3 weeks ago, I joined Weight Watchers Online. 3 weeks ago I weighed more than I was comfortable weighing (127) and I didn't feel good in my clothes. 3 weeks ago I totally slacked in the exercise department. 3 weeks ago, I took control. In the past, I've done Atkins (very successfully) but I just can't sustain that lifestyle. The thing about WW is that it teaches you how to eat. It teaches portion control and helps you indulge smartly, rather than irrationally. It's totally what I needed. Now, instead of pigging out because it sounds good, I think twice about whether I really need that piece of chocolate cake or not? I'm cooking healthier and using better products, yet still enjoying what I eat. It is so easy and in 3 weeks I've lost 7 pounds. 7 whole pounds! I'm working out, I started Pilates again and for the first time in a few months I feel great about myself.
Sometimes I hate that I have to try so hard to stay thin, I really have to watch what I eat and stay active. But, when you think about it, what's wrong with that? It makes me healthier than if I didn't have to do that, right? Plus I am a good example to the kiddos. They are more aware of what they put in their mouths too. They often ask if something is healthy and I'll answer yes or no and offer an alternative.
Now, if only winter would end and I could really get outside and enjoy this new body! That would make things complete!
Wednesday, January 26, 2011
Project Life
There's been a lot of hype going around about Becky Higgins Project Life. In my opinion, it is a great way to easily document your family's life. I take a million pictures and yet never really print them or scrapbook them anymore. I'm so far behind on this that I am completely overwhelmed with the task. So, I jumped on the bandwagon and purchased my very own kit! It should be here tomorrow and I am sooooo excited to get started!
You may know that I have started a project 365 over here, and so far I am doing fabulously for 2011! Well, now I have a place to put my pictures. I am so excited to have this to remember the little things about our wonderful life.
Becky Higgins makes this so simple. She includes the album, the page protectors, the inserts for journaling, the monthly dividers, paper, etc. It's fabulous. All I have to do is fill in the blanks! No cutting, no gluing, no embelleshing! It's wonderful.
Becky Higgins is helping me with one of my resolutions and for that, I thank her!
You may know that I have started a project 365 over here, and so far I am doing fabulously for 2011! Well, now I have a place to put my pictures. I am so excited to have this to remember the little things about our wonderful life.
Becky Higgins makes this so simple. She includes the album, the page protectors, the inserts for journaling, the monthly dividers, paper, etc. It's fabulous. All I have to do is fill in the blanks! No cutting, no gluing, no embelleshing! It's wonderful.
Becky Higgins is helping me with one of my resolutions and for that, I thank her!
Tuesday, January 11, 2011
Mother's Little Helper
Mother's Little Helper
(Jagger/Richards)
What a drag it is getting old
"Kids are different today"
I hear ev'ry mother say
Mother needs something today to calm her down
And though she's not really ill
There's a little yellow pill
She goes running for the shelter of a mother's little helper
And it helps her on her way, gets her through her busy day
"Things are different today"
I hear ev'ry mother say
Cooking fresh food for a husband's just a drag
So she buys an instant cake and she burns her frozen steak
And goes running for the shelter of a mother's little helper
And two help her on her way, get her through her busy day
Doctor please, some more of these
Outside the door, she took four more
What a drag it is getting old
"Men just aren't the same today"
I hear ev'ry mother say
They just don't appreciate that you get tired
They're so hard to satisfy, You can tranquilize your mind
So go running for the shelter of a mother's little helper
And four help you through the night, help to minimize your plight
Doctor please, some more of these
Outside the door, she took four more
What a drag it is getting old
"Life's just much too hard today,"
I hear ev'ry mother say
The pursuit of happiness just seems a bore
And if you take more of those, you will get an overdose
No more running for the shelter of a mother's little helper
They just helped you on your way, through your busy dying day
Recently I took the gigantic step of asking for help in the sanity department. I've been putting it off for months and even attempted to do some Yoga and take some B Stress Complex to help combat my anxiety and it just wasn't cutting it. On New Year's Eve, we were all sitting down for dinner and I had a panic attack. You see, this panic attack was completely unwarranted and I knew of no trigger at that moment of time. It scared me and I took it as a sign that I needed some professional help.
