Keeping Active on Vacation

Public school spring recess was April 14 - April 21.  We used the opportunity to take a family vacation.  Because several other families in Upstate NY had the same idea, we decided that it was too expensive to fly anywhere and took an old-fashioned road trip.  There are benefits to driving to your vacation destination - especially if you travel by mini-van.

Driving for 24 hours is exhausting.  We left on a Thursday night and drove straight through to a small town just outside of New Orleans, Louisiana.  Husband and I alternated at the wheel, sleeping when we could.  We kept the kids busy with electronics and got as many miles as we could behind us while they slept.

How did we stay active?  First, traveling by car, we were able to pack our active wear and sneakers.  Second, we looked up local clubs in the area and connected with them as guests.  I'd like to thank the Emerald Coast Triathlon Club and the crew at the Run With It running store for being so gracious.  Not only did we meet new people, but we had people to run, walk, and even swim with as well!

I made it my goal to be active every non-driving day.  This helped me to keep a healthy lifestyle while still enjoying some indulgence on vacation (read:  decadent dessert).  The kids saw this and were also active - swimming in the community pool and frolicking in the Gulf of Mexico - they collapsed at night, weary and sun kissed.  We also did other fun family activities including kayaking and stand up paddle board.  Connecting as a family while being active was good for the soul.

After a week, we loaded up the van and headed home.  Exhausted yet refreshed.

Tis the Season...

Spring has sprung in Upstate NY!  This means lovely spring days inviting us to go outside and enjoy the warmer temperatures followed immediately by days that bring the biting cold and (today) whipping winds.

It is also the season - for those who observe - of Lent.  Lent is the time period between Ash Wednesday and Easter Sunday where people often give something up.  Chocolate, sweets, and soda are often popular choices as folks use the season as an opportunity to gain better health.

In my household, my children are my primary source of stress.  They lollygag around the house getting distracted by toys or sparkly things when it's time for us to head out the door.  They leave clothing and other miscellaneous items behind them like a trail of breadcrumbs, no matter how many times we ask them to pick up after themselves.  They talk back or refuse to acknowledge being spoken to.  They try to get out of homework.  They fight with each other over anything and everything, and then get along and giggle endlessly at precisely the time we need them to be quiet.  In short, they're kids.

My journey from now through April 16th is to practice patience.  One day I will look back and miss those giggles, and tiny shoes all over the house, and water on the floor from fun in the tub. I will take deep breaths, release the stress, and find the joy that hides in each moment.

Temptation in the office!

Someone at JFA is celebrating a birthday today (no - not me but you can mark your calendar for the first weekend in November).  Our break room is chock full of delicious treats, courtesy of another JFA'er who enjoys baking.  This table of delights is a potential diet-destroyer for sure!

I am a believer that moderation is a key concept when it comes to life's choices and especially when it comes to gastronomy*.  I admit to being an enthusiastic foodie, saved only by the fact that I enjoy spinach as much as I enjoy a french fry. 

I gave myself permission to try one dessert and approached the decision strategically.  This strategy/decision-making process is one I use often - especially at buffets or parties. 

First, a review of all that is offered: 

• cupcakes with a white frosting
• chocolate chip bundt cake
• coconut cream cake topped with flakes of toasted coconut
• chocolate fudgie mousse pie
• towering cake with light chocolate icing topped with strawberries that hasn't been cut into. 

(Are you drooling yet?) 

Then, an assessment of each and how my taste buds may respond: 

• cupcakes - not sure what the frosting is (vanilla or cream cheese).  I imagine it's cream cheese, which I'm not a fan of.
• chocolate chip bundt cake - you had me at bundt
• coconut fluff extravaganza - love coconut milk but not coconut flakes
• chocolate fudgie mousse pie - looks rich
• towering cake - could be tasty

Finally, a decision:
I hate to destroy an uncut cake and the chocolate chip creation looks so moist and dreamy.  So, I cut a wedge of the bundt cake and enjoyed that as my dessert and decadence for the day.

 I could fault myself for a lack of willpower but instead, I am happy to report that I did not to consume a week's worth of calories in one afternoon.  Cheers to the small victories.

*I am the first to admit that it may appear that moderation flies out the window when it comes to fitness.  I am an endurance junkie (helps offset the foodie in me) and will continue to participate in events that take hours to complete.  Moderation in that sense equals knowing my physical, mental, and environmental limits and, as a result, waiting until my children are older to attempt a full Ironman.

Visiting, holiday travel, and friendship

On the heels of the Independence Day holiday, it's time for my annual post about trying to make healthy choices during summer travel.  Here is a link to my 2011 road trip adventure. 

My family piled in the car on July 3rd and traveled about 4 hours to Lake Winnepesaukee, New Hampshire.  We packed snacks for my oldest daughter (graham crackers, goldfish, Dora snacks, and squeezable fruit) while husband and I didn't worry too much about ourselves.  When we did get hungry we stopped at Subway for a healthier fast food alternative, plus that gave me the opportunity to stretch my legs rather than going through a drive-through.  Our friends live on a small island which is only accessible by boat.  To stay active on this trip, we swam and kayaked.  Since we visited a home we were able to eat in, saving us from navigating restaurant menus and the temptation to splurge on large calorie-laden portions. 

Our visit was absolutely delightful.  We visited with family friends whom I have known since 1979.  Each night after the little ones went to sleep, I stayed up and enjoyed long conversations my "second mother". 

According to the Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research, friends can

Increase your sense of belonging and purpose

Boost your happiness

Reduce stress

Improve your self-worth

Help you cope with traumas, such as divorce, serious illness, job loss or the death of a loved one

Encourage you to change or avoid unhealthy lifestyle habits, such as excessive drinking or lack of exercise

Here is information from the Mayo Clinic about the benefits of friendship. 

Maintaining relationships takes effort.  It can be so easy to rely heavily on texts, email, and even Facebook to check in with people.  It's also common to get so consumed in every day life that weeks escape without reaching out and connecting with those we love.  Every once in a while it's good for the soul to pick up the phone, surprise someone with a card, or pile in the car and drive.