I AM going to go with the "breathe, blink, let my heart beat" goal for the month of October. But I'm still itching to make a list of some kind. I just won't make it "goals". Maybe "ideas?" "Suggestions?"
The new, no-pressure, lower-expectations-Teri is going to set myself up for success. Here goes:
In October, I resolve to stay home from Napa Valley. I will notice and affirm the cleanest parts of the house (i.e. the ceiling) rather than fret about the toilets and the crusty sheets. My children will receive my undivided attention as long as I'm not on the phone, the computer, the toilet, or a sugar high. If hubby and I don't get at least one date night, we will for sure watch "The Office" weekly. Maybe pop popcorn. And hold hands. If I can't remember the birthdays of friends and extended family, the least I can do is eat cake in their collective honor once this month - or ice cream, or several cookies, whatever. My Bible reading is going along at a snail's pace, and this is just fine. Should I not achieve the preparation of one new gourmet meal, I at least promise to refrain from making anything containing SPAM. Or trout. Or any fish, since the rest of my family hates it. BUT, if any friend, family member, acquaintance, neighbor, political candidate or church associate should invite me out to a seafood restaurant in October, I will go. I will not make any money this month. I won't wear out my clothes. I still won't be able to do a cartwheel. It's my intention to exercise. "Goal," as I've realized, is too strong a word - but it's my intention to exercise. I am a smashing success and athlete to be revered if I don the running shoes and get out the door. And I will blog.
I feel pretty good. I think I've set myself up for a winning month. I won't need to come back just before November to check in, you can be sure I will have accomplished everything above quite nicely.
Tuesday, September 30, 2008
What Have I Done?
Here it is the last day of September, so I went back to look at my beginning-of-the-month to-do list. Uh-oh. I have a movie still to watch ("Into the Wild") and some serious wallpaper border removal to do. All in the next 13 hours. I bet I could do it all if it weren't for the fact that I also have to go do John's portrait re-takes, pick up my kids from school, grocery shop, take my second-grader to his friend's house, prep and serve two meals for my family and straighten a few things out around the house.
Good thing I pulled off John's birthday this month, simply.
Didn't lose 4 pounds. Not even close!
I'll give some good thought throughout the rest of my day to what I'd like to accomplish in October. Perhaps "breathe, blink, and let my heart beat" are enough.
Good thing I pulled off John's birthday this month, simply.
Didn't lose 4 pounds. Not even close!
I'll give some good thought throughout the rest of my day to what I'd like to accomplish in October. Perhaps "breathe, blink, and let my heart beat" are enough.
Monday, September 29, 2008
He's sleeping, I'm dreaming
Last night was the second night, in a row, EVER that John slept all night. In a crib, in a room separate from us. Actually, he woke up 2 or 3 times but cried for about 1 minute and went back to sleep. And I never had to get out of bed or nurse him.
I really expect any night now to get more than 4 hours in a row for the first time in a looooooooooooooooooooong time!
Last night, though my sleep was interrupted, it was nothing like the usual. He is officially night-weaned! And I woke up this morning and actually remembered a dream I'd had. That means I got enough sleep to actually have a dream and recall it. Funny, since it seems I'M LIVING a dream, finally having a baby sleep through the night.
Final little word on the weirdness of motherhood. Yesterday, after my first night apart from little John in 12 months of life and 9 months of pregnancy - I gave him a close morning hug. I kissed his cheek and said, "I missed you!" Then I heard what I said and found it odd since I was SO delighted to have slept and I thought for a second, "Do I mean that? Did I really miss him?" And I realized I really did miss him and at the same time I am really glad to be sleeping. What is that? Irony? Dichotomy? What? Whatever it is, my life as a mom of four children is FULL of it.
I really expect any night now to get more than 4 hours in a row for the first time in a looooooooooooooooooooong time!
Last night, though my sleep was interrupted, it was nothing like the usual. He is officially night-weaned! And I woke up this morning and actually remembered a dream I'd had. That means I got enough sleep to actually have a dream and recall it. Funny, since it seems I'M LIVING a dream, finally having a baby sleep through the night.
