~Patience.....no matter how much you rush, it takes a certain amount of time to finish the jobs that need to be done.
~Planning.....I can waste less time and energy if I do the jobs in order of efficiency. ie: spray the bathtubs and sinks down with cleaner, then go dust. When you get back, everything wipes clean. ;) Now if I could just do that with my pile of laundry!( Spray the work away I mean)
~Perseverance......if you can't get it clean with a cloth and cleaner, use a magic sponge. There is always an answer to the problem.
~Acceptance.....no matter how nice a house is, or how neat folks are.....cleaning a toilet is always an icky job....it just is.
Tuesday, January 4, 2011
Monday, January 3, 2011
I Managed to Keep my Insides Down.....
The kids have returned to school the Christmas tree is packed away, and the New Year has arrived. I always think I should feel different somehow when the shiny, new calendars are hung on the wall.....but, I don't. Same old me hit the snooze on the alarm this morning.
Saying that, my alarm did go off at 5:30 am, so, a 10 minute snooze seemed perfectly acceptable. Today was a dry-run for my new workout routine. With my new work schedule, I don't have the time to work out during the day like I used to. However, I need to keep on with the exercise. No working out over the Holidays was a great break....but it shows. The clothes still fit, but not as nicely......and my lovely triceps are sinking back under the fluffy layer.
So, 5:40 am........ Bob Harper, his hardbodies, and lil' ol' me in the living room ( Bob and the hardbodies on TV of course), doing the dvd you see pictured in this post......it's one hour people. Not a 10 minute warm-up 40 minute workout, and a 10 minute cool down....it's long! It's hard....dare I say harder than Jillian??? Well, maybe not harder, but a different kind of workout.
I wanted to quit about 20 minutes into it. You NEVER STOP MOVING! There are no breaks between moves, no water break, no time to grab a towel to mop up the sweat pouring off your face.
All in all, it's a good workout.....except the mountain climbers, oh, how my back hates those.
Saying that, my alarm did go off at 5:30 am, so, a 10 minute snooze seemed perfectly acceptable. Today was a dry-run for my new workout routine. With my new work schedule, I don't have the time to work out during the day like I used to. However, I need to keep on with the exercise. No working out over the Holidays was a great break....but it shows. The clothes still fit, but not as nicely......and my lovely triceps are sinking back under the fluffy layer.
So, 5:40 am........ Bob Harper, his hardbodies, and lil' ol' me in the living room ( Bob and the hardbodies on TV of course), doing the dvd you see pictured in this post......it's one hour people. Not a 10 minute warm-up 40 minute workout, and a 10 minute cool down....it's long! It's hard....dare I say harder than Jillian??? Well, maybe not harder, but a different kind of workout.
I wanted to quit about 20 minutes into it. You NEVER STOP MOVING! There are no breaks between moves, no water break, no time to grab a towel to mop up the sweat pouring off your face.
All in all, it's a good workout.....except the mountain climbers, oh, how my back hates those.
Saturday, January 1, 2011
First Lesson of 2011
First day of 2011......the day to jump on the Resolution Band Wagon....usually with both feet, and without much forethought. What did you do to ring in the New Year?
Me? My day went almost exactly as planned. I did a whole lot of nothing. Yup, nothing. I sat in my chair, drank coffee brewed in the fantastic new coffee maker my sis got us for Christmas (single serve, yum!). Hubby took down the tree, I vacuumed tree-debris.
I also had time to do a little bit of thinking ( just a little bit). I had a phone call from a friend last night, and, I was not as kind to her as I could have been. I won't go into details, as, it's her story, not mine, and it isn't my place to share it. Suffice it to say, it was another thing in her evolving life she now has to deal with.
When she called I was in the middle of sorting things out for the kids' movie night for New Years Eve (snacks etc....), we'd just come home from a 4 hour drive, the house was a jumble, and I was short on patience.
I'm not feeling bad about it exactly....I have the right to care for my own, and not stop my world because someone else's is spinning off the rails. Yet ( trying not to use a "but" here), I do feel a niggle of guilt that I didn't.
There was a time I would have. Not as much now. Our life here is pretty busy, and some days I feel like I'm just hanging on to things by my fingernails.
First Lesson of 2011: It's important to take time to care for me and mine....and sometimes it's even ok to put me first. ( I will have to refer back to this periodically, I'm sure)
Happy New Year!
Me? My day went almost exactly as planned. I did a whole lot of nothing. Yup, nothing. I sat in my chair, drank coffee brewed in the fantastic new coffee maker my sis got us for Christmas (single serve, yum!). Hubby took down the tree, I vacuumed tree-debris.
