Vegmom Moments

Three Year Pep Talk

Wednesday was a little bit of a crazy day for me, starting out on Television... Whoop.. Step Back... Let me explain..

I was scheduled to teach a workshop in the evening on Wednesday.  Well, at some point on Tuesday while out on a field waiting for Vegkid's school olympics to start, I got a text asking if I could be at a TV Studio the next morning to promote the workshop.  

"Ummm... Sure, I suppose"

And then I freaked out just a little bit.   Me ON TV, what would I say?  How should I look?  Would I make a fool of myself while representing the gym where the workshop was to be held?

In the coaching world we call that STINKIN' THINKIN'!  And man did I have it... ALL - NIGHT - LONG!

After all, I have trouble with my words on a good day let alone in front of LIVE TV at 7am..  Sure I can host workshops, train, coach and teach.  But behind a camera and on LIVE Television... There are no Do-Overs!  No chance to fix the way you look or adjust something that you said.  Once it is out there.. Yeah.. it is out there!

Yet on my vision board, there is a note that says "BE ON TV"....  I was!  Now I can remove that from the vision board and make room for something else.  

As for being on TV... Yeah, I ended up appearing directly after the new donut shop story and the weatherman chanting:  "Mmmm Bacon Maple Donuts".. It was classic.  As in the perfect moment that I couldn't have planned better if I had done it myself.   I didn't totally freeze and feel like I answered the questions well.  However I did look like a fool swallowed by a giant couch, but that is OK... Much respect to those that do that kind of thing for a living. 

Moving on... I mentioned it was a crazy day..  First the morning news, then a crazy gym workout to clear my head and then off to my old stomping ground. 

I had to drop something off to a friend that still works at the building I used to work at.  It didn't dawn on me until I walked up to the building that it had been almost three years since I'd been there last. 

In fact it had been Exactly THREE years since my first Earthfest Booth.  It had been three years since I decided my career was officially going to change.  

The Stinkin Thinkin started to flow in to my head as I pulled in to that parking spot:

"Wow, I should have so many more clients if I've been doing this for three years"

"I should have a better plan by now, completed more, found my secret sauce"

"After three years, it should be easier.  I shouldn't be running around like crazy, representing other businesses instead of my own, and I should have a better focus, a better vision"

Then the other side of my brain popped in to action (the part that I actually choose to listen to):

"OH My KALE... be quiet mean brain!  Look at all you HAVE accomplished and all the people whose lives have changed in just three years, and only because you decided to do this for a living.  Thousands of people through classes, workshops, articles, personal coaching, groups and challenges have been touched by your words.  Look at all the success stories, the happiness spread, the confidence built."

"In three years, you went from a person who has never lifted 10 pounds to competing in strength competitions and now training youth athletes.  Heck you have a medal that says "Badass" on it, so it must be true"

"In three years, you've created friendships that will last a life time, lost friends, buried your mom, her husband, two other relatives, and two treasured pups.  You dealt with your husband not working to finding himself again and started a new company with nothing but a passion to make a difference in people's lives."

"In three years, you've recreated who you are capable of being, lost weight, became stronger, lead by example, finished school, completed extra courses, got three certifications, created processes, inspired others, and continued to raise a young man in to the adult that he will become"

"In three years, people have invited you in to their homes, businesses, and lives to assist in the changes that they were ready to make.  You have provided advice to hundreds of other coaches, been asked to appear as a guest on calls and webinars, created online programs, and built a new inner voice that has found her happy!

----------

On Tuesday while sitting on the field waiting for VegKid's School Olympics to start and after I received the text to be on the morning news; another Mom asked me this question:

"I'm thinking of starting my own business so I can leave my corporate job.  Looking back, do you regret making that decision?"

And I replied with certainty:

"ABSOLUTELY NOT!!"

----------

On Wednesday night, I had the opportunity to visit with a two times cancer thriver that I'm coaching toward her wellness journey.  She had hope!  For the first time in 20yrs, she was taking care of her self, had a pep in her step and was feeling amazing.  She had light in her eyes again and a plan to live her life on her terms.  She found her Happy!! 

That, THAT is why I do what I do.  It is why I did what I did.  It is why three years later, I wouldn't change a thing!

----------

My Wednesday was a Crazy Day! one of reflection, mental clarity, facing fear.  It started with a Morning News segment, and ended with a workshop at a gym across town. 

In between; I worked with clients, helped people at the gym, spent time with my son, planned my talk, and visited my old stomping ground to drop off some auction papers to a friend. 

That is when I realized it had ONLY been THREE years since I started my new career path!  

Three Years that I wouldn't trade for anything and a career path that is still winding.  A path that may never come with a map, has no destination but that I will follow anyways. 

That corporate job may have brought me to a curve in the road but that curve brought me to place within myself that I never thought possible or even dreamed of.  It allowed me to start a company with nothing but a passion to create change in people's lives.

From here, anything is possible!

~Vegmom

 

 

 

 

 

 

A Fun Drive

Saturday morning I decided to take the Vegkid for an adventure day.  He was not so keen on the idea and eventually agreed to go.  By then his dad was awake and wanted to come with us.  Only problem was that it was later by now and I knew we would hit quite a bit of traffic. 

