Friday, January 13, 2012
Let's Pretend
Let's pretend. That is how changes occurred in play when I was a kid. Let's pretend that we live in London, France. Let's pretend I work for an ad agency (what 80's sitcom was my nfluence here). I know, let's pretend that I'm a mom and I have 8 children. No, Wait, let's pretend that no one needs to speak the launguage of cancer, or diabeties, or autisum, or even alpers Syndrome. Let's pretend those things are not real. Let's pretend that no one dies young--that we all live a ripe full life filled with love beyond measure, riches that have no limit, and the wisdom to take advantage of every moment given to us. Let's pretend. I know let's pretend that there is nothing but peace in this world. And acceptance. And tolerance. Understanding. Stillness. and glitter--there is always room for glitter.
Sunday, January 1, 2012
2012 Word and Goals
In years past, I have included the definition to the word I have chosen. This year I will provide a link so you can read all the wonderful and many ways of defining my word if you choose to do so. I will, however give you the meaning to why I went with this word. Here it is:
pres·ent /ˈprɛzənt/
adjective
1. being, existing, or occurring at this time or now; current
There it is, my 2012 word. (here's the link http://dictionary.reference.com/browse/present)
Growing up, 2012 seemed like the future and so very far away. Today it is the present. But that is not why I picked it. All of the many meanings to this word are lovely--and I know in some way or another, they will all be a part of my life over the course of the next 366 days.
What I want to focus on more fully is being present. I want to slow down my thinking thoughts that always seem to be filling my head so full that it sometimes causes me paralysis. It's the down side of my creativity--my mind is always thinking of the next project, idea, the next thing, so much so that I miss out on what is going on around me sometimes.
I have a 10 year old. I don't know how that happened. Before even more years pass by and I have another 10 year old, I want to take the time to hear them, to see them, to hug them--I want to be present before it is too late. So what if the meals are not planned for the upcoming month.
Prepared, but Present.
I was reading though my goals from last year (just reflecting and taking inventory--to prepare for the present) I missed a lot of them. But the great thing is, I get a chance in the present to try again. So what will these goals of mine be for 2012? I don't know if I want them to be called goals this year, I think I would rather them be just things I do. So this is what I want to do this year:
1. Finish projects before starting something new. This even includes making my children/husband wait until I finish folding that last towel before I help the find (insert lost item that only a mother/wife can find here). If they have to wait for me to complete what I am doing at the moment, so be it. That does not mean that I will make the people who depend upon me to wait until I finish all my work. I will not make people go hungry just so I can add another picture to my Pintrest completion board. No. But I will make them wait until I at least have the needle put away safely. I'm pretty good at juggling, but that needs to stop--things don't get done when I have 12 things in the air. Unless you can call chaos a thing. Chaos happens a lot when I try to do more than I should.
2. Enjoy the process of getting ready for and the participation of the Eau Claire 1/2 Marathon. This will be my third time participating. Last year I did not train. It took me longer to complete and I was in pain which proves that I should have finished about an hour later than I did. I did not enjoy it. I injured myself. I was not even going to do it this year. I have to prove to myself that I can do it better and keep the momentum going long after I cross the finish line. The course is just to beautiful to miss. I guess it's just part of who I am now.
3. Lessen Clutter. I don't want to go over board here and say get rid of clutter completely, but I can have way less of it. I have a Kindle (and the internet), books can go after. Why do we have so many clothing items and craft things and double and triples of things we don't use that much in the first place. Why am I trying to become some things I never will become (such as a great jewelry maker). Who needs toys when you there are boxes are way more fun. Okay, Okay...we will still need things, but why so much? It's time for a change.
4. I have the normal things I want to do ever year...drink more water, be healthier, be richer, read from my ever growing list of books, but why bore you with the same old same old.
I ask that my past years words can come along for the ride this year. 2012--imagine the possibilities of what a simple and present life could be. Wassail.
pres·ent /ˈprɛzənt/
adjective
1. being, existing, or occurring at this time or now; current
There it is, my 2012 word. (here's the link http://dictionary.reference.com/browse/present)
Growing up, 2012 seemed like the future and so very far away. Today it is the present. But that is not why I picked it. All of the many meanings to this word are lovely--and I know in some way or another, they will all be a part of my life over the course of the next 366 days.
