Wow! 99 days!!! Maybe I should sing "99 days of walking" to the tune of "99 bottles of beer on the wall"....hmmm....maybe I will skip the embarrassment.
I have to say it - I am happy. My husband and children are wrestling on the bed (more accurately, my husband is body slamming the children onto my bed...the children are laughing like hyenas), I am typing away...and I am happy.
We went walking today despite the cold & snow...I need to down load pictures from my camera - so snow pictures tomorrow!!!
My walking with the children has swelled to include several other friends & their children. We are becoming quite the mob at the mall.
I hope everyone is having a great week!
Happy Walking!
Thursday, February 28, 2013
Wednesday, February 27, 2013
Day 98: Putting it All Together, Part 2
So, I probably sounded a little "self-righteous" in my post yesterday. Didn't mean to...just so excited about figuring out some things that are very much needed in my life.
I know from my color analysis with my grandmother that purple is a really good color on me. I also look good in navy blue and Kelly green. Sadly, I can't remember anything else!
I prefer navy blue as my "go to color". If I had to choose between navy blue and black, I will choose navy blue every time. I do not have a "little black dress" in my closet, but I do have a "little navy blue dress" in my closet. The colors at my wedding were purple, yellow and navy blue....all 3 are favorites of mine.
What I learned from reading these books is that I have to start somewhere...I am never going to give a polished look (even if that look is jeans & a t-shirt) if I don't practice. Practice is a huge key to learning...but that is for a different post. :)
Since the majority of books suggested that when shopping you should start with color & then look for the other features (lines, textures, etc...), I decided to start my practical journey of style in the same vein.
In the past, I have bought based on if the item fit me and had the required v-neck (for shirts & dresses). I didn't really think about anything else...thus why I sometimes have nothing that co-ordinates or why after a couple of wearings realize that an item just doesn't work for me (usually too uncomfortable...comfort is really important to me).
The other thing I learned is to buy outfits. If I buy the shirt & pants at the same time then no wondering if an item will "go together". I am also going to start investing in tailoring.
And finally, I have to accept who I am in pictures and then move on...my, "yes...and?"
So...a recent photo of me (yep, that is right, I am now going to regularly bore everyone with pictures of me in different outfits, but really, how else am I going to learn?)
So, I like each piece individually. The skirt is one of my favorites. I guess if I was to follow fashion rules or body rules, the skirt doesn't work for my height & figure...but I like the skirt so it stays. The skirt is comfortable, the floral design is pretty, but not too big nor too busy. It is also a long, full skirt which I prefer to wear now that I am a mom. When I attend church a long skirt makes more sense if I have to "get down" to my children's levels. I haven't had to "wrestle" with them at church for some time, but I still fill prefer the long, full skirt for the simple piece of mind...I won't be showing something by accident since I am fully covered. Plus, I have always like full skirts.
The purple knit sweater is one that I have had for a long time and normally wear with a different skirt, but I felt like the purple co-ordinated well with the skirt. The off-white top is a short-sleeve, button up shirt that I love.
Yet, I do not like all the items together.
1 - Too many buttons. It was hard to get the buttons in the top, the sweater & the skirt to all line up and stay lined up (something that is important to my anal self).
2 - I had to tuck in the top because it was longer than the sweater, but it looked odd have the top hang below the sweater.
3 - I felt like every time I moved, the sweater & top were headed in different directions..thus no longer comfortable.
4 - Since I had to tuck in the top, I could not leave the sweater open...I have a short waist and the tucked in top emphasized the short waist & just looked odd to me.
5 - Finally, I look too much like a mom. Yes, I know, I am a mom. I want to look modest, clean, put together, but I don't want to look matronly...I want to look stylish. I don't think this outfit did it. Was it a bad outfit? No. Just not a home run.
Not to worry! I am trying lots of different tops with this skirt and/or sweater. I know the "perfect" outfit is out there!
Happy Walking!
I know from my color analysis with my grandmother that purple is a really good color on me. I also look good in navy blue and Kelly green. Sadly, I can't remember anything else!
I prefer navy blue as my "go to color". If I had to choose between navy blue and black, I will choose navy blue every time. I do not have a "little black dress" in my closet, but I do have a "little navy blue dress" in my closet. The colors at my wedding were purple, yellow and navy blue....all 3 are favorites of mine.
What I learned from reading these books is that I have to start somewhere...I am never going to give a polished look (even if that look is jeans & a t-shirt) if I don't practice. Practice is a huge key to learning...but that is for a different post. :)
Since the majority of books suggested that when shopping you should start with color & then look for the other features (lines, textures, etc...), I decided to start my practical journey of style in the same vein.
In the past, I have bought based on if the item fit me and had the required v-neck (for shirts & dresses). I didn't really think about anything else...thus why I sometimes have nothing that co-ordinates or why after a couple of wearings realize that an item just doesn't work for me (usually too uncomfortable...comfort is really important to me).
The other thing I learned is to buy outfits. If I buy the shirt & pants at the same time then no wondering if an item will "go together". I am also going to start investing in tailoring.
And finally, I have to accept who I am in pictures and then move on...my, "yes...and?"
So...a recent photo of me (yep, that is right, I am now going to regularly bore everyone with pictures of me in different outfits, but really, how else am I going to learn?)
 |
| photo taken by my oldest daughter. |
So, I like each piece individually. The skirt is one of my favorites. I guess if I was to follow fashion rules or body rules, the skirt doesn't work for my height & figure...but I like the skirt so it stays. The skirt is comfortable, the floral design is pretty, but not too big nor too busy. It is also a long, full skirt which I prefer to wear now that I am a mom. When I attend church a long skirt makes more sense if I have to "get down" to my children's levels. I haven't had to "wrestle" with them at church for some time, but I still fill prefer the long, full skirt for the simple piece of mind...I won't be showing something by accident since I am fully covered. Plus, I have always like full skirts.
The purple knit sweater is one that I have had for a long time and normally wear with a different skirt, but I felt like the purple co-ordinated well with the skirt. The off-white top is a short-sleeve, button up shirt that I love.
Yet, I do not like all the items together.
1 - Too many buttons. It was hard to get the buttons in the top, the sweater & the skirt to all line up and stay lined up (something that is important to my anal self).
2 - I had to tuck in the top because it was longer than the sweater, but it looked odd have the top hang below the sweater.
3 - I felt like every time I moved, the sweater & top were headed in different directions..thus no longer comfortable.
4 - Since I had to tuck in the top, I could not leave the sweater open...I have a short waist and the tucked in top emphasized the short waist & just looked odd to me.
5 - Finally, I look too much like a mom. Yes, I know, I am a mom. I want to look modest, clean, put together, but I don't want to look matronly...I want to look stylish. I don't think this outfit did it. Was it a bad outfit? No. Just not a home run.
Not to worry! I am trying lots of different tops with this skirt and/or sweater. I know the "perfect" outfit is out there!
Happy Walking!
Tuesday, February 26, 2013
Day 97: Putting it all together, part 1
I love looking in the mirror and liking what I see. I really do. I like accepting me - the good, the bad & the ugly. I have really enjoyed my mini self discovery through colors, clothes & personalities. I really have.
Yet, deep down, I know it is not the complete answer.
The complete answer is my relationship with my Heavenly Father.
Does God care if I am a summer or a winter? Does He care if I am a task-oriented person or a person-oriented person? Does He care if my outward appearance reflects the inner me? Does He care if I have mastered the concept of "yes...and?"....I have no idea.
What I do know, is that God cares about me. I am a child of God and He loves me...that is a true statement.
Have you ever read the book, "You Are Special" by Max Lucado? It is a wonderful story about a village of wooden people (Wemmicks) & Eli, the woodcarver. In this particular book (there are several about the Wemmicks). We learn that Wemmicks like to put stars & dots on one another. You may get a star for how pretty you look..paint being smooth, etc... or you may get a dot because your paint is chipped. Punchinello has lots of dots & he is sad until the day he meets a girl Wemmick who doesn't have any stars or dots...they simply won't stick. Her secret is that she spends some time every day with Eli, the woodcarver. Punchinello visits the woodcarver & learns he is special because Eli made him. As Punchinello leaves a dot falls off.
My family loves this book. The moral of the story is also true. If we spend some time with our creator every day than the stars & dots won't stick to us.
In each of the books that I read & reviewed spoke of how life changing their theory and/or product was...got amazing results! The biggest one being people losing weight without even trying - pounds just slipping right off! I have no doubt that dressing better - dressing in a way that brings out our best features, our true beauty, our inner light - helps bring about big changes. When I am depressed & wearing pj's or sweats every day, I am not exactly feeling bright or happy or sexy or loved or anything really...just sadness.
But, clothes, make up, hair styles can only get you so far. The secret ingredient to any of the books...is learning to love yourself and see yourself as a child of God - and to know that He loves you.
Years ago when my children still took naps & quiet times, I would spend a good hour studying the scriptures (spending time with my creator). I was the exact same size I am today. I was not wearing any make up (still don't). I wore my hair long & unstyled (it is now short & unstyled...I hate hair products). I wore jeans & a t-shirt every day (still do). I was struggling to eat better, drink more water, sleep more, exercise more, be consistent with home school studies, be a kinder/more patient mother (still doing all of that....) and yet, I felt beautiful (hmm...not feeling that anymore).
I looked in the mirror and liked what I saw. I put clothes on and I liked how I felt. I felt like me inside & out...beautiful & loved. Today? I hate looking in the mirror, I despise pictures of myself (full disclosure: I haven't like pictures of myself since being pregnant...even during the above time period of knowing I was beautiful), dislike most of my clothes & how I look in them, I hate my glasses (but that is kind of a whole other issue)...well, you get the picture. Today, I see myself completely differently. Why? Because I do not spend the time with my creator. And all of the negativity I have ever heard or ever said about myself is coming back to me ten-fold. It is like being dumped with gray dots over my head every single day. And I desperately want a gold star!!!!
So, why do I mention this when I just got done raving about dressing books? Because I think I need to find a healthy balance.
I need the knowledge & the tools to dress my very best (not fancy, not expensive...just my personal best, even if that best is jeans & a t-shirt), to love my flaws, to love my quirks, to love my strengths, to love my assets, to look in the mirror or at a picture and be okay with the real me. But I also need to do that while I am spending time with my creator. As I use the tools & knowledge of personalities, colors & clothes while I am also spending time with God & losing those dots...then the doors of whatever awaits me will open.
I don't mean to sound all...I don't know...hmmm...mystic? conceited? don't know what I mean, but I don't mean to sound like it. I am just saying, that I know I felt beautiful once by spending time with my Heavenly Father every day. I know I will feel that way again. I just also feel that dressing true to me - my personality, my colors, my "yes...and?" will be the cherry on top. Gosh, I hope that makes sense!
This post is already really long...so I will continue tomorrow!
Happy Walking!
Yet, deep down, I know it is not the complete answer.
The complete answer is my relationship with my Heavenly Father.
Does God care if I am a summer or a winter? Does He care if I am a task-oriented person or a person-oriented person? Does He care if my outward appearance reflects the inner me? Does He care if I have mastered the concept of "yes...and?"....I have no idea.
