Life happens. And for all good intentions what you have planned does not always go as planned. My 2017 plans to be a better person for me got derailed when on the first week of this new year I came down with the knock down drag out stomach flu. I will spare you the unpleasant details but it wasn't pretty. It took me 3 days to drink a small gatorade and eat a couple of saltine crackers. Water was the main part of my diet for a few days. I tried to eat...but I paid for it after eating for many days after this bug hit as well as for weeks following. I can finally eat without after meal pain. I just can't eat a lot yet. My energy levels are not where they were and my blood sugar levels are still out of whack.
My goals for this year was to make more and better healthy choices and eliminate some food groups out of my diet for a variety of health reasons. Well sugar free and gluten free have not happened and here we are Feb. 1, one month into the new year. After getting hit on Jan. 3 with that nasty bug my health, lifestyle and energy has been compromised. Working out has been a challenge to say the least-I lack energy, big time. And yes it has put me in a foul and bad mood at times. Yes I'm tired and some evenings I fight to keep going despite the fact that it is only 7:30 or 8:30 at night. I know I will be awake at 3 a.m. if I fall asleep too early. I try to keep going, get things done, get my steps in and plug away. Someday's I do it, other days, not so much.
Lack of sunshine and poor moral at work or by those around me has not helped either. And I've continued to plug way, going through the motions, showing up, doing what I have to and getting out. Not a good way to live life.
The one highlight I had was my son's wedding. I put the residual affects of the flu aside and had fun, made memories, relaxed and enjoyed.
I've tried to remember that there are people, probably some very close around me, who would give anything to even have one of my bad days....let that soak in. Lack of sunshine, the flu or the behavior of others is small potatoes compared to what some people are dealing with. I can deal with and need to get to a better place, PLUS learn to be patient with myself, something I lack a great deal.
So with the start of this new month, I'm going to pretend it is Jan. 1 rather than Feb. 1 and start again with my mission. And that is to continue to be more physically active, to eat healthier, make better food choices, eliminate the negative and do more of what makes ME happy and stop trying to please everyone else. Oh, and say NO when I want to and not feel guilty about it. It's a new day, new month and still a new year. So what if there are only 11 months left, it's better than nothing. It's time to kick some butt, and move forward, because NO ONE is guaranteed to be here at the end of the day, week, month or year. Make today count, even if its a small step. So there life, take that!
Wednesday, February 1, 2017
Monday, January 16, 2017
Trying something new
I've thought several times about going back to take classes in a variety of subjects. But I've never said it out loud to anyone or if I did it was more of a mention or kind of an off handed comment. I love technology and do okay working with it. And last fall I found some webpage designing classes that interested me. I bookmarked the local college class page and told myself "after the weddings I'd come back".
Well it's "after the weddings" and with time on my hands with a snow day today the thought about that webpage class popped up while I was in my computer book marks when I was looking for something else. I trolled through the syllabus, first week assignment, pre-class quiz and then the books suggested for the class. I then skipped over to amazon.com and checked out the three books the professor recommended for the class. And to my surprise they didn't cost an arm and a leg. I trolled for the best price, least amount of shipping and book description. And as I sat there with those three books in my cart I second guessed myself, told myself it was a waste of time and money, and that I had better things to pay for with the cost of the books and class. Then something clicked. Why not do this? Why not try something new and for me? So I did it. I ordered the books! And once I can reset my password for the college website (I forgot what it was!) I'm going to register and pay for that class and start class later here soon. I'm going to do it. Try it. See how I do. If I understand it. And better myself. What the heck. Just like getting a hair cut or going to the dentist, these are things we do for ourselves to make us better in some way. Why not make your mind better?
So here I go again. I love to learn and we'll see if this is really my thing or not. But at least I know I did it. I took the risk. I'm trying to better myself and who know where this could take me. But I'm going to give it a try.
