On a different post, I talked about how all things are connected. Now that I walk, I am drinking more water and doing more stretches - it came about naturally. What did not come about naturally is the same consistency.
I walk 6 days a week for 30 minutes...it doesn't matter how tired I am, how sore I am, how late it is, how crazy the day or how much my children need...I walk. I have committed myself to walking, I am determined to walk and meet this goal. I like that.
I am not doing as well on stretching and drinking water. It frustrates me that the determination for walking did not magically translate to stretching and drinking water. I must be pretty naive, but I kind of hoped having determination for one thing (walking) would ensure I would have it for other areas...but no.
I guess, each area that needs improving will need me to make a commitment to it. The upside though, is that I don't have to come up with new goals...that "natural" desire that links all things together will help determine what goals to add and when.
So...I am walking for a year....and stretching for a year (yeah, I know, water is important too, but only one new goal for me - I don't want to fail before I even begin!). In the future I will be writing about my journey in both areas...and hopefully adding new goals along the way.
I think that is part of the journey as well.
Monday, January 7, 2013
Sunday, January 6, 2013
Day 46: Some things worth keeping
Today, church started at a new time for us -1pm. In the LDS church, the different wards (or congregations) rotate the hours they attend church. Church buildings can hold anywhere from 1 - 5 wards; 3 being the average. I have no idea why we rotate; I guess so everyone can share the pros & cons to the different meeting hours.
Last year (2012) we started at 9am and finished at noon. This year we meet at 1pm and finish at 4pm. I have gone as early as 8am and as late as 2pm. I really do not have a preference. An earlier time means you have the rest of the day to spend at home, a later time means you can sleep in and still have enough time to get ready!
The one thing I can say is that I love a new year because I am ready for a change. It is one of the few areas in my life where I like change....maybe because it is a familiar change? I don't know. I do know that my children are ecstatic to be going at a later time this year. We have moved around so much that we haven't actually had an afternoon church time in 2 or 3 years.
A new year, a new month and a new church time...but an old plan with a strong determination. Some things are worth keeping the same.
Last year (2012) we started at 9am and finished at noon. This year we meet at 1pm and finish at 4pm. I have gone as early as 8am and as late as 2pm. I really do not have a preference. An earlier time means you have the rest of the day to spend at home, a later time means you can sleep in and still have enough time to get ready!
The one thing I can say is that I love a new year because I am ready for a change. It is one of the few areas in my life where I like change....maybe because it is a familiar change? I don't know. I do know that my children are ecstatic to be going at a later time this year. We have moved around so much that we haven't actually had an afternoon church time in 2 or 3 years.
A new year, a new month and a new church time...but an old plan with a strong determination. Some things are worth keeping the same.
Saturday, January 5, 2013
Day 45: And the beat goes on...
Another winter day, more snow, more laundry and...the beat goes on.
I read somewhere once that virtue was more than just being virtuous. It was being steadfast in the every day things. As I understood it, virtue is performing those little every day chores (that must happen) in a cheerful manner. I think the key is the attitude.
There are days where I perform those every day chores,but have a rotten attitude - I doubt very highly that I have virtue on those days.
Today, thankfully, was not one of those days.
I walked, I did laundry, I cooked dinner, the girls and I worked on various craft projects while the boys were on an outing. It was a non-consequential kind of day, but it was full of virtue...and perhaps, at the end of life's journey today was more consequential than I can ever imagine.
I read somewhere once that virtue was more than just being virtuous. It was being steadfast in the every day things. As I understood it, virtue is performing those little every day chores (that must happen) in a cheerful manner. I think the key is the attitude.
There are days where I perform those every day chores,but have a rotten attitude - I doubt very highly that I have virtue on those days.
Today, thankfully, was not one of those days.
I walked, I did laundry, I cooked dinner, the girls and I worked on various craft projects while the boys were on an outing. It was a non-consequential kind of day, but it was full of virtue...and perhaps, at the end of life's journey today was more consequential than I can ever imagine.
Friday, January 4, 2013
Day 44: 5 Gratitudes for Friday, 4
1. Thank you to all of my friends and family who have been encouraging me on this journey. Your words of encouragement always seem to come on a day when I need it most. Hard to believe it has already been 44 days...seems like I just started yesterday, but I know these 44 days are as much about my hard work as it is also about your encouragement & love (which must be a part of the Lord's blessings).
2. Uplifting movies. We watched "Brave" tonight. If you haven't seen it, you should. It is a great movie - reminding us that relationships are all about love and without it we have nothing.
3. Children who are old enough to entertain themselves while I bury myself in a project - be it finishing the Christmas cards (which are woefully late this year, er, last year) or vacuuming the house clean.
4. For my husband who strives so hard to meet my needs. He has worked very hard this last year being his own boss and the fruits of his labors are starting to show, but through it all (and even now) he thinks of my needs (and even my wants and wishes).
5. The Scriptures and the comfort they bring to me. It doesn't matter if I am reading the Bible, the Book of Mormon or the Doctrine and Covenants - I feel a peace as I read. And just like water, I need to read every day to refill my spiritual cup. Its a wonderful thing.
