Say "NO!" to drama

Why do some people pick drama? I was channel surfing yesterday on my day off (should of been doing house work, but hey it was MY day off). I can not believe how many so called reality shows there are now, ones like "Lizard Lick Towing", "Swamp People", "Pawn Stars" and about billion more. Now listen, I have my fixes and I've told you before, I love "Project Runway"! However, what I noticed about a bunch of reality shows that have come our lately ("Big Rich Texas"  and "Dance Moms" really?) is that they are just down right mean confrontational drama! People are screaming at one another, getting physical, gossiping, and acting......well like big bratty bitches (men and women alike). I can't stand it! I know they are called reality shows, but the truth of the matter is I know absolutely NO ONE that acts like they do on these shows. Maybe it is because I am selective about who I am friends with, or maybe because I don't scream and yell and gossip about people keeps other from doing it around me, or maybe Alaska is just not a good place for a hot fight (people pack around here). Whatever the reason, these shows can not be healthy for people to watch. I think about all the young people that watch stuff like "Jerseylicious" or "Pregnant Teen" and think "Do young people think this is normal or acceptable to act this way?" I mean really, liposuction for your 17 year old daughter ("Big Rich Texas")? I was appalled to see the way some people are willing to act on television for the whole world to see in the name of a few bucks they will probably squander anyway. Most all of these shows have scripts and they are as far from REAL as they can get, but I personally am sick of seeing so many shows about bad manners. How many reality shows about Alaska can be made, or for that matter about buying, selling, and remodeling a house. Geez TV needs to get creative and until then I will watch my "Project Runway" and turn the damn thing off! Have a blessed, calm, gossip free week, it's NEVER TOO LATE!

Stretch Marks

Okay, feedback required somewhere either here or on facebook. Can a woman with stretch marks wear a bikini and feel good about it? Just wondering what kind of response I am going to get when I wear a bikini on my vacation and strut my stuff with the stretch marks over my hips. Not that it really matters to me what others think as far as judging me, but I am interested in how other women feel about it for themselves. I am blessed that I didn't get any marks on my stomach, but I do have them over the hips. Do I regret how I got them, no I CELEBRATE it! I love my children and they are a blessing to me and this world. 
The most awesome thing I remember seeing when it comes to this topic was at Girdwood Forest Fair two years ago. A good friend of mine is an amazing belly dancer and she was about 7 months pregnant. She danced a beautiful piece in full belly dancing decoration. Her belly was so sexy and it touched me spiritually that she was confident with showing her baby body and all it's amazing glory. Also, in that same belly dancing performance was a woman with a great amount of stretch marks over her stomach obviously from carrying her children during pregnancy. She was sensual and moved with grace and confidence...I admired her and all of a sudden I realized it was about her freedom of spirit and pride in her female body, I mean how amazing is it that we get to be a vessel for a human life to begin. Women should celebrate this and not hide it. Why do we let one more thing (like a few stretch marks) make us self-conscience? It's Never Too Late to celebrate being a woman, stretch marks and ALL!

How ACE's hockey is like stress therapy!

Shaving: Who has it worse, guys or gals?

Who has the shaving game worse, guys or gals? I have my opinion.....gals. Every day I have to shave my armpits, my legs, and numerous other areas I won't go into right now. Why do I feel the need to shave every day? It's because of my crazy Zumba outfits and I personally can't stand pricklies! It takes at least 10 minutes to do this in the shower and I go through a lot of disposable razors which can be pretty expensive. It's something that has to be done every day and because of this, it gets old after a while. Sometimes I will take a little shaving vacay when George is gone. For a few days, I will wear tops with sleeves to Zumba (now you know) and sleep in sweats so my legs don't touch. Just when I can't stand it any more, I will shave again. Guys only shave their face and neck, I suppose. George doesn't grow hair on his back so he doesn't have to worry about that. My brother and nephews have shaved their legs before so they could wear cycling pants easily, apparently it hurts to pull them off with hairy legs after a sweaty bike ride. However, that doesn't count because they don't shave every day. When I ask George about shaving his face he says it isn't comfortable. The razor must be super sharp, you have to use some sort of lubricant like shaving cream and if you let it grow very long it is a bit painfull. I don't have to shave my face yet. I pluck a few hairs from my chin and around my lips, yeah it's the big hormone change. I wonder if I ever will have to shave my face. That will suck.....armpits, legs, private areas, AND face. Come on where does it end? George has hair growing out of his ears and moles now and falling out of his head. Hair is weird like that. The visual of our future as a retired couple is well.....concerning. I need to start a savings plan for razors, tweezers, and shaving cream or give it up and live happily in the "Planet of the Apes". I personally think monkeys are cute, curious George comes to mind. BTW, how much do you need to start a savings account? It's Never Too Late! Love and happy shavings to all!

