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As promised, I am writing this post from Santa Monica Beach. It’s 64 degrees, cloudy and overcast. Only I could pick a cold day in June to take a summer trip to the beach. But the weather hasn’t stopped us. The whole idea was to come and relax and we have done that.

We stopped down in the middle of Korea Town LA and had a pork soup with rice. Don’t ask me to tell you what the name of the restaurant or the soup was, I couldn’t pronounce it if I tried. But I gotta say it was delicious. They brought out the add ins and sides, kimchi, and radishes. So, so good 👍 😋

We got the beach with our canopy, mats, chairs and not necessary sun screen and we have been relaxing ever since. I took some time to journal and to read and just take in the breeze and the moment. It’s good to just quiet the mind for a while.

Somewhere down the beach is an event. They were saying first place would win 30k. I would say that wouldn’t be a bad way to end a weekend or start a week, depending on your view. There are some people around us that I have been watching too. Well, really, more just observing.

There is a family with a young son, too cold to go in the water, that are making sand castles. Two good girl friends sitting there talking and laughing at what sounds like boy drama. And then sort of to the left behind us is a group of 15 or so people that I think is either a group of college friends or a wedding party. They know how to do it in style with chairs, coolers, huge blankets, and even a corn hole game. #lifegoals lol

We are going to sit here people watching until sunset if we can see it thru the clouds. Just enjoying the cool air, sounds of waves and visitors, people watching, and just the downtime. We will wrap up the day with one of L.A.’s notable taco trucks. It’s kind of a tradition at this point, but who can say no to a taco?

Sadly, not every day can be a day by the beach. I live in Vegas, and the only beach there is Mandalay Bay Beach, which charges even the locals for a visit. I can’t wiggle my toes in the sand every day, but I can get out to do something like take a walk or have lunch outside. Wherever you are, take a break to enjoy the outdoors. It is fantastic for the soul, and I promise you will be refreshed!!

So it’s only going to be an overnight trip, but I am so excited to be going to California tomorrow. A friend and I are headed to Santa Monica, Los Angeles area. We’ve got a hotel for a night and the beach is calling our name.

I take every opportunity I can to travel, by car or plane. Can’t say that I have taken too many trains, but I’ve been on a few. I have road tripped in solo, with family and with groups. There is a different vibe for each one, but here are some of the essentials that don’t seem to change. Not in any particular order but things I’ve learned.

Hands down, comfy clothes. Being in the car for hours, you don’t want to be uncomfortable. Wear the leggings or the baggy t-shirt, basketball shorts and tanks etc. You don’t need to look like you are going to a photoshoot because after hours and sleeping, you will look like a hot mess either way. So be comfy.

Tunes or audios. Solo, I listen to podcasts and some music when the long stretches get tough. With friends, you know I am rocking it to the last 4 decades of music from boy bands to rap to country. Live it up, bounce off the walls, and sing off key. You need the hype.

Cross-country driving. I have traveled this way many times and have always known certain parts of the drive you aren’t going to have that cell phone service you rely on for gps. Take an atlas or a road map. Major highways will run into towns. But when you somehow get turned around on a two lane road somewhere in south Utah having that map to see its 10 miles to an actual highway stops your brain from thinking “and they were never heard from again”.

Snacks. Not just because you want that can of Pringles or that bag of sour skittles. But because you never know if you will get stuck somewhere, in a traffic accident or bad weather and you are on or off the road. Mainly, it’s for survival. You never want to be without food or water. But personally, I grab a Kind Bar, flaming hot cheetos, and a Dr. Pepper.

Water and drinks. There is a fine balance here because you drink too much and you will need a bathroom and that could be hours away. But I have braved the side of the road before, lol. I always take 12 or 24 pk of water for a trip, short or long. Of course, for drinking but also good in emergencies or if your car, for some reason, is out of coolant. Water can be issued in a pinch only if necessary.

Cash. They say cash is king. And some places still only work in cash (very few). You should have some on you in case you need help for any reason. As a back up. For food, shelter, gas, etc. You don’t want to take the chance.

Basic knowledge about your vehicle. You aren’t a mechanic, I know, but knowing about your car is important. I always check my tires, fill my tank, and make sure I have oil in my car before going more than 400 miles out of town. You need to listen to your car, be aware of the normal sounds of your engine, and if something doesn’t sound right, listen.

