tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-90130959674602763332024-03-05T15:16:15.423-10:00Cassie Jo - TofuclosetCoffee & Food | Yoga Barre | Wanderer | Mother | Hawaii to California Cassie Jo - Tofusclosethttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14197237006052947527noreply@blogger.comBlogger221125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9013095967460276333.post-20985443804426822972022-09-15T19:22:00.016-10:002022-12-01T20:13:46.059-10:00Ziggy Needs Your Help Getting to London For His School Trip<p>UPDATE 12/1/22: Because of donations and Ziggy working hard at his job, Z only has about $100 balance to pay for his trip.. He has been working a lot and put in his own money. We are super grateful for a handful of friends who donated! What was truly amazing were the few who hadn't even met Z yet but still donated because they really wanted to help him. The grandmas and a friend of the boys really helped with his trip.couldn't have done it without you all! Big or small it really was so kind of you. THANK YOU!!!</p><br /><p>UPDATE 10/18/22:Rocket is no longer going on his trip because he decided to attend public school again. So all the funds will go towards Ziggy's trip to London. He really could use all the help he can get. If you are in the area, he is willing to wash your car or clean you yard =)<br /></p><p><br /></p><p>Both boys are getting such great opportunities to go on a school trip next year. As a single mom, this is not something that I can afford to do on my own so I have asked them to reach out to everyone and also submit their application for the scholarship in efforts to fund their trips.</p><p>Ziggy will get to go to London and Rocket will get to go to DC. They are both so excited to go and I really want them to have the chance to explore places with their class where they can learn history. <br /></p><p>If anyone can help that would be AMAZING. We would appreciate it so much and keep you all posted if they get the scholarship..seems like it may be difficult to get but if they did get the scholarship it would help a portion of the trip so please wish them luck!!</p><p> They made separate fundraising pages for them that goes directly to their balance (Which is what we prefer). Here is the link:</p><p>Ziggy: <a href="https://account.eftours.com/donations/pB7P7J" target="_blank">https://account.eftours.com/donations/pB7P7J</a><br /></p><p>We also started a GoFundMe for them combined which includes the fee they take in the total: <a href="https://www.gofundme.com/f/ziggy-and-rocket-need-your-help-for-school-trip?member=22386973&utm_campaign=p_cp+share-sheet&utm_medium=copy_link_all&utm_source=customer" target="_blank">GoFundMe</a><br /></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOZ7VOEDrVvcyfIHUPLRMpIr-TAw0Agx-yC0GElnswaObwShH6CLdRoLmd85rEwxuetBGucX2NOxXiknKC9Dj-D7BZP2x6Z_mrAfuNzSXKM06ie-vKyxnI0Ctd5fhRtFher4G5D62-gbrZGlWAwobEaFTNyjqZKwYe9AybuQWLO3EaKEzhJK7MxoV5ag/s1866/Screen%20Shot%202022-09-30%20at%201.21.18%20PM.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1228" data-original-width="1866" height="264" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOZ7VOEDrVvcyfIHUPLRMpIr-TAw0Agx-yC0GElnswaObwShH6CLdRoLmd85rEwxuetBGucX2NOxXiknKC9Dj-D7BZP2x6Z_mrAfuNzSXKM06ie-vKyxnI0Ctd5fhRtFher4G5D62-gbrZGlWAwobEaFTNyjqZKwYe9AybuQWLO3EaKEzhJK7MxoV5ag/w400-h264/Screen%20Shot%202022-09-30%20at%201.21.18%20PM.png" width="400" /></a></div><p><br /></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; 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I feel like I go through these moments every so often and as I get older I feel like it becomes more urgent because I don't want to be this wandering lost soul when I'm 60 or 70 LOL.
I used to think I'd never get old or that 50 was so far down the road it was unthinkable. Now that I'm 43 it feels like it's just so much closer and coming that much quicker and yet I am still in the same wandering state I've been in since I was a teen. I know that my path is where it is supposed to be. If I had done things differently, life wouldn't be the way it is. I wouldn't have my awesome kids if I had known what I wanted to do as a career when I was 20 or if I had gone to school and continued when I wanted to be a computer scientist and work for the NSA HAHAHA. Life would have been completely different so I wouldn't change any of it. I just would like to know that I have some solid ground to live on when I'm old and wanting to retire. As the years seems to move at such a rapid pace these days, all I can think about is, Will I have to work this hard and live holding my head out of water forever? Will I be taking on second jobs still at the age of 65? That thought scares the heck out of me and it's really making me think about what I should be doing now and what I can be doing now to not be at that space in 20+ years.
Am I the only one who thinks and feels this way? Seeing so many people settled in to their work life and being comfortable where they are, it makes me feel like I am decades behind ever reaching that place but no idea where to start. I thought about school again but I don't even know what I want to do or study to have a future career. I love exercising but I am not sure that teaching it is something in the cards. I love it for my escape and giving me the happy space feeling but teaching it isn't super appealing to me becauseI like it for my enjoyment. But it seems to be the one place I could obsess over and spend time on because I love it so much but that isn't exactly how I see myself in the future so then what else do I like that I want to pursue?? I know this is the time when life challenges you and makes you push and find something to continue growing so I need to look at it in that prospective. But in this moment, I feel like I should be allowed to feel lost and confused and a little sad that I have no idea what I'm doing at this age...I'm not perfect and I need to go through these thoughts to come through to the next step..I just dislike that feeling. The lost feeling and hope I can power through it and find my clarity soon. Just in case anyone else is reading this and feeling lost, you are not alone. If you want to share your own stories, call me! Email or text me. I'd love to know I'm not alone =)
In the meantime, all I can say is I am super lucky that I have these 2 boys who have truly grown to be such good human beings. They may be sassy sometimes but that's normal for this age but they sure do care a lot about me and always want to make sure I am ok especially when I look troubled or stressed. As much as I worry about things, I know that they are going to be such awesome men when they are older and am a super proud mommy =)
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVpl_IOUbvTcro3x4modN1LP8zI2SRHafDcoGKEXCfhxi9vP4eMujy7D4hqncorU0vAetE0m5Ai2cs-DfVO4tvhdjDLRGXPFZJLZ2lDfpf4UO8xfKcxd6IROT8hkcCEF4z292ieB04dn7vBMAjMMT7QQhX0Ae3422VVx62FdDLZTXZU0OE796dEqDvoQ/s4032/IMG_0932.jpeg" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0; text-align: center; "><img alt="" border="0" height="400" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="2268" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVpl_IOUbvTcro3x4modN1LP8zI2SRHafDcoGKEXCfhxi9vP4eMujy7D4hqncorU0vAetE0m5Ai2cs-DfVO4tvhdjDLRGXPFZJLZ2lDfpf4UO8xfKcxd6IROT8hkcCEF4z292ieB04dn7vBMAjMMT7QQhX0Ae3422VVx62FdDLZTXZU0OE796dEqDvoQ/s400/IMG_0932.jpeg"/></a></div>Cassie Jo - Tofusclosethttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14197237006052947527noreply@blogger.com0California, USA36.778261 -119.4179324-17.56121765545516 170.26956760000002 90 -49.1054324tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9013095967460276333.post-6717570945916556062022-05-24T10:07:00.004-10:002022-05-24T10:07:22.120-10:0016 Years and No Slowing Down<p> Can't believe I'm a mom to a 16 year old. Time has gone by way too fast and yet I don't feel like I'm old yet the years passing in numbers and seeing the kids growing up reminds me that I am going up in numbers LOL</p><p>Someone once said, "When you have kids, the days feel long but the years are short." They weren't kidding!</p><p><br /></p>
<p><blockquote class="instagram-media" data-instgrm-captioned data-instgrm-permalink="https://www.instagram.com/p/Cd8rMCjlHWL/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=loading" data-instgrm-version="14" style=" background:#FFF; border:0; border-radius:3px; box-shadow:0 0 1px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.5),0 1px 10px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.15); margin: 1px; max-width:540px; min-width:326px; padding:0; width:99.375%; width:-webkit-calc(100% - 2px); width:calc(100% - 2px);"><div style="padding:16px;"> <a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/Cd8rMCjlHWL/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=loading" style=" background:#FFFFFF; line-height:0; padding:0 0; text-align:center; text-decoration:none; width:100%;" target="_blank"> <div style=" display: flex; flex-direction: row; align-items: center;"> <div style="background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 50%; flex-grow: 0; height: 40px; margin-right: 14px; width: 40px;"></div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: column; flex-grow: 1; justify-content: center;"> <div style=" background-color: #F4F4F4; 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overflow:hidden; padding:8px 0 7px; text-align:center; text-overflow:ellipsis; white-space:nowrap;"><a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/Cd8rMCjlHWL/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=loading" style=" color:#c9c8cd; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; font-style:normal; font-weight:normal; line-height:17px; text-decoration:none;" target="_blank">A post shared by Cassie Jo (@cassieyjo)</a></p></div></blockquote> <script async src="//www.instagram.com/embed.js"></script>Cassie Jo - Tofusclosethttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14197237006052947527noreply@blogger.com0Los Angeles, CA, USA34.0522342 -118.24368495.7420003638211554 -153.3999349 62.362468036178846 -83.0874349tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9013095967460276333.post-79296974536087961102021-07-30T04:24:00.006-10:002021-07-30T04:24:59.249-10:00Quick Vacation Back Home on the Islands<p> We went home to Hawaii for a last minute trip. I really didn't want to travel during the summer because Hawaii is so expensive and extra crowded during the summer but an old friend of mine had mentioned he had a room and car for me and it was a no brainer. I booked the tickets and after that things just got crazy and we almost didn't make it back home! </p><p>Our hotel fell through due to plumbing issues and I was scrambling a few days before our flight to find a place to stay. My other good friend eventually found us a place but it was expensive but since we already had our tickets and had already gotten tested for Covid, I decided to bite the bullet and pay for the hotel. The scary part was, we had to pay up front and no refunds no changes so then I was even more stressed because we didn't get our covid results yet and I was worried if one of us was positive, I'd be out all the money I just paid for the hotel!!! Thank goodness that night I got the results back and we were free to go!</p><p>I had literally not been home since we left at the end of 2013. We went back 2 years ago but it was for 4 days and we were with Mat's family so we didn't get a chance to do much or see anyone because we were busy showing them around so this time we had some time to see some friends and go to the beach. Last time, the boys weren't into surfing or care much about the surroundings so we didn't do much beach time and they forgot what I mentioned of old places last time. It was nice that this time they were really interested in places and stories. 7 days is not enough. All we came to do really was surf so we spent most of the days in the water. Hard part is, everyone else is busy as well and no one wants to go to Waikiki with the crowds and if no one surfed then they didn't wanna meet us since we'd be in the water HAHAHA. We had so much fun and I wished we had a few more days so we could have surfed more and seen a few other people we didn't get a chance to see yet.</p><p>Overall, we had such a great time as hectic as it was. I think by the end of the trip we were tired of eating out and we had eaten all the stuff we really wanted to eat so we were wondering what to eat everyday but we would have loved to surf a bit more. Nothing better than the warm bath water at sunset that we would never have here in California LOL. It was so nice to see their old movie night crew and a few old friends. Get a quick muddy hike in with my favorite hiking partner and catch up with everyone. Can't wait to go back..wish it wasn't so expensive and I could afford to do that more often. </p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5djfZMLQGvSTcE_n2aZG3h2V84JreXV9CrWsg4iN97K66ZN9yd8EpAStL8LMTEvFzRsWaYxmk2HF7NBVHSfDHVac-3zgC-3rpW8lTG0wLkPTYQz-uW2fhp7n7OdE2xJQNqxIfBpDMTzVH/s4032/IMG_4142.