We moved...again

Now that the move is over and we are settled in to our new place I can find the time finally rest, write, read, enjoy my morning coffee before anyone else is awake, and share the beauty around me.

Living in the DC Metro area was really great.  I miss my friends, my gym, and all the activities we could do for free in the city.  A lot of people complain about traffic and congestion and yes that is definitely alive and thriving in that area, however, if you are not a commuter or if you use public transportation that is less of an issue, OR if your commute was anything like mine, less then 5 miles from home, communities was never really bad unless there was an accident along the way.

But we are military and we knew that would not last.  I make it a point of finding the positive of every new home, town, and the people in it.  We did not move too far from DC. Now we are in the Virginia Peninsula -- yes been here before except now I'm closer to the water and that's definitely a plus for someone like me.

We are settled in, the kids can't wait to start school [that's a lie, ha!], I am already employed at a few local gyms, kids are signed up for soccer, piano, swimming lessons, and my main squeeze is enjoying the shorter commutes to work.  

Here are a few pictures of the local waterways and canals I get to enjoy seeing while drinking my morning coffee.  It's a good thing I know how to embrace change...actually my husbands says I look for it, like it feeds my soul.  Yes. Nothing wrong with that.

It's Friday morning people... Enjoy your weekend!

Terie

Taking time to be with me

"I never found a companion as companionable as solitude" -Henry David Thoreau

Spending some alone time realizing how important it is to let the dust in our thoughts settle. Makes getting up early

So worth it.

Terie

Hug the people in your life

I want to sleep in....I say this in the most annoying whining voice one could imagine. I really wish I could sleep in and I really mean sleep.  My body or my busy brain is so accustomed to waking up at a certain time that no matter when I go to bed I will wake up before the sun rise and it is annoying because then I start to think even when I do stay in bed. Sometimes I doze off a little, just going in and out of what could be more awesome sleep, but no, it never happens. Brain function is activated and the to-do list starts to scroll through my thoughts, there is no going back....ugh.

However, I find that I am very productive at this crazy hour.  The house is very quiet because everyone else seems to be able to sleep until they are woken by the sun.  Just recently I planned and executed my daughter's 21st birthday event with the family. Cake done and decorated, lunch plans, what to wear and even made a trip to the local CVS store to pick up last minute items.  When it was all over, I felt accomplished and everyone else was still asleep. With coffee in hand I kicked up my heels and took a well needed mental break.

Sometimes I get up and plan my schedule or my upcoming fitness classes, other times I prep a room I plan to paint or organize all the kitchen cabinets and pantry. It is crazy how productive I can be this early in the morning.

This week has been pretty busy because the kids are on Spring Break--woohoo!! so we took some time off to visit family. After the year we've had so far, it is even more important that we stay connected and we physically hug each other as often as possible. My house was a mess but the kids and I took a road trip knowing that the mess will be there when we return, family on the other hand, well, one never knows.

Here are some pretty or interesting views from our road trip.

Interesting blue building in NYC

GWB

NYC Skyline from the GWB

National Museum of the Marine Corps, Quantico

Williamsburg Bridge

Not quite sure what's going on here but I believe these are apartments facing the East River

Mary Washington University, Fredericksburg

We covered a lot of miles in one week, but most important, we hugged a lot of people we love, not a text hug, but a real physical hug. I also realized I missed a few people along the way (sorry Dan) due to our short time in each place and conflicting schedules, but I hope to do it again soon. Totally worth the messy house.

Have a wonderful week everyone, go hug the people you love!

Terie

Sharing with Smiling Sally on Blue Monday

New Year 2015-Focus on here and now

Each year we all celebrate the end of one era and the beginning of another with a bang. We dance, we eat, we drink, we stay up late and send messages to our loved ones far away.  Even if we don't do all these things, we are always happy to toast and welcome the new year with the expectation that it will be better than the last and that we will be making changes to improve upon our bodies, minds, and attitudes.

This year it was difficult to celebrate the last week of the year.  On December 23rd 2014 seven of my family members were traveling from New York to Florida to celebrate the season.  Among them were my younger sister Clarabel, my older sister Alba and her husband Juan, their two kids Juan Carlos and Danielly, my aunt Maria and her son Luis.

You could not find a happier, funnier, more lively group of people with whom to spend the holidays.

On this fateful day they were involved in a tragic car accident where of the seven, only three survived.  My older sister Alba and her kids Juan Carlos 23 and Danielly 19.  My sister sustained a wrist fracture and knee injury, she will have a full recovery; Juan Carlos had a shattered hip and dislocated knee, he will also have a full recovery after 6-8 weeks and physical therapy. Danielly suffered a head injury that will require more extensive, long term care, therapy and a lot of time, patience, and dedication on the part of her caregivers.  We are still praying that she will, in time, recover so that she may be able to continue her education and reach her career goals.

As for the deceased, they are sorely missed.  I can't begin to describe the emptiness in our hearts. The desire to send them a text or a quick call to see what they're up to. It's hard to wrap my mind around the facts, it's hard to believe they are gone never to celebrate with us again.

I had the pleasure and amazing opportunity to visit with my little sister Clarabel this past October.  She came to my home and stayed with us for a week of exercise, my crazy kids, fun in the town, and some quiet time just sharing life stories in general. I loved our time together and I am thankful we had this time and did not put it off to do "some day" because as we have learned this past week, some day sometimes doesn't ever come.

In memory of my loved ones who are now angels in heaven I promise to focus more on the here and now and less on the "some day" that may never come.

The family has a hard road ahead, emotionally, financially, and physically. Recovering from this accident will not be easy but we are strong and have the support of our amazing community.

If you find it in you heart, please say a prayer, make a donation, and remember to always wear your seat belts, no matter what seat you happen to be in the vehicle.

Memorial Fund for a family gone too soon.

Have a safe New Year!

Terie