So, this is the month that we think about what we are thankful for. So, instead of doing one each day...I decided to do all 30 days at once.
There are SO many things that we have to be thankful for. And, I like the fact that November has turned into a month for people to express their "Thanks". I agree that we need to always be thankful, but I don't feel it's necessary to express it verbally all the time. It's like having Mother's Day. Yes, mother's need to be appreciated everyday. But, I like the fact, that we have that one day, where the kids can ponder and really think about their mom's. If things are celebrated or expressed frequently they can lose their "specialness" and sometimes even their sincerity. But, that's just my opinion. And, I may feel that way because I hate repetition...who knows.
Anyway...I do enjoy hearing what everyone is thankful for though, because it's not always the same. True, we are all thankful for our families...well, most of us are. ;) And, there are several other things that are obvious too. But, I like to hear the off the wall things people are thankful for...it's fun to hear what's important to some but maybe not to everyone.
So, here is my list...in no particular order...
1. I am thankful for my parents- without them, I wouldn't exist. They have a wonderful marriage and have set such a good example to me. They have so much love and respect for each other. They have given me a childhood that any child would envy. I have a great relationship with each of them and it just gets better and better as we get older. Eventhough they are my parents, and it was their duty to raise and discipline me, they have always done it with respect. They get the point across without treating me like a child and I think that is the best way to parent. I love them very much and I am so thankful they are mine!
2. I am thankful for my husband- I lucked out big time with this one! In my eyes, he is darn near perfect! What a gentle, kind soul he is. He sets such a good example to those around him. He is hardworking, easygoing, dependable, beyond smart, silly, loving...I could go on and on! What a blessing he has been in my life. And, to top it all off, he has given me 3 beautiful children!
3. I am thankful for Colby- he is the one that I see the most of myself in. He has a lot of Mike too, but the more obvious traits are mine. He is a leader and likes to control the situation. He is my "problem-solver". This kid can figure out how to fix something or make it more efficient without much effort. He has really developed a quick wit, which I have a lot of fun with. :) He is the one I would call my "Momma's boy". He loves to cuddle and give his Mommy extra love.
4. I am thankful for Brett- this kid is Mike through and through. He is silly and completely oblivious to a lot of things around him. He cracks me up and he loves to make people laugh. He has Mike's sense of humor, which is silly and animated. Whereas, Colby has mine, which is dry and sarcastic. He is a gamer and loves strategy. He is also the most sensitive. He is the one that, it just breaks my heart if things don't go his way. He is very aware of my moods and he is the first to step in if he knows that my nerves are shot.
5. I am thankful for Sydney- What a character! I haven't totally nailed down her personality yet. I do know, that she will be onery and a jokester. She is STUBBORN and persistant. She is such a little lover and she loves hugs and kisses. She is always grabbing my hand and putting it with Mike's so we'll hold hands. She tends to gravitate to Colby a little more especially for help. She goes to Brett for fun and playing. She is smarter than she leads on and always amazes me with things she's picked up on or remembers.
6. I am thankful for my friends- I have made a lot of great friends over the past few years and I am so thankful for all their love and support. I enjoy having such a variety of friends. That way I have options on who to go to for certain problems...mainly, so I always hear what I want to hear! :) LOL
7. I am thankful for my extended family- I don't get to see them often, but that doesn't make our love for each other any less. Eventhough, many of them are far away, they still support and love me and cheer me on.
8. I am thankful for the men and women that risk their lives to help and/or save others...military, police officers, firefighters, etc.
9. I am thankful for teachers and all the hard work they put into educating others.
10. I am thankful for modern medicine and the resources we have to heal and to fix our bodies.
11. I am thankful for painkillers and Anesthesia...no explanation needed.
12. I am thankful for ALL transportation...it would really suck to have to walk or swim everywhere.
13. I am thankful for computers. Although, I don't understand them and they can cause me a lot of aggravation, they are truly a luxury to have. And, it's just mind boggling how much they can do.
