10-10-10 By Suzy Welch - A review of sorts

So I will admit this at the outset. I picked up this book because at my local Chapters store it was on the shelf that had HEATHER's Picks on it. The book is 10-10-10 by Suzy Welch

The basic premise of the book is how to guide decision making in your life by looking at how your choice will affect the next 10 minutes of your life, 10 months and 10 years.

For example I am procrastinating exercising to write this blog post. For the next 10 minutes I will be happy that I am sitting in my comfy chair and I have one more post off my chest that I have been meaning to write for the past two weeks. However, upon closer examination if I don't start exercising tonight how will I look and feel in the next 10 months especially if I make the same excuse every night. Well I will feel like crap and likely look like I am 5 months pregnant when I am not and that will SUCK! 10 years from now. My sedentary choices will probably have taken hold and I will have heart disease, diabetes or high blood pressure. hhmmmmm.

This may be a little over the top but you get my drift. Now speaking of over the top. Although the book is peppered with some great stories and examples of how this decision making process has worked for other and how it can work for you. I cannot help but wish she had written it from a more Woman, Mom, Wife place instead of a journalist, scientist, harvard business review place.

I mean I have an outstanding vocabulary and I had to have a dictionary handy on more then one occasion. Who uses the word "insouciance" okay, please, tell me... No, I mean it, leave me a comment and tell me if you knew what it meant or had to go look it up like me.

Not a bad book, definitely a quick read, the concept is sound and can be used for just about any decision. bigger decision require a little more work on your values but she goes through that as well. I was pleasantly surprised with the results when i put the concept in to practice. Back to the book, don't pay full price for it. Look for it at the library or used book store. that's where my copy will be. I take that back, if anyone wants to give this baby a try, leave me a comment and I'll send you my copy it might be just what you need.

Let me know!

-

A funny little story... me and my motorcycle

As you may be aware they past month has not been easy on our family. However, we have perserved to meet our obligations to family, friends and work. Some had to be cancelled ie scrapbooking with my mom's group and co-workers, a charity 5k run and speaking engagement for me and the boy, Dad had to miss a few days of work to help me out when I was just completely overwhelmed and not getting much sleep and the poor girl had to deal with being shuffled around all over the place.

Some obligations could not be cancelled due to policies and amount of money invested. Case in point Motorcycle training course with my Aunt Chopper and it cost me $420.00 for course $17.50 to write my M1 beginners, 15.99 for training manual, $65.00 for pair of leather gloves, $147.00 for new DOT approved helmut and miscellaneous lunch, coffee and snacks. Friday Night, All day Saturday and All day Sunday. Hilarity and sheer grit ensued.

First night is training videos and going over some of the questions that will most likely be on the written test. I really can't recall what went on from 7-10pm because in case you didn't read the beginning of the last paragraph i was EXHAUSTED. they gave us some little booklet and a couple of sheets of paper and I shoved them in my bag. Got home made some cupcakes that are required for a Mother's day dinner that I will not see and left instructions with hubby about how to go about having the kids decorate them. Still no grocery shopping, start scrounging in cupboards for lunch items because I am informed that lunch breaks are actually part of the in class training time. Hubby offers me a beer which I drink because I am a little keyed up now that I know I am literally hours away from driving a motorcycle. Oh and did I mention that at about 9pm it has started to rain and the weather forcast says all day rain for tomorrow. YIP E Fucking EEE!

Saturday... darling little munchkins awake at 5AM for miscellaneous foolery like being cold, needing blankets and having to pee. Don't really get any extra sleep before I give up and get out of bed for good at 6:15 AM. Finish packing up massive lunch, pack RAINSUIT and rest of my gear. Auntie picks me up with fear and excitement in her eyes, I just need a frickin coffee.

Get to course we are second last ones in our seats... who are all these keeners...they obviously don't have children. 5mins we are suited up and out to the bikes....what no kiss first??? Find a bike find neutral and start pushing.

First exercise is to push a partner on the bike to get the feel for balance. Chubby girl dumps bike while trying to make a turn. this is not looking good. I decide to push Auntie first. Pushing Auntie on bike in full rainsuit is like running 5k this sucks! Time for Auntie to push me! I don't think I can do this..... Auntie just pushes me anyway and tells me not to be a sissy. I am trembling but I survive.

Now we have to start the bikes... Is this guy insane didn't he see me trembling I am clearly not ready for this. Oh yes I am. Just keep the clutch in and nothing bad can happen. My clutch hand HURTS ALOT!

It starts to rain, because hey why the hell not. I have paid good money to come out here to learn to ride a motorcycle and I want to be prepared for anything.

