Living. Learning. Loving. Laughing.

through the desert on a horse with no name...

2012-01-10T18:20:00.009-08:00

Well...Hello again. Clearly, it's been a while since I've posted. I wish I could tell you a lofty tale of how I was traveling across the Moroccan desert and came across a small group of people who needed my help and because they were so grateful, they made me the leader of their village and asked me to stay. I did, of course, and spent the last 3 months selling exotic rugs and fruits at the market in Marrakesh.

But....and brace yourself...that's not true. I've been here, I've just been blogularily challenged.

So now it's January and I'd like to set a goal of at LEAST one post a month. I say goal and NOT resolution for a reason. Resolutions don't last (trust me - I'm a complete professional on this).

Resolutions can be infinite...There's no end to them. For example:

-I'm going to run 5 day a week ( for the rest of my life)
-I'm going to lose weight (not sure how much, just some)
-I'm going to blog every day or until my fingers cramp (I'm sure I am)
-I will never eat potato chips or chocolate again (ya....whatever!)

We talk about this at the office, 'what is not celebrated is soon forgotten' but how can you celebrate something that never ends?!!

Goals are definite...there is a date of completion. For example:

-I'm going to run 3 days a week for a month
-I'm going to lose 15lbs
-I'm going to blog at least once a month
-I will have potato chips and chocolate once a week (ok...chocolate maybe twice)

Start the party!!!! With every accomplished and celebrated goal, I can almost guarantee you will gain momentum rather than others with resolutions who lose motivation.

So here's to a year of partying -for all the right reasons!!

My Summer Vacation....

2011-09-12T17:42:00.019-07:00

Over the Summer break we had here at the office, Mark and I went to Vegas. I had never been and am so glad I went because we had such a great time. Knowing our destination, we knew that we would see some not cool things and some really awesome things. (I thought I was going home alone when Mark saw the M&M store)

My favorite hotel was Caesar's Palace. The size of it was insane. I have never seen anything like that in my life!! We saw the Volcano at the Mirage erupt twice. We saw the Treasure Island Pirate show (only once as it seemed that the main content was a lot of lip syncing, sassy standing and some serious hair flipping - from both the women AND the men). The fountains at the Bellagio hotel were amazing and we felt VERY Ocean's Eleven-ish standing there watching them and planning our massive M&M heist. The wax museum was an adventure in which we met several new friends......

But, hands down my favorite experience was the Vegas Motor Speedway.

Now...let me explain. I LOVE to drive. I LOVE to drive fast. I LOVE to drive fast in a fast car that was meant to go fast. Knowing this...for my birthday Mark gave me the opportunity to choose a car and head out for 5 blistering laps around the Nascar track in Las Vegas!! I had the choice of a Lamborghini, Ferrari, Porsche or the Astin Martin Vantage(shown here).

I chose the Astin Martin because c'mon....when am I ever again going to get the chance to drive the same car as James Bond?

I had the most amazing instructor- Roddy - who encouraged me to "floor it". The track was pretty curvy and as I entered in to the corners at about 90/mph, I felt like a rock star. It was SO awesome!!!! But, before I knew it, it was over. Let me tell you, 5 laps at 100/mph?....they go by pretty quick. Still...it was the coolest thing I've ever done. So, ya... Vegas was pretty amazing.

Back home, as I went over some entries in my journal and I noticed a "Dream List" I had written over 3 years ago. Right near the top, in bright pink pen is drive a race car.

(please know that writing it in pink doesn't make it any less cool).

So, the feeling of driving a race car is amazing, but the coolest part is putting a big, fat check beside that particular entry in my journal.

I must also say a HUGE thank you to my handsome husband, who after 7 years this September continues to make my dreams come true.

My hero....

2011-08-22T16:59:00.006-07:00

This is my handsome husband coming out of the water doing his first triathlon. I could not have been more proud. Wanting to know a little more about triathlons, I googled it. (side note...who knew that googled would eventually become a verb) The website beginnertriathlete.com came up and I perused the site. It led me to a Q&A on triathlons and this is the story written by a gentleman with the profile name, "McFuzz". I've included it here because, this is EXACTLY what happened in our house. Like...EXACTLY. Enjoy!

What is a Sprint Triathlon?

"This is a question that shows up frequently here at beginnertriathlete.com. Usually, the question comes from someone who wants to know how long each leg of the event is, and the answer to that is, “It depends on the race.” I’m here to tell you differently.

A sprint triathlon is a siren! Step back into Greek mythology and the story of Jason and the Argonauts. The sirens were creatures whose irresistible song lured unsuspecting sailors into treacherous waters.

It will start innocently enough, maybe as a challenge from a friend or a flyer about a local event. You begin to think, “Yeah, I can swim 600 yards (or at least I could when I was a kid), I can bike 12—15 miles, and I can run a 5K (or at least run/walk...).” Add it all up, and figure on an hour or two...no big deal! So you go splash around in the pool a few times, drag your ancient Schwinn out of the basement, and start jogging (but only at night, when nobody can see you run...)

You then register, and on that fateful day, you bring all of your gear to the race site where you find...

* Some competitors have already swum a 600 yard “warm-up.”
* Others are more scared of the swim than you are.
* Some will have “You paid HOW MUCH for that?!?” bikes.
* Others will ride bikes older and rustier than yours.
* Some will look like they haven’t eaten in weeks.
* Others will look like they could go weeks without eating.

So you fumble around setting up your gear while trying hard to not show how nervous you are. You get final race instructions and head down to the start. Maybe now you realize that everyone is anxious rather than nervous. The gun goes off and the details of the race get blurry (don’t worry, your goggles won’t get knocked off EVERY race), but you realize that the race volunteers are cheering for you, and that makes you feel good! The other competitors are cheering for you, too! What? Yeah, these triathletes give you a reassuring smile, or maybe a few encouraging words, even though they’ve never met you before. That makes you feel GREAT!

You’ll realize that some of the people that you thought would surely be fast—aren’t. Some of the people will be surprisingly fast. Pretty much everyone will have a smile on their face at the end! Even more amazing is that many finishers are crowded around the finish line, cheering for you as you reach the end of your first race! You are now a TRIATHLETE

You start talking to the other competitors and spectators and they are as friendly as they were during the race. They will try to answer your questions, and probably show you their really cool gear if you ask. You start looking at training plans, heart-rate-monitors, a spiffy tri-suit, and a “faster” (more expensive) bike so you can do another race. Maybe an Olympic distance race? You start looking for excuses to travel to triathlons. All of a sudden, you’re scheming about HIM’s and dreaming about Hawaii and logging your training including important notes about how you react to various sports drinks or gels.

So what are you waiting for? You know it’s going to happen, and you won’t be able to stop it…You might as well get started!

Postscript: This is my story. My first triathlon was 7/29/2005 (I’d registered about two weeks earlier) and had 66 participants. I’d seen Ironman highlights on television and knew those people were dedicated, but I didn’t expect any of them to show up at this little race...but they were there with their best race gear!

I remember the encouragement of other riders as I was lugging up the hills on my mountain bike and the cheers from volunteers at every turn on the bike and run. I remember everyone cheering and clapping at my middle-to-back-of-pack finish and how everyone stayed to cheer the last finisher!

I conned - convinced a buddy to join me for another sprint six weeks later. My wife and I spent that fall discussing which Half-Ironman (HIM) to do and how to build some family vacations around a race schedule. I completed my HIM on 8/5/2006. Kona? Who knows what my future holds..."

Nerd Alert!!

2011-08-09T18:23:00.009-07:00

Okay, so in case you didn't know... I love weather. And last night's storm was pretty incredible to watch! I think anything like that is super cool and that's why I'm SO excited for this weekend!!! The Perseid Meteor Shower is currently taking place and continues all week with the big show happening this Friday August 12th.

I'm kinda nerdy about these things, I love them and I didn't want to wait. So, I dragged my husband and our friends Conrad and Joanne up to the top of Munson Mountain in Penticton last Saturday night at about 11pm. This is how I know they all really love me...there was not one complaint as we changed from our comfy, movie-watchin' Ghostbusters pajamas into something a little more appropriate for climbing a mountain in the middle of the night. Jo might have muttered something about not wanting to leave the wine at home but because I can't be sure, I'm just going to assume everyone was on board.

As we were walking away from the city lights, I turned my eyes towards the Heavens started pleading my case. "OK God, I just want to see one. Please. Just one really cool meteor would be great. Thanks".

It was amazingly peaceful and breathtakingly beautiful on the top of that mountain (please know that when I say mountain- I realize it's not Everest, but at 11 o'clock at night, anything I have to walk "up" will always be referred to as mountainous).

