Sunday, June 13, 2010
Monday, March 29, 2010
Eight Hours.
We all read article after article of how the proper amount of sleep for our bodies is important, improving overall health along with increased energy levels and positive moods. There has been argument after argument about not being able to cheat sleep. Meaning that we can’t just skimp Monday through Friday and plan to “catch up” on the weekend.
After living with a mother that has struggled with narcolepsy and feelings of always being worn out or tired for twenty plus years and living twenty nine years of my own life I’ve finally figured it out and have found a way to keep my sleep balanced throughout the week which has resulted in less “crashing” and a better overall health. It use to be that I would get 6 or so hours, if that, some nights during the week and then on the rainy Saturday afternoons in my studio apartment I would sleep and sleep and sleep some more. I could sleep till noon if the shades were drawn and the ringer was off.
I’d wake up feeling worse than I did before I went to bed. Tired, fatigued and I lacked the energy to do basic things such as my Saturday morning workout and chores. I didn’t understand how I could still feel tired after getting twelve hour of sleep. After living like this for several years I finally experimented with all of the articles and advice I had read over the years and decided to incorporate a new lifestyle into my routine. I started by realizing one very important thing. I was no longer twenty-two. I needed sleep. Period. Eight solid hours is what I know my body needs to feel as close to chipper as humanly possible in the mornings and to stay that way throughout a long workday filled with meetings, workouts, dinners and various events.
If I could find a way to get my eight hours I could turn things around. And I did just that. I started focusing on a set bedtime which is now around 11:30pm and a set wake-up time around 7:30am, even on the weekends as painful as that sounds. Now I’ll be the first to admit, every rule is made to be broken and at times this doesn’t apply. I’d be lying to you and myself if I claimed that it did but the bottom line is that I try.
With that, I also know that my brain likes to pick up its activity levels in the wee hours of the evening so I have to force myself to shut down. Also, being that I live in a studio apartment I don’t have the luxury of having my bed in a quiet place away from the area in which I work and watch television. So I’m forced to get creative and I do this by lighting candles, dimming the lights, drinking herbal tea, putting my blackberry in the kitchen away from where I can easily grab it and check it, and I always shower, wash my hair and use lavender lotion on my skin at night. All of these things bring a sense of calm and help me relax. I also try to read every night instead of watching TV.
Some might say this routine is semi-high maintenance but it’s just that, a routine. Something that takes time to become a pattern but once you do it enough it eventually becomes a natural part of the way you do things and won’t feel like it takes any special effort to achieve.
It’s not easy but it’s worth it and has helped create a sense of balance I’m not sure that would have ever existed in any other way but through proper rest. Eight hours. It may seem a like a lot and although I’m the first to agree that we will have plenty of time to sleep when we’re dead I can guarantee that eight hours will take you a lot further along to your ending point than you’ll go if you skip it.
Signing off Well Rested,
Renee Brennan
After living with a mother that has struggled with narcolepsy and feelings of always being worn out or tired for twenty plus years and living twenty nine years of my own life I’ve finally figured it out and have found a way to keep my sleep balanced throughout the week which has resulted in less “crashing” and a better overall health. It use to be that I would get 6 or so hours, if that, some nights during the week and then on the rainy Saturday afternoons in my studio apartment I would sleep and sleep and sleep some more. I could sleep till noon if the shades were drawn and the ringer was off.
I’d wake up feeling worse than I did before I went to bed. Tired, fatigued and I lacked the energy to do basic things such as my Saturday morning workout and chores. I didn’t understand how I could still feel tired after getting twelve hour of sleep. After living like this for several years I finally experimented with all of the articles and advice I had read over the years and decided to incorporate a new lifestyle into my routine. I started by realizing one very important thing. I was no longer twenty-two. I needed sleep. Period. Eight solid hours is what I know my body needs to feel as close to chipper as humanly possible in the mornings and to stay that way throughout a long workday filled with meetings, workouts, dinners and various events.
If I could find a way to get my eight hours I could turn things around. And I did just that. I started focusing on a set bedtime which is now around 11:30pm and a set wake-up time around 7:30am, even on the weekends as painful as that sounds. Now I’ll be the first to admit, every rule is made to be broken and at times this doesn’t apply. I’d be lying to you and myself if I claimed that it did but the bottom line is that I try.
With that, I also know that my brain likes to pick up its activity levels in the wee hours of the evening so I have to force myself to shut down. Also, being that I live in a studio apartment I don’t have the luxury of having my bed in a quiet place away from the area in which I work and watch television. So I’m forced to get creative and I do this by lighting candles, dimming the lights, drinking herbal tea, putting my blackberry in the kitchen away from where I can easily grab it and check it, and I always shower, wash my hair and use lavender lotion on my skin at night. All of these things bring a sense of calm and help me relax. I also try to read every night instead of watching TV.
Some might say this routine is semi-high maintenance but it’s just that, a routine. Something that takes time to become a pattern but once you do it enough it eventually becomes a natural part of the way you do things and won’t feel like it takes any special effort to achieve.
It’s not easy but it’s worth it and has helped create a sense of balance I’m not sure that would have ever existed in any other way but through proper rest. Eight hours. It may seem a like a lot and although I’m the first to agree that we will have plenty of time to sleep when we’re dead I can guarantee that eight hours will take you a lot further along to your ending point than you’ll go if you skip it.
Signing off Well Rested,
Renee Brennan
Gassy.
Yea, you read the title correctly. Gassy. It’s what I am and as long as I can remember my friends and family always joke about how much gas I always have. I even got a bottle of Beano in my Christmas stocking one year as a genuine attempt to resolve my not-so-comfortable situation.
I’ve always chalked it up to a bad stomach or digestion problems that I’d always have and accepted myself for all that I was, gas or no gas. Over the last several years finding a good gastro doctor in Manhattan was on my to-do list but has always been left undone. That is until recently, when I noticed that I was feeling a lot more bloating and discomfort than what I had in the past. So I made it a priority to get a check up and get to the bottom of what was causing all this gas (ha, ok, pun intended).
Was it lactose intolerance? Was it a wheat allergy? Was it because I eat to fast? Drink too much red wine? What could it possibly be...?
Finally, I was determined to find out. I was referred to new internal medicine doctor, conveniently located on the Upper West Side near my apartment, by one of my co-workers. I couldn’t have been happier when I told him about my little situation and he referred me to his Guyanese buddy, a long time gastro specialist, also in another very good location near Columbus Circle. Side note: location is everything in New York so finding a doctor you can get in to over your lunch hour or on your way to work is uber important. Which is why I oftentimes find myself focusing on that over actual medical credentials at this point. Go figure.
I showed up for my appointment on time that Friday afternoon and was pleasantly surprised by the order and cleanliness of Dr. Seeoocmer’s office. I’ve had one too many gross-out situations in the city of dirty and there’s always a sense of comfort associated with tidy and clean, especially when it comes to someone providing me with healthcare. Dr. S welcomed me into his office for a consultation and started firing off the questions.
