Happy Friday weekend

Today I feel good about: Life (Trusting more in the Lord and keeping him first in my life, being back at the gym, and not having to be subject to any more furloughs).


Something New I experienced today: Tried a white peach apricot Ice Tea at one of my favorite Tea hang outs.

The latest with friends and family: Quite a few birthday celebrations this month (including my sister's) and one of my friends is "finally" getting married.

Today's news and weather happenings: News can be found on TV or Online, but today's weather in CA is a little on the hot side

People who touched my life today: My Dad (He's 78 years young, and I was able to spend some time with him today)

I was fortunate to receive today: $$$ and a word of encouragement

What I did to touch someone's life today: Helped out at my dad's church with their food give away.

Plans for an even better tomorrow: Spend some time with a few friends and enjoy the rest of the weekend at the gym, church, and with family.



Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding;
In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make your paths straight.
Prioverbs 3:5,6

Exercise...........Are you an indoor or outdoors type?

Due to the furloughs, I cut back on everything that was more of a "want" versus a "need."

One of those things was my gym membership. My company has a wellness program, so the monthly dues to any 24hr fitness is $29.99. I use to go consistently, but had cut back from going 5 times a week to barely once week or even less. (Paying for something I no longer was utilizing didn't seem profitable in my pocket, so I cancelled the membership).

Well, it's been about 8 months now, and I definitely do miss the routine of getting on the treadmill, eliptical, and a few other exercises that really allowed me to "get my cardio on."

I received an offer in the mail from 24hr fitness (wanting me to come back). 3 good deals that definitely are an incentive that I'm seriously considering.

Yes, I could get on my bike, or take walks throughout the day, but I like the gym because there's no set time to go (24 hours is just that). The variety of equipment makes the time go by, and of course I have my I-pod playing upbeat tunes that can keep me going on the eliptical for hours (well almost).

Well, I have until the end of the month to decide.

But until then and even after, I'll be on the Wii Fit, walk when I can, and get back into my old routine to live and be a healthier "ME!"


When it comes to exercising, are you an indoor or outdoors type?

Wii Fit - Day 1

The Other day I had the opportunity to work out on the Wii Fit. I had previously seen and heard other people's take on this device, so I wanted to experience it for myself. (late bloomer)



Well, let me tell you............it's no joke!! After doing a balance game and a few aerobics sessions, and feeling the affects of it, I want to purchase one of my own. I was also able to create my own profile, and program some immediate and long term goals.


Balance Games => Soccer Heading






Aerobics => Hula Hoop & Basic Step







Since the opportunity of "getting fit," is always available in some form or fashion, I think I'll be enjoying this outlet for years to come.

Happy Birthday Mommy - 7/11 - Gone but not forgotten

I wrote a blog a few years ago about my mommy and some of the things she did to inspire me. It's been 15 years since my Mom passed away, and I'm glad that the memories I have of her are still vividly alive even today.

I N S P I R E

(I)NTELLIGENT (N)URTURE (S)PIRITUAL (P)ERSEVERANCE (I)NTEGRITY (R)ESPECT (E)NCOURAGER



If anyone were to ask me who came to mind when I saw the word, inspire, it would have to be my MOM.

I was blessed to grow up in a two parent household, but my dad worked days and nights for the first 5 years of my life. Mom put her career on hold to stay at home to care for me and my other siblings.

My mom was very "INTELLIGENT" especially when it came to money. Each month, she was able to stretch the almighty dollar ($$) so that we had enough food, clothes, etc.

My mom provided excellent "NURTURING" when it came to teaching us our ABC's during the day, and reading daily devotions to us at night. She would later go back school and become a teacher.

My mom was very "SPIRITUAL" when it came to her relationship with God. If I was going through something or just needed to talk, she always took the time to listen. She taught me to have faith and believe in God's promises with regards to my life.

My mom showed "PERSEVERANCE" when she had to go through her cancer treatments. It would eventually rob her of her physical body, but her demeanor stayed positive through it all.

My mom showed great "INTEGRITY," when it came to teaching me how to be a "lady." Kinda goes hand in hand with the word respect below. I'm just grateful for her being an example for me to follow.

My mom had the "RESPECT" of her family, friends, and her community. She was the one to consult for advice on everyday stuff because people valued her opinion.

My mom was a definite "ENCOURAGER" No matter what was going on in her life, she always made time for me. She taught me to never give up on myself and that my opinion counts too.


When you see the word "I N S P I R E," who comes to mind, and why? (It can be anyone famous or not)

Furloughs

Hello


For the past 4 months, CA state workers have been furloughed 2 days a month without pay. The latest information that was relayed is, that we are now going to be furloughed 3 days a month.

Even though it can create a financial hardship in different ways, one can always be thankful just to even have a job in the day and time we are living. God is good!


I ask that you keep me, my friends, co-workers, and even some family members that currently work for the State of California, or those that may not even have a job in prayer and thought until the situation with the State and the budget situation gets resolved.


Thanks and god bless

PJ

Three Areas of my life that are a must.....

I thought I'd post 3 areas of my life that are a "must" that I feel are essential for "SURVIVING IN THIS WORLD!"

1 - Spiritual - I am a Christian. On a daily basis I try to start and/or end the day reading either a scripture(s) from the bible. I also like to attend church on a weekly basis, and even participate in small groups for bible study or events that happen throughout the year. Having some "me" time in prayer and thought on what I've read and heard is very good for the soul.

God's promises: http://www.intouch.org/site/c.cnKBIPNuEoG/b.4944565/k.9C37/Gods_Promises.htm

2 - Physical - I use to be a person that liked to exercise, but for the last few months, my body was saying yes to exercise, but my mind said NO. Well, I've decided to convince my mind to say YES by challenging myself and setting short term and long term goals like I did before that produces positive results. Daily routine will be a minimum of 45 minutes of various types of exercise.......SO GOOD LUCK to me. Will do a follow up in 2 MONTHS.... (that's my initial short term goal).

3 - Natural - FOOD!... Yes, What we would we do without it? One main meal a day and snacking the rest of the day. (Bad habit I know)...... As I mentioned above about getting back to exercising, I know that what I eat plays just as big of a part too. So, it's back to basics!!

Example:
Breakfast - Oatmeal and fruit Snack - Yogurt or walnutsLunch - Salad with all the veggies I want (meat optional)Snack - Apple or walnutsDinner - Meat item (fish, turkey or chicken breast) with all the veggies I want. (Small portion of a starch item optional)

God Bless!