Don't ya just love weekends?

Saturday, August 14, 2010

Visions of sleeping in, taking a break.

Somehow being awakened prior to 6am and having my son turn on the TV to a stretching program on PBS for me, does not fit the relaxing weekend scenario.
"Leave me alone, let me sleep", are the thoughts running through my head. Once the theme music begins, something in me stirs. I think, "Oh, well. Stretching is a good way to start the day." Before I know it I am up and stretching. The program is on Saturday and Sunday at 6 am.

What amazes me is that my son can find the station on the tv. Even though he is 22, developmentally he is about age 5 and only has prereading skills. How he manages to find the channel, (before the show is even on) just blows me away. He does not see his limitations, he knows what he wants and finds a way to get it. What an inspiration he is for me. He is so kind to think of me and put on that program.

Does he work out with me? Well, he lasts for about 20 seconds then says"I'm tired." and leaves me to stretch on my own.
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DAY 13 - Evening Snack Report
∎ Put it on a plate.DID
∎ ASK: 'Am I hungry?' (if I feel I want more) DID
∎ Wait 20 minutes (if I want more) DID

Getting up at 6 am is not my first choice for the weekend, but I really could not have a nicer way to start my day. What's your weekend like?

  

  Member Comments About This Blog Post:

FLUTTER-BY)L( 8/16/2010 6:06PM

My youngest son will be 5 in a few months. He is learning some of the numbers and such. But, your son took the time to take care of you. I am so glad that you accepted it when you very well could have been tired too. That is a great way to start the day knowing someone loves you. I bet the stretching felt good too. Create a great week. Report Inappropriate Comment

FREELADY 8/15/2010 1:05AM

So meaningful to hear your experiences! I love it that the kindness your son thought of to do for you was on a healthy track. I hope this occurrence is very uplifting to you! Look at the kind of behaviors those closest to you associate with who you are! Hooray! I enjoyed so much picturing your loving act--- as you responded positively even so early! Please keep sharing! Report Inappropriate Comment

ID_VANDAL 8/14/2010 11:33PM

You know Nancy (and you do) - my weekend is not as good as yours! What a great way to start it although I would love to go for an 8:00 sleep-in but alas my body wakes up at 4:00 most days.. Used to be able to 11:00 AM in college!! Hope it's a great weekend for you! Vandal Comment edited on: 8/14/2010 11:35:15 PM Report Inappropriate Comment

DDENIM75 8/14/2010 11:27AM

Just wow - Nancy - I'm in awe of how you handle your life with grace and love! Maybe you can nap this afternoon? Thanks for sharing with us! Report Inappropriate Comment

BIGLITTLEWOMAN 8/14/2010 11:10AM

Some times we just have to step back and get perspective. You are an awesome Mother. Doesn't it just go to show that we are only limited by what we think of ourselves? He doesn't see his limitations, therefore they are not there. I read a great story in the paper this morning and will speak to that in my blog today. Enjoy your day Nancy, you are off to a great start. Report Inappropriate Comment

TRAVELGRRL 8/14/2010 8:53AM

Hi Nancy, How sweet of your son. He is trying to be helpful but I wonder if he realizes how motivating that is for you. How could you disappoint him by saying "not today" when he's been so thoughtful and helpful? What a lovely story, thank you for sharing. Here's my Saturday: TC and I got up to walk our local 3.5 mile trail, and though we started at 6:10 a.m. (barely light) there were dozens of people already there. Of course it was 80 degrees and 90% humidity, but later today it is going to be over 100 degrees. Now we are going to pack snacks in the cooler and go to a state park that is 2.5 hours away. We want to check it out and see if it's a place we want to camp over Thanksgiving break. We will stop at Subway for lunch. I am excited -- it's going to be a day we get to spend together doing something just for us! Have a relaxing and fun day yourself! Report Inappropriate Comment

Friday the 13th

Friday, August 13, 2010

Triskaidekaphobia, anyone?
I'm not really superstitious, but feel that many think that the 13th is unlucky and go looking for trouble then find it. Kind of like when you buy a new car, then all of a sudden you notice all the similar models out on the road. You didn't notice them before but they were there. What you look for you will find.

Look for success and you will find it. I have to start doing this more.

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DAY 12 - Evening Snack Report
∎ Put it on a plate. DID
∎ ASK: 'Am I hungry?' (if I feel I want more) DID
∎ Wait 20 minutes (if I want more) DIDN'T

Enjoy your day!

