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To many more posts!
Sunday, October 2, 2011
Monday, September 26, 2011
Another goal achieved!!
My 10 K race was yesterday and though everything in my body pointed toward me NOT completing it I managed to go through.
Plagued by either a virus or just an irritated GI tract since last Sunday's long run I really wondered if it was really a smart move to run my race. On a good day I generally experience GI upset after a long run so how could I figure that there would be the remotest possibility I could do it while continuing to fight off GI issues that already existed?
I'll give it to you in one word ....
Imodium.
Miracle drug.
It was Saturday evening around 9:30pm Wally and I finally gave in and went to Wal-Mart and picked some up after I read on the Internet that it was ok to take for runner's 'issues'.
Generally I don't listen too closely to online diagnosis and I wouldn't recommend others too but desparate times ...
I was determined to at least TRY to run.
So an hour before the race I took 2 as directed and another a half hour later. The max you can take in 24 hrs is 4 so I really hoped that this was the answer.
It absolutely was (of course I also had multitudes praying for my guts as well).
We arrived at the race site about 45 minutes before we started and that's when I got nervous. Not about the actual run, rather about trying to run without a Depends.
I shivered and shook and wished we'd just signed up for the 5K. It occured to me that I had actually orginally signed up to do the run by myself. Wow, that was determination.
I am so thankful for my running buddy Kay who really encouraged me on.
Our first run together 6 weeks ago was rough for her as we did 5 K and she hadn't been running for a while due to not feeling well. She'd never run much past that.
I joked with her that she made me feel great as a runner since she is a stick and going through to be a trainer and struggled a bit more than myself who is rather curvy and, well ... rather curvy.
She took my joking very well.
We had met up a couple more times doing longer runs as well as running on our own while I was away recently. I'd say we were each others lifesavers in getting this goal accomplished.
Anyhow, we car pooled yesterday, along with our husbands. My mom met us there, as well as Kay's dad, grandpa and in-laws.
If you ever have someone close to you doing something monumental for themselves, here's some advice: be there.
Though a 10 K may be but a walk in the park to some, for myself it was yet another leap towards believing that much more in myself and what I can do if I choose to believe. It was so much more than a race. When you have those around you that can celebrate that leap with you it not only makes it easier, it makes it mean much more than when you are by yourself. (Hence my having parties for the 'little things').
We waited for what seemed to be an eternity for them to sound the start alarm and say 'Go!' but finally they did as we were off!
Within the first few minutes I'd wished we'd started slower and had the pace we normally would've but we were off none the less, with all of the seasoned runners breaking away from us.
Curse their beautiful runner's legs.
And belts with water bottles.
And great tans.
As we got into our stride it became clear what my goal would be (after not pooping my pants, after finishing the race): get in front of the old lady, and the tubby guy.
We would see.
As we ran I found one of my favourite things was the fact that people on the street would stop and cheer us on. They'd yell 'Thank you!', 'Good job!' and 'You can do it!' (this was a run for Parkinson's - I have a good friend with it, my great grandmother also had it).
They clapped, wove flags (not sure the connection to running but it was a good addition), and smiled.
Of course the organization also had it's arranged cheerleaders along the route and I took advantage of them too. Apparently most runners are focused and ignore them.
Not I! I waved back, smiled and gave thumbs up.
Hells yeah I can do it! Hells yeah you look ridiculous cheering me on with your oddball dance moves! Hells yeah that's what I need to see to get me through!
(I'm a novice what else can I say).
Kay and I also had our very own personal cheerleaders who followed in not 1 but 2 vehicles honking their horns, yelling out the window, and now that I think about it I think someone was waving something .... seriously what's up with the flags?
They stopped several times to take pictures and encourage us and they certainly did.
Well .... except for at one point.
When the race happened to pass by Kay's in-law's home, our whole cheer leading group were sitting on lawn chairs as we dragged our sorry butts passed. THAT was not encouraging.
I yelled at them to at least stand up.
Some of them did, the others I cursed.
About halfway through while going up a hill we passed the old lady and her parnter. I almost felt bad because she was an inspiration to me. I said almost.
As we rounded our last corner and I saw the police lights I knew the end was near. At least technically it was near. Near is relative when you are trying to keep your bowels in check, it's hot, and you think you're gonna hurl.
As Kay and I got to the finish line (which I have to point out was the same as the start line - I think that's counter productive) I felt that surge of adrenaline.
You know, the one I wished I'd had during the entire last half of the run.
Together we finished our 10 K (6.25 miles) race at a time of 1 hr 9 minutes and 9 seconds.
Last week when we ran less than 5.5 miles our time was 1 hr and 4 minutes so we definitely improved. It's hard not to wonder how much better it could have been had I not been sick ... oh well.
Once again the rush of completing such a big goal (for myself) was not realized in the finish. For some reason there weren't a hundred people there throwing confetti on our hair and jumping all over us.
Just as it was with the party last year and the 5 K in the spring, the rush seemed to be experienced most during the process.
Wait a second, I also seemed to get it when I got to throw the cups from the water stations on the ground. Seriously, I think that was one of my favourite parts of the race!!
Once we had made it to the end and were congratulated by our families and each other it was all over.
Very much like a wedding - lots of planning and hard work but over in such a short time.
The cool thing though is the fact that now I have started and I never have to stop. There are always more goals you can build onto. Shortening your time, improving your speed (yes, one in the same I suppose), going further.
As for me I have already planned my next goal to primarily focus on in my life and though it's fitness related it is not physical. I do hope to improve my running times throughout the fall and winter and do another 10 K in the spring.
I never did pass the tubby guy.
Who knows, maybe I'll try a half marathon.
Stranger things have happened.
:)
If you think you can't .... just try!!!
Plagued by either a virus or just an irritated GI tract since last Sunday's long run I really wondered if it was really a smart move to run my race. On a good day I generally experience GI upset after a long run so how could I figure that there would be the remotest possibility I could do it while continuing to fight off GI issues that already existed?
I'll give it to you in one word ....
Imodium.
Miracle drug.
It was Saturday evening around 9:30pm Wally and I finally gave in and went to Wal-Mart and picked some up after I read on the Internet that it was ok to take for runner's 'issues'.
Generally I don't listen too closely to online diagnosis and I wouldn't recommend others too but desparate times ...
I was determined to at least TRY to run.
So an hour before the race I took 2 as directed and another a half hour later. The max you can take in 24 hrs is 4 so I really hoped that this was the answer.
It absolutely was (of course I also had multitudes praying for my guts as well).
We arrived at the race site about 45 minutes before we started and that's when I got nervous. Not about the actual run, rather about trying to run without a Depends.
I shivered and shook and wished we'd just signed up for the 5K. It occured to me that I had actually orginally signed up to do the run by myself. Wow, that was determination.
I am so thankful for my running buddy Kay who really encouraged me on.
Our first run together 6 weeks ago was rough for her as we did 5 K and she hadn't been running for a while due to not feeling well. She'd never run much past that.
I joked with her that she made me feel great as a runner since she is a stick and going through to be a trainer and struggled a bit more than myself who is rather curvy and, well ... rather curvy.
She took my joking very well.
We had met up a couple more times doing longer runs as well as running on our own while I was away recently. I'd say we were each others lifesavers in getting this goal accomplished.
Anyhow, we car pooled yesterday, along with our husbands. My mom met us there, as well as Kay's dad, grandpa and in-laws.
If you ever have someone close to you doing something monumental for themselves, here's some advice: be there.
Though a 10 K may be but a walk in the park to some, for myself it was yet another leap towards believing that much more in myself and what I can do if I choose to believe. It was so much more than a race. When you have those around you that can celebrate that leap with you it not only makes it easier, it makes it mean much more than when you are by yourself. (Hence my having parties for the 'little things').
We waited for what seemed to be an eternity for them to sound the start alarm and say 'Go!' but finally they did as we were off!
Within the first few minutes I'd wished we'd started slower and had the pace we normally would've but we were off none the less, with all of the seasoned runners breaking away from us.
Curse their beautiful runner's legs.
And belts with water bottles.
And great tans.
As we got into our stride it became clear what my goal would be (after not pooping my pants, after finishing the race): get in front of the old lady, and the tubby guy.
We would see.
As we ran I found one of my favourite things was the fact that people on the street would stop and cheer us on. They'd yell 'Thank you!', 'Good job!' and 'You can do it!' (this was a run for Parkinson's - I have a good friend with it, my great grandmother also had it).
They clapped, wove flags (not sure the connection to running but it was a good addition), and smiled.
Of course the organization also had it's arranged cheerleaders along the route and I took advantage of them too. Apparently most runners are focused and ignore them.
Not I! I waved back, smiled and gave thumbs up.
Hells yeah I can do it! Hells yeah you look ridiculous cheering me on with your oddball dance moves! Hells yeah that's what I need to see to get me through!
(I'm a novice what else can I say).
Kay and I also had our very own personal cheerleaders who followed in not 1 but 2 vehicles honking their horns, yelling out the window, and now that I think about it I think someone was waving something .... seriously what's up with the flags?
They stopped several times to take pictures and encourage us and they certainly did.
Well .... except for at one point.
When the race happened to pass by Kay's in-law's home, our whole cheer leading group were sitting on lawn chairs as we dragged our sorry butts passed. THAT was not encouraging.
I yelled at them to at least stand up.
Some of them did, the others I cursed.
About halfway through while going up a hill we passed the old lady and her parnter. I almost felt bad because she was an inspiration to me. I said almost.
As we rounded our last corner and I saw the police lights I knew the end was near. At least technically it was near. Near is relative when you are trying to keep your bowels in check, it's hot, and you think you're gonna hurl.
As Kay and I got to the finish line (which I have to point out was the same as the start line - I think that's counter productive) I felt that surge of adrenaline.
You know, the one I wished I'd had during the entire last half of the run.
Together we finished our 10 K (6.25 miles) race at a time of 1 hr 9 minutes and 9 seconds.
Last week when we ran less than 5.5 miles our time was 1 hr and 4 minutes so we definitely improved. It's hard not to wonder how much better it could have been had I not been sick ... oh well.
Once again the rush of completing such a big goal (for myself) was not realized in the finish. For some reason there weren't a hundred people there throwing confetti on our hair and jumping all over us.
Just as it was with the party last year and the 5 K in the spring, the rush seemed to be experienced most during the process.
Wait a second, I also seemed to get it when I got to throw the cups from the water stations on the ground. Seriously, I think that was one of my favourite parts of the race!!
Once we had made it to the end and were congratulated by our families and each other it was all over.
Very much like a wedding - lots of planning and hard work but over in such a short time.
The cool thing though is the fact that now I have started and I never have to stop. There are always more goals you can build onto. Shortening your time, improving your speed (yes, one in the same I suppose), going further.
As for me I have already planned my next goal to primarily focus on in my life and though it's fitness related it is not physical. I do hope to improve my running times throughout the fall and winter and do another 10 K in the spring.
I never did pass the tubby guy.
Who knows, maybe I'll try a half marathon.
Stranger things have happened.
:)
If you think you can't .... just try!!!
Friday, September 23, 2011
'The heartbeat is strong!'
Said my pregnant peer.
She was very excited about her recent positive visit to the doctor.
I can only imagine that hearing those words would bring great comfort, great relief and great joy. They would to me if I were in that situation.
This was the same person who shared with me the day she heard her baby's heartbeat for the first time (not sure how we seem to run into each other on 'heartbeat' days but we seem to).
I remember, and you may too, that day I shared every bit of her excitement as my own after hearing from our own social worker for the first time.
Her joy was palpable. As was mine.
On this particular day, 'heartbeat update day' I was a little less joyous.
It was last week after we had gone to our first PRIDE class and had heard our first few sad stories of the potential realities we could be faced with through our process of adoption (although I have to throw in EVERY parent faces risks of heartbreak so really we aren't much different).
When I heard those words 'The heartbeat is strong!' rather than identify with the statement as I did the first time I felt a pang of panic.
My baby's heartbeat had weakened slightly.
Realize that as I say this that just as a woman who is holding and growing a baby in her womb also holds the the very workings of that tiny little heartbeat.
Wally and I also do the same for our little one(s).
After the night of our first class our hope had dimmed slightly and we (or at least I) actually felt the 'heartbeat' slow down.
As any mother would, I got concerned, I panicked, I worried.
My own heartbeat picked up.
I thought 'What do we need to do? How can we fix this? I want to take care of this child (ren) the best that I can, but what if .... ?'
Thankfully Wally is much more stable and less hormonal than myself and he held me in my fears and gently reminded me that it was ok to slow down, relax, and breathe. All things that would do our child(ren) well.
He was exactly right. Through out the past week I have taken time to think, release my worries,and take a break from solving problems that don't yet exist.
And sure enough ...
The heartbeat is strong again.
A-Men.
She was very excited about her recent positive visit to the doctor.
I can only imagine that hearing those words would bring great comfort, great relief and great joy. They would to me if I were in that situation.
This was the same person who shared with me the day she heard her baby's heartbeat for the first time (not sure how we seem to run into each other on 'heartbeat' days but we seem to).
I remember, and you may too, that day I shared every bit of her excitement as my own after hearing from our own social worker for the first time.
Her joy was palpable. As was mine.
On this particular day, 'heartbeat update day' I was a little less joyous.
It was last week after we had gone to our first PRIDE class and had heard our first few sad stories of the potential realities we could be faced with through our process of adoption (although I have to throw in EVERY parent faces risks of heartbreak so really we aren't much different).
When I heard those words 'The heartbeat is strong!' rather than identify with the statement as I did the first time I felt a pang of panic.
My baby's heartbeat had weakened slightly.
Realize that as I say this that just as a woman who is holding and growing a baby in her womb also holds the the very workings of that tiny little heartbeat.
Wally and I also do the same for our little one(s).
After the night of our first class our hope had dimmed slightly and we (or at least I) actually felt the 'heartbeat' slow down.
As any mother would, I got concerned, I panicked, I worried.
My own heartbeat picked up.
I thought 'What do we need to do? How can we fix this? I want to take care of this child (ren) the best that I can, but what if .... ?'
Thankfully Wally is much more stable and less hormonal than myself and he held me in my fears and gently reminded me that it was ok to slow down, relax, and breathe. All things that would do our child(ren) well.
He was exactly right. Through out the past week I have taken time to think, release my worries,and take a break from solving problems that don't yet exist.
And sure enough ...
The heartbeat is strong again.
A-Men.
Wednesday, September 21, 2011
Balancing Act
I've spent the past few days around several first time mom-to-be's and moms of newborns who also have other children.
It's been quite the experience.
As I have been trying my best to develop and maintain a balanced and healthy view of becoming a parent, as well as dealing with the process of adoption (especially with the 'fostering with a view' part) I've noticed how differently my experience is than those of my counterparts in the 'waiting' position.
Yesterday I spent lunch with two co workers that had in the past few months each had babies. Both have other children. Both pointed out all the negatives of pregnancy and giving birth.
The old me would've latched onto hurt, sadness and depression at the fact that I (that I know of at this point) will not likely experience these things. I would've felt inward pain and a clear separation between myself and them as a woman that will not be giving birth to her children.
Instead at the moment of decision I clung to all of their negatives as they saw them, negatives.
I decided 'Yay, no heartburn for me! Yay, no getting large and uncomfortable! Yay, I can drink!' (Even though I don't really drink much at all). I actually began to feel thankful that I get to be able to experience motherhood without those not always fun side effects.
Point one for me.
I noticed the new moms-to-be were MUCH different with their demeanour. They definitely had their complaints: 'The baby's kicking so much! I can't sleep! I have to pee all of the time!'
For some reason I had a harder time with their complaints. All I kept saying (our loud once and to myself several times) was 'Be thankful'.
I'm not sure what the big difference was. The new moms-to-be seemed to be radiating with a glow. Seriously I think they had spot lights on them. Much more so than the veteran moms.
Maybe it's because the veteran moms know what those little creatures can do.
Either way when the conversation came around to our adoption process and I was asked how it was going or what was entailed I found it to put sort of a damper on things. (Keep in mind, that's just my interpretation).
Talking about long boring classes, intense interviews and potentially losing your kids in the end isn't as fun as seeing ultra sound photos, finding out if it's a boy or a girl, or hearing a heartbeat for the first time.
I do realize that we're also at a very unfun part of the process (of course at this point I don't see the 'fun' appearing for a while).
I've truly realized how incredibly different our situation is from the norm (whatever that is). Though I know that we are by far nothing special and people adopt and go through 'the system' all of the time (50 adoptions last year in our city of 350 000 people). Many of the feelings and experiencing we will go through getting to parenthood will vary a lot from our pregnant peers.
I suppose in the last few days my eyes have been opened to how important I feel it is to sort of get the word out to have people be able to understand what 'the process' is like. To hopefully 'get' that there's many forms of adoption, many pathways to it, and it's not like going through a drive thru at McDonald's.
It's also NOT just about papers, laws and second class citizens.
I think adoption can seem rather sterile, yet contaminated with the child's history, rather than celebrated for the fact that they are so wanted.
The fact is that our child(ren) will always have more than one mommy and one daddy.
Always.
Nothing will ever change that. They will always have eight grandparents and perhaps many, many siblings.
Though they may not have contact with their bio family (or perhaps they will for years to come), they exist and our children have every right to know those facts when they are capable of understanding them and it is safe.
This is our reality.
Right now as I face people in 'typical' growing family scenarios I must keep balanced in my emotions and feelings surrounding them. I must keep in mind that I cannot expect others to understand my situation if they've never been shown it (or been in it). I must remember that my husband and I are CHOOSING to expand our family this way and we whole heartedly want to do this. Because we truly do.
I am very happy that with each passing day I feel stronger in our choice to do this and even more so that Wally feels the same way.
I am thankful God is growing us both through this experience and giving us the necessary wisdom to deal with one thing at a time and not panic and run away.
Wally keeps reminding me 'Anything worth having is worth fighting for'. And though I don't want that to sound negative in that we're fighting the 'system', we are fighting off others' expectations, our own expectations and what feels easiest to do at times.
I won't be perfect, because I'm not perfect. But I'll do my best to balance my way through this crazy road to parenthood.
It's been quite the experience.
As I have been trying my best to develop and maintain a balanced and healthy view of becoming a parent, as well as dealing with the process of adoption (especially with the 'fostering with a view' part) I've noticed how differently my experience is than those of my counterparts in the 'waiting' position.
Yesterday I spent lunch with two co workers that had in the past few months each had babies. Both have other children. Both pointed out all the negatives of pregnancy and giving birth.
The old me would've latched onto hurt, sadness and depression at the fact that I (that I know of at this point) will not likely experience these things. I would've felt inward pain and a clear separation between myself and them as a woman that will not be giving birth to her children.