We were able to see 4 meteors as they flew across the sky, which was extremely cool, but after 40 minutes of looking straight up we were all getting a little dizzy (coulda been the wine) and were ready to start the trek back down.

On the way, I whispered "just one more" and after a moment, shook my head. Thankfully no one was watching me because I was having a full on conversation with myself and it would have looked like I'd brought my invisible friend along for the adventures of the evening. My inner dialogue went like this: ..."just one more"...(head shake)..."no, Cara"...(furrowed brow as I chastise myself)...."you asked for one and you saw 4"..."you -quite literally- got 4 times more than what you asked for"...."Be grateful"...(pause...look up)..."Thank you."

It was then that the biggest and brightest meteor of the night flew by and the four of were stopped in our tracks as 10 seconds later one even bigger and brighter blazed across the sky!!

It was an amazing sight and I'm grateful for the reminder to always be grateful.

I'm Running away to Join the Cirque-us!

2011-07-04T15:57:00.013-07:00

O.K. I'm not actually running away to join Cirque du Soleil but I want to. I had the pleasure of seeing them on the Canada Day long weekend and I loved every minute of it. Now because it is Cirque du Soleil, I can't say I understood every minute of it but I walked away in awe of what these people actually do. All without nets or cables.

This wonderful woman who hung high above the ground was the cause of my almost cardiac event in section E, Row 11, seat 22 of the South Okanagan Events Centre.

I watched her through half closed eyes, as she spun so fast it seriously looked like she didn't have a head! And don't even get me started on the trampoline guys who after walking up the 36' wall fell BACKWARDS onto a trampoline that appeared to be the same size as a large bathmat.

What's really impressive though is what happens behind the scenes. I found this on the website... "Since its dawn in 1984, Cirque du Soleil has constantly sought to evoke the imagination, invoke the senses and provoke the emotion of people around the world.
The company was built on values and deep convictions which rest on a foundation of Audacity, Creativity and Imagination. To explore the unknown, break through barriers and go where others have not; this is how Cirque du Soleil approaches and applies itself to, each new project."

How cool is that?

I know some of the people that helped set up for the time Cirque was here. The company travels with their own gym and they have their own chef. The meals are prepared every 3-4 hours with amazing, organic-as-it-can-be, natural food. Each person with the show received from head office, a small book on inspiration and creativity. All this for no other reason besides the big guys in Montreal know what it takes to maintain the vision they originally saw for Cirque du Soleil: Training.

They know that in order for everyone involved to give the best performance they can every night, they will have to do what it takes every day.

Same with you and me. Although we may not want to hang upside down by our left big toe 30' in the air, we all have an picture in our head of our perfect life. And without that picture in front of us every day, there are way too many things in this world that WILL distract us from it. For example-the new program "101 Ways to Leave a Game Show" where we get to see people scream their face off as they drop 100 feet because they guessed "Gone With the Wind" instead of "Casablanca" (which I knew the answer to BTW). I know that I don't do what it takes every day. I find it incredibly difficult to stay focused in Summer, and I know that I'm not alone on this. BUT...I also know we all want to get better.

And so, for the next couple months I wish us all an amazing summer filled with joy, laughter, friends and family. And may each step we take find us closer and closer to our completely obtainable dreams!

the spider and the sage

2011-06-30T16:47:00.001-07:00

Have you heard of the story of the Spider and the Sage? It's the story about a man who would pray by the Ganges river every morning. One day after praying, he saw a poisonous spider struggling in the water. He cupped his hands and carried the spider ashore. As he placed the spider on the ground, it stung him. Unknowingly, his prayers for the world diluted the poison. The next day the same thing happened. On the third day, once again the man saw the spider frantic in the water. As he went again to carry the creature to the shore, the spider asked, "can't you see I will sting you every time because that is what I do? Why do you keep saving me?" As the kind man cupped his hands around the spider he replied, "because this is what I do".

I loved this story immediately even though I hate spiders (No, you don't understand and I really need you to hear me when I say I seriously HATE them. I cannot be in the same room as one and will flip out if one gets even remotely close to me. Like straight up bananas- it's not pretty).

But there are so many gentle reminders in this little tale besides the fact the spiders are just plain mean.

To be consistent. I'm getting better at this and I know that whether it's physical, mental or spiritual, the outcome for me is always a direct result of how well I maintain my training in a continuous effort to reach my goals. (FYI- the blog falls into this particular category and I promise I will do my very best to not let another 2 months go by before another post)

To be kind. How often have I been in a hurry, too involved in my own little world and end up missing an opportunity to lend a hand?

And, once again... I was gently reminded of the power of prayer.

Have a wonderful Long Weekend

Seriously?....Again?

2011-04-21T08:25:00.006-07:00

For those of you who are keeping track of the on/off/on/off/off/OFF situation I have with running, it's on. Again. This will be the easily the 4th or 5th time I have set out with determination to finally love running. I've signed up for a Women's Learn to Run Clinic, not at all wanting to because I do NOT enjoy starting over again. When I arrived last night there was about 15 us and of course we had to do the "tell us your name and why you're here" thing. I introduced myself, "hi my name's Cara, I have a love/hate relationship with running but I want a love/LOVE relationship with running and I'd like to accomplish a 10k without the use of a vehicle". As we went down the line, I was SO surprised to find that, I'm not alone in this. There were at least 2 others that also stated their distaste for running. One woman held no punches.. "I hate it. Like, really. HATE. it."
I think I found my new best friend.

What I loved most about last night, is we were all there. Many had never run before and were scared, some were like me, starting over and others were just trying to gain a different outlook. But we all showed up. We overcame our nerves, fears and previous discouragements.

So although last night I felt a little like this:...

I believe that by June 12 (the annual Women's 10k race) I will feel like this:....

Life Lessons from Tetris and America's Next Top Model - Part I

2011-04-07T08:45:00.023-07:00

Yesterday was an day of unexpected revelations (although I'm not sure there are expected revelations). It started with my second favorite game in the world, the Russian building block game of Tetris.

*my first favorite game in the world is Dr. Mario and I will challenge anyone, anywhere, anytime. But beware- Mark has had to take this game away from me as I am an incredibly sore loser and an even worse winner.

If you've played Tetris before you know how it works. You try to fit all the pieces together perfectly so that they all line up and disappear. You can play with many different options but the one I NEVER mess with is the option to see the piece that's coming next. Take a look at the picture. Do you see the long orange piece in the middle of the left screen? That's the piece in play. Now notice the small, funky green piece in the top right screen. That's what's next. Being able to see what's next allows me to work, make few mistakes and secure the best possible outcome.
Here's how it went down yesterday. I'm playing my little fingers off, trying to beat my personal best of 25 lines in 1 minute and 28 seconds when all of a sudden the small box that tells me my Tetris future is empty. EMPTY!! What?! When?? How?!? The next 15 seconds were filled with rather frantic fingers and some grown-up words as I tried like mad to get my Russian crystal ball back. I later realized...That's exactly how I am with almost everything. I need to know what is about to happen before I can make a move now. I can sometimes (most times) get so focused on what's gonna happen that I miss the opportunity to enjoy what is happening. So I'm challenging myself (and you, if this is sounding a little too familiar) to have a day planned out where we're aware of nothing and have no clue about what's next. My husband, I'm sure will love this and I shall do my very best to take in everything that comes my way with joy and anticipation not caution and anxiety. I just need to know what to wear first.

Who am I?

2011-03-17T10:10:00.021-07:00

Have you ever had to define yourself? How do you do it? By your likes and dislikes, where you work, who you married?. If I asked you to describe yourself, what would you say? For me, it would go something like this..

you- "Cara, how would describe yourself?"

me- "oh that's easy. I'm short, have brown hair, blue eyes and my favorite movie is Ghostbusters". I love Starbucks and really love popcorn. Like REALLY love it.

If you've been visiting the blog over the last few days and weeks, you've seen it change colour, font, picture, template, background and layout. Not once, not twice but, like, a hundred times. The last concept had a look similar to the bedroom of a 13 year-old-girl who loves puppies and butterflies. The one before showed evidence of being thrown together by someone with multiple personalities and WAY too much coffee. I've tried so many different looks in the last 5 days that I can no longer remember what I've already tried. I have worn out my computer keys trying to find something -ANYTHING-I loved and thought represented me.

And now I have. This is the new look of Maintaining Alignment.

I look at this and it screams Cara Simpson Symonds Simpson Reinelt. everything I enjoy: water, the beach, the outdoors, relaxing with friends. Eating popcorn while drinking Starbucks on this dock...well. That's a perfect day right there.

Enjoy this new look, I know I do.

Duh, Winning?