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="2268" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5djfZMLQGvSTcE_n2aZG3h2V84JreXV9CrWsg4iN97K66ZN9yd8EpAStL8LMTEvFzRsWaYxmk2HF7NBVHSfDHVac-3zgC-3rpW8lTG0wLkPTYQz-uW2fhp7n7OdE2xJQNqxIfBpDMTzVH/s320/IMG_4142.jpeg" width="180" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4FFoC44c3gy5LO5D1OSOwAMIli-pqFxUn5o0PiQhjsbKMYV2umya4SHbACz-lMRR-QWCPmnxpTEbM107i7GockY5K0dwbVcZu8I0hRvd4HKYlrohVvBID48CibBYuYzQQmwg-I62Jq_6R/s4032/IMG_4159.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; 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margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1152" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEge3pNnvAqi7tUfs9DL5amtxwtDTKndi0cRhDzACu6ZoJ6nu7irl05BS4kwF9hJhisXoXyu9cc3bk0wqud8SyZ8NRpCtLn7g2uJrFYpbX4kgEYlvUBNRnxTr7YfVWm492NltOugOh2KpxFW/s320/IMG_4212.JPG" width="180" /></a></div><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBguDvnLSwx6NwcpBBIWchWjQqxexuJp_s5nRMAyuQMSafIo4G5iIvs7I4dSXAmBeXvYGA87NvbDYhL83Lf35cNc9BAo_vl1XoqixaclxbdcUqGPDnCXE9udNdKNRVgIxJ0fSVv2GVzt06/s1911/IMG_4131.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1911" data-original-width="1170" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBguDvnLSwx6NwcpBBIWchWjQqxexuJp_s5nRMAyuQMSafIo4G5iIvs7I4dSXAmBeXvYGA87NvbDYhL83Lf35cNc9BAo_vl1XoqixaclxbdcUqGPDnCXE9udNdKNRVgIxJ0fSVv2GVzt06/s320/IMG_4131.jpeg" width="196" /></a></div><br /> <br /><p></p>Cassie Jo - Tofusclosethttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14197237006052947527noreply@blogger.com0Honolulu, HI, USA21.3069444 -157.8583333-7.0032894361788465 166.9854167 49.617178236178844 -122.7020833tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9013095967460276333.post-47791460092879519012021-07-01T14:29:00.001-10:002021-07-01T14:29:09.887-10:00Passed my Barre Eclipse Final Teaching Demo!!!!<p>WOOHOOO!!! I was waiting patiently..or maybe having anxiety wondering if my final demo was going to come back with feedback that said I hadn't passed but it finally came yesterday in my email and her feedback was just the best!!! Adrienne made me smile from ear to ear!! I am so excited I am jumping for joy!</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRslG9B_WbLzGxqGcVSS2L-j_r7y2c3SzDPV_r-OrEjjFgd4w4YZ8Ulw3lMRPrR-0FB9cszWHgn0I-XIuafyOvI7z5JniRjCW79e26LXBVmbKtwWrGch0RgU1R9mNdwXE2d40yKdv0W2ik/s1920/IMG_3802.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1920" data-original-width="1163" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRslG9B_WbLzGxqGcVSS2L-j_r7y2c3SzDPV_r-OrEjjFgd4w4YZ8Ulw3lMRPrR-0FB9cszWHgn0I-XIuafyOvI7z5JniRjCW79e26LXBVmbKtwWrGch0RgU1R9mNdwXE2d40yKdv0W2ik/w388-h640/IMG_3802.jpeg" width="388" /></a></div><p></p><p>I didn't get into this to become a teacher at all! I have no experience teaching and I am not sure I even will but through the entire training, she made it so thorough and gave so many steps to teach you how to understand the beat and the workouts and I was forced to practice teach with others which helped me really learn to overcome some of that anxiety and shyness I had. Believe me, I still stumble and am shy and laugh at myself when I make a mistake but it's so much easier than it was 4 months ago! Now I totally feel like if I had a chance, I might want to teach it someday because it's such a fun class and it really brings a lot of awareness in your body and how it should feel versus what it should look like...<br /></p><p>I am forever grateful for my study buddy Victoria. We practiced every week and throughout the week we would send each other videos for feedback on days we couldn't meet on zoom and even with out opposite timezones, we pushed each other so much and our personalities of perfectionism were so similar that we really could see how much progress we both made in these months. We both got our feedback last night/today and we both passed!!! </p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsWa6l_mfwFM9ZfcKeIaYk6CcTqs2MUgaMe67gMDYfoBF-6K1wXIpaIWXFAgTdLsU1PBGaJgRWOLU2RUNSvLXocOKrVVytTtgZM46qLiNM8BQ5FHJUdB_X4jLiOdg3btwSY715M_RgCiXf/s1596/Screen+Shot+2021-07-01+at+5.25.26+PM.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1112" data-original-width="1596" height="279" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsWa6l_mfwFM9ZfcKeIaYk6CcTqs2MUgaMe67gMDYfoBF-6K1wXIpaIWXFAgTdLsU1PBGaJgRWOLU2RUNSvLXocOKrVVytTtgZM46qLiNM8BQ5FHJUdB_X4jLiOdg3btwSY715M_RgCiXf/w400-h279/Screen+Shot+2021-07-01+at+5.25.26+PM.png" width="400" /></a></div><br /><p></p><p>Not sure what will become of this but I know I love barre even more now and with understanding more and more of how our muscles are working and the happiness and strength it gives me, I would love to help others just for fun..Victoria and I will still practice weekly just to never forget how to teach it and to see what we come up with but it would be fun to do classes with friends just because it's such an amazing feeling to feel that muscle shake!</p><p>Anyway, I'm sure this is pretty boring but for me I am over the moon!!!! Let me know if you ever want to practice with me! I would love to laugh and sweat together! XOXO</p><br /><br />Cassie Jo - Tofusclosethttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14197237006052947527noreply@blogger.com0Los Angeles, CA, USA34.0522342 -118.24368495.7420003638211554 -153.3999349 62.362468036178846 -83.0874349tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9013095967460276333.post-79059731345439027402021-06-24T04:53:00.006-10:002021-06-29T05:42:57.419-10:00Birthdays as a Mom<p> As we get older, it seems birthdays are just another day. Thankful that I am not the type of person who likes celebrations anyway. I feel like especially as a mom/parent, the birthdays seems to disappear into the kids activities.</p><p>My birthday happens to fall on Go Skateboarding Day, International Yoga Day, and usually it is the summer solstice. On top of that, Ziggy had fallen on his elbow on Father's day and we were in the ER and so my birthday was the next day and we ended up calling and running around to doctors pretty much most of the morning because we needed to find out if it was broken. Since it was a Monday, I worked most of the day but took a break to drive out to my favorite place to get fries and coffee HAHAHA. That is my highlight of the day is when I can treat myself to a coffee =)</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiljIr7lcHo2mEdSINh_4gL__KthqLguFyefBRCUnSf4IgLQepz8MG2aJTvbwZOwicm7e28p5QDnOHOep-CWKkE8tmz4b_tGfbSlvwOV7Y44Ogcnlcas2eKSJGwsPC-gfTaTtnQwBpWkTMB/s1775/GreatWhiteCoffee062121.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1775" data-original-width="1169" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiljIr7lcHo2mEdSINh_4gL__KthqLguFyefBRCUnSf4IgLQepz8MG2aJTvbwZOwicm7e28p5QDnOHOep-CWKkE8tmz4b_tGfbSlvwOV7Y44Ogcnlcas2eKSJGwsPC-gfTaTtnQwBpWkTMB/w264-h400/GreatWhiteCoffee062121.jpg" width="264" /></a></div><p> The boys got to skate on go skate day which was fun because they got to hang with their friends..I think that is more important that doing birthdays LOL They all were sweet and wrote and made me a cute card and got my hemp seeds for my salad, wetsuit jacket and flowers..I think that is amazing. They knew I would like stuff I would use more than just "stuff" HAHAHAHA</p><p>For yoga day, I didn't practice but did have fun trying something new! I haven't been practicing yoga lately because I found the feeling and strength I get from Barre so much more fulfilling<span> but I did manage to join Briohny's hair challenge (see instagram video below on how to)</span><br /><span><span> </span></span></p><p><span><span>I didn't try to the floating
hairstand one because I had just cut my hair and it wouldn't have worked
but this time I was able to try the Floating Downdog. My hair is still
too short so I couldn't get into downdog how I would have liked but it
still worked decent. It was super fun to try! HAHAHA Anyway, if you try it, let me know because it always causes a "WHAT? HOW?!" reaction at first glance =)<br /></span></span></p><p> </p><blockquote class="instagram-media" data-instgrm-permalink="https://www.instagram.com/tv/CQYocM8go0K/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=loading" data-instgrm-version="13" style="background: rgb(255, 255, 255) none repeat scroll 0% 0%; border-radius: 3px; border: 0px none; box-shadow: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.5) 0px 0px 1px 0px, rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.15) 0px 1px 10px 0px; margin: 1px; max-width: 540px; min-width: 326px; padding: 0px; width: calc(100% - 2px);"><div style="padding: 16px;"> <a href="https://www.instagram.com/tv/CQYocM8go0K/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=loading" style="background: rgb(255, 255, 255) none repeat scroll 0% 0%; line-height: 0; padding: 0px; text-align: center; text-decoration: none; width: 100%;" target="_blank"> <div style="align-items: center; display: flex; flex-direction: row;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; flex-grow: 0; height: 40px; margin-right: 14px; width: 40px;"></div> <div style="display: flex; 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font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: 550; line-height: 18px;"> View this post on Instagram</div></div><div style="padding: 12.5% 0px;"></div> <div style="align-items: center; display: flex; flex-direction: row; margin-bottom: 14px;"><div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; height: 12.5px; transform: translateX(0px) translateY(7px); width: 12.5px;"></div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; flex-grow: 0; height: 12.5px; margin-left: 2px; margin-right: 14px; transform: rotate(-45deg) translateX(3px) translateY(1px); width: 12.5px;"></div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; height: 12.5px; transform: translateX(9px) translateY(-18px); width: 12.5px;"></div></div><div style="margin-left: 8px;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; flex-grow: 0; height: 20px; width: 20px;"></div> <div style="border-bottom: 2px solid transparent; border-left: 6px solid rgb(244, 244, 244); border-top: 2px solid transparent; height: 0px; transform: translateX(16px) translateY(-4px) rotate(30deg); width: 0px;"></div></div><div style="margin-left: auto;"> <div style="border-right: 8px solid transparent; border-top: 8px solid rgb(244, 244, 244); transform: translateY(16px); width: 0px;"></div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; flex-grow: 0; height: 12px; transform: translateY(-4px); width: 16px;"></div> <div style="border-left: 8px solid transparent; border-top: 8px solid rgb(244, 244, 244); height: 0px; transform: translateY(-4px) translateX(8px); width: 0px;"></div></div></div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: column; flex-grow: 1; justify-content: center; margin-bottom: 24px;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px; width: 224px;"></div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; width: 144px;"></div></div></a><p style="color: #c9c8cd; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 17px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 8px; overflow: hidden; padding: 8px 0px 7px; text-align: center; text-overflow: ellipsis; white-space: nowrap;"><a href="https://www.instagram.com/tv/CQYocM8go0K/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=loading" style="color: #c9c8cd; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: 17px; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank">A post shared by Briohny Smyth, Yoga Teacher (@yogawithbriohny)</a></p></div></blockquote> <script async="" src="//www.instagram.com/embed.js"></script><p></p><p><span>Here is how it turned out</span></p><p><span> </span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmBymRff3HP42Bruw_9itP2iC6eBl75mUdYgbfaQg8r523JxuiVCC-QtT3dKsiF7m7rscEMWbEhhqi1d55oNx3Pq8WPA0J4QEDYlSvGOy4y9suwpKL3EmKp5RnoxExNbgDM77Y1dRDKgWM/s917/CassieJo-FloatingDowndog.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="917" data-original-width="814" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmBymRff3HP42Bruw_9itP2iC6eBl75mUdYgbfaQg8r523JxuiVCC-QtT3dKsiF7m7rscEMWbEhhqi1d55oNx3Pq8WPA0J4QEDYlSvGOy4y9suwpKL3EmKp5RnoxExNbgDM77Y1dRDKgWM/w568-h640/CassieJo-FloatingDowndog.JPG" width="568" /></a></span></div><br /><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='319' height='265' src='https://www.blogger.com/video.g?token=AD6v5dwMhQKq3Mzaihj_lKm5ekW3Kqz7A8uVAeVOiy0zeaIsb_V_0iFUzn9x_Y0s_v0yANsNG2SwLFc-lWpAqwzwAw' class='b-hbp-video b-uploaded' frameborder='0'></iframe></div><br />Cassie Jo - Tofusclosethttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14197237006052947527noreply@blogger.com0Los Angeles, CA, USA34.0522342 -118.24368495.7420003638211554 -153.3999349 62.362468036178846 -83.0874349tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9013095967460276333.post-2859798487752866372021-05-30T17:10:00.009-10:002021-05-30T17:49:54.537-10:00Ichi - First Dog, Best Dog<p>I never had a dog growing up. We had cats but no dogs. Ichi (named after <a href="https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0296042/" target="_blank">Ichi the Killer </a>-even though he's not a killer LOL) was the first and he will always be the best. He rarely barked except if someone came to the door or he had bad vibes..he was just always chill and could go anywhere...