Last week my husband had to travel for work and was gone for the entire week. During this time my daughter had her first set of high school finals. She hasn't been doing that well this semester, the adjustment to high school has been great for her. And I can remember how difficult it was for me at that age so my heart goes out to her. Never the less expectations can't be compromised. And she needed to pull her grades up by 20% in some cases. In the lead up to exam week she did manage to do that. She pulled her math and science marks up, all by retaking tests she had previously done poorly on. This was my Proud Mom Moment #1.
Proud Mom Moment#2 came when we had our meeting with her guidance counselor. I had booked the appointment because I wanted to know what we, as her parents, could do to help her with school. And to get a feel as to how other kids her age are doing. And it was a fantastic meeting. Daughter had done some research on possible certificate programs at NAIT and Grant MacEwan that she could take, she did some research into her dream job and what it would take to get there. Then we went into this meeting, we discussed possible hindrances to achievement for next semester, mainly her schedule, and how they could be solved, by changing her time table. And she took the lead. Asking for options that would benefit her future, not necessarily the ones she wanted. All for the thinking ahead to where she wanted to be.
I want her to have a childhood and fun teenage years. But I don't want her to get out of high school and then not have options because we didn't plan. This is something I have been pushing for quite some time, well frankly since day one. And to see that she is getting it, wants to get there, well that is just a wonderful feeling.
Proud Mom Moment #3 came at the end of the week where we had dinner out and the loveliest night I have had in quite a while. Dinner out (Paleo-ish), DYI pedicures and then back to back movies. It was fun, there was lots of good conversation and some quality time.
All in all - last week was the best week.
Thursday, January 30, 2014
Thursday, January 23, 2014
Multiples in Families
I love TV shows about multiples. Multiple children, multiple wives, large families. I am fascinated with them.
It started with Jon and Kate Plus 8. Although I wasn't a fan of the parents the idea of that many kids just gets my attention all the time. Then I discovered Big Love. The idea of that many families joined together just peaked my interest. Then came watching Sister Wives, Quints by Surprise, and The Dargers.
TLC has recently started showing re-runs of Quints by Surprise and I forgot how much I liked that show / family. They appear to be (key there) a family that has not fallen apart due to all the stress of multiples. They seem to make sacrifices to better their family. And dang, the kids are just so cute.
And I LOVE the Darger family and their outlook. I am intrigued by their faith, lifestyle and the way they do it.
But as I look at my little family I wonder - how insane would it be to have multiples of anything? Do I like watching it because it's on TV and far away from my reality? Or do I like watching it because I wish it was my reality?
It started with Jon and Kate Plus 8. Although I wasn't a fan of the parents the idea of that many kids just gets my attention all the time. Then I discovered Big Love. The idea of that many families joined together just peaked my interest. Then came watching Sister Wives, Quints by Surprise, and The Dargers.
TLC has recently started showing re-runs of Quints by Surprise and I forgot how much I liked that show / family. They appear to be (key there) a family that has not fallen apart due to all the stress of multiples. They seem to make sacrifices to better their family. And dang, the kids are just so cute.
And I LOVE the Darger family and their outlook. I am intrigued by their faith, lifestyle and the way they do it.
But as I look at my little family I wonder - how insane would it be to have multiples of anything? Do I like watching it because it's on TV and far away from my reality? Or do I like watching it because I wish it was my reality?
January Update - Week 3
If week 2 was horrible then week 3 was a right off. I fell off the Paleo wagon twice and I am so disappointed in myself.
Paleo Update
I cheated with a muffin and a hot chocolate on Friday of week 3. I decided on Thursday that I would be ok if the cheat happened and I went for it. Once that happened, I felt horrible. Not about the hot chocolate but about the muffin.
The truth is I know what my triggers are and I know how I can avoid having them set off. I did it once before with Weight Watchers. I have a sweet tooth. When I am trying to cut sugar and carbs I am unable mentally and sometimes physically to do it all at once. If I have treats that are allowed then I can eat them, have them with me and that helps. Eventually it gets to a point that I don't even want them anymore. However in my attempt to prove that I have the same willpower as my husband I haven't made myself anything and that is leading to my downfall. I am not him, I don't have the same triggers as him and I need to find what works for me.