What does your normal diet look like? Oatmeal with flax and fruit or yogurt, granola and fruit for breakfast. So basically a high fiber dose to kick the day off. Coffee. Every morning. No matter what. Or a 1-pump vanilla latte from Starbucks if I feel like splurging. A boring salad, sandwich or soup from one of the stale options near my office for lunch. Sometimes I step it up and gorge myself on sushi. A mid-afternoon snack sometimes consisting of dried fruit, string cheese or a granola bar. And dinner... well that depends. It could range from a fresh cooked meal at home. Salmon, sauteed spinach, pasta or healthy pizza. Or it could be Chinese, Thai or Italian take-out on my lazier days. Or in the worst-case scenario, it’s a big night out at a fancy restaurant where I’m entertaining clients or celebrating life with my girlfriends and quite frankly I’m eating too much to keep track of.
And the questions continued...Do you have any family history of this or that? Are you allergic to anything? What medicines are you currently taking? And so on and so forth.
Twenty minutes later I was in love with this man, not only because he wasn’t very hard on the eyes, eh em, but he seemed to actually care about me and my gas. He backed up to the diet question as he took me into the exam room to do some blood work in an attempt to test for a possible wheat allergy. Who knew they could test for such a thing? Apparently it’s becoming much more popular so they are actively testing for this when patients come in complaining of stomach issues. He did some more digging, asking if I’ve always eaten breakfast. Yes, every day, never skip it. Then he asked if I always eat high fiber foods for breakfast. Yes, every day, never skip it. His eyes lit up as if he just discovered sliced bread and suggested that the fiber is what keeps me regular (which is not an area that I have issues with... every day at 10am, as if you cared to know) but might be the root of my digestion, or better known as “gas,” problems. He suggested that by eating a lot of fiber in the morning, it’s harder for my body to break it down, resulting in a gassy or bloaty feeling in the afternoon. Bingo.
So for the next few weeks until we have the blood test results back, and after completion of the lactose test next week, I was given an homework assignment of eating a protein-only diet in the morning. He warned that I would get hungrier sooner but that it could help increase positive digestion.
I suppose there is nothing to lose so I’m going to give his idea a whirl. And if this man just diagnosed my situation after 29 years of dealing with gas attacks I might just kiss him. Now we wait and see... I will report back in with the update on how this all pans out.
Here’s to the hopes of having a gas-free future!
Signing off Gas X’d,
Renee Brennan
I’ve always chalked it up to a bad stomach or digestion problems that I’d always have and accepted myself for all that I was, gas or no gas. Over the last several years finding a good gastro doctor in Manhattan was on my to-do list but has always been left undone. That is until recently, when I noticed that I was feeling a lot more bloating and discomfort than what I had in the past. So I made it a priority to get a check up and get to the bottom of what was causing all this gas (ha, ok, pun intended).
Was it lactose intolerance? Was it a wheat allergy? Was it because I eat to fast? Drink too much red wine? What could it possibly be...?
Finally, I was determined to find out. I was referred to new internal medicine doctor, conveniently located on the Upper West Side near my apartment, by one of my co-workers. I couldn’t have been happier when I told him about my little situation and he referred me to his Guyanese buddy, a long time gastro specialist, also in another very good location near Columbus Circle. Side note: location is everything in New York so finding a doctor you can get in to over your lunch hour or on your way to work is uber important. Which is why I oftentimes find myself focusing on that over actual medical credentials at this point. Go figure.
I showed up for my appointment on time that Friday afternoon and was pleasantly surprised by the order and cleanliness of Dr. Seeoocmer’s office. I’ve had one too many gross-out situations in the city of dirty and there’s always a sense of comfort associated with tidy and clean, especially when it comes to someone providing me with healthcare. Dr. S welcomed me into his office for a consultation and started firing off the questions.
What does your normal diet look like? Oatmeal with flax and fruit or yogurt, granola and fruit for breakfast. So basically a high fiber dose to kick the day off. Coffee. Every morning. No matter what. Or a 1-pump vanilla latte from Starbucks if I feel like splurging. A boring salad, sandwich or soup from one of the stale options near my office for lunch. Sometimes I step it up and gorge myself on sushi. A mid-afternoon snack sometimes consisting of dried fruit, string cheese or a granola bar. And dinner... well that depends. It could range from a fresh cooked meal at home. Salmon, sauteed spinach, pasta or healthy pizza. Or it could be Chinese, Thai or Italian take-out on my lazier days. Or in the worst-case scenario, it’s a big night out at a fancy restaurant where I’m entertaining clients or celebrating life with my girlfriends and quite frankly I’m eating too much to keep track of.
And the questions continued...Do you have any family history of this or that? Are you allergic to anything? What medicines are you currently taking? And so on and so forth.
Twenty minutes later I was in love with this man, not only because he wasn’t very hard on the eyes, eh em, but he seemed to actually care about me and my gas. He backed up to the diet question as he took me into the exam room to do some blood work in an attempt to test for a possible wheat allergy. Who knew they could test for such a thing? Apparently it’s becoming much more popular so they are actively testing for this when patients come in complaining of stomach issues. He did some more digging, asking if I’ve always eaten breakfast. Yes, every day, never skip it. Then he asked if I always eat high fiber foods for breakfast. Yes, every day, never skip it. His eyes lit up as if he just discovered sliced bread and suggested that the fiber is what keeps me regular (which is not an area that I have issues with... every day at 10am, as if you cared to know) but might be the root of my digestion, or better known as “gas,” problems. He suggested that by eating a lot of fiber in the morning, it’s harder for my body to break it down, resulting in a gassy or bloaty feeling in the afternoon. Bingo.
So for the next few weeks until we have the blood test results back, and after completion of the lactose test next week, I was given an homework assignment of eating a protein-only diet in the morning. He warned that I would get hungrier sooner but that it could help increase positive digestion.
I suppose there is nothing to lose so I’m going to give his idea a whirl. And if this man just diagnosed my situation after 29 years of dealing with gas attacks I might just kiss him. Now we wait and see... I will report back in with the update on how this all pans out.
Here’s to the hopes of having a gas-free future!
Signing off Gas X’d,
Renee Brennan
Just In Time.
A few weeks ago two of my girlfriends and I packed our bags and headed to Mexico. We all work together and we decided that following our sales conference in Arizona we would be smarter about our mandatory attendance in the west and build in a mini-vacay on the tail end of our trip, taking good advantage of our already paid for flights.
On Wednesday morning when the masses were returning to their respective hometowns we grabbed our continental breakfast goodies, shuttled to the airport and headed to Puerto Vallarta. Or so we thought. The excitement started the moment we were dropped off at the ticketing counter, the line approximately one hundred and twenty three people deep. I, unfortunately, was nursing a hangover due to the social events and flowing red wine of the night prior. Couple that with the fact that I’m not even close to being a morning person, and my panic-stricken mood quickly set in.
You see, I’ve flown in and out of the Phoenix airport all too many times and am fond of all of the airport security rules that go along with a successful departure. As far as I was concerned all I could see from my negative mindset was that we were behind far too many people to get our names into the system and bags checked before the non-negotiable 60 minute deadline to make our scheduled flight. So for the next twenty minutes all I could focus on was the missed flight that was surely in our future, which would ultimately result in the late arrival to our long anticipated vitamin D session and icy margaritas.
As I worked the nerves of my travel mates Polly and Leeann and most likely every other person around us, we neared the kiosks. One at a time we stepped up swiping our credit cards, confirming our identity and choosing the number of bags to check. Polly was in, success. Leeann, confirmed. And me, well, of course... the damn machine kicked back with a rejection and proclaimed that I had missed the baggage check deadline. Of course I did! And I was sure I was being punished for my bad attitude.
