I know...I know...
I talk a lot about changes I am going to make and how much better I am going to be for them. What happens is that I end up biting off more than I can handle and get overwhelmed. I don't want to do that.
At the beginning of last year I joined a group called 3 in 30. They promote setting 3 goals a month. 3 goals is attainable and not overwhelming at all. I can do 3 goals. Doing it this way, I can reach 36 goals over the year. Imagine the stress I would have if I had 26 goals listed at the beginning of the year.
Here are my first 3 goals for 2012.
1) I will not drink soda/ drink 4-25 oz bottles of water daily instead.
2) I will go to the gym 15 times this month and be able to jog for 5 minute intervals by Jan 31st.
3) I will put $100/paycheck into savings by cutting our needless spending.
They aren't huge goals but accomplishing these 3 things will result in changes in all areas of my life. Drinking water will help with my headaches and digestion.
Going to the gym will be a discipline builder and interval training will improve cardio vascular health and my waist line.
Cutting needless spending will also promote discipline and rebuild our savings. It will teach us to use what we have and appreicate all we have.
I am also participating in the praying for your spouse challenge and a sugar free challenge for the month in addition to my goals. What better time to increase praying for my love than when I am cutting sugar out? Seems like the most logical combination, doesn't it?
What are your goals and desires are we come up to the new year? Do you make resolutions and find yourself burning out midway thru the first day? Do you make specific and attainable goals or just throw it out there and hope it sticks? What's your best way for reaching for (and reaching) the stars?
Friday, December 30, 2011
Monday, December 26, 2011
31 days to pray for your spouse
I am part of this challenge. If you are looking for a way to deepen your relationship with your spouse this is the challenge for you. Join me.
Fill out the registration form: 31 Days to Pray for Your Spouse Challenge
I look forward to sharing with you the difference this challenge makes with us.
Day after Christmas
Christmas was great. Nephew and niece came over and hung out with us. I sure do love those kids! Niece brought her baby boy Kyler and the baby daddy. It was good to see that even though they aren't together they still get along and are both such great parents.
Billy has done a great job putting together his lego kits. He's learning some valuable lessons. When he hits a point where he gets frustrated, he expresses his frustration with words then steps away until the frustration ebbs then goes back to it. He's learning to stick with what he starts and the satisfaction that comes from finishing what you start. I am very proud of him.
Chris got into his Christmas present and is figuring it out and starting the first project.
And here I am back to blogging. Hopefully I will be keeping up to date now that I have a new laptop that won't lock up whenever I try to do anything.
I just realized that Billy still has a whole week left on Christmas break. What fun stuff are we going to find to do after I get off work? Hmmm...
Billy has done a great job putting together his lego kits. He's learning some valuable lessons. When he hits a point where he gets frustrated, he expresses his frustration with words then steps away until the frustration ebbs then goes back to it. He's learning to stick with what he starts and the satisfaction that comes from finishing what you start. I am very proud of him.
Chris got into his Christmas present and is figuring it out and starting the first project.
And here I am back to blogging. Hopefully I will be keeping up to date now that I have a new laptop that won't lock up whenever I try to do anything.
I just realized that Billy still has a whole week left on Christmas break. What fun stuff are we going to find to do after I get off work? Hmmm...
Sunday, December 25, 2011
Merry Christmas
Merry Christmas.
What would Christmas be like without friends and family? So often we get wrapped up in the presents and lights and running around that we lose sight of the reason we celebrate Christmas.
Christmas is a celebration of an obedient girl and her betrothed and what their obedience brought to the world. When we think life is rough and that God must have turned his back on us, we need to think Mary and Joseph and what obedience to God's call cost them. Based on the culture of that time Mary could be put to death for infidelity. The couple was shunned by their families. Talk about awkward family holidays. Then to come time for fruition of God's promise, they couldn't even find a place to stay but had to settle down in a barn. Not the place I would want to give birth, especially as a first time mom. That would be terrifying. No midwife to help. Just Joseph and the animals to bear witness to God's miracle.
Jesus birth was foretold to wise men and shepherds alike. God didn't differentiate by classes who was in the know. God sent a gift for ALL peoples, not just the top of the social hierarchy. That is something that gives me so much hope. God doesn't hold out the good news for just a few to share with those they see fit. He shares with EVERYONE so the whole world may know his son came to the world for the salvation of us ALL. What a great God!
While Mary was still reeling from the disappointment of delivering God's child in a barn, God sent both wise men and shepherds to share His plan and give her encouragement. As the Bible says, she listed to all that they said and held it in her heart. God didn't abandon her but sent his servants to encourage her and help strengthen her for this challenge she'd said yes to.
A baby was born and the alternative to external connection with God was created. We no longer have to go to the priests with our offerings but we go straight to God. Jesus made a way for us to walk into the kingdom of God.
Now that is the best Christmas gift of all. It didn't come in a box wrapped in fancy paper with big bows and a big price tag but in a dirty stable among the animal.
Thank you God for giving us a reason to celebrate. Let us never forget the cost of that first Christmas gift.
What would Christmas be like without friends and family? So often we get wrapped up in the presents and lights and running around that we lose sight of the reason we celebrate Christmas.
Christmas is a celebration of an obedient girl and her betrothed and what their obedience brought to the world. When we think life is rough and that God must have turned his back on us, we need to think Mary and Joseph and what obedience to God's call cost them. Based on the culture of that time Mary could be put to death for infidelity. The couple was shunned by their families. Talk about awkward family holidays. Then to come time for fruition of God's promise, they couldn't even find a place to stay but had to settle down in a barn. Not the place I would want to give birth, especially as a first time mom. That would be terrifying. No midwife to help. Just Joseph and the animals to bear witness to God's miracle.
Jesus birth was foretold to wise men and shepherds alike. God didn't differentiate by classes who was in the know. God sent a gift for ALL peoples, not just the top of the social hierarchy. That is something that gives me so much hope. God doesn't hold out the good news for just a few to share with those they see fit. He shares with EVERYONE so the whole world may know his son came to the world for the salvation of us ALL. What a great God!
While Mary was still reeling from the disappointment of delivering God's child in a barn, God sent both wise men and shepherds to share His plan and give her encouragement. As the Bible says, she listed to all that they said and held it in her heart. God didn't abandon her but sent his servants to encourage her and help strengthen her for this challenge she'd said yes to.
A baby was born and the alternative to external connection with God was created. We no longer have to go to the priests with our offerings but we go straight to God. Jesus made a way for us to walk into the kingdom of God.
Now that is the best Christmas gift of all. It didn't come in a box wrapped in fancy paper with big bows and a big price tag but in a dirty stable among the animal.
Thank you God for giving us a reason to celebrate. Let us never forget the cost of that first Christmas gift.
Wednesday, December 14, 2011
Books
Oh how I love books! Curled on the sofa, wrapped in a cozy blanket, a cup of tea in one hand and my kindle in the other. Life doesn't get much better!
The interruption of real life can really put a damper on getting thru a good book. Last night I had to stop reading so I could sleep then this morning I made the mistake of picking it up while I made my coffee. That was HUGE mistake. Having to put it down and come to work was very traumatic. The book has hit a critical point. Although I have my kindle with me, work prevails. I have to do what they pay me to do.
Argh!
That is my whine for the day. Thank you so much for listening! I hope you have an amazing day!
The interruption of real life can really put a damper on getting thru a good book. Last night I had to stop reading so I could sleep then this morning I made the mistake of picking it up while I made my coffee. That was HUGE mistake. Having to put it down and come to work was very traumatic. The book has hit a critical point. Although I have my kindle with me, work prevails. I have to do what they pay me to do.
Argh!
That is my whine for the day. Thank you so much for listening! I hope you have an amazing day!
Monday, December 12, 2011
Daydreams
Wow! Since vacation, it seems I have been daydreaming a bit more than normal. Silly things too. Does anyone else suffer this weird alternate universe syndrome?
I have been daydreaming of winning the lottery (wish is hysterical since I don't buy lottery tickets) and jetting back and forth from here to Hawaii and home again then off to Belize then home then the Caymen Islands then home. Seems my fantasies are all centered on warm weather climates.
It gets especially bad on days I have to spend 5 minutes thawing my car so I can drive Billy to school and me to work and then get to work and things start going sideways the moment I get here. Arg! It's all good though. I am thankful to have a job and thankful that I got to take such a nice relaxing and warm vacation. I am counting my blessings that I will be able to take another vacation in a few months. That's my silver lining.
Take an inventory today of your blessings and bask in them.
I have been daydreaming of winning the lottery (wish is hysterical since I don't buy lottery tickets) and jetting back and forth from here to Hawaii and home again then off to Belize then home then the Caymen Islands then home. Seems my fantasies are all centered on warm weather climates.
It gets especially bad on days I have to spend 5 minutes thawing my car so I can drive Billy to school and me to work and then get to work and things start going sideways the moment I get here. Arg! It's all good though. I am thankful to have a job and thankful that I got to take such a nice relaxing and warm vacation. I am counting my blessings that I will be able to take another vacation in a few months. That's my silver lining.
Take an inventory today of your blessings and bask in them.
Thursday, December 8, 2011
Destress
Even though I have had my attitude adjusted, I am still stressed so thought the best way to fix that would be to look at some pretty pictures I took while in Hawaii...What's better than fantasizing about vacation, right?
So, since I was daydreaming, I thought I would share.
I will post more later. I can't seem to get more than one photo on here right now. :-(
I will post more later. I can't seem to get more than one photo on here right now. :-(
Attitude Adjustment
Yesterday I was terribly annoyed and disgruntled. It came out everywhere I was. Not pretty.
Today I am still in the ugly boot and my foot still hurts but my attitude has improved. I credit the darling little people I got to spend last evening with. How can anyone stay in a bad mood when you have the privilege of playing with a roomful of zero-two year olds?
One little munchkin sticks out more than others. I had to pry her out of her grandmothers arms to bring her into the classroom. When we got in the room she started hitting me in my chest and face. Not a great start to our time together. Luckily for us both, she is a very reasonable girl. I looked at her and told her I have 2 rules, 1 is no hitting (she immediately stopped) and 2 is if she wants to be held she will not yell in my ears (she quit). Things are getting better. :-) She still had a sour face but she wasn't throwing a fit. Progress. I started making funny faces at her and she tried SOOOO hard to not crack a smile. She couldn't not smile so she kept covering her face, determined to have a bad time. (How very much like I had been earlier in the day, hmmmmm.) After a while I set her down, little ones (no matter how slight) all wear on the arms after a while. She went off to play but any time anyone looked at her, her expression would change from happiness to a deep scowl. As the evening progressed she would come running to me and laugh and play with me.
How often am I like that sweet stubborn little girl? I don't want to leave what is familiar and comfortable to go into the unknown. I end up in the new environment but not going graciously but kicking and screaming. God sometimes has to lay down the rules for me. As I start warming up to the new place I've been put, I don't want anyone to see my attitude is changing. After I have adapted I have no problem showing enthusiasm and interacting, even being bubbly and enthusiastic. Then in the end I have to go to a new place again and the whole cycle starts again as I don't want to leave where I have grown comfortable.
It's it great when God takes a little thing like a child not wanting to go to nursery and turns it into a sermon direct from his heart to yours? It is one of the best attitude adjusters I can think of. My heavenly Papa is so kind and gentle to me, whispering to my heart when my attitude stinks and then providing an outside look at how I'm behaving. Firmly but kindly telling me what I'm doing isn't okay and needs to change. I love that. I wish I would pay more attention.
