I was reading some old emails I'd written nearly three years ago to Caleb when he was living in England and I was at home in Cincinnati, and was a bit surprised at how much I forgot what I was like at age 18. One of the topics I spent quite a bit of time writing about was body image and how I was battling with jealousy and laziness (the latter of which has not changed very much over these last three years...) and how it was tying in to my body insecurity.
A little background - when I was at college (for 8 months), I didn't take care of myself as well as I could have. Generally, I ate anything I wanted, whenever I felt like it. And I easily gained 15-20 pounds within those short months. I think it was late April when I decided to quit school and move back home. (Caleb was to be home early May.) I got my old job back at Ruby Tuesday, and was trying to lose the weight I'd gained.
So there was some reason to my insecurity. I was just not happy with how I fit and looked in clothing.
All this to say... I think I'm finally growing out of this insecurity, this pressure to look like a Hollywood star. I realized that after being pregnant, gaining nearly 60 pounds, and having a baby, I feel more secure in how I look now than I did when I had a nearly perfect 19-year-old body when I married Caleb.
I still have quite a bit of weight to lose from having Cillian, but I am so much happier with myself than I was then, which doesn't make all that much logical sense, but there you have it! I haven't given up on getting back down to my wedding weight (which was absolutely fine, by the way - I don't know what I had to complain about, now that I look back on it...) And for future pregnancies, I know to try much harder at exercising all the way through and eating more healthily. Because no, you cannot just eat whatever you want and joke around saying (and then doing), "Oh it's for the baby...", "The baby is craving triple fudge delight ice cream again...", "I'm eating for two now..." It DOES ADD UP, and I know it for certain now.
So, I'm just figuring out that I'm one of those people who can't afford NOT to watch what they eat, because I am not blessed with those rare, lucky genes. And that is fine. Some people can eat whatever they want, hardly exercise, and have as many kids as they want without getting a single stretch mark. I am just not one of those lucky few. I will always have to exercise to some degree if I want to feel good and look good. That is simply something I have to accept. I've GOT to work for it. It's not going to just happen if I close my eyes and do nothing about it. (And I'm excellent at convincing myself that progress is happening regardless whether or not I'm working for it.) Sad, but true.
I become so frustrated at the tabloids, seeing pictures of stick figured Hollywood actresses and headlines like, "So-and-so loses seventy pounds of baby weight within days of giving birth!" or seeing young moms in bikinis on the beach after a few weeks of having delivered. I'm exaggerating, but you know exactly what I mean.
It's pretty sickening how jealous one can become with merely a glance at a glossy, over-edited, airbrushed magazine cover. And you're not thinking sensibly in that one glance either. You're not thinking, Oh but they've got personal trainers and personal chefs and plastic surgeons helping them out. Nope, I'm usually thinking, Boy, I should be looking that good. I've got more than a few months on her and she's already lost twice as much as I have! And then the angry mental rant takes off in a puff of furious mental smoke...
If only we were all blind. Then we'd have no problem at all because, not only would we be incapable of seeing other women and consequently comparing ourselves to them, we wouldn't be able to see ourselves in the mirror when we're feeling dissatisfied!
Problem solved.
My perception of my body is currently much healthier, and something like this: I just had a baby six months ago, and have lost thirty pounds in that time. I did gain nearly sixty, so I do have about twenty more to lose in order to get down to what I think is a reasonable and achievable goal. My clothes are fitting better now, and proportionally, I like how I look. The pounds are finally starting to just slip off more easily and I'm hardly doing anything about it, but it is motivating me to help the process along by getting back into running and exercising regularly like I was doing last month. I am a 21-year-old mom. And I have energy, I feel pretty good, and I like how I'm looking. I don't LOVE how I look, but it's definitely passable for now. I feel secure.
Compared to thoughts on my body when I was eighteen, I believe it's quite an improvement. I hardly felt like walking out the door let alone wear clothes because I dreaded how I would look in them. It's amazing how going through a pregnancy and realizing that it's not the end of the world if you gain some weight can bring things into a bit of perspective.
You can always lose the weight. But you have to want it. And that's what I've learned. I'm wanting it now. And I actually want to do something about it again.
I think something else that contributed to my opinion of my 18-year-old body was that I often compared (and really, I still do,) myself to slimmer gals. It's not hard to do. In fact, it was pretty much second-nature to me. But I think the more different I became for my age - for example, I didn't know any other married, pregnant 20-year-old when I was expecting Cillian - the more differences there were in my comparisons with other girls, so it became irrelevant. And that's when I became more comfortable and secure. Also, I don't think this continual transformation would be possible without the reassurance of a most adoring husband. Caleb works hard making sure I know that he loves me and wants ME no matter what I look like. But he also balances that with encouragement to exercise and eat healthier because he knows how much better I feel when those two things happen.