Now I was really livid yelling at the innocent US Airways (worst airline ever) workers demanding that they must get me on the flight that my two friends had just been confirmed for! Ugh, how could this be? Just perfect, I thought. Leeann and Polly would be sitting comfortably on our regularly scheduled flight, taxiing to the hacienda I had booked for us on the beach in Conchas Chinas then finding themselves horizontally soaking up the sun while I was stuck in the airport waiting on the next flight out. At the point when smoke was emitting from my ears, the gate agent went over to my friends and told them that they would need to calm me down.
Calm wasn’t in my vocabulary and wasn’t about to be until I was on the flight I was scheduled for. Polly and Leeann pleaded and begged the agent to try to get me on the flight and after some overly polite exchange they were able to wiggle me on. Boarding card printed, baggage checked. Go!!!
We ran to the security line as quickly as we could only to find ourselves in the same situation that we had just endured. Another line... a million and a half miles long. Now we were really screwed. All of that trouble getting us all confirmed for a flight that we were still going to miss. The roped off line winded around ten times and created a Disney-Land-at-peak-season type of dreadful situation. Tick Tock. Tick Tock. We shuffled our feet and our bags forward for what felt like an hour while phone calls were being made to loved ones to provide warnings that flights would be missed and a change of plans would need to be accommodated. I watched the clock knowing we were out of luck...only 15 minutes before the plane would take off without us. Hot guy next to us was small talking which was keeping me halfway sane as we neared the front of the line, but I still lacked confidence.
Finally all three IDs were checked. Shoes were off and we were down to our tank tops and rolled up jeans. Our laptops flew out of our bags and clattered as they hit the plastic bins. One, two, three....we all slid successfully through security. We grabbed our things in a hurried mess, didn’t waste time putting our shoes on or the articles of clothing we had shed and made a mad dash for the gate, which of course, was the last one at the end of the longest concourse ever.
Oh my God, my feet were bleeding as they pounded the electric sidewalk. Note to self, never run barefoot, even if you are from West Virginia, on one of those things... it’s like knives. As the heart attack I was about to have set in, we finally neared the gate.... seven minutes and counting. We waved our hands and yelled, “we’re coming!...we’re here don’t shut the gate! please! wait for us!”... it was a miracle in the desert. All three of us had finally made it to the finish line and successfully boarded our flight, despite the trials and tribulations.
We found our seats in a heated pant and thanked God for the work in which he had done for us that day. I’m still learning this lesson, but will say sometimes it pays off to have a little faith in the system and to relax even when things are clearly not going your way. I could have saved myself high blood pressure, a panic attack and a stress-induced hangover if I would have just let the world do what it does on its own.
Bottom line. We made it. But next time I’m getting to the airport earlier in hopes of avoiding the rage that comes along with traveling.
Signing off Just in Time,
Renee Brennan
On Wednesday morning when the masses were returning to their respective hometowns we grabbed our continental breakfast goodies, shuttled to the airport and headed to Puerto Vallarta. Or so we thought. The excitement started the moment we were dropped off at the ticketing counter, the line approximately one hundred and twenty three people deep. I, unfortunately, was nursing a hangover due to the social events and flowing red wine of the night prior. Couple that with the fact that I’m not even close to being a morning person, and my panic-stricken mood quickly set in.
You see, I’ve flown in and out of the Phoenix airport all too many times and am fond of all of the airport security rules that go along with a successful departure. As far as I was concerned all I could see from my negative mindset was that we were behind far too many people to get our names into the system and bags checked before the non-negotiable 60 minute deadline to make our scheduled flight. So for the next twenty minutes all I could focus on was the missed flight that was surely in our future, which would ultimately result in the late arrival to our long anticipated vitamin D session and icy margaritas.
As I worked the nerves of my travel mates Polly and Leeann and most likely every other person around us, we neared the kiosks. One at a time we stepped up swiping our credit cards, confirming our identity and choosing the number of bags to check. Polly was in, success. Leeann, confirmed. And me, well, of course... the damn machine kicked back with a rejection and proclaimed that I had missed the baggage check deadline. Of course I did! And I was sure I was being punished for my bad attitude.
Now I was really livid yelling at the innocent US Airways (worst airline ever) workers demanding that they must get me on the flight that my two friends had just been confirmed for! Ugh, how could this be? Just perfect, I thought. Leeann and Polly would be sitting comfortably on our regularly scheduled flight, taxiing to the hacienda I had booked for us on the beach in Conchas Chinas then finding themselves horizontally soaking up the sun while I was stuck in the airport waiting on the next flight out. At the point when smoke was emitting from my ears, the gate agent went over to my friends and told them that they would need to calm me down.
Calm wasn’t in my vocabulary and wasn’t about to be until I was on the flight I was scheduled for. Polly and Leeann pleaded and begged the agent to try to get me on the flight and after some overly polite exchange they were able to wiggle me on. Boarding card printed, baggage checked. Go!!!
We ran to the security line as quickly as we could only to find ourselves in the same situation that we had just endured. Another line... a million and a half miles long. Now we were really screwed. All of that trouble getting us all confirmed for a flight that we were still going to miss. The roped off line winded around ten times and created a Disney-Land-at-peak-season type of dreadful situation. Tick Tock. Tick Tock. We shuffled our feet and our bags forward for what felt like an hour while phone calls were being made to loved ones to provide warnings that flights would be missed and a change of plans would need to be accommodated. I watched the clock knowing we were out of luck...only 15 minutes before the plane would take off without us. Hot guy next to us was small talking which was keeping me halfway sane as we neared the front of the line, but I still lacked confidence.
Finally all three IDs were checked. Shoes were off and we were down to our tank tops and rolled up jeans. Our laptops flew out of our bags and clattered as they hit the plastic bins. One, two, three....we all slid successfully through security. We grabbed our things in a hurried mess, didn’t waste time putting our shoes on or the articles of clothing we had shed and made a mad dash for the gate, which of course, was the last one at the end of the longest concourse ever.
Oh my God, my feet were bleeding as they pounded the electric sidewalk. Note to self, never run barefoot, even if you are from West Virginia, on one of those things... it’s like knives. As the heart attack I was about to have set in, we finally neared the gate.... seven minutes and counting. We waved our hands and yelled, “we’re coming!...we’re here don’t shut the gate! please! wait for us!”... it was a miracle in the desert. All three of us had finally made it to the finish line and successfully boarded our flight, despite the trials and tribulations.
We found our seats in a heated pant and thanked God for the work in which he had done for us that day. I’m still learning this lesson, but will say sometimes it pays off to have a little faith in the system and to relax even when things are clearly not going your way. I could have saved myself high blood pressure, a panic attack and a stress-induced hangover if I would have just let the world do what it does on its own.
Bottom line. We made it. But next time I’m getting to the airport earlier in hopes of avoiding the rage that comes along with traveling.
Signing off Just in Time,
Renee Brennan
Sunday, March 28, 2010
Sooner or Later.
Sooner or later we lose the things in life that we love.
So why not live every moment like it's our last? I know, I know, easier said than done. But it's true. It's not often that I am truly moved and when I met my friend and neighbor from South Africa last year he taught me a valuable lesson.
