Dreams

All of us have dreams.  Some of those dreams start when we are children and follow us into adulthood.  If we're lucky, some of them come true.  

For as far back as I can remember one of my dreams has been to be a "rockstar".  My passion is music. I love to be on stage.  After 2 decades of supporting live music in the area, you would think that I would have found my way into a band.   Often times I would sing at open jams in the area and I would be asked why I wasn't in a band.  It never seemed to be in the cards.

Several months ago I was at one of the jams - my friend Marcell was part of the house band.  I got up and did a song with them.  On his break he approached me and complimented me.  He asked me why I wasn't in a band.  Best answer I could give him was that no one had ever asked me.  You could tell by the look on his face that the wheels started spinning.

After a number of conversations he asked me if I would be interested in doing a wedding with his band the Rhythm Kings this fall.  The couple had requested a female singer.  Ummm YES!!!!  We started rehearsing - one thing led to another and I was asked to perform with the band at Summerfest.  

Summerfest - the holy grail of music.  The world's largest music festival.  And I was being asked to sing.  I was like a kid in a candy store!

Our show was Sunday night on the JoJo's stage.  I performed 4 songs with the band. It was crazy fun.  I loved every second of it.  What a rush to have a crowd sing along with me!  The feedback I got was very positive.  I didn't want the night to end.  Not only did I get to sing at Summerfest, I got to sing at Summerfest with some of the most talented musicians in the city.  What a humbling experience.  

By far one of the best nights of my life.  Dreams definitely do come true!!!!!

Stay tuned....hopefully there will be more dates in the future!

get fit adventure

yep - it's been awhile since i've posted. time to get back on track!!!

so....if you haven't read about it on my facebook page yet - i'm involved in a get fit adventure with my bosses at miss O and some of my friends.  we even started a fan page - you can follow our journey (or join in the adventure) at O'get buckled.

the adventure revolves around setting goals/having 40 days of purpose.  and we're supposed to share those goals. here we go ~

my nutrition goals:  cut down on diet soda and alcohol (sigh), drink a LOT more water (my goal is 10 cups a day), and up the fruits and veggies.

my fitness goals: go to the gym 4 times a week, drop a jeans size by the end of the end of the 40 days.

my personal goals:  make more time for myself, read a book (you laugh - but i can't tell you the last time i took time out to just sit down and read a book).

i've shared with you - now it's official.  part of this adventure is being accountable.  i even have an accountability partner!!!!!!  keeping it real.

week one of the get fit adventure is coming to a close.  here's what i know for sure:
~it IS possible to drink 10 cups of water a day 
~i CAN go an entire week without any diet soda 
~even though i would have really LIKED a drink one of the two nights that i was out in a bar this week, i had the willpower to say no
~it is possible to incorporate more fruits and vegetables into my meals
~eating out it not off limits, just have to make good choices
~going a whole week without fast food IS possible
~even though i order fish on fish FRY friday - it's possible (and quite tasty) to have it baked instead
~french fries are NOT a requirement when ordering a burger at a restaurant
~even when i'm tired - going to the gym and working out makes me feel better...have to remember that's MY time
~the elliptical machine is not as evil as i once thought it to be...in fact we became bff's this week

so there you have it!  please feel free to share any healthy habits, advice etc.  i would love to hear fro you!

and yes - i will be focusing a lot on my get fit adventure with this blog ---but i will still be writing about other things i love ----like live music, theater, dining experiences etc.  thanks for reading!

happy sunday everyone!!!!

the first step is making a decision to change...

Happy New Year everyone!  Here's to a happy and healthy 2012 for all of us ~ clink!

2011 was a great year filled with family, friends, music and laughter.  I continue to count my blessings for the fantastic circle of people that I have around me.  My life is richer for having all of you in it.  

The biggest change for me in 2011 was my voyage into the land of ayurveda wellness.  Let me tell you - it has changed my life in a multitude of positive ways.  It's remarkable how 6 months can change so many aspects of your life.  I am so happy that I am on this fantastic journey to a healthier me!

