Finally Found Hana

After another early morning I decided to give Hana another try.  I am glad I did.  This time I had a map in hand and headed down the right road (making the correct turn makes all the difference).  As I started out I noticed tons of cars parked on the side of the road, it was a Hana Relay Race.  There were tons of teams dressed in hilarious running outfits, ie Runaway Bride, Beer Run. My first stop was at the side of cliff to watch the surfers and eat my morning yogurt.  I made all the right stops for the beautiful photo ops.  The road reminded me a lot of Kaui.  After a couple hours, (it takes 15 minutes just to go 5 miles) I made it to the end and was rewarded with a beautiful beach with black sand.  I took a swim and hiked around looking at the lava tubes and caves.  After taking a couple dips in the ocean I headed back down.  On the way down I stopped at Mama's Fish House which I read a lot about in the guide books.  I was a little intimidated at first when I saw that they had free valet parking.  By the name of the place I envisioned a casual place where I ate fried fish in baskets.  This was super fancy, I sat at the bar and ordered an delicious appetizer and salad.  When I got the bill I noticed I was over charged, so I pointed it out to the bar tender.  They were very apologetic and comped my beer, YEAH!  After lunch I lounged on the gorgeous beach by the restaurant and then headed back to my room. What a long day, after taking a shower and eating a granola bar I was tired and asleep by 8:30 again.  

Round and Round in Maui

On my first full day in Maui I woke up at 4:30 am (darn time change).  I took that the time to plan out my day.  I used some of 1 free hour of internet service to figure out the "Road to Hana" I alway heard so much about.  I wrote down the direction and all the mile marker stops the site recommended.  By 6 am I was ready to go.  I headed out all excited, starting on 30.  I was looking for a turn off to 380.  After a while the road got trecherous, curvy and with one lane bridges.  Just like I had read about.  But, I was still on 30.  The views were gorgeous, but none of the mile markers made sense.  After a couple hours things started to look familiar again.  WTF, I had just gone in a big circle around the coast of West Maui.  By this time is was 9:30 and I was starving!  I stopped at Aloha Mixed Plate for breakfast and decided to just have a beach day!  Went to Ka'annapali beach by Whalers Village (Black Rock) and lazed around reading.  At about 3, it started raining so I took that as a sign to head in and take a shower.  Once I was cleaned up I went to Front Street in downtown Lahaina and browsed around the shops.  Picked up some food to go and ate on my patio (lanai) watching the sun set.  The perfect end to the almost perfect day....  Next time I will bring a map!

Technically Challenged or Cheapskate??

After finally getting all the pictures I had taken on my first day downloaded to the ipad, I logged on ready to post about my adventures.  However, I couldn't find the right link to get the pictures uploaded on the blog.  I only had an hour of free internet service, after that they charge $10 a day.  Frustrated I gave up!  The resort has 2 computers available at guest relations to use the internet.  So, I frugalled out and decided to post sans pictures for FREE!  I know that blog posts with out pictures are boring, but I can edit the posts when I get home and insert the pictures.  Technically challenged or cheapskate?  You decide.....

Arriving in Style

I finally made it to Maui!  I upgraded my flight to first class, which was amazing!  The flight began with a mimosa.  During the flight watched a movie while sipping on Pinot grigio.  After lunch enjoyed a coffee with kahlua.  Then took a nap, before it was time for arrival.  Once I arrived I got my car and headed to my hotel.  It has been a few years since I was in Maui, but once I started driving to Kaanapali everything felt familiar again.  It was a little strange to be here without my boys.  Once I got settled, headed straight to the beach!

Week-End with Mom

My Mom came for a visit recently.  It was great to see her and catch up on things.  We enjoyed a week-end full of activities.  Dinner, shopping, movies....it was like a little mini vacation at home with my Mom.  Check out some pics from the week-end!

Let's Catch Up

Sorry I've been missing for a while......  Hmm what are some top reasons I have disappeared lately?

1.  I could have escaped reality and moved to a secluded tropical island (dream come true...).

2.  I could have gotten chained to my desk at work unable to escape until all of my spreadsheets are done (nightmare....).

3.  I could have been kidnapped my aliens.

4.  I could have gotten trapped out in the backyard forced to survive on my pitiful garden and lounge by the pool.

Luckily (or sadly) none of the above happened.  I have just been super busy with life.  Don't you just hate it when life gets in the way....   However,  have made time to eat healthy and do yoga.   As of today only 26 days and counting to surf camp!

Me in 26 days.....

