by Christine Kane
Each year, when we turn the clocks back, I am torn. Me too!
On the one hand, I'm elated to get some extra sleep and "gain" an hour. On the other hand, it's a little sad to know that winter is coming, and the days are getting shorter.
A few years ago, I noticed that I was rolling with the change of season much more gracefully - and without the same dread I had often felt. It was around that time I learned to create rituals in my days. Seasons, after all, show us what our lives are meant to be: dark times, light times, expansion, contraction, and of course... change!
If you are experiencing anxiety or sadness as winter approaches and the days get shorter, I invite you to try one or two of these rituals. Maybe you'll start to look forward to the earlier evenings as you see the mystery and magic of this beautiful season...
1 - Create a Glow
The great thing about darker evenings is that they allow for the perfect candle lighting ritual. Create a sacred space in your home and light candles at dusk or when you get home from work.
Some of my favorite candles are antique medicine bottles I've picked up at various antique stores over the years. I fill them with candle oil and wicks. The glass reflects the flame for even more glow! I'm always on the look out for simple candles and holders. For those that do not know me well - I'm crazy about candles - with Ian though I have cut back on lighting them.
2 - Start a Gratitude Journal
It's the season of Thanksgiving, so why not begin the habit of gratitude now, rather than waiting til the end of the month?
Get a beautiful journal and commit to completing your day with gratitude. Start with a list of five things. Write in as much detail as you can.
We live in such lavish abundance, yet it's so easy to speed through the days without noticing. A gratitude journal will change your life! This can definitely change your life - focusing on what you have rather than what you have not leads you into focusing on God more.
3 - Feed the Birds
Wake up to bird song! One of my favorite rituals is to make sure that the bird feeders are chock full of the best seed possible. Our feeders always have visitors, so we keep a guide to birds near our back door so we can grab it any time we spot a new species. We have regular visits from nuthatches, chickadees, flickers, titmouse, all kinds of woodpeckers, Carolina wrens, bluejays - we've even seen rare birds, like the hooded warbler. Spend some blissful time witnessing the pure joy of our feathered friends! (A great resource for bird-feeders is Wild Birds Unlimited.)
4 - Catch Up on Movies
Winter is a great time to catch up on those movies you missed in the theaters. I keep a list in my iPhone, and any time someone recommends a movie, I take note. That way, when I get to the video store, I have a reference. You can also get great television show season re-runs on Netflix. Mark & I definitely need to do this!
5 - Morning Work-Outs
When the clocks turn back, the mornings get lighter. Why not take advantage and wake up earlier to hit the gym? Start a fitness ritual. Exercise has been proven - over and over again! - to remedy everything from disease to depression. Hire a trainer for a month and learn some new exercises! The fitness habit will lift your mood like nothing else! Indeed I am muchbetter to work out earlier in the day.
6 - Complete a Project
Remember that idea you had for a scrapbook? Or that language learning series you've been meaning to plunge into? Well, now's the time!
Winter is a perfect time to learn a new craft, create something meaningful, and get lost in the joy of a new project. Winter is also the time to go inward and lose yourself in creating. What have you been meaning to create?
7 - Get Out!
Any dog will tell you: Winter is a fabulous time to hike! It's cold. It's crisp. You bundle up in layers of polar fleece. And you get to experience the hidden treasures of a season that most people avoid.
Make it a point to find some trails or paths near your home. Then, commit to bundling up and spending time outdoors each weekend. There's rarely anyone else out - so you get to have acres and acres to yourself. (Though you might bump into me and my dog! It's our favorite hiking season!)
Note: Here's a link to an article I wrote about one more of my favorite winter rituals.
Click below to read it -->
http://www.christinekane.com/blog/banish-sugar-cravings-with-a-new-ritual
Wednesday, November 17, 2010
This is what I do...
“Possibilities”The rock that is an obstacle in the path of one person becomes a stepping stone in the path of another.
Authoring Stories of Resilience: Guidelines from Practice
Description:
Systemic counselors are moving toward collaborative and narrative models of therapy. Clients tell us when we are helpful—if we will listen. Counseling becomes a circular process involving “dialogue” between the counselor and the client, as opposed to “pathologizing monologues.” A counselor stance of “curiosity,” where multiple perspectives are entertained, is replacing explanation and attempts to discover an objective reality apart from the input of the client. Counselors more clearly see themselves as part of the treatment system, and examine their part in constructing the “problem story.” Counselor “use-of-self” becomes important, and distinctions are made between counselor “intentionality” and “willfulness.” How do these ideas look in counseling situations? The distinctions between assessment and treatment become blurred as a circular dance evolves between counselor and client. The treatment context is expanded to include the interactions between members of the “languaged system.” Treatment is conducted as a “conversation.” The counselor gives up the “expert position” and becomes a partner with the client in retrieving resources to construct solutions. Questions gather information, introduce “differences,” and facilitate change. Externalizing of the problem generates space for alternative stories in the present. The client’s presentation tells a story. The story is told and retold so that the client becomes his/her own author-ity, or more involved in the construction of his/her story. Client resources are retrieved and the re-authored story includes elements of resilience: competence, courage, hope, forgiveness, humor, etc.
Authoring Stories of Resilience: Guidelines from Practice
Description:
Systemic counselors are moving toward collaborative and narrative models of therapy. Clients tell us when we are helpful—if we will listen. Counseling becomes a circular process involving “dialogue” between the counselor and the client, as opposed to “pathologizing monologues.” A counselor stance of “curiosity,” where multiple perspectives are entertained, is replacing explanation and attempts to discover an objective reality apart from the input of the client. Counselors more clearly see themselves as part of the treatment system, and examine their part in constructing the “problem story.” Counselor “use-of-self” becomes important, and distinctions are made between counselor “intentionality” and “willfulness.” How do these ideas look in counseling situations? The distinctions between assessment and treatment become blurred as a circular dance evolves between counselor and client. The treatment context is expanded to include the interactions between members of the “languaged system.” Treatment is conducted as a “conversation.” The counselor gives up the “expert position” and becomes a partner with the client in retrieving resources to construct solutions. Questions gather information, introduce “differences,” and facilitate change. Externalizing of the problem generates space for alternative stories in the present. The client’s presentation tells a story. The story is told and retold so that the client becomes his/her own author-ity, or more involved in the construction of his/her story. Client resources are retrieved and the re-authored story includes elements of resilience: competence, courage, hope, forgiveness, humor, etc.
Friday, November 12, 2010
Tuesday, November 9, 2010
kelly rae: learning to be new - another wise letter from jen ...
Since becoming a mama - a whole new world has opened for me although a lot of that world has scared me and I have frankly "bucked" it trying so hard to keep the old identity.
I have realized that, that very action was something that I had needed to do in order to live into this new identity. And now I have found a blog and a person who is speaking what I experienced and even better --- she is having her dear friends guest post for her with words of wisdom and encouragement. NOW THAT IS AWESOME!! Here is one of her friends' posts.
kelly rae: learning to be new - another wise letter from jen ...: "(baby true, five weeks, 10 pounds!) i can barely get on the phone these days, or email for that matter, but i'm learning that quick 5 or ..."
You have Everything You Need Print
I have realized that, that very action was something that I had needed to do in order to live into this new identity. And now I have found a blog and a person who is speaking what I experienced and even better --- she is having her dear friends guest post for her with words of wisdom and encouragement. NOW THAT IS AWESOME!! Here is one of her friends' posts.
kelly rae: learning to be new - another wise letter from jen ...: "(baby true, five weeks, 10 pounds!) i can barely get on the phone these days, or email for that matter, but i'm learning that quick 5 or ..."
You have Everything You Need Print
Monday, November 8, 2010
Inspiration: A FREE Class
This is the FREE class I do every year with Jessica Sprague - not that I finish it but at least it opens my eyes more to creativity and the possibilities! Click here to go there!
Friday, November 5, 2010
Weekend Creative | Advent Action Cards
Weekend Creative Advent Action Cards
Oh I am "all-about" these!! Coming to friends near me :) Well that is if I make the time to do them...
Oh I am "all-about" these!! Coming to friends near me :) Well that is if I make the time to do them...
Thursday, November 4, 2010
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Wednesday, November 3, 2010
A Little Disoriented
Life is disoriented for me...a huge situation involving multiple dilemmas in my counseling world, unending tasks with Social Work jobs, kitties that might still have fleas, arranging my schedule to get 6, 8, 12 miles runs in each week at some point, and figuring out "how is this suppose to work while following God's plan?" How does the cleaning, the playing, the cherishing and the love live in this space?
It doesn't make all that much sense to me - deception, seduction, lying and manipulation besides our humanness coming out which jeopardizes relationships, friendships and families. I realize I have a hard time with people lying to me although I realize that in reality, they are simply telling me one piece of the story or puzzle and choose to leave out the rest for whatever reason. I know that we all do it at some point in time in our lives but it is so hurtful and even possibly harmful if we do it with our closest people.
Those intimate, spirit-filled friendships we have where we are given emotional fuel to battle the day to day stuff in life are so important to me. I could not imagine not having those nor even worse pushing those away or abusing them for my benefit. It is apparent that godly people really can do ungodly things and that none of us are immune. It is just what path or direction we choose that makes all the difference.
I pray to choose the narrow path, to choose the path less travelled and to choose Christ and His direction. I need not be judgmental of others or look down upon them for choosing another path but simply to see them in grace knowing that God has given me grace. I choose to work through healing, forgiving and moving toward joy and seeing the best in others.
It doesn't make all that much sense to me - deception, seduction, lying and manipulation besides our humanness coming out which jeopardizes relationships, friendships and families. I realize I have a hard time with people lying to me although I realize that in reality, they are simply telling me one piece of the story or puzzle and choose to leave out the rest for whatever reason. I know that we all do it at some point in time in our lives but it is so hurtful and even possibly harmful if we do it with our closest people.
Those intimate, spirit-filled friendships we have where we are given emotional fuel to battle the day to day stuff in life are so important to me. I could not imagine not having those nor even worse pushing those away or abusing them for my benefit. It is apparent that godly people really can do ungodly things and that none of us are immune. It is just what path or direction we choose that makes all the difference.
I pray to choose the narrow path, to choose the path less travelled and to choose Christ and His direction. I need not be judgmental of others or look down upon them for choosing another path but simply to see them in grace knowing that God has given me grace. I choose to work through healing, forgiving and moving toward joy and seeing the best in others.
Monday, November 1, 2010
Run Like a Mother (book review) & Rewind that Tape
I'm in a blogging mood -- a couple of articles from IronGirl newsletter stuck out to me. And yes someday...I desire to run an IronMan (2.4 miles swimming, 125 miles biking & 26.2 miles running)...it is a dream. The 3 marathons on my belt were seasons & accomplishments but I want to go the distance - at least once in my life.
Run Like a Mother: How to get Moving and Not Lose Your Family, Job, or Sanity
Is the new book Run Like a Mother: How to Get Moving and Not Lose Your Family, Job, or Sanity on your nightstand (or Kindle) yet? It should be. Unlike clinical, workout-heavy running books, the essays in Run Like a Mother mimic the lively conversations good friends have when they're out on a run: a mix of personal stories; hard-won, helpful advice; and crack-you-up anecdotes that cement a connection that goes well beyond the miles logged that day. Sprinkled throughout the book is advice garnered from more than 150 running moms across the country.
With 26 chapters covering everything from conquering hills to summoning motivation after a sleepless night, from managing cranky husbands to finding the shortest port-a-pottie line before a race, this book enlightens and inspires newbie runners, veteran marathoners, and everyone in between. The book has been getting rave reviews everywhere from Redbook ("Their funny, frank stories and tips convince you that lacing up is one of the best things to do,") to mom-blogs ("This book. These women. How do I even say it? I feel like they stole the words right out of my brain."). The co-authors, Dimity McDowell and Sarah Bowen Shea, both contributing writers at Runner's World, have been-or will be-at our Seattle and Tempe races to sell and sign copies.
In addition, Run Like a Mother is for sale at Amazon.com, bn.com, Borders.com, and bookstores nationwide. To tap into the tribe-vibe, join the chat at www.runlikeamotherbook.com or on Facebook at Run Like a Mother: The Book. And meet Dimity at the Tempe Iron Girl race.
Rewind That Tape
By Amanda Loudin
Before you begin planning next year's season, take a look back.
By this time of year, you have probably marked a period on the end of your season and are taking a well-earned break from any type of hard training (well actually I'm towards the middle/end of my mini-marathon training -- Nov. 13th is my "middle of the season"). Your body and mind are taking some necessary downtime after fighting the rigors of a tough season, but there is no doubt that you have already begun to think ahead to next season. As you begin to plan your goals for 2011, start with a look back at this year.
1. Consider all of the races you did:
Were you more successful at some distances than others? Why?
