Hi y'all,
I have a list of things I want to get done most every day. However, I would not categorized myself as a Type A personality. Do you know why I write lists? Because I am a crazy person called a mom. I am no longer single and just having to take care of myself. I am no longer just married to another adult who is relatively self-sufficient. I am a mother. I take care of an entire family. They depend on me to get things done. I have so many things rattling around in my head that they get lost in the dark recesses and may not be found until a week past their expiration date. I have to organize and prioritize my time every day because there is so much more that I am responsible for accomplishing.
We make most of our meals at home these days. No, it is not entirely a budget thing. No, it is not entirely a we-want-to-eat-only-healthy-foods thing. The reason is that my husband is allergic to monosodium glutamate or MSG. It is in a surprising number of foods. He gets violent, debilitating migraines that land him in the ER and on superman-like narcotics. I digress. This week we forgot to put chicken nuggets on our list for shopping even though I had made a mental note that we needed more because that is one "meat" we can consistently get Mr. Chaos Little Man to eat. If it is not on my list it usually gets forgotten and discovered at the most inconvenient of times. Like tonight. At least he likes peanut butter sandwiches now. *Pause to insert big smile here* He is definitely my son. Anyone who knows me knows I am a peanut butter addict. I own it. He is totally my kid, hehe.
So, I write lists. I need to mail a package. Put it on the list. Oh, we are almost out of pull-ups because potty training is not really happening. Put it on the list. I want to start my running schedule again. Put it on the list (and then move it to the next day and then the next day because my list is just too long right now). I need to read that chapter before the meeting. Put it on the list. If it is not there then I probably will not do it. Write a blog? Put that on my list.
How do you keep yourself organized?
Blessings,
R
Tuesday, November 15, 2011
Saturday, November 12, 2011
Pat Tillman
Hi y'all,
In keeping with my list and current theme of Veteran's Day and thankfulness I want to bring a man to your attention. His name was Pat Tillman.
Do you know his story? It is good to hear it again if you have. Pat Tillman was an Arizona boy. He excelled in football. He went with his high school team to a championship, then an undefeated season at Arizona State University along with the Rose Bowl in '97 and won many awards. He was then drafted by the AZ Cardinals NFL football team. He played and excelled and became a starter. The United States invaded Afghanistan and he decided to put his thriving football career on hold and enlist. Say WHAT?! You might want to read that again. Go ahead, I will wait.
"Sports embodied many of the qualities I deem meaningful," he said in 2002. "However, these last few years, and especially after recent events, I've come to appreciate just how shallow and insignificant my role is . . . It's no longer important." source
Pat Tillman enlisted in 2002 and lost his life in 2004. I imagine he knew what he was risking. I would even venture a guess that he could appreciate what he was fighting for more than your average joe. He had a successful NFL football career that was still in its early stages. There was a lot left on the field for him. He chose to lay that down and take a up cause he felt was worthwhile and purposeful. Talk about having your priorities questioned!? Some must have thought he was insane and I bet people tried to talk him out of it. Yet, he decided to go. I was not a resident of AZ at that time, nor was I aware of his story, but now, seven years after his death he is still remembered for his extraordinary choice and sacrifice. I have so much respect and gratitude for a man I never knew. It is my plan to run in the Pat Tillman Memorial Run and do the '5K', which is 4.2 miles long (traditionally, for those unawares, a 5K is typically 3.2 miles long). It makes sense to me to go that extra mile. Pat Tillman did.
What do you think of his decision? What would you do in his place? Sound off. I would like to hear your thoughts!
Blessings,
R
In keeping with my list and current theme of Veteran's Day and thankfulness I want to bring a man to your attention. His name was Pat Tillman.
Do you know his story? It is good to hear it again if you have. Pat Tillman was an Arizona boy. He excelled in football. He went with his high school team to a championship, then an undefeated season at Arizona State University along with the Rose Bowl in '97 and won many awards. He was then drafted by the AZ Cardinals NFL football team. He played and excelled and became a starter. The United States invaded Afghanistan and he decided to put his thriving football career on hold and enlist. Say WHAT?! You might want to read that again. Go ahead, I will wait.
