Climbing My Mountain

What does Miley's song say?  It's a climb!  I was fortunate enough to be able to take a trip to see my son who is stationed in California this past October.  What I did not know was that I was going to have a lot of time to myself.  I was able to take a breather from everyday life.  And since I was in beautiful sunny California, why not explore?   

This year has brought a lot with it.  My year of Finding Forty has been by far the most emotional year.  It is not until I stopped to reflect, that I was able to face it head on.  My adventure started with me needed to fill my morning with something to do.  I love to be outdoors and seeing all of God's beauty.  I also love to challenge myself, something I have not been doing lately.  This time I did not have a schedule or routine to keep.  I was able to do things on the fly.  This mami does not do things on the fly.  I am a planner, scheduler, and organizer.  In my life everything has to have a purpose and fall into place.  This is how I can have control.  But there are things I cannot control and that is so scary.  Those have been the most scariest things I have to admit to.  Me not in control. 

Climbing Cowles Mountain was something to do that morning.  What I did not know was that it was what my soul needed.  I did not just sweat my way to the top, there were a few tears shed.  Not just because I did not realize what I got myself into, I sometimes under estimate things.  This 1,593 foot climb to the highest peak of San Diego will go down on my list.  Like when you are struggling and someone asks, "You ok?"   

Thumbs up, yeah!  Me?  Just fine.  I came prepared with water, cap, sunglasses, a jacket, etc.  But just like in life, it does not matter how prepared you think you are.  I was not ready.  I doubted myself and my ability plenty of times.  I had to keep telling myself that I was not a quitter.  I think the scary part was that I was alone.  But I really was not.  There were plenty of people on the trail with me, doing the climb.  And yet, I felt alone.  I was texting my husband and keeping him posted on my status.  And yet, I was alone. 

Have you ever felt alone?  I have.  On this climb and in life.  I started out strong with a good pace.  I knew I had my asthma pumps with me, just in case.  I also told myself to take breaks as needed and rest in shady areas when I would find them.  I did.  I even let people pass me up.  I did not want to hold anyone back.  I never do.  I like to help others overcome, move forward, and accomplish their goals.  I give advice and yet I forget to take my own.  Every step I took, I let more and more go.  The weight on my shoulders was getting lighter and lighter.  As I reach every mile marker, it seemed as it was a reflecting of each stage of my life. 

I have lived a great life.  I have accomplished many things I set out to do.  I have overcome.  My bullheadedness to not fail has been my motivator to keep rising.  The point is not to stop.  My fears were taken by the wind.  My eyes refocused.  And me, well I am still climbing. 

When I thought I had no more fuel, I saw the top.  I reached the top of Cowles Mountain.  It was beautiful.  I sight to see, to enjoy, and to just - sit and be still.  I did it.  It wanted to shout once I got to the top.  I actually almost fell to my knees with thankfulness.  Once I took it all in and recovered, I had something come over me.  I jogged my way down.  I was super careful around the corners, got stuck behind a slow person, and then when I had the opportunity, I bolted for the bottom. 

In life, there will always be more mountains to climb.  You are not alone.  It is your climb.  However you choose to climb it.  You choose the mountain.  Whatever mile marker you are on, face it head on!

Thirsty Thursday-Ultimate Margarita Showdown

***Disclosure-Sample product was received for review.  All opinions stated are my own based on my personal experience.

The first day of Summer this year is going to be June 21.  Summer means BBQs with the family and fun in the sun.  My husband's birthday always kicks off Summer for us.  This year Father's Day kicks off the first day of Summer.  And what is a get-2-gether without some drinks?

I received the Parrot Bay Ultimate Margarita Showdown party kit.  A blind taste test of two ready-to-drink margarita flavored beverages, which included instructions.

step 1-Salt the rim

step 2-Pour the Margarita

step 3-Take in the Aroma

step 4-Taste

1-A was a darker yellow, while B was a lighter color.

2-A had a stronger lime smell versus B.  B has more of a margarita mix smell.

3-A tasted more lime taste while B had a coconut base taste.

After tasting both, I enjoyed B more.  My husband said B was different than what he has tried before because of the coconut taste.  After revealing what each can was, I learned that B was:

Parrot Bay® Margarita with Coconut Water

-Only 150 calories per serving 

-8 oz. slim line can

-ready to drink

-hint of lime

-splash of coconut water

In case you are wondering, A has 220 calories.  Important information for those that are counting calories, like I am.  I don't like or want to drink my calories.  

By the way A was Bud Light Lime-A-Rita.  

I was surprised that I picked B as I love lime.  But after drinking A and then drinking B, Parrot Bay Margarita with Coconut Water won me over!

Fitness Friday-UnderArmour FitFluential 1000 #FFBURPEE Challenge

Today is the last day of February.  The second month of the year, gone.  How are you doing with your resolution?  How are you fitness goals?  We are 2 months down and 10 more to go.  It is ok if you have gotten lost we need to refocus, and the end of the month/beginning of the month is the perfect time for this.  In January, I tried to start back but the weather played a big role in my delay.  This month, I had a partner and trainer right by my side helping me.  I keep recommending to you to find a partner to help you with accountability.  I not only had accountability but I also signed up for a challenge.  I was going to do an ab challenge but a friend posted about the @FitFluential @UnderArmour 1000 #FFBURPEES challenge.  I thought about how hard those have been for me in the past and I decided to take on the challenge.  The goal was to do at least 37 a day.  I actually started the challenge a day late so I had to catch up and so I did 50.  I did not do them all at once.  I put my heart monitor on before I started.  I did 10 at a time.  I let my heart rate come back down and then I did 10 more.  I ended doing 50 with a 15 to 20 minute time period.  I felt great.  So on the days I could I did 50.  Then life took over and I had a trip out of town.  No excuses remember, so I played catch up all through the month.  Some days I had to do 75, and this week even 100.

Above are recaps of my trips to the gym and my burpees.  My husband was great helping me achieve my goal of 1000 burpees.  Even my little one joined in the challenge when she saw me doing the burpees at home.  I did not think I could do that many but I did it!  This morning I completed my last 100 burpees for a total of 1000.

But you do not have to take on a crazy challenge like I did, just focus on something you are trying to achieve.  Have you ran a 5K before or walked it?  Whatever you do, keep moving!!  Good luck!  I have not decided what I will be doing this next month but all I know is my body is reshaping.  Next month I will give you a update on the stats but for now-who cares what the scale reads as I am having fun!