December 27 2014

This week is almost over...I am not sure how I feel about it. Chet will be going back to work and I still have a week off....to myself....
Ya know, over the years I have kept myself pretty busy and feel like I am fairly self sufficient. I don't feel like I need to be entertained all the time. Infact, I am fairly content to just sit at home and chill.
The thought of spending next week by myself for the most part is sort of giving me a little bit of anxiety. I wish I had someone close to make plans with or something! I am however totally looking forward to our family get together that will be here at our house! It seems like the times we have to get together are less and less frequent so I plan on making the most of this one, even though Steve and Jenni won't be able to be here.
This holiday season has reminded me that none of us knows when the last time might be when we will get to tell our family that we love them. I plan on taking that time on Monday! Can't wait to see you family. Wish there were a way for us ALL to be there.
Grateful for family!

Dec 23 2014

It might just be the little things. I have wondered for a few years now, why Christmas just isn't even close to what it use to be for me. The feeling leading up to the day, the earliness of the music and "sales" convincing us we need things we truly don't and may even honestly never use...I can honestly say, I have really felt like the Grinch the last couple of years. To the point that it was almost painful to even decorate.
It might just all be in my head, but if it is, there are a LOT of other folks that have mimicked some of my very same thoughts and feelings.

  This year...this year is different. Not really in a good way, but sort of. This year, we almost lost my Dad....
The thought of coming so close to losing half of  the very rock your foundation is built on, well...that sort of makes a body step back and re-think a few things....Service...it changes things.
I got to go out for my folks and do a bit of their shopping for them and try to tie up some loose ends. Try to make sure that the time I spent with them now, wasn't wasted or that I didn't regret not spending the time I when I had the chance.
Blessing came in the form that we get to keep my Dad here for the time being. I know none of us knows when our time will be, but selfishly, for all of us, I am glad we at the very least get one more Christmas :)
I love you Daddy, thank you for being a great teacher and a good example. And for always trying to learn and improve on being a parent! Your example is my goal. To always try to improve.
Merry Christmas to you and Mom and thank you for letting us come stay and try to help out a little.

December 16 2014

Trying like everything to be positive! So days it is SO much harder than others.
No matter how much you tell yourself, things are and will be fine and that things ARE currently good. It can be SO difficult to believe. Today I am sending out into the universe and wherever else it needs to go, and along with a prayer in my heart and mind, positive thoughts and feelings for both my Dad and my Father in law. Both men mean more to me than they could ever know! Both men are having some added struggles in their lives right now, but I want to make sure that it is written down somewhere how much I look up to them both. Both for the same and very different reasons all at the same time!
Daddy especially for you...thank you SO much for always showing affection. Hugging and kissing on Mom and being silly with her from time to time. Hugging us kids and making sure to tell us that you loved us often. There are truly SO many things I and thankful you taught me, but this thing is in my life and mind EVERYday! From here in  my own home, to the friends of my children who use to frequent my home, to the friends and company I currently keep. All the way to my job, and the kids and people I am privileged to be able to associate with on a daily basis! So of those kids just need a hug sometimes and someone to tell them that things will get better.
Were you perfect? No. I know that, but I also know you did the best you could with what you knew and as time has gone by and you have learned more you have tried to improve. I appreciate that about you!
Thank you for teaching me to look in the bright side and to fine the positive in every situation. It has served me well and for the most part, it usually makes me feel better.
There really are so many more things...I just don't have time or space to write them all.
Thanks for being my Daddy! Positive thoughts and lot of love going with you tomorrow!

December 14 2014

Today, I have spent some time reflecting back, to when the kids were little. Looking at it now, I didn't realize back then how truly blessed I/we were for me to be able to stay home with our kids while they were little! I don't even know for sure today what made me think back to it.
I was thinking about the amazing women in my life. My Mom, the aunts and so many women I knew. So many of them HAD to work. But not only did they work outside the home, they then continued to work with vigor when they finally returned home! THAT was one of the things I was thinking about. HOW on Earth did they do it? I stayed home until Ford was in 1st grade before I re-entered the work scene, and then it was usually for 3 to 4 hours a day. The I would go home and feel like I had to rush around like a crazy person in order to accomplish anything other than dinner! My  Mom was simply AMAZING! She sewed, she cooked and taught us to do the same, she gardened with Dad and together the took care of the house and animals. (we always had animals) THEN as is THAT wasn't enough! Come fall she canned like a crazy person! Kept us in fruits and veggies, soups, jams and jellies! I learned a lot just by observing! I too now can and preserve many of my own things thanks to the wonderful example I was provided with!
Anyway, I have gotten off track a little. My original today was how did those who didn't have to opportunity to be a stay at home Mom make it through and accomplish all the things that they did!
I simply shake my head in amazement.
So here is to all those who not only worked their fingers to the bone inside the home as a care giver, but outside as well! You have been an inspiration without even know it! I hope to someday be as cool as you! (without passing right out!) ;)

Dec 12 2014

Although I might not always be looking for the opportunity to provide service for someone else. I am none the less grateful for being given the opportunity to provide it when I can.
I spent 3 hours today doing some service unexpectedly. So glad I was able to help and would gladly do it again. Wishing for perhaps different circumstances for the people in need. My heart is heavy for them, but hope that what little I was able to do today was helpful. Love and prayers. Thank you for allowing me to help!

December 11 2014

Today I am grateful for being able to work outside in the yard! I really did that today! I pulled weeds and mowed leaves and the edges of the lawn that think they still need to be growing. It was wonderful!

