Are you ready for this? Two posts in two days! Wow! I'm on a roll!
I just had to type this though. Proof that there are some really good people in this world.
First of all, to start my story, I must give props to my 75 year old mother. Who, like me (or how I used to be), has a little social anxiety, and fears trying anything new ALONE. But, with a lot of nagging by yours truly, she got to the gym at 7:45 and joined a circuit class with a bunch of ladies she didn't even know. When she rolled in, I was so excited and happy to see that she showed up. I promptly went over to the table with the usual morning crowd and introduced them. They were more than welcoming and all the ladies were so nice and helpful during class (like I knew they would be). And the trainer was very helpful as well. I just love all these people that I've had the pleasure of meeting since I've started my job at the gym. I will never ever regret going back to work. Ever.
Not only are the people at the gym a fabulous crowd, listen to this. Afterwards, mom stopped at the gas station to fill her car. But she was having trouble with the pump. So eventually, a man came up and asked her if she needed help. She did, and he was able to help her figure the problem out. When mom went into the store to pay for her gas, she found out that the nice man who had helped her, also paid for her gas! She wanted so badly to thank him, but he had already left. What a nice thing he did for her! A whole tank of gas - that's over $50 for a total stranger! God bless this man!
It gives me goosebumps and I almost tear up when I think about it. Just makes me want to do something anonymously good like that. You know that commercial where people see someone else doing something good and it sets off this chain reaction of good deeds? I believe that is how good works. This world may seem cruel and evil at times, but I'm positive there way more good people than bad on this earth. Imagine if all the good people did good things without needing the recognition for it?! Thank you anonymous man for helping out my mom!
Tuesday, April 23, 2013
Monday, April 22, 2013
blogworthy?
We have had SO much blogworthy stuff happen lately, just not enough time to sit down and spill it all. Or at least, I've wanted to use my time for other things.
Most of it has to do with the kids and the hilarious stuff they do and say. For example, Emma comes home from school one day last week, sits down at the kitchen island and says to me, "Peanut butter bread. Pronto!" While I think it's horribly rude, I can also see the humorous side to it. I laughed of course. And "pronto" has been her go to word ever since.
Last week, on the way home from swimming lessons, I was telling Eden that sometimes I get this uncontrollable urge when passing an oncoming car, to cock my head and give a giant goofy smile to the other driver. And just as I was explaining this (and actually making the stupid facial gesture), I happened to pass a teenage boy on the sidewalk....who then saluted me. HAHAHA! I didn't even realize he was standing there! Worst of all, it was in our neighborhood, so the chances of me running into him again are pretty good. Oops!
I declared spiforific a word last week. And thought it was brilliant so I decided they should start calling me The Brain or THEE Brain, whichever they preferred. And it seemed to stick for a while. But now I'm pretty much back to Pom.
There is this man that has been coming to dance fit class pretty regularly. I thought it was strange enough to see a man in that class, but not as weird as when he actually grabbed a jingle skirt and put it on for class last week. I told this to Eden who INSISTED on going to class with me JUST to see Mr. Jingles. We had it all planned out that we would take my phone into class, take a selfie and try to get him in the background. Unfortunately he wasn't in class that night. But she loved the class and wants to go again sometime.
There are so many other tiny little snippets of life that have made me howl with laughter over the last couple of weeks. It feels good to laugh again. Things are brightening up all around. I'm really looking forward to some warm weather and NO MORE SNOW on the ground. My clicker finger is getting really antsy to take some outdoor photos!
Most of it has to do with the kids and the hilarious stuff they do and say. For example, Emma comes home from school one day last week, sits down at the kitchen island and says to me, "Peanut butter bread. Pronto!" While I think it's horribly rude, I can also see the humorous side to it. I laughed of course. And "pronto" has been her go to word ever since.
Last week, on the way home from swimming lessons, I was telling Eden that sometimes I get this uncontrollable urge when passing an oncoming car, to cock my head and give a giant goofy smile to the other driver. And just as I was explaining this (and actually making the stupid facial gesture), I happened to pass a teenage boy on the sidewalk....who then saluted me. HAHAHA! I didn't even realize he was standing there! Worst of all, it was in our neighborhood, so the chances of me running into him again are pretty good. Oops!