Dad always taught me to listen to my car. If he didn’t, I would be dead in a ditch. Long story short, I got off the freeway in a small town in Colorado, and when I did, I noticed a strange click. I went to get it checked out and wouldn’t leave until the mechanic found the sound. Turns out my lug nuts on my rear tire were over tightened and snapped the bolts on 3 of 5, causing the tire to wobble, and it would have come off. At the time, I had everything I owned in the Durango. It would have rolled for sure.

Those are a few things to bring along. It’s not meant to scare or deter you from going. It’s meant to help prepare. You should always be prepared for where the road leads and what it brings you. I hope you get out there to see if for yourself. Tomorrow’s post will be from the beach ⛱️ That’s where the road is taking me!

S

The guys finally did it! The Las Vegas Golden Knights are in the Stanley Cup Playoffs once again, and they are leading the series 2-0. Tonight’s puck drop is at 5, bringing us at least two more games of excitement. Of course, there is so much hype. I am a Vegas girl born and raised, so I am rooting for the hometown team.

Sports, in general, give us the best stories, the biggest battles, the underdog triumphs. They show us the importance of teamwork, determination, and persistence. There is a flare for the dramatic and the heartfelt emotions. Right now, there is a commercial where David Harbor is asking the newscaster what one thing they think about when they hear the words Stanley Cup Playoffs. I tried to find the word they said, I know for sure I heard legacy and intensity.

I know I know more sports, but what can I say. I think of legacy, intensity, inspiration, and physical toughness. Here are my thoughts on them.

Legacy. This is what people will remember you for. What story are you writing at this moment in time? What are you building or creating to leave to your family or children? It’s really important to know what you are working towards and remember who you are leaving it for.

Intensity. To get the things you want, you have to go after them with intensity. A fierceness to continue to fight the battles and take the spoils. If you aren’t lasor focused on your goals, you won’t achieve them. They won’t just fall in your lap by accident.

Inspiration. We can find this in a variety of places. Could be your mom who works so hard to provide, or a kid who is going thru cancer and still smiling, someone down on their last dollar who is now a millionaire, a veteran who still stands up for our flag. Find someone or something that inspires you and remember that you are just as capable as they are. These are ordinary people who have done exceptional things, and so can you.

Physical toughness. I am by far, not a marine or a soldier. I struggle every day with cardio and weights. Flights of stairs are the devil reincarnated, I swear. But I am not willing to give up because I need my health to do all things still on my list. To travel and run a business, to enjoy time with my nephew, redesign houses, etc. Your mind has to be strong, but your body does the moving. So keep up the spin classes, lol

I didn’t quite get this finished in time to post before the game. I am listening to the slush of the ice and slaps of the sticks as I leave my final thoughts. Tied up at the end of the first, there is still a ways to go for that 3rd win. You are right now playing your own game. Maybe just starting, or maybe going into the 3rd period. What are you willing to do to win?? What’s your next move?

Last thought. GO KNIGHTS GO!!!

Stating the obvious, right? Well, that being said, I am sure you know that we all go thru it sometimes. There is an unlimited number of things we struggle with daily. Money, relationships, work, health, the list goes on and on.

But have you ever looked at someone else and thought they are in a similar situation as you, but they look like they are winning the game? What do you notice that is different between their situation and yours? I have been reevaluating my circumstances daily. I am on a path that I am really starting to get excited about, all of which is coming after and during struggles.

There have been times I have been so hard on myself or so down that I just couldn’t see the light through the trees. Spiraling down the self-pity rabbit hole, thinking that it is never going to end, my circumstances are never going to change. But looking back over the last three years and knowing that I have come so far, I see things in a different light and wish I had a different mindset while I was in the heat of battle.

My audio today was about changing your circumstances. And by that, it means changing the attitude that you have while you go thru the tough times. The saying is true, like attracts like. If you are negative and you are focused on only the bad, no matter how hard you try, your progress will be met with resistance.

Your circumstances are very unlikely to change overnight. You can’t drop those 20 lbs like yesterday’s trash. You can’t be rich instead of just over broke in one check. Kicking yourself for not being where you want to be is holding you back. We have to learn to accept the choices that we have made , learn to forgive the mistakes, and to love where our future can take us.

It is super hard working through the daily battles, even more so when we hate the circumstances or ourselves. Attitude is going to give you the biggest edge in making it thru. Get your mind to give you a break from the fight. Find something you love about you, remember a battle you won, think about what can happen when you accomplish this task. You don’t have to solve the problem then and there, but knowing you will gives you hope and more endurance.