We rode in pouring rain, hail, 45 kph winds. About 4pm on Saturday I just pull my bike over to the curb, turn it off, sit down on the curb and cry. When all the instructors rush over to see what is wrong I scream I am FUCKING tired you idiots! We ride until 5:30pm and watch a few more videos.

On the way home we discuss how tired we are and how tomorrow is really going to suck but HEY the weather is supposed to be better tomorrow just a little colder. Note to self: pack turtle neck and extra sweater.

I get home and hubby has taken kids out for dinner, I have a glorious hot shower and proceed to smother my body with A535 and a special Arnica gel my massage therapist gave me. Now I think I smell worse. I take an Advil and wait for it to kick in. We put the kids to bed and hubby says " you better go to...full day tomorrow" Whaaaaaaa!

Sunday I wake up and take a quick inventory ooooouuuucccchhhhh! I don't think it hurts to open my LEFT EYE but that is about it. Every muscle, joint and skin cell is shrieking!

I roll out of bed and start to get ready. Drink my coffee and ignore the regular morning chaos of our house because I know if I lose focus, determination for one second the motivation will leave me and I will curl up in the fetal position and not move for a week.

Auntie picks me up and she looks like how I feel, we don't discuss anything on the way to school, we silently doubt our coping skills and ponder how we will make it through the day.

More riding, but it seems to go better to day, more challenges but feeling alittle more confident. Classroom session The written test - that I did not study for because my body required SLEEP. Write test botch about 3 questions that I knew the answer to. Luckily did not affect my results. We Pass. Thank you Jesus, Budha, Confusious, and all the saints.

Now out for more riding and this is where the funny shit starts happening. We have to do a passenger ride. Auntie just about implodes and she has no interest in this. I have frankly come to the point where I don't care anymore and I'm willing to try anything. I travel as a passenger first since I travel as a passenger all the time and I'm good at it. Besides I could use more of a break. It is a weird feeling and we make it through our obstacle course with more than a few chuckles. Now it's my turn to drive and she will NOT get on the bike. WHAT!
Me: Get on the bike
Her: Not sure if I can
Me: What do you mean? Get on the bike?
Her: This doesn't feel safe? Are you sure?
Me: Sure I'm sure I'm not about to do anything if I don't think it's safe. GET ON THE BIKE!
Her: I don't want to.
Me: I dont' care! we are the last ones, get on the damn bike!
Her: Okay Let me see.
Me: One foot then the other and GET ON THE BIKE!
Her Okay okay! But you go home and tell your dad you killed his sister!
Me: Fine! it's okay there are 4 more of you, I'm good!
Her: Not funny!
Me: GET ON THE BIKE!
Her: Hey this is not so bad, you're doing good, keep going, you're doing good, good balance, nice shoulder check, good gear shift.
ME: Auntie if you want to live you need to SHUT UP so I can focus and not get us hurt.

Hilarity ensued and we laughed our way through the course as I ran over a few pylons and she said we must look like dumb and dumber - two grown women riding around on a tiny little bike. It was so funny we couldn't stop laughing but I guess you had to been there to truly appreciate it. Our instructors found us quite funny as well and that is good because we were the last ones to complete the course and our entire class was laughing at us laughing. I needed that laugh just to relax.

The course was so much easier after that and then it was test time. The test was so much easier then the class course and although most of my classmates were REALLY nervous (including Auntie)they made little errors and received a few deductions. I was quite calm and aced my test with a perfect ride! SWEET!

I am now the proud owner of an GM2 licence in the province of Ontario.

Now only if I could use my arms because they are soooooooo sore I can barely butter toast or turn the ignition key in my car.

HELP!

Post Op Update

I should be cooking dinner...

Well we are at 14 days post op and tomorrow we can get him on his feet and see if he can stand in the casts. This should make the whole toileting arrangement go smoother. Not a moment too soon. My chest muscles and lower back muscles are protesting big time! Everytime I breathe it hurts. I was at the doctor last week because I thought I was have heart or lung problems, Not so much...just stop lifting heavy things. Easy for her to say she doesn't have to try to get a 5 year old in and out of bed everyday.

Even scooching him up in his chair or on the couch pulls those pecs and not in a good way.

Now that I have gained some perspective I'm hoping to be able to write a little about this experience for other families who NEED to know what they are getting into.

It sounds all wonderful when the surgeon describes the positive outcomes and that many children are able to walk really well after surgery and rehab.

But they do not do a very good job of describing just how you are going to get through 2 weeks of sheer HELL and then 3 months of rehab to get to the glorious moment of easier movement for the child. Damn Surgeons, such pricks( and ours is a female)(kinda like lady cops, take themselves very seriously)


Suffice it to say it has been an experience, pain, poop, crying and laughing.