2011-03-08T18:38:00.001-08:00

OK. Unless you've been residing in a cave or are in complete media blackout these past weeks, you've heard about the recent escapades of Charlie Sheen. I try so hard to not pay attention to the gossip and the ever-so-quick-to-judge rumours that fly around, but thanks to TV, magazines, Facebook, and the internet in general, it's becoming harder and harder. I have to admit, my first words were something along the lines of "o.k. So. He's crazy."

I realize that what's being shown is NOT the real story. The real story is so much more complicated. This might be a carefully thought out plan for extra press. It might not be. If not, then clearly this is a man traveling a very dark path and I can only imagine how many people are wanting to step in and help.

During a TV special yesterday, I listened as Charlie Sheen made obscure, bizarre sentences that usually ended with the word "winning". I also very carefully watched the people with him. If (and I do mean if) this downward spiral of a fellow human being is actually happening and it's not some publicity stunt, then I question his so called "friends". It appears that they are all having a great time enjoying their 15 minutes of fame while someone they claim to care about is slipping further and further away. Charlie Sheen has been fired from his very popular TV show and who knows what his future holds.

So this is where I call out to all friends, family and acquaintances:

O.K. people,
If there is ever a time that I am referring to people as trolls, calling myself a warlock and stating that I have tiger blood in my veins (which I'm sure is completely illegal), you have my FULL permission to step in and take action. I may not like it, and I may even fight it, but suck it up. I'm only 5'2" and although I pretend to know martial arts, I can probably be taken down quite easily. This is how I know you love me. By not just sitting by and supporting my new completely delusional lifestyle, you are showing me that I matter to you and that you want me around for a while.

Thank you in advance.

P.S. you could probably lure me anywhere with popcorn. Just a tip.

HAPPY VALENTINE'S DAY!!

2011-02-14T17:31:00.000-08:00

Happy Valentine's Day Everyone!!

I wish for you to all have an amazing day filled with Joy and Love. If you are married, single or somewhere in between...enjoy today with all it has to offer.
(especially the chocolates)

To my dear husband...I love you with all my heart and everyday (yes, everyday) I know I am blessed to be your wife. Thank you- for you.

HAPPY OLD YEAR!

2011-01-26T07:34:00.000-08:00

Happy New Year!!

I know, I know. I'm about 27 days too late. But out of curiosity, how's it goin' so far? Has the first month of 2011 been all you thought it would be? Are you making amazing progress on all those resolutions? OR....

Is it entirely the same?

Same problems?
Same issues?
Same worries?

I think (know rather) that I have some pretty ridiculous expectations regarding the new year. I believe that all it's gonna take for me to actually want to go to the gym, love broccoli and spontaneously wake up at 4:30am, is the flip of a calendar page. Everything will be easy and will (of course) just start happening January 1.

I know it's completely unrealistic, but it's almost universal. It's why gym memberships always go up in January and gym attendance goes down in February. It's why coffee consumption goes down at the start of the year and in 3 weeks Cara finds herself at Starbucks with no recollection of how she got there.

It's so hard to live up to the high expectations that I set for myself that when I fail (and I do) it's so much worse.

A good friend of ours is also struggling with the change of date. On top of the pressures the new year brings, his birthday is also in January- so there's the year in review thought process. I could care less about my age. (It's not something you concern yourself with as you build a fort out of couch cushions so you and your husband can watch "Pirates of the Caribbean" in your super-secret hideout). But our dear friend is someone who does focus on the passing of time, does not like that he is getting older and believes he's not where he should be at this point in his life.

It is SO hard to escape the "If-I-could-just-get-more money/my dream job/car/ house/dog/boyfriend/ then-I'll-be-happy" way of thinking. We're all guilty of it. I know I am. I am so busy focusing on what I don't have, I don't see what I DO have. Besides the messy house and the fact that no one can actually sit on the furniture until I put all the cushions back, I have a pretty great life. So does my friend. He just can't see it right now.

I hope that 2011 is an amazing year for each and everyone of us. But as I look around at my friends and family and the life I have, I must admit "Happy Old Year" sounds pretty accurate.

My Surroundings....

2010-11-16T16:11:00.000-08:00

Good Morning All!

I haven't been writing lately and I'm not sure why. I've been to places, seen things and done stuff. I just haven't told you about it.

I guess it's because the over the last few weeks I have spent some time with people who are dealing with the kind of crap that makes me feel like I probably shouldn't be whining about the small stuff in my life. Well, that started a whole new train of thought....if I have nothing to complain about, does that mean I have nothing to say?

Most days at work, we talk about the things that we are grateful for in our lives. For example, today. Today, I was grateful for the internet. When our stupid PVR doesn't record the TV show I want it to, I can go to the computer and fire up the episode of Orangutan Island that I missed. (seriously- if you haven't seen Orangutan Island- I highly recommend it- Animal Planet... Favorite channel of. all. time)

Anyways... back to the crap. My friend is dealing with a failing marriage, 3 kids and no hope. Another is dealing with wanting desperately to be in 2 places at once- here with the girl he loves and in Vancouver, working at the job he loves. A third is suffering with chronic pain after her 5th car accident, which happened December 2006 and is still not settled with the insurance company (She would REALLY want me to let you know, none of them were her fault).

I thought back to all the conversations I had with my beloved friends and tried to remember anything good that they mentioned. I've been around for some pretty amazing things over this past year with each of them and honestly all I can recall is them briefly touching on the positive but really focusing on is the rough stuff. I know, I do it too. But why?

Right now, I couldn't tell you the reason. But I've decided to flip it. The crappy stuff should never be ignored. but neither should the good. The bad stuff HAS to be dealt with, but I also need to celebrate the good stuff, no matter how small.

So, to get this look on life on the right track, we'll start with my handsome husband's birthday yesterday.

Happy Birthday my love, everyday with you is an adventure and I am so blessed to be your wife. Thank you for all you do for me and for us.

Disclaimer....
For his 38th birthday, Mark got a pellet gun. There was a lengthy gun safety lesson in the house on Sunday morning and it is now quite clear that "snipin'" is not something we do in our family.

Is focusing on the potential bad stuff the same thing or is it just prevention?...

Stay tuned.

Our home away from home.

2010-10-25T16:58:00.000-07:00

Mark and I are home. We have been for almost 2 weeks. The trip to the Dominican was Awesome, Heart-Breaking, Amazing, Depressing, Uplifting, Joyful, and something I would do again in a heartbeat. We were up early and to bed late and with so many things seen and felt in between, I don't know where to start.

This is why I haven't written. I really have no words to describe what we saw, felt, smelled, heard and experienced. What I can tell you is that if you want to feel every emotion in the world- this is the place. We saw our sponsor kids, held babies, hugged moms, delivered food, played basketball, played the drums, laughed, cried and laughed some more. One of us even got stung by a jelly fish. (don't worry- he's O.k. and no....no one had to pee on him)

A very special moment for me was when I and 2 other women had the opportunity to visit the home of a family in one of the Batey's. Right away I noticed that this was a family of almost all women. 1 mom, 4 daughters, 1 son and 1 grand daughter. The second thing I noticed was the house they lived in. (If you look up the word 'house' in the dictionary, you will find the words, “a residence for human beings”. In the four days that I had been there I saw some homes that would make you seriously reconsider that definition).

Compared to what we had seen just days before, this house was beautiful. Four walls, dirt floor, no windows, a bedroom sectioned off by a curtain and a very small kitchen. There was a front and back entrance, no running water, no bathroom and electricity from a generator for maybe 3 hours per day. 2 small bean plants and a papaya tree in the “backyard”.

What makes this house so special to me?....

She built it. All by herself. No help. A mother built a home for her and her kids. With her own hands. And she did a magnificent job.

When asked what her dream was, she replied as any other mother in the world would, "that my kids have more than I do. That they would have more than this"

As I walked away from her and her beautiful children, I thought to myself, "that is one of the strongest women I have ever met".

10 days later I'm standing in Future Shop looking at the new iPad and I'll admit...drooling. It's a feeling too weird to put into words. This trip is going to take me a little more time to process than I thought but I'm very grateful to have been part of something SO much greater than me.

I'll leave you with pictures of our Dominican Family and to them I say, "How thankful we are to have spent time with you. Please know that we will see each other again and until that day we send you our love and prayers".

Our sponsor young man- Randy and his family

My Mom's Sponsor Girl- Clara

Our Sponsor Girl- Mari Yenifer

Truly Thankful

2010-10-07T15:28:00.000-07:00

Well boys and girls, time has been moving at an all time record pace and it is now time for Mark and I to say goodbye. Or should I say Adios!! We hop a plane tomorrow morning at 9am to Toronto and then on to the Dominican Republic!!

While it's true, the Dominican has a reputation for looking like this.....

Where we are headed looks a whole lot more like this.....

