Overall, life in the high desert in the summer heat leads to a sedentary style. It is so darn hot outside during the daytime. Many days it is over 100 degrees, cooling off into the 70's in the evenings. That is part of the reason that the climate is bearable here. We also get the cold winters as we are at approximately 3,200' elevation.
With that being said, I haven't been exercising nearly as much as I should be. But, we recently found one of the gems in the high desert. That gem is the Apple Valley Aquatics Center in Apple Valley, CA. The pool is so refreshing. They have several swim sessions available including swimming lessons, open swim time, and lap swimming.
All of my summers as a child were spent at our local swim club in Jeffersonville, PA. That is where I learned to swim and spent a few summers on the swim team. It was a wonderful experience even though I wasn't very good at it. But now, after 40+ years, I am back at it. Swimming is such a wonderful way to exercise. If you want to shed a few extra pounds, or just strengthen your body, give it a try.
Not only can you swim your way to a better body, you can also relieve the stress that life throws your way! So try it out. You won't be sorry. On Saturday, we swam 9 laps.. Today, we made it 14 laps. I am by no means in great shape, but at 59 years old, I think it is an awesome way to get in shape. So with that being said I would like to encourage you today to SWIM IT OFF!
Monday, August 1, 2016
Saturday, July 30, 2016
Morning Swim
This morning was a good morning. My daughter and I went to Apple Valley Aquatics Center to swim. It was a lap swim session. All of the lanes are in the deep end. Swimming is such a wonderful way to exercise. I was very out of breath after the first two laps. First lap was breast stroke, second lap was back stroke. I also did a lap of sidestroke. There is a big difference in my daughter's and my ages (40 years to be more precise). But we did it! I completed nine laps (some with the help of a kickboard). We will be going back. Health is so important, but as my daughter reminded me after our swim, "Mom, you have to eat right too." Wow, did she have to say that while I was still catching my breath? But she is so right. Thank you Bekah Joy for reminding me and for going to swim with me.
Friday, July 29, 2016
Summer Break 2016
by Stephanie Shaughnessy
Sunshine, warmer days
Vacation
Rest and renewal
Ocean breeze, windswept hair
Beaches
Warm, salty water
Barefoot, soft sand
Breaking waves
Floating together
Family time, barbeques
Dirt roads, swimming
Riding quads, country living
June to September
Good times to remember
Spending time together
Summer Break
Wednesday, February 3, 2016
What a Day
This day started out like a normal day in the life of a commuting, working, woman. I had a hard time dragging myself out of bed, but ever so grateful to be alive and to have a job when so many are unable to obtain gainful employment. Life is good! As I have been making my habit (off and on for years), I read Proverbs chapter 3 (as it is Feb. 3, 2016). There is a chapter of Proverbs for each day of the month. Verses 5-6 were etched in my mind, so I went on to share on Facebook and Instagram.
Trust in the Lord with all your heart
And do not lean on your own understanding.
In all your ways acknowledge Him,
And He will make your paths straight.
I prepared an egg (cooked in coconut oil) and ate it along with 1/2 of an Everything Bagel. Juice, coffee, vitamins and I was on my way.
The commute down the Cajon Pass was hectic. Drivers were weaving in and out of traffic seemingly in such a hurry that others around them were deemed unimportant. I made it to work on time, and settled into my daily routine (checking for substitute teacher positions, etc.). Upon my arrival, I received a text that our health aide was out sick. Ok, there are still three of us in the school office to shoulder the workload. Life is still good!
My daughter attends college in Victorville. I work in San Bernardino. At 10:30 a.m., Rebekah called me to say that the car had a flat tire. She was able to pull off the main street into a parking lot. I told her I would be on my way to help her (as her dad was substituting in a classroom). I gathered up my purse and was on my way to help. The drive is approximately 45 minutes.
As I was driving (with her on the phone), I felt a thump under the car shortly after I got on the road. I told my daughter that I had run over something. She said she heard the sound on the phone and it was loud. I was a mom on a mission, so I kept driving. The area I was in was on Cajon Blvd. next to the train tracks. The area is a bit desolate. Shortly after the thump, my steering wheel started to pull to the right. Ugh oh, there is a problem here. Then my flat tire indicator light turned on. What to do? If I kept driving, there was nowhere up ahead to get a tire fixed, so I opted to turn around. There is a tire shop right across the street from my school. Thank God I was able to make it back to the shop. The young man who worked there was able to plug my tire. Five dollars and ten minutes later, I was back on the road.
One more interesting part of the story is that my son-in-law, Caleab (who lives in Victorville) was home from work because my grandson, Cadence, was sick. He may have been able to help Rebekah with the flat, but they have one car and my daughter, Jenny, had the car at work. So I picked up Caleab and Cadence, and we went to help Rebekah. I could have called AAA, but then would have had to wait. I really needed to get back to work. Caleab was able to put the spare tire on. Then we went to Vitelli's Deli to get some lunch. I took mine "to go" as the commute is approximately 45 minutes back to work. I made it back in time for my co-worker to get to her lunch on time.