Final little word on the weirdness of motherhood. Yesterday, after my first night apart from little John in 12 months of life and 9 months of pregnancy - I gave him a close morning hug. I kissed his cheek and said, "I missed you!" Then I heard what I said and found it odd since I was SO delighted to have slept and I thought for a second, "Do I mean that? Did I really miss him?" And I realized I really did miss him and at the same time I am really glad to be sleeping. What is that? Irony? Dichotomy? What? Whatever it is, my life as a mom of four children is FULL of it.
Sunday, September 28, 2008
Me and My Probiotics
Let's not talk about yeast.
Let's just say that years ago, my midwife told me to buy some liquid acidophilus and drink the stuff to better some health issues I had. I remember telling my R.N. Aunt Helen that it was like drinking rotten yogurt. She responded, "Well, essentially, you are!"
More health issues have arisen so I moseyed into Whole Foods the other day and made my way to the refrigerator in the supplement section. That place is STOCKED with all the happy bacteria you could ever use. I spent some time just reading labels and wondering what on earth some of those potions are good for. Then I picked out my 16-ounce bottle of "Blueberry Pro-96 Acidophilus Probiotic" and made my way to the check out counter to buy it-- along with a seventy-five dollar fruit snack Bethanie picked out (GEEZ-O-PETE that place is costy!)
So now I'm dosing on this stuff - about two tablespoons a day and I will refrain from reporting the effect it has. But I love the label, which I will quote for the benefit of any who have never tried this stuff: "At the time of manufacture, this potent probiotic contains billions of organisms per serving." A serving size is one tablespoon and, as I mentioned, this is a 16-ounce jar, so I can't even multiply that high! the number of organisms I'm ingesting is staggering! Go, little guys! Restore my healthy flora!!! (Ew.)
Let's just say that years ago, my midwife told me to buy some liquid acidophilus and drink the stuff to better some health issues I had. I remember telling my R.N. Aunt Helen that it was like drinking rotten yogurt. She responded, "Well, essentially, you are!"
More health issues have arisen so I moseyed into Whole Foods the other day and made my way to the refrigerator in the supplement section. That place is STOCKED with all the happy bacteria you could ever use. I spent some time just reading labels and wondering what on earth some of those potions are good for. Then I picked out my 16-ounce bottle of "Blueberry Pro-96 Acidophilus Probiotic" and made my way to the check out counter to buy it-- along with a seventy-five dollar fruit snack Bethanie picked out (GEEZ-O-PETE that place is costy!)
So now I'm dosing on this stuff - about two tablespoons a day and I will refrain from reporting the effect it has. But I love the label, which I will quote for the benefit of any who have never tried this stuff: "At the time of manufacture, this potent probiotic contains billions of organisms per serving." A serving size is one tablespoon and, as I mentioned, this is a 16-ounce jar, so I can't even multiply that high! the number of organisms I'm ingesting is staggering! Go, little guys! Restore my healthy flora!!! (Ew.)
Saturday, September 27, 2008
Silence
It is quiet at my house right now. Kevin is at the store, and ALL FOUR children are asleep.
I crave quiet sometimes. I'd like a little extra right now. I must be leaning more toward my half-introvert side currently because I've been longing to go to Barnes and Noble and hide in a chair somewhere with a stack of books. The library might serve my purposes as well. Or... the ultimate in introvert --- go get take-out and eat it in my car.
Many years ago, I was on a summer mission trip and during our orientation, we had a "day of silence". We were instructed not to talk from the time we got up until - my memory fails now, but I think it was - bedtime? dinnertime? Anyway, it was a high point of the orientation for me. We had time to observe. I like to chat plenty, but I like to observe even more and it was wonderful, unimpeded observation time. What I observed about myself is that I felt safe. All my life, when I've been more on the quiet side, I've felt criticized for it. Not that day. Or, as I got "chattier" in my college years I ran the risk of annoying people or offending them. Not that day, either. And it wasn't a lonely silence. Back in the U.S., I've had prayer retreats or been part of extended "quiet times" - mostly when I worked with InterVarsity. But those were different - more isolated and therefore lonely. I got bored with the quiet or antsy and anxious to get back to talking with people.
