I realized after yesterday's post (and Ashlee's comment - thanks, Ashlee!), that I need to shake things up again. I know I have heard or read somewhere that our bodies need to be constantly challenged and it is important to keep your work outs mixed up.
My walks have been wonderful and I love walking, but challenging? not so much, especially when we are walking the neighborhood - too many corners where my children want to make the choice of where we go...Can you see where this is going? We hit a corner, child A thinks, asks and debates all possible directions (and really there are only 4 choices! East! West! South! and North!) and finally after a few minutes chooses - repeat at each and every corner for 15 minutes in this pattern: Child A, Child B, Child C. The last 15 minutes I am in control so I can get us back home without all the debate. :)
Yes, I march in place at each corner, but the blocks are not that big so I don't really ever get my heart rate up like I do at the mall. So summer walking has been more about being in the sunshine, getting fresh air and keeping up the habit...oh, and family bonding time. :)
So, today, I decided that I needed to rev myself back up - I am going to dance or Zumba in the morning. Not sure how long, but long enough to get the heart rate up, feel energized and stop feeling like I am hibernating!
Happy Walking!
Wednesday, July 31, 2013
Tuesday, July 30, 2013
Day 251: Hibernation?
I don't know what my problem is....I really don't.
I have currently been fighting the overwhelm need to be a big bum lately. I don't want to walk, I don't want to exercise, I don't want to move....I just want to curly up on the couch and read. Not study, or read "important" books....just read the fun books that you don't have to think about but can devour in a day (or two). The kind of books that I usually reserve for "fun" at night or on the weekends.
Sometimes, I think I must be part bear. I worked hard all summer, I worked hard during the spring and winter and now I just want to hibernate (maybe it is the fact that we went from stifling heat to autumn like weather in just a few days).
So, deep breath...still walking, albeit a little slower and a little less enthusiasm....just gotta find my umph again. And I will.
Happy Walking!
I have currently been fighting the overwhelm need to be a big bum lately. I don't want to walk, I don't want to exercise, I don't want to move....I just want to curly up on the couch and read. Not study, or read "important" books....just read the fun books that you don't have to think about but can devour in a day (or two). The kind of books that I usually reserve for "fun" at night or on the weekends.
Sometimes, I think I must be part bear. I worked hard all summer, I worked hard during the spring and winter and now I just want to hibernate (maybe it is the fact that we went from stifling heat to autumn like weather in just a few days).
So, deep breath...still walking, albeit a little slower and a little less enthusiasm....just gotta find my umph again. And I will.
Happy Walking!
Day 250: Ugh! Computers!
This posted should have been done yesterday (July 29th), but my computer was acting funny or the blogger website was acting funny....either way, I couldn't post yesterday!
Steve has bought me a new computer and I haven't switched over yet (which completely frustrates and baffles him). I do not like new gadgets - new clothes, yes; new books, yes; new movies, yes; new foods, sometimes...new gadgets? Not so much. Just when I get comfortable with all the bells & whistles it is time to upgrade because I have run the poor electronic into the ground.
I guess yesterday's problem is an indication that I just need to make the switch...
Happy Walking!
Steve has bought me a new computer and I haven't switched over yet (which completely frustrates and baffles him). I do not like new gadgets - new clothes, yes; new books, yes; new movies, yes; new foods, sometimes...new gadgets? Not so much. Just when I get comfortable with all the bells & whistles it is time to upgrade because I have run the poor electronic into the ground.
I guess yesterday's problem is an indication that I just need to make the switch...
Happy Walking!
Sunday, July 28, 2013
Day 249: Quick Update
Just updating to say my talk went really well (I base this on the number of people who told me they liked the talk).
I also learned a ton while preparing for it...one of which is I actually enjoy studying. It must be the nerd in me!
Maybe that is why I am constantly reading about health, nutrition and exercise. Of course, studying those topics are not nearly as satisfying as studying the scriptures, but it was it is.
Hope everyone had a great day!
Happy Walking!
I also learned a ton while preparing for it...one of which is I actually enjoy studying. It must be the nerd in me!
Maybe that is why I am constantly reading about health, nutrition and exercise. Of course, studying those topics are not nearly as satisfying as studying the scriptures, but it was it is.
Hope everyone had a great day!
Happy Walking!
Saturday, July 27, 2013
Day 248: Happy Coincidence
I like happy coincidences....today, I have been spending a large amount of my time studying and rewriting my talk for church tomorrow. So busy, in fact, that I had not gone walking by 2pm - not so good. This usually means the walk happens very close to bedtime and is not as brisk as it needs to be.
Why I chose to walk in the middle of the afternoon instead today...not sure. A well reasoned argument on the merits of walking at 2pm instead of 8pm? Maybe. But it felt more like a hunch or a flash of an idea (some would call it inspiration - I kind of like that idea).
Either way, I walked at 2pm. It was a great walk.
Steve was home, so I left the children with him - all in different corners of the house doing an impromptu "quiet time".
The happy coincidence? Not only did a get a great walk in, but my youngest actually took a nap (a rarity these days)! She needed a nap. She has been keeping "summer hours" - you know, bed when the sun sets and awake when the sun rises. For this reason, winter is actually looking pretty good this year!
Needless to say, there were at least 2 people in the house who felt a lot better!
Happy Walking!
Why I chose to walk in the middle of the afternoon instead today...not sure. A well reasoned argument on the merits of walking at 2pm instead of 8pm? Maybe. But it felt more like a hunch or a flash of an idea (some would call it inspiration - I kind of like that idea).
Either way, I walked at 2pm. It was a great walk.
Steve was home, so I left the children with him - all in different corners of the house doing an impromptu "quiet time".
The happy coincidence? Not only did a get a great walk in, but my youngest actually took a nap (a rarity these days)! She needed a nap. She has been keeping "summer hours" - you know, bed when the sun sets and awake when the sun rises. For this reason, winter is actually looking pretty good this year!
Needless to say, there were at least 2 people in the house who felt a lot better!
Happy Walking!
Friday, July 26, 2013
Day 247: 5 Gratitudes for Friday, 31
1. Crazy, unpredictable weather! We had a record setting heat wave last week and this week it has been rather cool - actually rained today. A nice, cool, refreshing rain. I love rain. I love that it comes when you least expect it. I love a light rain that is perfect for playing in...
2. The opportunity I have been given to talk in church on Sunday. For those who are not LDS (Mormon), the members take turns giving talks (short sermons) to the congregation. I have not spoken in church in years. I am nervous, excited and very, very grateful for the opportunity to study the scriptures.
3. My children's excitement over the "big" things in their lives - K attending girl's camp next week, S and her up coming baptism, and Z over all the new board games he gets to play with his dad. Their excitement is contagious (although sometimes I wish they would calm down a bit...) and it has me looking forward to the "big" things in my life - like school starting in the fall!