Surf Camp in Hawaii

I am officially freaking out!  I have only 51 days until I leave for Surf Camp...Woo Hoo, but Yikes!  I visited Hawaii for the first time in 2004 and immediately had a connection.  I love the ocean, but there was just something magical about the ocean in Hawaii.  Maybe it was because I had finally made it to Hawaii and YES, it lived up to every one of my expectation.  I have been back 3 times since then and each time I look out at the waves with longing...I want to ride those waves.  However, our visits have been a family affair.  How much can I really accomplish by taking a 2 hour surf lesson?  Their goal is to get you up on the board, not actually teach you want to do so you can go out on your own.  I need commit to the goal, live it every day, submerge myself in it.  Well, I am finally going to get that chance, an entire week by myself at a women's only surf camp.  Now, with only 51 days, am I ready?  I just have a little over 6 weeks to get ready.  I must now focus all my energy in the next 6 weeks to getting ready.  Yesterday, I spent 2 hours at the gym where my hubby gave me an intense workout with weights.  Ouch, I am feeling it today.  I am going to keep it going with a healthy focus on diet and getting in shape!  So far today I have been good.  Lunch was leftovers from last night, salmon, rice and peas, plus a banana.  Going to yoga tonight after work.  That is my downfall I get so busy at work I miss the yoga class or I am just too tired to go.  New strategy, I packed my yoga clothes so I can change in the bathroom and go straight from work....

Keeping my eye on the prize!

Summer Vacation

Just got back in town from a vacation road trip.  Started out driving from Texas to Santa Fe where we hung out for a couple days.  The weather was great, not to hot like Texas.  Spent some time hanging out downtown at The Plaza.  While it was cool to see the adobe type buildings and houses, after a while it got pretty boring.  Everything was brown.

Awesome view from our balcony in Sante Fe!

Hiking at Night.....

Hanging out downtown at "The Plaza"

After Santa Fe, headed to Colorado.  First stop downtown Denver.  Stayed at the modern "The Curtis".  Walked around downtown, visited the federal reserve, the zoo and of course Mile High Stadium.  After a couple nights headed up the mountains to Copper Mountain.

Dinner downtown on the patio at "Magic Mushroom."

Downtown at the Federal Reserve.

Bobby's "moment" at the Bronco Stadium

Our favorite animals at the zoo!

At Copper Mountain the Wanderlust Festival was going.  Lots of yoga and cool music.  Spent the first day hiking the Colorado Trail in the morning and then doing a hula hoop yoga class with Shakti Sunfire.  It was super fun to see my boys enjoying the class.  The next day took a smooth yoga class led by Sean Corne set to laid back tunes from the 70's and 80's.  Ouch, the next morning I was really sore and had to call it in.  After lunch I had some energy back and did a Global Yoga Dance with Shiva Rea.  So much fun at Copper Mountain.  So much to do and not enough time to do it all!!

The wind was blowing us away...

Morning hike in the mountains

Max rocked the go-carts!

Yoga with Sean Corn in the Lucy tent

The hoopnotica cirle, hula hoop yoga and the slack line

Yoga global dance with Shiva Rea

Walking around Frisco, Colorado

Had a great time, next stop Hawaii.......

What a difference a "fill in the blank" makes....

 A good teacher can make all the difference in the world.  I know first hand as my son has had some situations with long term subs and the impact that has had on not only his grade, but his attitude towards the class.  A class can be challenging, but with a good supportive teacher the student can still thrive.  The same can be said with a good doctor.  The level of care you receive from a doctor who cares and is engaged in what is best for you can make a huge difference in not only the level of care you receive, but also the options you have for your health.  So, we are not all teacher and doctors...but, we are all people.   And by just being a good person you can make a difference in someone's life.  Imagine the difference we could all make if we all just put other's people's needs above our own.  Think about it, the next time you are in the Starbuck's drive thru pay for the person behind you, just because.  When standing in line at the grocery store let that Mom with three kids who looks she is about to lose go in front of you.  These small acts of kindness can make a difference.  And hopefully it will be paid forward.  Be the "that" person, I promise you won't regret it!

Scent of a Wave

Recently I was able to get away and spend a few days at the beach.   Since we are on a tight budget and I really wanted to be near the ocean we drove a few hours to the Texas coast.  It was awesome to get away and spend some time my family and relax by the ocean.  The best part of the vacation was spending time out on the fabulous porch of the house we rented.   It had a great ocean view and the breeze was perfect.  Every morning we had breakfast on the porch and afterward I would do about 30 minutes of free yoga before we took a slow jog on the beach.  The ocean breeze and salt air did wonder for my state of mind.  After  some exercise we packed a lunch cooler and headed back down to the beach for a few hours of sunning and reading.  The water was too cold for me, but the boys didn't mind and had fun in the waves and throwing the football.  After beach time we would head back to the house.  After showers we would relax on the porch with a glass of wine and play cards while watching the sun sent   Then we would fix dinner and either play board games or watch a movie.  It was exactly what we all needed.  Some time to reconnect and just slow down!