Another huge thing is that I finished off that bag of raisins that were here at work. I am glad they are gone. Disgusted I ate them all since Christmas.
I was tempted to keep it a secret and not tell anyone about my food issues but then I realized - lying about food / or hiding the truth about food is not a path that leads to anywhere positive. And it is OK to stumble. I can pick myself back up and that I am only accountable to myself.
The benefits of Paleo still allude me. Digestive issues are still kicking, energy has plummeted but the crankiness is starting to go away.
Exercise Update
Paleo Update
I cheated with a muffin and a hot chocolate on Friday of week 3. I decided on Thursday that I would be ok if the cheat happened and I went for it. Once that happened, I felt horrible. Not about the hot chocolate but about the muffin.
The truth is I know what my triggers are and I know how I can avoid having them set off. I did it once before with Weight Watchers. I have a sweet tooth. When I am trying to cut sugar and carbs I am unable mentally and sometimes physically to do it all at once. If I have treats that are allowed then I can eat them, have them with me and that helps. Eventually it gets to a point that I don't even want them anymore. However in my attempt to prove that I have the same willpower as my husband I haven't made myself anything and that is leading to my downfall. I am not him, I don't have the same triggers as him and I need to find what works for me.
Another huge thing is that I finished off that bag of raisins that were here at work. I am glad they are gone. Disgusted I ate them all since Christmas.
I was tempted to keep it a secret and not tell anyone about my food issues but then I realized - lying about food / or hiding the truth about food is not a path that leads to anywhere positive. And it is OK to stumble. I can pick myself back up and that I am only accountable to myself.
The benefits of Paleo still allude me. Digestive issues are still kicking, energy has plummeted but the crankiness is starting to go away.
Exercise Update
All I managed to do this week was Zumba and the occasional stretching. I am not sure what the issue is. Mental block I think and hopefully it will go away.
Week 4 - back on the wagon, get ready for additional resolutions for February and more organization to the Paleo eating.
Week 4 - back on the wagon, get ready for additional resolutions for February and more organization to the Paleo eating.
Tuesday, January 21, 2014
Friendship
Lately I have been really wrapped up in my own thing. My husband and I have made some fairly important life decisions, our teenager has become a teenager and the weather has me down. Well actually a lot of things have me down / worried / stressed and it has caused me to be a bad friend.
I am fortunate enough to have 4 very close friends. Close in a way that they just 'get you' and at all times. And I recognize how fortunate that is. These friends have been with me through thick and thin, supported me when my mom died, are always there to pick me up, have a great time and make me smile.
And I have let them down. Each of them has been going through something this year and because I have been so wrapped up in my own brain I have not been there for them. To really listen, get excited or be a shoulder to cry on.
So how does one make it up to good friends for being a shit friend?
I am fortunate enough to have 4 very close friends. Close in a way that they just 'get you' and at all times. And I recognize how fortunate that is. These friends have been with me through thick and thin, supported me when my mom died, are always there to pick me up, have a great time and make me smile.
And I have let them down. Each of them has been going through something this year and because I have been so wrapped up in my own brain I have not been there for them. To really listen, get excited or be a shoulder to cry on.
So how does one make it up to good friends for being a shit friend?
Monday, January 20, 2014
Emotional Overload
For the last two weeks I have felt I am on emotional overload. Everything and everyone seems to be setting me off. I cry, I argue, I actually threw a tantrum like a 2 year old the other day. And I have no idea what to do about it. I know it is a 'change to my diet' thing but I cannot keep going like this.
It is making me a horrible friend, wife, sister and mother. All I can hope is that it goes away soon.
It is making me a horrible friend, wife, sister and mother. All I can hope is that it goes away soon.
January 2014 - Week 2
Week two was horrible. The meal planning went sideways because of our schedule and the cravings have done me in.
