Weekend Quote: That’s Just Dumb

I love me some Jennifer Lawrence and I wish I figured this out when I was her age.

Confidence is a beautiful thing.

(Screen Shot from CNN.com)

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Weekend Quote: Life is an Experience

Recently I’ve been trying to rediscover my passion for trying new things. I’m not sure about you, but for me it takes a deliberate and conscious effort to do so. If I don’t I fall into the rut of my routine. I get lazy, complacent, bored, uninspired, and that’s when a funk normally sets in.

A few days ago you may have noticed I shared my first experience with sorghum on GreenLiteBites, and today I posted a completely new way to prepare spaghetti squash.

Could I have easily slapped some ham between two slices of bread or just picked something up from the convenience store? Sure, and there’s nothing wrong with that when you are in a pinch, but I think so many of us simply don’t make the effort when we can. It’s not a priority to try new foods and take the time to learn how to cook them. We’re scared. What if I don’t like it? What if the kids don’t like it? What if I mess it up?

I’m using food and cooking as an example here, but this same concept applies to everything in life.

Trying a new class at the gym. I won’t know anyone. What if I mess up, or worse can’t keep up?

Reaching out to new friends. They already have a group. What if they don’t like me? What if I don’t fit in?

Planning a weekend away with your significant other. We can’t afford it. I’d have to ask something to watch the kids. It’s just so much work.

I can go on and on … Signing up for a running event, applying for a new job, taking a class in something that interests you, etc., etc., etc.

Making an effort to DO is scary.

“Do not be too timid and squeamish about your actions. All life is an experience.” — Ralph Waldo Emerson

And the older I get, the more I realize life really is all about the experience.

The more we try, the more we do, the more we live.

The more we live, the less we worry about trivial things like how we look in a bathing suit or what the scale told us this morning.

So what do you think? Try something new with me this weekend? Go ahead, push yourself out of your comfort zone. Find something to experience not in your typical routine. 

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A Tough Mudder Weekend, Sensational Sunday and Unmotivated Monday All in One

I don’t even know where to begin. I finally have a moment to sit at my desk and my head is spinning. The past 3 days have been insane.

Let’s see … Friday I left bright and early for Lexington, KY. It was finally time to run a Tough Mudder with Ann and Megan, the winners of my Tough Mudder Madness contest. But first I got to spend the day with these amazing people.

From left to right that’s Jimmy, Tiger, me, Emmie, and Alan.

Emmie was our gracious host, acting as Lexington tour guide and letting us all crash at her house. She took us to the racetrack and a fabulous restaurant, but I’ll share that all on TheUnworldlyTravelers when I get a chance. If I go into too many details this post will be a novel. Plus I’m on the clock as Little Bean is napping.

Anyway, the next day the Tough Mudder team was ready. Well, as ready as you can be on a cold October day facing 12 miles and 21 obstacles.

I was REALLY cold but super excited to be doing my seventh Mudder.

The course was tough and the weather wasn’t helping but we gave it our all.

Not everyone was able to finish the course but I don’t want to focus on that. Everyone on this Mudder team did their absolute best. We all faced fears, took on the challenge and worked together as a team.

It was an AMAZING experience and I’m SO proud of everyone.

The next day (Sunday) I woke up bright and early for my 7 a.m. flight making it home in time to take this guy to his best friend’s birthday bowling party.

Then we went grocery shopping for the week.

The rest of Sunday we just chilled as a family. It was so nice to make dinner and eat with the family. The Husband left for tennis practice afterwards  and The 8-year-old and I fell asleep on the couch watching the Food Network.

That’s why I didn’t blog last night.

I was exhausted.

This morning I had to take the 2-year-old to the doctor for what we thought was a crazy allergic reaction but what may have been the first stage of another nasty stomach bug. The poor little guy has been camping out all morning with his water, animal crackers and Thomas on the iPad.

Me? Well I’m in my typical post-event funk. I feel like I have a million things to do and no time (or motivation) to do them. So I decided to cook something creative for lunch to cheer myself up.