I declared spiforific a word last week. And thought it was brilliant so I decided they should start calling me The Brain or THEE Brain, whichever they preferred. And it seemed to stick for a while. But now I'm pretty much back to Pom.
There is this man that has been coming to dance fit class pretty regularly. I thought it was strange enough to see a man in that class, but not as weird as when he actually grabbed a jingle skirt and put it on for class last week. I told this to Eden who INSISTED on going to class with me JUST to see Mr. Jingles. We had it all planned out that we would take my phone into class, take a selfie and try to get him in the background. Unfortunately he wasn't in class that night. But she loved the class and wants to go again sometime.
There are so many other tiny little snippets of life that have made me howl with laughter over the last couple of weeks. It feels good to laugh again. Things are brightening up all around. I'm really looking forward to some warm weather and NO MORE SNOW on the ground. My clicker finger is getting really antsy to take some outdoor photos!
Tuesday, March 26, 2013
Flashback Tuesday
It doesn't quite have that ring to it like Flashback Friday, does it?
So I was reading some of my blog posts from long ago and thinking since I rarely post anymore, it might be fun to relive some fun moments from a few years ago. So here you go!
http://thearffadventure.blogspot.com/2008/10/emmas-haircut.html
So I was reading some of my blog posts from long ago and thinking since I rarely post anymore, it might be fun to relive some fun moments from a few years ago. So here you go!
http://thearffadventure.blogspot.com/2008/10/emmas-haircut.html
Wednesday, February 20, 2013
Just another day...ho hum
Not a lot of action on this blog. Because there's not a lot of action going on in my life. I could go on and on about that, but I'll spare you.
I have certain friends, that I hardly EVER talk to. Yet, these friends know me so well, it's almost like we are connected on some weird supernatural esp level. They sense when there's trouble with me and don't hesitate to make sure I know that I am loved. I am so lucky to have friends like this! I am blessed beyond words. Just simply stunned at how undeserving I am, yet.....there they are. Lifting me up.
I'm not in a super great place. I'm dealing with stuff right now. More than the usual stuff. It's hard. I've been strong for WAY too long, and I'm breaking. It's tough when you realize how fragile you really are.
I want a vacation so badly. I know it wouldn't solve my problems, but it sure would help just to get away from everything for a bit. Chores and work and kids and my husband and errands and 5 thousand appointments a week and feeling inadequate in dealing with everything I'm expected to do on a daily basis....I've just had enough. I'm saving my pennies. Even if I have to go alone, I'm going. Somewhere. A proper vacation. A week on a beach. THAT....is a vacation.
The kids have a week off of school coming up. I wonder how many families are going to be annoyed at trying to find day care during that week and how many are going to take advantage and go somewhere. We talked about going to Minneapolis for a long weekend.
Anyone doing anything REALLY exciting?
I have certain friends, that I hardly EVER talk to. Yet, these friends know me so well, it's almost like we are connected on some weird supernatural esp level. They sense when there's trouble with me and don't hesitate to make sure I know that I am loved. I am so lucky to have friends like this! I am blessed beyond words. Just simply stunned at how undeserving I am, yet.....there they are. Lifting me up.
I'm not in a super great place. I'm dealing with stuff right now. More than the usual stuff. It's hard. I've been strong for WAY too long, and I'm breaking. It's tough when you realize how fragile you really are.
I want a vacation so badly. I know it wouldn't solve my problems, but it sure would help just to get away from everything for a bit. Chores and work and kids and my husband and errands and 5 thousand appointments a week and feeling inadequate in dealing with everything I'm expected to do on a daily basis....I've just had enough. I'm saving my pennies. Even if I have to go alone, I'm going. Somewhere. A proper vacation. A week on a beach. THAT....is a vacation.
