Hello :)

This morning I walked into the office with a little sparrow hopping along the overhead pipes talking to me. We had a discussion about not pooping on my car, or my head, and how the day was going to get sunny so she could go outside. She was upset that it was spring and 42 degrees (you can't understand sparrow speak? how sad for you).

Yes, that little chirping bird was my happy moment for the morning, and yes, I talk to animals.

Hope you all find your happy bird today! Even if the day does seem like it will be too much to handle :)

True

Pursuing Face Book tonight I realized once again what an eclectic friends and family collection I have in my life. And every single one of them play such a vital part...

Too Many Memories to Give Up

There are a few things in my very scattered life that we hold onto and don't want to let go.

The lion is one of them - and apparently the feeling cross generational gaps.

Erin Go Bragh!

I am Irish Italian - well, by heritage - so St. Patrick's Day is fun for my family and always has been. I'll admit, I did not start eating corned beef until later in life, but now I love it, and not just in corned beef hash (the truly superior member of the breakfast meat family). We wear green, pinch those who don't, and use the wonderful day as a time to eat and drink with family & friends.

This year - they kiddo is still in Florida so I didn't have to continue the tradition that my mother always did for us...green milk. Oh yes my friends, we in the Reilly house dye our milk, eggs, and whatever else will take the food coloring green on St. Patrick's day. I can't even tell you a time my mother didn't do it for us, and this year? She did it for her grandson.

You know you have a crazy family tradition that you find endearing even if others find it odd...what is yours?

Slainte my friends!

May the road rise up to meet you.

May the wind always be at your back.

May the sun shine warm upon your face,

and rains fall soft upon your fields.

And until we meet again,

May God hold you in the palm of His hand.

Spring Break - Take it!!!

This week is spring break in our fine state for the kiddos. Now, there are many families who take this week to take a break, go away together or stay home together and bond as a family. As I just started a new job, my kiddo went to see his grandparents without me so it is a bonding time for them.

I love when he gets to spend time with them alone, not because I get a break - I miss him incredibly even if I do get the break - but because I still remember time I got to spend with my grandparents, or great aunt and uncle without my parents and it created a bond that I still hold today - despite the fact that the last surviving member of that family club was called home this past January (Love you Joy!).

If you have followed this blog, you know that I am very much a fan of the little things that get you through the day. Heck, even a rainbow in the morning or seeing a butterfly in the wind brings a smile to my face but I am a simple soul.

Here's my challenge for you all today...what is your Spring Break? My Spring Break? Taking a week for me and not feeling guilty about it, working hard during the day, hanging with the dog, my friends, and myself at night!

Everyone needs a break friends...don't feel guilty about taking it!

Little Things

My son goes to a small Catholic School that I actually attended for a while a middle schooler. Every Friday, the kids go to mass to pray together as a community. I try to go when I can (it is during the work day) and today was one of those days. Today, I made time for it in light of everything going on in my life and the world.

Not all of us may know people directly affected by the earthquake this morning and the subsequent tsunamis but we are all one human family. Regardless of your beliefs, creed, birth place - we can all feel for those who are living out tragedies today. I happen to know a few people over in Tokyo who are safe, as are their families. They are the lucky ones.

I know I talk about how the little things are what carry us through the day, but in times like this - I find it especially true. I got chills today, and teared up a little, while listening to the children sing Amazing God together. It was my little thing. I know they aren't angels all the time - but this morning, they are the angels that brought me peace.

Take hold of the little things when you feel like there is no where else to turn. Baby step by baby step, it may help the sun come back out (be it fast or very slow) in your life. And God Bless all those being affected by today's tragedies.

Sweat It Out

I like working out in a boot camp. I am sick. Move on.

This morning it was a bitter 44 degrees when 1 other person and I started our 'session' and she admitted that if she had known it was this cold she wouldn't have come. It literally was 3 of us including our CG trainer who was a trooper still leading us with such a small group.

It was a heck of a work out (thanks Shane!), hard push then break, it was 100% to rest every 60 seconds or so and was amazing. Now, there are those of you who like running, walking, weight lifting, aerobics, etc. I like boot camp - it is different every time. There isn't long distance running (HATE) and not much down time so you get a full hour of push. What I like best about the CG boot camp is the fact that we work out as a team - you and your team (could be one person could be many) work together to succeed. We have even done exercises where if you can't finish it, your team finishes it for you. Amazing team work that takes into consideration that your 100% might be more or less than the next person.

Now to the point - I am not graceful. Yes, I can dance but that does not help my lack of grace apparently. I almost bit it 3 times this morning (and only once during something called the Frog Jump - ribbit ribbit). Did I get frustrated? Nope - we laughed and pushed harder. What can this teach us...well, you are going to stumble and fall but don't let it bring you down and collapse on yourself. Laugh it off and push harder. Sweat it out!

When you stumble, are you going to laugh and push?

It's all about comfort

I am on this workout and eating healthy kick that I truly hope becomes more of a way of life than a passing phase (and I have passed the 21 day mark so it stands a chance).

I get up very early and work out with a group of similar crazy people in a boot camp, we are those people you see in parking lots (or parking garages if it is below freezing or raining) before dawn or after work sweating as a team doing things we used to think of as fun in PE. Ah - the ignorance of youth...

Normally I am a heels girl, I am short and therefore like the height, like the way it makes my legs work and it helps with eye level (let's be honest, I like feeling eye to eye with others). What the heck does that have to do with the work out kick? Today I am in flatter than flat shoes because I am pretty sure that my calves would rage up and kill me if I tried to elevate them all day.

It's all about the comfort today - do something to make yourself comfortable and share it with others...you never know what effect it might have. You might just be the comfort they need:)