I won’t pretend to explain it any better than that. I struggle with having a positive attitude for my battles daily. Today, even I had a moment where I wanted to throw in the towel. The only reason I didn’t was because I have accepted the choices that have brought me here, and I know I am strong enough to get thru this next one, one fight at a time. I also had that moment about 30 minutes after listening to the podcast below.

I listen to The Mindset Mentor daily. The short podcasts have so much to offer, and they always help me think about things differently. Don’t go with the crowds. Think like you have already won the war! Hope you enjoy this one 🙂

I’ve been listening to all kinds of audios lately on everything from business to creativity to the human body. I can’t say that I am in the best shape of my life, but I am very aware and trying to be more conscious about how I treat my body. I don’t heal as fast or feel as good, have as much energy, etc. I haven’t crossed over the 40 mark yet, but some days, I feel like my body cracks and creeks, and I’m just not ready to throw in the towel.

I’ve started to add in new habits here and there. These are just simple things that can make a difference. For example, in the morning, I have a water bottle with water and lemon. Lemon is good for building immunity and helping to keep you hydrated. I make sure that every day, I have at least two servings of fruits and veggies. I usually grab fruits for breakfast and snacks. Then I have a veggie wrap for lunch and a serving with my protein at dinner. I already need to eat and drink, so these are easy things to incorporate.

Recently, I have seen more and more about Ice Baths or cold showers and what their benefits are to the human body. I don’t have a tub at the moment or an excessive amount of ice, but I have turned the knob to cold in the shower the last few days. I really just did it to cool off the one day, but now I am taking notes to see if creating a new habit will make a difference.

The science is out there, and I am only paraphrasing what i have heard or read. The benefits are not just physical, but they are also mental benefits. Here are some of what they say taking cold showers do for both body and mind. They say it is best to do in the morning to start your day.

Mental discipline – because you actively have to choose and decide to step into the cold water each time, it builds discipline. No one wants to get cold or stand under the cold spray to wake up. It isn’t easy.

Mental clarity and focus – while in the cold, you can focus on your breathing. Your breathing instantly quickens as part of the defense to the temperature, but you need to take deep breaths to adjust. Also, this can be like meditating while you try to focus on your normal shower activities or your day instead of the cold water.

Alertness and productivity – you are getting the cold jolt sending messages to your brain, waking you up. You are more ready to go and get things done, and as you are only in the cold shower for minutes, your pace will quicken. More alert thru your day, you will want to accomplish more.

Awakens your body – the cold will instantly get your body functions going from sleep. The cold water will help with inflammation and sluggishness, helping you feel refreshed.

Can help with losing bad fats.- I don’t pretend to be a health specialist but they said that there is two type of fat one good one bad and the fall in temperature helps the body process the fat. If a cold shower can freeze and get rid of my few extra lbs, I’m down! Lol

Hair and skin benefits – cold temps help to keep the body’s natural moisture and oils. Hot showers wash away oils that are good for you. Cold will allow your pores to absorb them and retain them, creating healthy skin and silky hair.

I’m sure there are more and I’m sure there are better ways to explain them but for now I will leave you with that. I have added a Spotify link to one of the many podcasts I have listened to about them. I am going to make notes over the next month to see how I feel. Today, I for sure was more ready to face the day. It kicked my butt, but at least this morning, I faced it head-on. I dare you to try it too!

OK, so maybe not a whole new vision but an updated and slightly more motivational vision. Yesterday, I said that I had had some wins this year. I am taking those plus the goals still out of reach and new inspiration, and I am going to create another vision board. There is no doubt in my mind that you have heard that what you focus on grows and that having a clear vision is halfway to having the life you want. It’s 100% true.

At the beginning of the year, I wrote down about 10 goals and when I wanted to achieve them. Having them there in the back of my mind, I did make 3 of them happen on time, and I am closing in on two more. I’m not completely satisfied with all my progress, and I want to help my goals along. So now I want them front and center, something I see every day.

Amazon has everything, including a cute cork board that is going to be hung on my bedroom wall next to my door. That way, every day, when I wall out of my room, I will see what I am going to work for. My motivation for the days task.

Find your vision. I don’t get magazines or books to cut images out of. That is way too much clutter for the few images I want or need. What I do is scroll the internet for images of purchases I want to make, activities I want to do, places I want to go, etc. I sent them out to Walgreens photo for 4×6 prints. I am working on this right now. I have a hard time narrowing things down until I lay them all out on the board.

