5 years ago I said 'I do' and I haven't imagined my life being any better.
5 years ago he and I lived in an apt.
5 years ago we were younger and ambitious.
Since then, we have travelled around the world, and we have gained new experiences. We've established a life together, rescued a cat, and we became a unit.
Since then, we've bought our first home, and have completed a few renovations together.
Since then, we have had a child, taken in another stray cat, and raised 4 kittens.
Today we celebrate our life together. We made our commitment 5 years ago and I couldn't be happier.
Friday, June 24, 2011
Thursday, June 23, 2011
It's been quite a break, but it was important.
First of all, I've missed blogging. I've thought about it, but honestly, it's been nice taking a break. I've had some time to focus on other projects. I hope to blog about everything that has been going on soon. But for now, it'll be getting back into the swing of things. Breaks are always good from time to time. I use blogging to help me reflect, sort out, and compartmentalize my thoughts.
Lately my thoughts have been centered around walking a marathon. I've been trying to train for the walk, but it's been hard to actually find the hours to get walking. I can easily do 2 miles here and there, but to find the time for 10 miles is awkward right now. But I know it'll need to happen soon. 26.2 miles is quite the walk and I don't want to go into the walk unprepared. For some who aren't familiar, the walk is for the Jimmy Fund in Boston. I am walking to raise money for Neuroblastoma Research. There was a local family who was affected by this terrible disease. Their daughter was diagnosed at 22 months old. 16 months later she lost her battle. Her smile, her life, and her story has affected many people. I have committed to walk to hopefully help end this dreadful nightmare for other children who are fighting this disease or other children who may face this disease in the future.
Taking the time to reflect on what's important has led me to this path and I look forward to marathon day. There wasn't a moment where I questioned if I would walk or not. My only question was: How do I sign up? This little girl was only 3 years old when she lost her battle, but her message was clear then and even more brighter today. No matter how tough life can be, there is no excuse but to smile and keep your head held high. Take one step in front of the other and move forward. It's easier to make a difference for our future than to try and turn back time.
Lately my thoughts have been centered around walking a marathon. I've been trying to train for the walk, but it's been hard to actually find the hours to get walking. I can easily do 2 miles here and there, but to find the time for 10 miles is awkward right now. But I know it'll need to happen soon. 26.2 miles is quite the walk and I don't want to go into the walk unprepared. For some who aren't familiar, the walk is for the Jimmy Fund in Boston. I am walking to raise money for Neuroblastoma Research. There was a local family who was affected by this terrible disease. Their daughter was diagnosed at 22 months old. 16 months later she lost her battle. Her smile, her life, and her story has affected many people. I have committed to walk to hopefully help end this dreadful nightmare for other children who are fighting this disease or other children who may face this disease in the future.
Taking the time to reflect on what's important has led me to this path and I look forward to marathon day. There wasn't a moment where I questioned if I would walk or not. My only question was: How do I sign up? This little girl was only 3 years old when she lost her battle, but her message was clear then and even more brighter today. No matter how tough life can be, there is no excuse but to smile and keep your head held high. Take one step in front of the other and move forward. It's easier to make a difference for our future than to try and turn back time.
Tuesday, April 26, 2011
Daydreaming
I find myself daydreaming, more than usual. I think 'what if' and fantasize about what could have been or what could be. Sometimes I feel stagnant within my soul. I'm happy on the outside, but sometimes I find myself drifting to another place. I can't really pinpoint where that feeling comes from. Maybe it's the change in seasons. Warmer weather is creeping into the air and I'm getting that summer itch. Our windows haven't really been open very long and I feel couped up. I'm ready to wear summer skirts and strappy sandals.
I daydream of warm weather, warm grass, and super duper sunny days where the sun sends prickly heat sparks along my sunkissed skin. I can smell the warmer weather from the ground. The dirt is fragrant and I can smell the grass growing. There are still no leaves on the trees, but there are blossoms blooming on other trees. And if I was blind, the birds, crickets, and bull frogs would let me know that the seasons are changing. Spring is in the air and summer cannot get here fast enough.
I've taken some time away from blogging. Not because I don't have anything to say, but because I've taken the time to reflect. To daydream.
I've been reading books a lot more and I'm finding my daydreams have been catapulted into these books. The Stephanie Plum series by Janet Evanovich. If you haven't read them, well, all I can say to that is, why haven't you? They are light, easy, quick reads. I am reading them 1 book a week. It's honestly, very entertaining, in the fictional sort of way.
After reading three Stephanie Plum stories, I'm taking a quick break to read The Help by Kathryn Stockett. The Help is a very different story from the Plum series, but as equally entertaining, and I cannot get enough. I'm finding myself constantly thinking about the book I'm reading, plus many more that I want to sink my eyes into. I cannot read fast enough. It's sort of horrifying at how hungry I am for it.
I like to daydream at the library. I take my lunch break from my other full time job, the one that gives me a paycheck, and I like to get lost in my library. I wander the shelves and scan the titles, the authors, the covers. I look for something to jump out at me. I look for something that will transport me to another place, another time. Fiction or non-fiction, it doesn't matter to me. I usually read memoirs, those are my favorite reads. But lately I find myself looking on any shelf. Eleanor Roosevelt's Biography or Frommer's Disney World with Kids?
I cannot wait to daydream. I'm finding myself looking for time to daydream, and how long can I get away with daydreaming without it disrupting my actual life? I enjoy my real-time life, but this daydreaming business has become just that: business or hobby. Would I be able to write that on my resume? Avid daydreamer.
What do you daydream about? And do you look for different ways to daydream too?
I daydream of warm weather, warm grass, and super duper sunny days where the sun sends prickly heat sparks along my sunkissed skin. I can smell the warmer weather from the ground. The dirt is fragrant and I can smell the grass growing. There are still no leaves on the trees, but there are blossoms blooming on other trees. And if I was blind, the birds, crickets, and bull frogs would let me know that the seasons are changing. Spring is in the air and summer cannot get here fast enough.
I've taken some time away from blogging. Not because I don't have anything to say, but because I've taken the time to reflect. To daydream.
I've been reading books a lot more and I'm finding my daydreams have been catapulted into these books. The Stephanie Plum series by Janet Evanovich. If you haven't read them, well, all I can say to that is, why haven't you? They are light, easy, quick reads. I am reading them 1 book a week. It's honestly, very entertaining, in the fictional sort of way.