What I do know, is that God cares about me. I am a child of God and He loves me...that is a true statement.
Have you ever read the book, "You Are Special" by Max Lucado? It is a wonderful story about a village of wooden people (Wemmicks) & Eli, the woodcarver. In this particular book (there are several about the Wemmicks). We learn that Wemmicks like to put stars & dots on one another. You may get a star for how pretty you look..paint being smooth, etc... or you may get a dot because your paint is chipped. Punchinello has lots of dots & he is sad until the day he meets a girl Wemmick who doesn't have any stars or dots...they simply won't stick. Her secret is that she spends some time every day with Eli, the woodcarver. Punchinello visits the woodcarver & learns he is special because Eli made him. As Punchinello leaves a dot falls off.
My family loves this book. The moral of the story is also true. If we spend some time with our creator every day than the stars & dots won't stick to us.
In each of the books that I read & reviewed spoke of how life changing their theory and/or product was...got amazing results! The biggest one being people losing weight without even trying - pounds just slipping right off! I have no doubt that dressing better - dressing in a way that brings out our best features, our true beauty, our inner light - helps bring about big changes. When I am depressed & wearing pj's or sweats every day, I am not exactly feeling bright or happy or sexy or loved or anything really...just sadness.
But, clothes, make up, hair styles can only get you so far. The secret ingredient to any of the books...is learning to love yourself and see yourself as a child of God - and to know that He loves you.
Years ago when my children still took naps & quiet times, I would spend a good hour studying the scriptures (spending time with my creator). I was the exact same size I am today. I was not wearing any make up (still don't). I wore my hair long & unstyled (it is now short & unstyled...I hate hair products). I wore jeans & a t-shirt every day (still do). I was struggling to eat better, drink more water, sleep more, exercise more, be consistent with home school studies, be a kinder/more patient mother (still doing all of that....) and yet, I felt beautiful (hmm...not feeling that anymore).
I looked in the mirror and liked what I saw. I put clothes on and I liked how I felt. I felt like me inside & out...beautiful & loved. Today? I hate looking in the mirror, I despise pictures of myself (full disclosure: I haven't like pictures of myself since being pregnant...even during the above time period of knowing I was beautiful), dislike most of my clothes & how I look in them, I hate my glasses (but that is kind of a whole other issue)...well, you get the picture. Today, I see myself completely differently. Why? Because I do not spend the time with my creator. And all of the negativity I have ever heard or ever said about myself is coming back to me ten-fold. It is like being dumped with gray dots over my head every single day. And I desperately want a gold star!!!!
So, why do I mention this when I just got done raving about dressing books? Because I think I need to find a healthy balance.
I need the knowledge & the tools to dress my very best (not fancy, not expensive...just my personal best, even if that best is jeans & a t-shirt), to love my flaws, to love my quirks, to love my strengths, to love my assets, to look in the mirror or at a picture and be okay with the real me. But I also need to do that while I am spending time with my creator. As I use the tools & knowledge of personalities, colors & clothes while I am also spending time with God & losing those dots...then the doors of whatever awaits me will open.
I don't mean to sound all...I don't know...hmmm...mystic? conceited? don't know what I mean, but I don't mean to sound like it. I am just saying, that I know I felt beautiful once by spending time with my Heavenly Father every day. I know I will feel that way again. I just also feel that dressing true to me - my personality, my colors, my "yes...and?" will be the cherry on top. Gosh, I hope that makes sense!
This post is already really long...so I will continue tomorrow!
Happy Walking!
Monday, February 25, 2013
Day 96: Slumber Party
Just a quick note tonight...more on my self discovery image either tomorrow or Wednesday.
Tonight, I am having a slumber party with my oldest daughter to celebrate her birthday.
Hope everyone had a great day & a great weekend!
Happy Walking!
Tonight, I am having a slumber party with my oldest daughter to celebrate her birthday.
Hope everyone had a great day & a great weekend!
Happy Walking!
Sunday, February 24, 2013
Day 95: Truth about Style
I happen to love Stacy London. She is the co-host to the TLC show, "What Not To Wear"...which I do not watch. Well, I have seen it a couple of times, but I do not make a point of watching it.
Still, the few things that I have run across that involves Stacy London - I love!
She has a company, Style for Hire...which is slowly bringing stylists that she has trained to cities across the U.S. Check out the site here.
She also wrote a book with her co-host, Clinton Kelly, "Dress Your Best: The Complete Guide to Finding the Style That's Right For Your Body." I have read that book sometime ago. I liked the book, learned a lot of good tips & tricks (number one is tailoring). Yet, the book was unrealistic because it did not address my life at all....my body? yes, my life? no.
Stacy London's newest book: The Truth About Style is different from the Dress Your Best book. In The Truth About Style tells London's personal story - her battle with psoriasis, anorexia & bulimia. her love with fashion & how finding her personal style truly saved her. She is very open & honest. She does "start-overs" (because she refuses to use the word make-over) for a number of women. These start-overs not only discuss style do & don'ts, but also talks about how their emotional baggage is causing them problems.
This idea that how we dress can change us from the inside out was resonated in the Tuttle book & the Wright book. Basically, if you are choosing to live all in black or only in sweats or dressing too old or too young than perhaps it has less to do with knowledge or comfort, but more to do with you accepting yourself.
London stresses a lot that you must accept what you see in the mirror & in the photo with the image in your head (yeah, in my head I am still 20 something...the photos & the mirror lie!) She also explains the idea "yes...and?". It is basically taking the lemons life gives you & making lemonade, but I love how she explains the idea that walks you through this concept with each start-over.
While reading The Truth About Style, all the other ideas that I have read started to coming together - very exciting.
Bottom line: A great read. Probably my favorite out of all the books. I think it would be beneficial for anyone who is interested in finding their personal style.
Still, the few things that I have run across that involves Stacy London - I love!
She has a company, Style for Hire...which is slowly bringing stylists that she has trained to cities across the U.S. Check out the site here.
She also wrote a book with her co-host, Clinton Kelly, "Dress Your Best: The Complete Guide to Finding the Style That's Right For Your Body." I have read that book sometime ago. I liked the book, learned a lot of good tips & tricks (number one is tailoring). Yet, the book was unrealistic because it did not address my life at all....my body? yes, my life? no.
Stacy London's newest book: The Truth About Style is different from the Dress Your Best book. In The Truth About Style tells London's personal story - her battle with psoriasis, anorexia & bulimia. her love with fashion & how finding her personal style truly saved her. She is very open & honest. She does "start-overs" (because she refuses to use the word make-over) for a number of women. These start-overs not only discuss style do & don'ts, but also talks about how their emotional baggage is causing them problems.
This idea that how we dress can change us from the inside out was resonated in the Tuttle book & the Wright book. Basically, if you are choosing to live all in black or only in sweats or dressing too old or too young than perhaps it has less to do with knowledge or comfort, but more to do with you accepting yourself.
London stresses a lot that you must accept what you see in the mirror & in the photo with the image in your head (yeah, in my head I am still 20 something...the photos & the mirror lie!) She also explains the idea "yes...and?". It is basically taking the lemons life gives you & making lemonade, but I love how she explains the idea that walks you through this concept with each start-over.
While reading The Truth About Style, all the other ideas that I have read started to coming together - very exciting.
Bottom line: A great read. Probably my favorite out of all the books. I think it would be beneficial for anyone who is interested in finding their personal style.
Saturday, February 23, 2013
Day 94: Back to Dressing Your Truth
Now that I have the added knowledge and insight from all the other books, the ideas and theories that Carol Tuttle puts forth in Dressing Your Truth doesn't seem all that odd.
I decided I needed a closer look than what the short video series provided.
Carol Tuttle has written a book, "Discover Your Personality Beauty Profile". She states that the book is adapted & updated from her energy profiling book specifically to help women dress their truth.
Most of the book drove me nuts. Tuttle is a very dynamic woman. I enjoyed her video series. I really got a sense that she believes in her product, believes every woman deserves to feel beautiful because all women have their own unique beauty.
Unfortunately, the journalist side of my personality came out as I read the books...I wanted to rewrite sentences. I wanted footnotes & indexes. I also felt like Tuttle repeated herself a lot. And on top of that, I am not her target audience.
Tuttle believes the fashion industry lies to women & she wants to help women see their unique beauty beyond the fashion world. I do not have a problem with this statement since I do not follow fashion & feel that the fashion world is only interested in making money...not actually helping women feel beautiful.
What I did like in Tuttle's book, is what I liked in the video series...the description of the 4 types of beauty. Tuttle insists that a test is not needed because each woman has a beauty 6th sense...we just need to learn how to use it.
Her descriptions of the 4 personality types are in many ways much easier to understand than the other books I read. Although the book covers the same information as the video series, the book does go into a lot more detail. And, even if you are not sure what your type is, purchasing the Dressing Your Truth course is okay to do...Tuttle has a money back guarantee, she has staff to help you determine your type and you can even trade one type's course for another if you realize you made the wrong choice.
I have not taken the Dressing Your Truth course, but she does offer a lot. The course itself can be expensive, but she constantly has deals. One of the nice things about taking her Beauty Profiling video course is that she offers her book free in pdf format and offers the Dressing Your Truth course at a very discounted price.
I also love that Tuttle will have you thinking about your clothes & your shopping experience in a different way. Just be warned, Tuttle very much wants you to buy her Dressing Your Truth course, so it is mentioned a lot in the video series & in the book.
Bottom line? The whole thing is worth the money if this is something you are interested in, but don't want to spend big bucks with a personal colorist or read a ton of confusing books (like me). My friend Ashlee took the Dressing Your Truth course & told me it was a lot of fun. She also told me what she likes best about it is the cheat sheet for shopping...she has a card that shows all the colors for her type on one side and the other side has the lines, fabrications, patterns, etc. Not bad for an on-line course.
Happy Walking!
I decided I needed a closer look than what the short video series provided.
Carol Tuttle has written a book, "Discover Your Personality Beauty Profile". She states that the book is adapted & updated from her energy profiling book specifically to help women dress their truth.
Most of the book drove me nuts. Tuttle is a very dynamic woman. I enjoyed her video series. I really got a sense that she believes in her product, believes every woman deserves to feel beautiful because all women have their own unique beauty.
Unfortunately, the journalist side of my personality came out as I read the books...I wanted to rewrite sentences. I wanted footnotes & indexes. I also felt like Tuttle repeated herself a lot. And on top of that, I am not her target audience.
Tuttle believes the fashion industry lies to women & she wants to help women see their unique beauty beyond the fashion world. I do not have a problem with this statement since I do not follow fashion & feel that the fashion world is only interested in making money...not actually helping women feel beautiful.
What I did like in Tuttle's book, is what I liked in the video series...the description of the 4 types of beauty. Tuttle insists that a test is not needed because each woman has a beauty 6th sense...we just need to learn how to use it.