I've had anxiety my entire life, I am a worrier and I've come to accept that. However, my worries have escalated to ridiculous heights and I just can't live like that. My fears over silly things haunt me each night and while I'm embarrassed to admit it, it's true and I need to accept it.
The first thing I tackled this new year was calling the doctor. The nice man on the phone administered the anxiety quiz, with a 4 or 5 being normal and anything above that (up to 21) was considered to be an anxiety disorder. I scored a 19. Yep, I almost had a perfect score! Nothing to be proud of I know, but at that moment I knew I took the right step. I kept my appointment and the Dr. was certain I needed some chemical help so he prescribed Zoloft. I was told to give it 2 weeks but boy, do I feel better already. My patience level is normalized, I no longer have horrible thoughts late at night about bad things happening, I smile more, I'm calmer and overall I'm a happier person.
My aunt told me about the Rolling Stones Song, Mother's Little Helper and I immediately knew that song was meant for me. No more hiding behind a fake smile and no more pretending that I'm ok. This is something that I can't help, it's a chemical imbalance in my brain and I need the medication to stabilize those chemicals and that is ok. I'm not ashamed and I'm here today to share my story with you so that you know that it's ok to ask for help.
Being a woman is tough work. We already have to deal with hormones, but the pressures that exist in society of how to act, how to look, how to raise our children make it that much more difficult. Add on top of that the stress that comes along with having a job, children, family commitments can just become too much. If this isn't you, don't judge, just offer a kind word. If this is you, know you aren't alone.
Offer a hug to someone today!
(Jagger/Richards)
What a drag it is getting old
"Kids are different today"
I hear ev'ry mother say
Mother needs something today to calm her down
And though she's not really ill
There's a little yellow pill
She goes running for the shelter of a mother's little helper
And it helps her on her way, gets her through her busy day
"Things are different today"
I hear ev'ry mother say
Cooking fresh food for a husband's just a drag
So she buys an instant cake and she burns her frozen steak
And goes running for the shelter of a mother's little helper
And two help her on her way, get her through her busy day
Doctor please, some more of these
Outside the door, she took four more
What a drag it is getting old
"Men just aren't the same today"
I hear ev'ry mother say
They just don't appreciate that you get tired
They're so hard to satisfy, You can tranquilize your mind
So go running for the shelter of a mother's little helper
And four help you through the night, help to minimize your plight
Doctor please, some more of these
Outside the door, she took four more
What a drag it is getting old
"Life's just much too hard today,"
I hear ev'ry mother say
The pursuit of happiness just seems a bore
And if you take more of those, you will get an overdose
No more running for the shelter of a mother's little helper
They just helped you on your way, through your busy dying day
Recently I took the gigantic step of asking for help in the sanity department. I've been putting it off for months and even attempted to do some Yoga and take some B Stress Complex to help combat my anxiety and it just wasn't cutting it. On New Year's Eve, we were all sitting down for dinner and I had a panic attack. You see, this panic attack was completely unwarranted and I knew of no trigger at that moment of time. It scared me and I took it as a sign that I needed some professional help.
I've had anxiety my entire life, I am a worrier and I've come to accept that. However, my worries have escalated to ridiculous heights and I just can't live like that. My fears over silly things haunt me each night and while I'm embarrassed to admit it, it's true and I need to accept it.
The first thing I tackled this new year was calling the doctor. The nice man on the phone administered the anxiety quiz, with a 4 or 5 being normal and anything above that (up to 21) was considered to be an anxiety disorder. I scored a 19. Yep, I almost had a perfect score! Nothing to be proud of I know, but at that moment I knew I took the right step. I kept my appointment and the Dr. was certain I needed some chemical help so he prescribed Zoloft. I was told to give it 2 weeks but boy, do I feel better already. My patience level is normalized, I no longer have horrible thoughts late at night about bad things happening, I smile more, I'm calmer and overall I'm a happier person.
My aunt told me about the Rolling Stones Song, Mother's Little Helper and I immediately knew that song was meant for me. No more hiding behind a fake smile and no more pretending that I'm ok. This is something that I can't help, it's a chemical imbalance in my brain and I need the medication to stabilize those chemicals and that is ok. I'm not ashamed and I'm here today to share my story with you so that you know that it's ok to ask for help.