4. For our landlord's father, Craig, who is an ever willing handyman for the big and small problems that pop up in our home. Earlier this week, I went to the basement to do laundry and the smell of something damp that has sat too long hit me. Craig spent one day looking for the problem and two days drying out the carpet.
5. For my husband's willingness to be my sounding board. While writing/studying for my church talk, I got stuck and Steve was able to help me get over my stumbling block. He also listens patiently when I have great "save the world" theories...then he hits me with a few simple realities to help me round out my theories.
Happy Walking!
2. The opportunity I have been given to talk in church on Sunday. For those who are not LDS (Mormon), the members take turns giving talks (short sermons) to the congregation. I have not spoken in church in years. I am nervous, excited and very, very grateful for the opportunity to study the scriptures.
3. My children's excitement over the "big" things in their lives - K attending girl's camp next week, S and her up coming baptism, and Z over all the new board games he gets to play with his dad. Their excitement is contagious (although sometimes I wish they would calm down a bit...) and it has me looking forward to the "big" things in my life - like school starting in the fall!
4. For our landlord's father, Craig, who is an ever willing handyman for the big and small problems that pop up in our home. Earlier this week, I went to the basement to do laundry and the smell of something damp that has sat too long hit me. Craig spent one day looking for the problem and two days drying out the carpet.
5. For my husband's willingness to be my sounding board. While writing/studying for my church talk, I got stuck and Steve was able to help me get over my stumbling block. He also listens patiently when I have great "save the world" theories...then he hits me with a few simple realities to help me round out my theories.
Happy Walking!
Day 246: Ooops!
This day was written & posted a day late.
What can I say? I had a great day yesterday and completely forgot to post!
I think one time out of the year is not that bad...now to keep it down to one year!
Happy Walking!
What can I say? I had a great day yesterday and completely forgot to post!
I think one time out of the year is not that bad...now to keep it down to one year!
Happy Walking!
Wednesday, July 24, 2013
Day 245: Too many choices
I took my oldest to the bookstore today and told her she could choose a book (if she wanted one).
I didn't think much about it - I love going to the bookstore. I can easily spend a day in a bookstore or a library. Libraries are nice because you don't feel guilty for reading the books, but bookstores have a nicer atmosphere.
Anyway, my daughter quickly became overloaded with all the possibilities. I thought I could help narrow down the book choices by recommending some great titles or pointing out titles that looked interesting to me. Wrong choice. Her choice over load became ten fold! I finally took her into a really boring section (for her) and browsed books to give her some time to mull over all the possibilities.
What does that have to do with walking? Well, nothing really, but sometimes when I am striving to improve my health, I feel the same way: too many choices. There is so much information out there on the best ways to eat healthy, exercise, relax, sleep, etc. that it really becomes to hard to choose. I feel like I need to be jumping from idea to idea to idea....but I don't really want to.
Maybe, I need to step away from all the healthy information and figure out what I want and what is best for me....seems simple, but I still have that nagging thought in the back of my mind that I might be missing some good information.
Hmmm. Maybe that is how my daughter felt even after she picked a great book?
Happy Walking!
I didn't think much about it - I love going to the bookstore. I can easily spend a day in a bookstore or a library. Libraries are nice because you don't feel guilty for reading the books, but bookstores have a nicer atmosphere.
Anyway, my daughter quickly became overloaded with all the possibilities. I thought I could help narrow down the book choices by recommending some great titles or pointing out titles that looked interesting to me. Wrong choice. Her choice over load became ten fold! I finally took her into a really boring section (for her) and browsed books to give her some time to mull over all the possibilities.
What does that have to do with walking? Well, nothing really, but sometimes when I am striving to improve my health, I feel the same way: too many choices. There is so much information out there on the best ways to eat healthy, exercise, relax, sleep, etc. that it really becomes to hard to choose. I feel like I need to be jumping from idea to idea to idea....but I don't really want to.
Maybe, I need to step away from all the healthy information and figure out what I want and what is best for me....seems simple, but I still have that nagging thought in the back of my mind that I might be missing some good information.
Hmmm. Maybe that is how my daughter felt even after she picked a great book?
Happy Walking!
Tuesday, July 23, 2013
DAy 244: Cool evenings?
An odd thing to note, but it was actually cool this evening. It was an outdoor scout activity tonight and I realized that I wish I had on jeans instead of shorts - my legs were getting cold!
I am hopeful this is a fluky thing and not a sign of an early autumn....On the bright side, it makes evening strolls seem rather doable!
Happy Walking!
I am hopeful this is a fluky thing and not a sign of an early autumn....On the bright side, it makes evening strolls seem rather doable!
Happy Walking!
Monday, July 22, 2013
Day 243: Bread habit
I think the hardest part about eating healthier is breaking the taste bud habit.
For the most part I eat whole grains, but there is something about the smell of really good white bread - something thick like a hoagie bun or French bread or dinner roll or a biscuit...it is my downfall (amongst other downfalls, but this is the one I noticed today).
The children wanted hoagies for lunch. Fine with me, I strive to eat my hoagies on toasted wheat bread, but half way through the meal I realized I was eating my hoagie on a hoagie bun....so automatic and so yummy...sigh....
But it is okay. Noticing and changing is so much better than never noticing or never changing. Besides, tomorrow is a new day!
Happy walking!
For the most part I eat whole grains, but there is something about the smell of really good white bread - something thick like a hoagie bun or French bread or dinner roll or a biscuit...it is my downfall (amongst other downfalls, but this is the one I noticed today).
The children wanted hoagies for lunch. Fine with me, I strive to eat my hoagies on toasted wheat bread, but half way through the meal I realized I was eating my hoagie on a hoagie bun....so automatic and so yummy...sigh....
But it is okay. Noticing and changing is so much better than never noticing or never changing. Besides, tomorrow is a new day!
Happy walking!
Sunday, July 21, 2013
Day 242: Same ol', same ol'
No great insights for today....no plans, no struggles....nothing. I enjoyed a relaxing day with the family and I am looking forward to a great week this week.
Happy Walking!
Happy Walking!
Saturday, July 20, 2013
Day 241: Movement
I think Saturday is the hardest day of the week to walk. Not only is it at the end of the week - the last day I get to walk, but it is the one day where no one has a schedule. Saturday is a huge temptation to sleep in and be a bum all day.
Today was no different; however, this is the first day I was acutely aware that I did not move my body enough. In the afternoon I was feeling very restless and realized that I just needed to move - to walk, to dance, to stand in place....to do something that required movement.
I read somewhere recently that discussed the idea that exercising in the morning than sitting the rest of the day was not healthy - it is healthier than sitting all day, but not as healthy as many of us (me included) believe. The article sited some research that showed people who move throughout the day are overall healthier than people who only sit or work out for a little bit and then sit the rest of the day. The interesting that I found in the article was the movement did not have to be "exercise" - chores, gardening, walking (whatever you wanted as long as you were not sitting) counted as physical movement.
