I took the kids to town this morning - we went to the library first and then to Sam's Club to start the grocery shopping. We had a great time at the library and everyone found books they were excited about. Scooter, especially, as she'd been looking for a particular book for a very long time and she finally found it this morning.
Then we went to Sam's and that's where it all started to go downhill...
First I crunched my thumb in the door of the van; don't ask me how, just know that I'm seriously klutzy and manage to injure myself in small ways on a pretty regular basis. So while it wasn't a major injury, it set the tone for our entire Sam's experience today.
The kids were getting a little out of hand, so I put Pookie in the seat of the cart and told Midge that he needed to have one hand on the cart at all times. Pibb had a little more attitude than I generally like in a shopping partner, but was mostly well behaved. Scooter was enthusiastic and eagerly ran back to grab the million and one things I needed from aisles we'd already been through. The Boy wandered off almost immediately to look at books and video games, so he was no help at all.
It was pretty early in the day so most of the "snack stands" weren't up and running yet. The kids love to shop at Sam's because there are almost always samples to be had. Today there were only a couple and none of them was stellar. Even our local bakery only had one kind (compared to the usual 6-8) of bread to sample - spinach feta. I loved it, most of the kids were ambivalent, except Scooter, who hated it. They were disappointed that they didn't get very many snacks and within minutes a chorus of, "Mom, I'm hungry!" could be heard throughout the store.
After what seemed like hours (but in truth was only about 50 minutes), we finally finished shopping and I steered our dangerously overloaded cart to the registers, being very careful not to knock loaves of bread or boxes of granola bars off the stack and onto the floor. The registers were surprising busy considering the very few cars in the parking lot. We waited in line for several minutes before a cashier opened another register and motioned us over.
Now, with so many of us and so many groceries, I've developed a system for getting things onto the belt and back into the cart without smashing the bread or eggs and while keeping all the items that will go into the coolers together. I like my system. It works for me. The cashier opted not to listen to me and when I told her that I preferred to do it my way, her response was a snappish, "Just give me the bread. I won't squish it!" She wasn't specifically rude to me during the rest of my transaction, but it was clear she was unhappy.
As we walked away I was thinking about how rude she was and how much it bothered me. On the way home I snapped at Mr. Wonderful (over the phone) about how much of a jerk she'd been and how upset I was about it. Later, I thought more about it and realized that yeah, she'd been a jerk, but I hadn't been much better. I didn't smile at her after she ticked me off, I didn't wish her a better afternoon or give her so much as a "have a nice day."
I feel bad about it. Because whether it's a long term illness of a loved one or just a lousy "I smashed my thumb in my car door" kind of day, everyone is struggling with something, everyone has stress and crap and personal issues to deal with. And everyone could use a random smile and kind sentiment.
Friday, July 30, 2010
Tuesday, July 27, 2010
Overheard
Scooter: "Yeah, but it's not like you're that good at it..."
The Boy: "Watch it, Halfling!"
The Boy: "Watch it, Halfling!"
Monday, July 26, 2010
One down, one hundred to go...
101 in 1001 - #4
Complete a woodworking project with Mr. Wonderful. DONE!
When the bear destroyed my old feeder we decided to build a new one and we took the opportunity to "fix" the things we didn't like about the other feeder. This one was designed by Mr. Wonderful (using my suggestions) and built by us over the last several weekends.
The wood is various types, including plywood and pine. The bars on the sides are actually plant hangers and I love them! We looked at some fancier ones with lots of scrolls and vines and such, but they were all shorter and I didn't want to crowd the feeders together.
Overall I am very pleased with this project. It was relatively easy, quick and very satisfying (although Mr. Wonderful is likely to be annoyed forever by the rooflines).
The birds started using the feeder almost immediately after we stepped away from it!
Saturday, July 24, 2010
Guest Blogger
I was sitting here talking to Mr. Wonderful about what to blog today when Pookie chimed in.
"I know!" he said, very enthusiastically. "I love you, Grandma!"
So there you have it, folks. Swiss Army Wife and family sends love to our Moms and Grandmas!
"I know!" he said, very enthusiastically. "I love you, Grandma!"
So there you have it, folks. Swiss Army Wife and family sends love to our Moms and Grandmas!