Hope you have blessed day!
Today I am still in the ugly boot and my foot still hurts but my attitude has improved. I credit the darling little people I got to spend last evening with. How can anyone stay in a bad mood when you have the privilege of playing with a roomful of zero-two year olds?
One little munchkin sticks out more than others. I had to pry her out of her grandmothers arms to bring her into the classroom. When we got in the room she started hitting me in my chest and face. Not a great start to our time together. Luckily for us both, she is a very reasonable girl. I looked at her and told her I have 2 rules, 1 is no hitting (she immediately stopped) and 2 is if she wants to be held she will not yell in my ears (she quit). Things are getting better. :-) She still had a sour face but she wasn't throwing a fit. Progress. I started making funny faces at her and she tried SOOOO hard to not crack a smile. She couldn't not smile so she kept covering her face, determined to have a bad time. (How very much like I had been earlier in the day, hmmmmm.) After a while I set her down, little ones (no matter how slight) all wear on the arms after a while. She went off to play but any time anyone looked at her, her expression would change from happiness to a deep scowl. As the evening progressed she would come running to me and laugh and play with me.
How often am I like that sweet stubborn little girl? I don't want to leave what is familiar and comfortable to go into the unknown. I end up in the new environment but not going graciously but kicking and screaming. God sometimes has to lay down the rules for me. As I start warming up to the new place I've been put, I don't want anyone to see my attitude is changing. After I have adapted I have no problem showing enthusiasm and interacting, even being bubbly and enthusiastic. Then in the end I have to go to a new place again and the whole cycle starts again as I don't want to leave where I have grown comfortable.
It's it great when God takes a little thing like a child not wanting to go to nursery and turns it into a sermon direct from his heart to yours? It is one of the best attitude adjusters I can think of. My heavenly Papa is so kind and gentle to me, whispering to my heart when my attitude stinks and then providing an outside look at how I'm behaving. Firmly but kindly telling me what I'm doing isn't okay and needs to change. I love that. I wish I would pay more attention.
Hope you have blessed day!
Wednesday, December 7, 2011
Sidelined again
AAAAAAAAAAARRRRRRRRRRRGGGGGGGGGGGGGGG!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Frustration is setting in. I set out with a plan and within a few days my plan has been thwarted! You see I am very susceptible to fatigue and weariness. It seems to take hold at the most inconvenient times. Last week I posted about working out and being more active and going to the gym regularly. This week I am sitting at my desk on Wednesday in a bledsoe boot and haven't been to the gym all week and it doesn't look like I'll be going until at least next week.
Well, that's where I am today. Tired, sore and frustrated.
Hope your day is going better.
Frustration is setting in. I set out with a plan and within a few days my plan has been thwarted! You see I am very susceptible to fatigue and weariness. It seems to take hold at the most inconvenient times. Last week I posted about working out and being more active and going to the gym regularly. This week I am sitting at my desk on Wednesday in a bledsoe boot and haven't been to the gym all week and it doesn't look like I'll be going until at least next week.
Well, that's where I am today. Tired, sore and frustrated.
Hope your day is going better.
Thursday, December 1, 2011
Distractions
Good morning.
I hope you are having a great day so far!
This morning I am suffering from distraction syndrome. So many things want to knock me off course and keep me from focusing on the most important things in my life. It's okay though because it's only 9:20 in the morning and I see what's happening so I have the power to curb that and refocus myself.
LOL!!!
I started this post then got barraged with different things and now it's 12:50 and I have not much to show for the past few hours except the ability to laugh at myself.
Well, I better get back to the tasks at hand! I hope you have a great day!
I hope you are having a great day so far!
This morning I am suffering from distraction syndrome. So many things want to knock me off course and keep me from focusing on the most important things in my life. It's okay though because it's only 9:20 in the morning and I see what's happening so I have the power to curb that and refocus myself.
LOL!!!
I started this post then got barraged with different things and now it's 12:50 and I have not much to show for the past few hours except the ability to laugh at myself.
Well, I better get back to the tasks at hand! I hope you have a great day!
Wednesday, November 30, 2011
Sore Muscles
I am always surprising myself. One of the big things that always surprises me is how fast I forget things. I forgot how much energy I have when I work out. I can accomplish so much more than ordinarily is possible for me. I can focus better for longer. I can make due with less sleep and still be functional. I am happier.
How is it that I forget these important, life altering details? I think it is the shortsightedness caused by sore muscles and heavy schedules. Yesterday I started my day with a migraine then my muscles started aching from the workout the day before. It would have been so easy to not go to the gym. I had every reason in the world to not go. But I went.
The class I was going to attend was cancelled (another great reason to not go) so I went upstairs and worked on the elliptical for 30 minutes. I felt rejuvenated and energized. I know I should do more than 30 minutes but I did almost 3 miles so I felt pretty good about it.
When I got home I was the flippin energizer bunny! I got so much done around the house and even though there is still more to do, I know I can do it and it will be wonderful. Shhhh...Don't tell anyone...I even had fun doing what needed to be done.
This makes me think of other things I don't do because it's inconvenient or doesn't fit into my schedule or is on my "want to list" instead of my "need to list". These things include, 1) reading my Bible regularly and consistently, 2) having girlfriend time, 3) playing games with my kiddos, and 4) dating my beloved. All of these things fill my spirit and make me feel alive but they get pushed aside as if they are unimportant. These are some of the most important things because they are all relational and that is what I was made for, relationships, first of all with my Lord and Savior and secondly with the people that He brings into my life.
Maybe this new appreciation for old lessons will lead to more consistency and growth in more areas of my life.
I hope you are abundantly blessed today in all that you do!
How is it that I forget these important, life altering details? I think it is the shortsightedness caused by sore muscles and heavy schedules. Yesterday I started my day with a migraine then my muscles started aching from the workout the day before. It would have been so easy to not go to the gym. I had every reason in the world to not go. But I went.
The class I was going to attend was cancelled (another great reason to not go) so I went upstairs and worked on the elliptical for 30 minutes. I felt rejuvenated and energized. I know I should do more than 30 minutes but I did almost 3 miles so I felt pretty good about it.
When I got home I was the flippin energizer bunny! I got so much done around the house and even though there is still more to do, I know I can do it and it will be wonderful. Shhhh...Don't tell anyone...I even had fun doing what needed to be done.
This makes me think of other things I don't do because it's inconvenient or doesn't fit into my schedule or is on my "want to list" instead of my "need to list". These things include, 1) reading my Bible regularly and consistently, 2) having girlfriend time, 3) playing games with my kiddos, and 4) dating my beloved. All of these things fill my spirit and make me feel alive but they get pushed aside as if they are unimportant. These are some of the most important things because they are all relational and that is what I was made for, relationships, first of all with my Lord and Savior and secondly with the people that He brings into my life.
Maybe this new appreciation for old lessons will lead to more consistency and growth in more areas of my life.
I hope you are abundantly blessed today in all that you do!
Tuesday, November 29, 2011
Determination
Yesterday I went to the gym to try the classes with visions of going every day and mastering the classes. The latter part of that sentence is hysterical since I am coordination challenged but I like to dream big.
This morning I woke up and all my muscles ached and I have a migraine that I have not been able to shake. Today's class is step and sculpt. I am determined to at least make it to the gym and get some kind of work out in. 30-45 minutes between the treadmill and the eliptical could work but it really wasn't what I had in mind today. My reward for going to the classes Monday-Wednesday is the Zumba class on Thursday.
What to do?
I am determined to go and to get sweaty. Migraine or not, I have to work out. This is what happens to me frequently. I am excited to get started and have high hopes and expectations then my body decides it doesn't want to succumb to my plans. I hurt myself or have a flair up or come down with a migraine that refuses to die.
Sorry Body, I am doing this for your own good. You will thank me later. Today you may rebel and throw a temper tantrum but you're going to have to do it my way anyways so the sooner you adjust to that, the better it will be for us.
I am determined to hit my goals. I am not posting all of them here but I am committed and by posting my struggles and issues, maybe I will overcome them hopefully encourage someone else thru their struggles.
This morning I woke up and all my muscles ached and I have a migraine that I have not been able to shake. Today's class is step and sculpt. I am determined to at least make it to the gym and get some kind of work out in. 30-45 minutes between the treadmill and the eliptical could work but it really wasn't what I had in mind today. My reward for going to the classes Monday-Wednesday is the Zumba class on Thursday.
What to do?
I am determined to go and to get sweaty. Migraine or not, I have to work out. This is what happens to me frequently. I am excited to get started and have high hopes and expectations then my body decides it doesn't want to succumb to my plans. I hurt myself or have a flair up or come down with a migraine that refuses to die.
Sorry Body, I am doing this for your own good. You will thank me later. Today you may rebel and throw a temper tantrum but you're going to have to do it my way anyways so the sooner you adjust to that, the better it will be for us.
I am determined to hit my goals. I am not posting all of them here but I am committed and by posting my struggles and issues, maybe I will overcome them hopefully encourage someone else thru their struggles.
Monday, November 28, 2011
What to do??
Every have so much on your plate that you are so excited about that you just don't know where to start? Or you start too many things and get overwhelmed?
I tend to start things very enthusiastically and then lose my motivation. This time around I want to finish as strong as I start. I don't want to give up part way thru. I don't want to feel overloaded and lose focus on why I am doing what I'm doing.
I've tried keeping the goals list in front of me. I've tried scheduling my time to work on my goals. I don't think keeping that appt with myself has been enough of a commitment. Maybe what I need to do is put it out here in cyber space for all to see and critique and hold me accountable to.
I am excited to meet up with friends at the gym everyday and try the classes the gym has to offer. Maybe meeting someone there everyday will be the motiviation I need to go back day after day.
I am going to read Billy 2 novels this month as well have him read to me on a regular basis, at least 4 times a week. I don't know what novels we'll read but it should be fun. Right now we are reading the Boxcar kids adventures #1 on my kindle. I think he likes it better being the kindle instead of a book so I am going to try to get library books on my kindle so he can use it and see if that makes him more interested in reading. We'd love to read some more Magic Treehouse books.
I am going to make Christmas gifts for the people who have blessed my heart over this past year. This is a pretty big commitment and I hope to get them all made so no one gets left out and gets their feelings hurt. Have I mentioned how much I love Pinterest? If you see your gift on there, please know that when I saw it there, I thought of you instantly and had to make it for you! It's how I am.
There are so many things vying for our attention and our resources this season. My biggest goal is to make sure my focus stays firmly where it belongs, on my God and Savior and on the family and friends I have been abundantly blessed by.
Have an amazing day and be abundantlly overwhelmingly blessed today!
I tend to start things very enthusiastically and then lose my motivation. This time around I want to finish as strong as I start. I don't want to give up part way thru. I don't want to feel overloaded and lose focus on why I am doing what I'm doing.
I've tried keeping the goals list in front of me. I've tried scheduling my time to work on my goals. I don't think keeping that appt with myself has been enough of a commitment. Maybe what I need to do is put it out here in cyber space for all to see and critique and hold me accountable to.
I am excited to meet up with friends at the gym everyday and try the classes the gym has to offer. Maybe meeting someone there everyday will be the motiviation I need to go back day after day.