Her descriptions of the 4 personality types are in many ways much easier to understand than the other books I read. Although the book covers the same information as the video series, the book does go into a lot more detail. And, even if you are not sure what your type is, purchasing the Dressing Your Truth course is okay to do...Tuttle has a money back guarantee, she has staff to help you determine your type and you can even trade one type's course for another if you realize you made the wrong choice.
I have not taken the Dressing Your Truth course, but she does offer a lot. The course itself can be expensive, but she constantly has deals. One of the nice things about taking her Beauty Profiling video course is that she offers her book free in pdf format and offers the Dressing Your Truth course at a very discounted price.
I also love that Tuttle will have you thinking about your clothes & your shopping experience in a different way. Just be warned, Tuttle very much wants you to buy her Dressing Your Truth course, so it is mentioned a lot in the video series & in the book.
Bottom line? The whole thing is worth the money if this is something you are interested in, but don't want to spend big bucks with a personal colorist or read a ton of confusing books (like me). My friend Ashlee took the Dressing Your Truth course & told me it was a lot of fun. She also told me what she likes best about it is the cheat sheet for shopping...she has a card that shows all the colors for her type on one side and the other side has the lines, fabrications, patterns, etc. Not bad for an on-line course.
Happy Walking!
Friday, February 22, 2013
Day 93: Colour Psychology
The next book on this side of journey of me is "The Beginner's Guide to Colour Psychology" by Angela Wright.
Wright states that she has had an interest in psychology & color for a very long time. In college she got her degree in psychology. She also trained in California for color analysis...I believe it was with Suzanne Caygill - who tell Wright that she will not ever be able to "do" color if she doesn't know where the color names come from. The example Wright gives is when she wanted to know the name of a flower. Her teacher didn't recognize the flower by Wright's description & asked her to bring a sample in. The flower was a cornflower. Wright realized that she often described eyes as "cornflower blue" without ever knowing what a cornflower looked like...it was a turning point for Wright.
Wright does a great job of giving the history of color & what certain ideas and/or emotions go with a certain color. As with Caygill, Wright groups people into 4 personality/color types. She also uses the names of the seasons: Spring, Summer, Autumn, Winter.
Along with the 4 seasons, Wright adds shapes & elements as well: circles & water for Spring, elongated S & air for Summer, a square & fire for Autumn and a triangle & earth for Winter. She gives a few examples of the different colors for each season, but not an inclusive list. Wright states that there are so many colors for each season (& each subset within the season) that it is a journey that each person must make themselves...a journey to learn their personality, their season, their secondary personality, their subset and their colors.
Caygill has a few subsets for her seasons, but Wright does a great job of not only giving a long list of subsets for each season, but also showing how the subsets are influenced by a strong secondary personality. She also has a written description of the personality for each season & a test. I didn't like the test. It frustrated me because I only wanted to choose bits & pieces from each choice.
An example would be the perfect room. Wright has a paragraph describing 4 perfect rooms...I only wanted the light from one room, the comfy couch & fireplace from another room, and the simpleness or sparseness of a third room. I didn't one anything from the 4th room.
Wright also provides great before & afters of people who in the first picture are dressed based on their primary season. In the second picture the people are dressed with their secondary season being added in. She also gives some examples of what does & doesn't work in the two pictures. I must admit, the changes in some pictures were very mild, but in others were quite obvious.
Finally, Wright touches on how this knowledge can help you in your home, your work & in marketing.
Overall: An easier to understand book than Caygill's, but also not enough questions to my answers. I felt like just as Wright was getting to the heart of them matter she would fall back on "it is a journey that each person must make." That might be true, but sometimes I just want the answers! I would still recommend the book. It is worth reading for the insights of how personality & color go hand in hand together.
Wright states that she has had an interest in psychology & color for a very long time. In college she got her degree in psychology. She also trained in California for color analysis...I believe it was with Suzanne Caygill - who tell Wright that she will not ever be able to "do" color if she doesn't know where the color names come from. The example Wright gives is when she wanted to know the name of a flower. Her teacher didn't recognize the flower by Wright's description & asked her to bring a sample in. The flower was a cornflower. Wright realized that she often described eyes as "cornflower blue" without ever knowing what a cornflower looked like...it was a turning point for Wright.
Wright does a great job of giving the history of color & what certain ideas and/or emotions go with a certain color. As with Caygill, Wright groups people into 4 personality/color types. She also uses the names of the seasons: Spring, Summer, Autumn, Winter.
Along with the 4 seasons, Wright adds shapes & elements as well: circles & water for Spring, elongated S & air for Summer, a square & fire for Autumn and a triangle & earth for Winter. She gives a few examples of the different colors for each season, but not an inclusive list. Wright states that there are so many colors for each season (& each subset within the season) that it is a journey that each person must make themselves...a journey to learn their personality, their season, their secondary personality, their subset and their colors.
Caygill has a few subsets for her seasons, but Wright does a great job of not only giving a long list of subsets for each season, but also showing how the subsets are influenced by a strong secondary personality. She also has a written description of the personality for each season & a test. I didn't like the test. It frustrated me because I only wanted to choose bits & pieces from each choice.
An example would be the perfect room. Wright has a paragraph describing 4 perfect rooms...I only wanted the light from one room, the comfy couch & fireplace from another room, and the simpleness or sparseness of a third room. I didn't one anything from the 4th room.
Wright also provides great before & afters of people who in the first picture are dressed based on their primary season. In the second picture the people are dressed with their secondary season being added in. She also gives some examples of what does & doesn't work in the two pictures. I must admit, the changes in some pictures were very mild, but in others were quite obvious.
Finally, Wright touches on how this knowledge can help you in your home, your work & in marketing.
Overall: An easier to understand book than Caygill's, but also not enough questions to my answers. I felt like just as Wright was getting to the heart of them matter she would fall back on "it is a journey that each person must make." That might be true, but sometimes I just want the answers! I would still recommend the book. It is worth reading for the insights of how personality & color go hand in hand together.
Thursday, February 21, 2013
Day 92: The Caygill system
Suzanne Caygill is known by some as the founder of the color skin analysis system. She started matching colors to skin starting in the 1940's. She wrote a book in the 80's after years of doing color analysis for clients and many of their children & grandchildren. And like all good color systems...hers is tied to personalities!
In her book, "Color, the Essence of You", Caygill identifies 4 major types & chooses to tie them to the seasons: Spring, Summer, Autumn, Winter.
Her personalities and colors was not what caught my attention - it was her amazing knowledge & love of colors & nature. The book was completely over my head. I had to use my computer to look up the different terms & colors she used through out the book. But it also made me want to know more.
In one section, she speaks about eye color. She states that someone who describes eyes as hazel is showing their lack of color knowledge...I have hazel eyes, I felt an overwhelming need to no longer be one of the many uninformed. For the color hazel she has several different color combinations instead...sadly, I could figure out which color combination was right for my eyes!
Caygill may speak with knowledge of her subject, but she does not make you feel inferior - just inspired to learn more so that you can be a part of her world. She suggests that a study of nature will help everyone not only learn more about color, but also how color works together. She says that mother nature is the best colorists & the best teacher.
I am very excited to see spring this year...to make note of its bright colors & how mother nature chooses to "dress" herself. Caygill says the color student should note that spring is "bright", summer is more subdued or "grayed", autumn is more earthy or "fiery" and winter is more pure - pure green, pure red, pure white...she speaks a lot of white.
Bottom line: a must read for anyone who wants to be a part of the color skin analysis business. A great read for anyone who wants to have a better understanding of the relationship between color, nature and dressing yourself. And finally, I think it would be a benefit to the art student....me? I am going to continue to study & re-read Caygill's book in the hopes of gaining some knowledge.
Happy walking!
In her book, "Color, the Essence of You", Caygill identifies 4 major types & chooses to tie them to the seasons: Spring, Summer, Autumn, Winter.
Her personalities and colors was not what caught my attention - it was her amazing knowledge & love of colors & nature. The book was completely over my head. I had to use my computer to look up the different terms & colors she used through out the book. But it also made me want to know more.
In one section, she speaks about eye color. She states that someone who describes eyes as hazel is showing their lack of color knowledge...I have hazel eyes, I felt an overwhelming need to no longer be one of the many uninformed. For the color hazel she has several different color combinations instead...sadly, I could figure out which color combination was right for my eyes!
Caygill may speak with knowledge of her subject, but she does not make you feel inferior - just inspired to learn more so that you can be a part of her world. She suggests that a study of nature will help everyone not only learn more about color, but also how color works together. She says that mother nature is the best colorists & the best teacher.
I am very excited to see spring this year...to make note of its bright colors & how mother nature chooses to "dress" herself. Caygill says the color student should note that spring is "bright", summer is more subdued or "grayed", autumn is more earthy or "fiery" and winter is more pure - pure green, pure red, pure white...she speaks a lot of white.
Bottom line: a must read for anyone who wants to be a part of the color skin analysis business. A great read for anyone who wants to have a better understanding of the relationship between color, nature and dressing yourself. And finally, I think it would be a benefit to the art student....me? I am going to continue to study & re-read Caygill's book in the hopes of gaining some knowledge.
Happy walking!
Wednesday, February 20, 2013
Day 91: Personalities
"Positive Personality Profiles" by Robert A. Rohm, PhD. is a book about personalities (well, that was a Mr. Obvious statement!). There are a number of ways to name & divide personalities, he chooses the DISC method. I don't think the DISC method is unique to him, but he has made it his speciality.
You can check out his site here.
I wasn't crazy about Rohm's style of writing, but I loved the information. I wanted to understand personalities better before I tried to understand style based on personalities.
I won't do his book justice, but basically, he divides personalities into 4 types (which, I think is rather common). Each type has a letter associated with it (thus DISC).
Imagine a circle that has been divided in half (with the dividing line being horizontal). The upper half is someone who is outgoing, the bottom half is someone who is reserved.
Then take another circle that has been divided in half, but this time the dividing line is vertical. The left side is someone who is task oriented, the right half is someone who is people oriented.
If you put the two circles together you get DISC!
D is the upper left: outgoing/task oriented
I is the upper right: outgoing/people oriented
S is the lower right: reserved/people oriented
C is the lower left: reserved/task oriented.
(if this doesn't make sense, check out his website...he has visuals).
He asserts that we have a little of all 4 types, but will be strong in two of them. He prefers to focus on two instead of one because he asserts it is rare for a person to be extremely strong in one type. (hope that made sense).
Basically, what this system did for me is see how I relate to other people. If I am an "I" type person than it is easy for me to get along with "D" types because we are both outgoing. I can also get along easy with "S" type people because we are both people oriented. I would have the hardest time with "C" type people because they are my true opposites. As an "I", I am outgoing/people oriented and a "C" is a reserved/task oriented person. Not any common ground (well, since both my son & I are a mixture of types, we do have common ground...I have some "C" qualities in me...yeah, the three I listed for my son are the 3 I want/need for myself).
There is not a test in the book, but a lot of descriptions (too many for me, actually). He also gives great examples from the Bible...which I thought was very cool. Made me think of my personality as God-given instead of something flukie.
