believe in yourself Archives - Page 25 of 27 - Inspired & Strong

Jeff’s mom

September 14, 2021 No Comments

As you read in My Prince, I met Jeff in 2017. Prior to this past week, I only met his mother once when we were in Dallas for a wedding. She was having major back issues and seemed very uncomfortable and in a lot of pain. Since then, we have invited Jeff’s mom to several events but she has been hesitant and unwilling to travel. Plus, she had a small dog that needed care. Jeff saw her a few times as he has had layovers in the area.

This summer Jeff’s mom finally said yes! She agreed to come to West Virginia to see her children and grandchildren and other family members. Recently, her little pup was not doing well and needed to be put down. We are heartbroken for her but she no longer had any excuses. So Jeff’s mom was on her way!

Jeff and I agreed to go to Texas to get her and help her maneuver the airport. Although we had to take a roundabout way of getting back to Pennsylvania from Virginia, it was worth it. I think us being there for her really helped her relax and feel more confident about getting on a plane again. Although she was a flight attendant for 25 years she hasn’t really flown since she retired. And I think we were all nervous about how Jeff’s mom would do. But she checked herself in and was at the gate by the time we got our bags and checked back in to met her at the gate. Sometimes you just need to take the leap! And we were so happy that Jeff’s mom was taking the leap at 74!

We were able to celebrate a wonderful birthday dinner as a family with Jeff’s mom on her birthday. She was happy to be surrounded by family on her big day. And we all had a wonderful time. I think sometimes the anxiety of a situation is worse than the actual situation. We all had a great time celebrating this lovely lady. And I hope she felt that, too.

Jeff’s sister lives at the top of a hill in West Virginia with a beautiful overlook. She also has four dogs and Jeff’s mom loved every one of them (as did Gram :)). She has talked about how she loves the views from Jenn’s porch. She loves the birds, the deer, and “even the groundhogs”. Actually, we think she likes it so much that after 35 years away she may move back to West Virginia. And our fingers are crossed that she does!

So in the end it doesn’t matter if you are 8, 15, 21, 32, 50, or 75 the anxiety of a situation is usually much worse than the actual situation. And sometimes no matter how old you are or what situation you are in, sometimes you just need to take the leap!! I, for one, think it will all be alright and whatever will be will be. Just do it!

In Family

MacAttack

September 7, 2021 1 Comment

Happy Birthday to my niece and my mother-in-law!

Today is my niece’s ninth birthday. I cannot believe she is nine already. Where does the time go? I remember holding her the day she was born. She had the darkest hair but a full head of it! When my sister was born she had a full head of the darkest hair, too! Then she became the blondest of blonds. I couldn’t wait to see what this little one would turn into. And just nine years later, she is a beast on the softball field with the nickname MacAttack.

She is the most beautiful little girl. She has blue-green eyes and light brown hair. Watching her grow up has been one of the best experiences of my life. From taking her first steps to saying her first word to learning the colors of the rainbow to reading her first book and now playing softball. It’s just amazing how quickly these little people grow right up.

I miss holding her and cuddling with her. She thinks she’s all grown up. She doesn’t want to hold my hand anymore out in public and rarely will sit on the couch and snuggle. But I hold on to every moment that she does. And I told her I am squeezing her every chance I get. Of course, I get the pre-teen roll of the eyes.

Because my sister loved Luke Bryan so does my niece. I remember MacAttack singing his songs all the time. She knew every word and knows most of the words to every country song now. I love watching her sing and dance. She has no worries or insecurities. She just does what she enjoys doing unlike the rest of us who worry about what we look like. She and my nephew will sing and dance in the back seat of the car or in the restaurant. Watching them is one of my most favorite things to do.

My sister and I were about three years apart and so are my niece and nephew. Although we had our issues, we got along really well, and I miss her so much every day. I am happy to say that my niece and nephew get along really, really well, too. They love playing with each other and MacAttack loves being the big sister. She is so excited to take him to school this year. She will be in fourth grade and he is starting kindergarten. She is protective of him and doesn’t want him to hurt himself when he does all the boy things he does! Just wait until he starts hitting on all of her girlfriends (which he already does!).

I am so proud to be MacAttack’s aunt. I was so proud of her and the way she would treat Babcia (Gram). MacAttack would take her hand and walk her to the door. I hope she learns to be an independent, happy woman. I hope she always sings and dances whenever she feels like it. I hope she knows there is no limit to what she can do and no boundaries. She can be whatever she wants to be. And I hope she knows her aunt is one of her biggest fans.

In How We Move

Happy 70th Birthday Mom!