I am going to read Billy 2 novels this month as well have him read to me on a regular basis, at least 4 times a week. I don't know what novels we'll read but it should be fun. Right now we are reading the Boxcar kids adventures #1 on my kindle. I think he likes it better being the kindle instead of a book so I am going to try to get library books on my kindle so he can use it and see if that makes him more interested in reading. We'd love to read some more Magic Treehouse books.
I am going to make Christmas gifts for the people who have blessed my heart over this past year. This is a pretty big commitment and I hope to get them all made so no one gets left out and gets their feelings hurt. Have I mentioned how much I love Pinterest? If you see your gift on there, please know that when I saw it there, I thought of you instantly and had to make it for you! It's how I am.
There are so many things vying for our attention and our resources this season. My biggest goal is to make sure my focus stays firmly where it belongs, on my God and Savior and on the family and friends I have been abundantly blessed by.
Have an amazing day and be abundantlly overwhelmingly blessed today!
Sunday, November 27, 2011
Time Flies
I am always amazed how fast time goes by!
Before I knew it we were on a plane heading to Hawaii after months of planning and saving. Then we were home (9 days later that went in the blink of an eye). Then it was Thanksgiving. So crazy!
Hawaii was beautiful! We didn't do all we wanted but we did what we needed to, rest and relax and enjoy us time. It was wonderful!
Now I am preparing for Christmas! I can't believe it! I actually started making Christmas crafts tonight for gifts. I am so excited for Christmas. I am going to make many of the gifts for the people that are important in my life. It is right in line with the Advent Conspiracy project we do at church but it also touches a deeper part of me. My mom would stay up late at night for weeks leading up to Christmas working on our gifts. She made wonderful gifts. She was very talented with a sewing machine. I wish she would have been around longer so I could have learned more from her. Her life was way too short.
There are so many people who have touched my life and I want to be able to bless them with a piece of myself. I know, that probably sounds pretty cheesy but that's me.
So, just wanted to pop in here and say I'm still alive and well and am looking forward to all this months activities and fun times!
What are you doing for Christmas this year? Do you buy gifts or make them? Which do you prefer to receive? Do you like a combination of both store bought and handmade?
Those are the thoughts and questions running thru my head at the moment.
Hope you had an amazing Thanksgiving and had much to be thankful for!
Before I knew it we were on a plane heading to Hawaii after months of planning and saving. Then we were home (9 days later that went in the blink of an eye). Then it was Thanksgiving. So crazy!
Hawaii was beautiful! We didn't do all we wanted but we did what we needed to, rest and relax and enjoy us time. It was wonderful!
Now I am preparing for Christmas! I can't believe it! I actually started making Christmas crafts tonight for gifts. I am so excited for Christmas. I am going to make many of the gifts for the people that are important in my life. It is right in line with the Advent Conspiracy project we do at church but it also touches a deeper part of me. My mom would stay up late at night for weeks leading up to Christmas working on our gifts. She made wonderful gifts. She was very talented with a sewing machine. I wish she would have been around longer so I could have learned more from her. Her life was way too short.
There are so many people who have touched my life and I want to be able to bless them with a piece of myself. I know, that probably sounds pretty cheesy but that's me.
So, just wanted to pop in here and say I'm still alive and well and am looking forward to all this months activities and fun times!
What are you doing for Christmas this year? Do you buy gifts or make them? Which do you prefer to receive? Do you like a combination of both store bought and handmade?
Those are the thoughts and questions running thru my head at the moment.
Hope you had an amazing Thanksgiving and had much to be thankful for!
Monday, October 3, 2011
30 day challenge
Well, I'm a couple days behind on the 30 day photo challenge.
Part of this is because I didn't know how to upload pictures but I think I have figured it out.
Part of this is because I didn't know how to upload pictures but I think I have figured it out.
This is me and my bestie on one of our adventures last summer. Really need to get out and adventure some more!
Well that's what I have for today!
Hope you're having a great day!
Monday, September 19, 2011
An Acts filled life
As I was rereading yesterday's message notes and scriptures, one thing stood out and made me stop in my tracks.
Greatfulness and joy in healing. Usually I sigh out "Thank God" in relief but how often do I rejoice in my healing?
As the lame man in Acts 3, I have been afflicted since birth. Some days are good some are not. But that's not what today's blog is about. Today's blog is my reactions.
As Peter reached out to the lame man and said "In the name of Jesus Christ, walk", the man stood then jumped. Now I don't know about you but I am picturing the Toyota car commercial where the people were jumping high and clicking their heels. There's a certain exuberance about it. There's a whimsy and joy about it. Being able to do what you've never been able to do before.
When God heals me of my afflictions and junk, how often I react the exact opposite. I may praise privately but I don't go and whoop it up. Why don't I share my healings? Wouldn't that encourage others in their walk? How bout you? How do you react to God's touch in your life?
This is my challenge for today. How will I choose to react? Will I keep it to myself or will I share openly and transparently so others can be encouraged that God cares about each one of His children and the power of Jesus is the same yesterday, today and tomorrow?
I am choosing today to be transparent and a vessel of God's grace and mercy.
Have a richly blessed day!
Greatfulness and joy in healing. Usually I sigh out "Thank God" in relief but how often do I rejoice in my healing?
As the lame man in Acts 3, I have been afflicted since birth. Some days are good some are not. But that's not what today's blog is about. Today's blog is my reactions.
As Peter reached out to the lame man and said "In the name of Jesus Christ, walk", the man stood then jumped. Now I don't know about you but I am picturing the Toyota car commercial where the people were jumping high and clicking their heels. There's a certain exuberance about it. There's a whimsy and joy about it. Being able to do what you've never been able to do before.
When God heals me of my afflictions and junk, how often I react the exact opposite. I may praise privately but I don't go and whoop it up. Why don't I share my healings? Wouldn't that encourage others in their walk? How bout you? How do you react to God's touch in your life?
This is my challenge for today. How will I choose to react? Will I keep it to myself or will I share openly and transparently so others can be encouraged that God cares about each one of His children and the power of Jesus is the same yesterday, today and tomorrow?
I am choosing today to be transparent and a vessel of God's grace and mercy.
Have a richly blessed day!
Friday, June 10, 2011
Dating
I am so excited about the lastest Living Social deals. I just bought 2 deals so I can go on a date with my beloved. We have a Mexican restaurant we really enjoy (La Costita) and they have a deal for $30 for only $15.
Then there is a Fandango deal for really cheap too. Chris loves to go to movies. So happy to find such great deals!
I love being able to have gift certificates available to do special stuff with my love even when the budget at the time we can go out isn't cooperating with us.
Even though we have been together for 21+ years, it's still nice to carve out time for each other.
Then there is a Fandango deal for really cheap too. Chris loves to go to movies. So happy to find such great deals!
I love being able to have gift certificates available to do special stuff with my love even when the budget at the time we can go out isn't cooperating with us.
Even though we have been together for 21+ years, it's still nice to carve out time for each other.
Friday, June 3, 2011
Exhaustion vs Goals
Well, we are just a couple days into June and I feel like I am not where I should be. Things have been so busy. Church, soccer, hair appt, work, working out...ugh! Tonight is my down night. I refuse to do anything productive.
Well, not completely unproductive...I did read the word this morning which is good because I don't think I could have made it this far today without that as my start. Problems problems all around and no rest to be found.
My workout today was cancelled due to measures outside my control. My hair appt was the only appt I kept today. It was well past time. I got take out and we all just relaxed at home.
Tomorrow is a fresh day and I will be busy but back on task. If I can find an extra hour, I will go to the gym otherwise I will make a point of playing at the park with Billy and kicking his soccer ball when he isn't using it.
I will read my Bible and do my 31 days to clean challenge. I will try to catch up as I was already behind from not being home hardly at all.
Well, that's where I am. So much to do and feeling pressured but also confident. I will succeed.
How is your 3 in 30 challenge going?
Well, not completely unproductive...I did read the word this morning which is good because I don't think I could have made it this far today without that as my start. Problems problems all around and no rest to be found.
My workout today was cancelled due to measures outside my control. My hair appt was the only appt I kept today. It was well past time. I got take out and we all just relaxed at home.
Tomorrow is a fresh day and I will be busy but back on task. If I can find an extra hour, I will go to the gym otherwise I will make a point of playing at the park with Billy and kicking his soccer ball when he isn't using it.
I will read my Bible and do my 31 days to clean challenge. I will try to catch up as I was already behind from not being home hardly at all.
Well, that's where I am. So much to do and feeling pressured but also confident. I will succeed.
How is your 3 in 30 challenge going?
Tuesday, May 31, 2011
June Goals
I am so excited to get back on track with setting my goals and hitting them.
I have had so much going on and I can't tell you how much I want to get things done.
So, without further ado, here are my goals.
First, I haven't spent much time in the word getting filled so I can be the best God wants me to be. I am going to get into the word daily. I am not committing to read a book a day or anything like that, some days I might only be able to read a couple verses and others I might be able to read chapters.
Second, I am eager to build my travel business so I will finish my training the first week and then work the rest of the month to get more training and get quotes out to as many people as possible so I can book three new customers over the course of the month.
Third, I have packed on so much excess weight. It is not fun and prevents me from doing so much that I would like to do. My goal as it pertains to that is that I will work out 4 days/wkly at the gym for at least 45 minutes each time. In addition I am going to keep my food journal up to date no matter how good or bad I do on any given day. On the days when I am not working out at the gym, I want to be outside and active, hiking or biking or playing at the park with my little one.
That is what I want to do in June.
What are your June goals?
Thursday, May 26, 2011
Things to do with the kids this summer
Hi guys.
I promised some links for summer fun with the kiddos.
The first and the one I am most excited about is 2 games bowling daily now thru August 31st. I am all for good old fashioned fun! Children under 15 are free. You can add up to 4 people over 15 for only $25. Shoe rentals are not included. http://www.kidsbowlfree.com is the sight. It asks for the email of the person who referred you, so please list mine, joyceatong@gmail.com.
Next is the reading programs. I love incentives for reading. Free books and various prizes abound.
Check out the Barnes and Noble program here. If you have creative kids, I see they have a "create your own book" activity too. I might have to check that out for my little guy. It looks like there might be a charge involved for the creating your own book portion but you end up with a hard back or soft back book when it's completed.
http://www.barnesandnoble.com/summerreading/index.asp
And Borders http://www.borders.com/online/store/MediaView_double-dog-dare
And Scholastic is completely online http://www.scholastic.com/summer/
And the Book it program thru Pizza Hut http://www.bookitprogram.com/
It looks like Regal is charging $1 for each of their showings instead of free like in the past but it's still a pretty great deal. http://www.regmovies.com/summermovieexpress/default.aspx
Lowes and Home Depot both have weekend kids build projects. They are fun and free.
https://lowesbuildandgrow.com/?UserSearch=kids+workshop&langId=-1&storeId=10151&catalogId=10051&N=0
https://lowesbuildandgrow.com/?UserSearch=kids+workshop&langId=-1&storeId=10151&catalogId=10051&N=0
Free swim lessons thru portland parks and rec. http://www.portlandonline.com/parks/index.cfm?a=345519&c=38284 A few years back Portland Parks had free times for each of their outdoor pools. We were able to swim just about every day of the week. The pools are crowded but still enjoyable.
Do you have summer fun that I haven't included? If so, please add a comment so we can all benefit.
I promised some links for summer fun with the kiddos.
