Yesterday in a discussion with my boss, he mentioned how he never rushes to be anywhere, he allows plenty of time to get places, so he drives carefully and the speed limit. Well even though it wasn’t really advice, I thought about how I always rush to yoga or always rush to the gym after work. Yesterday I took my usual train, walked home, changed and headed off to yoga wondering if I would make it in time. As I was driving, I looked at the clock, it was 5:30 and I was half way there already and still had half an hour to get into the class. I took my time getting there, parking and walking over to the studio and I ended up being the first person there for the class and 15 minutes early! This just proves how I really don’t need to rush, I have plenty of time to make it to the class after work.

Since I was there early, I was able to relax in the empty yoga room until other students arrived and the class started at 6. Practice was cut 15 min short due to the teacher’s other commitment but I really didn’t mind. I saw it as 15 more minutes in my evening and went on without rushing, deciding last minute to stop at Trader Joes for a few things. Then I continued driving home and noticed firetrucks and a street blocked off. The fire truck ladders hung a flag, our flag for the USA! I suddenly forgot that I was hungry and had not eaten dinner yet. I turned onto my street, took my time to park and walked around the corner to watch the last 20 minutes of the ceremony.

They had a boys choir singing when I arrived, then they played a short video of clips from 9/11/01 on the brick firehouse. Seeing those clips, even by standing across the street and hearing the song with them, just brought back more memories of that day and the news surrounding the days and weeks that went by that firemen, police and emergency responders were searching for people that might be still alive. 

I was thankful that I went to the earlier yoga class, that I got out early and was able to watch part of this ceremony. I nearly had tears in my eyes as the songs were sung. They ended the ceremony with Proud to be an American. I certainly am proud! They released red, white and blue balloons into the sky as they closed the ceremony. [you can kind of see the balloons in the picture below]

I feel like this day is a good reminder to people that you never know what tomorrow will bring. You really never know if you will even be alive tomorrow. This leads back a bit to never rushing, especially when driving a car. You need to be aware of your surroundings. It’s not worth it to speed. You should also take moments to appreciate your life. Yes sometimes we are all rushing around and don’t have a chance to sit down. I know that I am always rushing around, but Wednesday night was one night where I took some time to sit down, relax and reflect and appreciate life. I think we all need those nights once a week if we can get them.

So please take a step back, take a night off, find some time, even just an hour on a weekday or the weekend, where you can relax and appreciate that you are alive today.

Thanks for stopping by and welcome to my new blog! This is just an introductory post so I’ll keep it short and sweet.

I have had a blog for a while on blogger, but decided I needed my own domain, so welcome to my new space as I learn how to customize everything along the way. I posted my 2014 entries I have written so far and now will continue to publish on this website.

Over the next few months I plan to be writing and sharing posts about my daily life, yoga and food.

That’s it for now! If you’d like to be kept updated with my posts “Like” this post or subscribe to my blog.

(first published on blogspot on June 17, 2014)

I survived my first day at my new job!! Ok I really can’t say “survived.” It honestly wasn’t that difficult or anything. It was great that I had met quite a few people when I interviewed and kind of had a mini tour of the office beforehand. I was all set to start there.
         I arrived shortly before 9am and got introduced to the rest of the employees that were in by that time. Can’t say I remember anybody’s name really, but luckily they have signs on their doors or cubicle with their name which will certainly help me haha.
         For most of my day I watched and took notes while working with one woman that I will be helping. My computer of course was not ready when planned so I just pulled over a chair and observed. Starting with some simple tasks until I nail them and then adding more tasks to my to do list as I learn. I am super excited for this opportunity! Everyone is so nice and I know I will be learning a lot! I was a little nervous since I hadn’t worked in over 3 months, but I feel the info will come back to me quickly as I learn and process this new information.
       I got my badge in the morning to really make me official! I can even go to the bathroom by myself!! You need your card to exit the bathroom area, not get into the bathroom area…so yeah, you better not forget it.

        For lunch we went across the street and enjoyed this outdoor restaurant. I am loving this warm weather! I ordered a Chicken BLT sandwich. It also came with couscous. The lighting was not ideal for pictures but here is my sandwich.

       The rest of the afternoon I continued observing and then doing a few entries myself. I finally got my computer around 4:30 in the afternoon. So handy when I left at 5, but at least I know my email works and the computer is at my desk for the morning.
        I took the train home with all the commuters. Something I will have to get used to, but it’s pretty nice not to have to drive. Then I quickly changed and headed to the gym for a quick weights workout. I was so happy all evening because when I returned from the gym, I checked my email and learned that I got accepted to a yoga teacher training program!
      I would say it was a pretty great Monday! Hopefully the rest of the week goes well too and then Friday I’m off to Buffalo for a wedding!! Can’t wait to catch up with some old friends!! So much to look forward to!

(first published on blogspot on June 13, 2014)

Finally Friday!! I feel like this week went by so slowly. I blame the gloomy rainy weather that we have had all week. But I can’t complain too much because I would much rather have it be raining than snowing, so I am happy that it’s warm outside.
     Today is my last Friday before I start working on Monday! I am excited and nervous at the same time. I haven’t been working for over 3 months and it feels like ages ago. I was happy for the break in the beginning and then I made the big move to Philadelphia and have managed to keep myself busy for a while, but now I feel like I get more and more bored sitting at home, though mostly when it’s raining and I can’t walk to the park like the past few days. I did get a short walk in between rain showers the other day to the park and walked the trail around. The field and park is gorgeous with some trees blooming.

    However due to the rain, it was really humid and bugs kept flying in my face so I couldn’t wait to get back inside.
      When it rains outside, that means I spend more time grocery shopping and in the kitchen cooking and baking. This is what happened yesterday.

          I made shredded chicken in the crock pot during the day, prepared turkey bacon and onion burgers for the freezer and made The Healthy Maven’s strawberry corn muffinrecipe, which I definitely recommend. They were so good. I may have eaten three last night after dinner…
          Today some more cooking will happen, or really spiralizing. I have a zucchini and cucumber to spiralize for salads. Also speaking of spiralizing, check out this awesome tote bag from Inspiralized. It was perfect for carrying my groceries yesterday.

         Well I hope the sun comes back out soon so I can soak up some more vitamin D before living in an office for 40 hours a week again. I am excited though to be learning some new things and working again though. I will also have time to read blogs while taking the train to work. It will be nice to not have to worry about driving!
      This weekend should be pretty laid back. No plans other than to work out and enjoy some outside time. However I am most looking forward to next weekend because I’m going to Buffalo to see one of my friends get married and get to visit with some other friends from school while I’m there. I am so excited because I haven’t seen some of these friends in a couple years.
      Hope everyone has an awesome weekend!!