Monday, June 25, 2012

Straying Away from Summer's Stormy Showers


Rainy day at the beach.
 At times in the summer it seems like, Florida, "The Sunshine State" becomes "The Shower State."  Last week I was wondering what was up with all of the extensive rain, and then the TV news introduced me to Tropical Storm Debby, moving towards the Florida's Gulf Coast, causing rain across the state.  As much as some people find the storms to be dark and dreary, I've actually become acquainted to their calming and soothing aspects.  

With the threat of tropical storms, hurricanes, or even 15-minute afternoon showers this time of year, it's inevitable my trusty tote umbrella will be in my purse.  However, when the thunder is loud enough to keep me cooped up indoors, sometimes it seems like the only thing to do is clean out my closet!
  
With two year's worth of college memories at PBA bundled up in boxes, I began to sort through my favorite cards, letters and photos and place them into scrapbooks, albums and frames.  And, it's a bonus that my closet shelves are getting cleaned out!  But, I happened to create more of a mess than I already had in my room with paper, gel pens and glitter for writing letters to friends from out-of-state. Oh well. 

Nutella cookies for a rainy day.
The best thing about staying indoors is getting stuck in the kitchen.  I'm not an avid cook, but I do enjoy baking, especially when I get the recipes correct.  This past weekend I successfully made a pan of sweet cornbread for my family and rich Nutella cookies for my boyfriend.  Then, with some sweets and a cup of tea in hand, I snuggled up to my pillow with books, my latest fix, "The Hunger Games" series. Though, the rainy weather eventually lured me to sleep, a good excuse to take a nap, which is every working college student's dream!

What fun ideas or activities do you have for spending time without the sun and staying dry inside?

Monday, June 18, 2012

A Sunset Put My Summer Trip into Perspective

A sunset in the sky on my plane ride home.
How many different ways are there to view a sunset? On the plane ride home from my family vacation up north to visit extended family, I was immersed by a spectacular view. While watching the sunset just before 8 p.m., I found it thrilling to think about how high I was flying. I praised God for the sunset blessing, with the promise of another day. It was just me who headed back home on the plane because I had work the next day, so I took some time to reminisce about the trip.

It's sometimes difficult living in Florida while all of my dad's side of the family lives in upstate New York, especially when plane tickets are too expensive to travel there more than once a year. Since we live so far away, I always forget how large the family is. My dad has four siblings, which gives me 14 cousins. The last time I went to visit was a year ago for my grandmother's funeral, and before that, my grandpa's funeral and my cousin's wedding. Finally going back up there, just to spend time with my extended family, helped with the healing process.

My cousins from dad's side of family in New York.
It was nice to celebrate all the graduations in the family, and my cousin's baptism. It's always crazy seeing how my younger cousins have grown taller, and seeing the babies of my older cousins. We were especially happy for the beautiful weather -- 70 to 80 degrees each day. I even learned how to waterski on my uncle's boat in a lake (no alligators up there!). My favorite part of the trip was bonding with family. As I learned to waterski by continuously falling down, my family was extremely encouraging until I stayed up and faced my fears.

As with most families, even though we all get along and love each other, it's sometimes difficult to get everyone together with work, school and other scheduling issues. I have so much gratitude for my family, including my immediate family. My mom and dad have done a great job raising my two brothers and I. Hopefully, we will have more chances to spend time with our New York family.

Have you made any plans to visit or spend time with your family this summer?

Tuesday, June 5, 2012

Exercising, Healthy Thoughts During the Summer


Sometimes it's difficult to find the motivation to exercise, which when done properly is beneficial for a healthy lifestyle. During the school year, it was difficult for me to find time to hit the gym, go for a run or swim. Since summertime allows more time for myself, I decided to make exercising a part of my weekly routine.

I recently began going to the workout classes PBA offers during the summer, including Core Crunch, Zumba, and Pilates, held in the Greene Athletic Complex studio. Being in the studio the other day reminded me of my ballet classes when I was younger. I would go to the dance studio every night for ballet class, watching my movement in the mirror and drawing circles in the hardwood floor.

I am also an avid fan of outdoor exercise, like biking, which I've enjoyed since I was a kid. I have vivid memories of living up north, biking with brisk wind hitting my knuckles as I gripped the handles. Those times have inspired me to keep my body in shape, even when it's easier to sit on the couch.

PBA's Greene Athletic Complex
Though, I'd have to say the absolute best way for me to workout has been swimming. I swam consistently from age 9 until my senior year when I was captain of my high school team. Being an athlete and exercising in general, not only pushed me physically, but mentally.

The amount of physical agility it takes to perform at your best does not compare to the amount of mental exertion it takes to have a positive attitude about your performance. For example, my senior year in high school during finals I performed poorly in my races. It was hard to not have a negative attitude. I eventually realized that if I let my competitive spirit get the best of me, swimming would lose it's meaning in my life.

I'm not going to lie, sometimes I workout when I'm upset or stressed. Usually if I can push through the workout, I can push through the stress. Unfortunately, I have seen how it's easy for exercise to turn into harmful habits hurting your body. I know people, and my friends know people, who abuse exercising to the point that it interferes with the perception his or her body image.  Without exercising properly, many are not only at risk to a strained muscle, but a strained life.

Overall, exercise is a good method to find time to pray, meditate, or just to get your spirits up. What inspires you to exercise?