"Sports embodied many of the qualities I deem meaningful," he said in 2002. "However, these last few years, and especially after recent events, I've come to appreciate just how shallow and insignificant my role is . . . It's no longer important." source
Pat Tillman enlisted in 2002 and lost his life in 2004. I imagine he knew what he was risking. I would even venture a guess that he could appreciate what he was fighting for more than your average joe. He had a successful NFL football career that was still in its early stages. There was a lot left on the field for him. He chose to lay that down and take a up cause he felt was worthwhile and purposeful. Talk about having your priorities questioned!? Some must have thought he was insane and I bet people tried to talk him out of it. Yet, he decided to go. I was not a resident of AZ at that time, nor was I aware of his story, but now, seven years after his death he is still remembered for his extraordinary choice and sacrifice. I have so much respect and gratitude for a man I never knew. It is my plan to run in the Pat Tillman Memorial Run and do the '5K', which is 4.2 miles long (traditionally, for those unawares, a 5K is typically 3.2 miles long). It makes sense to me to go that extra mile. Pat Tillman did.
What do you think of his decision? What would you do in his place? Sound off. I would like to hear your thoughts!
Blessings,
R
Friday, November 11, 2011
The Extraordinary Veterans
Hi y'all,
Remember how I left y'all out in the cold for months and months? I am not doing that again. Did you see my list of things I am going to discuss with you? It is time to dive in!
Friends, I find words inadequate when discussing about the topic of our military and those who serve. I cannot begin to describe the deep-seated thankfulness and genuine gratitude that I have for those who have served, fought, supported soldiers, and lost their lives so I can live in this country and enjoy the freedoms I do.
I have the right to bad-mouth the very people who have fought and gave their life for that right. How extraordinary is that? I would never dream of doing such a thing. I have extremely high respect for these people, but that right is there nonetheless. I have the right to live my life in whatever manner I deem fit, because they go and defend that right time and again. They spend sleepless nights on watch, under fire, in freezing temperature, for long hours, sitting back to back with their comrades, just so that I can sit on my tush in my preferred temperature in my comfortable home and watch The Big Bang Theory and giggle at all the lovely nerd references.
These people are truly heroes. This is my opinion and I proudly own it. I will not tolerate any berating comments so do not post 'em, okay? Thanks. I am not saying you have to agree with me. This is the beauty of what these men and women have fought and are fighting for--our freedom to agree to disagree. Do you get that? I hope so. Even if you do not agree with the all the current or past military actions I ask that you show respect to the people that defend your freedom to disagree. So, instead of railing against the war and the failure of democracy and whatever else you feel the need to be heard on, please, just bite your tongue and thank a veteran and go along your merry way. Oh, and while we are at it, please thank the families that have supported and sacrificed along with our soldiers. They are an invaluable part of this day that are often overlooked. Thank that new wife who said goodbye to her husband a week after they were married. Thank the parents who lost their son or daughter in a roadside bombing. Thank the mother and her four children that spent extended tour after extended tour away from their father who missed birthdays and holidays and school plays.
This is the month where it is on our calendars to take time out of busy lives to stop and be thankful.
Be thankful and be blessed,
R
Remember how I left y'all out in the cold for months and months? I am not doing that again. Did you see my list of things I am going to discuss with you? It is time to dive in!
Friends, I find words inadequate when discussing about the topic of our military and those who serve. I cannot begin to describe the deep-seated thankfulness and genuine gratitude that I have for those who have served, fought, supported soldiers, and lost their lives so I can live in this country and enjoy the freedoms I do.
I have the right to bad-mouth the very people who have fought and gave their life for that right. How extraordinary is that? I would never dream of doing such a thing. I have extremely high respect for these people, but that right is there nonetheless. I have the right to live my life in whatever manner I deem fit, because they go and defend that right time and again. They spend sleepless nights on watch, under fire, in freezing temperature, for long hours, sitting back to back with their comrades, just so that I can sit on my tush in my preferred temperature in my comfortable home and watch The Big Bang Theory and giggle at all the lovely nerd references.