Passion

I love the word "passion" and I love people who have passion about something. It doesn't really matter to me what it is unless it brings harm to them or someone else. I surround myself with people who have passion about Zumba and it makes me a better Zumba instructor. I surround myself with people who have passion about arts and crafts and it makes me better at mosaics. I surround myself with people who have passion about cooking or good food and it makes me want to create an amazing dish! Last night I surrounded myself with a person who has great passion and compassion for others. She gives so much of herself to others, helping women who have been sexually abused. She has a great passion for this subject and bringing it to light in our community. We have a lot of sexual abuse going on right now in Anchorage. I don't know if it is the long winter, the economy, or what, but it is abundantly clear that at this moment there are high numbers of sexual assault. How can we as a community help get those numbers down? I realize it is impossible to completely end sexual assault, but to end it should be our passion! Get the word out to the women you know......"Don't put yourself in a situation that could lead to becoming a victim of sexual abuse." Whatever that situation might be: walking to your car late at night alone, drinking too much alcohol to the point were you can't take care of yourself, going somewhere with a man you don't know really well and trust with your life. I know you are probably thinking "Wait a minute Amy, doesn't the man bare some responsibility here?" I answer with a resounding YES! But people really we have to be smart about this. It starts in the home and if that young boy hasn't been taught to respect women, all people, or even himself, at this point it's too late. Women protect yourselves, use your brains, respect yourself, empower yourself, educate yourself and do everything possible to stay out of this situation. Choose to surround yourself with people that are passionate about doing the right thing and statistically the chances of being sexually assaulted are much lower. Learn how to say the word "NO!" with great passion and authority. Mothers teach your sons about love and respect for others. There's is nothing wrong with opening a door for a woman, pulling out a chair, letting her be first, listening to what she really has to say and being passionate about becoming a genuine MAN. It starts in the home and it's Never Too Late!
George adds "You should also be packing!" Not a bad idea ladies! Love and passion to you all!

How getting rid of STUFF is like therapy.

First of all, I'm sorry you haven't been able to post any comments on my blog. I am working to figure this out. I was born at the worst time for learning a computer. If I would have been born much earlier I could have said "Screw it" and refused to learn the functions of a computer and everyone would forgive me because I'm old. If I would have been born later, I would have learned it in school and developed an appreciation for that knowledge. Unfortunately, I'm stuck in the middle and left to my own devices when it comes to figuring this stuff out. I know, I know, I could take a computer class but honestly I would rather just save my time and money and complain about it. There will be a point when I will admit failure and go to "help". Give me time.
Today, I am getting rid of stuff. We are planning a remodel of our home and everything has to be boxed up and moved out for the sheet-rock guys to do their thing. I am in charge of the kitchen and dining area, those are my spaces, garage and closets are George's spaces. I really dislike packing, I can come up with a million other more fun things to do like pluck my eyebrows, but the best part is the purging part. It feels so good to get rid of stuff that I don't use every day. It's like a breath of fresh air after a stuffy nose. I try to hang on to the important stuff, a dish George's grandma left us from one of her many trips to Germany or my grandmothers silver set. You don't get ride of stuff like that, but you do need to get rid of the three glasses (set started with eight) that don't match anything anymore, or the plastic cup some kid left at your house during a visit. Go ahead and git rid of the placemats that are stained, or the napkin ring holders you really don't like anymore, the used candles that you keep planning to melt down (good intention, but not going to happen) and the kitchen gadget you got for your birthday that you never learned to use. In Anchorage I can take all this stuff down to Value Village or Vi Vi's as my friends like to call it. They take it, give you a reciept for taxes, price it and put it on the shelf for resale. It's kind of fun to go to Vi Vi's every once in a while and go shopping. "Hey, those look like my napkin rings! Hope somebody buys them." Purging stuff physically has a very psychological purging affect. You can see the important stuff more clearly and you have room for what really matters. If you don't believe me, watch "Hoarding: buried alive" It's Never Too Late to purge. 

Toxic People and Chocolate

Hey froggers (friends and bloggers) I think I figured out how to let anyone post a comment. I saved it to settings so give it a try if you have anything to say. You are human, pretty sure you do.