Thursday, July 22, 2010
Updates
The Project: Nearing completion and starting to feel a little more real. Sometimes when I choose to do a large project or make a big commitment, it feels a little surreal. This project has felt that way until recently. I've often thought of it as a "someday" thing - like someday I'll finish it, someday I'll actually have to call it done, someday people will see it and judge my talent by it. However, as it seems like it'll be done in about a week or so, someday is coming up pretty stinkin' quick! And that makes me nervous. As long as it isn't done I can still change it. I can still tweak it and try to fix the things I perceive as mistakes. But the moment I say I'm finished, there's no going back - that's it.
On the upside, I'm very much looking forward to reading again. I haven't read for pleasure in months. I've read for school and I've read things like recipes and tutorials, but I've not just sat and read a book since March.
Buntings: The male is sitting on the bird feeder right now, but the female hasn't been seen in over a week. I suspect she's gone and I blame the cat (who also obliterated an entire family of squirrels from my front yard).
101 Project: I've been working on a few of these, but just haven't gotten around to posting about them. Look for a 101 post next week, if you're interested.
Health: I've lost 2 lbs this week - the healthy way. We've deviated from the SBD a couple times, but for the most part we've stuck with it pretty well. Mr. Wonderful is really sick of salads, so I've been looking for other lunch ideas for him (he's kinda picky, so it's tough) and that seems to be helping.
The Boy: He's doing very well with school, although I'm struggling a little with the school itself. We originally enrolled him for three years, 10-12. However, because we're homeschoolers he would have to take a test to opt out of the 9th grade classes. No problem, except that those tests are expensive and if he should happen to fail one, he'd still have to pay to take the class. It actually cost less for us to enroll him for the full four years than for him to be enrolled three years and take the required tests. He's okay with it, though, and says he's looking forward to getting more subjects.
Scooter: As always, she's either got her nose in a book (usually a field guide of some kind) or she's exploring outside. She's really into rocks right now and has been obsessively collecting interesting or fossilized rocks. She's doing well with her schoolwork, too, and recently had a "light bulb moment" about multiple-digit multiplication. It's so much easier now because she finally gets it. This is something we've struggled with for years and the last week or so has been much, much more pleasant when it comes to math time.
Pibb: He's been very interested in WWII lately, so we've spent a fair amount of time talking about different planes, tanks and other military weapons and strategies. He's been responsible for the breakfast and lunch dishes for a while now and he's getting better about making sure they're actually clean instead of just dunking them in the water and calling it good. Last week he asked if I'd teach him how to do the laundry, too. Of course I said yes - I love it when they like to do chores.
Midge: Midge is our little artist. He loves to color and draw. Mr. Wonderful's mom bought each of the kids a Moleskine notebook and Midge has filled his with drawings of everything from ninjas and zombies to trees and flowers, as well as self-portraits. He's struggling with reading, but is getting more confident. For whatever reason, he's convinced himself that he can't do it and that has slowed us down quite a bit. I'm certain that he can read, he just needs a little more time to be sure of it himself.
Pookie: My little Lovey... he's very affectionate and sweet, although he's got a little temper when he wants to. He's been spending a lot of time with Legos lately and has come up with some pretty amazing creations. He has a hard time getting the tiny ones apart, though and often asks Scooter for help. He's been learning his letters and is getting quite good at recognizing his name (his real name and his nickname), as well as some of the rest of our names. He loves to sort things by color (or other means) and will often sort bags of candy or beans. It's hilarious to watch because he gets really serious and won't let anyone help him or eat any until he's done.
So that's a brief overview of what's going on in my life right now. If there's anything you're curious about or want more information on, feel free to leave a note in the comments and I'll see what I can do.
On the upside, I'm very much looking forward to reading again. I haven't read for pleasure in months. I've read for school and I've read things like recipes and tutorials, but I've not just sat and read a book since March.
Buntings: The male is sitting on the bird feeder right now, but the female hasn't been seen in over a week. I suspect she's gone and I blame the cat (who also obliterated an entire family of squirrels from my front yard).
101 Project: I've been working on a few of these, but just haven't gotten around to posting about them. Look for a 101 post next week, if you're interested.