Which was your favorite race? Which was your least favorite?
Did you race too often, not enough or just the right amount?
Could you have gone harder in some races? Did you blow up in others?
2. Review your training routines:
Did you spend more time on one sport than another?
Did you give yourself enough rest between hard efforts?
Did you strength train? Did you stretch?
Did you neglect any particular area of training?
3. Evaluate your reviews:
With all this information in hand, take a look at your strengths and weaknesses. How can you alter your training next season to focus on the weaker areas? If you didn't enjoy certain races or distances, consider scratching them from next season's agenda. After all, we do this for fun, right?
Figure out the right mix of races for your lifestyle - if you felt overwhelmed by training last season, maybe you need to put fewer races on the schedule in 2011. If you think you can stretch yourself and step up to a longer distance or more racing, play with the calendar and see if you can make it happen.
By keying in on what worked and what didn't, you can develop the right combination of training and racing for your coming year. With the right approach, you can not only become a stronger athlete, but a more satisfied one, too.
Amanda Loudin is a Maryland-based freelance writer, runner, triathlete and certified RRCA running coach. She's completed seven marathons, including Boston, and countless triathlons ranging from sprints to Ironman distance. You can follow her adventures at www.misszippy1.blogspot.com.
Run Like a Mother: How to get Moving and Not Lose Your Family, Job, or Sanity
Is the new book Run Like a Mother: How to Get Moving and Not Lose Your Family, Job, or Sanity on your nightstand (or Kindle) yet? It should be. Unlike clinical, workout-heavy running books, the essays in Run Like a Mother mimic the lively conversations good friends have when they're out on a run: a mix of personal stories; hard-won, helpful advice; and crack-you-up anecdotes that cement a connection that goes well beyond the miles logged that day. Sprinkled throughout the book is advice garnered from more than 150 running moms across the country.
With 26 chapters covering everything from conquering hills to summoning motivation after a sleepless night, from managing cranky husbands to finding the shortest port-a-pottie line before a race, this book enlightens and inspires newbie runners, veteran marathoners, and everyone in between. The book has been getting rave reviews everywhere from Redbook ("Their funny, frank stories and tips convince you that lacing up is one of the best things to do,") to mom-blogs ("This book. These women. How do I even say it? I feel like they stole the words right out of my brain."). The co-authors, Dimity McDowell and Sarah Bowen Shea, both contributing writers at Runner's World, have been-or will be-at our Seattle and Tempe races to sell and sign copies.
In addition, Run Like a Mother is for sale at Amazon.com, bn.com, Borders.com, and bookstores nationwide. To tap into the tribe-vibe, join the chat at www.runlikeamotherbook.com or on Facebook at Run Like a Mother: The Book. And meet Dimity at the Tempe Iron Girl race.
Rewind That Tape
By Amanda Loudin
Before you begin planning next year's season, take a look back.
By this time of year, you have probably marked a period on the end of your season and are taking a well-earned break from any type of hard training (well actually I'm towards the middle/end of my mini-marathon training -- Nov. 13th is my "middle of the season"). Your body and mind are taking some necessary downtime after fighting the rigors of a tough season, but there is no doubt that you have already begun to think ahead to next season. As you begin to plan your goals for 2011, start with a look back at this year.
1. Consider all of the races you did:
Were you more successful at some distances than others? Why?
Which was your favorite race? Which was your least favorite?
Did you race too often, not enough or just the right amount?
Could you have gone harder in some races? Did you blow up in others?
2. Review your training routines:
Did you spend more time on one sport than another?
Did you give yourself enough rest between hard efforts?
Did you strength train? Did you stretch?
Did you neglect any particular area of training?
3. Evaluate your reviews:
With all this information in hand, take a look at your strengths and weaknesses. How can you alter your training next season to focus on the weaker areas? If you didn't enjoy certain races or distances, consider scratching them from next season's agenda. After all, we do this for fun, right?
Figure out the right mix of races for your lifestyle - if you felt overwhelmed by training last season, maybe you need to put fewer races on the schedule in 2011. If you think you can stretch yourself and step up to a longer distance or more racing, play with the calendar and see if you can make it happen.
By keying in on what worked and what didn't, you can develop the right combination of training and racing for your coming year. With the right approach, you can not only become a stronger athlete, but a more satisfied one, too.
Amanda Loudin is a Maryland-based freelance writer, runner, triathlete and certified RRCA running coach. She's completed seven marathons, including Boston, and countless triathlons ranging from sprints to Ironman distance. You can follow her adventures at www.misszippy1.blogspot.com.
Sunday, October 31, 2010
Halloween
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The night where all of the scary things comes out and all of the wonderful costumes, friends and memories. Ian wasn't too sure about a couple of the witches we met but after watching the older kids do the routine with "Trick or Treat" and people's doors about 3 times - he was ready to go! Running and please and "tank-cu's" and "buh-byes" were so cute. He'd watch the candy go in his bucket or he would put it in himself and then say thank you or buh-bye and carefully step off of the porches and run down the drive-ways to the other kids or to mommy.
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Ian was a Jail-Bird this year although if you look closely he was "rejected too cute". It was the costume that fit him in his closet :) and I think it worked out pretty well. He was warm and did just fine. Here are some of the best pictures from tonight.
This is the action picture of the night - running down the driveway, ready for the next stop!
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Toddler, Friendship, Margin
Life is down right raw with an almost 2-year-old (BIG WOAH!) Will he eat this? or that? or will that tantrum come out? Does he prefer mom or dad right now? Can I get a run in today or will I have to watch what I eat? Am I stressed......is he stressed? What is going on??!!!!
Yes it is WOAH, and i wonder, "how is it that I can see us having another child, someday?? how on earth do people do this?
This past Saturday, I went to the CCJ Women's Retreat yesterday and it was a blessing. I'm just so amazed at the stories people have and what we experience and how we all change and how we all get stuck at places.
I truly miss some of my dear friends' in-depth conversations just about ourselves and life and all that comes with it. I hope that we all have friends who can bring out parts of us that see growth in us and be a person to confide in and that they can bring that artsy side of us out and we can remain curious about how our friends "tick" and what their lives are like.
I do think so much of friendship is about curiousity..........
The biggest prayer request for me right now at this very moment is with our cats...yes cats. Mark & I are both about done with them....and all of their furr, their hacking up fur-balls, their peeing on things they should not be peeing on, their laying on the table & coffeetable....their fleas that are dead now and having to clean up after them. It is a big decision for us, because we love them, we don't want to get rid of them and we know that they relieve stress for us. But they are turning us into not-so-nice people. I'll be taking each of them to the vet here this week or next and we'll see. They are pets but they are family members too. It's a weird prayer request but on my heart. And of course all the people I am now seeing in counseling (I'm booked a full month ahead now...if that tells you anything).
We are trying to continually keep "margin" in our life meaning time that is not scheduled and allow ourselves to rest. There is a reason that I do not do this work full-time, it would burn me out and I would become cynical towards people's hurts and stories. I dearly do not want that, so in order to remain passionate and allow time for God to speak to me....this is a part-time passion. WE ALL NEED MARGIN!
Yes it is WOAH, and i wonder, "how is it that I can see us having another child, someday?? how on earth do people do this?
This past Saturday, I went to the CCJ Women's Retreat yesterday and it was a blessing. I'm just so amazed at the stories people have and what we experience and how we all change and how we all get stuck at places.
I truly miss some of my dear friends' in-depth conversations just about ourselves and life and all that comes with it. I hope that we all have friends who can bring out parts of us that see growth in us and be a person to confide in and that they can bring that artsy side of us out and we can remain curious about how our friends "tick" and what their lives are like.
I do think so much of friendship is about curiousity..........
The biggest prayer request for me right now at this very moment is with our cats...yes cats. Mark & I are both about done with them....and all of their furr, their hacking up fur-balls, their peeing on things they should not be peeing on, their laying on the table & coffeetable....their fleas that are dead now and having to clean up after them. It is a big decision for us, because we love them, we don't want to get rid of them and we know that they relieve stress for us. But they are turning us into not-so-nice people. I'll be taking each of them to the vet here this week or next and we'll see. They are pets but they are family members too. It's a weird prayer request but on my heart. And of course all the people I am now seeing in counseling (I'm booked a full month ahead now...if that tells you anything).
We are trying to continually keep "margin" in our life meaning time that is not scheduled and allow ourselves to rest. There is a reason that I do not do this work full-time, it would burn me out and I would become cynical towards people's hurts and stories. I dearly do not want that, so in order to remain passionate and allow time for God to speak to me....this is a part-time passion. WE ALL NEED MARGIN!
Thursday, October 21, 2010
Tuesday, October 5, 2010
Five Tips for Being a Mary Poppins-Like Mom
Five Tips for Being a Mary Poppins-Like Post from Jyl Johnson Pattee @ Today's Mama
When I think about perfect role model mother figures from the movies, I immediately think of Mary Poppins. She swoops in and immediately gets the kids to clean, feed the birds, and love to laugh without any apparent effort. She lets difficult situations, like chimney smoke, take her to new heights. And she brings a distanced family together, helping them focus on what matters most in their lives—each other, all while flying a kite.
No one can be Mary Poppins, but everyone—mothers, moms at heart, or any of us who have the ability to influence others—has the opportunity to have Mary Poppins-like moments and be a positive role model.
What Is a Mary Poppins Moment?
For me, a Mary Poppins moment is a little lesson that someone close to you helps you learn that makes a big impact.
For me, my most memorable Mary Poppins moments were taught to me by my own mother. Most specifically, she taught me to appreciate people from all walks of life and to discover our similarities while at the same time finding joy in our differences.
When I was 2, my mom learned about women who were in the process of placing their babies for adoption and needed a place to stay before their babies were born. Even though she was only 23-years old with a toddler and a 1-year old and wasn’t much older than the girls who needed help, my mom took in these women and mothered them at, what had to be, one of the most difficult times in their lives.
That was just the beginning. When I look back at the 18 years I spent in my parents’ house, they hosted four foreign exchange students, invited two teenagers with unstable home lives to live with us, and offered countless people to stay in our “hotel” while they traveled, needed shelter, etc. My mom not only cleaned the house, prepared the meals, and mothered or played hostess to all of these people, but also was a very involved “soccer mom” to six children of her own.
Loved this since I love Mary Poppins!
Here’s five things I learned from my mother about being a Mary Poppins-like mom:
Love to Laugh. Never let something as seemingly important as housework get in the way of playing and laughing with your kids. Have fun, be present with them, and help them feel like the only person in the world when you’re with them.
Take a Spoonful of Sugar to Help the Medicine Go Down. Don’t let life’s challenges beat you. Enjoy the journey, even if you are going through some dark and scary places. Show your kids it’s OK to struggle, but help them focus on the positive so they can enjoy the ride.
Feed the Birds. Help those that can’t help themselves. Reach out. Lift them up. And make a meaningful difference in the world. Involve your kids in charity and help them experience how amazing giving can be.
Go fly a kite. Set your sites high and push through to clarity. Help your kids have vision and see their potential, giving them opportunities and letting them learn from their own experiences.
Say Supercalifragiliciousexpialidocious! Keep in mind that everything doesn’t have to make sense. Pulling lamps out of carpet bags and uttering silly phrases may feel just as out there as going with your gut. But, trusting your mother’s intuition and letting it be your guide will give you confidence and help you make the right decisions for yourself and your family.
What Mary Poppins-like moments do you create with your kids?
When I think about perfect role model mother figures from the movies, I immediately think of Mary Poppins. She swoops in and immediately gets the kids to clean, feed the birds, and love to laugh without any apparent effort. She lets difficult situations, like chimney smoke, take her to new heights. And she brings a distanced family together, helping them focus on what matters most in their lives—each other, all while flying a kite.
No one can be Mary Poppins, but everyone—mothers, moms at heart, or any of us who have the ability to influence others—has the opportunity to have Mary Poppins-like moments and be a positive role model.
What Is a Mary Poppins Moment?
For me, a Mary Poppins moment is a little lesson that someone close to you helps you learn that makes a big impact.
For me, my most memorable Mary Poppins moments were taught to me by my own mother. Most specifically, she taught me to appreciate people from all walks of life and to discover our similarities while at the same time finding joy in our differences.
When I was 2, my mom learned about women who were in the process of placing their babies for adoption and needed a place to stay before their babies were born. Even though she was only 23-years old with a toddler and a 1-year old and wasn’t much older than the girls who needed help, my mom took in these women and mothered them at, what had to be, one of the most difficult times in their lives.
That was just the beginning. When I look back at the 18 years I spent in my parents’ house, they hosted four foreign exchange students, invited two teenagers with unstable home lives to live with us, and offered countless people to stay in our “hotel” while they traveled, needed shelter, etc. My mom not only cleaned the house, prepared the meals, and mothered or played hostess to all of these people, but also was a very involved “soccer mom” to six children of her own.