Mark and I are going, along with Chiropractors with Compassion, to the capital of the Dominican Republic- Santo Domingo. We are going to see the completion of the previous project in 2008 and to witness the start of our next one.

We are excited for SO many different reasons...

1- we get to see our sponsor kid again!! We've met him once before and have been sponsoring him for the past 2 years. His name is Randy Henrry and we love that kid like crazy!

2- we've recently "acquired" a beautiful 7 year old girl named Mari Yennifer. We are so looking forward to meeting her! (I might have gone a little overboard with my purchases in the hair accessory department for this little one- I couldn't help myself)

3- we are able to see what the last project looks like all finished!! When we were there 2 years ago, we were literally caring bricks to lay the foundation of the new centre. Now it's up and running and the community is changing from the inside out!!

4- we made several friends that we have kept in contact with over time and can't wait to see them again.

What a way to spend Thanksgiving!!

I'll keep updating, here and on facebook, as often as I can.

See you when we get back!!

Adios Amigos!!!

p.s. if you want to know more about Compassion or Chiropractors with Compassion click HERE

2010-09-30T08:28:00.000-07:00

O.K.....so today will be the last day I take my groceries home in a plastic bag.

A greener shade of vegetable.

2010-09-23T17:24:00.000-07:00

There are only (yes only) 80 days until Christmas break and there is so much that I want to accomplish before then I will have to break down and set some goals.

I really, really, really, really hate setting goals. Like....Hate.It.

I know it works and I encourage others to do it, (which I think is weird and wonder if practicing what I preach should be the first one on my list).

I'm like almost everyone else...I want things to be easy. I want David Foster to catch me singing in my car at the top of my lungs (which happens often by the way) realize my many talents, immediately sign me to a contract and catapult my career as a back up singer and dancer for Miss Tina Turner in to action.

Do I want to be the one that does the work to make that happen? No. I want all the work done for me.

I think is why I do not enjoy setting goals. Because they are work. If you want to accomplish anything you WILL need to work for it. Somewhere my Dad is laughing at me taking 37 years to realize this.

So what do I want to have happen between now and Christmas?

1) I would like to be 100% vegetarian and 90% vegan (this leaves room for ice cream).

2) I would love, love, love my house to be greener. Not the color, the way of life.

We are the people who have 13 cloth grocery bags. NONE of which are in the car, thus enabling us to maintain the world record for the most plastic bags under the kitchen sink. If nothing changes within the next few weeks, I seriously doubt we'll be able to close that cupboard door.

3) I want to run 10k. By December. (for those of you who have followed along and are confused with the on-again, off-again running situation...it's on again.)

I have more things I want to do but I'll start small and see what happens. I will keep you posted on the changes happening in the Reinelt household and how I'm progressing with this love/hate thing between me and running.

Tonight I'm headed out for a short run and then to the grocery store where I will carry my purchases home in a plastic bag for the LAST TIME!

Be well.

This world will keep on turning.....

2010-09-07T19:20:00.000-07:00

I sat and watched the last 1/2 hr of my soap opera today and I got to thinkin'....

When are my half-twin sister, (who I thought was dead in a fiery car crash, but actually survived only to have had plastic surgery so that she no longer looks like me but strongly resembles our mother, who is secretly our aunt) and her husband (my ex-husband, who we once thought was our brother) going "pop-in" for a visit?

My life is so boring.

In all seriousness, and please don't judge, I really do watch a soap opera. As it comes to an end after 54 years, I realize I've been watching this show (in some form) since I was a kid. My mom would watch it while my brother and I would do kid stuff. When I got older she would tape it, wait for me to finish homework and we would watch together (after years of making up excuses to be in the TV room, Dad gave in and we eventually had to wait for him too). So for about 30 some odd years, this program has been in my life. Is it the best way to spend my time?....absolutely not, but I feel as though it's a tradition that has been passed to me and it's my responsibility to carry it on.

The reason it's being cancelled is because there are less people watching and- I did not know this- it costs millions of dollars per year to keep a soap opera on the air.
So on September 17th, it will all come to an end (they've already started killing people off).

What is the purpose of this post?

There are 2....

1. To ask what are your traditions. Do you spend time together as a family? I think the reason there are less viewers today is because families are spending less and less time with each other. I'm not suggesting taking up "The Young and the Restless" or anything, try to avoid time in front of the TV, but are you spending time as a family at all? I loved the fact that Mom and I could watch this show together. It was "our" thing, we would laugh at how stupid it was and wonder what they were going to do next. When Dad joined us well...it became even better. Find something you can do together that will become a life long tradition. You won't regret it.

And,

2. To let everyone know do not call, email, text or stop by between 1-2 pm on September 17th....Unless you're my half twin sister.

STUCK

2010-08-26T09:08:00.000-07:00

I'm Stuck.

Emotionally

Physically

Mentally

Spiritually

STUCK.

It has been 4 weeks since I last posted anything. I've tried, really tried. I just can't think of anything witty or interesting to say. When it came time for my grade 12 English essay, Ms. Bradshaw told me to write what I know. So what do I know?

I know I'm stuck.

Emotionally- I find myself feeling like my patience is quite limited these days. I'm easily bothered by the little things and I'm finding the majority of people incredibly annoying.

Physically- well....Gym and I are still speaking although we used to be a lot friendlier with each other. But thankfully (and also quite surprisingly) there has been no popcorn for dinner in our house for almost over a month!

Mentally- I think my brain is full. Seriously, I don't think I can cram anything else in there. To quote Winnie-the-Pooh “I am a bear of very little brain, and long words bother me.” At this moment, truer words could not be spoken

Spiritually- (big dramatic sigh) the time I usually reserve in the morning has fallen by the way of the snooze button. The snooze button is a hateful little invention designed by some fool to trick me into believing that “just 5 more minutes” is all I need to go about a productive day when all it really does is rob me of any coherent thought for most of the morning other than “I gotta make it to Starbucks”.

So now what.....When not sure where to start, look up and start at the top.

Spiritually- I'll move that loathsome little alarm clock to the other side of the room so I have to actually get up when it goes off. Get back to a morning time full of journaling, reading and meditating rather than stressing, running late and drive-thru's (so long Starbucks, I will miss you).

Mentally- thanks to journaling in the morning, all the unnecessary thoughts are out and my brain is suddenly empty (insert sarcastic comment here). I can process all thoughts throughout the day because there's room.

Physically-by moving the alarm clock and getting up in the morning instead of “five-more-minuting” myself into Zombieland, I'm not nearly as tired during the day and I actually want to go for lunch with Gym.

Emotionally- after spending time with Gym, journaling and having a peaceful rather than panicked morning time, I can love unconditionally again and be graceful about the all the little things I thought were stupid last week. (I may actually think they are still stupid, but I'm certainly better equipted to handle them and am far less likely to fall to pieces when I realize we're out of peanut butter)

Stuck?

Look up, start at the top and suddenly.....

Unstuck.

Say what you need to say...

2010-07-27T08:36:00.000-07:00

I went to the movies last night with my best friend of 25 years. This was supposed to be a night out for my birthday, but when she picked me up, she was in a less than enthusiastic mood. We don't see each other a lot and we both, I thought, were really looking forward to it.

I made my usual joke about how she was late and when I didn't get the usual response, I knew something was wrong. Sure enough, I look over to see a tear slowly roll down her cheek. Birthday tear? Was she just that happy to see me? Was my joke THAT offensive?

Nope.

Right before she left the house, her husband told her that he didn't want her to go. He knew that we had plans. He knew this was a birthday celebration. He also knew that we had postponed this once already. This is not his usual behavior and unfortunately said some things in anger that will always be remembered. Her response? "Fine-I won't go out again for the rest of the summer".

Infantile and dramatic? Yes. (after knowing someone for 25 years I can call it what it is.)

Realistic? No

Knowing them as well as I do and loving them both, I'm well aware the problem wasn't going to an early movie and having popcorn for dinner. The underlying situation was lack of family time. If given the choice, he will often stay home with her and the kids. For her, a outside-the-house social life is essential for balance. There's nothing wrong with either. She apologized to me for ranting and wished she could sometimes keep things to herself. In the wisest words I could think of, this is what I had to offer:

"When you get home, rationally and lovingly say this....'what happened today will not happen again. What could have been a awesome night was brought down considerably by our issues. So here is what I propose. I will go out 2 times a month. Might be twice in the same week or once every other week. You will go out 2 times a month. If you CHOOSE to not go out....not my problem. And we WILL have at least one date night a month.'"

Learning lessons all over the place these days, this is what I got this time....

A) Say what you need to say. Actually talk about what's upsetting you, not the little things that are so much easier to criticize.