Instead at the moment of decision I clung to all of their negatives as they saw them, negatives.
I decided 'Yay, no heartburn for me! Yay, no getting large and uncomfortable! Yay, I can drink!' (Even though I don't really drink much at all). I actually began to feel thankful that I get to be able to experience motherhood without those not always fun side effects.
Point one for me.
I noticed the new moms-to-be were MUCH different with their demeanour. They definitely had their complaints: 'The baby's kicking so much! I can't sleep! I have to pee all of the time!'
For some reason I had a harder time with their complaints. All I kept saying (our loud once and to myself several times) was 'Be thankful'.
I'm not sure what the big difference was. The new moms-to-be seemed to be radiating with a glow. Seriously I think they had spot lights on them. Much more so than the veteran moms.
Maybe it's because the veteran moms know what those little creatures can do.
Either way when the conversation came around to our adoption process and I was asked how it was going or what was entailed I found it to put sort of a damper on things. (Keep in mind, that's just my interpretation).
Talking about long boring classes, intense interviews and potentially losing your kids in the end isn't as fun as seeing ultra sound photos, finding out if it's a boy or a girl, or hearing a heartbeat for the first time.
I do realize that we're also at a very unfun part of the process (of course at this point I don't see the 'fun' appearing for a while).
I've truly realized how incredibly different our situation is from the norm (whatever that is). Though I know that we are by far nothing special and people adopt and go through 'the system' all of the time (50 adoptions last year in our city of 350 000 people). Many of the feelings and experiencing we will go through getting to parenthood will vary a lot from our pregnant peers.
I suppose in the last few days my eyes have been opened to how important I feel it is to sort of get the word out to have people be able to understand what 'the process' is like. To hopefully 'get' that there's many forms of adoption, many pathways to it, and it's not like going through a drive thru at McDonald's.
It's also NOT just about papers, laws and second class citizens.
I think adoption can seem rather sterile, yet contaminated with the child's history, rather than celebrated for the fact that they are so wanted.
The fact is that our child(ren) will always have more than one mommy and one daddy.
Always.
Nothing will ever change that. They will always have eight grandparents and perhaps many, many siblings.
Though they may not have contact with their bio family (or perhaps they will for years to come), they exist and our children have every right to know those facts when they are capable of understanding them and it is safe.
This is our reality.
Right now as I face people in 'typical' growing family scenarios I must keep balanced in my emotions and feelings surrounding them. I must keep in mind that I cannot expect others to understand my situation if they've never been shown it (or been in it). I must remember that my husband and I are CHOOSING to expand our family this way and we whole heartedly want to do this. Because we truly do.
I am very happy that with each passing day I feel stronger in our choice to do this and even more so that Wally feels the same way.
I am thankful God is growing us both through this experience and giving us the necessary wisdom to deal with one thing at a time and not panic and run away.
Wally keeps reminding me 'Anything worth having is worth fighting for'. And though I don't want that to sound negative in that we're fighting the 'system', we are fighting off others' expectations, our own expectations and what feels easiest to do at times.
I won't be perfect, because I'm not perfect. But I'll do my best to balance my way through this crazy road to parenthood.
Tuesday, September 20, 2011
Totally awesome stuff
What's totally awesome? One may ask.
Well a few things ...
The fact that as I type I'm sitting on a throne of sorts awaiting some action that has seemed to dissipate. But just in case the refrigerator sounds flare up I thought I'd cover my bases (as to promote smooth uninterrupted writing).
Another something totally awesome is the pepto pills that I finally gave in and gobbled up so that I could get through a full 4 hr shift.
Item #3 on my list of totally awesome is the fact that Wally and I FINALLY came up with a website address that seems to fit what I plan on making it. I'll wait to share it closer to the day but I have to say I think it's pretty damn great. (if I do say so myself).
(Just a sec, my butt is going numb. Let me find a better seat...)
Ahhhhhhh .... that's better.
Where was I?
Oh yeah the new site.
How about I give you a few sneak tidbits of what it will be all about?
In many ways it will be similar to what I'm doing now in that I will continue to write my stories on life. What I see, how I see it, what I (and Wally) go through or have been through. I suppose my perspective on what I experience.
I would like to go back through our journey towards adoption and give people an idea of where we're coming from and how different it is to choose adoption compared to having a family the 'traditional' way. The more people I talk to the more I realize not many really understand what the process is like. I'd love to give them a peak inside.
But in addition to that I also want to have some fun sharing things that brighten my day (baby monkey will be first on the list). Like videos, photos, funny stories.
I also would like to use it to share my favourite healthy eating sites (no the food does NOT taste like card board!!!). Maybe share once again the struggle I've had in this particular area.
Something else that I'd like to add to the new site that I don't' do here is other writers. I want other people to be able to share their own experiences on topics such as: life, death, losing love or a loved one, parenting, making hard choices, growing, being single, being married, going after a dream, going through a divorce or loss of a spouse, losing a child or a dream. There are a million more topics.
My hope is to be able to have fun times and thoughtful times helping people be able to learn and grow from one another simply by taking time to hear their stories. I look forward to learning a lot.
For those who don't feel comfortable writing but would allow me to sit down and talk to them I would love to 'interview' them. Which really means have coffee and hopefully take some notes.
The premise of the entire site is the idea of making the best out of what you end up with. Making lemonade out of lemons (although I hate that saying as I'm not a huge fan of lemonade).
How about ... hmmmmmm ... banana bread out of bananas. Yes, that's right. Mmmmmmmm.
If you like to write OR are passionate about something of the heart send me a line and tell me what it is or what you've learned in life that you want to share, how you've grown to appreciate, maybe not the lemons but an aspect of the lemons you would've never been able to notice had you not been given them. Because I'm not going to pretend we're going to always love (nor should we) the experiences we're given, but we can, appreciate perhaps the tiniest things in a pretty awesome way than if we hadn't.
:)
Well a few things ...
The fact that as I type I'm sitting on a throne of sorts awaiting some action that has seemed to dissipate. But just in case the refrigerator sounds flare up I thought I'd cover my bases (as to promote smooth uninterrupted writing).
Another something totally awesome is the pepto pills that I finally gave in and gobbled up so that I could get through a full 4 hr shift.
Item #3 on my list of totally awesome is the fact that Wally and I FINALLY came up with a website address that seems to fit what I plan on making it. I'll wait to share it closer to the day but I have to say I think it's pretty damn great. (if I do say so myself).
(Just a sec, my butt is going numb. Let me find a better seat...)
Ahhhhhhh .... that's better.
Where was I?
Oh yeah the new site.
How about I give you a few sneak tidbits of what it will be all about?
In many ways it will be similar to what I'm doing now in that I will continue to write my stories on life. What I see, how I see it, what I (and Wally) go through or have been through. I suppose my perspective on what I experience.
I would like to go back through our journey towards adoption and give people an idea of where we're coming from and how different it is to choose adoption compared to having a family the 'traditional' way. The more people I talk to the more I realize not many really understand what the process is like. I'd love to give them a peak inside.
But in addition to that I also want to have some fun sharing things that brighten my day (baby monkey will be first on the list). Like videos, photos, funny stories.
I also would like to use it to share my favourite healthy eating sites (no the food does NOT taste like card board!!!). Maybe share once again the struggle I've had in this particular area.
Something else that I'd like to add to the new site that I don't' do here is other writers. I want other people to be able to share their own experiences on topics such as: life, death, losing love or a loved one, parenting, making hard choices, growing, being single, being married, going after a dream, going through a divorce or loss of a spouse, losing a child or a dream. There are a million more topics.
My hope is to be able to have fun times and thoughtful times helping people be able to learn and grow from one another simply by taking time to hear their stories. I look forward to learning a lot.
For those who don't feel comfortable writing but would allow me to sit down and talk to them I would love to 'interview' them. Which really means have coffee and hopefully take some notes.
The premise of the entire site is the idea of making the best out of what you end up with. Making lemonade out of lemons (although I hate that saying as I'm not a huge fan of lemonade).
How about ... hmmmmmm ... banana bread out of bananas. Yes, that's right. Mmmmmmmm.
If you like to write OR are passionate about something of the heart send me a line and tell me what it is or what you've learned in life that you want to share, how you've grown to appreciate, maybe not the lemons but an aspect of the lemons you would've never been able to notice had you not been given them. Because I'm not going to pretend we're going to always love (nor should we) the experiences we're given, but we can, appreciate perhaps the tiniest things in a pretty awesome way than if we hadn't.
:)
Monday, September 19, 2011
I think I'm dying ...
So I'll be honest, most of the reason I'm posting tonight is to keep in the rhythm of writing. No helpful information guaranteed.
I'm very thankful to say that I was sent home from work tonight. Mostly because I was quite confident my death was fast approaching.
I'm guessing it's due to the lack of attention I paid to my body after my 5.5 mile training run yesterday.
Instead of being insidiously conscious of my water intake, food intake and such I decided I felt so good that I'd tackle paining the garage door and trim ... you know while I had the energy and since I'd been putting it off.
I believe that specific action has brought me to feeling the awful way I currently do.
My muscles are achy, not sore really, just achy. My head hurts, my GI tract has decided to make refrigerator sounds every couple of hours and threaten to act as a slip and slide for my ... bodily functions.
I was determined this morning to make the most of my morning off so I busily spent 3 hrs in the kitchen making 3 batches of different soups, hummus, dessert hummus, as well as hard boiling some eggs for lunches. All while neglecting to drink a thing. And most definitely not willing to eat anything that might awake the slip 'n slide gods.
After I was done int he kitchen I laid down as I felt much worse than when I woke up (which already wasn't so swell). I felt better again after a couple of hours.
I went to the cleaning job I do aside from my job and did alright for about an hour then once again I slowed down and felt the aches and yucks. It's good that I didn't eat anything though.
I almost cried a few times at the thought of doing my work shift which requires lifts of people and mental toughness of steal (ok there aren't many places I go that's not required).
When I got there one of the young ladies I'd contacted to see if she could do my shift was there, a glimmer of hope. Then I realized she was working somewhere else. I am so thankful to my co workers though for working out the shift for me to be able to go home ... after I went out to get the groceries.
I've never completed a task so efficiently in my life.
By the time I got home I was ready to drop, but I needed to get something for my tummy, something to eat that wouldn't temp the GI tract gods.
I convinced Wally to come with me and we went to the drug store for ginger ale and arrowroot cookies.
Of course it was before 7 pm and we were in the cookie aisle, and the best ones were on sale ... so ensued a battle.
Though the double stuffed Oreos were on sale, AND the chocolate chip, AND the Peanut Butter Pirate Cookies, AND I thought I was being completely reasonable to by pass them all and grab the ginger snap no names. You know to go with my arrowroot cookies ... since I had barely eaten allllllll day.
Well, if I had planned on a treat I should've planned on going by myself. Because that's when a serious tantrum started.
Wally pulled out all the stops saying 'You're sick! No cookies! That won't make you feel better! ONLY arrowroot cookies for you!!;
I proceeded to argue: 'But they're at least organic! They WILL make me feel better! I'll just get them by myself tomorrow!' Then I grabbed him with my head down on his shoulder and pleaded with some rather dramatic cries to let me get them.
He didn't.
We left.
I ate one sleeve of two in the box.
And drank lots of water.
My head still hurts but I'm sure sleep will help.
Hopefully I'm not actually dying.
Or I definitely would've bought the cookies.
ALL of them.
I'm very thankful to say that I was sent home from work tonight. Mostly because I was quite confident my death was fast approaching.
I'm guessing it's due to the lack of attention I paid to my body after my 5.5 mile training run yesterday.
Instead of being insidiously conscious of my water intake, food intake and such I decided I felt so good that I'd tackle paining the garage door and trim ... you know while I had the energy and since I'd been putting it off.
I believe that specific action has brought me to feeling the awful way I currently do.
My muscles are achy, not sore really, just achy. My head hurts, my GI tract has decided to make refrigerator sounds every couple of hours and threaten to act as a slip and slide for my ... bodily functions.
I was determined this morning to make the most of my morning off so I busily spent 3 hrs in the kitchen making 3 batches of different soups, hummus, dessert hummus, as well as hard boiling some eggs for lunches. All while neglecting to drink a thing. And most definitely not willing to eat anything that might awake the slip 'n slide gods.
After I was done int he kitchen I laid down as I felt much worse than when I woke up (which already wasn't so swell). I felt better again after a couple of hours.
I went to the cleaning job I do aside from my job and did alright for about an hour then once again I slowed down and felt the aches and yucks. It's good that I didn't eat anything though.
I almost cried a few times at the thought of doing my work shift which requires lifts of people and mental toughness of steal (ok there aren't many places I go that's not required).
When I got there one of the young ladies I'd contacted to see if she could do my shift was there, a glimmer of hope. Then I realized she was working somewhere else. I am so thankful to my co workers though for working out the shift for me to be able to go home ... after I went out to get the groceries.
I've never completed a task so efficiently in my life.
By the time I got home I was ready to drop, but I needed to get something for my tummy, something to eat that wouldn't temp the GI tract gods.
I convinced Wally to come with me and we went to the drug store for ginger ale and arrowroot cookies.
Of course it was before 7 pm and we were in the cookie aisle, and the best ones were on sale ... so ensued a battle.
Though the double stuffed Oreos were on sale, AND the chocolate chip, AND the Peanut Butter Pirate Cookies, AND I thought I was being completely reasonable to by pass them all and grab the ginger snap no names. You know to go with my arrowroot cookies ... since I had barely eaten allllllll day.
Well, if I had planned on a treat I should've planned on going by myself. Because that's when a serious tantrum started.
Wally pulled out all the stops saying 'You're sick! No cookies! That won't make you feel better! ONLY arrowroot cookies for you!!;
I proceeded to argue: 'But they're at least organic! They WILL make me feel better! I'll just get them by myself tomorrow!' Then I grabbed him with my head down on his shoulder and pleaded with some rather dramatic cries to let me get them.
He didn't.
We left.
I ate one sleeve of two in the box.
And drank lots of water.
My head still hurts but I'm sure sleep will help.
Hopefully I'm not actually dying.
Or I definitely would've bought the cookies.
ALL of them.
Sunday, September 18, 2011
Thinkin' Instead of Drinkin'
Well, as long as you don't counted anything with the words 'salted caramel' in the title.
I have found that the gentle kick in the pants Wally gave me a couple days ago regarding my leaving all of my belongings all over the house (I mean where they aren't supposed to live) has helped me get into some sort of gear.
I have spent the weekend catching up on all of the laundry (I still hadn't done any vacation laundry which leaves the underwear situation to be desired - I wore clean ones but there weren't much to the ones I had left). I've also tidied up, unpacked, done a little sorting, half cleaned out the jungle that keeps regrowing in our yard, and finally painted the garage door and trim on the garage (that's been waiting since spring to be done). I've also got a bit more Christmas shopping done (YAY!)
This has definitely helped me to be able to enjoy the down time I've had without guilt or stress seeing and thinking of all the things I need to do.
While doing all of these things I've been able to take the time to really chew on the information we got last Wednesday at our first PRIDE class.
I've gone back and forth since our night of information overload about how exactly to approach sifting through the facts, our emotions, the future and how things may or may not actually turn out.
I've thought over and over about the idea of having our child(ren) for 3 years only to lose them. I thought about what life in legal limbo would be like, what bio parental visits might be like. What the adjustment period would be like compared to that of a strictly adoption parent.
I realized how much different 'fostering with a view' (to adopt) is than straight up adoption. Its' very different.
There's little to no finality for months to years.
There's the potential dealing with the family for a while.
There's the fact that technically no baby/kid showers should really be happening (I guess, I don't know the protocol for stuff like this).
There's the fear of bonding with the nagging worry that it's all for nothing.
I could go on .... and on.
Now before I sound like I'm trying my best to muster up support for one seriously happening pity party I'll stop and let you in on the products of all my thinking.
(I may need to think a minute on it as now I have seemed to have forgotten...)
Oh yes, I've got it.
Whether you get pregnant naturally, through invetro, a surrogate, or a planned adoption there are risks.
There are risks that your child could get sick, get into an accident, be hurt, be harmed, have physical, mental or emotional issues, or, God forbid, die.
No matter how someone becomes a parent any of those things could happen, any of them.
Sure maybe they don't have to worry about CAS reclaiming them but the outcome and effects on us (their new family) is the same.
It's loss, grief, disappointment, hurt, sadness, anger, feeling of life being unfair, feelings of no one understanding, and I could once again, go on and on.
As I've taken time to think on our situation and our thoughts on how to proceed (either continuing with fostering to adopt or straight adoption) I realize that no matter how you become a parent or for however long, you are at risk of all of these things. People think I will be at a higher risk but they are probably the ones who have perfectly healthy children that return love as planned and have yet to experience one of these losses (I'm not sure how it's possible for this to happen as surely at some point every parent feels at least one of these emotions).
The gentleman of the couple I had mentioned before that really encouraged us to just go ahead and do what we felt to do with the adoption and not give people's opinions much thought, encouraged me when I shared my overwhelming feelings this week.
He said 'It's just like when the doctor gives you a new prescription, he is legally obligated to give you the facts first to allow you to make the decision'.
Then I realized, MOST of the time when you are given the ugly facts they are the minority and initially they scare you out of your wits because who really wants hair to grow on their tongue or their toe nails to turn green? But it's better than having a worm growing in your guts right? (ok so I don't actually know the side effects for tape worm drugs ...)
As each day passes I'm trying my best to relax and take one tid bit of information at a time (even though they are feeding you feasts of it every Wednesday night).
I'm going to let go of what my dream family is because no one's family ends up the way they think and most times they wouldn't change a thing (well except during family holidays when people get opinionated and have to share a conversation with you know who and the alcohol needs to come out).
I'm going to try to focus on the idea of being a good parent rather than the baby showers (or whatever adopted kids get when they're not babies).
I always get annoyed when people get wrapped up in planning a fairytale wedding and forget that when they wake up the next day neither one of them look like the characters they played.
I think that perhaps I need to apply that perspective to this.
The magical moment new parents often share a few minutes after their babies safe arrival may not happen for us until months or even years later.
But I'm telling you, when it finally does, I'm going to savour every second of our newly born family.
I have found that the gentle kick in the pants Wally gave me a couple days ago regarding my leaving all of my belongings all over the house (I mean where they aren't supposed to live) has helped me get into some sort of gear.
I have spent the weekend catching up on all of the laundry (I still hadn't done any vacation laundry which leaves the underwear situation to be desired - I wore clean ones but there weren't much to the ones I had left). I've also tidied up, unpacked, done a little sorting, half cleaned out the jungle that keeps regrowing in our yard, and finally painted the garage door and trim on the garage (that's been waiting since spring to be done). I've also got a bit more Christmas shopping done (YAY!)