What does this all mean now? Not sure. It's rare to have quiet minutes like now, and what am I doing? Chatting to myself in blog form. Perhaps when Kevin gets back from the store, I'll propose the idea of "Teri's Day of Silence" for myself tomorrow. Even if he agreed, I'm pretty sure the other four members of my family would not.
My favorite quiet:
*running in the early morning
*late night in the house
*an airplane at night (provided there are no screaming children - mine or others)
*the library
*a bookstore, removed from the coffee shop area (although I like that, too)
*the mountains, out on a trail away from crowds
*being out on a sailboat
*a cemetery
*the end of a sad movie
*right after the baby falls asleep
I crave quiet sometimes. I'd like a little extra right now. I must be leaning more toward my half-introvert side currently because I've been longing to go to Barnes and Noble and hide in a chair somewhere with a stack of books. The library might serve my purposes as well. Or... the ultimate in introvert --- go get take-out and eat it in my car.
Many years ago, I was on a summer mission trip and during our orientation, we had a "day of silence". We were instructed not to talk from the time we got up until - my memory fails now, but I think it was - bedtime? dinnertime? Anyway, it was a high point of the orientation for me. We had time to observe. I like to chat plenty, but I like to observe even more and it was wonderful, unimpeded observation time. What I observed about myself is that I felt safe. All my life, when I've been more on the quiet side, I've felt criticized for it. Not that day. Or, as I got "chattier" in my college years I ran the risk of annoying people or offending them. Not that day, either. And it wasn't a lonely silence. Back in the U.S., I've had prayer retreats or been part of extended "quiet times" - mostly when I worked with InterVarsity. But those were different - more isolated and therefore lonely. I got bored with the quiet or antsy and anxious to get back to talking with people.
What does this all mean now? Not sure. It's rare to have quiet minutes like now, and what am I doing? Chatting to myself in blog form. Perhaps when Kevin gets back from the store, I'll propose the idea of "Teri's Day of Silence" for myself tomorrow. Even if he agreed, I'm pretty sure the other four members of my family would not.
My favorite quiet:
*running in the early morning
*late night in the house
*an airplane at night (provided there are no screaming children - mine or others)
*the library
*a bookstore, removed from the coffee shop area (although I like that, too)
*the mountains, out on a trail away from crowds
*being out on a sailboat
*a cemetery
*the end of a sad movie
*right after the baby falls asleep
Friday, September 26, 2008
I've Been Around the Block...
...literally. How big is your block? We were sitting outside talking with the neighbors tonight. It became evident in our conversation about what a block is that I am the only one that defines it the way I do. (I know, normal people probably talk about politics and work stories...)
To me, a block is like an island surrounded by streets. If a city is well planned, a block is square and roughly a certain size. If you live in the suburbs, a block gets distorted by winding roads, shopping centers, and whatnot. Our block in Yucaipa was almost exactly a mile around. We used to "walk around the block" all the time. Here, the neighborhood goes on forever and has countless cul-de-sacs. But I've often wondered how long it would be if I followed it all the way around. (I know I'm sounding weirdo here, but this is the stuff I think about, for better or worse.)
On my most recent run, I did it! I took off down my street and followed it back and forth and in and out exactly ten cul-de-sacs. I had to pass a gated community since I can't hop the fence. Me and my iPod whizzed by a bank, a grocery store, a barber shop, a karate studio, drycleaners, pet supply, a doctor's office, a dozen or more restaurants, and a gas station! In essence, the block my house is on is a city in itself. I could do all the business a soul needs to do without ever crossing a street.
The distance? Almost four miles! And I ran the sucker. I've been around the block. How big is your block?