There may have been a few rounds of Just dance 2 with the kiddos ( Asher may have kicked my butt on "Rasputin"), but, as far as I know, there is no video proof.
When she called I was in the middle of sorting things out for the kids' movie night for New Years Eve (snacks etc....), we'd just come home from a 4 hour drive, the house was a jumble, and I was short on patience.
I'm not feeling bad about it exactly....I have the right to care for my own, and not stop my world because someone else's is spinning off the rails. Yet ( trying not to use a "but" here), I do feel a niggle of guilt that I didn't.
There was a time I would have. Not as much now. Our life here is pretty busy, and some days I feel like I'm just hanging on to things by my fingernails.
First Lesson of 2011: It's important to take time to care for me and mine....and sometimes it's even ok to put me first. ( I will have to refer back to this periodically, I'm sure)
Happy New Year!
Sunday, December 26, 2010
December At-A-Glance
Things have been busy, life has been getting in the way of my blog time....so, I thought I would try to make this post about quality, rather than quantity....quality may vary.
~Dec 3/2010 was the 1CER Christmas Dinner. It's our annual night out with friends we rarely get to see. It was a good night. I also got to have a coffee and a chat with my good friend Delusional Mom that afternoon....that visit was almost as good as the dinner and dance. (I like it alot) ;)
~I worked a lot in December. Picked up a client, dropped a very part-time client. I won't say I love cleaning, but, it gives me the freedom to be there when my kiddos need me.
~Took photos of the kids for Family gifts. I think they turned out to be pretty good.
~Christmas Concerts for the 3 younger kids, super cute and made this Mama a little teary. Not long ago, they just sat there and refused to sing.....now they are little performers, stealing the show ( in my humble opinion). No photos for this. The battery in the camera died as soon as I tried to take the first shot.
~First band concert for the oldest. Brought back memories for this band geek. He doesn't love it like I did, but he did a great job, and the kids sounded good.
~Mom, Dad and my sis were here over Christmas. Loved having them, hopefully they enjoyed it half as much as I did.
~I did not win the local BL challenge I joined back in October.....but I came in 4th out of 11. The good news is that we are starting again in January, and I have some new workouts to throw into the mix. This time, the pot will be mine.
I'm sure we did much more than this. In fact, I know we did, but most of the days are a blur. Let's just say it was a good month, and I'm hoping for more of the same in 2011.
PS......got one boxing day deal today.
But, the ones I bought are chocolate brown, and I swear they were made for me personally. :)
~Dec 3/2010 was the 1CER Christmas Dinner. It's our annual night out with friends we rarely get to see. It was a good night. I also got to have a coffee and a chat with my good friend Delusional Mom that afternoon....that visit was almost as good as the dinner and dance. (I like it alot) ;)
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| My friend and I in our party dresses |
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| Me and my Hubby |
~Took photos of the kids for Family gifts. I think they turned out to be pretty good.
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| My Four Fabulous Kids |
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| 4 Kids and the Pooch |
~First band concert for the oldest. Brought back memories for this band geek. He doesn't love it like I did, but he did a great job, and the kids sounded good.
~Mom, Dad and my sis were here over Christmas. Loved having them, hopefully they enjoyed it half as much as I did.
~I did not win the local BL challenge I joined back in October.....but I came in 4th out of 11. The good news is that we are starting again in January, and I have some new workouts to throw into the mix. This time, the pot will be mine.
I'm sure we did much more than this. In fact, I know we did, but most of the days are a blur. Let's just say it was a good month, and I'm hoping for more of the same in 2011.
PS......got one boxing day deal today.
But, the ones I bought are chocolate brown, and I swear they were made for me personally. :)
Saturday, October 30, 2010
Boo! It's Time for Halloween
Tomorrow is Halloween. Around here, that means it's time for carving pumpkins. roasting the seeds, and hoping the costumes the kids picked fit, hold together, and are still something they want to wear.
I don't do the decorating thing. Maybe a few spider webs, or caution tape. In years past I did the little pumpkin and ghost bags in the tree. Not now though....maybe I'm becoming a Halloween Grinch....or, maybe it's just that the kids are older.
#1 Son wasn't even going to go Trick or Treating. He's 12, and I know he would have been bummed when #2, #3, and Littlest came home with bags 'o candy ( and I am certain they would not share willingly). So, Ogre Mom that I am, I am making him go. Next year, he can be in charge of taking his siblings out and about. ;)
It's looking like the temp will be above zero tomorrow in the early evening, so added bonus, no snow suits under the costumes! Oh, to live in a place where this is not something to be considered.