What I want to focus on more fully is being present. I want to slow down my thinking thoughts that always seem to be filling my head so full that it sometimes causes me paralysis. It's the down side of my creativity--my mind is always thinking of the next project, idea, the next thing, so much so that I miss out on what is going on around me sometimes.
I have a 10 year old. I don't know how that happened. Before even more years pass by and I have another 10 year old, I want to take the time to hear them, to see them, to hug them--I want to be present before it is too late. So what if the meals are not planned for the upcoming month.
Prepared, but Present.
I was reading though my goals from last year (just reflecting and taking inventory--to prepare for the present) I missed a lot of them. But the great thing is, I get a chance in the present to try again. So what will these goals of mine be for 2012? I don't know if I want them to be called goals this year, I think I would rather them be just things I do. So this is what I want to do this year:
1. Finish projects before starting something new. This even includes making my children/husband wait until I finish folding that last towel before I help the find (insert lost item that only a mother/wife can find here). If they have to wait for me to complete what I am doing at the moment, so be it. That does not mean that I will make the people who depend upon me to wait until I finish all my work. I will not make people go hungry just so I can add another picture to my Pintrest completion board. No. But I will make them wait until I at least have the needle put away safely. I'm pretty good at juggling, but that needs to stop--things don't get done when I have 12 things in the air. Unless you can call chaos a thing. Chaos happens a lot when I try to do more than I should.
2. Enjoy the process of getting ready for and the participation of the Eau Claire 1/2 Marathon. This will be my third time participating. Last year I did not train. It took me longer to complete and I was in pain which proves that I should have finished about an hour later than I did. I did not enjoy it. I injured myself. I was not even going to do it this year. I have to prove to myself that I can do it better and keep the momentum going long after I cross the finish line. The course is just to beautiful to miss. I guess it's just part of who I am now.
3. Lessen Clutter. I don't want to go over board here and say get rid of clutter completely, but I can have way less of it. I have a Kindle (and the internet), books can go after. Why do we have so many clothing items and craft things and double and triples of things we don't use that much in the first place. Why am I trying to become some things I never will become (such as a great jewelry maker). Who needs toys when you there are boxes are way more fun. Okay, Okay...we will still need things, but why so much? It's time for a change.
4. I have the normal things I want to do ever year...drink more water, be healthier, be richer, read from my ever growing list of books, but why bore you with the same old same old.
I ask that my past years words can come along for the ride this year. 2012--imagine the possibilities of what a simple and present life could be. Wassail.
Saturday, December 31, 2011
Simple Review.
True to my Word--my goals, not so much.
Simple. That was the word for 2011. I think I did a pretty fair job and being someone simple--we used paper plates and ordinary dishes for our Christmas Eve event and normally I haul out the fancy crystal and plates and sorry to report, but our drinks were not enjoyed from Red Solo Cups, I did go a little up more up-scale and got platic wine glasses.
For the most part, I tried to keep things uncomplicated. The kids had very low-key birthday parties Okay really, their birthday's just fell on days that other children happened to be at our house. The "parties" were great, a little cake, tons of energy, a lot of laughter and syrup shots and water chasers were even part of one party--guess which child that would have been).
I started working back at home and left behind a job that did not fit our live (or really anything about me). I made simple things. We had simple fun. I simply read. I simply did not work out. I simply did not train. I simply gained a lot of weight. We loved each other simply, as we best know how. Somethings were more simple than others. We simply wished hard for everything to be alright.
Did the year turned out as I had dreamed it would, they never do. But I am working on lowering my expectations and with that I have learned that everything is simply perfect.
Simple. That was the word for 2011. I think I did a pretty fair job and being someone simple--we used paper plates and ordinary dishes for our Christmas Eve event and normally I haul out the fancy crystal and plates and sorry to report, but our drinks were not enjoyed from Red Solo Cups, I did go a little up more up-scale and got platic wine glasses.
For the most part, I tried to keep things uncomplicated. The kids had very low-key birthday parties Okay really, their birthday's just fell on days that other children happened to be at our house. The "parties" were great, a little cake, tons of energy, a lot of laughter and syrup shots and water chasers were even part of one party--guess which child that would have been).
I started working back at home and left behind a job that did not fit our live (or really anything about me). I made simple things. We had simple fun. I simply read. I simply did not work out. I simply did not train. I simply gained a lot of weight. We loved each other simply, as we best know how. Somethings were more simple than others. We simply wished hard for everything to be alright.
