'Twas the Night before Christmas

Friday, December 24, 2010

I can't believe it's here - Christmas Eve! Horray for a shorter work day and beginning of a long weekend ahead.

I have been so 'off' schedule that I'm anxious to have the holidays done so I can get back to a routine and finish off the year with a week of healthy eating and exercising (starting on Monday the 27th)...

For the next few days I'm allowing the break in routine and going to enjoy the festivities and celebrations with my children!

I would like to take the opportunity to wish all of my SP Friends a Very Merry Christmas and healthy wishes for the year ahead!!

  

  Member Comments About This Blog Post:

ANNE7X7 12/25/2010 2:53PM

Merry Christmas to you and your family Helene!! Christmas came so fast this year!! I agree that I'm looking forward to getting back into a routine, but it's fun to enjoy the festivities for a while! Can't wait till Friday: we're gonna be neighbors!! Cheers! Report Inappropriate Comment

46SHADOW 12/24/2010 10:48PM

Merry christmas to you. Report Inappropriate Comment

MEADSBAY 12/24/2010 9:57AM

Merry Christmas to you, too, Helene! Report Inappropriate Comment

LAURIEANNIE1 12/24/2010 9:56AM

I think this is a very good idea as you don't want the holidays to be stressful surrounding the festivities and celebrations. Getting back to business Monday is a wonderful idea. Report Inappropriate Comment

NEW-CAZ 12/24/2010 9:51AM

Merry Crimbo to you too hun Report Inappropriate Comment

CARPENSM 12/24/2010 9:48AM

I hope you and your family have an amazing holiday!! We'll see you on SP in the new year!! Report Inappropriate Comment

Season for gatherings...

Wednesday, December 22, 2010

We had out team pot luck yesterday and it was very nice... Here's a team shot of those who were able to make it.


After work tonight I am meeting up with my former team/colleagues... and proof of how this is a season for gatherings and appreciation...

I read Monday's Daily Motivator and wanted to share... as it's something that struck a cord for me... I hope that in sharing you can enjoy it too...

A FULL-TIME THING

If you quit before the work is completed, the work you've done is wasted. Honor the time and effort you've already put into it by finishing what you started.

If you plant a seed, and water it just for a few days, and then stop, you might as well have never planted it. Remember to direct your focus again and again toward those things you're committed to completing.

Being inspired for a few minutes or for a day or two feels good. Being inspired for a lifetime is what actually achieves good and valuable results.

Remind yourself what a truly extraordinary opportunity you have by virtue of being you. Then remind yourself again, and again, on every day, in each new situation.

Feel the exquisite joy and purposeful power of being alive. Then commit yourself to staying connected to that feeling.

Don't settle for just a few moments here and there of brilliance and inspiration and true richness. Make life's richness a full-time thing.

-- Ralph Marston

Cheers my SPARK friends to this full time thing we're into together!!

  

  Member Comments About This Blog Post:

ANNE7X7 12/23/2010 1:27PM

I love that!! Thank you for sharing! Let's finish what we've started!!! Report Inappropriate Comment

LATVIAN_SANDY 12/22/2010 11:48AM

That was Report Inappropriate Comment

MEADSBAY 12/22/2010 9:59AM

Good time to hear this! xoxo Report Inappropriate Comment

LIALOU70072 12/22/2010 8:19AM

Awesomesauce!! Report Inappropriate Comment

NEW-CAZ 12/22/2010 5:51AM

great blog Helene and a lovely pic Have a good day Report Inappropriate Comment

Yet another 'bump' in the road...

Tuesday, December 21, 2010

It seems that the emotions of the season are getting the best of me... or perhaps I'm riding in the wave of all that has happened in the past couple of months (my nephew living with me, then deciding not to, job loss, new job, and just plain old single parenting stuff).

I know I have been truly blessed with good fortune, yet I'm feeling some anxiety, issues of confidence and self-esteem with respect to my new position. I had my orientation yesterday and it was a whirlwind day... Last Friday marked the 4 week mark of my having the new job and while it's been wonderful, it is at times a bit overwhelming.