If I ever get two minutes to myself again I will tell you about it.

Pediatric Surgery Checklist

Here are a few things that we found very helpful to pack for when we took our 5 year old with Cerebral Palsy in for surgery.

Favorite sleep toy
mini juice boxes (sometimes they don't trust what the nurses are bringing them)
own blanket
own pillow
Extra pillows to prop up parts that have been put in Casts
pull ups (they don't always have enough control)
Children's tylenol or motrin incase they refuse to take the stuff the nurse has in the syringe to squirt in their mouth
Extra towels
Cloths
Wipes
A bucket
Barf Bags

We took him in, in his clothes but we brought his jammies to take him home in

Do a test run on how the child will fit in the car/carseat - Very important! we had to make a last minute call to borrow my parents truck when we realized that the boy and the wheelchair would not fit in the car at the same time. Doh!

Get your rental a week ahead of time so you can test it out, the kids get used to it and you can do the dry run mentioned above. It is worth the extra money.

Take said wheelchair with you. You'll appreciate knowing how everything works and the kid will not throw a fit at yet another new thing.

Read all paperwork very carefully at the hospital - If I would not have gone through our stuff they would have only done the surgery on one side and we would have to go back again. (boo hiss)

Feel free to have the surgeon explain the procedure to you AGAIN so that you know what is going to happen.

if I think of more i will add them.

Gotta go! Patient is calling.

Botox, flu shot and Casts for AFOs

What a week we are having. And our week started on Friday. Friday we travelled to our Orthopedic Surgeon's hospital so that she could do Botox injections on the Bugaloo legs. (If your new here you can read about his CP in the CP posts)

This time our appointment was at 2:30pm which meant the Bug could each jello and drink until 10am and we did not have to leave for the hospital until 10:30am. (I'm not sure if this was better than leaving at 8:30 and trying to cram jello into him in the car until 9am). We get to the hospital (1hr 15 mins drive from our home)get registered, pick up our prescription at the pharmacy and then check in at the pedatric day surgery unit. There we (i mean the bug) is weighed, measured, blood pressured, heart and lungs checked out, we answer amillion questions and then...we WAIT. and wait some more and just when you start to get antsy, we wait some more.

Then finally one of us (this time me) gets to carry him in to the procedure room and try to calm a child that is freaking out because they are going to put a mask over his face that is going to make him go to sleep. (that's the hard part) I try telling him a story about the time I broke my arm when I was his age and had to have it fixed and they had to put a mask on my face and ..... he's not buying it. So I hold him while he crys and in seconds he falls asleep and I have to leave my little man there on the table. (It does get easy, not better, but easier)

15 mins later the doctor comes to tell us that she gave him 16 injections, he's waking up and asking for us and a pink popsicle.

We go to see him in recovery and he starts to cry. (this happens every time) We calm him and let him know he is safe. He finishes his popsicle and asks when can we go home. Soon buddy soon. About this time the hunger and thirst kick in. Apple juice, no problem. After an hour, the last set of checks, blood pressure, temp, and circulation, we are given the go ahead to leave. It is now 4:15pm and we are all starving, hubster and I had breakfast but no lunch and split a bag of chips and bottle of water in the waiting room. East Side Marios is right across from the hospital so we decide to go for it. They tell us to take it easy that heave food will make him sick after the anesthetic, but we decide to go for it!

We eat our fill and head home. What a day!

Tuesday I had to take the kids for flu shots and the Bug needed an immunization for school. The kids were soooo good. I can forgive the 3 minutes of full on chaos that ensued when the needles came out. The BUG looked right at the doctor and said,"that was horrible, just horrible". the doc tried to supress a giggle, but the bug caught her and gave her a dirty look. the peanut screamed bloody murder but who can blame her, she was second and already new what was coming.

Whoppee we're having fun now!

Today, we are going to orthotics clinic to get casted for new AFOs since the Bug had Botox and is also growing like a weed.

Today will be alot of waiting, we hope they are on time but will pack lots of snacks and activities since our appointment time is close to lunch and will probably span over the lunch hour.

thankfully this ends our medical appointments until the new year and we can look forward to celebrating the bug's birthday (24th) and Christmas.

Hoping your week is going better than mine. hang in there it's almost over.

Simplify

I've been seeing this flying around the blogoshpere. People are choosing their word to live by for the upcoming year. I've seen a few, Focus, Purpose, Happiness. My choice for this 2009...SIMPLIFY.

My life is far too complicated and I need to simplify. I need to de clutter I need to learn how to schedule well and say no to the rest. I need to assign some responsibilities to my wonderful spouse and try to to care how he gets them done.

