Photo by Iselines
Happiness comes in different forms and not always when you expect it. For example, on the weekend I was sweeping down my dusty driveway and lucky me, it rained! Ever since moving here we’ve had water restrictions so I haven’t been able to get rid of all the dirt and dust that’s accumulated from the property development that’s continually going on around here. So when it started to rain I saw it as the perfect opportunity to use mother nature to help me wash down my driveway. My neighbours driving by on the other hand probably think I’m one step away from a psychiatric facility but little did they know the metaphoric meaning this experience had for me. Now call me crazy but that experience alone was one of the happiest I’ve had in a very long time.
My Mum, come rain hail or shine would do her gardening and mowing and never once let the weather get in her way. We used to call her the crazy lady for doing so but after today I guess you could say like mother like daughter. As soon as it started to rain I just stood there thinking of Mum. I smiled the world’s biggest smile and felt a warm glow in my heart that I hadn’t felt in the longest while. Then it all clicked, and I realised I was just like my Mum. I didn’t care that my neighbours probably thought that I was crazy for sweeping my driveway in the pouring rain because at that very moment I was euphorically happy and that’s all that mattered to me.
To often I’ve said to myself that once I achieve this or once I achieve that that I’ll be happy when in fact it seldom does. Not in the big scheme of things. What makes me happy is paying attention to the little things in life and stopping and savouring them. Just being in a moment for no other reason is what life’s all about. Happiness isn’t something that you find, for me it’s something that happens purely by living my life by my rules and not taking anything for granted. It’s then and only then I find my truest of happiness.
What have you done lately that has made yourself truly happy? ♥
I was playing around with my iMac Webcam last weekend and took this photo of myself using the colour pencil photo effect, cool huh!
Okay so I’ve decided I’m going to give vlogging a go and will probably create my first one this weekend. Like Rae, I don’t know how I feel about hearing myself being played back but then again if I don’t watch it myself then it won’t be so bad right. LOL!! Only time will tell I guess. So here’s what I’m thinking of doing. Taping a vlog here at home using my iMac Webcam, uploading it onto my youtube account so that I’m not taking up space which in turns costs me more money because of my self-hosted blog and then posting it into a blog post. Is that how most do it? Or is there an easier way? Either way I’d love to hear your feedback because I’m about to enter into uncharted territories as you all know and have NO IDEA what the hell I’m doing. Hang on a minute, I just remembered buying a Videoblogging for Dummies book earlier this year when I was first considering it. I’ll be right back…………… Silly me, it was in my book collection. I swear I have the worst memory in the world. So I obviously need to read this book to help me out this weekend, but in the meantime I still want to hear what you have to say. Knowledge is power remember. 
Well I’m back on that damn emotional roller coaster ride of life again, and here I was thinking that I was finally off that sucker for good! Who was I kidding. LOL!! Oh well, what can you do. I’m kind of numb emotionally at the moment. Last weeks court case then visit to the cemetery bought about some good news and some not so good news. I think I said quite enough in last weeks post and I really don’t want a repeat performance of that. Lets just say that there’s been an ending in one respect and a beginning in another. Life continues to challenge me and I have to trust that there’s good reason for that, what for the life of me I can not figure out but I have to continue to fight the good fight if nothing else than for survival.
But I am happy to report that I only have one week left at work before six glorious weeks of holidays. Now that makes me a very happy girl.
Au revoir pour maintenant.
Herbs and spices not only add flavour, they’re bursting with goodness. Nutritionist Nicole Senior reveals how a simple sprinkle can boost the health benefits of a meal.
Herbs and spices have been around for centuries – and not just as flavourings. Many herbs and spices have anti-microbial properties and were routinely used to preserve food in the days before refrigeration. In traditional medicine, cumin, coriander, fennel, mint and garlic were also used to cure digestive disorders, while parsley-seed extract was employed as a laxative and to relieve fluid retention.
Today, many herbs and spices continue to be used as natural remedies – for example, ginger, which is a popular treatment for nausea and vomiting. However, the health benefits of these flavoursome ingredients might be more than just remedial. A review in the Medical Journal of Australia shows herbs and spices provide a wide range of nutrients and phytochemicals (plant chemicals) that can help prevent disease and contribute to better health. Read more….
Source: Super Food Ideas – March 2007, Page 96 & Taste.com.au
Author: Nicole Senior
★ Precision Nutrition: this I’ve recently purchased and will be incorporating into my Maximum Strength Training Program so I thought I’d share it with you.
★ Diva Consignments: if you’re wanting to buy or sell pre-loved posing costumes then this is the online store for you.
★ Fighter Diet: Pauline Nordin is the creator of this concept and blog so if you want the ultimate hardcore training and nutrition program then this is right up your alley.
★ Beyond Blue: we all know someone who’s been effected by depression and this is a great online resource for those in need.
★ Figure Athlete: has a great article database that covers anything and everything in the health and fitness industry.
Here’s a photo of some old and some new toys that I use in the gym and at home.
★ AOK PhysioRoller: This is the article that first introduced me and got me started into self myofascial release which improves flexibility, function, performance and reduces injuries. A must for every serious athlete in my opinion. Gone are the days now of static stretching and cardio before a training session for me, it was time to move into the 21st Century. Instead I use self myofascial release, dynamic stretching and then static stretching for post-training.
★ Rolling Pin: Pauline Nordin demonstrates it’s use here in a youtube video. The pressure is intense due to the lack of give and resistance it has but it’s effective and that’s why I have one to use. It’s also something manageable you can use on yourself for muscle groups like quads, hamstrings and even calves.
★ AOK Massage Ball: This massage ball is more for the advanced user like my hubby. It’s similar in that it’s intense like the rolling pin and no it’s not one for the faint hearted folks. Oh and be careful, it’s also been known to leave small little bruises behind. But it is good to get into those annoying knots we get in muscles from time to time and with a little pressure you can give yourself some instant relief which can be a real blessing in between visits to the chiropractor and myotherapist.
★ Tennis Ball: The tennis ball is more for the beginner like me because it has more give and resistance than the massage ball. I use this for my calves, quads and glutes. I’ve also used it for my neck to relieve some built up pressure and it works a treat.
★ Resistance Band: These guys have been around for a long time now. I use them for rehab and prehab exercises as well as some dynamic exercises in my warm-up routine.
And yes, I obviously like blue because I also have at home a blue AOK MediBall Pro & AOK Mat. So I like my gym toys to match, sue me. LOL!!
I’ve shown you mine now you show me yours.