The first and the one I am most excited about is 2 games bowling daily now thru August 31st. I am all for good old fashioned fun! Children under 15 are free. You can add up to 4 people over 15 for only $25. Shoe rentals are not included. http://www.kidsbowlfree.com is the sight. It asks for the email of the person who referred you, so please list mine, joyceatong@gmail.com.
Next is the reading programs. I love incentives for reading. Free books and various prizes abound.
Check out the Barnes and Noble program here. If you have creative kids, I see they have a "create your own book" activity too. I might have to check that out for my little guy. It looks like there might be a charge involved for the creating your own book portion but you end up with a hard back or soft back book when it's completed.
http://www.barnesandnoble.com/summerreading/index.asp
And Borders http://www.borders.com/online/store/MediaView_double-dog-dare
And Scholastic is completely online http://www.scholastic.com/summer/
And the Book it program thru Pizza Hut http://www.bookitprogram.com/
It looks like Regal is charging $1 for each of their showings instead of free like in the past but it's still a pretty great deal. http://www.regmovies.com/summermovieexpress/default.aspx
Lowes and Home Depot both have weekend kids build projects. They are fun and free.
https://lowesbuildandgrow.com/?UserSearch=kids+workshop&langId=-1&storeId=10151&catalogId=10051&N=0
https://lowesbuildandgrow.com/?UserSearch=kids+workshop&langId=-1&storeId=10151&catalogId=10051&N=0
Free swim lessons thru portland parks and rec. http://www.portlandonline.com/parks/index.cfm?a=345519&c=38284 A few years back Portland Parks had free times for each of their outdoor pools. We were able to swim just about every day of the week. The pools are crowded but still enjoyable.
Do you have summer fun that I haven't included? If so, please add a comment so we can all benefit.
Tuesday, May 24, 2011
Enthusiasm
Enthusiasm and perkiness are two traits I have frequently been told I have in abundance. Many people say it like it's a bad thing. I know that I can be over the top exuberant at times. It helps in situations where you need something you don't have. I have found that when I don't feel up to a challenge I can express enthusiasm towards it and suddenly I don't feel as intimidated or small.
I am the eternal cheerleader. Some people avoid me because of this. Granted I can even annoy myself with an overoptimistic outlook but I think it is so much better than being mopey and feeling helpless and powerless to change circumstances. Sometimes people just need to know that someone else believes in them and knows they can accomplish what they set out to do, even when it is super hard.
I need to do that for myself this week so if you see me being more enthusiastic and cheerful than normal, know that I pushing myself to do more than think I can and am psyching myself up to accomplish goals and dreams or tackle overdue projects. If you could do me a favor and remind me that I CAN accomplish "it", I would greatly appreciate it.
Hope you have a great day. Know I'm cheering for you!
I am the eternal cheerleader. Some people avoid me because of this. Granted I can even annoy myself with an overoptimistic outlook but I think it is so much better than being mopey and feeling helpless and powerless to change circumstances. Sometimes people just need to know that someone else believes in them and knows they can accomplish what they set out to do, even when it is super hard.
I need to do that for myself this week so if you see me being more enthusiastic and cheerful than normal, know that I pushing myself to do more than think I can and am psyching myself up to accomplish goals and dreams or tackle overdue projects. If you could do me a favor and remind me that I CAN accomplish "it", I would greatly appreciate it.
Hope you have a great day. Know I'm cheering for you!
Monday, May 23, 2011
Hiccups in my plans
Well, this past week has gone by so fast and not much like I anticipated.
Highlights:
I did make it to the gym 4 days this week. I ran a mile in 12.5 minutes on my last workout. It was awesome!
I had a great date with my love celebrating our 20th wedding anniversary.
I cleaned house before we left for our trip so I didn't have a mess to deal with when I got home.
Not so great parts:
I didn't keep my food journal.
I have yet to download my cameras so I can post some of them on here.
I have yet to finish my travel agency training but plan to this week so I can start making something of it.
Things I'm doing this week:
Finishing my travel agency training.
Updating my blog at least once this week.
Going to the gym 4 times this week.
Score from free salad from Safeway.
Send out my resume to 4 or 5 companies.
Keep my food journal every day.
Well that's what I'm up to. Hope you're having a great week and accomplishing all your goals.
Highlights:
I did make it to the gym 4 days this week. I ran a mile in 12.5 minutes on my last workout. It was awesome!
I had a great date with my love celebrating our 20th wedding anniversary.
I cleaned house before we left for our trip so I didn't have a mess to deal with when I got home.
Not so great parts:
I didn't keep my food journal.
I have yet to download my cameras so I can post some of them on here.
I have yet to finish my travel agency training but plan to this week so I can start making something of it.
Things I'm doing this week:
Finishing my travel agency training.
Updating my blog at least once this week.
Going to the gym 4 times this week.
Score from free salad from Safeway.
Send out my resume to 4 or 5 companies.
Keep my food journal every day.
Well that's what I'm up to. Hope you're having a great week and accomplishing all your goals.
Monday, May 16, 2011
Productivity
Wow today has been long! I have spent the last couple hours doing travel agent training and still have about 5 more hours to go but I am getting it done.
My goal is to do 1 or 2 sessions a night for the rest of the week then move forward with promoting the agency and booking trips for people.
One of the things that has prevented me from completing this training is that my laptop has been suffering a slow death. I think today might actually have killed it. Luckily for me, my love has decided to share his laptop temporarily with me so I can move forward and maybe start making at least enough money to cover what it is costing me.
Well, that is my progress story for the day.
Hope you've got a good one too!
My goal is to do 1 or 2 sessions a night for the rest of the week then move forward with promoting the agency and booking trips for people.
One of the things that has prevented me from completing this training is that my laptop has been suffering a slow death. I think today might actually have killed it. Luckily for me, my love has decided to share his laptop temporarily with me so I can move forward and maybe start making at least enough money to cover what it is costing me.
Well, that is my progress story for the day.
Hope you've got a good one too!
Disappearing Act
Wow!!! Have you every blinked then realized a great spam of time has passed? That's kind of how I feel about my blog. How could it be almost 2 months since I have been here?
Well, the important thing is that I am back and plan in being here much more consistently.
Billy started soccer this spring and that has really thrown a wrench in our routine. Practice on Thursday's and games on Tuesday's and Saturday's has been crazy. Luckily my volunteer opportunity on Wednesday's has changed so I don't have as much of a time stressor there.
It seems like everyone in my house has had the crud forever. Billy has been tested for asthma, celiac disease and diabetes. Chris had his knee surgery and is still recovering from that. And allergies have hit our house hard. I am still trying to chute out why I haven't bought stock in Kleenex yet. Or in Allegra or Sudafed or Benadryl. We will get thru this though.
I have turned my focus back to my health and fitness. I made it to the gym 5 days last week and have a date with my man to workout together tonight. I have removed several things from my diet only to discover that they could be a root source of some of my digestive problems over the years. It has been a very interesting process of growth and learning.
Thus week will have lots of challenges and excitement so I am looking forward to being on here sharing with you guys!
Talk to you soon.
Well, the important thing is that I am back and plan in being here much more consistently.
Billy started soccer this spring and that has really thrown a wrench in our routine. Practice on Thursday's and games on Tuesday's and Saturday's has been crazy. Luckily my volunteer opportunity on Wednesday's has changed so I don't have as much of a time stressor there.
It seems like everyone in my house has had the crud forever. Billy has been tested for asthma, celiac disease and diabetes. Chris had his knee surgery and is still recovering from that. And allergies have hit our house hard. I am still trying to chute out why I haven't bought stock in Kleenex yet. Or in Allegra or Sudafed or Benadryl. We will get thru this though.
I have turned my focus back to my health and fitness. I made it to the gym 5 days last week and have a date with my man to workout together tonight. I have removed several things from my diet only to discover that they could be a root source of some of my digestive problems over the years. It has been a very interesting process of growth and learning.
Thus week will have lots of challenges and excitement so I am looking forward to being on here sharing with you guys!
Talk to you soon.
Monday, March 28, 2011
Monday Monday
Happy Monday!
It has been a long day. Work was crazy but good! My computer at work was fritzy. IT was making changes to our phone systems and computer and put us out of commission for most of the day. But in spite of all that, it was still a great day.
After work, I got to go bowling with my Jake. We played 4 games and had a great time.
I have been making progress with my March goals. I will update more later.
I just wanted say hi and tell you that today was a great day!
It has been a long day. Work was crazy but good! My computer at work was fritzy. IT was making changes to our phone systems and computer and put us out of commission for most of the day. But in spite of all that, it was still a great day.
After work, I got to go bowling with my Jake. We played 4 games and had a great time.
I have been making progress with my March goals. I will update more later.
I just wanted say hi and tell you that today was a great day!
Wednesday, March 9, 2011
Progress
Happy Wednesday March 9th.
I thought today would be a great day to revisit my monthly goals and evaluate what's going well and what's a struggle for me.
Goal 1 was to exercise 20 times in the month. The first week of the month I had a flare up that left me pretty much useless. I laid around on the couch barely functional. I hate when I get like that. Exercise helps so I finally pushed past and got to the gym on Monday. I can't tell you how much that helped me! I went again yesterday but was wearing the wrong shoes and ended up with terrible shin cramps after only a couple minutes of running. Those shoes hit the trash can as soon as I got home. The way this is shaping up, I will need to go shoe shopping on Saturday. Today I don't have time to hit the gym so I figure I will do squats and lunges while watching Billy play at the McD's playland.
Goal 2 was to read 3 books. I am about 2/3 of the way thru Mansfield Park which is good because book club is the 18th. Since I broke my Kindle, I picked up Sisterchicks in Wooden Shoes by Robin Jones Gunn. I had forgotten what a great writer she is. She has such an amazing sense of humor. Stay tuned for a book review in the next few days. It is such a great read! I don't want to say too much now. I still haven't decided on book #3 but I'm sure I will know it when I see it. I was thinking about reading Lisa Whelchell's book Taking Care of the Me in Mommy. I picked it up a couple years ago and still haven't read it. Oh and does finishing The Tale of Desperoux with Billy count? That is one long book!
Goal 3 was to find a place to sell my crafts. I have a couple really great ideas but as of right now I haven't done anything towards that end. I am thinking of going on Etsy but want to make sure that I do it right so I don't get lost in the vast expanse that is Etsy. I am also looking into the Fairview Crafters Market. And my sweet Jake is applying for the Gresham's Farmers Market. If he does that and sells my goods and I do the Fairview one and sell his, we should be able to sell some...I hope!!! We both spend too much money in supplies to not make money doing what we really and truly enjoy.
Well, that's where I am at. How bout you? How are you doing in reaching your goals?
I thought today would be a great day to revisit my monthly goals and evaluate what's going well and what's a struggle for me.
Goal 1 was to exercise 20 times in the month. The first week of the month I had a flare up that left me pretty much useless. I laid around on the couch barely functional. I hate when I get like that. Exercise helps so I finally pushed past and got to the gym on Monday. I can't tell you how much that helped me! I went again yesterday but was wearing the wrong shoes and ended up with terrible shin cramps after only a couple minutes of running. Those shoes hit the trash can as soon as I got home. The way this is shaping up, I will need to go shoe shopping on Saturday. Today I don't have time to hit the gym so I figure I will do squats and lunges while watching Billy play at the McD's playland.
