grab a shovel and fight the winter blues

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(P.S. thank you for your kind and sweet comments, I'm striving to think positive) 

As you know, Iowa doesn't get much sunshine during this time of year, so here are some simple things that I'm doing to avoid falling victim to the winter blues (SAD) .....

 (sorry, I can't remember the source to give credit for these ideas)

Eat less bread

something to do with a spike in sugar? Easier said than done!

Walk

Walk around the house, walk up the stairs, walk outside ...even if it is 10 -15 minutes, idea is to keep moving.  I will be out shoveling snow from my parents driveway, and all bundled up because it's cold!

Read

Read a favorite book, but stay away from the fashion magazines....they will only make you feel self-conscious... what do you think about this, true or false?

Create

Use your creativity, write a poem, cook up a favorite recipe ( I have a new recipe to share with you Asian pesto,which I promise I will post this week.)

Make a call

Call a friend and go out for a cup of coffee, or tea.

 Socializing is very important.

Laugh

Laughter is contagious so grab a favorite comedy or laugh away with this quote I found:

“Women have a passion for mathematics. They divide their age in half, double the price of their clothes, and always add at least five years to the age of their best friend.” — Marcel Achard

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Notice I don't mention the phrase lose weight....there is no point,  my brain would only sabotage any improvement I might already have if I even remotely come close to saying, "I am on a diet."

So how do you keep the winter blues away? Please feel free to add to the list.

photo via

(PS. in case you were wondering this is a revised post from last year)

It will be a White Christmas

Greetings from Iowa! Woke up today and it's snowing, finally!

Wishing everyone a happy Christmas!

I will have time to update you about our airplane ride and more, after the New Years.

Sorry for the lack of photos but it seems I have reached my limit, so  I will have to figure out if I want to purchase more storage or finally switch to wordpress. Will see. 

Enjoy your Holidays with family and friends!

IOWA

Well we made it, we are in the Midwest! Beli did amazingly well. Although when we first set foot in the airplane she said, "Ne avion". I calmly talked to her and she was fine. The first hour of the 17 hour trip she refused to sit on her own seat but then she began familiarizing with her surroundings and later she was even running down the aisle with another little girl she made friends with!I'll be writing another post about my experience at the Chicago Airport because the gentleman who helped us get through customs deserves to be mentioned. As a parent traveling alone with a child, it's people like him that make flying a positive experience.It has been a bit difficult to adjust to the time change, but plenty of afternoon naps should do the trick right? Sunny weather, 80 degrees, it's warmer compared to Croatia!

Greetings to everyone and thanks for the advice about traveling with a toddler, the tips were very helpful; Beli was happy and so was I. Stay tuned for the Mexican children's party tomorrow, then next week I will be seeing Suze Orman with my older sister, (shown here holding Beli), we're also planning a trip to Texas, then our good friend Nando is traveling from New York to visit us. So yes, it will be one busy month. Hope you can join me on my adventures throughout the Midwest.

My days in Iowa

Before we left the States for our journey overseas we spent a few weeks with my parents, sisters and their boys in Iowa. These pictures were taken almost a year ago, that's how long I haven't seen my 4 beautiful nephews. (Well now it's five since my younger sister had her third boy and I'm anxious to meet him!)

Spending quality time con la familia. She is spoiled by Grandpa as she is the only granddaughter. She can get away with anything!

I miss them terribly but it does bring me happiness to know we will see them soon. Until then, pictures and memories will do.

This post is linked to Claudia's Dipity Road. I hope you too enjoy your Friday~Finding Beauty moment.

Y El Tiempo Pasa (And time passes by)

You would think as time passed by it would be easier to get used to being away from my parents and siblings. I know I have a new family now: my husband his family and our daughter. But being from Mexico I come from a close knit family and I always refer to my parents and sisters as my family. Do you also do that? Or do you say specifically I miss my parents...my sisters? Because when I tell my husband that I miss my family he tells me "but we are your family". And I know that is true but as far as the terminology I include: my parents, sisters even cousins and extended family members. Is it childish of me to say "I miss my mom?" Because lately I have been acting quite irritable. Happy then sad then angry and I can only attribute it to being homesick. My poor hubby has been very supportive trying to figure out what mood I am in and trying to cheer me up.




This is the longest time I have gone without seeing my family. I miss my Mom's home cooking. Her cheerful smile. My Dad's delightful stories about fishing. I know I am probably over reacting but writing it down seems to help for the time being. Also, technology really helps me keep in touch and calling them is a click away.

How we sometimes take for granted what we have right in front of our eyes...Hmm.... Is this suppose to be some sort of revelation? That I should live in the present? And that some time soon I will be able to travel back home to Iowa and visit my family? Many questions to think about. I should go now and make that call to my older sister. It's her birthday today!