You see, he's here in America working hard and making a name for himself but sooner or later the likelihood of him returning to his homeland is high. But that doesn't stop him from living each day like it matters and loving as if tomorrow will never come. I was always confused when I would hear him talk about his mates that were headed back home in a few months yet they continued to date the significant other they were involved with as if it was headed somewhere. I just couldn't comprehend. Why on earth would either person want to stay involved in something they knew would come to an end?
Stop. Wait. Did you hear what I just said?
Come to an end.
How shallow of me. For all we know, everything is coming to and end sooner or later. So what makes these situations any different? I admire their outlook on life. How they live as if today were the best day of their lives and as if tomorrow is the devil and might not come around.
There's really something to be said about just being. Being in the situation you're in and being at peace with it. Knowing that a lot in this world is completely out of our control and basically just enjoying ourselves taking only what we need from the moment to make it memorable for years to come.
Sooner or Later. It will all end. So here's for the today we're loving, the tomorrow we don't know and the yesterday that will soon be forgotten. Here is to the moment I promise to be in right now.
Signing off Right. Here. Right. Now.
Renee Brennan
So why not live every moment like it's our last? I know, I know, easier said than done. But it's true. It's not often that I am truly moved and when I met my friend and neighbor from South Africa last year he taught me a valuable lesson.
You see, he's here in America working hard and making a name for himself but sooner or later the likelihood of him returning to his homeland is high. But that doesn't stop him from living each day like it matters and loving as if tomorrow will never come. I was always confused when I would hear him talk about his mates that were headed back home in a few months yet they continued to date the significant other they were involved with as if it was headed somewhere. I just couldn't comprehend. Why on earth would either person want to stay involved in something they knew would come to an end?
Stop. Wait. Did you hear what I just said?
Come to an end.
How shallow of me. For all we know, everything is coming to and end sooner or later. So what makes these situations any different? I admire their outlook on life. How they live as if today were the best day of their lives and as if tomorrow is the devil and might not come around.
There's really something to be said about just being. Being in the situation you're in and being at peace with it. Knowing that a lot in this world is completely out of our control and basically just enjoying ourselves taking only what we need from the moment to make it memorable for years to come.
Sooner or Later. It will all end. So here's for the today we're loving, the tomorrow we don't know and the yesterday that will soon be forgotten. Here is to the moment I promise to be in right now.
Signing off Right. Here. Right. Now.
Renee Brennan
I Want What I Have.
When we're living in a world that's always boasting of something bigger, better, smarter or faster, looking for the next best thing can leave us feeling unfulfilled, empty and lost. Now, please let me put a disclaimer on this. I am in no way claiming that I am the person that has found perfect harmony and balance in all that I have but I do strive to enjoy the things that surround me instead of always thinking the grass is greener on the other side.
I pronounce this to my friends often...this philosophy about our fast-paced world and that no matter how hard we try, we'll never really be able to quite keep up with it. So, learning to love ourselves for all that we do possess - be they material possessions, physical health & well being, or the intangible - is a much better way to find happiness in our lives.
I was moved to share this state of mind with you when I read the Mantra of the Month in Aprils issue of Shape on page 32. I could relate and thought it was brilliantly put. And to quote, "I agree that it's only human of us to want more friends, better clothes and more money." All very important and a real part of our lives. But sometimes I truly get worn down by my rapidly growing list of self improvements and must haves... the latest iphone or technology, another pair of pumps in a different color, a new bathing suit to add to the already very large collection of suits I have just because I'm sick of my options, always feeling the need to try a new restaurant instead of counting on the tried and true spots that I love.
I encourage you to try to focus on what you do have. Go shopping in your own closet, clean out your makeup bag, go digging through some old pictures to remind yourself of all of the great memories you have to be proud of, re-read your journal to reminisce about all of the amazing experiences that you've created for yourself. Focus on your positive physical traits instead of always focusing on the cellulite that you'll probably never work off because its hereditary or look at your hair from another angle and try wearing it a slightly different way, maybe part it on the opposite side or braid it.
You get it...let's refocus on us. Just the way we are.
Signing off Loving Me The Way I Am,
Renee Brennan
I pronounce this to my friends often...this philosophy about our fast-paced world and that no matter how hard we try, we'll never really be able to quite keep up with it. So, learning to love ourselves for all that we do possess - be they material possessions, physical health & well being, or the intangible - is a much better way to find happiness in our lives.
I was moved to share this state of mind with you when I read the Mantra of the Month in Aprils issue of Shape on page 32. I could relate and thought it was brilliantly put. And to quote, "I agree that it's only human of us to want more friends, better clothes and more money." All very important and a real part of our lives. But sometimes I truly get worn down by my rapidly growing list of self improvements and must haves... the latest iphone or technology, another pair of pumps in a different color, a new bathing suit to add to the already very large collection of suits I have just because I'm sick of my options, always feeling the need to try a new restaurant instead of counting on the tried and true spots that I love.
I encourage you to try to focus on what you do have. Go shopping in your own closet, clean out your makeup bag, go digging through some old pictures to remind yourself of all of the great memories you have to be proud of, re-read your journal to reminisce about all of the amazing experiences that you've created for yourself. Focus on your positive physical traits instead of always focusing on the cellulite that you'll probably never work off because its hereditary or look at your hair from another angle and try wearing it a slightly different way, maybe part it on the opposite side or braid it.
You get it...let's refocus on us. Just the way we are.
Signing off Loving Me The Way I Am,
Renee Brennan
A Little Pep In My Step.
I am a subscriber to a lot of things. Magazines just being one of them. Speaking of, I am also the queen of reading a magazine from cover to cover, flagging pages along the way by bending down the corners to make it easy to go back and reference that oh-so-important content that I didn't want to forget.
Sometimes I rip pages of magazines out and add them to my "inspirational" folder. These pages might feature an idea, a thought provoking sentence or phrase, a new way of pairing a glitter shirt with jeans making it a little less glam, a new eye cream to try out, tennis shoes to buy, or an event to attend.
You get the point. And I'm guessing you can relate to this type of behavior...you know, the high hopes of adding a new perspective or point of view into your life. A new addition to your wardrobe or a new product to your skin care regimen - the aspirational road to your best self.
However, best intentions aside, most of the time the bookmarked or torn out pages get noticed during that initial read and then are eventually forgotten over time. But this month I actually took action on one of the articles I read and incorporated the tips into my life.
"Walk This Way" was an article featured in the April edition of Shape. Some of you may recall that Marisa Stephenson, the writer, offered us a new strategy of how to give our walking exercise a little kick, resulting in higher calorie loss and increased sculpting benefits.
As cheesy as it sounds I took my magazine along with me to the gym, opened it up to page 184 and followed along as I was instructed to use three different levels of intensity on my 30 minute treadmill journey. And please let me attest to how pleasantly surprised I was to a) be sweating for the first time on a treadmill, b) find myself practically panting and c) watching time fly as my mind was engaged instead of being in its usual la-la count down land.
Long story short, sometimes all we need to do is kick things up a notch. We don't always have the strength to do it on our own so why not let someone else help us? Just by changing the levels of intensity on the treadmill settings, I gave myself a satisfying workout and felt more accomplished via the information that I had flagged and finally put to use.
So the next time you find something in one of your magazines that sounds like it could enhance your life, give it a try. Why not, what do you have to lose?
Signing off Peppier,
Renee Brennan
Sometimes I rip pages of magazines out and add them to my "inspirational" folder. These pages might feature an idea, a thought provoking sentence or phrase, a new way of pairing a glitter shirt with jeans making it a little less glam, a new eye cream to try out, tennis shoes to buy, or an event to attend.