</p><p>When we moved to California, we couldn't have any pets where we live so he stayed with my parents in Vegas. I wish we could have him here but it's impossible to find a place that allows pets that I could afford. I know he has had the best life with my mom spoiling him..more than he could have with us.. </p><p>We rarely see him, usually once a year because we don't get out to Vegas much. I've been waterworks since my mom told me his doctor said he has cancer in his front paws today..they are swollen (more than the pads were all these years) and he can't walk good because it hurts. She said if the pain medicine doesn't help, she may have to put him to sleep because he won't be able to walk to eat or pee..it makes me so sad. </p><p> All I have are the memories of him always being by our side snuggling under the covers at your feet or between your legs...little baby Ichi being the shop dog always greeting everyone who came in..being carried in everyone's sweater. </p><p>Please pray for Ichi that he doesn't suffer so much pain..he's always had funky paws that caused him to walk funny as he got older..poor guy. He turns 18 years old in Nov this year.. he's had such a good life it would be terrible to try to hold on if he's suffering but we will hope the medicine will help him a little and we can get to see him before it's too late..</p><p> </p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdnlvqqveDqwhJwsKK-7yfSDA9etrhVs-lP1gbdL0tCczVPlF704Yhv7sPBLBMnStU1E0P_BA5OCXVC30Raaa3buaTwpGz4KVB9haMT54UnopAwnJsStjXevPzObEtoh19Q6v7G1burlPQ/s1600/PDR_0605.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdnlvqqveDqwhJwsKK-7yfSDA9etrhVs-lP1gbdL0tCczVPlF704Yhv7sPBLBMnStU1E0P_BA5OCXVC30Raaa3buaTwpGz4KVB9haMT54UnopAwnJsStjXevPzObEtoh19Q6v7G1burlPQ/s320/PDR_0605.JPG" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhidFS7EzAudkLz_UxKlvpfccJMuzQdZUCUM1P92VXUBwJmai71352p6kCjmYKAlUkdgDYD9QYIA5AhIDxbwA3rYLKjpRLAQzRhvvW-jUCTU1rGXYMvTcnNz4KhTFL-cZWjVK8ndGflBkja/s2048/Picture+036.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhidFS7EzAudkLz_UxKlvpfccJMuzQdZUCUM1P92VXUBwJmai71352p6kCjmYKAlUkdgDYD9QYIA5AhIDxbwA3rYLKjpRLAQzRhvvW-jUCTU1rGXYMvTcnNz4KhTFL-cZWjVK8ndGflBkja/s320/Picture+036.jpg" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgP5tsuJzQo0odDREK2tqX93QEgHNe3OVWhWEfxTuiwMMOp8gwFlrqEmw1fyvBSw28XLRqp96ddDdmUz_B-GrFEKEGlxxyMZzCCs7inv5mGhxTtTjyoEvdxUblW-nie5a7Ja9j4Uf6poYI_/s1632/Picture+230.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1632" data-original-width="1224" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgP5tsuJzQo0odDREK2tqX93QEgHNe3OVWhWEfxTuiwMMOp8gwFlrqEmw1fyvBSw28XLRqp96ddDdmUz_B-GrFEKEGlxxyMZzCCs7inv5mGhxTtTjyoEvdxUblW-nie5a7Ja9j4Uf6poYI_/s320/Picture+230.jpg" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; 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margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1529" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjop5H4tiKqqaT0DKK4X4nyVrr62687GyVkgQPNHCAf-YJZb3dmWdMcI6ogLqogsxWH53CgrO4XB8mJjj-Rlwq8nCgSNYzdfYHQ_0zis9s2ijkDFnn3JGPTGLwFB0t3ra3pBkhDYBF_P7C9/s320/IMG_2041.JPG" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgAwseVVmc4G2jFPiCAaGh_TGyWhBI1yqn9tUuM8KVnegKX7zxn8Vsz2T0nTvfS8pKvR6NW57OhZPfQzCW21lFm8fhu5BSeV_Z32zmYBSwEODP6pL2Vy_kjTTiebPRIbQSEgd38r7dn8wn/s2048/IMG_2918.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgAwseVVmc4G2jFPiCAaGh_TGyWhBI1yqn9tUuM8KVnegKX7zxn8Vsz2T0nTvfS8pKvR6NW57OhZPfQzCW21lFm8fhu5BSeV_Z32zmYBSwEODP6pL2Vy_kjTTiebPRIbQSEgd38r7dn8wn/s320/IMG_2918.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhuvVxVl00BiJj1MXeN3GHft_MApJOsACTqsgUCOzJit4NXc5wDkrK6iu6Gd0vj1Q8sKBh-1XHNwrYMNQdzJcmAcVsM93tL7uxevMFnaVUs9jVrDCAnb9JWf2bRt3mB85ghu2QJXYvhS8_w/s2048/IMG_3572.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhuvVxVl00BiJj1MXeN3GHft_MApJOsACTqsgUCOzJit4NXc5wDkrK6iu6Gd0vj1Q8sKBh-1XHNwrYMNQdzJcmAcVsM93tL7uxevMFnaVUs9jVrDCAnb9JWf2bRt3mB85ghu2QJXYvhS8_w/s320/IMG_3572.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div><br /> <p></p><p><br /></p>Cassie Jo - Tofusclosethttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14197237006052947527noreply@blogger.com0Los Angeles, CA, USA34.0522342 -118.2436849-14.675709911468253 101.1313151 82.780178311468262 22.381315099999995tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9013095967460276333.post-9340023019060953772021-05-06T11:32:00.002-10:002021-05-07T04:44:49.507-10:00Self Kindness<p>Been trying to absorb more words and learning about self kindness love and care..yet no matter how much I get it, I can't actually practice this.. am I the only one?</p><p>My yoga instructor posts often about self love, care and kindess.. she shares a lot of about not being able to practice this for herself and needing reminders..I don't know if it's a mom thing but I have felt like this since I had kids.. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/COfnOxzg1vb/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img border="0" data-original-height="874" data-original-width="1814" height="193" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtMyz9cSjxFF1BhHSm-Sin5SmKGTneeZ28vlA48TosWWK4WNmktrklQq0gtr3Y678w8n545prPA81pSx1dZI2Qf6WlWrFp8374TrIQzvE4xUkT_s50QcKN9mjOwEfP0wJFLZpsMDJ1xe7V/w400-h193/Screen+Shot+2021-05-06+at+2.20.48+PM.png" width="400" /></a></div><p></p><p>"<span>I'm going to be honest, I feel an immense amount of guilt at times, for not being the mom I wish I were 😕</span><span></span><br /><span></span></p><p><span>Although
I talk (maybe a lot) about self-care, I don't actually practice
self-kindness. I've heard so many times "you're too hard on yourself"
but never actually paid attention to it, I usually just brush it off- <br /><br />And
while I was doing a meditation a few days ago, I came to this
realization: As much as I practice self-care, I also need to practice
self-kindness.<br /><br />🎯 Loving yourself gives you the tools to love
others- but it is self-kindness that gives you the tools to actually
sincerely be kind to your loved ones. <br /><br />I wanted to open up
and share this with you. I'm constantly on a growth path, but there are
always, always opportunities for growth. " - <a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/COfnOxzg1vb/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link" target="_blank">Briohny</a><br /></span></p><p><span>I find that the immense amount of work that goes into being a parent takes so much away from yourself and if you can't find time to do things to take care of yourself, you fall into this wierd space that you lose yourself and who you are and what you love outside of that. Being a mom has become one consumed with organizing and following up on every daily task on top of my own work and life responsibilities. There leave zero time to do things for myself. </span></p><p><span>When I have my bad days where I sink into a dark hole thinking that I can't get out of this, I have this cycle that my doctor says is not healthy where I feel this way but then also feel guilty for feeling this way.. why do we do this to ourselves? </span></p><p><span>I know I'm not alone in these times and it does help so much to hear that even the people you imagine are always peaceful and calm and happy are struggling the same battles.. </span></p><p><span> Let me know what you think..shoot me an email or message I would love to hear what others are experiencing.</span></p><p><span>In the meantime, find a moment of peace and quiet or go enjoy that yummy coffee.. I think that is the one thing I look forward to in my day is that coffee and workout that make me feel amazing..I may not take a lot of time for me but even those little things..the coffee, sweat, laugh is a step towards self care =)<br /></span></p>Cassie Jo - Tofusclosethttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14197237006052947527noreply@blogger.com0Los Angeles, CA, USA34.0522342 -118.24368495.7420003638211554 -153.3999349 62.362468036178846 -83.0874349tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9013095967460276333.post-77331958905068311572021-03-18T07:55:00.001-10:002021-03-18T07:57:03.835-10:00Spicy Chicken Stew For Cold Nights<p> The boys really love these hearty warm stews especially when it's cold at night. I love playing around with what I put in so lately I have been adding lentils and last night I added diced up serrano peppers. I had a bunch laying around because I made chili last week and I hate them going to waste so I used them here to add a little spice. I don't eat the chicken in it so I usually will cut them into bigger pieces so I can make sure to pick them out and only eat the veggies. Leaves more protein for the boys HAHAHA<br /></p><p>Spicy Chicken Stew</p><p>2-3 Organic Chicken breast cut into cubes (about 1-1.5lbs) <br /></p><p>3-5 Organic Gold Potatoes cut into cubes (I used gold because it was what I had on hand you can also use russet or some other potato. I use 3-5 depending on the size and how much you want to have in there) <br /></p><p>1/2 lb Organic Baby Carrots (you can use 1-2 regular size carrots as well) </p><p>1 Medium Organic Onion cut into large cubes </p><p>1 chopped garlic or a scoop of already diced garlic <br /></p><p>Organic Better Than Boullion Chicken</p><p>Organic lentils (rinsed)</p><p>Olive oil</p><p>Organic Flour</p><p>1-2 Serrano Peppers diced <br /></p><p>Salt & Pepper</p><p>Optional - dash of herbs like Rosemary or Thyme or some other fun flavor to your liking</p><p>Add a little oil to your cooking pot. Season cubed chicken breast with salt pepper put in pot and quickly sear the chicken. Once seared, remove chicken into a bowl and set aside.</p><p>Add a little more oil and add onions, garlic, diced serranos. Cook for a minute or two until onions are translucent. Add the potatoes and carrots and cook for a few minutes. Season with salt and pepper. Add a little flour to the veggies just enough to have a light coating. Stir a bit to cook out the flour flavor. You can add a bit of salt, pepper and herbs here if you would like.<br /></p><p>Add about 3-5 spoonfuls of Chicken Better than Boullion and enough water to cover the veggies. You may need to add more of the Better than Boullion but I start with less and once it's mixed in, I will taste it to see if it needs a little more flavoring. </p><p>Bring the pot to boil and add the chicken and a handful of lentils into the pot. I don't have a set amount for the lentils I usually put about 1/2cup-3/4cup but I do not use measurement I just go by how much water I have in the pot and gauge from there. It is really just how much you want in there for added nutrients. Cook for a few minutes like this and then bring the heat down to a low simmer and let it cook for at least an hour. </p><p style="margin-left: 40px; text-align: left;"><a href="http://www.instagram.com/cassieyjo" target="_blank">from instagram stories:</a><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.instagram.com/cassieyjo" target="_blank"><iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.blogger.com/video.g?token=AD6v5dyOwr7x-2ZQbwd7bZzLl9r5_5sDTWMODEDYhPQBTWYHXz2Ps3j8TlLqcwzpBGt6_VgKleY6G9Ts-ddQb7doxg' class='b-hbp-video b-uploaded' frameborder='0'></iframe></a></div><br /> <p></p><p>The liquid should have thickened a bit and the veggies soft and chicken tender enough to break with a fork. I let mine simmer for 1.5-2hours just to get a good flavor.</p><p></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWk8igBspnHyAvj-sJFQodaywdb-IO7Zek8YhrhkSvTiNdzu9wxpJHhXDqIprGEBHUZENsnfzZ_uK_p3IDw2blOPB61pu_WhgcKtbeS_2uqe8gMk5tBqJcXA4r8S4TGOnHakKJnBRtQgbi/" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWk8igBspnHyAvj-sJFQodaywdb-IO7Zek8YhrhkSvTiNdzu9wxpJHhXDqIprGEBHUZENsnfzZ_uK_p3IDw2blOPB61pu_WhgcKtbeS_2uqe8gMk5tBqJcXA4r8S4TGOnHakKJnBRtQgbi/w240-h320/IMG_1875.jpeg" width="240" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This is how it looks when it's simmered and thickened<br /></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><p></p><p>Serve in bowls and you can add fresh chopped parsley on top if you have it on hand and hot sauce like tabasco! We don't eat it with anything but you definitely can serve it on top of hot rice =) <br /></p><p><br /></p>Cassie Jo - Tofusclosethttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14197237006052947527noreply@blogger.com0Los Angeles, CA, USA34.0522342 -118.2436849-44.158549680601752 101.13131510000005 90 22.381315099999966tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9013095967460276333.post-64394968719138179842021-03-06T13:20:00.006-10:002021-03-06T13:28:49.367-10:00Vegan Banana Chocolate Chip Bread<p>People always ask for recipes when I post cooking on my <a href="https://www.instagram.com/s/aGlnaGxpZ2h0OjE4MDgxNDY5OTUxMDYxMDEz?igshid=1nkkckux2lrlp&story_media_id=2523046936203607162" target="_blank">Instagram stories</a> so I’ll put this here just in case. </p><p>We had a lot of ripe bananas in our house that no one was planning on eating. I made my usually vegan banana muffins the other day but wanted to try something new to change it up. Yes. The ingredients are pretty much the same but slightly different and with a slight difference in flavor and shape it was a hit!