This is good and bad. Good because I can know that as I clean, pull weeds and walk I am helping my overall health. Bad because most of my favorite activities are stationary: blogging, reading, writing...
Maybe I will set the timer for every hour and then make sure I move around for 5 minutes....hmmm....not a bad idea....
Happy walking!
Today was no different; however, this is the first day I was acutely aware that I did not move my body enough. In the afternoon I was feeling very restless and realized that I just needed to move - to walk, to dance, to stand in place....to do something that required movement.
I read somewhere recently that discussed the idea that exercising in the morning than sitting the rest of the day was not healthy - it is healthier than sitting all day, but not as healthy as many of us (me included) believe. The article sited some research that showed people who move throughout the day are overall healthier than people who only sit or work out for a little bit and then sit the rest of the day. The interesting that I found in the article was the movement did not have to be "exercise" - chores, gardening, walking (whatever you wanted as long as you were not sitting) counted as physical movement.
This is good and bad. Good because I can know that as I clean, pull weeds and walk I am helping my overall health. Bad because most of my favorite activities are stationary: blogging, reading, writing...
Maybe I will set the timer for every hour and then make sure I move around for 5 minutes....hmmm....not a bad idea....
Happy walking!
Friday, July 19, 2013
Day 240: 5 Gratitudes for Friday, 30
1. A great week of not only eating healthy and feeling "light", but also figuring out (calorie wise) what works for me. I have a big breakfast, a "happy meal" size lunch, a small snack & dinner...in fact, dinner is usually a small salad. I don't feel deprived and I do not feel over full at night, especially at bedtime.
2. My oldest spending all of her free time this week studying for girl's camp. She was given a camp manual that covers basic first aid, safety advice and how to spot poisonous plants (among other topics). She is super excited to attend girl's camp and wants to be prepared. What I enjoyed seeing, was her highlighting important areas, taking notes and even marking pages (for quick reference) she thought she might need in case of an emergency.
3. My son setting up a schedule to work on scouts, reading books (to complete the library reading program), research snakes (he wants a pet one) and working on a talk about baptism (for his sister's baptism). He usually resists being so...organized with his time, so it is very cool seeing him figure out a basic schedule for the next two months.
4. My youngest daughter so enthusiastic for her up coming baptism - she literally is walking on cloud 9. She is 100% ready for the big day and it can not come fast enough for her (it won't be until August).
5. For today: the house full with Steve friends as they played games all afternoon, for the children behaving so great & getting along so well, for the children's hard work to get their chores done & helping me run errands, for the excitement the children and I felt as we finished a great book about dragons and the quiet calm of spending time at the library (which all the children wanted to do). It was a great day from start to finish.
2. My oldest spending all of her free time this week studying for girl's camp. She was given a camp manual that covers basic first aid, safety advice and how to spot poisonous plants (among other topics). She is super excited to attend girl's camp and wants to be prepared. What I enjoyed seeing, was her highlighting important areas, taking notes and even marking pages (for quick reference) she thought she might need in case of an emergency.
3. My son setting up a schedule to work on scouts, reading books (to complete the library reading program), research snakes (he wants a pet one) and working on a talk about baptism (for his sister's baptism). He usually resists being so...organized with his time, so it is very cool seeing him figure out a basic schedule for the next two months.
4. My youngest daughter so enthusiastic for her up coming baptism - she literally is walking on cloud 9. She is 100% ready for the big day and it can not come fast enough for her (it won't be until August).
5. For today: the house full with Steve friends as they played games all afternoon, for the children behaving so great & getting along so well, for the children's hard work to get their chores done & helping me run errands, for the excitement the children and I felt as we finished a great book about dragons and the quiet calm of spending time at the library (which all the children wanted to do). It was a great day from start to finish.
Thursday, July 18, 2013
Day 239: Reaping the habits
Triple digits again...sunshine outside, but we are hiding out (for the most part) inside.
Thankfully, walking is such a habit for us that the children don't even blink an eye when I tell them it is time to go walking. In fact, today, my youngest reminded me that we needed to walk.
Happy Walking!
Thankfully, walking is such a habit for us that the children don't even blink an eye when I tell them it is time to go walking. In fact, today, my youngest reminded me that we needed to walk.
Happy Walking!
Wednesday, July 17, 2013
Day 238: More about food
I recently talked about striving to eat healthier, keep my portions smaller and even, gasp, counting calories (in the hopes of learning to eat more reasonably).
I have been learning a lot and find that each day it becomes easier to keep my calories within reason and still stay satisfied.
Tonight, I definitely went over - ate way to much dinner...and it was all vegetarian (except for the small ice cream for dessert).
I only mention this because it just proves what I have always felt - you can over eat on anything - even the healthy stuff.
True, over eating on healthy stuff is better than over eating on unhealthy stuff, but over eating is over eating if the goal is weight loss or maintaining weight (mine is weight loss...and health).
Despite over eating, it was fun having a veggie burger (I've never had one before). Everything was delicious...just to much. I should have eaten half, then I wouldn't be feeling so over full.
Yet, feeling over full but not icky is sooo much better than over full and icky (which is how I normally feel when I over eat on pizza or fast food)...so I guess eating vegetarian was a good thing!
Happy Walking!
I have been learning a lot and find that each day it becomes easier to keep my calories within reason and still stay satisfied.
Tonight, I definitely went over - ate way to much dinner...and it was all vegetarian (except for the small ice cream for dessert).
I only mention this because it just proves what I have always felt - you can over eat on anything - even the healthy stuff.
True, over eating on healthy stuff is better than over eating on unhealthy stuff, but over eating is over eating if the goal is weight loss or maintaining weight (mine is weight loss...and health).
Despite over eating, it was fun having a veggie burger (I've never had one before). Everything was delicious...just to much. I should have eaten half, then I wouldn't be feeling so over full.
Yet, feeling over full but not icky is sooo much better than over full and icky (which is how I normally feel when I over eat on pizza or fast food)...so I guess eating vegetarian was a good thing!
Happy Walking!
Tuesday, July 16, 2013
Day 237: Cat Walking
Yes, cat walking. Our cat, Sunshine, decided to go for a walk with us today. He is an indoor/outdoor cat that loves the outdoors (he would actually make a really good barn cat).
Normally when we go for a walk, he just follows us down the driveway to see what we are up to. Once he determines that we are leaving the property, he returns to the back deck where he continues his very important schedule of sleeping in the sunbeams. Sometimes he will meow at us while we walk away.
Yesterday, he meowed and walked to the corner (only 2 houses away), but then returned back to our house.