Did the year turned out as I had dreamed it would, they never do. But I am working on lowering my expectations and with that I have learned that everything is simply perfect.
Sunday, February 6, 2011
12 Weeks
Today marks the start of my 12 weeks of training for Eau Claire Half Marathon. It's hard to believe that in 12 weeks from today, I will be walking the course. Wow 12 weeks time.
I am using a different approach this year. Last year I followed a Novice Runners Schedule. It worked well and I feel that I was prepared for the event; however, I stumbled upon a program for Walkers and I figured that I may as well use that since I am a walker. The main difference is that this year, I will be walking for certain amounts of time verses a specific miles.
I think it will work a lot better for my life--there was too much pressure to fit in long miles last year. Walking 5 miles take a bit longer than running. I began to dread those long miles every day and stopped enjoying the process. My mind will be able to better handle it's only so many minutes today. I will still have long walks over the weekend--which will be beautiful. I also think that this schedule fits better with my "simple" resolutions.
I actually may be making today be my rest day because I am stiff and sore form a beautiful snowshoeing adventure through a section of the Ice Age Trail I have never had the pleasure of exploring. My friend Steph, her Mother, and Steph's brothers girlfriend and I (along with many other people) set out on a 3 mile course. I have so much respect for people who actually had to travel through the snowy woods to live. 3 miles feels so different with big feet and tons of snow. The leg muscles also feel the difference too. I love my outdoor gym.
I am using a different approach this year. Last year I followed a Novice Runners Schedule. It worked well and I feel that I was prepared for the event; however, I stumbled upon a program for Walkers and I figured that I may as well use that since I am a walker. The main difference is that this year, I will be walking for certain amounts of time verses a specific miles.
I think it will work a lot better for my life--there was too much pressure to fit in long miles last year. Walking 5 miles take a bit longer than running. I began to dread those long miles every day and stopped enjoying the process. My mind will be able to better handle it's only so many minutes today. I will still have long walks over the weekend--which will be beautiful. I also think that this schedule fits better with my "simple" resolutions.
I actually may be making today be my rest day because I am stiff and sore form a beautiful snowshoeing adventure through a section of the Ice Age Trail I have never had the pleasure of exploring. My friend Steph, her Mother, and Steph's brothers girlfriend and I (along with many other people) set out on a 3 mile course. I have so much respect for people who actually had to travel through the snowy woods to live. 3 miles feels so different with big feet and tons of snow. The leg muscles also feel the difference too. I love my outdoor gym.
Saturday, January 29, 2011
How Am I going to do this???
I was thinking about all my goals and how I'm going to achieve them. Some of them are easier than other--like the breathing, I think I have it down (however; I need to remember to make it count more often than I do).
The one goal I want to focus on today is the Lose 11 pounds goal. I have read/heard many times that if you want to actually achieve a goal, you need to be spacific. That is why I have the Weight 11 pounds less by June 11, 2011 than I did not January 1, 2011. I figured instead of vagugly throwing "I want to lose weight" out there into the universe, I would have it be very clear what it is I want.
So to incorperate my 2011 Word, I am going to keep my weight loss plan easy simple. Here's the plan:
1) Eat Less
2) Move More
I will break down my simple steps.
1) Eat what I love, but less of it. Unless it is "good for me" stuff--then I will eat more, such as vegetables and water. I really find it weird because I love vegetables but have a hard time working them into my meals. I like weird foods--always have and I don't know why I don't eat them more often because they are things that would be benifishal to my health.
2)I plan on walking almost ever single day--somedays it may only be a half hour or it could be a longer stroll. There will be days that a walk will not happen, for what ever reason--when that occurs, I will be okay with it. While I am trainning for the 1/2 marathon, I may end up putting more miles in than after, but I will try to deal with that : o )
So there we have it simple.
The one goal I want to focus on today is the Lose 11 pounds goal. I have read/heard many times that if you want to actually achieve a goal, you need to be spacific. That is why I have the Weight 11 pounds less by June 11, 2011 than I did not January 1, 2011. I figured instead of vagugly throwing "I want to lose weight" out there into the universe, I would have it be very clear what it is I want.