By the time we actually made it to our lunch destination near the touristy town, the child was feeling car sick because he didn't eat a good breakfast, we had found 19 different state license plates during a TWO mile long game, and the husband was completely agitated by the out of state drivers that were unsure where they were going. 

Veg was super excited to show his dad how good he had gotten at an arcade game but upon arrival the game  was out of order.  And the restaurant we wanted to eat at had too long of a wait so we ended up somewhere else. 

Which was perfectly OK.  Lunch was deelish and the boys both calmed down and began to enjoy eachother's company for a bit.  When Veg announces that he doesn't want to go to our intended mountain riding adventure.  He said his stomach was still doing flippy turns from the extended drive and he was afraid he'd chuck his cookies if he want on a mountain ride.  And so we walked around the center we were at.  Visited some stores, got some fresh air and took a long extra pretty walk back to our car.

Then we left and began the drive home.  Taking the scenic route to get us out of traffic we passed another mountain ride but the line of people was wrapped around the parking lot so we nixed the tourist attractions and kept driving through the mountains.  Stopping at little old country stores and telling jokes with a whole bunch of laughter.

At the end of the mountain drive there is a turn off to the main road that takes us home and a whole host of cabin shaped stores and cafes.  We pulled in since we've never been there only to discover that the cafe was closed, the play ground was gone, and the only stores open were a coffee shop that coudln't make coffee (machine was broke) and a couple of museum type boutiques. 

Needless to say our day was full of unexpected turns and hilarious conversation but at some point the hubs said... "Do you realize we came all this way JUST to eat lunch"....

Well nooooo...  "We actually came all this way for you to get off the Xbox for 5 minutes, the boy to get out of the house and us to spend some time together, in the end we had some pretty great laughs and that was worth the drive"

UNTIL....  

We realized that we couldn't exit the cabin place without taking a one way road around to the back of the complex and upon taking that corner we saw this in front of us:

It wasn't even raining and we saw the most beautiful rainbow.  (the picture doesn't do justice)

I always say that seeing a Rainbow for me is my Mom sending a smile and boy did I need it... During the drive home, I spotted 7 more rainbows.  SEVEN rainbows on a day with no rain...  

The funniest thing is that we rarely drive that way home when we visit the mountains. And when we do, we have never ever stopped at that location nor would we have found ourselves delayed in the coffee shop with no coffee trying to find a bathroom to use.  And we certainly wouldn't have ever driven around the back of those log cabins in the 20yrs we have lived here.  

But yesterday we did, and there was a rainbow waiting for us.   It was the most amazing feeling of warmth that I can't really explain.  And a little reminder that everything is going to be OKAY!

 

Random Thought

Why do people say "A piece of cake is to die for" <or insert food of choice> as if it is an amazing thing.

Who wants to die over a piece of cake?  It seems we would want to eat foods that are to live for.

Right?

You are a Package

I was talking to a client the other day and we went down this road of imagining she were a gift.  Thought it would be fun to share here in case someone out there could use a pick-me-up!

Imagine that you are a gift that you are giving to someone.  Inside that wrapped package contains all your bits and pieces.   Not just looks, hair color and skin type, but also thoughts, feelings, emotions, good qualities, bad qualities, your soul and your heart.  (the list goes on)

So if you take away the looks as we age or with illness, all those other things are still a part of our package.

It is OK to own those feelings and we shouldn't ever feel bad because people don't like them.  It is who we are.  

We are who we are.  Yes we improve, we can also decline, but our heart and our soul remains through out.   If you don't like something about yourself, work on changing it.  If you don't like how you deal with situations, start dealing with them differently.  The key here is to make changes because YOU WANT to, and not change for anyone else.

People may like you, they may not....  But you are who you are, a wonderful little package all filled with goodness (and maybe som bad-ness)

The same goes for those around us, they are each their own package.  We can't change their "package" we may be able to Re-gift them or pass them off at a white elephant party...(Oh, just kidding)

But we CAN change who we are, if only we think it is necessary.  What others think about us, is their thoughts to own, but what we think about ourselves makes or breaks how we live.

So if you are reading this, know that you are truly special and amazing!!

Now go take care of yourself because being special comes with responsibility!

Hugs from a Vegmom!

 

Cloudy or Sunny

When there are some clouds but more sun, the weather person says "It is partly cloudy"

When there is some sun but more clouds, the weather person says "It is mostly cloudy"

The poor sun can't win...

What if it was partly sunny or mostly sunny with a chance of happy thrown in?  

Change your words and you can change your perception of things going on around you!

 

That Call

I put the CrossFit post update on here first as I was purposely trying to think happy thoughts while waiting to hear back from my Mom's doctors appt.

That call where we would find out the severity of her diagnosis and the treatment options.   In my heart, I knew what the words were going to say and yet when I heard them, it sounded so different than I had prepared myself for...  "Inoperable, both lungs, chemo starts next week" 

Well OK, chemo starts next week... lets get this thing goin!!  