Well it's "after the weddings" and with time on my hands with a snow day today the thought about that webpage class popped up while I was in my computer book marks when I was looking for something else. I trolled through the syllabus, first week assignment, pre-class quiz and then the books suggested for the class. I then skipped over to amazon.com and checked out the three books the professor recommended for the class. And to my surprise they didn't cost an arm and a leg. I trolled for the best price, least amount of shipping and book description. And as I sat there with those three books in my cart I second guessed myself, told myself it was a waste of time and money, and that I had better things to pay for with the cost of the books and class. Then something clicked. Why not do this? Why not try something new and for me? So I did it. I ordered the books! And once I can reset my password for the college website (I forgot what it was!) I'm going to register and pay for that class and start class later here soon. I'm going to do it. Try it. See how I do. If I understand it. And better myself. What the heck. Just like getting a hair cut or going to the dentist, these are things we do for ourselves to make us better in some way. Why not make your mind better?
So here I go again. I love to learn and we'll see if this is really my thing or not. But at least I know I did it. I took the risk. I'm trying to better myself and who know where this could take me. But I'm going to give it a try.
Sunday, January 8, 2017
The ride has been a blast
I'm about to come to the end of an almost two-year long journey this next weekend. What started in late May 2015 with the simple but life changing phrase of "will you marry me?" and then went on to tripled is about to close.
When all three of my kids got engaged within four months of one another it was a thrill. This next step in their lives was exciting to witness and from a mom's perspective made my heart happy!
And to all of my kids and their significant others well, what has followed for the past 20 months has been amazing and an honor and a privilege to be a part of! Thank you for allowing me to share and celebrate with you all! From the struggles of setting dates and venues to menus, travel plans, working with the other parents, or caters or friends and a million other things, it has been a fun ride. (I have no horror stories like I've heard other mothers share,)
Honestly as all the dates were set, one by one, all I could think about was how fun! And it wasn't until people started pointing out that I had not one, not two but three weddings in less than five months that for a short time, a very short time, I had a small panic attack. Regardless if you are the parents of the bride or groom a wedding is no small undertaking. And well, I panicked. But that was short lived because regard less if they were five months or five days or five years apart I was going to enjoy to the best of my ability these three weddings! And I am! I've always found myself each time someone would comment about having these three life events happen so close together think about how lucky, blessed and loved I am that I am here and able to help celebrate these weddings. So blessed!
Each wedding has or will be as different as each of my kids. Fitting for their and their spouses personalities. There is no comparing. Each wedding has a different theme, food, cake, music, dresses, flowers and a variation on guests. Traditions have varied as well along with the weather! And each is beautiful beyond measure. I have no favorites, I have memories. Happy memories of love and laughter and fun. Who could ask for anything more?
So as this final "wedding week" rolls around and one week from today I will be a three-wedding mom veteran, it is with a smile and full heart I will remember each wedding, just as each of my kids learned to walk at a different age, have different personalities and different goals in life this next chapter in their lives is also unique and individual It makes them who they are and makes me proud.
So my wish today for each couple, as it was 20 months ago when all of this started with the first engagement, is for a lifetime of happiness, love, good health and support not only for each other but from family and friends. Life does not always go as we plan or want it. But when you have someone by your side who loves and supports you every step of the way it will be a journey filled with love, laughter, happiness and fun.
Thank you all for letting me go on this ride with you. It has been an honor and I've loved every minute of it. What great memories! Love you all!
When all three of my kids got engaged within four months of one another it was a thrill. This next step in their lives was exciting to witness and from a mom's perspective made my heart happy!
And to all of my kids and their significant others well, what has followed for the past 20 months has been amazing and an honor and a privilege to be a part of! Thank you for allowing me to share and celebrate with you all! From the struggles of setting dates and venues to menus, travel plans, working with the other parents, or caters or friends and a million other things, it has been a fun ride. (I have no horror stories like I've heard other mothers share,)
Honestly as all the dates were set, one by one, all I could think about was how fun! And it wasn't until people started pointing out that I had not one, not two but three weddings in less than five months that for a short time, a very short time, I had a small panic attack. Regardless if you are the parents of the bride or groom a wedding is no small undertaking. And well, I panicked. But that was short lived because regard less if they were five months or five days or five years apart I was going to enjoy to the best of my ability these three weddings! And I am! I've always found myself each time someone would comment about having these three life events happen so close together think about how lucky, blessed and loved I am that I am here and able to help celebrate these weddings. So blessed!
