Water

Water. We all need it, we've all heard the eight cups a day rule. Some days this is easier to "swallow" than others.

My sister religiously carries a water bottle with her everywhere, she gets her minimum requirement and then some each and every day. My parents, especially my dad, get their water intake through just about anything else besides water! We have been after him for years to drink more water.

A great way to start your morning is with a nice glass as soon as you wake up. It hydrates you and helps you face the day, even before your coffee or breakfast drink of choice. Why not start off with a cup and be ahead of the game?

I recently discovered the magic of a water pitcher with a diffuser through the middle. It allows you to flavor your water with anything you like and change the flavor as often as you want. Brilliant! Today's flavor happens to be blueberry and basil, fresh picked from my pots in the backyard! It's refreshing and keeps tempting me to drink more! I've experimented with many flavor combinations, some we have enjoyed better than others. Cucumber, watermelon, pineapple, peach, lemon, lime, mint, orange, all have been sampled throughout the summer. I'm thinking about trying lavender next. Really there is no right or wrong, just change your ingredients every few days and enjoy!

Sounds silly, but water is so important to keeping us healthy and if you can swap out a glass or two of water in place of a sugary drink or soda, it's a win win! Now I have to get to work to convince my dad of this practice. Maybe I haven't hit upon the right flavor, just gives me motivation to keep trying. Water, who knew it could be so fun?

Preparing for the Final Days

One of our favorite rituals involves lazy Sunday mornings, dressed in our most comfy of comfy pj's, steaming mug of coffee and settled comfortably on the couch watching the show CBS Sunday Morning. It's a fantastic program that features short stories, sometimes based on a theme, usually very interesting and always well delivered. My husband and I could always be found this way on any given Sunday, enjoying our hour or so of a.m. television.

Well those days are gone! 

Now it's usually recorded and watched whenever we can grab a free chunk of time, more often than not, mid-week and in between refereeing our three kids. Needless to say, it does not carry the same effect it does on a lazy, quiet Sunday morning! But we manage to forge on and still enjoy the show. A few weeks ago we happened to both be seated together and caught up on the latest episode, and much to our surprise the show featured a wonderful segment on our own Gundersen Health System! They showed scenes of downtown La Crosse, and interviewed some locals in a coffee shop. In case you missed it, the theme for the week was death. A grim topic for sure, but this segment remained rather upbeat. In our small town at last count, 96 percent of the people who passed away here had created advance directives. That's the highest percentage of end-of-life planning in a nation where only about 30 percent of all adults have such a document.

An advance directive is a statement of patient preferences that tells everyone else: This is what I do (and do not) want to keep me going--and perhaps most importantly, who will speak for me when I can't. It is a fantastic program that helps ease the burden of decision making if such an event arises. It's not the most pleasant topic to discuss, but at some point the end comes for all of us, in one form or another. A hefty topic to ponder while sipping coffee on a sofa! But it did raise a discussion between my husband and I--one where we both shed some light onto how and what our wishes would be. 

La Crosse is definitely doing something right! The segment is a great reminder of having things in place, and planning ahead if possible. It's worth watching, if for no other reason than to see our community in a national spotlight, for taking the initiative that may help many families.

"The ultimate content of this conversation, I think, isn't about death," said Gundersen's Bud Hammes. "I think the ultimate topic that's being discussed is how people care for each other. And so what comes out at the end of the conversation is, 'I love you, and I now know how to take good care of you.'"

Being Prepared for the Final Days

On yoga...and spirituality...

Down dog, up dog, warrior one, warrior two, crescent lunge, child's pose. 

Some of you may recognize some of these yoga terms, others may not. They are all terms used to describe certain poses done during a yoga practice. 

Whether challenging your balance, your coordination, your strength or maybe your spirit, the benefits of yoga are too numerous to mention. For me lately, it's been a place I've been going to, at the end of a busy week, to stretch not only my limbs but my psyche as well. I've found a great sense of peace and a calming effect that yoga has on me. 