Now, I am not naive enough to think that our cat happily stays in our yard. I am quite sure that at night (or even during the day) he is roaming the neighborhood. I am sure he has his favorite haunts. I am sure he chases the local wild life and might even taunt a dog or two.
Yet, I still think it is a bit odd that he actually went on a walk with us today.
He went around the entire block, meowing and walking the entire way. Only once did he attempt to check out some one's home (they were walking up their driveway and he started to follow them), but I grabbed him and he happily continued to follow us. We also passed some road construction guys & they commented that it appeared we were walking our cat. I seriously thought for a moment that a harness & leash would make this venture much easier!
Hmmm....cat walking...maybe a new business venture? or a new exercise fad? Hmmm....
Happy Walking!
Normally when we go for a walk, he just follows us down the driveway to see what we are up to. Once he determines that we are leaving the property, he returns to the back deck where he continues his very important schedule of sleeping in the sunbeams. Sometimes he will meow at us while we walk away.
Yesterday, he meowed and walked to the corner (only 2 houses away), but then returned back to our house.
Now, I am not naive enough to think that our cat happily stays in our yard. I am quite sure that at night (or even during the day) he is roaming the neighborhood. I am sure he has his favorite haunts. I am sure he chases the local wild life and might even taunt a dog or two.
Yet, I still think it is a bit odd that he actually went on a walk with us today.
He went around the entire block, meowing and walking the entire way. Only once did he attempt to check out some one's home (they were walking up their driveway and he started to follow them), but I grabbed him and he happily continued to follow us. We also passed some road construction guys & they commented that it appeared we were walking our cat. I seriously thought for a moment that a harness & leash would make this venture much easier!
Hmmm....cat walking...maybe a new business venture? or a new exercise fad? Hmmm....
Happy Walking!
Monday, July 15, 2013
Day 236: Heat Wave
Today we actually hit triple digit temperatures. The humidity was up as well (I could actually feel it). We walked anyway. It was hot. It was muggy. We walked our full allotment and the children survived (and somehow, I did too). We all agree it may be time to do our walking in the early morning hours (before breakfast). All I can say to that is....we shall see!
Happy Walking!
Happy Walking!
Sunday, July 14, 2013
Day 235: Sunday reflections
Sunday reflections...
Sundays are a good day to step back, take a deep breath and regroup so on Monday morning you are ready to tackle the hard stuff.
I really can only control myself, but sometimes I think life would be easier if I could control every aspect of my life (and of those in my family....although they don't agree with that so much).
Here is the tricky part....how do I tackle the hard stuff that only I can control while influencing those around me to do the same thing without seeming too pushy or too mean or too bossy or a nag?
And how do I attempt to put order back in place when it seems to have slipped so far?
Don't worry, these are just musings. I actually know the answer (or at least know the "direction" I should be headed), but sometimes it helps to shout it out to the universe.
Happy walking!
Sundays are a good day to step back, take a deep breath and regroup so on Monday morning you are ready to tackle the hard stuff.
I really can only control myself, but sometimes I think life would be easier if I could control every aspect of my life (and of those in my family....although they don't agree with that so much).
Here is the tricky part....how do I tackle the hard stuff that only I can control while influencing those around me to do the same thing without seeming too pushy or too mean or too bossy or a nag?
And how do I attempt to put order back in place when it seems to have slipped so far?
Don't worry, these are just musings. I actually know the answer (or at least know the "direction" I should be headed), but sometimes it helps to shout it out to the universe.
Happy walking!
Saturday, July 13, 2013
Day 234: What do you write about?
Today, I was asked "What do you write about for walking?"
This is a good question and it got me thinking. I don't really write about walking.
Maybe I did in the beginning, but I don't really think so. When I started this blog, I imagined I would write about the changing of the seasons, what I saw during my walk, losing weight, etc...
Thinking about this past year, I realized I probably talk about everything, but walking! Yet, somehow everything I have talked about somehow connects back to walking. And actually, everything in our lives are interconnected. Not a way around it. I think we just have to open our eyes to see it. I am still learning to see the connections.
Happy Walking!
This is a good question and it got me thinking. I don't really write about walking.
Maybe I did in the beginning, but I don't really think so. When I started this blog, I imagined I would write about the changing of the seasons, what I saw during my walk, losing weight, etc...
Thinking about this past year, I realized I probably talk about everything, but walking! Yet, somehow everything I have talked about somehow connects back to walking. And actually, everything in our lives are interconnected. Not a way around it. I think we just have to open our eyes to see it. I am still learning to see the connections.
Happy Walking!
Friday, July 12, 2013
Day 233: 5 Gratitudes for Friday, 29
1. For the first time, in a long time, I feel in control over what I am eating and more importantly understand why. I may hate counting calories (and trust me, I am going to come up with a super easy cheat sheet so I don't have to keep counting calories...), but I love the mental check of X number of calories = healthy or unhealthy...then I simply choose the outcome. I also am feeling satisfied, but light. It is a good feeling.
2. Listening to Steve read comics to the children for bedtime. He does a different voice for each character, plus gives it a lot of feeling (animation). It is quite entertaining - the children love it, it is a huge treat.
3. My husband buying me a gift when it is his birthday coming up! Unknown to me, when Steve was shopping for his dad's birthday and compiling a wish list for his own birthday, Steve bought me the 1st two seasons to Castle. It is the only current show I watch on T.V., but I didn't start watching until this year....so Steve thought it would be fun for me to see how it all began. He was very right....and sweet.
4. The children, especially K, making Grasshopper Pie for Steve's birthday (we celebrated early). The children did a great job making this super easy and super rich dessert.
5. Having enough room in the house to set up 2 folding tables to set up a board game and being able to leave it out over night so we can play it over several days. The game is Talisman. It has several expansions...the board ends up being huge, but it is so fun. We have a great time playing....actually, we have a great time playing a lot of games together.
2. Listening to Steve read comics to the children for bedtime. He does a different voice for each character, plus gives it a lot of feeling (animation). It is quite entertaining - the children love it, it is a huge treat.
3. My husband buying me a gift when it is his birthday coming up! Unknown to me, when Steve was shopping for his dad's birthday and compiling a wish list for his own birthday, Steve bought me the 1st two seasons to Castle. It is the only current show I watch on T.V., but I didn't start watching until this year....so Steve thought it would be fun for me to see how it all began. He was very right....and sweet.
4. The children, especially K, making Grasshopper Pie for Steve's birthday (we celebrated early). The children did a great job making this super easy and super rich dessert.
5. Having enough room in the house to set up 2 folding tables to set up a board game and being able to leave it out over night so we can play it over several days. The game is Talisman. It has several expansions...the board ends up being huge, but it is so fun. We have a great time playing....actually, we have a great time playing a lot of games together.