Health: I've lost 2 lbs this week - the healthy way. We've deviated from the SBD a couple times, but for the most part we've stuck with it pretty well. Mr. Wonderful is really sick of salads, so I've been looking for other lunch ideas for him (he's kinda picky, so it's tough) and that seems to be helping.
The Boy: He's doing very well with school, although I'm struggling a little with the school itself. We originally enrolled him for three years, 10-12. However, because we're homeschoolers he would have to take a test to opt out of the 9th grade classes. No problem, except that those tests are expensive and if he should happen to fail one, he'd still have to pay to take the class. It actually cost less for us to enroll him for the full four years than for him to be enrolled three years and take the required tests. He's okay with it, though, and says he's looking forward to getting more subjects.
Scooter: As always, she's either got her nose in a book (usually a field guide of some kind) or she's exploring outside. She's really into rocks right now and has been obsessively collecting interesting or fossilized rocks. She's doing well with her schoolwork, too, and recently had a "light bulb moment" about multiple-digit multiplication. It's so much easier now because she finally gets it. This is something we've struggled with for years and the last week or so has been much, much more pleasant when it comes to math time.
Pibb: He's been very interested in WWII lately, so we've spent a fair amount of time talking about different planes, tanks and other military weapons and strategies. He's been responsible for the breakfast and lunch dishes for a while now and he's getting better about making sure they're actually clean instead of just dunking them in the water and calling it good. Last week he asked if I'd teach him how to do the laundry, too. Of course I said yes - I love it when they like to do chores.
Midge: Midge is our little artist. He loves to color and draw. Mr. Wonderful's mom bought each of the kids a Moleskine notebook and Midge has filled his with drawings of everything from ninjas and zombies to trees and flowers, as well as self-portraits. He's struggling with reading, but is getting more confident. For whatever reason, he's convinced himself that he can't do it and that has slowed us down quite a bit. I'm certain that he can read, he just needs a little more time to be sure of it himself.
Pookie: My little Lovey... he's very affectionate and sweet, although he's got a little temper when he wants to. He's been spending a lot of time with Legos lately and has come up with some pretty amazing creations. He has a hard time getting the tiny ones apart, though and often asks Scooter for help. He's been learning his letters and is getting quite good at recognizing his name (his real name and his nickname), as well as some of the rest of our names. He loves to sort things by color (or other means) and will often sort bags of candy or beans. It's hilarious to watch because he gets really serious and won't let anyone help him or eat any until he's done.
So that's a brief overview of what's going on in my life right now. If there's anything you're curious about or want more information on, feel free to leave a note in the comments and I'll see what I can do.
Tuesday, July 20, 2010
I'm a traditional gal...sorta
My family is built on traditions. From Grandma Rolls to outdoor Easter egg hunts, we've got a tradition for nearly everything - and that's how I like it.
Every summer my Mom takes a week or two off work and drives up to spend some time with her parents, her siblings (and their children) and my family. And every summer a large group of them go tubing on a local river. This is the one tradition I've studiously avoided being a part of.
I don't like being submerged in water and I don't like not being in control - the two main components of tubing. When you go tubing, the river takes over - it tells you where to go and it decides just how fast you're going there. It pushes you into the trees along the banks and it catches you in little whirlpools.
Mr. Wonderful loves tubing. The Boy, Scooter and Pibb love tubing. I've always stayed home, partly because I didn't really want to go and partly because Midge and Pookie were just too small to spend an afternoon on the river. A few years ago Mr. Wonderful convinced me to try it - just the two of us.
My sister was visiting and she agreed to watch the kids for the afternoon. I bought a bathing suit (my first in over a decade) and we went. Mr. Wonderful knew I was nervous, so he tied our tubes together so I wouldn't be swept away by the current (a fear of mine). It was cold and scary and even seeing a Green Heron wasn't enough to make me truly enjoy it. But it wasn't as bad as I'd expected and I agreed to try again the following year.
The next year it was a little easier and I didn't panic nearly as much. I began to relax and spend more time noticing the beauty of the river and less time worrying about it. I saw cedar waxwings and gold finches, a few minnows, ducks and turtles and I laughed when Mr. Wonderful made jokes. I still wasn't completely comfortable, but I began to see the fun that could be had.