This has definitely helped me to be able to enjoy the down time I've had without guilt or stress seeing and thinking of all the things I need to do.
While doing all of these things I've been able to take the time to really chew on the information we got last Wednesday at our first PRIDE class.
I've gone back and forth since our night of information overload about how exactly to approach sifting through the facts, our emotions, the future and how things may or may not actually turn out.
I've thought over and over about the idea of having our child(ren) for 3 years only to lose them. I thought about what life in legal limbo would be like, what bio parental visits might be like. What the adjustment period would be like compared to that of a strictly adoption parent.
I realized how much different 'fostering with a view' (to adopt) is than straight up adoption. Its' very different.
There's little to no finality for months to years.
There's the potential dealing with the family for a while.
There's the fact that technically no baby/kid showers should really be happening (I guess, I don't know the protocol for stuff like this).
There's the fear of bonding with the nagging worry that it's all for nothing.
I could go on .... and on.
Now before I sound like I'm trying my best to muster up support for one seriously happening pity party I'll stop and let you in on the products of all my thinking.
(I may need to think a minute on it as now I have seemed to have forgotten...)
Oh yes, I've got it.
Whether you get pregnant naturally, through invetro, a surrogate, or a planned adoption there are risks.
There are risks that your child could get sick, get into an accident, be hurt, be harmed, have physical, mental or emotional issues, or, God forbid, die.
No matter how someone becomes a parent any of those things could happen, any of them.
Sure maybe they don't have to worry about CAS reclaiming them but the outcome and effects on us (their new family) is the same.
It's loss, grief, disappointment, hurt, sadness, anger, feeling of life being unfair, feelings of no one understanding, and I could once again, go on and on.
As I've taken time to think on our situation and our thoughts on how to proceed (either continuing with fostering to adopt or straight adoption) I realize that no matter how you become a parent or for however long, you are at risk of all of these things. People think I will be at a higher risk but they are probably the ones who have perfectly healthy children that return love as planned and have yet to experience one of these losses (I'm not sure how it's possible for this to happen as surely at some point every parent feels at least one of these emotions).
The gentleman of the couple I had mentioned before that really encouraged us to just go ahead and do what we felt to do with the adoption and not give people's opinions much thought, encouraged me when I shared my overwhelming feelings this week.
He said 'It's just like when the doctor gives you a new prescription, he is legally obligated to give you the facts first to allow you to make the decision'.
Then I realized, MOST of the time when you are given the ugly facts they are the minority and initially they scare you out of your wits because who really wants hair to grow on their tongue or their toe nails to turn green? But it's better than having a worm growing in your guts right? (ok so I don't actually know the side effects for tape worm drugs ...)
As each day passes I'm trying my best to relax and take one tid bit of information at a time (even though they are feeding you feasts of it every Wednesday night).
I'm going to let go of what my dream family is because no one's family ends up the way they think and most times they wouldn't change a thing (well except during family holidays when people get opinionated and have to share a conversation with you know who and the alcohol needs to come out).
I'm going to try to focus on the idea of being a good parent rather than the baby showers (or whatever adopted kids get when they're not babies).
I always get annoyed when people get wrapped up in planning a fairytale wedding and forget that when they wake up the next day neither one of them look like the characters they played.
I think that perhaps I need to apply that perspective to this.
The magical moment new parents often share a few minutes after their babies safe arrival may not happen for us until months or even years later.
But I'm telling you, when it finally does, I'm going to savour every second of our newly born family.
Friday, September 16, 2011
Creating good habits
That's the key I've realized to becoming what you want.
I'm sure it's no shock to anyone that specifically I'm going to relate this to my lifestyle.
I think I've written a bit lately about how I have decided to commit to no longer trying to 'lose weight'.
And before anyone gets too tied in a knot this does NOT mean I now am allowing myself the freedom to embrace my addictions and just try to live with them and have to shop for new clothes every six months (bigger and bigger they get!).
Although in one way I suppose you could think of it as learning how to live with these things.
Lately I've been really trying to look at my struggles long term rather than 'I want to lose ten pounds in a month to get into those jeans' I am looking at it as 'What habits am I allowing myself to continue that keep me where I'm at in my addictions and unsatisfied with my lifestyle' (hence keeping my jeans too tight).
In doing this I am CONSTANTLY having to remind myself this is actually facing some of the real issues head on and it will take time to develop new habits that will last.
Last year when I made some serious changes and got some serious results I did so with a fairly determined and set mind. I also had my trainer around to keep after me and text when I was feeling weak. I made a lot of real changes that I kept consistently for I would guess at least four months. I believe it was a true change of heart and lifestyle.
Then changes in my environment happened and in our lives. Old habit reformed and I found myself living many of my old ways out again, though keeping many great habits I had developed.
I've heard it takes several consecutive days to form a habit and only 4 days to demolish it. I don't doubt this theory one bit.
I am so thankful that many of the convictions that grew in me last year have stayed and even developed though my emotional tendencies to rely on food have crept in.
Another thing I am so thankful for is my love for exercise. The idea of exercising to balance my bad food habits is completely gone. I NEVER ever think now 'I ate a chocolate bar I better workout tonight'. Rather I workout because I know the benefits it has for my body and I love the competition within myself to do better and feel strong.
This in itself is a true success (even if my 'skinny' jeans are snug). I am so grateful to have at least embraced the truth that your body size is predominantly determined by what you put in your mouth (yes exercise helps but it's only 10% of the equation).
As I've tried to slow down my mind and really accept that true change rarely happens overnight and is all encompassing at once (though I do believe it can happen with true decision) I've really taken time to think about what unhealthy habits I have redeveloped in the last 6-9 months.
Here's the ones I notice:
* eating at night (more often than not an emotional binge)
* Sugarfests at the bulk barn on the weekend
* having fries anytime we go out for fast food
* deciding that a batch of cookies (though 'clean') are an acceptable portion
* hot sugary drinks 2-3 times a week
It's kind of interesting as I still ONLY bake with whole foods and ingredients (YAY!!) but I have no problem eating mounds of chocolate!
I will say too that Wally and I pretty much only cook clean at home as well. The main habits we've returned to are surrounding our emotional eating and snacks outside the house.
One thing I am VERY proud of at the least, I have remained restaurant gravy free!!! I used to be a gravy on the fries addict when we went out!!! 15 months and counting!!! (Even though admittedly I have dreams to go to the Poutinerrie (sp?))
They say when pursuing to change a habit you should start with one that you feel VERY confident about. And if that's difficult to find to tweak it until you do feel confident about it.
Out of nowhere last week while on vacation I decided to make my goal NOT to eat at night after supper. Int eh 7 days I was gone I think only 2 of them did I eat a treat after dinner (while watching 'Heavy'). YAY!!!! Some may see that as complete failure but I say YAY!!! For me, on vacation, that's good stuff!!!
I've carried that as my goal currently to stop night time binging and I'm kind of surprised how challenging it's been to do while at home this week.
I got home from work Tuesday night around 8:40ish and out of habit wanted a snack. I wasn't hungry just used to the habit. I was strong.
Wednesday night we were at PRIDE where we had eaten before we went but the class was at 6pm and we didn't realize they feed you a light supper. I avoided the supper and had 2 mini chocolate bars (I cut myself some slack as I knew the 2 1/2 -3 hr rule and we'd be going to bed later). I skipped the buffet of food and cookies and stuck to my table and water. When we got home I was super emotional and wanted to ditch my plan so bad and Wally even gave me permission. I stuck to it.
Last night we ordered pizza (as the only habit that concerned me was no night time eating). I ate 1 slice too many which lead me to believe that justified just finished off another but by the time I decided that Wally had reminded me of my rule. It was 7:01pm. Grrrr. I also wanted chocolate but as we had none in the house and I was too lazy to go, no dice. I was completely full and just still wanting to eat, it made no sense at all and that's when I clearly saw how incredibly emotional my evening foodfests were.
Anyhoo, just thought I'd share my recent thoughts and happenings with the issue that follows me and admit my imperfections.
I often don't feel justified taking my PT (personal trainer) course because I continue my journey with developing long term healthy habits, but then I remind myself of a couple of things: I do have a genuine passion for fitness (perhaps I'm not a competitor but I LOVE challenging myself), my main focus is to motivate others to make real life changes, little by little and it's hard to be an example of that if I can't do it myself and am willing to show that you don't have to make some drastic overnight change to be a true success.
Though our size/clothes are measuring points of our success, they are not the only ones. You could live a perfect week and not lose weight or change in visual ways, perhaps is was your heart that changed and that is JUST as, if not more, important!!
I've gone on long enough. I never know if these 'food struggle' posts resonate with anyone but they help me work things out in my head!
Thanks :)
I'm sure it's no shock to anyone that specifically I'm going to relate this to my lifestyle.
I think I've written a bit lately about how I have decided to commit to no longer trying to 'lose weight'.
And before anyone gets too tied in a knot this does NOT mean I now am allowing myself the freedom to embrace my addictions and just try to live with them and have to shop for new clothes every six months (bigger and bigger they get!).
Although in one way I suppose you could think of it as learning how to live with these things.
Lately I've been really trying to look at my struggles long term rather than 'I want to lose ten pounds in a month to get into those jeans' I am looking at it as 'What habits am I allowing myself to continue that keep me where I'm at in my addictions and unsatisfied with my lifestyle' (hence keeping my jeans too tight).
In doing this I am CONSTANTLY having to remind myself this is actually facing some of the real issues head on and it will take time to develop new habits that will last.
Last year when I made some serious changes and got some serious results I did so with a fairly determined and set mind. I also had my trainer around to keep after me and text when I was feeling weak. I made a lot of real changes that I kept consistently for I would guess at least four months. I believe it was a true change of heart and lifestyle.
Then changes in my environment happened and in our lives. Old habit reformed and I found myself living many of my old ways out again, though keeping many great habits I had developed.
I've heard it takes several consecutive days to form a habit and only 4 days to demolish it. I don't doubt this theory one bit.
I am so thankful that many of the convictions that grew in me last year have stayed and even developed though my emotional tendencies to rely on food have crept in.
Another thing I am so thankful for is my love for exercise. The idea of exercising to balance my bad food habits is completely gone. I NEVER ever think now 'I ate a chocolate bar I better workout tonight'. Rather I workout because I know the benefits it has for my body and I love the competition within myself to do better and feel strong.
This in itself is a true success (even if my 'skinny' jeans are snug). I am so grateful to have at least embraced the truth that your body size is predominantly determined by what you put in your mouth (yes exercise helps but it's only 10% of the equation).
As I've tried to slow down my mind and really accept that true change rarely happens overnight and is all encompassing at once (though I do believe it can happen with true decision) I've really taken time to think about what unhealthy habits I have redeveloped in the last 6-9 months.
Here's the ones I notice:
* eating at night (more often than not an emotional binge)
* Sugarfests at the bulk barn on the weekend
* having fries anytime we go out for fast food
* deciding that a batch of cookies (though 'clean') are an acceptable portion
* hot sugary drinks 2-3 times a week
It's kind of interesting as I still ONLY bake with whole foods and ingredients (YAY!!) but I have no problem eating mounds of chocolate!
I will say too that Wally and I pretty much only cook clean at home as well. The main habits we've returned to are surrounding our emotional eating and snacks outside the house.
One thing I am VERY proud of at the least, I have remained restaurant gravy free!!! I used to be a gravy on the fries addict when we went out!!! 15 months and counting!!! (Even though admittedly I have dreams to go to the Poutinerrie (sp?))
They say when pursuing to change a habit you should start with one that you feel VERY confident about. And if that's difficult to find to tweak it until you do feel confident about it.
Out of nowhere last week while on vacation I decided to make my goal NOT to eat at night after supper. Int eh 7 days I was gone I think only 2 of them did I eat a treat after dinner (while watching 'Heavy'). YAY!!!! Some may see that as complete failure but I say YAY!!! For me, on vacation, that's good stuff!!!
I've carried that as my goal currently to stop night time binging and I'm kind of surprised how challenging it's been to do while at home this week.
I got home from work Tuesday night around 8:40ish and out of habit wanted a snack. I wasn't hungry just used to the habit. I was strong.
Wednesday night we were at PRIDE where we had eaten before we went but the class was at 6pm and we didn't realize they feed you a light supper. I avoided the supper and had 2 mini chocolate bars (I cut myself some slack as I knew the 2 1/2 -3 hr rule and we'd be going to bed later). I skipped the buffet of food and cookies and stuck to my table and water. When we got home I was super emotional and wanted to ditch my plan so bad and Wally even gave me permission. I stuck to it.
Last night we ordered pizza (as the only habit that concerned me was no night time eating). I ate 1 slice too many which lead me to believe that justified just finished off another but by the time I decided that Wally had reminded me of my rule. It was 7:01pm. Grrrr. I also wanted chocolate but as we had none in the house and I was too lazy to go, no dice. I was completely full and just still wanting to eat, it made no sense at all and that's when I clearly saw how incredibly emotional my evening foodfests were.
Anyhoo, just thought I'd share my recent thoughts and happenings with the issue that follows me and admit my imperfections.
I often don't feel justified taking my PT (personal trainer) course because I continue my journey with developing long term healthy habits, but then I remind myself of a couple of things: I do have a genuine passion for fitness (perhaps I'm not a competitor but I LOVE challenging myself), my main focus is to motivate others to make real life changes, little by little and it's hard to be an example of that if I can't do it myself and am willing to show that you don't have to make some drastic overnight change to be a true success.
Though our size/clothes are measuring points of our success, they are not the only ones. You could live a perfect week and not lose weight or change in visual ways, perhaps is was your heart that changed and that is JUST as, if not more, important!!
I've gone on long enough. I never know if these 'food struggle' posts resonate with anyone but they help me work things out in my head!
Thanks :)
Thursday, September 15, 2011
Top Ten
Not sure what's wrong with me posting twice in a couple of hours, maybe I want to return to my day on a lighter note. (Seriously I can't wait to go public with my blog).
I decided that each week on my new blog I would have a Top Ten List. Of whatever. I would even offer to post other people's Top Ten Lists sometimes.
I just love lists that much.
So in light of this I am going to do this weeks Top Ten List...
Top Ten Things I Wouldn't Feel Sad About If They Never Happened Again:
1. My Muslim neighbour with the biggest heart ever, stopped telling me to go to get fertility treatments or at least see a dr. so that we could have our own baby. Because, she states 'It's a bigger love that grows in your heart, it's different'.
I feel the same way, only about adoption.
2. People I barely know on a personal level stop asking me if I've gone through fertility testing and treatments.
What the Harv?! How is it possibly your business? I'm not asking for you to feel sorry for me because we may be able to have children, it really doesn't matter to us!!
3. Me just dropping my stuff on the floor when I walk in the door and leaving it for an entire week.
4. My dog eating blue peppers I leave on the floor because of number 3.
5. Wally and I getting over tired and snapping at each other.
6. My dogs scratching through the night.
7. Me feeling overwhelmed.
8. My nose turning red
9. My sink smelling mouldy
10. Cleaning out kitty litter boxes (that's right I don't even own cats but I still end up doing this!)
I decided that each week on my new blog I would have a Top Ten List. Of whatever. I would even offer to post other people's Top Ten Lists sometimes.
I just love lists that much.
So in light of this I am going to do this weeks Top Ten List...
Top Ten Things I Wouldn't Feel Sad About If They Never Happened Again:
1. My Muslim neighbour with the biggest heart ever, stopped telling me to go to get fertility treatments or at least see a dr. so that we could have our own baby. Because, she states 'It's a bigger love that grows in your heart, it's different'.
I feel the same way, only about adoption.
2. People I barely know on a personal level stop asking me if I've gone through fertility testing and treatments.
What the Harv?! How is it possibly your business? I'm not asking for you to feel sorry for me because we may be able to have children, it really doesn't matter to us!!
3. Me just dropping my stuff on the floor when I walk in the door and leaving it for an entire week.
4. My dog eating blue peppers I leave on the floor because of number 3.
5. Wally and I getting over tired and snapping at each other.
6. My dogs scratching through the night.
7. Me feeling overwhelmed.
8. My nose turning red
9. My sink smelling mouldy
10. Cleaning out kitty litter boxes (that's right I don't even own cats but I still end up doing this!)
Tuesday, September 13, 2011
'Don't make me go!!!!'
Those are the words I said to Wally this morning as he was getting ready for work and I was trying to hide in the comfort of our bed.
Now I'm saying them to the dogs as I blog trying to avoid running before trying to avoid going to where i don't want to go.
I feel much like I did a few months ago when we got back from Thailand only it's intensified.
I am beginning to feel conviction set in to replace a mere desire to shake up the job situation.
It's like knowing right and wrong and blatantly choosing wrong even though you still feel the prickles in your heart to do right.
I remember when Wally and I were first married and lived very much in a faith based way. I'm not talking religion, I really do mean faith.
He'd get a call from the organization he worked for and be told: 'Next pay will be half as your fundraising has been down. It'll stay that way until you get more financial support'.
Though in the initial moment we felt stress we had no choice but to give it up and trust the God we gave our marriage to.
I remember one day when I realized losing a cleaning client or a piano student meant I was looking forward to either the rest God was granting me or the new people I would get a call from to work for them.
Never once were we failed.
Not once.
We made every mortgage payment, every car payment, every bill we had.
Only one time did we not have money up front and that was that Christmas lesson we learned from a near stranger who offered to pay our bill interest free until we had money to settle up. And in many ways I think that was a good lesson to learn, to see.
Since then our lives have changed so much. Though I believe God is the one who has provided for us in every way, He has also taught us how to provide for ourselves in many ways.
Ultimately I know He's the giver but I also know that He's very much the excited parent that is wanting to show us how to do things ourselves. This whole practice opens up the idea of us having to think on our own a bit more. Decide more for ourselves with the tools he's given.
This can be much more challenging than just saying: 'God will figure it out'.
Don't get me wrong, I fully believe that God can and often does step in and do this, but I also believe there are times He doesn't because He wants to see how we're going to manage things with what He's given us.
Right now I feel I'm at the point where I'm trying to figure out what to do with the tools He's given me.
He's given me faith, intelligence, desire, creativity, trust, abilities, wisdom, and some great lessons learned.
Now ... what to do with them?
Perhaps I just need to ask Him. Wow, what a novel idea.
Maybe I'll do that. And maybe He'll show me.
You'll never know until you ask.
Now I'm saying them to the dogs as I blog trying to avoid running before trying to avoid going to where i don't want to go.
I feel much like I did a few months ago when we got back from Thailand only it's intensified.
I am beginning to feel conviction set in to replace a mere desire to shake up the job situation.
It's like knowing right and wrong and blatantly choosing wrong even though you still feel the prickles in your heart to do right.
