33 Years Ago (yesterday)......

.....A star was born.

Yesterday was my actual birthday but I was/am having computer issues.

But I have to share my exciting day with you!

I woke up Saturday morning at 5:45 am.  This is what my windshield looked like when I finally made it out of the house on my way to my birthday adventure.  

See this?

This is just the very beginning, there is more......

This is the view up.

 This is the view down.

 Down again

 FINALLY at the top.  

The Manitou Incline was once a cog railway that has been turned into a series of approximately 2,077 steps (might be a little more but I know it is around this.)  The vertical gain is 2,200 feet (Altitude).

 My friend in this picture climbed the incline for the first time as well.

 The hiking crew.  Everyone else bailed on us because of the early time.  This is a popular place so to get parking and not have to battle a bunch of people you have to get up early or go late.

 Here is the gorgeous view on our way back down.  You can go down the steps or take the 3 mile back trail to get back down.  The stairs can be pretty inconsistant equalling unsafe, so we elected to take the back way.

After the hike we went to a little cafe, Gertrude's, and met some other friends for brunch.  This place was delish!! 

Later that evening hubby and I went to PF Chang's for dinner.  One of my favorite places!  Yum, Yum.  I usually order MuShu chicken or Candied Walnut Shrimp, but I have been really wanting spicy so we got Sichuan of the Sea.  So tasty!

I made the decision to do the incline so that I had that since of accomplishment on my birthday.  Let me tell you I felt awesome the rest of the day and even today.  People thought I was crazy for choosing this, but that sense of accomplishment, was exactly what I was after.  This was a tough climb and at spots I did not think I would make it, but I just kept telling myself "you can do this".  And I did!  So although I am getting older, I feel really great!

Hope everyone had a great weekend!  Can't believe how fast it goes!

A Thought For Your Thursday

The only way to coast is downhill.

Discipline is the bridge

between

goals and accomplishment.

Thought I would share this with everyone.  Hubby sent it to me this morning and I am really chewing on it.  I think I will sit down this weekend and really map out my year and set some goals.  I LOVE a plan!!  But with my post yesterday, I will try to be very realistic about said plan. Will keep you updated!  Happy Thursday!  I get to wear jeans tomorrow!  (I know that excites you :))

I Wish I Could Be My New Years Self All Year Long

I know that I need to do a Dallas re-cap, but today I am feeling more inspired to talk about the changes I have noticed in myself.  But I will give you this adorable shot as a taster of our fantastic trip!

So I did not have a succesful holiday season in the weight category however you know what the big change in me is?  That I am not beating myself up over it.  Do I need to make changes in my diet?  Um, yes.  Do I have other things I would like to accomplish?  Um, yes.  Am I torturing myself over these things...that would be a big N-O.

I am writing this because remember last year when I resolved to be kinder to myself?  Well I set that goal because I am usually insanely unrealistic about my expectations and this attitude makes it very difficult for me to enjoy a lot of lifes quiet blessings and sometimes, even the loud screaming ones.  (I am not completley speaking of my children here :)) 

As of right now I have not made any goals or "resolutions", I am basking in my current state of mind and loving it.  I do plan on setting some goals, but right now, I am mentally taking a break.

Hope everyone had a fabulous holiday season.  And wishes to everyone for a fantastic 2011!!

(And if you are having a bad day come back and enjoythe picture of my sweet baby!)

Goals Revisited

I LOVE setting goals. I LOVE meeting goals. This said I always say I am not necessarily making New Years resolutions because I set goals for myself quite often. However I realized that some of my excitement has faded. So I am now realizing that although I do not call them New Years resolutions they are in fact New Years resolutions. I definitely get that initial high of setting some great goals and than the excitement fades.


I dream BIG. Always have. One of my goals is to lighten up a little. Choose a few goals and stick with them and be kind to myself if I am not always on the path to meet them. My top goals this year include:

1. Loose 60 pounds

2. Purge my house

3. To be kinder to myself

You have been criticizing yourself for years and it hasn't worked. Try approving of yourself and see what happens. - Louise Hay

This Is It!!!

Wow!  Can you believe how fast the year has gone by?  I remember this time last year thinking "when things slow down I am going to get.....done".  Haha  right, I am still waiting for it to slow down. 

Have you made any goals for the new year?  I have made a few.  To include of course my weight issue.  I have set a REALLY big goal on that.  I started at it this Monday and so far so good.  I also set a goal to not sit around so much and than protest I don't have time.  Another goal is to stop committing myself to too many things.  I think all of these items will really curb my stress levels.

I have two great posts planned but they involve a lot of pictures so it will take a little while to get them done.

Happy New Year everyone!!  Be safe!