I'm feeling the effects as I try to manage my stress, and my body is in fact reacting I believe to some of the issues I'm feeling... With all the social activities going on, I'm feeling a bit out of sorts being the 'new' person on the block... Today is our staff's pot luck and while I know they are a great bunch - my fear of not fitting in creeps in at times and although it's probably imagined... it's the old me re-surfacing...

Needless to say I'm looking forward to feeling 'UP' again and with the long weekend ahead and quieter week at work next week, I'm sure I will feel better.

On January 3rd our workplace is partnering in a really neat initiative that is again right in line with the SPARKworld! Perhaps that's another one of my fears of 'failing' ... as I'm now part of a team that is all about healthy living, it's another pressure for me to reach my goals - which seem just out of reach all the time. The plateaus, the yo-yoing... it's so frustrating!

I need to get grounded again and it's hard to do amidst the flurry of activities and outings. So I promise to take the time to give myself this gift on Christmas Day - to take a breath, to relax and to regain my composure as I set out my plan to begin 2011 on a high note.

Sorry for the rant friends... hope you all have a wonderful day!

  

  Member Comments About This Blog Post:

SEAWAVE 12/21/2010 3:57PM

You're doing well to recognize the stress and face it head on. Take the time to acknowledge it - it's a perfectly valid reaction! - then move back into that positive energy you have around you. You'll be fine, and I'm sure your co-workers are already seeing what a great asset you are to the team! Report Inappropriate Comment

MEADSBAY 12/21/2010 3:10PM

Helene- you can do it, my friend. No-one expects you to be perfect! Be kind to yourslef. Do some self- care every single day. You are worth it. Report Inappropriate Comment

ANNE7X7 12/21/2010 1:30PM

It's your blog and you can rant if you want to Chin up, Helene! You have had a FABULOUS year and you have come out of every challenge and trial stronger and better! It's hard to be in a new position, but you are an amazing and easy-going person, and I have no doubt that people will love to get to know you! Just take it one day at a time, one healthy decision at a time! You can do it Report Inappropriate Comment

DEB181 12/21/2010 12:56PM

cyber hug on it's way.. Report Inappropriate Comment

AUNTB63 12/21/2010 8:50AM

Rant all you want.........you deserve to have a place to go to to do this and we are here for you. I think taking a deep breath and taking one day at a time you will do just fine. You have so much to be proud of this past year and you don't need to fret about not fitting in or not meeting your goals.............YOU CAN DO THIS and YOU WILL. So put that beautiful smile on your face and sparkle like you've never sparkled before. Have fun and enjoy the new friends you are making and be kind to your self. Have a great holiday. Report Inappropriate Comment

NEW-CAZ 12/21/2010 8:48AM

Helene you'll fit in hun, you have such a sweet and easy going nature.. you'll be fine. Just take one day at a time Report Inappropriate Comment

GROEDER 12/21/2010 8:33AM

I wish you all the best as you deal with the stresses in your life. When I am anxious about new things (which I am finding is happening less often all the time), I trust God to give me the strength and self-confidence to look at the situation as a way to experience something new and expand myself. It really works for me, and I hope it works for you. Good luck and I hope you have many new rewarding experiences. Report Inappropriate Comment

KIMROID 12/21/2010 8:31AM

Helene I can't imagine you not fitting in anywhere. You are such a sweet person with a terrific positive attitude. Report Inappropriate Comment

GLOWORM1963 12/21/2010 8:15AM

Just take it one day at a time!! Report Inappropriate Comment

JOHNMARTINMILES 12/21/2010 8:13AM

You have the right idea. STOP! Take a deep breath and move on. At each major crossroad or apparent crisis, ask yourself, "What will this matter in five years?" Report Inappropriate Comment

8 Years ago...

Monday, December 20, 2010

My mom spent her first Christmas in Heaven... I can't believe it's been that long ... Not much in me to write this morning as I'm out of time and have to get going. The computer is making a lot of loud noises (fan is loud)... so I've been off of it for most of the weekend and laying low generally.

Still not feeling like myself - looking forward to the extra days off come this weekend and feeling back to normal (if there is such a thing lol).