B) Talk to your friends. If you don't say what you need to say, you will miss any opportunity to learn from people who have been where you are and have come out the other side bigger and better.

C) Turn your criticism into complaints. "I wish we had more family time" is always better than, "you're never home anymore-what's wrong with you?"

I hope that everyone has an amazing summer full of joy, laughter and truthfulness.

ENJOY

Cara

Mind your own business

2010-07-19T07:25:00.000-07:00

I was at the gym on Friday, halfway through a level 3 step class (it sounds way cooler when I say it that way), when a lady set up her step right beside me at the back of the room. When I say halfway through, I really mean halfway through. About 35 minutes into the class, she joins in. What my first thought SHOULD have been was "hey-at least you're here, have fun!". What was my first, second and third thought?..."who shows up 35 mins into a class like this? how does she expect to catch up? She doesn't even know what we're doing". If you've read past entries, you know the choreography can be challenging and this class was no exception and to join in halfway through in my opinion, was suicide.

I continued to watch this lady try to follow along and try to keep up but as she missed all the direction that came with the first 1/2 hour, there was just no way. I kept one eye on her and one eye on the instructor because I just HAD to see what this woman was doing. I started missing turns, around-the-worlds and my personal favorite the Elvis step. Now I was frustrated and feeling once again like that drunk hippopotamus. I realized that the more I watched this lady hold her own personal step class in the back of the room, the more I lost focus on what I was supposed to be doing. So I turned all of my attention forward and got back on track.

There are 2 lessons I learned from this.

Lesson #1. Cara, pay attention to your own stuff. Who cares when this lady showed up or what she can do. She came out and tried and that's all that matters.

At the end of this bizarre Friday morning gym class, she came up to me and said... "I'll never get any better if I don't do this regularly".

Lesson #2. You cannot expect to get anywhere with half the information and half the time put in.

2010-07-06T15:44:00.000-07:00

I went for a run today. at 11:30. in the heat.

An ambulance drove by and my first thought was- I swear- "oh good...some one called the paramedics." This was followed by "if I flag them down like a taxi, would they stop?"

I hope that you all are doing something challenging today.

enjoy the sun

Cara

no...I insist... you first... after me

2010-07-05T15:33:00.000-07:00

I was at the Costco Optical Centre the other day, waiting patiently in line like most people do at Costco.

Let's be honest here...the reason they sell the big, bulk items is so that you don't pass out from hunger while waiting. You can eat 1/2 of the 12lb bag of whole grain tortilla chips with flax and still arrive home with enough product to make nachos for your teenage nephews who eat like they've never seen food before.

So anyway, back to me waiting patiently in line. The young man behind the counter saw that I and another gentleman were needing to speak with him. He looked at both of us and said politely "I'm not sure who was here first...." The other customer said "she was" but as I step up to order new contacts, he cuts in with "...but I have only a quick question. Can you...."

What he should have said is, "I can see that you were here first but, clearly, my time is far more important than yours, so I'm going to go first."

Now, do I think that he really thought that? Probably not, but how does he know that what I was waiting for wasn't just as simple? And did he not know Mark had made it through the checkout in Costco Olympic record time and was now left unattended by the soft serve ice cream? I had places to be - and fast.

I wondered (because I had time to now) how many times I have done this? Jumped in because I knew that I would be super quick and therefore allowing the person that was waiting to take all the time they need. I'm trying to be unselfish, by putting myself first. On the flip side of that now, I realize why the other person doesn't shower me with praise and thank you's for my tremendous generosity. It's because they're muttering under their breath all of the questionable words and phrases I just did. I have clearly let them know exactly how important I think they are.

I have sent the wrong message to many people and I apologize. There is no one on this planet who does not deserve to feel important, loved and put first. I am willing to wait my turn to show that I care. What did Mark do? He put me first by waiting patiently and seemed remarkably less than bothered eating his ice cream as we walked to the car.

Something Beautiful

2010-06-24T10:13:00.000-07:00

Some of you may know that Mark and I are recently back from a trip to Nashville. For those of you who didn't know....Mark and I are recently back from a trip to Nashville. Twice a year we have a huge chiropractic seminar and this June it was held in Tennessee and we went a day early to check out the scene.

The voice of Brad Paisley was there to greet me as soon as I was off the plane but, as I stepped outside, I asked, “Hey Brad Paisley, why was there no mention of the 137% humidity?” We got the rental car (AC cranked) and after checking into our hotel, toured “Music City USA”.

Nashville is an amazing place, very green and very lush (I think that may have something to do with the humidity which by now was at 214%) and I love that we were able to see a little of it before the conference started the next day.

We always start out with a 5 am run. If you've been reading along, you know how I feel about running, add in the steep hill we're about to head out on, the heat and, of course, the humidity, I was prepared for the worst. I saw a possum and several other animals laying on the side of the road and I wondered if they died trying to run up this stupid hill in 92º heat and 145% humidity? As I ran down the boulevard of broken animal dreams, I saw the most beautiful sunrise I have ever seen. Wanting to get up the hill so I could run down facing the sky again, I realized that I was actually having a great time. As soon as stopped focusing on the miserable parts (dead animals, heat, I hate running) and turned my eyes toward all the beautiful things (sunrises, friends, husband cheering me on) everything changed. I actually bought a new pair of running shoes the next day!!

Nashville was a lot of fun. We were able to check out the Ryman Theatre, spend time with some pretty awesome people and enjoy the southern accents of a community that has come together in the wake of a recent tragedy. As George Strait said goodbye to us at the airport and thanked us for visiting, Mark and I hoped that we will be back very soon.

Focus on the beautiful things today. There are so many more of them than anything else.

Injoy,

Cara

Tourist in my Own Town

2010-06-14T16:05:00.000-07:00

This past week has been incredibly fun for both Mark and I. Our very good friends are in town from Germany and we have had the pleasure of touring them through our fine city. Both Alexandra and Andreas are stunned with the overwhelming politeness that they have been shown here. They cannot believe how everyone is asking them "how was your meal?", "can I get you anything else?", "did you sleep o.k.?". Andreas said that here in Canada people actually seem to enjoy their jobs. They tell us that in Germany you are lucky if you get a "hello" when you enter a store.

We have been to Kasugai gardens, toured the downtown area and most recently, took a ride on the Kettle Valley Steam Train.

What I want to tell you is this:

I am living in a Beautiful city. A city that people will fly for 10 hours to get to. A city that boasts an amazing, scenic view of both mountains and lakes while standing in one spot. A city that I have taken for granted.

This summer I will be a tourist in my own town. I will go on a wine tour, stroll through the gardens, go on a wine tour, relax at the beach, go on a wine tour. There are so many possibilities here it's crazy!!

Yesterday, as I was being held up by the Garnett Valley Gang, poorly defended by an inept sheriff in need of stronger mustache glue and pick pocketed by some rather forward floozies, I was joyfully thankful for where I was. This was even after I was told I would make a great "Floozy-in-training"!!

I leave you with some pictures of our beautiful countryside and my all-too-eager husband with his arm around an all-to-happy Poker Annie

Speechless....for once

2010-06-10T15:39:00.000-07:00

It doesn't happen very often, but there are times in my life when I am at a loss for words. A good friend whom I've known since I was 16 is separating from her husband of almost 12 years. They have 3 amazing kids, a handsome dog and the white picket fence surrounding a beautiful home in a great neighbourhood.

They celebrated their 10 year anniversary with a trip to Mexico, where he made her dream of swimming with dolphins a reality. We met them for dinner and a movie in November - had a great time and everything was as it should be. The next time we checked in, he was sleeping in the basement and the facebook relationship statuses had been changed to single.

Speechless

I'm not upset about me not knowing what was happening, but I am wondering if any of my other friends and family only look happy but aren't? Do the conversations I have with people remain on the surface? Do the people in my life feel free to call me out on my crap? Do they love me enough to tell me what I need to hear even if it's incredible unpleasant? Am I doing the same for them? I know that I have sat in on conversations and not said what I should have for selfish, I-don't-want-you-to-be-mad-at-me reasons and wonder if someone had spoke up, would there be a different outcome? Maybe not, but what if. I have picked up the phone to call my dear friends at least 100 times in the last few weeks, always to almost dial and hang up. I have no words.

Speechless. For now. But not next time.

Just a note....

2010-06-07T09:36:00.000-07:00

If you've been following along, you know that I have recently put my foot down and taken on the challenge of truly changing my lifestyle. That's not to say that I was living a horrible existence eating nothing but Cheez Whiz (I think that any food that ends with a Z may not actually be a real food) and Kraft Dinner, but it can always be better. Exercise – things are definitely better, but food wise... I'll tell ya....lately that foot that stomped with such determination is treading a little too lightly. It happens so fast that before you know it you find yourself at Starbucks and notice that they are a little too happy to see you again.