It's kind of funny to think that a year ago the following were not in my food "vocabulary". I have been having fun experimenting with new foods/healthy preparations (suggestions always welcomed):

ghee

quinoa

herbal tea

almond butter

celery root

cream of wheat

flax seed

raw sugar

Slow and steady wins the race. I'm going to keep doing what I'm doing ~ knowing that I'm creating a healthier future for myself.

I sincerely hope that everyone is excited about all of the prospects that 2012 holds.  Let's keep in touch and share how we are doing with our personal goals.

Happy New Year!

Cari

30 Day Challenge

Holy cow ~ over a month since I've posted anything on my blog!  Time sure has a way from slippin' away from me sometimes!  

I'm sharing this with everyone as it will make me more accountable.  I've decided to take on a personal 30 day challenge.  Just for me, to prove that I can follow through with it.  Simple enough.  I recently purchased a workout DVD called "Hip Hop Abs" ~ I've challenged myself to do the 30 minute DVD every day for 30 days, no excuses.  Of course eating well, drinking lots of water, and trying to lower my stress level are givens during this time period as well.  

I started the challenge last Monday - so today is actually my 7th day of doing the DVD. So proud of myself. Especially since during the week I got up early every day to ensure that I got my work out in. 

As you all know, I'm all about baby steps.  I would be THRILLED if by the end of my 30 day challenge I could lose 5 pounds and 5 inches.  Of course even more would be awesome....I just want to make sure that I'm setting attainable goals.  

I have to give a shout out to all of my friends who have been working so hard on their health goals ~ Marci, Nikki, Guy, Lori, Heather, Wendy, and Laurie you all inspire me.  Runs/walks/crossfit events etc. I am so very proud of all of you.  If I'm missing someone I apologize (hey give me a break, I'm getting old).

If anyone has any workout DVDs that you love - please let me know.  I'm more prone to things that involve dancing!  But all suggestions are certainly welcome.  

Also any secrets that keep you motivated - feel free to share!  

I will keep you posted on my progress - feel free to share your success stories.  I LOVE hearing those!  

I'm giving myself the advice I give others ----- DO IT!  

Baby Steps...

I'm very proud of myself (hear that? It's me patting myself on the back!), I have been doing great things for myself through my ayurvedic journey. 

The hardest part of my journey is coming to grips with the fact that changes do not happen over night.  It took years to develop my current habits, it is going to take awhile to turn things around.  But you know what?  That's OK. I have seen progress and I know that I'm moving in the right direction. That is enough to keep me motivated.

Some very small lifestyle changes have reaped huge rewards as far as my health goes.  Some hilights:

• I have more than doubled the amount of water that I used to drink (and it's not a chore, I'd rather drink water than soda).  I also enjoy celestial seasonings tea.
• I rarely snack during the day (and if I do it's typically pistachios or cashews/not a candy bar for a quick sugar fix).
• Vegetables are no longer the enemy.  I have grown to be quite fond of them.  I surprised myself yesterday by whipping together a lunch that was comprised of sauteed buttercup squash, onions, clarified butter and fresh thyme.  It was delish! I know, who am I?  It would be easier if Casey would jump on the vegetable train.  Not quite there yet. 
• Exercising has become part of my routine.  I'm working on increasing time and intensity. But at least I'm doing SOMETHING!  
• The herbs I'm taking make my food digest properly.  I eat when I'm hungry and stop before I'm full.  I don't crave anything anymore (it's pretty bizarre). 
• My vision has gotten better.
• My knee pain has decreased --not sure if it will ever be gone completely, but it is a gazillion times better.
• I rarely have headaches.  My sinus problems seem to be something of the past (usually in weather like this I would be dying  with the pressure changes). 
• I have less anxiety and no longer have bouts of mild depression
• My skin looks healthier

This is just the beginning of my journey.  I am thrilled that by taking baby steps in self-care that I have seen such positive results.  What I love about ayurveda is that it's a lifestyle change.  Everything I do is for me.  What I put into it is what I'm getting out of it.  It's gradual. They are tools I can use forever.  It's not a "quick fix". 

Jamie has relocated and has her own space now in Pewaukee.  Here is a link to her site:  http://www.ayurvedawellness.org/.  Feel free to message me with any questions.