Thursday, July 11, 2013
Day 232: Being better
I hope everyone is enjoying their summer. When it isn't raining (so different from last year!), we are outside as much as we can all stand (it does get hot and humid....though I don't mind the humidity).
We are outside playing at the park or riding bikes or walking (lots of walking) or pulling weeds or playing in the yard or reading a book or talking or do nothing... I love it. The sunshine is wonderful, the warmth is wonderful...
Something about the summer that just inspires you to be a better you....eat better, sleep better, play better and even exercise better.
Happy Walking!
We are outside playing at the park or riding bikes or walking (lots of walking) or pulling weeds or playing in the yard or reading a book or talking or do nothing... I love it. The sunshine is wonderful, the warmth is wonderful...
Something about the summer that just inspires you to be a better you....eat better, sleep better, play better and even exercise better.
Happy Walking!
Wednesday, July 10, 2013
Day 231: Living in the Past?
I have to laugh at myself....several times in the last couple of weeks, I have swapped numbers around on my days. If it was suppose to be Day 213, I would write Day 123. I've done it enough I am starting to wonder if I want to extend the year or if I want to go back in time to relive those days....hmmm...
What I do know, is that I can not go back in time, but I can do better moving forward - learning from the past.
Currently I am doing good. The walking is back where it should be - first thing in the morning and a nice brisk pace. I am getting more sleep at night (going to bed on time helps a lot!). I am working hard to get up in the morning to have more "me" time (this is one habit that is very hard to put in place!). I am drinking all my water every day. I am counting calories, making adjustments and eating healthier.
Currently things are good, but I know that if I don't stay vigilant then it could all slowly fade away. Something I have learned form my past...now if I could just learn how to do better in the future! :)
Happy Walking!
What I do know, is that I can not go back in time, but I can do better moving forward - learning from the past.
Currently I am doing good. The walking is back where it should be - first thing in the morning and a nice brisk pace. I am getting more sleep at night (going to bed on time helps a lot!). I am working hard to get up in the morning to have more "me" time (this is one habit that is very hard to put in place!). I am drinking all my water every day. I am counting calories, making adjustments and eating healthier.
Currently things are good, but I know that if I don't stay vigilant then it could all slowly fade away. Something I have learned form my past...now if I could just learn how to do better in the future! :)
Happy Walking!
Tuesday, July 9, 2013
Day 230: So unaware....
I am not sure I have ever stated that I hate counting calories. I do not want to put that much time and energy into my eating. I just want some guidelines.
However....I noticed that when I was on the liquid diet that I felt very light...by the time I got fully back into my normal eating habits I noticed....not so light. Rather full & sluggish, actually.
So, sigh, I decided to keep a food journal this week & record all the calories. I hate food journals almost as much as counting calories. Who cares a year from now what I eat today!
Yet...my 2 days of counting calories & keeping a food journal has been rather eye opening. Case in point - I had for dinner last night a 1/2 sandwich - whole wheat bread, thin layer of miracle whip, spicy Gouda cheese, 2 thin slices of ham & lettuce. With that sandwich, I had a 1/2 cup of carrot sticks and a full serving of Mission Tostitos (13 chips)....this came to 401 calories.
I had no idea calories add up so quickly.
With my food journal, I am writing down how I could make my meal healthier (with the above example, instead of tostitos chips I could have had more raw veggies or a fruit bowl, I could have skipped the cheese or miracle whip, I could have used turkey or chicken instead of ham; I could have added a tomato...there are things to do to improve a plate) and noting the difference in total calories. I don't mind if a meal is high in calories as long as everything in it is healthy (or practically healthy).
I am also noting down what time I eat and what time I get hungry. For example, at breakfast, if I don't have a decent amount of protein than I get hungrier sooner - not a ton sooner (maybe a half hour or so), but enough for me to notice.
Finally, with the food journal I am noticing that I am forcing myself to make good choices - who knows if that will last, but hey it is working right now.
Man, all I can say, is that it is way easier being a child. I miss those days when I could eat anything and not gain an ounce (trust me, the doctors were always telling my mother to fatten us up...no I am fattened up and now I need to skinny up!).
I really don't want to keep a food journal for life or count calories for life, but I do want to train myself to eat the healthier options and see serving sizes for what they are (not what I think they should be) - this is especially true of eating out, because let's face it, that is probably not going away any time soon...
Happy Walking!
However....I noticed that when I was on the liquid diet that I felt very light...by the time I got fully back into my normal eating habits I noticed....not so light. Rather full & sluggish, actually.
So, sigh, I decided to keep a food journal this week & record all the calories. I hate food journals almost as much as counting calories. Who cares a year from now what I eat today!
Yet...my 2 days of counting calories & keeping a food journal has been rather eye opening. Case in point - I had for dinner last night a 1/2 sandwich - whole wheat bread, thin layer of miracle whip, spicy Gouda cheese, 2 thin slices of ham & lettuce. With that sandwich, I had a 1/2 cup of carrot sticks and a full serving of Mission Tostitos (13 chips)....this came to 401 calories.
I had no idea calories add up so quickly.
With my food journal, I am writing down how I could make my meal healthier (with the above example, instead of tostitos chips I could have had more raw veggies or a fruit bowl, I could have skipped the cheese or miracle whip, I could have used turkey or chicken instead of ham; I could have added a tomato...there are things to do to improve a plate) and noting the difference in total calories. I don't mind if a meal is high in calories as long as everything in it is healthy (or practically healthy).
I am also noting down what time I eat and what time I get hungry. For example, at breakfast, if I don't have a decent amount of protein than I get hungrier sooner - not a ton sooner (maybe a half hour or so), but enough for me to notice.
Finally, with the food journal I am noticing that I am forcing myself to make good choices - who knows if that will last, but hey it is working right now.
Man, all I can say, is that it is way easier being a child. I miss those days when I could eat anything and not gain an ounce (trust me, the doctors were always telling my mother to fatten us up...no I am fattened up and now I need to skinny up!).
I really don't want to keep a food journal for life or count calories for life, but I do want to train myself to eat the healthier options and see serving sizes for what they are (not what I think they should be) - this is especially true of eating out, because let's face it, that is probably not going away any time soon...
Happy Walking!
Monday, July 8, 2013
Day 229: Old Habits Die Hard...
Old habits die hard, but in this case it is a good thing.
I needed to stop at the mall today to get a necklace and ring cleaned. I parked in my normal spot which meant I needed to walk about half the mall to get to the store I needed...two of the children were in front of me and started walking our route. It was very cool. No asking which way. No complaining about walking. They just did it.
Now granted, I got on the phone with my mom right when we got to the mall so I didn't have an opportunity to tell the children why we were there, but still...I thought it was cool.
So, we walked our 30 minutes, I got the stuff cleaned, was able to chat with my mom for a bit....all in all a good day.
Happy Walking!