Have a good week Sparkers!

  

  Member Comments About This Blog Post:

ANNE7X7 12/21/2010 1:22PM

I hope that you are doing well in this hard period... I'm thinking of you and sending you tones of positive happy vibes! Report Inappropriate Comment

LATVIAN_SANDY 12/20/2010 6:16PM

Thinking of you Report Inappropriate Comment

NEW-CAZ 12/20/2010 10:04AM

Thinking of you today Helene, take care hun. Report Inappropriate Comment

CHEFKATLEANER 12/20/2010 9:58AM

Helene, I'm sorry this is such a sad time for you. I do know exactly what you're going through. Tomorrow is the 12th anniversary of my dad's passing. I'm looking forward to getting together next week. I'll email you this week and we can figure out the details. If it's nice, I'd love to get in a walk. Report Inappropriate Comment

SEAWAVE 12/20/2010 9:26AM

You've had a lot going on lately - both good and bad events causing stress. Maybe your body is just telling you you need a break. Breathe. Relax. Listen to Christmas music. Take care of YOU! Report Inappropriate Comment

33ANDHAPPY 12/20/2010 8:32AM

Thinking of you...hope all is well in your world today and that you are at peace during this busy holiday season. Tkae time for yourself. Report Inappropriate Comment

BAILEYSMOM4 12/20/2010 8:24AM

Thinking about you today. Hope you find peace in knowing she is with you in spirit. Report Inappropriate Comment

I think I will have to re-set to Monday as Day 1

Saturday, December 18, 2010

I've been feeling a bit 'off' with this sinus cold and chills/body aches. I'm going to give my body a break and just keep up with regular stuff (which is more than usual right now with the holiday planning and preparation). So my Slim in 6 Plan - rewind please... Back to Day 1 on Monday.

I woke at 4am (without a clock - it's my internal clock now lol)... Got up, showered and went shopping. Finished getting the last few gifts (thanks to 24hr Walmart) and also got my groceries (as I had to plan for the girls being home and having easy to make stuff... since they are now off school until January 4 or 5th - I'll have to check on that).

The rest of today will include wrapping the gifts, and some relaxing. Cleaning day will be tomorrow. I may go out for a bit of a walk as I have to pick up some rabbit food... so I'll get some steps in there (too crazy to drive/park at the malls right now - that's why I love the early hours shopping that's available right now).

Well... not much else. Sorry for bowing out for the weekend... but I am listening to my body and getting a bit of a break in.

Cheers to those who have joined this challenge and keep it going!!

  

  Member Comments About This Blog Post:

ALEXSGIRL1 12/19/2010 9:37AM

hope you are well soon take care of you Report Inappropriate Comment

ANNE7X7 12/18/2010 9:25PM

That is insane that you naturally get up at 4 am! I would LOVE to be one of those people who don't need much sleep and can get up early! Unfortunately, if I get fewer than 7 hours, I can barely function!! Get better real soon! Just jump right back in when you are! Report Inappropriate Comment

MIMICOTO 12/18/2010 7:28PM

Take good care and get better soon! Report Inappropriate Comment

KARBIE18 12/18/2010 8:40AM

You never need to apologize for taking care of yourself - it's most definitely the smart thing to do. Feel better soon! Report Inappropriate Comment

NEW-CAZ 12/18/2010 7:50AM

Sorry to hear you're unwell hun, wise to listen to your body and look after yourself. Hope you feel brighter soon Report Inappropriate Comment

BAILEYSMOM4 12/18/2010 7:47AM

Take care of yourself. Maybe you are trying to do too much? hint hint... that's your body telling you to take a break!!!! Report Inappropriate Comment

ALEXANDRA64 12/18/2010 7:46AM

No matter what your goals and aspirations are for yourself, the most important thing to learn to to listen to the body. By honoring what your body is telling you, you are honoring yourself. You may cheer others but I am cheering you for doing what is right specifically for you! Have a great weekend! Report Inappropriate Comment

LIALOU70072 12/18/2010 7:41AM

Sometimes you just gotta listen to and take your cues from your body. :D Report Inappropriate Comment