Loved this since I love Mary Poppins!
Here’s five things I learned from my mother about being a Mary Poppins-like mom:
Love to Laugh. Never let something as seemingly important as housework get in the way of playing and laughing with your kids. Have fun, be present with them, and help them feel like the only person in the world when you’re with them.
Take a Spoonful of Sugar to Help the Medicine Go Down. Don’t let life’s challenges beat you. Enjoy the journey, even if you are going through some dark and scary places. Show your kids it’s OK to struggle, but help them focus on the positive so they can enjoy the ride.
Feed the Birds. Help those that can’t help themselves. Reach out. Lift them up. And make a meaningful difference in the world. Involve your kids in charity and help them experience how amazing giving can be.
Go fly a kite. Set your sites high and push through to clarity. Help your kids have vision and see their potential, giving them opportunities and letting them learn from their own experiences.
Say Supercalifragiliciousexpialidocious! Keep in mind that everything doesn’t have to make sense. Pulling lamps out of carpet bags and uttering silly phrases may feel just as out there as going with your gut. But, trusting your mother’s intuition and letting it be your guide will give you confidence and help you make the right decisions for yourself and your family.
What Mary Poppins-like moments do you create with your kids?
Sunday, October 3, 2010
The Past Holds me Captive...
The Past:
* the stories I have told myself about myself
* the relationship I had with myself & others
* how I viewed others
* how I viewed myself
* what I could have changed, should have changed but did not (accepted this part)
* the way I hold onto how I saw it
* the way I perceive that others see me *this* way or *that* way
* the assumptions I hold & maintain
* the lies I believed and still believe
* the beliefs I had about "so & so" or "this & that"
I remained captured...but not for long...Breaking Free
* the stories I have told myself about myself
* the relationship I had with myself & others
* how I viewed others
* how I viewed myself
* what I could have changed, should have changed but did not (accepted this part)
* the way I hold onto how I saw it
* the way I perceive that others see me *this* way or *that* way
* the assumptions I hold & maintain
* the lies I believed and still believe
* the beliefs I had about "so & so" or "this & that"
I remained captured...but not for long...Breaking Free
Monday, September 27, 2010
Stress
Stress:— n
1. special emphasis or significance attached to something
2. mental, emotional, or physical strain or tension
3. emphasis placed upon a syllable by pronouncing it more loudly than those that surround it
4. such emphasis as part of a regular rhythmic beat in music or poetry
5. a syllable so emphasized
6. physics
a. force or a system of forces producing deformation or strain
b. the force acting per unit area
A picture that depicts stress and its effects here.
It is a notable experience that is on-going in any of our lives and for some reason it ebbs and flows in my life. This week in particular is becoming very, very stressful. I feel it in my gut, in my sinuses, in my stomach and all around my thoughts. People are hurting and many, as I am finding out, are so desperate that they are not thinking clearly and are even moving towards taking their life. It is also a somewhat desperate feeling for the helper. I know that ultimately I am not in control of this other person's choices and that I present to them logic, rational ideas, and purpose-filled direction. I listen, my heart aches for them and then I have to put up my own boundary in order to cope myself with the feeling I get as well. It is a stressful, helpless feeling that drives me to stare, sometimes isolate or go a little looney with laughing just because the other emotions are harder to deal with (it's sort of life emergency room humor). Sometimes things are hard to cope with and you almost begin to make fun of them or at least make fun of yourself.
1. special emphasis or significance attached to something
2. mental, emotional, or physical strain or tension
3. emphasis placed upon a syllable by pronouncing it more loudly than those that surround it
4. such emphasis as part of a regular rhythmic beat in music or poetry
5. a syllable so emphasized
6. physics
a. force or a system of forces producing deformation or strain
b. the force acting per unit area
A picture that depicts stress and its effects here.
It is a notable experience that is on-going in any of our lives and for some reason it ebbs and flows in my life. This week in particular is becoming very, very stressful. I feel it in my gut, in my sinuses, in my stomach and all around my thoughts. People are hurting and many, as I am finding out, are so desperate that they are not thinking clearly and are even moving towards taking their life. It is also a somewhat desperate feeling for the helper. I know that ultimately I am not in control of this other person's choices and that I present to them logic, rational ideas, and purpose-filled direction. I listen, my heart aches for them and then I have to put up my own boundary in order to cope myself with the feeling I get as well. It is a stressful, helpless feeling that drives me to stare, sometimes isolate or go a little looney with laughing just because the other emotions are harder to deal with (it's sort of life emergency room humor). Sometimes things are hard to cope with and you almost begin to make fun of them or at least make fun of yourself.
Saturday, September 25, 2010
30th Birthday
(Statistics) Thirty is:
• A stage in young adulthood
• The minimum age for United States senators
• At age 30, you're older than 42 percent of Americans.
• You're 26 percent less likely to make a New Year's resolution in your 30s... but if
you do make one, you're 26 percent more likely to stick to it.
• The average person has had 7.5 jobs, and you'll have 2.4 more by age 35.
• 0.036 percent of people are in elementary school at age 30.
• 30 is the average age of retirement for NFL players.
• At age 30 (according to most biblical scholars) Jesus of Nazareth was baptized by
John the Baptist, at the beginning of his public ministry of teaching and healing.
• Western Christianity's most prolific 20th century essayist, F. W. Boreham in 'Life
at Thirty' ('Cliffs of Opal') mentions that in addition to Jesus commencing ministry
at 30 (Luke 3:23), Joseph was 30 when he stood before Pharaoh, King of Egypt
(Genesis 41:46), King David was 30 when he began to reign (2 Samuel 5:4), and the
Levites were numbered from the age of 30 and upward (1 Chronicles 23:3).
READ "Turning 30 by Andy Rooney" - google it.
For my 30th birthday I decided that I wanted to celebrate and celebrate I did though not in the "traditional" sense. I went to the Doodlebug Retreat (Fri-Sun) and FINALLY made our wedding albums and picked through pictures I wanted to keep and those extras that I needed to get rid of and it was a BLAST!! (pictures to come later)
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.JPG)
In addition, I took the day of my birthday off to reflect and consider things and kind of redirect where I wanted to go now and how to consider things..JPG)
I reminisced and also looked forward. That night I had a get-together at a friend's house of my closest "sisters" here in southern Indiana and it was so relaxing and comforting.
.JPG)
It was a wonderful evening of pampering!
.JPG)
Group picture!
.JPG)
• A stage in young adulthood
• The minimum age for United States senators
• At age 30, you're older than 42 percent of Americans.
• You're 26 percent less likely to make a New Year's resolution in your 30s... but if
you do make one, you're 26 percent more likely to stick to it.
• The average person has had 7.5 jobs, and you'll have 2.4 more by age 35.
• 0.036 percent of people are in elementary school at age 30.
• 30 is the average age of retirement for NFL players.
• At age 30 (according to most biblical scholars) Jesus of Nazareth was baptized by
John the Baptist, at the beginning of his public ministry of teaching and healing.
• Western Christianity's most prolific 20th century essayist, F. W. Boreham in 'Life
at Thirty' ('Cliffs of Opal') mentions that in addition to Jesus commencing ministry
at 30 (Luke 3:23), Joseph was 30 when he stood before Pharaoh, King of Egypt
(Genesis 41:46), King David was 30 when he began to reign (2 Samuel 5:4), and the
Levites were numbered from the age of 30 and upward (1 Chronicles 23:3).
READ "Turning 30 by Andy Rooney" - google it.
For my 30th birthday I decided that I wanted to celebrate and celebrate I did though not in the "traditional" sense. I went to the Doodlebug Retreat (Fri-Sun) and FINALLY made our wedding albums and picked through pictures I wanted to keep and those extras that I needed to get rid of and it was a BLAST!! (pictures to come later)
.JPG)
.JPG)
In addition, I took the day of my birthday off to reflect and consider things and kind of redirect where I wanted to go now and how to consider things.
.JPG)
I reminisced and also looked forward. That night I had a get-together at a friend's house of my closest "sisters" here in southern Indiana and it was so relaxing and comforting.
.JPG)
It was a wonderful evening of pampering!
.JPG)
Group picture!
.JPG)
Creative Play for Tiny Tots
This is a post or parts from an article that I found awhile go and figure I would post it however, I am not sure who to give credit for this but it is awesome!
Art Play: Three Ways to Encourage Tiny Tot Art
Scribbling, painting, and molding clay are enormously satisfying for little ones. Here's how to inspire your baby's inner van Gogh.
It's never too soon to start encouraging artistic expression. Even tiny babies love looking at pictures — and by the time that first birthday approaches they're ready to make some art of their own. Here are some ideas on how to get those creative juices flowing:
Ready, set, scribble. Sure, it's simple but scribbling is tremendously satisfying for your pint-size Picasso. To make things easier, tape the paper to a table, the floor, or an easel to keep it from sliding around, especially during those passionate bursts of creativity. Once art time is over, make sure you put away all crayons and markers to minimize the chance of a renegade wall mural. One more thing: Stick to nontoxic washable crayons and fat markers at this age since pens and pencils could result in a poke-in-the-eye injury.
Fabulous finger-paints. Finger-painting is like scribbling gone wild. There's the added fun of vibrant colors and of course, that ever-popular (not to mention messy) element, smushable goop. (Smock, please!) For those who prefer to keep their tiny hands a little bit cleaner, a short, thick-handled, wide-bristle paintbrush works just fine. Remember, there are no rules in finger-painting, other than using child-safe, nontoxic paints (and keeping those paints away from Mommy's bedspread). You might also try finger-paints that are specially made to use in the bath. Kids love 'em and the paint just rinses off the tub (and his tummy!).
Clay play. Though babies this age are too little to sculpt a recognizable figure, they'll love it if you make them a kitty, a car, or just a simple ball to play with. As with most artistic endeavors right now, this is all about the tactile experience. Most babies will love squishing, smashing, and smooshing clay or dough with their fists and fingers (and sure, some will likely end up in their hair or mouths — so make sure it's nontoxic).
Creative Play: Stimulating Your Baby's Imagination
Unleashing your baby's creativity is easy. Look around you — you'll find inspiration for fun, imaginative activities all over the house.
If you think creative play is all about pretend tea parties or portraits painted by pint-sized Picassos, think again. Pretty much any activity that’s unstructured and open-ended counts as creative play to a kid, helping her learn about the world (and those fascinating people and objects in it!) and how it works. That’s why the simplest games and toys (even using things around the house that don’t seem like playthings to you) can boost her sense of discovery. Take the living-room window, for instance. While you (and every other grown-up you know) take the view for granted, to a newborn it’s more like a window on the world. (Add a bird feeder and it’s infant-friendly reality TV!) So the next time your little one is alert, sit with her and point out the highlights (“Look at that squirrel! He’s trying to find a nut to eat!”).
What other ordinary household objects can captivate your little one? When she can sit up, she’ll delight in a drawer to explore (or a cabinet or shelf). Keep your plasticware and some lightweight pots and pans in a low cupboard in the kitchen and you’ll have a low-tech way of keeping baby amused while you’re cooking or washing up (“Look at that really nice square container and lid you’ve got there!”). Those plastic containers (along with a plastic cup and a set of measuring spoons) can travel to the bath for some tub-time water play, where they can become props for scientific experiments (“Let’s see how much water you can pour into this container!”) or some pretend cooking. And pots and lids do double-duty by letting your baby make music — there’s nothing like the sound of bangs and clashes to bring out your child’s inner composer. (You can sing along, too!)
When your mini-Mozart’s beautiful melodies become too much, wind down by finding a quiet spot and leaf through the photo album (“There’s Grandma holding you the day you came home!”). If you haven’t gotten around to printing your photos, don’t worry — if they’re on your computer, plop her on your lap and show them to her on your screen. Stimulate her creativity by showing her pics of the people she loves best, and then move on to photos of flowers or animals. Before you know it, she’ll be picking up a chunky crayon and scribbling pictures of her own — and that will give you another beautiful object to look at, talk about, and learn from.
Art Play: Three Ways to Encourage Tiny Tot Art
Scribbling, painting, and molding clay are enormously satisfying for little ones. Here's how to inspire your baby's inner van Gogh.
It's never too soon to start encouraging artistic expression. Even tiny babies love looking at pictures — and by the time that first birthday approaches they're ready to make some art of their own. Here are some ideas on how to get those creative juices flowing:
Ready, set, scribble. Sure, it's simple but scribbling is tremendously satisfying for your pint-size Picasso. To make things easier, tape the paper to a table, the floor, or an easel to keep it from sliding around, especially during those passionate bursts of creativity. Once art time is over, make sure you put away all crayons and markers to minimize the chance of a renegade wall mural. One more thing: Stick to nontoxic washable crayons and fat markers at this age since pens and pencils could result in a poke-in-the-eye injury.