August 11, 2021 1 Comment

Happy Birthday, Mama! Can’t wait to celebrate together! I incorporated 8/11 and 70 for the reps and time today. I am not sure my mom is thrilled about this workout but if you want something quick to do with a good amount of reps, this workout is for you!

Equipment Needed

none

Weekly Wednesday Workout

In today’s workout, you will have 11 minutes to do 70 reps of 8 different movements. You will need to do these moves quickly to get them all done within the time limit. So get a timer, a mat, and get moving!

Movements:

70 jumping jacks or jump rope
70 squats
70 mountain climbers
70 crunches or abs of your choice
70 lunges
70 high knees
70 sumo squats
70 standing abs (35 each side)

Repeat if you have time left. You can always modify by doing two rounds of 35 reps of each movement.

How to Do the Moves

For the video of movements click here. Remember there are always modifications. Let me know if you need help or suggestions. Don’t forget the warm-up. Make this workout work for you!

In Family

Changes

August 3, 2021 1 Comment

Hello loyal followers,

This past year has shown me how beautiful life is. Although there have been many ups and downs, I continue to give thanks for being so blessed. With that being said, I am trying to make some changes. I am trying to simplify my life, which means simplifying my social media and this blog. I love doing this blog, but for a few months, I felt it was taking time away from my husband and my family. I started this blog to share stories of my Adventures with Gram, and to have something to do when my husband left for work. When I lost Gram, I felt like my inspiration was gone. I wasn’t sure what else to write about. She wasn’t there to make me smile or laugh with her little comments. She wasn’t there by my side when my husband was away, and I missed her. Plus, I didn’t think you wanted to hear about our loss over and over again, and honestly, I wasn’t sure what else to write about.

At this point, I realize I do have many more stories to tell. I have stories about Gram, about caregiving for her, about my travels, and about my journey in love. I want to continue to write, and I hope you will continue to read. My Adventures with Gram, Travel excursions and Family stories will be posted here. I am hoping to get back to a weekly basis, but they will be posted when inspiration finds me 🙂 I LOVE doing the daily inspirations and hope that they inspire you, too. I will also continue with the Weekly Wednesday Workouts. Every now and again I may post a full video here or on Instagram TV but for the most part, I will show you the moves and give you the workout. Please let me know if you need suggestions or modifications.

I am going to try to do more on linked social media and Instagram. Follow me @strong_inspired on Instagram. I will be posting recipes and stories as things come up. Some workouts will also be published on IGTV. Of course, you can always go back and do your favorite workout or find a special recipe on the blog.

I hope you enjoy these changes. If you have any feedback, please email or message me. And please follow me on Facebook and Instagram and share with your friends and family!

In How We Move

Cardio

June 16, 2021 No Comments

Equipment Needed

none

Weekly Wednesday Workout

In today’s workout, you will do two rounds of five different cardio movements. You will do a new movement every minute. If you are a beginner, do the movement for 30 seconds and rest for 30 seconds. If you are intermediate, do the movement for 40 seconds and rest for 20 seconds. If you are more advanced, do the movement for 50 seconds and rest for 10. Take breaks as you need them. Go as fast as you can each minute. If you want to do the workout along with me click here. If you just need the movements, click below.

Movements for each round:

Jumping Jacks
Mountain Climbers
Kettlebell Swings
Plank Hop
Pop Squats

Rest 1 minute and Repeat

Finish with five minutes of abs.

How to Do the Moves

Remember there are always modifications. Let me know if you need help or suggestions. Don’t forget the warm-up. Make this workout work for you!

Photo by dylan nolte on Unsplash

In Adventures with Gram

Celebration of Gram

June 15, 2021 No Comments

Many of our friends from Florida could not make it to Pennsylvania for Gram’s memorial service. Therefore, a few weeks ago, we held a poolside Celebration of Gram. Sitting by the pool became Gram’s favorite “activity”. As soon as she finished breakfast it was poolside where she wished to be. So what better place to honor Gram and her inspiring life.

We had a great turnout. All but one of our friends had met Gram before and had their picture taken with Gram either at our house, by the pool, on the boat, or at a restaurant. It made us realize how much of an impact she really had and how many people she met over the past five years.

As I was going through all the pictures trying to get ready for the celebration, it hit me how much we did with Gram. We took her everywhere. She met so many people and loved all of them. We laugh at thinking how most of her “friends” over her last 5 years of life were 40-50 years younger than her. It makes me happy that she had such adventures in her 90’s. She seemed to enjoy everything we did with her. At first, she didn’t really like flying but over the past five years, I think she came to enjoy it. My guess is that she flew more in her last 5 years than she did in her first 91 combined. Even with her dementia, she was happy. It makes me miss her so much.

