I grabbed an iced mocha from Starbucks and got back just in time. I had the best shampoo of my life! She massaged my head and I could just feel the stress lift right off my shoulders. The woman who cut my hair was super friendly and really funny! The best part of course was that it only cost me $31. 


I feel 100 times better. It's amazing that a little thing like getting your hair cut can really make you feel beautiful. I'll post a picture tomorrow. 

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Try the Little Steps Pre-School Dance Program for just $39!

Good News for parents with toddlers! If you've been thinking about putting your little one in dance, you can try out the Little Steps pre-school dance program at KaliAndrews Dance Company for just $39! 

Sessions last for 6 weeks and take place throughout the year. This deal expires in 8 days! Check it out now!

This class explores different types of dance and develops both large and fine motor skills. With a focus on basic dance technique, your child will have an energetic introduction to a variety of dance styles such as Ballet, Jazz, Hip Hop, and Creative Movement. In the Little Steps program, musicality, team building skills, cooperation and dexterity will be covered within each lesson.

Try out the Little Steps pre-school dance program this fall for only $39!

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Tap Dance at KADC

Check out The Supervisor, a wicked funky tap number from the girls at KaliAndrews Dance Company!

Classes at KADC start September 12th, for ages 3 to adult! Visit www.kaliandrews.com for your registration package. 

Want to receive regular updates on videos, events, discounts and more? Become a fan on Facebook! 

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Training Log

 As you may have noticed...I haven't been very consistent with the weight lifting this past month. I'm hoping to change all that as I've been trying to get my life organized and on track. I gave it all I had which was a lot more than I thought!! 

Reverse Lunges: 5 sets x 65 lbs x 6 reps (per leg)

NOTE: This is the heaviest I've lifted for this exercise...have I told you how much I dislike this one? Although it is very effective! Between sets I did 2 sets of stairs (up 12 steps and back down). In total I did 10 sets of stair climbs.

Push-ups: 5 sets of 6 reps

NOTE: I was about to do knee push-ups and thought to myself how am I going to get stronger if I don't just suck it up and do the regular ones? So, I did! All 5 sets were regular push-ups. Okay, I admit I don't go all the way down, but doing anything that closely resembles the actual exercise is a win!

Inverted Rows: 5 sets of 6 reps

NOTE: I still really find this exercise challenging, but I'll get there. 

I have a feeling that when I try to go to bed I won't be able to move. Of course, I do NOT recommend over doing it which is what I did with the stair climbing, but I feel like I've accomplished something. Sometimes that's what we need to get us going.  

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In Need of a Nutrition Makeover?

Image by -Dreamflow- via Flickr

As I sat alone at the table I started to feel really uncomfortable. I felt as though there was something else I should be doing instead of just eating. Does anyone else have that problem? Or are you like me and prefer eating in front of the tv, computer or while reading something? 

Although, I have to admit, I have a hard time with silence. Is it because as a mom there isn't a whole lot of stillness in my day? Or, is it because tv, computers, radios, are all so prevalent in the world today? I'm inclined to think, for me, it's being a parent and having three kids. My house is never quiet. 

How does one get comfortable sitting at the table to eat? I know that may sound strange, but I know a lot of people that mostly eat in front of the tv. Yes, I'm one of them. While I'm asking questions...how do you give your eating habits a makeover? I'm so used to grabbing food when I'm stressed out that I default to it. I won't even realize it at first, or worse I'll realize what I'm doing and do it anyway...sigh. 

This week my goal is to eat every meal at the table and to try and find a way to feel comfortable doing it.  Although, my biggest goal for the week is to get my life organized. That includes the house, my eating habits and weight training as well as whatever projects I need to finish. 

Have you ever noticed when your head is cluttered so is your house? I've found when I declutter and clean the house it's easier to focus on the things I really need to get done. 

Here's to taking life by the gonads and getting things done! 

Yes...I said gonads!  =)

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Things I Wish I'd Known 2 Months Ago

Image by freakgirl via Flickr

Birthday Parties....I have come to dread them - or at least the ones I have to plan for my kids! (I still LOVE planning my own ;) which is coming up in a few months!!)

I have three wonderful children and of course I love doing things that make them happy, but their birthdays are all fairly close together. My middle child, Joey, turned 6 this year. His party was first because he's in June. I think I did a decent job of planning his party. I planned ahead, made some of my own decorations and enlisted a few helpers. The party was a success, although very chaotic since we had more kids than anticipated. You see we're really close with our neighbors. So close, in fact, we ended up with a bunch of the neighborhood kids at the party. I think we had 13 or 14 kids at one point...in...my...house. I barbecued for all the kids and the adults. By the time the party was over I was exhausted.  

Thankfully Dale, my oldest, has his birthday at the beginning of August, so I figured there was lots of time. Unfortunately, I was not as prepared for Dale's birthday. Due to scheduling issues we had to have his party on July 30th. I decided, hey let's do the same thing as Joey's party - let's have a barbecue...you know because it was such a hit and not exhausting at ALL... Well, I managed to do the invitations and order the cake (last minute) and set the party time an hour less than Joey's. Well, again...we're really close with our neighbors...and I could see it was going to be another huge party. So, I opted for finding as many lawn chairs as possible and we "mostly" stayed out of my house. Unfortunately, I do not have a patio table - I'm sure you can imagine the issue with having the food/drink stuff inside while all the kids are outside. At least they weren't all piled into my house at the same time. I did have help which I'm so thankful for. I think the party was successful, but I was left exhausted and with a disastrous kitchen.

Fast forward a couple of weeks to this past weekend...my youngest, Riley, turned 4 on Friday. (I can't believe my baby is 4!) I started off with the best intentions (don't we all) but in the end I didn't even get around to invitations. Since, one of my daughter's friends wasn't going to be at the party we decided to have a picnic on her actual birthday. I have to say the picnic was more enjoyable than the party, but I think I put more effort into the picnic. I didn't really mean to, but that's just the way it happened. Her party was Saturday and two of her friends came over. It was small and inside the house, but I think she still had a good birthday.

So, here's the thing...I want to do better next year. Throwing three birthdays so close together is exhausting. I'm thinking the thing to do is plan them all when I plan Joey's. Obviously, I'm not going to purchase everything at that time. I think the planning will need to be done at the same time while I still have energy and motivation to plan. Of course, after all the parties are done I come across a Martha Stewart Party Planner 101! Really? Why couldn't I have found that 2 months ago?

Next year I'm going to look into the cost of having the parties somewhere that's not my house. The party is exhausting on it's own, let alone the cleanup after. Or maybe I'll hire someone to clean my kitchen....sigh...a girl can dream. 

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