14. I am thankful for kitchen appliances and washers and dryers. My life as a stay-at-home mom would be incredibly different and difficult and exhausting without them.
15. I am thankful for indoor plumbing. I have heard many stories from my grandmother about her experiences with going outside to the bathroom and with just getting water. Not something I want to deal with.
16. I am thankful for grocery stores for making it so easy to get food.
17. I am thankful for electricity. I have a warm or cool home whenever I need it. It makes #13 and #14 even possible to be thankful for, as well as a lot from #10 and #16. Let's face it...electricity is just plain wonderful. I can turn on the light...I can watch TV...
18. I am thankful for cameras and the ability to catch those moments that you want to always remember or to use as blackmail should the situation arise. :)
19. I am thankful for music. I love how it can calm my mood, pump me up or make me reminisce. It is my stress relief. I LOVE to drive in my car with my windows down and the music blaring...preferably at night by myself. Nothing more therapeutic than that.
20. I am thankful for Microsoft and the fact that Mike has a job that he loves. They have been a tremendous company to work for and have been very generous to Mike and our family.
21. I am thankful for the church and the power of prayer. I may struggle from time to time with certain things, but I am truly thankful that it has been brought into my life.
22. I am thankful for schools because it gives kids a place to go to learn. They not only gain knowledge there, but they also gain social skills and friends. It gives them a place, in addition to their own home, to help them get ready to take on the world.
23. I am thankful for books and the ability to educate myself with whatever sparks my interest at the moment.
24. I am thankful for dogs. They are a lot of work, but I love the unconditional love they show and excitement that have.
25. I am thankful for nature and all the beauty it provides.
26. I am thankful for rain and the clean feel and smell it brings. Unless you are near a desert...then it smells like cat pee. So, I try to avoid that. :)
27. I am thankful for vacuums, without them, I would have to pick up everything by hand. Can you imagine?!
28. I am thankful for cell phones. They can be a major distraction in a lot of ways, but overall, they are SO convenient.
29. I am thankful for chocolate and the ability it has to make everything all better.
And finally...
30. I am thankful for comedy and smiles and laughter without those, my life would be pretty boring!
Well...another year is almost over. I can't believe that I am 34 years old and I have 3 kids...two of which are going to be 10 years old soon. And, Mike and I have been together for 15 years! It's CRAZY! I still feel like a teenager...like, I am too young to make big decisions and be the CEO of a family...just so you know, Mike is the CFO. lol ;)
Hard to believe that, I have been blogging about my "weight loss journey" for about 4 months now, and I haven't lost any weight. There's something kinda funny about that. I may not have lost weight, but that's ok. It WILL happen. I am just thankful for everything I've learned over these 4 months. And, I am fixing my thoughts and working on the root of the problem. Eventhough physical changes aren't noticeable yet, there has been a lot of mental and emotional progress made.
I have been working on our meal plan this past week, and it is coming together very nicely. A big "Thank you" to all of you that have contributed helpful advice over the past months! What's nice is, I think I have finally figured out a way to be successful! Super excited!!! I have to be honest though...with the holidays coming up...I am not too focused on losing weight just yet. I am getting my ducks in a row to make it happen after the New Year. Likely story, I know! But... you just watch...I'm gonna do it!!
Tuesday, November 29, 2011
Monday, November 21, 2011
Ugh! Meal Planning.
Oh My Goodness...Meal Planning...What a headache!
It's a Love/Hate relationship. I LOVE to research and find new recipes, buy new cookbooks, read articles about what to eat for this and what to eat for that. But, I HATE to sit down and figure out how to put it all together!
I am the WORST daydreamer! I get myself in a funk of visualizing my household being run as if I were Mary Poppins or something. And, eventhough I am no Mary Poppins...I am a person that is very organized...I love lists...I love charts...I love anything having to do with simplifying my life. So, meal planning is ideal for me...one less thing to worry about. Plus, the kids love it and I don't have to hear that dreaded question, "What's for dinner, Mom?"
The problem that I have with meal planning is, not the fact that I don't know what to do. It's the fact that, I can't sit down long enough to get it done completely, and with all the details that I want. Don't get me wrong...I have plenty of time to do it. Remember, my kids are in school all day. It's that...my attention span is almost non-existant! My family and good friends, I am sure, can attest to this. Sometimes, just having a conversation with me, it's a struggle to keep my attention. Sorry guys...just so you know, I am aware of this problem! :) My mind wanders off...or, sometimes, something is said that strikes a chord, so then, I get distracted and lose focus. Well...this is what happens to me with anything I try to do! Frustrating to say the least! I feel like one of those kids that you have to clap your hands in front of their face and say, "Focus! Right here...look at me!"
So, getting back to meal planning...sometimes it is torture. I tend to over-complicate things and turn a simple project into a time consuming headache. For example, this is what I want...
I want a meal plan that includes breakfast, lunch, dinner and snacks planned out down to the tiniest detail. I want all the calories figured out. I want a breakdown of the food groups in order to make sure that all is accounted for. I want a grocery list made and shopping done...at the stores with the best deals, of course. I want all the groceries put away and all the produce cleaned and prepped. Then, I want snacks and whatever else portioned out and ready to grab. But...here's the kicker...I want it done in one day while the kids are in school. For me, that's a HUGE challenge because of my attention span. And, I have a hard time taking a big project and breaking it into smaller projects. I want it ALL done NOW!
But, I realize that, if I want to be successful at losing weight, I am going to have to figure out a way to do this. So, this is what I'm thinking. I can make a detailed meal plan and then a grocery list. I am figuring that I should hold off on the details of calorie counting and food groups for now, just so I can get the ball rolling with minimal headaches. Then, after that is done, I can round up the family, and we can work as a team to take care of the rest. I guess I am just going to have to use those 4 little words that I love so much (NOT!)..."I need your help".
Because lately, I've been lazy and I keep putting it off and saying, "Oh, I don't need a plan, I can wing it." But, truth is, I can't. "Winging it" means that, I eat out...we eat out...that's my solution to the unknown. I would be willing to bet, that, if I can get into a groove and develop a routine, I will start losing weight pretty quickly. Plus, it will save us a lot of money because there would be less eating out...Mike would be very happy about that! And, I think I will be less stressed too because I wouldn't have food on my mind 24/7. It may even help my soda addiction. Who knows, only time will tell.
So, if any of you have suggestions, advice, comments, recipes, tricks...I am more than willing to listen...and I will try not to get distracted! haha :)
It's a Love/Hate relationship. I LOVE to research and find new recipes, buy new cookbooks, read articles about what to eat for this and what to eat for that. But, I HATE to sit down and figure out how to put it all together!
I am the WORST daydreamer! I get myself in a funk of visualizing my household being run as if I were Mary Poppins or something. And, eventhough I am no Mary Poppins...I am a person that is very organized...I love lists...I love charts...I love anything having to do with simplifying my life. So, meal planning is ideal for me...one less thing to worry about. Plus, the kids love it and I don't have to hear that dreaded question, "What's for dinner, Mom?"
The problem that I have with meal planning is, not the fact that I don't know what to do. It's the fact that, I can't sit down long enough to get it done completely, and with all the details that I want. Don't get me wrong...I have plenty of time to do it. Remember, my kids are in school all day. It's that...my attention span is almost non-existant! My family and good friends, I am sure, can attest to this. Sometimes, just having a conversation with me, it's a struggle to keep my attention. Sorry guys...just so you know, I am aware of this problem! :) My mind wanders off...or, sometimes, something is said that strikes a chord, so then, I get distracted and lose focus. Well...this is what happens to me with anything I try to do! Frustrating to say the least! I feel like one of those kids that you have to clap your hands in front of their face and say, "Focus! Right here...look at me!"
So, getting back to meal planning...sometimes it is torture. I tend to over-complicate things and turn a simple project into a time consuming headache. For example, this is what I want...
I want a meal plan that includes breakfast, lunch, dinner and snacks planned out down to the tiniest detail. I want all the calories figured out. I want a breakdown of the food groups in order to make sure that all is accounted for. I want a grocery list made and shopping done...at the stores with the best deals, of course. I want all the groceries put away and all the produce cleaned and prepped. Then, I want snacks and whatever else portioned out and ready to grab. But...here's the kicker...I want it done in one day while the kids are in school. For me, that's a HUGE challenge because of my attention span. And, I have a hard time taking a big project and breaking it into smaller projects. I want it ALL done NOW!
But, I realize that, if I want to be successful at losing weight, I am going to have to figure out a way to do this. So, this is what I'm thinking. I can make a detailed meal plan and then a grocery list. I am figuring that I should hold off on the details of calorie counting and food groups for now, just so I can get the ball rolling with minimal headaches. Then, after that is done, I can round up the family, and we can work as a team to take care of the rest. I guess I am just going to have to use those 4 little words that I love so much (NOT!)..."I need your help".
Because lately, I've been lazy and I keep putting it off and saying, "Oh, I don't need a plan, I can wing it." But, truth is, I can't. "Winging it" means that, I eat out...we eat out...that's my solution to the unknown. I would be willing to bet, that, if I can get into a groove and develop a routine, I will start losing weight pretty quickly. Plus, it will save us a lot of money because there would be less eating out...Mike would be very happy about that! And, I think I will be less stressed too because I wouldn't have food on my mind 24/7. It may even help my soda addiction. Who knows, only time will tell.
So, if any of you have suggestions, advice, comments, recipes, tricks...I am more than willing to listen...and I will try not to get distracted! haha :)
Monday, November 14, 2011
I Love Me...my "Top Ten" lists
One of the things that is very difficult for many of us to do is... compliment ourselves. Sure, we can point out ALL of the things we don't like, no problem. But, how often do we really recognize the things that we love about ourselves?
Whenever I read one of those "Self-Help" books...you know, the books that are supposed to answer all of our questions. And, the most common question being..."What am I doing wrong?!" Half the time, I end up more confused after reading it than I was before! But, one thing that is frequently stated, in all these books, is...that we need to love ourselves, if we are going to be able to care enough to make a change. It is also suggested that we look in a mirror, and say that you love yourself and then compliment yourself.
Well...let me just tell you...I feel STUPID doing that! I am not going to stare at myself in the mirror and get all serious and declare my love to myself. Not going to happen! I wouldn't be able to stop laughing! But...just because I can't do that particular exercise, doesn't mean that I can't do it another way. I can do it by writing it down. I fully agree, that it is important to actually take a moment, and compliment and even congratulate yourself for being you.
So, I have put together some of my "Top 10" lists. And, I challenge everyone to do the same...
10 Things I Love About Me
1. I love that I am a cheerful person and can usually greet everyone with a smile.
2. I love that I can communicate openly and easily with just about anybody.
3. I love that I am open-minded and am willing to listen to all opinions...even if they're all wrong! ;)
4. I love that I am creative and can come up with an off-the-wall story without much to go on.
5. I love that I am witty and can zing without much thought...this one gets me in trouble a lot though! :)
6. I love that I am artistic and have a talent with drawing and other crafts.
7. I love that I am honest because it keeps me out of trouble...for the most part.
8. I love that I am very knowledgeable about music/entertainment. I know a lot about...who sings what...who is in what band...who acted in this movie...that kind of stuff. I kick butt at that category playing Trivial Pursuit! Not that I'm bragging. ;)
9. I love that I have a great sense of humor and can make people laugh. It also helps when life gets tough.
10. I love that I am approachable and that people feel at ease coming to me for whatever their need may be.
10 Best Qualities (Physically)
1. My eyes~ they are big and change colors
2. My fingernails~ they are strong and thick and when I let them grow, they look better than the fake nails.
3. My hair~ growing up I always wanted spiral curly hair and now I have it without getting perms.
4. My smile~ My dad says it lights up a room. I've also been told that it is a Joker smile.
5. My curves~ I have an hourglass figure, believe it or not...right now, it's overflowing and holds about 24 hrs, but...back in the day it was KILLER!
6. My calves~ they have a nice shape...not currently...but they will again soon!
7. My skin~ it is soft and has a very nice shade especially in the summer when I am tanned.
8. My lips~ I love that I have full lips...both lips. I was told once by a friend, that she was jealous because they are the perfect shape and hers were non-existant. Made me feel good!
9. My pinky fingers~ they are crooked and they give my hands character.
10. My toes~ they are well sized and I have good toenails.
So, there it is folks...My Declaration of Love to myself. Honestly, it was fun to do. Helps me appreciate me. No matter how difficult and frustrating losing weight is, there are just some things about me that I don't want to change. And, once I conquer this weight thing...WATCH OUT!! ;)
Whenever I read one of those "Self-Help" books...you know, the books that are supposed to answer all of our questions. And, the most common question being..."What am I doing wrong?!" Half the time, I end up more confused after reading it than I was before! But, one thing that is frequently stated, in all these books, is...that we need to love ourselves, if we are going to be able to care enough to make a change. It is also suggested that we look in a mirror, and say that you love yourself and then compliment yourself.
Well...let me just tell you...I feel STUPID doing that! I am not going to stare at myself in the mirror and get all serious and declare my love to myself. Not going to happen! I wouldn't be able to stop laughing! But...just because I can't do that particular exercise, doesn't mean that I can't do it another way. I can do it by writing it down. I fully agree, that it is important to actually take a moment, and compliment and even congratulate yourself for being you.
So, I have put together some of my "Top 10" lists. And, I challenge everyone to do the same...
10 Things I Love About Me
1. I love that I am a cheerful person and can usually greet everyone with a smile.
2. I love that I can communicate openly and easily with just about anybody.
3. I love that I am open-minded and am willing to listen to all opinions...even if they're all wrong! ;)
4. I love that I am creative and can come up with an off-the-wall story without much to go on.
5. I love that I am witty and can zing without much thought...this one gets me in trouble a lot though! :)
6. I love that I am artistic and have a talent with drawing and other crafts.
7. I love that I am honest because it keeps me out of trouble...for the most part.
8. I love that I am very knowledgeable about music/entertainment. I know a lot about...who sings what...who is in what band...who acted in this movie...that kind of stuff. I kick butt at that category playing Trivial Pursuit! Not that I'm bragging. ;)
9. I love that I have a great sense of humor and can make people laugh. It also helps when life gets tough.
10. I love that I am approachable and that people feel at ease coming to me for whatever their need may be.
10 Best Qualities (Physically)
1. My eyes~ they are big and change colors
2. My fingernails~ they are strong and thick and when I let them grow, they look better than the fake nails.
3. My hair~ growing up I always wanted spiral curly hair and now I have it without getting perms.
4. My smile~ My dad says it lights up a room. I've also been told that it is a Joker smile.
5. My curves~ I have an hourglass figure, believe it or not...right now, it's overflowing and holds about 24 hrs, but...back in the day it was KILLER!
6. My calves~ they have a nice shape...not currently...but they will again soon!
7. My skin~ it is soft and has a very nice shade especially in the summer when I am tanned.
8. My lips~ I love that I have full lips...both lips. I was told once by a friend, that she was jealous because they are the perfect shape and hers were non-existant. Made me feel good!
9. My pinky fingers~ they are crooked and they give my hands character.
10. My toes~ they are well sized and I have good toenails.
So, there it is folks...My Declaration of Love to myself. Honestly, it was fun to do. Helps me appreciate me. No matter how difficult and frustrating losing weight is, there are just some things about me that I don't want to change. And, once I conquer this weight thing...WATCH OUT!! ;)
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