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

recent posts

about

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.

  • >Time For An Exhilirating Run

    >

    My medal!

     Today I ran the half-marathon in the 52nd Annual Atlantic City Marathon. The run was exhilarating! I arrived at Boardwalk Hall around 7:30 a.m. The air was cool but crisp. None of the runners, including me were bothered by the cool air blowing off the Atlantic Ocean. It’s difficult for me to put into words what I felt amongst the runners, but it was fabulous.

     

    I felt masses of positive energy of which I wanted to bottle up and save for the upcoming work week. I don’t know how many runners registered, but at the start of the run, runners were lined up shoulder to shoulder. The crowd was so tight that you were either stepping on someone’s foot or someone was stepping on your foot. There were a few beach balls bouncing off the heads and hands of the runners, but no one cared; it was all in good fun. Everyone was jovial, mannerly, energetic and eager to start.

     

    The average runner set a personal goal and winning the race wasn’t the objective. I’ve driven through Atlantic City for over 20 years, yet the view was quite different from a runner’s perspective. It was a luminous morning! As I paced myself to complete the 13.1 miles, I didn’t have a care in the world. My head bopped to my music. I laughed at some of the sights- Was amazed at a juggling marathon runner- inspired by runners old enough to be my parent- and in awe of others who dashed effortlessly pass me.

     

    Joy filled my soul and my spirit. I was on cloud nine or perhaps experiencing the notorious “runners high!”  I was delighted that in spite of my half hazard training, I squeezed in- No. I mean made time for me to participate in an activity that is important to me. My unofficial time was 2:05 and a few seconds. My goal was to finish at 2 hours or just under. I fell short by 5 minutes, but I still feel great about my personal accomplishment.

     

    That’s the gist of this post. Find time for you! No matter what! You’re a mom, but you’re also a person who has personal dreams and goals. If you spend your entire life solely committed to your family; leaving yourself out of the equation, you’re destined for woe. The kids won’t suffer if they participate in one less activity so that you can pick a day or two to guiltlessly pursue your interests. Go ahead!  Think forward and make some time for you!  Oh, and make certain to have fun doing whatever it is that you set out to do!  Have a blast like I did today!

    My Lucky Number!

  • >Sesame Street: I Love My Hair!

    >A friend shared this Sesame Street Video on her Facebook page and the timing could not have been better!  My friend’s sentiments that “she wished she had saw this as a little girl” are felt by so many women with kinky curly hair.

    I hope that Sesame street creates a series, if one does not already exists, of videos like this for children of all ethnicity’s who don’t fit into the “average” category.  

    The extremely tall, the super short, bone skinny, plump, chunky, exotic eyes, noes, lips, big feet and more!   All of our baby girls deserve to know that they are BEAUTIFUL no matter how different they are.  If you haven’t already viewed the view, do so and pass it on so other moms can share it with their daughters.

    Good Job Sesame Street!

  • >Learning to Appreciate Natural Beauty

    >

    Eight years ago on my Birthday, I spontaneously entered a hair salon with shoulder length hair.  A few hours later, I strolled out sporting less than a half inch of hair.  I felt liberated.  I could drive my car with the windows open and truly not care about my hair. No more hair appointments, touch ups and long hot days under the dryer.  Hello to the barber shop for a quick and cheap trim.

    OT my barber and Sally’s home texturizing kit was my routine for eight years.

    In June, I was inspired by ShidaNatural to go all natural.  Since then I’ve learned that leaving the house with hairs (quite a few) out of place won’t cause the world to stop revolving.  I have yet to receive the award for the most jacked up hairstyle of the week.  Women- some of us spend countless hours trying to get every strand in place and for what?  To walk outside and have the wind modify our hair in a matter of minutes. I am in love with the wild yet tamed look of the big natural hair.

    ShidaNatural is teaching me to appreciate my natural hair and how to maintain a healthier head of hair.  I  am learning how to use the best products for my hair and the importance of using the proper technique to achieve the desired style.

    More importantly I am learning to appreciate my God-given natural attributes that I’ve disliked and tried to mask for most of my life.  Starting with my hair.  I’ve always hated it.  Always wishing it was something other than what it is- darker, heavier, better texture-  buying into the hype of what’s “good hair” vs. “bad hair.”  In learning how to work with what I got, I am actually having fun!  Every day is a surprise.  Some days I adore my do.  Some days I cringe, but wear a smile anyway. Other days, I share a hardy laugh with me and the mirror at 5 in the morning.

    For most of my life, I’ve worn acrylic nails.  Not because I couldn’t grow nails, but because I disliked my natural nails.  Always hated my hands.  To me they always looked ten years older than my actual age-  Maybe it was the blueberry picking during my high school years. Perhaps it’s genetics. Regardless,  fresh looking nails always made up for what I didn’t like about my hands.   After two months of digging deep for courage, I soaked the acrylic off of my nails.  I did it myself because each time I went to the nail salon, I chickened out and got a fill.  