But then it hit me... Chemo starts next week...my brain is going a mile a minute.  I want to go for a run.  Not to run away from problems but to run towards my thoughts.  Like if I go run as fast as possible, I will find clear thinking on the other side and the positive outlook that I plan to keep.  

It is dark, running isn't an option, and so crying sounded like a good alternative.   I had a moment... a short moment of just going within, good memories running through my brain.  All the things that she can do "naturally" to help shrink this bugger.  How I can help, what I should do, what I should say.....  And then I remember that this is HER journey.  

Can't change her past, can't make different past decisions, what she decides from this point forward is for her, and I will support what ever that decision is.  Do I fill her head with green food?   Or do I fill her head with loving thoughts?  Do I send her stuff?  Or just leave her be?

If my thoughts are racing, I imagine what hers are doing and that makes me sad for her.  In general, I'm staying positive, with every challenge there are blessings and I'm looking toward the blessings.

Like conversations with my family members and the humbling experience of 100's of complete strangers from my health coach training sending my mom good words.   Phone calls, email and facebook messages from people we haven't heard from in years.  I'm thankful she got the flu, or we wouldn't have this time to be talking about chemo.  And things like my little man playing tunes on his recorder then deciding to give me a hug just because.  

Today was the end of a week full of waiting, thoughts and discussions preparing myself with happy visions and knowing that she was living with this thing before we knew about it, she will live with this thing now that we know about it.  

Then after the little moment of tears and knowing there will be more of those moments when I just have to collect myself, it dawned on me....  SHE IS HERE NOW, what are you fretting about?????

My Mom is here on this day and is every bit as awesome as the day I first remember running to her arms as a child.  And even if she lives to be 100 then passes on, she will still be here in my heart.  Every memory, every thought, every stroke of my hair... Even the time she tried to brush my hair while I was in labor.  Yeah, that didn't go over so well. 

The time she first held my son, and the times we went on trips together.  The time she slept in the tub because she was snoring so loud, or when she hopped on a plane because I broke my foot. And all the moments she got on the floor with her grandkids.  This thing growing in her lungs does not take any of that away, nor does it change who she is inside. 

She is My Mom, my Brother's Mom, and our kid's grandma (aka NEENEE) she is the person that I want to talk to when ever something great happens, she is the person I email/call when things not so great happen.  She has been my biggest fan and one of only two people in this world that have ever understood me.   

I have written a lot about her on this blog and if you have been around for a while, you know that I started this blog for her.  I keep it updated for her or she calls in a panic.

So to that I say, she is here now and every bit a part of my life as she was before I knew about chemo or the reason for it.  And each day on this earth is a new blessing.  

Today was a great day, I got to talk to my Mom!

We never know what each day brings or if each new day will happen, so share with those you love.  

No matter what the result for my Mom in the future, she is here today and for that I am blessed!

 

Trash Can Leaves Notes

Saw this at a store today and made me laugh... I wanted to say:

"Really, I'm a human, nice to meet ya"

But then I realized how sad it is they had to put that sign on Mr. Trash Can in the first place.  Shows that us Humans need a little assistance.

Coffee and Tires??

Genius... Just Genius!!!

Every time we head to the beach, we take a stop at this awesome Starbucks for some great service and amazing drinks.  

But had we needed an Oil Change, our beverages would have been free:

I almost wanted to get an Oil Change just to show my support to this worthy cause! 

Sunflower Time

Vegkid's Sunflowers Bloomed Nice and Pretty:

The squirrel thought so too.  He climbed up on the deck, broke off pretty sunflower, and that is the last we saw of it.

Hope it was tasty Mr. Squirrel!

Huge Flower and Memorial Day

We went on a mission this morning to find the biggest flower in our neighborhood. 

I think this one Definitely took the prize.  It was bigger than my head:

We also played badminton in the yard using a sprinkler as a net...  Lets just say we got more wet than we did volly, but it was fun.

Hope your day was great and don't forget to take a moment to remember those that made our freedoms what they are.  We all may not like everything happening around us, but at least we live in a place where we can voice those opinions and work towards change.

Happy Memorial Day!!

 

 

No Conditioner for Me

Since changing my diet to a mostly whole foods plant based variety, my hair no longer needs conditioning.  In fact I've gone a long time without using it.  

Of course I don't use sprays, gels, hair dryers, curling irons or any thing else on it either.  So just a light shampoo, acv or baking soda rinse always does the trick.

The other day I tried a sample natural conditioner for the first time in years, and OH MY GREASE... It took me three days of ACV rinses to get my hair back to a somewhat normal state.

I have made an executive hair decision... NO CONDITIONER FOR ME!

 

 

Lots of Green For Mother's Day

Farmer's Market Greens:

My new deck reading chair:

And this, Mmmmmm!!! :

Hope you had a wonderful day where ever you are!!

 

 

Squirrel on the Roof

Seems Mr. Squirrel likes our new roof!

 

Watching the Bunnies Grow

Warning - another baby bunny post:

I can not believe how fast our little parsley bunnies are growing:

First day (April 7th) we found them, they looked like this:

Then they got little bunny ears:

And eyes:

Then today they started leaving their nest 2 by 2 and venturing in to Parsley Village, like real grown up bunnies:

We named these two Parsley and Cuddles:

Oh they are soooo cute... I just want to hold them and bring them inside during these cold cold nights.