This year when Mr. Wonderful asked me to go, I immediately agreed. I'm still nervous, but each time I go it gets easier and more fun. Then he suggested that we should buy a small inflatable boat and take everyone - he and the bigger kids could tube and I could stay in the boat with Pookie and Midge (the ones small enough to fall through the hole in the middle of the tube). After some debate and research we decided to go for it.
It was even more nerve-wracking to have all the kids there (I'm a Nervous Nelly), but the bigger kids have gone more times than I have, so they're old pros. It was a perfect day, not too hot, just a little breezy and the water was just the right temperature!
The little boat came with two small paddles and let me tell you, they made a world of difference. I felt much more empowered, like I had some small measure of control over where we went. Mr. Wonderful praised my ability to steer the boat, especially since I'd never done it before.
All in all, it was a great family experience and I think I may actually start participating in the tubing tradition.
Every summer my Mom takes a week or two off work and drives up to spend some time with her parents, her siblings (and their children) and my family. And every summer a large group of them go tubing on a local river. This is the one tradition I've studiously avoided being a part of.
I don't like being submerged in water and I don't like not being in control - the two main components of tubing. When you go tubing, the river takes over - it tells you where to go and it decides just how fast you're going there. It pushes you into the trees along the banks and it catches you in little whirlpools.
Mr. Wonderful loves tubing. The Boy, Scooter and Pibb love tubing. I've always stayed home, partly because I didn't really want to go and partly because Midge and Pookie were just too small to spend an afternoon on the river. A few years ago Mr. Wonderful convinced me to try it - just the two of us.
My sister was visiting and she agreed to watch the kids for the afternoon. I bought a bathing suit (my first in over a decade) and we went. Mr. Wonderful knew I was nervous, so he tied our tubes together so I wouldn't be swept away by the current (a fear of mine). It was cold and scary and even seeing a Green Heron wasn't enough to make me truly enjoy it. But it wasn't as bad as I'd expected and I agreed to try again the following year.
The next year it was a little easier and I didn't panic nearly as much. I began to relax and spend more time noticing the beauty of the river and less time worrying about it. I saw cedar waxwings and gold finches, a few minnows, ducks and turtles and I laughed when Mr. Wonderful made jokes. I still wasn't completely comfortable, but I began to see the fun that could be had.
This year when Mr. Wonderful asked me to go, I immediately agreed. I'm still nervous, but each time I go it gets easier and more fun. Then he suggested that we should buy a small inflatable boat and take everyone - he and the bigger kids could tube and I could stay in the boat with Pookie and Midge (the ones small enough to fall through the hole in the middle of the tube). After some debate and research we decided to go for it.
It was even more nerve-wracking to have all the kids there (I'm a Nervous Nelly), but the bigger kids have gone more times than I have, so they're old pros. It was a perfect day, not too hot, just a little breezy and the water was just the right temperature!
The little boat came with two small paddles and let me tell you, they made a world of difference. I felt much more empowered, like I had some small measure of control over where we went. Mr. Wonderful praised my ability to steer the boat, especially since I'd never done it before.
All in all, it was a great family experience and I think I may actually start participating in the tubing tradition.
Monday, July 19, 2010
Goodbye Baby Buntings
Sadly, the baby buntings have died. They suffered no trauma, as far as I can tell. Mama Bunting has been notably absent the past couple of days, so I wonder if the local stray cat (or some other predator) got her. It would explain the babies inability to survive the colder temperatures the last few nights.
Daddy Bunting is still here, so I have hope that perhaps Mama Bunting is alive and well, taking care of a new nest somewhere nearby.
Daddy Bunting is still here, so I have hope that perhaps Mama Bunting is alive and well, taking care of a new nest somewhere nearby.
Friday, July 16, 2010
They're getting bigger!
The baby buntings are much more active today. When we got to the nest two of them were jumping around and making the cutest little squeaking noise! The one in the top photo was gnawing on a blade of grass that was hanging into the nest. The Mama was on the Northern Catalpa tree about 10 feet from the nest, but she didn't seem bothered by our presence or agitated in any way. I think she likes us.
According to the research Scooter and I did, they'll only stay in the nest 12-15 days after they hatch. That means we've got approximately a week before they're ready to move on to their adult lives.