One of the core elements to Gundersen Health's Balance Your 7 is spirituality. 

For some, there is an obvious place to find this, a church or place of worship is where you seek comfort. For others it maybe in the company of nature, or fellow friends. I find myself enlightened in multiple places, one of which is while practicing yoga. Lately the positive energy in my classes has been almost palpable, something that lifts one's spirits, especially needed during this dreary period of weather we have been experiencing. I look forward to gaining physical strength with each class I attend, but also I find I've been looking inward and finding out a bit more about myself too. 

Self discovery and growth is not the side effect I thought I would find in a sweaty yoga class, but when struggling to do dancer pose or going up in wheel, I learn a bit more about who I am and how I can continue to travel in the same direction or change course if need be. There are many mottos to live by, many ways to live. Yoga may not be for everyone, I'm so thankful I found it and it found me, may I continue to grow with each practice. 

I feel like someday my soul will thank me!

Want to learn more about yoga?

Birkie Recap

Well I survived the darn ski race. It was quite the experience, not all of it wonderful, but overall very worth it! 

Just before departing for the weekend, I read one of Eleanor Roosevelt's famous quotes "Do something everyday that scares you." Well, this certainly captured that feeling the morning of the race. After receiving a dumping of about nine inches of fresh snow, the thermometer read three degrees above zero as we set out to ski! 

As a general rule, I won't venture out when it's below ten, but looks like I didn't have a choice on this day. So along with about 10,000 fellow racers, we donned our ski clothes and prepared to set off. I was at the very back of the pack, as I chose (one of the only WISE things I did) to ski the 12k race, the "Baby Birkie."

Many of the other racers started a couple of hours before. After stepping into skis and shedding our warm top layer, we waited for our time to depart. Our first kilometer was across an open field, with a direct head wind! Did I mention it was three degrees out? I had some serious second thoughts, but the choice to turn around wasn't much of an option, forward it was. Once we passed the field, the woods blocked most of the wind, the sun was shining, and I decided to try to enjoy the experience as a whole. I can easily say that I did!  

It was difficult terrain, mostly uphill and down, very little flat space to glide. But because of the snow conditions from the night before, and the fact I was skiing over snow that thousands before me had skied, it was like slogging through mashed potatoes! But the ski community as a whole is a smiling, friendly bunch, so I kept on slogging! I was so happy to have the finish line in my sights, and join up with other fellow finishers! And it gave me such a great sense of accomplishment that I completed something that really did scare me! That Eleanor was one smart lady. A friend asked me shortly after the race ended if I would do it again. At this point, with well over a year to prepare, I say sure, bring it on! And to borrow another great quote from Mrs. Roosevelt "I could not at any age be content to take my place in a corner by the fireside and simply look on." 

I'll just sit by the fireside after I finish the race!

Plastic surgery is great option for many patients

Some friends and I recently had a discussion regarding plastic surgery. 

 To do or not to do? 

 We know several people who work in this field, and have had the privilege of seeing some of the wonderful things that plastic surgeons and their staff can achieve. 

Did you know how many patients after cancer treatments, see a plastic surgeon to have reconstructive surgery? They are able to do a flap, and give the patient back some feeling of self after radiation. Or maybe they have had to undergo a mastectomy and have elected to have implants. After speaking with the surgeons they say patients have such a sense of gratitude and are so appreciative to feel more like themselves with the help of this procedure. 

The other side to this discussion are more elective cases. Like my friends and I were discussing, after the combination of age and childbearing, our bodies are not like they used to be! Nor do we expect them to be, but after eating healthy and regular exercise, it can become a frustrating place to find yourself. I've seen women's self esteem plummet, due to poor body image. I'm not advocating for or against surgical options, but it is so nice to know that there are just that, options. 

The friends I know who have chosen to have an augmentation or a tummy tuck have been so very pleased. It's all done very tastefully and has boosted their sense of overall confidence with regards to their bodies. There are many things to consider, price, downtime, risk, and it is certainly not for everyone. But it is so wonderful to have such an option right in our backyard. 