But Parsley was not so sure about this human with a camera:

So I agreed to leave them alone.  

All the other little guys were still in their furry hole. But as fast as they are growing, I'm not sure how they fit in that little hole!

Hopefully the siblings made room for these two, or they will have a cold night out there all by themselves.

Stay warm little bunnies!!

 

 

 

Spring Time Changes

First the Clocks Changed.   

The Sunrises began to show their beauty:

The flowers started to bloom:

The thermometer hit 88 Degrees, the Bunnies are out in the grass:

Spring has Sprung!!

And then the Vegmom Sprung out of her shell!!  Yup, its official... Here goes the story...

Several times I have thought about wanting to do more.  Taking Vegmom to the next level but not knowing what that would mean for me.

Then I found a school to learn about being a Holistic Health Coach.  Which sounded like a good fit.  Then I found out that my real job will be going away.  Talk about a kick in the pants to find my Happy!!

Sooo, insert the school.  Not only have I been busting out the learning but I've been busy behind the scenes of my life developing this new attitude, this new me.  The kind that is not afraid to talk to people, explain what I'm doing, get ideas and have real conversations with strangers, co-workers and friends.  The person that has confidence to now walk down the street after 9 years and introduce my son to a boy his age then stand back and watch a friendship bloom.

The person that told the Cellphone guy where he could put his phone (on the shelf) when he gave me really cruddy service and I felt shafted.  I didn't take it, knowing I could find a better deal.  And I DID!

Not only did I find a better deal, get the phone I wanted and save money, but I got a lead for my future practice by the great lady that assisted me. 

I started getting involved on Facebook, talking to School parents and trying to make plans for the Vegkid.  I've reached out to my own class mates and have made some great connections. But even better, I've learned when NOT to talk.  

Oh Yes!!!  I sat through an entire conversation listening to someone talk about their diet that allows carmel rice cakes with melted marshmallows on top because they don't have fat in them.  AND I didn't say a word. Really, I didn't say a WORD!   If that doesn't prove to you that I've learned something, then I'm not sure what will.

I have blossomed, or am blossoming, and I'm not talking about the buds on my chest because they have done blossomed and wilted by now.  I digress!

I've thought about starting little classes, speaking at events even having a booth at a Spring Festival until I get my official certification to see clients.   Who knows, the possibilities are endless?  

But what I do know is that I'm finding my HAPPY!!!  

For those of you on Facebook, come visit me at Falling in Happy.  Like the page if you like it, send messages, add comments, reach out if your interested and check in often for details.

Don't worry MOM... Vegmom.com isn't going anywhere.   

Happy first day of Spring everyone!!

 

 

 

Home Cooking Or Something Like That

When the husband and I got married, we had $400 to our name.  Our salaries combined were enough to support $240 rent in a one bedroom shack.  (I have the roach memories to prove it)   

Eating out at a real restaurant was a treat and we would make up excuses to do so.  I remember having a 2yr 4 month anniversary dinner as an excuse to go to our favorite restaurant.

Fast forward 20 Years, and we go out way too often.  

Yes, I make a lot of food at home.  Yes, our kitchen is always stocked with real whole organic foods, And Yes, I experiment a lot as seen on this blog, and always have fruity/veggie snacks at the ready, but certainly not all meals 7 days a week are made in my kitchen.

Now with our Finances getting ready to change in a big way, I have decided to start practicing Home Cooking more often. (or home preparing, since I don't always "cook" the food)   

We actually cooked/baked/prepared all meals and snacks 6 days out of this week.  BUT, what made my whole week of kitchen'ing worth while is that the Vegkid would NOT go out with his Dad last night knowing that I had his favorite soup waiting for him. (Dad was not as thrilled)

Needless to say, my trial of spending time in the kitchen went well.   I even created single serve gluten free, vegan cookies.  It was a good food week!    I'm thinking when the wallet strings are officially tied that we will survive the kitchen shock!  

{don't worry NeeNee, this doesn't include vacation weeks *wink*}

As for my trial of sleeping... Well that is another story.

To be continued....

 

Who Needs a Weather Station?

Vegkid loves loves loves his Weather station, but who needs one of those when you have this:

Yup, flip my head down, look in the mirror, and you can see very quickly that the humidity is at least 65% and rain is going to happen.

If the humidity is low on a crispy winter day, that mess would actually be perfectly straight and flat.

Sometimes, it is a little of both when undecided...

And that my friends is why I never leave home without a pony tail or clip.   In case you were wondering!

 

 

Good Bye 2011 - Hello 2012

Hubs and I sat down last night to put all our memories from 2011 in to our little book.  We basically write down everything that comes to mind from the year prior.  For some reason it was hard to remember EVERYTHING.  Thanks to this blog and my Family picture blog, I was able to piece together all the interesting events.