Fabulous finger-paints. Finger-painting is like scribbling gone wild. There's the added fun of vibrant colors and of course, that ever-popular (not to mention messy) element, smushable goop. (Smock, please!) For those who prefer to keep their tiny hands a little bit cleaner, a short, thick-handled, wide-bristle paintbrush works just fine. Remember, there are no rules in finger-painting, other than using child-safe, nontoxic paints (and keeping those paints away from Mommy's bedspread). You might also try finger-paints that are specially made to use in the bath. Kids love 'em and the paint just rinses off the tub (and his tummy!).
Clay play. Though babies this age are too little to sculpt a recognizable figure, they'll love it if you make them a kitty, a car, or just a simple ball to play with. As with most artistic endeavors right now, this is all about the tactile experience. Most babies will love squishing, smashing, and smooshing clay or dough with their fists and fingers (and sure, some will likely end up in their hair or mouths — so make sure it's nontoxic).
Creative Play: Stimulating Your Baby's Imagination
Unleashing your baby's creativity is easy. Look around you — you'll find inspiration for fun, imaginative activities all over the house.
If you think creative play is all about pretend tea parties or portraits painted by pint-sized Picassos, think again. Pretty much any activity that’s unstructured and open-ended counts as creative play to a kid, helping her learn about the world (and those fascinating people and objects in it!) and how it works. That’s why the simplest games and toys (even using things around the house that don’t seem like playthings to you) can boost her sense of discovery. Take the living-room window, for instance. While you (and every other grown-up you know) take the view for granted, to a newborn it’s more like a window on the world. (Add a bird feeder and it’s infant-friendly reality TV!) So the next time your little one is alert, sit with her and point out the highlights (“Look at that squirrel! He’s trying to find a nut to eat!”).
What other ordinary household objects can captivate your little one? When she can sit up, she’ll delight in a drawer to explore (or a cabinet or shelf). Keep your plasticware and some lightweight pots and pans in a low cupboard in the kitchen and you’ll have a low-tech way of keeping baby amused while you’re cooking or washing up (“Look at that really nice square container and lid you’ve got there!”). Those plastic containers (along with a plastic cup and a set of measuring spoons) can travel to the bath for some tub-time water play, where they can become props for scientific experiments (“Let’s see how much water you can pour into this container!”) or some pretend cooking. And pots and lids do double-duty by letting your baby make music — there’s nothing like the sound of bangs and clashes to bring out your child’s inner composer. (You can sing along, too!)
When your mini-Mozart’s beautiful melodies become too much, wind down by finding a quiet spot and leaf through the photo album (“There’s Grandma holding you the day you came home!”). If you haven’t gotten around to printing your photos, don’t worry — if they’re on your computer, plop her on your lap and show them to her on your screen. Stimulate her creativity by showing her pics of the people she loves best, and then move on to photos of flowers or animals. Before you know it, she’ll be picking up a chunky crayon and scribbling pictures of her own — and that will give you another beautiful object to look at, talk about, and learn from.
Friday, September 10, 2010
Updates: Two Missions
Previous Missions:
UPDATE: Challenge/Mission Declutter 50 - LIVE
Decluttering 50 things out of the house or putting in their place each week or month depending on how productive I am.
Finally wrote out my list which I have scanned.
UPDATE: Challenge - Healthy Weight & Body
This requires me training for a direction or goal - in this case "Route 66 Mini-Marathon" in November with a friend AND incorporating biking and possibly swimming to lessen the pressure on my knees which is primarily why I need a health weight.
So far each week I do:
1) "body-pump" 2x (Tues & Thurs) for strength training
2) running (Mon - recovery run, Thurs - tempo or hill run (3-4 miles))
3) biking (Mon or Wed - biking 10-12 miles)
4) "stretching class" (pilates/yoga poses/stretching on Wed)
5) long runs (Fri or Sat or Sun)
6) next on the list is swimming (but that would be at 5am -- not ready for that yet)
Can you tell my routine changes once Fri hits? As long as I get most of that in, I'm ok but I have realized that my nutrition is the next step and the next change. Unfortunately, lately I have had these "Chocolate Caramel Apple Crunch" popcorn pieces starring at me & I have eaten them. :S But they were worth it. I'll just have to run more.
UPDATE: Challenge/Mission Declutter 50 - LIVE
Decluttering 50 things out of the house or putting in their place each week or month depending on how productive I am.
Finally wrote out my list which I have scanned.
UPDATE: Challenge - Healthy Weight & Body
This requires me training for a direction or goal - in this case "Route 66 Mini-Marathon" in November with a friend AND incorporating biking and possibly swimming to lessen the pressure on my knees which is primarily why I need a health weight.
So far each week I do:
1) "body-pump" 2x (Tues & Thurs) for strength training
2) running (Mon - recovery run, Thurs - tempo or hill run (3-4 miles))
3) biking (Mon or Wed - biking 10-12 miles)
4) "stretching class" (pilates/yoga poses/stretching on Wed)
5) long runs (Fri or Sat or Sun)
6) next on the list is swimming (but that would be at 5am -- not ready for that yet)
Can you tell my routine changes once Fri hits? As long as I get most of that in, I'm ok but I have realized that my nutrition is the next step and the next change. Unfortunately, lately I have had these "Chocolate Caramel Apple Crunch" popcorn pieces starring at me & I have eaten them. :S But they were worth it. I'll just have to run more.
Wednesday, September 8, 2010
The Fall List O’ Fun
I took this idea from: Erin at Today's Mamas
Here is the list of activities, projects and recipes that we’re going to tackle this Fall at our house…
GOING
Visit a pumpkin patch…carve a wicked jack-o-lantern and roast those seeds.
Visit the Cornmaze here in Southern Indiana.
Going Trick'or Treating in a neighborhood (I'm Cleopatra this year I think & Ian - hmmmmm not sure yet)
COOKING
Making the simplest Taco Soup ever. (Well, Mark that is.)
Make pumpkin butter. Eat it with reckless abandon. http://www.flythroughourwindow.com/2009/10/page/2/
Introduce my boy to the joy and glory of hot cocoa. With mini marshmallows. I think we’ll do this the first day we see snowflakes, won’t that be fun?
DOING
Get my boy’s photo albums done. Photos shouldn’t live on a computer. I know this.
Get my Christmas shopping done before Thanksgiving (&/or finish up on Black Friday).
Make felt garland for the Christmas tree.
Go outside and crunch in the leaves.
Ohio State Football Game in the Horseshoe against Penn State!!
Here is the list of activities, projects and recipes that we’re going to tackle this Fall at our house…
GOING
Visit a pumpkin patch…carve a wicked jack-o-lantern and roast those seeds.
Visit the Cornmaze here in Southern Indiana.
Going Trick'or Treating in a neighborhood (I'm Cleopatra this year I think & Ian - hmmmmm not sure yet)
COOKING
Making the simplest Taco Soup ever. (Well, Mark that is.)
Make pumpkin butter. Eat it with reckless abandon. http://www.flythroughourwindow.com/2009/10/page/2/
Introduce my boy to the joy and glory of hot cocoa. With mini marshmallows. I think we’ll do this the first day we see snowflakes, won’t that be fun?
DOING
Get my boy’s photo albums done. Photos shouldn’t live on a computer. I know this.
Get my Christmas shopping done before Thanksgiving (&/or finish up on Black Friday).
Make felt garland for the Christmas tree.
Go outside and crunch in the leaves.
Ohio State Football Game in the Horseshoe against Penn State!!
Saturday, August 28, 2010
Summer's Simple Pleasures: Reflecting on this Summer
This summer has been a little bit of a whirlwind as most summer's are I guess. Ian has went from my "eerrrr" "errrr" - sounding guy to "this, this" and "apple, manna?" and being able to let us know more and more what he would like to have. He is taller and had this first real injury that went beyond a scrap and bruise.
Mark and I are trying to navigate through different routines and every-changing relationship communication about various situations. It really is ever-changing. Some days have been way too hot to venture out and some days have been so gorgeous that I can barely contain myself. We haven't swam as much as I thought we would and really have not done too many "summery" things besides going to Cedar Point (Mark & I) and then running through some little fountains. I think Ian has gotten his summer "fix" with Ms. Ambra during weekdays - playing outsides on the slide, riding the little motorcycle and jumping into the little pool this has.
I haven't eaten any more sandwiches than usual, which growing up we had sandwiches every-single-day. We're getting back into running but didn't run in the extreme heat.
Mark and I are trying to navigate through different routines and every-changing relationship communication about various situations. It really is ever-changing. Some days have been way too hot to venture out and some days have been so gorgeous that I can barely contain myself. We haven't swam as much as I thought we would and really have not done too many "summery" things besides going to Cedar Point (Mark & I) and then running through some little fountains. I think Ian has gotten his summer "fix" with Ms. Ambra during weekdays - playing outsides on the slide, riding the little motorcycle and jumping into the little pool this has.
I haven't eaten any more sandwiches than usual, which growing up we had sandwiches every-single-day. We're getting back into running but didn't run in the extreme heat.
Stop the Splatter! How to Reclaim Your Attention and Get More Done
MY NOTE: I am beginning to believe more and more that how we use media is actually more debtrimental for us than the "learning" that we gain when we use it at non-productive times --- when we really should be having downtime - or when it would be beneficial to do so. With that, I don't think I will ever get a cell phone plan that has internet with it. Too much distraction.
This is an article by Christine Kane
Have you ever been at home all day when there's nothing in the fridge?
You open the door. You poke your head in. You hum a little tune and look around. You sigh. You grab a handful of pine nuts. You go back to your desk.
About an hour later, you're hungry.
So you go back to the fridge and look again. Nothing new has appeared. You pull out some black olives, put them on a saucer, and go back to your desk.
You think, "I should go out and get something to eat." But you don't. A part of you is convinced that a solution will appear. Maybe a Sous Chef will arrive at your door.
Amazingly, this doesn't happen. Eventually you're back at the fridge. You look in. Then, you close the door, reach up to the cereal cabinet and grab a handful of Kashi...
What happens in this scenario is that you eat all day, but you never feel satisfied. By 5pm, you're strung out, unfulfilled, and you wonder why.
Here's why:
You ate. But you never actually fed yourself. We do this exact same thing with our attention. We dabble in random things. But we never really commit to anything.
I call it Attention Splatter. It's when you mindlessly and half-heartedly splatter your attention on non-activities. But you never fully engage.
Remember this: Your attention ultimately feeds you. It feeds your heart and your mind. This is why it's so important to notice what you give your attention to. This is also why splattered attention leaves you unfulfilled. You never actually feed yourself.
The most common Attention Splatter culprits are:
* Email * Cell phones * Clutter * Internet
* Television
If you are prone to Attention Splatter, here are seven ways to feed yourself and get more done.
1 - Have no more than three priorities for the day. There's only so many things you can get done in a day and still enjoy the day. Get into the habit of spending five minutes each night deciding what one thing you want to get done the next day. Ask yourself, "If I only accomplish one thing tomorrow, which one thing would make me most happy?"
2 - Know the task before you sit down at the computer. This is a must. When you don't do this, you can get lost in the millions of non-items that any computer has to offer.
Assign tasks. (i.e. "Clean out email folders") Assign times. ("From 1pm to 2pm") Stop as soon as the end time arrives.
3 - Put an end to activities that leak. Make a list of "leaky" activities, and stop the leak by scheduling these activities. (As opposed to letting them take over your day.)
For instance, instead of letting email leak all over your day - all day every day - schedule email as an activity at a certain time each day. Every activity should have a home - a space for its completion. Otherwise, you set yourself up for a full day of splatter.
4 - Leverage your small slices of time. It's easy to look up at the clock and see that you have, say, 45 minutes before an appointment and think, "Well, I don't have time to do anything substantial. So, I guess I'll just go on line."
Turn your thinking around! Learn to fit constructive things in to small slices of time. It's amazing what you can complete in a short focused slice of time!
5 - Use your intention. Before you begin any activity, set an intention for that activity. Intend your desired outcome and how you want to feel during the activity. This is the ultimate act of creativity.
6 - Get rid of anything that doesn't feed you. Incoming emails, group emails, magazine subscriptions, news aggregate feeds, TiVo, memberships, unread books...
The list of incoming stuff goes on and on. Get your life in order. Get rid of anything that doesn't feed you. If you subscribe to it, ask yourself why. Start letting go of stuff. Doing this one thing has helped me create a home and office environment that is healthy and sacred. Be ruthless about keeping the incoming stuff to a minimum.
7 - Be present in your down-time. When you take a nap, take a nap. When you take a Saturday off, really take it off. Don't spend the day obsessing about the things you should be doing. Turn off the computer. Get out of your office. Go away.
