Today was a holiday. I felt really lazy. It felt like a day to sit and catch up the DVR.
I finally resigned myself to giving my son a haircut (he was getting pretty shaggy) and after I got up and did that, I felt inspired to at least get the bathrooms done. After one bathroom done, and then the toilet in the next, I got distracted and cleaned the rabbit's cage. Then I helped Logan clean his room. Then I organized the hall closet. Then I did all the laundry including washing all the bedding. Then I ended up in the attic.
Again, I lack focus. Like everything else in my life I feel like I get pulled in a million directions. I can't even CLEAN a little at a time! I think it's a real sickness....like schizophrenia of ambition!
Please tell me I'm not the only one!
Monday, February 21, 2011
Thursday, February 3, 2011
February's Resolutions
Ok, so I didn't quite get this posted on the 1st but we have been following the resolutions we set!
Tuesday nights dinner at Playa Bonita was awesome! Even splurged on some fried ice cream. If you are ever in Granite Falls and need a place to grab a meal please consider going there. The food is amazing, the service is excellent and the owner is a kick in the pants! It is by far the best place to go in our little town!
So, since we aren't committal type people we discussed our resolution for February. We were excited to have done so well on our January resolution but were slightly disappointed that we didn't quite make it all the way without spending. (Maybe one of our resolutions will be to plan activities and meals better!) Because our January resolution saved us so much money (especially since we are spending so much money on gas - hello $3.29 a gallon!) we are going to continue with that resolution WITH THE EXCEPTION of hot chocolate on Saturday's up at the mountain. That was perhaps the worst sacrifice we had to make and one of the cheapest "meals" we buy so we're making the exception for that treat.
In addition to our cooperative resolution, Brandon and I have set personal resolutions for ourselves for February. I've written before about my desperate hope that my children will not grow up to have jobs that they come home and complain about. I grew up listening to my Dad complain about his government job and I have found myself following the trend. Well, this month, I'm bucking it! For the month of February I will not speak negatively about my job at home. This is not to say that I won't call Brandon or a co-worker on the way home to get it out of my system, but I won't be spending our entire conversation at dinner spewing my issues. They say it takes 28 days to create a habit and so I'm hoping this will become on of mine.
Brandon has set a personal goal to lose 10 pounds. He has been unhappy with his lack of commitment to working out and is going to try to regain his college workout ethic....OK, maybe not quite the college level - he doesn't have that much free time in a day! In any case, he is trying to be healthier and we are going to help. I have been investing in those OXO type containers that vacuum seal and am starting to buy more and more in the bulk section. We love brown rice but we're expanding our grain repertoire to include quinoa & couscous more often. As of yet we just can't seem to make the switch to whole wheat pasta, it just doesn't taste right in any of our favorite dishes. Anyone have any suggestions on ones they've tried?
Here's to February, continuing January's already successful resolution and adding a couple more! I'm liking this compound thing!
Tuesday nights dinner at Playa Bonita was awesome! Even splurged on some fried ice cream. If you are ever in Granite Falls and need a place to grab a meal please consider going there. The food is amazing, the service is excellent and the owner is a kick in the pants! It is by far the best place to go in our little town!
So, since we aren't committal type people we discussed our resolution for February. We were excited to have done so well on our January resolution but were slightly disappointed that we didn't quite make it all the way without spending. (Maybe one of our resolutions will be to plan activities and meals better!) Because our January resolution saved us so much money (especially since we are spending so much money on gas - hello $3.29 a gallon!) we are going to continue with that resolution WITH THE EXCEPTION of hot chocolate on Saturday's up at the mountain. That was perhaps the worst sacrifice we had to make and one of the cheapest "meals" we buy so we're making the exception for that treat.
In addition to our cooperative resolution, Brandon and I have set personal resolutions for ourselves for February. I've written before about my desperate hope that my children will not grow up to have jobs that they come home and complain about. I grew up listening to my Dad complain about his government job and I have found myself following the trend. Well, this month, I'm bucking it! For the month of February I will not speak negatively about my job at home. This is not to say that I won't call Brandon or a co-worker on the way home to get it out of my system, but I won't be spending our entire conversation at dinner spewing my issues. They say it takes 28 days to create a habit and so I'm hoping this will become on of mine.
Brandon has set a personal goal to lose 10 pounds. He has been unhappy with his lack of commitment to working out and is going to try to regain his college workout ethic....OK, maybe not quite the college level - he doesn't have that much free time in a day! In any case, he is trying to be healthier and we are going to help. I have been investing in those OXO type containers that vacuum seal and am starting to buy more and more in the bulk section. We love brown rice but we're expanding our grain repertoire to include quinoa & couscous more often. As of yet we just can't seem to make the switch to whole wheat pasta, it just doesn't taste right in any of our favorite dishes. Anyone have any suggestions on ones they've tried?
