Hi there. Tonight’s background entertainment is Cheer on Netflix. Did you know that I cheered competitively in high school? I also gave it a go for one semester of college but bailed on that pretty quickly. I’m grateful for the experience because it was a big goal realized, but I also have zero regrets about quitting.
Can you pick me out here? 🙂 It amazes me how much more advanced the stunting and tumbling is these days! It’s incredible (and a little terrifying) to watch.
Fast-forward many years and life looks much different. Here are a few shots of Finn and the pups from the past few days.
Notice the pollen stuck to Zoey’s fur. I am fighting a losing battle with pollen at the moment. It is everywhere! I spent 30 minutes with the blower yesterday to clear my front and back patio and then opened the door this morning to find it looking exactly the same as before. On a positive note, I don’t have bad allergies so at least there’s that.
It’s a good thing that I don’t because we basically live outside. Outside time has been a lifeline for all of us. As you can see in this photo, Finn LOVES the dogs. He is not happy outside unless they are with him.
Grateful for friends passing down toys they have outgrown. My family was planning to get Finn a play kitchen for his upcoming second birthday but last weekend we acquired one for free. I couldn’t say no because we are desperate for home entertainment at the moment.
So far Finn’s favorite things are “wash my hands” in the sink and baking cakes in the oven. Every time I ask him what he’s cooking he tells me “cake.” If I ask him what kind, he replies “choc-y.”
Benji’s foster mom texted to check in on him today. The rescue that I adopted him from has been incredibly supportive and everyone that I’ve worked with is seriously invested in Benji’s well-being and happiness. His foster mom and I are even planning to get together next time she’s in the Charlotte area. 🙂
While it’s definitely been an adjustment for all of us to integrate Benji into our family dynamic, I know it was the right choice.
Related, he is HUGE! I told his foster mom that I think he’s doubled in size since I got him. His front paws are seriously the size of the palm of my hand!
The biggest thing that I need to figure out is water drinking. He loves water and drinks a ton, which is great, but it’s like a sprinkler went off in my kitchen after he drinks because his chin get soaked. Any tips? Should I trim or shave down his “beard?”
On the work front, I am excited to share that my on-demand strength/HIIT and power yoga videos have been well-received!
Here are some of my favorite new workouts and yoga flows!
Bodyweight Yoga Fusion Strength Workout
“Get ready to SWEAT and feel the burn in this yoga fusion strength workout. No yoga experience is needed to follow along with this workout but you will hear terms like down dog, three point, cheetah and high lunge. It’s a FUN way to switch up your home workouts and bodyweight training!
This is a full guided class experience from start to finish. This workout is fairly low-impact. There are some options for jumping but low-options will always be offered first.”
9 Movement, 90 Second Interval Dumbbell Strength Workout
“Get ready for a challenging strength workout! This one is low-impact with no jumping but don’t let that fool you…you will feel the burn and get your heart rate up thanks to 90-second intervals in each movement.
Here’s what you’ve got:
– total body strength (upper, lower, front and back, core)
– 90 second intervals
– three huge rounds of work (45 minutes total)
– warm up and cool down stretch included in class
Here’ what you need:
– dumbbells (weight selection will vary based on fitness level and goals and could be anywhere from 3-30 lbs!)
– a mat or cushioned surface
– a chair, stool, coffee table or something for tricep dips”
Check-Out to Check-In Power Yoga Flow
“The intention of this practice is to let you “check-out” to check-in with yourself. We focus on letting go of external noise and distractions and getting lost in a fun and challenging flow. This allows us to get the mental break that we need to find space for grounding in our bodies, hearts and minds!
This class features a faster-paced flow with options for arm balances and creative transitions. Geared towards yogis who love to move and prefer strong flow.”
I want to share one last beautiful thing and then I’ll call it a wrap.
Grandfather Mountain is one of my favorite places in North Carolina. They shared this photo on their Facebook page today after last night’s super pink moon. It took my breath away!
“The moon is 238,900 miles away from Earth. Some nights, however, it’s seems only a mile high, as pictured rising behind Grandfather Mountain’s Mile High Swinging Bridge.”
Photo by Skip Sickler | Grandfather Mountain Stewardship Foundation
QUESTIONS
What sports/activities did you do in high school? Any in college?
How are you working out during this time?
Favorite toys for a two year old?
I could not pick you out in that photo! But I think it’s awesome you cheered in high school and some in college! I ran track and cross country in high school but did not in college. But I’ve loved running forever and that’s my preferred workout right now as well as strength workouts a couple of times a week. I am really trying to get back into yoga during this time as well. I took your power yoga close Tuesday morning and it was so amazing! I’m hoping to make it a weekly thing for now 🙂
Thanks for sharing the pictures of the dogs and Finn. They are all so cute and happy and they always make me smile!