That’s a kabocha squash chili I made this morning. I’m hoping to get the recipe up on GreenLiteBites sometimes in the next two days but with a doctor appointment tomorrow and speaking engagement, I’m not so sure.

Oh! and I lost my damn Fitbit! I don’t know how. The last time I saw it it was clipped to my bra and when I went to check my steps last night it was gone. It can be anywhere between Lexington and here so I really have no hope of finding it. I’m wondering if it fell off while sleeping in the plane all crunched over. Who knows.

OK, I’m going to run. Miraculously the 2-year-old is still sleeping so I’ll start prepping some kabocha chili photos now. Maybe I can squish that one in too! :)

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Weekend Quote: Guess I’m a Comet?

OK, I’m freaking out.

Like butterflies in my stomach, nervous, jittering freaking out!

Tomorrow is the Leader of the Pack CrossFit competition which I entered, oh … I don’t know … about 3 months ago.

I have a habit of doing this. I’ll sign myself up or plan something in the future as a “distant” goal and then all of a sudden it sneaks up on me. Time has a habit of just continually moving doesn’t it?

AHHHHHH!

Sorry. Told you. I’m FREAKING. OUT.

I need to enter the just-show-up-and-go-with-the-flow zone.

Deep breath.

OK.

Anyway, I came cross this quote on GoodReads.com and it kind of captures my philosophy for doing all the crazy things I’ve done these past 8 years like signing up for races, Mudders and now CrossFit competitions. It all comes down to shoving myself out of my comfort zone.

I say “kind of captures my philosophy” becuase the author loses me a bit with her metaphor. She struck me as a rambler much like myself and it made me smile.

“I have realized; it is during the times I am far outside my element that I experience myself the most. That I see and feel who I really am, the most! I think that’s what a comet is like, you see, a comet is born in the outer realms of the universe! But it’s only when it ventures too close to our sun or to other stars that it releases the blazing “tail” behind it and shoots brazen through the heavens! And meteors become sucked into our atmosphere before they burst like firecrackers and realize that they’re shooting stars! That’s why I enjoy taking myself out of my own element, my own comfort zone, and hurling myself out into the unknown. Because it’s during those scary moments, those unsure steps taken, that I am able to see that I’m like a comet hitting a new atmosphere: suddenly I illuminate magnificently and fire dusts begin to fall off of me! I discover a smile I didn’t know I had, I uncover a feeling that I didn’t know existed in me… I see myself. I’m a shooting star. A meteor shower. But I’m not going to die out. I guess I’m more like a comet then. I’m just going to keep on coming back.”
? C. JoyBell C.

See what I mean? Maybe I’m just too distracted to follow the whole meteor/comment thing but she hit the nail on the head for me with this line…

“…it is during the times I am far outside my element that I experience myself the most. That I see and feel who I really am, the most!”

I really think we build safe little bubbles, convincing ourselves we can’t do this, we’re too fat to do that, we’re too old to start now, blah, blah, blah.

I popped my bubble when I decided to wear a tank top on a hot day. It sounds so stupid simple but when I trace back the steps that got me here, right now, freaking out about a CrossFit competition tomorrow, that’s where I end up. That was the first time I “hurled myself out into the unknown” so don’t think you have to go and commit to a marathon to get started. Start where you are and do what you can, when you can regardless of how silly you think it sounds to other people. You never know where it will lead you, and let me tell you from experience, it’s fun finding out.

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Weekend Quote: Take Action

Hey guys, just popping in for a quick weekend quote. I’m feeling kind of blah, as my lower back is giving me trouble. Funny thing is, it only hurts when I’m sitting. Walking, running, playing, working out, I’m fine. Sitting at my desk for hours, I can barely move without wincing in pain.

Ugh. Regardless, I wanted to share this quote with you because I did something this week that scares the CRAP out of me.

“Waiting to develop courage is just another form of procrastination. The most successful people take action while they’re afraid.” – Unknown

I signed up for the CrossFit Games.