December 10 2014

Today I am so very grateful that my toe is feeling better than it did yesterday! I was so sore yesterday I had a hard time finding anything nice to say so I just didn't say anything! Today my toe is feeling a little bit better than it had been. I am hoping it will continue to feel better everyday. I am afraid that I will be having to spend a little money on some new shoes (again) here in the very near future. Dang it! I hate spending money on shoes! Unless they are my running shoes. The I just feel guilty for the cost, but I could buy a new pair of those every other month! ;)
Anyway, I still exercised today, I just didn't do any cardio at all! Just strength training. Give the foot one more day to rest. Got to take care of this body! Want to make it last!

December 8 2014

Today I am grateful for cotton balls. Yep! Cotton balls. Specifically cotton balls torn in half with that stretchy bandage that the doctors use, wrapped around my pinky toe. It has given me MUCH relief this afternoon. I have had my toes rubbing together and causing me pain now for a while. I finally broke down and went to a  podiatrist and had him tell me what I need to do. If I can't get the pain to stop it will be surgery, but he seems to think I can get it under control without. YAY for NO surgery! I can't stand having to sit still so no thank you please! So tonight the half cotton ball has so far done its job! For which I am very grateful! See...grateful for cotton balls~ :)

December 7 2014

Honestly today I am grateful for almost spring like weather in December. I know I should be praying for snow, because I know come next July the state will be in bad shape if we don't get some, but honestly I am totally loving this weather! I love being able to be outside still without being miserable and so bundled up that you can't move for trying to stay warm! I know it can't and probably won't last, but I am totally loving it while it is here!

HA! Found yesterday's post!

December 5 2014

Another lovely afternoon spent outside enjoying the warm afternoon, walking with a pal and being a sounding board. :) Ahhh good times! Sometimes, even when you're not sure what to say, it's nice just to be appreciated for the ears to listen to someone else's struggles. Besides, it almost always makes your own struggles seem a little less horrible than they did about an hour before the venting session. :) SO today I am glad for walking and talking once again! Plus, I and glad to be reminded that I will take my struggles over anyone else's thank you very much! I am truly blessed!

December 6 2014

Right now I am very frustrated. I came to make a new post and made a mistake and went to delete it and ended up deleting the post I did yesterday. So for now I will just go to bed since it is very late to begin with and try again tomorrow. So I guess that is what I am grateful for. Having a new day tomorrow to try again!

December 4 2014

I got to spend some time out in nature today with my sister Mindy! :) Yay for still being able to play outside in December!
Mindy too me to Memory Grove Park in Salt Lake. I may have at some point in my life been there before, but I do not in my conscious memory remember it.
This is how far we walked and how long it took us. It was a good time. Lots of friendly people out walking their dogs and get in some last outdoor no snow activity. (maybe...if we get any snow...)
It was a great hike! Enjoyed our talk too. I talk too much I think, and Mindy just let's me. Thanks Min! :)

WALKED 2.76 MI ON 12/04/2014

DISTANCE

2.76mi

STEPS

--

DURATION

1:01:19

AVG PACE

22:11

KCAL

December 3 2014

I spent some time thinking today about how far I have come in the last few years. Including the 2 steps forward 2 steps back here and there. I have come to the conclusion that I am very grateful for goals and personal challenges. Because I make the best progress when I have a goal in mind and a challenge to encourage me. I am currently working on 2 personal fitness challenges for the month of December. I had let the last couple months go without and kind of "challenge". I was still doing my daily workout of whatever kind I wanted, but all of a sudden it seemed to be just stagnant. Like going through the motions.
Now within 3 days, not only do I feel more motivated than I have in 6 months or more, but I have struck out taking some new fitness classes. It's awesome! I am sore in places that I forgot could get sore! I feel! I am not just going through the motions, just because I have for 4 years! I am grateful to still be able to challenge myself like this! :)

December 2 2014

Thinking today and I have to say...I am really grateful for clothing! Yep! Clothing! It is good for dressing up,  dressing down, changing one's appearance altogether or just helping to hide the things about ourselves that are less appealing than we might think they should be. Be that the truth or otherwise. Not only that it also guards me (somewhat) from having to see others in a way that I don't want to have to try to forget! ;)
It also most especially during this time of year keeps me warm! I LOVE being warm! (refer back to the butt warmer post) I love long sleeves and soft sweaters (as long as they are loose) and long johns! I have found the by simply slipping on a pair of long johns under my work clothes or jeans will keep me warm and functioning for the whole day without having to wear a jacket or coat for the day. It's so nice!
Anyway...I love clothes! They keep me warm and covered! ;)

Dec 1 2014

Grateful for beautiful weather which allowed me to go running outside on December 1! It was awesome an gave me so many good exercise endorphins that I kept working out in one way or another until 6:30 tonight! I feel great! The challenge of a new month is upon me and I have accepted 2 separate fitness challenges to work on this month along with my other stuff that I just can't give up. Like the times I exercise with my kids! Can't miss out on that time! It's some of my favorite!
All in all a good day! Must figure out how to get back to eating more healthy like I had been. That is my biggest struggle right now. I think I will do some research on the matter and make an educated goal for January? Maybe? Well it's something to be working towards anyway! Always trying to move forward instead of back. I don't always succeed but I am trying!
Workouts for the day
2 mile run
20 minute calisthenics
hour long weight and cross training class
Now to get me some fuel! :)