Goal 2 was to read 3 books. I am about 2/3 of the way thru Mansfield Park which is good because book club is the 18th. Since I broke my Kindle, I picked up Sisterchicks in Wooden Shoes by Robin Jones Gunn. I had forgotten what a great writer she is. She has such an amazing sense of humor. Stay tuned for a book review in the next few days. It is such a great read! I don't want to say too much now. I still haven't decided on book #3 but I'm sure I will know it when I see it. I was thinking about reading Lisa Whelchell's book Taking Care of the Me in Mommy. I picked it up a couple years ago and still haven't read it. Oh and does finishing The Tale of Desperoux with Billy count? That is one long book!
Goal 3 was to find a place to sell my crafts. I have a couple really great ideas but as of right now I haven't done anything towards that end. I am thinking of going on Etsy but want to make sure that I do it right so I don't get lost in the vast expanse that is Etsy. I am also looking into the Fairview Crafters Market. And my sweet Jake is applying for the Gresham's Farmers Market. If he does that and sells my goods and I do the Fairview one and sell his, we should be able to sell some...I hope!!! We both spend too much money in supplies to not make money doing what we really and truly enjoy.
Well, that's where I am at. How bout you? How are you doing in reaching your goals?
Tuesday, March 8, 2011
Choices
Every day we get to choose how we will respond to the things in our lives. We can choose to react positively or negatively. We can either use the things that come into our lives to grow or to become bitter and hardened. We can be either the victor or the victim.
Today I choose to see the beauty in the day and in what I have been given. I know I don't always react positively but today I choose to. I know people are going to push my buttons. I know things are not going to go 100% my way. I know people are going to try to cut me off in traffic. How I choose to react to these things are what define me.
Today I will be thankful for the things and people God has put into my life. Things I have to be thankful for today...
My beloved husband asked me to lunch with him.
Billy was easy to get ready this morning, getting himself up and ready even.
I have a job I enjoy and am pretty good at if I do say so myself.
Benefits changed at work so I have the option of carrying dental only since we get medical thru Chris's work.
My replacement Kindle should arrive today! Yippee!!!
Jake has a job interview today! Good luck, Son. I'm praying for you!
I have wonderful friends and coworkers.
I have a car that runs and gets me from place to place. It's cute and sporty.
I have an incredible life when I take the time to look at all the positives. It is so nice to focus on the good around me. It is so easy to get sucked into the negative and only look at the bad stuff. It is all around us. Sometimes just finding the good and praiseworthy takes work but man is that the stuff that has the best rewards! Have you ever had to work for something? I mean really work for it. Whether it's good grades or the job you want or a relationship that you want to make work. Those are the things that are treasured.
Thanks God for the treasures you have put in my life and the people you have brought to my path so they can sharpen and strengthen me. I pray that I can do the same for them with a smile and kind word and that you would be glorified!
What are you thankful for today?
Today I choose to see the beauty in the day and in what I have been given. I know I don't always react positively but today I choose to. I know people are going to push my buttons. I know things are not going to go 100% my way. I know people are going to try to cut me off in traffic. How I choose to react to these things are what define me.
Today I will be thankful for the things and people God has put into my life. Things I have to be thankful for today...
My beloved husband asked me to lunch with him.
Billy was easy to get ready this morning, getting himself up and ready even.
I have a job I enjoy and am pretty good at if I do say so myself.
Benefits changed at work so I have the option of carrying dental only since we get medical thru Chris's work.
My replacement Kindle should arrive today! Yippee!!!
Jake has a job interview today! Good luck, Son. I'm praying for you!
I have wonderful friends and coworkers.
I have a car that runs and gets me from place to place. It's cute and sporty.
I have an incredible life when I take the time to look at all the positives. It is so nice to focus on the good around me. It is so easy to get sucked into the negative and only look at the bad stuff. It is all around us. Sometimes just finding the good and praiseworthy takes work but man is that the stuff that has the best rewards! Have you ever had to work for something? I mean really work for it. Whether it's good grades or the job you want or a relationship that you want to make work. Those are the things that are treasured.
Thanks God for the treasures you have put in my life and the people you have brought to my path so they can sharpen and strengthen me. I pray that I can do the same for them with a smile and kind word and that you would be glorified!
What are you thankful for today?
Sunday, March 6, 2011
Crazies
So much going on in my mind and in my life. This week has definitely had it's challenges. It started by finding out a dear friend from high school that I hadn't seen in 5 year and hadn't talked to in 2 or 3 years passed away over the weekend.
Follow that by my husband going in for his 2nd knee surgery. Hopefully he will be back to normal soon and he can be pain free once again.
In addition to that, I have had a bad pain management week. That always intensifies any stressors in my life. I get more emotional. It is harder to get things done.
As if all of that weren't enough, this morning I broke my kindle and burnt my hand.
I am so glad this week is over and tomorrow is a fresh day.
Hope you're having a much better week.
Smiles!
Follow that by my husband going in for his 2nd knee surgery. Hopefully he will be back to normal soon and he can be pain free once again.
In addition to that, I have had a bad pain management week. That always intensifies any stressors in my life. I get more emotional. It is harder to get things done.
As if all of that weren't enough, this morning I broke my kindle and burnt my hand.
I am so glad this week is over and tomorrow is a fresh day.
Hope you're having a much better week.
Smiles!
Monday, February 28, 2011
February Goals Update and March Goals
Well, as February winds to a close, I have to say, I am slightly disappointed but also optimistic. Although I didn't hit all my goals, I am thrilled how far I've come. There were a couple things that I planned to do over the weekend to bust them out but instead, I sat on my couch pretty much all weekend wrapped in a blanket with my Bible. It was a rough pain management weekend.
My last post was about my participation in the Bible in 90 days challenge. I'm most excited to do this. Yesterday was day 1 so I got up before my family and set out to read before they woke up but lo and behold, work needed to be done so I spent 2.5 hrs working from home. By the time I was done, my family was all up and wanting my attention. I did get my reading done throughout the day but it wasn't in the solid block of time I had hoped for. All's good!
So for my February goals, I completed my reading goal. I still need to get 4 boxes of stuff out of the house. I have 1 packed and ready to go and I have the boxes for the others but haven't got them packed yet. I will just add that to my march goals. And for finishing my travel agency training, I am still working on it but hope to be done this week.
My March goals are
1) exercise 20 days out of the month for at least 20 minutes each time. This does not mean that I can work out fewer times for 60 minutes. I need to be consistent. If you're reading this and need a work out buddy to help you meet your goals, leave me a comment. A workout partner would be a great motivator to get working out consistently.
2) read 3 books. I am going to finish Mansfield Park and read 2 other books that I haven't confirmed yet. Once I decide on the books I will let you all know. I think one of them will be a Robin Jones Gunn book that I am getting from WaterBrook Multnomah.
3) find a place to sell my jewelry/crafts. I have to find a way to justify the massive quantities of craft supplies I have and my obsession with buying them, right? Along the same line, I plan to complete my pay it forward 2011 challenge and get all my wonderful friends their handmade goodies this month.
What are your goals? How did you do at hitting your February goals? Are you encouraged or discouraged by February? Remember, if you didn't hit your goals, it's okay, just roll them over to this month and quit stressing.
I will be back soon to focus on my goals and success, keeping you informed on how I'm doing.
Have a great last day of February!
My last post was about my participation in the Bible in 90 days challenge. I'm most excited to do this. Yesterday was day 1 so I got up before my family and set out to read before they woke up but lo and behold, work needed to be done so I spent 2.5 hrs working from home. By the time I was done, my family was all up and wanting my attention. I did get my reading done throughout the day but it wasn't in the solid block of time I had hoped for. All's good!
So for my February goals, I completed my reading goal. I still need to get 4 boxes of stuff out of the house. I have 1 packed and ready to go and I have the boxes for the others but haven't got them packed yet. I will just add that to my march goals. And for finishing my travel agency training, I am still working on it but hope to be done this week.
My March goals are
1) exercise 20 days out of the month for at least 20 minutes each time. This does not mean that I can work out fewer times for 60 minutes. I need to be consistent. If you're reading this and need a work out buddy to help you meet your goals, leave me a comment. A workout partner would be a great motivator to get working out consistently.
2) read 3 books. I am going to finish Mansfield Park and read 2 other books that I haven't confirmed yet. Once I decide on the books I will let you all know. I think one of them will be a Robin Jones Gunn book that I am getting from WaterBrook Multnomah.
3) find a place to sell my jewelry/crafts. I have to find a way to justify the massive quantities of craft supplies I have and my obsession with buying them, right? Along the same line, I plan to complete my pay it forward 2011 challenge and get all my wonderful friends their handmade goodies this month.
What are your goals? How did you do at hitting your February goals? Are you encouraged or discouraged by February? Remember, if you didn't hit your goals, it's okay, just roll them over to this month and quit stressing.
I will be back soon to focus on my goals and success, keeping you informed on how I'm doing.
Have a great last day of February!
Saturday, February 26, 2011
New Inspiration.
Happy Saturday.
I am so excited by what I found on the internet this morning. So many clever, inspirational things to see and try.
I found a Bible in 90 days challenge. The church that is doing it is starting tomorrow. LOVE IT. I have read the Bible but never all the way thru. The part that amazes me the most is that it is only 6 pages front and back daily. I can read 12 pages a day! That's a breeze. How bout you? Do you want to join me? So that is my new obsession and adventure. Super excited to get started.
In addition to that I have found an ebook that I want to purchase to help me in getting started with selling my crafts on line. I am still debating about that. If I decide to get it and find it's good, you'll see a link on my blog that you can click and get it too. I don't want to refer you until I see it's worth it.
Well, now that I have seen many wonderful crafting ideas, I can't wait to get started this morning on my own thing. I hope my pix come in today so I can do a bit of scrap booking while the inspiration is with me. Here's hoping!
Well, if I am going to get anything done today, I better get off of here and get working. Depending on my progress, I will try to post some pix later today!
Have a wonderfully fun and creative Saturday.
I am so excited by what I found on the internet this morning. So many clever, inspirational things to see and try.
I found a Bible in 90 days challenge. The church that is doing it is starting tomorrow. LOVE IT. I have read the Bible but never all the way thru. The part that amazes me the most is that it is only 6 pages front and back daily. I can read 12 pages a day! That's a breeze. How bout you? Do you want to join me? So that is my new obsession and adventure. Super excited to get started.
In addition to that I have found an ebook that I want to purchase to help me in getting started with selling my crafts on line. I am still debating about that. If I decide to get it and find it's good, you'll see a link on my blog that you can click and get it too. I don't want to refer you until I see it's worth it.
Well, now that I have seen many wonderful crafting ideas, I can't wait to get started this morning on my own thing. I hope my pix come in today so I can do a bit of scrap booking while the inspiration is with me. Here's hoping!
Well, if I am going to get anything done today, I better get off of here and get working. Depending on my progress, I will try to post some pix later today!
Have a wonderfully fun and creative Saturday.
Thursday, February 24, 2011
Attitude Adjustment
This week I have realized that somewhere along the way, I let something stinky in my life and it is manifesting in an attitude that is completely unacceptable. It's time to do something about it.
Step one is confession so here it is. I have a horrible grumpy attitude, particularly with my family.
Step two is apologizing. My beloved family who I have been so snippy with and so critical of, I hope you will forgive me. I will apologize to each of you face to face when I see you next. I love you more than anything in this world and you deserve better.
