Just a little Juice

It's been a while since I've had any motivation or inspiration to write. I guess I need to lower my standards and write something, anything, to get the ball rolling again!

So, here we are, the ABC's of me!

Age: 35

Beach: Yes, please! As often as possible. Every day if i could. 

Chores that you hate: Cleaning the bathrooms

Dogs:  We have 3. Hoku, Jack and Tuxedo.

Essential start to your day: Coffee

Favorite color: Turquoise is my new favorite. 

Gold or Silver: Both

Height: 5'4

Instruments you play: I don't play any. 

Job title: Therapist

Kids: I don't have any, but I was one once! ;) 

Live: on the Big Island of Hawaii

Mother's Name: Karen 

Nicknames: Sunshine

Overnight hospital stays: More than enough for one person's lifetime!  

Pet peeves: People who aren't "real" 

Quote from a song:  "I may not have that much to give in material things, but what I have I give to you so freely. Shine on ,  Shine on. Let your light fill up this world til dawn." 

Right or Lefty: Lefty

Siblings: Two - I'm the middle of 3. My sister is 2 years older and my brother is 4 years younger. 

Time you wake up:  Depends on the day. Usually around 6 am or 6:30.

Underwear: the cuter the better :)

Vegetable you hate: taro leaves. (Is taro a vegetable?) 

What makes you run late: Not planning ahead and giving myself enough time

X-Rays You've Had: Wrist and ankle - during childhood - minor sprains

Yummy food you make: CHEESECAKE! 

Zoo Animal: Orangutans - they're awesome. Elephants are mesmerizing too. 

Healthy, wealthy and wise :)

Well, one out of 3 aint bad, right??? ;)

So the push-up challenge was fun (for me at least). Turns out we're a competitive group of gals who kept pushing each other until we had limp, noodle arms.

This week, our challenge is walking. Whoever ends up with the most minutes logged for the week = winner! Today I went for an hour walk outdoors - lots of hills - (I love that about our neighborhood!) I also did a 30 minute Couch to 5K workout, crossing Week 2, Day 2 off the list. Because I had some time on my hands, I also threw in an arms workout - one I'd like to stick with for the next month or so and see if there's any real difference.

Food: I rose to the challenge and ate healthy overall today. It's different to be reaching for protein vs. my beloved sugary snacks, but I'm deciding that a bit of mindfulness is definitely worth it.

Breakfast: Peanut butter banana protein shake and a cup of coffee
Morning snack: Bumble Bee Tuna medley (lemon and black pepper) with crackers
Lunch: Spring mix salad with cucumbers, roma tomato, feta cheese and salad dressing
Afternoon snack: Handful of almonds and (blush) 7 Savannah Smiles (lemon flavored Girl Scout cookies)
Dinner: BLT on 5 seed bread and a stick of string cheese

Did I mention I sort of like food? ;)

Monday!! Woo-hoo!

I must have officially lost it. I'm excited, yet again, that Monday is here. It's that whole "fresh start" thing. :) So grateful.

It's a beautiful sunny morning on the Big Island, and I'm looking forward to making the most out of this day as I can.

We have a group on Facebook that is starting fitness challenges - and the inaugural challenge is PUSH-UPS!!!

Winner of this week's challenge gets to issue next week's. It's ON!!! 

Rock the routine :)

Well, FlyLady promises that routines will become my lifesaver. This idea is so foreign to me, but I'm trusting her and forging onward.

It's day three of implementing small changes and I must admit, things are looking better around here. Who knew that a few concentrated / focused moments, a few times a day, would make such a noticeable difference?

My morning routine is evolving quite nicely.  I'm not used to getting so much done so early in the day. I accomplished so much BEFORE heading off to work!

Home office makeover

Proudly presenting... my home office makeover! 

Before

(Don't judge me because I'm a paper hoarder!!!)

After

As you can see, we replaced the old computer desk (which was designed for a desktop computer) with a streamlined L-shaped workstation. It's so much more user-friendly and functional for my work needs. I'm not a feng-shui expert but it certainly seems to flow better. Do you agree?

I love it! 

And, one of the best perks: 

Working view. 

The view of Mauna Kea (and the pretty pink hibiscus) is now unobscured.

LOVE!!!!! 

And now, I'm off to shine my sink. :)

Shine On

So, (deep breath), here's my confession: my office is a mess. Like, a hot mess. :( I've always been comfortable with a mild level of chaos. In fact, it made me feel free. But I recently realized that my disorganization is seriously costing me time and energy.

I've finally had enough. It's time to do something about it. 

Enter FlyLady: 

Her first step to becoming a domestic goddess: "Shine your sink". 

I had my doubts that a shiny sink would make me feel more organized, but I was up for an adventure. FlyLady says to use bleach. I cheated, and used Lysol kitchen disinfectant spray instead.

 I must admit, to my surprise, now that my sink sparkles, I DO feel a little more motivated. Since FlyLady claims that daily sink shining is key to keeping it all together. I'll commit to a week and report back. 

I also made a point of "getting dressed to lace up shoes" (another FlyLady tip). Such a small thing, but it seemed to make a big difference in my energy level. I tend to hang in my pjs on weekend mornings, but today I was dressed to leave the house (even though I wasn't leaving for hours).  I found myself tackling all sorts of projects - laundry, bathrooms, floors. I returned the recycling, went grocery shopping and stopped at Office Max to replenish office supplies. After that, I came home and started purging my office of it's clutter and chaos.

Tune in tomorrow for an update on my office makeover. (If I'm done by then, I'll share pictures). 

Now, if you'll excuse me, I have a sink that needs it's nightly shining. :)

Life on a whim

It was a great Friday, as Friday's go. After tending to some work stuff, I ended up taking a spontaneous drive around the island.

It was a great afternoon for veering off the beaten path.  I toured the Malama Wellness Center in Kealakekua and splurged on a spicy chicken sandwich at Wendy's. That particular sandwich USED to be my all time favorite fast food meal. Oddly, I couldn't see what the big deal was when I bit into it. Have my tastes changed that much in 5 years? 

I did a bit of networking for It Works, talking with employees at the wellness center and a spa on the Kona side, and I was invited to bring some information to the hockey rink where the roller derby team practices. (Have I mentioned how much I LOVE roller derby?)

Back in Hilo, I followed up with some ladies who wrapped earlier this week, and then wrapped a newbie for the first time.

Before.   

45 minutes later. 

Her skin is definitely tighter and younger looking. This is a pretty nifty product .... If I do say so myself. :)

Stay tuned for tomorrow's adventures with FLYlady... I'm on a mission to get organized, adopt routines and clear out clutter. Tomorrow, my life as a FLYbaby begins!!!