    After nearly three months, I’m still acrylic free and doing my own nails. Visiting a nail salon is not an option yet because I don’t trust myself and might submit to a fresh new set.  It’s not as bad as I thought it would be, but I still get the urge when I encounter someone with a nice new set.  Awe… it’s like a drug, but I’m holding strong. 

    Internalizing all of this has me thinking. Is this because I’m at the half way mark to 50?  Is this just one of those phases that women my age go through?  Am I a late bloomer?  Have I been superficial for most of my life?

    I have no idea, but I’m enjoying my new way of thinking and welcome what ever else is down the road. Surprise! Surprise!

  • >Thanks Ronny Cedeno!

    >

         I love this story!  I never thought that I would relate to a male professional baseball player, but Ronny Cedeño changed that for me.  The guy actually made me feel normal.  Ha! Ha!  Cedeno, a Pittsburg Pirate baseball player wore the wrong jersey for three innings.  Although he did wear the team’s jersey, the jersey was the Spanish version.

         After further reading the story, it’s unclear as to why Cedeno wore the wrong jersey.  There are speculations that the error may or may not have been his fault.  Regardless, he wore the jersey for three innings before changing into the proper jersey.  Even if a baseball attendant is responsible for the initial error,     Cedeno still wore the jersey without realizing the error.
         On numerous occasions, I’ve caught myself right in the middle of doing an unthinkable and outrageous act such as, taking a pot full of rice and placing in the pot drawer with other empty pots or scooping out a cup full of laundry detergent and pouring it into my dog’s food dish.  Don’t worry, I did catch myself with the laundry detergent before I fed Alex, but got far enough to ask myself what the heck is wrong with me.  Lol!
         I know that I’m not alone in doing freakish stuff around the house or  unconsciously driving from point A to point B and not remember passing a landmark or two. Think about it.  How often have you physically performed one task, while mentally thinking about something else?  That’s that autopilot thing.  I’m sure that there’s a psychological or physiological explanation, but since I tend to simplify things I think at times, I need to slow down.  That said, I’ve slowed down a lot, but there are certainly times when I find myself shifting into high gear and have to say, “whoa Tanya, slow down!” 
         Before the infusion of technology, people, including myself seemed to have more time on their hands to enjoy the simple things in life.  Now- every aspect of my life and countless others is connected to technology.  Look around in stores and count the number of people using a cell phone or listening to an iPod or other electronic device. Microsoft Word has also sorts of templates for “to-do” lists…. it goes on and on.  So, I’m thinking about taking one day each week to escape from the world of technology.  I’m addicted to technology and don’t know if I can’t actually do this, but I’m thinking about…. a day without blogging, a day without Facebook, twitting, emails, texting, online newspapers?   Hmm…. do I dare say no talking on the cell phone?  I have to really think about it…..


  • >Asking For Help is Strength

    >I have always considered myself to be an athlete. Yes. Really! In high school, the 400 meter relay was my favorite event and my first attempt at it was at age 14. I also ran the 400 meter hurdles and the open 400. Right from the start I was hooked on running. Now, some 30+ years later, I still enjoy the runner’s high aka “endorphins.” I consider myself to be an athlete because of my passion for exercise, for competing, and even more so, the sense of accomplishment from completing every run.This morning I read a sad story about professional athletes who don’t ask for help. The story was a “ah-ha” moment for me, which leads me to conclude that athletes are not always taught to ask for help and… neither are mom! The story’s headline reads, “Despite resources, players reluctant to seek help.” Most of us know at least one person, include ourselves, who have needed help, may or may not have had the resources, had but did not ask for help. The story resonated with me because the two athletes discussed, Pro-Bowler Barret Robbins and Kenny McKinley appeared to live the all American athlete’s dream. A great salary,professional football career, fame, and more, yet both lives have taken a downward spiral. McKinley’s story tragically ends with suicide, reportedly caused by depression from injuries that kept him off the field.  Robbin’s professional career is over. Perhaps there is still time for him. According to reports, Robbin was diagnosed as having bipolar disorder, served time in jail for attempted murder and probation violation, was ordered to receive treatment in a substance abuse treatment facility, and in 2009 was moved to half-way house. I don’t know, we can only hope and pray that he recovers. And recovery doesn’t necessarily mean a return to his professional football career, but more of a resuscitation back to living a healthy and productive life.



    So I’m thinking… As an athlete, you’re taught to never give up, and to finish the race no matter what. About ten years ago, I ran a half-marathon (13.1 miles). When I reached the ten-mile mark, my knees ached like never before. I loss range of motion and could barely lift my feet off the ground- I clearly remember thinking, “I don’t care if I have to crawl to the finish line, I will finish!” Shortly after the thought, I came upon another runner, who was experiencing his own set of aches and pains. He expressed similar feelings, “I am not quitting!” I am pleased to say that we persevered and finished the race together. Internal motivation pushed us to finish. I believe that (as an athlete) the inner driver is stronger than any amount of weights you can lift, “never quit?” “A winner never quits!” it’s ingrained in your brain, heart, and soul—- persevere to the end. And- although you’re part of a team, the will to continue comes burns like fire from within. Where’s the connection right? Am I suggesting that moms quit? No, I don’t think so! Keep reading…


    For me, the story has a direct correlation to busy moms. As moms, we carry so much on the plate and, quite often, feel as though we have to. Tending to the needs of our family– Delicately balancing our children’s academic progress, social progress, extra-curricular activities, and attempts to maintain the house.  All of while trying to squeeze some “Me” time in. At times, it can be incredibly overwhelming. Ironically, we insist that our children come to us for help, yet, we don’t always seek help for ourselves. I think the key is self-awareness. Being keenly aware of our mind-set is critical. Shifting from auto pilot to manual, where we are in control. Questioning what is being felt and why; then making a conscious decision to make changes and/or get the help that we need.