I remember when Wally and I were first married and lived very much in a faith based way. I'm not talking religion, I really do mean faith.
He'd get a call from the organization he worked for and be told: 'Next pay will be half as your fundraising has been down. It'll stay that way until you get more financial support'.
Though in the initial moment we felt stress we had no choice but to give it up and trust the God we gave our marriage to.
I remember one day when I realized losing a cleaning client or a piano student meant I was looking forward to either the rest God was granting me or the new people I would get a call from to work for them.
Never once were we failed.
Not once.
We made every mortgage payment, every car payment, every bill we had.
Only one time did we not have money up front and that was that Christmas lesson we learned from a near stranger who offered to pay our bill interest free until we had money to settle up. And in many ways I think that was a good lesson to learn, to see.
Since then our lives have changed so much. Though I believe God is the one who has provided for us in every way, He has also taught us how to provide for ourselves in many ways.
Ultimately I know He's the giver but I also know that He's very much the excited parent that is wanting to show us how to do things ourselves. This whole practice opens up the idea of us having to think on our own a bit more. Decide more for ourselves with the tools he's given.
This can be much more challenging than just saying: 'God will figure it out'.
Don't get me wrong, I fully believe that God can and often does step in and do this, but I also believe there are times He doesn't because He wants to see how we're going to manage things with what He's given us.
Right now I feel I'm at the point where I'm trying to figure out what to do with the tools He's given me.
He's given me faith, intelligence, desire, creativity, trust, abilities, wisdom, and some great lessons learned.
Now ... what to do with them?
Perhaps I just need to ask Him. Wow, what a novel idea.
Maybe I'll do that. And maybe He'll show me.
You'll never know until you ask.
Monday, September 12, 2011
It's nearly home time ...
Yup, time to sit in the circle, hold hands and sing the good bye song. Although I'm pretty sure if I requested this K and M would look at me like I'd lost my mind.
Side note:
The other day I made a deal - though one sided- with K and said 'Does that sound like a plan Stan?'
To which he replied: 'I don't know who Stan is.'
This vacation has been full of good times that I am thankful for. LOTS of kid time. Lots of girlfriend time (which mostly consisted of eating while watching food shows about not eating). Naps. Reading. A little blogging. Lots of thinking about becoming a parent.
The latter came up hourly really as I worried often I would not be able to handle any toddler, let alone one that would be new to our family and have one of their own already. I've questioned over and over this week whether Wally and I are ready for all of the challenges an older child adoption may hold for us and starting our parenting journey at such an especially challenging age.
I just pray that we are given all of the tools we need to be who we need to be for this new little one and each other through out the rest of our lives.
Although I know we really ought to only be concerned with one day at a time.
In 3 days we start our parenting classes for our adoption requirements. Yikes!!!
I sensed something different the week before coming on this trip. An urgency to get things done. An extra busyness above the 'week before vacation' feeling I usually get.
I have a feeling that once the plan hits the landing strip my wheels will just be starting up. And I'm not sure when they will stop.
Joy and I were chatting about the fact that she couldn't believe that she's due in 9 weeks and that really wasn't all that much time.
I stared at her in shock and said: 'In 9 weeks we'll be done our adoption course and we could potentially be waiting'.
Ahhhhhhhhhhh!!!!!!
I. Just. Can't. Believe. It.
Side note:
The other day I made a deal - though one sided- with K and said 'Does that sound like a plan Stan?'
To which he replied: 'I don't know who Stan is.'
This vacation has been full of good times that I am thankful for. LOTS of kid time. Lots of girlfriend time (which mostly consisted of eating while watching food shows about not eating). Naps. Reading. A little blogging. Lots of thinking about becoming a parent.
The latter came up hourly really as I worried often I would not be able to handle any toddler, let alone one that would be new to our family and have one of their own already. I've questioned over and over this week whether Wally and I are ready for all of the challenges an older child adoption may hold for us and starting our parenting journey at such an especially challenging age.
I just pray that we are given all of the tools we need to be who we need to be for this new little one and each other through out the rest of our lives.
Although I know we really ought to only be concerned with one day at a time.
In 3 days we start our parenting classes for our adoption requirements. Yikes!!!
I sensed something different the week before coming on this trip. An urgency to get things done. An extra busyness above the 'week before vacation' feeling I usually get.
I have a feeling that once the plan hits the landing strip my wheels will just be starting up. And I'm not sure when they will stop.
Joy and I were chatting about the fact that she couldn't believe that she's due in 9 weeks and that really wasn't all that much time.
I stared at her in shock and said: 'In 9 weeks we'll be done our adoption course and we could potentially be waiting'.
Ahhhhhhhhhhh!!!!!!
I. Just. Can't. Believe. It.
Saturday, September 10, 2011
Shakes, girl talk and more thinkin'
My visit in a land far, far away from home has been good. I think it's timing was perfect not only for my friend Joy who is only a couple of weeks from welcoming her husband home from his 7 month deployment but also for myself.
Spending my week with a pregnant woman who is mothering a 4 1/2 year old and nearly 3 year old is in many ways exactly what I need.
I've witnessed a gentle love and correction from a mother with a teaching spirit that not only wants her children to behave and be good but also wants them to know the 'whys' to these things.
I genuinely believe she deserves a metal and a vacation. I'm sure she disagrees.
I've also enjoyed nap time, evening girl talk and way, way too much yummy food.
Seriously pumpkin pie shakes before 11 am aren't generally on the agenda (at all), but I won't lie, it's been fun. (Is it weird that we ate chocolate chip cookies while watching a documentary about becoming vegan for the health of it?)
Tonight we did something that I've decided is a new tradition. We did it the first time I came to visit a few years ago. Mac's photo booth.
We laughed until we cried.
I'm pretty sure we're becoming old people as it only took a couple of pictures to make us cry. Probably by the time I visit next we'll need some Depends.
I've also continued to work on some thoughts around my new blog, read a book about writing, and finally pick up the adoption book I've been fearing for weeks. But I think I may have mentioned that.
I'm glad I still have 2 more full days before my return (although I'm missing Wally and my pooches like crazy ... yes Wally, you most). I still have some thinking to do, there's still food to be eaten and definitely a few memories to be made.
I am already dreading Tuesday and going back to work.
I'm hoping that starting my new blog and continuing with my course will be energizing for me. I guess we'll see what happens...
In the mean time I will snuggle up to the stuffed doggie I rummaged out of not quite 3 yr old M's stuffed animal collection and sleep tight.
(Sorry if this wasn't exciting, I'm just trying to get in the habit of writing everyday:)
Spending my week with a pregnant woman who is mothering a 4 1/2 year old and nearly 3 year old is in many ways exactly what I need.
I've witnessed a gentle love and correction from a mother with a teaching spirit that not only wants her children to behave and be good but also wants them to know the 'whys' to these things.
I genuinely believe she deserves a metal and a vacation. I'm sure she disagrees.
I've also enjoyed nap time, evening girl talk and way, way too much yummy food.
Seriously pumpkin pie shakes before 11 am aren't generally on the agenda (at all), but I won't lie, it's been fun. (Is it weird that we ate chocolate chip cookies while watching a documentary about becoming vegan for the health of it?)
Tonight we did something that I've decided is a new tradition. We did it the first time I came to visit a few years ago. Mac's photo booth.
We laughed until we cried.
I'm pretty sure we're becoming old people as it only took a couple of pictures to make us cry. Probably by the time I visit next we'll need some Depends.
I've also continued to work on some thoughts around my new blog, read a book about writing, and finally pick up the adoption book I've been fearing for weeks. But I think I may have mentioned that.
I'm glad I still have 2 more full days before my return (although I'm missing Wally and my pooches like crazy ... yes Wally, you most). I still have some thinking to do, there's still food to be eaten and definitely a few memories to be made.
I am already dreading Tuesday and going back to work.
I'm hoping that starting my new blog and continuing with my course will be energizing for me. I guess we'll see what happens...
In the mean time I will snuggle up to the stuffed doggie I rummaged out of not quite 3 yr old M's stuffed animal collection and sleep tight.
(Sorry if this wasn't exciting, I'm just trying to get in the habit of writing everyday:)
Thursday, September 8, 2011
The dog's on the couch, but it's not my house
One great thing about being on vacation, away from your house, away from distractions, and visiting someone else's is that you have a chance to think differently.
For me sometimes it's overload because I get overwhelmed with what all to think about and process on a normal day let alone being plunked into a whole new world and perspective.
This morning I have 3 1/2 hrs of uninterrupted time to myself to do just that. Initially I was going to take off and check out some stores on my own but when I realized the house would be empty and it wasn't mine I thought 'Stay home and think! You can shop anytime!' (Besides I've already exceeded my non existent vacation budget).
That's the one great thing about going somewhere else. It's somewhere else. You can sit around and not have a hundred things to deter you from thinking since it's not your house, it's not your life, it's just your time. I can't feel guilty for not completing a chore since non of it is mine (and I already loaded the dishwasher so I don't even have to feel guilty about being a completely lazy house guest).
So one the four kids (2 were guests) and pregnant friend vacated the building I ran quickly to lock the door. Just kidding I just thought about running quickly to lock the door (I trust Joy knows the humour in this).
Nope, instead I abandoned the idea of running on my vacation as my VERY impaired sense of direction follows me everywhere and there's no way I could handle running and making sure no American grabbed my from the bushes to kidnap me, while trying to find my way through oddly set up streets. It's just too much for me.
I realized that it's totally ok to check my e-mail while sitting on the toilet (even though my eating as of late doesn't really promote a lot of action in that area - TMI deal with it) because no one would know. (Although at this point now everyone knows).
I looked up the nearest Walmart to scope something out for Wally.
I watched to dog walk sadly around her house and am now noticing she's laying in the couch all peace full. Um ... she's not really allowed on that couch. But she looks so peaceful I think I'll forget that I know that rule ... for a little while anyways.
Then I did my favourite thing in the world to do. I made a list.
For the first time in a while I sat down and actually thought deeply about what I was putting on the list.
I admit scratching down 'eggs', 'milk', 'call doctor' don't generally require much serious thought but many of the other lists I write down in hopes of completely changing my life just by writing them down do.
I hardly think because I wrote down 'do cardio three times a week' means I'm actually gong to do cardio three times a week. Although often when I'm making those lists that's what I'm hoping my microwave thoughts are going to do.
Unfortunately microwave lists generally yield microwave results and I end up throwing the list in the garbage, only to make the identical version a few weeks later.
Lately I've been having a very slow yet I blieve, very significant epiphany.
I have been realizing how much our culture goes after the results of something, and rather than pursuing to do the work to get the results and focusing on the principle of the actions that will yield the results, they make the result the goal.
I'm not sure if I made any sense there ...
Easiest example and the one that began opening my eyes:
As I travel north and south in my journey of weight and health and such in the past I have predominantly made my focus about the goal. I would decide that if I wasn't a certain number on the scale I wasn't doing well.
Who cared if I was eating artificial foods? Who cared if I was exercising? Who cared if I was cheating the system by binging at certain times an starving at others? My measurement was entirely by the scale.
Last year when the scale was my fickle friend. I decided I would give the old fashioned way a true try. I decided to only focus on eating whole foods for several months. That was my entire focus.
Without realizing it in a few months I had yielded myself a pretty acceptable, fit and healthy body.
No, I wasn't bikini ready (in my head I never will be) but I was my natural size, feeling good and not struggling near as much with mental games and emotional turmoil.
My focus was clear. My intentions were pure. The outcome was what I had always wanted.
When my focused changed and my weight went north and I began to panic my intentions were tainted, my heart changed and I began to look for ways to be able to have the same great results but with no intention of keeping my pure intentions: a healthy balanced lifestyle free of the mental games.
Anyways, what I'm trying to get across is that I have realized that with ANYTHING you pursue: a job you love, a better relationship, even a better body, your focus needs to be on the how than the what. If you resolve to accept that the how is nearly one in the same as the why you are on the fast (ok yet seemingly slow at times) road to what you actually want.
I'm not feeling particularly successful at the moment of articulating myself well.
Perhaps as times goes on I'll be able to share my gradually brightening epiphany with you.
I think I was initially talking about lists.
So I made a list today that actually felt like it served a real, true and practical purpose. I made a general one first with things like: writing everyday and being read, making money doing something I love, and loving my life.
Then I made a second list relating to the first one that will break it down in to a doable action.
For example: Writing every single day no matter whether it's a line, post, or a link and posting it. Completing my PT certification by spending 2 hrs each Monday working on it and reassessing my progress in a month. Writing down three things each day that were good about my day or that I'm thankful for.
These are very simple steps to take my life where I'd like to see it go.
In saying all these things I fully realize life happens and we can't all just plan everything according to our dreams. But we can tackle small steps, some days very tiny steps toward the direction we desire.
I guess you'll be reading more. Or should I say I'll be writing more.
I definitely shouldn't assume :)
Cheers!
For me sometimes it's overload because I get overwhelmed with what all to think about and process on a normal day let alone being plunked into a whole new world and perspective.
This morning I have 3 1/2 hrs of uninterrupted time to myself to do just that. Initially I was going to take off and check out some stores on my own but when I realized the house would be empty and it wasn't mine I thought 'Stay home and think! You can shop anytime!' (Besides I've already exceeded my non existent vacation budget).
That's the one great thing about going somewhere else. It's somewhere else. You can sit around and not have a hundred things to deter you from thinking since it's not your house, it's not your life, it's just your time. I can't feel guilty for not completing a chore since non of it is mine (and I already loaded the dishwasher so I don't even have to feel guilty about being a completely lazy house guest).
So one the four kids (2 were guests) and pregnant friend vacated the building I ran quickly to lock the door. Just kidding I just thought about running quickly to lock the door (I trust Joy knows the humour in this).
Nope, instead I abandoned the idea of running on my vacation as my VERY impaired sense of direction follows me everywhere and there's no way I could handle running and making sure no American grabbed my from the bushes to kidnap me, while trying to find my way through oddly set up streets. It's just too much for me.
I realized that it's totally ok to check my e-mail while sitting on the toilet (even though my eating as of late doesn't really promote a lot of action in that area - TMI deal with it) because no one would know. (Although at this point now everyone knows).
I looked up the nearest Walmart to scope something out for Wally.
I watched to dog walk sadly around her house and am now noticing she's laying in the couch all peace full. Um ... she's not really allowed on that couch. But she looks so peaceful I think I'll forget that I know that rule ... for a little while anyways.
Then I did my favourite thing in the world to do. I made a list.
For the first time in a while I sat down and actually thought deeply about what I was putting on the list.
I admit scratching down 'eggs', 'milk', 'call doctor' don't generally require much serious thought but many of the other lists I write down in hopes of completely changing my life just by writing them down do.
I hardly think because I wrote down 'do cardio three times a week' means I'm actually gong to do cardio three times a week. Although often when I'm making those lists that's what I'm hoping my microwave thoughts are going to do.
Unfortunately microwave lists generally yield microwave results and I end up throwing the list in the garbage, only to make the identical version a few weeks later.
Lately I've been having a very slow yet I blieve, very significant epiphany.
I have been realizing how much our culture goes after the results of something, and rather than pursuing to do the work to get the results and focusing on the principle of the actions that will yield the results, they make the result the goal.
I'm not sure if I made any sense there ...
Easiest example and the one that began opening my eyes:
As I travel north and south in my journey of weight and health and such in the past I have predominantly made my focus about the goal. I would decide that if I wasn't a certain number on the scale I wasn't doing well.
Who cared if I was eating artificial foods? Who cared if I was exercising? Who cared if I was cheating the system by binging at certain times an starving at others? My measurement was entirely by the scale.
Last year when the scale was my fickle friend. I decided I would give the old fashioned way a true try. I decided to only focus on eating whole foods for several months. That was my entire focus.
Without realizing it in a few months I had yielded myself a pretty acceptable, fit and healthy body.
No, I wasn't bikini ready (in my head I never will be) but I was my natural size, feeling good and not struggling near as much with mental games and emotional turmoil.
My focus was clear. My intentions were pure. The outcome was what I had always wanted.
When my focused changed and my weight went north and I began to panic my intentions were tainted, my heart changed and I began to look for ways to be able to have the same great results but with no intention of keeping my pure intentions: a healthy balanced lifestyle free of the mental games.
Anyways, what I'm trying to get across is that I have realized that with ANYTHING you pursue: a job you love, a better relationship, even a better body, your focus needs to be on the how than the what. If you resolve to accept that the how is nearly one in the same as the why you are on the fast (ok yet seemingly slow at times) road to what you actually want.
I'm not feeling particularly successful at the moment of articulating myself well.
Perhaps as times goes on I'll be able to share my gradually brightening epiphany with you.
I think I was initially talking about lists.
So I made a list today that actually felt like it served a real, true and practical purpose. I made a general one first with things like: writing everyday and being read, making money doing something I love, and loving my life.
Then I made a second list relating to the first one that will break it down in to a doable action.
For example: Writing every single day no matter whether it's a line, post, or a link and posting it. Completing my PT certification by spending 2 hrs each Monday working on it and reassessing my progress in a month. Writing down three things each day that were good about my day or that I'm thankful for.
These are very simple steps to take my life where I'd like to see it go.
In saying all these things I fully realize life happens and we can't all just plan everything according to our dreams. But we can tackle small steps, some days very tiny steps toward the direction we desire.
I guess you'll be reading more. Or should I say I'll be writing more.
I definitely shouldn't assume :)
Cheers!
Tuesday, September 6, 2011
On vacation!!
To start the fun off , Saturday when Wally went to print out my boarding pass exactly 24 hrs before my flight we realized my ticket wasn’t for Sunday at all. It was for Monday! Not generally a mistake you want to make when you are planning your holidays. In one way it was not a mistake just a misunderstanding as I did not book the ticket, my friend Joy did. And fortunately she knew what she was doing.
Anyhow after settling into the idea of getting a day of rest after all of Wally’s birthday festivities we enjoyed a relaxing Sunday together. I got a 5K run in this morning before being dropped off to the Airbus at 10 am. All was quiet and running smoothly until we got to the border.
That’s when things got a little intense.
I had my passport out, as did the 8 other passengers of the bus and my itinerary. No probs right?
Except for the part when the U.S. border official got to me and saw my itinerary and noticed the lack of a way home. Hmmmm …
Oops. I forgot about that part.
Joy and I had originally planned that I would be driving home with her across country with the kids to keep them company and then I would just get a one way ticket home.
I went ahead and got my ticket then Joy learned that she would have to leave for home earlier than planned due to her son starting school. She went ahead and booked another one way flight and airbus for me so that I could continue with our plans for my visit.
Sounds like a good solution.
Unless you are in a packed bus with 8 pairs of eyes staring you down because you may indeed hold everyone up from their vacations.