The kids have a week off of school coming up. I wonder how many families are going to be annoyed at trying to find day care during that week and how many are going to take advantage and go somewhere. We talked about going to Minneapolis for a long weekend.
Anyone doing anything REALLY exciting?
Friday, January 18, 2013
Ok, here's the thing.....
I'm in 2 fun runs this summer. Don't think me a hypocrite because I bash cardio and then run myself. There is a difference. I am doing these {short} runs for fun - NOT to lose fat.
I find it funny that some advertisements on the radio boast, "Join {enter random cardio class here} and burn up to 1,000 calories an hour!" HA! I'd like to know who is burning that many calories an hour. You must have to be at least 200lbs and working at your MAX potential the ENTIRE time. Even then, I'd be extremely skeptical. I think it's false advertising. It's false hope.
I burn more calories lifting weights in one hour than I do running for one hour. How do I know? I have a little gizmo that tracks my pulse, age, weight, etc. On average, I burn about 500 calories an hour lifting weights. Want to know how much I burn running? About 350. Not to mention the after burn I get. "As much as 95% of the calorie cost of intense anaerobic exercise can come AFTER exercise!" says Dr. Christopher Scott, PHD, who is an exercise physiology professor at the University of Southern Maine. So in addition to those 500 calories I burn while weight lifting, I'm burning that much more when I'm done! He goes on to say, "The afterburn effect is minimal for traditional cardio".
Read the article here: http://www.builtlean.com/2011/06/29/afterburn-effect-of-exercise-qa-with-dr-christopher-scott-phd/
While at the hair salon yesterday, I happened to read an article in SELF on running (which was pro-running, btw). It said, HANDS DOWN, running was the best way to "torch" calories. And then it said, that on an average, slow distance running will burn 158 to 240 calories in 45 - 60 minutes. HAHAHAHAHAHA!!!! I almost laughed out loud! Who is "torching" calories at that rate??? I wouldn't even burn off the avocado I just ate, in that case!
"Tempo" runs push you closer to your anaerobic threshold but still only burn 130 - 195 in 30 minutes. AND, it says "you don't want to clock more than two of these sessions a week, so your body has time to bounce back between workouts." Really??
HIIT had a way better calorie burn - coming in at 80 - 200 calories in 10 - 20 minutes. So in 1/3 of the time, you can burn almost just as much.
In case you are interested in the article, you can find it here: http://www.self.com/fitness/2012/07/secret-to-burn-fat-faster?currentPage=1
I get what they are saying though. For people who are new to fitness, running is a good foundation. A good starting point. You will loose weight not matter WHAT you start doing, if you've been used to being sedentary. But, you'll have a long way to go to build up to that hour and "reap the reward" of that measly 240 calories.
I generally don't read articles in magazines like SELF or SHAPE or any other fitness mag that is offering help and advice to exercisers (yesterday, it was either that or celebrity gossip mags). They have one goal in mind: SELL MAGAZINES. And guess what? Headlining an article on the front cover that says, "Intense Workout Inside!" just doesn't sell. We want everything to be easy, don't we?
I find it funny that some advertisements on the radio boast, "Join {enter random cardio class here} and burn up to 1,000 calories an hour!" HA! I'd like to know who is burning that many calories an hour. You must have to be at least 200lbs and working at your MAX potential the ENTIRE time. Even then, I'd be extremely skeptical. I think it's false advertising. It's false hope.
I burn more calories lifting weights in one hour than I do running for one hour. How do I know? I have a little gizmo that tracks my pulse, age, weight, etc. On average, I burn about 500 calories an hour lifting weights. Want to know how much I burn running? About 350. Not to mention the after burn I get. "As much as 95% of the calorie cost of intense anaerobic exercise can come AFTER exercise!" says Dr. Christopher Scott, PHD, who is an exercise physiology professor at the University of Southern Maine. So in addition to those 500 calories I burn while weight lifting, I'm burning that much more when I'm done! He goes on to say, "The afterburn effect is minimal for traditional cardio".