Each wedding has or will be as different as each of my kids. Fitting for their and their spouses personalities. There is no comparing. Each wedding has a different theme, food, cake, music, dresses, flowers and a variation on guests. Traditions have varied as well along with the weather! And each is beautiful beyond measure. I have no favorites, I have memories. Happy memories of love and laughter and fun. Who could ask for anything more?
So as this final "wedding week" rolls around and one week from today I will be a three-wedding mom veteran, it is with a smile and full heart I will remember each wedding, just as each of my kids learned to walk at a different age, have different personalities and different goals in life this next chapter in their lives is also unique and individual It makes them who they are and makes me proud.
So my wish today for each couple, as it was 20 months ago when all of this started with the first engagement, is for a lifetime of happiness, love, good health and support not only for each other but from family and friends. Life does not always go as we plan or want it. But when you have someone by your side who loves and supports you every step of the way it will be a journey filled with love, laughter, happiness and fun.
Thank you all for letting me go on this ride with you. It has been an honor and I've loved every minute of it. What great memories! Love you all!
Monday, January 2, 2017
New year, new start
Everyone looks back on the old year and ahead to a new year from a different perspective!
-Some people are happy to see the old year gone. I don't like wishing for time to go faster or wishing it away, or for a certain thing to be over in order to get on to another thing. Life is too short to wish it away or to only wish for one thing then move on to the next. It is fine to look forward to something but the days in between are just as important and precious.
-Some people always view the out-going year as bad. Yes bad things happen every year. But just because of a few bad things doesn't make the whole year bad. Probably more than likely for a lot of people is if you look back most of the days of a year are okay or pretty good. But a lot of people let a few bad days define a whole year. Kind of like letting a few bad minutes ruin a whole day.
-Some people relish and enjoy the past year and all the experiences, regardless if it was a good or bad year. I find this especially true for those who are facing some of the hardest battles in life.
2016 was a mixed year for me. I celebrated two family weddings and three in all. I helped celebrate a milestone for my sister. I also dealt with health diagnosis in my family that are difficult, one in particular hit home. But both, the good and bad, has brought us together to celebrate and strengthened the bonds I have with my sister. The good with the bad, that's what life is all about. The good things, even small ones, need to be celebrated and appreciated. And the bad helps us appreciate the good and the normal days.
So in this new year I am looking forward to two more weddings! Both will be happy occasions. And in this new year I pray and hope for healing not only for my sister and brother from cancer but for all those who are dealing with health issues. There are a ton of other things to look forward to, 365 sunrises and sunsets (actually 363 sunrises and 354 sunsets since today is Jan. 2) but these small things are gifts, just as each heartbeat and breath is and each day is as well.
So here's to a new year. We know there will be good and there will be bad. But if it's a good or bad year when we look back on it on Dec. 31, 2017 is entirely up to us...make the best of it, most of it, live it and enjoy the ride.
-Some people are happy to see the old year gone. I don't like wishing for time to go faster or wishing it away, or for a certain thing to be over in order to get on to another thing. Life is too short to wish it away or to only wish for one thing then move on to the next. It is fine to look forward to something but the days in between are just as important and precious.
-Some people always view the out-going year as bad. Yes bad things happen every year. But just because of a few bad things doesn't make the whole year bad. Probably more than likely for a lot of people is if you look back most of the days of a year are okay or pretty good. But a lot of people let a few bad days define a whole year. Kind of like letting a few bad minutes ruin a whole day.
-Some people relish and enjoy the past year and all the experiences, regardless if it was a good or bad year. I find this especially true for those who are facing some of the hardest battles in life.
2016 was a mixed year for me. I celebrated two family weddings and three in all. I helped celebrate a milestone for my sister. I also dealt with health diagnosis in my family that are difficult, one in particular hit home. But both, the good and bad, has brought us together to celebrate and strengthened the bonds I have with my sister. The good with the bad, that's what life is all about. The good things, even small ones, need to be celebrated and appreciated. And the bad helps us appreciate the good and the normal days.
So in this new year I am looking forward to two more weddings! Both will be happy occasions. And in this new year I pray and hope for healing not only for my sister and brother from cancer but for all those who are dealing with health issues. There are a ton of other things to look forward to, 365 sunrises and sunsets (actually 363 sunrises and 354 sunsets since today is Jan. 2) but these small things are gifts, just as each heartbeat and breath is and each day is as well.