These people are truly heroes. This is my opinion and I proudly own it. I will not tolerate any berating comments so do not post 'em, okay? Thanks. I am not saying you have to agree with me. This is the beauty of what these men and women have fought and are fighting for--our freedom to agree to disagree. Do you get that? I hope so. Even if you do not agree with the all the current or past military actions I ask that you show respect to the people that defend your freedom to disagree. So, instead of railing against the war and the failure of democracy and whatever else you feel the need to be heard on, please, just bite your tongue and thank a veteran and go along your merry way. Oh, and while we are at it, please thank the families that have supported and sacrificed along with our soldiers. They are an invaluable part of this day that are often overlooked. Thank that new wife who said goodbye to her husband a week after they were married. Thank the parents who lost their son or daughter in a roadside bombing. Thank the mother and her four children that spent extended tour after extended tour away from their father who missed birthdays and holidays and school plays.
This is the month where it is on our calendars to take time out of busy lives to stop and be thankful.
Be thankful and be blessed,
R
Thursday, November 10, 2011
What I'm learning
Hi y'all,
I have taken yet another hiatus from the blogsphere unintentionally. There have been many things kicking around in my head that I have thought about putting down for you all to read. Then I wonder if you are all still out there!? It is my own fault for not being a better friend to you and I own that. Can you forgive me? I do love you and your support.
Want to know some of the topics that have been on my heart?
-The loss of masculinity and femininity in American culture
-How to lovingly discipline children
-Being the best wife possible to my husband
-Becoming more fully the mother my children need
-Homeschooling
-Cloth diapering (if I had it to do over I would be all over this!)
-My First True Love
-What it means to be a good friend
-How to form meaningful, lasting relationships
-How does one make a wise decision without driving yourself nuts?
-Back-up your pictures like tenfold because you may lose 7000 of them and be devastated (true story, folks)
-What does it look like practically to be a person of integrity?
-Learning to be the role model that I want my children to emanate
-CrossFit
-Paleo
-The Beauty Detox Solution by Kimberly Synder (this book is changing my life!)
-Running a 5K+ (The Pat Tillman run here in AZ is an extra mile because he went the extra mile--look up his story and be truly inspired especially since we are celebrating Veterans' Day!!)
-What being the church looks like today and our responsibility and where we are falling short
-Jared Blake-I love his music and he is such a genuinely nice guy and knows what it is all about
-How much I still have left to learn
-My 30 before 30 list
-Gardening--will we actually be fruitful this time around and how many do-overs will it take?
Here is what I propose: I am going to tackle these topics and you can follow along and sound off. It will not be in any specific order and I will throw other things in there when the fancy strikes. That is the action plan. Are you ready? You should answer yes... :)
Blessings,
R
I have taken yet another hiatus from the blogsphere unintentionally. There have been many things kicking around in my head that I have thought about putting down for you all to read. Then I wonder if you are all still out there!? It is my own fault for not being a better friend to you and I own that. Can you forgive me? I do love you and your support.
Want to know some of the topics that have been on my heart?
-The loss of masculinity and femininity in American culture
-How to lovingly discipline children
-Being the best wife possible to my husband
-Becoming more fully the mother my children need
-Homeschooling
-Cloth diapering (if I had it to do over I would be all over this!)
-My First True Love
-What it means to be a good friend
-How to form meaningful, lasting relationships
-How does one make a wise decision without driving yourself nuts?
-Back-up your pictures like tenfold because you may lose 7000 of them and be devastated (true story, folks)
-What does it look like practically to be a person of integrity?
-Learning to be the role model that I want my children to emanate
-CrossFit
-Paleo
-The Beauty Detox Solution by Kimberly Synder (this book is changing my life!)
