So there have been several things this week that I wanted to post about, so I'm just going to go for it.
First, I wanted to talk about California Chrome. WOW! What an amazing animal! I was really hoping for a Triple Crown winner, but even though he only placed fourth, I'm still SUPER proud to be a Chromie. And to share the same home state as him! To get injured coming out of the gate and still running a race like that, he deserves nothing but all the best praise we can offer him!
Next I want to talk about family, both the family that is blood and the family that you choose. Or maybe chose you. Today I reconnected with Grandad. Grandad is part of my chosen family. His family took me in when I was going through a rough time in high school. His daughter, Lisa, is still one of the most amazing people in my life, and one that I am very thankful for. Sometimes I forget how great of an impact they had on me, but waking up to a message from Grandad on Facebook instantly put me in a GREAT mood. I spent about 20 minutes writing him an email to catch up, remembering different occasions where I hung out with him, and different qualities that make him, well, Grandad!
My last topic of this post is more about physical aspects of life. I've recently went back to eating healthier and working out. I am by no means an expert, I don't really even know enough to be dangerous. Or maybe I do. Really the point I want to get across is how much fun and how delicious eating better and getting fit can be. I don't want anyone to feel like I'm picking on the bigger people, because there are so many things that can put you there. Genetics, bad habits, eating disorders, depression, medical conditions, and many others. So what I'm saying is, don't eat a certain way or work out to loose weight, do it because you want to feel better. Yes, in the last couple weeks I have lost a few pounds, and while I'm happy about that, the part that I really like is how my body feels. I've cut out most cane sugar, I switched my coffee with tons of sugar and cream for hot green tea (or ice tea when its hot). I limit my pizza and french fire intake (these are my 2 weakness, I LOVE ME SOME FRENCH FRIES, and don't get my started on my favorite pizza place here in NY). I feel better after lunch when I eat my grilled chicken in a salad with crasins and almonds with a balsamic vinegar dressing with a side of chopped strawberries and watermelon. I've tried to cut out most processed foods, and go with fresh things, my only weakness there is granola bars, I like the slightly crunch Special K bars. And I've started walking/jogging with the dogs. Astra loves going out with just the 2 of us and doing a 2 mile loop. She loves feeling like she's the only dog (in her perfect world, she would be). Tiny loves going out and looking at all the chipmunks (trying to chase them, but listens when mom says no). And in the back of my mind, I know my horses will thank me for it when they get home too. I've said for a while now, "Get Fit, Ride Better!" And I know it's true, every athlete does certain exercises to make them perform better, for equestrians, staying fit, and having muscle control will help them in the saddle, just like every other athlete out there. So my point really is, don't just sit there, no matter what size, do something that will make you feel better. Maybe it's walking around the block once. Maybe it's switching your bowl of ice cream for a bowl of fruit every few days. Maybe it's adding a salad to your dinner. Whatever it is, let's get healthier!
Stepping off my soapbox now, have a wonderful day!
This is my top drawer after about 15 minutes of re-organization. I fit way more in!! I didn't stop there! I had made beer cheese for a bridal shower and ended up coming home with the left overs, so I moved it into smaller containers, so we didn't have to hear up a big bowl ever time we wanted some. 
We also made our own salsa and shredded chicken for tacos. Since I've been doing really well on my fitness/weight loss challenge I've been trying to get better about what I put in my body. Chips with salsa are one of my weaknesses, SO rather than hit up Moe's or Chipotle, I made my own salsa, using fresh ingredient (some out of our own garden). This morning I was up 2 hours earlier than I needed to be so I could make my ice tea and smoothie for lunch (saving money and helping reach my goal). I had time to cuddle with my Tyson puppy and I had time to enjoy eggs with pesto (Yum). I saved so much time by planning ahead and organizing that I'm able to write about it this morning!! So my favorite organizing solutions this week... Mason Jars and Thirty-One Large Utility Totes! Mason jars are great for good storage! Large Utility Totes were great in the sewing room. We used 4! 2 for mom's current projects and unfinished projects, 1 for my fabric collection and 1 for my patterns/books. While I know that being organized doesn't last forever for me and it's not an easy task to take on, it does help motivate me to do better!! 