Steve and I are not complete opposites, but he is a task oriented person and I am a people oriented person. My son is task oriented which is why we butt heads a lot. My son just doesn't get why I do what I do or why I ask him to do what I need him to do. I think he is a "C". And I think I am an "I". Yep, true opposites. His big need is comfort, control and choices. I am striving to be more aware of that.
Overall? This book is worth reading - you gain a good sense of you & those that you live & work with daily, it also ties it back to the Scriptures & God (which I like) & helps you see yourself as a true child of God.
On the website there is an opportunity to do some free assessments/worksheets, but also a more in depth analysis which you can pay for.
You can check out his site here.
I wasn't crazy about Rohm's style of writing, but I loved the information. I wanted to understand personalities better before I tried to understand style based on personalities.
I won't do his book justice, but basically, he divides personalities into 4 types (which, I think is rather common). Each type has a letter associated with it (thus DISC).
Imagine a circle that has been divided in half (with the dividing line being horizontal). The upper half is someone who is outgoing, the bottom half is someone who is reserved.
Then take another circle that has been divided in half, but this time the dividing line is vertical. The left side is someone who is task oriented, the right half is someone who is people oriented.
If you put the two circles together you get DISC!
D is the upper left: outgoing/task oriented
I is the upper right: outgoing/people oriented
S is the lower right: reserved/people oriented
C is the lower left: reserved/task oriented.
(if this doesn't make sense, check out his website...he has visuals).
He asserts that we have a little of all 4 types, but will be strong in two of them. He prefers to focus on two instead of one because he asserts it is rare for a person to be extremely strong in one type. (hope that made sense).
Basically, what this system did for me is see how I relate to other people. If I am an "I" type person than it is easy for me to get along with "D" types because we are both outgoing. I can also get along easy with "S" type people because we are both people oriented. I would have the hardest time with "C" type people because they are my true opposites. As an "I", I am outgoing/people oriented and a "C" is a reserved/task oriented person. Not any common ground (well, since both my son & I are a mixture of types, we do have common ground...I have some "C" qualities in me...yeah, the three I listed for my son are the 3 I want/need for myself).
There is not a test in the book, but a lot of descriptions (too many for me, actually). He also gives great examples from the Bible...which I thought was very cool. Made me think of my personality as God-given instead of something flukie.
Steve and I are not complete opposites, but he is a task oriented person and I am a people oriented person. My son is task oriented which is why we butt heads a lot. My son just doesn't get why I do what I do or why I ask him to do what I need him to do. I think he is a "C". And I think I am an "I". Yep, true opposites. His big need is comfort, control and choices. I am striving to be more aware of that.
Overall? This book is worth reading - you gain a good sense of you & those that you live & work with daily, it also ties it back to the Scriptures & God (which I like) & helps you see yourself as a true child of God.
On the website there is an opportunity to do some free assessments/worksheets, but also a more in depth analysis which you can pay for.
Tuesday, February 19, 2013
Day 90: 3 months
I am breaking for a moment from my self awareness journey & book review to reflect on the 3 month mile marker.
If we were to study my past, we would discover a pattern of working hard at fitness & health for 3 months and then....just nothing. Sometimes it would be an abrupt stop. Sometimes it would gradually disappear. Sometimes a "crisis" would cause the end. And sadly, sometimes, it was because of compliments and/or me feeling great (and stupidly thinking I could take it easy).
In all honestly, it is this blog that keeps me walking every day. Even if I was the only person reading the blog, I would still walk. Why? Because I can not write a lie. I just can't. What I write stays forever. I have journal after journal after journal...not one lie. Lots of brutal truths, lots of hopes, dreams & wishes. Lots of learning & understanding, but not one single lie.
If I write that I have walked...I have to walk. It is just that simple.
So, 3 months of walking & 3 months of writing. Pretty cool. I love to write and now I love to walk too.
I have toyed with the idea of weighing myself as a "see how I am doing" thing. But I have decided against it. In the past, I was all about the number: the number on the scale and the number on the dress. This time, I don't want to be about the number. In fact, I am not about the number...at all. I am 100% about the journey, about this blog and about my health.
Journey wise: loving it. Love where my thoughts & desires are going. Love what I am seeing and experiencing. Just enjoying this journey.
Blog wise: loving it too. What is not to love? I get to write, I get to express my thoughts & ideas. Plus, if nobody listens - I don't know! (my husband likes the last point, especially)
Health wise: I don't know...but I have more energy, I sleep better at night, I feel more like myself, I am laughing a lot more and I am happily adding things to my life - like stretching & drinking more water.
I don't have any new numbers, but I do have a recent picture of me:
If we were to study my past, we would discover a pattern of working hard at fitness & health for 3 months and then....just nothing. Sometimes it would be an abrupt stop. Sometimes it would gradually disappear. Sometimes a "crisis" would cause the end. And sadly, sometimes, it was because of compliments and/or me feeling great (and stupidly thinking I could take it easy).
In all honestly, it is this blog that keeps me walking every day. Even if I was the only person reading the blog, I would still walk. Why? Because I can not write a lie. I just can't. What I write stays forever. I have journal after journal after journal...not one lie. Lots of brutal truths, lots of hopes, dreams & wishes. Lots of learning & understanding, but not one single lie.
If I write that I have walked...I have to walk. It is just that simple.
So, 3 months of walking & 3 months of writing. Pretty cool. I love to write and now I love to walk too.
I have toyed with the idea of weighing myself as a "see how I am doing" thing. But I have decided against it. In the past, I was all about the number: the number on the scale and the number on the dress. This time, I don't want to be about the number. In fact, I am not about the number...at all. I am 100% about the journey, about this blog and about my health.
Journey wise: loving it. Love where my thoughts & desires are going. Love what I am seeing and experiencing. Just enjoying this journey.
Blog wise: loving it too. What is not to love? I get to write, I get to express my thoughts & ideas. Plus, if nobody listens - I don't know! (my husband likes the last point, especially)
Health wise: I don't know...but I have more energy, I sleep better at night, I feel more like myself, I am laughing a lot more and I am happily adding things to my life - like stretching & drinking more water.
I don't have any new numbers, but I do have a recent picture of me:
Monday, February 18, 2013
Day 89: Dressing Your Truth
My wonderful friend, Ashlee, recently posted about Dressing Your Truth. You can read her post here.
Dressing Your Truth was interesting to me because it is about matching your personality to the colors, lines, fabrications, textures and patterns in clothing.
You can check the site out here.
I chose to do the beauty profiling for free. It is a series of videos (6, I think) that give an over view to the idea/theory behind dressing your truth. To get into the details you must purchase the dressing your truth course.
The beauty profiling videos are interesting because they suggest you can figure out your personality based on how you doodle, your preference in sitting, attributes in your face (like the shape of your nose) and the usual personality tips that cover typical things you do.
I still wasn't convinced that my personality could help me figure out how to dress better, but I still found the subject interesting.
The one thing I found amazing about the beauty profiling was the creator, Carol Tuttle. She is an amazing ball of energy. She believes patiently in dressing your truth. She believes patiently that every woman deserves to feel beautiful because every woman is beautiful. She believes that all 4 personality types are equal, just different. No right. No wrong. Just different. Carol Tuttle loves all 4 types.
That made a big enough impact that I wanted to continue to know more....but I wanted the "more" from more sources.
I guess that is part of my personality...I like to check lots of sources, I like to compare and I like to come to my own realizations. The Beauty Profiling intrigued me to want to learn more.
The rest of my journey involves several more books. And I know I am beautiful - all my quirks, all my pet peeves...well, everything that makes me....is beautiful.
Happy Walking!
Dressing Your Truth was interesting to me because it is about matching your personality to the colors, lines, fabrications, textures and patterns in clothing.
You can check the site out here.
I chose to do the beauty profiling for free. It is a series of videos (6, I think) that give an over view to the idea/theory behind dressing your truth. To get into the details you must purchase the dressing your truth course.
The beauty profiling videos are interesting because they suggest you can figure out your personality based on how you doodle, your preference in sitting, attributes in your face (like the shape of your nose) and the usual personality tips that cover typical things you do.
I still wasn't convinced that my personality could help me figure out how to dress better, but I still found the subject interesting.
The one thing I found amazing about the beauty profiling was the creator, Carol Tuttle. She is an amazing ball of energy. She believes patiently in dressing your truth. She believes patiently that every woman deserves to feel beautiful because every woman is beautiful. She believes that all 4 personality types are equal, just different. No right. No wrong. Just different. Carol Tuttle loves all 4 types.
That made a big enough impact that I wanted to continue to know more....but I wanted the "more" from more sources.
I guess that is part of my personality...I like to check lots of sources, I like to compare and I like to come to my own realizations. The Beauty Profiling intrigued me to want to learn more.
The rest of my journey involves several more books. And I know I am beautiful - all my quirks, all my pet peeves...well, everything that makes me....is beautiful.
Happy Walking!
Sunday, February 17, 2013
Day 88: An Elect Lady
My personal journey of self awareness started with the simple desire to know more about the women in the scriptures.
Since my church is studying the Doctrine & Covenants (basically history of the early days of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints [LDS]) this year, I thought I would start there.
Doctrine & Covenants (D&C) 25 is the blessing bestowed upon Emma Smith, wife to Joseph Smith, Jr. (the first prophet of LDS church). In verse 3 it states:
"Behold, thy sins are forgiven thee, and thou art an elect lady, whom I have called."
The words "elect lady" caught my attention. They evoked an image of a woman who was tall, beautiful, graceful, stylish, demure, calm, patient, loving, kind, understanding.
I wanted to become that woman. I wanted to become an elect lady.
As a result, I started reading books about style - I can't do anything about being tall...okay I can improve my posture so I appear taller. But I knew I could do something about being more stylish.
My grandmother was trained to match colors, lines & patterns to a person's skin coloring. The whole concept of skin analysis took off in the 80's when women were learning what season they belonged too or if they could wear warm/cool colors. Well, my grandmother was doing that long before it became a craze & she did not group you into season. My grandmother took the time - a long time - to drape color after color after color across you (so the color was against your face) and looked for obvious changes...like if the skin was sallow (not a good color) or if the skin looked rosy & bright (a good color).
Since I can no longer glean this information directly from my grandmother & my memory of how exactly she did it is a bit hazy I decided to start researching. Thus, all the different books I read the discoveries about myself I learned along the way.
And for the record, I learned in Relief Society lesson that elect means chosen. I kind of already knew that, but when you say "a chosen lady" instead of "an elect lady" a different image comes to mind. "A chosen lady" is a blank slate - short, tall, big, little, young, old, married, single, divorced, widowed, etc... "A chosen lady" can be exactly who you are already.
Happy Walking!
Since my church is studying the Doctrine & Covenants (basically history of the early days of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints [LDS]) this year, I thought I would start there.
Doctrine & Covenants (D&C) 25 is the blessing bestowed upon Emma Smith, wife to Joseph Smith, Jr. (the first prophet of LDS church). In verse 3 it states:
"Behold, thy sins are forgiven thee, and thou art an elect lady, whom I have called."
The words "elect lady" caught my attention. They evoked an image of a woman who was tall, beautiful, graceful, stylish, demure, calm, patient, loving, kind, understanding.