Being a woman is tough work. We already have to deal with hormones, but the pressures that exist in society of how to act, how to look, how to raise our children make it that much more difficult. Add on top of that the stress that comes along with having a job, children, family commitments can just become too much. If this isn't you, don't judge, just offer a kind word. If this is you, know you aren't alone.
Offer a hug to someone today!
Monday, January 10, 2011
Connections
One of my resolutions for the year is to rekindle connections in my 'real' life. The internet has afforded us so many options to make connections; blogs, Facebook, message boards and so many more but how often do we actually connect with the actual person on the other end of that social network? My bet is that it's not all that frequent. This day and age, life is so rushed and hectic. We've got a million places to be and only 24 hours/day to get there. Sometimes the people we truly care about get left behind, even if only for the moment. And then there is the coordinating of schedules. It's a task in and of itself to actually pick a date to meet up. It's next to impossible when there are more than 2 people involved.
This year I resolve to make an effort with my family and friends. I want to spend more time alone with Brian. We have a wonderful relationship, we get along so well and laugh a lot but we rarely get time alone, away from the house. I want date nights, dinners, time to be together without kids screaming in the background.
I also want to see my girlfriends more. We need to re-establish our book club, aka food and booze club. We have so much fun together and all we really need is great food, some beer and wine and each other. I'm very lucky to have a close knit group of ladies that really understand me and accept me for who I am.
Lastly, I want to make new connections. I want to put myself out there and make new friends. It seems to be a foreign concept to us grown ups. Why not actually "be friends" with some of my Facebook friends? Why not make a playdate with some moms from preschool or ECFE? Why not get to know my neighbors better? There is no reason not to and I resolve to change that.
What are your resolutions this year? Do you feel a lack of connections in your real life? How can you make time for the loved ones in your life?
And on a totally unrelated note (although another resolution), go check out my Project 365: Oh Snap. I'd love to hear your comments and feedback. And link up if you are doing one too! I love checking out all the wonderful pictures!
This year I resolve to make an effort with my family and friends. I want to spend more time alone with Brian. We have a wonderful relationship, we get along so well and laugh a lot but we rarely get time alone, away from the house. I want date nights, dinners, time to be together without kids screaming in the background.
I also want to see my girlfriends more. We need to re-establish our book club, aka food and booze club. We have so much fun together and all we really need is great food, some beer and wine and each other. I'm very lucky to have a close knit group of ladies that really understand me and accept me for who I am.
Lastly, I want to make new connections. I want to put myself out there and make new friends. It seems to be a foreign concept to us grown ups. Why not actually "be friends" with some of my Facebook friends? Why not make a playdate with some moms from preschool or ECFE? Why not get to know my neighbors better? There is no reason not to and I resolve to change that.
What are your resolutions this year? Do you feel a lack of connections in your real life? How can you make time for the loved ones in your life?
And on a totally unrelated note (although another resolution), go check out my Project 365: Oh Snap. I'd love to hear your comments and feedback. And link up if you are doing one too! I love checking out all the wonderful pictures!
Tuesday, January 4, 2011
My word(s) of the year
If you haven't read Nicole's post about her word of the year, go check it out. It's totally worth reading. And if you haven't coined your word for the year, what are you waiting for?
This task really takes some deep thought and I have a lot on my mind about what I would like to accomplish this year, so it was close to impossible for me to narrow it down to just one word, and I think I'm ok with that. I have 5 specific words I want to focus on this year:
1. Sanity
2. Connections
3. Patience
4. Creativity
5. Health
I know, that's a lot to take on but I've taken stock of my life and while I am pretty blessed and a very lucky lady with all that I have, I know that I have a lot I need to work on.
Number one being my sanity. By nature, I carry a high amount of anxiety in my life. I worry about everything despite how irrational it may be. I am in a constant state of worry and almost always have that knot in the pit of my stomach. As of late, I've been working hard on de-stressing through natural means, however after a recent and extremely random panic attack, I will be seeking professional help. I know when it's time to ask for help and now is the time.