A lot of business travel, personal travel, several family trips to Michigan, an Awesome Florida trip where Dolphins and space shuttles were involved, An Amazing South Carolina trip where Dolphins, forts and long sandy walks were involved.  Veg learned how to swim this year.  We had several visitors at the homestead. Saw a light house, a great lake, went to Airforce Museum, Mountains, Chess club and sporting events.  We grew lots in the garden, enjoyed the Farmers market, started Juicing, and So much more!

2011 was a Great Year!!!

We drank lots of these:

And these:

Lots of NeeNee Soup:

Lots of Raw Vegan Goodness:

This one is Bananas, Pomegranate and Pecans with Macadamia Cream sauce:

First Persimmon Try:

Raw Vegan Creamy Kale Salad:

Raw Vegan Baklava:

Developed a love for Cauliflower:

I completed my First and Last Full Marathon... 

I simplified more in 2011, Made a lot more home body care products, Started my 10 Minute rule (breaking tasks in to 10 minutes so they don't seem so daunting).  I also began being happy about what I have accomplished vs. what I still have left to do.

At the end of 2011, my Accomplishments were many!! Both in the house and out of the house.  Both mentally and physically.. I even enjoyed crafts again as I prepared my self for 2012.  

Prepared myself Mentally that is!!  2012 is going to be another Big year.  I can feel it.

To start with, my Nutrition Classes will officially begin, and I'm super excited about that.  I'm going to complete another 1/2 Marathon (if my hormones cooperate that is).  But this time, I'm going to drop at least 15 minutes off my time.  I'm going to focus on myself a little more, find MY HAPPY, while being the best parent and wife I can be.  Most importantly, I'm taking back control of my happy!  The moods of others should not dictate my own.

Yesterday I got out for the first 1/2 Marathon training day of 2012.   For not running much the past few months, I was impressed with my Body's ability to jump back in.  I went a total of 4.5 miles with the first 3 running non-stop with no pain.  Powered by Greens!!!

My rest days for this 1/2 marathon training will be different! I'll be including some strength training and muscle stretching to the mix.  If I want a different result, then I must do different actions.  2012 is the year for Different and for finding my Happy!

Bring it on 2012... This will be the best year ever and I'm ready!!!!

 

Small Hiatus

Quickie, last minute, unplanned, road trip.....  Will post if I can, otherwise I'll see you again next year! 

Happy Happy Last Week of 2011

Pick Up a Nail Save a Tire

Every time I go for a run or walk where this is any stretch of road or side street, nails find me.  I don't mean to say that I find them, because I don't. 

I don't look for them, I don't search out nails, and yet they find me.  A couple years ago, when I found one, I'd pick it up and bring it home to be disposed of properly.  Being that I make up songs in my head, I would quietly sing..

"Pick up a nail save a tire"

If I see a nail in front of me and walk past it, I'm drawn to go back and get it.  I PHYSICALLY can't NOT leave a nail where it lies.  In my mind, I think of the tire that could be ruined because of that nail, the landfill that will rise because of that tire, and the family that could be stranded on the side of the road for Christmas.

I think about the Cost that a family could endure to replace the tire when they may not have the funds, or the Bike rider that has to walk the rest of the way home because their tire is ruined, or the little child that could find the nail and hurt themselves, or dog that could jet out in to the road and take the nail in his paw, or Squirrel or chipmunk, OH, you get the idea!!!

Time and time again, I pick up those stinkin nails and carry them home.  I do not know where they come from, sometimes I think there is a Nail fairy that drops them in the middle of a street then sits back to laugh at me when I stop my run mid-stride to grab it.

Sometimes I think that I'm walking/running on that road at that exact moment to be the person that finds the nail to help a family from dismay.  But regardless of the thoughts in my head, I stop, EVERY SINGLE TIME!!

Fast forward to today:

I was running along my merrily way, jogging off some steam, minding my own business, when I saw a rusty nail under my foot.  

"NO" I said... You are not stopping.. I yelled at myself.. "Don't Do it.. just keep running just keep running"

I was determined to put the nail out of my head and keep with my stride for the first time in several years, I was NOT going to stop.  No rusty nails in the palm of my hand...Then the thoughts, the nagging feelings, I couldn't take it.  Guilt started to set in.

IT IS CHRISTMAS EVE of all days... I had to do the right thing, what was I thinking??? 

So I went back to get the nail, when I realized it had multiplied.

There beside Mr. Rusty Nail was his Friend, Rusty Nail #2.. And in front of Rusty Nail #2..   A few more steps I found screw/nail #3 and while taking off, I found two more at the end of the road.

Now my stride was totally blown, there would be no more running, because I couldn't let these guys poke me.  Rusty nails and pokes are probably a bad thing!

So I walked the rest of the way home caring my bounty safely, humming that little song in my head.. "Pick up a Nail, Save a Tire, Pick up a Nail, Save a Tire"

I decided since we are so close to the New year, I would put these guys in a jar, and start a collection.

Lets see how many nails I find (that find me) in 2012!!

Pick up a Nail, Save a Tire!  It could be a campaign??  

Does anyone else find nails when walking, or does the Nail fairy only strike my noggin?