So to incorperate my 2011 Word, I am going to keep my weight loss plan easy simple. Here's the plan:
1) Eat Less
2) Move More
I will break down my simple steps.
1) Eat what I love, but less of it. Unless it is "good for me" stuff--then I will eat more, such as vegetables and water. I really find it weird because I love vegetables but have a hard time working them into my meals. I like weird foods--always have and I don't know why I don't eat them more often because they are things that would be benifishal to my health.
2)I plan on walking almost ever single day--somedays it may only be a half hour or it could be a longer stroll. There will be days that a walk will not happen, for what ever reason--when that occurs, I will be okay with it. While I am trainning for the 1/2 marathon, I may end up putting more miles in than after, but I will try to deal with that : o )
So there we have it simple.
Wednesday, January 26, 2011
Word & To Do List
On Wednesday, January 26, 2011 I have finally gotten around to attempting to post my word and goals. Sorry for all of you who have been waiting at the edge of your seats and holding your breath in anticipation of this wondrous event.
To recap--the past couple of years, I have found a word that I hope to reflect the up coming year. Last year was possibility and oh,the possibilities of possibilities that I did not think of happening with this vast word. So this year I am taking a different approach with my word. My word for 2011 is...
Simple
(here's the definition--you can scroll down and skip it if you'd like)
sim·ple /ˈsɪmpəl/
[sim-puhl] Show IPA
adjective, -pler, -plest, noun
–adjective
1. easy to understand, deal with, use, etc.: a simple matter; simple tools.
2. not elaborate or artificial; plain: a simple style.
3. not ornate or luxurious; unadorned: a simple gown.
4. unaffected; unassuming; modest: a simple manner.
5. not complicated: a simple design.
6. not complex or compound; single.
7. occurring or considered alone; mere; bare: the simple truth; a simple fact.
8. free of deceit or guile; sincere; unconditional: a frank, simple answer.
9. common or ordinary: a simple soldier.
10. not grand or sophisticated; unpretentious: a simple way of life.
11. humble or lowly: simple folk.
12. inconsequential or rudimentary.
13. unlearned; ignorant.
14. lacking mental acuteness or sense: a simple way of thinking.
15. unsophisticated; naive; credulous.
16. simpleminded.
17. Chemistry .
a. composed of only one substance or element: a simple substance.
b. not mixed.
18. Botany . not divided into parts: a simple leaf; a simple stem.
19. Zoology . not compound: a simple ascidian.
20. Music . uncompounded or without overtones; single: simple tone.
21. Grammar . having only the head without modifying elements included: The simple subject of “The dappled pony gazed over the fence” is “pony.” Compare complete ( def. 5 ) .
22. (of a verb tense) consisting of a main verb with no auxiliaries, as takes (simple present) or stood (simple past) ( opposed to compound).
23. Mathematics . linear ( def. 7 ) .
24. Optics . (of a lens) having two optical surfaces only.
–noun
25. an ignorant, foolish, or gullible person.
26. something simple, unmixed, or uncompounded.
27. simples, Textiles . cords for controlling the warp threads in forming the shed on draw-looms.
28. a person of humble origins; commoner.
29. an herb or other plant used for medicinal purposes: country simples.
OH MY GOSH! who would have thought such a simple word would have so many meanings. (I went ahead and boldfaced the definitions that I felt would be the best options for 2011.) Now many of you who know me well know that this word is going to be a challenge for me. Rarely do I do anything simple--in fact while considering this word after it was presented to me (thanks Scott B.) I had thought about simplistic or simplify and then I went NO JUST SIMPLE!
So this year, I am going to keep everything simple. (I'm doing good so far huh)
Here are my goals for 2011--
1. Weigh 11 pounds less by June 11, 2011 than I did on January 1, 2011
2. Read 11 books from my classic book list
3. Read all of the Harry Potter Books and see the movies
4. Complete the 2011 Eau Claire Half Marathon 11 minutes faster than last year
5. I will walk for exercise and only run when the need or desire occurs
6. Blog more
7. Breath
That's it--That's what you've all been waiting for.
To recap--the past couple of years, I have found a word that I hope to reflect the up coming year. Last year was possibility and oh,the possibilities of possibilities that I did not think of happening with this vast word. So this year I am taking a different approach with my word. My word for 2011 is...