So here's to a new year. We know there will be good and there will be bad. But if it's a good or bad year when we look back on it on Dec. 31, 2017 is entirely up to us...make the best of it, most of it, live it and enjoy the ride.
Wednesday, December 14, 2016
I borrowed this but so true
My children ask me each year the same question. After thinking about it, I'm deciding to give them my real answer:
What do I want for Christmas or my Birthdays? I want you. I want you to keep coming around, I want you to bring your kids around, I want you to ask me questions, ask my advice, tell me your problems, ask for my opinion, ask for my help. I want you to come over and rant about your problems, rant about life, whatever. Tell me about your job, your worries, your significant other, your kids, and your pets that I hope you have. I want you to continue sharing your life with me. Come over and laugh with me, or laugh at me, I don't care. Hearing you laugh is music to me.
I spent the better part of my life raising you the best way I knew how, and I'm not bragging, but I did a pretty good job, no matter how chaotic it looked (or felt) sometimes. Now, give me time to sit back and admire my work, I'm pretty proud of it.
Raid my refrigerator, help yourself, I really don't mind. In fact, I wouldn't want it any other way.
I want you to spend your money making a better life for you and your family. I have the things I need. I want to see you happy and healthy.
When you ask me what I want for Christmas, the real truth is that I want you to spend time with me.
FYI -I didn't draft this up but copied and pasted because I thought it was AWESOME. It's exactly how I feel.
Sunday, December 11, 2016
Trying to understand
Loosing a loved one or a dear friend or community leader is heart breaking. But when a small town is hit hard two times with three senseless, heart breaking deaths in 24 hours, well we do not have an explanations or logic. Why? That phrase has ran through my mind a million times over the past 48 hours. Why?
They say a parent should never have to bury a child, it is not the order life should go in. And still it happens. I watched it happen with my own father and mother in-law when they had to bury their adult son. Heartbreaking is an understatement.
And today our community mourns the loss of two young people, we are in stunned disbelief. Again heartbreaking is an understatement. As a mother all I can think about is the devastating heartache not only the mother of these two boys but the dad as well, are feeling and will continue to feel all the days of their lives. It is beyond comprehensible. And regardless if your child is 14-years old or 10-years old and dies in a bad auto accident or is 25-years old and is gunned down while in the line of duty as a police officer....burying a child as a parent should not happen. But in reality it does.
We are told to put our faith in God. It is all part of God's plan. I remember my mom saying she was always kind of envious of those who died before her or were young when they passed away. She always said their work here on earth was done. They could go home and be with God in heaven. Some people get there sooner than others, other people have a lot more work and take longer to reach that goal. This was my mom's simple answer to death and life...one I've tried to keep and believe. But right now it's hard, very hard to accept this.
We are not supposed to question God's plan. But we do, when we loose faith and we can't see the light or the reason why.
I know as a mother I would give my life for any of my children, without a second thought. This is what unconditional love as a parent is. I have felt this way since the moment I found out I was pregnant with all of my kids.
I pray and try to put my fears and worries in God's hands every day as all of my kids and their spouses get into vehicles to travel to and from to work every single day. I worry and pray, God keep them safe. I don't always remember that regardless of my prayers it is truly in God's hands and he already has a plan, regardless of my prayers and useless worrying. God's plan...we struggle with this daily. Accepting it. Remembering it. And putting faith in it.
So as cruel and heartbreaking this all is for my little community remember to love one another, be kind and it's not all about one person or family but about all of us because no is is promised tomorrow.
Time will help with the pain but they will always be in our heart.
They say a parent should never have to bury a child, it is not the order life should go in. And still it happens. I watched it happen with my own father and mother in-law when they had to bury their adult son. Heartbreaking is an understatement.
And today our community mourns the loss of two young people, we are in stunned disbelief. Again heartbreaking is an understatement. As a mother all I can think about is the devastating heartache not only the mother of these two boys but the dad as well, are feeling and will continue to feel all the days of their lives. It is beyond comprehensible. And regardless if your child is 14-years old or 10-years old and dies in a bad auto accident or is 25-years old and is gunned down while in the line of duty as a police officer....burying a child as a parent should not happen. But in reality it does.