I wanted to become that woman. I wanted to become an elect lady.
As a result, I started reading books about style - I can't do anything about being tall...okay I can improve my posture so I appear taller. But I knew I could do something about being more stylish.
My grandmother was trained to match colors, lines & patterns to a person's skin coloring. The whole concept of skin analysis took off in the 80's when women were learning what season they belonged too or if they could wear warm/cool colors. Well, my grandmother was doing that long before it became a craze & she did not group you into season. My grandmother took the time - a long time - to drape color after color after color across you (so the color was against your face) and looked for obvious changes...like if the skin was sallow (not a good color) or if the skin looked rosy & bright (a good color).
Since I can no longer glean this information directly from my grandmother & my memory of how exactly she did it is a bit hazy I decided to start researching. Thus, all the different books I read the discoveries about myself I learned along the way.
And for the record, I learned in Relief Society lesson that elect means chosen. I kind of already knew that, but when you say "a chosen lady" instead of "an elect lady" a different image comes to mind. "A chosen lady" is a blank slate - short, tall, big, little, young, old, married, single, divorced, widowed, etc... "A chosen lady" can be exactly who you are already.
Happy Walking!
Saturday, February 16, 2013
Day 87: The Truth
"You can't handle the truth!" Is a great movie quote. Jack Nicholson telling Tom Cruise that he can't handle the truth of what Jack Nicholson does - being a general in the army standing on the wall in Cuba - in the movie, "A Few Good Men."
Now, in the movie, Jack Nicholson's character was completely wrong in his version of the truth. And just like Nicholson, we can so many times be wrong with version of truth we hold for ourselves.
For several months now, I have been on a different journey...a journey of who I am.
At first, I thought the journey was to learn more about the women in the scriptures. Then the journey morphed into learning more about personalities. Than it morphed into learning more about style - as in fashion. And finally, arrived at the truth of me.
Am I done with this journey? Not by a long shot. Learning about me is a life long journey. For what I believe to be true today can be something different in the future...why? because what I know & understand will change over time & therefore new information can be applied to understanding myself better.
Can I handle the truth?
Um...there was denial, there was frustration, there was irritation, a little anger, there were a few tears, and a few aha moments... now there is acceptance & love. Love and acceptance of who I am today.
And today?
I am pretty good.
Over the next several days, I am going to share the different things I have read & what I have learned.
Happy Walking!
Now, in the movie, Jack Nicholson's character was completely wrong in his version of the truth. And just like Nicholson, we can so many times be wrong with version of truth we hold for ourselves.
For several months now, I have been on a different journey...a journey of who I am.
At first, I thought the journey was to learn more about the women in the scriptures. Then the journey morphed into learning more about personalities. Than it morphed into learning more about style - as in fashion. And finally, arrived at the truth of me.
Am I done with this journey? Not by a long shot. Learning about me is a life long journey. For what I believe to be true today can be something different in the future...why? because what I know & understand will change over time & therefore new information can be applied to understanding myself better.
Can I handle the truth?
Um...there was denial, there was frustration, there was irritation, a little anger, there were a few tears, and a few aha moments... now there is acceptance & love. Love and acceptance of who I am today.
And today?
I am pretty good.
Over the next several days, I am going to share the different things I have read & what I have learned.
Happy Walking!
Friday, February 15, 2013
Day 86: 5 Gratitudes for Friday, 9
Today's gratitudes are gonna be a little selfish (is that a tad ironic?) - in the sense that I need to appreciate what God blessed me with...
1. A Healthy Body. I am healthy. Could I stand to lose weight? Yes. Could I stand to be more toned? Yes. Do I have aches & pains? Yes. Is my bad Cholesterol a little high? Yes. But I am healthy. I do not have cancer. I do not have an autoimmune disease. I have all my senses. I have all my limbs, all my fingers & toes. I have the use of my arms & legs. I am healthy. I am very thankful for a healthy body that allows me to walk, to play, and to be a part of my children's lives to the fullest.
2. I am thankful for a head full of hair. When I was younger I use to want my sister's blond hair. I also use to want naturally curly hair (I mean, who wouldn't, right?). I have never really loved my regular brown, straight, but not behave straight, hair. A couple of years ago, I noticed my hair thinning out a little bit around my temples...I totally freaked. Since cutting my hair really short & slowly growing it back...I realized, I really do like my hair. I have a full of head of hair. It is healthy. It bounces. It has a slight wave to it (only in the front). It can look very dark or it can look sun kissed - depending on what I wear & what time of year it is. I can wear it long or mid-length (sure, I can wear it short, but I don't really "feel" like a short hair person). I love my hair.
3. I love my eyes. My eyes are currently hiding behind a pair of glasses - I am wearing them in support of my son who hates his glasses. What kind of message would I be sending if I wore contacts but told him he had to wear glasses? So I wear glasses. I am thankful my eyes are pretty shade of hazel...sometimes blue and sometimes green with just a touch of golden brown. I like the shape of my eyes. I like that my husband likes me in glasses or in contacts. I am glad I paid the extra to have my glasses darken in the sunlight. I am glad I tried something different with my glasses this year.
4. I really, truly love being petite. Don't get me wrong...being tall & graceful would totally rock...like the swan or the gazelle. But being petite is pretty cool too. For one thing, I am the perfect height for my husband. For another thing, I can still get away with certain purchases in the junior department (although this is getting harder as I get older...junior department is not necessarily age appropriate anymore). Also, and this is the big thing - I love being petite because I am petite.
5. I love my legs. Yep, my legs. I use to be so very vain about them. Ah, the days when I could get away with a shorter skirt or shorts...the days before children. But I still have a great pair of legs. They are actually long. I have a short torso & long legs...still petite though. :) I look good in shorts & skirts & dresses. My legs look good in heels or flats. I can pull off the "cheerleader" look (well, I use to be able to, not sure now), but I can also pull off a more sophisticated look.
So, a little superficial this week...no, that isn't quite accurate. I focused on the physical this week. Maybe another time I can talk spiritual & mental.
Happy Walking!
1. A Healthy Body. I am healthy. Could I stand to lose weight? Yes. Could I stand to be more toned? Yes. Do I have aches & pains? Yes. Is my bad Cholesterol a little high? Yes. But I am healthy. I do not have cancer. I do not have an autoimmune disease. I have all my senses. I have all my limbs, all my fingers & toes. I have the use of my arms & legs. I am healthy. I am very thankful for a healthy body that allows me to walk, to play, and to be a part of my children's lives to the fullest.
2. I am thankful for a head full of hair. When I was younger I use to want my sister's blond hair. I also use to want naturally curly hair (I mean, who wouldn't, right?). I have never really loved my regular brown, straight, but not behave straight, hair. A couple of years ago, I noticed my hair thinning out a little bit around my temples...I totally freaked. Since cutting my hair really short & slowly growing it back...I realized, I really do like my hair. I have a full of head of hair. It is healthy. It bounces. It has a slight wave to it (only in the front). It can look very dark or it can look sun kissed - depending on what I wear & what time of year it is. I can wear it long or mid-length (sure, I can wear it short, but I don't really "feel" like a short hair person). I love my hair.
3. I love my eyes. My eyes are currently hiding behind a pair of glasses - I am wearing them in support of my son who hates his glasses. What kind of message would I be sending if I wore contacts but told him he had to wear glasses? So I wear glasses. I am thankful my eyes are pretty shade of hazel...sometimes blue and sometimes green with just a touch of golden brown. I like the shape of my eyes. I like that my husband likes me in glasses or in contacts. I am glad I paid the extra to have my glasses darken in the sunlight. I am glad I tried something different with my glasses this year.
4. I really, truly love being petite. Don't get me wrong...being tall & graceful would totally rock...like the swan or the gazelle. But being petite is pretty cool too. For one thing, I am the perfect height for my husband. For another thing, I can still get away with certain purchases in the junior department (although this is getting harder as I get older...junior department is not necessarily age appropriate anymore). Also, and this is the big thing - I love being petite because I am petite.
5. I love my legs. Yep, my legs. I use to be so very vain about them. Ah, the days when I could get away with a shorter skirt or shorts...the days before children. But I still have a great pair of legs. They are actually long. I have a short torso & long legs...still petite though. :) I look good in shorts & skirts & dresses. My legs look good in heels or flats. I can pull off the "cheerleader" look (well, I use to be able to, not sure now), but I can also pull off a more sophisticated look.
So, a little superficial this week...no, that isn't quite accurate. I focused on the physical this week. Maybe another time I can talk spiritual & mental.
Happy Walking!
Thursday, February 14, 2013
Day 85: Happy Valentine's Day!
Happy Valentine's Day!
This year I gave myself the gift of exercise - I walked & stretched...and drank water!
This year I gave my children the gift of exercise - it was a good mall walking day because they chose to use their ipod shuffles.
This year I gave my husband the gift of...well, that is not any of your business! :)
Actually, we spent the evening as a family - dinner & a movie. It has been a lot of fun.
Happy Walking!
This year I gave myself the gift of exercise - I walked & stretched...and drank water!
This year I gave my children the gift of exercise - it was a good mall walking day because they chose to use their ipod shuffles.
This year I gave my husband the gift of...well, that is not any of your business! :)
Actually, we spent the evening as a family - dinner & a movie. It has been a lot of fun.
Happy Walking!
Wednesday, February 13, 2013
Post 84: Right or Wrong or just life?
Do you ever feel like you constantly say or do the wrong thing? That is how I feel with my children and walking at the mall.
I have good children, but they are children - full of energy & fun. They see the world, even the mall, as potential for the next big "fun" game. It could be hopscotch on the different colored tiles or finding the secret symbols (usually colored circles on the floor) to help us pass to the next level.
This week; however, the children are determined to play games that involve running.
I don't have a lot of rules. But the rules I do have must be followed.
1 - No running in the mall.
2 - Be respectful of the other walkers.
3 - Stay with your partner at all times.
4 - wait for mom before turning the corner.
All my rules deal with keeping my children safe, the other walkers (many of whom are elderly) safe, and give me peace of mind.
When a rule is broken, I simply remind the children of the rule. No punishment. No consequences. No lecture. Just a reminder.
What have I been getting this week? Stomping feet and sulking children.
Not sure what I am doing or saying wrong. Is it there age? Is it just the fact they are children? Am I asking to much?
Not sure if it matters. Walking at the mall will stay in place until spring comes & we can move to the park (or some annoying crisis like bed bugs pops up again).
I love walking. Hopefully, my children come to enjoy it without the running...
I have good children, but they are children - full of energy & fun. They see the world, even the mall, as potential for the next big "fun" game. It could be hopscotch on the different colored tiles or finding the secret symbols (usually colored circles on the floor) to help us pass to the next level.
This week; however, the children are determined to play games that involve running.
I don't have a lot of rules. But the rules I do have must be followed.
1 - No running in the mall.
2 - Be respectful of the other walkers.
3 - Stay with your partner at all times.
4 - wait for mom before turning the corner.
All my rules deal with keeping my children safe, the other walkers (many of whom are elderly) safe, and give me peace of mind.
