Health & Wellness by Lexa's Journal

My mission in life is to not merely survive, but to thrive: and do so with passion, compassion, humor, and style. – Maya Angelou

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An eternal optimist, always wearing a smile. Must haves: sunshine, fitness (jogging, weight training, & CrossFit), reading, good food, writing, music, and fun with family and friends.

  • >“What would your profession be if you didn’t need money?”

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    I love this question! It came to me by way of  The Daily Post a blog that I subscribe to.

    If I was to wave a magic wand and I didn’t need the money, I would be working as:

    Owner of Lexa’s Place.  Lexa’s place is a community for homeless teenage girls. A community where you and I would feel very comfortable to eat, sleep, bathe, and rejuvenate. Visualize a warm and nurturing environment where young ladies receive individual and group counseling, treatment for substance abuse, medical assistance, mentors, life skills training, family planning, educational support and guidance and more. The community in which Lexa’s place sits in a quiet suburban community nestled deep in the woods and a great distance from the rut and temptation of city life. A large part of my day is spent managing, advocating, and working to improve and change the course of the lives of the residents in the program.

    A Personal Fitness Trainer working with obese children and their families. I am a fitness enthusiast.         Truthfully, I’m an exercise junky. I’m addicted to the euphoric feeling of the runners high. 

    It’s unsettling for me to see young children learn unhealthy eating habits and unhealthy lifestyles. When I see obese kids, especially the young ones, I want to grab the parents and quite frankly ask, “What the hell are you doing to your kid?” “Setting them up for major health issues, low self-esteem, teasing and bulling in school, discrimination and more!” “Stop! There’s a better way!” Of course, I know that if I took that approach, at the least, I’d get cussed out, but you get the picture. To adapt a healthy life style, one must educate themselves on exactly what a “healthy lifestyle” means, then the person must make a conscience choice to slowly make the change. I’d love to help the little ones and their parents do this.

    Lastly, a Writer.  More specifically, a writer, generating income, writing for my favorite magazines and a few other topics.  I know, money is not suppose to be part of the equation, but realistically, I need to fund my other projects and pay for a second home in the islands.  So somewhere along the line the need to make money will factor in. A percentage of my income will come from writing.

    I answered the question very easily because I’ve asked myself the same question many times. Consequently, I am working on all three projects and have no doubt that each will occur in the right season and at the right time. Meanwhile, I continue to move forward… steady and slow, knowing that I will be ready when each opportunity presents itself.

    I strongly believe that, with the exception of a few professions, the idea of a lifetime career is nonexistent.  With so many career options and possibilities, no one should be stuck in an unsatisfying career.  Although change does not occur overnight, it is also true that change cannot take place without some effort on our part.  It’s easy to talk about what we want to do with our lives in the future, but it takes hard work, sacrifice, and commitment to make our dreams come true.

    How about you? “What would your profession be if you didn’t need money?” I would love to hear from you.

  • >April Fools Run

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    Accomplished.  That’s my word for the day. 
    This morning I ran in the first annual Katz JCC April Fools run on the boardwalk in AC.  The weather was perfect.  Dazzling sunshine, a calm Atlantic Ocean, and an abundance of enthusiastic runners.  Other than palm trees blowing in 90 degree temperatures, white sand, and crystal blue waters, it doesn’t get any better than that.
    Participants received cool t-shirts and colorful jester hats that even light up.  My puffy hair didn’t fit well enough under my hat, so as much as I wanted to run wearing my jester hat, I couldn’t.  The picture was taken after the race.
    I ran the 11K or 6.83 mile run.  I placed 166 out of 342 and I’m feeling pretty good about myself now. My pace was 9:06 miles and it took me 1 hour and 2 minutes to complete the run.  My only competition was myself. I rarely have the time to train for any running events, but I do try to keep in some kind of shape so that I can finish respectively.
    The race was well organized and upon completing the race, runners were treated to a nice cold beer.  Yep!  Beer!  Sounds like an oxymoron right?  Trust me- they go well together.  Bananas, oranges, water ice, pretzels and water were also available to runners, but for some reason, the beer stands out in my mind.
    Running is a euphoric experience for me.   The more that I run, the more I want to.   I never get bored indulging in running.  I’m excited because I started running with my son on his bike and look forward to the day when we can run together.  There’s a very small window where I’ll be able to keep up with him; after that, mom will be too slow.  I also hope to teach him a little something about fitness and maintaining a healthy lifestyle.
    The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reports that “more than one third of U.S. adults—more than 72 million—people and 17% of U.S. children are obese.”  Not to get off topic, but we have to get our kids off of the sofa, away from TV, away from video games and computers and keep them active.  We must also break away from any unhealthy eating habits or other unhealthy family traditions and teach our children a better way of life. 
    A good place to start is exercising and playing outdoors with the kids.  The weather is warming up and the spring is the ideal time to get out doors and have some family fun.  
    CDC Links

    http://www.cdc.gov/obesity/childhood/defining.html  
    http://www.cdc.gov/nchs/data/hestat/obesity_child_07_08/obesity_child_07_08.htm  
    http://www.cdc.gov/obesity/index.html  