I need to work a deal with my employer to cut my time at work. I need to clear out old clothes, I need to give away our double appliances, I need to clear out the cobwebs, I need to fix those things that need fixing, the towel rack, the receptacle cover the kids book shelf. All of these things will help me limit the self talk that says "why can't you just get it together"

I have been saying that to myself all year and it is just time to STOP. I am a busy woman and I like it that way. that is the way I am most productive. I have to learn to delegate and deal with it. I have to learn to let some things go. there is no reason I can't have things just the way I want. There has got to be a way to get it to all work together and I tell in 2009 I am going to find out!

I'm doing much better this year for Christmas than last Christmas I have a few t-shirts to pick up and a gift for my 7 year old nephew (if you have any ideas let me know)but other than that I am almost done!

I will be mailing out my out of town gifts tomorrow. Unbelievable! I'm feeling pretty good. And best of all I'm not even out of money yet which is awesome since this is where I usually have to perform some creative financing to get everything paid for. then I go crazy getting everything ready for our taxes so I can pay a few things back.

NOT THIS YEAR WOOT.

SIMPLIFY

Okay I seriously owe you guys a post!

Well first of all I'm so sorry I blew the ole Friday post. No computer not ability to upload photos, no NOTHIN!

So, just bare with me for a little rant and all will be well soon.

DH and I have been sick, that kind of sick where you have a headache and you feel nauseous but you never actually get sick. So together we were just really lazy sacks of shit all week. DH called in sick two days. I managed to make it to work but don't kid yourself people...I had to lay the ole head down on the desk once or twice a day.

Now I think the kids have it a little bit so I hope they don't get it quite so bad.

My Grandpa aka Choo Choo Bob had a small heart attack last tues and was admitted to the hospital, where he had an angiogram and ANOTHER small heart attack (AT THE SAME TIME). Currently that leaves him awaiting a Quadruple bypass operation THIS MORNING. I was able to visit him twice over the weekend and that was a great comfort to me and I hope to him and my Nana. I'm the first grandchild and a big suck hole for my Nana and Pa-Bob. He is 82 years old and in pretty good health, he exercises regularly and eats a fairly good diet. He really has all the factors going for him. If something happens it will be truly a fluke and truly just his time to go. So I wait and hope and keep my fingers crossed that all will be well.

We had alot of rain this weekend and it was all I could do to get out and do the groceries so TOP of the LIST this week is COMPUTER SHOPPING.

Oh anyone out there EXPECTING...my sister is and I found this Cool Sleepy Wrap so I am going to order her one is the dark brown I think.

The Bugaloo is doing well in school and adjusting to the new routine of going full days. He made it through his first two days but on his third he had to have a little nap. So Cute!

Peanut is totally pissed that she has to stay home but I guess that's alway the way for the younger sibling.

We are getting ready for an election here in Canada and I'm sad. I'm sad because voting is going to be such a burden this time. It's like a multiple choice question: Which one of these candidates is the Least Asshole, jerk, two faced, lying , backstabbing, complete idiot on the planet. There are no GOOD choices only the least bad choice. mmmmmmm

Alright that was a little bit of everything to get you caught up and understand the infrequent posts. I'm planning on a great post in the next 48 hours to let you know that Choo Choo Bob is out of Cardiac ICU and on the step down unit and they are sewing his chest back up and he is doing as well as can be expected.

Have a great week all!

Holy Hell Batman

I am tired. DH and I just finished a quick tidy up of our outdoor dinner party for my birthday and our anniversary. I would like to say it was for our friends BUT it was for our family. Not that I don't like my family because I do. We just have this annoying unspoken unwritten rule that says who ever is hosting has to do ALL the work and those attending don't have to do ANYTHING.

Now I still can't complain because DH and I live BESIDE my MIL which meant we split the prep and cooking for todays event and she did most of the clean up because I looked after all the kids (2 of which were mine so again can't be complaining).

I made my world famous RIBS which were AWESOME if I do say so myself and since there are... Oh... NONE left out of 15 POUNDS of ribs I would say everyone got their fill.

It was not just my birthday but also my SIL birthday (she is a few days before me, it was not just our anniversary it was also my BIL and same SIL (who shares the birthday month) anniversary (whose is a few weeks before us, 3 I think). there were married 12 years ago and DH and I jsut celebrated 5 years (2nd marriage for both of us, if you are new here)

My other SIL who usually hosts this particular event moved this weekend (ugg, she won't recover for weeks)so I feel for her I really do. But FUCK that was alot of work.

So it works like this in DH's family.