</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1br_Ne3Vn25MJJjJeF4O5NL_AN07JkCU8GegKROK6Xdi_65ez44NGRBcXqd_LFVj9NNtd9YPwic9WwR8FyovsbkdDqHwSWMXKyjAKqRLv8bfpmBKtiturvkvuJKmC9hu7lUeN9Th0ZaUC/s2048/Veganbananachocolatechipbread.JPG" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1152" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1br_Ne3Vn25MJJjJeF4O5NL_AN07JkCU8GegKROK6Xdi_65ez44NGRBcXqd_LFVj9NNtd9YPwic9WwR8FyovsbkdDqHwSWMXKyjAKqRLv8bfpmBKtiturvkvuJKmC9hu7lUeN9Th0ZaUC/w225-h400/Veganbananachocolatechipbread.JPG" width="225" /></a></div><p> </p><p> </p><p> </p><p> </p><p> </p><p> </p><p> </p><p> </p><p> </p><p> </p><p> </p><p> </p><p>The original recipe was from <a href="https://ohsheglows.com/2016/10/07/vegan-banana-bread/" target="_blank">Oh She Glows</a> but I modify to my own ways and measurements 😍</p><p><span style="letter-spacing: 0px;">VEGAN BANANA CHOCOLATE CHIP BREAD</span></p><p><b><span style="letter-spacing: 0px;"><span> </span>Wet ingredients</span></b></p><ul class="ingredients" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: 100%; box-sizing: border-box; caret-color: rgb(64, 64, 64); font-family: "Roboto Slab", Cambria, serif; font-size: 16px; letter-spacing: 0.5px; line-height: 1.4; list-style-image: initial; list-style-position: outside; margin: 0px 0px 10px; padding: 0px;"><li class="ingredient" style="box-sizing: border-box; color: #404040; list-style: outside none none; margin: 0px 0px 17px 10px;">3-4 mashed very ripe bananas</li><li class="ingredient" style="box-sizing: border-box; color: #404040; list-style: outside none none; margin: 0px 0px 17px 10px;">2 TBSP ground flaxseed</li><li class="ingredient" style="box-sizing: border-box; color: #404040; list-style: outside none none; margin: 0px 0px 17px 10px;">1/3 cup oat milk or any nut milk (I used oat since that was what I had on hand)</li><li class="ingredient" style="box-sizing: border-box; list-style: outside none none; margin: 0px 0px 17px 10px;"><span style="color: #404040;">1/3 cup coconut oil, melted (I don’t measure exactly I kind of add 1/3 cup solid plus a little extra)</span></li><li class="ingredient" style="box-sizing: border-box; color: #404040; list-style: outside none none; margin: 0px 0px 17px 10px;">2 TBSP organic maple syrup</li><li class="ingredient" style="box-sizing: border-box; color: #404040; list-style: outside none none; margin: 0px 0px 17px 10px;">2 tsp organic vanilla extract</li><li class="ingredient" style="box-sizing: border-box; color: #404040; list-style: outside none none; margin: 0px 0px 17px 10px;"><b>Dry ingredients</b></li></ul><ul class="ingredients" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: 100%; box-sizing: border-box; caret-color: rgb(64, 64, 64); line-height: 1.4; list-style-image: initial; list-style-position: outside; margin: 0px 0px 10px; padding: 0px;"><li class="ingredient" style="box-sizing: border-box; color: #404040; font-family: "Roboto Slab", Cambria, serif; font-size: 16px; letter-spacing: 0.5px; list-style: outside none none; margin: 0px 0px 17px 10px;">1/4 cup organic coconut sugar </li><li class="ingredient" style="box-sizing: border-box; color: #404040; font-family: "Roboto Slab", Cambria, serif; font-size: 16px; letter-spacing: 0.5px; list-style: outside none none; margin: 0px 0px 17px 10px;">1/2 cup organic quick oats</li><li class="ingredient" style="box-sizing: border-box; color: #404040; font-family: "Roboto Slab", Cambria, serif; font-size: 16px; letter-spacing: 0.5px; list-style: outside none none; margin: 0px 0px 17px 10px;">1 tsp baking soda</li><li class="ingredient" style="box-sizing: border-box; color: #404040; font-family: "Roboto Slab", Cambria, serif; font-size: 16px; letter-spacing: 0.5px; list-style: outside none none; margin: 0px 0px 17px 10px;">1/2 tsp baking powder</li><li class="ingredient" style="box-sizing: border-box; color: #404040; font-family: "Roboto Slab", Cambria, serif; font-size: 16px; letter-spacing: 0.5px; list-style: outside none none; margin: 0px 0px 17px 10px;">Dash of salt</li><li class="ingredient" style="box-sizing: border-box; color: #404040; font-family: "Roboto Slab", Cambria, serif; font-size: 16px; letter-spacing: 0.5px; list-style: outside none none; margin: 0px 0px 17px 10px;">1 1/2 cups spelt and oat flour (I didn’t use any exact amount to split I just used what I had and I a little almond flour was in here too)</li><li class="ingredient" style="box-sizing: border-box; list-style: outside none none; margin: 0px 0px 17px 10px;"><b><span face="Mulish, Helvetica, sans-serif" style="font-size: medium;"><span style="text-transform: uppercase;">DIRECTIONS</span></span></b></li></ul><div class="instructions" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: 100%; box-sizing: border-box; caret-color: rgb(64, 64, 64); color: #404040; font-family: "Roboto Slab", Cambria, serif; font-size: 16px; letter-spacing: 0.5px;"><ol style="box-sizing: border-box; counter-reset: li 0; line-height: 1.4; list-style: outside none none; margin: 0px 0px 10px; padding: 0px;"><li style="box-sizing: border-box; counter-increment: li 1; list-style-type: none; margin: 0px 0px 17px 20px;">Preheat the oven to 350°F and lightly oil a loaf pan with organic coconut oil and set aside.</li><li style="box-sizing: border-box; counter-increment: li 1; list-style-type: none; margin: 0px 0px 17px 20px;">Mash the banana and add the wet ingredients until combined.</li><li style="box-sizing: border-box; counter-increment: li 1; list-style-type: none; margin: 0px 0px 17px 20px;">In a separate bowl, mix the dry ingredients. Slowly add the dry into the wet ingredients until combined. Add vegan chocolate chips (I use enjoy life) into the batter. Pour into pan and top with more chocolate chips. </li><li style="box-sizing: border-box; counter-increment: li 1; list-style-type: none; margin: 0px 0px 17px 20px;">Bake uncovered, for 45 to 5” minutes until lightly golden and firm on top. I use a chopstick to check if it comes out clean it is ready. </li><li style="box-sizing: border-box; counter-increment: li 1; list-style-type: none; margin: 0px 0px 17px 20px;">Cooling for 30 minutes. Use a knife around the loaf to loosen it and gently remove it from the pan until completely cooled. Store in an airtight container or wrap it and store it in the fridge for a few days. Otherwise I would freeze it. </li><li style="box-sizing: border-box; counter-increment: li 1; list-style-type: none; margin: 0px 0px 17px 20px;">We like to slice it and heat it in a pan to warm it up sometimes =)</li></ol></div>Cassie Jo - Tofusclosethttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14197237006052947527noreply@blogger.com0Los Angeles, CA, USA34.0522342 -118.24368495.7420003638211554 -153.3999349 62.362468036178846 -83.0874349tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9013095967460276333.post-68386150242391849372021-02-05T12:37:00.005-10:002021-02-06T09:38:18.877-10:00Certified Yoga Teacher + What Does the Future Hold?<p> Sooo I woke up this morning to an email with my certificate that I passed my <a href="https://www.alignedyoga.com/" target="_blank">Aligned Yoga teacher training</a>! Honestly, I was worried because it had been 2 weeks since I submitted my final practicum and I was scared I didn't pass. I have battled myself and my mind all my life. It is a process to try to transform the way I think and see myself. I feel like I am not good enough or didn't do it right or that I need to know everything first before feeling confident. This causes a lot of my self consciousness and doubt. You would think training would help with all the mindset and growth we learned but I struggle with that part the most. It will be a continued journey for me.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDdJYP1xUWOb-Nq2Se5icoLJeU-gM_ul6Wh0wmNWgtUHcsGkT5L5Y-aE-UfrSSvZmlidDnild1eyZwfAdDO0gLVph3WNhLniB1Ykgqol0PLjAKeB1P75bVULfDf5dIIsutSx4xp6Km4rNg/s1202/CassieJo_AlignedYoga_CertifiedTeacherCertificate.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1202" data-original-width="966" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDdJYP1xUWOb-Nq2Se5icoLJeU-gM_ul6Wh0wmNWgtUHcsGkT5L5Y-aE-UfrSSvZmlidDnild1eyZwfAdDO0gLVph3WNhLniB1Ykgqol0PLjAKeB1P75bVULfDf5dIIsutSx4xp6Km4rNg/w321-h400/CassieJo_AlignedYoga_CertifiedTeacherCertificate.png" width="321" /></a></div><p>In the meantime, I am super happy. I am not thinking of teaching or anything. I really want to keep studying. I want to learn more about anatomy and the reasons for my pain. If I can figure out what causes these pains and how to modify and move through them painless, I would be happy and would be glad to help others with what I have learned. Until then, I am going to go over all my studies when I have time and keep learning. </p><p>The funny thing is, because of the training, I started trying new workouts and found barre. I started on Thanksgiving and have not stopped practicing since. It is hard and fiery but it is probably the best workout I have ever done and I think I like it more than yoga. I have never felt stronger and I can see results like no other workout I was doing. I have been practicing yoga almost everyday for almost a year and have built some strength and seen changes in my body. But with barre, I can see it so fast in the 2 months I have been doing it. I feel this constant burn in my muscles that feel like jello through the whole day. Best feeling in the world. Tempted to take the training for this even if I don't plan to teach it I really really would love to learn more and the whys behind it. I am not sure what I will do but all I can say is if you haven't tried barre yet, you should. </p><p>And as much as I love the on demand classes, nothing beats a live one and up a level from the recorded ones. I look forward every week to my <a href="https://www.barreeclipse.com/" target="_blank">Satuday livestream classes with Adrienne</a>. An hour of intense burn but it is the most exciting thing to my week.<br /></p>Cassie Jo - Tofusclosethttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14197237006052947527noreply@blogger.com0Los Angeles, CA, USA34.0522342 -118.24368495.7420003638211554 -153.3999349 62.362468036178846 -83.0874349tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9013095967460276333.post-59558151564678313132020-12-27T09:13:00.005-10:002021-04-30T08:43:08.008-10:00New Obsessions - Barre + Olive & June<p> So I have been stuck on day 25 of my teacher training for the last month. I have a hard time making time for myself so when I started the 30 day yoga reset challenge, it really put a pause on my studying. It is difficult to make time for the workout, plus studies and the training workouts all in a day so I have to pick and choose. I wanted to finish the challenge and then I started a 7 day barre challenge which made it even harder to get my studies done. I feel so behind but I love the mix up in practice sometimes.</p><p>The only issue is that I am now obsessed with Adrienne's barre program. I completed the 7 day challenge a while back but not am on round 3 of the same challenge. I had heard that barre was amazing but I was never interested in trying it. When the challenge came up, I thought I would try something new and omg my muscles never felt so sore. I realized how out of shape I was because this is a level 4 class and it was INTENSE. I just started the 7 day barre body challenge today again to win prizes since she is hosting it to ring in the new year with a bang and I'm still dying. I do feel stronger even though I have to take breaks and still use less weights, I see little progress from the first time I tried this series to this round. Adrienne told me that it took her years to build that endurance so I will have to stop being so hard on myself to think I suck for not being able to get through this without stopping or taking the weights out to continue LOL.</p><p>My doctor told me to try baby steps on my coping skills and the first step was to try to find a way to stop biting my nails. It has been a battle all my life and I noticed the only time my nails were grown were when my life was in a good place. Which means it seems my life is almost never in a good place because I have bitten it pretty much all my life. Being able to let them grow through all the challenges and mental anxiety has never been possible. In august I found <a href="https://oliveandjune.com/" target="_blank">Olive & June</a> and it has seriously helped me stop biting them. I have had to constantly paint them and learn to paint them. Thanks to their mani tutorials that they offer for free, I am slowly getting better and I have not bitten my nails since august! That is insane. With all the chaos and issues we are having to handle right now, this is something I would never have though possible. Super glad I have one down, now to work on my other coping issues LOL</p><p>Here is <a href="http://fbuy.me/v/cassie_1436" target="_blank">$10 off your first $50+ purchase</a> if you wanted to get some O&J #oliveyourmani <br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjISivc3wUQzXlYcU3oho8VMtRz4DCPL7fk9z5ORXjDtrBw3py16Cl399tG03G23ypVDTdj4N_N3y1yyz5R95SC7MjKfm-zqUmGAq4eiq8arwvrxZunKBFfx0_noF2SqYzOXI1d7B_HjwtX/s2016/Cassie_OliveandJune.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2016" data-original-width="1134" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjISivc3wUQzXlYcU3oho8VMtRz4DCPL7fk9z5ORXjDtrBw3py16Cl399tG03G23ypVDTdj4N_N3y1yyz5R95SC7MjKfm-zqUmGAq4eiq8arwvrxZunKBFfx0_noF2SqYzOXI1d7B_HjwtX/w360-h640/Cassie_OliveandJune.jpg" width="360" /></a></div>Cassie Jo - Tofusclosethttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14197237006052947527noreply@blogger.com0Los Angeles, CA, USA34.0522342 -118.2436849-42.707969500023296 101.1313151 90 22.381315099999995tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9013095967460276333.post-82443489473338489542020-12-10T05:57:00.002-10:002020-12-10T05:57:53.839-10:00Work, School, Yoga, Beach..REPEAT<p>Our days have been on repeat as I am sure it is for everyone these
