Some thoughts and discussions from me.
Stepping Away (Monday)
Good morning 
Wow, I took four days off from blogging, and lo and behold, my blog didn’t implode. I do hope all of my US readers had a happy Thanksgiving – I do! However, I decided to stay away from all forms of social media and just spend the day being thankful (weekend?)
I’m thankful for my family back home, who I FaceTimed with in the morning. For my clients, three of whom met me at the gym on Thanksgiving morning to get their training sessions in, I’m thankful for my husband, who I think went out of his way to be extra sweet on Thanksgiving this year, since it was the first time away from our family. For my job(s.) And I’m thankful for all of my friends, and my new Colorado friends, who treated me like family as we all celebrated Thanksgiving together.
Yes, I’m grateful. Of course, I’m also thankful for social media, the relationships I’ve made through it, the sounding board it provides me, the opportunities that have come because of it, and daily conversation with YOU, my readers! That said, it felt good just to disconnect for a while. I know there were graphics wishing all a happy thanksgiving, fitness tips on how to survive the big meal, workouts posted on how to get ready to indulge, lists of things to be thankful for, and more – which is all so awesome!!
But I just chose to keep my laptop closed (aside from looking up a recipe for green bean casserole – ha!) And because of this, I didn’t have a Friday post written either, but you all were probably too busy bracing the crowds of Black Friday sales, right? 
Oh man, this is one holiday I do NOT partake in.
You all know how I feel about crowds. I just can’t do it. Besides, you can get the same thing for the same price sitting on your coach, shopping online! Friday was actually a short work day for me – I trained clients in the morning, and then taught a noon spin class. Later that say Shane and I continued to stay in and watched Netflix movies and ordered chicken pad thai.
Saturday (which felt like Sunday ALL day to me,) we headed out to hike Eldorado Canyon, just south of Boulder.
The state park allowed dogs, so we made a family trip out of it 
Niko loves to hike, and has pretty impressive hiking skills! She made it up 3/4 of the Incline in Manitou Springs before we had to carry her, and on this hike, she made it up steep steps and lots of switch backs – and made it the whole way!
Funny part of this story: I was texting back and forth with Lauren about plans for later that night, and she mentioned she and Greg were on their way to Eldorado Canyon to hike, too. I told you the universe doesn’t like us hiking without each other. Really freaky, because Shane had never been to EC, and I’ve only been once!
Later that night, us four, along with our friends Katie, David, and Jamie, decided to all head out and go bowling together. I hadn’t been bowling in forever!
I realized that my mad bowling skills have, indeed, NOT improved, but I still have a LOT of fun trying 
Afterward, we all went out for a beer and a pizza – the beer was good, but the pizza left a LOT to be desired, and I ended up having a burrito when I got home, LOL.
Ah well, the company made up for it
And finally, on Sunday after church, I got to do something that I haven’t done in…7(?) years, and got a REAL Christmas tree!!!
This is the first year of Shane and my living together that he’s given me the O-K to get a real Christmas tree. We usually just use our fake tree. Shane’s been on call this week for work (from home.) It’s a busy time for his company, and they call him when things break, and he has to write new code…or something.
Anyway, we’ll decorate the tree this week, and it already smells like Christmas in our little home.
Make it a great week!
How was your Thanksgiving?
How often do you “step away?”
stepping away rocked here too.
I wrote nonstop.
OLDSCHOOL STYLE 😉
paper and pen.
Miz recently posted…What are you GIFTING yourself?
Nothing better than pen to paper!
i think Colorado has been good for you and shane.. just look. wow! i know, odd comment but i just noticed
lindsay recently posted…Cyber Monday: Cooking UP a Business Giveaway
Thanks, Lindsay…I think so, too 🙂
lol omg how true is that ecard?!?!? hilarious!! (and sad but true!!)
Linz @ Itz Linz recently posted…a glimpse into my family
Looks like a fun weekend for sure! It’s nice sometimes to just step away from social media and enjoy being with people. Glad you were able to do that! (I’m not a very good bowler either…LOL!)
Katie @ Talk Less, Say More recently posted…Magpie & the Dandelion
ohh, the real tree is beautiful. I miss a real tree but too many allergies in my house.
Jennifer F recently posted…{Green} Giant Taste! Cauliflower & Green Chile Tamale Bites Recipe + #Giveaway
Amen! It’s so nice to just take a BREAK once in awhile and what better time? Looks like you had a great weekend and the chance to fully enjoy it all. 🙂
Looks like an awesome weekend! I love real trees – they’re the best. We haven’t had one in a few years due to new furniture and boy do I miss that smell!
Courtney @ Don’t Blink. Just Run. recently posted…My Favorite Time Of The Year
Uh oh – what do they do to new furniture??
Haha, nothing. We bought a sectional and don’t have the room anymore. We now have a “room of comf”.
Courtney @ Don’t Blink. Just Run. recently posted…My Favorite Time Of The Year
Ohh, gotcha! hhahah 🙂
I think it’s fantastic you stepped away completely to spend time with family during this weekend! I’ve been trying to do it more often, and it really has made a difference in my life!
It seems like you had an awesome weekend!
Lisa recently posted…Little Delights
Sounds like a perfect thanksgiving to me! I was away from family for the first time last year and it was kind of nice going back. I like both versions though – just different. 🙂 And YAY for real trees – no fake for me!!
Heather @ Better With Veggies recently posted…The #MoveHappy Challenge: Week 1
Real trees FTW! 🙂
Sounds like an amazing break girl! I took a step away too, and it was pure bliss! Love that REAL tree! Jealous! 😉
Brittany @ Delights and Delectables recently posted…Thanksgiving Edition: Family, Food, Fun, RUN
I’ve been making a habit of stepping away, completely or nearly completely, on the weekends for awhile now. I feel refreshed when I come back on Monday morning and am really enjoying having more time for family and knitting!
Glad you had a happy thanksgiving!
Tamara recently posted…40+ Female Online Group Training Round 2 | Registration now open
Yes! Weekends, always 🙂
Real Christmas trees are awesome – can’t wait to see how you decorate it!
Julie recently posted…MIMM: Thanksgiving Festivities
Your bowling picture RULLLLLLEEEESSSS! I love it! I guess we’ll have to go bowling more often so that we can actually break 100 (and come up with with more awesome high fives!). 😉
OH- and I had a Quest bar after I got home.
Lauren @ Me and the Mountains recently posted…A Marvelous [Long] Holiday Weekend
I made a green bean casserole too!!!
You look adorable in that hiking pic – love that you brought the pup!
I love bowling…I think I’m good, but I’m so not, but it’s so fun!! 🙂
Sammy @ Peace Love and Ice Cream recently posted…WODs – Dec 2&3 and When Do You Blog?