Yeah, I’m not generally the details person when it comes to trips. Give me my ticket and luggage and point me in the direction of the plane and I’m good. Beyond that I’m not really any help to anyone including myself.
(For example: When I go to the first airport I wandered a perimeter of about 5 feet for a few minutes until an airport worker came up to me and asked ‘Are you looking for something?’ and I replied ‘Departures?’ and this big hairy, burly man giggled (yes giggled) and told me where to go. Then I continued being lost, just on a different floor).
Anyhow, I said a few silent prayers and released myself to the fact I may not actually make my flight (as the official left us all for several minutes with my itinerary and did not look impressed, nor hopeful for me. In the end I write while in an airport so you can guess that I got the ‘Ma’am next time you MUST bring your full itinerary or you WON’T be allowed into the country’ talk. Insert *batting of the eyelashes* and a high yet soft pitched ‘Yes officer’.
Now fast forward to me in a frustrated yet somewhat silent rage of not being able to connect to the internet while putting in 4 hours at the airport.
Now let me fancy you with a list:
Top Ten Things I’d rather have skipped learning during my airport time …
1. People having loud yet private conversations on their cell phones for hours at a time.
I’m pretty sure these people make up things to talk about just so that they don’t have to quietly read a book. I mean it. They certainly aren’t talking about anything that matters. They just sit in their chairs and yap, going down their list of contacts putting in time. I get to be the lucky one that by the time the flight occurs I know their relationship issues, who’s birthday party is happening, why they are wearing white pants after labour day and who all did them wrong since they were in Kindergarten. If you’re gonna talk needlessly for hours on the phone find a booth!! I miss the concept of the phone booth (another good post on this one!)
2. Seeing everyone and their dog use their wi fi connection while I couldn’t seem to get mine running.
I swear the dogs even had laptops.
3. Wendy’s in the States don’t have chicken fingers!!!!
The injustices in this concept are monumental and devastating.
4. That you can’t say simply look for the word ‘Departures’ on signs to find where you are supposed to go.
Wally, you promised it would be that easy.
5. Candy is everywhere and it seems essential to the experience of the airport that I buy it up and eat it because what if my flight is cancelled (you know and I can’t get the free pretzels and pop they give you in flight).
This caused me to purchase 2 for $7 bags of chocolate covered pretzels and Twizzlers and eat them all immediately (and also getting chocolate smudged all over my ‘Out of Chocolate – Life is Crap’ t-shirt that I was wearing and making me feel guilty for parading around in Lu Lu lemon workout pants and amazing Reeboks.
6. I need the fancy wheely deals for my carry on bag (or have it be a back pack).
Because when you pack 4 books, three magazines, 2 knitting projects, a lap top, over night toiletries and 2 bags of candies that are irresistible, you have a hard time lugging it around (especially when you also have a purse with another book, wallet, cell phone, ipod and such as well).
7. Everyone should have personalized luggage.
Seriously, it should be mandatory.
8. Airport chairs ought not be put so close together.
Really, who is going to sit that close to a stranger?
9. All airports need to have a gym and sleeping quarters.
I just think it’s true.
10. There shouldn’t be a ‘Watch your step as you are getting off of the walkway’ recorded message repeating a thousand times especially with gates nearby.
I say if someone is lazy enough not to walk (ok, ok or just can’t) they should at least be able to recognize when to exit the moving floor.
Ok so my airport time wasn’t really that bad at all I was just observing.
I am now, as I write, safely in the land of warmth and hurricane season completing this post under a strawberry shortcake printed comforter (the old school kind!!) in a little girl’s room. I am so looking forward to some good friend talks and fun kid quirks for the remainder of the week.
You know, once the after effects of the liquorice, chocolate covered pretzels and Wendy’s from yesterday wear off.
Anyhow after settling into the idea of getting a day of rest after all of Wally’s birthday festivities we enjoyed a relaxing Sunday together. I got a 5K run in this morning before being dropped off to the Airbus at 10 am. All was quiet and running smoothly until we got to the border.
That’s when things got a little intense.
I had my passport out, as did the 8 other passengers of the bus and my itinerary. No probs right?
Except for the part when the U.S. border official got to me and saw my itinerary and noticed the lack of a way home. Hmmmm …
Oops. I forgot about that part.
Joy and I had originally planned that I would be driving home with her across country with the kids to keep them company and then I would just get a one way ticket home.
I went ahead and got my ticket then Joy learned that she would have to leave for home earlier than planned due to her son starting school. She went ahead and booked another one way flight and airbus for me so that I could continue with our plans for my visit.
Sounds like a good solution.
Unless you are in a packed bus with 8 pairs of eyes staring you down because you may indeed hold everyone up from their vacations.
Yeah, I’m not generally the details person when it comes to trips. Give me my ticket and luggage and point me in the direction of the plane and I’m good. Beyond that I’m not really any help to anyone including myself.
(For example: When I go to the first airport I wandered a perimeter of about 5 feet for a few minutes until an airport worker came up to me and asked ‘Are you looking for something?’ and I replied ‘Departures?’ and this big hairy, burly man giggled (yes giggled) and told me where to go. Then I continued being lost, just on a different floor).
Anyhow, I said a few silent prayers and released myself to the fact I may not actually make my flight (as the official left us all for several minutes with my itinerary and did not look impressed, nor hopeful for me. In the end I write while in an airport so you can guess that I got the ‘Ma’am next time you MUST bring your full itinerary or you WON’T be allowed into the country’ talk. Insert *batting of the eyelashes* and a high yet soft pitched ‘Yes officer’.
Now fast forward to me in a frustrated yet somewhat silent rage of not being able to connect to the internet while putting in 4 hours at the airport.
Now let me fancy you with a list:
Top Ten Things I’d rather have skipped learning during my airport time …
1. People having loud yet private conversations on their cell phones for hours at a time.
I’m pretty sure these people make up things to talk about just so that they don’t have to quietly read a book. I mean it. They certainly aren’t talking about anything that matters. They just sit in their chairs and yap, going down their list of contacts putting in time. I get to be the lucky one that by the time the flight occurs I know their relationship issues, who’s birthday party is happening, why they are wearing white pants after labour day and who all did them wrong since they were in Kindergarten. If you’re gonna talk needlessly for hours on the phone find a booth!! I miss the concept of the phone booth (another good post on this one!)
2. Seeing everyone and their dog use their wi fi connection while I couldn’t seem to get mine running.
I swear the dogs even had laptops.
3. Wendy’s in the States don’t have chicken fingers!!!!
The injustices in this concept are monumental and devastating.
4. That you can’t say simply look for the word ‘Departures’ on signs to find where you are supposed to go.
Wally, you promised it would be that easy.
5. Candy is everywhere and it seems essential to the experience of the airport that I buy it up and eat it because what if my flight is cancelled (you know and I can’t get the free pretzels and pop they give you in flight).
This caused me to purchase 2 for $7 bags of chocolate covered pretzels and Twizzlers and eat them all immediately (and also getting chocolate smudged all over my ‘Out of Chocolate – Life is Crap’ t-shirt that I was wearing and making me feel guilty for parading around in Lu Lu lemon workout pants and amazing Reeboks.
6. I need the fancy wheely deals for my carry on bag (or have it be a back pack).
Because when you pack 4 books, three magazines, 2 knitting projects, a lap top, over night toiletries and 2 bags of candies that are irresistible, you have a hard time lugging it around (especially when you also have a purse with another book, wallet, cell phone, ipod and such as well).
7. Everyone should have personalized luggage.
Seriously, it should be mandatory.
8. Airport chairs ought not be put so close together.
Really, who is going to sit that close to a stranger?
9. All airports need to have a gym and sleeping quarters.
I just think it’s true.
10. There shouldn’t be a ‘Watch your step as you are getting off of the walkway’ recorded message repeating a thousand times especially with gates nearby.
I say if someone is lazy enough not to walk (ok, ok or just can’t) they should at least be able to recognize when to exit the moving floor.
Ok so my airport time wasn’t really that bad at all I was just observing.
I am now, as I write, safely in the land of warmth and hurricane season completing this post under a strawberry shortcake printed comforter (the old school kind!!) in a little girl’s room. I am so looking forward to some good friend talks and fun kid quirks for the remainder of the week.
You know, once the after effects of the liquorice, chocolate covered pretzels and Wendy’s from yesterday wear off.
Wednesday, August 31, 2011
Little Miss Not-So-Perfect
I'm in the midst of a very busy week that I am excited to say good bye to in some ways. It's just too busy to enjoy really.
Several weeks ago I ran into a friend (actually also a blog reader) who I hadn't seen in a while. WE chatted a bit in the grocery store and talked about getting together and she said 'I've thought about getting together but ... this is gonna sound bad ... you make me feel bad because you're doing so well with your healthy lifestyle and I'm not doing so great'. She apologized several times hoping I wouldn't feel bad and trying to ensure I wasn't offended.
I wasn't offended in the way she worried I might be.
I was ashamed and saddened that she thought I was doing better than any one else in the realm of my 'healthy lifestyle'.
I felt like a fraud.
I know I talk lots on this blog about trying healthy this and working out, and my running efforts. Even about successes in these areas. I have written honestly about my struggles. I will admit that I do try and share successes more than struggles for both my well being and the well being of those who read.
I'm not trying to lie about anything or be false when I swing towards the successes rather than the disappointments (which honestly there are more of than the successes). When I write so much of it is my heart and I often project what I hope for, what I want. I try to celebrate when I win because they are so much more rare. I also know as a reader I would rather rejoice in a win than constantly be brought down by failure and pessimism.
I also believe that I ALWAYS have hope and potential to do better. I truly believe that someday I will learn how to live free from my emotional pull towards the abuse of food.
So I want to apologize if I've ever made anyone feel as though I felt I was better than them or anything of the sort. If anything I could go on all day long about my constant failure.
For example today I had a serious meltdown that involved a prolonged session with Mrs. Field's and a prescription she handed me. Needless to say this evening I am feeling the overwhelming regret of yet another loss. Another shortcoming.
I am currently continuing to wrestle things out, emotionally, mentally and physically with what I put in my body.
The amount of thought that I expend on what goes in my body is never ending. Right now I would bet thousands of thoughts a day surround my mind regarding my nutritional intake. Some positive and free, many negative and agitated.
Last year when I decided to 'eat clean' it changed my lifestyle. Slowly but surely old habits crept in and have caused the battle to rage on.
For the amount of time I was free it felt amazing and was real. I pursue freedom again.
Just to recap: freedom doesn't equal a certain number (either on the scale or around my waist, though it will evidence itself through those means if those numbers aren't healthy for me).
Freedom does equal more energy in my mind freed up to think about things other than 'doing well with food today'.
Freedom is going into a store and not feeling immediate anxiety over if I'll 'mess up' my day or not.
Freedom is being comfortable with my choices and knowing they are good.
Freedom is safety.
Freedom is really living within the limits without noticing they are even there.
I am far from perfect. But I still pursue perfect freedom.
I will get there because I won't give up.
And to my friend who I met in the grocery store: I know you'll worry about what I thought after - don't! It's all good.
Several weeks ago I ran into a friend (actually also a blog reader) who I hadn't seen in a while. WE chatted a bit in the grocery store and talked about getting together and she said 'I've thought about getting together but ... this is gonna sound bad ... you make me feel bad because you're doing so well with your healthy lifestyle and I'm not doing so great'. She apologized several times hoping I wouldn't feel bad and trying to ensure I wasn't offended.
I wasn't offended in the way she worried I might be.
I was ashamed and saddened that she thought I was doing better than any one else in the realm of my 'healthy lifestyle'.
I felt like a fraud.
I know I talk lots on this blog about trying healthy this and working out, and my running efforts. Even about successes in these areas. I have written honestly about my struggles. I will admit that I do try and share successes more than struggles for both my well being and the well being of those who read.
I'm not trying to lie about anything or be false when I swing towards the successes rather than the disappointments (which honestly there are more of than the successes). When I write so much of it is my heart and I often project what I hope for, what I want. I try to celebrate when I win because they are so much more rare. I also know as a reader I would rather rejoice in a win than constantly be brought down by failure and pessimism.
I also believe that I ALWAYS have hope and potential to do better. I truly believe that someday I will learn how to live free from my emotional pull towards the abuse of food.
So I want to apologize if I've ever made anyone feel as though I felt I was better than them or anything of the sort. If anything I could go on all day long about my constant failure.
For example today I had a serious meltdown that involved a prolonged session with Mrs. Field's and a prescription she handed me. Needless to say this evening I am feeling the overwhelming regret of yet another loss. Another shortcoming.
I am currently continuing to wrestle things out, emotionally, mentally and physically with what I put in my body.
The amount of thought that I expend on what goes in my body is never ending. Right now I would bet thousands of thoughts a day surround my mind regarding my nutritional intake. Some positive and free, many negative and agitated.
Last year when I decided to 'eat clean' it changed my lifestyle. Slowly but surely old habits crept in and have caused the battle to rage on.
For the amount of time I was free it felt amazing and was real. I pursue freedom again.
Just to recap: freedom doesn't equal a certain number (either on the scale or around my waist, though it will evidence itself through those means if those numbers aren't healthy for me).
Freedom does equal more energy in my mind freed up to think about things other than 'doing well with food today'.
Freedom is going into a store and not feeling immediate anxiety over if I'll 'mess up' my day or not.
Freedom is being comfortable with my choices and knowing they are good.
Freedom is safety.
Freedom is really living within the limits without noticing they are even there.
I am far from perfect. But I still pursue perfect freedom.
I will get there because I won't give up.
And to my friend who I met in the grocery store: I know you'll worry about what I thought after - don't! It's all good.
Tuesday, August 30, 2011
Been a while
I've really slowed down on the writing lately, but only in blog form. I've really just been trying to decide if and how I should possibly go ahead with a different blog.
Will it benefit anyone? Will it benefit me? Is it purely narcissistic? Do I have the time and energy to put into what I want to? (As I'd like it to be daily). Am I ready to be honest even more openly? (Though I know I'd remain more guarded than on this blog - I may need to keep it as a back up).
Though its just a little thing, blogging, it had shown me that it has the power to do big things, whether positive or negative.
In other news ...
I've returned to facebook which I'm also torn about.
I really enjoy the easy access to friends and connecting with people and being 'in the know', but on the other hand there's the compulsion to check it as well. I'm doing far better with it than when I left and I plan on that to continue but the issues of constant wondering of whether you ticked someone off, or if what so and so said was supposed to irritate you or you're reading into it. It's all that non sense that makes me wonder if it's all that good.
I will say that I chose to share our news (with Wally's permission) about the adoption and it was probably one of the greatest points and positive moments during this adoption (aside from telling Wally's family and some very heartfelt e-mails from some of you readers).
Hearing wonderful wishes from people and so many that were accepting of our decision was amazing and worth my cheating and going back on a month early. I'm sure some people think less of me for breaking my commitment to staying off until my 10 K but I'd rather like to see it as success to have remained quiet for the 2 1/2 months that I did. It wasn't a need at all to go back on, since I got very used to not going on and I learned that when I did go on once a week to just see who got pregnant and who had babies and see their pictures that really all in all real life is not the facebook world, it's lived outside of it. When facebook becomes a world you think is truly real and all there is, that's when problems happen.
I hope to stay on track and really take the time to think things through as I venture on with it. I'm not perfect. But neither is anyone else.
In other other news...
In 4 days I'm officially on vacation and off to the land of warmth and one of my closest friends. I'm looking forward to a break in life hear and time away to think (amidst the children!) and consider what to do and how to approach the next several months in terms of getting my PT course done, possibly writing a new blog with others involved and brainstorming a new small business venture with my friend. and of course the biggest thing ... becoming parents and what that will look like.
I heard a great quote the other day that really made me think. This isn't it to perfection but here's the gist ....
It was something to the effect of: 'Your passion is what you are doing while you are procrastinating doing what you have to do'. (This really is a rough version of it but I think it comes across).
I want to know what that is. And more importantly, I want to do it.
Will it benefit anyone? Will it benefit me? Is it purely narcissistic? Do I have the time and energy to put into what I want to? (As I'd like it to be daily). Am I ready to be honest even more openly? (Though I know I'd remain more guarded than on this blog - I may need to keep it as a back up).
Though its just a little thing, blogging, it had shown me that it has the power to do big things, whether positive or negative.
In other news ...
I've returned to facebook which I'm also torn about.
I really enjoy the easy access to friends and connecting with people and being 'in the know', but on the other hand there's the compulsion to check it as well. I'm doing far better with it than when I left and I plan on that to continue but the issues of constant wondering of whether you ticked someone off, or if what so and so said was supposed to irritate you or you're reading into it. It's all that non sense that makes me wonder if it's all that good.
I will say that I chose to share our news (with Wally's permission) about the adoption and it was probably one of the greatest points and positive moments during this adoption (aside from telling Wally's family and some very heartfelt e-mails from some of you readers).
Hearing wonderful wishes from people and so many that were accepting of our decision was amazing and worth my cheating and going back on a month early. I'm sure some people think less of me for breaking my commitment to staying off until my 10 K but I'd rather like to see it as success to have remained quiet for the 2 1/2 months that I did. It wasn't a need at all to go back on, since I got very used to not going on and I learned that when I did go on once a week to just see who got pregnant and who had babies and see their pictures that really all in all real life is not the facebook world, it's lived outside of it. When facebook becomes a world you think is truly real and all there is, that's when problems happen.
I hope to stay on track and really take the time to think things through as I venture on with it. I'm not perfect. But neither is anyone else.
In other other news...
In 4 days I'm officially on vacation and off to the land of warmth and one of my closest friends. I'm looking forward to a break in life hear and time away to think (amidst the children!) and consider what to do and how to approach the next several months in terms of getting my PT course done, possibly writing a new blog with others involved and brainstorming a new small business venture with my friend. and of course the biggest thing ... becoming parents and what that will look like.
I heard a great quote the other day that really made me think. This isn't it to perfection but here's the gist ....
It was something to the effect of: 'Your passion is what you are doing while you are procrastinating doing what you have to do'. (This really is a rough version of it but I think it comes across).
I want to know what that is. And more importantly, I want to do it.
Monday, August 22, 2011
Quickie
Just a quickie to say I have been writing a lot lately but it's remained in my head.
I think I'm preparing for my new blog and trying to save my thoughts. I do have something to write about soon though. Something exciting for us.
I'm still here and will be back soon!
Eva :)
I think I'm preparing for my new blog and trying to save my thoughts. I do have something to write about soon though. Something exciting for us.
I'm still here and will be back soon!
Eva :)
Tuesday, August 16, 2011
For the committed ones ...
A second post today. Short and sweet.
No doubt it'll blow your mind.
ok, maybe I'm being a tad sarcastic but here you go...
