Decompressing

I'm in decompress mode. I've been so busy, and I seem to be having more days where I end up lacking energy. I'm reaching the point where I need to STOP and CHILL before I over stress and make myself sick.

People were bringing me down. That's another sign I know I need to STOP and find my inner peace. A customer was really rude to me. I recognized she was stealing my joy, but I also realized, I'd rather she yell at me than have her treat someone else so poorly. I can eventually shake off her negative energy when I turn my focus elsewhere. Maybe this was why she was placed on my path? Because God knew I could rise above her brokenness and see past it.

I've been trying to get ready for the Dirty Girl Run, or as I prefer to call it, the Dirty Girl Hike. My sister has been a tremendous support for me. Others have not been so supportive. I've been told flat out, "You can't do this." I suppose this is because they look at my body and see only fat. They don't know this fat girl can walk over 3 miles, no problem. Thankfully my sister reminds me we are in it together, and we'll take as much time as we need to finish, and then I feel more encouraged. I will never be a runner. I'm just too well endowed. I can hike though, and I can hike for longer distances now.

The garden has been a good stress reliever. I probably should be weeding a little more, but I have been faithfully watering and picking off harmful bugs. My baby spinach bolted almost immediately, but I am still being rewarded with my favorite garden candy, Sugar Snap Peas. For some reason the Swiss Chard is really slow to grow this year, but my spaghetti squash is looking fabulous. Hard to believe after buying those sad looking plants at the nursery. The melons all look really good too. The potatoes have me wanting to keep building the raised bed even higher. Maybe I'll just try the straw cover at this point. The last time we raised the sides of the potato bed it took so much dirt to fill it. I cut the scapes off of the garlic and the leaves are turning brown. I think I will harvest it in 2 weeks time.

I was caught up in the idea we should have a summer bucket list. I kept asking the boys, "What should we do? What do you want to do to make this summer memorable?" We had a hard time coming up with answers and then one day I decided to stop worrying about it. I spent the day making silly videos with them and had a blast. It dawned on me, this is our summer bucket list goal. Just have fun and don't worry about planning so much.

I'm looking forward to spending the weekend with my family. We'll take DH out for Father's Day. I don't have gifts yet for him. A few things have been ordered, but they won't arrive in time. Instead I will focus on just giving him a good, weekend experience since he works so hard all week. We'll have lunch out on Saturday at "The Lob" as the boys like to call it. (Red Lobster) On Sunday we're planning a hike in the woods in Troll country.

One more thing I want to mention. My sister has inspired me to create a safe, calm, sanctuary spot in my nest. We're both frustrated we're not dropping much weight despite how much walking we've been doing. My doctor said, "Your heart sounds excellent, but after 40, its very difficult for women to lose weight, even if you eat right and exercise. Try add weight training."  I also read about how stress will prevent you from losing weight. Toxins are stored in your fat. When you are stressed, your body already has enough toxins to purge through. It doesn't want you to burn fat releasing more toxins to the mix. My sister and I both plan on making meditation and stress release a daily part of our routines. I also took it as a sign when I opened my Dove chocolate and the wrapper read, "Create A Happy Place."

I hope you all have a great weekend. I'll be doing my best to create one myself.

Moanday's Weekend Recap 8/22/11

Taking it easy this Moanday. Maybe it was the full weekend, maybe it was the strange insomnia last night or maybe it was the mysterious insect that has left several giant red welts on my body, but I'm feeling like a wilted flower today.

Here's the weekend recap.

Friday morning, we helped DS15 shoot some scenes for his movie at a grocery store. I made sure it wasn't one we frequented in case we ruffled feathers, but no one seemed to mind what we were up to. Friday afternoon, I helped him shoot more scenes at our local area park.

Friday night visited a family member for his birthday, enjoyed tasty Angry Bird cake. Late Friday night, I freaked out while watching Insidious. Its been awhile since a movie has made me scream out loud and run around turning on lights.

Saturday morning slept in a bit then went out shopping with my sister. Saturday late afternoon, lupper (lunch/supper) with my boys and DH. I believe we chilled out the rest of the night, I'm having a mental block here. Oh wait, now I remember! I made more healthy Oatmeal Walnut Fudge!!

Sunday morning up and on the road to G-Ma's house. After picking her up, we headed over to Illinois State Park Beach to do some hiking. (I find it hilarious that after growing up in that state, but living in WI since 1991, I can no longer spell Illinois without spell check!) Many of the trails are still closed after the storm about a month ago, but there were some open on the North end. We enjoyed a good hike, but I remember feeling like I was being bit up, although I saw no insects. We found a good sized snake and close by a chunky toad, along with several different species of grasshopper.

Sunday afternoon another Lupper(lunch/supper) this time at Infusinos for pizza and moe joes. Hung around with G-Ma watching Fear Factor and setting up the family reunion Facebook page before setting off for home.

Sunday night, could not sleep. Strange anxiety even though I had nothing to stress out over. (Stupid hormones?!) I'd start to fall asleep and then jolt awake thinking - I'm not getting any sleep and I have so much to do tomorrow! I think I was too tired to relax. Know what I mean? I should have gotten up and had tea or something, but for some reason, I didn't.

I woke up here Monday morning with large red welts on my arms. It must have been something at the park, but I suppose I shouldn't rule out spiders.

I went for a 45 minute walk early in the morning, despite the lack of sleep, only to feel like crashing by 11:00am. Recharged slightly with a veggie sandwich and watched a few International House Hunters while waiting for the laundry machines. I'm going to need a Diet Coke to make it through my shift tonight.

DS12 got his bike ride in and logged in his notebook. Today he went over the 50 mile mark! I'm so impressed by his dedication when it comes to exercising.