Because I was always with her I didn’t notice how much she actually aged over the past year or two. Looking at the pictures and thinking back I remember her getting very sick in January and September of 2020. She fell three times last summer, one of which required 7 stitches on her forehead. She wasn’t doing much but sleeping on the couch, by the pool, and in her bed. Although she never complained, I am sure at 96 and a half, after all the running we made her do, her body was tired.

At the Celebration of Gram, our friends told stories of Gram. They remembered how sweet her smile was, how she loved sitting by the pool, how she loved Kuma the cat, and how she cheered for Jeff’s Ohio State Buckeyes. One friend remembered how Gram was really not happy one night when I made her stay at their house too long. It seemed Gram was always in the opposite room of where we were. She kept saying, “Stacy, let’s go. It’s time to go.” And she would give me that look. She never wanted to be a burden and this was her way of saying it. It was the one time our friends remember her being the least bit upset. Sweet Gram definitely could turn into a spitfire when she wanted to!

Anyway, the turnout was beautiful and Gram was sorely missed. She lived an amazing life. If you missed the Eulogy take a few minutes to watch it. It really celebrates Gram and her impact on this world. Love and miss you Gram!

In Family

Happy Birthday Babe

June 8, 2021 1 Comment

Today is my husband’s birthday. I think the words of the day really sum up his philosophy on life and birthdays. If you missed the quote it says,

“In the end, it’s not the years in your life that count. It’s the life in your years.”

We do our best to live life to the fullest. We understand life is short, and we know many opportunities don’t come around but once in a lifetime. We also know life is too short not to be happy.

We have been together for four birthdays. My husband always downplays his birthday but celebrates mine to the fullest. I did plan a wonderful celebration in Chicago for his big 5-0 but then, he did it again and pulled the spotlight away from himself by asking me to marry him at HIS party! This year, we will be celebrating him with many friends and family as we take a little road trip up and down the east coast. Today, we will be poolside with his favorite, margaritas and Key Lime Pie!

It’s still hard to believe that I found such an amazing guy. Together, we are a whirlwind of adventure, love, passion, and inspiration to each other. He just seems to enjoy himself. Being around him is comfortable and easy and his kindness is appreciated by all of those around him.

Today is a chance to say to him that I am proud to be your wife. I feel so fortunate and honored to have you not only as my husband but also as my best friend. You have brought joy, purpose, and laughter to my life. Being by your side has made me a better person. Thank you for all that you do and for always having my back. I wouldn’t want to be anywhere else.

Happy Happy Birthday my Prince.

In Adventures with Gram

Memorial Day

June 1, 2021 No Comments

Thank you to all of those who served and gave their lives so that we can enjoy all that there is to enjoy in our beautiful country.

Yesterday was Memorial Day, and we would like to thank all of those fallen veterans and their families for their service and commitment to America. Many members of my and my husband’s family (including my dad and both of our grandfathers) were military vets. Both of Gram’s brothers were in the military as well.

Memorial Day is a day to give honor to those heroes we have lost protecting our freedoms and all that is America. Without them, we would not feel safe, and I hope we all took a moment to remember that this weekend. Although it’s an extra day off and a time for BBQ’s and gathering of friends and family, it’s also a day to look up to the sky and say “THANK YOU“.

Memorial Day is also a big day in CrossFit gyms all over the country. In honor and memory of Navy Lt. Michael Murphy who died in Afghanistan on June 28, 2005, at age 29, we all do a Hero Workout called “Murph”. The workout originally called “Body Armor” was Michael Murphy’s favorite which consisted of:

1-mile run
100 pull-ups
200 push-ups
300 air squats
1-mile run
… in a 20-lb. weight vest or body armor (women wear a 14-lb vest)

Many people in the CrossFit world and even those in other fitness arenas have all heard of Murph and many set goals for this workout each year. I had a friend complete it for the first time this year. Her goal was just to do the whole thing. And she did, in just over an hour! Another friend did it for the second year in a row. Her goal was to beat her time from the previous year and she did! Whatever your goal is, go out there and give all you can, and while you are grueling away at this workout for an hour think about what our fallen heroes endured on the battlefield.

I started CrossFit in October 2016 as you read in “Life Changes” and my first Murph was Memorial Day 2017. I wasn’t sure what I was doing or what to expect but it has become one of my favorite workouts even though I don’t like running. Every time I do it, I almost cry thinking about the hero we are honoring. He gave his life while I am only giving an hour of my long weekend. I also think about the battles that others go through like cancer and how blessed I am that I can still run and do pull-ups and push-ups and squats. In 2017, I finished Murph at 44:05 with no vest. Yesterday, I beat that time and finished in 38:41. I couldn’t believe it! I wanted to do my best and I tried to run those miles as fast as I could. Maybe CrossFit isn’t for you and that is okay. Maybe make a commitment each Memorial Day to do something. Go for a walk, donate to a cause, do 30 burpees… whatever it is just do it in memory of a fallen soldier who has given his/her life for you.