The book that I have read and re-read recently is “The Kind Diet” by Alicia Silverstone. I agree with almost everything that she writes and I carry it with me when I go grocery shopping. Although becoming completely vegan is not for me (yet), she does a fabulous job of sharing a better way of living (eating) and why in a language that I can understand. She presents options that are easy to follow and based on the pictures, incredible delicious.

This note is just to share that change isn't easy. For me at least. Time, convenience, and shear laziness play a role in the choices I make everyday. The one quote that has stuck with me from that book is: “when I've lost my way, I thank God I have a way to lose”.

Each second that ticks by presents another opportunity to make a different choice.

Have an amazing day.

Extra cheese and No pickles please

2010-06-01T18:22:00.000-07:00

Mark and I spent this weekend with our very good friends Conrad and Jo. We love them and consider ourselves blessed to have such amazing people in our lives. Jo is the kind of friend that you could call if you found a dead body in the trunk of your car. She would show up with a shovel, a stiff drink and ask what the plan was.

The things we chat about range from completely bizarre and superficial to deep, intellectual conversations about the world and it's happenings. This past weekend was no exception. What I love about Jo is she will tell you like it is in a way that you totally understand. Before dinner we were talking about where we are struggling in our lives. She shared that she was challenged with being “in the now”. Sounds kinda stupid? Yup. But, what she was saying was, after opening a new business, buying a new home, her dog passing away and having multiple other stresses that would make anyone else loose their marbles, she was having trouble not wondering, worrying, anticipating the next move. Although she moved through all this with joy and saw each step as a part of the process, she was not “in the now”.

What she said caught my ear: (imagine a French accent)

“I am struggling with being in the now. People tell me that I 'ave to just accept where I'm at. Accepting means that I'm settling. I 'aven't settled for anything, I'm grateful for all that I 'ave. So, what I want....I am going to just put it out there. It's like ordering a cheeseburger. Once you've ordered - it's ordered. There is no need to stress and worry about what's coming. You already know. Don't keep bugging the waitress or 'assle the cook. Place your order, relax and enjoy the company of the people you're 'aving dinner with. That's being in the now.”

Even without the H's, never has that made more sense to me. Ask for what you want. Pray, journal, blog, whatever- place your order with gratitude and enjoy the now, because the future has been taken care of. Get yourself a Dream Book. Write down anything and everything you want for yourself, friends and family. Nothing is too big or too small. Me? My first entry had something to do with ice cream being a health food.

Signing off as Jo would....

InJoy

Cara

Steppin' out....of the way.

2010-05-25T09:22:00.000-07:00

I've recently signed back up with the gym. I go for the group fitness classes (which is the least 80's way to say aerobics) and I love them. They are the most like a dance class- loud music and choreography that at times can be challenging. So at least 4 times a week I don my headband and my leg warmers and head out the door to get physical.

Being a veteran aerobics junkie with a huge point to prove, I go to the 4:30 step class knowing that I can do it all. I could get up and teach it myself I didn't suffer from a debilitating fear of public speaking.

Last Saturday , the step class was particularly demanding, but that's OK. I know everything and I can totally do it.

I couldn't.

I was so frustrated with myself over one stupid move that I kept trying even when the rest of the class had continued on. To make matters worse I could execute the “step-kick-around-to-the-front-turn-march-march-over-the-step-and-back-to-home” beautifully on the right but looked like a drunk hippopotamus when I tried the same maneuver on the left. I guess I'm not an ambi-turner.

I gave up.

I participated in the rest of the class and when we got to the drunk hippo move, thinking that I wouldn't...no...couldn't get it, I stopped thinking about it. I'll give you 2 guesses as to what happened next.

I arrived at the same place everyone else, having pulled off THE hardest step aerobics move in the history of step aerobics (I am aware that it probably wasn't the most difficult move as everyone else had no trouble, but for the purpose of this blog and my pride- it was absolutely top 5).

So, what is the point to this? Your body knows. When you over think, analyze and scrutinize what you are supposed to do, you get in your own way. My muscles – although tired – knew exactly where I needed to go and how to get me there.

Your body knows. This goes for anything. Sick, tired, working out or hungry...when you are wondering what's next, get out of the way and listen. I don't doubt you'll be shown the way.

What are you trying to tell me?

2010-05-05T09:22:00.000-07:00

I watch T.V. Not a lot, but I do have those shows that I enjoy. Mark and I recently acquired a PVR. (personal video recorder) which we have lovingly named “the purve”. It's the running joke in our house. We love our purve. We are able to fast forward all the commercials that, I swear, are specifically designed to tell me that I am a complete moron who cannot open a can of tuna without a trip to the E.R.

Seriously, have you sat and actually watched these commercials? There's the “slap-chop” commercial (and who doesn't know the slap-chop guy?). The one that suggests that your soap dispenser is so dirty that no one in your house should touch it- don't even look at it. And Mark's personal favorite: the wallet that holds 43 credit cards, your keys, about 73 cents in change and your neighbours' dog. According to the television, if I don't have all these necessary gadgets, I shouldn't be left alone without adult supervision. For the ladies out there....have you really ever had as much trouble shaving your legs as the girl who practically gives herself a concussion because she slipped in the tub trying to use the shaving cream? (although on a side note-if you buy razors because they're pretty, also buy band-aids)

The one I saw that inspired this little rant of mine is relatively new. It's trying to sell you on the fact that your bathroom hand towel so filthy you should now use disposable paper towel. Are you serious? How is this better for our already struggling environment? Towels can be washed (and hopefully are) on a regular basis. People- Wash your towels!!

Dear Marketing Departments,

We the people are smart, intelligent and educated. As such, we request that you discontinue your method of making us believe that we are inadequate without a device that will chop half a tomato to oblivion. We are through feeling like we don't know how to stack our Tupperware. No longer are we going to entertain the idea that drinking beer will somehow get us 40 new friends who love to dance and a summer cabin on the lake. Inform us of your deals and one-time offers. But, please know this, at NO TIME will I be sending you my gold-especially through the mail!!

Dear Purve,

Thanks.

Allow me to introduce myself....

2010-04-12T09:16:00.000-07:00

For those of you who know me well, my name is Cara Simpson Reinelt

For those of you who know me very well, my name is Cara Symonds Reinelt

and for those of you who know me better than most, my name is Cara Simpson Symonds Simpson Reinelt (there is a story behind that, and- no it does not involve the law).

I like food.

A LOT

If I have a good day- I'll treat myself to something sweet because I've earned it.

If I have a bad day- I'll have some unhealthy (but very tasty) comfort food and then I'll have something sweet because I've earned it.

My favorite is any simple carbohydrate of any kind. If I could have a sandwich made of potato, rice, bread and pasta with a side order of popcorn...it would be a perfect day, and that would deserve another treat!!

Most days I make the best possible choice, but others....not so much.

The Result shows on the scale.....

'nuf said.

Another thing about me...
I don't usually like drawing very personal attention to myself.
So this is how it's going to go...

ME?
I've decided to work really hard to not eat my potato, rice, pasta and popcorn sandwiches and make some serious changes. After reading The Kind Diet by Alicia Silverstone, I think I can do some serious damage to the produce section of my local grocery store(popcorn is a vegetable right?). I will do my very best to get to the gym regularly, and I have recently held a Starbucks intervention on myself (on our trip to Seattle last weekend, I saw the very first Starbucks ever. After seriously considering waiting in line, I realized that I need help).

This won't be easy.

YOU?
you won't mention any thing about it.

Just knowing that you know will be enough.

So there you go. I've decided to make some serious changes, hopefully drop a few pounds and swear off simple sugars and starch.

Although I don't think that's the only swearing I'll be doing.

Tuesday night after work...

2010-04-01T17:36:00.000-07:00

MARK: "Hey, there's a letter from the C.R.A. for you on the counter"

ME (in a voice very similar to Dr. Evil): "Dear Cara, you owe us 1 million dollars"

MARK: "Well?"

ME: "It's a cheque! For 72 bucks!"

MARK: "Sweet, dinner's on you"

This weeks challenge: always look on the bright side!

Runaway runner

2010-03-25T10:26:00.000-07:00

I have been working at Summit Chiropractic Studio for just over 2 years. We run. That's our thing. It's not our only thing but it's a large part of our routine. When I started, I was told that as a team, we go to conferences and part of that is a early morning run each day.

