yogapose.jpgThis is such a beautiful black and white shot, isn’t it?  And, beyond that, the woman in it is in amazing shape.  I can recall the days when I was this flexible and slender and healthy…and I miss them.

This week, I decided that it is well past time to kick my healthy habits up a few notches.  There is a yogalates class in my future, beginning this month.  Even though I think the word “yogalates” is a bit doofy and marketing contrived, the prospect of lengthening my muscles, getting a good stretch and strengthening my core — all the while reducing my stress levels — is incredibly appealing.  (Honestly, though, doesn’t it sound like a type of Starbucks special beverage, though? ”I’ll take a nonfat yogalates with a hit of sugar free vanilla to go.”  Mwahahaha.)

And, frankly, I’m chasing after a four year old.  I could really use the getting in better shape aspect of this, and my daughter could benefit from a more flexible momma. 

Along with this, I’m making a conscious effort to get more veggies and fruit and healthy omega-3 fats in my diet.  My doc says it will help with my chronic joint issues — I’m just hoping it will help with my thighs and behind.  (It is at this point in the reading where Mr. ReddHedd says, “Not too much, thanks.”  Hi, honey.  Luv ya.)

The benefits of this are nice — but the biggest one of all is that The Peanut gets to grow up with healthier parents and better habits modeled for her so that she hopefully is equipped to make good choices for herself.  Boo yah!

Frankly, I realized this week that I’m always telling the people that I care about to do something for themselves and offering to help with this, that or the other thing.  But I really suck about doing that for myself.  And I mean I really suck at it.  This is the point in my life where I am going to try and teach myself to put my oxygen mask on first, so that I can then care better for the people around me.  Because, to be perfectly honest, the news is hitting fast and furious these days and I really need to re-learn how to exhale.

And fast.

One cool thing that turned up this week in my search around for a zucchini recipe is this website:  myrecipes.com.  There are a buttload of recipes here — and the best part is that a lot of them are really healthy, so they won’t end up on my butt.  Thought some of you might enjoy some of the recipes here as well.  So, what’s up with you this morning?  Have anything fun planned for the holiday weekend?  We’re having some company — one of my best friends from college is coming for a visit here, and we have a community picnic on Monday.  It’s going to be a fun weekend here at Casa Smith.

Can’t wait to hear what is up with everyone else.  Pour yourself another cuppa, and pull up a chair…

(Gorgeous black and white photo via Len’s Lens.  Someday, if my joints cooperate, perhaps I can get back to that level of flexibility.  Here’s hoping…)