days. Coronavirus has made this year so strange. I feel like I'm
losing my mind. The daily schedule seems to be filled with a lot of
therapy sessions, work, school, beach, workout, watching puppies on tv,
sleep, repeat. <br /></p><p>Super stoked the boys have found a love for surfing and the beach. All they want to do is go to the beach everyday. The last month or so, they have been working on school during the day so they can get to the beach after school before the sun goes down. I love how much exercise they get without even realizing it. This is the first time I have seen them spend hours non stop without having to say, "Hey, go go go" they usually sit around and take lots of breaks in everything they do but with surfing and bodyboarding, they just stay in there until it's time to go home.</p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6QeD54TmMKUqf-LFSwDt38pypCKUnkfqx0_klxIStqx9XXm4ZT3c89f7FylM9O79LJwWe91Ftj_sev7ZF0T6I1bCmUt2e5IP5QZRqJddc-T1GZtIu7S0yNQ97D2Dd_UJj5PIPSTz8_CfY/s2048/9485C01D-4354-4167-90FE-62BF4CB45D65.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1152" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6QeD54TmMKUqf-LFSwDt38pypCKUnkfqx0_klxIStqx9XXm4ZT3c89f7FylM9O79LJwWe91Ftj_sev7ZF0T6I1bCmUt2e5IP5QZRqJddc-T1GZtIu7S0yNQ97D2Dd_UJj5PIPSTz8_CfY/w360-h640/9485C01D-4354-4167-90FE-62BF4CB45D65.jpg" width="360" /></a></div><br /><p></p><p> I joined a few yoga challenges and it has kept me from studying and practicing my teacher training program and it is giving me anxiety being behind HAHAHAH. I do love the challenges though. This one was the longest since it was a 30 day yoga reset. I did not like the instructor so much but I did like his classes. The other one was a 7 day barre body and it was only the 2nd time doing barre and oh how much I fell in love with it. It also showed me how out of shape I am realizing I really need to do other things on top of my practice or I will not be using and strengthening different muscles. I completed them both and restarting the 7 day barre this week. I also started the 14 day mobility challenge from Victory Performance & Physical Therapy and it is pretty awesome. It really shows you how much you need to do mobility exercises everyday. I love the piano toes. You really see how non-mobile our body is...</p><p>As the year ends, it definitely doesn't feel like Christmas is coming. I am not sure where my mind is or how I feel. Feel like I am almost numb or moving like a robot through life these days and it makes me feel very strange. I am not a festive person but holidays are usually pretty fun and exciting because the kids get excited. But even they said it just doesn't feel like it's almost Christmas. That is a strange thing for kids to feel like that and I know things are tough but this is just a weird year.</p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinakddeWWPUP1U0SM-sAwHVTQg8qPDjOZ3jJ6qUbf4C_YyCtLbF2cxREmRsn7HXBuyfl9hAUR1QiB6dJc16gGifFrw8nf-znAv5y58qfyNma7ckKxnS7tzMw01wo7gxkXTn_vtbCTmYOPs/s4032/62822409982__50501F11-CBC8-4B3B-A4D6-CE6D55D79BA8.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinakddeWWPUP1U0SM-sAwHVTQg8qPDjOZ3jJ6qUbf4C_YyCtLbF2cxREmRsn7HXBuyfl9hAUR1QiB6dJc16gGifFrw8nf-znAv5y58qfyNma7ckKxnS7tzMw01wo7gxkXTn_vtbCTmYOPs/w300-h400/62822409982__50501F11-CBC8-4B3B-A4D6-CE6D55D79BA8.jpeg" width="300" /></a></div><br /> <p></p><p>Hope you all had an awesome Thanksgiving and hope the holidays start to feel more "Holiday" like soon!! XOXO</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLH9Ykpz3o-13YBfBnmU1BBJ8z_meNRxUSPAHPyIL_1FsdOuMXRWYZmJ68TLCUFl_7LcEFiGni-9cmCZHA1Xzuh6LmRWxYn18Cmxw4cJA472heGCyKaweGjKEPPhVmUS_xHvnwU-glxTw6/s4032/IMG_9741.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="2268" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLH9Ykpz3o-13YBfBnmU1BBJ8z_meNRxUSPAHPyIL_1FsdOuMXRWYZmJ68TLCUFl_7LcEFiGni-9cmCZHA1Xzuh6LmRWxYn18Cmxw4cJA472heGCyKaweGjKEPPhVmUS_xHvnwU-glxTw6/w225-h400/IMG_9741.jpeg" width="225" /></a></div><br /><p><br /></p>Cassie Jo - Tofusclosethttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14197237006052947527noreply@blogger.com0Los Angeles, CA, USA34.0522342 -118.24368495.7420003638211554 -153.3999349 62.362468036178846 -83.0874349tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9013095967460276333.post-1701159407012646662020-08-29T14:37:00.000-10:002020-08-29T14:37:00.444-10:00Instax Memories <p>The kids have such a good community around them. I have tried to capture some fun moments with their friends at the skatepark. I don't think they could have been any luckier to have such good people to support and encourage them. I am forever grateful and glad I got a chance to see this part of their lives. Usually Mathew takes them to the skateparks while I work but with his broken kneecap, I have been doing it so it gives me a chance to see what they have been doing all these months. </p><p>I hope they will continue to have this the rest of their lives...kind of reminds me of back home =)</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEIWagCwCRi0es8sskZbYfTQzkCx2a11pSMxTFXisfILmO33GS3lkPNcTK8lANDvPrMsxBRHiQySVdsRdHnqCpOU8WfS3x7yViLDtVnQZGxCxYJfgHmsH8l0xkM886OBD12OURx-IkNSPg/s2048/37FE034B-CE30-471E-BBF5-44EFB0424405.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEIWagCwCRi0es8sskZbYfTQzkCx2a11pSMxTFXisfILmO33GS3lkPNcTK8lANDvPrMsxBRHiQySVdsRdHnqCpOU8WfS3x7yViLDtVnQZGxCxYJfgHmsH8l0xkM886OBD12OURx-IkNSPg/s640/37FE034B-CE30-471E-BBF5-44EFB0424405.jpeg" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSMspJnU60HPvefG5GrUTLR_g1sGo8GBL-Qd8PtsVUfI5_es_L1WNrsdMzgOpAJ8jsfoxeTcBzPn0gIsmHMnGNBk2bpwMpzSxi9UDPRxEDJyMbfAcBTb2coE9EO8QAhJRTHjYhpVcBNZd5/s2048/IMG_7824.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSMspJnU60HPvefG5GrUTLR_g1sGo8GBL-Qd8PtsVUfI5_es_L1WNrsdMzgOpAJ8jsfoxeTcBzPn0gIsmHMnGNBk2bpwMpzSxi9UDPRxEDJyMbfAcBTb2coE9EO8QAhJRTHjYhpVcBNZd5/s640/IMG_7824.jpeg" width="640" /></a></div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiP08f1dfnMQ-OPWGkvJLdNqvwl9QpytuCtMzjyzoEr-_WFW9TvkpJbGcfpwDhO8wrYnRqq2bRPIIZoR6nA7iNoz8FiZ25DcCWkMuUeDrdvOzngo_5s22dNPs1Q2w-MRYFhzbxQJHn2tmx2/s2048/IMG_7774.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiP08f1dfnMQ-OPWGkvJLdNqvwl9QpytuCtMzjyzoEr-_WFW9TvkpJbGcfpwDhO8wrYnRqq2bRPIIZoR6nA7iNoz8FiZ25DcCWkMuUeDrdvOzngo_5s22dNPs1Q2w-MRYFhzbxQJHn2tmx2/s640/IMG_7774.jpeg" width="640" /></a></div>Cassie Jo - Tofusclosethttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14197237006052947527noreply@blogger.com0Los Angeles, CA, USA34.0522342 -118.2436849-45.957276246839555 101.1313151 90 22.381315099999995tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9013095967460276333.post-14180254719523747992020-07-27T18:56:00.007-10:002020-07-28T18:15:45.011-10:00Healthy Plant Based Kids Snack + Back to Yoga and School!<div>I feel like things have been coming back full circle. If anyone knows me, I have never liked meat. I spent most of my life as a vegetarian and then went back to eating meat occasionally but everytime I ate poke or any meat, I would like the flavor but halfway through, I would feel the texture and make me sick to eat. So even though I spent the last 15 years occasionally eating meat, I think I was never a meat eater. Even as a kid, it was not a thing for me... but in 7th grade I decided to stop eating meat and remember the struggle because my mom literally told me she would not cook anything different for me. But I did it.. for over 13 years. Even when I started eating some again 15 years ago, I would freak out by the texture. I kept saying I was going to go back to veggies but every so often I’d still eat a taste of chicken or burger but mostly stopped just not 100%. </div><div><br /></div><div>It has been nice to get back in the kitchen and remake things I have been making the last 10 years. The boys never liked the healthy vegans snacks because they ate normal sugary sweets. But now that they have gone about 4 months without eating bad foods, they love all my healthy snacks that the hated years ago! It has been so much fun making them fun treats. We do get a cheat day once a week where they get to eat things they don't get to during the week. Rocket loves his butter mochi and ice cream. Ziggy likes his pasta or burgers. I made them spam musubis for the first time since they started this healthy eating and they were in heaven. <br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUdsw7T2ET_C3pQqPM8ZNxiWRxDY2lFV56xJq5vgtNGMciVbKN8ckpbimRlyU7KmMCpUF0aPZ8z5PrPSiVXVuSmpgfJwrxwPvBvKi4ehkR9W0qa2GQpQVu8gq37cm1ERHofqei0Ep8P71L/s2048/SpamMusubi.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUdsw7T2ET_C3pQqPM8ZNxiWRxDY2lFV56xJq5vgtNGMciVbKN8ckpbimRlyU7KmMCpUF0aPZ8z5PrPSiVXVuSmpgfJwrxwPvBvKi4ehkR9W0qa2GQpQVu8gq37cm1ERHofqei0Ep8P71L/w480-h640/SpamMusubi.jpeg" width="480" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghWEd5joF8sR_oikepk-PBisO3S4QZqrYCJjMtbpjJWZpI_8kUIw3eIHLYW_VeXKk4R4HOtO_-Jc0gWfpTEUry_BWG0oZInJyclOUPkeOh3FsZ1ffmNBccRc7aStKW118IuM_XmbngzlGR/s2048/SpamMusubi2.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghWEd5joF8sR_oikepk-PBisO3S4QZqrYCJjMtbpjJWZpI_8kUIw3eIHLYW_VeXKk4R4HOtO_-Jc0gWfpTEUry_BWG0oZInJyclOUPkeOh3FsZ1ffmNBccRc7aStKW118IuM_XmbngzlGR/w480-h640/SpamMusubi2.jpeg" width="480" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>I can't believe how amazing it's been to see them change, have more energy, and eat good!</div><div><br /></div><div>This is the final week of summer school. Had decided to enrolled in Japanese class at El Camino to see how it would be for Ziggy when he starts in the Fall. Little did I know when I enrolled, that Mat would break his kneecap and be out of commission for months, work is slow but still have work to do, taking the kids out to burn energy for a few hours, try to get my work done, homework, cooking, cleaning, trying to figure out how to handle a teenager who we are still learning about NF1, possible ODD and ADHD and my own anxiety! I feel like there has been no room for anything!! Some days I feel like I am losing my mind and want to hide in a shell and disappear. Hahaha<br /></div><div><br /></div><div>Can't wait for summer class to finish this week..finals video exam and written test and then as soon as it's over I start yoga training. I am super stoked. It has been in the cards for years.... I have practiced on and off over the last 9 years. More OFF because of my back pains (that caused me to not workout for years), not feeling like I could replace my instructor back in Hawaii, and my shyness. I remember considering it 8 years ago then again the last 4 years I thought about it back and forth but me being so shy and the training being so expensive I didn't want to do it. But I decided now is the time. I have to do things I am afraid to try! I don't want to be a yoga teacher..it is more to deepen my practice to learn more about anatomy. How it has helped someone like me in all my pain and struggles. There was a point I could barely walk..barely hike a mile without crying in pain barely making it back to the car. Learning from my body work guy about the muscle connections and how it affects all the other parts of my body and implementing yoga practice to ease some of the pains. I would love to keep learning and help others.<br /></div><div><br /></div><div>What have you been thinking about doing and have been afraid to try? I thank all those who send me replies to posts in personal texts and emails. I am grateful for you to share and happy to know sometimes my random posts resonate somewhere LOL<br /></div>Cassie Jo - Tofusclosethttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14197237006052947527noreply@blogger.com0Torrance, CA, USA33.8358492 -118.34062885.5256153638211529 -153.4968788 62.146083036178844 -83.1843788tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9013095967460276333.post-45071375508008037222020-03-22T10:11:00.000-10:002020-03-22T10:16:11.210-10:00Love Hate Relationship With Social MediaI have battled this love-hate relationship with social media. I was always skeptical about posting things because I felt like it made everyone even more distant even with this close connection that appears to keep you close.<br />