Yikes!

I don’t think I’m ready. I don’t think I have a chance. I’m not even sure I’ll be able to compete on any level.

It’s completely pushing me out of my comfort zone.

And that’s why I’m doing it.

I told you …

“I’m IN!”

:)

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Brain Dump After Crazy Weekend 1 of 3

I don’t think I anticipated how crazy my September was going to be. I knew it was kicking off a busy fall with school starting, soccer practice, Boy Scouts, my Mudder Schedule, and FitBloggin’ planning, but I’m only 9 days in and my head is spinning.

I can’t complain, it’s all good stuff and all of my own doing. I learned a long time ago that I’m happier and more content when busy. I just need to do a brain dump every once in a while and get all the swimming thoughts out of my head.

First, let me apologize for no Sensational Sunday post yesterday. I had all intentions of posting one but The Husband and I had a little spat in the evening and frankly, it ruined my night. We’re over it now but it really threw off the end of what really was a Sensational Sunday!

I did snap a few photos …

The kids were in rare form yesterday.

We were having a blast while I let The Husband sleep in as I was away all day yesterday scoping out hotels in Savannah, Ga., for FitBloggin’. I dragged Jen with me and we explored as much as possible in the 2 free hours we had.

Click here to see more photos on TheUnworldlyTravelers. 

I loved it as a host city for FitBloggin’14! Fingers crossed on this one so I can move forward with planning. I’m also working with WPSiteCare on a whole new FitBloggin’ site, which is why I’ve been quiet overall on that side of things, but I hope to have some fun announcements in the next few weeks.

Anyway, after a fun morning with the kids, The Husband and I packed everyone in the car and headed to Baltimore Comic-Con.

We went a couple of years ago when Little Bean was just a baby — click here to see those photos – but it’s a whole new experience with a toddler.  Fun! But it’s exhausting managing an excited 8-year-old, bored 2-year-old and geek husband.

We did discover Ninjasaur, and if you have a boy between the ages of 7 and 12 I’m guessing they would be really into it.

Our spat happened right after Comic-Con and a quick grocery shopping. We have both been overwhelmed and it just came to a head. Thankfully we didn’t go to bed angry. We gave each other some space, each apologized and moved on. Love that he’s my partner through all the craziness of life.

So that pretty much sums up my weekend. This is what I have in the works…

1. I’m starting with an update on my stolen photos. They are STILL being used on Facebook and lots of people have been reaching out to me about their before-and-after photos being stolen as well. Now I’m on a mission. If you know anyone who also had this happen, share this Facebook post with them. I want to tell their REAL stories and get some press behind this. I want to make these diet companies think twice before stealing someone else’s photos.

2. In addition to a new FitBloggin’ site I’m also working on a whole new image for myself. RoniNoone.com is in serious need of an update and I want a more branded, professional image to market and promote myself as a blogger, speaker, spokesperson, and brand ambassador. I’ve been doing this long enough that it may be time to actually get a professional head shot taken! Plus, right now I feel a bit disjointed with my multiple blogs. I’m hoping a new look will be the start of bringing all of my blogging initiatives together a little more cohesively.

3. Tough Mudder this weekend! I’m traveling to St. Louis to run the Tough Mudder with Kim and her entourage! She has created a large group and I’m so excited to experience the Mudder with her.  Click here to learn a bit about Kim. I’m going to share an email she sent me later this week too. Oh! and check out her Tumblr!

4. My First CrossFit competition is next weekend! Me? freaking out? No, who would say such a thing? Oh because I AM FREAKING OUT. I don’t feel like I’m ready. I’ve been having a hard time with my “regular” workouts lately and now I’m questioning why I’m even doing this. I know it’s all just jitters. This is what happens every time I shove myself out of my comfort zone and in the end it’s always worth it. There are 20 women in my division so what’s the worst that can happen? Twentieth place. I can deal with that.

5. #WYCWYC is going strong. If you are starting to see that tag on Facebook, Twitter or Instagram and am scratching your head, click here for the deets.

