Category: healthy and living life!!!

When Life Happens…

On By Kimberly Rae Gerodimos/MarxIn healthy and living life!!!, Life's journeyLeave a comment

The birds were singing, the alarm went off, but I just couldn’t get out of bed.  My sleep was restless as I was thinking about our family cabin… hoping and praying that it would not be destroyed in the current fire.   Working out was not going to happen today.  My stomach was in knots and I found myself crying at the oddest times.  Sometimes, life just happens and you have to take a day to collect yourself.  You can’t feel guilty.

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The view…breathtaking  

 

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The cabin my dad built

Some of you may say, it’s just a cabin, but to me it is so much more.  My father built it in 1959.  He was the first on the mountain.  I’ve been going up there for the past 58 years.  It is my sanctuary, my place of solace…my escape if you will…the only home or constant in my tumultuous life.

I have explored every inch of that mountain.  I have special places that only I know about.  My father’s cabin is all we have left of him.  His ashes are spread there among the irises.  So you see, it isn’t just a cabin.

My brother and I live down in the Valley.  When we received word of evacuation, we were too late.  We were not able to go up and retrieve anything of importance, especially my dads 53 Willy’s jeep.

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My dad’s 53 Willy’s

The fire is still raging, and has consumed over 28000 acres so far.  Right now it is about 4-5 miles from our mountain.  But… the firefighters are working diligently to save it.  I have faith and every confidence that they will.

Part of staying healthy is to take care of your emotional health as well.  So this was a day where I spent time with my family as we supported each other.

Tomorrow is another day and working out is on my agenda.  Building those endorphin’s up and feeling good no matter the outcome.  It’s all in God’s hands.

Our plans this 4th of July weekend were to be up there… enjoying family, making new memories, and hiking all over.  The Kayaks are put away, but the hiking shoes remain.  I’ll be exploring somewhere this weekend.  The outdoor’s is my playground.  Always staying active!!!

May you all have an active and healthy weekend!!!

Kimberly Rae

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Looking out over our mountain.  

Getting Out There!!!

On By Kimberly Rae Gerodimos/MarxIn healthy and living life!!!, Life's journey2 Comments

FB_IMG_1498167652488My day begins at 4:30 a.m.  Yes, I know… way too early, but if you live in Arizona and the outdoors is calling you, you must get up before the sun.  Today, my good friend Liz Merritt at boombaby.me,  (check out her site) invited me to go paddle boarding.  Now, I love the outdoors, I kayak, hike etc…. but I have never paddled before.

As the birds began to chirp and sing their morning songs, I was out the door.  The board strapped to the top of my SUV…off to the lake I go.  A short 40 minute drive to one of the many lakes we have in Arizona.

I came prepared, my camelback loaded with water, sunscreen on, and my water shoes in hand.  I was a little worried I might fall off at first, but I surprised myself, the water did not get the pleasure of enveloping me with its wetness.  I could tell I was working my inner thighs, my core, and defiantly my arm muscles with all the paddling.  I was enjoying the outdoors which I call my playground as well as getting a great workout at the same time.

But…the best part, was the peacefulness of the calm, empty lake at 6:00 a.m.. The hawk flying overhead feeding her babies, and the beautiful canyons that surrounded us.  We paddled in silence and took it all in.

It was an amazing morning.   I tried something new on my bucket list, I got my workout in, and I wasn’t in an enclosed space with air conditioning.  I had a view, an  amazing view.

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I want you to see that choosing healthy doesn’t have to be boring.  Get out there and try something new.  It might not be easy at first, but don’t give up.  You just have to keep going….one step at a time, one day at a time.  We are all in a different place in our lives.  We have to do what fits our lifestyle.  Just… GET OUT THERE!!!

I choose healthy.  I choose to live my life…. you can too!!!!

Never Give up!

Kimberly Rae

 

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To Be or Not to Be…Healthy…

On By Kimberly Rae Gerodimos/MarxIn healthy and living life!!!Leave a comment

The sun shines down on this state as if we were the only ones who needed the warmth of its fiery orb.  The temperature today will reach 117.  Not a record, but close.  A great excuse not to go to the gym, or workout or even go outside.  But we can’t let obstacles such as these keep us from getting out there and doing our best to stay healthy.  Being healthy is a choice that we have to make. With that comes responsibility and accountability.

I am 59 years young.   I have been active my entire life.  But as we age,  we don’t bounce back as easily and the things we always loved doing are a little harder than they used to be.   As young as I am mentally, it doesn’t seem to match up with my chronological age.  I have bulging discs in my lower back and some arthritis in my wrists. But I do not let these ailments sideline me.  I can still do the things I love, with moderation.  I choose to be healthy.  Okay, so I can’t run anymore or climb a mountain.  But I can still hike, kayak, and work out at a gym.

No… I am not one of those who works out all the time and has no life other than the gym. I have a job just like most of you.  I have a house to keep up and a man in my life.   I have to fit working out into my day.  I make it a priority.  I workout 3 days a week and do something active on the weekend.  I eat right, but I’m not a fanatic about that either.  I do not deprive myself.

I believe a lot of people think being healthy means giving up just about everything you love.  When in fact it does not.  I always tell people, give up one thing that isn’t good for you.  Start there.  Like pop or fast food.  Once you take one of those out of your daily existence, you will begin to notice a difference.  Setting goals, making a plan are important to reaching that healthy lifestyle that fits you.  My healthy lifestyle may not match yours, but then it shouldn’t.  It has to be right for you.  As always, you should consult your doctor before starting any big change.

I will be sharing weekly, the things I do inside and out.  What I eat and my downfalls.  I’m real.  I do not pretend to be anyone but me.   I will share delicious recipes with you and my typical workout.  I don’t strive for perfection.  I do the things I do, to be HEALTHY, not to look like I could compete in a body building competition.  If that is your goal… Go for it.

The toughest part is getting started.  So what are you going to do?  Follow my journey and maybe I can inspire you to get going!!! or… to keep going:)

Staying healthy and keepin it real!!!

 

Kimberly Rae