This is why I love traveling...

China never ceases to amaze me...

http://www.wimp.com/vegetablemarket/

These are some photos of my drive through Guatemala with a similarly absurd highway setup. The local market is so important that they only leave room for one car to drive through the center of it at a time :)...

Are you puzzled about why you are cranky???

This article provides a great reminder about things you can do to avoid those unbearable moods and crankiness.

http://health.yahoo.net/experts/healthieryou/6-surprising-reasons-cranky

Happy Sunday!!!

Secrets to Increasing Your Energy...

Here is some fabulous and extremely helpful advice from my talented friend and guest blogger...Paula Ryan, MS, RD. Miss Paula tailored this blog entry to me and my lack of energy :) Please contact her for your own personalized health advice!

Find the Energy you need to make it through the Day

Paula Ryan, MS, RD

Healthiest Regards

Does your workday feel like a Sprint Triathlon, rushing from one event to the next? Are you exhausted half way through the day? Here are some tips that will get you to that end-of-the-day finish line.

Get enough sleep

How many hours of sleep do you need to feel refreshed and ready to go in the morning? I need 8 1/2. Some need more, some need less. Be honest with yourself and get the rest you need.

Don't go Crazy with Caffeine

Too much caffeine in the morning can result in an energy "crash" a few hours later. Limit your coffee consumption to 1 or 2 cups in the morning, or switch to tea which usually has a little bit less caffeine per cup.

Exercise

Whether it's in the morning before work, at lunch, or after work, exercise is a must. The health benefits related to exercise seem endless. You'll feel better when  you are done;  you will be proud of yourself for your accomplishments.  Find the time; it's on your list of things to do; it's THAT important.

Eat small meals frequently

 Don't get too hungry or too full. Eat every couple of hours.  Each snack or meal should be made up of whole grains (complex carbohydrates), a lean or low-fat protein, and a fruit or vegetable serving.

Don't Skip a Meal

Your body needs energy to function. If it doesn't get the fuel it needs, you may begin to feel drained as your body searches for energy to use to get through the day. Skipping meals may also lead to unhealthy snacking or overindulging at your next meal.

Drink your fluids

Have some water available at your desk. Limit your soda and juice consumption. Even a small amount of dehydration may lead to fatigue.

Take a multivitamin + minerals

Because we aren't perfect, and sometimes you won't get 100% of what you need from what you eat.

Eat the good fats, limit the bad fats

Eat foods that are low in fat and very low in saturated fats. Fish is a great source for good fats. If you don't like fish, try it again. (If you really don't like it, take a fish oil supplement.) Too much fat in one meal slows digestion and may make you feel sluggish. Stay away from too many fried foods, pick grilled or broiled instead.

For more information or for personalized nutrition advice, visit HealthiestRegards.com

Makes me Smile....

Here is something little to brighten your day!

God Bless the USA!!!

Although I have a passion for travel, there is nothing like returning to the good ole "land of the free and the home of the brave" :). Sometimes it take a little trip away from the USA to gain a true appreciation for the beauty that exists right here in my home country. Here is a little reminder...

http://oldbluewebdesigns.com/mybeautifulamerica.htm

Want to ensure a lifelong marriage of happiness???

Include you favorite furry companion on your wedding day!

Oh the joy animals can bring to your life! I am blessed to come home to the most precious form of therapy daily...my "Pretty", "Pumpkin", "Reeeeno", "Lover"....officially known as RHINO ♥

I regard this furry friend as my very own form of Xanax. Yep, no need for Xanax here because I have Rhino to lean on, pet and cuddle with when I am struggling to get through a day. Not only is he my best buddy, but he did an awesome job protecting me during our 7 month Central American adventure...
http://theburbadventure.blogspot.com/2008_04_01_archive.html

Here is an excerpt from one of his "guard dog" days:

"It was during this horrendous border crossing day that my irreplaceable companionship with Rhino was solidified (yeah I know another Rhino story, but this is a good one). Up until this point on our journey I was unsure whether Rhino was simply there to look cute and play with coconuts all day or whether he was a true watch dog. At the Honduras border crossing he truly proved his worth. He and I were "watching" the burb as we do best and an older sketchy looking gentlemen walked up to the car window trying to sell me some random pieces of junk. I repeated my monotonous line of "no gracias" or no thank you for those of you who struggle with Spanish :). The scraggly looking gentlemen kept coming back over to my window and I was unsure whether he was simply trying to be nice and strike up conversation or whether he wanted something more. Rhino decided for me on the third round of window creeping when the man got a little too close. He put his front legs on the seat behind me, leaned forward in a fierce posture and barked the loudest and most ferocious bark I have ever heard. He was about 3 inches from the guys face and you should have seen him jump backwards. I was seriously proud of my little "pretty/precious" (what I call him) turned "Beast" (as Chad has always called him). Instead of telling him to stop I let him posture himself for a bit longer to scare the creeper away and it worked. I proceeded to give "Beast" a treat and a big kiss. Never underestimate a lab (see the San Blas blog entry for proof that they can and WILL bite). This is truly when Rhino became "my" dog and when I took over sole responsibility of feeding and caring for the beast :). Love him!!!"--Could you get more precious than this?

As I was finishing up my last bedside novel "Committed" (http://traveltalkteach.blogspot.com/2011/03/therapuetic-nature-of-reading.html), I was reminded of another worthy role that dogs can play..."Flower Dog" or "Ring Dog" in a wedding. And no they are not just there to look cute, they play a MAJOR role in maintaining fidelity in the future marriage. Yep, you heard that right..."In medieval wedding portraits, you will often see the image of a dog painted between the figures of a newly wed couple--the ultimate symbol of fidelity"--Elizabeth Gilbert.

This tidbit brought me back to my own wedding with "Pretty Pumpkin" right in the middle :). Is this a sign of a lifelong happy marriage??? I sure hope so!

(Image via Pat Chidester) 

Rushing down the aisle to help seal the deal :)



(Images via bluewave photo)

Happy Friday!!!

Straight No Chaser...

This is some true music therapy!!! "Straight No Chaser" is a male a cappella group with unbelievable talent and devastatingly good looks! I know I know...male and a cappella conjure up some pretty hysterical and corny images, but give them a try and I promise they will impress. These 10 talented vocalists got their start over 10 years ago in college at Indiana University. They have since reassembled and produced Billboard favorites while touring the USA. One of their more recent video's includes a blend of Jason Mraz's "I'm Yours" and Israel "IZ" Kamakawiwoʻole "Over the Rainbow". Due to my affinity for weddings I fell in love with this combo the minute I heard it.

Another favorite to lighten your day "Stand by me"...



and one of their originals from 1998 (listen all the way through, it's pretty hilarious)...



Do you think there is a possibility that I could get hired to be one of the back up singers humming or making the clicking noises? I think I could nail that one :)

Here is their website if you are interested in learning more:

http://www.sncmusic.com/bio/