I needed to stop at the mall today to get a necklace and ring cleaned. I parked in my normal spot which meant I needed to walk about half the mall to get to the store I needed...two of the children were in front of me and started walking our route. It was very cool. No asking which way. No complaining about walking. They just did it.
Now granted, I got on the phone with my mom right when we got to the mall so I didn't have an opportunity to tell the children why we were there, but still...I thought it was cool.
So, we walked our 30 minutes, I got the stuff cleaned, was able to chat with my mom for a bit....all in all a good day.
Happy Walking!
Sunday, July 7, 2013
Post 228: Pay offs
Sometimes we don't get to choose....well, we can always choose to be happy or sad....we can always choose our attitude.
No, I am talking about those things that were kind of decided for us...my height was decided for me, so was my eye color...pretty much all of my physical attributes were chosen for me - some mixture of the genetic gene pool from my parents and voila - here I am. I know there is a lot science could do to change my physically - get a nose job, dye my hair...I could even add inches (but I here that is pretty painful). So, basically, I am stuck physically.
While I may not be able to change a lot about my physical appearance and while I choose not to change a lot about my physical appearance (really, I like my nose and my hair and my height), there are areas I can influence - my health, my muscles, my lungs, my heart, my brain (intellect), and even some of those trickier areas like compassion and kindness.
The problem with those areas is that they aren't flashy. Woopee - I have a healthy heart. Well, a healthy heart doesn't look any different than an unhealthy heart on the outside. I mean really, when you look at someone do you say to yourself "yep, that one has a bad heart, see I can tell by the slight bulge..." nope...doesn't work that way.
I think it is human nature to want to change and improve, but in a big and flashy way so everyone will ooh and ah over us. I mean, wouldn't you just love to hear, "wow, your heart looks fabulous today - you should keep that up!" Yeah, not gonna happen. Instead we hear "I love your haircut." or "love the outfit you have on (or shoes or purse or whatever). See, we as people focus on the outside and we want our efforts to be noticed.
I might hit the gym for hours on end and have the body of my dreams, but since I dress modestly, I am not going to here, "Wow, you have killer abs." I am not going to be like the movie stars who wear dresses that have the sheer panels..."no, oops, I went commando so everyone can see how awesome my glutes look."
So, in some ways, I think making the tough but good choices becomes harder. I am not going to get instant results. I am not going to be showing off my killer body (I can dream right?). So where is the pay off?
Right, right, right. The payoff is that I know. I know I am healthy. I know I have a killer body (see, still having the dream here). I know why I walk everyday. I know why I strive to eat healthier, go to bed earlier, drink more water, etc... but darn it, sometimes, I want the immediate pay off. Sometimes, I want the comments. And sometimes, I want a work out buddy that will keep me going when I want to slack off.
Don't get me wrong. I love walking with my children. I do. We have a good time and there are so many pros, but...there are times, when I wish I could just work out with an adult who will push me and also give me that feed back I desire.
Ah well, I guess I need to right a best selling novel so I can afford a personal chef and trainer. :) In the meantime, tomorrow is Monday and I am gearing up to hit it hard.
Happy Walking!
No, I am talking about those things that were kind of decided for us...my height was decided for me, so was my eye color...pretty much all of my physical attributes were chosen for me - some mixture of the genetic gene pool from my parents and voila - here I am. I know there is a lot science could do to change my physically - get a nose job, dye my hair...I could even add inches (but I here that is pretty painful). So, basically, I am stuck physically.
While I may not be able to change a lot about my physical appearance and while I choose not to change a lot about my physical appearance (really, I like my nose and my hair and my height), there are areas I can influence - my health, my muscles, my lungs, my heart, my brain (intellect), and even some of those trickier areas like compassion and kindness.
The problem with those areas is that they aren't flashy. Woopee - I have a healthy heart. Well, a healthy heart doesn't look any different than an unhealthy heart on the outside. I mean really, when you look at someone do you say to yourself "yep, that one has a bad heart, see I can tell by the slight bulge..." nope...doesn't work that way.
I think it is human nature to want to change and improve, but in a big and flashy way so everyone will ooh and ah over us. I mean, wouldn't you just love to hear, "wow, your heart looks fabulous today - you should keep that up!" Yeah, not gonna happen. Instead we hear "I love your haircut." or "love the outfit you have on (or shoes or purse or whatever). See, we as people focus on the outside and we want our efforts to be noticed.
I might hit the gym for hours on end and have the body of my dreams, but since I dress modestly, I am not going to here, "Wow, you have killer abs." I am not going to be like the movie stars who wear dresses that have the sheer panels..."no, oops, I went commando so everyone can see how awesome my glutes look."
So, in some ways, I think making the tough but good choices becomes harder. I am not going to get instant results. I am not going to be showing off my killer body (I can dream right?). So where is the pay off?
Right, right, right. The payoff is that I know. I know I am healthy. I know I have a killer body (see, still having the dream here). I know why I walk everyday. I know why I strive to eat healthier, go to bed earlier, drink more water, etc... but darn it, sometimes, I want the immediate pay off. Sometimes, I want the comments. And sometimes, I want a work out buddy that will keep me going when I want to slack off.
Don't get me wrong. I love walking with my children. I do. We have a good time and there are so many pros, but...there are times, when I wish I could just work out with an adult who will push me and also give me that feed back I desire.
Ah well, I guess I need to right a best selling novel so I can afford a personal chef and trainer. :) In the meantime, tomorrow is Monday and I am gearing up to hit it hard.
Happy Walking!
Saturday, July 6, 2013
Day 227: 5 Gratitudes for Friday (even thouogh it is Saturday), 28
1. The children turning on music - we spent the afternoon singing, listening, dancing, and being silly. It was so much fun....and I love having my home filled with music.
2. Spending some time with my son playing a video game. He is really quite talented when it comes to video games and he loves being able to boss me/teach me/show me when it comes to something that I am not very good at.
3. The excitement I feel over school this fall. We have a great system for the summer. I will start with my new idea/curriculum after Labor Day (the normal time to start school, in my opinion). I am looking forward to teaching and learning. I am looking forward to reading. I am looking forward to spending a long winter with my children.
4. A great 4th of July weekend with my family. We played, we ate, we laughed, we talked, we watched a movie, watched the fireworks and just had a great time being together. I wish each and every weekend could be this relaxing and this fun!
5. I am also excited, but surprised that I am seriously researching what I want my journey to be next year. I know I am going to continue walking (or something other form of cardio) into next year, but I really want to focus on something else. I am seriously looking at strength training...mostly because it scares me to death (I don't want to end up bulky) and because I am NOT good at strength training (the few times I have done it, I have been unable to even use 1lb weights...pathetic). I also want to do strength training because so many experts say that it is the best way to lose weight and keep it off...
2. Spending some time with my son playing a video game. He is really quite talented when it comes to video games and he loves being able to boss me/teach me/show me when it comes to something that I am not very good at.
