If I was a quote...

Today I read a quote that hugged my heart and made my smile, smile. If I was a quote, it is probably on the top 10 list of what I would choose to be. What is it you ask? Here you go!

I'm the kind of girl who would rather be barefoot than anything else. There is something about walking around barefoot that makes me feel alive. Maybe it's the physical connection between body and earth, maybe it's just because I am a hippie born a little too late...either way, you will find me barefoot as much as possible. 

And the second half of the quote gives me just as many warm fuzzy feelings. It paints this picture of the universe as this ever-caring being, gently tossing my hair left and right - for the soul reason of reminding me that simplest things can create an unforgettable moment.

Sigh, I just love this quote. I love it enough to tattoo it on my body I think. Not that I will, but if I wanted a tattoo, this would probably be it. Thank you Kahlil Gibran for your brilliance!

First paddleboard of the season!

So I'd like to share a little tidbit about myself. I love working out. Exercising, moving, burning calories, getting stronger, building muscle...however you want to look at it works for me. If I'm sweating, I'm happy. Activity dates are, and always will be, the best. Well, that and food dates, but that's a whole other side of me.

Anyways, I recently committed to a goal that I am super excited about, and it is as follows - this summer, I will do all of my workouts outdoors, with the exception of yoga classes. The sun gets my going every morning, and I can't think of a better way to celebrate than taking advantage of the summer weather.

Darwin plans on sleeping in this summer, what a bum.

Activities outside make me feel like the world is my gym and that I'm training for life. Doing stairs outside = winning the races I always play at the airport against other strangers taking the escalators. Trail running = the ability to chase down your dog when he takes off after a rabbit (oh Darwin, such a trouble maker). Jumping rope/plyometric workouts = never having to step away from a dance party because your calves are burning in your 4 inch heels . All frequent occurrences in my life, so I plan on being as ready as possible for them.

So this brings me to my first day after setting this goal. It started off rainy and gloomy at 6 am this morning, and I was afraid my workout date was going to skip out on me. We had planned to meet at 7 am on the beach for a little pre-breakfast sweat, but I almost rerouted home when I felt water droplets during my warm-up jog to the beach. The universe was working in our favor though, because as I headed down the hill, I saw my neighbor Denise coming down the stairs.

These are the stairs, oh man what a good workout they are.

After some jumping jacks, too many different kinds of push ups, some ab work, and some more push ups, the clouds parted and the sun beamed through.

And that is when I decided it was time to debut the paddle boards.

Off to visit the lighthouse!

The cool thing about the harbor is that it can be calm one minute, and ridiculously choppy the next. We sat down when it got too rough, mainly because falling in the 50 degree water wasn't part of the plan. As it gets warmer here, the water will follow suit...soon wetsuits won't be necessary and swimming can be part of the workout!

I like to face backwards and take pictures while trying to not drop my Ipod touch in the water...thank god I do yoga, hello balance!

Relaxing and enjoying the view as we cruised in.

Paddleboarding is an amazing core and arm workout, and I will take that over being stuck in a gym any day! Day one of working out outside was most definitely a success! 

What's your favorite outdoor activity?

Live, Swim, Drink.

If there is one thing that I love, it's a good quote. I couldn't think of a better one to kick off the weekend than this.

This could actually be my life mantra, what more do we need?

The weather is getting warmer, my tan is getting bronzer, beach volleyball season is underway...I couldn't be happier! It's the little things that do it for me, ya know? Nothing fancy, just the little pleasures in life :). 

Meet Darwin!

I suppose we can't really be friends without you knowing my favorite things in life, so it's time for you to meet Darwin.

Whoops, he was excited...too close.

There we go, isn't he awesome?! A pinch of Akita, a dollop of German Shepard, stir in some Canaan, and here is what happened! He's perfect. 

My boyfriend (Mike, perhaps you'll meet him later) and I rescued him from a local dog shelter and he has been king of the castle ever since. His favorite hobbies include: seat stealing (he has this thing for still-warm-with-body heat spots on the couch, which makes getting up for anything a bit of a game), checking every window to see if he can spot a moving object to intently watch, digging his way out of the fenced in back yard to hunt, and of course, long walks on the beach!

I am getting ready to move close to Fairport Harbor beach, the beach is thatta way.

Darwin was a stray for a long time and was in the shelter for around 8 months before we found him, but he has always been amazing with people. He will follow us around and make sure we are never alone in a room - so thoughtful. One of Darwin's best qualities is that he is the quietest of hunters. With the agility of a mountain goat and the stealth of a panther, he would spend all day hunting if we'd let him. I guess that's what being a stray teaches you! And yes, his name fits him perfectly, although it was only by coincidence. We didn't know he was the epitome of survival of the fittest until we saw his hunting techniques, how he rationed his food, and his expert hiding skills when there are thunderstorms.

Who me? King? Yep.

All I've ever wanted is someone to watch every sunset with me, and now I've found that someone! I think Mike would do that for me too, but Darwin's enthusiasm for going outside is unmatchable. Not too bad of a view either. 

Wondering what ocean this is? Surprise, it's Lake Erie! Mistake by the lake? I think not!

Darwin's worst quality is most definitely his deep hatred for cats. The kind where if he sees one outside, he will run to every window, stand straight up, and start whining and barking until he can no longer see it. When a cat is around, it's as though we aren't even there. He completely ignores our commands and if we shut the blinds he merely moves to the next window. Any suggestions?

See? What a window hog! I wouldn't want to take a plane ride with him, I'm the kind of person that has my face pressed to the window the whole time. Uh oh...it just dawned on me that I may be a window hog...

Anyways, now you've met Darwin. This is the first dog of my own (well I share him with Mike, but you know what I mean), so excuse me if I constantly include him. I feel like a mom with her first child, I just want everyone to know how amazing he is!

Goodnight Lake Erie, I will never stop loving you! Well, as long as you keep letting me pretend that you are an ocean...it makes me feel better.