Paleo Update
I should never have said Paleo was getting easy. It actually got worse. I can't stand the smell of coconut oil anymore and two days in a row I woke up to it. I have been eating raisins as if they are candy, almost going through an entire bag on my own.
We still cook lots at home, although the variety is getting a bit strained. We need to pick up the variety and take time to try new things.
The stomach ache went away after I drank lots of tea and water but all of the other 'benefits' of being on Paleo still allude me. It would appear that my digestive issue is back in full force.
Energy - plummeted. Although I still don't get tired during the day, I don't feel I could run a marathon like I could in week one. And boy am I cranky. Very very cranky.
Exercise Update
Paleo Update
I should never have said Paleo was getting easy. It actually got worse. I can't stand the smell of coconut oil anymore and two days in a row I woke up to it. I have been eating raisins as if they are candy, almost going through an entire bag on my own.
We still cook lots at home, although the variety is getting a bit strained. We need to pick up the variety and take time to try new things.
The stomach ache went away after I drank lots of tea and water but all of the other 'benefits' of being on Paleo still allude me. It would appear that my digestive issue is back in full force.
Energy - plummeted. Although I still don't get tired during the day, I don't feel I could run a marathon like I could in week one. And boy am I cranky. Very very cranky.
Exercise Update
Zumba class is still amazing. I love Monday and Wednesday nights. I actually look forward to it all day.
Yoga sequence / stretching is going alright. I am enjoying the benefits of it but I realize that I need a structured class for a little while. So that is what I will be looking for in the next two weeks.
Hopefully week three improves.
Thursday, January 9, 2014
January's 2014
January's Monthly Theme is - Boost Energy!
I realize it is very cliche to say that you are going to start a diet in January. Most people fall off the diet wagon midway through the month and start again the following year. But my Energy Boost has to do with health for my body and strength for what lies ahead. I don't think that I will be able to be doing any outdoor adventures in June if I continue to have back issues. So with that in mind the two area's of focus for this month are eating and exercise.
Paleo
My husband and I are doing Paleo for the month of January. We started on the first and are committed to seeing January out. We have begun cooking together, shopping more together, planning meals together. So while Paleo is beginning to take its mental tole, I like what it is doing for us as a couple so far.
Exercise
I have enrolled in Zumba on Monday's and Wednesday's. I love the class and feel it is a good set of nights out. My goal is to also do my yoga sequence every morning. It takes 20 minutes and I really notice a difference when I do it. I am going to stick with it.
I guess we will see how the month unfolds.
I realize it is very cliche to say that you are going to start a diet in January. Most people fall off the diet wagon midway through the month and start again the following year. But my Energy Boost has to do with health for my body and strength for what lies ahead. I don't think that I will be able to be doing any outdoor adventures in June if I continue to have back issues. So with that in mind the two area's of focus for this month are eating and exercise.
Paleo
My husband and I are doing Paleo for the month of January. We started on the first and are committed to seeing January out. We have begun cooking together, shopping more together, planning meals together. So while Paleo is beginning to take its mental tole, I like what it is doing for us as a couple so far.
Exercise
I have enrolled in Zumba on Monday's and Wednesday's. I love the class and feel it is a good set of nights out. My goal is to also do my yoga sequence every morning. It takes 20 minutes and I really notice a difference when I do it. I am going to stick with it.
I guess we will see how the month unfolds.
January 2014 - Week 1 Update
Week one has been difficult and very easy. They have been easy because there is a meal plan and we are following it. Plus I haven't been that hungry, so I don't want to eat outside of what I have planned. It has been very difficult because the cravings are killing me. I dream about a Venti Non-Fat Latte from Starbucks.
Paleo Update
After the initial 2 days it got really easy to follow the Paleo diet. My husband found a natural sugar that I can eat. The coffee is becoming bearable (just) and I cooked myself some chocolate as a treat. The chocolate helped a lot. Just knowing it is there and that I can have a piece is enough. We went to a birthday party and I was able to say no to the yummy looking cupcakes and the cheese platter. I love that people put veggies out at birthday parties - it helped a lot during the 2 hours.