Inspirational Messages

Sometimes you just need a lilttle inspiration to get thru the day:

Stuff

It is amazing how dear we all hold our stuff.  I will admit I am guilty too.  I have had my OCD moment looking for my lost phone or some other material item.   As if finding that one thing is my security blanket and once I find it all will be calm in the world.   I truly believe that as a society we have shifted to placing more importance on materialist possessions than on people and relationships.  Will buying that item truly make you as happy as taking time out to enjoy someone's company?  It is spending time with people that will truly nourish your soul.   It is the people in my life that I value most not the stuff.   If your house was burning down would you grab your phone or your kid?  Obviously, your kid.   Try to let go of the stuff that is all around you and dragging you down.  As spring approaches and spring cleaning fever kicks in take some time to look around your house and clean out that clutter.  Free yourself by giving some of your stuff away to someone that needs it and will truly use it.  The trick is to not go out and replace what you get rid of.   Having a cluttered house can become overwhelming, there is too much stuff to keep track of.  The stuff starts to take over your life.  Week-end's become so busy cleaning and taking care of stuff that you don't have time to enjoy friends and family.  Instead of cutting friends and family out of your life, cut the stuff out.  See the difference it can make in your life when you make a shift and start valuing relationships instead of things.   Liberate yourself from the demands of things and discover the pleasures of people and the positive impact it can make in your life.

Luke 12:15
And he said to them, "Take care, and be on your guard against all covetousness, for one's life does not consist in the abundance of his possessions."

Turtle Time

Last week was very stressful at work for me with a lot of deadlines due.  Sometimes, it is easy to get caught up in the workload and get bogged down.  At one point I just needed a break in the middle of day.  We have been having some unseasonably warm weather here and decided to take advantage of it and go outside and get some fresh air.  It was such a beautiful day that I ended up walking down the street where there is a little pond between 2 office buildings.  I have driven by before and noticed ducks on the pond, but as I got closer to my amazemaent I saw tons of turtles sunning themselves on the bank of the pond.  What a beautiful sight.  It really made me smile and realize that I needed to take more time to appreciate the little things in life and not let the things don't matter get me down.  By just taking 20 minutes to walk outside and enjoy God's creation I went back to my desk re-energized.  Sometimes, you just need to look around and take a deep breath!

Ephesians 6:11
Put on the full armor of God, so that you can take your stand against the devil's schemes.

Taking A Break

It is important to take the time to cut yourself a break.  I know I am always trying to do more better, faster or sooner whether at home or at work.  Lately, however I have been making myself a priority and don't feel  guilty about it.  I deserve to have my own time for my self and in the end I am better for it.   Don't get me wrong I still make sacrifices for my family, but I balance that with me time.  The important thing is to communicate what you want, and if you need help ask for it.  Don't expect your husband, child, boss, etc to read your mind.  It is ok to delegate.  I now have more time for the things I enjoy doing from going to a yoga class, reading a book or cooking a new recipe.  Before, I would not do things I wanted because I needed to do the dishes or start a load of laundry.   Now, I make time for me a priority those other things can wait or someone else can help out.  I deserve that time to myself and it has really helped me with relieving stress and being better in my relationships.  The same goes for work.  I could stay at work all night and still not have everything complete on my to do list, but it is ok to shut it down and go home and enjoy life.   I also try not to think about work once I walk out the door, leave it at the office.  I try not to talk it about at home and enjoy my family and my own interests.  Amazingly, my to do list is still there the next day and I have fresh perspective and am re-energized because I took time for me.  So, go ahead and try something new, take that class or enjoy a new book!  It's not being selfish, it's self preservation.

Proverbs 19:8  Whoever gets sense loves his own soul; he who keeps understanding will discover good.

What's For Breakfast?

Lately, I have been getting up a little bit earlier in the moring and taking some time for myself before I start my crazy work day!  As part of my new routine I have added a quick 10 minute yoga workout.  I use Tara Stile AM Yoga Workout on youtube.  I also take time to sit down and eat a good breakfast.  Breakfast is the most important meal of the day.  Studies have linked eating a healthy breakfast with less chronic disease, increased longevity and better health.  When you start your day with a good breakfast it boost your energy, increases your attention span  and heightens your sense of well being.  As Mom's we make sure our kids get off to school with a good breakfast, don't we deserve one too.  Don't you think your worth it.  Take the extra time, the benefits are worth it!