We are told to put our faith in God. It is all part of God's plan. I remember my mom saying she was always kind of envious of those who died before her or were young when they passed away. She always said their work here on earth was done. They could go home and be with God in heaven. Some people get there sooner than others, other people have a lot more work and take longer to reach that goal. This was my mom's simple answer to death and life...one I've tried to keep and believe. But right now it's hard, very hard to accept this.
We are not supposed to question God's plan. But we do, when we loose faith and we can't see the light or the reason why.
I know as a mother I would give my life for any of my children, without a second thought. This is what unconditional love as a parent is. I have felt this way since the moment I found out I was pregnant with all of my kids.
I pray and try to put my fears and worries in God's hands every day as all of my kids and their spouses get into vehicles to travel to and from to work every single day. I worry and pray, God keep them safe. I don't always remember that regardless of my prayers it is truly in God's hands and he already has a plan, regardless of my prayers and useless worrying. God's plan...we struggle with this daily. Accepting it. Remembering it. And putting faith in it.
So as cruel and heartbreaking this all is for my little community remember to love one another, be kind and it's not all about one person or family but about all of us because no is is promised tomorrow.
Time will help with the pain but they will always be in our heart.
Friday, December 9, 2016
My favorite Christmas song
It's that time of year...Christmas music abounds. And if you hate it, I'm sorry. But if you love it then this time of year is all yours.
I do agree there is a fine line between too early but usually, for me anyway, Christmas music makes me feel good and brings happy memories. So I will listen to it before Thanksgiving in moderation but for the most part I'm ready for the carols after turkey day. (and if my iTunes starts to play a holiday song any other time of year because its on my playlist I shut it down.)
But choosing a favorite, well that's a whole other thing, but here I go! White Christmas by Bing Crosby makes me nostalgic and brings me happy but sad memories. The movie White Christmas was one of my mom's most favorite movies. She and I would stay up late to watch it when I was a kid as it was usually shown on Saturday nights as the late movie starting at 10:30. To this day my mom is the one person who comes to mind when I hear that version of the holiday favorite.
My favorite song to sing along to is Hey Santa, and I'm not sure who sings it, but I love to listen to it and it just makes me wanna sing along. No reasons here, just does.
The song that brings me the most peace at this time of year is Silent Night and it really does not matter who sings it, as long as it is done the way it is meant to be done then I'm good with it.
No judging here! At least two of these songs are my favorites because of my childhood and probably my mom is the biggest influence for them. I just know they make me happy!
The worse...well I've got a couple, Grandma got run over by a reindeer-not sure who sings that one, too hillbilly and corny. And the all time worse Christmas song for me-Christmas in Iowa by a girl/sister group from Iowa or Nebraska...it sours my holiday spirit on the first note!!!
Remember to keep a song in your heart!!
I do agree there is a fine line between too early but usually, for me anyway, Christmas music makes me feel good and brings happy memories. So I will listen to it before Thanksgiving in moderation but for the most part I'm ready for the carols after turkey day. (and if my iTunes starts to play a holiday song any other time of year because its on my playlist I shut it down.)
But choosing a favorite, well that's a whole other thing, but here I go! White Christmas by Bing Crosby makes me nostalgic and brings me happy but sad memories. The movie White Christmas was one of my mom's most favorite movies. She and I would stay up late to watch it when I was a kid as it was usually shown on Saturday nights as the late movie starting at 10:30. To this day my mom is the one person who comes to mind when I hear that version of the holiday favorite.
My favorite song to sing along to is Hey Santa, and I'm not sure who sings it, but I love to listen to it and it just makes me wanna sing along. No reasons here, just does.
The song that brings me the most peace at this time of year is Silent Night and it really does not matter who sings it, as long as it is done the way it is meant to be done then I'm good with it.
No judging here! At least two of these songs are my favorites because of my childhood and probably my mom is the biggest influence for them. I just know they make me happy!
The worse...well I've got a couple, Grandma got run over by a reindeer-not sure who sings that one, too hillbilly and corny. And the all time worse Christmas song for me-Christmas in Iowa by a girl/sister group from Iowa or Nebraska...it sours my holiday spirit on the first note!!!
Remember to keep a song in your heart!!
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)