Once my wish list is on the board, I add little things to it. Post its for dates, fun stickers, and comic book bubbles with inspirational quotes. Little things that make me smile. Maybe some fun photos from previous trips to remind me that good times are coming.

I never stick to the rules on this. I want it to be fun, inspiring, motivating, outside of the lines, kind of like me. Whatever your goals are, whatever your style is, put together your vision and let it help you take the steps and make the moves in that direction. I will keep working on mine, I might let you know when it’s done, but I won’t be posting it completed. Your goals should be on display for you and no one else. You go make them happen!

Are you like me and start the year off gas pedal to the floor January 1st, but by a few months in you aren’t even driving the car anymore and the race track is no where to be seen? Well, I hope you are a little bit better than me, but if not, don’t fear because we just have to start back up.

Tomorrow is May 31st. That means that we are coming into the sixth month of the year, almost to the halfway point. And for me, up to this point, it has been a steady year. I have seen improvement and changes in so many aspects of my professional life and my personal life. I know that I am making good steps that will better my future.

The thing is, some of those things were not on the goals list, and others were. I feel like I am constantly focused on working on some things, but I am not seeing enough change or nowhere near my goals yet.

Going into June, I have re checked my goals lists. Two goals I hit. I was able to pay off two debts that were dragging me down, and I was able to hit a small savings goal. I am celebrating those small wins and using them to propel my year goals farther than I expected. On the flip side, my eating habits have improved, but my fitness goals have stalled. Some of my other personal goals seem like they are fading into the distance.

We will never be able to focus on 100% of the things we want to in life. There are just not enough hours in the day, enough motivation, enough perfection to get it all done. But knowing and seeing your progress is a great motivator to keep you going. You can’t focus on what you did or didn’t do but what you are going to do or what you are about to do. Sport is a great metaphor on how we break it down.

My year, my 2023, is like a football game. I am approaching the first half 2 minute warning. I have scored a couple of times, but my opponent is still just out of reach. Maybe some wrong moves- penalties. Maybe some do overs – false start, repeat 1st down. Who knows, maybe you have even had life come at you and take over – blindsided or someone intercepted the ball.

Half time is almost here. It’s time to go back into that locker room and forget about the first half. What is done can’t be undone. Now it’s time to make a plan to get more numbers on the board, change up plays that aren’t working, get right down on that line and push your distractions, set backs, excuses right out of your way and march up that field to your goals.

If you aren’t into sports, I hope you can at least appreciate the metaphor, lol. But I have the last one. Your futures are those linebackers on the other team looking at you and blocking you from hitting your goals. They might be big, scary, mean, and covered in sweat. But you have a choice. Put your head down and get to work or let them take you out? I’m too stubborn to be taken out! Who’s with me!?!?!

I don’t know about you but I write alot of notes, I plan things, schedule things, write my goals etc. I haven’t been able to successfully pencil in this blog for a little bit but really it’s like a journal too. I am typing up what I do in a day or what I learn in a day and I’m sharing that with you.

One of my friends has been struggling lately, just having a tough time with life and love. I was thinking of ways to help and it really came down to not being so hard on yourself and taking things as they come. And wouldn’t you know it, an audio I was listening to was right on the money about self love and Journaling.

I went to the store the next day to find a journal. I have one that I really like/liked but sadly it is somewhere in storage. I’ll fill those pages later I guess. Wandering thru taget I found this. Could it really be any more spot on?

In this journal there are random things to help you have some fun or reflection on every page, from take a nap to build a blanket fort to writing down what you are thankful for. Each page asks you to write down something that you did for self love during your day. It has a line to write down your day and 1-10 to rate your day.

As I go thru the days I am much more aware of how I am feeling, what I am working towards and what I forgive and let go of. I write it all down. If the day was a success or if there are things I can improve, if I took a walk to enjoy the sunshine or if I went to get my eye brows done. I include thoughts I had from audios, new goals I want to set, people that come to mind. Really anything that I feel needs to be shared even if it is for my eyes only.

For a week, I have felt more confident, relaxed and hopeful. I am not worried about the things I can’t change but I am working on the things I can. I’m writing the now with the focus on the future. I would encourage you to do the same. If it’s an online journal or a paper journal it doesn’t matter. But by taking 5 -10 minutes of your day to write it down I know you will feel better. The greats do this so they can look back on where they have came from. I’m mapping my progress and I’m going to be my version of great! Let’s do this!