Here's to February, continuing January's already successful resolution and adding a couple more! I'm liking this compound thing!
Monday, January 31, 2011
Pretty Happy with Ourselves
At New Year's I posted about our resolutions for this year (see Afraid of Commitment) and our difficulty committing to a whole year's worth of commitment and dedication. And so, we decided to break it down month by month. For January: no eating out except if we had gift cards or it was someone else's treat.
There were times it was really tough. The kids are in ski lessons right now and it has been hard for them to not get hot chocolate after their lessons to warm up and have a treat; especially when their friends are sitting next to them with their steaming chocolatey goodness! However, they've been really good about recognizing our goal and knowing that we are working towards something meaningful - not only to save money but also a lesson in setting goals, making a commitment and keeping your word. One day I packed the kids lunches as we went to visit my mom in the hospital. Dummy as I am however, I forgot to bring anything for myself! Starbucks called to me as we went in Barnes & Noble to look at books but I resisted and ended up finding a box of Ritz that I had left in the car. Granted, not the most healthy lunch, but I am competitive and was NOT going to be the one who ruined the streak. There were many other times when we had to keep reminding ourselves of our resolution: nights when we were running late and it would've been easier to pick something up, mornings when I barely had a chance to make coffee and would normally have just stopped at Starbucks on the way to work and of course when it's your daughter's birthday and we have traditionally gone out to eat. (We creeped out of that one though as generous Papa bought her Chinese for dinner on her birthday, which ended up being a treat for all of us!)
Today, January 31st, I am proud to say that we (almost) achieved our goal. We did have two small issues over the month where we had to grab something out. In both instances we were ill prepared with food for the kiddos. But, rather than just ditch the resolution and start eating out, we grabbed a small snack and tried to keep with our goal. Total spent on eating out in January? $12.67! Not at all bad I think. I am proud of us and our achievement. We probably saved somewhere between $250-$500! Tomorrow, we're having dinner out at Playa Bonita as a prize for achieving our goal! The kids can't wait!
Coming tomorrow: February's goal. Stay tuned!
There were times it was really tough. The kids are in ski lessons right now and it has been hard for them to not get hot chocolate after their lessons to warm up and have a treat; especially when their friends are sitting next to them with their steaming chocolatey goodness! However, they've been really good about recognizing our goal and knowing that we are working towards something meaningful - not only to save money but also a lesson in setting goals, making a commitment and keeping your word. One day I packed the kids lunches as we went to visit my mom in the hospital. Dummy as I am however, I forgot to bring anything for myself! Starbucks called to me as we went in Barnes & Noble to look at books but I resisted and ended up finding a box of Ritz that I had left in the car. Granted, not the most healthy lunch, but I am competitive and was NOT going to be the one who ruined the streak. There were many other times when we had to keep reminding ourselves of our resolution: nights when we were running late and it would've been easier to pick something up, mornings when I barely had a chance to make coffee and would normally have just stopped at Starbucks on the way to work and of course when it's your daughter's birthday and we have traditionally gone out to eat. (We creeped out of that one though as generous Papa bought her Chinese for dinner on her birthday, which ended up being a treat for all of us!)
Today, January 31st, I am proud to say that we (almost) achieved our goal. We did have two small issues over the month where we had to grab something out. In both instances we were ill prepared with food for the kiddos. But, rather than just ditch the resolution and start eating out, we grabbed a small snack and tried to keep with our goal. Total spent on eating out in January? $12.67! Not at all bad I think. I am proud of us and our achievement. We probably saved somewhere between $250-$500! Tomorrow, we're having dinner out at Playa Bonita as a prize for achieving our goal! The kids can't wait!
Coming tomorrow: February's goal. Stay tuned!
Tuesday, January 25, 2011
The Work I Urge My Kids to Find
I spent my childhood listening to my Dad complain about work. Every dinner, every weeknight, we sat as he unloaded the burdens of working for a bureaucracy. Now, as much as I try not to, I fear I have become him - nearly the same complaints, all the same types of problems (really government-type agencies? You haven't figured anything out in all these years?) - and I HATE it! I don't want my kids to be subject to listening to my ranting and raving, day in and day out, all the negativity and bad juju. ...Or do I?
Here is what I want for my kids: To do well in school, go to Europe for the summer after High School graduation, go to college and find a career they are indescribably passionate about. I want them to be one of those people who LOVES their job; one of those people that can't speak highly enough about what they do; one of THOSE people... I know they exist. I've met a couple of them. I hope they will take the opportunity. I want them to break the cycle of working a monotonous job that they hate even if it does pay well.