Fully disengaging from all of it for fun is imperative. Plus, this will allow you to return with renewed energy and attention!
This is an article by Christine Kane
Have you ever been at home all day when there's nothing in the fridge?
You open the door. You poke your head in. You hum a little tune and look around. You sigh. You grab a handful of pine nuts. You go back to your desk.
About an hour later, you're hungry.
So you go back to the fridge and look again. Nothing new has appeared. You pull out some black olives, put them on a saucer, and go back to your desk.
You think, "I should go out and get something to eat." But you don't. A part of you is convinced that a solution will appear. Maybe a Sous Chef will arrive at your door.
Amazingly, this doesn't happen. Eventually you're back at the fridge. You look in. Then, you close the door, reach up to the cereal cabinet and grab a handful of Kashi...
What happens in this scenario is that you eat all day, but you never feel satisfied. By 5pm, you're strung out, unfulfilled, and you wonder why.
Here's why:
You ate. But you never actually fed yourself. We do this exact same thing with our attention. We dabble in random things. But we never really commit to anything.
I call it Attention Splatter. It's when you mindlessly and half-heartedly splatter your attention on non-activities. But you never fully engage.
Remember this: Your attention ultimately feeds you. It feeds your heart and your mind. This is why it's so important to notice what you give your attention to. This is also why splattered attention leaves you unfulfilled. You never actually feed yourself.
The most common Attention Splatter culprits are:
* Email * Cell phones * Clutter * Internet
* Television
If you are prone to Attention Splatter, here are seven ways to feed yourself and get more done.
1 - Have no more than three priorities for the day. There's only so many things you can get done in a day and still enjoy the day. Get into the habit of spending five minutes each night deciding what one thing you want to get done the next day. Ask yourself, "If I only accomplish one thing tomorrow, which one thing would make me most happy?"
2 - Know the task before you sit down at the computer. This is a must. When you don't do this, you can get lost in the millions of non-items that any computer has to offer.
Assign tasks. (i.e. "Clean out email folders") Assign times. ("From 1pm to 2pm") Stop as soon as the end time arrives.
3 - Put an end to activities that leak. Make a list of "leaky" activities, and stop the leak by scheduling these activities. (As opposed to letting them take over your day.)
For instance, instead of letting email leak all over your day - all day every day - schedule email as an activity at a certain time each day. Every activity should have a home - a space for its completion. Otherwise, you set yourself up for a full day of splatter.
4 - Leverage your small slices of time. It's easy to look up at the clock and see that you have, say, 45 minutes before an appointment and think, "Well, I don't have time to do anything substantial. So, I guess I'll just go on line."
Turn your thinking around! Learn to fit constructive things in to small slices of time. It's amazing what you can complete in a short focused slice of time!
5 - Use your intention. Before you begin any activity, set an intention for that activity. Intend your desired outcome and how you want to feel during the activity. This is the ultimate act of creativity.
6 - Get rid of anything that doesn't feed you. Incoming emails, group emails, magazine subscriptions, news aggregate feeds, TiVo, memberships, unread books...
The list of incoming stuff goes on and on. Get your life in order. Get rid of anything that doesn't feed you. If you subscribe to it, ask yourself why. Start letting go of stuff. Doing this one thing has helped me create a home and office environment that is healthy and sacred. Be ruthless about keeping the incoming stuff to a minimum.
7 - Be present in your down-time. When you take a nap, take a nap. When you take a Saturday off, really take it off. Don't spend the day obsessing about the things you should be doing. Turn off the computer. Get out of your office. Go away.
Fully disengaging from all of it for fun is imperative. Plus, this will allow you to return with renewed energy and attention!
Thursday, August 12, 2010
A Message
A Message to a Dear Friend,
I never thought of being a voice for freedom but that really resonates with me. I also found a quote as I was decluttering our kitchen this morning and it says "Inspire others to be their best by being your best." -- it was a Dove chocolate wrapper :)
I wonder if this isn't something God is really pressing on me letting me know that ultimately overcoming my own vices is once again...not about me and actually is attainable in this process I'm in the middle of. I see so many clients who are isolated in their own worlds and are not sharing their lives with others or allowing themselves to receive others' influence. It is only their own understanding and it is failing and not working.
your questions...
How are things going for you? What is on your mind most these days? How are things at church, home, work? Are you working now?
Things are going well when I take a breath out of the water, and acknowledge that I don't have to be so intense about things. Right now I'm trying to consider how to best connect with God and learn, love, and live for Him...while honestly figuring myself out (lol this part I should just let go of and do the God thing first). I know.
I'm not doing basketball anymore and Mark is still doing cross country. What is on my mind most these days? (GREAT QUESTION) the whole mom thing and professional thing....melding those two identities and really living in the present ---- it's a constant battle and Ian brings out the best in me and the worst in me. It is the wildest thing.
Church is going great, people are hungry and most seem to be getting it...home is cluttered and routine, work is fascinating, frustrating and a growth catalyst. I work on Mondays at the hospital doing discharge planning (social work), it is a pressure-cooker job...so many patients, so many tasks - you are always "on". Counseling (Tuesday-Wednesdays) really is a love and though I feel inadequate at times and ask God why?, people are growing. Unfortunately I am also seeing marriages falling apart before my eyes and I can't do a thing about it. I'm allowing myself to stay home today and do housework - something I haven't really done for a long time.
Ian loves to say "more" both in signing and talking...and he points to you if he wants to fist-bump you. yes fist-bump.
So let me turn those questions back around to you: How are things going for you? What is on your mind most these days? How are things at church, home, work?
I never thought of being a voice for freedom but that really resonates with me. I also found a quote as I was decluttering our kitchen this morning and it says "Inspire others to be their best by being your best." -- it was a Dove chocolate wrapper :)
I wonder if this isn't something God is really pressing on me letting me know that ultimately overcoming my own vices is once again...not about me and actually is attainable in this process I'm in the middle of. I see so many clients who are isolated in their own worlds and are not sharing their lives with others or allowing themselves to receive others' influence. It is only their own understanding and it is failing and not working.
your questions...
How are things going for you? What is on your mind most these days? How are things at church, home, work? Are you working now?
Things are going well when I take a breath out of the water, and acknowledge that I don't have to be so intense about things. Right now I'm trying to consider how to best connect with God and learn, love, and live for Him...while honestly figuring myself out (lol this part I should just let go of and do the God thing first). I know.
I'm not doing basketball anymore and Mark is still doing cross country. What is on my mind most these days? (GREAT QUESTION) the whole mom thing and professional thing....melding those two identities and really living in the present ---- it's a constant battle and Ian brings out the best in me and the worst in me. It is the wildest thing.
Church is going great, people are hungry and most seem to be getting it...home is cluttered and routine, work is fascinating, frustrating and a growth catalyst. I work on Mondays at the hospital doing discharge planning (social work), it is a pressure-cooker job...so many patients, so many tasks - you are always "on". Counseling (Tuesday-Wednesdays) really is a love and though I feel inadequate at times and ask God why?, people are growing. Unfortunately I am also seeing marriages falling apart before my eyes and I can't do a thing about it. I'm allowing myself to stay home today and do housework - something I haven't really done for a long time.
Ian loves to say "more" both in signing and talking...and he points to you if he wants to fist-bump you. yes fist-bump.
So let me turn those questions back around to you: How are things going for you? What is on your mind most these days? How are things at church, home, work?
Tuesday, August 10, 2010
Yes I AM Different
just realized that from a conversation with a client that I AM different after all...our past prepares us for our future and by golly - I'll be preparing my kids through my experience with pain and life's chaos --- just thought that was cool
Monday, August 9, 2010
Different? or not...
I don't know why I think I'm different...but I do.
(NOTE: a revealing post - please do not read further if you desire to see me as an "all-together" person who is always "with it"
Maybe it's my intention or fierce passion to not be a typical "minister's wife" but I guess I am ----- the supportive, caring, compassionate wife who is willing (most of the time) to put her schedule off for his...the understanding listener...modest dresser...and mother who chases around the toddler at church all while daddy shakes people's hands, listens to their stories and is a guide to a weary world.
Maybe it's the "you'd have to know my past" to be able to understand why I want to understand people so much or to be understood. Is it the depression? the postpartum depression? the anxiety that roams my mind? the experiences I had while struggling with a big vice for 8 years? the hurting? the college basketball player who fell short of glory & her potential? the teen who couldn't meet her own expectations or who criticized her body image so much that her view was distorted? the perfectionist who cried herself to sleep or didn't sleep when a term paper was due even on a topic she loved? the little girl who had so much security and confidence about herself until "that relationship or incident happened"? the grad student who wanted to become someone else and reinvented herself? the client sitting in front of the "experts" who were to help her but instead they pigeon-holed her and placed her in a box because she had to be "just like everyone else and that is why she struggled with this or that"? the isolated hermit in her dorm room who seriously contemplated ending everything?
Or maybe I think I'm different because I'm a dreamer, who peruses creative blogs and dreams of creating awesome/meaningful gifts for friends, journals, prints, frames, patterns, quotes, ideas, ideals...freedom...
Maybe it's the not-so-normal mother who struggles to play with her child out of anxiety that he will throw a fit becoming more independent as he needs to, the mom who doesn't want for sugar to touch her baby boy's lips (though realistically in moderation it's ok and she knows that), the mom who doesn't want to be defined by "mom" and plays a tug-of-war with her identity.
Or maybe the woman who knows that perfection isn't attainable and that imperfection really is beautiful, that authenticity and truth are more important than facades and perceived belonging, that friendships which are deep are worth the time but those that are surfacey might as well take a hike, the woman who seeks tranquility while enjoying adventure.
Maybe it's the runner in me who has more of a female softball player's build, who defies quickness and embraces participation over speed, who runs to transform her mind, heart and body, who sees her shorts rubbing against her thighs but realizes it is part of the territory, whose love handles are a-plenty and whose aim is to feel good and feel better.
She comes together, she is me, she is different but not really.
(NOTE: a revealing post - please do not read further if you desire to see me as an "all-together" person who is always "with it"
Maybe it's my intention or fierce passion to not be a typical "minister's wife" but I guess I am ----- the supportive, caring, compassionate wife who is willing (most of the time) to put her schedule off for his...the understanding listener...modest dresser...and mother who chases around the toddler at church all while daddy shakes people's hands, listens to their stories and is a guide to a weary world.
Maybe it's the "you'd have to know my past" to be able to understand why I want to understand people so much or to be understood. Is it the depression? the postpartum depression? the anxiety that roams my mind? the experiences I had while struggling with a big vice for 8 years? the hurting? the college basketball player who fell short of glory & her potential? the teen who couldn't meet her own expectations or who criticized her body image so much that her view was distorted? the perfectionist who cried herself to sleep or didn't sleep when a term paper was due even on a topic she loved? the little girl who had so much security and confidence about herself until "that relationship or incident happened"? the grad student who wanted to become someone else and reinvented herself? the client sitting in front of the "experts" who were to help her but instead they pigeon-holed her and placed her in a box because she had to be "just like everyone else and that is why she struggled with this or that"? the isolated hermit in her dorm room who seriously contemplated ending everything?
Or maybe I think I'm different because I'm a dreamer, who peruses creative blogs and dreams of creating awesome/meaningful gifts for friends, journals, prints, frames, patterns, quotes, ideas, ideals...freedom...
Maybe it's the not-so-normal mother who struggles to play with her child out of anxiety that he will throw a fit becoming more independent as he needs to, the mom who doesn't want for sugar to touch her baby boy's lips (though realistically in moderation it's ok and she knows that), the mom who doesn't want to be defined by "mom" and plays a tug-of-war with her identity.
Or maybe the woman who knows that perfection isn't attainable and that imperfection really is beautiful, that authenticity and truth are more important than facades and perceived belonging, that friendships which are deep are worth the time but those that are surfacey might as well take a hike, the woman who seeks tranquility while enjoying adventure.
Maybe it's the runner in me who has more of a female softball player's build, who defies quickness and embraces participation over speed, who runs to transform her mind, heart and body, who sees her shorts rubbing against her thighs but realizes it is part of the territory, whose love handles are a-plenty and whose aim is to feel good and feel better.
She comes together, she is me, she is different but not really.
Sunday, August 8, 2010
Figuring Things Out
I'm fat, I'm thin, I'm slow, I'm improving, I don't want to care, I care, I'm done, I'll keep going, it's too much, I can bare it, this is exhausting and what I think in some capacity on a daily basis. Whether it refers to being a mom, being a counselor, being a runner, or being Kara - I think it.
I'm ever caught up in this mind tug-of-war over how I see myself and what I do or how I am being. Ever tired of my own thoughts or actions. Somewhat depressed actually. Exercise, prayer and talking with others or doing something meaningful to help usually pulls me out of it. But...it's always waiting there. Ready to bounce, ready to demean and ready to tell me all the things that I really am not. Those things I strive to be but fall short of. So I'm figuring it out. Once again...