I think the stigma of plastic surgery has changed, and needs to change. These talented surgeons offer such hope to patients, and it's not all about boobs and botox! Have any questions, don't hesitate to consult with your local Gundersen plastic surgeon today!


gundersenhealth.org/plastic-surgery

Heading to the 'Birkie' this weekend!

As this winter stacks up as one to remember, or maybe more accurately, one we may never forget, we can say we are more than half way there and spring will come. 

With that being said, my husband and I have committed to participating in our first ever Birkebeiner ski race. Some of you may be asking what that is. Well it's an annual ski race, either classic cross country or skate ski style, that occurs in Cable, Wisconsin every February. As I've written before, we have taken up the sport of skate skiing, and are now throwing our hat into the racing ring. Although, at this point, having not been on my skis in over a month, I am seriously reconsidering this decision! 

Who am I fooling, I'm not cut out for this! I guess I'm in it purely for the experience and the chance to head north with a great group of people. I will be attempting to finish 12 kilometers, and my husband will be skiing the Kortelopet, which is 23 kilometers. The true Birkie is 50 grueling kilometers, complete with a challenging course filled with giant hills and thousands of spectators watching your every move! 

I guess there is a place along the race course where the skiers come flying downhill and have to make a very tricky turn. It is here that a group of wonderful fans sit to "judge" those who fall, and just how spectacular their wipeouts are. 

Note to self, don't be fooled by what sounds like a great idea in June, because race time is officially here! I was half hoping for sub-zero temperatures so that I could bow out gracefully, ha! Are my nerves coming through in print? It will be quite the experience to be in the presence of elite athletes and watch them perform with elegance and grace. If nothing else I will definitely earn that post-race beverage! 

So while you watch those gifted athletes at the Olympics this weekend, remember that there is a tremendous event taking place in your own state. A ski marathon like no other. And your friendly blogger is a reluctant participant! Feel free to send those support vibes, I know I could use every one of them. See you on the other side of the finish line!

For more information about this fantastic race, its history and all the crazy events happening throughout race weekend, check out the link below.

birkie.com

Getting...and staying...active in the New Year

Have you started your January off on the right foot? 

Have you started a new exercise regime or continued with a routine from before? There was a very timely article on the Balance Your 7 website called 10 tips to restart your exercise habit and keep it going.

The gym is now packed with all sorts of New Year's resolution goers. I give everyone credit for getting out and getting active. 

Maybe the gym is not your thing. Try snowshoeing--one look outside and you can see that we have more than enough snow! Or skiing, cross country or downhill. Maybe walking in the mall or another building that would allow that. I know my mom and her friend walk every single morning in their neighborhood, but they head indoors when the weather doesn't allow. 

I've found that I need new motivation when trying to run that extra mile. I've started to download podcasts and books on cd to push me that extra step. I know I'm capable of going further physically, it's the mental challenge that I need to overcome. I try to keep my mind anywhere but focusing on the distance I have yet to go! That's why exercising with a friend is so wonderful! When given the opportunity it's so refreshing to workout side by side and suffer together! A partner keeps us in check and motivates us to push ourselves.

However you choose to start the year, try a new class or a new form of exercise. You won't regret it, and your body and overall well-being will thank you!

Balancing the seven dimensions of wellness

I know I've written before about the value of friendship and how crucial good people in our lives are. It can encompass all of the seven dimensions of wellness of Balance Your Seven..

When we have good folks that populate our circle we are more enriched and blossom. 

I recently took a walk with one of these people who have helped to enrich my life. We had a great chat, and then I grew sad. I have recently begun to realize how many of these people from my past I have lost contact with. For one reason or another I have let many important friendships drift away to the point I no longer know anything about those people any longer. This fact saddens me. 