3. The excitement I feel over school this fall. We have a great system for the summer. I will start with my new idea/curriculum after Labor Day (the normal time to start school, in my opinion). I am looking forward to teaching and learning. I am looking forward to reading. I am looking forward to spending a long winter with my children.
4. A great 4th of July weekend with my family. We played, we ate, we laughed, we talked, we watched a movie, watched the fireworks and just had a great time being together. I wish each and every weekend could be this relaxing and this fun!
5. I am also excited, but surprised that I am seriously researching what I want my journey to be next year. I know I am going to continue walking (or something other form of cardio) into next year, but I really want to focus on something else. I am seriously looking at strength training...mostly because it scares me to death (I don't want to end up bulky) and because I am NOT good at strength training (the few times I have done it, I have been unable to even use 1lb weights...pathetic). I also want to do strength training because so many experts say that it is the best way to lose weight and keep it off...
Friday, July 5, 2013
Day 226: I messed up big time...
Full confession: I forgot to walk yesterday.
I normally (as in 80% of the time) do not write until I have walked. This is achieved because I normally walk in the morning and post at night, but sometimes I walk at night or post then walk right afterwards (which is super dangerous).
Last night as we were getting ready to watch the fireworks (we can sit in our front yard & see the city's firework display), I realized I needed to type my blog so I wouldn't be up too late.
As I crawled into bed...it hit me - I never even walked! The children even asked if we could walk around the neighborhood, but I wanted a nap since I knew I was going to be up late....it didn't even dawn on then that I hadn't walked.
I guess I could have gotten up & walked, but it was close to midnight - not a good excuse, but the truth.
I thought about walking twice today or walking on Sunday to make up for yesterday's skip...I've decided not to. Why? Because I need a glaring mistake in my year of walking journey. I need a reminder that even a habit needs to be planned & worked on - can't let it slip (the whole endure to the end thing).
I didn't beat myself up. I am not beating myself up now - just being honest. I made a mistake. I should not have posted yesterday without walking. So, I have to own up to it now. That simple.
Walked today. Will walk tomorrow...and I have a feeling I will be able to make it through the rest of the year.
I am little disappointed in myself. I really wanted a 100% on this journey...but I guess not getting a 100% is part of the journey too.
Happy Walking!
I normally (as in 80% of the time) do not write until I have walked. This is achieved because I normally walk in the morning and post at night, but sometimes I walk at night or post then walk right afterwards (which is super dangerous).
Last night as we were getting ready to watch the fireworks (we can sit in our front yard & see the city's firework display), I realized I needed to type my blog so I wouldn't be up too late.
As I crawled into bed...it hit me - I never even walked! The children even asked if we could walk around the neighborhood, but I wanted a nap since I knew I was going to be up late....it didn't even dawn on then that I hadn't walked.
I guess I could have gotten up & walked, but it was close to midnight - not a good excuse, but the truth.
I thought about walking twice today or walking on Sunday to make up for yesterday's skip...I've decided not to. Why? Because I need a glaring mistake in my year of walking journey. I need a reminder that even a habit needs to be planned & worked on - can't let it slip (the whole endure to the end thing).
I didn't beat myself up. I am not beating myself up now - just being honest. I made a mistake. I should not have posted yesterday without walking. So, I have to own up to it now. That simple.
Walked today. Will walk tomorrow...and I have a feeling I will be able to make it through the rest of the year.
I am little disappointed in myself. I really wanted a 100% on this journey...but I guess not getting a 100% is part of the journey too.
Happy Walking!
Thursday, July 4, 2013
Day 225: Happy 4th of July!
I just love the 4th - love the fireworks - love America - love reading the Declaration of Independence to the children. Just love the day. So thankful it is one of the few holidays that did not get moved to a more "convenient" Monday observance. :)
Hope everyone had a great day!
Happy Walking!
Hope everyone had a great day!
Happy Walking!
Wednesday, July 3, 2013
Day 224: Excited!
I woke up this morning excited about school - it has been awhile. I feel like have already written about this, if I have, please forgive me.
Being excited about school is a huge indication that I am excited about life.
I am waking up early again to have "me" time. I am going out with friends (without children) again. I am striving to eat healthier....and now I am excited about school.
If I didn't know better, I would say that something has changed.
I wonder if it is a result of all the consistent walking I have been doing.
Or maybe from all the books I have been reading.
Whatever it is...it is such a great feeling!
Happy Walking!
Being excited about school is a huge indication that I am excited about life.
I am waking up early again to have "me" time. I am going out with friends (without children) again. I am striving to eat healthier....and now I am excited about school.
If I didn't know better, I would say that something has changed.
I wonder if it is a result of all the consistent walking I have been doing.
Or maybe from all the books I have been reading.
Whatever it is...it is such a great feeling!
Happy Walking!
Tuesday, July 2, 2013
Day 223: Walks in the neighborhood
I love walking. I love being outside. I love being with my children.
Today, as we walked through the neighborhood - taking turns deciding which direction to go - I realized that for me, this walking journey has changed...subtly.
I said from the beginning, that I took on this journey to see if my doctor was correct in his advice that all I needed to do was walk to lose the weight and stay healthy for life (the jury is still out on that one). I also stated that I didn't want to spend a lot of money or add more time away from my home & family - thus I chose to walk with my children. (I tell everyone it is their P.E.)
The subtle change in my journey is this: I no longer care if walking is all I need to lose the weight and keep it off. I no longer if walking is all I need for a healthy lifestyle. I no longer care if I lose weight. What I do care about is developing and maintaining a habit in myself and in my children.
Growing up, I considered P.E. something fun (grade school), something to endure (junior high & high school) and something to avoid (college). I hated P.E. I hated running, I hated basketball, I hated weight lifting...I hated it all - mostly because I am completely uncoordinated & non-athletic. I did have an awesome P.E. teacher in high school, and I think fondly of him (Mr. Winkfield). Perhaps it is because of him that I have throughout the years tried different ways to exercise.
I don't want my children to hate physical exercise. I also want it to be a part of their life - just like eating healthy, reading books, learning, attending church, and etc. They are not going to "magically" love & embrace physical exercise if they are never exposed to it...yep, all on me again!
Anyway, I like the change of perspective...and I really do enjoy walking with my children. We have a lot of fun.
Happy Walking!
Today, as we walked through the neighborhood - taking turns deciding which direction to go - I realized that for me, this walking journey has changed...subtly.
I said from the beginning, that I took on this journey to see if my doctor was correct in his advice that all I needed to do was walk to lose the weight and stay healthy for life (the jury is still out on that one). I also stated that I didn't want to spend a lot of money or add more time away from my home & family - thus I chose to walk with my children. (I tell everyone it is their P.E.)
