Love the Bliss: July 2010

Tuesday, July 20, 2010

Hi dad!!

The girls and I drove to Anchorage last weekend and we got to see my dad, see a long lost sister and her family and catch up on family history...it was so fun! Here's some pics of our visit. Can you tell I was excited??

Saturday, July 3, 2010

My New Ride...Meet "Sweet"

I've been looking for a smaller car as it's not necessary to drive a big SUV anymore. I had things narrowed down between a 2010 or 2011 Subaru Outback and a 2009 Toyota Venza. I was really worried about the '09 Venza as it was a first year car on the market. So, I was leaning towards the Outback. THEN, I drove the 2010 Venza and fell in love with it! It's my favorite color (white) and is really sweet to ride. It's really close to the Outback in dimensions but is a lot more luxurious. I wasn't really going for the lux, but it was really difficult not to like it! It'll be an adjustment not having the rugged SUV security, but change is good...so, we'll see how it goes over the next few years. Besides, we're looking at getting a new "teen" mobile and a used Outback might be what we're in the market for. I totally forgot about having to have a trailer hitch for our bike rack and an Outback would come in handy for that and be a lot safer for the kids.

Happy 4th of July everyone!! I love the freedoms of our country!! We are so blessed and fortunate!!

Relatively Inexpensive Pleasurable Addictions

A thought occured to me that a discussion of alternatives to less desireable addictions would be good. I do realize that some pleasures are relative...these are just some of my ideas. A final note is that I believe passions are great! But, all of us need to become the master in bridling all of our passions...or addictions.
Number 1: Chocolate...lets all eat Dark Chocolate! I have heard that it's very healthy to eat a tad everyday! Remember though...just one square a day...and I don't mean a giant chocolate bar square...the itty bitty square that makes up the big one!
Number 2: Run...get outside and run and don't stop until you want. LOVE those endorphins!! So addicting and so much healthier than alternatives. Okay, there is a bit of expense in the beginning because you need a good pair of shoes, and you should probably wear some shorts at least...and a top.
Number 3: Walk...it's not as hard on the knees but as beneficial as running!
Number 4: Read...a good book is downright fun! If you've gotta do something everyday or all night long, reading a good book can do no harm!
Number 5: Lift weights, ultimate frisbee, swim, practice yoga or pilates or any sport! If you gotta do something, exercise...again, those endorphins make you happy!! And, they're free!!
Number 6: Get a hobby...photo books, knitting, crafty stuff, sewing, geneology...whatever...just do it. I realize some of these things will cost some money, but none of them should compromise your health.
Number 7: Hang out with someone you love! Everyday!
Number 8: Eat veggies...or fruits...have them at your disposal all day just to keep from reaching for something not so healthy or that could potentially kill you and your loved ones!
Number 9: Play games...video, internet, gameboy. I've seen some people have a really difficult time tearing themselves away from the TV, computer or whatever device...but, if it keeps you away from serious alternatives that could cause harm, a little or maybe a little more than a little can't kill you. Remember though, too much of a good thing, can be too much! So, limit yourself!
Number 10: Remember that if something is causing you harm, using up all your resources of money, taking you away from things that are good, perhaps it's time to reevaluate your addictions. I think the key is to find pleasure in your addiction and not over-do or abuse it!