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I don't post very often and usually I post after the fact. Meaning, a lot of my photos are of something we did a day before to even months before. I don't like to post in real time because usually it is something we are doing in the moment or I don't want to share our current outings. When I do post something, I try to post something memorable or what captured my eye at the time. I only share what I feel like sharing but it in no way means that is what life is like or the lifestyle we live.<br />
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That is where social media makes me want to delete and disappear. I feel like with all of us (myself included) we start to forget that just because we see what someone is doing on social media, it doesn't mean we know what is going on with their lives like we used to when we used to talk on the phone or have lunch together. Not like it is seeing someone in person and spending time at work or an activity catching up on what is going on. A lot of us a going through tough times (not just talking about the current state of the coronavirus lockdown) but mentally, physically, emotionally, and financially. Nothing our instagram or social media actually will show behind the nice photos and comments. I feel that no one actually knows us anymore and it is a false connection. Making people feel like they are still connected to their friends and know them when in reality, we don't. These pictures make you think you know what is going on like you saw them everyday in the past when you don't actually know. There are no more conversations and heart to hearts..it's like a daily dose of false knowledge. LOL<br />
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There is also this wierd image that people portray with the photos..people seem to assume we are well off or living a good life. They assume we make a lot of money based off project or travels we have posted. The reality is, we aren't and we try to pick the best parts of the travels that are almost NEVER for vacation. I think we took one vacation over the last 5 years..it was because Mat's parents took us back to my hometown. If it wasn't for that, we would have never gone a trip that was for fun. All our photos are for work where we bust our asses for the entire trip and go back home to work more. We don't get to do many fun things or see anything on our trips so when we get a chance to see something nice or eat something yummy, we try to capture that..it's like a little light on the not so pretty..<br />
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Don't get me wrong, we are grateful for what we get to do on a daily..but it's not all pretty rainbows..we have struggles with home and finances..life itself is difficult and we are struggling as much as the next person if not more so.. we just don't need to share it with the public..just the closest people around who actually have taken the time to get to know our life...<br />
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So here we are again with this battle of social media or not social media.. I haven't posted in a few months on my feed and I'm not sure what I feel these days..but in this world where I feel like everyone has gotten more and more distant because of the visual connection online, I keep feeling like I'm regressing and wanting to go backwards.. like actually dialing a phone number (when we used to actually remember them)!<br />
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Thoughts?<br />
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In the meantime, these photos of the boys make me smile..<br />
Rocket with his Boys Day Koi for his Family Heritage Poster in Literature class:<br />
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Caught a rare smile on camera of Ziggy Jo at Triller Office in LA </div>
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Cassie Jo - Tofusclosethttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14197237006052947527noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9013095967460276333.post-3084268527317268832019-12-14T13:49:00.000-10:002019-12-14T13:49:37.326-10:00Happy Holidays 2019!It's been a really crazy year. I feel like I say this every year but this one flew by so fast. There were so many challenges to overcome that it really felt like it was long and yet SUPER short. I can't believe Christmas and New years is already upon us!<br />
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I know I haven't been updating with posts like I would have liked but between work, work, kids changing of education and all the other things that have come up with health and mind challenges, I haven't been able to keep up or even take as many photos as I would have liked.<br />
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SOOOOO.....all I can say is Happy Holidays! If we didn't get a chance to send out an Xmas card to you, here is a digital one! Merry Christmas and Happy New Years!<br />
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XOXO<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTcipYtkMyKfWfUpDhkvnC841af43pCdk7hW3-9kD7ogfKl3bi7tLwNieX1D8_wT_qQoR_u4C9p8-QGZsBKZcvWHsMCq3b8WyqjpGgsN08S6CTFHgty1Jj3Nf1y9ATDdZ2jrcdVaMYmJPi/s1600/XMASCard2019.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Christmas_Card_2019_Holidays" border="0" data-original-height="988" data-original-width="1370" height="459" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTcipYtkMyKfWfUpDhkvnC841af43pCdk7hW3-9kD7ogfKl3bi7tLwNieX1D8_wT_qQoR_u4C9p8-QGZsBKZcvWHsMCq3b8WyqjpGgsN08S6CTFHgty1Jj3Nf1y9ATDdZ2jrcdVaMYmJPi/s640/XMASCard2019.jpg" title="Christmas Ziggy Rocket Jo Cassie Mathew 2019" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />Cassie Jo - Tofusclosethttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14197237006052947527noreply@blogger.com0Los Angeles, CA, USA34.0522342 -118.243684933.2099567 -119.5345784 34.8945117 -116.95279140000001tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9013095967460276333.post-82307554754922916292019-08-13T15:03:00.004-10:002019-08-13T15:05:44.863-10:00Kids Will Always Keep You on Your ToesWe had a few scares the last few weeks. Ziggy was at camp and they called us to tell us he chipped his tooth on a ramp and that they would send us a picture of it. They said he was ok but if we wanted to send him to a dentist nearby they would. We were on the way to Zion for a mini camping trip and were not sure what to do. Hid normal dentist said he should be ok if he's not feeling any pain and sensitivity by the end of the day, he can stay but if he isn't feeling ok that we could bring him in the next day. We spoke with Z and he said he was ok but it was sore but he was ok. So the dentist said we can wait til end of day and decide. We were on the way to Zion so we kept driving. When we arrived to the campsite, it was just before 5pwhen the dentist was about to close and he called us to tell us he was in pain and wasn't sure if he should stay or go. He didn't want to leave but he was not doing well because he couldn't eat anything all day. So I spent the next half hour on the phone between him and the dentist and finally just decided to be on the safe side and take him in the next morning. So we turned right back around and drove another 8 hours to pick him up. By the time we arrived, it was 1a and we had been driving since 9a the day before. We were so exhausted and had to drive another 3 hours home!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxG_zEVOIWKFEmQR3DmRqQcBj6yTF3a5JMF2QhTq1BeoglJDmDRRO220vP22N8fEQTcn1mZjHsQv4-hIBq1vFfJLEA4gBVIcjdl_GiH4mJlqG_5dYVbZu0onk70s5lXpGLy7ngZqeMP5yy/s1600/Ziggy_Jo_Broken_Tooth_Skateboarding.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img alt="" border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxG_zEVOIWKFEmQR3DmRqQcBj6yTF3a5JMF2QhTq1BeoglJDmDRRO220vP22N8fEQTcn1mZjHsQv4-hIBq1vFfJLEA4gBVIcjdl_GiH4mJlqG_5dYVbZu0onk70s5lXpGLy7ngZqeMP5yy/s400/Ziggy_Jo_Broken_Tooth_Skateboarding.jpg" title="Ziggy Jo Broken Tooth Skateboarding" width="300" /></a><br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikic5_Q28QJdfkkX9-qnFfuQfv3SyuoQLKBdWcvaIStXg5jrnm6YW1jay4tjS-DJlXOonHoxw7IxM9AuxSI3C1yUgknO9VI8FUj8iFWCbov3OEw5Hrnm4R7NX6cCf3z7_YYRLPuyc37_A2/s1600/Ziggy_Jo_Broken_Tooth.jpeg" imageanchor="1"><img alt="" border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikic5_Q28QJdfkkX9-qnFfuQfv3SyuoQLKBdWcvaIStXg5jrnm6YW1jay4tjS-DJlXOonHoxw7IxM9AuxSI3C1yUgknO9VI8FUj8iFWCbov3OEw5Hrnm4R7NX6cCf3z7_YYRLPuyc37_A2/s400/Ziggy_Jo_Broken_Tooth.jpeg" title="Ziggy Jo Broken Tooth" width="300" /></a><br />
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We took him to the dentist the next morning and they attached the piece that was broken. He felt a little better and we took him back to camp. There went out camping trip.. we lost our campsite and would have been the first time we did something just the two of us on our own and had so many plans to hike and go further than last time because we would be without the kiddos LOL. Oh well, it wasn't meant to be =)<br />
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Then a few nights ago, we were at Etnies skatepark with friends and just when we were wrapping up the night, we saw Rocket crying at the bottom of the bowl..he had somehow fallen and no one had seen him fall. He just lay there crying but he got up and was fine. We all went to the car and he was normal packing up. We went to In-N-Out to meet their friends and when we got there, he was out of it and breathing heavy and freaking out. We had no idea what was wrong. I think he had an anxiety attack but he suddenly said he couldn't see anything. We swung our hands in front of his face and he didn't flinch! We got so scared we packed up and headed straight to the emergency room. He started throwing up in the car and we got so scared. He kept saying he was scared and couldn't see anything. We found some hole in the wall little hospital was all we could find nearby but they took him in quick. By the time we went in, he was able to see. The doctor checked him out and said he showed no signs of neurological symptoms and he was going to be ok but just to observe him for concussion or some other head injury symptoms. He scared the heck out of us! He didn't answer questions correctly on the way home and just kept wanting to sleep and we started getting worried but I think he was just tired from a long day outside and it was not 1am. By the time we got home, he seemed to be a little better..I helped him shower and once he was out he was normal. What a relief!!!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh18s6nn0yOczmN52G-wfODmhs5-wMkTImznNHOfcUethfM6zYykXMHPLjn8oP4iTyPGIUeqS_m49OSj389x19wY00crDu7TxYqgk2cJisjvYCph61co541xZc9ZDIY6wF1DvzxLLlUm5UJ/s1600/Rocket_Jo_Skateboarding_ER.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img alt="" border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh18s6nn0yOczmN52G-wfODmhs5-wMkTImznNHOfcUethfM6zYykXMHPLjn8oP4iTyPGIUeqS_m49OSj389x19wY00crDu7TxYqgk2cJisjvYCph61co541xZc9ZDIY6wF1DvzxLLlUm5UJ/s400/Rocket_Jo_Skateboarding_ER.jpg" title="Rocket Jo Skateboarding Emergency Room" width="300" /></a><br />
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Anyway, just a random post about how kids have you on your toes always. Never a dull moment and some crazy scares they put us through hahahhaa. Super glad they were both ok.<br />
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<br />Cassie Jo - Tofusclosethttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14197237006052947527noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9013095967460276333.post-10242144720065091392019-01-13T12:37:00.000-10:002019-08-13T15:05:57.712-10:002019 Brings Big Changes Towards AmazingThere have been a lot of changes over the years. Many of them were not for the good because of all the losses and how it affected how our everyday life had become. From work to working out.. life has sure changed a lot over the last few years and I did not see how much it had been a rolling snowball until the end of 2018.<br />