Why does this happen? In my case it is partly a result of several moves in recent years, and children who occupy the majority of my time. But this is really no excuse. I have decided to be a bit more proactive and reach out to those who I've drifted from. I know several of us have changed, and maybe people come into our lives for only a short time and for a certain reason. This helps shape who we are as individuals. 

I was with a girlfriend recently who I only see maybe once a year. I realized that I don't know her as well as I thought I did, and the side to her that I recently saw was not my favorite. She is at a stressful period in her life and this highlighted a very forceful, negative part of her personality. Maybe it's a good thing we don't live next door to one another and only get together briefly. I told my walking companion this and she too has experienced a similar "falling out" of many friends. I guess this is a lesson in holding those you hold dear very close. We must not take for granted our relationships, but as I've found it might be better that certain people live several states away!

Please visit balanceyour7.com to see how we can enrich these areas in our lives.

Gone fishin'

Well, we are about at the mid point in our journey through summer. 

 Are you getting out and staying active? Have you eaten your fill of farm-fresh strawberries? 

 Or are you like me and wondering where the time has gone and why this season has to fly by in a blink when other, colder seasons seem to drag on forever?

I have checked a few goals off my list, including going fly fishing for the first time in more than ten years! We live in an area blessed with spectacular places to explore and try to catch a beautiful trout or two! Within 30 minutes of leaving our home, we were standing in the middle of stream, surrounded by bluffs and the peace of being in the middle of nature, alone with nothing but our thoughts and a fly rod! It didn't even dampen my spirits to walk away without a fish. I felt fulfilled enough just to have started my day off this way. 

I've often said this area is what you make of it. There is no shortage of actives to try out. We have the beautiful Mississippi right out our doorstep, and the lush streams that feed it just over the bluffs. So go grab a pint of fresh-picked berries, grab a friend and try to hook into a new hobby! Or maybe you are a master fly fisherman or woman? Teach this beautiful sport to someone new. But don't wait too long, summer is halfway over!

Fly Fishing

Fishing Reports

Sun Safety

The battle has begun. The battle of sunscreen versus squirmy children and an insistent mother.

"Stand still or you will get it in your eyes."

"Rub it in, you missed a spot!"

"Mom, it's cold, stop!"

All of these and more, are frequently heard in our house, morning, noon and night. We have started our summer activities and the sun has finally reappeared--so has the infamous white cream. I have started to do more homework on the type of sunscreen that I choose to use. There is no shortage of options--sprays, lotions, sticks, foams.

Which is best, which is safest? We want a broad spectrum, protecting from both harmful UVA and UV rays. Guidelines recommend an spf rating of 15- 50+, but do not forget to reapply and reapply often. A higher spf tends to make people believe they are protected for longer, which is not true. In short, ingredients matter. Avoid any sun product whose label says retinyl palmitate, retinol or vitamin A. Look for ingredients zinc oxide, avobenzone and Mexoryl SX. These protect us from harmful UVA radiation. Avoid the sunscreen chemical oxybenzone, a synthetic estrogen that penetrates the skin and can disrupt the hormone system.

The best sun protection is to use common sense, cover up when you can and seek or create shade. Color on our skin does not mean healthy. This is such an important message to teach our children, especially teenagers. So while the battle rages on in my house, and many others, it's such an important one. Be sensible, and proactive, and if you can, practice your wrestling moves! It's helped me, and ultimately we will do anything to keep our kids safe.


Sun Safety Tips

Go 'Fore' It!

I finally made it out to do one of my favorite things, favorite healthy things that is.

I hit some golf balls on the driving range and putting green for about an hour. I was one of the only people there, standing in the glorious sunshine that has been missing in Wisconsin for the past nine months! I'm not sure what I enjoyed the most--the solitude, the sun on my face, or the feel of the ball as it sailed in the general direction that I wanted it to go! Unfortunately the last scenario didn't happen as often as I would have liked, but the sunshine and warm weather made up for it!