-Running a 5K+ (The Pat Tillman run here in AZ is an extra mile because he went the extra mile--look up his story and be truly inspired especially since we are celebrating Veterans' Day!!)
-What being the church looks like today and our responsibility and where we are falling short
-Jared Blake-I love his music and he is such a genuinely nice guy and knows what it is all about
-How much I still have left to learn
-My 30 before 30 list
-Gardening--will we actually be fruitful this time around and how many do-overs will it take?
Here is what I propose: I am going to tackle these topics and you can follow along and sound off. It will not be in any specific order and I will throw other things in there when the fancy strikes. That is the action plan. Are you ready? You should answer yes... :)
Blessings,
R
Sunday, July 24, 2011
Neglected blog
Hi y'all,
I have been grossly neglecting my blogging duties to all five of you who regularly read my wonderful, thought-provoking, and inspiring words.
Here is the scoop: I have been busy this summer keep my darling children entertained and seeing as many friends as possible before schools start back up in the next two-three weeks here in lovely AZ.
Also, my little brother got married (whoot whoot!) and my beautiful children were honored to be the flower girl and ring bearer. Side note: my dad said I should post no pictures because of all the adorableness and that everyone would be asking to have them in their wedding.
Another thing: one of my two best girl friends sprung her wedding on my with 11 days notice--11. You read it correctly. So, most everyone I think that is going to get married that is close to me is done now (all in a span of seven months, thanks y'all) and we can chill on that front. I know, next comes the babies. I got at least nine months before that happens and, as long as birth control does not fail these couples, probably more like a year or two.
I regret to inform you that I will probably continue to neglect you for another two to three weeks, but check out Arizona Mom's Network where I have had the privilege of guest blogging! :)
Update me on your lives!!! What has been keeping you busy and what have you been doing to beat the heat?
Blessings,
R
I have been grossly neglecting my blogging duties to all five of you who regularly read my wonderful, thought-provoking, and inspiring words.
Here is the scoop: I have been busy this summer keep my darling children entertained and seeing as many friends as possible before schools start back up in the next two-three weeks here in lovely AZ.
Also, my little brother got married (whoot whoot!) and my beautiful children were honored to be the flower girl and ring bearer. Side note: my dad said I should post no pictures because of all the adorableness and that everyone would be asking to have them in their wedding.
Another thing: one of my two best girl friends sprung her wedding on my with 11 days notice--11. You read it correctly. So, most everyone I think that is going to get married that is close to me is done now (all in a span of seven months, thanks y'all) and we can chill on that front. I know, next comes the babies. I got at least nine months before that happens and, as long as birth control does not fail these couples, probably more like a year or two.
I regret to inform you that I will probably continue to neglect you for another two to three weeks, but check out Arizona Mom's Network where I have had the privilege of guest blogging! :)
Update me on your lives!!! What has been keeping you busy and what have you been doing to beat the heat?
Blessings,
R
Sunday, June 26, 2011
Mental Game
Hi y'all,
I have been doing a new eating plan and I have to tell you it is a mental game, y'all. I am eating smaller portion sizes and cutting out the unnecessary snacking. I have already lost a good deal of weight in this first week.
I swear I have to take it one day at a time because the six-eight weeks seems so very long. It is a constant, hmmmm, I want a snack. The kids' peanut butter crackers smell really good, but it has so much sugar and fat and is not on my approved list currently. Oh, I would like to have a piece of the very yummy zucchini bread I baked, but again, not on the list. Maybe I could just lick my fingers since a little got on there. Oh, no. I should not because at one little taste my willpower may fail. Or it might not, but I do not want to put myself in that spot. I told Mr. Fantastic Husband Man that I sounded like an addict, taking it one day at a time, lol. He pointed out that I am not though, because I would consumed with thoughts of food if I were and, thankfully, I am not. I believe it is a real addiction and I am not too proud to admit I have used food to fill a need and emotionally eaten. The part that we find funny is that I always acknowledge it too. Oh, the kids are super stressing me out today. I am going to emotionally eat this bowl of ice cream and I am okay with that. Honestly, it has helped me identify the cause right now when I feel that urge (I am bored, tired, lonely, stressed, whatever) to eat/snack. Who knew that eating right would be good for the soul as well? Oh, yeah, lots of people... I am just getting on board that boat. :)
I heard somewhere, ages ago, that it takes two weeks to form a habit. Well, week one is over. Re-forming the good eating habits I have let slide over the past couple months is a challenge, but I know it will be worth it. How long do they say it takes to break a bad habit? Is it two months? Anyone know?