I'm ever caught up in this mind tug-of-war over how I see myself and what I do or how I am being. Ever tired of my own thoughts or actions. Somewhat depressed actually. Exercise, prayer and talking with others or doing something meaningful to help usually pulls me out of it. But...it's always waiting there. Ready to bounce, ready to demean and ready to tell me all the things that I really am not. Those things I strive to be but fall short of. So I'm figuring it out. Once again...
Friday, August 6, 2010
Mission Pantry - Coming Soon
Mission Pantry - Coming Soon
To clean out our pantry of existing ingredients and food items by creatively making delicious meals. Documenting what meals are created.
Challenge/Mission Declutter 50 - LIVE
Decluttering 50 things out of the house or putting in their place each week or month depending on how productive I am.
Challenge - Healthy Weight & Body - Just Began Yesterday
This requires me training for a direction or goal - in this case "Route 66 Mini-Marathon" in November with a friend AND incorporating biking and possibly swimming to lessen the pressure on my knees which is primarily why I need a health weight.
Mission Fireplace - 3 Months from now...
I want to chisel the fireplace shelves off (brick shelves within the fireplace protuding out), repaint the entire fireplace and attach a simple wood mantel.
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Unfortunately I'm always about "doing" and preoccupied with "being". Does that make sense? I have too many expectations for what should "be" for me especially with a toddler. Maybe it is overachievement or zest for life. Either way I sometimes place myself into a whole that is hard for me to get out of or to resist.
To clean out our pantry of existing ingredients and food items by creatively making delicious meals. Documenting what meals are created.
Challenge/Mission Declutter 50 - LIVE
Decluttering 50 things out of the house or putting in their place each week or month depending on how productive I am.
Challenge - Healthy Weight & Body - Just Began Yesterday
This requires me training for a direction or goal - in this case "Route 66 Mini-Marathon" in November with a friend AND incorporating biking and possibly swimming to lessen the pressure on my knees which is primarily why I need a health weight.
Mission Fireplace - 3 Months from now...
I want to chisel the fireplace shelves off (brick shelves within the fireplace protuding out), repaint the entire fireplace and attach a simple wood mantel.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Unfortunately I'm always about "doing" and preoccupied with "being". Does that make sense? I have too many expectations for what should "be" for me especially with a toddler. Maybe it is overachievement or zest for life. Either way I sometimes place myself into a whole that is hard for me to get out of or to resist.
Not Written
I have not written for awhile or even posted and for good reasons:
1) this is really for me anyway and no one is really reading it
2) I think of clever or interesting things when I'm away from any computer and don't have place to write it down or the moment passes
3) I keep trying to think of a theme rather than these random postings and even though I fully intended to do Garage Sale Saturday - I have practiced and completed the activity ut have not taken any picture or posted any news about my findings
4) life is simpler when I'm not on the computer so much so alas...we will see
1) this is really for me anyway and no one is really reading it
2) I think of clever or interesting things when I'm away from any computer and don't have place to write it down or the moment passes
3) I keep trying to think of a theme rather than these random postings and even though I fully intended to do Garage Sale Saturday - I have practiced and completed the activity ut have not taken any picture or posted any news about my findings
4) life is simpler when I'm not on the computer so much so alas...we will see
Thursday, July 22, 2010
Colorful Room Makeovers: Bold & Beautiful
I will be helping a friend make-over her living room and bedroom and these colors cry out this friend's name. I'll try to share some more room ideas along the way and then will show you what it looks like in the end.
Colorful Room Makeovers: Bold & Beautiful
Colorful Room Makeovers: Bold & Beautiful
Monday, July 19, 2010
An Idea
I'm back and want to share...
Potential Upcoming 5k Connection Group
The premise is to RunInspired
Coming Soon... Give your couch separation anxiety! This 10-week 5K connection group will be geared toward beginning runners/walkers and progresses at a slow, non-intimidating pace to prepare you for a 5K.
The program includes:
·Training plan and coaching with weekly group training sessions
·Weekly hand outs and support emails
·Encouragement
·Special shopping trip for specialized shoes to E'ville or L'ville (dates TBD)
There may be informative information on the CCJ glass table or CCJ ENews.
Be sure to bring a friend! Don't wait another day to RunInspired!
Potential Upcoming 5k Connection Group
The premise is to RunInspired
Coming Soon... Give your couch separation anxiety! This 10-week 5K connection group will be geared toward beginning runners/walkers and progresses at a slow, non-intimidating pace to prepare you for a 5K.
The program includes:
·Training plan and coaching with weekly group training sessions
·Weekly hand outs and support emails
·Encouragement
·Special shopping trip for specialized shoes to E'ville or L'ville (dates TBD)
There may be informative information on the CCJ glass table or CCJ ENews.
Be sure to bring a friend! Don't wait another day to RunInspired!
Tuesday, July 13, 2010
There is a Season....there is a Time....
I've begun to realize how there is a season and a time for everything (of course under the sun - Ecclesiastes). There is a time for work (hospital social work & counseling)... and a time for play (surfing the net, running, crafting).
It's being discipined in knowing how to manueaver these times that keeps me sane.
It's being discipined in knowing how to manueaver these times that keeps me sane.
Tuesday, July 6, 2010
Lots to Say but only Posting Small - LINKS
Trading in DVDs to Amazon for gift cards here.
Inspired by.....Stacy Amoo-Mensah here.
Oh My Handmade, here, is the cutest website with creative handmade products and just get my juices going with creativity!
Helping a friend design a nursery for her new little one coming 2011, and looking through nursery tours here.
Another amazing craft amongst the million that I'd like to do, a growth chart here.
Inspired by.....Stacy Amoo-Mensah here.
Oh My Handmade, here, is the cutest website with creative handmade products and just get my juices going with creativity!
Helping a friend design a nursery for her new little one coming 2011, and looking through nursery tours here.
Another amazing craft amongst the million that I'd like to do, a growth chart here.
Wednesday, June 30, 2010
Monday, June 28, 2010
Thoughts along the Way
Thoughts along the way...the 12 hour car drive way of traveling with a Toddler from Tulsa, OK back to southwest Indiana.
* Priorities really are important
* Am I giving what I have, wherever, whenever?
* What needs to change so everyday life isn't so full and stressful?
* How I wish I could get-away like this more often - at least 2x a year if not quarterly.
* Zoos are sooooooooo much fun!
* How do I communicate to others my purpose?
* Am I good soil for God or just a distraction or just prevent weeds but do not fertilize any other growth for others?
* How am I suppose to help Mark?
* Why weren't Mark and I on the same page this past week?
* Priorities really are important
* Am I giving what I have, wherever, whenever?
* What needs to change so everyday life isn't so full and stressful?
* How I wish I could get-away like this more often - at least 2x a year if not quarterly.
* Zoos are sooooooooo much fun!
* How do I communicate to others my purpose?
* Am I good soil for God or just a distraction or just prevent weeds but do not fertilize any other growth for others?
* How am I suppose to help Mark?
* Why weren't Mark and I on the same page this past week?
Saturday, June 19, 2010
Garage Sale Saturday
I think I will begin a Saturday ritual of posting about a garage sale or garage sales to get out and see new things and meet new people in the area soooo it will be titled "Garage Sale Saturday".
This Saturday, today, was full of selling my own things at a friend's garage sale. There we finally sold the hard-to-part-with but tired-of-being-in-our-bedroom queen bed frame.
We were also able to sell a half-circle table and bar stools which has just cluttered up our living space (loved the stools but they had to go with that table). All in all it was a lovely selling day. It began with much rain and ended up hot and steamy but apparently those who really wanted to come out and were interested did. This really was one of the best garage sales I've ever been too: modern items, nearly new items and barely used, lots of variety and large items that were practically steals!
But I am glad it is done...until another sale...
This Saturday, today, was full of selling my own things at a friend's garage sale. There we finally sold the hard-to-part-with but tired-of-being-in-our-bedroom queen bed frame.
We were also able to sell a half-circle table and bar stools which has just cluttered up our living space (loved the stools but they had to go with that table). All in all it was a lovely selling day. It began with much rain and ended up hot and steamy but apparently those who really wanted to come out and were interested did. This really was one of the best garage sales I've ever been too: modern items, nearly new items and barely used, lots of variety and large items that were practically steals!
But I am glad it is done...until another sale...
Saturday, June 12, 2010
Cats vs. Dogs
With the experience of having a dog in our house and in our lives once again for a full week. I think I have concluded that they are more work than cats.
Growing up I had a puppy named Tippy whom I adored and he adored me. He lived for 14 years and died suddenly in the summer of a high school year. I mourned tremendously and just knew that I would not be able to have a dog for many years to come. It hurt too badly. I still loved dogs and do enjoy them even now...but I've found that my life's rhythm is with my cats. They are laid back, playful at times - spontaneously so and shrug off life's hardships. They cuddle when we are close and usually like to stay in the same room but they are never on top of us, never lick us and simply purr.
Yes I do believe that I am a cat-lover and a dog-liker. Now newborn puppies are a different story (LOVE newborn and just walking puppies!). I don't think we'll be owning a dog anytime soon but it was fun to have the opportunity to experience having one again - his loyalty, companionship and ongoing presence was nice for the time-being.
Thursday, June 10, 2010
LMFT National Exam
I did it. I finally took the test I'd been waiting to take since graduation of grad school in 2006. I thought about taking it right out since we were in Kentucky still but waited (probably out of fear)...so then came to Indiana and knew I couldn't take it for awhile...then legislature passed for my group to be able to take it if we desired. I jumped on board and was quickly haulted by bureacrative processes and then questions from the board. This was Fall of 2008...then sent in my syllabus along with a letter, and did not hear anything for months. Continued to inquire and then eventually was approved to take the test in July of 2009. Ian was not quite 7 months old and studying at that point was not an option.
So I waited...began counseling again (since I am in the crack between the legislature and my graduating class date - it is ok), and decided that the last window of opportunity before I would have to reapply was a good one for this May-June window and it worked out. I studied and studied...and studied...and studied. My contacts would be sticking to my eyes...I gained 10-15 lbs. between beginning of April (even with the mini-marathon) to now (mid-June) due to anxiety, over-eating and underexercising. Sometimes I forget what stress and anxiety do to me.
But ALAS, I took it and Lordwilling it is done. I find out in 6 weeks if I passed and if I did then...I believe God has some new things in store for me.
I'll be somewhat "legit" and though I will still need to gather my hours and only work part-time. It will take awhile to be fully licensed...but that is ok. Because I'm not willing to sacrifice time with my family that I have, getting burned out if I worked full-time 50 hrs a week, doing billing and paperwork and not able to be who God has designed me to be. His purpose...not mine.
We will see.
So I waited...began counseling again (since I am in the crack between the legislature and my graduating class date - it is ok), and decided that the last window of opportunity before I would have to reapply was a good one for this May-June window and it worked out. I studied and studied...and studied...and studied. My contacts would be sticking to my eyes...I gained 10-15 lbs. between beginning of April (even with the mini-marathon) to now (mid-June) due to anxiety, over-eating and underexercising. Sometimes I forget what stress and anxiety do to me.
But ALAS, I took it and Lordwilling it is done. I find out in 6 weeks if I passed and if I did then...I believe God has some new things in store for me.
I'll be somewhat "legit" and though I will still need to gather my hours and only work part-time. It will take awhile to be fully licensed...but that is ok. Because I'm not willing to sacrifice time with my family that I have, getting burned out if I worked full-time 50 hrs a week, doing billing and paperwork and not able to be who God has designed me to be. His purpose...not mine.
We will see.
Wednesday, June 9, 2010
Facebook Status
I think my mind split open and the information I have learned over the last 6 years with therapy and models is oozing out into my laundry...
I think something broke in my brain...it's spinning.
I think something broke in my brain...it's spinning.
Sunday, June 6, 2010
Family Dynamics
James Framo (from object-relations therapy model) concluded:
"The politics of family requires that family members live with each other for many years and never tell each other how they really feel; through a lifetime they do not meet or touch. One of the things we try to accomplish...is to help the members really see each other, to tell each other frankly their warm, positive feelings as well as the angry ones, and to allow happiness to become something to be experienced, rather than something to be remembered (p.190)."
Framo, J.L. (1976).Family of origin as a therapeutic resource for adults in marital and family therapy: You can and should go home again. Family Process, Vol 15, 193-210.
My take from this - this therapy model is rather interesting, still trying to wrap my head around it for sure but one thing I love about this is bringing a couple's family-of-origin (one partner at a time) into the therapeutic process.
