Cloud Zen
Hi friends!
How was your day? So glad you guys liked the Pilot’s guest post. I love when he posts- not only because it helps me out on busy mornings, but because I LURVE his writing. And his smile… and his biceps… I could go on 😉
Here’s the scary video of him (voluntarily) being an attack model for the dog:
CRAZY.
I would be more freaked out (he volunteered for that?!), but instead I’m on Cloud Zen after a beautiful a 90-minute yoga class. I’I’ve been committing to get yoga back into my life full-time and have done pretty well so far this week. Today’s class included lots of twisting, inversions, juicy stretches, and a much-needed pep talk. Me gusta.
Before the day’s insanity, I brought back an old b-fast champion:
Now that the weather is warming up, I’ve been craving one like you read about.
Today’s bfast cookie had:
-1/2 C gluten-free oats
-1/2 smashed banana
-1/2 scoop Standard Process dairy-free (thank goodness the Sun Warrior promo was today- the SP by itself tastes like death and sadness)
-cinnamon
-2 T Better n’ Peanut Butter (which tastes like slimy peanut rubber. I miss almond butter already)
-splash of almond milk
I forgot how satisfying they are!! That beauty kept me full all morning 😀
The cookie was munched in the car, driving my bro around car shopping before he had to be at school. I had to wheel and deal a little –I haggle like a champ- and we think we found a winner. Hopefully everything will be good to go by tomorrow!
Errands, errands, blah blah,
gave Bella a bath
(she wouldn’t let me blow-dry her head, and then did laps around the house)
and got a massage 😀
It was my day off today, so of course I crammed it full of all of the to-dos I haven’t been able to ninja kick during the week. It sounds counterintuitive, but I like to book "me" time on the busiest of days, just so I have a nugget of joy to look forward to. A massage was exactly what I needed. [Tucson bloggies, email me if you want the info of the place I go to- best massage I’ve EVER had] Just like last time, I had to remind myself not to drool and also remind myself not to smile with my eyes closed. I could just imagine how goobery it would look to be massaged face up, with eyes closed and a big smile because it feels so good. Haha.
**Here is where I had three foodie pictures, which were eaten by my netbook (I’m on my laptop now and forgot that I can’t transfer photos from my netbook to the laptop from a CD. #failwhale) – will have to post these tomorrow 🙂
So tonight’s yoga pep talk was “surrender to grace”. We talked about The Secret and how it places so much importance on material things (for example, if you want a Mercedes, you think about that Mercedes all day and post pictures on your wall a la inspiration boards, eventually the Mercedes will happen).But the thing is, what happens after you achieve the material things? What’s left?
Since I’ve been reading the Power of Intention, I was especially moved by today’s yoga reading and discussion. It brought to mind a little green-eyed monster called jealousy, which I’ve been thinking about quite a bit lately. I’m a Scorpio, and a hardcore one at that 😉 Lately, I’ve had to frequently tell myself that just because things happen to other people, doesn’t mean that the chance of those things happening to me is any less. It’s gotten to the point where whenever I see a couple being lovey and sweet together, instead of thinking about how cute it is, I feel jealous and my stomach churns. Many of my friends are having babies and have lived their entire marriage with their husband… I’m just looking forward to spending more than a month with my husband, ya know? I don’t want you guys to feel sorry for me- I knew what I was getting into- but I always throw my feelings around on the blog and this is just a little end-of-deployment blahs. You won’t have to hear about this again though, I promise…
The end is in sight:)
Anyways, back to the "surrender to grace" spiel:
Listening to my instructor talk about surrendering to the power above us, that we’re each a tiny spark of, and letting things fall into place gave me a much needed boost.
Thank goodness for yoga, eh?
Also, thank goodness for Friday and shopping- the weekend’s pretty much here 😀
Hope you have a lovely night and I’ll see you in the morning <3
xoxo
Gina
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Gina, what a deep post…
I just posted about The Secret a day or so ago (a relink to an older post about it). I believe strongly in the power of intentions and that visualizng things (and of course taking practical steps to help ensure those things happen) but that by putting out into the universe the kind of energy and the things we want, they will happen. Put out good energy = receive good energy and things back.