More soon!!!!!!  Thanks for reading!!!!!

this, that, and the other thing....

I haven't posted for awhile....time for some updates.

I heard one of those whispers yesterday- ok let's call it more of a shout - count your blessings Cari.  You never know what can happen or when your world will be turned upside down.  We found out that Casey's best friend Bret's brother Vance (and his entire family) were involved in a very serious car accident Monday evening.  A car came out of nowhere from a side street and hit their van, causing it to roll 4 times and hit a tree.  Vance and Kim were thrown from the vehicle.  Through God's grace, the kids  all walked away with minor injuries.  As I write this what I know is that Kim has multiple breaks and fractures.  She is in an immense amount of pain and is in the ICU.  Vance had been monitored for cerebral pressures. He is now breathing on his own.  He is in the neuro ICU. They are making miraculous strides. Even though I do not know this family personally, I am deeply affected by what happened to them.  All it took was an instant for everything to change.  They have set up a caring bridge site (yeah, wasn't easy logging onto caring bridge yesterday---but that is another story!) if you would like to follow their story and add your prayers for their healing:  http://www.caringbridge.org/visit/kimvancecramer


Ayurveda update ~
I just had an appointment with Jamie last night and I'm proud to report that things are going very well.    Of the symptoms we're tracking, all are improving.  It's amazing to me how small adjustments can make such a huge impact on my health.  Don't get me wrong, it's a work in progress.  I'm by no means  at 100% yet, but I'm moving in the right direction. It feels good to be doing something positive for my health.  Best part is, I feel great!  A big shout out to all of my friends who are also making great strides in their healthy living goals.  You are all rock stars!

What's on the horizon~
Well...I am contemplating taking a writing class. I've always had an interest in writing children's books.  I've also spent an extensive amount of time over the years interviewing my grandma as I thought a memoir of her life would be a cool idea.  I need to find a way to focus on that creative side.  It's that or looking for a guitar player to start a duo.  hmmmmm.  Suggestions are welcomed :)

I guess that's it for now.  Just trying to wind down after a wild and crazy summer.  Looking forward to being less busy and being able to spend more time at home.  Hope everyone is well!

Life is Good

I'm in a really happy place today ~ a good day to write an update. 

Let me start this out by saying that I count my blessings every single day.  I have a husband who loves me unconditionally.  I have the best mom in the world.  I have my health. I have a good job.  I have a roof over my head. 

I also have the best friends that a girl could ask for.  I never, EVER take this for granted.  I am grateful to God for surrounding me with such amazing people. Whether I see you all the time or just occasionally, please know that I think of you often. Each and every one of you brings something into my life.  I hope that I bring something into yours as well. 

Casey is (finally) happy at his job.  Sure, it has it's share of obstacles just like any other job.  At least he has a passion for what he is doing.  He loves to cook!  Ideally he would like to be back in the construction industry.  As much as he enjoys working in a kitchen, there is no money to be had. 

My Dad met with a psychiatrist at the end of June and it was determined that he does not have dementia.  Memory loss with his Parkinson's is a normal symptom of the disease, but it's not dementia.  They have him on a medication that really seems to be helping him.  Now maybe he and his fiance will be able to move on with their plan to get married! 

For the first time in a long time I feel like I'm in control.  Now I know a lot of you are probably snickering at that because I'm a self proclaimed control freak.  It's a different kind of control.  I finally feel like I am in control of myself. 

This year has been all about reinvention and self discovery.  I highly suggest it. Some very small adjustments can be life changing. 

I continue on my ayurvedic path.  In 6 weeks I have experienced major health improvements.  I couldn't be happier about it. 

One of the best discoveries has been as simple as accepting that I can put myself first and just BE.  Along with that is the discovery that if someone has a problem with that, it's THEIR problem.  I have been a people pleaser all of my life.  I wanted people to like me, to accept me.  I was so busy trying to be there for other people that I lost myself.  That's not to say that I'm not there for my family and friends anymore - but it's different.  I have learned how to say no. I can walk away from things that I don't want to do/don't have the time to do.  Bottom line is I am who I am......take me or leave me.  It's taken a long time, but I can honestly say that I'm happy in my own skin.