Anyway, remove toxic people from your life. That's my big thought on the day. I have so many beautiful, thoughtful, encouraging, fun and enthusiastic people in my life. One gave me free hockey tickets today and another is going out of her way to make a right on a purchase I made from her line of jewelry that just didn't hold up. I didn't expect any of these things, but just because I choose to hang with the right people, good stuff happens. Now listen I know crap happens everyday, and I've been very fortunate not to have a lot of that lately, but when I do these same people are there for me to lift me up and cheer me on. Take a look at your life and identify those that make your life difficult. Be reasonable, you can't get rid of your toddler if you have one, he/she will eventually get out of that stage and quit making your life so challenging. The ones I'm talking about are the friends, co-workers, family members, church members, board members etc. that keep you down and suck all the happy out of you. The ones that when their number shows up on your phone you hit "ignore" and hope they go away. The ones you avoid at the grocery store when you realize they are in the same isle you wish to go down. If you have any of those people in your life, remove them. Now I know that is tough especially when they are family, but blood doesn't mean friendship. Working with them doesn't mean you have to let them invade your brain space. Punch the clock, go home and leave them there! If confrontation is necessary, let them know you are making healthier choices for the people you to choose to surround you and you would like to not have to work so hard at making a relationship work. Believe me, you and probably even that person will have a better life. You could be driving them crazy too!
Chocolate......eat it, especially dark chocolate. It's Never Too Late to enjoy chocolate!

Roller Derby and Irish Pubs

I had a very interesting gig last night. My employer asked me to do a Zumba demo at a championship roller derby bout. My husband and I got there at the beginning so we could check out what this was all about. I have been seeing ads in the Anchorage area for the Rage City Roller Girls, but hadn't really thought about going......what a mistake! We had the best time. There were about 2000 people there in every age group and financial demographic. People dressed up in costumes, carried home-made signs and cheered on their favorite team or roller girl. The names on the jerseys were the most entertaining, "Salmon Ella" was my pick (remember I live in Alaska). Also, "Little Red Vette" was a good one. She was one of the jammers (I know nothing about roller derby, but this is what the announcer called her position) and kicked some butt. I noticed the dj playing Prince everytime she was on the move. The crowd was pumped and everyone was super nice. I got out there on the floor at half-time quite worried that I would be the only person willing to dance like a crazy fend in front of 2000 people. I seem to always get picked for these gigs. Anyway, I turn around and to my pleasent surprise there were at least 40 people behind me kicking it to reggaeton! We had a blast!
After the awesome win by the Rage City Roller Girls, something like 350 to 75.....we walked the snowy sidewalks of downtown Anchorage. The weather was really perfect, probably 25 degrees or so. Anyway, there is a little Irish pub called McGinley's that we have always wanted to check out. We didn't get to have a beer at the derby, I was on duty, so we stopped in for a night-cap. I love Irish pubs. I think it is part of the atmosphere for the cocktail wait staff to be kind of in your face, like they expect you to know exactly what you want and don't waist another second of their time. I mean this with great appreciation. Makes me feel like I'm in Ireland. We ordered a Guiness of course, but as usual it was flat. George and I have decided you cannot get a really good pour on your Guiness on this side of the ocean. We made a pac to remind each other of that the next time we want a Guiness and order something else. We got a good ole Alaskan Amber and Black IPA for the chaser.......great choice on tap! The band began to play and we looked at each other and decided we spend too many nights at home. It's Never Too Late.....see you at McGinley's next Saturday night and we'll order something besides a Guiness.

Moose and other subjects

Good morning froggers (freinds and bloggers)! Moose are everywhere in the yard today. I love moose, their floppy ears and gigantic snouts are so adorable. We have a momma and baby sleeping in the front yard and a little female about two years old is in the back. It has been such a cold snowy winter that they are hanging out down the mountain a lot. Hang in there moose, summer is coming I promise. As cute as they are I wouldn't want to tangle with one, especially a momma moose. We keep the pom in the house and under servelience every time he goes out to do his business. Had a snowy owl the night before last. His song was so soul searching at midnight in the quiet of the fallen snow. Had to watch the pom then too, owls love furry little creatures especially in the middle of a winter like we've had. My husband loves to tease about Noah bait.
Other subjects.......menstrual cycles. I can't believe it has taken me 47 years to figure this crap out (technically 35 years). The week before I'm starving all the time and crave carbs and sugar like crazy, then the irritability kicks in about five days out, then on to the joint pain (lower back) and sore breasts......okay  you get it. Seriously, is anyone else as rediculous as me that it has taken this long to finally say to myself "Oh, it must be that time of the month, so settle down take an ibuprofen and get on with life."? I'm almost to menapause and I'm pretty sure that's going to be even more fun! Any suggestions?
Last, but not least on my mind today is Bethenny's (remember the book I'm reading?) number one rule "Break the Chain". It's all about childhood and learning what to take with you and what to leave behind to get on with being a great adult and achieving happiness. I've talked to a lot of friends and looked at my own childhood and have pretty much summized that at some point eveyone has had a nasty childhood. Maybe it was just an incident or any entire childhood, but noone escapes the junk. I took my crap and or turned it into a codependent relationship with my high school boyfriend and an eating disorder. I let myself deal with both for way too long. Thank God I got a beautiful healthy daughter out of this and that has made it all worth it. I look at who I was and what I was at that time in my life (15-22 years for the codependent relationship and 14-30 for the eating disorder) and I don't even resemble the same person. Don't waste any more time in the past, leave it there and live in the moment! It's Never Too Late! Have a blessed Saturday.

