I walked around our city park at sunset today. 
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Everything was covered by an orange light.

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I had to climbed stairs to continu on my path.  A metaphor about my life lately.

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I found those two friends swimming on the calm stream.

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I got a sunburn on my nose and cheeks from all the vitamin D I was getting!

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I’m happy I was out of work today to enjoy our earlier sunsets. The lack of sunshine affects my mood and all that light energized me for the rest of the week!

Does lack of sunshine affect your mood? What are your tricks to fight it and stay happy during winter time?

I’m participating in Oh She Glows’ Whittle My Middle in 30 days challenge. :)

1) PICTURES: Before, half way, and after pictures on Nov 11th, Nov 25th, and Dec. 9th, respectively.

Before (Nov 17):
Whittle My Middle 30 days challenge

Whittle My Middle 30 days challenge

Whittle My Middle 30 days challenge

2) MEASUREMENTS: Before, half way, and after measurements of my ‘true’ waist (at belly button), low waist
(3″ lower approx.), and hips (over butt)- same dates as above.

Before:
- 29” (smallest, not true waist)
- 32” (2” below belly button)
- 37.5” (hips)

3) CORE WORK: 6-10 minute core workout, 5 days a week, doing the following exercises:
* Plank
* Side plank
* Plank with elbows on stability ball
* Stability Ball Jackknifes
* Stability ball roll out
* Plank Rotations

This morning I did:
* Plank: 1 min
* Side plank: 30 sec each side
* Plank with elbows on stability ball: 30 sec
* Stability Ball Jackknifes: Too hard, wait for back to be in better shape
* Stability ball roll out: 10 rep
* Plank Rotations: changed position every 5 seconds, 30 sec total.

It confirmed what I already knew, my core strenght is very low. I was shaking like a leave! If I add up all the time, I did a very short 3 minute mini core workout. However, I do not want to force this as my back is still recovering from an injury (that keep me from going to work for a full week). I’m hoping they will help my back gain more strenght.

Let’s see how long I can hold the pauses a month from now. :)