Discovering Backyard Wilderness

How connected are your kids?  I do not mean to the WiFi but to the outdoors.  We are a society that has a schedule for screen time but do you schedule outdoors time too?  Do you?  No judgement from me remember that I am the mom who decided to make this year's resolution to be outdoors more.

Thanks to the Houston Museum of Natural Science for inviting our family to a screening.  All opinions stated are my own based on my personal experience.

My daughter recently was assigned a science fair project.  Remember those?  You were given a topic, you have to do research, and then you have to present all your findings.  Every the projects were different.  My daughter is in the first grade and this year they were assigned different animals.  She was so excited to be able to make her selection.  My daughter loves animals.  She wants to be a veterinarian when she grows up.  She came home with her assigned animal and I was  ready to hit the library.  You know, to do our research from inside a book.  Just then we received the special invitation to watch the new 3D documentary - Backyard Wilderness: The Wild Around You at the Houston Museum of Natural Science.  

   

Synopsis-In Backyard Wilderness: The Wild Around You, follow a young girl who discovers the intricate secrets that nature has hidden close to her front door.  Absorbed by electronic devices, young Katie and her family are blind to the natural splendor all around them—until Katie uncovers a new world.  This stunning film reveals animal inhabitants in rare and breathtaking detail, inside dens and nests, and moving along forest floors and pond bottoms.

When I was younger, I was not encouraged to get outdoors.  Research was done in the library, inside the books.  When my son was in school, he was encouraged to do his research in the web.  The internet is a plethora of information.  But I have always encouraged my kids to be hands on, explore, and be creative.  I liked that this 3D movie invites you to step outside because you never know what you will discover.  There is a whole other world, if you stop and pay attention.  Disconnecting from our electronics and connecting with the environment. 

Our family recommends this movie.  We think it is perfect for families and it is for all ages. 

For tickets and more information on Backyard Wilderness, visit www.hmns.org or call (713) 639-4629. 

My NoSweat Resolution for 2019

Looking back at 2018, I realized I wanted to be outdoors more in 2019.  I think I became a hermit the last couple of years.  It was like I was allergic to anything that had to do with stepping out of my front door.  But I plan on changing that this year.  I want to return to my roots.

Why, you ask?  Well I think it is important for our health to not get into the rut of sheltering yourself from anything and everything.  The world is a scary place but it becomes less scary the more you face it.  I am challenging myself to be outdoors at least once a week.  I used to go outdoors every day in the past.  Somehow I got comfortable just hanging out at home and being a homebody.  Total opposite of my character and how I had lived my life.

Thanks to NoSweat for providing product for review. All opinions stated are my own based on my
personal experience.

The challenge is to step out.  Embrace today.  Do what comes natural.  Explore the unknown.  There are so many things to enjoy and do outdoors:

Ride a bike.  Riding bikes is not just for little kids.  It is the new cool thing to do, actually.

Take a stroll.  Walk.  Have you ever just walked with no place to go?  It is amazing what clarity you get.  How lost in the moment you could be?

Climb as high as you can go.  Try something new.  You may have not thought about rock climbing. Start small and then go big.

Run, forest, run!  You don’t have to find a forest or do you?  The air is so different there.  Find a park.
Let the wind hit you in the face.

Sit and be still.  Just be there.  In that moment.  You and what is in front of you.  Close your eyes and use your ears.

Don’t sweat the small the things. Do more of the big things. Pick a side and just go for it.

Whatever the excuse I will give myself, whether it be working out, traveling, outdoor recreation, or just nothing; the one thing I know is-I won’t be sweating things this year. 

Well, NoSweat has me covered on that aspect.  NoSweat thin, disposable liners stick to the inside of headwear to instantly absorb sweat and prevent odors, stains and even acne.  The liners are soft and lightweight and each one can last up to two weeks.

-Peel it

-Stick It-

NoSweat it!

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!

Trail Walking Tips

So I have found that I like the great outdoors.  I like to walk the trails any chance I get.  When planning a trip, I look for close trails that the family and I can walk.  Walking or hiking a trail can be great for any age.  There are so many things to see on a trail and it is a great exercise.  It can be better then walking the treadmill staring at the wall or watching TV.  

We recently traveled to Guadalupe River State Park.  They have several trails to be enjoyed by the park visitors.  I decided to go for a walk on one of trails.  Here are some of my tips to trail walking:

1)  Research your trail.  How far do you want to walk?  Does the trail bring you back to your starting point?  Is it a marked trail?

2)  Stay on the Trail.  Follow the trail markers.  They are there to guide you.  

3)  Read any posted signs.  These signs could be important especially if there are detour or closures to the trail you are currently on.

  4)  Remember you are in the great outdoors.  Animals and plants live in this environment.

  5)  If you get lost, always look for the road.

6)  Don't hike or walk alone.  You can have a wonderful conversation.  In case of an emergency, the other person can go for help or be able to assist.  It can be a great way for you to be able to talk to someone without a lot of distractions.  The more the merrier, right?  They can also help keep you on the trail because they may be better map readers than you are...lol

Enjoy the view.  Let go.  Breath in and breath out.  Happy Trails!

Have you ever been trail walking or hiking?  What has been your favorite trail?  Do you have any tips?