After reading three Stephanie Plum stories, I'm taking a quick break to read The Help by Kathryn Stockett. The Help is a very different story from the Plum series, but as equally entertaining, and I cannot get enough. I'm finding myself constantly thinking about the book I'm reading, plus many more that I want to sink my eyes into. I cannot read fast enough. It's sort of horrifying at how hungry I am for it.
I like to daydream at the library. I take my lunch break from my other full time job, the one that gives me a paycheck, and I like to get lost in my library. I wander the shelves and scan the titles, the authors, the covers. I look for something to jump out at me. I look for something that will transport me to another place, another time. Fiction or non-fiction, it doesn't matter to me. I usually read memoirs, those are my favorite reads. But lately I find myself looking on any shelf. Eleanor Roosevelt's Biography or Frommer's Disney World with Kids?
I cannot wait to daydream. I'm finding myself looking for time to daydream, and how long can I get away with daydreaming without it disrupting my actual life? I enjoy my real-time life, but this daydreaming business has become just that: business or hobby. Would I be able to write that on my resume? Avid daydreamer.
What do you daydream about? And do you look for different ways to daydream too?
Friday, April 15, 2011
Stuck Behind the School Bus
Being 'stuck' behind the school bus can be irritating. When you have a place to be at for a particular time, usually it's when you're running late, it's never convenient. But I find myself directing my attention towards those kiddos running to the bus, and climbing the big steps and finding their saved seat by their best friend.
Meanwhile the parents wait along the side of the bus stop with their coffee in hand and their faces not looking quite awake. Some have cars parked at the edge of the road and the engine is running. The parent waves to their child, but I never see if the child is waving back. I'm stuck behind the bus. But I see the parents waving and waving and waving.
I don't remember this being the scenario when I rode the school bus. In fact, I don't remember any parent being at the bus stop waiting for the bus. The kids even had a longer walk to the bus stop, which was usually along a busy main road. And there were no parents there waving to us. I actually don't think kids wanted their parents there. It just wasn't cool, I suppose.
In a few years my kid will be entering first grade. He's only 2 now, but I think about the day he'll have and the morning of his 'first day of school'. Will he be nervous or just plain excited to actually ride the school bus. He loves seeing those school buses riding around town. He loves any bus actually: grey, blue, or yellow, it doesn't matter. It's a bus.
He may prove me wrong and just have a melt down right there on the side of the road, with all the kids staring with their noses pressed flat against the window. I may actually be that parent that skips the school bus option and drive my kid to school. Maybe.
Being stuck behind a school bus isn't fun. But I do have fun imagining our future of those cool early mornings while waiting for the school bus.
Meanwhile the parents wait along the side of the bus stop with their coffee in hand and their faces not looking quite awake. Some have cars parked at the edge of the road and the engine is running. The parent waves to their child, but I never see if the child is waving back. I'm stuck behind the bus. But I see the parents waving and waving and waving.
I don't remember this being the scenario when I rode the school bus. In fact, I don't remember any parent being at the bus stop waiting for the bus. The kids even had a longer walk to the bus stop, which was usually along a busy main road. And there were no parents there waving to us. I actually don't think kids wanted their parents there. It just wasn't cool, I suppose.
In a few years my kid will be entering first grade. He's only 2 now, but I think about the day he'll have and the morning of his 'first day of school'. Will he be nervous or just plain excited to actually ride the school bus. He loves seeing those school buses riding around town. He loves any bus actually: grey, blue, or yellow, it doesn't matter. It's a bus.
He may prove me wrong and just have a melt down right there on the side of the road, with all the kids staring with their noses pressed flat against the window. I may actually be that parent that skips the school bus option and drive my kid to school. Maybe.
Being stuck behind a school bus isn't fun. But I do have fun imagining our future of those cool early mornings while waiting for the school bus.
Wednesday, March 30, 2011
Is Bigger Better?
Depends on what you're talking about. Right? My life has revolved around my boy, so for now, that's what I'm talking about. My boy is getting bigger and he's becoming devilish. Devilish in a good way. He knows how to rope me in. He's good at that. Just when he knows he's creeping under my skin, he looks at me with a warm smile, arms stretched out, and says: I want a hug. This does not excuse your behavior. It's what I tell him.
Since he has decided to potty train himself, life has gotten a bit hectic. For my husband and myself, that is. We weren't exactly prepared to go diaper-less so soon. But it's okay, we're going with it and there's no turning back. Our boy is getting bigger and eventually we would have to teeter down this wobbly path. Our son is leading the way and maybe that part scares me the most.
As much as I want to allow my son as much independence as possible, how well will his decisions really be? I suppose now is a good time as any to start trial and errors. Granted, there are a few decisions that he tries to make and we have to steer him into a different direction. But so far, he hasn't put too much of a battle against us.
I allow him to make decisions whenever possible. We always have 2 choices on what to do. Lunch or Nap? Yes Please or No Thank You? Would you like ME to do it, or YOU? No matter what, he's making a choice. Of course, I'm setting the stage on what I would like him to do. But allowing him to consider his options is important. And hopefully, as he grows older, he'll find similar choices and choose wisely. Because I won't be there for every choice he makes, so I can only hope that he can learn a good choice from a bad one.
My son is getting bigger and there is no denying he'll be grown before I know it. I can either sit and wait until he's all grown up and moved out, or I can play an active role in his life and help guide him along the way. It's the best I can do especially since he thinks he has all the answers already.
Since he has decided to potty train himself, life has gotten a bit hectic. For my husband and myself, that is. We weren't exactly prepared to go diaper-less so soon. But it's okay, we're going with it and there's no turning back. Our boy is getting bigger and eventually we would have to teeter down this wobbly path. Our son is leading the way and maybe that part scares me the most.
As much as I want to allow my son as much independence as possible, how well will his decisions really be? I suppose now is a good time as any to start trial and errors. Granted, there are a few decisions that he tries to make and we have to steer him into a different direction. But so far, he hasn't put too much of a battle against us.
I allow him to make decisions whenever possible. We always have 2 choices on what to do. Lunch or Nap? Yes Please or No Thank You? Would you like ME to do it, or YOU? No matter what, he's making a choice. Of course, I'm setting the stage on what I would like him to do. But allowing him to consider his options is important. And hopefully, as he grows older, he'll find similar choices and choose wisely. Because I won't be there for every choice he makes, so I can only hope that he can learn a good choice from a bad one.