When a rule is broken, I simply remind the children of the rule. No punishment. No consequences. No lecture. Just a reminder.
What have I been getting this week? Stomping feet and sulking children.
Not sure what I am doing or saying wrong. Is it there age? Is it just the fact they are children? Am I asking to much?
Not sure if it matters. Walking at the mall will stay in place until spring comes & we can move to the park (or some annoying crisis like bed bugs pops up again).
I love walking. Hopefully, my children come to enjoy it without the running...
Tuesday, February 12, 2013
Post 83: Maintaining or Pushing?
Today was a good day. I walked, I stretched, I drank water...just not sure how many, but I know I drank!
The friend I walk with at the mall really pushes me, which is good - I need to be pushed!
Funny how I thought I was pushing myself, but in reality I had not been - I was just maintaining. I wonder if that happens to everyone who exercises?
Happy Walking!
The friend I walk with at the mall really pushes me, which is good - I need to be pushed!
Funny how I thought I was pushing myself, but in reality I had not been - I was just maintaining. I wonder if that happens to everyone who exercises?
Happy Walking!
Monday, February 11, 2013
Post 82: 3 glasses of water on the wall...
I walked! I stretched! I got 3 glasses of water in! Okay...so maybe I shouldn't cheer over that last one...but a start is a start, besides I think you are suppose to slowly increase your water intake.
Day 1 of water completed. Woohoo! I just love my journey and adding to it!
Happy Walking!
Day 1 of water completed. Woohoo! I just love my journey and adding to it!
Happy Walking!
Sunday, February 10, 2013
Post 81: Water
The time has come to talk of...water.
I said in this post that I was craving more water & would slowly increase...however, I have not done that. I have done a great job of being very consistent with walking (which started on Thanksgiving day) and stretching (I started being consistent on Jan. 7th). In this post, I mentioned I needed to slowly add new goals.
It is time to add a new goal in. I am very nervous. Why? Because unlike stretching & walking, I can't drink one glass in the morning and be done...this is an all day goal that needs to be met every day. All day. I am going to have to pay attention all day.
I have never been a "big" drinker. I can sip the same bottle of water all day long. If I drink a lot than it usually means I am very hot & very thirsty...doesn't that usually signify dehydration?
Not really sure the best way to keep track or to ensure I get enough water each day. Heck, I am not even sure if I know how much water I should get! Is the rule still 64 ounces...or has that changed?
Send your suggestions my way! But either way...I am adding water in tomorrow.
Happy Walking!
I said in this post that I was craving more water & would slowly increase...however, I have not done that. I have done a great job of being very consistent with walking (which started on Thanksgiving day) and stretching (I started being consistent on Jan. 7th). In this post, I mentioned I needed to slowly add new goals.
It is time to add a new goal in. I am very nervous. Why? Because unlike stretching & walking, I can't drink one glass in the morning and be done...this is an all day goal that needs to be met every day. All day. I am going to have to pay attention all day.
I have never been a "big" drinker. I can sip the same bottle of water all day long. If I drink a lot than it usually means I am very hot & very thirsty...doesn't that usually signify dehydration?
Not really sure the best way to keep track or to ensure I get enough water each day. Heck, I am not even sure if I know how much water I should get! Is the rule still 64 ounces...or has that changed?
Send your suggestions my way! But either way...I am adding water in tomorrow.
Happy Walking!
Saturday, February 9, 2013
Day 80: Wow!
Wow! It just occurred to me...my 3 month mark is just around the corner. It kind of boggles my mind. I am on Day 80...I feel alive, strong, sexy, thin, energized, bubbly, my "old" self, inspired, hopeful, positive, amazed and humbled.
Not sure where this journey is going to take me, but I am thankful I am taking it...and I am also enjoying it!
Happy Walking!
Not sure where this journey is going to take me, but I am thankful I am taking it...and I am also enjoying it!
Happy Walking!
Friday, February 8, 2013
Day 79: 5 Gratitudes for Friday, 8
1. Blessings, seen & unseen, from Heavenly Father: we are all healthy, the weather is slowly warming up, we appear to have won the bed bug battle and we had the means to purchase a new van...you can read about it here.
2. The ability to learn more about myself. My friend, Ashlee, has been learning about personalities recently and as a direct result I have started to learn about personalities. It is so eye opening to discover that my tendency to "weave stories in my head" is not odd - just my personality; or to realize that I accomplish tasks for very different reasons than my husband. He accomplishes tasks because he wants the task completed. I accomplish tasks because I want to either please someone, make someone happy, show my love to someone, help someone....well, you get the point - people are my motivation. I always thought I was flaky...no, just wired different.
3. New friends - walking together, chatting/laughing together, meeting at the local children's museum. Friends make the world go around...well, love makes the world go around, but friends are a big part of that equation!
4. A patient husband. Really, no need to elaborate on this one, but...since I love giving details. :) I recently told Steve just how hard this last year has been for me. I did a very good job of fooling everyone, including him, on how hard this last move was on me. He asked me very nicely to let him know the next time I was having a hard time instead of hiding it. I am thankful that he loves me & can patiently listen to me.
5. A wonderful day of playing with my children. We went to the children's museum, ate at McDonald's, went to the library, played video games, watched a movie, ate pizza, stayed up late...it has been a fun day!
2. The ability to learn more about myself. My friend, Ashlee, has been learning about personalities recently and as a direct result I have started to learn about personalities. It is so eye opening to discover that my tendency to "weave stories in my head" is not odd - just my personality; or to realize that I accomplish tasks for very different reasons than my husband. He accomplishes tasks because he wants the task completed. I accomplish tasks because I want to either please someone, make someone happy, show my love to someone, help someone....well, you get the point - people are my motivation. I always thought I was flaky...no, just wired different.
3. New friends - walking together, chatting/laughing together, meeting at the local children's museum. Friends make the world go around...well, love makes the world go around, but friends are a big part of that equation!
4. A patient husband. Really, no need to elaborate on this one, but...since I love giving details. :) I recently told Steve just how hard this last year has been for me. I did a very good job of fooling everyone, including him, on how hard this last move was on me. He asked me very nicely to let him know the next time I was having a hard time instead of hiding it. I am thankful that he loves me & can patiently listen to me.
5. A wonderful day of playing with my children. We went to the children's museum, ate at McDonald's, went to the library, played video games, watched a movie, ate pizza, stayed up late...it has been a fun day!
Thursday, February 7, 2013
Day 78: Feeling like myself again
This is just a quick note - today was great!
I felt so alive. Excited. Happy. Joyful.
I know walking is not the only thing that helped me feel this way, but it has been apart of the equation...a big part of the equation.
Instead of saying, "oh, when am I going to find the time to walk?", I am now saying, "when do I get to walk?"
I love that feeling.
Happy Walking!
I felt so alive. Excited. Happy. Joyful.
I know walking is not the only thing that helped me feel this way, but it has been apart of the equation...a big part of the equation.
Instead of saying, "oh, when am I going to find the time to walk?", I am now saying, "when do I get to walk?"
I love that feeling.
Happy Walking!
Wednesday, February 6, 2013
Day 77: Almost like old times...
What I find amazing about this walking journey is the memories that come to the surface at random times. Today was one of those days.
I
A friend from church asked if she could join me at the mall. I said yes.
She has 2 girls in school, but her son is a toddler - he was so good in the stroller. As we walked around them mall & chatted, all the memories of walking with my friend Sarah when my children were still in as stroller came back to me.
I have mentioned before that I suffered from post-partum depression. A lot of factors went into my recovery, Sarah was one of them. Sarah is in many ways exactly like me, but in other ways we are opposites. I am happy to stay home, she loves to be on the go. I am happy being a couch potato, she is an athlete. I am one project at a time kind of gal, Sarah can seem to take on the world all at once.
When I had my oldest, Sarah had her 2nd child a few months later. I struggled with everything as a new mom - even getting dressed in the morning. Sarah seemed to bounce back from labor & delivery as if it was just another romp into the city. She amazed me (actually, she still amazes me).
What Sarah did soon after her son was born was convince me to meet her at the park to walk every morning. We would walk, push strollers & talk. Afterwards, we would continue to talk as we let her 2 year old run around the park. When it got cold we moved to the mall.
Sarah got me into the habit of walking that after she moved away I was able to continue on my own (I eventually found a new walking partner). I walked all the way through my the pregnancies of my other two children as well - a double stroller is hard to push around a mall, but I did it.
As I walked today, my children in front and my friend pushing her son in the stroller, it almost felt like old times. Happy times. Happy memories of friendship.
It also reminded me of how great I felt (and looked) when I walked everyday. In fact, I was in such great shape, I walked the day before my youngest was born. That still amazes me.
I guess, maybe, I am a walker deep down. I guess, maybe, I am an athlete deep down. I guess, maybe, I do have what it takes to be in shape & take care of myself.
The journey feels great - I am so glad I took that first step.
Happy Walking!
I
A friend from church asked if she could join me at the mall. I said yes.
She has 2 girls in school, but her son is a toddler - he was so good in the stroller. As we walked around them mall & chatted, all the memories of walking with my friend Sarah when my children were still in as stroller came back to me.
I have mentioned before that I suffered from post-partum depression. A lot of factors went into my recovery, Sarah was one of them. Sarah is in many ways exactly like me, but in other ways we are opposites. I am happy to stay home, she loves to be on the go. I am happy being a couch potato, she is an athlete. I am one project at a time kind of gal, Sarah can seem to take on the world all at once.
When I had my oldest, Sarah had her 2nd child a few months later. I struggled with everything as a new mom - even getting dressed in the morning. Sarah seemed to bounce back from labor & delivery as if it was just another romp into the city. She amazed me (actually, she still amazes me).
What Sarah did soon after her son was born was convince me to meet her at the park to walk every morning. We would walk, push strollers & talk. Afterwards, we would continue to talk as we let her 2 year old run around the park. When it got cold we moved to the mall.
Sarah got me into the habit of walking that after she moved away I was able to continue on my own (I eventually found a new walking partner). I walked all the way through my the pregnancies of my other two children as well - a double stroller is hard to push around a mall, but I did it.
As I walked today, my children in front and my friend pushing her son in the stroller, it almost felt like old times. Happy times. Happy memories of friendship.
It also reminded me of how great I felt (and looked) when I walked everyday. In fact, I was in such great shape, I walked the day before my youngest was born. That still amazes me.
I guess, maybe, I am a walker deep down. I guess, maybe, I am an athlete deep down. I guess, maybe, I do have what it takes to be in shape & take care of myself.
The journey feels great - I am so glad I took that first step.
Happy Walking!
Tuesday, February 5, 2013
Day 76: Ups & Downs
Did I walk? Yes! Did I stretch? Yes! Did I get up and spend time with my children? yes! Did we go to the mall? No! Why? Because one of the children was running a fever. Sigh.
But that is the journey? Right? You can plan and plan and plan, but the journey doesn't follow a plan. The journey is like that uncharted river and your (my) job is to just follow the river to wherever it takes me. Where it takes me isn't important - what is important is all the twists and turns that happen through out the journey.