Hey Megan – I am on the far right! 🙂
I wish that I would have gotten into running in high school. It is also my #1 preferred workout even though I also love strength and yoga.
THANK YOU for taking my class. I am so pleased to hear that you enjoyed it. <3
Are you third from the left?
As for Benji and water, we have a 120 pound great pyrenees – I’ve learned to just give up on caring after he drinks haha. There is no stopping the water situation with my dog! His dish is in the laundry room so that helps. Maybe move his dish to a non-central location?
That photo is incredible! Thanks for sharing 🙂
I am actually far right! 🙂
HAHA! I love your suggestion of just giving up control over it. Sounds like a solid plan. It is in a very central location so maybe I can look at moving the dishes! I have a good idea of where I could move them so thanks for that!
I also think you are 3rd from the left in that photo!
So cute how much Finn is loving the play kitchen! We have such limited space in our house so haven’t gotten one for our little guy yet, but it would be a fun addition! Our 2yo’s favorite toys are his little people (he got a couple as gifts and then a whole lot more as hand-me-downs from friends), his “Green Toys” barn and helicopter set, and a basketball hoop that we keep in our basement. The green toys are super cool. If you haven’t heard of that brand, check it out. They are all made from recycled plastic and they come with very limited packaging. We bought the farm set at a toy store and were told that it’s basically indestructible! I ordered a slide from Amazon for our yard but it won’t come until 4/28. Our playgrounds were closed and our son asks to go to the park on every single walk so I figured we needed something for our yard!
My workouts are pretty lame these days – basically walks with our son and chasing after him. My husband and I both working full time (me from home, him 60-80% from home) and caring for our toddler so by the time our son goes to bed, I am just exhausted. I should try to fit some workouts in after work as he could play basketball while I work out. But my motivation is pretty bad right now. Eeks. :/
Hey Lisa! I am actually on the far right! 🙂
I never imagined that we would get a play kitchen because they are so big but Finn would go crazy over them when we were at the library or friend’s houses so it was on the wish list for his 2nd birthday…we just ended up with a hand-me-down a little earlier! I haven’t heard of the green toys so I will for sure check those out. Thanks you! I am so glad that you ordered a slide for your yard. We got a little playset and Finn really likes it. Spending time outside is his favorite!
Do NOT knock yourself for your workouts right now. It is completely exhausting to be “on” with a toddler 24/7 and try to get work done. I wouldn’t be working out this much if I didn’t have to for my actual work!
We put a plastic “boot mat” under my dogs water dish to try to catch the drops. Sort of works.
Thanks Andrea! I’ll look into that!
You guys are so cute and I LOVE your classes! I’m not even a class person and they make me happy. I’m struggling with depression these days and trying to work and take care of my kids. They are easy and older but I’m constantly overwhelmed. Thanks for always sharing here!
My doodle is always a mess and brings in tons of grass and sticks in her fur. She’s a mess with water and I have a mat but there are always drops around. Good luck:)
I ran in college (cross country) but I loved Cheer on Netflix. TERRIFYING!!
Pamela – one of the silver linings of all of this has been connecting with people from all over the country/world through virtual teaching that I may not have otherwise. Thanks so much for giving my classes a try. I am very grateful.
You have been on my heart so much recently and I admire your ability to be open, honest and vulnerable with your feelings. I pray that brighter, more easeful days are ahead on many different levels. <3
Sending you lots of love! (And I love that you ran CC in college!)
We have a doodle and the water situation was KILLING me! But, this has helped a ton: https://www.amazon.com/Splash-Feeder-Dispenser-Drinking-Portable/dp/B081SPXTRB/ref=sr_1_11?crid=3VP39B7WNON6L&dchild=1&keywords=pet+water+dish+no+spill&qid=1586457627&sprefix=water+dish+spi%2Caps%2C216&sr=8-11
We have even taken it in the car on road trips and it doesn’t spill!
Ahhh thank you so much for this! I will order!
I think you are far right?
3 cheers for hand me down toys! I bet Finn loves them.
Thanks for the workouts! Great to have right now 🙂
Yes! That is me! 🙂
It’s been fun to film the workouts and make them available for you guys!
I really enjoyed doing one of your strength workouts yesterday! I just have had no motivation to do anything but walk since all of this started, but the video helped me ease back into it! I think I’d been bummed that I couldn’t keep going with my gym routine and the “all or nothing” mentality hit me. Trying to dig out of it! I really appreciated the no-jumping 🙂 Looking forward to more.
ok finding out you were a cheerleader makes me love you EVEN MORE! i also did it all thru middle school and high school competitively. i love it and reminisce quite often 🙂 gotta check out cheer on netflix now 🙂