And honestly, I have never felt sexier or more attractive than as a young mom, thirty pounds curvier than I was on my wedding day a year and a half ago. It's amazing. And I really hope that all moms, younger or older, can get to a point where they feel great when they look in the mirror. Because there is a balance to be met. Yes, it is important not to be vain and not to be concerned with outwardly appearances, but at the same time, I think it makes such a difference when you are content with how you look and can find (true) beauty when you look at your reflection. That is one of the things which makes us happy people! And more specifically, happy women. Feeling beautiful is very important to us, whether you admit it or not.
So, I just encourage you to be content when you look in that mirror, but at the same time, work hard to be healthy and achieve that comfortable place where you feel your best. If that means exercising and losing ten pounds, DO it! If it means dieting and losing twenty, DO it! You really will feel amazing if you work for what you want. You just have to want it badly enough to change what you're doing to accomplish it all.
Look in that mirror and find something you love and something you want to work on. It's a balance. And it will most likely take some time and some sweat and some patience. Make it possible because you want it enough.
I hope you have a wonderful, wonderful day.
Here's the Quote of the Day:
"The definition of insanity is doing the same thing over and over again and expecting different results."
~ Albert Einstein
Thursday, December 9, 2010
Wednesday, December 1, 2010
Spirit of Christmas
I have such a great life.
I love my husband and I adore my little son. I live in a home I like very much. My husband has a good job that he likes, I have a piano and can play whenever I need to, and we have a great church family, and plenty of clothing and food.
Plenty... incredible that many people have never experienced the meaning of that word, and I've lived, blessed by it my entire life. I have never lived wanting or lacking the necessities. There are so many material pleasures we indulge in every day that I can't imagine living without. My toaster, for example...
In the Orthodox Church, the Nativity fast (Advent) begins forty days before Nativity, Christmas. I think it's even more difficult than fasting the forty days before Pascha (the Orthodox name for Easter) because we are bombarded by the rambunctious and hasty shopping spirit and merry Christmas music everywhere we turn. Now, don't get me wrong, I think the holiday cheer is wonderful and I absolutely love getting excited for Christmas. But our priests encourage us to be calm in spirit and not to indulge extravagantly before the feast (of Christmas.) That's what celebrating after Christmas is for.
I struggle every year trying to figure out how to act, think and be toward the commercialized Christmas our culture has created. I try to give to the bell ringers stationed at grocery store entrances, with their little red money buckets hanging nearby as they stand out in the cold bundled up like Eskimos. It always seems like a good reminder to give. And I smile at everyone, but I do that all the time, so that's not really anything special.
Whenever there is a fast in the Orthodox Church, there are three things that go together which make up the spirit of the fast: prayer, almsgiving, and fasting. The fasting and almsgiving come easier for me than the prayer part. For some reason, once you decide the menu, it's not the hardest to stick to it if you just don't have those "off-limit" foods around the house.
But praying is harder. You have to stay focused to remain prayerful. And focus takes energy. And for me, energy takes prayer. So it's all a vicious cycle that is so easily deterred by stray thoughts of what I'm going to do after I'm done praying. Or why Cillian is being so wiggly while I'm trying to pray. Or why I'm hungry. Or why I can't stop thinking about what I want to have for breakfast. And on and on. And I rein those thoughts back in and focus again every time I get distracted. But I'm usually on the third or fourth tangent of thoughts before I realize I've strayed mentally, yet again.
Praying is much, much harder.
But the spirit of the fast is a prayerful spirit. The ultimate goal is to be in never ending prayer! I think America would be extraordinary to the point of being unrecognizable if the "Christmas Spirit" became a prayerful one.
So that is my eternal struggle every day, let alone every fasting season. This time of year, it seems hardest because of the hustle and bustle that comes with Christmas. But I suppose the key is to keep trying. To find silence and quiet in the heart and the home for a little bit each day so as to focus your efforts toward prayer, and in prayer, find peace and humility and repentance.
Today was a productive day - I organized Cillian's closet a bit and finished the laundry and started the STOCKINGS!!! Actually, I started the stockings last night. And it's going to take me about as long as I thought. Sewing by hand takes a while! And I'm making them complicated. I like to complicate things. So it'll take extra long. But the important thing is that they are started and I know what to do.
So it was definitely a good day. Cillian and I had a good time today.
Time to wrap it up - I'll end with the Quote of the Day:
"There are three things, my brethren, by which Faith stands firm, devotion remains constant, and virtue endures. They are prayer, fasting, and mercy. Prayer knocks at the door, fasting obtains, mercy receives. Prayer, mercy, and fasting: these three are one, and they give life to each other."
~ St. Peter Chrysologus of Ravenna
I love my husband and I adore my little son. I live in a home I like very much. My husband has a good job that he likes, I have a piano and can play whenever I need to, and we have a great church family, and plenty of clothing and food.