You are putting our your good energy, and soon, you will get the things you are looking for 🙂
The Pilot is coming home, you guys are living in AZ for 3 yrs, you can get to work on making babies 🙂 and you have all these great things happening no doubt with your DT studio and your blog…things are happening and will continue to fall into place.
I know it! It will ALL happen for you 🙂
Major hugs, sweetie!
And sorry about the pics being munched..tech stuff is so frustrating!
xo
I got a massage today too! You do such a great job of staying positive and bringing an uplifting voice into everyone’s days. It’s fine to voice if you’ve been feeling a little green envy. Just remember that EVERYONE looks at other people’s situations with a “grass is greener” eye. I am sure that there are tons of gals who look at your window to your life with some envy. Keep up the awesome work and your hubby will be home soon. 🙂
It is so wonderful that you can be so self-aware and transparent about your situation! I think most people would just go, “Oh, that makes me so jealous/sad/angry/insert emotion here!” and let themselves grow angry and bitter. Sounds like you are really dealing with those feelings first by simply naming them, but it also seems like you are rechanneling them into working hard, and getting ready for the Pilot to come home. Way to go! 🙂
Sending good thoughts your way! (Oh, and your post totally makes me want a massage…never had one professionally before and you make it sound melt-worthy ;))
thank you, katie 🙂
it’s beyond melt-worthy… do it, you’ll be so glad you did
Honestly, I used to love looking up at my client’s face and seeing a big grin during the massage. Meant I was doing my job well. 🙂
Yes, the end is in sight, but no need to apologize for missing your hubby. I like hearing about it – means you’re totally in lurve with the boy, and why shouldn’t you be? Check out those biceps! 😉
The Secret is really just a repackaged book on the Laws of Attraction which have been around for pretty much forever. And frankly it’s a bit cruel as well. Oprah changed her tune on the book a while back because it’s kind of abusive with the mantra that everything bad that happens to you is because you willed it, even disease, weight gain and poverty. I’m all for constructive self help books, but this one aint it.
http://www.ealasaid.com/ego/2007/03/the_secret_what_a_scam.html
You are making your marriage and life dreams become reality with hard work, planning and organization, not just willed thoughts. If wishes were horses, beggars would ride. 🙂
i totally agree about that aspect of the book- thanks for linking to that article
and TRUE DAT 🙂
The best part about ending my SP CLeanse was getting my regular protein powder back! I actually have a can of the stuff leftover… want it? 😉
um no thank you. hahah! i’m just using that until my sun warrior gets here!
Why are you using better n’ pb now? Why not just regular peanut butter?
i don’t really like peanut butter after eating almond butter for so long, and was wondering if i’d like the taste better. SO wrong. i was very thankful i also got a jar of cashew butter 😉
If you don’t like peanut butter, you most definitely wouldn’t like the “better” version. It tastes like kindergarden paste! The cashew is probably much better. 🙂
yes, i had lots of cashew butter to wash it down haha
When I go back home to Cleveland, I get massages from this lady that has 1 little room in a yoga studio. I’ve never had anything that comes close to comparing! So amazing, like you are saying. I typically fall asleep..and one time I think I napped for a good 30min after she was done. She sneaks out of the room so you can relax and I totally passed out. LOL She literally came in and had to wake me. #massagefail
haha, my dog totally does laps after a bath, too! I feel like all dogs do (at least all of the one’s I’ve had throughout my life) Too funny!
Amen to the weekend and shopping.
I can relate to watching people be happy. As I grow older, especially in college, my friends are entering into serious relationships and/or getting married. I’m still single and haven’t had a true “serious” relationship. I really like when you said “just because iyou see other people doesn’t mean that you have less of a chance” and its completely true.
I truly believe that a massage is one of the healthiest things you can do for your body. Just think of all those crazy feel good hormones and whatever floating around in your body after a drool worthy massage. Oy Vay, that makes me want to book one right now!
I’m so happy for you that the Pilot is coming home soon! I’m in an LDR and it can really really suck sometimes. You want to be able to see each other without it feeling like a big occasion, like to just have it be another day, one you’ll have a million more of, instead of one you have to make extra special because they’re limited. At least that’s how I feel sometimes, I could just be crazy. ;p
I really am jealous of how good u have been with yoga. It seems like it really calms/ relaxes u and does wonders for ur body. Where would I begin!? Should I take a class at a studio or something like that?
Ps- I can’t wait foe your pilot to get home! U deserve to be happy 🙂 & you will soon!!
I got my Yoga in today as well, it was delish!
ooo, thanks so much for sharing the pep talk with us, gina. i really appreciate the message…i, too, believe that things happen for a reason, and everything will work out in the ends, as it’s meant to be. it’s just hard to remember that, sometimes, and not get stressed out over circumstances!
glad you enjoyed a great massage – such a stress reliever!
Both my dogs do that too after a bath. Maybe because they hate feeling cooped up being forced to do something they hate? So they just go nuts after? lol I always have to corral mine because they try to jump up on the bed and couches during their craziness.
Wow, that attack dog video is incredible!
I think it’s great to schedule me time on busy days. I love the idea of having something to look forward to. I can relate to feelings of jealousy and anxiety. I have to remind myself that I can do and have anything that I desire, it just takes patience and persistence and hard work. But if it’s not meant to be, I will find happiness in other things and never surrender to defeatism and let anything or anyone break my stride. Life is too full of goodness to get hung up on the negatives. Focus on the positives, and if few or none exist, create them!
Your breakfast cookies are great! But today I discovered…..brownie batter cereal! I cooked 1/3 cup quinoa flakes with 1 cup of vanilla almond milk, then mixed in some cinnamon, a scoop of chocolate protein powder, and some walnuts. AMAZING! Don’t know if you’ve ever tried something like this, thought I would share the deliciousness!
This post was exactly what I needed to read this morning. I have had to keep my jealous urges in check a lot lately. I love reading your inspirational excerpts (thoughts, readings, etc.)! Yoga studios and classes don’t exist in my little town, so thank you for sharing your lessons!
I love this idea of “surrendering to grace.” Anytime I feel like things just aren’t happening for me, I stop and realize that the universe is always changing and shifting, and that the difficulities I am currently facing are just to prepare me for the amazing things the world has in store for me! You should read a course in miracles. It’s an amazing book. My favorite quote is, “Those who are certain of an outcome can afford to wait, and wait without anxiety.” Very reassuring! Have a good weekend!
I loved when in the Pilot’s guest post yesterday he said he looked down at the dog attacking the suit and smiled because he missed his own pups. It’s what I thought of the whole time I was watching the video 🙂
I think it’s good that you’re aware of the jealousy!! And to me at least, those kind of feelings are normal. You haven’t seen each other in months, and that would wear on anyone. But you think so positively, and that’s the important thing 🙂 Stay strong love!
My dog does the same thing after a bath. He goes nuts! He likes getting his fur dried and kinda doesn’t at the same time. i have to feed him treats to get him to stay still.
Hi Gina,
Just wanted to tell you vent away girl…I’m in the middle of a military separation (6 weeks left!) and understand sometimes the situation sucks! Since I go to school full time an hour from base, most of my friends/acquaintances are not military, so it’s hard to talk about my situation with them, KWIM? You’re in the home stretch now, before you know it you’ll be at that homecoming waving your pilot in.
Also, you have so many amazing things going on with YOU right now that I’m sure others would be jealous of…I guess what I’m trying to say is we can easily get caught up in that “grass is always greener” mentality. Thanks for sharing a little of your life with us, I love your blog!
Here’s to our husbands coming home soon 🙂
I’m totally with you on the yoga. I try to go regularly 2-3 times a week otherwise I feel like I lose my sanity. The yoga mindfulness has allowed me to become a far less worrisome crazy person. I try to appreciate everything that I have and see the positive in everything. I try to remind myself that trials and tribulations don’t last forever, in 6 months or a year, it won’t matter and will have passed. Congrats on the Pilot coming home soon, that has to be hard and you seem to handle it amazingly.
Friday and shopping sounds ideal to me!!! I haven’t had a b-fast cookie in a really long time but thanks for reminding me about them!
Gina I really admire your strength, don’t ever be afraid to be honest with all of us. Keep your head up girl!
🙂
I understand how you feel.
I also get so jealous sometimes…of people who are with their partners, of people who have babies. I’ve spent more time apart from my husband than with him over the last two years, and when he’s home everything just clicks into place. I miss that “click” SO MUCH right now. I think the uncertainty, still waiting to find out about our next posting, is making me even more impatient and envious of people who don’t have to live with this kind of uncertainty. Like you, I knew what I was getting into, and I honestly wouldn’t change my life, but still… And babies…well, babies are a whole ‘nother story. We lost our first pregnancy at 8 weeks, and it’s making me crazy that we can’t even TRY right now.
I have to consciously remind myself that jealousy is a destructive force. I know that joy and grace are not things that happen TO me; they are things that I CREATE. Most days I do very well at it…but sometimes I need a (gentle and loving!) kick in the butt to be more conscious about how I choose to feel. Thanks for the kick this morning!
Thank you sooo much for posting this! I absolutely loved it, it really hit home for me. I’ve felt the same way, my hubby is deployed right now and for the first few months I was totally bitter about it and sadly even jealous of others, especially couples who are all lovey dovey and happy. I know I shouldn’t have let it get to me, but it just seemed so hard and so unfair to feel happy for others when I was feeling so miserable.
“just because things happen to other people, doesn’t mean that the chance of those things happening to me is any less”
This quote definitely makes me feel more optimistic about the whole situation-yes I agree, I knew what I was getting into before, but nothing fully prepares you for being apart from your loved one and or makes it easy to endure by any means.
Thank you tons! I will definitely keep this on my mind these next few months…no more deployment blues for me. Well maybe blues sometimes, that’s inevitable, but def. no more deployment bitterness & jealousy! 🙂
I can really relate to the jealousy struggle. Last year I felt some serious jealousy towards one woman in particular who, from the outside, seemed to have it all. However, I’m over it now because I realized that the things she has are for her – I have my own life path and I’m happy with the choices I’ve made. Now I’m over it and totally blissful with my own sitch.
“I could just imagine how goobery it would look to be massaged face up, with eyes closed and a big smile because it feels so good. Haha”
I am dying! That is so funny!
I definitely admire your insight and strength…I’m going through a 8-month stretch of a long distance relationship (with a pilot!) I sympathize, and have felt the same feelings. Thanks for putting all that out there, your honesty is SO refreshing! The end IS near, and soon you’ll be in seksi pilot bliss 🙂
I have a readers request! In a few weeks I will be relocating from NYC to TX and will be buying a car (I’ve been carless for 5 years!). Care to share your wheeling and dealing tips?? I’m usually the one that’s like oh, it’s 1 billion dollars? Ok, thanks! I lack the haggling gene…
xoxo
hahah sure!
Gina,
I don’t know how you do it. You seem to handle it MUCH better than I would. And you are human, it’s completely normal to have those feelings. You MISS you husband and I know you are counting down the days. Give yourself a little break.
I was so excited to see the protein powder back- I’m addicted , but I really wanted chocolate……is that going to be offered in the near future ?? and if not, do you have any substitute suggestions until you have another deal ??
Thanks!
thanks girl <3
i just buy the vanilla and add cacao powder to it- that way, you have chocolate and vanilla when you want it 🙂
Friend, you are such a strong person, and not just physically – you are strong willed, too! I know without a doubt that you will find everything that you want. And my instinct says all these desires in your heart are going to be realized soon, too. 😉 I’d put money down that even a month from now your life is going to look pretty different. 😉 xo!
thank you friend- love you
🙂 i’m so glad your pilot will be home to stay soon! everything happens for a reason and i’m sure you’ll be having little ones running around when the time is right and Both of you can be there to experience it together!
I hope you have a great Friday, Gina!
Gina what a great post — I think at some point we’ve all felt that jealousy towards others. I know I feel that way about couples with babies! I’ve got baby fever big time and I’m trying to just be patient and wait until the time feels “right”. That time isn’t now, but it is hard to push those feelings aside.
It takes a lot of patience to let things fall into place — but to me, worrying and stressing about things (which is what I usually do) doesn’t hurry things along, so why not try to enjoy the ride along the way?
very true my friend <3
xoxo
yay friday! hope you have a good weekend.
the pilot is crazy for volunteering, but those dogs are so well trained, it seems like it would be a little less scary because they are so well controlled by the trainer.
I’m not going to feel sorry for you, I’m gonna love you for embracing your feelings and getting them out there! I have so much respect for what your husband does, and also for you because you are his personal cheerleader from the states. He’s going to be home soon and you my friend with be floating on cloud nine!!!!
I didn’t watch the video the other day of Bella because I was at work but I just watched it and my dog does the same thing! It’s hilarious! Also, I’m a massage therapist and I wouldn’t think you were weird if you were smiling with your eyes closed during a massage… I would take that as a compliment 🙂
I can totally relate to your “jealousy”, all (literally) of my friends have either had babies or are currenlty pregnant. That coupled with all the blogworld pregnancies right now it feels like everyone around is pregnant but me. Unfortunately financially its not in the cards for us at the moment. I decided instead of being jealous of everyone else I need to get my a** in gear and find a better job so I can feel comfotable with all the expenses that pop up with a baby, :).
right now i have 13 friends who are pregnant or who have just had babies… and my husband isn’t even home.
i feel ya on that one, for sure. sending hugs to you <3
Thanks, I think you’ve got me beat though, lol. You’ve gotten through so much already I’m confident that you can get through this and come out of it with a smile! Hugs to you and the pilot.
The time will be right for you. I was 30 before I was married and having babies. I’m sending prayers your way. You do have so much going for you. I know how scorpios are; my youngest sister is one. You want things to go according to your type A plans!!
exactly! thanks for your email today, i loved it 🙂
xoxo
Don’t feel bad for putting your feelings out there… this is your blog! It’s okay to feel down… especially about something like your husband being far away.
🙂 we support you!
Both of my dogs do crazy running laps after a bath too! Why is that?!
I am so happy you posted this! I am a major scorpio too and I have been dealing with the green monster for a long time now. I lost my job in 2009 and my husband in 2010. He started going back to school and got his old job back in February. It has been a really hard situation to be in when it seems like even in a down economy people are still living the high life. The baby situation makes it even worse, I have a 2 year old (he was a result of a household economic boom) and now any plans for another are on hold till my husband graduates from school. Everyone around me is having babies, 20 people to be exact! My sister and sister-in-law are both having babies and to make things worse the my sister-in-law is having a girl (my dream).
This post really boosted me up after having a down month and reminded me that I can’t control things no matter how hard I try and I need to let go, again. I need a monthly reminder to let go. I might as well put up some signs to in my house to remember to let go! You are the best and this was just what I needed.
thanks girl- hang in there <3
Love all the photos you posted of your area– so beautiful and amazing. What a lucky girl you are indeed! 🙂
I totally experienced the “end of deployment blues” too and I still do feel the pangs of jealousy when I think about how all my non-military friends get to spend all their time with their husbands. It’s hard not to feel that way from time to time, but I also just try to be thankful for other blessings (we have a GREAT marriage, I’m a more independent woman b/c of it, etc.). Great post!
there are definitely perks that come along with the negatives.
<3
Loved the video of the pilot! I was telling my husband about it after I read the Pilot’s guest post and he said he did the same thing! When his police department got a K9 they needed someone to volunteer to help the dog train and crazy hubby decided to do it. Gotta love them 😉
I really appreciate your openness at the end of your blog post today. I couldn’t imagine what you and all the other military wives go through. One of my best friend’s husband was in the Marines and I watched her go through it all. Hugs to you Gina! I can’t wait until you and the Pilot reunite!! <3
I love the video! I did an apprenticeship with a friend of a friend who trains dogs for a living. He trains Belgian malinois and GSD’s for schutzhund sport, police/bomb dogs, and search/rescue. Dogs can really do amazing work for us 🙂
WHoa, thanks for this pep talk 🙂
I highly recommend reading ‘Radical’ By David Platt. It is a Christian book, but man is it eye opening to the rampant materialism in our culture (that I often fall prey to! Bleh.)
My husband read it and handed it along. It is life changing.
I miss yoga pep talks. They don’t really talk during yoga here in New Zealand like they do in America, and I miss that aspect like crazy. I’m thinking of finding some podcasts or something to help get some of that back
dave farmar gives great yoga pep talks, so does mark white- check out their podcasts!
That video of the pilot is nuts!! He’s such a badass. 🙂