 

That Time of Year Again

It is that time of year again, when visions of Sugar Plums start dancing, bells start jingling, people start caroling and my husband starts saying things like this:

"Were not really getting each other anything this year, right?" (Translation - I got you nothing, have no plans to do so and really hope you didn't get me anything so I don't look like an idiot)

Then this:

"Even if I were going to get you something, you already have everything you want, right?" (Translation -  after 20years of marriage I still have no clue what to get you)

And my Favorite:

"I tried to find you something at Target, but they don't carry it.  Can you just go on Amazon and order yourself one"  (no translation needed)

In case you were wondering, OF Course I got him something, My Goodness!!   One of these years, I'm really not going to.  Yup, you mark my words.  

And by the way, Who really has visions of Sugar Plums Dancing?  I'm just sayin!

 

 

12 Days of Changes - Day 12 The End!

While the 12 Days of Changes have reached their 12th day, I don't consider this the end.  I have learned so much about myself the past couple weeks.  When you take time to look at what you don't like, it provides the opportunity to change.  When you take the opportunity to look at what you do like, it provides the opportunity to do more of it.

Several things I chose to change for a day, will become long term objectives.  Some may fall off, but what I learned most of all is that every day is a new beginning.  And if I didn't like something the day before, it is up to me to change it.  

Recap of the last 11 days:

1. No Coffee For A Day - This one only lasted a DAY (but hey I met the challenge right?)
2. Fire Safety - This one is ongoing.  I still need to find a place to put second fire extinguisher & think more about document storage
3. Exercise -  This is still a struggle because of less day light.   But that day of getting out made me want to do more.  So tomorrow I'll be going for another run.  And hopefully several days a week going forward.
4. Crafting - Challenging myself to easy crafting, was so much fun, that I made a few more cards.  Including a Birthday Card for Hubby.  I hope this trend continues.
5. Being responsible for my own Moods - This one is really great.  Day 5 Helped me to rethink who makes me happy.  The fact is - Its Me!!  I can make myself happy or make myself gloomy.  The moods of others should not affect my own.  Period!!  And I have since found that to be useful the past couple of days.
6. Being Conscious of my words -  Woah!  This one is hard.  I'm not talking about being mean with my words or anything, just watching what I say and remembering that silence can be better sometimes. (yes really really really hard for me)  <no comment mother>
7. Not arguing with the child - This one came in quite handy today actually.  Having that reminder by doing this challenge was a great help.   Amazing how often they try to push your buttons.  Even the best of children.
8. Reusable Bags - My plan was to immediately put the bags in the car.  But I went to sleep instead.  I MUST do this before heading to the store tomorrow. (update, I remembered them before heading to the store)
9. Sleep a full 8 hrs. - This is the only one from that challenge that did NOT happen.  Not sure who (canine or human) but someone had me up at 5am.  Always another day to try though, I won't give up trying for this one.
10. Trying new Raw Foods Again - This is one of my favorite things to do.  While there is not a 100% raw food diet in my near future, I do LOVE trying new raw foods.  The more I try, the more I can incorporate, the better I feel and the easier eating this way becomes.  A work in progress, for certain.  I tried 3 new things this week... OH MY YUM!
11. Coupons - I have to stop getting mad at myself for forgetting the coupons and just start taking them.  Goodness!  It paid off this week, and I hope to remember each week from now on.

NOW for #12 The Grand Finale -------  This one is a Doozy and goes closely with #5...  I can't believe I'm actually typing it.. but here it goes:

Thinking of the Positive in every situation, even when people are being negative around me.  Tonight, I almost caught myself engaging in a conversation with someone that was being negative toward me.  

Something in that moment struck me loud and clear.  "Be positive even when they are not"

I quickly ended my portion of the conversation, went on with my chores after a long days work, then broke out in song!

My song went like this, as I was doing laundry, making dinner and cleaning up the kitchen:

(yes, I made this song up, I know you can't tell by looking at it) hahaha!

"Think-ing of the pos-i-tive, Think-ing of the pos-i-tive - I have Dishes to clean - food to cook, laundry to wash and a happy outlook.  Mouths to feed, safe and sound, no one can say anything to get me Down"

Then I would dance around with my Thinking of the Positive chorus!  It was a site I tell you!

Mr. Negative Pants, gave me the rolled eyes look and said "What are you doing?"  As I shimmied across the kitchen singing my song, exercising and cleaning.... I looked right back at him to answer his question with this:

"I'm Thinking of the Positive of course"  And continued with my song.

He shook his head and went down stairs.  Guess he just couldn't join me!  And you know what?  That is OK!

I'm realizing more and more, that I have to make my own happy.  If people want to join me, all the better.  If not, I can't let them get me down.  By Golly By Gosh, I have too much to be happy about!

Now Join me.... 

Thinking of the Positive, Thinking of the Positive......

*Smile*  

Do you let other people get you down?

 

 

12 Days of Changes - Recap & Day 9

This 12 Days of changes has been quite fun.  Forcing me each day to think of one thing I would do different from the day before.  I'm planning that 2012 will be the year for taking control of my own happiness.  I can't change people, I can only change myself.  