* there are a lot more stressors to my job (for me, maybe I'm just not tough enough) than first thought
* being more positive helped a bit
* I love coming home
* A young lady I support who I didn't see last week for long due to a trip, came straight over tonight and gave me a hug when she first saw me. This has never happened to me before and pretty much made my entire life.
* Humour may not cure the crazies but it definitely helps ... a lot.
* I actually did not know what I fed someone for supper tonight in the nursing home. Not a clue.
* I accidentally locked one of my dogs in my bedroom again for most of the day. Oops.
* I'm trying a popular sauce recipe tomorrow night with broiled tofu. We'll see if this vegan sauce lives up to it's name. (It's called Mmmmmmm Sauce).
* I'm starting to freak out about the fact we're going to be parents within a year or two. I know there's possibly still lots of time but ..... Ahhhhhhhh!!!!!
* I want Glo to move back.
* For some reason my running has been crap lately and I haven't even been able to run 3 miles since I ran 5 miles a couple weeks ago. I guess one week off was a bad idea.
* I may have found a cure for my 'runner's bloat' post long run. However I did three things differently and there's no way for me to know which item did the trick or if all three are required. Oops again.
* In two and a half weeks I'm on vacation and will be spending it with Joy (my maid of honour) and her kids in a hot land far away. I'm looking forward to a change of pace.
* I'm watching my Sweet (oldest dog) lay peacefully on the shag rug he barfed up his poo on (yes, I said 'barfed up his poo' and no I did not get it wrong). He looks adorable ... and scruffy.
* In order to get love you must give it, in some way. I need to get giving.
* I argued with someone I support tonight that outside smelled like poo. She said 'no it smells like skunk!'. I said 'Ok, it smells like skunk poo!'. She continued to disagree with my theory.
* I wish we could chat. You know, get to know each other for real.
That's all.
Night.
No doubt it'll blow your mind.
ok, maybe I'm being a tad sarcastic but here you go...
* there are a lot more stressors to my job (for me, maybe I'm just not tough enough) than first thought
* being more positive helped a bit
* I love coming home
* A young lady I support who I didn't see last week for long due to a trip, came straight over tonight and gave me a hug when she first saw me. This has never happened to me before and pretty much made my entire life.
* Humour may not cure the crazies but it definitely helps ... a lot.
* I actually did not know what I fed someone for supper tonight in the nursing home. Not a clue.
* I accidentally locked one of my dogs in my bedroom again for most of the day. Oops.
* I'm trying a popular sauce recipe tomorrow night with broiled tofu. We'll see if this vegan sauce lives up to it's name. (It's called Mmmmmmm Sauce).
* I'm starting to freak out about the fact we're going to be parents within a year or two. I know there's possibly still lots of time but ..... Ahhhhhhhh!!!!!
* I want Glo to move back.
* For some reason my running has been crap lately and I haven't even been able to run 3 miles since I ran 5 miles a couple weeks ago. I guess one week off was a bad idea.
* I may have found a cure for my 'runner's bloat' post long run. However I did three things differently and there's no way for me to know which item did the trick or if all three are required. Oops again.
* In two and a half weeks I'm on vacation and will be spending it with Joy (my maid of honour) and her kids in a hot land far away. I'm looking forward to a change of pace.
* I'm watching my Sweet (oldest dog) lay peacefully on the shag rug he barfed up his poo on (yes, I said 'barfed up his poo' and no I did not get it wrong). He looks adorable ... and scruffy.
* In order to get love you must give it, in some way. I need to get giving.
* I argued with someone I support tonight that outside smelled like poo. She said 'no it smells like skunk!'. I said 'Ok, it smells like skunk poo!'. She continued to disagree with my theory.
* I wish we could chat. You know, get to know each other for real.
That's all.
Night.
400th Post!!!
Ok so I don't know if that means anything or is anything to celebrate as I blog for my own personal benefit but hey I'm all about celebrating .... well .... anything!
I can't believe it's been over a week since I've posted! I guess I haven't been feeling the urge to write. Or maybe it's because as of late I've had a bad attitude and I do try not to go excessive on the negativity here (note I said excessive so there is some permitted).
Also, I found that blogging/writing is sort of like exercising: If you keep on track it's easy to do but once you take some time of it's hard to get back into the swing of things.
Let's get back to my bad attitude.
You may have noticed lately my tilt towards discontentment in my job. Probably because I am. However, I was remembering in the shower today (I think a lot in the shower) that several years ago while I was a housekeeper/piano teacher/youth worker that I told myself one thing over and over and over 'It's not what you do that makes you happy it's all about your attitude'.
Taking that on as my mantra during a time when I felt at the mercy of other people and my bills was a lifesaver of sorts.
I said it often enough to myself that I began to believe it and not only that began to live it out. Overall I probably was one of the most fulfilled housekeepers around.
Now, I'm not saying you can or should will your way through a bad job or horrible circumstances whenever you face them but you can and should do your best (I mean your best!) to try to make the best of whatever situation you are in.
This is something I've gotten completely complacent with as I have adapted to my husband loving his work and us enjoying what we have. doesn't sound like it makes a lot of sense but I think that's what's happened.
There are always opportunities to complain. Always. And there will always be people that think they are worse off than you (and who may actually be). You will always be able to find someone you think has it better than you.
So, rather than play the game of self pity and 'I hate my life, everything sucks, it can't get any worse' I challenge you (and mostly myself) to play a different game.
It doesn't have to be fake or overly dramatic. You don't have to paint every room in your house a positive pastel or a bright happy colour (although you may like the neon green colour wally and I enjoyed in our last home). You do not have to say you are doing great when maybe you just aren't. BUT we can do our best to be thankful for what we do have.
One little trick that's helped me in the past and may help me now is thinking of that thing we despise or are discontented with in our life right now and imagine it without it.
No, I don't mean (in my case) imagining yourself with a different job, I mean imagining yourself WITHOUT a job at all.
How great would your life be then? Do you depend on your income? Do you need to work to eat?
Perhaps you don't need to actually be working and this is a good exercise to challenge yourself to live out something else.
Or maybe you'll realize your life without a job at all would be far more stressful and unhappy than with the one you have. In that case you need ot do your best to be thankful for the overall good what you have gives to you and then maybe a few more to keep you hanging on.
If you feel like you are not happy doing that job (this is my example) than maybe you then (as you are thankful) spend a little time each day/week/month devoted to dreaming, brainstorming and pursuing something that may bring you more fulfillment. At the same time being realistic that whatever you feel is better will come with it a heap of more challenges.
Here are a few examples....
Me
Current job: Developmental Services Worker
Stressors: Office Politics, Co worker apathy, the 'system'
Good points: helping make people's dreams come to life, getting things done, taking on responsibility, perspective
Desired change within this field: less hours, disconnect from office system (to avoid frustrations), keep professional
Dream job #1: Mom
Stressors: emotional exhaustion, physical exhaustion, overwhelmed, financial instability, doing a good enough job as a parent, marriage
Good points: loving and providing a stable home for a child (at least that's the hope), smiles, laughs, hugs, fun mess, seeing someone discover the world, giving of yourself purely out of love, seeing your partner experience all of these things will you
Desired change within this field: always enough oxygen, enough patience, enough, love, enough time, enough perspective to enjoy all it has to offer.
I'm not sure if you've noticed but the stressors in my dream job far outweigh the potential stressors of my dream job (and I likely missed a few hundred others, I was generalizing).
The grass will always be greener on the other side of the fence. I must choose to enjoy my side while I'm here.
That shall be my challenge to myself and you in post 400.
Hmmmmm ... I'm feeling the urge to be thankful (sad it's only an urge and not unending automatic doing).
Today I am thankful for ... (in no particular order except for the first one :)
*my husband
* my home
* my doggies
* our families and the peace that is in them
* that I can walk down the street safely
* that I can walk
* food and water
* beautiful things
* that I can hear the buzz of the refrigerator (quiet)
* Skype
* my far away friends that keep in touch (seriously e-mail from them is like Christmas!!)
* my close around me friends that hang out even when I'm a crab apple that doesn't listen well
* books
* podcasts
* shade
* my car working
* Wally's car working
* perspective (even though the kicks it gives really hurt and are rather annoying sometimes)
* my job for now
* my little one(s) who will teach me more than I could ever imagine for sure
I can't believe it's been over a week since I've posted! I guess I haven't been feeling the urge to write. Or maybe it's because as of late I've had a bad attitude and I do try not to go excessive on the negativity here (note I said excessive so there is some permitted).
Also, I found that blogging/writing is sort of like exercising: If you keep on track it's easy to do but once you take some time of it's hard to get back into the swing of things.
Let's get back to my bad attitude.
You may have noticed lately my tilt towards discontentment in my job. Probably because I am. However, I was remembering in the shower today (I think a lot in the shower) that several years ago while I was a housekeeper/piano teacher/youth worker that I told myself one thing over and over and over 'It's not what you do that makes you happy it's all about your attitude'.
Taking that on as my mantra during a time when I felt at the mercy of other people and my bills was a lifesaver of sorts.
I said it often enough to myself that I began to believe it and not only that began to live it out. Overall I probably was one of the most fulfilled housekeepers around.
Now, I'm not saying you can or should will your way through a bad job or horrible circumstances whenever you face them but you can and should do your best (I mean your best!) to try to make the best of whatever situation you are in.
This is something I've gotten completely complacent with as I have adapted to my husband loving his work and us enjoying what we have. doesn't sound like it makes a lot of sense but I think that's what's happened.
There are always opportunities to complain. Always. And there will always be people that think they are worse off than you (and who may actually be). You will always be able to find someone you think has it better than you.
So, rather than play the game of self pity and 'I hate my life, everything sucks, it can't get any worse' I challenge you (and mostly myself) to play a different game.
It doesn't have to be fake or overly dramatic. You don't have to paint every room in your house a positive pastel or a bright happy colour (although you may like the neon green colour wally and I enjoyed in our last home). You do not have to say you are doing great when maybe you just aren't. BUT we can do our best to be thankful for what we do have.
One little trick that's helped me in the past and may help me now is thinking of that thing we despise or are discontented with in our life right now and imagine it without it.
No, I don't mean (in my case) imagining yourself with a different job, I mean imagining yourself WITHOUT a job at all.
How great would your life be then? Do you depend on your income? Do you need to work to eat?
Perhaps you don't need to actually be working and this is a good exercise to challenge yourself to live out something else.
Or maybe you'll realize your life without a job at all would be far more stressful and unhappy than with the one you have. In that case you need ot do your best to be thankful for the overall good what you have gives to you and then maybe a few more to keep you hanging on.
If you feel like you are not happy doing that job (this is my example) than maybe you then (as you are thankful) spend a little time each day/week/month devoted to dreaming, brainstorming and pursuing something that may bring you more fulfillment. At the same time being realistic that whatever you feel is better will come with it a heap of more challenges.
Here are a few examples....
Me
Current job: Developmental Services Worker
Stressors: Office Politics, Co worker apathy, the 'system'
Good points: helping make people's dreams come to life, getting things done, taking on responsibility, perspective
Desired change within this field: less hours, disconnect from office system (to avoid frustrations), keep professional
Dream job #1: Mom
Stressors: emotional exhaustion, physical exhaustion, overwhelmed, financial instability, doing a good enough job as a parent, marriage
Good points: loving and providing a stable home for a child (at least that's the hope), smiles, laughs, hugs, fun mess, seeing someone discover the world, giving of yourself purely out of love, seeing your partner experience all of these things will you
Desired change within this field: always enough oxygen, enough patience, enough, love, enough time, enough perspective to enjoy all it has to offer.
I'm not sure if you've noticed but the stressors in my dream job far outweigh the potential stressors of my dream job (and I likely missed a few hundred others, I was generalizing).
The grass will always be greener on the other side of the fence. I must choose to enjoy my side while I'm here.
That shall be my challenge to myself and you in post 400.
Hmmmmm ... I'm feeling the urge to be thankful (sad it's only an urge and not unending automatic doing).
Today I am thankful for ... (in no particular order except for the first one :)
*my husband
* my home
* my doggies
* our families and the peace that is in them
* that I can walk down the street safely
* that I can walk
* food and water
* beautiful things
* that I can hear the buzz of the refrigerator (quiet)
* Skype
* my far away friends that keep in touch (seriously e-mail from them is like Christmas!!)
* my close around me friends that hang out even when I'm a crab apple that doesn't listen well
* books
* podcasts
* shade
* my car working
* Wally's car working
* perspective (even though the kicks it gives really hurt and are rather annoying sometimes)
* my job for now
* my little one(s) who will teach me more than I could ever imagine for sure
Monday, August 8, 2011
Still in love ... with lists
Why is it that Weekdays always seem so much easier to be productive in?
That's probably why I want more time off work during the week now too (it doesn't seem to matter when I just don't want ot work ... just be productive).
Last night Wally and I tried to help take a couple of baking items off of my to do list for today.
Neither worked ... at all.
You see I rarely follow a recipe exactly. Usually when I bake it's much closer than when I cook but not always.
I thought I'd found this miracle recipe for 'clean' brownie cookies. Until we make them last night and they were nothing like the ones I made before.
Instead of the perfect chewy consistency they were crumbly. Oh yeah, and we forgot the brown sugar. Oops.
Then came my first try at a zucchini muffin recipe. How can they go wrong?
They did. Very wrong. I think it was less me this time and more the recipe.
Either way I was getting a bit frustrated with my baking tries becoming baking failures. And considering that was the main productivity of the day I was a bit disappointed.
I've mentioned before that I like lists. It's likely tied to my love of productivity. Which is probably closely tied to my dissatisfaction at my job (as you more often than not lack the feeling of accomplishing anything beyond giving medication, writing notes and all of the generally mundane stuff of life).
Sometimes if I'm on a productive roll and have accomplished more than I planned to I will ADD things that I've already done to my to do list just so that I can cross them off.
It feels good. Try it sometime.
It's not quite 1 pm and I've been rather productive (as is generally the case on Mondays).
I've cooked sweet potatoes and fish for dinners on the go. New oatmeal cookies (that seem to be pretty good), gave another try at the brownie cookies omitting 3 ingredients and adding the all important brown sugar. They were good but there's now something textural missing. I'll get it next week.
I just finished my upper body workout and have noodle limbs. And my incredibly bloated runners tummy (that grew after my 5 mile for the first time run yesterday) has improved somewhat.
I've emailed a couple friends, done 2 loads of laundry, 2 loads of dishes in the sink.
I've kept up with my Tiny Tower (which I'm getting close to giving up on), texted all morning with Wally.
I've yelled in frustration over slow technology, gotten annoyed with our new Scratchasouraus dog and am now sharing all of this mundane information with you.
I love the list I tell you.
Writing it, accomplishing it, scratching it off and telling you about it.
Seriously, I LOVE lists.
That's probably why I want more time off work during the week now too (it doesn't seem to matter when I just don't want ot work ... just be productive).
Last night Wally and I tried to help take a couple of baking items off of my to do list for today.
Neither worked ... at all.
You see I rarely follow a recipe exactly. Usually when I bake it's much closer than when I cook but not always.
I thought I'd found this miracle recipe for 'clean' brownie cookies. Until we make them last night and they were nothing like the ones I made before.
Instead of the perfect chewy consistency they were crumbly. Oh yeah, and we forgot the brown sugar. Oops.
Then came my first try at a zucchini muffin recipe. How can they go wrong?
They did. Very wrong. I think it was less me this time and more the recipe.
Either way I was getting a bit frustrated with my baking tries becoming baking failures. And considering that was the main productivity of the day I was a bit disappointed.
I've mentioned before that I like lists. It's likely tied to my love of productivity. Which is probably closely tied to my dissatisfaction at my job (as you more often than not lack the feeling of accomplishing anything beyond giving medication, writing notes and all of the generally mundane stuff of life).
Sometimes if I'm on a productive roll and have accomplished more than I planned to I will ADD things that I've already done to my to do list just so that I can cross them off.
It feels good. Try it sometime.
It's not quite 1 pm and I've been rather productive (as is generally the case on Mondays).
I've cooked sweet potatoes and fish for dinners on the go. New oatmeal cookies (that seem to be pretty good), gave another try at the brownie cookies omitting 3 ingredients and adding the all important brown sugar. They were good but there's now something textural missing. I'll get it next week.
I just finished my upper body workout and have noodle limbs. And my incredibly bloated runners tummy (that grew after my 5 mile for the first time run yesterday) has improved somewhat.
I've emailed a couple friends, done 2 loads of laundry, 2 loads of dishes in the sink.
I've kept up with my Tiny Tower (which I'm getting close to giving up on), texted all morning with Wally.
I've yelled in frustration over slow technology, gotten annoyed with our new Scratchasouraus dog and am now sharing all of this mundane information with you.
I love the list I tell you.
Writing it, accomplishing it, scratching it off and telling you about it.
Seriously, I LOVE lists.
Sunday, August 7, 2011
Side note
I just clicked on 'Next Blog' and found a blog entirely about prostates.
Who knew?!
A blog all about a gland.
There's gotta be hope for me and my new site.
Remember, if you have any thoughts or ideas send them in, anything at all!!
I'm brainstorming as we speak (or type, or read, you know what I mean!).
Who knew?!
A blog all about a gland.
There's gotta be hope for me and my new site.
Remember, if you have any thoughts or ideas send them in, anything at all!!
I'm brainstorming as we speak (or type, or read, you know what I mean!).
Things I ask myself
Why does my stomach creak like an old hardwood floor?
Why don't I pursue writing (even if it's just for myself)?
Why do I not spend more time with people I like?
Why don't I go out of my way to help people more?
Why do I feel sick to my stomach after drinking water early in the morning?
Why do I thrive off of a list of challenges?
How did I get so fortunate to find Wally?
Why has Sour been chewing his butt so much lately?
What should my next post be about?
Will I be a a good trainer?
Will I ever actually be a trainer?
How old will I be when I die?
Will I ever develop a debilitating disease?
Will I ever write a book?
Will I ever get paid to write?
Will my writing ever change a life?
Will my kids be respectful people?
Will they be ok?
Where will we live next?
When will Wally wake up this morning?
Aside from Wally who will be the next person to tell me that love me?
Who will the next person be that I will say 'I love you' to?
That was just the last 2 minutes.
Why don't I pursue writing (even if it's just for myself)?
Why do I not spend more time with people I like?
Why don't I go out of my way to help people more?
Why do I feel sick to my stomach after drinking water early in the morning?
Why do I thrive off of a list of challenges?
How did I get so fortunate to find Wally?
Why has Sour been chewing his butt so much lately?
What should my next post be about?
Will I be a a good trainer?
Will I ever actually be a trainer?
How old will I be when I die?
Will I ever develop a debilitating disease?
Will I ever write a book?