My walking journey is going to have twists and turns. It is going to have ups and downs. Each new day brings a new adventure...I just need to enjoy the ride....wow, that is sooo much easier to write than do!
Well, here is hoping for a mall walking day tomorrow!
Happy Walking!
But that is the journey? Right? You can plan and plan and plan, but the journey doesn't follow a plan. The journey is like that uncharted river and your (my) job is to just follow the river to wherever it takes me. Where it takes me isn't important - what is important is all the twists and turns that happen through out the journey.
My walking journey is going to have twists and turns. It is going to have ups and downs. Each new day brings a new adventure...I just need to enjoy the ride....wow, that is sooo much easier to write than do!
Well, here is hoping for a mall walking day tomorrow!
Happy Walking!
Monday, February 4, 2013
Day 75: Just goes to show...
Just goes to show when I expect the worse & prepare for it...nothing bad happens!
The day, start to finish, went beautifully. The children loved the mall. They were so excited to be walking. My son, especially, was all bounce & movement. I have this overwhelming dread that he is going to run into another walker. He gets very irritated with me because I am constantly reminding him to mind the other people. Oh well!
We didn't make it to the mall until 9am (which puts a damper on school), but I spent the morning spending a lot of time with the children. Being silly, listening to their round robin stories and just trying to enjoy them.
I know, for myself, that I need about an hour to slowly wake up in the morning. I really prefer to be myself, take my time and just quietly do whatever it is I want to do. This is only one of the reasons I get up so early. Yet, once I am fully awake then I am ready to go full steam ahead and get all the task done for the day. My poor children are just barely waking up when I am steam rolling them into my high gear.
Today, I made a deliberate effort to spend their first hour of being awake at their pace. I think that is one of the reasons the mall went so smoothly - everyone had time to wake up at their own pace. Everyone had time to gear up for a fun, but busy day.
I am gonna strive to keep this going...allowing my children to wake up at their own pace. I'll have to keep you posted on tat one. In the mean time, it felt soooo good to be walking at the mall again! I am looking forward to tomorrow.
Happy Walking!
The day, start to finish, went beautifully. The children loved the mall. They were so excited to be walking. My son, especially, was all bounce & movement. I have this overwhelming dread that he is going to run into another walker. He gets very irritated with me because I am constantly reminding him to mind the other people. Oh well!
We didn't make it to the mall until 9am (which puts a damper on school), but I spent the morning spending a lot of time with the children. Being silly, listening to their round robin stories and just trying to enjoy them.
I know, for myself, that I need about an hour to slowly wake up in the morning. I really prefer to be myself, take my time and just quietly do whatever it is I want to do. This is only one of the reasons I get up so early. Yet, once I am fully awake then I am ready to go full steam ahead and get all the task done for the day. My poor children are just barely waking up when I am steam rolling them into my high gear.
Today, I made a deliberate effort to spend their first hour of being awake at their pace. I think that is one of the reasons the mall went so smoothly - everyone had time to wake up at their own pace. Everyone had time to gear up for a fun, but busy day.
I am gonna strive to keep this going...allowing my children to wake up at their own pace. I'll have to keep you posted on tat one. In the mean time, it felt soooo good to be walking at the mall again! I am looking forward to tomorrow.
Happy Walking!
Sunday, February 3, 2013
Day 74: Cautious Excitement
Tomorrow we head back to the mall for walking.
The children and are healthy. The bed bug war seems to be over (or at the very least is on a current sabbatical). I have a working vehicle. The house is straight. We have clean clothes. The weather is currently cold, but not out of control (read: no blizzards or ice storms). Honestly, I can't think of anything that could pop up & cause us not to go to the mall tomorrow.
I am looking forward to it.
Not all of my children are looking forward to it...which is why I have added caution to my excitement. No matter how much I am looking forward to it, I need to stay mindful of my children's needs & temperaments. Not always easy when I am overly excited about one of my projects.
I always thought getting in shape would be a very personal journey - not involving anyone else or affecting anyone else. I am seeing over and over again that I was wrong. I am also learning that lesson can (and should) be applied across the board.
Here's hoping to a great day of walking tomorrow!
The children and are healthy. The bed bug war seems to be over (or at the very least is on a current sabbatical). I have a working vehicle. The house is straight. We have clean clothes. The weather is currently cold, but not out of control (read: no blizzards or ice storms). Honestly, I can't think of anything that could pop up & cause us not to go to the mall tomorrow.
I am looking forward to it.
Not all of my children are looking forward to it...which is why I have added caution to my excitement. No matter how much I am looking forward to it, I need to stay mindful of my children's needs & temperaments. Not always easy when I am overly excited about one of my projects.
I always thought getting in shape would be a very personal journey - not involving anyone else or affecting anyone else. I am seeing over and over again that I was wrong. I am also learning that lesson can (and should) be applied across the board.
Here's hoping to a great day of walking tomorrow!
Saturday, February 2, 2013
Day 73: Lessons learned from the bed bug war
Hopefully the great bed bug war of 2013 is over, but honestly, we will not know for sometime.
Despite not knowing the final out come to this war, I have decided to share some lessons learned (thanks Ashlee for reminding me that this would be a benefit to others).
1 - The old saying, "An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure" is aptly applied to bed bugs. One night at a hotel room (in our case 2 nights) equals a month long battle....hopefully it will not last longer.
2 - The best protection against bed bugs is knowledge....and then using that knowledge to stop the little pests from ever stepping foot into your home.
3 - You should look at sites on-line, talk to exterminators, and to people who have battled bed bugs to understand the best possible preventions while staying away from home.
A few prevention tips:
A - When checking into a hotel, leave all of your belongings in the car until you have checked your room thoroughly.
B - Use a flashlight to check the mattresses, box springs, hide-a-beds, behind the head board, behind the pictures on the wall.
C - You are looking for a small, flat bug that can be anywhere from clear to black (it gets darker as it feeds...on your blood). Bed bugs do NOT get any larger than an apple seed. They are fast moving. They like quiet, dark areas.
D - You are also looking for what appears to be blood splotches or mold spots....usual signs of a bed bug infestation.
E - If you find bed bugs in the hotel room, immediately go to the front desk and ask for a new room. Repeat the above steps with the new room. If the second room has bed bugs, immediately ask the front desk to help you find a new hotel to stay at. Repeat the above steps at the new hotel.
F - When you have a safe hotel room, do NOT place your luggage on the bed. Luggage needs to be on the fold out luggage racks or on the table...not the end tables by the beds or the couch.
G - Do NOT put your clothes in the drawers. Bed bugs like quiet dark places to sleep. They also like to have 3 sides protecting them...drawers have lots of little spaces to hide.
H - Bring a kitchen garbage bag with you - all of your dirty laundry should be placed inside the garbage bag.
I - Immediately wash all clothing as soon as you get home from the hotel. Throw the garbage bag away immediately - outside, not in the house. Vacuum your luggage immediately.
Back to lessons learned:
4 - It can take 2 to 3 months from the time you stayed at a hotel for signs of bed bugs to show up in your house. I have no idea why. I do know the little buggers can live for a year without eating. I do know the females lay about 100 eggs a day. I do know, the eggs are small & white - very hard to see with the naked eye. I do know they lay the eggs anywhere & everywhere - papers, books, clothes, luggage, etc.
5 - The easiest sign that you have bed bugs is waking up in the morning with bites....sadly, not everyone shows this sign. You see, these lovely bugs (and they are true bugs...whatever that means), are kind enough to use an anesthesia on you right before they suck your blood just so you do not feel any pain. Isn't that kind of them? Their bites leave barely a mark. It is usually a perfectly round circle, very small and flat...unless you start to itch. The itching is actually an allergic reaction to the bites themselves. The anesthesia wears off, and if you have an allergic reaction you itch and then the bites look very similar to mosquito bites, flea bites and spider bites. Some people are even diagnosed with a mysterious rash...that is how hard it is to tell that you have a bed bug bite! Yippee! Not. Oh, one other thing about bed bug bites - they are usually in some kind of row in threes. It is called by the experts (just wiki it), "Breakfast, lunch & dinner". So, for every three bites, you know you have 1 bed bug.
Side note: I am extremely thankful that my children had allergic reactions to the bed bites, especially S who looked like she was having the chicken pox all over again or ran into angry mob of bees. Poor kid.
6 - Bed bugs do not feed every night. Since they can go for a really long time without eating, you can be tricked into thinking they are gone...and then "pop up" the next week or even a month later...see why I keep saying I am not sure if my personal war is over?
7 - Extreme heat & extreme cold will kill bed bugs. Alcohol wipes will kill the eggs. All the cleaning, steaming, washing, drying, freezing in the world will not get rid of bed bugs. Cleaning is not enough!!! It is just one tool in your arsenal. A useful tool. An important tool, but not the only tool.
8 - The earlier you catch the problem the better. We stayed at a hotel in October. My children started showing allergic reactions to the bites at the end of December....we had (have) a light infestation. So light, that the exterminators only found one bed bug in my son's room. I have been trying to get rid of this light infestation for a month...and I am still not done.
9 - Bed bugs were all but gone for 60 years and have started making a come back - big time. This is not "if I get bed bugs", it is "when I get bed bugs." Forewarned is forearmed. Study, know, use all the preventions and hopefully it will never happen to you.
10 - Exterminators may use harsh chemicals that you hate...but they are in the business to know how to get rid of bed bugs. yes, clean. yes, use home remedies, but also use your friendly neighborhood exterminator. He is one of your tools.
11 - Bed bugs are not a part of the monthly package from exterminators. Bed bugs are like fleas & termites...it will cost you extra for the exterminators to get rid of bed bugs. Why? Because it takes a different chemical and different way to kill them. Trust me, bed bugs can go places your vacuum will never, ever reach: behind baseboards, behind cracks in the walls, behind electric outlets & light switches, etc. They are small, they are flat, they are nasty.
12 - The prep work is hard, the clean up after is hard. You will be stressed. You will be tired. You will want to give up. If you are like me, you will start having mind games when thinking of bed bugs: if I take these clothes to the washer/dryer did I possibly just move bed bugs and their eggs to my laundry room? I have wiped down everything, stored it in plastic bags...but was it enough? Did I miss something? Trust me, you will look at all of your possessions: books, toys, pictures, stuff animals, pillows, desks...everything with horrible thoughts of wonder "are there bed bugs still lurking? what is safe?"
13 - Having bed bugs is not an indication of being dirty. It is sadly, a part of life now. Ask for help. Warn others of the danger. The more everyone knows, the better able we are as a society keep bed bugs in check.
14. Everyone is affected by bed bugs. Not just the person who stayed in the hotel...everyone at home is affected. Everyone.
I think that is everything, but I do have this one final thought:
I won't be able to explain this well through the typed word. It is just a feeling, a fleeting thought...not a well thought out analogy. So please bear with me.
I see the whole bed bug war - staying at a hotel, months later discovering the bed bugs, how it affects an entire home, family (if you live in an apartment building - other families) kind of like the dumb mistakes that happen in life and how they affect us.
