Gifting
Boca. Ever heard of it? Ever tried one? It’s the vegetarian’s choice for burgers. (And probably so much more than just burgers, but that’s what I think of when I hear Boca!) And while I’ve never claimed to be a veggie-only kind of gal, I have had a Boca Burger (or three!) in my lifetime. And I actually kinda like them.
So, when I was invited to an exclusive (maybe?), invite-only (definitely!) event, sponsored by Boca in their quest for balanced living, I agreed to go. Because who wouldn’t like some food, drinks, manis, pedis and massages, all care of Boca? (Note: That’s me in the last row, frantically raising her hand!)
And who wouldn’t like to fraternize with the lovely authors of Places Never Planned, The Everyday Adventures of Me in the City, Free and Flawed, and Oh! How Lovely. I might have overheard and/or been a part of conversations involving lunges in preparation for getting a massage; drinking water after a massage; getting drunk after a massage; streaky nail polish; excitement about first pedicures; and well, all things girl. Ya know? Can you tell I hovered in the free, pamper-yourself room?
And speaking of FREE, Boca was kind enough to send me home with not one but TWO lovely care packages. Two identical care packages. And you know what they were hoping I’d do (well, hope is stretching it, as they actually offered the suggestion). They *hope* I will blog about this truly lovely experience and then maybe do a GIVE AWAY on my blog. That’s right. You heard it:
NILSA HAS A GIFT OR TWO FOR HER FAVORITE COMMENTERS!!!
Oh wait, now that’s not really in the spirit of balanced living, is it? Playing favorites? And calling that balanced living? Hmmm, maybe I should try something a little more just. I know. I KNOW!!!!
Leave me a comment about something you do in your life (or would like to do in your life) that helps you lead a balanced life. It could be that weekly yoga class. That Saturday morning run. Leaving your husband behind with the kids for an afternoon alone. Or even passing up that demanding job in favor of one that lets you have dinner with your family each night. Whatever it is, tell me what you do to balance your life. Deadline is Sunday, February 15. On Monday, I’ll randomly pick two lucky winners who will help partake in the goodies care of Boca.
February 11th, 2009 at 11:30 am
Sounds like you had a blast!
You know, it’s funny that you mention the job thing, because that’s exactly how I keep my balance in check. I may not have the most demanding job, or the best paying job for that matter, but I chose to work here because doing so means I get to see the sun rise and the sun set every day. I get to spend time with the person I love every single day. I don’t have to wait until the weekend to run errands, because places are still open when I get off work. Speaking of weekends, I have every single one of them off. My boss is amazing and gives me off whenever I need it, no matter how difficult it is to cover my shift. It’s stress free, and that’s how I keep balance in my life.
February 11th, 2009 at 12:01 pm
Working out with my trainer and journaling help me maintain balance in life. With my workouts it is not only about losing weight but losing stress and worry and gaining confidence and energy. In journaling and writing in general I gain perspective and balance.
February 11th, 2009 at 1:02 pm
Hahaha, a Boca burger event? Funny! I need to find one of these in NY.
Well, joining a swim team was a big thing for me. And will hopefully make a big difference! It’s one thing to get involved in something that you’re just so-so at. Or to keep swimming but on your own. I’m hoping the swim team really challenges me and makes a difference in both my physical and mental health!
February 11th, 2009 at 1:34 pm
that sounds awesome! i would kill for a massage right now!! i have recently started on a workout plan -- i signed up for a 5k, so training keeps me balanced..especially since my work life has become super stressful. i also have to say that doing the hula on the wii fit is also helping me keep balanced, and more importantly, laughing!
February 11th, 2009 at 1:37 pm
I wish I got invited to such fun events!
Since the start of the new year I have been getting up at 5:30 am on weekdays (on the weekends my body lets me sleep until 8! wow!) to work out. ExerciseTV on Demand is probably the most amazing invention…ever!
February 11th, 2009 at 1:38 pm
I would like to say I hit the gym but that sadly is not as often as I would like.
For me balance of your mind is just as important and I have decided to read every night, that means turning off the TV and reading a book or my mags but read something. I find that it does relax me and gives the mind something else to focus on.