Golfing is such a great way to get outside and get a bit of exercise. My husband and I enjoy playing this sport together and we are finding that as our kids age a bit it's a fantastic family activity. You don't have to be a pro, clearly just watch me play, but you can easily find enjoyment! We prefer to walk when we have the time. It's a great opportunity to chat, enjoy the weather, and get a little exercise in the meantime. There are abundant places to play in the Coulee Region, and it's a game you can take on the road! My mom has even picked up a club after retiring, my grandma is an avid golfer and she's in her late eighties. Go grandma!

It's a life-long sport, and it's never too late to try. Take it from me, I'm one hack on the course, but I keep at it and sometimes it's possible to even surprise yourself with an awesome shot now and then. Go "Fore" it, you know you want to!


Check out the number of calories burned playing nine holes of golf!

Here is a listing of area golf courses.

Local abundance!

As summer very slowly makes its way to our region of the world, with it comes an abundance of produce, farmer's markets, and an overall feeling of fresh.

I read a quick interview with the author of the book Cooked by Michael Pollan. He says that the number one thing we can do to be healthier is to cook at home. He stresses that cooking is key to changing our health and the environment, and those who cook for themselves consume a healthier diet. One of the points that he made is that if we let corporations cook for us, they are going to buy food from the biggest monocultures. But we as consumers have a choice. We can take time out of our day and choose the food we prepare, how we prepare it and where it comes from.

The citizens of the Coulee Region are fortunate to be surrounded by agricultural heaven! We have local farmer's markets several times a week, where produce grown locally can be purchased only hours after it was picked! We can drive right up to a farmer's door and pick the cow, pig, sheep, etc that we want to have butchered for our freezer. We can see how it was raised and what it was fed.

I'm trying my best to buy more locally and shop healthier. As summer finally arrives I hope to continue to frequent our local farmer's markets and experiment with new recipes! Cooking can be such a joy, and seeing my kids try new things and discovering they enjoy them makes it worthwhile.

Now If I could only get them to do all the dishes.

For more, see this article: Buying local and organic food on the Balance Your 7 website.

Spring cleaning

I can already smell the lemony Pine Sol, the fresh air coming through the open windows. Clean, swept garage, bye bye sand, salt and dirt! Closets cleaned and unused clothes bagged and donated! It's a lot of work to get there, but such a great, freeing feeling after it's done!

But what about spring cleaning for ourselves? I've never given this much thought before, to me this term only evoked feelings of a clean house, a clean personal space. 

The other day, during a yoga class, our instructor discussed spring cleaning for ourselves. What has been weighing us down, what could we shed to clean ourselves up? How much baggage do we carry that isn't worth it? I could think of a few things that I could easily afford to let go. Maybe it's a gradual change, or maybe it will involve a bit more effort to feel the total cleanse. Either way, it's a great analogy for this time of year. I know when a closet is cleaned and organized or a garage cleaned and readied for summer I feel lighter, cleaner somehow. I know the feeling of turning this theory onto myself will feel even better. I decided that that it's never too late to start, so my personal, spring cleaning started already. I'm not expecting drastic changes overnight, but just by making this thought present, the actions will follow. There are several great articles that will help with this task on the Gundersen Lutheran Balance Your 7 website, like mindful meditation, and other ways to de-stress. Now after working on my internal cleaning, it's just about time to tackle the garage. If only sand and dirt were a valuable commodity!

www.balanceyour7.com

Sometimes the 'bugs' win!

There is never a good time to get sick, not for anyone at any age.

I have to say this is especially true for moms or dads who stay home with kids.

It's inevitable, and you know that when living with kids who are constantly exposed to germs, our time to fall will happen. My time arrived bright and early Monday morning, ugh, a Monday after the holiday, double ugh! I was struck with some sort of vile stomach bug. I promise to spare all details to the dear readers of this blog, only to say that I felt like a useless pile of ice.

Somehow you find some reserve of energy to get all the troops assembled for school, clothed, fed and out the door in time. I returned from the school drop off to promptly take up residence on the couch.