2. Uplifting movies. We watched "Brave" tonight. If you haven't seen it, you should. It is a great movie - reminding us that relationships are all about love and without it we have nothing.
3. Children who are old enough to entertain themselves while I bury myself in a project - be it finishing the Christmas cards (which are woefully late this year, er, last year) or vacuuming the house clean.
4. For my husband who strives so hard to meet my needs. He has worked very hard this last year being his own boss and the fruits of his labors are starting to show, but through it all (and even now) he thinks of my needs (and even my wants and wishes).
5. The Scriptures and the comfort they bring to me. It doesn't matter if I am reading the Bible, the Book of Mormon or the Doctrine and Covenants - I feel a peace as I read. And just like water, I need to read every day to refill my spiritual cup. Its a wonderful thing.
Thursday, January 3, 2013
Day 43: Lessons Learned
Just when I think I got a handle on determination, goal setting and enjoying the present (instead of dwelling on the past or dreaming of the future)...something like bed bugs has to pop up.
My thoughts today have gone from one exaggeration to another:
"This is the worst thing I have had to go through!"
"Why me????"
"It is going to take forever to get rid of these bed bugs...they live for over a year!"
"I bet spraying and cleaning the children's rooms won't be enough, I will have to spend weeks and months cleaning, scrubbing, vacuuming the entire house and washing all of our contents!"
"How am I going to do this???"
At times like these, it pays to think of the past - I have survived termite seasons, flying cockroaches, a very bad flea infestation, mice in my attic, and lice (my own as a child and my children's bout).
What is the one thing I have learned from all of this? It will end. One way or another, it will end. At some point in my life, it will end.
I have also learned from these past experiences that my current pest problem is not a reflection on my abilities to keep a house or be a good mother. It is just a part of life - Adam and Eve partook of the fruit, they were cast out of the Garden of Eden and the Earth was cursed for their sake.
I have often thought that scripture story was referring to weeds, but I think it includes bugs as well. I am sure there is some grand reason for things like bed bugs, fleas and lice...not really sure what it is. I wonder if those things (cockroaches included) existed in the Garden of Eden or did God create them when He cursed the Earth for Adam's sake? And if the pests (mosquitoes included) existed in the Garden of Eden what were there purpose to the ecosystem? As far as I can tell they only exist to pester me!
Since I can not answer that deep philosophical question, I can remember the lessons I have learned form the past - this will end, this is not a reflection on my abilities and vacuuming & washing are needed (thank goodness for modern conveniences). I can live in the present by using my time wisely between cleaning and schooling (and realizing the work is never really finished so I don't have to kill myself to get it all done in one day). I can look forward to the future by continuing my walking each and every day and dreaming of a bug free home (even if it is just for a few months...).
And perhaps all of that is part of the journey, too.
My thoughts today have gone from one exaggeration to another:
"This is the worst thing I have had to go through!"
"Why me????"
"It is going to take forever to get rid of these bed bugs...they live for over a year!"
"I bet spraying and cleaning the children's rooms won't be enough, I will have to spend weeks and months cleaning, scrubbing, vacuuming the entire house and washing all of our contents!"
"How am I going to do this???"
At times like these, it pays to think of the past - I have survived termite seasons, flying cockroaches, a very bad flea infestation, mice in my attic, and lice (my own as a child and my children's bout).
What is the one thing I have learned from all of this? It will end. One way or another, it will end. At some point in my life, it will end.
I have also learned from these past experiences that my current pest problem is not a reflection on my abilities to keep a house or be a good mother. It is just a part of life - Adam and Eve partook of the fruit, they were cast out of the Garden of Eden and the Earth was cursed for their sake.
I have often thought that scripture story was referring to weeds, but I think it includes bugs as well. I am sure there is some grand reason for things like bed bugs, fleas and lice...not really sure what it is. I wonder if those things (cockroaches included) existed in the Garden of Eden or did God create them when He cursed the Earth for Adam's sake? And if the pests (mosquitoes included) existed in the Garden of Eden what were there purpose to the ecosystem? As far as I can tell they only exist to pester me!
Since I can not answer that deep philosophical question, I can remember the lessons I have learned form the past - this will end, this is not a reflection on my abilities and vacuuming & washing are needed (thank goodness for modern conveniences). I can live in the present by using my time wisely between cleaning and schooling (and realizing the work is never really finished so I don't have to kill myself to get it all done in one day). I can look forward to the future by continuing my walking each and every day and dreaming of a bug free home (even if it is just for a few months...).
And perhaps all of that is part of the journey, too.
Wednesday, January 2, 2013
Day 42: Bed Bugs confirmed!
I know this blog is suppose to be about my journey of walking, but this affects me...it really does.
First, the thought that a bug is in my child's bed is....just....gross.
Second, I feel like a failure as a homemaker because I totally slacked on housecleaning trying to focus more on my children and their schooling. I feel like that plan totally bit me in the butt.
Third, I naively thought because we rarely stay in a hotel that we would be safe from the bed bug resurgence...I guess not. Did you know that bed bugs can crawl into your suitcase and take 2 or 3 months to crawl out and into your bed???? The last time we traveled was in October and we got hit at the end of December.....irritating.