Read the article here: http://www.builtlean.com/2011/06/29/afterburn-effect-of-exercise-qa-with-dr-christopher-scott-phd/
While at the hair salon yesterday, I happened to read an article in SELF on running (which was pro-running, btw). It said, HANDS DOWN, running was the best way to "torch" calories. And then it said, that on an average, slow distance running will burn 158 to 240 calories in 45 - 60 minutes. HAHAHAHAHAHA!!!! I almost laughed out loud! Who is "torching" calories at that rate??? I wouldn't even burn off the avocado I just ate, in that case!
"Tempo" runs push you closer to your anaerobic threshold but still only burn 130 - 195 in 30 minutes. AND, it says "you don't want to clock more than two of these sessions a week, so your body has time to bounce back between workouts." Really??
HIIT had a way better calorie burn - coming in at 80 - 200 calories in 10 - 20 minutes. So in 1/3 of the time, you can burn almost just as much.
In case you are interested in the article, you can find it here: http://www.self.com/fitness/2012/07/secret-to-burn-fat-faster?currentPage=1
I get what they are saying though. For people who are new to fitness, running is a good foundation. A good starting point. You will loose weight not matter WHAT you start doing, if you've been used to being sedentary. But, you'll have a long way to go to build up to that hour and "reap the reward" of that measly 240 calories.
I generally don't read articles in magazines like SELF or SHAPE or any other fitness mag that is offering help and advice to exercisers (yesterday, it was either that or celebrity gossip mags). They have one goal in mind: SELL MAGAZINES. And guess what? Headlining an article on the front cover that says, "Intense Workout Inside!" just doesn't sell. We want everything to be easy, don't we?
Wednesday, January 16, 2013
do you like free stuff?
Do you use Photoshop? Do you like to use textures? How about 8 free textures? I like free stuff, so I figured you might to. Just go to my Facebook page here www.facebook.com/printscharmingfargo and "like" it. Then, go to the "fan freebie" tab to get the link for your free textures.
After you are a fan, you should see this:
After you are a fan, you should see this:
{with the link to download here}
Thursday, December 20, 2012
A poem
This poem was forwarded to me by my sister-in-law and I thought it was so beautiful, I had to share it.
Twas' 11 days before Christmas, around 9:38
>
> when 20 beautiful children stormed through heaven's gate.
>
> their smiles were contagious, their laughter filled the air
>
> they could hardly believe all the beauty they saw there
>
> They were filled with such joy, they didn't know what to say
>
> they remembered nothing of what had happened earlier that day.
>
> "where are we?" asked a little girl, as quiet as a mouse
>
> "this is heaven." declared a small boy. "we're spending Christmas at God's house."
>
> When what to their wondering eyes did appear,
>
> but Jesus, their savior, the children gathered near.
>
> He looked at them and smiled, and they smiled just the same
>
> then He opened His arms and He called them by name.
>
> and in that moment was joy, that only heaven can bring
>
> those children all flew into the arms of their King
>
> and as they lingered in the warmth of His embrace,
>
> one small girl turned and looked at Jesus' face.
>
> And as if He could read all the questions she had
>
> He gently whispered to her, "I'll take care of mom and dad."
>
> then He looked down on earth, the world far below
>
> He saw all of the hurt, the sorrow, and woe
>
> then He closed His eyes and He outstretched His hand,
>
> "Let My power and presence re-enter this land!"
>
> "may this country be delivered from the hands of fools"
>
> "I'm taking back my nation. I'm taking back my schools!"
>
> Then He and the children stood up without a sound
>
> "come now my children, let me show you around."
>
> Excitement filled the space, some skipped and some ran.
>
> all displaying enthusiasm that only a small child can.
>
> And I heard Him proclaim as He walked out of sight,
>
> "in the midst of this darkness, I am still The Light."
>
> ~Author unknown
It reminds me to trust that even though they were so tragically taken from this earth, the beauty and love they see and feel right now is beyond our comprehension.