You get the point. And I'm guessing you can relate to this type of behavior...you know, the high hopes of adding a new perspective or point of view into your life. A new addition to your wardrobe or a new product to your skin care regimen - the aspirational road to your best self.
However, best intentions aside, most of the time the bookmarked or torn out pages get noticed during that initial read and then are eventually forgotten over time. But this month I actually took action on one of the articles I read and incorporated the tips into my life.
"Walk This Way" was an article featured in the April edition of Shape. Some of you may recall that Marisa Stephenson, the writer, offered us a new strategy of how to give our walking exercise a little kick, resulting in higher calorie loss and increased sculpting benefits.
As cheesy as it sounds I took my magazine along with me to the gym, opened it up to page 184 and followed along as I was instructed to use three different levels of intensity on my 30 minute treadmill journey. And please let me attest to how pleasantly surprised I was to a) be sweating for the first time on a treadmill, b) find myself practically panting and c) watching time fly as my mind was engaged instead of being in its usual la-la count down land.
Long story short, sometimes all we need to do is kick things up a notch. We don't always have the strength to do it on our own so why not let someone else help us? Just by changing the levels of intensity on the treadmill settings, I gave myself a satisfying workout and felt more accomplished via the information that I had flagged and finally put to use.
So the next time you find something in one of your magazines that sounds like it could enhance your life, give it a try. Why not, what do you have to lose?
Signing off Peppier,
Renee Brennan
Sunday, February 28, 2010
Yogi Tea Time.
If you aren't a tea drinker and there isn't an inch of you that aspires to be then no need for you to read on. But if you are a tea drinker and enjoy trying new teas then this one is for you.
In line with the theme of finding happiness through our daily routines I am always looking for new ways to "lift" myself throughout the day. One of the ways that I do this is by drinking Yogi Tea, one of the tastiest and highest quality teas that I've ever had. Along with the soothing sensation of an afternoon cup it provides an uplifting and oftentimes thought provoking message on the end of the little string attached to the tea bag. All the fun of a fortune cookie without that pesky sugar!
It's not on unheard of for me to announce loudly at the office "Yogi Tea Time!" and read aloud some of the more interesting statements that have graced me with their presence. Here are few of the more inspirational messages that have moved me enough to share with my cube mates, and hopefully will move you as well:
"Say it straight, simple and with a smile"
"Happiness is nothing but total relaxation." (Agree!)
"Whatever you are, you are. Be proud of it." (Amen!)
and
"Let us be grateful to people who make us happy; they are charming gardeners who make our souls blossom."
So, if you're looking for a new way to add a little fun into a long day at the office, seeking a quick afternoon pick-me-up, or just on the market for a new taste of tea then give Yogi Tea a try. They have flavors for everyone with some of my favorite being, "Green Tea Energy", "Green Tea Pomegranate", "Purely Peppermint" and "Stomach Ease".
Signing off a Yogi Lover,
Renee Brennan
In line with the theme of finding happiness through our daily routines I am always looking for new ways to "lift" myself throughout the day. One of the ways that I do this is by drinking Yogi Tea, one of the tastiest and highest quality teas that I've ever had. Along with the soothing sensation of an afternoon cup it provides an uplifting and oftentimes thought provoking message on the end of the little string attached to the tea bag. All the fun of a fortune cookie without that pesky sugar!
It's not on unheard of for me to announce loudly at the office "Yogi Tea Time!" and read aloud some of the more interesting statements that have graced me with their presence. Here are few of the more inspirational messages that have moved me enough to share with my cube mates, and hopefully will move you as well:
"Say it straight, simple and with a smile"
"Happiness is nothing but total relaxation." (Agree!)
"Whatever you are, you are. Be proud of it." (Amen!)
and
"Let us be grateful to people who make us happy; they are charming gardeners who make our souls blossom."
So, if you're looking for a new way to add a little fun into a long day at the office, seeking a quick afternoon pick-me-up, or just on the market for a new taste of tea then give Yogi Tea a try. They have flavors for everyone with some of my favorite being, "Green Tea Energy", "Green Tea Pomegranate", "Purely Peppermint" and "Stomach Ease".
Signing off a Yogi Lover,
Renee Brennan
Stuck in Stratton.
A few weeks ago I took a trip up to Stratton, Vermont. My dear friend Christine, someone else you will be hearing plenty of and I rented a very large SUV on the upper west side near my apartment, gathered our snacks, cd's, bottled beverages and anything else we could think of to make our road trippin' more pleasant and fled the city.
A storm was brewing so we left a night early and couldn't have been more thankful that we did. I'm not one for making any stops while driving long distances so we made good time but when we arrived to the over-sized and under-utilized house it was midnight and we were exhausted.
The next day we rose early, geared up and hit the slopes. We had four days of skiing in front of us. Something I promise to plan the next time around because it made for a very relaxing and leisurely trip. I can't tell you how many times I've taken over night ski trips where you practically break your legs trying to get as many runs in as possible before the 4pm shut down of the lifts.
That night at the house, we found Chris and Tom a co-worker and his partner at the house with full glasses of wine poured, the fire place lit and dinner ideas floating around. After an exchange about possibilities for dining out we did what any group of smart people that were snowed in should do and opted to stay in and cook. The night was memorable for Christine and I getting to know people we barely knew and sharing stories about how Chris and Tom met, we gossiped about colleagues, and other humorous tales that shall left to be untold. The next night the rest of our crew would be arriving but we didn't care... we stayed up late and made the most of our time in a spacious place away from the city.
Day number two and we didn't let all of the wine consumed the night before slow us down. After some eggs and bacon for breakfast we made it to the slopes by noon for a few hours of powder -- it had snowed through the night making for some really good ski conditions. Four hours later we were packing it in and heading to the grocery store 45 minutes away to stock the house for the new guests arriving that night and to get us the through the weekend.
Three hundred dollars later we had a cart full of what hopefully would be enough ingredients to construct a few delicious meals. This is Christine's area of expertise as you've already read in a prior post, I'm just learning my way around the kitchen. And after de-loading everything into the kitchen cabinets and fridge we plotted out out the warm meal that would be perfectly timed for the arrival of our other co-workers and clients. To every one's pleasant surprised we managed to master stuffed Italian shells accompanied by a mozzarella and tomato salad. Candles were lit, the fire place was in full affect and wine was overflowing our glasses.
There's really something special about a home-cooked meal and a house full of strangers. I'll let Martha Stewart say it best..."I reflected on why I love to entertain and at our last dinner party, I gazed around the room and saw guests talking and listening intently to one another and savoring the meal. The room was beautiful in the candlelight, tulips drooping elegantly on the mantel, wine glasses and silverware sparkling on the table - it delighted me. Entertaining is my sport. I love the preparation, the anticipation, the dressing up, the nervousness when guests arrive, and the enjoyment of introducing people who do not know each other, imagining unexpected connections and new friendships." All the more reason and motivation to spend more of life living like this if you ask me. Away from the hectic sidewalks, honking horns and loud alarms.
The next few days, we skied more, celebrated our lives in general and spent a day snowmobiling, now one of my all-time favorite outdoor activities. If you haven't done it and you enjoy the adventurous side of life then I highly recommend giving it a whirl during your next winter get-a-way. It will be an activity that you will not forget. Promise.
