Thursday, July 15, 2010

Time

I am sitting here wondering what happens to all my time.  I have lists of things I need to accomplish and a timeline to do them in but when push comes to shove, my lists remain only half done. 
Let me give you an example. Monday I had the day off so I had this beautiful plan of getting some housework done then playing with my children for the majority of the day.  Instead of following this plan, I did the dishes and laundry (and more laundry) and then cleaned my room.  I had these boxes that were blocking my closet as well as laundry baskets and winter blankets.  I had very limited access to the closet (and gasp, my shoes!) so I was just piling my clothes on top of the piles that we blocking my access thus making the problem worse.  Something needed to be done!  I started with the laundry baskets...who knew there were 3 loads of laundry in them that needed folding?  Ugh!  I piled all the laundry that needed to go in the closet on my bed and worked on emptying the boxes.  2 garbage bags later, I was able to access my closet so I put the laundry away.  I stopped and made lunch and played with my littlest for a bit then sent him to play some more in his room while I continued.  I found more that needed my attention so did that.  Before I knew it I had spent 5 hours cleaning my bedroom.  Walking in my house, you wouldn't know that I had spent almost the equivalent of my workday cleaning!  I hate that feeling!  We never made it out of the house, unless you count taking all the trash and recycling from my room to the cans outside as "getting out". 
I have great plans of spending time making memories with my guys and growing friendships and spending time with my grandmother before I don't have that option any more and doing crafts and reading and keeping my house looking amazing so I can entertain at the drop of a hat (so NOT how it really looks).  I feel like I am missing the mark in every category. 
How do I gain control of the clock and manage it in a way that works with my family and leaves me feeling good about how I spend my time and energy instead of always so guilty for not doing enough or spending enough time with those around me? 
Look for more on this subject as I start to figure it out.  Leave comments to let me know how you do it. I'd love feedback and ideas.

Tuesday, July 6, 2010

Facing Disappointment

Well, I went to the doctor and although he can't figure out how I managed to damage so many muscles and tendons, the knee itself is alright so I just have to take it very easy and don't do high impact work outs.  I get to swim and bike and do upper body weights.
This makes me all the more certain that I have to restart my food journal and really focus on what I am putting into my body.
Since it doesn't look like I am going to be able to do the 5k any time soon, I have to readjust and plan accordingly.  I can swim and bike.  I can still get on track to ride to work.
We'll have to see what tomorrow holds.
Will you help keep me encouraged?  Can I encourage you?

Monday, July 5, 2010

Training

Well, I went to the gym this morning to get some run time on the treadmill but 5 minutes in I had such excruciating pain radiating thru my right calf and knee I had to stop to stretch then resume but the pain wouldn't ebb.  I noticed my muscles are developing in a way that pulls on the knee.  Time to change plans.  Off the treadmill and onto weights.  Today was a legs day but without putting too much strain on the knee.  Hip abduction and induction, leg press, leg curls.  After doing my rounds on the Nautilus machines, it was time to hit the bike to get some more cardio in.  I could only do 3.25 miles on the bike because unfortunately the club childcare was closing so I needed to get the munch-kin and head out.

I think it's time to set an appt with my orthopedist to get a plan in place to get the muscles going where they need to go.  Ugh!  I wonder what she'll say.  Please let it not to get the orthotics that cost several hundred dollars and are not covered by insurance.  Well, whatever the case, I am not going to be sidelined by injuries.  That has happened so many times to me in the past that I am done...just done with letting things stop me from accomplishing my goals.

Any advise or suggestions?

Sunday, July 4, 2010

Fourth of July

I am amazed by the emotions that came up during the singing of God Bless America at church last night.  Tears filled my eyes.  Our military don't get the respect they deserve for what they do.  Their job is thankless and takes them away from family and friends for long periods of time.  They risk their lives on a regular basis for people they don't know.
I am not saying the wars they are sent to are right or wrong but they have a job to do and they do it selflessly.
I encourage you to go to anysoldier.com to get an address of a soldier serving overseas in Iraq and Afganastan.  Please go and get an address to send them a letter to encourage them.  Let them know that someone back in the states cares for them and appreciates what they do to keep us safe at home.
Have a wonderful Independence Day with your family and friends.  Enjoy your picnics and fireworks.  I know I'm going to!

Friday, July 2, 2010

Holiday weekend

This morning driving to work I was listening to the radio and they had a military officer on talking about what Independence Day means to him.  He was deployed to Afganastan a month before 9-11 and just got home last Sept.  That's 9 years away from home.  His wife was pregnant with their first child when he left.  He talked about how much he believes in what he does and when he got home he received a standing ovation from the people in the airport.  And the part that made me tear up..."It's all worth it when a child I've never met says "Thank you for what you do for me".  

What does Independence Day mean to you?  Is it a time to have fun with friends and not have to go to work?  Is it filled with tradition and food?  What does your holiday look like?

As I heard this mornings story on the radio I had to ask myself when was the last time I thanked a soldier for their service and the choices they made that brought them to that place.  It is their sacrifices and choices that allow us to celebrate Independence Day. 

This fourth of July, I will be saying extra prayers for our soldiers and will be saying the pledge of allegience more as well.  When was the last time you said it?  My 5 year old said it every time he saw a flag for months.  It was a great reminder of what we are supposed to be.  Granted every McDonald's you pass has a flag and if you have a lot of fast food restaurants in your route it could get a smidge old but it was such a great reminder.  And I love that he always ended with "And God bless our country". 

May you have a fun and safe fourth.