We can never predict the paths our lives will take. If you would've told me at age 20 what I'd be doing at age 32 I would've NEVER believed you. And so I can't know what my children will do with their lives. I do believe I am doing the things I can to make them responsible, good people that can look at life and see all of its possibilities while still having the confidence and wit to question the things that are presented to them and make good decisions. I want my daughter to be strong and confident, while still having the sensibility and grace to conduct herself professionally, especially under pressure. I want my son to be caring and kind while maintaining strength, intelligence and skepticism when making decisions.
I hope, hope, hope for the best things in life for my children (like all of us do). I hope they see that the opportunity to have experiences may be worth more than material possessions. I don't want them to think that getting a job, getting married and buying a house is the path everyone has to take. By all means, if that is their dream I hope they achieve it. I just don't want their idea of the "right" path to be constricted to that definition. Whatever their dreams I hope they come true and they never have to sit at the dinner table spouting their work troubles at their kids!
Here is what I want for my kids: To do well in school, go to Europe for the summer after High School graduation, go to college and find a career they are indescribably passionate about. I want them to be one of those people who LOVES their job; one of those people that can't speak highly enough about what they do; one of THOSE people... I know they exist. I've met a couple of them. I hope they will take the opportunity. I want them to break the cycle of working a monotonous job that they hate even if it does pay well.
We can never predict the paths our lives will take. If you would've told me at age 20 what I'd be doing at age 32 I would've NEVER believed you. And so I can't know what my children will do with their lives. I do believe I am doing the things I can to make them responsible, good people that can look at life and see all of its possibilities while still having the confidence and wit to question the things that are presented to them and make good decisions. I want my daughter to be strong and confident, while still having the sensibility and grace to conduct herself professionally, especially under pressure. I want my son to be caring and kind while maintaining strength, intelligence and skepticism when making decisions.
I hope, hope, hope for the best things in life for my children (like all of us do). I hope they see that the opportunity to have experiences may be worth more than material possessions. I don't want them to think that getting a job, getting married and buying a house is the path everyone has to take. By all means, if that is their dream I hope they achieve it. I just don't want their idea of the "right" path to be constricted to that definition. Whatever their dreams I hope they come true and they never have to sit at the dinner table spouting their work troubles at their kids!
Thursday, January 20, 2011
First it's the Shower, Next it's a Car!
Tonight my son took a shower by himself. Ok, he needed me there to watch to make sure he was doing things right, but he essentially took a shower by himself. In a way I am SO happy! One less chore for me to do. We're approaching the day when I can just send him to take a shower and continue doing whatever I'm doing. And that is a nice thing. Except....
That also means that I am no longer needed for shower time. And then I won't be needed for help with homework. And then I won't be needed for driving him around to sports and birthday parties. And then he'll be going to college. Aaaahhhh!!!
It's a tiny step, and one I KNOW that he needs to learn, but maybe I'm ok with him wanting me to give him a bath...
That also means that I am no longer needed for shower time. And then I won't be needed for help with homework. And then I won't be needed for driving him around to sports and birthday parties. And then he'll be going to college. Aaaahhhh!!!
It's a tiny step, and one I KNOW that he needs to learn, but maybe I'm ok with him wanting me to give him a bath...
Wednesday, January 19, 2011
Raising a Prodigy
Yes, my daughter is a genius, but that's not what I'm talking about. I've posted before about the foreign language Brandon and I speak: movie/TV lines. It is becoming apparent that our legacy will continue at least with our daughter.
She is a 'Friends' fanatic, much like myself. We have all the re-runs scheduled to record on the DVR from all the stations that play them. We will spend a lazy Sunday watching all 10 episodes. I know, it's our Momma-Daughter guilty pleasure.
Months ago we were at my folks house playing Euchre. Someone flubbed up dealing and stuck their hands out on the table. Lilly's first response? "Identical hand twin!" she says with the inflection and everything! (In case you don't remember the episode, Joey is in Vegas and finds a dealer that he believes is his identical hand twin; a trait he believes they will make millions of dollars from.) We were so proud, giggling at her keen wit and proper use of the line. My parents looked at each other puzzled.
Tonight Lilly and I were joking around. I was teasing her for something and giving her a hard time - the usual at our house - when she popped out with, "Whatever dude, you kissed a guy!" Yes, another 'Friends' quote and it was hilarious! I laughed so hard I had to text the conversation to Brandon. She is such a kick. I can't get enough of her!
So if my sweet little daughter happens to be spending time with you and she comes out with some weird, off-the-wall quote, think back to those 'Friends' episodes you watched as a teenager - it might trigger a memory!
She is a 'Friends' fanatic, much like myself. We have all the re-runs scheduled to record on the DVR from all the stations that play them. We will spend a lazy Sunday watching all 10 episodes. I know, it's our Momma-Daughter guilty pleasure.