Just wanted to say that when I shared the bible verse, I had no idea of the events that would transpire in just a couple of hours. But I do know that my trust iswas in the Lord. He knew there would be two flat tires today. He knew that Caleab would be home to help us. I am so thankful for being able to trust in the God of the universe. His ways are greater than ours, people! No matter what you are going through in your life - TRUST IN THE LORD!
Trust in the Lord with all your heart
And do not lean on your own understanding.
In all your ways acknowledge Him,
And He will make your paths straight.
I prepared an egg (cooked in coconut oil) and ate it along with 1/2 of an Everything Bagel. Juice, coffee, vitamins and I was on my way.
The commute down the Cajon Pass was hectic. Drivers were weaving in and out of traffic seemingly in such a hurry that others around them were deemed unimportant. I made it to work on time, and settled into my daily routine (checking for substitute teacher positions, etc.). Upon my arrival, I received a text that our health aide was out sick. Ok, there are still three of us in the school office to shoulder the workload. Life is still good!
My daughter attends college in Victorville. I work in San Bernardino. At 10:30 a.m., Rebekah called me to say that the car had a flat tire. She was able to pull off the main street into a parking lot. I told her I would be on my way to help her (as her dad was substituting in a classroom). I gathered up my purse and was on my way to help. The drive is approximately 45 minutes.
As I was driving (with her on the phone), I felt a thump under the car shortly after I got on the road. I told my daughter that I had run over something. She said she heard the sound on the phone and it was loud. I was a mom on a mission, so I kept driving. The area I was in was on Cajon Blvd. next to the train tracks. The area is a bit desolate. Shortly after the thump, my steering wheel started to pull to the right. Ugh oh, there is a problem here. Then my flat tire indicator light turned on. What to do? If I kept driving, there was nowhere up ahead to get a tire fixed, so I opted to turn around. There is a tire shop right across the street from my school. Thank God I was able to make it back to the shop. The young man who worked there was able to plug my tire. Five dollars and ten minutes later, I was back on the road.
One more interesting part of the story is that my son-in-law, Caleab (who lives in Victorville) was home from work because my grandson, Cadence, was sick. He may have been able to help Rebekah with the flat, but they have one car and my daughter, Jenny, had the car at work. So I picked up Caleab and Cadence, and we went to help Rebekah. I could have called AAA, but then would have had to wait. I really needed to get back to work. Caleab was able to put the spare tire on. Then we went to Vitelli's Deli to get some lunch. I took mine "to go" as the commute is approximately 45 minutes back to work. I made it back in time for my co-worker to get to her lunch on time.
Just wanted to say that when I shared the bible verse, I had no idea of the events that would transpire in just a couple of hours. But I do know that my trust iswas in the Lord. He knew there would be two flat tires today. He knew that Caleab would be home to help us. I am so thankful for being able to trust in the God of the universe. His ways are greater than ours, people! No matter what you are going through in your life - TRUST IN THE LORD!
Tuesday, May 19, 2015
Happy Birthday Chris
My son Chris' 29th birthday is today. My how the time how flown. Distance keeps us apart Chris, but my love for you is always here. You are the last child that your dad and I had together. You were a strong-willed child and yet so kind and loving. It was a joy to watch you grow up and become the man that you are today. You have learned much in this life through everything you have walked through. During your school years, you played your instrument in the band. I enjoyed watching you play and knew that this experience would help you to get through anything. Playing in the band gave you so many skills - getting along with others, having a common goal, listening to those around you, and to have fun at what you are doing. God uses our experiences to make us the people that we are. You are a husband and dad. Shea is a wonderful wife and mom I'm sure. I am blessed to be your Mom, Chris!! Happy 29th Birthday! I miss you and hope to see you this summer when your baby is born.
Hope this means something, Chris. I feel like I am just rambling.
Hope this means something, Chris. I feel like I am just rambling.
Monday, October 27, 2014
Paco
Today, we put one of our pets down. His name was Paco. He was a black lab/chow. His temperament was kind of like Eyore. He was gentle and content. His fur was always unmanageable. I would brush and brush him, but to no avail. God gives us our animals to teach us how to love. They are helpless. They depend on us for food, shelter, and love.
Paco will be missed. He seemed to go downhill after we put Hope down about a month ago. She was in congestive heart failure. Paco loved her. Hope couldn't bark, so when she wanted to come in the house, Paco would bark to let us know that she wanted to come in. Somehow he found purpose in her weakness. His back hips were the major problem. He had a hard time just standing up. For the last two weeks of his life, I cooked liver for him when I came home from work. He seemed to happy to see me (probably because he knew his cooked meal was coming).