We have been cooking a lot at home, because we have to. Trying new recipes and new foods. I have discovered a love for homemade balsamic vinaigrette and mixed greens. I could eat these two things most days and be perfectly happy.
The downside is that I have had a stomach ache since late Sunday night. It comes and goes, but it is still there most days. I am just trying to drink as much water and peppermint tea as possible and move along. Hopefully this is not a permanent thing.
Energy - I have so much more of it. Sunday I slept for 3 hours and was wide awake at 3 in the morning. I got up, and was productive for a bit and then went to sleep around 4:15. I wasn't that tired on Monday and was full of energy for Zumba. The energy levels continued for the rest of the week. The only negative is that I am still taking a long time to get up in the morning. I suppose this just takes a different type of commitment.
We have been cooking a lot at home, because we have to. Trying new recipes and new foods. I have discovered a love for homemade balsamic vinaigrette and mixed greens. I could eat these two things most days and be perfectly happy.
The downside is that I have had a stomach ache since late Sunday night. It comes and goes, but it is still there most days. I am just trying to drink as much water and peppermint tea as possible and move along. Hopefully this is not a permanent thing.
Energy - I have so much more of it. Sunday I slept for 3 hours and was wide awake at 3 in the morning. I got up, and was productive for a bit and then went to sleep around 4:15. I wasn't that tired on Monday and was full of energy for Zumba. The energy levels continued for the rest of the week. The only negative is that I am still taking a long time to get up in the morning. I suppose this just takes a different type of commitment.
Exercise Update
Zumba class has become amazing. New songs, new routines, music with a beat that I prefer. Tons of energy and tons of smiles. It really is the perfect exercise for me.
Yoga sequence - 20 minutes in the morning and my back feels fantastic! I am switching it up, adding a bit harder of a sequence and will continue. I am thinking about going to a yoga class after work one day a week. I feel bad though because it will take me away from my family during those evenings and I am already doing two nights out. I may just have to stick with the yoga at home.
I hope week 2 continues in the same manner as week one. Without the stomach ache though.
Monday, January 6, 2014
Monthly Resolutions
I have decided to do my own happiness project / 6 months of resolutions. This will take me right into the summer, and June's resolution will put me right where I want to be for a summer of fun. I need the motivation to put the things for "Catrin" in order. Because I want change and only I can make it happen. Every month, as with Gretchen Rubin's Happiness Project, there will be a theme.
Monthly Resolution Themes
January - Boost Energy
February - Love Your Family
March - Cultivate Your Mind
April - Get The House in Order
May - Friendship's
June - Outdoor Adventures
While I work on each month's resolutions I am also going to try and be mindful of Happy Home Habits that will help me achieve happiness for my OCD-like tendencies.
Happy Home Habits
I am sure I will add to my Happy Home Habits but for now these are the things I really need to work on. I am going to try and not put too much pressure on myself to be perfect with these things, but I am going to try and stick with new habits for at least 30 days. See if that helps my year reach its much needed goals.
Monthly Resolution Themes
January - Boost Energy
February - Love Your Family
March - Cultivate Your Mind
April - Get The House in Order
May - Friendship's
June - Outdoor Adventures
While I work on each month's resolutions I am also going to try and be mindful of Happy Home Habits that will help me achieve happiness for my OCD-like tendencies.
Happy Home Habits
- Practice tidying up every night before bed.
- Use what we have - Get rid of what we don't need.
- Sleep 7 hours every night.
- Act more energetic.
- Take time for projects
- Decorate our home so people know who lives here.
- Be mindful of my minimalist tendencies - accept some, overcome others.
- No more complaining about small things.
- Be positive whenever possible.
- Smile whenever possible.
I am sure I will add to my Happy Home Habits but for now these are the things I really need to work on. I am going to try and not put too much pressure on myself to be perfect with these things, but I am going to try and stick with new habits for at least 30 days. See if that helps my year reach its much needed goals.
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