For example, when my parents came to visit me a couple of years ago, their home was broken into and their car was stolen. This affected their entire vacation, it affected their lives when they returned home - it certainly affected their home! Could they have done more to ensure the break-in didn't happen? I have no idea.
But stuff like that happens all the time. We make a choice, we take an action...and it affects us & everyone around us (good or bad). Sometimes we do not see that consequence (good or bad) of those choices until months or years later.
Not sure that makes sense...and I will be honest, I have tried several times to write this final thought down. I even published a different version...it didn't feel right. This one feels right, just not complete. I will have to keep think on it.
Despite not knowing the final out come to this war, I have decided to share some lessons learned (thanks Ashlee for reminding me that this would be a benefit to others).
1 - The old saying, "An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure" is aptly applied to bed bugs. One night at a hotel room (in our case 2 nights) equals a month long battle....hopefully it will not last longer.
2 - The best protection against bed bugs is knowledge....and then using that knowledge to stop the little pests from ever stepping foot into your home.
3 - You should look at sites on-line, talk to exterminators, and to people who have battled bed bugs to understand the best possible preventions while staying away from home.
A few prevention tips:
A - When checking into a hotel, leave all of your belongings in the car until you have checked your room thoroughly.
B - Use a flashlight to check the mattresses, box springs, hide-a-beds, behind the head board, behind the pictures on the wall.
C - You are looking for a small, flat bug that can be anywhere from clear to black (it gets darker as it feeds...on your blood). Bed bugs do NOT get any larger than an apple seed. They are fast moving. They like quiet, dark areas.
D - You are also looking for what appears to be blood splotches or mold spots....usual signs of a bed bug infestation.
E - If you find bed bugs in the hotel room, immediately go to the front desk and ask for a new room. Repeat the above steps with the new room. If the second room has bed bugs, immediately ask the front desk to help you find a new hotel to stay at. Repeat the above steps at the new hotel.
F - When you have a safe hotel room, do NOT place your luggage on the bed. Luggage needs to be on the fold out luggage racks or on the table...not the end tables by the beds or the couch.
G - Do NOT put your clothes in the drawers. Bed bugs like quiet dark places to sleep. They also like to have 3 sides protecting them...drawers have lots of little spaces to hide.
H - Bring a kitchen garbage bag with you - all of your dirty laundry should be placed inside the garbage bag.
I - Immediately wash all clothing as soon as you get home from the hotel. Throw the garbage bag away immediately - outside, not in the house. Vacuum your luggage immediately.
Back to lessons learned:
4 - It can take 2 to 3 months from the time you stayed at a hotel for signs of bed bugs to show up in your house. I have no idea why. I do know the little buggers can live for a year without eating. I do know the females lay about 100 eggs a day. I do know, the eggs are small & white - very hard to see with the naked eye. I do know they lay the eggs anywhere & everywhere - papers, books, clothes, luggage, etc.
5 - The easiest sign that you have bed bugs is waking up in the morning with bites....sadly, not everyone shows this sign. You see, these lovely bugs (and they are true bugs...whatever that means), are kind enough to use an anesthesia on you right before they suck your blood just so you do not feel any pain. Isn't that kind of them? Their bites leave barely a mark. It is usually a perfectly round circle, very small and flat...unless you start to itch. The itching is actually an allergic reaction to the bites themselves. The anesthesia wears off, and if you have an allergic reaction you itch and then the bites look very similar to mosquito bites, flea bites and spider bites. Some people are even diagnosed with a mysterious rash...that is how hard it is to tell that you have a bed bug bite! Yippee! Not. Oh, one other thing about bed bug bites - they are usually in some kind of row in threes. It is called by the experts (just wiki it), "Breakfast, lunch & dinner". So, for every three bites, you know you have 1 bed bug.
Side note: I am extremely thankful that my children had allergic reactions to the bed bites, especially S who looked like she was having the chicken pox all over again or ran into angry mob of bees. Poor kid.
6 - Bed bugs do not feed every night. Since they can go for a really long time without eating, you can be tricked into thinking they are gone...and then "pop up" the next week or even a month later...see why I keep saying I am not sure if my personal war is over?
7 - Extreme heat & extreme cold will kill bed bugs. Alcohol wipes will kill the eggs. All the cleaning, steaming, washing, drying, freezing in the world will not get rid of bed bugs. Cleaning is not enough!!! It is just one tool in your arsenal. A useful tool. An important tool, but not the only tool.
8 - The earlier you catch the problem the better. We stayed at a hotel in October. My children started showing allergic reactions to the bites at the end of December....we had (have) a light infestation. So light, that the exterminators only found one bed bug in my son's room. I have been trying to get rid of this light infestation for a month...and I am still not done.
9 - Bed bugs were all but gone for 60 years and have started making a come back - big time. This is not "if I get bed bugs", it is "when I get bed bugs." Forewarned is forearmed. Study, know, use all the preventions and hopefully it will never happen to you.
10 - Exterminators may use harsh chemicals that you hate...but they are in the business to know how to get rid of bed bugs. yes, clean. yes, use home remedies, but also use your friendly neighborhood exterminator. He is one of your tools.
11 - Bed bugs are not a part of the monthly package from exterminators. Bed bugs are like fleas & termites...it will cost you extra for the exterminators to get rid of bed bugs. Why? Because it takes a different chemical and different way to kill them. Trust me, bed bugs can go places your vacuum will never, ever reach: behind baseboards, behind cracks in the walls, behind electric outlets & light switches, etc. They are small, they are flat, they are nasty.
12 - The prep work is hard, the clean up after is hard. You will be stressed. You will be tired. You will want to give up. If you are like me, you will start having mind games when thinking of bed bugs: if I take these clothes to the washer/dryer did I possibly just move bed bugs and their eggs to my laundry room? I have wiped down everything, stored it in plastic bags...but was it enough? Did I miss something? Trust me, you will look at all of your possessions: books, toys, pictures, stuff animals, pillows, desks...everything with horrible thoughts of wonder "are there bed bugs still lurking? what is safe?"
13 - Having bed bugs is not an indication of being dirty. It is sadly, a part of life now. Ask for help. Warn others of the danger. The more everyone knows, the better able we are as a society keep bed bugs in check.
14. Everyone is affected by bed bugs. Not just the person who stayed in the hotel...everyone at home is affected. Everyone.
I think that is everything, but I do have this one final thought:
I won't be able to explain this well through the typed word. It is just a feeling, a fleeting thought...not a well thought out analogy. So please bear with me.
I see the whole bed bug war - staying at a hotel, months later discovering the bed bugs, how it affects an entire home, family (if you live in an apartment building - other families) kind of like the dumb mistakes that happen in life and how they affect us.
For example, when my parents came to visit me a couple of years ago, their home was broken into and their car was stolen. This affected their entire vacation, it affected their lives when they returned home - it certainly affected their home! Could they have done more to ensure the break-in didn't happen? I have no idea.
But stuff like that happens all the time. We make a choice, we take an action...and it affects us & everyone around us (good or bad). Sometimes we do not see that consequence (good or bad) of those choices until months or years later.
Not sure that makes sense...and I will be honest, I have tried several times to write this final thought down. I even published a different version...it didn't feel right. This one feels right, just not complete. I will have to keep think on it.
Friday, February 1, 2013
Day 72: 5 Gratitudes for Friday, 7
1. I am thankful for modern conveniences like telephones. Being able to call friends and family who live hundreds or thousands miles away is just truly amazing. Thanks mom & Ashlee for having the time to chat with me- it really helped a lot (and it was soooo much fun!).
2. I am thankful for everyone having an overwhelming need to put on the Internet everything they have ever learned or thought about...well, everything! Thanks to the Internet, I was able to learn more about bed bugs than I ever truly ever wanted to know. (And now I am blessed to pass on my knowledge to everyone else!) Here are a couple of sites that helped me in this war.
http://preparednesspro.com/dont-let-the-bed-bugs-bite/ - this site has a ton of information on all kinds of ways to be prepared on all kinds of situations. I liked the writing style and I felt the information was really good.
http://deadbedbugs.com/faq-articles/ - this is a great site with a ton of FAQ's, but be careful - it is very easy to switch over to their "home" page which only option is to contact them to buy products. I love the FAQ's, but not the way the site is set up.
There are a ton of sites out there - I highly recommend being informed before you ever set foot in another hotel. I also recommend if you recently have been at a hotel - to check your home!
3. I am thankful my children still enjoy having me read to them. I love quietly snuggling & enjoying a good book together. I am also thankful my children do not mind my silly voices (I think they might actually like the silly voices!). Sometimes, when I am really tired, I don't want to bother, but I always remind myself that one day they will no longer ask me to read to them. I love it when they read it to me, but I love it even more when they try to put the emotion & silly voices into the stories - just like me!
4. I am thankful, that as a home school mom I don't have to go anywhere during the day. Our car decided to have engine break down this week, so we have been stuck at home...just a good excuse to read more, learn more and work more!
5. I am thankful for a warm house when it is 1 degrees outside...yes, you heard me - 1 degrees. That is incredibly to cold for anyone! Alaska for crying out loud has had warmer temperature than us this past week! I am amazed & humbled that my husband braves this extreme cold weather so that I can have the lifestyle I have grown accustomed to (stay at home mom who also home schools - no exotic trips or cars though).
Happy Walking!
2. I am thankful for everyone having an overwhelming need to put on the Internet everything they have ever learned or thought about...well, everything! Thanks to the Internet, I was able to learn more about bed bugs than I ever truly ever wanted to know. (And now I am blessed to pass on my knowledge to everyone else!) Here are a couple of sites that helped me in this war.
http://preparednesspro.com/dont-let-the-bed-bugs-bite/ - this site has a ton of information on all kinds of ways to be prepared on all kinds of situations. I liked the writing style and I felt the information was really good.
http://deadbedbugs.com/faq-articles/ - this is a great site with a ton of FAQ's, but be careful - it is very easy to switch over to their "home" page which only option is to contact them to buy products. I love the FAQ's, but not the way the site is set up.
There are a ton of sites out there - I highly recommend being informed before you ever set foot in another hotel. I also recommend if you recently have been at a hotel - to check your home!
3. I am thankful my children still enjoy having me read to them. I love quietly snuggling & enjoying a good book together. I am also thankful my children do not mind my silly voices (I think they might actually like the silly voices!). Sometimes, when I am really tired, I don't want to bother, but I always remind myself that one day they will no longer ask me to read to them. I love it when they read it to me, but I love it even more when they try to put the emotion & silly voices into the stories - just like me!
4. I am thankful, that as a home school mom I don't have to go anywhere during the day. Our car decided to have engine break down this week, so we have been stuck at home...just a good excuse to read more, learn more and work more!
5. I am thankful for a warm house when it is 1 degrees outside...yes, you heard me - 1 degrees. That is incredibly to cold for anyone! Alaska for crying out loud has had warmer temperature than us this past week! I am amazed & humbled that my husband braves this extreme cold weather so that I can have the lifestyle I have grown accustomed to (stay at home mom who also home schools - no exotic trips or cars though).
Happy Walking!
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