Will I ever get paid to write?
Will my writing ever change a life?
Will my kids be respectful people?
Will they be ok?
Where will we live next?
When will Wally wake up this morning?
Aside from Wally who will be the next person to tell me that love me?
Who will the next person be that I will say 'I love you' to?
That was just the last 2 minutes.
Saturday, August 6, 2011
A List
Once again I feel like I have a hundred things in my head I want to write about but none that I really want to come clean with.
Maybe I'll do a list post just to keep it simple...
* After 8 days I am STILL addicted to Tiny Tower (this is not good)
* Wally and I just found out that we may have to prove our infertility as we move on with our adoption (this is one giant, fiery post in itself)
* I am continuing to brainstorm about my new blog/site idea and think it could potentially be a great idea
* I finished the Kite Runner finally last night. I highly recommend it's harsh look at reality in Afghanistan (it's not light on the soul)
* I'm thinking I should make my training course my next reading choice (although it seems a little dry)
* I've decided overall I'm officially dissatisfied with my job (this has barely anything to do with those I support and almost everything to so with how management is working - both agency and 'the system')
* Having my new trainer friend show me so many new exercises has totally made me fall in love with working out (since I do it for health and not weight loss anymore (though i could still use to loose - yes, I just bracketed inside of a bracket) I'm not worried that I don't feel like I'm dying)
* Speaking of my trainer friend ... we are considering creating a small business together next spring when she's out of school and I'm done my course and ready to train.
* I've noticed by focusing on my health and lifestyle and omitting the scale I've felt so much better physically, mentally and emotionally, no more guilt or tries at a quick fix
* I know a lot of cool people with cool stories (chances are YOU are probably one of them)
* I thrive on deep relationships, I enjoy discovering and working on new ones but at the same time I still miss ones that seem to have grown out.
* I got to see two little brown babies sleeping in their car seats in the past 2 days. I melt just after having the desire to eat them (please don't report me).
* I used Skype for the first time last night. I'm in love.
* In a flash of thinking I may never get to motherhood yesterday, I realized I would be ok if no one ever called me 'mama' and I was only 'mama' in spirit. It's all the same job. The bottom line in giving of yourself.
* Though there always seem to be a hundred things going on around here I have really had a sense of boredom lately that I cant' seem to shake. Wally says I raised myself into a higher 'life bracket' (Like when you go to a nicer coffee shop one time and discover it's totally worth spending $5 on a drink that will give you a taste gasm so you can't go back to the cheap coffee place any more).
He says I've raised the bar on my own life and now I can't settle for anything normal.
I haven't' decided whether that's good or not.
I will keep pursuing the good things anyways.
Maybe I'll do a list post just to keep it simple...
* After 8 days I am STILL addicted to Tiny Tower (this is not good)
* Wally and I just found out that we may have to prove our infertility as we move on with our adoption (this is one giant, fiery post in itself)
* I am continuing to brainstorm about my new blog/site idea and think it could potentially be a great idea
* I finished the Kite Runner finally last night. I highly recommend it's harsh look at reality in Afghanistan (it's not light on the soul)
* I'm thinking I should make my training course my next reading choice (although it seems a little dry)
* I've decided overall I'm officially dissatisfied with my job (this has barely anything to do with those I support and almost everything to so with how management is working - both agency and 'the system')
* Having my new trainer friend show me so many new exercises has totally made me fall in love with working out (since I do it for health and not weight loss anymore (though i could still use to loose - yes, I just bracketed inside of a bracket) I'm not worried that I don't feel like I'm dying)
* Speaking of my trainer friend ... we are considering creating a small business together next spring when she's out of school and I'm done my course and ready to train.
* I've noticed by focusing on my health and lifestyle and omitting the scale I've felt so much better physically, mentally and emotionally, no more guilt or tries at a quick fix
* I know a lot of cool people with cool stories (chances are YOU are probably one of them)
* I thrive on deep relationships, I enjoy discovering and working on new ones but at the same time I still miss ones that seem to have grown out.
* I got to see two little brown babies sleeping in their car seats in the past 2 days. I melt just after having the desire to eat them (please don't report me).
* I used Skype for the first time last night. I'm in love.
* In a flash of thinking I may never get to motherhood yesterday, I realized I would be ok if no one ever called me 'mama' and I was only 'mama' in spirit. It's all the same job. The bottom line in giving of yourself.
* Though there always seem to be a hundred things going on around here I have really had a sense of boredom lately that I cant' seem to shake. Wally says I raised myself into a higher 'life bracket' (Like when you go to a nicer coffee shop one time and discover it's totally worth spending $5 on a drink that will give you a taste gasm so you can't go back to the cheap coffee place any more).
He says I've raised the bar on my own life and now I can't settle for anything normal.
I haven't' decided whether that's good or not.
I will keep pursuing the good things anyways.
Tuesday, August 2, 2011
Feedback appreciated!!!!
Hey bloggowers!!
Ok so I just wrote an entire blog post featuring what my ideas for my possible website are and Wally just told me I should not share them.
So in my ponderings of where I want to go with a potential website or blog I am asking for your help.
I already have ideas of topics and things I would love to include but since I have an audience (though potentially small) in front of me I would love to know topics that interest YOU.
What peaks your interests??
I want to know what deep, surfacey, funny, thoughtful ideas you may have. (Did I just cover them?)
I'm excited about this little endevour but I really would love to hear about what you think. What gets you going? Hearing a story about a pink skunk siting? Reading about how differently someone else thinks? Or, just hearing that you are always right? (Personally I like the last one the best!)
Share! Share! Share!
Be annonymous if you like but do ..... SHARE!!
Thanks!
Eva :)
Ok so I just wrote an entire blog post featuring what my ideas for my possible website are and Wally just told me I should not share them.
So in my ponderings of where I want to go with a potential website or blog I am asking for your help.
I already have ideas of topics and things I would love to include but since I have an audience (though potentially small) in front of me I would love to know topics that interest YOU.
What peaks your interests??
I want to know what deep, surfacey, funny, thoughtful ideas you may have. (Did I just cover them?)
I'm excited about this little endevour but I really would love to hear about what you think. What gets you going? Hearing a story about a pink skunk siting? Reading about how differently someone else thinks? Or, just hearing that you are always right? (Personally I like the last one the best!)
Share! Share! Share!
Be annonymous if you like but do ..... SHARE!!
Thanks!
Eva :)
Benefits or burdens?
I can't believe I haven't posted since last Thursday!!
Time goes by so fast!
Things that I've been preoccupied with:
* helping Wally finish up the basement rec room (looks pretty good, at least compared to the panelling before
* getting reacquainted with an old friend who I believe has been placed in my life at the perfect time
* my Tiny Tower (Wally did end up getting me a different refurbished ipod touch and now I can't go anywhere without my Tiny Tower .... it's a problem).
* dreaming - about a potential future business in the fitness/nutrition field
* how to try once more at cutting back my hours at work (have yet to be successful at it)
* brainstorming about a potential new blog/website that I'd love to start welcoming the views and experiences of other people (possibly focused on the needs of women but not sure)
* having old friends and their ultra adorable, yet sometimes loud (normal kid loud) children visit. (Incidentally I was told by their 7 year old daughter, after she kissed my hand, that I was as beautiful as a princess, I entered a euphoric state).
* baking LOTS of new 'clean' treats that are AMAZING!!!! This Christmas I will bake again!!!
* taking a little break from training (does 6 days count?)
* being challenged by the idea of living 'outside of the box'
It seems that as my mind gets a chance to dream it goes crazy with new ideas and thoughts of what I could do to enjoy life a little more.
I'm once again at a turning point I feel. I honestly think I'd quit my job today if I could to pursue something that I would love now. I;m sure I seem flaky and non committal at my job but I don't regret my decision at all to go into this field. I've learned more than any book on life could teach me. I have learned how to respect those that are different AND see how NOT different from me they are.
Sometimes I wonder if we get so caught up in the expectations of those around us that we forget to listen to our hearts on the of our own lives. It's so easy to do as sometimes all we hope to do is survive another day.
After just recently earning (after 1 1/2 yrs) benefits at my work I now have no desire what so ever to continue on. In my head I know much of my desire to get benefits was to prove that I could do it. I've never had them on my own before, I've always relied on Wally and over half of our marriage was empty of them anyway (we're healthy people so it wasn't a big deal).
Now that I know I've done it and that if I ever wanted to I could again, I have no other desire but to say 'Cut back my hours please, I don't really care about the benefits!' Let me tell you if the shock wasn't already there that I had no desire to get full time benefits while working full time, would they be surprised at the fact I could work part time and still say 'no thanks' to part time benefits (which are actually really good).
I don't want to live me life tied to a post. A post that may not even benefit me (even though everyone says it will).
I have to say too that I am VERY, VERY fortunate that I am blessed with perfect health right now and I have no reason to worry about ditching the 'post', some people aren't so lucky. They would require a great deal more faith than I to ditch their post.
Notice I did not say I believed they had to stay tied to the post?
I believe (I know, easy for me to believe), that the only difference stopping one person in a more challenging position than another to go after their passion is their faith. We all have to have some, but a few of us need what seems to be a hell of a lot more.
So .... if you see someone tied to a post. Do them a favour and teach them how to cut themselves free, encourage them to, be there for them and cheer them on.
If you're the one tied to a post dont' let anyone convince you that what you see as a burden is your benefit. Only you can decide that.
Time goes by so fast!
Things that I've been preoccupied with:
* helping Wally finish up the basement rec room (looks pretty good, at least compared to the panelling before
* getting reacquainted with an old friend who I believe has been placed in my life at the perfect time
* my Tiny Tower (Wally did end up getting me a different refurbished ipod touch and now I can't go anywhere without my Tiny Tower .... it's a problem).
* dreaming - about a potential future business in the fitness/nutrition field
* how to try once more at cutting back my hours at work (have yet to be successful at it)
* brainstorming about a potential new blog/website that I'd love to start welcoming the views and experiences of other people (possibly focused on the needs of women but not sure)
* having old friends and their ultra adorable, yet sometimes loud (normal kid loud) children visit. (Incidentally I was told by their 7 year old daughter, after she kissed my hand, that I was as beautiful as a princess, I entered a euphoric state).
* baking LOTS of new 'clean' treats that are AMAZING!!!! This Christmas I will bake again!!!
* taking a little break from training (does 6 days count?)
* being challenged by the idea of living 'outside of the box'
It seems that as my mind gets a chance to dream it goes crazy with new ideas and thoughts of what I could do to enjoy life a little more.
I'm once again at a turning point I feel. I honestly think I'd quit my job today if I could to pursue something that I would love now. I;m sure I seem flaky and non committal at my job but I don't regret my decision at all to go into this field. I've learned more than any book on life could teach me. I have learned how to respect those that are different AND see how NOT different from me they are.
Sometimes I wonder if we get so caught up in the expectations of those around us that we forget to listen to our hearts on the of our own lives. It's so easy to do as sometimes all we hope to do is survive another day.
After just recently earning (after 1 1/2 yrs) benefits at my work I now have no desire what so ever to continue on. In my head I know much of my desire to get benefits was to prove that I could do it. I've never had them on my own before, I've always relied on Wally and over half of our marriage was empty of them anyway (we're healthy people so it wasn't a big deal).
Now that I know I've done it and that if I ever wanted to I could again, I have no other desire but to say 'Cut back my hours please, I don't really care about the benefits!' Let me tell you if the shock wasn't already there that I had no desire to get full time benefits while working full time, would they be surprised at the fact I could work part time and still say 'no thanks' to part time benefits (which are actually really good).
I don't want to live me life tied to a post. A post that may not even benefit me (even though everyone says it will).
I have to say too that I am VERY, VERY fortunate that I am blessed with perfect health right now and I have no reason to worry about ditching the 'post', some people aren't so lucky. They would require a great deal more faith than I to ditch their post.
Notice I did not say I believed they had to stay tied to the post?
I believe (I know, easy for me to believe), that the only difference stopping one person in a more challenging position than another to go after their passion is their faith. We all have to have some, but a few of us need what seems to be a hell of a lot more.
So .... if you see someone tied to a post. Do them a favour and teach them how to cut themselves free, encourage them to, be there for them and cheer them on.
If you're the one tied to a post dont' let anyone convince you that what you see as a burden is your benefit. Only you can decide that.
Thursday, July 28, 2011
To risk or not to risk ... that is the question.
I want to take a risk.
I'm thinking about it.
Really, really thinking about it.
I need more guts .... with less gas.
But definitely more guts.
We'll see.
I just know that there's a better me out there to be had.
Waiting for me to be had.
Just need to take a risk.
I'm thinking about it.
Really, really thinking about it.
I need more guts .... with less gas.
But definitely more guts.
We'll see.
I just know that there's a better me out there to be had.
Waiting for me to be had.
Just need to take a risk.
More thinkin'
I only have a few minutes but I thought I'd shoot out a post. Nothing special.
I really wanted to workout today and was even looking forward to doing the workout my new trainer friends created for me but it's one of those days that I would love to stay in bed for. In a good way and in a bad way.
It's raining.
I LOVE rainy days (now that we've had some sunny ones to help with my sads).
I love the feeling of being at home all cozy and just hanging out.
I also am tired from my super long but not bad day yesterday and my frustrating end to my Tuesday.
I got into the shower this morning and barely got myself out. I'm sure I was in there for 30 minutes or longer. (Sorry about the water bill Wally).
Though I was disappointed not to get to try my workout on my own I loved the extra time I took just to wallow in glumness and let the day ease into me.
I really thought a lot in the shower (as I generally seem to) about my job.
Why do I not feel satisfied? Why do I feel the need to stick up for co workers or find justice for those I support? (At least that's what I think I'm doing). Why can't I just be happy with my decent schedule of decent people?
But I'm not.
I have this nagging desire to explore my interests. My true interests.
I always thought once I achieved a goal and lived a dream I'd feel fulfilled enough to just coast I guess. I'm learning that's not the way it goes.
Instead, more dreams bud and flourish, stronger desires develop to try new things. It doesn't stop.
Ever.
Currently I'm excited about fitness and nutrition. Not in an 'I'm perfect, look at my hot body, I've got it all right' sort of way. But in an 'I'm NOT perfect, I am working on my super amazing body, but more importantly my super amazing mind and what it is thinking' sort of way.
I have a real and strong desire to help others battle their self beliefs. I want to meet people where they are at and help walk them through to permanent freedom from their mind/body struggles relating to who they are, what they can do and who they want to be.
Sounds like a bit more than fitness and nutrition.
I get excited at the thought of sharing healthy and more importantly yummy treats and food with people that want to learn. My heart flutters at the idea of training people how to exercise and take care of their bodies in order to respect what they've been given.
I also really want to do all this in a REAL and relative manner without any false hope that it happens overnight or without a lot of self exploration (especially for people like me who have struggled for so long in ways unseen).
I feel the way about this dream the same as I did when I dreamt of going back to school.
I think I need to keep growing the dream so that when it's ready it can be made real (wow I kinda sound like a new ager - forgive me!).
What do you dream of doing? What are some things you just would love to let out and try, maybe overcome?
Think about it.
I really wanted to workout today and was even looking forward to doing the workout my new trainer friends created for me but it's one of those days that I would love to stay in bed for. In a good way and in a bad way.
It's raining.
I LOVE rainy days (now that we've had some sunny ones to help with my sads).
I love the feeling of being at home all cozy and just hanging out.
I also am tired from my super long but not bad day yesterday and my frustrating end to my Tuesday.
I got into the shower this morning and barely got myself out. I'm sure I was in there for 30 minutes or longer. (Sorry about the water bill Wally).
Though I was disappointed not to get to try my workout on my own I loved the extra time I took just to wallow in glumness and let the day ease into me.
I really thought a lot in the shower (as I generally seem to) about my job.
Why do I not feel satisfied? Why do I feel the need to stick up for co workers or find justice for those I support? (At least that's what I think I'm doing). Why can't I just be happy with my decent schedule of decent people?
But I'm not.
I have this nagging desire to explore my interests. My true interests.
I always thought once I achieved a goal and lived a dream I'd feel fulfilled enough to just coast I guess. I'm learning that's not the way it goes.
Instead, more dreams bud and flourish, stronger desires develop to try new things. It doesn't stop.
Ever.
Currently I'm excited about fitness and nutrition. Not in an 'I'm perfect, look at my hot body, I've got it all right' sort of way. But in an 'I'm NOT perfect, I am working on my super amazing body, but more importantly my super amazing mind and what it is thinking' sort of way.
I have a real and strong desire to help others battle their self beliefs. I want to meet people where they are at and help walk them through to permanent freedom from their mind/body struggles relating to who they are, what they can do and who they want to be.
Sounds like a bit more than fitness and nutrition.
I get excited at the thought of sharing healthy and more importantly yummy treats and food with people that want to learn. My heart flutters at the idea of training people how to exercise and take care of their bodies in order to respect what they've been given.
I also really want to do all this in a REAL and relative manner without any false hope that it happens overnight or without a lot of self exploration (especially for people like me who have struggled for so long in ways unseen).
I feel the way about this dream the same as I did when I dreamt of going back to school.
I think I need to keep growing the dream so that when it's ready it can be made real (wow I kinda sound like a new ager - forgive me!).
What do you dream of doing? What are some things you just would love to let out and try, maybe overcome?
Think about it.
Sunday, July 24, 2011
It's all good.
Though my knees are aching and my head is pounding and my body is completely fatigued ... it is: all good.
As I type we're having a down pour. Such a welcomed down pour.
After days without a real rain, combined with record breaking heat temperatures I have nearly given up on my already poorly soiled garden. Maybe there is hope for it after all.
Wally and I have spent the weekend tearing apart our soon to be rec room in hopes of omitting the paneling and making it a comfortable place to have a family room where kids can play and in the mean time (more importantly) movies and video games can be enjoyed.
Of course just like with any home improvement project this one quickly grew. We went from taking down loosely placed panelling and painting to repairing corners, filling a billion tiny holes and the unexpected disaster that was our once new (though very much despised by Wally) oak par cay flooring.
Apparently the issues Sweet had with my workout bench (that he got out by marking the workout bench) had seeped through the padding I had down for a workout area and sat on the wood, producing rotting flooring and even some mould.
Indeed our work (mostly Wally's work) multiplied.
Impressively though Wally was able to rip out the old, remove the mould and relay new tiles (that were left by the old owners) all himself. And though we had hoped to have had the room painted by now it should be ready to start tomorrow and with a little hard work should be done in a couple of days.
As for me, I've been busy experimenting a bit more with vegan baking recipes. Actually I just realized they were vegan a couple of weeks ago even though I've been trying many of them for a while.