And on another note, we are in the midst of a great controversy right now. The gun debate; some want stricter laws while others believe that isn't the solution. I don't own a gun. I never will. It's just too scary to think about, having a gun in my house. But I don't believe that banning guns is the answer. Criminals do not obey laws. They will obtain guns either way. People who want to do harm will always find a way.
We need to stop the arguing over who's right or wrong. We need to come together. I know we all feel that something has to be done. Just what that something is, is the big question. But one thing we can ALL do, is to stop focusing on all the evil that is in this world, and do our part to show the kind and loving side of human nature. Go out of your way this holiday season {and always} to show kindness to family and strangers alike. Ever see that commercial where someone witnesses a random act of kindness and it sets a chain reaction of good deeds into effect? THAT'S what we need to do! Inspire the world to do good! Show evil that good WILL prevail. We won't cower in fear or wave the white flag. We will stand up and fight for good. Show extra compassion. Give extra tight hugs. Light up this world with a love that can be seen from the heavens. Let's show those little angels we can do better.
Psalm 27:13-14 "I believe that I shall see the goodness of the Lord in the land of the living. Wait for the Lord; be strong, and let your heart take courage; wait for the Lord!"
Twas' 11 days before Christmas, around 9:38
>
> when 20 beautiful children stormed through heaven's gate.
>
> their smiles were contagious, their laughter filled the air
>
> they could hardly believe all the beauty they saw there
>
> They were filled with such joy, they didn't know what to say
>
> they remembered nothing of what had happened earlier that day.
>
> "where are we?" asked a little girl, as quiet as a mouse
>
> "this is heaven." declared a small boy. "we're spending Christmas at God's house."
>
> When what to their wondering eyes did appear,
>
> but Jesus, their savior, the children gathered near.
>
> He looked at them and smiled, and they smiled just the same
>
> then He opened His arms and He called them by name.
>
> and in that moment was joy, that only heaven can bring
>
> those children all flew into the arms of their King
>
> and as they lingered in the warmth of His embrace,
>
> one small girl turned and looked at Jesus' face.
>
> And as if He could read all the questions she had
>
> He gently whispered to her, "I'll take care of mom and dad."
>
> then He looked down on earth, the world far below
>
> He saw all of the hurt, the sorrow, and woe
>
> then He closed His eyes and He outstretched His hand,
>
> "Let My power and presence re-enter this land!"
>
> "may this country be delivered from the hands of fools"
>
> "I'm taking back my nation. I'm taking back my schools!"
>
> Then He and the children stood up without a sound
>
> "come now my children, let me show you around."
>
> Excitement filled the space, some skipped and some ran.
>
> all displaying enthusiasm that only a small child can.
>
> And I heard Him proclaim as He walked out of sight,
>
> "in the midst of this darkness, I am still The Light."
>
> ~Author unknown
It reminds me to trust that even though they were so tragically taken from this earth, the beauty and love they see and feel right now is beyond our comprehension.
And on another note, we are in the midst of a great controversy right now. The gun debate; some want stricter laws while others believe that isn't the solution. I don't own a gun. I never will. It's just too scary to think about, having a gun in my house. But I don't believe that banning guns is the answer. Criminals do not obey laws. They will obtain guns either way. People who want to do harm will always find a way.
We need to stop the arguing over who's right or wrong. We need to come together. I know we all feel that something has to be done. Just what that something is, is the big question. But one thing we can ALL do, is to stop focusing on all the evil that is in this world, and do our part to show the kind and loving side of human nature. Go out of your way this holiday season {and always} to show kindness to family and strangers alike. Ever see that commercial where someone witnesses a random act of kindness and it sets a chain reaction of good deeds into effect? THAT'S what we need to do! Inspire the world to do good! Show evil that good WILL prevail. We won't cower in fear or wave the white flag. We will stand up and fight for good. Show extra compassion. Give extra tight hugs. Light up this world with a love that can be seen from the heavens. Let's show those little angels we can do better.
Psalm 27:13-14 "I believe that I shall see the goodness of the Lord in the land of the living. Wait for the Lord; be strong, and let your heart take courage; wait for the Lord!"
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