  

  Member Comments About This Blog Post:

BIGLITTLEWOMAN 8/13/2010 4:31PM

Now that I am a M-F worker I just love the fact that it is Friday. I don't pay attention to the number. My parents were married on Friday the 13th so they have always considered it their lucky day. Report Inappropriate Comment

ID_VANDAL 8/13/2010 2:09PM

You are getting this snack thing locked in. I love Friday the 13th - it's my daughters birthday (well not the Friday) but the 13th. I've always liked that number - don't know why but I do!! Have a great week-end! Vandal Report Inappropriate Comment

FREELADY 8/13/2010 12:52PM

Here's my favorite example of this . . . LOL We've all said in frustration, "Why does the phone ALWAYS ring when I'm in the shower?!!" If we think about it, we have many many showers where we step out and dry off without interruption. But when I'm grabbing that towel, I don't say to myself, "Wow, I've had four showers this week and the phone never rang once!" Just a chuckle. Thanks for sharing! Report Inappropriate Comment

SLIMMERJESSE 8/13/2010 10:19AM

This is my lucky day, and I hope it's yours as well. I think we make our own luck, to a certain extent. Have a wonderful day. Report Inappropriate Comment

SANDYLH1 8/13/2010 9:58AM

Great job on you snack goal. I believe that if you look for the negative it will happen, so look for the positive. Report Inappropriate Comment

SERENEART 8/13/2010 9:19AM

not really superstitious... 13 has almost always been a lucky number for me. Maybe I'm just weird. Report Inappropriate Comment

FLUENTFROG 8/13/2010 8:44AM

Super job on your snack goals! I also believe that anything you look for becomes more available the more you practice -- thanks for the reminder to apply that to this as well! Report Inappropriate Comment

BRWNHONEYBEE 8/13/2010 8:42AM

I like that snack idea!!! I'm going to have to try it. Thanks for the tip. Report Inappropriate Comment

Joie de vivre

Thursday, August 12, 2010

There is something to be said for creatures of habit. THEY ARE DEPENDABLE. (like my hubbie) When the routine changes, you wonder what is wrong.

Then there are those butterflies that flitter around, you never know what direction they are going... (that's more like me.) I notice the colors and clouds in the sky, the insect crawling on the tree, the breeze against my skin.While I find comfort in routine, I rebel against it with a passion.
It is the butterfly in me. Scheduling, routines, Ho hum! My adventuresome spirit can be my downfall. That is why I have to use the alarm on my cell phone(thank heavens for tools) to remind me to take my meds... my mind is elsewhere. Things I NEED to do, get forgotten. Time for dinner...oops I'm late

I'm working on finding a balance between necessary routine and my spontaneous nature. Staying focused while still satisfying my free spirit. I noticed the joy in my blog yesterday, but stuff did not get done.
~~~~
DAY 11 - Evening Snack Report
∎ Put it on a plate.DID
∎ ASK: 'Am I hungry?' (if I feel I want more) DID
∎ Wait 20 minutes (if I want more) DIDN'T
~~~~
How do you find that balance?

  

  Member Comments About This Blog Post:

BIGLITTLEWOMAN 8/12/2010 9:07PM

Loved your blog today. We seek balance in all things and to read the comments, we have done that will our spouses too. My hubby is ALL about routine and everything is absolutely in its' place lined up just right. Routine comforts me but what doesn't get done today can get done tomorrow. Or the next day. As I'm working on something I am already thinking about the next thing trying to be prepared. Much of this is simply career habits. If I have the opportunity to just be how I want to be??? I will soon find out. Report Inappropriate Comment

TRIGFROST 8/12/2010 12:22PM

I am the "ButterFly'... I like Change... Hubby is slow and steady and sure... we have been married - now for 43 yrs.. Report Inappropriate Comment

ID_VANDAL 8/12/2010 10:52AM

I to loved the blog. PM is the person in our relationship that is "always in the moment" to the point she sometimes can't see that something is going to happen even when it's obvious. I, on the other hand, mr left brain like order and I'm never in the moment because I'm always planning where we should be next. I don't know how to find balance except to be aware of it and make adjustments as you can. Later, Vandal> Report Inappropriate Comment

SANDYLH1 8/12/2010 9:54AM

Great blog. My husband and I are the opposite, he's the butterfly. Report Inappropriate Comment

FREELADY 8/12/2010 8:38AM

What a terrific blog! Great insight! Report Inappropriate Comment

FLUENTFROG 8/12/2010 7:17AM

Great blog, Nancy. My husband is also a great example of routine, and honest to goodness I was reflecting on my resistance to the same yesterday. I'd decided to start at the beginning of the day and focus on what I want to get done in mornings first without telling myself I HAVE to get them done in any specific order. Report Inappropriate Comment

Looking for Perfection?

Wednesday, August 11, 2010

Even the best plans get blow out of the water at times. It was so nice, that I decided to drag my son to the pool with me. It closes at 6:30, dinner would have to be delayed if we went. So last night's dinner ended up being much later than usual. By the time dinner was finished snack time was just 40 minutes later, so I took my meds a bit earlier and skipped the snack.
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DAY 10 - Evening Snack Report (a.k.a. What snack?)
∎ Put it on a plate.DIDN'T NEED TO
∎ ASK: 'Am I hungry?' (if I feel I want more) DIDN'T NEED TO
∎ Wait 20 minutes (if I want more) DIDN'T NEED TO

Would I do it all again? You Betcha!!!
Sometimes you just have to go with the flow.
Beauty in life is not perfection, it is adapting and growing.