Ending 2011 with figuring out how I do that has been an enjoyable challenge.  12 Days of finding my best me.  I know it sounds corny, but If I can't change from something I learned the day before, then I didn't learn anything at all!

I hear the saying all the time that people aren't perfect.   And while that is super true, I feel that we each have it in us to do better.  And if we don't at least try, then saying we aren't perfect becomes an excuse instead of a motivator.  

I'll choose the Motivator!   So here is where I stand with the last 8 days of this challenge:

Recap of the last 8 days:

1. No Coffee For A Day - This one only lasted a DAY (but hey I met the challenge right?)
2. Fire Safety - This one is ongoing.  I still need to find a place to put second fire extinguisher & think more about document storage
3. Exercise -  This is still a struggle because of less day light.   But that day of getting out made me want to do more.  So tomorrow I'll be going for another run.  And hopefully several days a week going forward.
4. Crafting - Challenging myself to easy crafting, was so much fun, that I made a few more cards.  Including a Birthday Card for Hubby.  I hope this trend continues.
5. Being responsible for my own Moods - This one is really great.  Day 5 Helped me to rethink who makes me happy.  The fact is - Its Me!!  I can make myself happy or make myself gloomy.  The moods of others should not affect my own.  Period!!  And I have since found that to be useful the past couple of days.
6. Being Conscious of my words -  Woah!  This one is hard.  I'm not talking about being mean with my words or anything, just watching what I say and remembering that silence can be better sometimes. (yes really really really hard for me)  <no comment mother>
7. Not arguing with the child - This one came in quite handy today actually.  Having that reminder by doing this challenge was a great help.   Amazing how often they try to push your buttons.  Even the best of children.
8. Reusable Bags - My plan was to immediately put the bags in the car.  But I went to sleep instead.  I MUST do this before heading to the store tomorrow.

 

And now for #9:

SLEEP.... my Change for today, will be trying for a full 8hrs of sleep!   CAN SHE DO IT???

12 Days of Changes - Day 8

This one will be quick...

I forgot to put my reusable bags back in the car and had to use Paper at the store...  so my mission to improve today was to put all my bags BACK in the car!!   I have a TON of bags.  I get them from festivals, and when I travel I pick up new ones at each new health store that I try.  So my stash has grown.

Which makes it very silly when I don't have one with me.

Paper, Plastic, No Thank You!!

My favorite bags lately are the Reusable Chico Bags.   They are easy to store, hold a lot, durable, washable, and when I don't want them for groceries any more, they make great camping/swimming/shoe/travel/dirty clothes bags for the kiddo.

But These Organic Cotton Bags look really cool too...  I may have to try them when a re-stock is necessary.  

Which won't be for a VERY long time, as long as I remember to USE what I have that is!

12 Days of Changes - Day 7

Yesterday I mentioned trying to do better at being conscious of what I say before I say it.  And today I did a lot better at that.  

So my Change for Day 7 is to take that one step further.  I plan NOT to argue with my 8 Yr Old.  

You see, he can be the sweetest, kindest most intense little person I have EVER met.  And yet he can be equally as stubborn and challenging and argumentative.   (not sure WHERE he gets that from)

Yes Mom, I know.. Paybacks!!!

But what I have learned lately by reading about parenting smarty pants kids and  watching he and his father argue until they don't even remember what they are arguing about, is that I don't need to engage in that behavior.

WHY in the world would I argue with an 8 Year Old?  Hellloooo!   While I DO listen to the child, allow his opinions to be heard and his choices to be his own.  I will not engage in an argument with him.

At least for this Day 7 Challenge... I'll keep you posted!  *wink*

PS, if you want to track the 12 Days of changes, you can find the last 6 days here!

 

Happy To Clean

Something about seeing men walk around downtown Friday with their only possessions in a Garbage bag, and watching someones house burn to the ground recently, makes me extra happy to be cleaning mine today.  

Having a home to clean is a blessing, no more complaining about that!!

Just Sayin!!

 

 

12 Days of Changes - Day 4

I used to enjoy crafting.  It was my outlet, my peace among chaos, my joy among loneliness and a time to reflect.  By working on a Scrapbook Page, I was reliving the events of those pictures.

But not just scrapbooks, looking back I did a WHOLE lot of crafting.  From Cross Stitch to painting to Silly stuff with my kiddo but at some point, lugging everything out became a chore.

I don't know when it happened really.   But one day.. It had to be just one, because I don't remember multiple days.. but one day, I just stopped.  

Until my Change for Today....  I realized that I don't have to sit for 6hrs through the night when everyone is sleeping just to work on crafts.  Or that I have to to do everything from scratch or make things complicated.  I realized it doesn't have to be a chore.  I could make crafting fun again.

Then I made a stop in to Hobby Lobby for a couple of supplies... WOAH!!  Big Mistake.. I didn't even know where to begin.  I saw sooooo much stuff.  But I kept my purchasing simple.  Things that would make my crafting life easier.

Like THIS 12x12 Calendar Kit for a certain someone that gets a calendar each year.

It has all the colors I love, themes I could relate too, and absolutely EVERYTHING you could possibly need to complete the calendar all in one handy package.  (except family pictures of course)

So my Change for Day 4 is to do something Crafty.    No more wishing I did, but actually DOING it!