My son is getting bigger and there is no denying he'll be grown before I know it. I can either sit and wait until he's all grown up and moved out, or I can play an active role in his life and help guide him along the way. It's the best I can do especially since he thinks he has all the answers already.
Thursday, March 10, 2011
A good day for underwear!
It was his choice to go diaper less today. He saw a picture of himself last summer, wearing underwear in the house. He immediately asked me about the photo. He pointed out that he wasn't wearing a diaper and had underwear on. Why wasn't he wearing underwear??? His tone started to sound like I had been holding out on him. Like this was a revelation for him. So I told him he COULD wear underwear but he had to remember he couldn't go pee pee or poopy in his underwear. He would need to remember to use the potty. He seemed okay with the idea. He was excited.
It was the last thing he told me before going to bed last night. He wanted to show his friends his underwear. Aahh, only because he's 2 does that sound cute.
Sure enough, we walked into his school today and when he saw his friend, he immediately wanted to show off his new piece of clothing. Cookie Monster was on them too! How COOL!
It'll be an interesting day, for sure. I haven't been pushing the whole potty training because he does use it occasionally, but not full time. I would rather have him spend time at home being naked, that way he could remember when to go with minimal accidents. He does well with naked time. But it's still winter in March and I just don't have the heart to let him go naked too long this time of the year.
I know he understands the potty. He's not afraid of it. He just chooses not to use it all the time and prefers diapers. So I go with it. I find the more I force him to do something, he resists the challenge. So if I act like I don't care if he does it or not, he wants to use it. We make a big deal if he does use the potty. Lots of HIGH FIVES and dances, PLUS he gets 1 M&M. Yup, 1. And that's just for going pee pee. He will get 2 for going poopy, but we haven't really experienced much of that lately.
The kid is only 27 months so I don't like to apply too much pressure on him. Heck, I'm thrilled that he just wanted to wear the underwear today! If it turns out that it was a bad day for underwear, well, then, we're back to diapers. I'm not too concerned. In the meantime, I'll enter this moment in the books about when the kid decided he was done with diapers for the day.
It was the last thing he told me before going to bed last night. He wanted to show his friends his underwear. Aahh, only because he's 2 does that sound cute.
Sure enough, we walked into his school today and when he saw his friend, he immediately wanted to show off his new piece of clothing. Cookie Monster was on them too! How COOL!
It'll be an interesting day, for sure. I haven't been pushing the whole potty training because he does use it occasionally, but not full time. I would rather have him spend time at home being naked, that way he could remember when to go with minimal accidents. He does well with naked time. But it's still winter in March and I just don't have the heart to let him go naked too long this time of the year.
I know he understands the potty. He's not afraid of it. He just chooses not to use it all the time and prefers diapers. So I go with it. I find the more I force him to do something, he resists the challenge. So if I act like I don't care if he does it or not, he wants to use it. We make a big deal if he does use the potty. Lots of HIGH FIVES and dances, PLUS he gets 1 M&M. Yup, 1. And that's just for going pee pee. He will get 2 for going poopy, but we haven't really experienced much of that lately.
The kid is only 27 months so I don't like to apply too much pressure on him. Heck, I'm thrilled that he just wanted to wear the underwear today! If it turns out that it was a bad day for underwear, well, then, we're back to diapers. I'm not too concerned. In the meantime, I'll enter this moment in the books about when the kid decided he was done with diapers for the day.
Thursday, February 17, 2011
Dance Party
The kid had a dance party at school the other day. I wish I could have been a fly on the wall for that day. His classmates are 9 two year old kids, including himself. Out of the 9 kids, only 1 is a girl.
My kid loves parties. Any kind of party. I think the word party makes him giggle because his face turns goofy when I talk about a party.
On that particular morning I mentioned his school will be having a dance party. I could see his wheels spinning in his mind. A Dance Party! He has been a dancing fool lately, and we'll even take parts of our day and dance around the house. Usually we'll hold hands and bounce in place, but he thinks it's hilarious.
So the morning of the Dance Party at school, he and I are in the car on our way to school and he says to me: I goin to dance party (the AR said like a pirate) and goin to hold friends hands and dance! He could not wait.
Inside the classroom he's looking around, and asking me where the dance party was. He couldn't see anything and was curious about when the music was going to start playing. I can only imagine how long he had to wait until they started dancing.
Later in the day, when I went to pick him up, I heard the little girl, the only girl, in the classroom was just as excited for the dance party. I heard she walked into the room declaring she was going to 'shake her booty'. Her mother proceeded to explain to the teachers that when the little girl is at home, shaking her booty usually ends up with her clothes off too! I'm sure there is a reason behind that but I couldn't help but laugh when I heard that story. Especially since this little girl is the only girl with 8 other boys.
My kid loves parties. Any kind of party. I think the word party makes him giggle because his face turns goofy when I talk about a party.
On that particular morning I mentioned his school will be having a dance party. I could see his wheels spinning in his mind. A Dance Party! He has been a dancing fool lately, and we'll even take parts of our day and dance around the house. Usually we'll hold hands and bounce in place, but he thinks it's hilarious.
So the morning of the Dance Party at school, he and I are in the car on our way to school and he says to me: I goin to dance party (the AR said like a pirate) and goin to hold friends hands and dance! He could not wait.
Inside the classroom he's looking around, and asking me where the dance party was. He couldn't see anything and was curious about when the music was going to start playing. I can only imagine how long he had to wait until they started dancing.
Later in the day, when I went to pick him up, I heard the little girl, the only girl, in the classroom was just as excited for the dance party. I heard she walked into the room declaring she was going to 'shake her booty'. Her mother proceeded to explain to the teachers that when the little girl is at home, shaking her booty usually ends up with her clothes off too! I'm sure there is a reason behind that but I couldn't help but laugh when I heard that story. Especially since this little girl is the only girl with 8 other boys.
Wednesday, February 16, 2011
Week 4! The turning point.
I'm starting to get nervous with this couch25k plan. The runs are now at 3 and 5 minutes each. 5 minutes doesn't sound like much, but gosh, I sometimes feel a train wreck could be thundering through the walls when I'm pounding on the treadmill for 3.5 minutes.
I've learned I really need to take it slow. Really slow. I know my speed will advance over time. I don't want to burn myself out in this process, because honestly, I'm enjoying the run. It's solid, and it keeps my head clear.
It won't be long until I can take a run outside. The weather here in NH is still chilly and I don't need to attempt any heroic measures by slipping and sliding along the icy patches in my neighborhood. I have a treadmill sleeping in my basement, waiting, and anticipating some love.
If you haven't taken a look at the couch25k plan, let me just say this. It won't be long until the plan has me running for 10 then 20 minutes at a time. I'm kinda freaking out about that idea. I feel like someone is twisting my arm making me do this. The truth of the matter is, nobody is making me do anything. I made up my mind to continue this 5k journey and plan to follow through with it too.
Speaking of that, the registration that I had hoped to get in the mail over the weekend is, well, still sitting in my bag. I have got to get that mailed, pronto! April 2nd will be here soon enough, and of course, I'd like my free t-shirt for registering too. Apparently only the first 200 registrants receive a free t-shirt. Donations: $20. Aahh, I guess I can get it done. Tomorrow?
So in the meantime, I've made this commitment to take a jaunt on my treadmill for 30 minutes every other day. That's 3-4 times a week, depending on the week. I'm sort of scared to take 2 days off in a row, in fear I will lose any motivation I have now.
The bottom line is, I'm at week 4, and I do plan on continuing through to week 9. I'm in the halfway point in this journey, and to be honest? I feel great. I really do. I even have noticed pants have started fitting differently and was more ambitious the other day and bought two new pairs of pants. In a smaller size too! Buying clothes for myself rarely happens. I find more joy in shopping for my son or for household items. So I actually had a hard time shopping the other day. The stores I used to shop at were, sort of, too expensive now considering I have a kid to support and a house to maintain. My budget for me is very slim. So the stores I usually browse through were left for me to browse and no buying power. I resorted to a clearance section in a department store and found my two pairs of pants for $15.30 total! Crazy, right? I feel giggly just thinking about it. Nevertheless, it was a treat for reaching my halfway point. I deserved it. At least I think so.
I've learned I really need to take it slow. Really slow. I know my speed will advance over time. I don't want to burn myself out in this process, because honestly, I'm enjoying the run. It's solid, and it keeps my head clear.
It won't be long until I can take a run outside. The weather here in NH is still chilly and I don't need to attempt any heroic measures by slipping and sliding along the icy patches in my neighborhood. I have a treadmill sleeping in my basement, waiting, and anticipating some love.
If you haven't taken a look at the couch25k plan, let me just say this. It won't be long until the plan has me running for 10 then 20 minutes at a time. I'm kinda freaking out about that idea. I feel like someone is twisting my arm making me do this. The truth of the matter is, nobody is making me do anything. I made up my mind to continue this 5k journey and plan to follow through with it too.
Speaking of that, the registration that I had hoped to get in the mail over the weekend is, well, still sitting in my bag. I have got to get that mailed, pronto! April 2nd will be here soon enough, and of course, I'd like my free t-shirt for registering too. Apparently only the first 200 registrants receive a free t-shirt. Donations: $20. Aahh, I guess I can get it done. Tomorrow?
So in the meantime, I've made this commitment to take a jaunt on my treadmill for 30 minutes every other day. That's 3-4 times a week, depending on the week. I'm sort of scared to take 2 days off in a row, in fear I will lose any motivation I have now.
The bottom line is, I'm at week 4, and I do plan on continuing through to week 9. I'm in the halfway point in this journey, and to be honest? I feel great. I really do. I even have noticed pants have started fitting differently and was more ambitious the other day and bought two new pairs of pants. In a smaller size too! Buying clothes for myself rarely happens. I find more joy in shopping for my son or for household items. So I actually had a hard time shopping the other day. The stores I used to shop at were, sort of, too expensive now considering I have a kid to support and a house to maintain. My budget for me is very slim. So the stores I usually browse through were left for me to browse and no buying power. I resorted to a clearance section in a department store and found my two pairs of pants for $15.30 total! Crazy, right? I feel giggly just thinking about it. Nevertheless, it was a treat for reaching my halfway point. I deserved it. At least I think so.
Wednesday, February 9, 2011
My Balance. My Run.
I've begun Week 3 on my new commitment. I'm attempting to complete the couch25k program. I'm actually impressing myself because just 3 weeks ago I could barely run for 30 seconds. But as I start my third week, I'm actually running 3 minute intervals. What?!
The voice in my head says, Seriously, what are we doing here? Kind of like what Randy says on A.I. as he's judging the squealing contestant. But my body feels ready for this and I follow my gut and lace up my Asics and get moving.
I'm still taking it slow. I don't want to go to fast and get so winded I need to stop. That's typically how I work out. I'm an all or nothing kind of girl and if I'm in it, I'm in it to win it. But I know my boundaries when it comes to running. I've learned my lessons over time and realize, I really enjoy this and want to do it right.
I met with my Dr. today and of course the question came up: Do you have time to exercise? And for the first time I could confidently say: YES! I was really excited to tell her what I'm doing and she was even more thrilled to hear the news. She was so encouraging that I felt like a kid on Christmas morning. Weird, I know. But that's what running is doing for me, it makes me that excited, I just want to go out and enjoy the day, hear the birds, listen to the wind through the trees.
I have to wait for all that organic noise though. Who am I kidding, it's winter here and we have about 24 inches of snow outside at the moment, not to mention our neighborhood streets are a mess and there is just no way I'm about to twist my ankle for the sake of mother nature. She'd be the one laughing at me anyways.
So I stick to my treadmill. It's okay for now, and doing the job at keeping my pace the same. I can tell I'll need to adjust the incline or increase my pace soon. Soon. I feel myself getting anxious on getting there. I know this is a journey and I need to process each stride in that way.
I throw in a DVD of S&TC and since those shows are a half hour, it works out perfectly for my 30 minute run. Of course I have to constantly be checking the time on the treadmill because I'm still early in the program where the run/walk intervals are close together. So every 2 or 3 minutes I need to switch the speed. Somehow it helps make my time on the treadmill seem productive and not boring. Not to mention I get to watch Carrie and her girlie's in NYC.
I'm already looking into signing up for my first 5k. I've filled out the registration form, now I just need to write the check and send it in. Eight more weeks and hopefully my confidence will be ready.
The voice in my head says, Seriously, what are we doing here? Kind of like what Randy says on A.I. as he's judging the squealing contestant. But my body feels ready for this and I follow my gut and lace up my Asics and get moving.