“Awesome!!!” was my first reaction. Having been an on and off again runner for a couple years I was excited to have something to help me with a consistent running schedule. (please see previous posts regarding my level of consistency and discipline). I did really well for a while and then....well just kinda went off the trail a little bit. Then got back on, then got lost. AGAIN. Starting to get I-can't-make-a-decision-related vertigo, I finally concluded that a back injury would solve all my problems and proceeded to hurt myself and delay any progress for almost 5 weeks. I loved running and I was getting pretty good at it, but back at the beginning again sucked!!

So out I went. And as I took a long drink of water from my 25$, Lululemon, lime-green water bottle sporting the phrase: I ♥ Running, I knew...

I HATE RUNNING!!

Seriously. It is not my sport. I enjoy going out occasionally, but it cannot be my daily exercise of choice. I realized that every time I spoke I used the words, I have to go running today, I should go for a run. There was a clear reason that I could not maintain a regular running schedule. Underneath it all – I hated it!

When it comes to fitness, I will do it if I love it. I can and will play tennis until the cows come home. (this is a true story- raised on a farm, I hit the ball against the house until - literally - the cows came home. Dad was thrilled with the dents I left in the siding and swiftly ended my rise to the pro-tennis leagues)

There are always things that I have to do but don't want to. It's just so much easier doing what I love. I like the gym, and recently getting back to it has made a huge difference how much I exercise, and how often. Running is something that I wish I wanted to do. I don't. And that's o.k.

I'm off to a conference tonight that starts with a 4 am run tomorrow. Will I run? Yep, but not because I have to. Because I know that I don't have to, and I get to go to the gym on Saturday!

Make sense?

A Dear Gym letter

2010-03-18T10:18:00.000-07:00

Oh..... hi Gym. Wow, this is awkward. It's been a long time hasn't it. Oh really, that long eh? Well, I'm sure that I can find a million reasons for not being around but you look good. Strong and fit.

Me? well.... I've been busy, you know how it is. I thought of you the other day when the elevator was not working and I had to walk the 5 flights of stairs. I thought about napping between the fourth and fifth floors, but I made it.

Gym, I want you to know that I strongly dislike you and yet enjoy your company at the same time. We have a very serious love / hate relationship at this point. I have a good time when I'm with you but when you call, seriously...voice-mail!! I feel energized and refreshed after visiting with you, and yet there are things that we need to talk about. Like the other day when I spent an hour with your friend Emily, who teaches the step class. By Thursday the only thing that didn't hurt was my hair. Honestly Gym, I sneezed on Friday and I thought I was going to need medical attention. What is up with that?

As much as I try to blame you for where I'm at right now, I know that I have to own my fair share of the responsibility. If I had made more of an effort to maintain our friendship over these last few months, there would be none of this painful awkwardness we're experiencing. But I'm back Gym, and I know that we will get past it. We'll get to know each other again and eventually be the best of friends.

See you tomorrow Gym, and hey....thanks for being there.

Cara

Face-to-facebook

2010-03-16T10:37:00.000-07:00

2000: “I will never have a cell phone, I think they're stupid. Ooooh look at me, I'm so important I need to be available to anyone all the time”.

2010: you can now reach me at my house, on my cell, through email, on facebook, either of my 2 blogs and as of 3 days ago...Twitter.

What is wrong with me? Do I really need to be so accessible at all times? And who am I to think that people are interested in what I have to say or what I had for lunch? Cara Symonds Reinelt had an awesome tuna sandwich today. (Although, if you are reading this it really was the best tuna sandwich and I thank you for your interest. Please feel free to leave a comment or ask for the recipe- they key is dill). Twitter, I'm not sure I understand fully, I signed up mostly to spy on celebrities. Mark pointed out that it's not actually spying if they put it out there for me to read, but Facebook, well.... In this busy world, where people are running out of time, it really is a handy tool to quickly check in with people. When I get home after work, the last thing I want to do is spend more time on the phone. So I fire up the FB and I am able to see how my friends and yes- my Mom spent their day.

My problem is remembering that this new social networking does NOT replace the real thing. My 96-year-old Grama asked if I forgot where she lived. Not gonna lie...that one stung. The art of speaking with real words is fading fast and nothing will replace that big bear hug from someone who just knew that you needed one that day. I enjoy interacting with the people that I love. Seeing their reactions to my stories, listening to theirs. However, where do I find the time for husband, work, gym, family, friends all in the same week. I don't even have kids yet!! I can't imagine what parents go through when you add in school, after-school, sleep-overs and birthday parties.

So, as I go forth into the world of mind blowing technology, I make a promise to myself.

I promise to:
-invite people over for dinner
-go out for dinner with people
-get together at least once a month with people
-go on trips with people
-play games with people

The connection is people. Personally. In person.

So go, have a great day, and and look for my personal facebook invite to the next dinner party.

Oh Canada

2010-03-01T15:50:00.000-08:00

Where did this Canadian Patriotism come from? Why was the desire there to paint my face with a red maple leaf as I sat in my living room watching T.V? It was not an option for me to leave the house yesterday without donning some sort of red / white clothing combo. When I see the commercial with Michael J. Fox and other British Columbian celebrities, I turn to Mark and say, “I live here too!” (He's too polite to say anything, but I'm pretty sure he thinks I've lost my mind).

When I was younger, I wanted to move. And yes, to the States. They have Hawaii, California, and Disneyland. I saw myself driving around in my convertible jeep on my way to my fabulous job at Seaworld, where I was the best dolphin trainer in all the world. This was after having lunch with Tom Cruise.

I love the ocean. Ask around. Any water actually. I'm usually the first person in the lake in the summer- I believe the earliest I have ever gone in was May.

I love the sun. A day at the beach, for me, is wasted if I can't there by 9:30am. There's not much that can keep me inside on a beautiful summer day.

So, as a young teenager, why would I want to stick around the North Okanagan? Summers were great, sure, but learning to surf on Shuswap Lake? Did you know that if you take a scuba diving course in Salmon Arm the only thing you get to see in the lake is NOTHING??? It's black. Trust me.

Now as I look around, I LOVE Canada, British Columbia and the Okanagan. This is my home. This is where I met my handsome husband. This is where my friends are raising their beautiful children. My life is here.

If I had gone off to California, where would I be? It might have been great... or I might've ended up working the concession stand beside Space Mountain at Disneyland dressed as a giant churro. Who knows, but what good would it do me to think about the what if's or the what could have been's? If I did that I would never be able to appreciate where I am. Life is pretty good here in Kelowna, British Columbia, Canada and it's my job to remember that.

Congrats to all our wonderfully, talented Canadian Athletes!!

Ahhh....Spring

2010-02-23T18:51:00.000-08:00

I know- it's February. And as my husband so lovingly pointed out, I cannot complain about the cold and still where flip flops. I don't care, I'm done with winter.

As the studio was on break this past week, I took the opportunity to do some spring cleaning around the house. I am proud to say that you could snoop through almost all the cupboards, drawers, doors and closets in our home and find things amazingly organized and orderly (I know, the word almost is in there and I'll get to the storage room – eventually).

Starting with clothes and shoes - including the 3 new pairs that I bought 2 days before - I went through every item that I owned and packed up everything that hadn't been seen outside the apartment in the last year. The next day I hit the laundry/storage room. Then the kitchen, and then the bathroom cupboards. (Seriously...who needs 3 cans of hairspray?) Each day a different room.

The final result was not only a clean and organized house but a very happy wife who actually has a place for the grill she got as a wedding present 5 years ago because she finally got rid of the 27 mismatched (and plastic) glasses and mugs that she kept when she left home 16 years ago.

Now...can this be maintained? Yes. If I don't wait for that one day when I can find the time to do everything. So what that looks like is...Mondays- clean the laundry room, Tuesdays- clean the bathrooms, Wednesdays-bedrooms and so on and so on. If I schedule15-20 minutes a day to take on one task at a time, it saves me having to do EVERYTHING in really long, tiring day.

Try it. Start with one room and feel free to let go of what you don't use. It you haven't touched it in a year- you may not need it! Spring is fresh and clean and new and bright. How awesome would it be to have that feeling inside and out!!

Enjoy!

Happy Valentine's Day, I got you a.....

2010-02-09T18:08:00.000-08:00

BANJO!!!

February starts out like EVERY February. I say to Mark, "Valentine's Day-no gifts- really no gifts, no cards. I don't need anything. Lets go for dinner and a movie". He says, " O.K. but I kinda already got you something, well... not just for you, it's more for US. I only hope that it's here by then!!"

Dread. Fear. Cautious anticipation.

Feb 14, 2009....

I am running late for our after work dinner date, racing into the house, when I am stopped dead in my tracks by the lovely? twangy sounds of a banjo coming from the next room.

What do I do next? Do I flee? Obviously some one has broken into the house and is sitting in the living room playing the banjo, because (if you've met him) we all know that it CANNOT be my husband.

But it is.