February 11th, 2009 at 2:04 pm
What a fun event! For us as a couple, balance means spending time together not feeling guilty about things we “should” be doing. So we have a tradition of watching “our shows” together on the weekends while making a nice breakfast together and snuggling on the couch in our robes. Sat the shows are a couple episodes of Property Ladder, and Sunday it is a couple of episodes of Moving Up. It’s something silly and little, but we both look forward to it.
February 11th, 2009 at 2:09 pm
I used to be a TV fiend. I’d come home from work and watch TV for six or eight hours. It was madness.
Now, I’ve learned to turn off the tv and the computer and use that time to do other things. I’m learning knit, or I read more, or I hang out with my roommates/friends more to decompress. Let me tell you, it’s made a huge difference because I feel more calm and refreshed compared to when I’d let my brain turn to mush by being a couch potato between work and bed.
February 11th, 2009 at 2:10 pm
Oh how fun! Balance is a really important priority of mine and I work hard to try to achieve it. I do this by attending yoga, setting aside time for hobbies, making family and friends a priority despite my busy work schedule, and simplifying my life in as many ways as I can. Finding balance in my life is always a work in progress, but I’ve found that doing the things above has made a positive difference.
February 11th, 2009 at 2:17 pm
That’s it. I need to move to Chicago and get invited to these lovely free spa events.
I just started working out so that I can have a healthier and more balanced lifestyle. Also, I love doing random things mainly on the weekend to break out of my routine like going to a new restaurant, visiting a new neighborhood, etc.
February 11th, 2009 at 2:32 pm
Can I start freaking out now? Because we don’t have Boca in Canada! = )
My balanced life is a coming together of a lot of things. I have been vegetarian for coming on 18 years, I walk 6 -- 10 km a day between my taking transit and walking my two puppies, and I work out on a stability ball a couple times a week.
But the funny thing is the biggest positive change I’ve made recently is so simple. I stopped drinking Slim Fast in the mornings and pack a breakfast that I eat at work. Real food and way less sugar tastes amazing!
Glad you had fun!
The funniest th
February 11th, 2009 at 2:34 pm
I’m still searching for balance but one of the things that I do for me is to blog. It helps keep me on an even keel.
February 11th, 2009 at 2:38 pm
I make sure to do things for myself that I find fun even when it seems impossible to squeeze them in. I find a way to knit, swim, run, whatever as long as it is something that makes me happier each day.
It sounds like you had a really fun time!
February 11th, 2009 at 2:43 pm
First, I love Boca chicken patties. They’re totally awesome with pasta sauce and a little skim mozzarella melted on top. Try it and love me for suggesting it.
To balance my life I exercise about 4 or 5 mornings a week. I do aerobics, weights, pilates, yoga, and in the summer I walk and swim too. I make sure I have that hour or so to take care of myself so that I can be whole and balanced for my family. And I find that as a natural extention of feeling better I eat better and crave less junk food. I’m also much better psychologically.
It keeps me out of the therapist’s office.
February 11th, 2009 at 2:44 pm
Oh and don’t forget shaking my sillies out on my BLOG!!!
February 11th, 2009 at 3:10 pm
Currently I am taking the world beer tour at Old Chicago.
I have 35 more beers to go and then I get my name on the wall.
So far in prizes I have gotten a deck of cards, a bottle opener and a compass.
Since I dream big, I am hoping to finish 10 tours, that way I get my own engraved mug.
go ahead and say it. My life is sad.
February 11th, 2009 at 3:15 pm
I do two things every month without fail: take myself to see an indie movie at the Landmark Century Cinema, and spend three hours at the Thousand Waves Spa on Belmont — it’s only $20, and for three hours of silence and pure serenity it’s definitely worth every penny.
(Something I also do occasionally: take an “Amy day” where I lounge about in bed, reading and watching DVDs.)
February 11th, 2009 at 3:53 pm
I take an occasional “personal” day -- where I sleep in late, lounge in bed.. then I go take some photos, or maybe bake something. Or yeah, just stay in bed with a book all day. It recharges me and makes me handle everything else so much better!