Simple
(here's the definition--you can scroll down and skip it if you'd like)
sim·ple /ˈsɪmpəl/
[sim-puhl] Show IPA
adjective, -pler, -plest, noun
–adjective
1. easy to understand, deal with, use, etc.: a simple matter; simple tools.
2. not elaborate or artificial; plain: a simple style.
3. not ornate or luxurious; unadorned: a simple gown.
4. unaffected; unassuming; modest: a simple manner.
5. not complicated: a simple design.
6. not complex or compound; single.
7. occurring or considered alone; mere; bare: the simple truth; a simple fact.
8. free of deceit or guile; sincere; unconditional: a frank, simple answer.
9. common or ordinary: a simple soldier.
10. not grand or sophisticated; unpretentious: a simple way of life.
11. humble or lowly: simple folk.
12. inconsequential or rudimentary.
13. unlearned; ignorant.
14. lacking mental acuteness or sense: a simple way of thinking.
15. unsophisticated; naive; credulous.
16. simpleminded.
17. Chemistry .
a. composed of only one substance or element: a simple substance.
b. not mixed.
18. Botany . not divided into parts: a simple leaf; a simple stem.
19. Zoology . not compound: a simple ascidian.
20. Music . uncompounded or without overtones; single: simple tone.
21. Grammar . having only the head without modifying elements included: The simple subject of “The dappled pony gazed over the fence” is “pony.” Compare complete ( def. 5 ) .
22. (of a verb tense) consisting of a main verb with no auxiliaries, as takes (simple present) or stood (simple past) ( opposed to compound).
23. Mathematics . linear ( def. 7 ) .
24. Optics . (of a lens) having two optical surfaces only.
–noun
25. an ignorant, foolish, or gullible person.
26. something simple, unmixed, or uncompounded.
27. simples, Textiles . cords for controlling the warp threads in forming the shed on draw-looms.
28. a person of humble origins; commoner.
29. an herb or other plant used for medicinal purposes: country simples.
OH MY GOSH! who would have thought such a simple word would have so many meanings. (I went ahead and boldfaced the definitions that I felt would be the best options for 2011.) Now many of you who know me well know that this word is going to be a challenge for me. Rarely do I do anything simple--in fact while considering this word after it was presented to me (thanks Scott B.) I had thought about simplistic or simplify and then I went NO JUST SIMPLE!
So this year, I am going to keep everything simple. (I'm doing good so far huh)
Here are my goals for 2011--
1. Weigh 11 pounds less by June 11, 2011 than I did on January 1, 2011
2. Read 11 books from my classic book list
3. Read all of the Harry Potter Books and see the movies
4. Complete the 2011 Eau Claire Half Marathon 11 minutes faster than last year
5. I will walk for exercise and only run when the need or desire occurs
6. Blog more
7. Breath
That's it--That's what you've all been waiting for.
Snappy
I misread the status of one of my facebook friends who claimed they had a "sappy" blog (which in reality is reflective and heartfelt). I thought she had said it was a SNAPPY blog and I wanted to write one of those, but just not sure if I will be able to live up to Snappy. It's one of those days--a gray day one might say.
It feels as though my children have said my name at least a hundred times apiece in the last hour. Mama has not followed by I love you, but they are genral requests to help them find something right infront of them or to push the envelope just a little further or to tattle on the other. My friends blog was reflecting on how her little one is growing so fast and how she doesn't want the time to slip away. Saddly time does slip away--too fast, way to fast. It seems that gone are the days of my children being little, yet they still need such a great deal from me. I do not wish for them to grow up fast, just maybe a little more indepentant and more self sufficiant at times (like when I'm in the bathroom). I guess it's a good thing that they need and want me so much. So much for snappy--I would not give this a snap rating at all.
It feels as though my children have said my name at least a hundred times apiece in the last hour. Mama has not followed by I love you, but they are genral requests to help them find something right infront of them or to push the envelope just a little further or to tattle on the other. My friends blog was reflecting on how her little one is growing so fast and how she doesn't want the time to slip away. Saddly time does slip away--too fast, way to fast. It seems that gone are the days of my children being little, yet they still need such a great deal from me. I do not wish for them to grow up fast, just maybe a little more indepentant and more self sufficiant at times (like when I'm in the bathroom). I guess it's a good thing that they need and want me so much. So much for snappy--I would not give this a snap rating at all.
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