Step three is adjusting my thinking. Now this is the trickiest part of all. I have to pinpoint the source of my attitude so I can shift it. Thinking happy thoughts isn't enough. I need to identify and eradicate the source. Is it discontent? Is it feeling taken for granted? Is it filling my plate too full and feeling like a failure at everything? There are so many things it could be. Maybe it is a combination of all those things and I need to take a step back and evaluate my calendar and expectations. Maybe I need to shorten my to do list.
Step four is to address issues as they come up. I need to not let things bottle up until I feel like I am going to explode. Addressing things right away keeps the air clear. I also need to feel that I am being heard and not just being blown off when I address things them. That is going to be one of my biggest challenges I think.
Well, here goes. Wish me luck. Pray for me. Love me in spite of me.
Step one is confession so here it is. I have a horrible grumpy attitude, particularly with my family.
Step two is apologizing. My beloved family who I have been so snippy with and so critical of, I hope you will forgive me. I will apologize to each of you face to face when I see you next. I love you more than anything in this world and you deserve better.
Step three is adjusting my thinking. Now this is the trickiest part of all. I have to pinpoint the source of my attitude so I can shift it. Thinking happy thoughts isn't enough. I need to identify and eradicate the source. Is it discontent? Is it feeling taken for granted? Is it filling my plate too full and feeling like a failure at everything? There are so many things it could be. Maybe it is a combination of all those things and I need to take a step back and evaluate my calendar and expectations. Maybe I need to shorten my to do list.
Step four is to address issues as they come up. I need to not let things bottle up until I feel like I am going to explode. Addressing things right away keeps the air clear. I also need to feel that I am being heard and not just being blown off when I address things them. That is going to be one of my biggest challenges I think.
Well, here goes. Wish me luck. Pray for me. Love me in spite of me.
Monday, February 21, 2011
Divine Appointments
When I saw the title Divine Appointments, I had to read it. God puts so many divine appointments in front of us so I couldn't wait to read a book with that title.
Charlene Ann Baumbich did a good job of making me feel the characters, the uptight outsider Josie, the judgemental victim of life Marsha and the good natured easy going Barb and the bleeding heart Lyle.
Josie is an independent consultant that revamps company IT departments and her job typically results in downsizing. Her assignment at Diamond Mutual is no different.
Josie has grown up in a rigid military home and run her life with the rigidity she grew up with. She moves frequently, doesn't have any close friends and likes it that way.
Then her life starts to change. What she grew up thinking was real, she begins to question. She makes her first real friend a career hiccup and a change she never saw coming.
Although it didn't have the God overtones that I expected, it was a well woven tale of life's twists and turns.
This book was provided at no charge to me for review by WaterBrook Multnomah Publishing.
Progressing
Since I haven't posted in a bit, I thought now would be a good time to do an update on this months goals that I posted earlier in the month.
Goal # 1, reading at least 2 books. I finished 3 Cups of Tea and Divine Appointments. I am about a third of the way thru Mansfield Park. Making very good progress getting where I want to be. Of course I have 5 more books that I want to read but those will have to wait for now.
Goal # 2, getting rid of 4 boxes of "stuff" from my home...well, that one I have not done as well one but I still have a week to get it done. I am confident I will accomplish this task. The only question is where to start. I think I will focus on my stuff instead of Billy's room.
Goal # 3, completing the travel agency training and promoting the agency is by far my biggest challenge this month. By the time I get home there is so much to do that I don't have the time I would like to do it. I think I should still be able to get this done by the end of the month as I will be reducing my office hours 3 days/wk which will give me some free, unclaimed time on those days.
Health and fitness has been a huge struggle. I have been getting to the gym more often and being more consistent but my eating is still totally crazy! My water intake has been very inconsistent. I am thinking that I need to actually post goal updates more often so it helps keep me focused and on track. Breakfast is still a huge problem area for me as are cutting out the sweets/excess carbs. Today is a new day and a new opportunity to take control.
How are you doing on your goals for this month?
Goal # 1, reading at least 2 books. I finished 3 Cups of Tea and Divine Appointments. I am about a third of the way thru Mansfield Park. Making very good progress getting where I want to be. Of course I have 5 more books that I want to read but those will have to wait for now.
Goal # 2, getting rid of 4 boxes of "stuff" from my home...well, that one I have not done as well one but I still have a week to get it done. I am confident I will accomplish this task. The only question is where to start. I think I will focus on my stuff instead of Billy's room.
Goal # 3, completing the travel agency training and promoting the agency is by far my biggest challenge this month. By the time I get home there is so much to do that I don't have the time I would like to do it. I think I should still be able to get this done by the end of the month as I will be reducing my office hours 3 days/wk which will give me some free, unclaimed time on those days.
Health and fitness has been a huge struggle. I have been getting to the gym more often and being more consistent but my eating is still totally crazy! My water intake has been very inconsistent. I am thinking that I need to actually post goal updates more often so it helps keep me focused and on track. Breakfast is still a huge problem area for me as are cutting out the sweets/excess carbs. Today is a new day and a new opportunity to take control.
How are you doing on your goals for this month?
Thursday, February 10, 2011
Ideas
So many ideas racing thru my head today. All these things I want to do or think would be cool to do. I would love your feedback on my thoughts today.
I want to have a crafting weekend. I want to make some earrings, bracelets and necklaces. Jake and I have been talking about getting a booth at a craft fair or two so we can sell our wares. I want to have a nice selection to offer.
I also want to have a cooking weekend not so I can make a lot of family meals but so that I can make healthy freezer lunches to take to work so I don't have to worry about left overs or rely on sandwiches. I want to have them all organized with the proper foods combinations (proteins vs carbs) so they are all no brainers and are properly portioned so I can exercise portion control without an added expense and artificial ingredients found with pre-packaged meals.
I also want to have a weekend of reading and studying. A couple good books, my Bible and my journal.
Even if I can only have 1 day to do some of those things, it would be delightful to have that productivity. That sense of accomplishment.
I want to have a crafting weekend. I want to make some earrings, bracelets and necklaces. Jake and I have been talking about getting a booth at a craft fair or two so we can sell our wares. I want to have a nice selection to offer.
I also want to have a cooking weekend not so I can make a lot of family meals but so that I can make healthy freezer lunches to take to work so I don't have to worry about left overs or rely on sandwiches. I want to have them all organized with the proper foods combinations (proteins vs carbs) so they are all no brainers and are properly portioned so I can exercise portion control without an added expense and artificial ingredients found with pre-packaged meals.
I also want to have a weekend of reading and studying. A couple good books, my Bible and my journal.
Even if I can only have 1 day to do some of those things, it would be delightful to have that productivity. That sense of accomplishment.
Wednesday, February 9, 2011
Walking on clouds!
I am so very very very happy today! I had known my Jake was a graduate once he finished his finals and got the one he NEEDED graded. Somehow, getting his diploma yesterday had a bigger effect on me than I thought it would.
He is the first person in my family to graduate high school since I did in 1986. Neither of my siblings or my neices graduated.
I am so incredibly proud of him! He stuck it out when it was tough and made the right decisions and now has a diploma to show for all his hard work.
It would have been so easy to walk away and get his GED but he stuck it out.
I could not be prouder of my son, Jacob Christian Tong!
I pray this success will snowball into many more successes in his life.
He is the first person in my family to graduate high school since I did in 1986. Neither of my siblings or my neices graduated.
I am so incredibly proud of him! He stuck it out when it was tough and made the right decisions and now has a diploma to show for all his hard work.
It would have been so easy to walk away and get his GED but he stuck it out.
I could not be prouder of my son, Jacob Christian Tong!
I pray this success will snowball into many more successes in his life.
Tuesday, February 8, 2011
Daddy's girl
I am such a sap. I cry very easily, both when I'm happy and sad.
Saturday night, Billy and I were driving home from church and Steven Curtis Chapman's song Cinderella came on the radio. Memories that I hadn't visited for decades came flooding in. My Daddy was a very busy guy. His sacrifice of working as much as he did made it where mom could stay home with us kids.
Daddy taught me to dance. Memories of standing on his feet as he took the steps came to mind. How he would teach me to follow along as he led played in my mind. I remember mom sitting on the couch watching Daddy-daughter twirl around the living room.
I think my dad enjoyed those times too. He set up father daughter dinner dances at the lodge he belonged to. It was very special to plan for those time. I looked forward to it long in advance of it happening.
My daddy always called me his princess. Those times when we danced, made me feel like his precious princess. Is it any wonder I am my daddy's girl? He recognized how fast that time would go by and how quickly life would get busy and I would have my own family.
Even after all these years when the world feels like it's closing in, the first person I want to call is my daddy to hear that it will all be alright. It may not be easy but it will be alright.
I told you I'm a sap!
Saturday night, Billy and I were driving home from church and Steven Curtis Chapman's song Cinderella came on the radio. Memories that I hadn't visited for decades came flooding in. My Daddy was a very busy guy. His sacrifice of working as much as he did made it where mom could stay home with us kids.
Daddy taught me to dance. Memories of standing on his feet as he took the steps came to mind. How he would teach me to follow along as he led played in my mind. I remember mom sitting on the couch watching Daddy-daughter twirl around the living room.
I think my dad enjoyed those times too. He set up father daughter dinner dances at the lodge he belonged to. It was very special to plan for those time. I looked forward to it long in advance of it happening.
My daddy always called me his princess. Those times when we danced, made me feel like his precious princess. Is it any wonder I am my daddy's girl? He recognized how fast that time would go by and how quickly life would get busy and I would have my own family.
Even after all these years when the world feels like it's closing in, the first person I want to call is my daddy to hear that it will all be alright. It may not be easy but it will be alright.
I told you I'm a sap!
Progressing slowly
Today seems like a day that needs some color. It has been a pretty blah day. Work has been slow. I have edited and re-edited my spreadsheets at least a dozen times. Not changing them because I need to, just because I am bored.
I think having so much free time I have plenty of time to evaluate my successes and failures. I am focusing on the goals I have set for this month.
As I mentioned previously, I finished Three Cups of Tea. Instead of diving back into Mansfield Park, I picked up Divine Appointments and have just about finished that already. Expect to see my book review blog on it soon. Since WaterBrook Publishing provides me with great books the least I can do is review them. I have been downloading a bunch of books to my kindle. Anything that sounds remotely interesting has been loaded especially if it's free.
I have been going to the gym almost daily. I took Sunday off and I felt like such a slouch! LOL!! Who would have thought that I would be eager to go to the gym. Today I am seriously contemplating hitting the pool again but then again Saturday's treadmill workout was awesome, even though I sweated tons. Don't like sweat. Ick! I wasn't very good about tracking my calories or exercise since Saturday morning. I use Myfitnesspal on my iPhone. It is wonderful! Now if only I could think it and the stuff would appear in there.
The travel agency is moving along. I have got my user ID's to 3 of our preferred vendors. I still need to sit down and do 3 more training modules. I am super eager to get to them but things keep cropping up that are keeping me from doing them. Maybe I can squeeze in some time tomorrow to do one of them. Tomorrow night I have nursery duty so my evening is already filled. (Have I mentioned how much I LOVE being in the nursery? It's awesome!!! )
Well, that is how this week has been so far. Nothing glamorous or exciting, just kind of plodding along. Hope you are having a great week and making wonderful progress toward your goals.
I think having so much free time I have plenty of time to evaluate my successes and failures. I am focusing on the goals I have set for this month.
As I mentioned previously, I finished Three Cups of Tea. Instead of diving back into Mansfield Park, I picked up Divine Appointments and have just about finished that already. Expect to see my book review blog on it soon. Since WaterBrook Publishing provides me with great books the least I can do is review them. I have been downloading a bunch of books to my kindle. Anything that sounds remotely interesting has been loaded especially if it's free.
I have been going to the gym almost daily. I took Sunday off and I felt like such a slouch! LOL!! Who would have thought that I would be eager to go to the gym. Today I am seriously contemplating hitting the pool again but then again Saturday's treadmill workout was awesome, even though I sweated tons. Don't like sweat. Ick! I wasn't very good about tracking my calories or exercise since Saturday morning. I use Myfitnesspal on my iPhone. It is wonderful! Now if only I could think it and the stuff would appear in there.
The travel agency is moving along. I have got my user ID's to 3 of our preferred vendors. I still need to sit down and do 3 more training modules. I am super eager to get to them but things keep cropping up that are keeping me from doing them. Maybe I can squeeze in some time tomorrow to do one of them. Tomorrow night I have nursery duty so my evening is already filled. (Have I mentioned how much I LOVE being in the nursery? It's awesome!!! )
Well, that is how this week has been so far. Nothing glamorous or exciting, just kind of plodding along. Hope you are having a great week and making wonderful progress toward your goals.
Friday, February 4, 2011
Donuts and other distractions
Oh why do donuts have to be so blasted good? They are scrumptious little bites from heaven. The only problem is I look at donuts and gain 5 pounds.
Why oh why do I have to have this love hate relationship with donuts? Why?
As you may have noticed, donuts have been me distraction this week. Billy had a good day at school so we celebrated with donuts, then a vendor brought in a box then one of my coworker brought them in. Ugh!
Needless to say, my donut indulgence lead to increased time in the gym. I figure if I am going to eat them, I better work them off. Dang it!
On a more positive note, I have been in the gym more this week and I have been eating breakfast daily. It still doesn't feel natural to be eating so soon after waking up but I am sure I will get used to it and probably eventually crave it.
More good news, I finally finished reading Three Cups of Tea. What a great book. I strongly recommend it. It can be a bit of a hard read but it is an incredible true story about one man's war on terror by providing an eduction to children in Pakistan and Afganistan. It was very inspiring and I learned a lot about the Muslim faith. Again, I really strongly recommend this. I have been told his second book, Stones for Schools is even better.
Oh, a bit more good news...because of the positive things I am doing above, with the exception of the blasted donuts, I am losing my muffin top. Yeah me! Not out of this size yet but the muffin top being shrunk is a huge improvement and I will take that as my encouragement.
Well, that's about all I can think for my update today. Love/Hate donuts, exercising more to balance out the donut relationship problem, eating breakfast, finished a book and losing my muffin top. Yep, that is my week in a nutshell.
Hope you're having a great one too!
Why oh why do I have to have this love hate relationship with donuts? Why?
As you may have noticed, donuts have been me distraction this week. Billy had a good day at school so we celebrated with donuts, then a vendor brought in a box then one of my coworker brought them in. Ugh!
Needless to say, my donut indulgence lead to increased time in the gym. I figure if I am going to eat them, I better work them off. Dang it!
On a more positive note, I have been in the gym more this week and I have been eating breakfast daily. It still doesn't feel natural to be eating so soon after waking up but I am sure I will get used to it and probably eventually crave it.
More good news, I finally finished reading Three Cups of Tea. What a great book. I strongly recommend it. It can be a bit of a hard read but it is an incredible true story about one man's war on terror by providing an eduction to children in Pakistan and Afganistan. It was very inspiring and I learned a lot about the Muslim faith. Again, I really strongly recommend this. I have been told his second book, Stones for Schools is even better.
Oh, a bit more good news...because of the positive things I am doing above, with the exception of the blasted donuts, I am losing my muffin top. Yeah me! Not out of this size yet but the muffin top being shrunk is a huge improvement and I will take that as my encouragement.
Well, that's about all I can think for my update today. Love/Hate donuts, exercising more to balance out the donut relationship problem, eating breakfast, finished a book and losing my muffin top. Yep, that is my week in a nutshell.
Hope you're having a great one too!
Tuesday, February 1, 2011
February Goals
Since today is February first, it is a good time to post my goals for the month. I am participating in the 3 in 30 challenge.
Last month I set so many goals that I lost track of some of them. So posting the basic 3 I am going to work on this month should help me stay focused.
Goal #1: Read 2 books for pleasure, beginning to end. I know it sounds like a little goal but sometimes carving out time to read is really hard. I am currently in the middle of "Three Cups of Tea" and "Mansfield Park." I also have 2 other books that I want to read. I am trying to not start too many books at one time. I have put Mansfield Park down to finish Three Cups of Tea.
Goal #2: Remove 4 boxes of stuff from my home. This could be clothes or books or craft supplies. This does not include the stacks of magazines that are going into the recycling box. It also does not include any of the paper stuffs that need to be shredded.
Goal #3: Get travel agent training done and promoted. This will require me sitting down and just committing to doing it daily. A little bit every day will make a difference.
In addition to these 3 new goals, I am going to continue on my health quest. Getting healthy and getting to my goal is a long term goal and 1 month won't make a large difference but day after day and week after week and month after month, I will see a difference and get the results I want.
I just have to remember to apply the daily principles I wrote about yesterday, having a plan. I am sticking by my plan. I am drinking water, I am tracking my eating, I am eagerly looking forward to exercise.
What are your goals? How are you going to accomplish them?
Last month I set so many goals that I lost track of some of them. So posting the basic 3 I am going to work on this month should help me stay focused.
Goal #1: Read 2 books for pleasure, beginning to end. I know it sounds like a little goal but sometimes carving out time to read is really hard. I am currently in the middle of "Three Cups of Tea" and "Mansfield Park." I also have 2 other books that I want to read. I am trying to not start too many books at one time. I have put Mansfield Park down to finish Three Cups of Tea.
Goal #2: Remove 4 boxes of stuff from my home. This could be clothes or books or craft supplies. This does not include the stacks of magazines that are going into the recycling box. It also does not include any of the paper stuffs that need to be shredded.
Goal #3: Get travel agent training done and promoted. This will require me sitting down and just committing to doing it daily. A little bit every day will make a difference.
In addition to these 3 new goals, I am going to continue on my health quest. Getting healthy and getting to my goal is a long term goal and 1 month won't make a large difference but day after day and week after week and month after month, I will see a difference and get the results I want.
I just have to remember to apply the daily principles I wrote about yesterday, having a plan. I am sticking by my plan. I am drinking water, I am tracking my eating, I am eagerly looking forward to exercise.
What are your goals? How are you going to accomplish them?
Monday, January 31, 2011
On track
I am the person that needs a plan to reach my goals. I used to think I could just do it with an ambiguous idea of what I wanted to accomplish and I thought I could do it on my own. HA!!!
How often does the enemy use that kind of thinking to keep us from getting where we want to be?
How often have I started something just to give up because it seems too hard. Well if you've ever read my blog before you know it's pretty common.
Now I am making a stand and making a change.
I met with a personal trainer on Friday. She gave me a workout to follow and an eating plan to get me started.
My first task is to eat breakfast every morning within an hour of getting up. My second task is to track everything I put in my mouth, from a sip of coffee to a chocolate truffle. Tracking has been something I haven't really put a lot of attention to.
I saw a great analogy this weekend of the benefit of tracking. When people track their spending they spend 15% less on average. I think it will be the same when tracking food intake. I know that I will be showing someone else which makes me think twice about the choices I make.
The third task is to get the right amount of water. Does anyone else get to the point where you just can't drink one more glass of water? I am so thankful for Crystal Light! As I write this, I am staring at my 2nd 1 liter bottle of water that I need to drink. Ugh!
And of course the basic thing that I haven't mentioned is getting enough exercise and the right exercise.
Well, there is my basic outline to get me started on my way to looking and feeling better.
I will share more outlines for other projects as I have time but right now, I have a little man who wants help with some math homework.
Loves!
How often does the enemy use that kind of thinking to keep us from getting where we want to be?
How often have I started something just to give up because it seems too hard. Well if you've ever read my blog before you know it's pretty common.
Now I am making a stand and making a change.
I met with a personal trainer on Friday. She gave me a workout to follow and an eating plan to get me started.
My first task is to eat breakfast every morning within an hour of getting up. My second task is to track everything I put in my mouth, from a sip of coffee to a chocolate truffle. Tracking has been something I haven't really put a lot of attention to.
I saw a great analogy this weekend of the benefit of tracking. When people track their spending they spend 15% less on average. I think it will be the same when tracking food intake. I know that I will be showing someone else which makes me think twice about the choices I make.
The third task is to get the right amount of water. Does anyone else get to the point where you just can't drink one more glass of water? I am so thankful for Crystal Light! As I write this, I am staring at my 2nd 1 liter bottle of water that I need to drink. Ugh!
And of course the basic thing that I haven't mentioned is getting enough exercise and the right exercise.
Well, there is my basic outline to get me started on my way to looking and feeling better.
I will share more outlines for other projects as I have time but right now, I have a little man who wants help with some math homework.
Loves!
Wednesday, January 19, 2011
trouble spots
Today is one of THOSE days. I woke up with a migraine and haven't been able to shake it which makes me particularly grumpy.
When I have a migraine I don't want to do all the things I need to do to reach my goals. I want comfort foods and to sit on the couch and read. I don't want to eat what's good for me but what makes me feel good. I don't want to jump on the treadmill and get my sweat on. OH...just saying jump made my head throb a little harder momentarily.
I am not typically the person who will hide in a dark room to try to get rid of it. Life is to short to spend it hiding in the dark. Don't get me wrong, there have been several occasions that I have had to have my beloved come and get me from work and take me home to sleep it off.
So doing what I need to do when I have a migraine is one of my biggest trouble spots.
I will workout when I have fibromyalgia flair ups but migraines just kick me to the curb. So frustrating as I get them several times a month. Sometimes they only last a couple hours sometimes they last for 3 days.
That is my grumble and frustration for the day.
Thanks for letting me vent.
When I have a migraine I don't want to do all the things I need to do to reach my goals. I want comfort foods and to sit on the couch and read. I don't want to eat what's good for me but what makes me feel good. I don't want to jump on the treadmill and get my sweat on. OH...just saying jump made my head throb a little harder momentarily.
I am not typically the person who will hide in a dark room to try to get rid of it. Life is to short to spend it hiding in the dark. Don't get me wrong, there have been several occasions that I have had to have my beloved come and get me from work and take me home to sleep it off.
So doing what I need to do when I have a migraine is one of my biggest trouble spots.
I will workout when I have fibromyalgia flair ups but migraines just kick me to the curb. So frustrating as I get them several times a month. Sometimes they only last a couple hours sometimes they last for 3 days.
That is my grumble and frustration for the day.
Thanks for letting me vent.
Tuesday, January 18, 2011
Reading
One of my goals this year is to squeeze in more reading and more writing. I have always had a passion for both. I would hang out in my room and devour as many books as I could. Both my parents were avid bookworms so it was completely natural for me to read rather than play. I have a vivid and rambunctious imagination too so putting my thoughts to paper and seeing what came out of it.
To make my goal more solid and keep me on track, I have joined an online book club. There are 2 ways to play with them, which really appeals to me. I can read their assigned reading or a book of my choice. So here is my book list for the first 6 months.