I'm still taking it slow. I don't want to go to fast and get so winded I need to stop. That's typically how I work out. I'm an all or nothing kind of girl and if I'm in it, I'm in it to win it. But I know my boundaries when it comes to running. I've learned my lessons over time and realize, I really enjoy this and want to do it right.
I met with my Dr. today and of course the question came up: Do you have time to exercise? And for the first time I could confidently say: YES! I was really excited to tell her what I'm doing and she was even more thrilled to hear the news. She was so encouraging that I felt like a kid on Christmas morning. Weird, I know. But that's what running is doing for me, it makes me that excited, I just want to go out and enjoy the day, hear the birds, listen to the wind through the trees.
I have to wait for all that organic noise though. Who am I kidding, it's winter here and we have about 24 inches of snow outside at the moment, not to mention our neighborhood streets are a mess and there is just no way I'm about to twist my ankle for the sake of mother nature. She'd be the one laughing at me anyways.
So I stick to my treadmill. It's okay for now, and doing the job at keeping my pace the same. I can tell I'll need to adjust the incline or increase my pace soon. Soon. I feel myself getting anxious on getting there. I know this is a journey and I need to process each stride in that way.
I throw in a DVD of S&TC and since those shows are a half hour, it works out perfectly for my 30 minute run. Of course I have to constantly be checking the time on the treadmill because I'm still early in the program where the run/walk intervals are close together. So every 2 or 3 minutes I need to switch the speed. Somehow it helps make my time on the treadmill seem productive and not boring. Not to mention I get to watch Carrie and her girlie's in NYC.
I'm already looking into signing up for my first 5k. I've filled out the registration form, now I just need to write the check and send it in. Eight more weeks and hopefully my confidence will be ready.
Tuesday, February 8, 2011
It's a Snowman kind of day
We've had plenty of snow to tide us over for a while. 30+ inches and it just keeps coming. If you're into winter sports, well this is the year to really enjoy that activity.
I haven't done much this winter, other than shoveling and throwing some salt in our driveway. My son wants to build a snowman but the snow we've had is so powdery, it's just not the right consistency for snowman making. It's actually nice, I think. But to a 2 year old, all he wants to do is make some snowballs and a snowman.
I haven't done much this winter, other than shoveling and throwing some salt in our driveway. My son wants to build a snowman but the snow we've had is so powdery, it's just not the right consistency for snowman making. It's actually nice, I think. But to a 2 year old, all he wants to do is make some snowballs and a snowman.
Taking a walk in the neighborhood
The small storm we got last night has sent us the gift of really wet, heavy snow. Horrible for shoveling, but perfect for snowman making. Oh boy, oh boy... My boy will be so surprised and happy.
Unfortunately he's spending his day at school, so hopefully they get to play in the playground and make some snowballs, or something like that.
My Earthkeepers
I bought a pair of snazzy boots through a friend's employee store, and I was first excited for the amazing deal. But after having these wowzer boots, all I can say is WOW... what have I been waiting for all these years? Thankfully we are amidst another snowy day here in NH and I'm able to wear this boots for a 2nd day, and boy-oh-boy, my feet feel great! I've own a pair of snow boots since I was, say, 15 years old. Back when my Mom would say: "Make sure you buy a size bigger because your feet are probably still growing." And so I did, buying a size I thought my feet would someday fill.
Fourteen years later, I still have those boots, and they're still as size too big. So I went on a search for some decent boots that FIT and kept my feet warm and dry.
I heard about these boots and I was immediately on board. My feet could not be happier, especially when I'm scuffing through slushy snow on a day like today.
I hope to get possibly 14 years out of these boots, just like my cheap 'stormer' boots that I bought when I was 15.
Do you have boots that you love just as much? Or are you still wearing old Stormers like I had been wearing. If you are... you need to check into these Earthkeepers! It's well worth the price!
The Friendly Neighbor
We recently inherited a new kitty. She's a sweet little girl, about a year old. She found our house the week of Christmas, and since then, she hasn't left. I don't mind so much, and neither does my husband or kid.
We waited to see if a nearby neighbor was missing a kitty. She was just the cutest thing, she must have a warm and loving home somewhere, right?
Weeks have passed and our cute little kitty has a new name. We've named her Piper and it suites her just fine. However she's developed another little thing... she's in heat. Great.
I knew this would be happening, as I had taken her to the vet a few days after she came to us. Since we already have one cat at home, I needed to make sure things were going to be considerably healthy in our home. Piper ended up being a very healthy cat, with some fleas, and hadn't been spayed. So I knew this moment would come soon. However, I hadn't really know what it was going to be like for us.
She howls and groans and moans. It was kind of funny at first. But we're into this a full week now and it's not so funny. We're not sleeping much and have had to lock her in the storage room in our basement. She's just SO loud. If we leave her to roam in the house at night, she prefers to sit at the top of the stairs, maybe because it has the vaulted ceiling there, and howls, very very loud. Very. So we've taken some advanced measures and have even put her outside, just so we can have some peace.
Since she's an outdoor cat to begin with, she doesn't mind the outdoors. So it's not a problem convincing her to go out. But with her in heat, we're reluctant about how long she spends her time outside in fear she'll meet a friendly boy kitty.
Over the past few days she's met someone. I've asked around and I believe he is neutered, but I'm just not so sure about that. Piper still comes home and howls at night, so I'm hoping she's not expecting a litter. In the meantime, she has this friend that walks her home and likes to peek into our home.
He's sort of a burly cat, with yellow eyes. I hear he's a sweet boy... but I'm just not so sure. I don't mind that she has a playmate, if that's what he is for her. But I get weary about their activity.
Monday, January 31, 2011
Dinosaurumpus! by Tony Mitton
It's a new favorite book in our house. Dinosaurumpus! It's quite fun to read too. My 2 year old boy asks for me to read this daily. Sometimes we read it multiple times a day, and I don't mind. It's that fun.
The words are colorful and it's hard not to bounce in your seat while you read the story. And if your kid isn't into Dinosaurs, don't worry, the story isn't too archaic. Although you do learn about the names of the dinosaurs, and you do learn what it would be like if you saw these dinosaurs dancing. It's quite silly if you ask me.
In the words of my son: DINOSAUR-RUMPUS!!!
In the words of my son: DINOSAUR-RUMPUS!!!
The Birds
The Birds sit outside their window and the class of children become giddy. It's just a hole in the brick wall, really, how many birds can fit in there? It's that small, but it's enough to thrill the children and have big discussions about these birds that live outside their window.