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The pains in my body have been slowly showing its ugly head at least 7 years ago when I started running and yoga and spending time outdoors. I had not thought much of it until it had been coming so often that I could barely walk a few years ago and the doctors kept saying to slow down and take it easy and stop doing everything for a while. I had a hard time stopping with all the suggestions prior to that. They told me stop running to let me feet and back heal but I wouldn't listen. I stopped running for a while but then went even harder into other workouts which probably didn't help. I know it didn't help. If anyone knows me, they know that I do everything fully if I'm in it. It was difficult.. until I could barely work because I couldn't walk or move easily.<br />
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I stopped all together..literally stopped everything and focused on work and home..little did I know that affects my anxiety because running, yoga and being out in nature was what kept me sane. At the same time, we had a major loss and HUGE changes in the house which put me in a position of taking care of everyone here.. most people don't think about that as things are happening, we just go with the punches and keep moving ahead not thinking about the actual CHANGES that were happening and how it would affect a person who needs the peace and connection that exercise and nature brings. Over the years, I forgot to take care of me and threw myself into what needed to be done to keep our heads out of water..little did I know it was a huge domino affect on my mental state.<br />
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I'm a workaholic. Always have been. It's a blessing and a curse. Mat always says, "Wow, your boss scored on you" LOL because I don't know how to STOP until everything is done. That's just my nature with everything. But it also meant I was working long hours and spending less time doing things with everyone. I was working not just my job but the other jobs to help Mat and handle all our home finances. There was never a break. At the same time, I felt guilty for missing everything and not being there for just the small things. All of this was causing a major domino affect on me..subconsciously. I had no idea these were happening until the last month of 2018. I started to really look at what our last 6 months have been like and it had been so full of WORK and we had missed so many spontaneous roadtrip weekends because we were so busy working. We hadn't done much the last 6 months except work. Yes, work had been busy and hectic and it was necessary, but we had also missed out on a lot of OUR time. I looked back at what the last few years had been like and seeing the slow progression of changes and not all of them were good.<br />
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There were periods of months where anxiety would be so high that I would be sick or faint. So many days I was shaking or almost passing out. Dizzy and throwing up. Those months would pass but return when I hadn't done a hike or road trip or when things had gotten so stressful and we were dealing with too much. Note, the last half of 2018 did not have any of it..probably because I had no time to even think except work. I love my job.. I just need to know how to work smarter. Because I don't have just my one job. I have the other job to work on Mat's stuff and then still work on our home stuff.. so in order to take care of all of that and make time for family and myself, I had to come up with some major changes.<br />
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Since we had visitors staying with us all of December, I started to think about the changes. I had never had much time to do stuff when our family was visiting. I made a point to close up and spend time. I also started to see things and how what I was doing affected how everyone else was handling things as well. Real eye opener. I decided that after the new year, when everyone was gone and we were back to our normal home life, I would make major adjustments to how I worked so we could do more things and I would feel better inside too. Jan 7th was the first day of the new plan. I decided I would work earlier like I used to work at my other jobs...so I could be done earlier. I promised myself I would do something for me everyday. I had not done anything for myself in years..it was sad. I had written it down in our work time capsule in Jan2018 that I would do one thing for myself at least once a year! And I hadn't done it! That was really sad. So this year I made a promise to do that at least once a week if not once a day. So, Jan 7, I decided to get out and walk. I can't run anymore and it hurts to walk too but I knew if I didn't start, I wouldn't. And I suffer daily from pain anyway, so why not at least walk...pain will be there but not as bad as running. I walked 5 miles on day 1. I have since done either Yoga stretches for my back and hamstrings, walk, or modified P90x everyday. Leaving the 1 day rest day somewhere every week. Today I went 6 miles and I have never felt more alive. Feeling that old me inside..the one that gets slightly obsessive on goals LOL. So, I am hoping that I can continue this. I know 6 days a week of something might be a challenge in itself but I will do my best to see where I stand at the end of 2019. Goal is to get back to the mountains at least twice a month...we have grand plans for 2019.. I can't wait to see what updates will happen on 2019 recap in 2020! LOL<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXEWTlqUsd8obrrbEuEANtPphBfuoR5FRKI1Nn3qshBQIcGLwZwmAiKdL4Wrs8CMWDfbACtkpFbToqJRpwu7Z_F1yGEYu9Rw1u55uER7NZyz-xpx5uRYhY0draxKgMd_vtwVmT6df-WUaZ/s1600/IMG_0331.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img alt="" border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXEWTlqUsd8obrrbEuEANtPphBfuoR5FRKI1Nn3qshBQIcGLwZwmAiKdL4Wrs8CMWDfbACtkpFbToqJRpwu7Z_F1yGEYu9Rw1u55uER7NZyz-xpx5uRYhY0draxKgMd_vtwVmT6df-WUaZ/s640/IMG_0331.jpg" title="cassiejo_cassie_jo_walking_nike_california_selfcare" width="572" /></a>Cassie Jo - Tofusclosethttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14197237006052947527noreply@blogger.com0Los Angeles, CA, USA34.0522342 -118.243684933.2099567 -119.5345784 34.8945117 -116.95279140000001tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9013095967460276333.post-83353294144374892802018-09-01T07:14:00.000-10:002018-09-01T07:15:03.987-10:00When Will the Days Stop Melding Into the Next?This summer, we had so many plans. By plans, I mean PLANS. We had ideas of road tripping to Alaska and then staying for a few weeks out there bringing our work with us so we could explore. We also had a backup plan that would be driving aimlessly across the country this summer for a few weeks because we didn't have to cram everything in on a weekend. We had so many plans to see many parks and waterfalls and we didn't get to do any of it.<br />
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Work has been hectic and busy..I've been pulling long hours working for my normal job and then working on Mat's projects which makes the work week over 115 hours a week. I just realized that in the shower when I broke it down that with 24 hours a day, 7 days a week not including commute time and cleaning and kids stuff we were down to less than 3 hours of sleep a day if we got that many. I'm so exhausted. Literally EXHAUSTED. My old 39 year old body is in pain because I suffer from chronic back and psoas pain on a daily. On bad days I can barely walk without limping and hunched over...on good days, it's a dull pain that I've learned to live with. Yoga and stretching helps but with our schedule I have not even found the time to wake up and do my morning stretch and postures because I'm just so exhausted.<br />
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YES, I am whining.. I wish I could just be positive but I know that this is my one place to let my thoughts out so I can be positive... I just need a few days of sleep..where I don't have to wake up or think about anything due. Cannot wait for that time. With everything piling up until Oct..it looks like that may not happen! Keep reminding myself that everyone is busy..we all have so much going on and that this busy isn't any worse than someone elses busy. But when anyone asks how come you are so tired...I wish I could even begin to explain..no one would understand! HAHAHAAHA<br />
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Can't wait til we get a little break in between so we can get back to the mountains and quick day trips out to nowhere =)<br />
<br />Cassie Jo - Tofusclosethttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14197237006052947527noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9013095967460276333.post-12802523507758758532018-04-07T17:11:00.005-10:002020-05-18T10:50:00.323-10:00Spring Break Yosemite Camping TripLast year we went camping at <a href="https://www.nps.gov/yose/index.htm" target="_blank">Yosemite</a> for Spring Break. We stayed for 4 days and it was just not enough time. This year we planning it for a week and it still was not enough time!! <br />
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The boys had their spring break two weeks earlier than last year and we were wondering what the weather would be like. The weather reports all said snow storms and rain so we were a little concerned making sure we had the correct gear to stay warm. You should have seen our car it wwas packed full!! By the time we picked up the water and food 2 hours to the park, we had everything in our laps. It must have been a sight to see on the road.<br />
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When we arrived, it was snowy but not icy. We wanted to get the tents set up quick before night fall and rain. By the time our tents were set up, it had started to rain slightly. Thank goodness we were all exhausted from the road trip that we crashed really early. I remember waking up many times that night because it was raining and I could hear things sliding off the top of the tent. When we woke up, I found out what it was. It was snow! HAHAHA. it was probably the best thing to wake up to. Everything was covered in snow and the boys were so stoked to have a snowball fight. They even made a fort out of the branches on the ground.<br />
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We got to see so many different things on this trip. We were so glad we were there before the crowds and before the weather warmed up. It was cold and seemed quieter than it had been last time. We had a super nice neighbor who was very helpful when we had issues getting the first started in the rain.<br />
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The snowshoeing experience was probably my favorite because I have been wanting to go snowshoe hiking for years..since I first heard of it at <a href="https://www.gomtcharleston.com/" target="_blank">Mount Charleston </a>when I moved to my parents and saw snow in the mountains HAHAHA. Never growing up with winter and snow, I had no idea about winter activities. I wanted to try the snowshoe guided hiking at Mount Charleston but that winter I had injured my feet running and had to wait out the next winter..by then I was working and commuting between states that I couldn't get to that..so it's been on my mind forever!! I was so happy to go it made me smile. I am now obsessed and can't wait to get my own and go all the time. The boys loved it too and all they did was make snowballs all day!<br />
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We explored a hike around <a href="https://www.nps.gov/yose/planyourvisit/mirrorlaketrail.htm" target="_blank">Mirror Lake</a> to Snow Creek and also walked from our site to Yosemite Falls..it was so beautiful. We were a little disappointed that there wasn't much water at Mirror Lake. We had hoped to catch what it was named for..Mirroring the mountains. Snow Creek made up for it with its peaceful rush of water. We heard coyotes howling and saw them running in the woods. It was insane to hear them so loud. We had seen so many deer you could almost walk up to them. I was in heaven! We had hoped to see a bear or mountain lion but we didn't encounter one on this trip.<br />
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There were many people next to us who came and went but our favorite was Mic. He was the there the last two days of our stay and he was so knowledgeable and kind. He shared so many great stories about exploring and his son who is our age. He gave us many tips that we will use next time we go camping. It was really inspiring.<br />