Nonno and Nonna - rule both emigrated from Italy very progressive but still are steeped in old world tradition. Really you couldn't ask for a better mix. And she only rides me about going to church 5-7 times a year. They live beside us and really they look after us. I have it good. Nonna probably cooks for our family atleast once a week and at most 4 nights a week. Nonno sometimes he tells the same stories over and over and over again. Sometimes they really get on my nerves, but in retrospect I know he is passing on he knowledge and my childrens history, so I try to listen. Sometimes though, I just give up and go do dishes.

Son #1 and SIL 2nd marriage. 2nd marriage for both. Son one child, SIL 2 kids, no kids together. SIL 1 can be jealous now and then of realtionship I have carefully cultivated with MIL. I say she needs to step out side herself and not take herself so goddamned seriously. Nonna loves all of us. You get what you give, Know what I mean?

Son #2 and SIL - these two have been married for (oh I don't know FOREVER) kidding about 17 years I think maybe 18. She converted to catholisicm so she is IN with a capital I. SIL can do no wrong not that I have seen. She has earned it though. She is very thoughtful, very fun and always willign to help out anyway she can.

SON # 3 and ME - I love my DH and he is a spoiled Italian man - what can I say. Lots of training and electro-shock therapy have helped.

Son#4 - S.O. have been dating for jsut under a year I think (he's private and lives in TO)LOVE this guy, he is interesting and calm (opposite of my DH)He is just a little less than a year younger than me and went to school with some people I know. He jsut returned from Thailand so we did a little catching up. Never enough time to talk with this guy. His S.O. could not make it today but she has graduated law school and is a great gal I really like her so far.

Son#1 daughter and her boyfriend - really make an effort to stay connected to the family and often stop by. My DH was in trade school the same time boyfriend started so they rode back and forth for a few months and we have become close with them.

Son # 1 step daughter and boyfriend - glad to seen D2 with this guy he seems so nice and better yet nice to her. Last boyfriend was a WHACK JOB as in had to get a restraining order whack job!

Other kids include 16 year old boy with NO job lazy as hell and like to hear about it from the rest of us (as near as I can tell)

14 yr old Girl who lets boobs hang out and thinks it's great fun to make fun and degrade her sister to make herself feel good. I sese issues in our future!

12 yr old Girl whose sister is a teenager (see above) who is manipulative in her own right but atleast has the presence of mind to negotiate a WIn WIn to get what she wants. She will be one to keep an eye on.

7 year old boy whose heart is in the right place he is just... a 7 year old boy and accidents happen. He is often the victim of circumstance. It may not be entirely his fault but if he would have thought for a second,,, Crisis would have been averted.

My two the Bugaloo (a little spoiled and a Type A first born used to getting his own way, who is entirely too logical somtimes) and the Peanut (just a crazy two year ol, with a great scowl)

We had a great day until the bugs started eating us to death and then it was a pretty quick clear out. I think NOnna is still putting leftovers away and finally the rest of my family is fast asleep. I think I may crack a cold one and thank the almighty that I made it - ALIVE.

Happy Birth-aversary to me!

Friday Post - Life Balance

This post is a perfect example of Life Balance. I realized that my blog was lacking some intellectual content. I mean I'm sure my family and a few of my friends appreciated the updates but I kept getting emails asking if I was okay because the tone, and wit of my usual communication was not coming through. I do not have time to come up with a witty intelligent post everyday. I also can't rely on photos to entertain you as previously posted I have computer issues. So I sat down to decide what I could manage, and now I am trying to make that work for me. Hence the polls that have started and the topical Friday posts. Yeah for me!

That in a nutshell is Life Balance. Decide what you want to do and then figure what part of that is manageable. ACCEPT that under perfect circumstances you would do it all and do it perfectly, but because the circumstances are less then perfect you will do what you can manage and KNOW in your heart that you have contributed in a way that makes you happy. Do I sound like Pollyanna?

Life Balance is about managing your expectations. Not lowering them! Hear me very clearly! Managing them. We all want to make contributions. Many of us have been raised with the notion that we can have it all! What "they" forgot to tell us is that we will require lots of help, have to make LOTS of sacrifices and generally question ourselves on a daily basis. Great! Where does that leave us?