Number 2 is connections. Connections meaning the people in my life. I want to make it a point to see the people I care about more often, rather than just through electronic means. I also want to make it a point to go out with Brian more. We have a wonderful relationship and enjoy each other, it's just that we don't really make enough time for just the 2 of us. Not anymore, this changes this month.
Number 3 is patience. I'm hoping that by working on number 1, this will come a little easier for me. Besides being anxious and a worry wart, I am also very impatient. I have to try very hard to remain patient with my kids and I really need to make patience a priority in my life.
Number 4 is creativity. This is simple, I want to take some time this year to expand my photography vision. I want to dig deeper, challenge myself and take my photos to a whole new level. I would like to take some workshops or find a mentor that can help me achieve this. I am also attempting a 365 on a separate blog. I want to try and document our lives, the little things and not just the pretty pictures I am known for. While I cherish those portraits, I think I love even more the shots of our everyday lives.
Number 5 is health. I want to get back on the workout train and eat healthier. I want to learn to relax and de-stress. I want to start taking pilates classes again and start yoga to regain some flexibilty. I would love to remember to take my vitamins daily. Lastly, I would really love to train for another race.
I have lofty goals for the year and I think I can really make these happen with just a little determination. I know I can accomplish a lot with a positive attitude and a supportive community. What are your goals? What is your word or words of the year?
This task really takes some deep thought and I have a lot on my mind about what I would like to accomplish this year, so it was close to impossible for me to narrow it down to just one word, and I think I'm ok with that. I have 5 specific words I want to focus on this year:
1. Sanity
2. Connections
3. Patience
4. Creativity
5. Health
I know, that's a lot to take on but I've taken stock of my life and while I am pretty blessed and a very lucky lady with all that I have, I know that I have a lot I need to work on.
Number one being my sanity. By nature, I carry a high amount of anxiety in my life. I worry about everything despite how irrational it may be. I am in a constant state of worry and almost always have that knot in the pit of my stomach. As of late, I've been working hard on de-stressing through natural means, however after a recent and extremely random panic attack, I will be seeking professional help. I know when it's time to ask for help and now is the time.
Number 2 is connections. Connections meaning the people in my life. I want to make it a point to see the people I care about more often, rather than just through electronic means. I also want to make it a point to go out with Brian more. We have a wonderful relationship and enjoy each other, it's just that we don't really make enough time for just the 2 of us. Not anymore, this changes this month.
Number 3 is patience. I'm hoping that by working on number 1, this will come a little easier for me. Besides being anxious and a worry wart, I am also very impatient. I have to try very hard to remain patient with my kids and I really need to make patience a priority in my life.
Number 4 is creativity. This is simple, I want to take some time this year to expand my photography vision. I want to dig deeper, challenge myself and take my photos to a whole new level. I would like to take some workshops or find a mentor that can help me achieve this. I am also attempting a 365 on a separate blog. I want to try and document our lives, the little things and not just the pretty pictures I am known for. While I cherish those portraits, I think I love even more the shots of our everyday lives.
Number 5 is health. I want to get back on the workout train and eat healthier. I want to learn to relax and de-stress. I want to start taking pilates classes again and start yoga to regain some flexibilty. I would love to remember to take my vitamins daily. Lastly, I would really love to train for another race.
I have lofty goals for the year and I think I can really make these happen with just a little determination. I know I can accomplish a lot with a positive attitude and a supportive community. What are your goals? What is your word or words of the year?
Friday, December 31, 2010
The Word Of The Year
If you have spent any time on Facebook this week, you may have seen reminders to choose your 'word' for 2011; the one word that you will embody in the coming year and that you will allow, in turn, to embody you. Given that I am not one who goes for the unrealistically high bar that making resolutions* sets, choosing a word before the stroke of midnight tonight has become my goal this week (along with sorting, cleaning, purging, organizing, and digging out from under the holidays in general and counting down the minutes until Monday morning and the return to sanity and schedule.)
I have to admit that choosing my word has been much harder than I expected, and I may or may not have turned to a dictionary at one point to help my quest (and should you need to do the same, I would advise that you steer clear of the Children's Dictionary . . . lots of nouns and pictures, but not a lot of ideas.) One word for 365 days . . .
