Day: December 24, 2010

Present Yourself

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Until I was about 10 or so I thought that Christmas Eve was the day.  When my mom was growing up her family always celebrated on the eve by opening all of their presents and so we continued this tradition.  I still kind of think of Christmas as occuring on the 24th.  If you celebrate Christmas, is today or tomorrow more significant for you?

This being a holiday and all, it’s an extra special COMMENT COMMIT!

I just returned from an awesome 40 minute run.  It’s cold, crisp, and clear and an absolutely gorgeous morning here in WV. 

Yesterday I gifted myself with a 10 pound kettlebell and was hoping to get a little strength training in but I am getting picked up by my mother-in-law soon.   She and I are heading to Northern Virginia to Tate’s sister’s for the weekend (Tate will drive up from Charlottesville).  I’ve been wanting to check out kettlebell training for a while and finally convinced myself to buy one.  I am really looking forward to swinging it around!

Do you have plans to get moving today?  Today may be an excellent time to take a rest day.  On the other hand, if you’re like me than getting some exercise in today will make the time with family and the holiday food all the more enjoyable.   It’s always important to find the balance between doing things just for you and caring for others and fulfilling obligations.

A very happy holiday to you and yours!

Vodka Toast

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Congrats on getting some great workouts in today and THANK you for the encouragement.

I ended up having a really good workout.  It was another family trip to the gym!  My workout started with a quick warm up on the elliptical and then into a gentle yoga class. 

Ever heard the expression “a family that namaste’s together…”?   My sister, my dad, and myself were front row students for my (other) sister’s class!   The class was really nice but gentle yoga is not my preferred style.   I don’t mind the slowness of it but I find it hard to really get warmed up to the point where my muscles feel nice and pliable.

After class the treadmills were still full so I did another round of elliptical.  I push myself on the elliptical, I really do, high incline and high resistence, but it just isn’t the same sweaty, painting, endorphen-releasing workout that I get from running.   So then I got on a treadmill and it felt SO GOOD to run!  15 minutes of sprints was all it took to get those feel good hormones a flowing!

Holiday party # 5 (since Saturday) was at my step-sister and family’s house.   My sister, Cedar, her boy-friend, and I decided to go for a little walk before the party got into full swing.

We thought jumping up and down while walking up a hill would keep us extra warm.

After our 25 minute walk it was time to get to work on THE FOOD!

My dad and stepmom’s family host this party every year and one of the traditions is that just before dinner everyone toasts with a shot of vodka (or other alc or non-alc drink of choice).

The toast!

When the pup is tucked in it is time to call it a night.

Good night!