Gone So Long

It has been toooo long since I've updated this blog.  I clicked on it and BOOM! it made me happy to just read it!  I have drifted, so far, from the things that I was doing to make me happy.  I have landed in a dreary place.  I need to make me some happy!

Here is one of my happy makers, Percy.  We finally got a real snowfall in Michigan this year and there is almost nothing better than labs in the snow.  I had my muck (capitalized?) boots and ran around the yard with the crew = instant happy.

The Early Bird

When I started my run this morning, I felt faster and stronger than I usually do. I slowed down as the run progressed, but it felt great to start out strong! I ran for 32 minutes, mapped out to be about 2.85 miles on Mapmyrun.com and it included a big hill by our house. I actually like doing hills, as long as I remember to take my time.

I saw beautiful birds while running this morning, including a blue jay, which is one of my favorites - they just seem to have such attitude!

Here's to waking up early (4:55 a.m.!) and starting out the day with movement, appreciation for wildlife and feeling stronger!

Exercise = Happiness!

Sophie took this photo of me this morning - I felt so happy, so calm after a great workout. My little sister has started a running program, the one I did last year, and she emails me of her progress. This email exchange has gotten me back into working out and even though I couldn't run today (Steve had an early appointment, can't leave Soph home alone), I got 22 minutes on the stairs with Mamma Mia on in the background - it was fabulous!!

Feeling good, feeling energetic and feeling happy!

Quotes that make me think, make me happy:

Nobody can go back and start a new beginning, but anyone can start today and make a new ending.
Maria Robinson

Day with Sophie!

Sophie and I spent Presidents' Day together - reading, playing Littlest Pet Shop, doing some origami. Steve had to teach, so it was just us 2 gals - and the dogs, kitty, snake and turtle.

Nothing makes me happier than spending time with my fabulous family!

Words

These are the words I read yesterday in "The Heart of the Buddha's Teaching":

Waking up this morning, I smile.
Twenty-four brand new hours are before me.
I vow to live fully in each moment,
and to look at all beings with eyes of compassion.

Snakes = happiness??

Ok, one more snake photo.

I was going through emails and this is the photo Steve sent to me of Sophie with the boa and as I looked at my daughter's face I couldn't help but smile. She is so different from me! No way would I have allowed this when I was her age, nor did I have the curiosity about reptiles that she has. My god, I just love my child!!