    So often we see others (moms), like the football players, who appear to have it all together, but in actuality, are holding on by a thread. I say, forget about looking at everyone else, and work with what we have (as individuals). Everybody’s circumstances are different- you know, things are not what they appear to be. As a friend once said to me, “all that glitters ain’t gold!” So true! Anyway, my point is that ladies, it is okay to ask for help; asking for demonstrates STRENGTH.

    Knowing where the resources are can be the key to getting the help that may be needed. I looked up a few agencies that may be helpful to you, a friend, a neighbor, or a family member; they are below:


    http://www.aclink.org/women/ – Atlantic County Government. Provides links to some of the agencies listed below. Also lists phone number and addresses.


    http://www.aclink.org/PublicHealth/mainpages/Mothers.asp


    http://www.acwc.org/ – Atlantic County Women’s Center


    http://www.atlanticare.org/women/index.php – Atlanticare Regional Medical Center Women’s Health Services


    http://www.atlanticare.org/cancer/detection/mobile.php – Mobile Mammography


    http://www.aclink.org/CFI/mainpages/5_centers.asp – Atlantic County Family Centers


    www.nj211.org – Help in navigating the social service system.


    Remember….    “Think Forward!”

    Be blessed!

  • >Alex Update

    >                               

    I‘ll be the first to admit that I love the blazing summer heat, but the fresh cool breeze of September is refreshing and I can honestly say that I’m enjoying it.
    My son is back to school and both hubby and I are back to work.  And- I’m missing Alex!!  He’s still with us, I just miss him when I go to work.  Never thought “it” would happen so quickly, but “it” has.  “It” being…  I’ve fallen in love with our little pooch!  If I thought that I could sneak him in to work and get away with it, I would.  Ha! Ha!  He is just so adorable, I’d do just about anything for him.  OMG!  Do I sound like a new parent or what?   It’s hard to believe that I was the one resisting a new family member, but it is true.
    Truth of the matter is that, I am so glad that we waited until school let out.  We’ve had a solid two months to get adjusted and to find a system that will work for our family.
    Alex is being trained using the crate method.  Yeah, I know.  Some people have a problem with this method, but I’m here to tell you that it’s working!  It’s not error proof, but it’s consistent and everyone is happy.  We’ve had accidents and there will be more, but everyone, including Alex is okay with the crate.

    Since Alex is still being housebroken, we walk him every two to three hours.  He’s learning to hold it longer and longer.  I’m assuming that you know “it” is peeing or pooping on the floor.  Our son is learning to walk him and is very helpful in keeping an eye on Alex when he’s not in the cage.   Are there challenges?  ABSOLUTELY!!   Gone are the days where we leave home and don’t return for long hours.  We have to return home to take care of Alex.  My son enjoys playing with Aex and his idea of play is getting Alex worked up to the point where he’s (Alex) frantically running through the house barking like he’s on steroids or something.  My son thinks it’s hilarious; when I’m having a moment and is seeking peace and quiet, it’s not so funny, while other times, I’m laughing harder than my son.  For some family vacations, we’ll have to find a sitter for Alex and this is definitely new to us.  We thought that we were finished with shots and well visits with our son, but we’re back to those again.  Puppy’s get over the shot thing much quicker than babies. Like a typical puppy, Alex will chew ANYTHING!  Lol!  On occasion, I’ve found myself tip toeing over and around an abundance of bones, balls, and other puppy toys. 
    Alex still hasn’t been upstairs yet and some people find this surprising, while others have nodded in agreement.  Our rational is simple:  we want to preserve the carpet.  Killing the grass with urine is one thing; killing the carpet is a complete different story.  Once Alex is housebroken, he’ll be able to enjoy our house in it’s entirety.  For now, he will continue to enjoy the main floor.
    Anyway with minor adjustments, all is well.   Many years ago, we owned another dog, LA.  Too bad we didn’t prepare for LA like we prepared for Alex.  Man, what a difference!  Looking back, we didn’t have a clue about caring for a dog.  Fortunately, we found LA a wonderful home with a family that took great care of him.  My journey with Alex reinforces my conviction of the importance of preparation.  Regardless of what is being embarked upon, doing research, reading, and talking to people can help to make whatever the experience more pleasant.  I know that I cannot prepare for everything, but I do know that a lot of preparation can make even the most unexpected events seem more bearable.