Now to entertain a two-and-a-half year-old.

Thank goodness for technology and Max and Ruby. I think we completed a marathon of cartoon watching and book reading. It's certainly no fun to be sick, not for anyone at anytime. I think I'm fishing for some sympathy. In reality I was very fortunate to be able to stay home and rest. Even better I felt much like my old self 24 hours later. Now all fingers and toes are crossed so that no one else is subjected to this vile bug.

We moms, and dads too, are tough, even if we are managing things from our perch on the couch!

'Tis the season: Burning Off the Splurge!

There is a great, and might I add, very timely, article on the Balance Your 7 website. It's titled Burning Off the Splurge.

I needed to read this after spending Thanksgiving weekend at my parents' house.

I'm just wondering when they discuss splurging once in awhile, if I can condense mine into a few days worth? Did I need that extra slice of pumpkin pie, at 10 a.m.? No, but someone had to eat it, Grandma worked so hard to make it!

When they discuss coupling your indulgences with exercise, does walking the dog a few miles count, or chasing the kids? I had great intentions of running in the annual Turkey Trot, but we didn't get to town in time. The next day, it was too icy to run outside, so I tried walking off a few calories while Christmas shopping at the mall! I know it's not the same as vigorous exercise, but it's nice to read an article like this and know it's ok to indulge periodically and remember that all things are ok if done in moderation. It isn't often that I have pumpkin pie for breakfast, in fact it's about once a year. I think that qualifies as moderation!

And as far as catching up on my exercise after a weekend of indulging, there's always Monday!

My first acupuncture treatment...

I'm blogging to follow up from my acupuncture entry.

I went in for my appointment, late in the afternoon, the day before Thanksgiving.

The Gundersen Lutheran clinic was a ghost town, everyone scrambling to leave for the holiday. Have I mentioned that my biggest phobia in life are needles? So the idea of getting stuck with multiple needles does not render a great sense of calm! So I sat in the empty waiting area and my nerves kicked into overdrive. Once in the actual room, we briefly discussed the reason for my visit, my injured lower back. The practitioner explained that she would insert several hairpin sized needles, once inserted, she would attach a "pens" unit to stimulate the needles, causing a body buzzing sensation. I jumped when one of them was inserted, but after quickly being adjusted the pain went away.

I'm not sure what I was expecting, relaxation, pain, pressure? I felt several sensations, anxiety, calm, body buzz, some feelings familiar and some brand new. Laying on an exam table for twenty minutes with multiple needles vibrating in my back, I tried to train my mind to focus on anything other than what I was doing.

Admittedly it wasn't the best half hour I've ever spent, but by far not the worst. My body "buzz" lasted a bit after my appointment, one of the after effects of acupuncture.

I scheduled another session closer to Christmas. In order to see improvement, these treatments must be done on a regular basis. I know the next time I go my anxiety won't be so high, as the fear of the unknown is over. I'll focus on using the half hour of downtime as a chance to try to relax. After all, a practice that has been in existence for 5,000 years or more should be given a fair chance to prove it's worth it!

The origins of acupuncture...

Bedtime Book Bash is a smash!

We all know the saying "it takes a village."

Well I think this is especially important in today's world.

At my kid's elementary school this week they had a Bedtime Book Bash. This is an annual event where local community "celebrities" come in a read a book to the children.

We rotated between three rooms for fifteen minutes each. We listened to a book being read by the fire chief, and got some great fire safety information on top of it! We listened about princes and princesses from a grocery store executive in another. Our final stop was in a room with a volunteer dog and his person. The person did the reading, but all of the attention was on Odin, the yellow lab. We learned about adoption from the Humane Society and the pooch got a lot of extra loving!

All of this was done with the kids wearing their pajamas and being in a safe and comfortable environment.