Below are some pics of what I had for breakfast last week, I like to mix it up:

 1.  Oatmeal with mixed nuts and dried fruit.  Added some dark chocolate peanute butter scoops, but you can add regulat peanut butter, both are yummy!

 2.  Berry flavored Almond Yogurt with granola and raisins.

 3.  Cheerios with sliced bananas and chia seeds.

 4.  Van's Waffle with peanut butter and sliced bananas.  Then drizzled agava nectar and threw on some chia seeds.

 5.  Whole wheat pancakes with 100% maple syryp and a side of fruit.

6.  Tofu Veggie Scamble with toast and a clementine.

Don't leave your health to chance, make the choice to start your day right!

John 21:12
Jesus said to them, "Come and have breakfast."  Now none of the disciples dared ask him, "Who are you?" They knew it was the Lord.

Negative Energy

No matter what you do in life you will alway encounter negative people.  I used to always dread dealing with these types of people and would try to avoid them at all cost, but sometimes that is not always possible.  What if that negative person is someone you have to work with on a daily basis or it is a good friend that just can't seem to get out of that negative funk.  Then what do you do?  Negative people always seem to bring me down and before I know it I am being negative and spreading gossip.  This is just something I don't want to engage in, it's not healthy and it's just not productive.  So, instead I have tried to turn the conversation around, put a positive spin on it.  If that doesn't work sometime you just have to walk away.  There are some people you just can't change, but you can change how you respond to that person and that can make all the difference in the dynamics of the relationship.  I found an awesome article on http://zenhabits.net/negative/.
 It details 7 very helpful tips on how to deal with negative people that I encourage you to try.  It worked for me.  I have changed relationships in a positive way that others are also benefiting from.  Life is too short to get bogged down in negative energy, remember the big picture and what is truly important!

Matthew 15:11  It is not what goes into the mouth that defiles a person, but what comes out of the mouth; this defiles a person.

It Started with a Tattoo....

So, you may be wondering why my blog is called My Red Lotus Life.  Well, it all started with a tattoo, let me explain.  For years I had been talking about getting a really rockin' tattoo on my arm.  After hearing me talk about it forever my husband took action and made me an appointment.   At the time my husband was going thru a lot and some days it was hard to see how it was all going to work out.  We had also recently reconnected spiritually with a church.  So, I decided to go with a red lotus flower as the centerpiece in the tattoo to represent a sign of faith for my husband that we will get thru this and a sign of rebirth in regards to our new spiritual connection.

My husband emerged thru everything and together we are stronger in our relationship both as husband and wife, but also with our connection to God.  Now, with everything going on with me I also have faith that we will get thru this and I have comfort knowing I have the support of my family and friends.    In the years I have been with my husband we have gone through a lot of challenges and every time we have emerged stronger in our love for each other.  Therefore, the lotus flower is red to symbolize LOVE.   This blog is about my love for life.  Remember life is a gift, enjoy it every day!

1 Corinthians 13:13 And now these three remain: faith, hope and love.  But the greatest of these is love.

What's for Lunch?

Lately I have refocused my intentions on eating healthy.  Not that I was a junk food eater before.  I have been vegeterian for a few years now and did a year as a vegan.  For 2012 I am going to re-commit to a vegan diet.  I am not going to be a vegan snob about it though.  If I go out to eat and my food has a little cheese on it or was maybe cooked with butter, I am not going to freak out about it.  To help with this eating healthy vegan transition I invested in a mini fridge to keep at my desk at work.  I love it!

I keep it stocked with fresh veggies, hummus, fruit and single serve salads.   My weakness was afternoon munching, but now I just pull out some carrots and munch away guilt free!

It is amazing how much better you can feel when you know you are eating right!  For lunch today is homemade spicy bean soup full of veggies and beans and a side salad, YUMMY and filling.  What are you having for lunch today?

Costa Rican Christmas

Costa Rica for Christmas, what perfect timing!  I had been looking forward to this trip since we booked it in June!  So, when I started to not feel good around Halloween just thought can't wait until vacation and then I will feel better.  Then Thanksgiving came, I had dropped 10 lbs and wasn't feeling better.  Still thought this was contributed to stress since I work corporate retail and just needed some time away.  Luckily, my husband knew better and made me go to the doctor.  Not to go into too much detail I ended up being spending Thanksgiving in the hospital and am now going thru treatment to help me get better.  It was all pretty scary.   Needless to say getting away from the stress of the holiday and relaxing on a beach in Costa Rica for Christmas was perfect.  I know Christmas was a month ago and I am just now posting my pics, but I felt this was really worth sharing (even a month late).  Enjoy...PURE VIDA!