Outdoor Excitement

Happy 2014 & Happy Friday!!

How exciting that a fresh new year is finally upon us!  I am so thrilled at the prospect of 2014, a chance to rediscover what makes me happy and reaffirm my healthy lifestyle love.

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I have been lucky enough to spend the end of of Dec and beginning of Jan doing just that.  I had the opportunity to spend time cross country skiing, downhill skiing, and snowshoeing!  Enjoying the great outdoors was just what I needed and I think it's safe to say I have re-caught my childhood ski bug.

I went cross country skiing with my family and while I'm quite honestly a terrible cross country skier and fell about 6 times during our outing, there is no denying the beauty in getting outside and enjoying the fresh air and scenery... even if it is with gritted teeth and a snowy butt.

My downhill ski experience was much more positive and I easily fell back into the swooping turns that gave me such a thrill as a kid.  No literal falls for that day, what a relief!  I had so much fun with my friend Heather and was really happy to find out we are at a similar skill level which always makes for a more carefree day.  Riding the chairlift is always a fun time and we got to chat with some fellow skiers throughout the day, you never know who you'll end up meeting but I always find people so friendly and chatty and really enjoy talking with them.  Chairlifts = Love.  Kimberley Alpine Resort is a hop, skip, and a jump from my house and I plan to take advantage of that this season.

My friend Danielle and I got out for a snowshoe in the South Star Trails courtesy of our trail guide Dag (Danielle's mom).  Danielle and Dag happen to be in epic shape and I got my sweat on big time but was so proud that I didn't have to stop to catch my breath, what a change I'm seeing from previous years!  Danielle and I both got blisters so thankfully we turned around before going too far in, but my Wahoo GPS says we did over 5 km on our outing!  We lucked out with a gorgeously warm bluebird day and paired with the awesome workout my endorphins were sky-high!

I got back to the ski hill again yesterday for a night ski with Cody and some friends.  It was the perfect temp for night skiing and I think I got 5 runs in!  Cody hasn't snowboarded in 6 years so he did 2 runs and called it quits, but it meant so much to me that he came up and gave it another try.  I think if we get out a few more times together he will start enjoying it more.  Last time I skied my dad lent me his rad Atomic Blogs.  Last night I was back on an old pair of Rossignol's (I think Saphir) that I bought used in Grade 12... I have to say, upgrading my skis has just gone up on my wishlist.  No matter the gear, it was a great night and I'm already excited to get back on the hill!!

With all of this awesome outdoor excitement going on I have had the chance to think up a ton of positive ideas and get myself stoked on making this the year that I get my health and body to where I want to be; but while right now it seems SUPER attainable I also have so many fears about following through.  As someone who previously gained a lot of weight, then lost it, and am now gaining it back - see My Weight Loss Story - I'm quite frankly terrified!  When will the temptation stop and the full on healthy living begin again?! The fact that my personal choices are the answer to that question is both inspiring and intimidating.

I've come up with a few ideas on how to help keep my goals in the forefront and will be turning my plans into actions this weekend.  Stay tuned!

XO - Michelle

Not With A Fizzle, But With A Bang

Not with a fizzle, but with a bang.  This line from one of my fave movies, Easy A, is exactly how I want to both finish off 2013 and start 2014.

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I have had the idea of being a blogger for quite some time now.  I've tried it out a few times, didn't like my tone, didn't like my attitude, and stopped.  I can be driven, but I can also be a quitter.  This time is different (I hope).  I've thought it through, figured out my goals, and feel the need compile my thoughts and experiences blog style.  I've realized the value of connecting with other bloggers, having the support of not only my actual friends and family, but also virtual friends all over the world, and have come to understand that these people with different experiences and same mindsets are huge motivators to continue down a healthy path.

2013 was a great year.  Some, but certainly not all, of my favorite moments:

2014 is going to be all about living on the up - thus the name of my blog.  That powerful feeling of being on the upswing of a mood is something that I want to harness and stay at.  Staying on an upswing and not fading back down is truly a challenge, but from what I've learned this year it means fueling my body with wholesome, quality food and prioritizing outdoor and physical activity with a healthy mix of being cozied up inside.  It also means taking the time to appreciate life, family, friends, and experiences.

At the moment I'm en route to the West Kootenay's for a New Year's celebration with Cody and some (but not all) of my dearest friends.  Every year we make a point of getting together to ring in the new year, and I wouldn't have it any other way.  Tomorrow is a fresh start, a blank slate, and 2014!!  I've dubbed 2014 "The Year of Awesome" and I plan on living life this way as much as I possibly can. 

As I have, try giving yourself a second to reflect on 2013, the joys and successes as well as the trials and tribulations.  Love the memories, learn from the "oops" moments, and get excited for the next chapter.  I hope that wherever you are, you too plan to celebrate safely and in the company of loved ones.

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HAPPY NEW YEAR!!!

XO - Michelle