For me personally what does this look like I will give you a glimpse.
-I HAVE to work (I have the heath and dental benefits)
-I stay up late on Tuesdays because that is the only creative time I have
-I run almost everyday at lunch because I only have 3-4 hours with my kids after work and that is more important than my waist line.
-I run because I need to be healthy to take care of my family
-I communicate with my friends via email because its the only way for me to maintain some type of communication on a regular basis right now (this hurts me and I'm working on it)
-Local friends I try to see once every 6 weeks (this is what I can manage right now)
-Out of town friends not.so.much! (I even missed my god daughters birthdays this year and that really really SUCKS)

-My husband and I don't have date nights but we do have dinner together almost ever night and we spend a 1/2 hour together almost everynight after we get the kids to bed. This is what we do for us and yes there are some nights that I give up my creative time or Grey's Anatomy so that I can make love with my husband, because hey he's HOT and after all this time he still makes me tingly.

-I volunteer with KIDSABILITY (where the bug has therapy)
-We give one donation a year to Kidsability and turn everyone else away although I have supported other organizations who are selling something I would have purchased otherwise (ie christmas cards)

I have found that life balance for me has been about focusing on what I wanted when I started out in my twenties, (which was being a mom and having a happy marriage and being a successful person) and what that means to me each year. Trying to make that work and not get too lost in all the other images and expectations that I am bombarded with on a daily basis. There are so many things that I get interested in and want to do or participate in, but I have to ask myself if it will help our hurt my original goals of "happy family". Somethings I can make room for, somethings will only cause a temporary imbalance and will be beneficial in the long run. Somethings I just have to pass on and say no. I would have to say that these are the hardest decisions.

I don't claim to have all the answers this is what helps me. I was planning on linking a bunch of information but I am running out of time. Ahh the delicate balance. Maybe I will put this on the poll for next week.

Right now I have to go because if I don't get to work we are going to have an "IMBALANCE" if I get fired.

Have a great day! Let me know what you think?

Shannon :)

Running and Buggies

Well first of all I have to apologize to everyone in the free world who is looking for the Bugaloo Baby Buggy Stroller. The word search activity on that phrase connecting people to my blog has been extreme. I wish I knew more about the stroller all I do know is that it was out of my price range and therefore I stopped looking for it.

AND THEN.... I hope instead of finding your stroller you found a little humour with a tip here and there to make your life easier.

AND THEN... for those of you who travelled here due to a search on Cerebral palsy. I will do my best to provide a few more posts on this subject in hopes of helping you out, treatment, behaviour, parenting, school, my personal feelings, fundraising,etc. You tell me what you would like to know>>>.

AND THEN.....

Running, it is going well as far as running goes... we are upto 7 mins of continuous running before we take a 1 minute break so all in all not bad. Am I losing any inches YES Ma'am. Am I losing any weight Hell NO and I am PISSED off (with a capital P) How can so much work not reap any rewards in the weight loss category. Boo Hiss. And the first person who tells me it's because I am gaining muscle mass can take a long hard suck on my lily white A$$! I want to see those numbers drop damn it!

AND THEN.... No more and then For now!

Clutter and Organizing

The votes are in and it looks like this will be a post about clutter and organizing.

What the Key? - Throw some SHIT away! kidding....

What is clutter? Everything that doesn't have a home. All the crap that you have no where to put. Ity Bity treasures that your kids find outside, gifts your kids get from the doctor or the dentist for being good patient. Magazines, flyers (ugh), the shoes, the bag of hand-me-downs that you haven't gone through yet or given away yet.

It all just piles up. After reading Peter Walsh's book It's all too much I realized that it really is a mind set. You need to deal with clutter as it happens, get rid of the flyers that you are never going to look at, for example for us right now in our lives we never look at the Nevada Bob's Golf store flyer, neither one of us are going golfing anytime soon, even if we had to play tomorrow we have all the equipment we need to get us through 1 or 2 tournaments there is no need to read that flyer. Same goes for grocery stores that I just won't go to. For me the Price Chopper is just not convenient- EVER. So I turf that flyer too even if they have cheese on sale for 50 cents I know I will never go there so forget it.

Another tip I have read from Marilu Henner is "Never leave a room empty handed" I think that has proved very useful. You would be amazed what gets picked up one handful at a time.

In our household we have found that the family calendar with a to do list and grocery list attached or posted in close proximity is a life saver. All activities nights out, etc get put on the calendar as they are booked. Items used up or requested get put on the grocery list. Anything I notice around the house that needs to get done goes on the to do list ie sweep the floor,vaccumming, laundry, dishwasher, oil change on the car. Then when me or hubby has a few minutes we review that list and prioritize those little things that keep the house running.

We try to chat once or twice a week to check in and see if we have any scheduling conflicts or if one or the other is feeling too rushed or worn out and then we may have to make some choices to cancel some engagements, this also happens if we notice the kids are getting a little out of sorts and need some down time.

When I put away laundry which is about once every 10 days I go through each child's clothes to see what fits what they haven't worn and I keep a bag going on the back of the bedroom or closet door, when this bag is full it goes to the donation holding area in our garage to be picked up with the next donation day.