So, whatever your daily struggle I sincerely hope your willpower can stay strong. I am hanging in the trenches with you!
Blessings,
R
I have been doing a new eating plan and I have to tell you it is a mental game, y'all. I am eating smaller portion sizes and cutting out the unnecessary snacking. I have already lost a good deal of weight in this first week.
I swear I have to take it one day at a time because the six-eight weeks seems so very long. It is a constant, hmmmm, I want a snack. The kids' peanut butter crackers smell really good, but it has so much sugar and fat and is not on my approved list currently. Oh, I would like to have a piece of the very yummy zucchini bread I baked, but again, not on the list. Maybe I could just lick my fingers since a little got on there. Oh, no. I should not because at one little taste my willpower may fail. Or it might not, but I do not want to put myself in that spot. I told Mr. Fantastic Husband Man that I sounded like an addict, taking it one day at a time, lol. He pointed out that I am not though, because I would consumed with thoughts of food if I were and, thankfully, I am not. I believe it is a real addiction and I am not too proud to admit I have used food to fill a need and emotionally eaten. The part that we find funny is that I always acknowledge it too. Oh, the kids are super stressing me out today. I am going to emotionally eat this bowl of ice cream and I am okay with that. Honestly, it has helped me identify the cause right now when I feel that urge (I am bored, tired, lonely, stressed, whatever) to eat/snack. Who knew that eating right would be good for the soul as well? Oh, yeah, lots of people... I am just getting on board that boat. :)
I heard somewhere, ages ago, that it takes two weeks to form a habit. Well, week one is over. Re-forming the good eating habits I have let slide over the past couple months is a challenge, but I know it will be worth it. How long do they say it takes to break a bad habit? Is it two months? Anyone know?
So, whatever your daily struggle I sincerely hope your willpower can stay strong. I am hanging in the trenches with you!
Blessings,
R
Monday, June 20, 2011
Back at it!
Hi y'all,
I have decided that summer is here and play date calendar is in full swing, however, I am making the time to take care of me and my workouts. We got our priorities straight. What is the "magic bullet" to lose weight and get healthy? As Michelle and Jason (3-2-1 Penguins) would say, "The power of balanced meals and exercise!!!"
Friends, I have tried and watched others try all sorts of diets, routines, etc. just to be disappointed that all the weight they lost came back (sometimes added more!) as soon as they stopped. I know there are great things out there, but the reality is that it comes down to a lifestyle change. It is a commitment to do life, your whole life from this point forward, differently. Until you are there I believe you will continue to struggle. I am speaking truth today, friends, and I know it is not going to be popular. I want to just say good luck and let me know if I can support you!
So, here is to the power of balanced meals and exercise!
Blessings,
R
I have decided that summer is here and play date calendar is in full swing, however, I am making the time to take care of me and my workouts. We got our priorities straight. What is the "magic bullet" to lose weight and get healthy? As Michelle and Jason (3-2-1 Penguins) would say, "The power of balanced meals and exercise!!!"
Friends, I have tried and watched others try all sorts of diets, routines, etc. just to be disappointed that all the weight they lost came back (sometimes added more!) as soon as they stopped. I know there are great things out there, but the reality is that it comes down to a lifestyle change. It is a commitment to do life, your whole life from this point forward, differently. Until you are there I believe you will continue to struggle. I am speaking truth today, friends, and I know it is not going to be popular. I want to just say good luck and let me know if I can support you!
So, here is to the power of balanced meals and exercise!
Blessings,
R
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