Reading Material

I'm currently reading a book by Bethenny Frankel, yes I said Bethenny Frankel. You may know her from the show The Housewives of New York City or her famous Skinny Girl Margarittas which I highly recommend. I'm not into watching ANY reality TV, except I have to confess Project Runway (remember I love fashion). I did happen to watch a few episodes a couple of years ago of the Housewives and was blown away by this girls candidness. She is spunky and straight forward and reminds me a lot of my 26 year old daughter. I was traveling through the Seattle airport a few months ago and wanted a new book to read. I picked up "A Place of Yes" by Bethenny Frankel. I am thoroughly empressed. It's funny and very thought provoking. She tells her biography through a ten rule process that she lives by. I have taken the time to write each of the ten rules down and answer them for myself. It really has made me think. I believe that I am a "yes" kind of person so I don't know why I picked this book up except that I do believe there is a place inside all of us that points us in certain directions. Some people call it the Holy Spirit (my belief) others an inner voice, destiny, etc. Whatever it is I'm glad I listened. Go check it out for yourself, I think she is spot on on a few things. Some of my favorite parts are all the qoutes she published that back up her ten rules....everyone from Ghandi to Tony Robbins.
Gotta go sing karaoke....my crazy husband just bought me an amp to do fitness classes out of studio and it has a mic. We are enjoying acting like rock stars in our living room while our son is at work! Don't tell!

Celebration

Good morning all, today is a great day. I was working with a client (Lifestyle and Weight Management) this morning and two weeks ago she could not do a full sit-up. Her lower abs were to weak. Today she did 15 all by herself! I am so psyched for her. This is the stuff great days are made of. The happiness expressed on her face and the positive comments about how she felt about herself that followed are worth the world to me. I had to yell out a little "YeeHaa" in the car when I pulled out of her driveway! I hope if there is anyone out there that is struggling with weight loss or health issues of any sort, that you will be encouraged by this. Get up and get moving, even just the littleiest of movement can make a difference. The body, the mind and the spirit were designed to move. When you let one of these be idle, it will take the rest with it eventually. So read a book, study some research you are interested in, take a walk, call a friend you haven't talked to in a while, listen to some great music.....do something to engage at least one of the body, mind or spirit. Before you know it, you will be feeding all three! Have a blessed day.  And remember.....it's Never Too Late!

Welcome!

I've finally given into blogging. I knew it would happen, just not when. I have been writing in a journal most my adult life and this is, I guess, the natural progression of things. I have so many ideas, thoughts, concerns, passions and such to share. I am truly interested in others ideas, thoughts, beliefs, passions and concerns. If you're wondering what "Never Too Late" is about, it is my belief that it is never too late to live, to laugh, to love, to forgive, to heal, to change, to learn, to create, to become the person you want to be. I am 47 and as I begin what I hope to be my second half of life, I want to know that I am all I can be.......it is never too late. If you want, we can take this journey together. I want to talk about health, happiness, nature, friendship, relationship, raising kids, raising dogs, books, food, wine, recycling, travel, fitness, spirituality and soul searching (and anything you want to talk about too). Maybe we can help each other figure some life stuff out and become better human beings which will in turn make a better world. My purpose is clear, to leave this world and those I come in contact with in a better place, to know that they are loved.

HELLO World!

Welcome to Never Too Late! What is this blog about you ask? Well maybe you didn't, but here it is in a nutshell and you can decide to be a part or not. It's all in the title. As I enter what I hope to be my second half of life, I want everyone to know it is "Never Too Late" to live, to dream, to create, to learn, to forgive, to be happy, to change, to overcome, to heal....whatever it is that is holding you back or keeping you from becoming the person you want to be, it is never too late to start another journey. I know personally I don't want to be a person the regrets that I didn't do more when I had the life to live. Join me if you wish, share your thoughts, your obstacles, as I share mine and maybe just maybe we will get to take this journey together. It is so much more enjoyable to hike a path with another than alone. We are creatures of relationship and we NEED each other.  Again welcome and know that you have a new friend, counterpart if you wish! Talk soon.