It seems far too soon and reminds me that my own fledglings aren't that far from moving on, either.
Thursday, July 15, 2010
The big reveal...
For anyone who didn't read the comments, here are the names of 15 of my favorite movies. I'll probably do this again because, honestly, there are WAY more movies I love and I enjoy getting comments.
1. Mulan
2. Dodgeball
3. Noises Off!
4. Wallace and Grommit: The Curse of the Were-Rabbit
5. Bedazzled
6. Spaceballs
7. Serenity
8. They Live!
9. National Lampoon's Vacation
10. American Wedding
11. Dogma
12. Nightmare Before Christmas
13. Back to the Future
14. Lake Placid
15. Shawn of the Dead
1. Mulan
2. Dodgeball
3. Noises Off!
4. Wallace and Grommit: The Curse of the Were-Rabbit
5. Bedazzled
6. Spaceballs
7. Serenity
8. They Live!
9. National Lampoon's Vacation
10. American Wedding
11. Dogma
12. Nightmare Before Christmas
13. Back to the Future
14. Lake Placid
15. Shawn of the Dead
All of life's riddles are answered in the movies
I thought today it'd be fun to give a list of 15 movies I love. Then I thought it would be even more fun to give a quote from each movie and see if anyone can guess what they are. So, in no particular order, here are lines from 15 movies I adore. I'll post a list of titles in a few days if no one gets them all correct.
1. Show me your war face! *pause* Well, I think my bunny slippers just ran for cover!
2. This is where we separate the men from the boys, the wheat from the chaff and the awkwardly feminine from the possibly Canadian...
3. Lucky I can't see far with this leg!
4. I'm crackers about cheese!
5. It's not easy being the Barbra Streisand of evil!
6. Only one man would dare give me the raspberry!
7. Dear Buddha, I want a pony and a plastic rocket...
8. I have come here to chew bubble gum and kick some ass...and I'm all out of bubble gum!
9. I don't know why they call this stuff Hamburger Helper. It doesn't just fine by itself.
10. (Name of character withheld to avoid giving away the movie) just gave a girl flowers and meant it - it's like watching monkeys use tools for the first time!
11. You tell someone you're the metratron and they just stare at you blankly. Mention something out of a Charlton Heston movie and suddenly everyone's a theology scholar!
12. You've poisoned me for the last time, wretched girl!
13. I think it's terrible, girls chasing boys! When I was your age I never called a boy or chased a boy or sat in a parked car with a boy!
14. Maybe later you can chew the bark off my big, fat log. (another character then says, "Was that some sort of homosexual remark?"
15. If we hole up, I wanna be someplace familiar, I wanna know where the exits are and I wanna be allowed to smoke.
1. Show me your war face! *pause* Well, I think my bunny slippers just ran for cover!
2. This is where we separate the men from the boys, the wheat from the chaff and the awkwardly feminine from the possibly Canadian...
3. Lucky I can't see far with this leg!
4. I'm crackers about cheese!
5. It's not easy being the Barbra Streisand of evil!
6. Only one man would dare give me the raspberry!
7. Dear Buddha, I want a pony and a plastic rocket...
8. I have come here to chew bubble gum and kick some ass...and I'm all out of bubble gum!
9. I don't know why they call this stuff Hamburger Helper. It doesn't just fine by itself.
10. (Name of character withheld to avoid giving away the movie) just gave a girl flowers and meant it - it's like watching monkeys use tools for the first time!
11. You tell someone you're the metratron and they just stare at you blankly. Mention something out of a Charlton Heston movie and suddenly everyone's a theology scholar!
12. You've poisoned me for the last time, wretched girl!
13. I think it's terrible, girls chasing boys! When I was your age I never called a boy or chased a boy or sat in a parked car with a boy!
14. Maybe later you can chew the bark off my big, fat log. (another character then says, "Was that some sort of homosexual remark?"
15. If we hole up, I wanna be someplace familiar, I wanna know where the exits are and I wanna be allowed to smoke.
Tuesday, July 13, 2010
Monday, July 12, 2010
Sunday, July 11, 2010
Saturday, July 10, 2010
Do we need an intervention?
Since posting my 101 list a few days ago I've been thinking about it a lot. I've got a few updates, but no photos, so I think I'll wait on sharing it.