  • >Mixing up the mundane

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    Every now and then I feel a little caged and desperately need to do something different. You know, break away from the routine and do something outside of the norm.  So, last weekend I decided to forgo my mundane weekend routine and invest in a little me time.
    A Martini & Minx Nail party at Kinhairitage Salon on Friday evening kicked off my weekend.  Typically Friday nights are reserved for laundry and, while I did toss a few loads in the washer and dryer, I didn’t finish, nor did I care.  This momma was guilt free.
    At the party the conversation was positive, light, and engaging.  My nails were done up really cool and the martinis were right on time and much needed.  Did I say needed?  Lol!  You know how it goes.
    I couldn’t wait for Saturday night to come- just hubby and I were going out on a date to see Janet Jackson.  That’s right- my girl Janet!  Janet and I go way back to Penny on Good Times.  I love her music but have never seen her in concert.  Anyway, while finishing up laundry and Sunday’s dinner, I rocked to the beat of my favorite Janet songs. Before I knew it, concert time had arrived.
    The crowd was energized and it was refreshing to see such a diverse audience.  Young, old, gay, straight, Black, White, Asian, Latino, and more, all feeding off of the same energy.
    My girl did not disappoint me! I sang and danced the entire show. I just want to know how the heck can you attend a Janet Jackson concert and remain seated?  What? Are you kidding me?  Okay, if you have a physical condition, I understand, but for everybody else, get your butt up and move!  It’s emotional! Come on people! I screamed her name and even became teary eyed when she performed with a backdrop video of her and her brother Michael. 
    I was lucky enough to get a t-shirt, which I wore the entire concert.  I won’t be wearing it or washing it very often because it was overpriced, but worth it. 
    Sunday was awesome too!  My cousin and I got up early and drove two hours to a Black Hair Care Expo in Baltimore, Maryland.  All I can say is TREATS!!  At one point, my cousin asked me if I had a budget.  I was like, budget?  For this?  Hmm… Lol!   Below are a few pictures of some of my purchases. 
    www.sarenzobeads.com 
    I didn’t expect to find so many beautiful and exotic hand crafted jewelry and clothes.  The merchandise was very affordable, which made it very easy to blow a hundred or more.
    This was my first Black Hair Expo. I found it to be informative and educational; I will definitely attend again. I leaned about it through my natural hair stylist, ShidaNatural.  Thanks Rashida, sorry I missed you, but I won’t next time.
    The weekend wore me out, but didn’t feel as short as it usually does.  Could I do this every weekend?  Heck no!  I certainly paid for the running around and partying, but every now and then it’s good to mix things up a little.  I had a blast!

  • >Cheers! A time to celebrate

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    Last night I realized that January 20, 2011, marked the one-year anniversary of Lexa’s Journal!   The day passed without any acknowledgment on my part.  No cake, confetti, glass of wine, or celebration.  It’s an important milestone for me, yet I didn’t mark the date on my calendar or subconsciously remember it. It took me 82 days to remember…   Why?  I have no idea.  I even checked to see if I posted on January 20th this year, but I didn’t.  I saw an incomplete draft about New Year resolutions, but it remains unedited and unpublished.  
    Although I’m not yet disciplined enough to post daily, posting has developed into a healthy habit.  When I don’t post often enough (for me), this nagging voice in my head  reminds me that the task needs to be moved up on my priority list.
    The reality is that I am just not the kind of person who remembers milestones.  Sure, I remember my family member’s birthdays.  I will always remember my wedding anniversary, June 4, 1988.  But, I can’t construct the date we met, the date we officially started dating, or the exact date of my father’s death in November of 1982.   Others can recall these dates really well.  Congratulations all!  Perhaps I just don’t remember that I’m suppose to remember these dates. 
    The anniversary of my blog is about a personal sense of accomplishment. Although maintaining Lexa’s Journal for the first year was challenging, I stuck with it—typos and all.  Like anything else, I will learn from my mistakes but continue to work hard at developing my craft.  Blogging and writing is an activity that I earnestly enjoy.  I encourage all, particularly women; single, married, widowed, with children, and divorced to explore your personal interests. 
    Don’t let your interests, dreams and aspirations fall victim to your responsibilities and obligations to your family or to your career. Try to keep Nike’s motto in mind…. “Just do it!”  

  • >Remembering the stuffed peppers

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    “Do you remember the stuffed peppers that I use to buy?” My mom asked.  My reply, “yes.”  I continued to fix my son’s dinner plate. I knew where she was going with the question, but felt a simple reply was best.

    Within minutes, we’re sitting at the table eating dinner.  Mom asks again, “Do you remember the stuffed peppers that I use to buy?” “Yes, I do.” I’m compelled to suggest that she stop beating around the bush and say what’s really on her mind, but I don’t. I am mindful of my tone here, but I’m being truthful with you. She finally asks me why I don’t buy stuffed peppers.

    Is she serious? This isn’t a new practice for me.  Close family and friends know that red meat isn’t part of my diet. The last time I ate steak or a beef burger was in 1996. Furthermore, pre-fab stuffed peppers have no nutritional value and who knows what’s really in the food. Yuck! Not for me. Now, here’s the kicker! She then suggests that I buy bison (buffalo) burgers. The idea is hysterical to me.

