Cold and Floozy

"You look green," my father exclaimed to me as I lay lifeless on the couch after a long week of work.

For the record I'm not sick (and I wasn't blessed with a peaches and cream complexion like those little girls in story books) but I'll admit I do look a little run-down.

Staying healthy becomes more of a conscious effort during the winter months. I always look better in the summer without even trying. My skin is soft, my sinuses are clear and the sunshine on my skin only increases the vitamin D that puts a goofy grin on my face.

In the winter it's all about washing your hands, blowing your nose, moisturizing, eating right, getting enough sleep, bundling up and trying to dodge every germ that comes your way like a stuffed up superhero.

Instead of buying a new blush, I decided to bust out my new juicer. I've read some of the benefits of juicing and my mom thought it would be a good idea to invest in one. I started with a simple apple juice for my first one, but I can't wait to start mixing up immune elixirs and vegetable shakes. I'm sure that will keep my energy up and hopefully my immune system healthy during the blistery months ahead.

And while a green complexion may not be coveted, I am smitten with the new key-lime notebook my sister bought me. Each page has a little quote at the bottom and the blank pages leave little to stifle the sweeps of my pen.

Today's quote: "A year from now you will wish you started today."

Not A Model says, "Start the week on a positive, healthy note and bundle up!" xx

James Brown said, "GET UP OFFA THAT THING"

Today in the computer lab of my social media class I had an epiphany.

I looked around the room at everyone zoned out at their computer screens. Click. Click. Click. Type. Type. Type. Tweet. Tweet. Tweet. You get the picture.

I then realized that my neck kind of hurt and I was sitting sideways on my chair. I wasn't focused on anything but the screen in front of me. I recapped the past few months and thought of how much time I've spent clicking, refreshing, driving, taking notes, typing, watching and resting on my derrière.


I thought, JC (less offensive than the full version but still wrong, sorry Mom) I'm on the path to an early demise. Here I go being all dramatic again but Women's Health Magazine further confirmed my seemingly ridiculous statement. Scary!

It also feels like a million years ago that I decided to set that fitness challenge. The weather is no longer suitable for dog walking. My schoolwork has piled up beyond words. I'm stressed, tired and the last thing I want to do is get off my chair, couch, stool or recliner. I'd even take going to the dentist- because heck I even get to sit there. 

My reasoning is absurd and my body is actually showing me that it doesn't like me.  My sister dared me to pick up her boyfriend the other night. I refused (both out of embarassment- I mean how awkward is that?) and because I know I couldn't do it. She forced us by saying, "Why are you guys getting so awkward? It's not like I'm asking you to kiss!" Anyways, I tried and didn't even get him off the ground.


So today I came home and decided to face the elephant in my basement...the treadmill. All in all it wasn't so bad. I watched an episode of SATC while doing cardio, lunges, squats, weights and sit ups. 

And guess what? My body feels good. I know tomorrow is gonna hurt. But I say give me pain. I'll try to keep at it and give some updates.

Now back to the academic grind.

GRAZIE

Grazie means Thank You in Italian.

With Thanksgiving approaching, it is time for people (Canadians) to reflect on what they are grateful for. For me, Thanksgiving isn’t just a one-day event. I’m a firm believer in positive thinking. Yes, I’ve read The Secret. But it goes beyond that. I’ve noticed a common thread in most articles, or books about happiness. It seems that in order to be happy, you have to be grateful for what you have right now. It’s a simple concept that has been marketed, repackaged, and reworded; but it really does work.

Whenever my thoughts run rampant, I try my best to consciously stop and find something I’m grateful for. If I’m tired-I decide I’m thankful to have a bed to sleep in. If I’m bitchin’ about waking up early for school- I’m thankful for the chance to learn, and meet new people. It sounds trite, but it gives me a new perspective and changes my mood instantly.

I’m not trying to get all preachy and self righteous, because sometimes you just need to whine, moan and let it out. Trust me, I know. I just feel that giving thanks shouldn’t just be a yearly holiday.

So try it. Once you start you’ll realize you have way more than you ever imagined. 

Have a great long weekend!