I hope that we can all take a minute this week to appreciate those who gave and those who continue to give so much for our country. I hope we never forget what those amazing men and women have done over the years to protect our freedoms. Many Americans don’t realize how good we have it, and how much our military presence in other countries prevents further wars and conflicts. I am not sure it is for us to understand, but I think it is for us to appreciate and honor those heroes and to say thank you for your service when you see them. I think back to how my grandparents talked about going into the service. And it was just what you did. Just to be pulled to that calling. It is inspiring. Thank you to our American Heroes!

In How We Move

5 Minute Abs

May 26, 2021 No Comments

Equipment Needed

timer

Bonus Weekly Wednesday Workout

In today’s workout, you will do five minutes of five different ab movements for 50 seconds, rest for 10 and start a new one on the next minute. Follow along with me click here. This workout you can do every day and add it to the end of our Weekly Wednesday Workouts.

3 Rounds:

crunches
right elbow to left knee
left elbow to right knee
legs up and knees to chest
push-throughs
end with a 10-second crunch hold

How to Do the Moves

Remember there are always modifications. Let me know if you need help or suggestions. Make this workout work for you!

Photo by Yogendra Singh on Unsplash

In Family

Hell of a View

May 25, 2021 No Comments

Every time I hear the song “Hell of a View” by Eric Church, I think of my niece and nephew. They love that song and sing every word. I think they like it because it says “I smoked my Bronco tires outta that town” and their Pops has a Bronco. They seem to like songs they can relate to. I hope they embrace the meaning of that song and take chances with their “toes hanging off the ledge with nothing to lose”. I hope they take chances and live life to the fullest every day like they are now.

When we are driving around from playground to playground and that song comes on, the kids sit in the backseat bobbing their heads and singing without a care in the world. Meanwhile, I am trying to fight back tears because I am thinking about how much I want my sister to be there with us. And how mad and sad and pissed I am that she was taken from us and from them. I am so upset that she isn’t here to hear them sing and to squeeze them when they go to bed every night. I know she is here in spirit, but I want to hear her laugh and see her smile.

May 7^th, 2018 was when we lost her after her 18-month battle with cancer. It really hasn’t stopped hurting since. I am not sure any of us have truly gotten over it. How can you? But somehow we have to try to find a way to get by, and we have to believe there is something bigger out there. So I guess we are supposed to be grateful that her pain is gone, and that she has a hell of a view up there.

May is a hard month for our family. Nine years ago on May 23, my sister, mom, and I held my dad’s hand as he took his last earthly breath after his nine-year battle with lung cancer. My dad was only 61 years old. I look at my friends and family around me now and think we are not far from 61. It’s unbelievable how young he really was. I am so glad he fought long enough to know my sister was pregnant, and he tried to hold on to see that sweet baby girl but didn’t make it. Days like this make me sad he didn’t get the chance to hold his grandchildren and spoil them. He would have had so much fun with those little ones. In his quiet way, he would have taught them so much. He LOVED music, too, and could have introduced them to some real classics. He could tell you the artist and name of almost any song. I still remember my dad’s face when he got a Bose stereo for Christmas one year. That was a hell of a view.

Because this past Sunday was the 23rd, I went to church. I felt that I needed to hear some kind of message. God must have sent the Pastor a sign because it seemed he knew just what I needed to hear. The message was that we are on a journey. The journey isn’t going to be easy and there are going to be challenges. He said God doesn’t call us to do anything he doesn’t think we can handle. Trials are necessary but God promises unconditional love and everlasting life. Jesus gave it all for us so we need to trust that God will give it all to us if we give it all to him. It is hard to think about the promise of Heaven when we are here on Earth just doing what we think is best. Sometimes it’s hard to see past the trials. Sometimes it’s hard not to question why. Sometimes it’s hard not to be envious of a friend who still has their father or their sibling. But I guess we need to believe, and we need to realize life is precious. Make the best of it and appreciate the view.

This quote from Mother Teresa pretty much sums up how I feel at times. She said,

I know God will not give me anything I can’t handle. I just wish that He didn’t trust me so much.

I guess God thinks I am one strong cookie with all the trials he has sent my way. But maybe we all feel that way. All of us have losses and struggles. Many of us question why. One day we will find out. One day we will be up in Heaven with a Hell of a View. Until then live life with your toes hanging off the ledge.

Featured Photo by Balazs Busznyak on Unsplash