A great resource for tips is Peter Walsh's website which has a Tip of the Day.

I find the best way to deal with clutter and organizing is little steps at a time. Start with the daily stuff, picking up after yourselves and organizing your family activities and time when you have that under control you will be able to carve out an hour here or there to deal with one pile at a time.

With just a little bit at a time you will begin to feel the weight lifting and the air starting to move again which will motivate you to keep going one hour one pile at a time.

Have a great long weekend! Till next time! don't forget to vote for next week's topic.

Riding the Good Times

I guess late spring was a little depressing in our house. I just couldn't seem to get it together and I had, zero motivation to do anything. Even the blog posts were crappy.

I guess I just needed to get in to the swing of summer because things have picked up in my brain. Obviously the 30 min commute to work on a beautiful day helps.

Today is another beautiful day! So I am committed to running at lunch today even though my legs are a little sore from yesterdays run.

We really need a new bed! I guess that is the main obstacle we face right now. Every morning the two of us wake up with sore backs. Now this wouldn't be so bad if we just had to get a new mattress and box spring but it is never that easy is it? We actually need bedroom furniture, or atleast a real bed. For Christ's sake we are in our late 30's this is our second marriage for both of us... you would think one of us would have a real bed. Not so much!

So we are stuck between a romantic wrought iron style and a darling wood and fabric headboard style that is totally functional because it has drawers underneath and we only need to purchase a new mattress. I am definately sold on the functional piece, but hubby is still on the fence. I gave him 24 hours to decide because damn! a girl needs her beauty sleep.

Next week we have an appointment with a social worker at our Children's treatment centre to discuss the best way to communicate with Bugaloo about his cerebral palsy. He has started to point out differences in people and has asked why certain people walk funny or talk funny or use different equipment. I don't think he has really equated himself as different yet, but I want to be prepared for this discussion when it happens. I guess I am so afraid of saying something that will scar him for life. I suppose I should be satisfied that anything said in love will not scar him for life but the hyper paranoia in me wants professional confirmation of that.

Hope everyone enjoys their day!

Switching it up!

My regular running partner is gone to a conference for the rest of the week. So I decided to switch things up a little and will be running with a BOY today!

A co-worker who used to sit across from me has also joined our little running club and his regular partner is not running today either so we decided to give it a try.

We'll see how I do considering he is 6'2" and I am 5'4". That and he is used to running without a break and the longest I have run consecutively is 5 mins.

Hopefully we can compromise and both of us will make it back alive!

Not much creative stuff going on lately...I guess I've been a little SWAMPED at work.

I really have to start studying for my Life License exam soon. I will have to see if I can extend my deadline to write. I really did not focus on it and it has snuck up on me.

That's about it for now. Tracey has a great post from yesterday about why men are so willing to let their wives do everything (lazy).

You may find it interesting.

Big Thanks to JENN I still feel great. Although I'm sure this noon hour run is not going to help.

Who needs a good snack??

My massage therapist gave me the greatest snack idea ever. I think I am addicted. I'm sure many people have known about this forever, but me I just tried it.

An apple sliced with 1 tbsp of peanut butter to dip it in. 100 calories. Satisfies my craving for salty and sweet.

YUMMY!

Try it and let me know if you like it!

You can also try almond butter, but it is way more expense than peanut butter and higher in fat so be careful.

Work totally sucked I stayed late, the kids were upset, and I still didn't get caught up boo...hiss...For more on the stuggle of mom's working and at home visit my MSSW Friend she has a great article and comments posted.

Picked up an awesome magazine today. Writer's Digest Check it out!

I feel better after Yoga.

Love it!

Have a great night!

Running - Sucks!

As some of you know I have been attempting to move my FAT ASS more in an attempt lose a few LBs of the old caboose.

I cleaned up my eating habits and dropped a few pounds but I can't live on what I have been eating and NOT drinking. HOLY Give a girl a BEER will ya!

So.... In order to partake in the occasional beverage I have started moving. I hooked up with a girl that I work with who used to be part of the running club that we had a work. We are both whiners and complainers but we don't take that shit from anyone else, so it works... we whine, we complain and then we call each other sissys, and nancy pants (no offence to the Nancy's out there)and tell each other to move your ASS.
We decided that we would walk and then attempt a running program as it is the only way we feel we can cancel out the BEER.

So I went to the Running Room and bought these. Well not exactly, mine are Wave Rider 10's which is probably why I was able to get them for $96.00 instead of 149.99.