February 11th, 2009 at 3:59 pm
How cool is that!
Honestly the biggest thing I do to lead a balanced life is spend time with my family and go to church.
That may not be the sort of answer you are looking for, but for me it is true. I work like crazy. I tend to socialize like crazy. For me, taking time each week to have dinner with my dad or watch a movie with my sister balances things out. And going to church always “centers” me leaves me feeling replinshed and recharged.
So maybe not physical balance, but important nonetheless. :-)
February 11th, 2009 at 4:11 pm
That sounds like so much fun!
One of the things that helps keep me balanced is my dog. I know it may sound ridiculous, but she gets me off the couch so we can walk together. We play whenever I get home from work. She’s there through the good, bad and ugly, and is a huge encouragement for me to lead a balanced life because, well, she kind of forces me. But it’s a good thing.
February 11th, 2009 at 4:44 pm
I an not a vegeterian, but I do eat these on occassion. They are enjoyable.
I just posted about needing to find some balance in life yesterday. At the moment I am trying to “unplug” more and spend time away from the computer and cellphone, getting out and walking the dog more, and having more me time.
February 11th, 2009 at 5:16 pm
What helps me to lead a balanced life…
* At least one very long walk (like three miles) with my dog Jack. No cell phone allowed.
* One night a week where the boy and I leave our cell phones at home or turn the off so we can really JUST BE
* Baking once a week
* Having one night a week totally alone. No friends, boyfriend, family
(and side note, what a fun event you were asked to go! I have never had a Boca burger but I’m intrigued. though i’m probably allergice to everything they put in them sadly.)
February 11th, 2009 at 5:23 pm
I make time to spend crafting in some way. Just spending time in my scrapbook room is calming and my husband totally supports my hobby!
February 11th, 2009 at 5:46 pm
oh, how fun! and boca burgers really are quite delicious… i’ve eaten my fair share, even as a carnivore :-)
what keeps me balanced:
*my new interval running plan
*carving out every single tuesday night as “girl’s night” with my local ladies. it takes precedence over any other social plan, and we get together and chill and gossip once a week.
*my NEW aerobic activity, that i haven’t talked about on my blog yet, but OMG SO AWESOME AND FUN: aerobic pole dancing. everyone should totally try this, it’s so great :-)
February 11th, 2009 at 6:32 pm
Therapy! And now, my writing class.
February 11th, 2009 at 6:34 pm
All I need for a little balance can be summed up in one little word: girlfriends. They not only provide me with social balance (we try new things, we stay in, we go out, we travel), but also, and more importantly, they provide me with emotional balance. They call me out if I’m wallowing, they let me cry when necessary, they make me laugh all the time, and they love me despite my flaws. That, in my opinion, is balance of the most human kind.
February 11th, 2009 at 7:01 pm
I go to AA meetings regularly and meditate every morning. It’s the only way to balance for me.
February 11th, 2009 at 7:22 pm
my puppies keep me balanced. without them, I wouldn’t get daily exercise. they don’t care if it’s raining or cold outside (well, they kind of do care but they still need to be walked) so I’m forced to go out even when I’d rather sloth on the couch. I always feel better after walking them, even if I complain about having to do it.
February 11th, 2009 at 7:56 pm
mmm, i love boca burgs. yummy. the event sounds fun!
what do i do to keep balanced? work out, yoga, dance, sing in the car.
February 11th, 2009 at 8:04 pm
Let’s see… walking 2 mileseach way to and from work each day DEFINITELY helps me stay balanced. It’s good exercise and it gives me PLENTY of time to think about… everything.
February 11th, 2009 at 10:38 pm
Yay for first pedicures! It was nice meeting you (finally!).
February 11th, 2009 at 10:41 pm
I am fairly new to balance in the “healthy” way…my balance use to be 33/33/33, working, watching television, and drinking beer.
Now, we strive to work out three times a week, eat at home, healthy foods MOST nights of the week, get in good work, but not too much work, get in good sleep, but not too much sleep…kind of smoothing everything out, ya know?
February 12th, 2009 at 1:03 am
We are trying to push meat out of our diet again. We aren’t 100% vegetarian, but we are definitely trying to cut back A LOT.