DS15 is suffering from allergies but still working on his films. I need to lift myself off this chair and see what he has painted for his latest homemade prop.

I'll continue plowing through Moanday and I know tomorrow I'll feel better.

Thinking About Tea & Exercise Planning

Yumi thought you may be interested in how I store so much tea in my pantry. I use a cardboard flat to hold the boxes and when a box gets low, I move the few remaining tea bags to this plastic shoe box. These sit nicely on the top shelf in my pantry and I can slide them out when I want to rummage for a tea fix.

I need this Friday. I have a few errands to run, but other than that, I'm planning on recharging today. My to do list for this weekend is stacked.

I was tempted by the Tread Climber, until I saw the price. We already have a treadmill, but I find it boring. I'm sure if we did purchase a tread climber, I would eventually grow bored with it as well.

My problem is, winter is coming, and I know the day will come when I can't walk outside. I have to think of something to keep my workouts going. Mall walking won't work because I'd have to drive 20 miles one way, to the nearest mall each day. Maybe I'll buy ice grippers for my winter boots. That's my main worry about walking in winter, slipping on ice.

I should start swimming again, but to be honest, do I want to drive in to work on the days I'm not scheduled just to work out? The commute time is equivalent to the exercise time. I don't think I'd stick with it, having to give up so much of my free time.

I'm just going to have to put myself on a schedule, make myself walk the treadmill while watching TV and maybe mix it up with Wii Fit and maybe as much outdoor activity as I can manage.

We're Moving!

My whole family has began exercising more, and I'm very happy about that. I was hoping this would happen as I renewed my commitment to exercise. The boys have made a goal to run a mile each day on the treadmill and DS14 this week increased his goal, running 1.5 miles a day. My DH is back to his running routine too and also often walks with me.

I can remember back in high school gym class groaning about having to run the mile. We only did it once or twice every two weeks or so, but it was the dreaded day of P.E. "We're running the mile today, ugh!" Usually we tried not to sweat. LOL!

Now here I am as an adult and I feel blessed to be able to walk a mile. I WISH I could run like I did back in my thinner youth!

My boys have a completely different outlook when running on the treadmill than I had at their age.  Maybe that's because for them its about fitness, and they don't have worry about being sweaty and smelly around their peer group? Plus, they get to watch TV while they run, or if they walk with us, they know they have our undivided attention to speak their minds.

DS11 will also tell me, "This will make me a better cop one day, being fit." To him, the exercise is a way a meet his goals. To me back in high school, running the mile felt like a punishment the gym teachers demanded of us. 

This is another example of how self-schooling (unschooling), is so much better than trying to force something on someone. You have to decide to want the change, growth, advancement, education, etc. for yourself. You make that personal commitment to do it for yourself first and no one can ever take that away from you.

I want my children and husband to be healthy, but it would be wrong for me to say to them, "You need to exercise, You're out of shape and unhealthy, " and expect them to want to change. I would only be passing judgment on their choice of lifestyle.

I have learned a better way is to first do it yourself and wait to see if others will be inspired by you and follow. By nature, I believe God made us to be monkey see, monkey want to do too, and if we "be the change we want to see" it will work to bring others closer to sharing your world.

Because we self educate living in a family dynamic, we also are aware we are setting an example for those we love, not just acquaintances. This makes a difference because due to the strong bonds you have with loved ones, you want nothing but the best for them. You also want to be the best you can be FOR them as well.

The family environment is designed to support and lift us up as we work through life's obstacles. This effect cannot be duplicated in any other social network. Our family loves each other unconditionally. We've created the perfect safe place, our sanctuary, for inspiring and learning from each other and the world around us.

Training Log for Running, Cycling, and Triathlon | dailymile

http://www.dailymile.com
I've been having fun logging in my walks. I really enjoy the weekly report of how far I've walked, and being able to create and map out different routes. If you feel like joining me, please let me know and we can "friend" each other for support.

I should be sleeping in but since I can't.....

I'll babble.

Multiply has just stepped over the line. I can ignore most advertisements but they have found my weakness. The Hershey Kiss logo staring at me from the corner is pushing me over the edge! Wish I could afford a premium membership.

Last night we watched a few episodes of World War II in HD. It was pretty good. The boys were really into it, and I know this is because of their gaming. I found it odd to be seeing so much color footage of the early 40's. The soldiers all looked so youthful. Its easy to forget that when you see older World War II veterens. They were fighting all over the world at such a young age.

I'm trying to feel more organized. I know a great deal of the stress I've been feeling since working more hours is because I don't feel balanced. I also worry I'm not getting stuff accomplished because I'm pulled in different directions. So this week I'm writing down each day, stuff I need to tend to. I prioritize the list and if something isn't completed, it gets moved to the next day.

Remarkably, its helped already. Even if I don't feel like I'm accomplishing much, I can review the list and see that indeed I am reaching goals. Plus, my family has stepped up and completed stuff on my list too. I suppose it was a good decision to leave this list out in the open where they could see it. :) Coming home yesterday to the smell of a clean bathroom was a gift!

I've placed "Exercise" on the list for everyday and given it a priority of 1. Its easy for me to place my family's needs and work's needs in front of my own, but I also know that exercise isn't really just for me. By exercising I can stay healthy, which in turn means I'm available for my family and work. I know I've been exposed countless times to illness, and I also know each time I've been able to fight it off. I'm worried this won't continue to be the case though, since my daily walks had disappeared once I began working double the number of hours I had worked before. So now as soon as my work shift is over on Mon-Wed-Fri, I'm exercising, and on Tues & Thurs, I'm exercising after breakfast.

And with that final sentence of the last paragraph, my oatmeal is consumed. So I'm off to change from pajamas to work out clothes.