Happy Halloween all.
I don't do the decorating thing. Maybe a few spider webs, or caution tape. In years past I did the little pumpkin and ghost bags in the tree. Not now though....maybe I'm becoming a Halloween Grinch....or, maybe it's just that the kids are older.
#1 Son wasn't even going to go Trick or Treating. He's 12, and I know he would have been bummed when #2, #3, and Littlest came home with bags 'o candy ( and I am certain they would not share willingly). So, Ogre Mom that I am, I am making him go. Next year, he can be in charge of taking his siblings out and about. ;)
It's looking like the temp will be above zero tomorrow in the early evening, so added bonus, no snow suits under the costumes! Oh, to live in a place where this is not something to be considered.
Happy Halloween all.
Tuesday, October 26, 2010
It's Been One Week........................
OK, so, a week short a day....I couldn't think of a better title. This was often a stumbling block for me in school. I could write an essay with one eye closed, one hand tied behind my back ( as long as it was my left) the night before it was due and pull off a mark in the high 90's. Usually my title was less than inspired ( such as the one at the top of this post), and it often came back to me with red ink on it.
But, that's not at all what this post is about today....well, I guess it kind of is now.....oh shoot, there I go again! NEXT TOPIC PLEASE!
So, last week, I talked a little about the photos I had done in the city by a fabulous group of ladies at Edmonton Boudoir Photography, and I had said I might share a couple of the shots right here. I love, love, love these pictures. I said it last time, and I'll say it again: You would never know they are me if you walked by me on the street. In everyday life I am Mom in my uniform of jeans, t-shirt and a hoodie. In these pictures.....well, I'll post them and you'll see ( especially if you know me in real life).
I truly feel every woman should do this at least once ( and if you're in Edmonton, I highly recommend this company of women). I'll carry the good feelings from this photo shoot for a long time. Thanks girls!
I had my Picture Day on Sunday (the 17th), then this past Wednesday joined a weightloss challenge here in my little town.I was only at the meeting for a short time ( hubby had an appointment he had to keep), but on short acquaintance, the women participating seem like a good bunch. I didn't know a soul ( 2 years living here has not led to a lot of social outings), but everyone was very friendly. I guess it was because we were all there for the same thing: to lose some weight , and win a little cash! Weigh in is tomorrow, so, we'll see how the first week went.
This little competition is just the push I am needing. If you're a follower, you know that I have been working on this whole "Healthy Lifestyle" thing for awhile. In the past couple of months, the fitness part of things has been pretty good, but the diet.....meh.
But, that's not at all what this post is about today....well, I guess it kind of is now.....oh shoot, there I go again! NEXT TOPIC PLEASE!
So, last week, I talked a little about the photos I had done in the city by a fabulous group of ladies at Edmonton Boudoir Photography, and I had said I might share a couple of the shots right here. I love, love, love these pictures. I said it last time, and I'll say it again: You would never know they are me if you walked by me on the street. In everyday life I am Mom in my uniform of jeans, t-shirt and a hoodie. In these pictures.....well, I'll post them and you'll see ( especially if you know me in real life).
I truly feel every woman should do this at least once ( and if you're in Edmonton, I highly recommend this company of women). I'll carry the good feelings from this photo shoot for a long time. Thanks girls!
I had my Picture Day on Sunday (the 17th), then this past Wednesday joined a weightloss challenge here in my little town.I was only at the meeting for a short time ( hubby had an appointment he had to keep), but on short acquaintance, the women participating seem like a good bunch. I didn't know a soul ( 2 years living here has not led to a lot of social outings), but everyone was very friendly. I guess it was because we were all there for the same thing: to lose some weight , and win a little cash! Weigh in is tomorrow, so, we'll see how the first week went.
This little competition is just the push I am needing. If you're a follower, you know that I have been working on this whole "Healthy Lifestyle" thing for awhile. In the past couple of months, the fitness part of things has been pretty good, but the diet.....meh.
Wednesday, October 20, 2010
....In a Nutshell
It's been a bit since I last posted. So much to catch up on, hate to bore you all.
Here it is in a nutshell:
~#2 has been having a much better time at school. Mrs. Gr.4 has been wonderful! PB has left #2 alone, for the most part. This past Monday, PB had another go at him. Before #2 even had a chance to say anything, another kid from his class told PB to leave him (#2) alone. I'd call that progress.