He was born in Highland, CA. Someone left a box of puppies on the playground at Thompson School many years ago (15 I believe). My son, Chris, was helping Robert Mercado (who was then the custodian) during the summer. Chris brought a small black fluff ball of a puppy and said, "Mom, can we keep him?" Of course we kept him. Who could say no to such a cute puppy? Not me. We had a dalmatian, Prancer, at home. He was a puppy also. We thought he could use a friend. And best friends they became. They were inseparable. Two peas in a pod. In 2012, we had to put Prancer down as he had some type of inflammation in his intestines.
Sometimes I feel sad that he lived outdoors most of his life. The reason for this was that he was not housebroken. I know my thoughts are a little scattered right now, but just wanted to share something about our dog, Paco, today.
Paco will be missed. He seemed to go downhill after we put Hope down about a month ago. She was in congestive heart failure. Paco loved her. Hope couldn't bark, so when she wanted to come in the house, Paco would bark to let us know that she wanted to come in. Somehow he found purpose in her weakness. His back hips were the major problem. He had a hard time just standing up. For the last two weeks of his life, I cooked liver for him when I came home from work. He seemed to happy to see me (probably because he knew his cooked meal was coming).
He was born in Highland, CA. Someone left a box of puppies on the playground at Thompson School many years ago (15 I believe). My son, Chris, was helping Robert Mercado (who was then the custodian) during the summer. Chris brought a small black fluff ball of a puppy and said, "Mom, can we keep him?" Of course we kept him. Who could say no to such a cute puppy? Not me. We had a dalmatian, Prancer, at home. He was a puppy also. We thought he could use a friend. And best friends they became. They were inseparable. Two peas in a pod. In 2012, we had to put Prancer down as he had some type of inflammation in his intestines.
Sometimes I feel sad that he lived outdoors most of his life. The reason for this was that he was not housebroken. I know my thoughts are a little scattered right now, but just wanted to share something about our dog, Paco, today.
Friday, October 10, 2014
Tend the People in Your Garden
Friends and Family,
Sometimes you just have to think. We all have people in our lives who have loved us. They are not perfect, but they love us - parents, grandparents, aunts, uncles, friends. But have we truly loved them?
I look in my own life. My parents divorced and that was difficult. But they always remembered my children's birthdays and holidays. They sent cards with gifts and put a smile on those faces. On the other hand, I (as a grandma) am less consistent with sending cards. Most of my grandchildren live far away. Family splits have taken place and it is very difficult to stay connected. And yet, I do love them. But do they know it? And if my provision of monetary gifts is the only way that they will know me, is that the way that it should be? I don't think so. Relationships must be more than cards and gifts, but I guess that is at least a way to say "I care."
Let's look at my parents - Years and years of sending cards to grandchildren who barely acknowledge them in any way. My mother has Parkinson's disease. Is there not anyone to send her a card or call her? Do they even so much as know when her birthday is? I doubt it. My dad is 83 and still tries to be there for them all. Do any of his grandchildren even call to check up on him and see if he is ok? Do they tell him that they love him? Do they know his birthday?
These are very difficult issues to think through. All but one of my children are adults. Maybe I failed in some kind of way just trying to make it through each day. Maybe we don't stop and smell the roses as much as we should. God has put people in our lives for a season and we really need to cherish them more than the mundane routines that we find ourselves in on a daily, weekly, and yearly basis.
So, if you are reading this and it has touched your heart, give that person a call or send them a card. You know who they are as the Lord has showed you. I hope this helps someone's relationship.
Sometimes you just have to think. We all have people in our lives who have loved us. They are not perfect, but they love us - parents, grandparents, aunts, uncles, friends. But have we truly loved them?
I look in my own life. My parents divorced and that was difficult. But they always remembered my children's birthdays and holidays. They sent cards with gifts and put a smile on those faces. On the other hand, I (as a grandma) am less consistent with sending cards. Most of my grandchildren live far away. Family splits have taken place and it is very difficult to stay connected. And yet, I do love them. But do they know it? And if my provision of monetary gifts is the only way that they will know me, is that the way that it should be? I don't think so. Relationships must be more than cards and gifts, but I guess that is at least a way to say "I care."
Let's look at my parents - Years and years of sending cards to grandchildren who barely acknowledge them in any way. My mother has Parkinson's disease. Is there not anyone to send her a card or call her? Do they even so much as know when her birthday is? I doubt it. My dad is 83 and still tries to be there for them all. Do any of his grandchildren even call to check up on him and see if he is ok? Do they tell him that they love him? Do they know his birthday?
These are very difficult issues to think through. All but one of my children are adults. Maybe I failed in some kind of way just trying to make it through each day. Maybe we don't stop and smell the roses as much as we should. God has put people in our lives for a season and we really need to cherish them more than the mundane routines that we find ourselves in on a daily, weekly, and yearly basis.
So, if you are reading this and it has touched your heart, give that person a call or send them a card. You know who they are as the Lord has showed you. I hope this helps someone's relationship.
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