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.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)