~ I went into the city this weekend and had photos done again, courtesy of Edmonton Boudoir Photography . It was my second time, and the experience was wonderful. The first time was back in April, 2009 ( I was very nervous then). I hate being in front of the camera as a general rule, but, somehow, this is so different. I can't wait to see them....maybe I'll even post a couple here on the ol' blog.
~I spent a few days in the city ( figured I'd make the most of it). There is never enough time while I'm there to see everyone I want to see, and do all the things I miss. This visit I stayed with my friend L and her 2 girls. L and I went and saw "Salt" , the Angelina Jolie spy movie. As a general rule, I really don't like her....but, the movie was a pretty decent action flick. Leiv Schreiber is also in it, and I love to watch him. ;)
~Monday I met up with a friend who has known me longer than anyone I'm not related to...my fabulous friend K. We reconnected a little over a year ago via Facebook, and I'm so thankful for that. She brought the new addition, baby girl K ( same initial, different name), and we wandered around Ikea and had a bite of lunch.
The only dark spot in the entire weekend was the first day I was there. I stopped in at the Starbuck's closest to L's place, for a caramel macchiato of course. I'm walking toward the store across the parking lot when....I'm frantically trying to keep my balance and not fall on my face! I had managed to find a dip in the asphalt, and had stepped into it, rolling my left ankle. In the time it took for me to take 3 stumbling, fumbling, ungainly steps these thoughts flashed through my mind: "I can't get road rash! I have photos tomorrow! I can't fall, I'll break my wrist, maybe both of them! How will I drive home on Monday? OMG! I must look absolutely ridiculous!". By some miracle, I stayed upright, barely.
So, there I am standing in the parking lot, doing an internal check. Heart is racing, hand are shaking...oh good, held on to my travel mug ( I love that mug)....oh no, oh crap. My left calf, the very same one I have injured a couple of time in my C25K journey, is on fire! ( By the next morning, the back of that knee, and thigh were also giving my grief). So back to limping and squeaking when I have to crouch down. :( Oh, I nearly forgot! To top it all off, I look up, and there is a police officer in his cruiser, having a laugh at my expense. Could have been worse, I know.
Happy Wednesday folks!
Here it is in a nutshell:
~#2 has been having a much better time at school. Mrs. Gr.4 has been wonderful! PB has left #2 alone, for the most part. This past Monday, PB had another go at him. Before #2 even had a chance to say anything, another kid from his class told PB to leave him (#2) alone. I'd call that progress.
~ I went into the city this weekend and had photos done again, courtesy of Edmonton Boudoir Photography . It was my second time, and the experience was wonderful. The first time was back in April, 2009 ( I was very nervous then). I hate being in front of the camera as a general rule, but, somehow, this is so different. I can't wait to see them....maybe I'll even post a couple here on the ol' blog.
~I spent a few days in the city ( figured I'd make the most of it). There is never enough time while I'm there to see everyone I want to see, and do all the things I miss. This visit I stayed with my friend L and her 2 girls. L and I went and saw "Salt" , the Angelina Jolie spy movie. As a general rule, I really don't like her....but, the movie was a pretty decent action flick. Leiv Schreiber is also in it, and I love to watch him. ;)
~Monday I met up with a friend who has known me longer than anyone I'm not related to...my fabulous friend K. We reconnected a little over a year ago via Facebook, and I'm so thankful for that. She brought the new addition, baby girl K ( same initial, different name), and we wandered around Ikea and had a bite of lunch.
The only dark spot in the entire weekend was the first day I was there. I stopped in at the Starbuck's closest to L's place, for a caramel macchiato of course. I'm walking toward the store across the parking lot when....I'm frantically trying to keep my balance and not fall on my face! I had managed to find a dip in the asphalt, and had stepped into it, rolling my left ankle. In the time it took for me to take 3 stumbling, fumbling, ungainly steps these thoughts flashed through my mind: "I can't get road rash! I have photos tomorrow! I can't fall, I'll break my wrist, maybe both of them! How will I drive home on Monday? OMG! I must look absolutely ridiculous!". By some miracle, I stayed upright, barely.
So, there I am standing in the parking lot, doing an internal check. Heart is racing, hand are shaking...oh good, held on to my travel mug ( I love that mug)....oh no, oh crap. My left calf, the very same one I have injured a couple of time in my C25K journey, is on fire! ( By the next morning, the back of that knee, and thigh were also giving my grief). So back to limping and squeaking when I have to crouch down. :( Oh, I nearly forgot! To top it all off, I look up, and there is a police officer in his cruiser, having a laugh at my expense. Could have been worse, I know.
Happy Wednesday folks!
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