And then it hit me.
For a good portion of my adult life I have felt overwhelmed. While various jobs, marriage, children, home ownership and all of the things that come with being a grown-up have been rewarding and fantastic in their own way, they have also often been a lot to take in, and more often than not, I have felt like a passive observer rather than in control of the things going on around me. In 2010 I worked hard to take back my life, making decisions and changes that I hoped would lead to personal growth and development. While many of these decisions and changes did foster growth and change (in both expected and very unexpected ways), as I reflect on the year as a whole, I know that I still spent much of it overwhelmed by everything going on around me. Therefore, my word for 2011 is EMBRACE.
I had initially settled on the word ACCEPT (which means to receive willingly or to give admittance to or approval to), but just couldn't get over the passivity that it implies - I wanted something that involves taking action. To EMBRACE something means to take up especially readily or gladly (according to Merriam-Webster, anyway), and while I already know I won't always ACCEPT things readily or gladly in the new year, there is no reason that I can't EMBRACE them for what they war - challenges, blessings in disguise, eye openers, or gifts. There is a physicality and intended acceptance in the word EMBRACE that I need and that I can apply with purpose.
In 2011, I will EMBRACE that which is placed before me - the things that I love, the things that I don't love, the things that I can change, and the things that I can't. I will EMBRACE life.
*I have amended my no resolutions policy this year and am resolving that on January 1st, 2011 I will stop hijacking Michelle's blog and will write in my own little corner of the Internet - though I am sure I will still contribute at Mom's Sippy Cup . . . I've just got too much to say! Check my profile tomorrow for a live link!
I have to admit that choosing my word has been much harder than I expected, and I may or may not have turned to a dictionary at one point to help my quest (and should you need to do the same, I would advise that you steer clear of the Children's Dictionary . . . lots of nouns and pictures, but not a lot of ideas.) One word for 365 days . . .
And then it hit me.
For a good portion of my adult life I have felt overwhelmed. While various jobs, marriage, children, home ownership and all of the things that come with being a grown-up have been rewarding and fantastic in their own way, they have also often been a lot to take in, and more often than not, I have felt like a passive observer rather than in control of the things going on around me. In 2010 I worked hard to take back my life, making decisions and changes that I hoped would lead to personal growth and development. While many of these decisions and changes did foster growth and change (in both expected and very unexpected ways), as I reflect on the year as a whole, I know that I still spent much of it overwhelmed by everything going on around me. Therefore, my word for 2011 is EMBRACE.
I had initially settled on the word ACCEPT (which means to receive willingly or to give admittance to or approval to), but just couldn't get over the passivity that it implies - I wanted something that involves taking action. To EMBRACE something means to take up especially readily or gladly (according to Merriam-Webster, anyway), and while I already know I won't always ACCEPT things readily or gladly in the new year, there is no reason that I can't EMBRACE them for what they war - challenges, blessings in disguise, eye openers, or gifts. There is a physicality and intended acceptance in the word EMBRACE that I need and that I can apply with purpose.
In 2011, I will EMBRACE that which is placed before me - the things that I love, the things that I don't love, the things that I can change, and the things that I can't. I will EMBRACE life.
Now you tell me . . . what will your 'word' for 2011 be?
*I have amended my no resolutions policy this year and am resolving that on January 1st, 2011 I will stop hijacking Michelle's blog and will write in my own little corner of the Internet - though I am sure I will still contribute at Mom's Sippy Cup . . . I've just got too much to say! Check my profile tomorrow for a live link!
Monday, December 6, 2010
On The 6th Day Of Christmas . . .
My kiddos are very lucky for a vast number of reasons, but as it relates to the holidays, they are very lucky to have two sets of grandparents who like to shop. While this takes the burden of trolling the aisles at Toys R Us off of me, it also means that I can either indulge them with more toys or go the more practical route. So far I have managed to avoid wrapping up socks and underwear by instead getting the things that they can use almost everyday and will continue to use for at least the next few years.