I think of my own family-of-origin and the many unresolved or unknown perceptions and processes that have gone on and continue to go on with my older brother, my cousins, aunts and uncles and my own parents. It is something we often never take time to really talk about TOGETHER. And in a non-guarded fashion - when family get-togethers come together it is a hard time to just sit and discuss what is REALLY going on with you. Family dynamics come out to play and sometimes it is great, and sometimes it is not good at all. But we are family for a reason...God put us together somehow. I think it is true that iron sharpens iron but man it is hard to have a sibling be that iron; although, how great that would be for siblings to connect at such a level that their defenses (or defense mechanisms) towards one another or their own stories about one another take a pause and they can listen to one another out of love and pursuing understanding.
That would be a really nice world...I'd be open to that.
"The politics of family requires that family members live with each other for many years and never tell each other how they really feel; through a lifetime they do not meet or touch. One of the things we try to accomplish...is to help the members really see each other, to tell each other frankly their warm, positive feelings as well as the angry ones, and to allow happiness to become something to be experienced, rather than something to be remembered (p.190)."
Framo, J.L. (1976).Family of origin as a therapeutic resource for adults in marital and family therapy: You can and should go home again. Family Process, Vol 15, 193-210.
My take from this - this therapy model is rather interesting, still trying to wrap my head around it for sure but one thing I love about this is bringing a couple's family-of-origin (one partner at a time) into the therapeutic process.
I think of my own family-of-origin and the many unresolved or unknown perceptions and processes that have gone on and continue to go on with my older brother, my cousins, aunts and uncles and my own parents. It is something we often never take time to really talk about TOGETHER. And in a non-guarded fashion - when family get-togethers come together it is a hard time to just sit and discuss what is REALLY going on with you. Family dynamics come out to play and sometimes it is great, and sometimes it is not good at all. But we are family for a reason...God put us together somehow. I think it is true that iron sharpens iron but man it is hard to have a sibling be that iron; although, how great that would be for siblings to connect at such a level that their defenses (or defense mechanisms) towards one another or their own stories about one another take a pause and they can listen to one another out of love and pursuing understanding.
That would be a really nice world...I'd be open to that.
Saturday, June 5, 2010
Circle of Moms
Circle of Moms
During one of my breaks while studying - I found this application via Facebook that I am beginning to like, and then found a group that has December 2008 babies and thought it was kind of neato - don't know if I will join but it's cool.
December 2008 Babies on Circle of Moms
During one of my breaks while studying - I found this application via Facebook that I am beginning to like, and then found a group that has December 2008 babies and thought it was kind of neato - don't know if I will join but it's cool.
December 2008 Babies on Circle of Moms
Wednesday, June 2, 2010
Amazed by Learning & Figuring Myself Out
We as humans are so very interesting and complex. I used to toute myself as a "simple" person, no pretense or fakeness however what I didn't realize is that I too have opinions and when confronted by something I do not like I am vocal. A simple person may not necessarily be so vocal or have an opinion.
I think marriage helped me figure this out the most, or should I say Mark. :) He'd ask me where to eat and of course I would say "wherever" - remember I'm a "simple" person, easy to please and then he would say "where" and I would say....nah I don't want to go there. LOL...I have an opinion.
Anywho I've come to realize I am just as complex as any other person and sometimes maybe more since I am aware of myself...and continually learn about my own awareness and myself. I love learning...but I don't like anxiety and the trials that come from knowing and not knowing. Alas it is life,and we are ALL complex!
I think marriage helped me figure this out the most, or should I say Mark. :) He'd ask me where to eat and of course I would say "wherever" - remember I'm a "simple" person, easy to please and then he would say "where" and I would say....nah I don't want to go there. LOL...I have an opinion.
Anywho I've come to realize I am just as complex as any other person and sometimes maybe more since I am aware of myself...and continually learn about my own awareness and myself. I love learning...but I don't like anxiety and the trials that come from knowing and not knowing. Alas it is life,and we are ALL complex!
Monday, May 31, 2010
Dave Ramsey "Budgeting" Money Makeover - 1/10
Utilizing this video for the Financial Management date night with budget sheets!! Yay!
Tuesday, May 25, 2010
Getting Up
The greatest feat, is getting up after you fall down. And you do it again, and again, and again. But it never really does get old.
I'm reminded of many couples I see and friends I have where you have a fight or another argument and that last argument "was it" for you, you've had it and you're done or the world tells you "get out" and yet it is relearning to get back up and to humble yourself before God...and possibly before your partner or even standing strong with humility. It's the art of getting back up that makes life exciting and torturous. Moving forward, keeping on and not stopping. When you stop or runaway - that is when things get messy UNLESS it is full about face where you're going towards God and away from your own way.
We all fall, we all stumble and we all have to get back up.
I'm reminded of many couples I see and friends I have where you have a fight or another argument and that last argument "was it" for you, you've had it and you're done or the world tells you "get out" and yet it is relearning to get back up and to humble yourself before God...and possibly before your partner or even standing strong with humility. It's the art of getting back up that makes life exciting and torturous. Moving forward, keeping on and not stopping. When you stop or runaway - that is when things get messy UNLESS it is full about face where you're going towards God and away from your own way.
We all fall, we all stumble and we all have to get back up.
Friday, May 21, 2010
Are you Living in Fear and/or Anxiety?
These two emotions/creatures whatever you want to call them drive so many of our actions and often we are unaware of this. We simply react to situations and others as if our reactions are simply from our personality or just "natural" but there is nothing natural about fear. We weren't born with fear - we learned fear along with anxiety from our surroundings and possibly some of us from some biological roots.
In Bowen's model - he considers how chronic anxiety can be transmitted generationally through families:
family emotional processes are transferred and maintained over several generations -- Passing chronic anxiety from generation to generation
Think about your family - did this occur? I know it did for me. It was more anxiety than fear for me but that followed along eventually.
It's interesting how this theory resonates with me and speaks of the term "differentiation" which refers to how a person is able to separate thoughts and emotions from their family-of-origin rather than being controlled by anxiety (this is my wording)
This is taken from "Study Guide for MFT" by Dr. Linton Hutchinson for my studying for the exam:
A differentiated self is able to be guided by thoughts or emotion
* They recognize they need others (HOW MANY OF US WON'T ASK FOR HELP)
* But they depend less on the acceptance and approval of others
* Individuals who are differentiated:
Are able to stay rational, clear headed, and able to critically assess the situation without being
clouded by emotion even when faced with rejection, conflict, or criticism
These family members are confident in their own thinking, and they make their decisions thoughtfully
(not because they are giving in to relationship pressures)
They can either support another family member's point of view without becoming wishy-washy or reject
another's viewpoint without becoming hostile (BOUNDARIES)
It goes on to say for this model - I found this interesting and I've thought about this a lot with working with families.
* It describes the primary way parents transmit their emotional problems to a child
* For example: 1. The child that receives projection will have trouble differentiating
2. This will, in turn, effect his interactions with his own spouse and/or children
* The parent focuses on a child out of fear that something is wrong with the child
* The parent interprets the child's behavior as confirming the fear
* The parent treats the child as if something is really wrong with the child
A lot of times parents "self-propheci" their children into their fears. The phrase that comes to mind for me are mothers who tell their daughters "you're going to get fat if you eat that" OR paranoia over a child's potential to drink alcohol (so instead of educating them you just assume they are doing it out of fear).
Just some interesting thoughts - you couldn't grow up not being affected by your family's level of anxiety, fear or differentiation but as an adult you have choices and can be aware of how you react.
Different models and worldviews have different perspectives so of course this is just one. But one that I do see some validity in for sure.
In Bowen's model - he considers how chronic anxiety can be transmitted generationally through families:
family emotional processes are transferred and maintained over several generations -- Passing chronic anxiety from generation to generation
Think about your family - did this occur? I know it did for me. It was more anxiety than fear for me but that followed along eventually.
It's interesting how this theory resonates with me and speaks of the term "differentiation" which refers to how a person is able to separate thoughts and emotions from their family-of-origin rather than being controlled by anxiety (this is my wording)
This is taken from "Study Guide for MFT" by Dr. Linton Hutchinson for my studying for the exam:
A differentiated self is able to be guided by thoughts or emotion
* They recognize they need others (HOW MANY OF US WON'T ASK FOR HELP)
* But they depend less on the acceptance and approval of others
* Individuals who are differentiated:
Are able to stay rational, clear headed, and able to critically assess the situation without being
clouded by emotion even when faced with rejection, conflict, or criticism
These family members are confident in their own thinking, and they make their decisions thoughtfully
(not because they are giving in to relationship pressures)
They can either support another family member's point of view without becoming wishy-washy or reject
another's viewpoint without becoming hostile (BOUNDARIES)
It goes on to say for this model - I found this interesting and I've thought about this a lot with working with families.
* It describes the primary way parents transmit their emotional problems to a child
* For example: 1. The child that receives projection will have trouble differentiating
2. This will, in turn, effect his interactions with his own spouse and/or children
* The parent focuses on a child out of fear that something is wrong with the child
* The parent interprets the child's behavior as confirming the fear
* The parent treats the child as if something is really wrong with the child
A lot of times parents "self-propheci" their children into their fears. The phrase that comes to mind for me are mothers who tell their daughters "you're going to get fat if you eat that" OR paranoia over a child's potential to drink alcohol (so instead of educating them you just assume they are doing it out of fear).
Just some interesting thoughts - you couldn't grow up not being affected by your family's level of anxiety, fear or differentiation but as an adult you have choices and can be aware of how you react.
Different models and worldviews have different perspectives so of course this is just one. But one that I do see some validity in for sure.
Wednesday, May 19, 2010
MONOGRAM Canvas
It takes about 30-40 minutes to complete.
Materials Needed:
•4”x 4” blank canvas
•2 - 4″x 6″ pieces of decorative paper
•Modge Podge - Matte OR some other adhesive glue
•Foam Brush
•Scissors or Paper Cutter
•Embellishments [butterflies, letters, magazine clippings]
Step One: Gather all your supplies in one spot.
.JPG)
Step Two: Arrange the decorate papers in a design you like. Tear the long edge of the patterned paper towards you.
.JPG)
.JPG)
Step Three: Paint the canvas part you will cover with Modge Podge. Place the plainest paper on the canvas first then glue on the patterned paper after you tear the edge. Smooth out air bubbles and edges with your fingers carefully (this can get a bit messy). Be careful not to peel off the paper by rubbing the bubbles out too hard.
.JPG)
.JPG)
.JPG)
Step Four: Glue down any curled up edges and place Modge Podge on top the paper where you will place your letters and magazine clippings. Put ‘em on! (Wait to place any felt letters on!)
.JPG)
.JPG)
Step Five: Directly apply Modge Podge glue or adhesive to the back of the felt letter (if you have one) and place where you would like it. Press down and let dry. Place on any other embellishments & hang up! IT DOES NOT HAVE TO BE PERFECT – MAKE IT YOUR OWN!
.JPG)
Materials Needed:
•4”x 4” blank canvas
•2 - 4″x 6″ pieces of decorative paper
•Modge Podge - Matte OR some other adhesive glue
•Foam Brush
•Scissors or Paper Cutter
•Embellishments [butterflies, letters, magazine clippings]
Step One: Gather all your supplies in one spot.
.JPG)
Step Two: Arrange the decorate papers in a design you like. Tear the long edge of the patterned paper towards you.
.JPG)
.JPG)
Step Three: Paint the canvas part you will cover with Modge Podge. Place the plainest paper on the canvas first then glue on the patterned paper after you tear the edge. Smooth out air bubbles and edges with your fingers carefully (this can get a bit messy). Be careful not to peel off the paper by rubbing the bubbles out too hard.
.JPG)
.JPG)
.JPG)
Step Four: Glue down any curled up edges and place Modge Podge on top the paper where you will place your letters and magazine clippings. Put ‘em on! (Wait to place any felt letters on!)
.JPG)
.JPG)
Step Five: Directly apply Modge Podge glue or adhesive to the back of the felt letter (if you have one) and place where you would like it. Press down and let dry. Place on any other embellishments & hang up! IT DOES NOT HAVE TO BE PERFECT – MAKE IT YOUR OWN!
.JPG)
Tuesday, May 18, 2010
Allow Yourself Today - Activity
TODAY update your closest friend(s) on how you are doing -- give a "real" update - allow yourself to be open.
My "real" update for today is - figuring out my own schedule. Do I work on client letters, reconnecting with those I have not heard from......or do I study for my exam? OR do I update my to-do lists...work on basketball girls' monogram project...?
Decisions, choices and plans - always moving, always changing.
My "real" update for today is - figuring out my own schedule. Do I work on client letters, reconnecting with those I have not heard from......or do I study for my exam? OR do I update my to-do lists...work on basketball girls' monogram project...?
Decisions, choices and plans - always moving, always changing.
