Greenhorn Creek Guest Ranch

It was Ryan's birthday this past week, so I surprised him with a mini-vacation to Quincy, CA to Greenhorn Creek Guest Ranch. 

We had an amazing time! I always learn something new about myself each time I step out of any comfort zone. And this is the reason I love taking mini-vacations - traveling and exploring new places, especially with Ryan!

This time, we also brought the dogs with us. Greenhorn is extremely accommodating to dogs, so it worked perfectly for us!

Heading out of Town.

My Babies.

Ryan & Ms. Rae.

Ranch Chuckhouse.

Absolutely gorgeous views.

Getting ready to ride.

Ryan ahead of me on Dolly.

When Cody met Dolly.

Ranch Saloon.

Fiona hanging out in the Saloon with us.

Sweet, little girl who loved Fiona.

We loved the Saloon! Best Saloon Bartender around:)

Always in love with the country look.

Simple, beautiful and open!

The dogs loved all the space!

Running back to our room. Trying to catch up to Ryan & Reagan.

Driving home. Absolutely exhausted. (And yes, somehow we all fit in the front seat!)

If you ever have the chance to get to Greenhorn Creek Guest Ranch, I highly recommend it! They were the nicest, most down-to-earth people I've met in a long time! Everything about the place from the people to the atmosphere to the activities and overall ambiance is simple, stress-free, active and yet magnificently peaceful! 

Furthermore, I really love them because when I was researching "dude ranch" and stumbled upon them, I was able to find out even more about them via their Facebook Page and Twitter Profile! I was impressed with what I saw, and I truly believed that "sealed-the-deal" for me!

So what did I learn about myself this weekend?

1. Being active does not just mean "24/7 in-the-gym bootcamp-style rah-rah-rah." It can mean a weekend getaway (or any "daily getaway") with movement. We were highly active this weekend - always out running around with the dogs and horseback riding. I didn't feel an ounce of guilt for not being in the gym! (But I am also excited to begin my new program tomorrow!)
2. I love horseback riding! 
3. I CAN disconnect from my "digital life." I had no cell service. I barely jumped on my computer. Though it was tempting to be on the computer more, staying away from it from time-to-time is not only a good thing, but an absolutely critical thing for my mind, body and overall well being!

FINALLY, my husband and dogs reminded me that no matter where I am - California or Minnesota - HOME is truly where they are (HAPPY BIRTHDAY, RYAN - hope you loved it)!

And I hope all of your weekends were healthy, fit and fantastic as well! 

CHEERS!

Not a Dime.

(Still on) Day 56.

What do you own that costs you nothing? My husband said something like this to me about a week ago. I can't remember why he said it or what the context was, but I remember the question because I wrote it down.

These days, the answer is almost nothing. Everything you own costs you. As a matter of fact, it costs you more now than ever before. But the beauty in life, the true beauty in life, is when you are able to find the things that don't cost you a dime. And they are, for the most part, not material items. I could think of many things I own that don't cost me anything, but I'm highlighting just two today: My Dogs & My Health. (And why don't I say, "my husband, my family, my friends," ect? Because I don't own them!)

My dogs - my love for them - do not cost a dime. I know, buying them and keeping them alive costs money. Loving them and having them love me back no matter what - priceless. I literally spend hours and hours and hours of my life just being with them. That costs me nothing.



My health - making it a priority - does not cost a dime. Again, the first few steps do cost money (Leah, gym membership, allergy tests). It's the ongoing knowledge and lifetime maintenance that does not cost a thing. Since we have to eat to survive, we might as well own what goes into our bodies. And since we were not made to sit on the couch, eat potato chips and watch TV, we might as well own treating our body to physical exercise. I can be anywhere at anytime and with anyone and still own my health. I own what goes in and what exertion comes out. This costs me nothing.

What do YOU own that costs you nothing?

I had another fabulous mouth day. It was a 1/2 all day. My stomach did start to get twisted around 5pm. It was not very pleasant for a couple of hours. Yesterday I did drink some and I had a lot of pico de gallo, which is diced-tomato based. I suspect one of those things perhaps?

I made another great pasta tonight for the week. It is similar to the one I made last week.

• Penne De Bole Pasta
• Baby Scallops
• Olive Oil + Apple Cider Vinegar
• Garlic
• Cilantro
• Red Peppers

Here was my day:

Breakfast

• Steel Cut Oats, Nutribiotic Vanilla Rice Protein Powder with Unsweetened Rice Milk, Coconut Milk Light, Flax, and Stevia
• 1/2 Fruit Fusion Bar (Dried Apple and Cranberry)
• Unsweetened Applesauce
• Peets Coffee with Unsweetened Rice Milk, Coconut Milk Light, and Stevia

Pre-Workout

• Organic Apple

Lunch

• Organic Apple
  
• Organic Raw Carrots
  
• 1/2 Fruit Fusion Bar (Dried Apple and Cranberry)

Dinner

• Spring Mix + Fish Oil + Spirulina + Sea Salt
  
• Grilled Chicken
• New Scallop Pasta Mix
  

Snack

• Orange

ps. For any of you out there reading this: I love to hear from you! Anytime you want to comment or shoot me a message of any sort, please feel free to do so! I love what you have to say. I love listening to your thoughts, and I am curious about your own journey! I'm always here - I'm always listening!