Cheers to the fresh air, the trees, getting stuck in new places, outdoor activities, our strong legs, helping hands, strangers, new friendships, pre-chopped firewood, and the ability to break away from our routine lives.
Singing Off Snowed In,
Renee Brennan
A storm was brewing so we left a night early and couldn't have been more thankful that we did. I'm not one for making any stops while driving long distances so we made good time but when we arrived to the over-sized and under-utilized house it was midnight and we were exhausted.
The next day we rose early, geared up and hit the slopes. We had four days of skiing in front of us. Something I promise to plan the next time around because it made for a very relaxing and leisurely trip. I can't tell you how many times I've taken over night ski trips where you practically break your legs trying to get as many runs in as possible before the 4pm shut down of the lifts.
That night at the house, we found Chris and Tom a co-worker and his partner at the house with full glasses of wine poured, the fire place lit and dinner ideas floating around. After an exchange about possibilities for dining out we did what any group of smart people that were snowed in should do and opted to stay in and cook. The night was memorable for Christine and I getting to know people we barely knew and sharing stories about how Chris and Tom met, we gossiped about colleagues, and other humorous tales that shall left to be untold. The next night the rest of our crew would be arriving but we didn't care... we stayed up late and made the most of our time in a spacious place away from the city.
Day number two and we didn't let all of the wine consumed the night before slow us down. After some eggs and bacon for breakfast we made it to the slopes by noon for a few hours of powder -- it had snowed through the night making for some really good ski conditions. Four hours later we were packing it in and heading to the grocery store 45 minutes away to stock the house for the new guests arriving that night and to get us the through the weekend.
Three hundred dollars later we had a cart full of what hopefully would be enough ingredients to construct a few delicious meals. This is Christine's area of expertise as you've already read in a prior post, I'm just learning my way around the kitchen. And after de-loading everything into the kitchen cabinets and fridge we plotted out out the warm meal that would be perfectly timed for the arrival of our other co-workers and clients. To every one's pleasant surprised we managed to master stuffed Italian shells accompanied by a mozzarella and tomato salad. Candles were lit, the fire place was in full affect and wine was overflowing our glasses.
There's really something special about a home-cooked meal and a house full of strangers. I'll let Martha Stewart say it best..."I reflected on why I love to entertain and at our last dinner party, I gazed around the room and saw guests talking and listening intently to one another and savoring the meal. The room was beautiful in the candlelight, tulips drooping elegantly on the mantel, wine glasses and silverware sparkling on the table - it delighted me. Entertaining is my sport. I love the preparation, the anticipation, the dressing up, the nervousness when guests arrive, and the enjoyment of introducing people who do not know each other, imagining unexpected connections and new friendships." All the more reason and motivation to spend more of life living like this if you ask me. Away from the hectic sidewalks, honking horns and loud alarms.
The next few days, we skied more, celebrated our lives in general and spent a day snowmobiling, now one of my all-time favorite outdoor activities. If you haven't done it and you enjoy the adventurous side of life then I highly recommend giving it a whirl during your next winter get-a-way. It will be an activity that you will not forget. Promise.
Cheers to the fresh air, the trees, getting stuck in new places, outdoor activities, our strong legs, helping hands, strangers, new friendships, pre-chopped firewood, and the ability to break away from our routine lives.
Singing Off Snowed In,
Renee Brennan
The Middle Place.
Here's another book to remember - "The Middle Place" by Kelly Corrigan. A woman who knows all to well that "family is everything" and learns the meaning of life through experiences I wish on no one. Before I pass this book along to a friend, as I do with most every book I read I wanted to capture of few of my favorites snipets from the brave cancer survivor that I loved most:
On the night before her first chemo treatment -- "We've gone through two bottles of of wine already but I notice my dad open another red without even asking if anyone wants more. It occurs to me that this sort of thing may be what alcohol is for -- dulling, soothing consolation." Amen sister!
"A good visit with your parents can make you want to move home." Well...I wouldn't go that far but I surely understand where she was coming from when she said it.
"I shrug my shoulders and stopped talking. My therapy-loving friend once told me if something really bugs you about someone else, it's probably the very thing you most despise about yourself." Ain't that the damn truth!
Finding little snippets from other people's lives and sharing them is what we all should live for. If it makes you think. Makes you smile. Or even goes as far as making you laugh out loud when you're alone it's worth remembering.
Signing Off Relating to Kelly,
Renee Brennan
On the night before her first chemo treatment -- "We've gone through two bottles of of wine already but I notice my dad open another red without even asking if anyone wants more. It occurs to me that this sort of thing may be what alcohol is for -- dulling, soothing consolation." Amen sister!
"A good visit with your parents can make you want to move home." Well...I wouldn't go that far but I surely understand where she was coming from when she said it.
"I shrug my shoulders and stopped talking. My therapy-loving friend once told me if something really bugs you about someone else, it's probably the very thing you most despise about yourself." Ain't that the damn truth!
Finding little snippets from other people's lives and sharing them is what we all should live for. If it makes you think. Makes you smile. Or even goes as far as making you laugh out loud when you're alone it's worth remembering.
Signing Off Relating to Kelly,
Renee Brennan
I Want it All Back.
I want it all back...
I've had this overwhelming feeling of wanting to go back to my childhood and get stuck there.
Do you remember the long summer days of running barefoot, stopping only because you were hungry, needing another sip of lemonade or getting a scratch that needed bandaging? Those are the days I miss most. We didn't possess egos, even know what tomorrow was or have the slightest inkling as to what happened yesterday. They say that the only time you actually learn how to live in "the now" is when you have children. I disagree - if you can remember to way back when, when we were children ourselves we had that very same ability, to just live, breathe and be.
Nothing else mattered.
I want that back. I want the creeks running with high waters, the early curfew that I fussed about every night, the forced foods, chores that I despise, a sandbox in my backyard, the swing set that I fell off of every other day, the trampoline I couldn't bounce high enough on, the best friends I didn't know would turn up to be distant acquaintances, the swimming pool, popsicles, watermelon, themed birthday parties, soda pop, freshly cut lawns, boys shooting hoops in my drive way, bike rides, scars, scratches, scrapes, my sister 24/7, my brother beating me up.
I want it all back.
Signing off Nostalgic,
Renee Brennan
I've had this overwhelming feeling of wanting to go back to my childhood and get stuck there.
Do you remember the long summer days of running barefoot, stopping only because you were hungry, needing another sip of lemonade or getting a scratch that needed bandaging? Those are the days I miss most. We didn't possess egos, even know what tomorrow was or have the slightest inkling as to what happened yesterday. They say that the only time you actually learn how to live in "the now" is when you have children. I disagree - if you can remember to way back when, when we were children ourselves we had that very same ability, to just live, breathe and be.
Nothing else mattered.
I want that back. I want the creeks running with high waters, the early curfew that I fussed about every night, the forced foods, chores that I despise, a sandbox in my backyard, the swing set that I fell off of every other day, the trampoline I couldn't bounce high enough on, the best friends I didn't know would turn up to be distant acquaintances, the swimming pool, popsicles, watermelon, themed birthday parties, soda pop, freshly cut lawns, boys shooting hoops in my drive way, bike rides, scars, scratches, scrapes, my sister 24/7, my brother beating me up.
I want it all back.