Fourth, As with all things bugs - the vacuum cleaner is your number one friend (next to your exterminator and washer/dryer). The Orkin guy sprayed the beds, bed frames, and other areas today. I can start vacuuming on Saturday (I will probably wait until Monday). This means, instead of doing all the stuff in the plans, I get the opportunity to "Spring Clean" at least 2 bedrooms, but I will probably do mine as well. This spring cleaning will include everything in closets, drawers, plastic containers stored under the bed, curtains...yeah, everything. Bed bugs are so small that they will crawl behind picture frames, behind the plates of electrical switches, etc.. On top of the that, the carbon dioxide we breathe out is what attracts the little buggers to begin with. Sigh.
On a happy note, because I pulled apart bedrooms last week (but did not do clothes, curtains, closets, dressers or Rubbermaid containers under the bed) the Orkin guy thinks I killed a lot of them. A little tip, when vacuuming to get rid of bugs take out the vacuum bag or empty your canister immediately afterwards and take it out to the trash - bugs (bed bugs, fleas, lice, etc...) have been known to survive inside the vacuum cleaner and find a way to crawl out. Sigh.
So, I am going to walk because I have made a commitment, but my desire to walk has gone to the bottom of the to-do list. In fact, if this was my old self I would skip walking until this current little crisis was over and done with - my old self would see that half hour of walking as a waste of time. My new self, sees and understands the importance of walking everyday. Just not sure if the new self can talk myself into walking at the mall - the hour or so it takes seems like a waste of time!
Any thoughts????
Well, the old phrase, "sleep tight, don't let the bed bugs bite" kind of takes on a different meaning for me...not sure I will be able to say it again....
First, the thought that a bug is in my child's bed is....just....gross.
Second, I feel like a failure as a homemaker because I totally slacked on housecleaning trying to focus more on my children and their schooling. I feel like that plan totally bit me in the butt.
Third, I naively thought because we rarely stay in a hotel that we would be safe from the bed bug resurgence...I guess not. Did you know that bed bugs can crawl into your suitcase and take 2 or 3 months to crawl out and into your bed???? The last time we traveled was in October and we got hit at the end of December.....irritating.
Fourth, As with all things bugs - the vacuum cleaner is your number one friend (next to your exterminator and washer/dryer). The Orkin guy sprayed the beds, bed frames, and other areas today. I can start vacuuming on Saturday (I will probably wait until Monday). This means, instead of doing all the stuff in the plans, I get the opportunity to "Spring Clean" at least 2 bedrooms, but I will probably do mine as well. This spring cleaning will include everything in closets, drawers, plastic containers stored under the bed, curtains...yeah, everything. Bed bugs are so small that they will crawl behind picture frames, behind the plates of electrical switches, etc.. On top of the that, the carbon dioxide we breathe out is what attracts the little buggers to begin with. Sigh.
On a happy note, because I pulled apart bedrooms last week (but did not do clothes, curtains, closets, dressers or Rubbermaid containers under the bed) the Orkin guy thinks I killed a lot of them. A little tip, when vacuuming to get rid of bugs take out the vacuum bag or empty your canister immediately afterwards and take it out to the trash - bugs (bed bugs, fleas, lice, etc...) have been known to survive inside the vacuum cleaner and find a way to crawl out. Sigh.
So, I am going to walk because I have made a commitment, but my desire to walk has gone to the bottom of the to-do list. In fact, if this was my old self I would skip walking until this current little crisis was over and done with - my old self would see that half hour of walking as a waste of time. My new self, sees and understands the importance of walking everyday. Just not sure if the new self can talk myself into walking at the mall - the hour or so it takes seems like a waste of time!
Any thoughts????
Well, the old phrase, "sleep tight, don't let the bed bugs bite" kind of takes on a different meaning for me...not sure I will be able to say it again....
Tuesday, January 1, 2013
Day 41: Happy New Year!
Happy New Year, everyone!
The first day of a new year can be such an indication of what the rest of the year will be....not! Thank goodness or I would be in trouble!
The negatives:
1. Children have some new bites - have an exterminator coming tomorrow to (hopefully) tell me what is causing the problem....anyone want to take bets on bed bugs? That is what Steve and I are betting on.
2. Zack went to bed with flu like symptoms...a lot of people had it at church this past month so it was only a matter of time before we got it too!
The positives:
1. We were able to spend the whole day as a family.
2. I walked!!!
I am thinking the positives out weigh the negatives, especially the walking....such a cool feeling to be continuing a goal instead of starting one.
The first day of a new year can be such an indication of what the rest of the year will be....not! Thank goodness or I would be in trouble!
The negatives:
1. Children have some new bites - have an exterminator coming tomorrow to (hopefully) tell me what is causing the problem....anyone want to take bets on bed bugs? That is what Steve and I are betting on.
2. Zack went to bed with flu like symptoms...a lot of people had it at church this past month so it was only a matter of time before we got it too!
The positives:
1. We were able to spend the whole day as a family.
2. I walked!!!
I am thinking the positives out weigh the negatives, especially the walking....such a cool feeling to be continuing a goal instead of starting one.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)