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This trip has just reminded me that there is so much more to see. I always say it but I know it in my heart that we need to keep going..Keep exploring. Teaching the boys what is gifted to us because it may not always be here if people don't appreciate it. By the end of the trip, I was so sad because it felt too short, yet again. I could have easily stayed another week but maybe if we had come a week before we came because we were actually glad we were leaving. It was getting so packed the last day we were there. Everywhere was busy and crowded and were shocked at the insane line of cars that winded down the mountain to get into the park as we were driving out. We had gone at a good time.<br />
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Thankful for the adventures life has already given me..and cannot wait for more to come...<br />
<br />Cassie Jo - Tofusclosethttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14197237006052947527noreply@blogger.com1Yosemite National Park, California, USA37.8651011 -119.5383294000000112.343066599999997 -160.8469234 63.387135599999993 -78.22973540000001tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9013095967460276333.post-82868814016162500232018-02-25T18:06:00.000-10:002018-02-25T18:14:50.879-10:00Hauntingly Fascinating Ghost Town of George Air Force Base CaliforniaWe decided to take a quick day trip out to <a href="http://www.victorvilleca.gov/" target="_blank">Victorville</a>today. It is about 2 hours away from us so we decided to explore a little.<br />
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When we got to George Air Force Base, it was open to drive into and the security was abandoned. It has signed of no trespassing in areas and warning signed that the air was contaminated. We had no idea what to expect as we had not done any research before driving out. We tend to do things on the whim most of the time LOL.<br />
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We drove into the first portion where there were tons of abandoned homes..looked like military housing back home. Everything was falling apart and windows were gone..it almost looked like someone had just bombed the whole place..but I have never seen a bombing before..just what I imagined. As we drove out of the little turn around street, we headed into the town and saw that it extended to a huge ghost town! <br />
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Large buildings were empty and ruined..we passed the hospital and saw
the signs of contamination... I could hear someone singing within the
building and it scared me a bit...<br />
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We started reading about it. It seemed so sad that this was once a busy military town and decomissioned in 1992.. I cannot imagine what it must be like to have been born there or growing up there when it was bustling and to see what it looks like now. You can see bullets and holes in the walls and lots of paintball markings..The worst was reading about the damage all the chemicals, pesticides and radiation washed into the earth has caused and how those who must have lived there probably had no idea at the time..the whole town is deserted and yet parts of it is still upkept..we drove past a church, playground and theater that looked like it was still being used..how odd..<br />
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<iframe allow="autoplay; encrypted-media" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/2WJnosxgfJ0" width="560"></iframe>Cassie Jo - Tofusclosethttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14197237006052947527noreply@blogger.com0Victorville, CA, USA34.5362184 -117.292764134.326943400000005 -117.6154876 34.7454934 -116.9700406tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9013095967460276333.post-3077961812858486252018-02-04T08:30:00.003-10:002018-02-05T06:30:54.146-10:00Mount Whitney Trail to Lone Pine Lake Hike - Conquered!!<div style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 12px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt;"></span><span style="font-size: 12pt;"></span><span style="font-size: 12pt;">We
didn’t make it the first time we attempted to find the lake and we wanted a redo. We can say we achieved redemption on our second go! </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12pt;">The
roads are closed in the winter so we could only go up where we could
park at the nearest closed gate as we could. It is a good 1.5 miles
away from the actual trail head. We kept saying we heard the hike was
only 5.2 miles round trip but they didn't account for the extra 3 we'd
have to do going and coming back to the car. </span><span style="font-size: 12pt;">I
think they pain on the road at the start and end for about 1.5 miles
each way was worse than the hike. My back was screaming in pain from
that. </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: 12pt;">We took this Boomerang while we took a break halfway up. We weren’t
all sure if we would make it this time before the sun set and it was
well worth all the pain in hips and back to get there. We were all super
stoked. </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: 12pt;">Mind
you, there was some whining and tears and fear we wouldn’t
make it. After 8 hours and about 8 or 9 miles round trip, I’d say the
boys did amazing. I am super grateful for all the support
as I trudged up in pain and walked very slowly and stopped to stretch
my hip pretty much every 10 minutes. It was cold and beautiful the
whole way. As we got about 1/3 to the top, it was cold with deep snow
and we were falling into the snow was we walked. By the time we got to
the lake we were so happy that we made it. As soon as the boys saw the lake in the distance they started running towards it. It was frozen and
beautiful. Peaceful with no one around. At 10000 feet elevation, it
was difficult but worth every ounce of energy spent.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12pt;">Everyone
was excited and proud of themselves and we decided we would make a goal
to hike to the <a href="https://www.fs.usda.gov/recarea/inyo/recarea/?recid=20806" target="_blank">summit of Mount Whitney</a> next time. We'd bring out
camping gear and stay the night and make it a few day backpacking trip.
Goals!!!</span><br />
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Cassie Jo - Tofusclosethttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14197237006052947527noreply@blogger.com0Mount Whitney Trail, California, USA36.5712555 -118.2616315000000236.520247499999996 -118.34231250000002 36.6222635 -118.18095050000002tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9013095967460276333.post-44291302276804903642018-01-27T22:55:00.000-10:002018-01-27T22:56:31.676-10:00Saturday Night Fun With BeautycounterSo, this is what 10 minutes of our Saturday night looked like.<br />
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Jump out of the shower with a bright idea of trying out the <a href="https://www.beautycounter.com/no-3-balancing-facial-mask.html" target="_blank">Beautycounter Charcoal Face Mask</a> that I thought I'd try out. I am not a face / makeup person but lately I have tried a few products because a friend works for them and turned me on to them. I am a believer in supporting safer products and chemicals. If I can try something and it feels right, I'm down.<br />
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I thought I'd try the Charcoal Face Mask. It sounded like something fun and I've never done it. I asked Mathew if he'd like to try and he did..it was so funny because we didn't know how to put it on and when it was done we laughed and grabbed the Nerf guns because it looked like we were going camoflauge!<br />
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Overall, we liked the way it felt after the 10 minutes. We were tripping out at the what our skin tightened as it dried and we laughed thinking that is what our wrinkly skin would look like when we get old. We could see all our pores as it dried but when we washed it off, it was nice and soft...maybe after a few months I will post an update!<br />
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The kids thought we looked so funny BTW..<br />
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Cassie Jo - Tofusclosethttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14197237006052947527noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9013095967460276333.post-12204558447579293042018-01-15T13:56:00.005-10:002018-01-23T18:08:27.625-10:00Return of Family Hikes - Mount Whitney Trail Lone Pine LakeWe haven't taken the boys on long hikes in a long time. Maybe over two years! I used to take them on long hikes weekly and short ones in between before or after work. Ever since we have gotten so busy with work and all my pains in my body that prevent me from doing any kind of workout, it kind of fell through the cracks.<br />
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We have been making a point to do day tips and road trips whenever we can in the last year and we decided to do a hike yesterday. I love it so much and have always wanted my boys to grow up being explorers and appreciate nature and what it has to offer. We wanted to get to Lone Pine Lake at Mount Whitney. We knew it would be tiring from the review but we had no idea how tough it would be.<br />
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We definitely were not prepared for the distance, endurance and snow of this hike. We got there and the road was closed for the winter. We drove a little past the sign to the closest gate we could get to where other cars were parked. From there, it was a good 2 mile hike just to get to the start of the trail. All uphill! Then we got to the starting point and it was uphill the entire way. We encountered snow at the beginning and then it disappeared for 1/3 of the way up. After that, we had more snow until the top. The snow was deeper and deeper and we were all exhausted. We had no snow shoes and no trekking poles making it even more difficult. Especially for an 8 and 11 year old LOL. There were so many stops and for my body, I wanted to badly to make it to the top to the lake but it was failing me. The pain in my feet and hips and lower back were winning and I was almost in tears. I am so frustrated with the constant pain that has plagued me with no answers to how to fix them. I tend to try to push through it if I really want something but this was beyond painful. I knew if I didn't stop, I may not be able to walk down back to the car. I stopped and waited with the boys while Mathew went up another 30 minutes to check to see if he could see the lake but he said it would probably be another 30-45 minutes from where he was so he came back down to meet us at our waiting spot. The snow was thick and we were freezing cold. The sun was diappearing behind the mountain and we knew it was time to head back as it had already been over 3.5 hours up and would be about the same going back. We didn't want to be stuck out there in the dark.<br />
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By the time we were heading back down, it was slippery and scary and Rocket decided he had to poop. Oh that was so much fun while he nearly pooped his pants and had to be butt naked while cleaning up in the snow! HAHAH. Those are stories we have to tell when he gets older hahahah. We slipped and fell many times on the way down and we were so glad we made it back safely. It was cold and exhausting and the pain coming down was worse than going up and by the time we got to the car all I could do was tear up at frustration of my body. The shattering pain that comes in my feet and hips and lower back screaming keeps winning and it makes me so upset that I cannot do what I would like to but I will figure it out..<br />
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<img alt="Sunset-Mount-Whitney-Trail-California" border="0" data-original-height="480" data-original-width="640" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5BWmYdOxUyIYopuRPtc5Tm0vZpva3e5N1B2TfHe0Y3K4PhuezUOMj5i7yovsGLjqgr09vD6XdbT6up6cvFHElAmgd8pubtCVbxSEwHvTv9P2S0mqMk9UquoFyO7jSRJzLxqWM14KknnT1/s640/Sunset_Mount_Whitney_trail.JPG" title="" width="640" /></div>
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We all agreed that we would prepare better and knew the things we needed for the next REDO when we come back to tackle the lake. Cannot wait for the next time!!! It was absolutely gorgeous all the way up and could only imagine what the lake would be like. The best part was driving back down and seeing two little Inyo Mule Deers hopping around in front of us. That made my frustration pass and all I could do was smile =)<br />
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<br />Cassie Jo - Tofusclosethttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14197237006052947527noreply@blogger.com0