    Before anyone casts judgment upon me, my mom is well aware of my eating habits. She’s not some feeble old lady who’s lost her memory and her mind. Lena is extremely deliberate in her words and in her actions. As a matter of fact, she is well known by family for delivering harsh and razor-sharp opinions, that have sometimes brought about both laughter and tears.

    Anyway she constantly turns up her nose at my salads, loudly hums, and reminds me that, “you gotta die from something?” That’s true, but quality of life is important to me.  Although I prefer poultry and seafood, it’s my choice. I don’t judge others who eat differently; it’s a personal choice that I respect.

    Thankfully at 77, mom still has her independence.  I can only hope and pray that I’m still alive and kicking at her age. That said if she wants to eat beef then, on her regular trips to the supermarket, she could easily pick up the beef that meets her liking. I don’t buy it or cook it; the smell of uncooked red meat nauseates me terribly. If my husband really wants a steak, I’d rather treat him out to dinner at a fine gourmet restaurant than cook the steak. I’d love to treat mom out for dinner, but according to her, no one in a restaurant is clean enough to prepare or serve her food, so she doesn’t dine out. I am not mocking her; these are her words not mine.

    My mom says that I am naive. She believes I have an unrealistic view of the world. She thinks that I’m afraid to talk about death. She views me as a modern day mom, who lacks the valor to brutally beat the crap out of my kids for inappropriate behavior.  Sorry mom; that’s not Tanya. I’m just saying.

    I am praying that there’s still time for us to surely get to know one another.  Honestly though, I don’t know if it’s going to happen in this life time. She hasn’t been able to work through some lifetime experiences. Experiences that continue to weigh on her mind, her spirit, her heart, and her soul. We’re all unique, but I’ve never met anyone like her. Occasionally I stretch, grasp, and attempt to reach Lena, but, to no avail. It’s just another long story. Perhaps one day. Optimistic? Credulous? Don’t know.

    I just wish that she could respect others’ opinions, values, beliefs, and lifestyles that are different from hers. She can respectfully disagree and leave it at that.

    Reflecting back on this post, my final thoughts are:

    1. Perhaps she wants me to make homemade stuffed peppers, but doesn’t want to bother me with all the work. Maybe.
    2.  I don’t make stuffed peppers because it’s too much work, but I’ll look for a recipe and, for her sake, give it a try.  It will be nice surprise.
    3. When (initially this read If) I do make the stuffed peppers, they will be made from turkey breast and brown rice. I’ll use red, yellow, or orange peppers instead of green ones.  

    I did not consider making the peppers for mom until I began composing my final thoughts. I’m just keeping it real with you. Writing really helps me to sort through my thoughts in a more constructive and positive manner; I am so thankful for the insight and the ability to do so.

    I’ll let you know when I make my stuffed peppers and how they turn out.

  • >Who learns more from kids’ projects?

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    Today we helped our son with a project for black history month.  I know.  Officially black history month is February and this is March.  The timing is not an issue for me.
    I’m going off topic here but, I feel very strongly that black history, women’s history, and all other non-mainstream cultures should be studied year around.
    To me, designating a specific month, week, or day can minimize massive gifts made to society by many of people.  Of course, I’m not naïve and know that in some instances, if specials like black history month weren’t officially recognized, many young people would fail to learn about our rich history.
    A diverse history should be intertwined throughout the school curriculum.  The more students learn about other cultures, the more likely they will be open to others who are different from them.  Our (in general) children’s literature, history, and science books are in desperate need of modernizing.  They are so outdated it’s gross. 
    Okay, back to the intent of this post. I’m not sure where all that came from, but it presented itself, so it stays.   Anyway, I’m glad that his teacher and the school (a private one) recognize the importance of African-American history and the enormous contributions made to society.
    After working with my hubby and son on this project, I wondered who learned more, our son or hubby and I.  We all learned from the project and that’s my point.  In our quest for an African-American Achiever, we looked beyond the typical historical figures studied.  We discovered Benjamin Bannecker (1731-1806). 
    A lot of parents (I was one) cringe at class projects, especially if your child is in early elementary school.  The projects are designed to involve parents, to be fun, to be hands on, and to promote a positive educational experience.  Don’t laugh at me; I’m serious.
    Time is always a factor and typically isn’t in the parents favor.  In between music lessons, dance lessons, or athletic practices, completing any project can be challenging.    The challenge often results in the parents doing the work and putting their kids name on it.  Come on now!  I’ve seen projects that were allegedly completed by a first grader that look like a college professor completed them.  It’s hilarious that the parents can even look the teacher in the eye.
    Nope.  Our rule is that our son must do the work.  Cutting. Writing. Reading. Drawing and more.  That’s how he learns.  We oversee the project and guide him, but the project is his baby.  Whether the project has crooked lines, smeared glue, or other perceived defects, it doesn’t matter.  He put forth his hard work and, in the end, we’re all very proud of the end result and we are all a tad bit smarter.