In the meantime, a funny story... Mr. Wonderful and I were out on a date last night. Over a plate of flautas we were talking about our plans for the rest of the summer and into fall. I mentioned wanting to craft a little something for a family member (nothing big, just a cute little thing that I think she'd love). He took my hands, looked deep into my eyes and said, "Rachel, I think you have a problem. We need to have a craft intervention."
He suggested that I was so full of craft it was coming out my ears and that between school, housework, cooking, The Project and all the other things I've got going, I don't really have time to commit to yet another craft.
Ever since then he's been randomly saying, "You're so full of craft!" LOL
Post Script: I may still make the little craft...I haven't decided yet. : )
In the meantime, a funny story... Mr. Wonderful and I were out on a date last night. Over a plate of flautas we were talking about our plans for the rest of the summer and into fall. I mentioned wanting to craft a little something for a family member (nothing big, just a cute little thing that I think she'd love). He took my hands, looked deep into my eyes and said, "Rachel, I think you have a problem. We need to have a craft intervention."
He suggested that I was so full of craft it was coming out my ears and that between school, housework, cooking, The Project and all the other things I've got going, I don't really have time to commit to yet another craft.
Ever since then he's been randomly saying, "You're so full of craft!" LOL
Post Script: I may still make the little craft...I haven't decided yet. : )
Friday, July 9, 2010
Thursday, July 8, 2010
101 in 1001 - Updated List
Most of you will have seen this on FB already, but I think it'll be easier for me to keep track of it and update it here. Also, not numbering them on FB was apparently dumb, I actually only had 99, so I added a couple to the bottom.
Hobbies:
1. Knit or crochet one amigarumi
2. Sew a skirt for the television stand
3. Color every page in a coloring book
4. Complete a woodworking project with Bryant
5. Complete a quilt
6. Create at least a dozen cards to have on hand for spontaneous giving (thank you, thinking of you, birthdays, etc...)
7. Complete and display a cross stitch project
8. Make a piece of jewelry for myself
9. Learn to knit socks two at a time on one long needle
10. Private
11. Write a children's book (consider "hiring" Zoe to do the illustrations)
12. Create and send Christmas cards each year
13. Make a decorative Christmas stocking each year, display
14. Sew a nightgown or pajamas for myself
15. Take a photo every single day
16. Take up archery and become proficient at it
17. Make soap - liquid and bar form
Entertainment
18. See a play
19. Listen to every CD we own, keep a record of the experience
20. Have a completely free date with Bryant
21. See a movie at a drive-in theater
22. Attend a Renaissance Faire
23. See a baseball game with Mom
24. Host a Halloween Party
25. Complete "Wreck This Journal"
26. Make a list of 101 things that make me happy - photograph them (as possible) and make a collage or album
27. Go to a meal and a movie with Mom, Gram, Zoe and my female siblings (Cassie, too, if she's interested)
28. Learn three new games that can be played with a standard deck of cards
Cooking
29. Eat all homemade meals for a month - no restaurants or prepackaged meals
30. Make and can salsa
31. Make and can spaghetti sauce
32. Make a sourdough starter and make bread from it (keep it alive as long as possible)
33. Make and keep at least 4 meals in the freezer
34. Make my own vanilla extract
Shopping... Or not
35. Buy one really great pair of shoes
36. Buy from a farm market or produce stand
37. Buy nothing at all for a full week
Greener Living
38. Set up a recycling center and teach everyone to use it properly
39. Use no plastic or paper bags for a month - only reusable (or not bags at all)
40. Make and use cloth napkins
Family
41. Read to a child for at least 20 minutes every day
42. Eat together at the table at least three times per week
43. Go camping
44. Explore three state parks, trail heads or nature parks we haven't been to before
45. Update contact information for family and friends (address, phone numbers, email, birthdays, anniversaries)
46. Fly kites with the kids
47. Take a spur of the moment day trip with the family
48. Write a "To be read..." letter for Bryant and each of the kids
49. Build a snow version of our family, not necessarily to scale
50. Picnic once a month (indoor is fine)
51. Take a family vacation
52. Put together a time capsule and plan when to reopen it (as a family)
53. Go Geocaching together
Home and Garden
54. Plant a tree
55. Turn off/unplug energy vampires (cell phone chargers, Wii, etc...)
56. Clean and organize storage side of the basement (at least as clean as a dirt floor room can be), including shelves and totes
57. Plant and maintain a garden for one full season
58. Get rid of every piece of clothing we don't need/use - donate, trash or recycle
59. Frame and hang a photo I took (not counting the kids' annual pictures)
60. Frame and hang a photo Bryant took
61. Check vehicle fluids once a month
62. Complete a puzzle - hang it on the wall
63. Make laundry soap
64. Make sidewalk chalk with the kids - use it.
65. Make sidewalk chalk paint with the kids - use it.
66. Create a mailbox shelf or other decorative storage for the entryway
Kindness
67. Private
68. Private
69. Send a care package to a soldier
70. Complete at least one shoe box for Samaritan's Purse
71. Donate to a local food pantry at least once a month - get the kids involved in this
72. Take the time to contact management to compliment someone (a cashier, waitress, office staff, etc...) at least 10 times
Reading
73. Read all Harry Potter Books
74. Read all Lord of the Rings books, including The Hobbit
75. Read all Eragon books
76. Read Walt Whitman's Leaves of Grass
77. Read five non-fiction books, including at least one biography
78. Read at least 100 books, including the 19 listed above
Education
79. Teach the kids basic first aid and how to call 911 properly and calmly (and how to know when it's appropriate to call 911)
80. Learn to play chess
81. Learn to say "I love you" in 10 different languages
82. Learn the alphabet in sign language, teach the kids
83. Learn to play at least one song on the guitar
Health
84. Give up all pop for a full month - keep a daily record of how I feel physically and emotionally
85. Spend at least 10 minutes outside every day, even in the winter
86. Bring my weight to a healthy place - record my weight every Monday
87. Go to the dentist
88. Fix my bike and ride it at least once a week, weather permitting
89. Walk or bike the TART trail - not all at once
90. Write in a journal every day for a month
91. No fast food for three whole months
Misc.
92. Turn off the television and all handheld video games for a week
93. Watch the sun set, talk all night, watch the sun rise and eat breakfast with Bryant
94. Have Bryant or one of the kids take a photo of me once a week for the duration of the project
95. Go swimming with Bryant - actually go in the water
96. Make and try homemade deodorant
97. Post photos and/or commentary as each task is completed (or in progress, as appropriate) - include failures and lessons learned.
98. Go a full week without using my computer
99. Visit Detroit with Bryant
100. Compete in the Pistol Club at least once
101. Take a photograph of the same spot once a month for a year, frame and display
Tuesday, July 6, 2010
The Aftermath
I fell off the wagon again.
No, I didn't really fall. Its more like I dove headfirst off the wagon, eyes wide open and arms spread.
Yeah, I'm talking about the diet wagon.
We've been doing the South Beach Diet for a while now, but we haven't really stuck with it. At least not well. As of this morning I've gained back about 4 lbs of what I'd lost. 4 lbs isn't that much in the grand scheme of things, but it sure feels like a lot.
Not only have I gained back a bit, but I can feel the difference. I have more headaches, more stomach discomfort and less energy when I'm eating badly. I know in my head that eating better makes me feel better, but when I'm stressed out or overwhelmed, I like to eat. I find comfort in the act of preparing and eating food. Unfortunately, I haven't figured out how to reprogram my brain to accept healthy foods as comfort foods.
When I'm just feeling peckish, I can accept a dish of almonds or a handful of red grapes. But when I'm really upset or lonely or utterly bored, those things are never quite enough. I want chocolate or Doritos or donuts.
Yesterday was one of those days. I struggled pretty much right from the get-go. I wanted a Twix Java (Curse you Twix makers!!) in a bad way. A lot. We went to town to run some errands and when we stopped to get gas Mr. Wonderful ran in and picked up a couple Twix for me. I resisted the temptation to eat them right then.
Then we went to Target and he picked up some Doritos and Diet Pepsi for me. By the time we got home, it was getting late, so I left the snacks on the counter and made tacos. Dinner was pretty healthy as I used whole grain tortilla shells and lean meat for the tacos, plus lots of veggies and low fat cheese and sour cream. After dinner, however....