  

  Member Comments About This Blog Post:

FREELADY 8/11/2010 6:08PM

Three cheers for resourcefulness! I applaud your seizing the moment. You won't regret it! May you both have a lovely evening! Report Inappropriate Comment

ID_VANDAL 8/11/2010 4:26PM

I like that go with the flow concept! It helps break up the day and good things can "flow" from it. Sounds like the whole evening went very well - and no snack - offsets the other day and you are still rockin on!! Vandal Report Inappropriate Comment

BIGLITTLEWOMAN 8/11/2010 3:27PM

Messing with the and schedule; Excellent Choice!! And look, you didn't have to cope with the snack. Way to go Mom! Report Inappropriate Comment

SANDYLH1 8/11/2010 12:11PM

I ended up doing the same thing last night. Go with the flow. Report Inappropriate Comment

FLUENTFROG 8/11/2010 8:38AM

Sounds like a GREAT day, Nancy! Report Inappropriate Comment

Regrets? I've had a few,....

Tuesday, August 10, 2010

But then again, too few to mention.
I did what I had to do
And saw it through without exemption.

I planned each charted course -
Each careful step along the byway,
And more, much more than this,
I did it my way.

Yes, there were times, I'm sure you knew,
When I bit off more than I could chew, ...

~~~~

And did I....
DAY 9 - Evening Snack Report
∎ Put it on a plate. NO
∎ ASK: 'Am I hungry?' (if I feel I want more) YES
∎ Wait 20 minutes (if I want more) NO

Borrowing from Frankie again.... but it does apply to last night. I do have some minor regrets.
I changed my snack. That was my downfall along with not putting it on a plate and not waiting 20 minutes. Answering to the call of "I WANT more!", by devouring another serving gave me only momentary pleasure.

DUH!!!


When I do what I have to do and stay on course by sticking to the plan, puting the snack on a plate, putting food away then sitting down to eat it works much better. Yes I maybe hard on myself ... but this is my learning process. Staying with my charted course., doing what I need to do for me, is what I need to do. Yes I am human. I can do better and will do what I planned.

Each moment is a chance to start anew. :)

  

  Member Comments About This Blog Post:

MONTY68 8/10/2010 11:13PM

Hi Nancy You do realize that you are on your journey of a healthy life and will achieve it. A very beautiful blog and I remember the song very clearly. One of the great qualities of being human is the ability to make mistakes. There are those that make a mistake and quit and there are people like you that recognize it, make the adjustment and continue on their successful journey learning how to live a healthy life is new to most people on Spark and it takes time to take these new ideas and completely live by them. Give yourself a big pat on the back, say congratulations and just know that you are doing very well. Thank you for sharing Monty Report Inappropriate Comment

BIGLITTLEWOMAN 8/10/2010 10:24PM

Perfection is not us, nor is that what we seek. We are the human factor learning to live real life with healthy habits one day at a time. You have a great streak working on this habit. You have been consistently successful using this habit. Many nights you did not want the snack. Report Inappropriate Comment

FREELADY 8/10/2010 1:03PM

Answering Frankie, here's Toby Mac (a favorite of my teens-n-twenties kids) in the song "Get Back Up." "We lose our way, we get back up again It’s never too late to get back up again And one day you're gonna’ shine again" Thanks for showing me how to analyze a goof and move on! for anyone who wants to hear the song . . . http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hqeX uWrI7QY (I'm not suggesting he is in the same league with Frankie, but the lyrics fit my intended encouragement . . . ) Comment edited on: 8/10/2010 1:08:17 PM Report Inappropriate Comment

TRAVELGRRL 8/10/2010 12:43PM

I'm going to say to you what I always tell my husband: "If that's the worst thing you've done today, you're doing GREAT!" Two servings of a planned snack is NOT as bad as going through the McDonald's drive thru and getting TWO double cheeseburgers and TWO large fries so that the teenager at the window doesn't think it's all "just for you" even though it is. (Oops, maybe I'm the only one who's ever done that??) You've come sooo far. I know you still have a ways to go until you are happy with yourself, but sometimes the journey ahead doesn't look as long once we look back to where we've been. As always, thanks for your honesty and sharing your process with us. Peace. TG Report Inappropriate Comment

ID_VANDAL 8/10/2010 12:30PM

Hi Nancy - glad to see you are human!! Actually I knew that but you have to be happy with the way you have been going lately. This is just a slight misstep and you have already analyzed it - learned from it and you're back on track!! Good job (and I don't mean the misstep)you handled it very very well. Keep up the good work! Vandal Report Inappropriate Comment

FLUENTFROG 8/10/2010 9:29AM

I love how you talk yourself tthrough a situation to turnarounds. You're staying with your intentions to change the habits and that's HUGE! This brings to mind how in my former 'life' I worked in the risk analysis world where it's a given that there is X% of human error in any situation, by the numbers simply part of factoring any endeavor. ANY. Persistence, not perfection, and you're doing that! Report Inappropriate Comment

SANDYLH1 8/10/2010 9:20AM

Everyone has their moments and slip up. Don't be too hard on yourself, you know where you went wrong. You've been doing great so keep on going. Report Inappropriate Comment

EILEENXO 8/10/2010 9:05AM

I like to use the blogs to point out my positives and negatives as well. They are nice to look back over and could potentially help other members learn without actually having to experience it themselves first hand. Report Inappropriate Comment