Signing off Nostalgic,
Renee Brennan
Resolutions. Never Too Late.
I know it's technically past the beginning of the New Year and I'm a little late to the game but who says you can't create resolutions any time you feel moved to declare your new state of mind? Let's make life a little more interesting by choosing not to follow all of the rules.
Here they are. They are short, simple and to the point.
One. Cook more.
Two. Go green.
Three. Be dependable.
Yep, that's it. You might ask, well, why?
To shed a little color around these "resolutions" that I've created for myself in this new year and for what it's worth, a new decade I thought to myself, be concise. Make them achievable. And don't make them about health, money or career. After all, there is more to life than that, right?
Cooking. It's about my aspiration to be more than I already am. To be a provider. To create. To learn and to share. I want to be good in the kitchen. For now, for myself. But for later, for others. I think about it more often than not. Being a good wife and being a good mom. I am neither in my current state but one day I hope to be both. Cooking to me is a way to learn, to experiment, to socialize, to relax, to meditate and to create. So far this year I've found it to be one of the most rewarding and enjoyable additions into my life. So there. I want to cook. more.
Going green. Sort of cliche in this worldly state. But I admit, I think about this a lot. About the little things that I can do to make a difference. Even if they are small, I aspire to do good. To make this world a better place. I don't practice medicine, teach and I definitley don't love nearly as much as I should but the one thing I can do is drink my daily coffee out of a glass mug and forgo the paper and plastic. We all have our places in life and for me, this is simple. I have vowed to no longer us plastic at work, ever. I will eat my oatmeal from a glass bowl, refill my glass mug with coffee or tea and use my reusable plastic Starbucks cup to sip water from. That's my definition of going green. I'll think of even more meaningful ways to do better things over time. But for today, this is my simple attempt at being a better person.
Depend. It's something we all wish we could do on our friends, family and loved ones. I have a strong belief that living in New York that we automatically become less dependable. We are the queen and kings of canceling plans and always being on the lookout for a better option to come along. So for my new year I want to be one thing to all people. Whether it's a co-worker, friend, lover or family member. I want anyone that knows me to know that they can depend on me. No. matter. what. The goal here is simple. Under-promise and over-deliver. Duh. I can do this. Being dependable is one of the strongest qualities that I think any human can posses in our world today and this is what I strive to be.... dependable. Note to myself: When you say you're going to do something, do it. When you promise to bring something, bring it. When you tell someone something you say you mean, mean it. When you borrow something, return it. When you don't know how to do it, ask. When you know it better than someone else, help. When you tell someone you'll be there, be on time.
Signing off a better person,
Renee Brennan
Here they are. They are short, simple and to the point.
One. Cook more.
Two. Go green.
Three. Be dependable.
Yep, that's it. You might ask, well, why?
To shed a little color around these "resolutions" that I've created for myself in this new year and for what it's worth, a new decade I thought to myself, be concise. Make them achievable. And don't make them about health, money or career. After all, there is more to life than that, right?
Cooking. It's about my aspiration to be more than I already am. To be a provider. To create. To learn and to share. I want to be good in the kitchen. For now, for myself. But for later, for others. I think about it more often than not. Being a good wife and being a good mom. I am neither in my current state but one day I hope to be both. Cooking to me is a way to learn, to experiment, to socialize, to relax, to meditate and to create. So far this year I've found it to be one of the most rewarding and enjoyable additions into my life. So there. I want to cook. more.
Going green. Sort of cliche in this worldly state. But I admit, I think about this a lot. About the little things that I can do to make a difference. Even if they are small, I aspire to do good. To make this world a better place. I don't practice medicine, teach and I definitley don't love nearly as much as I should but the one thing I can do is drink my daily coffee out of a glass mug and forgo the paper and plastic. We all have our places in life and for me, this is simple. I have vowed to no longer us plastic at work, ever. I will eat my oatmeal from a glass bowl, refill my glass mug with coffee or tea and use my reusable plastic Starbucks cup to sip water from. That's my definition of going green. I'll think of even more meaningful ways to do better things over time. But for today, this is my simple attempt at being a better person.
Depend. It's something we all wish we could do on our friends, family and loved ones. I have a strong belief that living in New York that we automatically become less dependable. We are the queen and kings of canceling plans and always being on the lookout for a better option to come along. So for my new year I want to be one thing to all people. Whether it's a co-worker, friend, lover or family member. I want anyone that knows me to know that they can depend on me. No. matter. what. The goal here is simple. Under-promise and over-deliver. Duh. I can do this. Being dependable is one of the strongest qualities that I think any human can posses in our world today and this is what I strive to be.... dependable. Note to myself: When you say you're going to do something, do it. When you promise to bring something, bring it. When you tell someone something you say you mean, mean it. When you borrow something, return it. When you don't know how to do it, ask. When you know it better than someone else, help. When you tell someone you'll be there, be on time.
Signing off a better person,
Renee Brennan
Skinny Fat.
Question of the day...Are you skinny fat?
One of my best girlfriends, Kelly, that you'll be hearing a lot about in this blog is 29 years old, married and just had her first baby. A beautiful girl named Chloe Marion. You see, Kelly is one of the many of us out there that have children or will eventually have children and battle this thing that she so elegantly refers to as being "skinny fat".
Before Kelly had her daughter she was in pretty good shape. She's 5'6" and weighed about 115 pounds (if you're rolling your eyes you should know I am too just writing this because I will never weigh anywhere near that). She hit the gym a few times a week, took yoga from time to time and indulged in her favorite weekend ritual with her husband, Dave... walks in Central Park. Not to mention she is a New Yorker if you haven't already figured that out so all things considered, I would label her as an active human being.
Kelly had very smooth pregnancy, still trying to cram the ocassional workout in from time to time as her belly grew and as she searched for the balance of becoming a mother and managing her demanding professional career in advertising sales. She was that girl that everyone raved about with her long strawberry blonde hair, fun but conservative fashion sense and her lovable personality.
After Chloe was born, Kelly did what anyone could have predicted. She poured her heart into her daughter and became super mommy still working full time and going home every evening to squeeze in as much time with her daughter before bedtime. Working out quickly became a thing of the past and for the first six months wasn't something she even thought much about.
Kelly chose to breast feed and as a result her baby weight fell off faster than the weight I try to loose after I go on a vacation where I indulge on margaritas, cheese dip, dessert and lattes every day. I'm not kidding, it was like someone snapped there fingers and did a magic trick on her belly --- weight be gone!
So as you can imagine Kelly looks good on the outside and receives compliment after compliment about how amazing she looks after having her first child. But what everyone doesn't know is that she's recently started complaining to me about her posture, her lack of energy and how she feels like she's in a constant slump.
We've decided together that she will take baby steps to change this. Priority number one is being a good mom and that doesn't have to change. Priority number two isn't curretly but should be her health. And priority number three is her career. Sometimes it's so easy to get these things mixed up. So she's going to start focusing on things that she can cut out or small changes she can make in her schedule to fit in a few workouts during the week. We've decided togehter this doesn't have to be dramatic, depressing or something she dreads. Some of the ideas we came up where early morning workouts. I even offered to get my lazy butt out of bed to meet her for walks in the park. Potentially working out at lunch is a good option or after Chloe is in bed at night.
It won't be easy but taking it one step at a time and not beating herself up if she doesn't fit in physical activity one day will lead to a better outlook on life. She'll find herself with more energy which in turn will affect everyone around her, including Chloe.
I'd love to hear your stories on how you managed to avoid becoming skinny fat. With or without baby. We can all learn from each other on this one!
Signing off Almost Skinny,
Renee Brennan
One of my best girlfriends, Kelly, that you'll be hearing a lot about in this blog is 29 years old, married and just had her first baby. A beautiful girl named Chloe Marion. You see, Kelly is one of the many of us out there that have children or will eventually have children and battle this thing that she so elegantly refers to as being "skinny fat".
Before Kelly had her daughter she was in pretty good shape. She's 5'6" and weighed about 115 pounds (if you're rolling your eyes you should know I am too just writing this because I will never weigh anywhere near that). She hit the gym a few times a week, took yoga from time to time and indulged in her favorite weekend ritual with her husband, Dave... walks in Central Park. Not to mention she is a New Yorker if you haven't already figured that out so all things considered, I would label her as an active human being.
Kelly had very smooth pregnancy, still trying to cram the ocassional workout in from time to time as her belly grew and as she searched for the balance of becoming a mother and managing her demanding professional career in advertising sales. She was that girl that everyone raved about with her long strawberry blonde hair, fun but conservative fashion sense and her lovable personality.
After Chloe was born, Kelly did what anyone could have predicted. She poured her heart into her daughter and became super mommy still working full time and going home every evening to squeeze in as much time with her daughter before bedtime. Working out quickly became a thing of the past and for the first six months wasn't something she even thought much about.
Kelly chose to breast feed and as a result her baby weight fell off faster than the weight I try to loose after I go on a vacation where I indulge on margaritas, cheese dip, dessert and lattes every day. I'm not kidding, it was like someone snapped there fingers and did a magic trick on her belly --- weight be gone!
So as you can imagine Kelly looks good on the outside and receives compliment after compliment about how amazing she looks after having her first child. But what everyone doesn't know is that she's recently started complaining to me about her posture, her lack of energy and how she feels like she's in a constant slump.
We've decided together that she will take baby steps to change this. Priority number one is being a good mom and that doesn't have to change. Priority number two isn't curretly but should be her health. And priority number three is her career. Sometimes it's so easy to get these things mixed up. So she's going to start focusing on things that she can cut out or small changes she can make in her schedule to fit in a few workouts during the week. We've decided togehter this doesn't have to be dramatic, depressing or something she dreads. Some of the ideas we came up where early morning workouts. I even offered to get my lazy butt out of bed to meet her for walks in the park. Potentially working out at lunch is a good option or after Chloe is in bed at night.
It won't be easy but taking it one step at a time and not beating herself up if she doesn't fit in physical activity one day will lead to a better outlook on life. She'll find herself with more energy which in turn will affect everyone around her, including Chloe.
I'd love to hear your stories on how you managed to avoid becoming skinny fat. With or without baby. We can all learn from each other on this one!
Signing off Almost Skinny,
Renee Brennan
Hello Happy.
Hello there.
By way of proper digital introductions I felt it was quite necessary to take time to provide you with a little insight into why this blog exists and why it's titled Hello Happy.
Over the course of the next couple of months, you and I will get to know each other much better. We'll start with today and look forward, in the similar fashion in which I live my life but I promise to give you flashbacks into my past experiences that have helped shape my outlook on things and the way that I choose to live everyday.
Here's a fair warning...I tend to "dumb things down" a bit so please know that this is never directed towards you, my beloved, hopefully soon-to-be addicted reader but more for my sake in truly digesting the outside world and spitting it out in the unique, candid, outspoken fashion that I'm truly known for. It also has to do with the fact that I'm from West Virginia and I swear on everything I never received a proper eduction but somehow, someway found a way to make it to where I am today.
My hope is that what you will read will provide you with a refreshing sense of what finding happiness really means. That it will motivate you to be motivated even when life appears to be un-motivational. That you will laugh. Laughter after all is the key to flat abs, a lighter step and old age. And as much as you won't want to you will cry. We will face reality together and we'll help each other make it through the rough spots -- because there will be plenty.
I will share with you things that I hope will provoke change, thought, ideas, and creativity. All intangible possessions that we all seek even when we aren't aware what we are looking for. Sometimes I will babble about things that on the surface don't seem to possess any real meaning and some of you will relate while some of you wonder why you keep reading this blog.
So getting to the point (something I have a difficult doing) of why I titled this blog Hello Happy. There was a book that a very good friend of mine gave me several years ago called "The Art of Happiness" with the Dalai Lama. My guess is, that several of you have read it. And if you haven't, no matter what religion you are, I believe it's worth a read. It was one of the books that has helped shaped my life, along with several others that I'll share along the way.
Every day we wake up. Sometimes ready to roll and sometimes ready to crawl back under the covers. At the end of each day though, the one thing that we all have in common is that we're all seeking happiness in some form or another. I'm not going to get deep on you yet, but happiness is our virtue. And the stories that I will share with you promise to provide a hand in taking a step closer to that small nugget of hope that when we look in the mirror each day that we can see ourselves and smile back at the person looking at us.
So, here we go! Let's say hello to happy.
Signing Off Happy,
Renee Brennan
By way of proper digital introductions I felt it was quite necessary to take time to provide you with a little insight into why this blog exists and why it's titled Hello Happy.
Over the course of the next couple of months, you and I will get to know each other much better. We'll start with today and look forward, in the similar fashion in which I live my life but I promise to give you flashbacks into my past experiences that have helped shape my outlook on things and the way that I choose to live everyday.
Here's a fair warning...I tend to "dumb things down" a bit so please know that this is never directed towards you, my beloved, hopefully soon-to-be addicted reader but more for my sake in truly digesting the outside world and spitting it out in the unique, candid, outspoken fashion that I'm truly known for. It also has to do with the fact that I'm from West Virginia and I swear on everything I never received a proper eduction but somehow, someway found a way to make it to where I am today.
My hope is that what you will read will provide you with a refreshing sense of what finding happiness really means. That it will motivate you to be motivated even when life appears to be un-motivational. That you will laugh. Laughter after all is the key to flat abs, a lighter step and old age. And as much as you won't want to you will cry. We will face reality together and we'll help each other make it through the rough spots -- because there will be plenty.
I will share with you things that I hope will provoke change, thought, ideas, and creativity. All intangible possessions that we all seek even when we aren't aware what we are looking for. Sometimes I will babble about things that on the surface don't seem to possess any real meaning and some of you will relate while some of you wonder why you keep reading this blog.
So getting to the point (something I have a difficult doing) of why I titled this blog Hello Happy. There was a book that a very good friend of mine gave me several years ago called "The Art of Happiness" with the Dalai Lama. My guess is, that several of you have read it. And if you haven't, no matter what religion you are, I believe it's worth a read. It was one of the books that has helped shaped my life, along with several others that I'll share along the way.
Every day we wake up. Sometimes ready to roll and sometimes ready to crawl back under the covers. At the end of each day though, the one thing that we all have in common is that we're all seeking happiness in some form or another. I'm not going to get deep on you yet, but happiness is our virtue. And the stories that I will share with you promise to provide a hand in taking a step closer to that small nugget of hope that when we look in the mirror each day that we can see ourselves and smile back at the person looking at us.
So, here we go! Let's say hello to happy.
Signing Off Happy,
Renee Brennan
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