Being in kindergarten and preschool, both of my older kids already have backpacks, but my toddler is still without, so the L.L. Bean Original Junior Backpack is at the top of her list. I am not even remotely exaggerating when I tell you that backpacks from L.L. Bean live forever - if you were to go over to my parent's house right now you would find the backpack I used throughout middle school, high school, college, and my time on the ambulance . . . and it is still in awesome shape. She is still a couple of years from starting preschool, but the bag is perfect for packing for overnight trips to grandma's house or for afternoon outings.
Knowing how well their backpacks hold up, I also looked to L.L. Bean for lunchboxes for the kids - my oldest will start the afternoon kindergarten enrichment program after his winter break, and will need to bring his lunch. This arrived on my front step the other day, and it will be perfect for him (and the girls as well since we often take our own lunches and snacks when we go places.) The best part about these lunchboxes? They hold these Bento-style reusable containers from Ziploc. The incomparable Danifred posted about these a few months ago, and knowing how my kids enjoy a little-of-this and a little-of-that when it comes to eating, I knew they would be perfect! (If the aforementioned doesn't quite do it for you, be sure to peruse this site as well for a similar product!)
In addition to buying for my own children, I also purchase a small gift for their two bestest friends - the little girls nextdoor who are the exact same age (and the reason I know my son will one day marry a girl with red hair.) These little girls also have birthdays immediately before and immediately after Christmas, and while I hate being the one that combines their Christmas gift with their birthday present, doing so justifies spending a little bit more for a single item. This year, I got them (and my own kids as well because I know they will use the every-living-crap out of them) personalized pencil cases that I plan to fill with pencils, erasers, stickers, and a couple hair ties.
My need to be considered a fun parent will undoubtedly will undoubtedly show through before Christmas and I will most likely track down a few things that I know my kids will love, but I will do so knowing that I have also been pragmatic and that they will be using their gifts long after Barbie's head has been ripped off and the Legos have been sucked up by the vacuum.
Tell me this: what is your gift giving style when it comes to your children? One-more-toy-can't-hurt or they-are-going-to-need-a-new-pair-of-shoes-to-get-through-winter?
Being in kindergarten and preschool, both of my older kids already have backpacks, but my toddler is still without, so the L.L. Bean Original Junior Backpack is at the top of her list. I am not even remotely exaggerating when I tell you that backpacks from L.L. Bean live forever - if you were to go over to my parent's house right now you would find the backpack I used throughout middle school, high school, college, and my time on the ambulance . . . and it is still in awesome shape. She is still a couple of years from starting preschool, but the bag is perfect for packing for overnight trips to grandma's house or for afternoon outings.
Knowing how well their backpacks hold up, I also looked to L.L. Bean for lunchboxes for the kids - my oldest will start the afternoon kindergarten enrichment program after his winter break, and will need to bring his lunch. This arrived on my front step the other day, and it will be perfect for him (and the girls as well since we often take our own lunches and snacks when we go places.) The best part about these lunchboxes? They hold these Bento-style reusable containers from Ziploc. The incomparable Danifred posted about these a few months ago, and knowing how my kids enjoy a little-of-this and a little-of-that when it comes to eating, I knew they would be perfect! (If the aforementioned doesn't quite do it for you, be sure to peruse this site as well for a similar product!)
In addition to buying for my own children, I also purchase a small gift for their two bestest friends - the little girls nextdoor who are the exact same age (and the reason I know my son will one day marry a girl with red hair.) These little girls also have birthdays immediately before and immediately after Christmas, and while I hate being the one that combines their Christmas gift with their birthday present, doing so justifies spending a little bit more for a single item. This year, I got them (and my own kids as well because I know they will use the every-living-crap out of them) personalized pencil cases that I plan to fill with pencils, erasers, stickers, and a couple hair ties.
My need to be considered a fun parent will undoubtedly will undoubtedly show through before Christmas and I will most likely track down a few things that I know my kids will love, but I will do so knowing that I have also been pragmatic and that they will be using their gifts long after Barbie's head has been ripped off and the Legos have been sucked up by the vacuum.
Tell me this: what is your gift giving style when it comes to your children? One-more-toy-can't-hurt or they-are-going-to-need-a-new-pair-of-shoes-to-get-through-winter?
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