As I've shared my struggles with you regarding food and my recent decision to enlist some help of good friends and very small attainable goals, I've also been hunting down some more variety in my clean eating pursuits. They've been going VERY well too!
In the past few weeks I've found amazing: Brownie cookies, peanut butter cookies, chocolate chip peanut butter cookies and oatmeal chocolate chip cookies. Just to name a few.
I've also found some great frozen cookies that are clean and easy to make and of course my favourite clean blizzard (soft serve made from a frozen banana!!!). Not to mention the clean granola I just made and cant' stop nibbling! Mmmmmmmmm.
I'm learning great tools and techniques to help me with my self control and how NOT to get down on myself for my vast imperfections. I feel really good. REALLY good about things.
In fact here are a few things I DON'T feel:
* Like I have to hold my breath until I loose a certain amount of weight and can eat the foods I really want.
Instead I am finding great (and I mean GREAT) clean versions of recipes I love and I feel no guilt about it and for some reason I am so much more able to keep my one clean treat a day rule no problem (of course, right now my idea of 1 clean treat is 2 or 3 cookies, they're small!!).
* Like I can't do it.
As I mentioned before I have chosen very attainable goals and from the reading I've done in food counselling the best way to achieve your ultimate goal is to break it down into much smaller goals that seem like no problem. Once I've aced those I can make change them a bit to get myself further to where I want my lifestyle to be.
* Fat, bloated or like a loser.
Nope. Instead I feel healthy, in control and successful (no, 'in control' isn't really related to 'bloated' ha ha!!)
In other news.... today was my 'long run' day and I completed once again my longest run yet = 4.5 miles.
I did well mentally through it and was able to actually just run and sort of enjoy my smutty music rather than feel like a Sesame Street Character rhyming off numbers every 30 seconds.
Overall my body co operated except for the last mile I felt as though I could literally lay down and fall asleep. No, I didn't feel like dying, just sleepy. AS Wally pointed out a product of not enough carbs - something every girl wants to hear!! (Btw, I had cottage cheese pancakes with fruit sauce mmmmmmmmm).
I was even more impressed that I finished as the air conditioning in the women's only section didn't seem to be working and it was much more humid in there than the rest of the gym.
I am beginning to realize that reaching a further distance will take the gusto out of you for the rest of the day. I need to be prepared for that in the next couple weeks as I get to my 6 mile goal (2 weeks!!! Although I just realized today that 10 K is actually 6.25 miles - boo!!)
Oh yeah and I can't forget to mention that I actually SIGNED UP for my 10 K race today!!!!! As did my new running buddy for that day! I'm so excited, scared and excited and scared :)
Tomorrow I am also starting to train with a friend of mine once a week. She's going through college to be a personal trainer (she was also my first piano student - weird!!!!) and I got thinking about how she might want some practice and I could use a new perspective while I train to be a trainer. Of course it's MUCH more affordable than signing up at the gym and we both get to learn as we go. I'm looking forward to being pushed again and doing some new things.
Well, Wally's watching a movie downstairs I might just go read a book or fold some laundry (so exciting!!). I love down time.
Cheers!
As I type we're having a down pour. Such a welcomed down pour.
After days without a real rain, combined with record breaking heat temperatures I have nearly given up on my already poorly soiled garden. Maybe there is hope for it after all.
Wally and I have spent the weekend tearing apart our soon to be rec room in hopes of omitting the paneling and making it a comfortable place to have a family room where kids can play and in the mean time (more importantly) movies and video games can be enjoyed.
Of course just like with any home improvement project this one quickly grew. We went from taking down loosely placed panelling and painting to repairing corners, filling a billion tiny holes and the unexpected disaster that was our once new (though very much despised by Wally) oak par cay flooring.
Apparently the issues Sweet had with my workout bench (that he got out by marking the workout bench) had seeped through the padding I had down for a workout area and sat on the wood, producing rotting flooring and even some mould.
Indeed our work (mostly Wally's work) multiplied.
Impressively though Wally was able to rip out the old, remove the mould and relay new tiles (that were left by the old owners) all himself. And though we had hoped to have had the room painted by now it should be ready to start tomorrow and with a little hard work should be done in a couple of days.
As for me, I've been busy experimenting a bit more with vegan baking recipes. Actually I just realized they were vegan a couple of weeks ago even though I've been trying many of them for a while.
As I've shared my struggles with you regarding food and my recent decision to enlist some help of good friends and very small attainable goals, I've also been hunting down some more variety in my clean eating pursuits. They've been going VERY well too!
In the past few weeks I've found amazing: Brownie cookies, peanut butter cookies, chocolate chip peanut butter cookies and oatmeal chocolate chip cookies. Just to name a few.
I've also found some great frozen cookies that are clean and easy to make and of course my favourite clean blizzard (soft serve made from a frozen banana!!!). Not to mention the clean granola I just made and cant' stop nibbling! Mmmmmmmmm.
I'm learning great tools and techniques to help me with my self control and how NOT to get down on myself for my vast imperfections. I feel really good. REALLY good about things.
In fact here are a few things I DON'T feel:
* Like I have to hold my breath until I loose a certain amount of weight and can eat the foods I really want.
Instead I am finding great (and I mean GREAT) clean versions of recipes I love and I feel no guilt about it and for some reason I am so much more able to keep my one clean treat a day rule no problem (of course, right now my idea of 1 clean treat is 2 or 3 cookies, they're small!!).
* Like I can't do it.
As I mentioned before I have chosen very attainable goals and from the reading I've done in food counselling the best way to achieve your ultimate goal is to break it down into much smaller goals that seem like no problem. Once I've aced those I can make change them a bit to get myself further to where I want my lifestyle to be.
* Fat, bloated or like a loser.
Nope. Instead I feel healthy, in control and successful (no, 'in control' isn't really related to 'bloated' ha ha!!)
In other news.... today was my 'long run' day and I completed once again my longest run yet = 4.5 miles.
I did well mentally through it and was able to actually just run and sort of enjoy my smutty music rather than feel like a Sesame Street Character rhyming off numbers every 30 seconds.
Overall my body co operated except for the last mile I felt as though I could literally lay down and fall asleep. No, I didn't feel like dying, just sleepy. AS Wally pointed out a product of not enough carbs - something every girl wants to hear!! (Btw, I had cottage cheese pancakes with fruit sauce mmmmmmmmm).
I was even more impressed that I finished as the air conditioning in the women's only section didn't seem to be working and it was much more humid in there than the rest of the gym.
I am beginning to realize that reaching a further distance will take the gusto out of you for the rest of the day. I need to be prepared for that in the next couple weeks as I get to my 6 mile goal (2 weeks!!! Although I just realized today that 10 K is actually 6.25 miles - boo!!)
Oh yeah and I can't forget to mention that I actually SIGNED UP for my 10 K race today!!!!! As did my new running buddy for that day! I'm so excited, scared and excited and scared :)
Tomorrow I am also starting to train with a friend of mine once a week. She's going through college to be a personal trainer (she was also my first piano student - weird!!!!) and I got thinking about how she might want some practice and I could use a new perspective while I train to be a trainer. Of course it's MUCH more affordable than signing up at the gym and we both get to learn as we go. I'm looking forward to being pushed again and doing some new things.
Well, Wally's watching a movie downstairs I might just go read a book or fold some laundry (so exciting!!). I love down time.
Cheers!
Thursday, July 21, 2011
Real life: We're not 17 anymore
That reality has smacked me in the face a few times as of late.
Sometimes it has taken my breath away momentarily. Other times it has left it's ugly sting for several days or even weeks to remind me how fragile life and relationships really are.
Last night I had dinner with a good friend who after much alluding and only with the realization that I could be understanding, did she share that her husband has a porn addiction. Which he's been hiding for their entire relationship that spans a couple years shy of a decade.
In fact he didn't even know it was an addiction until she pointed out that if you can't stop while you're at work you have a problem.
It was difficult to hear her finally pour out the anger, hurt, devastation and betrayal she'd been hiding since she found out six months ago. It is clearly still raw for her and the anger and hurt on the surface.
I sat there letting her vent and trying to only listen and give a few words of my own.
The kicker for me was that at this point her greatest hardship was dealing with her bitterness with her church. Over the fact that one would daren't share their problem. That people better not find out (not so much her caring but more the people that were there that couldn't handle their perceptions being thwarted).
This evenings open conversation of truth comes 6-9 months after another of my friends revealed to another mutual friend and myself that she was having an affair on her husband.
She told us everything. Her faults, her lies, her truth, at least what we knew of.
I remember leaving the coffee shop that night and immediately texting Wally saying 'We need to talk as soon as I get home'. The talk wasn't regarding my friend, it was about us.
A similar conversation took place this evening when I got home.
It was the 'honestly I won't get mad', 'I just want you to tell me', 'if there's a problem can we talk about it' talk.
This hasn't actually been the first time we shared this particular conversation. Another good friend of mine found this out about her husband several years ago and was enraged so really last night was a 'has anything changed from last time' talk.
Some women that may have been deceived already in their lives about their partners actions may think it naive to believe my husband when we tells me his truth. But I'll be honest, his truth isn't always what I want to hear.
When I came home last night Wally was not in much of a mood to chat openly about is deepest thoughts and feelings on such things. Instead I could tell something was wrong, that I couldn't know and that he was upset and frustrated with my questions.
Can I just say that's not exactly what I girl whats to be faced with after a 2 hour conversation with a good friend on the secrets of her mate.
I quickly recognized his behaviour as last fall I had seen the exact same thing and had the exact same pit in my stomach grower deeper every moment of his avoidance.
It was the night after our car accident and we had been on our way home from picking out a new car. We'd put an offer in on a house and were nervously thinking about home ownership again. We were chatting about the finances and how the 'emergency' fund we wanted to have in place this time before buying a house wasn't quite up to snuff. We'd been down the road of owning and fixing up a home and knew the importance of having some savings.
Wally started out by saying: 'There's something I need to talk to you about.'
Eva has butterflies develop from unknown caterpillars. Some thing's wrong with his tone. He's been keeping a secret ... for a while.
Wally: 'I didn't' want to mention anything. Since we're thinking about buying this house I think I have to tell you.'
Eva getting hyper and panicked (what's new?!) 'What's wrong?! Are you losing your job?! Are you sick?!'
*Pause*
'Is there another woman?'
Wally tortures me with explanation (as he always does before getting to the answer): 'A few months ago I got approached to do a contract that would bring in a couple thousand dollars. I took it. During your work weekends and weeknight working I've been working on the contract.'
He continued ... 'I wanted to buy the anniversary band that you've wanted since we got married. I wanted to finally surprise you and have it wrapped up in the Christmas tree on Christmas moring.'
*Pause*
Wally: 'I just think that maybe the money should go in our emergency fund instead if we're buying the house sooner than we planned. I thought you should know about the money.'
Eva: stunned.
Wally: 'I even went to a jewelry store and picked one out. I thought it would be a great surprise .... and there'd be a little extra for me too.' *smiled all coy like*
Eva: 'Wow. That would have been amazing. That is amazing. I can't believe you'd do that for me. Thank you.' (still in shock).
In the end the money went into the emergency fund and there's still no ring but the better gift was hearing the story of how hard Wally had worked to try and give me something rather frivolous that I'd wanted since we picked out our $59 wedding bands.
I'll never forget it.
Last night as I gave give a quick mini interrogation while on hyper sensitive 'my friend just got stabbed in the heart by her husband you better be on the clear pal' alert. I knew we needed to just take the opportunity to chat as we always do when devastating and not so devastating news hits one or both of us.
I had a feeling and a hope that my fears would be averted. So in my first 3 questions I asked:
'Is it your job? Is it your family? Is it a surprise for me that isn't working out?'
He just looked me in the eye and said 'It's fine, don't worry about it.'
Of course after I share with him my evening and time went by he spilled the beans...
He had bought an ipod touch for me on line that got delivered and didn't work. He was going to have to return it. He used his own money to pay for half of it (we give ourselves an allowance each month and he does wheeling and dealing with his gaming stuff and contract work).
I actually hadn't asked for one. In fact when he said he thought I would get a lot out of having one I sort of brushed the idea off. He continued to point out all of the reasons I would love it: our budgeting, my running, my weight training and of course beginning an addiction he had with Bitizens.
Since I was so luke warm on it (because I'm no good with technology at the best of times) he made the decision himself and ordered one to surprise me.
Another one of his tries at a surprise foiled again.
The heart behind the matter wasn't lost on me though.
While I was out prepping myself for a lengthy, honest discussion that could sting a little with truth. Wondering all the while if our marriage was indeed ok, growing and even good, my husband was at home conspiring to finally pull off his first huge surprise of our 10 year marriage.
I told him this morning it didn't matter. Nothing about the ring last year or the ipod thingy yesterday mattered.
When he left for work I was sitting in my writing chair where he usually kneels down to kiss me good bye. This time I stood and met him at the door, skipped the kiss and gave him a two armed tightly squeezed hug and whispered 'Let's be married to each other forever. Promise we'll always talk and we'll always try'.
He whispered back 'I love hearing those words. Absolutely'.
We hugged. He left.
I said 'Thank you'.
This is real life.
Sometimes it has taken my breath away momentarily. Other times it has left it's ugly sting for several days or even weeks to remind me how fragile life and relationships really are.
Last night I had dinner with a good friend who after much alluding and only with the realization that I could be understanding, did she share that her husband has a porn addiction. Which he's been hiding for their entire relationship that spans a couple years shy of a decade.
In fact he didn't even know it was an addiction until she pointed out that if you can't stop while you're at work you have a problem.
It was difficult to hear her finally pour out the anger, hurt, devastation and betrayal she'd been hiding since she found out six months ago. It is clearly still raw for her and the anger and hurt on the surface.
I sat there letting her vent and trying to only listen and give a few words of my own.
The kicker for me was that at this point her greatest hardship was dealing with her bitterness with her church. Over the fact that one would daren't share their problem. That people better not find out (not so much her caring but more the people that were there that couldn't handle their perceptions being thwarted).
This evenings open conversation of truth comes 6-9 months after another of my friends revealed to another mutual friend and myself that she was having an affair on her husband.
She told us everything. Her faults, her lies, her truth, at least what we knew of.
I remember leaving the coffee shop that night and immediately texting Wally saying 'We need to talk as soon as I get home'. The talk wasn't regarding my friend, it was about us.
A similar conversation took place this evening when I got home.
It was the 'honestly I won't get mad', 'I just want you to tell me', 'if there's a problem can we talk about it' talk.
This hasn't actually been the first time we shared this particular conversation. Another good friend of mine found this out about her husband several years ago and was enraged so really last night was a 'has anything changed from last time' talk.
Some women that may have been deceived already in their lives about their partners actions may think it naive to believe my husband when we tells me his truth. But I'll be honest, his truth isn't always what I want to hear.
When I came home last night Wally was not in much of a mood to chat openly about is deepest thoughts and feelings on such things. Instead I could tell something was wrong, that I couldn't know and that he was upset and frustrated with my questions.
Can I just say that's not exactly what I girl whats to be faced with after a 2 hour conversation with a good friend on the secrets of her mate.
I quickly recognized his behaviour as last fall I had seen the exact same thing and had the exact same pit in my stomach grower deeper every moment of his avoidance.
It was the night after our car accident and we had been on our way home from picking out a new car. We'd put an offer in on a house and were nervously thinking about home ownership again. We were chatting about the finances and how the 'emergency' fund we wanted to have in place this time before buying a house wasn't quite up to snuff. We'd been down the road of owning and fixing up a home and knew the importance of having some savings.
Wally started out by saying: 'There's something I need to talk to you about.'
Eva has butterflies develop from unknown caterpillars. Some thing's wrong with his tone. He's been keeping a secret ... for a while.
Wally: 'I didn't' want to mention anything. Since we're thinking about buying this house I think I have to tell you.'
Eva getting hyper and panicked (what's new?!) 'What's wrong?! Are you losing your job?! Are you sick?!'
*Pause*
'Is there another woman?'
Wally tortures me with explanation (as he always does before getting to the answer): 'A few months ago I got approached to do a contract that would bring in a couple thousand dollars. I took it. During your work weekends and weeknight working I've been working on the contract.'
He continued ... 'I wanted to buy the anniversary band that you've wanted since we got married. I wanted to finally surprise you and have it wrapped up in the Christmas tree on Christmas moring.'
*Pause*
Wally: 'I just think that maybe the money should go in our emergency fund instead if we're buying the house sooner than we planned. I thought you should know about the money.'
Eva: stunned.
Wally: 'I even went to a jewelry store and picked one out. I thought it would be a great surprise .... and there'd be a little extra for me too.' *smiled all coy like*
Eva: 'Wow. That would have been amazing. That is amazing. I can't believe you'd do that for me. Thank you.' (still in shock).
In the end the money went into the emergency fund and there's still no ring but the better gift was hearing the story of how hard Wally had worked to try and give me something rather frivolous that I'd wanted since we picked out our $59 wedding bands.
I'll never forget it.
Last night as I gave give a quick mini interrogation while on hyper sensitive 'my friend just got stabbed in the heart by her husband you better be on the clear pal' alert. I knew we needed to just take the opportunity to chat as we always do when devastating and not so devastating news hits one or both of us.
I had a feeling and a hope that my fears would be averted. So in my first 3 questions I asked:
'Is it your job? Is it your family? Is it a surprise for me that isn't working out?'
He just looked me in the eye and said 'It's fine, don't worry about it.'
Of course after I share with him my evening and time went by he spilled the beans...
He had bought an ipod touch for me on line that got delivered and didn't work. He was going to have to return it. He used his own money to pay for half of it (we give ourselves an allowance each month and he does wheeling and dealing with his gaming stuff and contract work).
I actually hadn't asked for one. In fact when he said he thought I would get a lot out of having one I sort of brushed the idea off. He continued to point out all of the reasons I would love it: our budgeting, my running, my weight training and of course beginning an addiction he had with Bitizens.
Since I was so luke warm on it (because I'm no good with technology at the best of times) he made the decision himself and ordered one to surprise me.
Another one of his tries at a surprise foiled again.
The heart behind the matter wasn't lost on me though.
While I was out prepping myself for a lengthy, honest discussion that could sting a little with truth. Wondering all the while if our marriage was indeed ok, growing and even good, my husband was at home conspiring to finally pull off his first huge surprise of our 10 year marriage.
I told him this morning it didn't matter. Nothing about the ring last year or the ipod thingy yesterday mattered.
When he left for work I was sitting in my writing chair where he usually kneels down to kiss me good bye. This time I stood and met him at the door, skipped the kiss and gave him a two armed tightly squeezed hug and whispered 'Let's be married to each other forever. Promise we'll always talk and we'll always try'.
He whispered back 'I love hearing those words. Absolutely'.
We hugged. He left.
I said 'Thank you'.
This is real life.
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