Surround yourself <^>

Having 2 weeks off from work has allowed me to spend time with many and also spend time with no one, just myself. I have thoroughly enjoyed these times and can't help but to be reminded of the importance of balance.  I need balance in my life at all times. Balancing time between family, friends, work and husband. Balancing work with exercise and time for my hobbies. Balancing time out with time indoors just being at peace with myself. While I think I do a pretty good job of all of these things I know it is a lifestyle that I will continue to work on as my life changes. I have some great memories behind me and I know there are many wonderful times to be had ahead of me. As I look back here are some of my favorite memories: 

   

















Running my first half marathon!                                                    Playing 2 sports 3x a week this                                                                                                                 summer and keeping up with crossfit                                                                                                         workouts 2x/week

Coaching another successful field hockey season!

    












Celebrated an awesome first year of marriage




                                                                                                                                                                                                              Enjoyed vacation with our family

 




Had a great Christmas with our families









Celebrated the many good things in our lives and found keepsakes for those no longer with us on Earth <3

   *Family*

Happy New year!

What are you spreading?

Just take a second to make sure you're spreading joy, love and peace. It's hard, I know sometimes. But just try to make a conscious effort. Having a parent that works retail I have heard some horrific stories that would literally shock you. However, my mom wears a smile on her face every day and treats every person with respect and dignity even when they throw things at her (literally!) Family can be annoying after a while but jut think this could be one of the last times you are all together. People will push you, cut you off and not be as thoughtful as you, smile anyway. Forgive. Try making some fun memories with loved ones during this time. Watch classic movies, wrap gifts together and enjoy a nice cup of hot chocolate. If you want to escape your long to do list join me at The Journey for an hour of inspiration and rejuvenation for your mind and heart. 

Here's a list of some fun and easy ways to spread some cheer to those around you before and after Christmas

     *

   Merry Christmas!

1. Buy someone who is stuck outside a cup of coffee

2. Pay for the coffee of someone behind you in line

3. Pick up a small gift for someone you wouldn't normally

4. Write a letter to someone who needs to hear how you feel about them

5. Take some pictures of your favorite things this time of year and go for a walk or run

6. Watch a favorite movie

7. Have lunch with an old friend

8. Make a craft with your kids

9. Give some change to the men and women standing in the cold ringing the Christmas bells

10. Sing Christmas carols and give thanks somehow, some way. 

Be a Buddy Elf, not a South Pole elf!

4,3,2, one.

4- shopping. I LOVE shopping but not just for myself. I love finding unique and memorable things for people that will make  them smile and hopefully feel as wonderful as they help me to feel. I give because I have been given to so graciously.

3- family. Near and far, my family is like no other. We drive each other crAzy but we also make each other laugh like no other. We stick together and are there for each other when it matters most. I am also blessed enough to have my husband's family who have taken me in and are truly the most generous and loving people I've ever met.

2- Traditions. I love the little things. Things like listening to classic Christmas carols, driving 2 hours for a Christmas play every year, enjoying a nice cup of hot chocolate, watching Home Alone, wrapping presents and decorating the tree with those I love. It's such a fun time of year and I love not,only the time and spirit that is shared but I love that the holiday is a reminder of the day the greatest blessing of all was born.

1- faith. God has truly blessed me and during the hardest moments of my life he has carried me through. I have been fortunate enough to be surrounded by some people who pray and encourage me daily. My New official church has made me feel at peace and at home. I literally look forward to going every weekend and am so inspired to be a servant and a vessel for God's love.

There are so many things I love and adore. Enjoy what's around you and have a beautiful holiday season.

8-5

8- Another fall favorite is Food! I love food. I love trying new things and going to my favorite places and NOT trying new things too :) Some of my favorite conversations have taken place over the dinner table or over a cup of coffee. I am lucky enough to have a diverse family that offers a variety of food for special occasions. My mother's family is Puerto Rican and they make the BEST rice, pork and because my grandmother is Mexican we also have the best empanadas! Andrew's family is just as gifted and make the most incredible homemade bread, cakes and pretty much anything else. Thursday or better yet Thanksgiving is truly one of my favorite holidays for I get to eat in a room of about 30 and hear endless laughter, chatter and love. Oh and we get to enjoy a loaded plate of wonderful food!

7- Because I like to eat, it is a good thing I also like to work out. In the fall, I still play field hockey until the middle of October and I have still been trying to attend Crossfit on Thursdays. I like to run and strength train throughout the week. I like a challenge but I really like variety. I like pushing myself and finding new limits. I do some P90x, plyometric work and interval runs also. Sometimes I look on Pinterest and find a new workout to try! Find something fun you enjoy and do it. I need that 1-1 1/2 hours to myself each day. It refreshes me and motivates me to keep going. Find a partner or find your inner strength and make it happen!

6- I LOVE fun moments at school. This year my Second Grade team was lucky enough to invite our student's parents in for a Readers Theater performance. We were blown away by the turnout. We had about 70 people crammed into the school library which also contained about 60 Second Graders! The students were amazing readers and were so proud of themselves, as they should have been. Afterward, many of the parents came up to me and were so impressed by their child's reading and acting. They also were so appreciative of the teachers for taking time to care enough about allowing them to be a part of such a special event. Later on last night I was in the hair salon with my sister and one of the grandparents of a child in my class was so delighted to hear how much fun he had. She was also awestruck when I told her how sweet this child was and how proud of him I was. She literally almost cried. It's these kind of moments that remind me why I'm here and why I do what I do. Talk about an inspiring birthday! 

5- I love my birthday :) I am not sure how I get so blessed to be surrounded by so many lovely people. From the moment I woke up I was honestly showered with love. My husband made me breakfast, wrote a beautiful card and found a thoughtful gift. I received many texts and over 150 Facebook posts wishing me a happy birthday. I went to work and received cards and wishes. We went to my favorite restaurant for dinner and went back to my in-laws for dessert. I got the CUTEST gifts which I can't wait to wear and use! --I had such a good day. - -It's nice to know how thoughtful people are. I really don't get too excited about birthdays but I must say it is a big deal. You should celebrate yourselves a little. Too many people are not given a life this long and it's our job to enjoy it and to change others lives through ours. God has blessed me with a strong heart that really does have a desire to change the world. I am blessed with family and friends who believe in me and help me, but most importantly they help reflect the love of God. In the words of Joyce Meyer "Eat the cookie, buy the shoes!" 

Celebrate and be celebrated, there's only one of you. 

Thank you all so much.