Where could have the birds gone?
They're too high and we can't reach them.
I can't reach them! As one boy hangs onto the window's ledge.
Perhaps they went to find some food? I ask one of the boys. His eyes widen and I can see he's trying to imagine The Birds out gathering their breakfast. They'll be back I say. That seems to calm his fears of not seeing The Birds again.
Where could have the birds gone?
They're too high and we can't reach them.
I can't reach them! As one boy hangs onto the window's ledge.
Perhaps they went to find some food? I ask one of the boys. His eyes widen and I can see he's trying to imagine The Birds out gathering their breakfast. They'll be back I say. That seems to calm his fears of not seeing The Birds again.
Just a thought.
Just a thought about the shoes I bought.
These shoes are sneakers and they're made to go far.
How far will they go?
What will they show me?
Who would've thought these sneakers would give me strength.
They guide me and allow me to push past my fears.
Those fears are gone and all that's left inside
Are notes of glitter in my eyes
As I peer down the road that will lead me
To the pace I set for myself and I circle around
Inside my head these thoughts and visions come to no end.
It's just a thought about the shoes I bought.
These shoes are sneakers and they're made to go far.
How far will they go?
What will they show me?
Who would've thought these sneakers would give me strength.
They guide me and allow me to push past my fears.
Those fears are gone and all that's left inside
Are notes of glitter in my eyes
As I peer down the road that will lead me
To the pace I set for myself and I circle around
Inside my head these thoughts and visions come to no end.
It's just a thought about the shoes I bought.
To Snow... Or Not To Snow...?
Well... It looks like it's going To Snow. Again. Not just a dusting or a few inches. The prediction is 15-20 inches. Yup. This is how our week is looking here in NH. As much as I don't mind the snow, and don't mind driving in the snow... I think we've had our fair share of the snow.
Ice fishing, snow shoeing, and sledding, are just the few winter activities that families are gearing up for or have been doing for the past few weeks. Unfortunately we haven't had much winter fun lately. We do spend our time outside, my son loves to take walks in our neighborhood while pulling his sled. He hasn't really learned how to enjoy riding in the sled. I'm okay with that since most times he's asking to pull me along. But he does enjoy pushing a shovel around in the yard and watch us clean up the driveway.
Most of our time is spent doing indoor activities. Since my husband and I work full time during the week, we tend to look for low key activities with our kid. He doesn't mind it that much either. He particularly loves any sort of project.
Painting is one of his favorites and loves to smear all the colors into a big blob in the middle of the paper. Coloring with markers is his second favorite and that can usually hold his attention for quite a while. We've tried watching some movies with him, of course they're age appropriate since he's 2. But it seems any type of Pixar flick seems to hold his attention. He recently enjoyed Meet the Robinson's. I try not to use the tv as a babysitter with him, so we do try to do other things while the tv is on.
He's getting really good with doing puzzles, the real kind and not the board pieces with knobs. Those have started being too easy for him. We have a few 24 piece puzzles that incorporate different Disney themes. Of course they're from many popular movies: Toy Story 3, Mickey's Clubhouse, and Cars. He loves them so much and they're really easy to do, considering the box doesn't show you what the puzzle should look like.
One of his favorite puzzles is of animals, 2 pieces each, one is heads the other is tails. The pieces are very large and easy for him to manipulate. He learned how to 'do a puzzle' with this particular puzzle.
Other than that, we may attempt to back or cook something fun. But again, we haven't done much of that over the course of the winter, particularly because we don't spend much time at the grocery store. But I'd love to rummage through the cupboards to see what could make a fun treat. We have used my ice cream maker and have made eggnog chocolate chip ice cream, which was fantastic, if you like egg nog. We then made regular chocolate chip ice cream. My son doesn't seem to love ice cream as much as I do, but that's okay... I secretly want more for myself anyways. He's more of a Popsicle boy.
How have other families enjoyed their winter days? Or are you enjoying summer instead? If so... I'm jealous!
Ice fishing, snow shoeing, and sledding, are just the few winter activities that families are gearing up for or have been doing for the past few weeks. Unfortunately we haven't had much winter fun lately. We do spend our time outside, my son loves to take walks in our neighborhood while pulling his sled. He hasn't really learned how to enjoy riding in the sled. I'm okay with that since most times he's asking to pull me along. But he does enjoy pushing a shovel around in the yard and watch us clean up the driveway.
Most of our time is spent doing indoor activities. Since my husband and I work full time during the week, we tend to look for low key activities with our kid. He doesn't mind it that much either. He particularly loves any sort of project.
Painting is one of his favorites and loves to smear all the colors into a big blob in the middle of the paper. Coloring with markers is his second favorite and that can usually hold his attention for quite a while. We've tried watching some movies with him, of course they're age appropriate since he's 2. But it seems any type of Pixar flick seems to hold his attention. He recently enjoyed Meet the Robinson's. I try not to use the tv as a babysitter with him, so we do try to do other things while the tv is on.
He's getting really good with doing puzzles, the real kind and not the board pieces with knobs. Those have started being too easy for him. We have a few 24 piece puzzles that incorporate different Disney themes. Of course they're from many popular movies: Toy Story 3, Mickey's Clubhouse, and Cars. He loves them so much and they're really easy to do, considering the box doesn't show you what the puzzle should look like.
One of his favorite puzzles is of animals, 2 pieces each, one is heads the other is tails. The pieces are very large and easy for him to manipulate. He learned how to 'do a puzzle' with this particular puzzle.
Other than that, we may attempt to back or cook something fun. But again, we haven't done much of that over the course of the winter, particularly because we don't spend much time at the grocery store. But I'd love to rummage through the cupboards to see what could make a fun treat. We have used my ice cream maker and have made eggnog chocolate chip ice cream, which was fantastic, if you like egg nog. We then made regular chocolate chip ice cream. My son doesn't seem to love ice cream as much as I do, but that's okay... I secretly want more for myself anyways. He's more of a Popsicle boy.
How have other families enjoyed their winter days? Or are you enjoying summer instead? If so... I'm jealous!
Thursday, January 27, 2011
Pound the pavement
In an attempt to balance my mind and my soul, I've decided to dust off my running sneakers and hit the roads. Although, the roads are completely covered in ice, salt, sand, and snow. Luckily I do have a treadmill collecting dust in my basement. I've missed being able to pound the pavement, but over the past four years, a lot has been going on.