Months ago we were at my folks house playing Euchre. Someone flubbed up dealing and stuck their hands out on the table. Lilly's first response? "Identical hand twin!" she says with the inflection and everything! (In case you don't remember the episode, Joey is in Vegas and finds a dealer that he believes is his identical hand twin; a trait he believes they will make millions of dollars from.) We were so proud, giggling at her keen wit and proper use of the line. My parents looked at each other puzzled.
Tonight Lilly and I were joking around. I was teasing her for something and giving her a hard time - the usual at our house - when she popped out with, "Whatever dude, you kissed a guy!" Yes, another 'Friends' quote and it was hilarious! I laughed so hard I had to text the conversation to Brandon. She is such a kick. I can't get enough of her!
So if my sweet little daughter happens to be spending time with you and she comes out with some weird, off-the-wall quote, think back to those 'Friends' episodes you watched as a teenager - it might trigger a memory!
Monday, January 17, 2011
Why Does Your 5-year-old Have a Cell Phone?
There exists this ongoing debate amongst parents: at what age do you get your child a cell phone?
Brandon and I have been mostly against any kid who doesn't go do things unattended having a cell phone. Really, why does my 9 year old need a phone when she is dropped off at school, picked up at school, and picked up by me any other time? I can see if they are going to be alone. Back when we were in school, when some of us were walking and staying home by ourselves everyday for a couple of hours it may have been nice to have had a cell phone. Sadly, we are so old they didn't exist then....at least not in a size that a child could carry! Nowadays, whether it's unfounded or not, it seems like a scarier world. Maybe not. Maybe our parents felt exactly the same way we do when we let our kids run to the bathroom at the store when we're only yards away, or play on the playground at their school while their siblings play soccer, or leave them at home alone while we go chat with the neighbors for a second (note: our closest neighbor is a 1/4 mile away!).
Either way, we struggle with the cell phone issue. Lilly asks for one every birthday, Christmas and at random times throughout the year. Sometimes it's, "I REALLY want a cell phone!" And other times it's, "How old do I have to be to get a cell phone?" One time she was feeling particularly witty she added, "You know Mom, if I had a cell phone I could text you during the day to let you know how much I love you!" (She's already trying to out-psychologist me - well it's not going to work! I spent a lot of years earning that degree) I always tell her that she will get a cell phone when she NEEDS one; when she's doing after school sports and needs to call for a ride or something like that. But what is "need" anyway? After all, I didn't get my first cell phone until I was 22! And yet, sometimes Brandon and I comment that we'd just like to send her a text at lunch to ask her how her day is going!
Only time will tell. I suppose as the phone rings more at home with sweet little girl voices asking, "Can I talk to Lilly please?" we will start to consider getting her a phone. As she comes home with the classic, "But everybody has one! I'm the only one who doesn't!" I'm sure we'll feel the pressure.
Anyone else have any great wisdom? Or does your kid already have a cell phone? ;-)
Brandon and I have been mostly against any kid who doesn't go do things unattended having a cell phone. Really, why does my 9 year old need a phone when she is dropped off at school, picked up at school, and picked up by me any other time? I can see if they are going to be alone. Back when we were in school, when some of us were walking and staying home by ourselves everyday for a couple of hours it may have been nice to have had a cell phone. Sadly, we are so old they didn't exist then....at least not in a size that a child could carry! Nowadays, whether it's unfounded or not, it seems like a scarier world. Maybe not. Maybe our parents felt exactly the same way we do when we let our kids run to the bathroom at the store when we're only yards away, or play on the playground at their school while their siblings play soccer, or leave them at home alone while we go chat with the neighbors for a second (note: our closest neighbor is a 1/4 mile away!).
Either way, we struggle with the cell phone issue. Lilly asks for one every birthday, Christmas and at random times throughout the year. Sometimes it's, "I REALLY want a cell phone!" And other times it's, "How old do I have to be to get a cell phone?" One time she was feeling particularly witty she added, "You know Mom, if I had a cell phone I could text you during the day to let you know how much I love you!" (She's already trying to out-psychologist me - well it's not going to work! I spent a lot of years earning that degree) I always tell her that she will get a cell phone when she NEEDS one; when she's doing after school sports and needs to call for a ride or something like that. But what is "need" anyway? After all, I didn't get my first cell phone until I was 22! And yet, sometimes Brandon and I comment that we'd just like to send her a text at lunch to ask her how her day is going!
Only time will tell. I suppose as the phone rings more at home with sweet little girl voices asking, "Can I talk to Lilly please?" we will start to consider getting her a phone. As she comes home with the classic, "But everybody has one! I'm the only one who doesn't!" I'm sure we'll feel the pressure.
Anyone else have any great wisdom? Or does your kid already have a cell phone? ;-)
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