January - Three Cups of Tea
February - Craving God
March - Mansfield Park
April - The Pursuit of God
May - The Teachable Moment
June - The Potluck Club
In addition to these books I am reading books for my blogging for books group. They give me the book that I choose off their list in return for my review of the book. Last month I read Blind Hope by Kim Meeker and LOVED it! I just got this months book but can't remember what it's called. I am in the middle of Three Cups of Tea by Greg Mortenson so I won't start the other one until I'm done.
It's been so nice reading my age level. I know that sounds really silly but after reading to Billy night after night trying to help infuse a love of reading to him and help him with his word recognition grown up books are a nice escape from the Dr. Seuss rhymes and nonsense. Don't get me wrong, I love Dr Seuss but there is only so much I can take.
In addition to that reading I am reading thru the Bible as well using our church Life Journal reading plan. Whew. All this talk of reading and finishing books has me antsy to get my nose buried in my kindle and my Bible. All in good time though.
And as far as my passion for writing, that is a good portion of why I started a blog, to share with you in the way that I am most articulate. Sometimes it's good to just get it out and into written form so it makes sense or can be shuffled to make sense. Life in my head can get pretty jumbled and things get hidden with so much swimming around so letting it out by writing it down is a house cleaning of sorts.
Any ways, that's what I'm up to. Hope you're having a great day!
To make my goal more solid and keep me on track, I have joined an online book club. There are 2 ways to play with them, which really appeals to me. I can read their assigned reading or a book of my choice. So here is my book list for the first 6 months.
January - Three Cups of Tea
February - Craving God
March - Mansfield Park
April - The Pursuit of God
May - The Teachable Moment
June - The Potluck Club
In addition to these books I am reading books for my blogging for books group. They give me the book that I choose off their list in return for my review of the book. Last month I read Blind Hope by Kim Meeker and LOVED it! I just got this months book but can't remember what it's called. I am in the middle of Three Cups of Tea by Greg Mortenson so I won't start the other one until I'm done.
It's been so nice reading my age level. I know that sounds really silly but after reading to Billy night after night trying to help infuse a love of reading to him and help him with his word recognition grown up books are a nice escape from the Dr. Seuss rhymes and nonsense. Don't get me wrong, I love Dr Seuss but there is only so much I can take.
In addition to that reading I am reading thru the Bible as well using our church Life Journal reading plan. Whew. All this talk of reading and finishing books has me antsy to get my nose buried in my kindle and my Bible. All in good time though.
And as far as my passion for writing, that is a good portion of why I started a blog, to share with you in the way that I am most articulate. Sometimes it's good to just get it out and into written form so it makes sense or can be shuffled to make sense. Life in my head can get pretty jumbled and things get hidden with so much swimming around so letting it out by writing it down is a house cleaning of sorts.
Any ways, that's what I'm up to. Hope you're having a great day!
Friday, January 7, 2011
Excitement
As this year gets moving I am so excited about the possibilities that are out there, just beyond where I am. I am looking forward to getting to "that" place and tackling obstacles along the way.
One of my darling friends has asked me to participate in a half marathon with her later this year. Then another friend has invited me to join her group for an extreme 5k. Check it out here....
One of my darling friends has asked me to participate in a half marathon with her later this year. Then another friend has invited me to join her group for an extreme 5k. Check it out here....
I am super excited. What fun challenges. What great motivation to get my tail in the gym. Well that and the idea of me in a swim suit in May. That is a huge motivator in itself but sometimes I tend to lose sight of why I started doing something because it is so far away.
So in addition to a half marathon and the Warrior Dash I will be participating in 5 and 10k's along the way to keep motivated and keep working to get better.
What are you doing to stay motivated toward your goals? Do you like to challenge yourself on the way to your bigger goals or just keep plodding along knowing the path you're taking will get you to your long term goals?
Have an amazing day.
Stay focused, be nice to yourself and you can do anything!
Tuesday, January 4, 2011
Change to routine
I have been thinking a lot recently about what I want from my life and what I want my life to look like. I think it is good to reflect and make sure the actions taken are going to get you where you truly want to go.
Tonight will be night 2 back at the gym. Last night we played racquetball for 30 minutes and got a good full body workout in. Tonight I will be on the treadmill and working with free weights. I need to drink a lot more water today still.
I have read the Bible today. That should be 2nd nature and the first thing I do when my eyes pop open in the morning but I'm a work in process. Sometimes the so and so begat so and so can be a real turn off and when you're going thru a structured reading plan, you have to go thru it.
I am contemplating rejoining BSF. It was a lot of work but I learned a lot from it.
I got my daily binder put together to help with my organization. There is always so much more to do than I seem to have time for. How in the world does that happen? And here I am thinking of taking on another challenge/time commitment. What am I thinking? LOL!! It is not by my power or my might but by the grace of God. What an incredibly gracious, loving God I have the opportunity to serve. He provides me with the energy and strength needed to get thru all the tasks ahead.
Since I serve the God of relationships, I am focusing my attention on deepening relationships. First, I must focus on the relationships at home, with my husband and children. So often it is so easy to neglect those relationships in the hustle and bustle of everyday life and before you know it your kids are grown and your spouse is either moved on or dead. Don't put off the most vital relationships.
With that in mind, my goal is to practice flirting with my husband and on building him up with compliments, so he knows I appreciate him. I am also going to be more intentional with letting my kids hear me brag them up to other adults. Billy is a fun little bundle of energy and rather than me bemoaning his abundant energy, I can talk about his incredible imagination and how much he helps keep me young and active. He is a great cheerleader. I also need to make a point to spend time with each of my guys one on one doing something they enjoy doing. If that means playing legos on the floor or going bowling or going to the movies, I need to be willing and not cop out that I'm too tired or I don't want to.
That's the challenge of the week. Wish me luck!
Tonight will be night 2 back at the gym. Last night we played racquetball for 30 minutes and got a good full body workout in. Tonight I will be on the treadmill and working with free weights. I need to drink a lot more water today still.
I have read the Bible today. That should be 2nd nature and the first thing I do when my eyes pop open in the morning but I'm a work in process. Sometimes the so and so begat so and so can be a real turn off and when you're going thru a structured reading plan, you have to go thru it.
I am contemplating rejoining BSF. It was a lot of work but I learned a lot from it.
I got my daily binder put together to help with my organization. There is always so much more to do than I seem to have time for. How in the world does that happen? And here I am thinking of taking on another challenge/time commitment. What am I thinking? LOL!! It is not by my power or my might but by the grace of God. What an incredibly gracious, loving God I have the opportunity to serve. He provides me with the energy and strength needed to get thru all the tasks ahead.
Since I serve the God of relationships, I am focusing my attention on deepening relationships. First, I must focus on the relationships at home, with my husband and children. So often it is so easy to neglect those relationships in the hustle and bustle of everyday life and before you know it your kids are grown and your spouse is either moved on or dead. Don't put off the most vital relationships.
With that in mind, my goal is to practice flirting with my husband and on building him up with compliments, so he knows I appreciate him. I am also going to be more intentional with letting my kids hear me brag them up to other adults. Billy is a fun little bundle of energy and rather than me bemoaning his abundant energy, I can talk about his incredible imagination and how much he helps keep me young and active. He is a great cheerleader. I also need to make a point to spend time with each of my guys one on one doing something they enjoy doing. If that means playing legos on the floor or going bowling or going to the movies, I need to be willing and not cop out that I'm too tired or I don't want to.
That's the challenge of the week. Wish me luck!
Monday, January 3, 2011
Much to do
I love new years because it's a fresh start and a time of reflection of what worked and what didn't work for the past 12 months. There is much I want to change and do differently this year. There is so much that it is slightly overwhelming. I want to read more and write more. Will this be the year I write a book? Is it high enough on my priority list for me to make it happen?
This is the year I will be happier. This year I will show more love. This year I will spend more time with the people I care about. This year I will have at least 12 dates with my boyfriend of 20 years.
Relationships are my priority this year. My relationship with my Savior is my top priority. I am blessed to be part of a wonderful small group that was using our church life journal as our study guide to get me deeper in the word.
Part of improving my relationship with my Savior involves taking care of me. I need to take care of the body God gave me. I need to eat better and exercise more. More on that later.
I am happy with the direction I'm headed and the prioritize I have set for the new year. It seems like a lot until I boil it down to the basics...it's all about relationships, which truth be told was what my Jesus was all about too.
This is the year I will be happier. This year I will show more love. This year I will spend more time with the people I care about. This year I will have at least 12 dates with my boyfriend of 20 years.
Relationships are my priority this year. My relationship with my Savior is my top priority. I am blessed to be part of a wonderful small group that was using our church life journal as our study guide to get me deeper in the word.
Part of improving my relationship with my Savior involves taking care of me. I need to take care of the body God gave me. I need to eat better and exercise more. More on that later.
I am happy with the direction I'm headed and the prioritize I have set for the new year. It seems like a lot until I boil it down to the basics...it's all about relationships, which truth be told was what my Jesus was all about too.
Blind Hope
I read a wonderful book this week called Blind Hope by Kim Meeder. I highly recommend it for many reasons. It is a true story and it is set in our beautiful Central Oregon.
The stories is about a young lady named Laurie and the dog she adopts who's name is Mia. Mia has been severely neglected and is on deaths door when Laurie rescues her. Laurie nurses her back to health and in the process grows in her love and relationship with the God she can't see but knows is out there. The lessons she learns on her path with this precious little sickly pup are lessons for each of us.
Along the way thru this book you see other relationship develope and healing of hearts. It is a true example of how any of us who refer to ourselves as Christians should be living.
I want to say so much more but for the risk of saying to much I want to just pique your interest enough to read it yourself.
In my book this is a must read!
Let me know what you think of it!
I was given a copy of this book by Waterbrook Multnomah for review.
The stories is about a young lady named Laurie and the dog she adopts who's name is Mia. Mia has been severely neglected and is on deaths door when Laurie rescues her. Laurie nurses her back to health and in the process grows in her love and relationship with the God she can't see but knows is out there. The lessons she learns on her path with this precious little sickly pup are lessons for each of us.
Along the way thru this book you see other relationship develope and healing of hearts. It is a true example of how any of us who refer to ourselves as Christians should be living.
I want to say so much more but for the risk of saying to much I want to just pique your interest enough to read it yourself.
In my book this is a must read!
Let me know what you think of it!
I was given a copy of this book by Waterbrook Multnomah for review.
Saturday, January 1, 2011
Beginnings
As 2010 closes and 2011 begins I stand on the edge of the past and the future. What a sweet thing New Years is. It gives us a chance to take a look at our year in review and to look forward to what could be in our future. As I sit here, we have just blown off a bunch of little fireworks, the ones that are legal in Oregon as we have the benefit of having neighbors who really enjoy spending their hard earned money on the big booming ones so I can enjoy them without the bill. I have kissed my love our first kiss of the new year and now I think of all I want to accomplish and change and see grow in the new year. That is all for another blog as tonight I am going to bed as I have a full day of being responsible tomorrow.
Much love to you and yours in this new year. May what needs to be left behind stay in 2010 and what needs to go with you be multiplied 100 fold in this new year.
Sweet dreams!
Much love to you and yours in this new year. May what needs to be left behind stay in 2010 and what needs to go with you be multiplied 100 fold in this new year.
Sweet dreams!
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