Four years ago I accomplished my first and only 5k road race. It was quite exhilarating, and I haven't really experienced anything like it since.
So what's been going on in four years? I got married, bought a house, had a kid, and have been trying to find my new balance in life. I'm not one to exercise daily, weekly, or at all. I go with the flow. It's not the best course of action for my health and wellness. My doctor is clearly aware of how immobile I am. My two year old keeps me quite busy for the moment, and that seems to have been doing fine for me lately. But now, I need something more.
I need something for my sanity. Something that can help me focus on one thing and one thing only. I have tried Yoga, but that doesn't really get me focused like others say it does for them. My mind wanders too much. So when I run, excuse me... when I jog, it's different. I am forced to focus on my breathing. I know that for every two strides, I am exhaling and inhaling. My feet hit the pavement and I'm in a trance. One two, breath in, one two, breath out. Honestly, if I don't focus on my breathing, I have a bad habit of holding my breath, or losing track of my breathing. So badly that I get horrible, painful stitches in my sides to the point where I have problems catching my breath. I don't want to over exert myself, so this is why I start my runs with complete concentration on my breathing. After some time, I don't even notice it and it becomes second nature to me. But I know what I need to do. It's just a matter of doing it.
I recently learned about a program for people like me. It's called: couch 2 5k. It's a 9 week program and you work on it 3 days a week for 30 minutes. I think I can do that. So I looked at the detailed schedule and it actually seems doable, and since I have a treadmill it's even more inviting that there is a treadmill routine. Perfect! So I've printed the schedule and I'm excited to start ASAP.
Eventually I'd like to tackle a 5k again. I'm interested in doing a couple, but my goal is to do at least one. So for now, I have 9 weeks of prep work to do. I'll let you know how it goes.
What about you? Are you an avid runner or walker? Have you registered for a race before? Or is the idea too overwhelming?
Four years ago I accomplished my first and only 5k road race. It was quite exhilarating, and I haven't really experienced anything like it since.
So what's been going on in four years? I got married, bought a house, had a kid, and have been trying to find my new balance in life. I'm not one to exercise daily, weekly, or at all. I go with the flow. It's not the best course of action for my health and wellness. My doctor is clearly aware of how immobile I am. My two year old keeps me quite busy for the moment, and that seems to have been doing fine for me lately. But now, I need something more.
I need something for my sanity. Something that can help me focus on one thing and one thing only. I have tried Yoga, but that doesn't really get me focused like others say it does for them. My mind wanders too much. So when I run, excuse me... when I jog, it's different. I am forced to focus on my breathing. I know that for every two strides, I am exhaling and inhaling. My feet hit the pavement and I'm in a trance. One two, breath in, one two, breath out. Honestly, if I don't focus on my breathing, I have a bad habit of holding my breath, or losing track of my breathing. So badly that I get horrible, painful stitches in my sides to the point where I have problems catching my breath. I don't want to over exert myself, so this is why I start my runs with complete concentration on my breathing. After some time, I don't even notice it and it becomes second nature to me. But I know what I need to do. It's just a matter of doing it.
I recently learned about a program for people like me. It's called: couch 2 5k. It's a 9 week program and you work on it 3 days a week for 30 minutes. I think I can do that. So I looked at the detailed schedule and it actually seems doable, and since I have a treadmill it's even more inviting that there is a treadmill routine. Perfect! So I've printed the schedule and I'm excited to start ASAP.
Eventually I'd like to tackle a 5k again. I'm interested in doing a couple, but my goal is to do at least one. So for now, I have 9 weeks of prep work to do. I'll let you know how it goes.
What about you? Are you an avid runner or walker? Have you registered for a race before? Or is the idea too overwhelming?
Wednesday, January 26, 2011
I want my Mommy...
I usually hear this around the time my son wakes up from a nap or very early in the mornings. Either I or my husband will stumble upstairs to check on him. Usually he needs help with his blanket and he's back to sleep. But every time I hear I want my Mommy, my heart aches. Literally. Those four words make my chest ache.
My son is going through a Mommy phase. My husband and I took a weekend vacation a couple of weeks ago and ever since we've been home I keep hearing those four simple words. It's a simple request. The kid just wants his Mommy. Just my presence in the room is reassuring for him. He's only 26 months old and as often as he tells me to leave him alone, he needs me just the same.
My son is going through a Mommy phase. My husband and I took a weekend vacation a couple of weeks ago and ever since we've been home I keep hearing those four simple words. It's a simple request. The kid just wants his Mommy. Just my presence in the room is reassuring for him. He's only 26 months old and as often as he tells me to leave him alone, he needs me just the same.I'm sure it's healthy for him to go through this phase. But how do you move through this fear that's embedded in his brain? I take every chance I have to spend quality time with him. I have even notice he wants to snuggle with me more, or find me down the hall in another room. The first few days from being back from our vacation, he wouldn't let me out of his sight, and even sat on a stool in the bathroom while I took a shower. He didn't mind. He was with his Mommy. And he waited very patiently while I finished showering too. Surprisingly, I'm learning the amount of patience he has for me. However, there are a few boundaries considering he goes to daycare everyday and every morning when I say 'See you soon!' he's standing there sobbing.
So how do I move forward? Simple. Just live today like everyday, and hope that tomorrow will get easier. But those four simple words would be forever etched in my heart.
Wednesday, January 19, 2011
"Your OWN soap!"
"WOW, you have your OWN soap now!"
He was sooo excited. He's been asking for his own soap for a while. Since Mommy and Daddy each have their own bar of soap, my son decided he would like to ask for his own bar of soap. So how could I tell him No?
We buy our soap from a local farmer. I've posted other bars of soap that I've used from their farm, and I'm kind of addicted to their style.
So I told my son he could go to the goat farm and pick out his own bar of soap. How cool is that?! He was quite the excited 2 year old boy!
Unfortunately I was not able to take him to the goat farm, however, I arranged for his Nana to take him one afternoon recently. It was quite cold and windy, but they saw the goats. My son was brought inside the farmers store and was able to pick out his very own bar of soap. WOW! You have no idea how special that made him feel.
A no nonsense bar with no fragrance or color for the most delicate skin. Lots of avocado oil added to make it the most gentle soap you can use.
Ingredients: our own goat milk, olive oil, palm oil, palm kernel oil, coconut oil, avocado oil, soybean oil, sodium hydroxide.