Balance…that’s such a joke right now.
February 12th, 2009 at 2:52 am
surprisingly blogging makes me balanced.
February 12th, 2009 at 3:22 am
Look at you, the little giving tree!
As far as balance, I’ve been doing a lot of breathing exercises. I get flustered very easily, and once I realized this, I knew I needed to do something to control it before I started taking my anger out on objects and people. Haha.
Anyhow.
When I feel down, or angry, I’ve been focusing on the problem and seeing if there is a solution that I can execute now, or if its something I don’t have control over.
I guess its my own form of the Serenity Prayer.
Doing this really keeps me balanced and on the right page with everything.
February 12th, 2009 at 4:27 am
It was nice to meet you last night. Ironcially, I’m giving away the same thing on my blog! Coincidence ;)
February 12th, 2009 at 1:19 pm
I’m aiming to achieve balance with baby steps. First, I’ve been trying to get back into running. I’m finding it good for my heart, muscles, and head. Sometimes when Secind, when I’m a little stressy I’ll try to take a moment and read “Desiderata” or else have a cup of tea.
In the future I’d like to meditate every day and make it a part of my routine.
February 12th, 2009 at 3:05 pm
How do I stay balanced? My faith, my hubby, and exercising. It’s that simple.
February 12th, 2009 at 5:26 pm
I live a balanced life by taking a full day off every Monday -- it’s my personal day to not do ANY work (housework included), rest, and do things that are life-giving.
I highly recommend it to anyone. I’ve done this for a few years now, and it keeps my life sane and joyful.
February 12th, 2009 at 5:28 pm
I dance in the elevator at work. I’m often in there alone and it completely lightens my mood.
February 12th, 2009 at 11:09 pm
I love boca! I wish I would have known about the party. I eat their stuff a few times a week, especially the chicken pattie.
Right now, livng a blanaced life for me really is about balancing -- work, health, friends, realtionship time, and me time. Last year, I was so lazy all winter and felt awful when it ended. Now I am making plans with friends, but also leaving time for my workouts and time with my husband and time for me. It’s hard.
February 13th, 2009 at 4:15 pm
Wow, sounds like so much fun! How cool is that?
I spend as much time as I can with my kids, living in the moment, deep-breathing the here and now. Other demands take a back seat when it comes to enjoying my kids and their childhood.
February 14th, 2009 at 2:23 am
Sounds like a great time! I’m jealous!
I stay balanced by regularly putting aside time to read for pleasure. While in school, I definitely let this slip through the cracks. I’d buy books constantly and then leave them in piles around my house. Now I still buy books constantly--but I also make some time to enjoy them.
This has been really key for me--it’s reminded me to take some time for something I love to do, and it also keeps mind mind working…Much more than my idle internet browsing does (although I definitely make time for that too!).
February 14th, 2009 at 4:40 pm
That sounds like a fun event !
To keep myself balanced, I make sure I have at least a couple of hours every day to myself -- where I read, watch a movie, nap, visit my niece, anything that takes my fancy that day.
Also, I’ve recently started working out again and that seems to help too.
February 15th, 2009 at 2:57 pm
What do I do to stay balanced? Going to the gym always helps. I don’t always like running, especially when I am pushing my body, but afterwards I feel better and re-energized.
February 15th, 2009 at 5:03 pm
The thing I do that gives me balance in life.
As my work day gets very busy most days, the one thing that I’ve been trying to do is reduce some of the stress. For me, that has been taking a longer than expected lunch. Not worrying about getting back, taking my time, reading a newspaper, checking my Twitter, eating slow, enjoying the surroundings, people watching… and it really helps. I can’t do it too often, but once a week, I take that long and relaxed lunch, remove the stress of the day and just enjoy. No fast food allowed… it must be a place like Chili’s or Village Inn. A place with a booth and being waited on where I can leave a nice tip, get good service and just enjoy the time.
March 21st, 2009 at 2:55 am
(catching up!)
I prefer Morningstar Grillers…but Boca are okay. I don’t have them that often because I don’t like to cheat on Meat, but they are really good.