Some things in this world just bring you joy or make you smile. The thing is that they don’t always have to be some monumental or life changing thing. This week, I have had a few despite the craziness and busyness of the days. I’m going to share a few. Please share some of yours.

I was getting into spring cleaning mode, and I grabbed a box that I hadn’t unpacked yet. Inside, I found a piece of the past. I found my iPod from my senior year in high school. Of course, I only found it, not the charger. So I ordered one on Amazon and charged that bad boy up. Oh man, did the music come flooding back. Songs I completely forgot I loved or knew. I’m just going to leave this one here. Judge if you will. Hahaha 😆

Spring is here and with it the changes of weather. One day it’s sunny and almost 75, the next it’s 40 and snowing on the mountain. Today was all of the above. It’s not super cold, clouds here and there. I wasn’t prepared for the 5-minute shower I got caught in since my weather app only said clouds. But I had to laugh as I was walking in the rain while everyone was huddled at the entrance or waiting in their cars. I would have danced if I wasn’t in a parking lot but fun enough to feel the sprinkles.

It’s easy as you are walking thru a grocery store to snatch the snacks that look or sound yummy. But what if your boyfriend wants something in particular? Smiths has rice Krispie treats but only the basics. My man wanted ones with fruity pebbles, too. I got to his house on Saturday, and he had the stuff for us to make them. We went back and forth on the rice to fruity pebbles ratio and how many cups of marshmallows. I put them in the pan to cool, and he got out a spatula. Watching him extra squish them into the pan cracked me up. We both agreed upon tasting. They were delish and way too sweet to eat more than one.

One last one. You’ve heard me talk about doing things with my nephew. Little projects that we do together once a week to keep him busy and have Auntie time. This week was some Easter fun. I saw this craft where you draw in white crayon pictures or images on a piece of white paper. Then you paint the paper with water colored paints, and what you drew magically appears. My nephew wanted me to show him the magic and do some more. He figured it out, but the smile and the confusion before he did was super fun to watch.

These are simple, silly things. And there are so many more examples. Maybe someone brings in donuts when you are hungry. Or your dog does something really cute and makes you laugh. Or you got to go out to a farmers market and see all the pretty flowers. (Which I am hoping is coming up on the agenda). I can splurge for that extra unnecessary bag of jelly beans because they sound good right now. Or come across a favorite book and read a few pages. I hope you stop and take a look this week/weekend for your simple Pleasures. Drop them here and share 🙂

I’m going to say that has two meanings. The act of physically planting flowers and veggies and the new personal growth as we go into spring. It’s kind of become our yearly tradition. Dad takes my sister up to Utah to buy the plants 🪴. Then I help dad with the soil and the planting. I really enjoy getting my hands dirty.

This was the batch for us this spring. Smaller than the usual 2 or 3 full boxes, but it took us several hours to garden. Dad does a variety of tomato and pepper plants, sweet peas, onions, lettuces, and herbs. Then we have pansies, poppies, daffodils, bells, and other bright colored flowers mom picks out. It always ends up colorful.

It takes a bit of patience to grow plants of any kind. From seed to stem and leaves to producing fruit, it takes time and care. We add some growth vitamins to each hole for each plant to give them a little extra chance to be full and plentiful. Two obvious things are water and sunlight, but keep in mind that both if overdone can be detrimental to the plants.

Really, it’s a natural metaphor for personal growth. Plants will grow in the environment they are in, but will they flourish? The same goes for people. What environment are you in? Can you be transplanted to greener pastures?

We need nutrients in life. Water, good food, vitamins, fresh air, sunlight. Your soil is your foundation. I have a strong foundation with a good system of family and friends that have my back, a place where I can grow and learn and flourish. What we feed and water ourselves with is very important.

Water yourself with belief, with positivity. Feed yourself with wisdom and knowledge. Constantly be soaking up the good vibes. But be cautious. Sometimes storms will come, the wind will shake you, and the water will rise. The battles that come will make you stronger, will give you experience to get thru the next one. Constantly growing your roots, expanding your branches, and showing the fruit of your labors.

Too much symbolism? Well I hope you really think about it. Spring is the perfect time to reflect on new growth. It’s a chance to find new flowers to grow and new focus for the year. I encourage you to go to Lowes or Home Depot and find a flower or plant. Water that daily and at the same time find a book or a podcast to water your mind. Let’s see what fruits we can grow for harvest!