He uses his soap every night during tubby time. It's actually become his new toy and has very little interest in the large crate of toys he already owns. He enjoys tossing the soap to make big splashes, hiding it under his legs and says: Where'd it go? Or he starts scrubbing his body getting it squeaky clean.
In any case, it was a simple treasure for him and also has ingredients that are a lot safer than many you'd find in your local stores. Not to mention we are supporting our local neighbors! I know he'll be looking forward to a future visit to the goat farm.
He was sooo excited. He's been asking for his own soap for a while. Since Mommy and Daddy each have their own bar of soap, my son decided he would like to ask for his own bar of soap. So how could I tell him No?
We buy our soap from a local farmer. I've posted other bars of soap that I've used from their farm, and I'm kind of addicted to their style.
So I told my son he could go to the goat farm and pick out his own bar of soap. How cool is that?! He was quite the excited 2 year old boy!
Unfortunately I was not able to take him to the goat farm, however, I arranged for his Nana to take him one afternoon recently. It was quite cold and windy, but they saw the goats. My son was brought inside the farmers store and was able to pick out his very own bar of soap. WOW! You have no idea how special that made him feel.
A no nonsense bar with no fragrance or color for the most delicate skin. Lots of avocado oil added to make it the most gentle soap you can use.Ingredients: our own goat milk, olive oil, palm oil, palm kernel oil, coconut oil, avocado oil, soybean oil, sodium hydroxide.
He uses his soap every night during tubby time. It's actually become his new toy and has very little interest in the large crate of toys he already owns. He enjoys tossing the soap to make big splashes, hiding it under his legs and says: Where'd it go? Or he starts scrubbing his body getting it squeaky clean.
In any case, it was a simple treasure for him and also has ingredients that are a lot safer than many you'd find in your local stores. Not to mention we are supporting our local neighbors! I know he'll be looking forward to a future visit to the goat farm.
Friday, January 14, 2011
Small Moments
Enjoying small moments doesn't mean you have to capture everything on camera. Although, it would be nice to maybe strap a camera to my head and if I want to capture a moment, I could blink really hard. Or something like that.
I feel like I've been trying to capture small moments lately. I got a new phone, you see. So I've been experimenting and playing around with the gadgets, widgets, and apps. I feel there are way too many options for what I need. It wasn't too long ago when I decided I need to live in the moment, not create more moments. Apps can have that crazy affect.
But over the course of the past week, I've been living in the moment. Capturing moments. No matter how big or small. So with my small, new phone and camera, here are the little moments I've captured.
I feel like I've been trying to capture small moments lately. I got a new phone, you see. So I've been experimenting and playing around with the gadgets, widgets, and apps. I feel there are way too many options for what I need. It wasn't too long ago when I decided I need to live in the moment, not create more moments. Apps can have that crazy affect.
But over the course of the past week, I've been living in the moment. Capturing moments. No matter how big or small. So with my small, new phone and camera, here are the little moments I've captured.
I got to experience the Magic Kingdom this past Sunday night...
I had some wine in Paris (Epcot) on Sunday
I had a 'snow day' with my 2 year old son...
And we got to get some 'safe' fun done around the house...
So as my days move forward, I do try to live in front of the camera, but with a new phone and camera readily available, I will also be capturing those fun, small moments that seem to creep up unexpectedly.
Thursday, January 6, 2011
A New Year
It's been a year since I started this blog. I'm still not sure if I have much direction with my blogging. But it is what it is, and it's me. Sometimes I'm all over the place, and this blog will justify that. So a new year begins and I've taken a small leave of absence from the blogging world. I haven't read any blogs, posted any comments, or updated in a while. I'm okay with that. I'm enjoying our holidays, and the new year. But that doesn't mean I haven't thought about those other blogger's, those who blog every day. I have thought about them, almost daily and look forward to catching up on what they've been up to.
But for now, I'm living in the moment. I suppose that's my New Year's resolution. Although I don't believe in resolutions, but if I were to have something on my list, that would be it. Living in the moment is important to me. Sometimes it means putting the camera down and enjoying a morning with my 2 year old son. Sometimes it means leaving the computer off and shutting my phone off. Even if it's for a day, it's important to me to reconnect with myself.
I don't connect with my self very often because I'm finding I'm too busy, being me. Scattered, forgetful, yet constant and reliable. My New Year is a time to reflect on what matters most. We spend so many days at the end of the year planning to do this, and to do that, it's hard to see what is happening now.
I had a week off from my job, and I took it one day at a time. Sure I had plans, but they were light plans and anything could have changed if it needed to. But the life of work was put on hold. I needed that moment to pause and enjoy the minutes I had to rest, laugh, eat, and play.
It won't be long until my days are in full swing with my old routines. But for now, I feel like I'm still on vacation. I'm definitely not ready to jump in head first with the New Year, because I'm committed to remembering what matters most to me. Taking one day at a time will help me through that. So for now, I purposely waited on writing my first post of the New Year until now. I'm working on nurturing my soul and if you need me, that's where you can find me. Now off to get another cup of tea! =)
What were your New Years resolutions? Do you make any?
But for now, I'm living in the moment. I suppose that's my New Year's resolution. Although I don't believe in resolutions, but if I were to have something on my list, that would be it. Living in the moment is important to me. Sometimes it means putting the camera down and enjoying a morning with my 2 year old son. Sometimes it means leaving the computer off and shutting my phone off. Even if it's for a day, it's important to me to reconnect with myself.
I don't connect with my self very often because I'm finding I'm too busy, being me. Scattered, forgetful, yet constant and reliable. My New Year is a time to reflect on what matters most. We spend so many days at the end of the year planning to do this, and to do that, it's hard to see what is happening now.
I had a week off from my job, and I took it one day at a time. Sure I had plans, but they were light plans and anything could have changed if it needed to. But the life of work was put on hold. I needed that moment to pause and enjoy the minutes I had to rest, laugh, eat, and play.
It won't be long until my days are in full swing with my old routines. But for now, I feel like I'm still on vacation. I'm definitely not ready to jump in head first with the New Year, because I'm committed to remembering what matters most to me. Taking one day at a time will help me through that. So for now, I purposely waited on writing my first post of the New Year until now. I'm working on nurturing my soul and if you need me, that's where you can find me. Now off to get another cup of tea! =)
What were your New Years resolutions? Do you make any?
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