Monday, May 17, 2010
The Art of Feeding a Toddler
Feeding A Toddler: Tips for healthy eating at Pampers.com
Right now we are going through a time of fun, frustration and as I read more and more normal transitions with Ian as he grows and explores and figures out all of this food stuff. Sometimes it drives us crazy!! This was a good article plus I got some menus and hopefully this will help us with meals times. Otherwise they end up being wars even if I stay as patient as possible. Stomping, screaming, crying.....grrrrrrr...
Feeding A Toddler: Tips for healthy eating at Pampers.com
Right now we are going through a time of fun, frustration and as I read more and more normal transitions with Ian as he grows and explores and figures out all of this food stuff. Sometimes it drives us crazy!! This was a good article plus I got some menus and hopefully this will help us with meals times. Otherwise they end up being wars even if I stay as patient as possible. Stomping, screaming, crying.....grrrrrrr...
Feeding A Toddler: Tips for healthy eating at Pampers.com
Thursday, May 13, 2010
Celebrating Mum
Just for the fun of this - I found this photo on Margaret's blog and loved it. Though I'm not British I do have an alter-ego who is and she wishes her Mum a wonderful day!
Wednesday, May 12, 2010
A Week in the Life
Someday I will do the project "A Week in the Life" that Ali Edwards talks about and that Iara (love that name by the way did). I love hers! Go to here.
Gluttony & Cookies
So I am a sucker for sweets and for chocolate and for sugar. I just gorged on a number of cookies and I realize continually how thankful I am that God helps to remind me that gluttony is a sin and that I need to turn from it. Thank you for stomach-aches! Yes I know it sounds weird but I am thankful for that consequence so I won't do it again.
I realized also that when I was running in the mornings last week that my decisions about food and my body-image were much more positive and really made a difference in how I interacted with my own world. There was a shift that occurred. I want to write about that because it really meant something to me. I was surprised by it, I had more energy and was much more purposeful with how I dealt with life - especially Mark and Ian. I was calmer, more self-confident and felt like I accomplished something.
Then.....I got sick, ran early Saturday and could not Sunday or Monday...got worse Tuesday and now it is Wednesday. So tomorrow I AM RUNNING! We humans really do put ourselves in predicaments when we allow ourselves to make bad decision after bad decision.
There is a commercial out now that depicts eating a cereal bar to start out your day will lead to better choices because you feel better about yourself. I am convinced of this however I often do not take the time to begin with the healthy choices so then it's easier to give in and give up. All to say - I messed up and now need to move on...
Tuesday, May 11, 2010
The Sweetest Sound...
One of the Sweetest Sound possibly to be heard is our little man at bedtime. We put him down about 8-8:30 every single night and it never fails. For at least 30-45 minutes he sits in his crib with his blanket, his green round pillow and his white bunny and just talks...and talks...and laughs and sings. He says his vowels like he knows what he is talking about and Mark and I just sit in our living room listening to him and relaxing. It truly is the sweetest sound...especially when he laughs and you can tell that then he puts his face into his blanket or bunny and just yyyyuuuuuummmmmmmms sounds in it.
It's the sound of innocence and purity. Just pure joy coming from a little creature of God.
It's the sound of innocence and purity. Just pure joy coming from a little creature of God.
Extraordinary or Ordinary Couple
If your marriage was going to be made into a movie and one day it will belong to your kids or family in the future, do you want it to read “Extraordinary” or “Just OK: They kind of Survived”…”Tragedy”…. “Divorce”…What would you want for it to read?
What will make you different? How will you make it?
What is your vision for your marriage?
For Mark & I - our movie title would be: "Extraordinary: a Journey of the Quirkie and Committed OR In It to Win It OR A Journey of Grace
Mark put "Striving for better than Ordinary"...
What will make you different? How will you make it?
What is your vision for your marriage?
For Mark & I - our movie title would be: "Extraordinary: a Journey of the Quirkie and Committed OR In It to Win It OR A Journey of Grace
Mark put "Striving for better than Ordinary"...
Sunday, May 2, 2010
Flying Pig Half Marathon 2010
I continually find it interesting that every single race I run (6 half marathons later & 3 marathons) that each race is truly unique in its own right. I've done the Half twice now in Cinci and the full once and I LOVE the course, even when I feel like my lungs are going to explode up the hill on mile 6 and around Eden Park. And though I'm out of shape moreso than I ever have been for a race, I still got a 2:13 which is ok. 2:03 is my PR and I knew I was not going to hit that at all.
I had to do a 2:00:1:00 (run/walk) all the way up the hills because my legs weren't as prepared this year as in year's past but the downhill....woah that still felt great and I know I can fly by people every time...I just have to know that I will be humbled again when it comes to a flat or a hill where those same people I passed will somewhat creep up on me.
This year the change was....RAIN....RAIN....RAIN but it was warm rain and I was prepared. It kept me from having blisters and really cooled off everyone. We were all in the same boat. It began to feel good to me. Another difference the start is so packed but honestly I wouldn't have it any other way. I really do not like corral starts - they drive me crazy...get me over that start line in 5-15 minutes but not 30-60 minutes. I'm ok with it, and I inevitably always hear interesting conversations even if it might be complaining...and inevitably there will be walkers right at the start....sometimes 3 across - sometimes 5. PLEASE DO NOT EVER START BY WALKING UNLESS YOU ARE IN THE VERY BACK - IT IS ANNOYING!
Other differences: Our pit-crew (our parents) weren't with us this year as they usually are so that was different. We stayed in a Quality Inn that felt like we were in a horror movie as we walked through the halls and thought two dead children were going to pop out at any time (reference to a film I will never see), but the room was ok and nice.
Alas, some similarities - I still am so anxious about the morning parking situation and walking to the start. Since we were late to one 10k about 3 years ago in Louisville (really, really late) I just freak out - poor Mark but he does a little bit too. We always seem to have a spat before a race and it always turns out ok but it's intense. BEWARE IF YOU EVER COME WITH US - LOL.
But it still felt great to be there, to feel alive and feel your body unlike any other time...to know that your body is being cleaned out and that you just go. So many different body types that God made and wow.....I guess my hips aren't as big as I think compared to other women but geesh some of them kick my butt with speed. Some fighting cancer, some eating disorders, some to fight depression, and others just doing it to do it and mark it off a bucket list. I think my list keeps getting checked off...I guess I need to sky-dive next and not run another race.
The Expo was run and the meal after the race - YUMMY - Red Lobster with Whitney and Paula Quinn Ruff. Man that was great! and Diet Pepsi!!!! I love that meal - calories really don't count. So again...I miss the races and the city but I'm glad to be where we are and hope to do more but admit, would still like to do a triathlon - the stars just have to align just right and Ian will need to be a little bigger I think. And Mark did ggggrreeeaaatttt!! 1:54 time.
Until next time!
I had to do a 2:00:1:00 (run/walk) all the way up the hills because my legs weren't as prepared this year as in year's past but the downhill....woah that still felt great and I know I can fly by people every time...I just have to know that I will be humbled again when it comes to a flat or a hill where those same people I passed will somewhat creep up on me.
This year the change was....RAIN....RAIN....RAIN but it was warm rain and I was prepared. It kept me from having blisters and really cooled off everyone. We were all in the same boat. It began to feel good to me. Another difference the start is so packed but honestly I wouldn't have it any other way. I really do not like corral starts - they drive me crazy...get me over that start line in 5-15 minutes but not 30-60 minutes. I'm ok with it, and I inevitably always hear interesting conversations even if it might be complaining...and inevitably there will be walkers right at the start....sometimes 3 across - sometimes 5. PLEASE DO NOT EVER START BY WALKING UNLESS YOU ARE IN THE VERY BACK - IT IS ANNOYING!
Other differences: Our pit-crew (our parents) weren't with us this year as they usually are so that was different. We stayed in a Quality Inn that felt like we were in a horror movie as we walked through the halls and thought two dead children were going to pop out at any time (reference to a film I will never see), but the room was ok and nice.
Alas, some similarities - I still am so anxious about the morning parking situation and walking to the start. Since we were late to one 10k about 3 years ago in Louisville (really, really late) I just freak out - poor Mark but he does a little bit too. We always seem to have a spat before a race and it always turns out ok but it's intense. BEWARE IF YOU EVER COME WITH US - LOL.
But it still felt great to be there, to feel alive and feel your body unlike any other time...to know that your body is being cleaned out and that you just go. So many different body types that God made and wow.....I guess my hips aren't as big as I think compared to other women but geesh some of them kick my butt with speed. Some fighting cancer, some eating disorders, some to fight depression, and others just doing it to do it and mark it off a bucket list. I think my list keeps getting checked off...I guess I need to sky-dive next and not run another race.
The Expo was run and the meal after the race - YUMMY - Red Lobster with Whitney and Paula Quinn Ruff. Man that was great! and Diet Pepsi!!!! I love that meal - calories really don't count. So again...I miss the races and the city but I'm glad to be where we are and hope to do more but admit, would still like to do a triathlon - the stars just have to align just right and Ian will need to be a little bigger I think. And Mark did ggggrreeeaaatttt!! 1:54 time.
Until next time!
Tuesday, April 27, 2010
All-Together
There are days when I feel altogether or at least mornings like this one where I did a weight training class and then ran 2 miles. (Still preparing for the mini-marathon this weekend). And before I shower I just sit and realize, wow I just got one big hurdle out of the way. :)
Today holds many possibilities between calling potential clients, former clients and future premarital couples to attend our premarital couple connection group. I'm writing the curriculum and am excited to build it up with the message that we are here to prevent divorce even before a marriage happens.
So today I'm "all-together" and tomorrow might be a different story but today is nice.
Today holds many possibilities between calling potential clients, former clients and future premarital couples to attend our premarital couple connection group. I'm writing the curriculum and am excited to build it up with the message that we are here to prevent divorce even before a marriage happens.
So today I'm "all-together" and tomorrow might be a different story but today is nice.
Sunday, April 25, 2010
Space Conserving Seating
Space-Conserving Seating
Most apartment living rooms have space for a sofa, coffee table, and maybe a chair -- definitely not enough seating for hosting a group of friends. Solve the problem with fabric-covered cushions that make sitting on the floor not a big deal. When they're not needed, the cushions can be stacked and stowed.
-- Purchase foam cushions of the thickness and size you need.
-- Search remnant piles and discount stores for pretty fabric that matches your decor.
-- Wrap the fabric around the cushion and hot glue in place.
19 Ideas to Steal for Your Apartment: Ideas for Apartments, Condos, and Rentals
Most apartment living rooms have space for a sofa, coffee table, and maybe a chair -- definitely not enough seating for hosting a group of friends. Solve the problem with fabric-covered cushions that make sitting on the floor not a big deal. When they're not needed, the cushions can be stacked and stowed.
-- Purchase foam cushions of the thickness and size you need.
-- Search remnant piles and discount stores for pretty fabric that matches your decor.
-- Wrap the fabric around the cushion and hot glue in place.
19 Ideas to Steal for Your Apartment: Ideas for Apartments, Condos, and Rentals
Tuesday, April 13, 2010
It's Been Awhile...
It's Been Awhile since I last posted..
Ian now is learning to say please or "peas" and his thank you's "tank-cuu's" are getting much better and more frequent. This morning Mark did a great thing as I got Ian up to change him and Ian immediately got mad or sad or maybe he was even scared at laying down but Mark came in and just calmed him down so I could change him and it made a world of difference! The morning went much smoother and he was his happy, go-lucky self just talking away and "what's that!"...
He came into the restroom as I was getting ready and just opened his mouth (he was ready for his teeth to be brushed). Sometimes he is a handfull when he simply plays by himself he is so fun to watch. I wonder what God thinks of us as we play by ourselves?
I finally called the tree-trimming place (it's only taken me two weeks to call to get an estimate) and they are going try to come out next week. :S Should have called them earlier - oh well. Alas, today was a 5 mile run - love my downhill start and later on it felt more comfortable but it takes me a long time to even get out to do it. :S
Ian now is learning to say please or "peas" and his thank you's "tank-cuu's" are getting much better and more frequent. This morning Mark did a great thing as I got Ian up to change him and Ian immediately got mad or sad or maybe he was even scared at laying down but Mark came in and just calmed him down so I could change him and it made a world of difference! The morning went much smoother and he was his happy, go-lucky self just talking away and "what's that!"...
He came into the restroom as I was getting ready and just opened his mouth (he was ready for his teeth to be brushed). Sometimes he is a handfull when he simply plays by himself he is so fun to watch. I wonder what God thinks of us as we play by ourselves?
I finally called the tree-trimming place (it's only taken me two weeks to call to get an estimate) and they are going try to come out next week. :S Should have called them earlier - oh well. Alas, today was a 5 mile run - love my downhill start and later on it felt more comfortable but it takes me a long time to even get out to do it. :S
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