To me, a block is like an island surrounded by streets. If a city is well planned, a block is square and roughly a certain size. If you live in the suburbs, a block gets distorted by winding roads, shopping centers, and whatnot. Our block in Yucaipa was almost exactly a mile around. We used to "walk around the block" all the time. Here, the neighborhood goes on forever and has countless cul-de-sacs. But I've often wondered how long it would be if I followed it all the way around. (I know I'm sounding weirdo here, but this is the stuff I think about, for better or worse.)
On my most recent run, I did it! I took off down my street and followed it back and forth and in and out exactly ten cul-de-sacs. I had to pass a gated community since I can't hop the fence. Me and my iPod whizzed by a bank, a grocery store, a barber shop, a karate studio, drycleaners, pet supply, a doctor's office, a dozen or more restaurants, and a gas station! In essence, the block my house is on is a city in itself. I could do all the business a soul needs to do without ever crossing a street.
The distance? Almost four miles! And I ran the sucker. I've been around the block. How big is your block?
Thursday, September 25, 2008
My Show
It's 7:00 PST. Only two hours til the season premiere of my favorite show. I'm so glad it's an hour long - I need a Jim & Pam fix. Also, will the new HR woman figure out that Kevin isn't "slow"? What consequences will there be for Dwight and Angela's activities? Will Michael make it to the childbirth classes? My satellite guide says the episode is about weight obsession, of all things!
The kids are in their jammies and are trooping across the street with us to zonk at the Mayers' until 10:00 when we'll carry them back here. Key Lime Bars for dessert! (Of course they're sugar free.) (Of course I'm lying.)
I don't follow too many TV shows these days, so I don't want to be let down!
I'll come back with my review following the viewing.
Okay... A GAS STATION??? Did anyone think that was romantic? I didn't. Not even because it was a gas station, but because of the timing. Now I'm all stressed. I'm afraid this is going to be one of those "I really did love you but that was when I was stuck as a receptionist with no assertiveness and no self-esteem and even though you are a great match for me and a wonderful man, it won't matter anymore because I'm finally in art school and figuring out who I am WITHOUT a relationship!" Ugh! I know a show has to have this romantic tension and all, but seriously--- I was kind of enjoying them together even without tension.
As for the other characters - I love Holly! I love her dorkiness. I think it was hilarious that Michael ripped up the concert tickets. That poor idiot...
Dwight and Angela... oh, my! And Andy, surely one of my top three favorite characters on there - didn't you love, "Just like every little boy, I always dreamed of my wedding day..." Every time he talks I have to cover my face with my hands.
Not a lot of the Jan plotline. Loved the moment that Holly figured out Kevin wasn't retarded.
Note to Amy Wilhite: Did you see Holly's nameplate on her desk? Her real name is Hollister. Now THERE'S a unique name!
The kids are in their jammies and are trooping across the street with us to zonk at the Mayers' until 10:00 when we'll carry them back here. Key Lime Bars for dessert! (Of course they're sugar free.) (Of course I'm lying.)
I don't follow too many TV shows these days, so I don't want to be let down!
I'll come back with my review following the viewing.
Okay... A GAS STATION??? Did anyone think that was romantic? I didn't. Not even because it was a gas station, but because of the timing. Now I'm all stressed. I'm afraid this is going to be one of those "I really did love you but that was when I was stuck as a receptionist with no assertiveness and no self-esteem and even though you are a great match for me and a wonderful man, it won't matter anymore because I'm finally in art school and figuring out who I am WITHOUT a relationship!" Ugh! I know a show has to have this romantic tension and all, but seriously--- I was kind of enjoying them together even without tension.
As for the other characters - I love Holly! I love her dorkiness. I think it was hilarious that Michael ripped up the concert tickets. That poor idiot...
Dwight and Angela... oh, my! And Andy, surely one of my top three favorite characters on there - didn't you love, "Just like every little boy, I always dreamed of my wedding day..." Every time he talks I have to cover my face with my hands.
Not a lot of the Jan plotline. Loved the moment that Holly figured out Kevin wasn't retarded.
Note to Amy Wilhite: Did you see Holly's nameplate on her desk? Her real name is Hollister. Now THERE'S a unique name!
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