The subtle change in my journey is this: I no longer care if walking is all I need to lose the weight and keep it off. I no longer if walking is all I need for a healthy lifestyle. I no longer care if I lose weight. What I do care about is developing and maintaining a habit in myself and in my children.
Growing up, I considered P.E. something fun (grade school), something to endure (junior high & high school) and something to avoid (college). I hated P.E. I hated running, I hated basketball, I hated weight lifting...I hated it all - mostly because I am completely uncoordinated & non-athletic. I did have an awesome P.E. teacher in high school, and I think fondly of him (Mr. Winkfield). Perhaps it is because of him that I have throughout the years tried different ways to exercise.
I don't want my children to hate physical exercise. I also want it to be a part of their life - just like eating healthy, reading books, learning, attending church, and etc. They are not going to "magically" love & embrace physical exercise if they are never exposed to it...yep, all on me again!
Anyway, I like the change of perspective...and I really do enjoy walking with my children. We have a lot of fun.
Happy Walking!
Monday, July 1, 2013
Day 222: Musings
I woke up this morning at 7am...I guess that is a decent time to wake up, it is certainly the time I have dreamt of since having children.... You see, ever since having children, I quickly realized that my preferred method of letting the sunshine wake me up & then spending a leisurely morning over breakfast & news was not going to cut. Nope, not at all. Not when children needed to be fed and changed and loved and watched over and nurtured. Giving up my precious "slow morning me time" to a "way to early to get an hour of me time" seemed natural...and right. So, more years than I care to count, I have been getting up around 5 am (give or take 20 minutes) to get those precious "me times" so I could be the best mom possible.
Guess what? My children could care less if I am awake or asleep. All 3 are fully efficient at getting themselves up in the morning, getting their own breakfast, even doing their chores - all without the benefit of mom being around. Does that mean they don't need me? No, it just means the "needs me" has changed (but that is for a different discussion).
As I laid there in bed - fully rested & relaxed. I thought about my day & what needed to be accomplished - when this horrible, horrible thought hit me: I miss getting up earlier than everyone else. Sure, I still don't like 5am wake up calls (that just seems wrong - why can't I wake up at 7am and everyone else get up at 8am????). I also realized, that deep down, I felt like the day was already wasted.
When I was getting up at 5ish every morning I got the following done: scripture study, exercise, bed made, personal hygiene, dressed, and then something I wanted all for me - maybe writing, maybe reading, maybe spending some alone time with Steve, maybe emails, maybe blogs....didn't matter, I got to do something that was all me.
With this schedule, by 9am I got the following done: laundry started, dishes done/kitchen cleaned, breakfast, children dressed/their beds made/their personal hygiene done/their chores done, 10 minutes of constitution (some form of exercise/physical play w/ children), some one-one time with each child (usually reading & tickles).
Which meant that at 9am, I was fully ready to tackle my day - be it cleaning, errands or school.
Now? I have a choice, either forgo some of "my time", forgo some time with children & Steve or push everything back...which means I am ready to start my day @ the time we eat lunch.
No wonder I have been so frustrated, down & depressed. I have been fighting myself without even realizing it.
I truly admire women who seem to be supremely organized and/or need less sleep and/or less "me time" and/or have found ways to make the compromises that I can't seem to make or even comprehend.
I am not beating myself up. Just realizing that I can't have it both ways. Neither is right or wrong. Neither is good or bad. Just two choices. Two preferences with 2 different outcomes/consequences. I have to choose...
Well, I have been choosing for almost 2 years now....and I haven't been happy nor have I been as productive as I have wanted to be....oh, don't get me wrong, I have been doing things and I have been making compromises to ensure our day starts earlier than lunch....I just haven't been happy. Maybe happy is the wrong term...I haven't been joyful? at peace? calm? satisfied? Whatever the term, I haven't been it.
Time to realize that I wake up early not because I have to - for a job, for Steve, for the children, but for me. I wake up early for me; because, deep down, I prefer the quiet of the house at 5am. I prefer taking my time getting ready. I prefer the "me time" more than I prefer the gentle wakings of the sun(and yes, I am already looking into an alarm clock that mimics the rising sun - any suggestions?).
It feels good to know what I truly prefer, deep down...now to start doing it!
Happy Walking!
Guess what? My children could care less if I am awake or asleep. All 3 are fully efficient at getting themselves up in the morning, getting their own breakfast, even doing their chores - all without the benefit of mom being around. Does that mean they don't need me? No, it just means the "needs me" has changed (but that is for a different discussion).
As I laid there in bed - fully rested & relaxed. I thought about my day & what needed to be accomplished - when this horrible, horrible thought hit me: I miss getting up earlier than everyone else. Sure, I still don't like 5am wake up calls (that just seems wrong - why can't I wake up at 7am and everyone else get up at 8am????). I also realized, that deep down, I felt like the day was already wasted.
When I was getting up at 5ish every morning I got the following done: scripture study, exercise, bed made, personal hygiene, dressed, and then something I wanted all for me - maybe writing, maybe reading, maybe spending some alone time with Steve, maybe emails, maybe blogs....didn't matter, I got to do something that was all me.
With this schedule, by 9am I got the following done: laundry started, dishes done/kitchen cleaned, breakfast, children dressed/their beds made/their personal hygiene done/their chores done, 10 minutes of constitution (some form of exercise/physical play w/ children), some one-one time with each child (usually reading & tickles).
Which meant that at 9am, I was fully ready to tackle my day - be it cleaning, errands or school.
Now? I have a choice, either forgo some of "my time", forgo some time with children & Steve or push everything back...which means I am ready to start my day @ the time we eat lunch.
No wonder I have been so frustrated, down & depressed. I have been fighting myself without even realizing it.
I truly admire women who seem to be supremely organized and/or need less sleep and/or less "me time" and/or have found ways to make the compromises that I can't seem to make or even comprehend.
I am not beating myself up. Just realizing that I can't have it both ways. Neither is right or wrong. Neither is good or bad. Just two choices. Two preferences with 2 different outcomes/consequences. I have to choose...
Well, I have been choosing for almost 2 years now....and I haven't been happy nor have I been as productive as I have wanted to be....oh, don't get me wrong, I have been doing things and I have been making compromises to ensure our day starts earlier than lunch....I just haven't been happy. Maybe happy is the wrong term...I haven't been joyful? at peace? calm? satisfied? Whatever the term, I haven't been it.
Time to realize that I wake up early not because I have to - for a job, for Steve, for the children, but for me. I wake up early for me; because, deep down, I prefer the quiet of the house at 5am. I prefer taking my time getting ready. I prefer the "me time" more than I prefer the gentle wakings of the sun(and yes, I am already looking into an alarm clock that mimics the rising sun - any suggestions?).
It feels good to know what I truly prefer, deep down...now to start doing it!
Happy Walking!
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