(OK, I just said “deets,” it’s time to go.)

I hope you had a great weekend!

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Weekend Quote: I Run Because…

This is a special challenge-inspired weekend quote. I hopped on Facebook really quick this morning and saw this:

Oh how I love a good daily challenge! And since I pretty much retired #YogaADay and #DailyYogurt for myself, I think it’s a good time to move on to #RWRunStreak.

According to Runner’s World, the idea is to run at least one mile per day, every day, starting on Memorial Day (Monday, May 27) and ending on Independence Day (Thursday, July 4). That’s 39 consecutive days of running!

This is going to be tough for me with the conference quickly approaching, but it’s exactly the type of thing I NEED. By forcing me to take at least 10 minutes (I run a 10-minute mile on average) a day for myself it will let me clear my head and relieve some stress.

In honor of this challenge I sought a running-related quote and this one couldn’t be more perfect.

“I run because it’s so symbolic of life. You have to drive yourself to overcome the obstacles. You might feel that you can’t. But then you find your inner strength and realize you’re capable of so much more than you thought.”
– Arthur Blank

I couldn’t agree more. Running has really changed me and my perception of what I’m capable of. I still remember the feeling of running for the first time on the treadmill, and if I think about crossing the finish line of my first-ever 5k, I’m not going to lie, my eyes start to well with tears.

It really is that emotional for me. I told myself over and over again it wasn’t possible, but I was really capable of so much more – SO MUCH MORE.

I just needed a little confidence to try.

So …

Who’s willing to push themselves out of their comfort zone? If you are not currently a runner, commit to a walk and try just a little trot, maybe a jog, every day. You may surprise yourself!

I’ll be posting a photo on Instagram and Twitter using #RWRunStreak. Tag me (@RoniNoone) if you want to join in. I’d love to follow your progress too!

Oh! and if you have questions about the challenge, Runners World has a great FAQ.

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Weekend Quote: Uncomfortable

So much to tell you but I’m oh so tired.

I’m laying on my bed in a hostel in Toronto. 

Wait. Did I just type that?

Wow. I did and it’s true! How freakin’ cool is that?

I have been severely pushing myself out of my comfort zone this weekend. First, I got on a very tiny plane — yikes — which took me to Toronto for a conference I feel l have no business being at. I navigated a city I don’t know, checked into a hostel for the first time ever, met a blog reader for lunch, and wondered around this cocktail party for a few hours where I knew NO ONE.

Not a soul.

“You have to be uncomfortable in order to be successful, in some ways. Because if you stay in your comfort zone, you would never do the things that you need to do.” -Lights

Well, according to Lights — who happens to be a Canadian pop star — I’m doing things right. I guess only time will tell. All I know is I’ve never made progress towards any goal without experience some discomfort.

Okay, sleepy time for me. Long day of conference sessions tomorrow!

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Weekend Quote: Missing Happiness

Hey guys, I’m popping in real quick while the husband is sleeping to share this weekend’s quote.

It’s funny. I don’t normally set out to find a relevant quote to blog about, I just happen to come across one that makes sense for what’s going on at the time. This week it was this…

“Plenty of people miss their share of happiness, not because they never found it, but because they didn’t stop to enjoy it.” — William Feather

Now, of course this is easy for me to say at the moment because I’m on vacation stopping to enjoy some “happiness,” but I actually try to live most days like this. It’s why I let the kids laundry bomb and sit in the car dancing when we come home from running errands. It’s why I stay up too late waiting to spend some time with the husband. It’s why I stop on runs to take pictures or enjoy the sights. Honestly, it’s why I love snapping shots for Instagram.

Everything I post is something that made me smile in some way.

I don’t know about you but I’m keenly aware life is not only short but quick. I know my kids won’t be kids for ever, I’m aware I won’t be able to do the things I do now forever, like running, and frankly, I pray I get a chance to grow old with The Husband.

