Nora, July, Hiking up the hill every day

My original goal for July was to ride the Antelope Island Moonlight ride on July 11th, and I really wanted to do it--but my Paige was getting baptized on the 12th and I knew physically I wasn't ready for 24 miles, finishing late, then have my ducks in a row to speak at the baptism and  host an after party.

In June, I felt myself slipping in the mental health arena.  You might ask what kind of slipping I noticed and it was mainly postpartum kookoos with a touch of all-of-my-kids-all-of-the-time blues.  I knew exercise could really help and I'll just mention that this is the only time I've ever started "exercising again" purely for the brain clarity and not for weight loss or race training.

I have a 1/2 mile trail that leaves from the park in my front yard, up to the Bonneville Shoreline trail.  It has 17 switchbacks, smooth terrain, and warning signs about rattle snakes. I decided to hike it everyday, either in the morning or evening, which ever worked better for my schedule.    

Y'all aren't going to be clamoring, "Wow, I can't believe you hiked 1 mile everyday for a month!"   But, besides lowering the loud level of mental chatter, benefits abounded.  Let me see if I can sway you to the a mile a day way! 


1.  SLEEP!  Huge I know but I had a hard (and I still do!) time making myself go to bed and it's a vicious cycle.  Without exercise I can stay up until 1am without even trying.  With exercise, 10:30 and I'm out!

2.  PEP! (do you order pizza from Hot and Ready? One pep!)  You might wonder how I can tell if I'm slipping into a mild funk and no energy is always my very first clue.  I had none.  Well, enough to do the basics but cleaning up lunch to make dinner and then eating breakfast around the dinner remains was getting typical.  I couldn't think about Lagoon with all the kids in June, because I knew the sun and stairs (at the water park) would slay me in an instant. But stamina and energy have returned!  In fact I took all of Vanessa's kids to Lagoon during cousin week and and we stayed the whole day! 

3.  SOLUTIONS!  For example: What do we do about Adelaide's migraines?  New medication!  How to keep the 1/2 bath livable during the summer: Create "P" patrol as a job the boys do everyday.  What it was really: a time to think without interruption.

4.  tmi tmi tmi REGULARITY!  tmi tmi tmi Success in the bathroom! 

5.  DATE NIGHTLY?   James came with me about a third of the time and talk about a bonus!  I like the guy and this is an activity that we've both enjoyed in the past.  I also hiked with Jennifer Hatch, when we did a girls night!

6.  GIRL'S CAMP CONDITIONING,  A couple of times, Addie, and some of the YW came with me in prep for a backpacking overnight-er for camp.  

Paige, Ali, Maggie, and Adelaide

BONUS!  At the beginning of August I took off up the hill with Paige as my hiking companion, and we saw a tarantula!  It had just crossed the trail when we came upon him.  It was the size of my palm and the black hairy toothpick legs are still etched in my eyes! On the way down I realized why I had been feeling a bit achy and mentioned out loud to Paige, "Oh, I'm ovulating, that's what it is..."  She responds, "what's ovulating?"  And before you know it, a full explanation of the birds and bees with anatomical vocabulary, ensued!  Adelaide met us at the door coming in and I told her, Paige and I just had "the talk".  Addie told Paige, "I couldn't even think about it" and then Paige starts counting, "You've had 7 babies, you've done it 7 times?"  I then take on the cheerleader role, "More and it's awesome!"   Poor Paige, imagine her dreams that night...

My goal for August is to host an adult dinner party in a cool location, with outdoor lighting.  It'll for sure be on Friday, August 29th.  Sushi (Susan Fitch) and her husband can come, anyone else want to come, and bring their spouse? Location: Some where in Davis county.

PS.  August is the first month in the last three that I wasn't doing something everyday for my goal and I missed it.  I took a photo a day in May, played the piano every day in June, and hiked everyday in July.  However, so far, this August, I went to girl's camp for a night, a family reunion for 3 nights, and tomorrow, we're heading to the Mother Land, the Tetons, for 4 days!  So, a dinner, Labor day weekend, is doable!

PPS.  I'm starting the same Facebook fitness challenge my sister, Sharon Thacker, did (and won $150) this Friday (the 22nd).  The buy in is $35 and it's intense, as far as rules and points, but results are expected.  Want to do it?  I can add you to the group on Facebook.  $ is due Wednesday & photo of toes on the scale is due Friday.  I could be your contact person even.

PPPS.  I apologize for such a late late post on projects connect!  But follow my example.  If you missed your day or you haven't done a post in a while, tell us what you've done (and I know you've all done something) and commit to another project.  I have loved the documentation of what I've done, don't tell me you don't love the proof!