The members of the community volunteered to come in and do this, I think the volunteer list included more than fifteen people. It was fun to watch the kid's expressions as they listened to the book or got to ask a question. We ended the Book Bash with a snack in the cafeteria with all of their friends. My 5-year-old thought it was especially exciting to drive home in the dark, with her pjs on. When she whispered "That was super fun!" I wished I could have recorded it to show the volunteers what a great thing they had just done.

It does take a village, but sometimes it doesn't take much to make a big impact! My gratitude goes out to all of those who helped make this a special night.

Thanksgiving.

An often overlooked holiday, but happens to be one of my favorites!

Sure, it lacks the excitement of Christmas or the drama of Halloween, but that's precisely why I like it! It's a time to get together with family or close friends and just celebrate with a great meal.

We always have the traditional turkey with all it's fixings. After a slice of my grandma's homemade pumpkin pie and a glass or two of wine, conversation and relaxation is enjoyed at it's utmost. Sure, there is always the logistics and clean up to plan for, but the pleasure is in the togetherness.

I'm excited to journey back to my parent's house this year where my grandparents, aunt and uncle and cousins will all be together. This will be the first year that my husband will try deer hunting with my father! Who knows, maybe this will be part of our new tradition! My mother will be fixing the main courses, and she has put me in charge of bringing dinner rolls and a green salad. I think in the grand scheme of Thanksgiving preparation I'm getting off as lightly as possible. I guess that means I'll be on dish duty!

However you plan on celebrating the holiday this year, I hope it's one of your best ever. I know when I look around at my little family, I have everything in the world to be thankful for.

Flu season has arrived!

Well the season of cold and flu has officially descended and decided to make a stop in our house.

We have had a terrific year of almost perfect health, so you knew it had to end!

Our youngest came down with a cold over the weekend and as the week progressed it turned into a dry, barking cough. One trip to the pediatrician confirmed she had croup. Add to that a low-grade fever and one round of vomiting at 1 a.m., and you can imagine how the poor kid feels.

With a sick child at home every schedule is turned upside down and things get set aside until all is well. One of the main reasons is I have zero energy to tackle much more! After fighting round one of the cold and flu season, it drives home the point to make sure to get your flu shots. Two of our five family members have had theirs, but we need to wait until we are all healthy to get the mist, our preferred method of delivery.

Gundersen Lutheran makes it easy to get vaccinated. There are flu clinics everywhere, and it's a fast and painless way to try to avoid a week like I've had! Take it from this exhausted mom, run, don't walk to go get yours!



http://www.gundluth.org/flu

Finding balance

If you have a few minutes of free time during the day, do you find yourself using some type of social media?

Maybe you twit or tweet or find yourself checking Facebook. I find myself doing this far too often during the day when I have a few seconds of down time. It does keep me informed of social news on a very timely basis. I have found that I stayed in touch with people or found people I have lost touch with and reconnected. It has allowed me to track events and stay on top of things in our community.

But I have found that although it has become a fixture in my life, with a computer parked on my kitchen counter, it has also become a huge waste of my precious free time. I have become somewhat addicted to checking what others are doing on Facebook, or keeping up to the minute on daily social ongoings.

I need to find a time to dedicate to doing this once, maybe twice a day. I haven't found my happy medium, but it needs to happen if I want to get my laundry done! There are more than a handful of my friends who don't follow any type of social networking, I say, all the more power to them!

As a stay-at-home mom, this type of communication helps me feel connected in a way I don't get from going to work outside the home. I do tire of reading the same posts from people. I really don't care if you just vacuumed your hallway, and I have to admit I feel like people lead far more exciting lives than I do.

There is a constant barrage of vacation photos and shots of gourmet meals and social functions. But when taken in context, it is fun to see how friends lives are being led and places and things they are doing. I have found some great resources along the way, like the Balance Your 7 website, and all the ways it shows to try to lead a more balanced life. While two of the components of balance your 7 are relationships and community, the underlying theme is still balance, and this is something that I hope to achieve with my "facebooking" especially before we run out of clean clothes!



balanceyour7com