I’m trying to live my life in a way I won’t look back with regrets, even though I know I still will. I’m just hoping I’ll be able to at least say I did my best to stop and enjoy it.

That being said, I’m off to enjoy a run! :)

Yesterday The Husband and I did a little shopping and I got a great deal on those sneaks and matching top. I fell in love with them!

OK, guys, I have to go and enjoy some happiness — have a great weekend!

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Weekend Quote: Right Not To Care

I’ve been blogging for more than 8 years now. EIGHT YEARS!

That totally blows my mind. How fast times flies and I swear it accelerates when you have kids, but that’s a whole other story.

Today I want to share a quote that really hit home for me. Especially considering I do what I do.

People always have the right to judge you without knowing who you really are. But you also have the right to not care. — Unknown

As someone who has decided to share – probably too much of – themselves online, I have to remind myself of this pretty much daily. The funny thing is, like a muscle, I think one’s ability to “not care” gets stronger once they decide to put it into practice. There’s almost a fake-it-till-you-make-it aspect to confidence, and that’s really what this quote comes down to for me: Confidence.

I used to let certain things/interactions/comments on the blogs really get to me even though I put on a strong face. Now, I can honestly say, I don’t care and mean it.

I mean, really, what am I gonna do?

People are going to think what they think. All I can do is confidently be me.

It only took me 30-something years to figure all this out and now my challenge is to raise my boys to realize it sooner. I don’t want to get too much into it but we’ve had to have conversations about reacting to bullies recently and it’s been breaking my heart.

I’ll never understand mean people.

Anyway, if you’re interested, I’ve blogged about confidence before, most notably in my Exposed Follow Up post and most recently in this post where I talk about ignoring the inner mean girl.

Have a great weekend, guys! I’ll be back Sunday with a good old fashioned Sensational Sunday post. :)

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What a Weekend!

Phew. I’m EXHAUSTED! In a good I-had-the-best-weekend type of way.

This is what happens when I miss a few weekends at home. Last weekend was the mudder double header and the weekend before we were visiting the grandparents.

This weekend kicked off on Friday night with a special anniversary date night. The Husband and I are celebrating 12 years TODAY! Click here to see a picture I posted a few years ago from our wedding.

I think I may be in a bit of shock that we’ve actually been married that long. On one hand it feels like yesterday and on the other I’m very aware of how much we’ve experienced together these 12 years.

I blogged about our date night over on The Unworldly Travelers if you’re interested. Click here to check it out.

Saturday morning started with laundry sorting.

I love that both kids have completely different styles when it comes to laundry bombing. lol

The Husband had his first tennis match of the season in the morning, so it was just the kids and I, and we had a date with Carrie D for some photos.

But first someone needed a haircut.

Notice the iPad. We make our own little “Cartoon Cuts” set up in the basement.

Buzz, buzz, snip, snip, and voila!

Perfect!

I love little boys and buzz cuts!

We had some breakfast…

and we were off!

It was fun to see Carrie doing what she does.

I have much respect for professional photographers. I haven’t seen all the pics but she gave me a sneak peek on Facebook.

After the shoot we met up with Dad and rushed to The 7-Year-Old’s Lacrosse game.

McDonald’s for lunch.

Hey, it happens. ;)

I was planning on taking yoga in the afternoon but honestly, a nap was much more appealing. So when The Toddler went down The Husband took The 7-Year-Old to play tennis and I took a nap! It was a glorious afternoon.

When I woke up, The Toddler and I hit the grocery store. Yet again I remembered bags AND coupons!

Sponsor Shout-Out: Click here to print out this week’s coupons on Everyday Healthy Values.

I rushed home with the groceries and left the boys with dinner and a mess on my way to meet a friend for a movie.

We had plans to see Warm Bodies. Cute twist on a zombie movie.

This morning started with a run date with Jillian before the boys woke up.

I came home to this.

The Husband does NOT do mornings well. lol

He went back to bed and I started to fold the laundry. There was only one problem. Someone wanted to wrestle.