Mr. Wonderful had picked up some gigantic marshmallows and wanted rice crispy treats. The Boy and I drove to the grocery store around the corner and bought Rice Crispies and while we were there, the Starburst were calling my name. So I picked up a bag of summer fruits flavored Starburst.
I spent the evening eating, knitting, eating, playing Crosswords on my Nintendo DS, eating, making rice crispy treats, eating and well, you get the idea... Just know, it wasn't pretty.
The point of all this is that once again, I'm further from my weight goal than I was before. On the plus side, this was a good reminder of how much better I feel when I eat healthy and how much worse I feel when I don't.
Now, I don't want this to become a diet-specific blog, but I am going to use this space to keep track of my health challenges and triumphs. Monday is my typical weigh in day, so if you're interested, check back on Mondays for updates.
My ideal weight, according to the "experts" is 115 - 125 lbs. That seems insane to me, so I'm aiming for 145 and we'll see how it feels when I'm there. My current weight is 205.5.
60 lbs. to lose. Pibb weighs just over 60 lbs and it's a little daunting to think of losing that much weight. Instead, I think I'd prefer to think of smaller amounts, 5 or 10 pound increments. Those amounts feel much more manageable to me.
So feel free to join me as I work hard to change my horrible habits into good ones and to teach my children how to make healthy food choices.
No, I didn't really fall. Its more like I dove headfirst off the wagon, eyes wide open and arms spread.
Yeah, I'm talking about the diet wagon.
We've been doing the South Beach Diet for a while now, but we haven't really stuck with it. At least not well. As of this morning I've gained back about 4 lbs of what I'd lost. 4 lbs isn't that much in the grand scheme of things, but it sure feels like a lot.
Not only have I gained back a bit, but I can feel the difference. I have more headaches, more stomach discomfort and less energy when I'm eating badly. I know in my head that eating better makes me feel better, but when I'm stressed out or overwhelmed, I like to eat. I find comfort in the act of preparing and eating food. Unfortunately, I haven't figured out how to reprogram my brain to accept healthy foods as comfort foods.
When I'm just feeling peckish, I can accept a dish of almonds or a handful of red grapes. But when I'm really upset or lonely or utterly bored, those things are never quite enough. I want chocolate or Doritos or donuts.
Yesterday was one of those days. I struggled pretty much right from the get-go. I wanted a Twix Java (Curse you Twix makers!!) in a bad way. A lot. We went to town to run some errands and when we stopped to get gas Mr. Wonderful ran in and picked up a couple Twix for me. I resisted the temptation to eat them right then.
Then we went to Target and he picked up some Doritos and Diet Pepsi for me. By the time we got home, it was getting late, so I left the snacks on the counter and made tacos. Dinner was pretty healthy as I used whole grain tortilla shells and lean meat for the tacos, plus lots of veggies and low fat cheese and sour cream. After dinner, however....
Mr. Wonderful had picked up some gigantic marshmallows and wanted rice crispy treats. The Boy and I drove to the grocery store around the corner and bought Rice Crispies and while we were there, the Starburst were calling my name. So I picked up a bag of summer fruits flavored Starburst.
I spent the evening eating, knitting, eating, playing Crosswords on my Nintendo DS, eating, making rice crispy treats, eating and well, you get the idea... Just know, it wasn't pretty.
The point of all this is that once again, I'm further from my weight goal than I was before. On the plus side, this was a good reminder of how much better I feel when I eat healthy and how much worse I feel when I don't.
Now, I don't want this to become a diet-specific blog, but I am going to use this space to keep track of my health challenges and triumphs. Monday is my typical weigh in day, so if you're interested, check back on Mondays for updates.
My ideal weight, according to the "experts" is 115 - 125 lbs. That seems insane to me, so I'm aiming for 145 and we'll see how it feels when I'm there. My current weight is 205.5.
60 lbs. to lose. Pibb weighs just over 60 lbs and it's a little daunting to think of losing that much weight. Instead, I think I'd prefer to think of smaller amounts, 5 or 10 pound increments. Those amounts feel much more manageable to me.
So feel free to join me as I work hard to change my horrible habits into good ones and to teach my children how to make healthy food choices.
Thursday, July 1, 2010
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