I hate to admit it but I do feel better since we have started our little program. The running really does clear the clutter from my head and I feel stronger and the 3 flights of stairs at work are no longer my arch nemisis.

We run at lunch so it doesn't impact the rest of my day to much.

I hate to say it but it seems like it is working.

Friday ... a couple of links

Again, I am having trouble, maybe because I am so busy with work. I'm not sure what my block is right now.

I have been reading my book The Life Organizer which has been great! I really have been paying more attention to my needs and what my body and mind have been telling me. Slowing down a little and being more focused. So that is good stuff.

Here are a couple of sites that have been inspiring to me.

Kal is a fellow Canadian and I LOVE her art and her blog is one of my favorites.

Ali is a design editor for my favorite scrapbooking magazine Creating Keepsakes

Have a creative Friday.

Aack! Lack of Discipline

Today is TOPS day, or as you have come to know it FAT CLUB. I am NOT excited as I have NOT been very good this week about anything. Let's see the FOUR rules I set for myself:

1) No eating after 7pm (maybe 2 nights out of the last 7) (Very poor)
2) No alcohol (This I did well, nothing all week, not a drop!)
3) Exercise (not so much, some core training with the big ball )
4) No snacking at my desk (3 chocolate bars, 1 pkg starbursts, 1 pkg fruit gummies, Gum) (VERY VERY POOR)

So I am not expecting too much from the scale today except maybe to go up a point or two.

However, I did take action to remedy this situation and to get it together. I spent the weekend cooking and portioning out food, this way all my meals are planned and snacks are ready to be packed as well as lunches.

This week I am going for the big 2 lb loss again.

Here's to fruit and veggies!

Organic Housekeeping

I was hoping this title may inspire me to get some housekeeping done.

You know, if I write about it, it will happen.?

Since my return to full time work, my cousin, Ka (who has a learning disability) has been helping me out by coming once a week to do the vacuuming of our main living area, changing the sheets on the beds and cleaning the bathroom, plus 2-3 loads of laundry while she's here. I can't even begin to tell you how helpful it has been to know that the basics are being covered.

I don't have to worry about cleaning the tub BEFORE bathing my children. NICE!

However, this still leaves the dusting, vacuuming the rest of the house, and the other 10 loads of laundry that my family of four manages to produce in a week.And picking up all the CRAP that we have in our house.

Now that's ORGANIC.

Anyway, I guess I just needed to complain a little before I suck it up and get started on the laundry.

I have been using this new Organic Laundry Detergent and fabric softner called Nature Clean, well I'm not sure if it's new to the marketplace, but it is new to me. I found it in our local healthfood store and two weeks later it was available in my grocery store. So I am sure they have been around for a while. I am minimally ahead of the trend you know.
I quite like it and no one in my family has noticed a difference in their clothes.

I also use their all purpose cleaner for mirrors and windows and counter tops, and the toilet bowl cleaner (which smells like pine) All work just as well as the brands I was using before.

Well, that laundry is NOT going away! I have to get groceries (cereal milk bread) and it has started snowing again.

Have a great Saturday!

S

Cast of Characters - My peeps

So I thought I would take a moment to introduce a few of my friends:

The Dutchess - She and I worked together for a few years in the late 90s and hit it off and have been friends ever since. I am the godmother to her two girls who are just amazing. For the last 5 years she has been living in a different city about 2 hours away (1 hr 45 mins if your lucky). We have many interests in common and are the same age almost exactly. We are 4 days apart (she is older of course, it is one of the only things I have to hang over her). We talk as often as we can and email always to keep in touch. She is my counsellor and confidant and has seen me through a separation, reconciliation, separation and divorce.

Ms. Missy: Ms. Missy and I also met at work in the late 90s and have become closer and closer over the years. I quite enjoy her company as she is always cheerful and positive. More recently she has become someone I turn to on a regular basis as we are often on the same wave length on a variety of issues. She is also my supplier of children's hang me downs as her kids are a few years older than mine. She is one year younger than me.

Nurse K: Well I can hardly call her a nurse anymore, she has completed a B SC. and has held several administration positions in her area of expertise. Nurse K and I went to high school together. She has been there for me through thick and thin. I really can't explain in words how much she means to me. She has proven the true meaning of friendship with me and I will be forever grateful to her. I am also godmother to her fourth child. (yes she stopped at 4) She amazes me with everything she can get done in a day,week,year. Nurse K and I don't see each other as much as we would like to. I think we are at 2 times a year. But we try hard and acknowledge the big things when they come along.

My sissy: My sister she bears repeating, we have had our ups and downs but I really don't know what I would do without her.

These are my closest and dearest friends. The circle is ever expanding. But I count on these guys to keep me sane and balanced.