I love that the 7-Year-Old can now take pictures. :)

We finished the folding — well, I finished it — and turned on the music to clean up. Before I knew it I had a dancing toddler and a ninja in my midst.

Side note: I’ve gotten more than my money’s worth for every Halloween costume I’ve ever bought.

I decided to organize the pantry, which set off a snacking frenzy.

The Husband got up and hit the yard…

…and for some reason I found myself cleaning this.

Ugh.

For lunch I made a fun tuna salad I hope to share on GreenLiteBites tomorrow.

After lunch The 7-Year-Old went to a friend’s and the rest of us chilled for a bit.

Of course I had to put The Husband back to work before too long.

I was planning on grilling dinner but it started to rain and the husband convinced me to go out. Again.

We’ve been eating out way too much, but I must admit, I like the break from the kitchen. Especially lately — I’ve been so busy!

Anyway, we got ready and I decided to start a new tradition of snapping a family photo on our Anniversary for our anniversary book. Something I have been slacking on since having kids.

After dinner it was bed for the kids. I made lunches, straightened up and prepped photos while watching “Game of Thrones.” Now I’m scrambling to finish writing this while watching “Mad Men.” I love Sunday television!

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Guess where I’ll be this weekend

Will I be attending a cake-eating convention? Have I signed up for a couch-azzing marathon? Those things sure do sound enticing, but…

Nothing says “weekend family time” like a trip to watch low-level wrestlers stomp the hell outta each other inside the ring. This family field trip was personally selected by yours truly, and will no doubt seal the deal on my Mother of the Year merit badge.

Thank you very much.

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A Weekend Quote While Running in Florence

My Italian vacation is coming to an end. I’m a mix of feelings and emotions. Happy to go home and see my boys. Sad to leave such a beautiful place. Overwhelmed at all I have seen. Inspired by all I have experienced. Motivated to make travel even MORE of a priority in my life.

Yesterday I completed my goal of running in each city I was visiting. First Rome, then Venice and here is a quick video from Florence.

I was hoping to run again this morning but I was just to tired and decided sleep was more important. I’ve been sucking the marrow out of each day.

Right now I’m in Rome. We have the tour group’s farewell dinner tonight and then on a plane in the morning. It’s an 8 hour flight to New York and then a 3 hour drive home. I’m not looking forward to that but I am excited to see my boys!

Oh and I almost forgot! This weekend’s quote. I came across this in my email and it totally made me smile.

“Do not go where the path may lead, go instead where there is no path and leave a trail.” -Ralph Waldo Emerson

Another way to say…

I snapped that on the way into Florence from the bus. For more photos from the last 2 days click here.

It also made me smile. :)

Follow your star and leave a trail this weekend.

Arrivederci!

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Weekend Quote: Attitude

I’ve been blah for days now. I think it might be a case of jet lag but regardless, I’m miserable, moping around the house with a bad attitude and just, well, all around yucky.

Yesterday I posted this on faceboook…

“Be miserable. Or motivate yourself. Whatever has to be done, it’s always your choice.” -Dyer

And it helped.

A little.

Today I came across this quote from Charles R. Swindoll,

The longer I live, the more I realize the impact of attitude on life. Attitude, to me, is more important than facts. It is more important than the past, the education, the money, than circumstances, than failure, than successes, than what other people think or say or do. It is more important than appearance, giftedness or skill. It will make or break a company…a church…a home. The remarkable thing is we have a choice everyday regarding the attitude we will embrace for that day. We cannot change our past…we cannot change the fact that people will act in a certain way. We cannot change the inevitable. The only thing we can do is play on the one string we have, and that is our attitude. I am convinced that life is 10% what happens to me and 90% of how I react to it. And so it is with you. We are in charge of our attitudes.

It doesn’t always help to know my attitude is in my control, but the more I remind myself the easier it gets to break out of the funk.

And I’ve been in funkville for a couple of days now.

I am in charge of my attitude.

It’s my choice.

Time to consciously take action.

OR.. just fake it till I make it. :)

Image from eHow.com

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