"I'm serenading you", he says proudly, looking like a kid at Christmas. "Happy Valentine's Day!"
I'm very proud to say that he has purchased "us" a very nice banjo and is currently learning (Banjo's for Dummies) how to play. And, although the "song" that he played for me on that very first night wasn't anything I could recognize, I expect big, big things from this particular musician.

May you have an amazing Valentine's day with the ones you love but I ask that you remember to celebrate your spouse, friends and family throughout the year. Don't wait for one day in February to acknowledge who they are and what they mean to you. Do your best to maintain a regular date-night with your significant other. Have a girls night, guys night or game night. Studies prove that the people who live the longest are the ones who are surrounded by the right people and are connecting on a regular basis.

I wonder what they say about listening to banjo music?

Happy Valentine's Day

Cat-like Reflexes

2010-02-08T16:53:00.000-08:00

Where does your motivation come from? What inspires you? I only ask because I recently found mine in a VERY unusual source.

I went for an interval run on Friday morning. And I was focused. I was going to run this far, this fast and for this many minutes at a time. NOTHING was going to break my concentration

So...

this feels good, I can do this.
good...keep this pace.
Look! A cat!
No! Focus.
Seriously...that's a huge cat.
Cara - get it together.... You have 32 more seconds.
But that cat is not moving.
Is it dead? It's not even blinking.
Good. The timer went - I can walk.
What is the problem with that cat?

So, not one to refuse an excuse to stop running, I continued to watch that stupid cat for a few more minutes. Without a word of a lie it did not blink, move or even breathe. It was sitting in a picture window staring at something. A large black crow (ruffling his feathers in a rather taunting and provoking manner) was sitting on a phone line just outside and out of reach. From what I witnessed, the bird seemed to be thoroughly enjoying himself.

I could have dressed in a giant fish costume and lit myself on fire outside that window and the cat would not have even looked at me. All it wanted was that bird.

So as I continue with my run, I start to wonder how is it that a cat can maintain such a level of concentration and I can't walk from one room to another without forgetting why I was going there in the first place?

The answer is simple. This particular cat was living in the moment. There are no fond memories, embarrassing regrets or plans for the future when you are a cat. You live in the now. There are no distractions. Do you think that cat cared about what I was doing outside his window? As if!!

As the length of my running route expands, I will do my best to maintain a feline-like concentration and live in the moment. Maybe a good idea would be to stop peering into the neighbours windows at their animals.

Be well.

Creature of habit

2010-02-03T11:00:00.001-08:00

hab⋅it

–noun

1.	an acquired behavior pattern regularly followed until it has become almost involuntary: the habit of looking both ways before crossing the street.

2.	customary practice or use: Daily bathing is an American habit.

3.	a particular practice, custom, or usage: the habit of shaking hands.

4.	a dominant or regular disposition or tendency; prevailing character or quality: She has a habit of looking at the bright side of things.

Whether good ones (buckling up) or bad ones (speeding) , I am a creature of habit .

It took me 20 some odd years to stop biting my nails. My mom tried to pay me a quarter a day for every day I didn't. This meant a poor childhood and my first job at 11 years old (picking raspberries - most of which I ate resulting in a pitiful amount of money at the end of the week but I remember waving around my $8.00 paycheck like I had just won the lottery - 8 BUCKS!! I was loaded).

I was talking with one of our amazing practice members the other day and we were both lamenting that we had a million unfinished projects in our homes. Her ceiling remains almost all painted while the 15 beautiful picture frames I bought a year ago are completely empty (there are currently no pictures in our house to prove that Mark and I actually live there).

So how can this creature of habit never stick to anything? WAIT! As I write this, I'm having an epiphany - maybe not following through is a habit in itself!! It's the very definition of irony!! So how do I break this pattern? By finishing one project before starting another? Finishing what I've already started? By never starting anything ever again?

Studies show that it takes a minimum of 21 days for anything to become a habit. This means 21 days of going for a run, 21 days of not biting my nails, 21 days of having a proper meal before I dive into the bowl of popcorn.

I can stick to anything for 21 days, the key is consistency. I think I'll start with finishing current projects.

Now, if you'll excuse me... I have to go and mail last years birthday cards.

Be Well.

And the winner is....

2010-02-01T14:02:00.000-08:00

I watched 20-30 minutes of the Miss America pageant the other night. After about 7 minutes I was completely invested in Miss California. I wanted her to win. I thought she looked, walked and talked the part. When asked how she would handle a wardrobe malfunction if it were to occur, she quickly responded with, "I don't think it will but if it something like that happened - it would totally happen to me". (Please refer back to my Jan 23rd post to know why I immediately related to this girl). She was funny, beautiful and come on...she was from California!!

The talent within each of these girls was out of this world- ballet, opera, classical piano...gone are the days of baton twirling. Unless you were to light it on fire and juggle chainsaws, it just wasn't going to cut it.

Miss Virginia, Carissa Cameron won the title in the end. She was so incredibly happy, you could see this was a dream come true. I was cheering right along with her and who I can only assume was her overjoyed, very, very excited mother. As I cried tears of joy for a girl I didn't know a thing about but after 13 minutes decided that she clearly deserved the title of Miss America, I thought....

When was the last time I was that happy for someone I DID know? When have I celebrated along side a friend with pure joy and no hesitation? Saying nothing like...Are you sure? Do you realize...? Maybe you should...? My questions and cautions are all out of love, but I realize that I can be quite the downer.

This week I will rejoice in good news and not question it. I will not wait for the other shoe to drop, expect the worst or assume that I know better. Let the celebrations begin!!!

I'll start by congratulating the first runner-up Miss California!!

Be well.

all the small things

2010-01-26T18:09:00.000-08:00

I left for work this morning at 6:15am. My husband Mark still sleeping, the house in order and remarkably clean (if I do say so myself). As I leave I write a sweet little note on the fridge saying that I love him and I wish for him to have an amazing day.

He leaves for work at 9:00am. I arrive back at our humble abode at about 10:45. I am SO looking forward to a relaxing break before I head back to work.

Well.....

The bed was "made"- if you don't count the lump of clothes that are still under the covers.
There are dried egg whites on the outside of the fridge. Exactly how will remain a mystery.
There are dishes in the sink although the dishwasher is completely empty.
I don't even want to talk about the slip covers on the couch and love seat.
Laundry left on the chair.
The remote for the X BOX left exactly where I would trip over it, fall and give myself a concussion due to the fact that I cracked my head on the coffee table.
And there's no stinkin' note telling me how much he loves me and would be lost without me.

As I start to clean I see...

The flowers he buys me on the 18th of each month (for the last 5 years) to remember the date we were married.
The bed was made.
He had a healthy breakfast.
He emptied the dishwasher.
The chicken that is defrosting for the dinner that will be ready for me when I get home.
He does his own laundry.
He had the time to play before he went off to work.

I don't need no stinkin' note.

Today- even if for just one day- I ask you stop seeing the little things and start focusing on all the small things.

Be well

all that's missing....

2010-01-23T16:33:00.000-08:00

Ever have one of those days when all that's missing is the toilet paper on the bottom of your shoe?

Mine happened the first week of January. Right after I made all those resolutions.

(I didn't actually make resolutions but I did write down what I want for myself, friends and family in the year 2010. Rather than the forceful: I WILL stop having popcorn for dinner, I wrote something like: I see myself maintaining a balanced diet that includes popcorn as a treat not a food group).

The first 3 that I wrote for myself included:

I see myself walking with confidence
No longer am I motivated by what people think
I am maintaining a consistent exercise / running routine

Monday, January 4th

I feel fantastic.

Tuesday, January 5th.

wake up late
run out the door with a coffee but without breakfast
very ungracefully get out of the car, spilling the contents of my purse on to the seat
walk across the street (this is the only thing that was easy that day)
trip UP the stairs outside of the Landmark Towers during the busiest part of the day
try to prevent myself from falling on my face, twist and re-injure my back, which prevents me from running for another 2 weeks
spend the rest of the day feeling sorry for myself and thinking that it was foolish of me to assume that things would change

Did I mention I chipped my new coffee cup during my spectacular fall?

So, after a short while of feeling pitiful, I wonder: Is there a lesson here?

Nothing changes overnight. I will be faced with obstacles and situations that will seem insurmountable. When this happens, I have two options:

A) Stare at these overwhelming situations and think, here we go again, nothing ever changes and then give up.

OR

B) Recognize this as an opportunity to get up, dust off and walk confidently even after a fall. Realize that people care more about if you are o.k. rather than making fun of the fact that you fell in the first place. Come to the conclusion that running will still be there in two weeks and I've always wanted to try yoga. And....a chipped coffee cup is an excellent reason to get yourself a new coffee cup.

I choose B.