As for the other Changes...so far:

Day 1 = Avoid coffee for a day (done)

Day 2 = Check house for Fire Safety (done)

Day 3 = Exercise (done)

This is kind of fun.. I should make this longer than 12 days.  Heck, it could be 365 days.   Who doesn't find one thing each day they want to do different or more of.  That is what Growth is all about, right?

It all comes down to this...

If you don't do something about it, then you got nothing to complain about!  (or so that is what I tell myself when i'm complaining)

 **Update**  I made some cards.. lots of cards.. crafting bug is back!!

Aren't these guys cute:

 

12 Days of Changes - Day 2

This one is a little more serious!  And something I hope everyone will think about!!!

I had the opportunity to talk to someone today after they just lost their home, pets and vehicle in a fire.   The more I listened, the more I thought of our own situation and became a little freaked out.  His second floor began to cave in before the fire alarms went off upstairs.  And he didn't have a fire extinguisher to stop that initial spark.  They got out by jumping and because they were awake they knew what had to be done.  But had it happened an hour later while they were sleeping, the outcome would have been much different.

So I immediately started thinking:

• Do our Fire Extinguishers work?  Do we know where they are?  Do we still have any?   Are they placed Strategically?
• Could we get out of the house if we were in the room with no windows?
• If we are upstairs and sleeping, could we hear the fire alarms in the basement in time to get out before the floor caves in?
• Do we know whats in our wallets if we had to replace them?
• Does our safety box have everything it needs in it to be able to rebuild our lives and restore our identity?

To think that in a flash, you could have no Drivers License, Debit card, bank card, insurance cards, birth certificates, social security cards... No Identity at all.  Not to mention the loss of all personal belongings, pictures and a roof over your head.

So I panicked and decided my Change for the day will be to not Panic.  Find comfort that I have protected us the best I can and the rest is not up to me.  

Make sure we have a fire plan!

I forced Hubs to humor me, and we tested the garage fire alarms.  (they are place by vents so we will hear them upstairs)

We checked the Fire Extinguishers, and they are Good!  But discovered we had two, and they were both in the same cabinet... Not so Strategically placed.  One of them will be moved.

We have 2 Fire ladders that ARE strategically placed so we could get out of a second story window and hopefully not break any body parts.

Then the Husband gave me a lesson on the fire extinguishers from his Navy Fire Learning Days.  How to use them and which to use when.  They are different ya no!!   We talked about what to do if the curtains caught fire from a spark vs. the stove catching fire while cooking.  I think I understand.. just hope I never have to find out if I understood correctly!

Lastly, I've updated the documents for our safety box to make me feel a little better. 

I'm not sure you can ever be truly prepared or know how you would react in a situation where you look up to find flames all around.   And I'm sure if that ever happened to me, I would still panic.

But at least I know the fire alarms would wake me up, the ladders could help us down, and a fire extinguisher could put out something small before it got to that point.

What about you?  Do you have a fire plan, working alarms and extinguishers?  Do your kids know where to go and what to do if they had to escape?

-----NeeNee, I'm pointing my finger at you right now-----

That is my Day 2 Change... feel comfortable with the resources I have in the house for emergencies, and if I don't have the right ones, GET THEM!!!

Anyone need to join me for this one?

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

12 Days of Changes - Day 1

I'm one of those people that think Guilt is a horrible emotion.  If you did something you didn't like, then change it.  Don't feel guilty about it.  Either own it and let it be OK, Learn from it and move on, or Do something about it!

My Mom's words have been in my head since I was a teen to help me gauge this guilt factor..

She'd say, "If you think you will feel guilty after doing something, then don't do it"  those words have been my moral compass ever since.

That's not to say I don't mess up, because Lord knows I do.  But if I don't learn from my mess ups, then shame on me!

Each day there are little things that I think I could do better!

So I thought it would be fun to document my not so good decisions and force myself to think about them, to make a change.  This new series of posts is called 12 Days of Changes.  

For the next 12 Days, I'm going to pick one thing from the day before that I want to change.

That's not to say that these changes will last forever, but if I change even ONE day, then I have learned something from the day before.   So I'm going to try it and see what I learn at the end of 12 days!

Today I had two frozen coffee drinks which is very rare for me.   My taste and tired buds were pounding at me and my car was near a Starbucks twice, so I did it!  

But then reality struck and I thought, I spent $8 on Coffee today when I have a Vitamix at home!  HELLO!!! I used Two Plastic Cups and Two plastic straws when I have GLASS at home!!!  Not to mention two doses of caffeine, sugar crash and caffeine jitters. 

Instead of getting mad at myself for a poor choice, I'm just going to change it!  

12 Days of Changes DAY 1

Tomorrow, my 1st day of Change will be NO COFFEE!

Sorry frozen goodness, but I must say good bye for now!

Question:  

If you were to make a change from today, what would it be?

My Dog Wants to Blog

I came out of the shower to find Spunk curled up with the Mac.

Thinking he was going to type up a blog post but didn't know my password: