A knock in the head.

For those that know me, they know that I am in constant perpetual motion.  Multi-tasking is something I take to a whole new level.    However, one sometimes needs a good smack in the head to get the point across, that its time slow down, look around and appreciate all the amazing things and people I have in my life.  To focus on my health and happiness.   Its not all about business and the closing of the next deal.

And that time was this week.    As I laid on the bottom of the steps with the blackberry somehow removed from the palm of my hand (note picture proof - it can be removed from my hand), being choked by the phone headset.  I woke up with a splitting headache and a phone going " BEEP BEEP BEEP ". 

Three days later, still have that splitting headache and a new appreciation for walking in the cold air.   Seems as cold air helps get rid of the headache.    A konk on the head, has helped me get away from the computer.   A konk on the head has helped me get back outdoors and start walking.   A konk on the head has helped me appreciate this wonderful world we live in.     As I walk in the cold, I do not think about work, deals or business.   I think about friends, family and what new adventures I want to be on with these amazing people.  I dream.   I dream big.   England, Paris, Italy, Boats and fast cars.    Now if only I could find a walking partner that likes walking at midnight under the moon - no words need to be spoken - just the company of another person to look up and see the moon with.   The company of another person to share the amazing sound of crunching of snow under the my toes all snug in my big boots.

Happy Crunching ... off to snowshoe shoe today !

To Meditate or Not

FB Status Update

Meditation is painful in the beginning but it bestows immortal Bliss and supreme joy in the end. ..... says Swami .... I'm still at the painful part :) says Kat
+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

Last night en route back to home after being in a very long sales conference, I had decided to stop into the local sports store to get replacement poles for my snow shoes .. and at the same time talk to a friend, and get his opinion on meditation, and why I find it so difficult to do.  As you see, Eric is an Iron Man, Vegetarian Man, Lance Armstrong Freak .. and " the shoe guy " there .. Between you, me and this blog .. I kinda idolize the guy :) because he's so dedicated to his sport and his lifestyle .. but I will never own up to that to him, as it would go straight to his ego.   I said " Eric " with a straight face " Why do I have such a hard time trying to meditate ".   A few moments later after he had finished laughing, and said " you .. " and then went back to laughing.  Apparently it is a belief that I have a hard time sitting down and "shutting off ".   That will be another conversation.

Out of the 15 minute conversation with him,  I have taken, so what if I am not good at meditation - it is not for everyone.   Is not the whole purpose of the challenge to sit, reflect, and reflex.   So in a way I already do that, I sit with my coffee each morning, look out the back window across the back yard, today its especially pretty almost a blue tone across the snow.   And each night I look out the window or go outside and look at the moon.  I take a good long look at it.    I appreciate the beauty of the moon high above me.   It may not be a traditional meditation technique .. but its my time out from my busy, crazy, non stop .. but wonderful life.   I am a very lucky person.

Solgurt .... Friend or Foe

2012 is a year that I have declared "Kat's going to lead a healthier life".   Recently I have been introduced to a lovely little diner in Toronto called " Sadie's " (Queen and Bathurst's) ... and there I began my quest of  "Can Kat become a vegetarian ".    Their damn menu made it look so easy.

Now traditionally I jump into things feet first without testing the water, I rapidly get bored, dry off and find something new to tweak my interest, but this quest is different.    This is about getting physically and mentally healthier - not just for my daughter, but for myself.   I truly believe that my self esteem will increase two fold if I feel better physically and mentally.    So the quest in reality is eating better, moving more and generally attempting to cut down stress.    This is the start of my 21 day challenge of yoga, meditation and incorporating more vegetarian meals into my life.   Yah Thanks Michele .. not sure if this will rebuild a friendship .. or destroy it.  Apparently the 21 day goal will be long enough to make positive life changes.

So over the next few weeks, I will be documenting my triumphs and failures over this challenge.    Which brings me to Solgurt.  Yah.   First why must I give up dairy? Does it hurt an animal to be milked?  Maybe I will become a partial vegetarian and still eat animal products if it comes to my dinner table unharmed.   

Day One A.M was a tad crazy.  Rushing off to get the kid to school and myself to the office, and somehow I managed to forget to eat breakfast (not a good start of this getting healthy thing) and I forgot to bring a lunch.   Quick stop into Planet Organic that will solve the situation.   As I puttered through the aisles of what I could eat I found myself gravitating to the dairy and non dairy frig.   Solgurt, okay the packaging looks nice, grab a couple of banana's and I am good to go.    Apparently by my facebook status update that this was a awesome breakfast to have on my quest, but I was missing my protein and should have added six almonds.   Yes six, not seven, not eight but six.  Mental note, ask Sam " why freakin' six ".   Excited about my purchase I hold off till I get to the office.  I run into the office excited to show of my new purchase of " solgurt ".   A group of very bored looking people stood around me as I ripped off the lid to dive into my new healthy life style choice .. I swear I could hear them chanting " go Kat go .. go Kat go ".. and .. EWEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEE  Its a grey looking substance that looks like something my daughter has mixed multiple paint brushes in.  Okay check expiry date .. its okay .. one person looks at me and says .. try it Kat.   If you don't try it we will find someone that will.  I suddenly felt like I was back in the '70's with the cereal commercial of " get Mikey to try it, he will try anything "  Unfortunately there are no Mikey's in my office.   So I said, " I've made it this far " (3 hours into the quest).  Take my spoon, dip it into the solgurt, close my eyes and put it into my mouth.    Yah, I'm still eating dairy at this time.   My body is not completely ready to get rid of all dairy products.