Plenty... incredible that many people have never experienced the meaning of that word, and I've lived, blessed by it my entire life. I have never lived wanting or lacking the necessities. There are so many material pleasures we indulge in every day that I can't imagine living without. My toaster, for example...
In the Orthodox Church, the Nativity fast (Advent) begins forty days before Nativity, Christmas. I think it's even more difficult than fasting the forty days before Pascha (the Orthodox name for Easter) because we are bombarded by the rambunctious and hasty shopping spirit and merry Christmas music everywhere we turn. Now, don't get me wrong, I think the holiday cheer is wonderful and I absolutely love getting excited for Christmas. But our priests encourage us to be calm in spirit and not to indulge extravagantly before the feast (of Christmas.) That's what celebrating after Christmas is for.
I struggle every year trying to figure out how to act, think and be toward the commercialized Christmas our culture has created. I try to give to the bell ringers stationed at grocery store entrances, with their little red money buckets hanging nearby as they stand out in the cold bundled up like Eskimos. It always seems like a good reminder to give. And I smile at everyone, but I do that all the time, so that's not really anything special.
Whenever there is a fast in the Orthodox Church, there are three things that go together which make up the spirit of the fast: prayer, almsgiving, and fasting. The fasting and almsgiving come easier for me than the prayer part. For some reason, once you decide the menu, it's not the hardest to stick to it if you just don't have those "off-limit" foods around the house.
But praying is harder. You have to stay focused to remain prayerful. And focus takes energy. And for me, energy takes prayer. So it's all a vicious cycle that is so easily deterred by stray thoughts of what I'm going to do after I'm done praying. Or why Cillian is being so wiggly while I'm trying to pray. Or why I'm hungry. Or why I can't stop thinking about what I want to have for breakfast. And on and on. And I rein those thoughts back in and focus again every time I get distracted. But I'm usually on the third or fourth tangent of thoughts before I realize I've strayed mentally, yet again.
Praying is much, much harder.
But the spirit of the fast is a prayerful spirit. The ultimate goal is to be in never ending prayer! I think America would be extraordinary to the point of being unrecognizable if the "Christmas Spirit" became a prayerful one.
So that is my eternal struggle every day, let alone every fasting season. This time of year, it seems hardest because of the hustle and bustle that comes with Christmas. But I suppose the key is to keep trying. To find silence and quiet in the heart and the home for a little bit each day so as to focus your efforts toward prayer, and in prayer, find peace and humility and repentance.
Today was a productive day - I organized Cillian's closet a bit and finished the laundry and started the STOCKINGS!!! Actually, I started the stockings last night. And it's going to take me about as long as I thought. Sewing by hand takes a while! And I'm making them complicated. I like to complicate things. So it'll take extra long. But the important thing is that they are started and I know what to do.
So it was definitely a good day. Cillian and I had a good time today.
Time to wrap it up - I'll end with the Quote of the Day:
"There are three things, my brethren, by which Faith stands firm, devotion remains constant, and virtue endures. They are prayer, fasting, and mercy. Prayer knocks at the door, fasting obtains, mercy receives. Prayer, mercy, and fasting: these three are one, and they give life to each other."
~ St. Peter Chrysologus of Ravenna
Tuesday, November 30, 2010
Active Revamp
I regret to announce that I think I'm in another funk again... Hence my neglect for regular posting. Sorry. In all honesty, I've been really feeling the need to write, but haven't had a clue of what to write about, so that has been my shabby excuse for not writing. Dumb, I know...
Anyway, some updates!
Thanksgiving was wonderful. I hope you all had great ones also. Every year, my family spends Thanksgiving with my Dad's cousins and family, so they are my second cousins. (Sorry if that was a bit confusing...) We've grown up as close to them as cousins, and it's always a grand time. Truly a Hallmark Thanksgiving. We sit down to a feast, then clean up and visit, then have some dessert and visit some more. And then my Great Uncle Andy (my Dad's uncle, who is an incredible jazz pianist) will announce that we need to break out the instruments and get on with the annual jam session. And then we jam. Emmy and Greg play their violin and cello, Dad and Uncle Andy will play piano together, and usually I play too. It is so much fun, and we look forward to it every year with great anticipation.
So now that Thanksgiving is over, we can officially listen to Christmas music!! Caleb and I put up our tree this weekend. We were excited to see what Cillian would think. He was interested in it for a little while, but his attention span was pretty limited. It was close to bed time though, so he was tired. And now our Christmas tree is up! After Cillian was put to bed, we set up a game of cribbage and played by the tree while listening to Christmas music, snacking on oreos with eggnog (Caleb) and hot chocolate (me). Then we turned the Christmas music to some more peaceful tunes, sat on our couch, cuddled up together, gazing at our tree, laughing and talking, and just being. I love this tradition we've made.
As far as projects go, I haven't started the stockings yet (but need to), and I'm really coming along on some scarves for Christmas gifts. They're looking great!
Alright, I have a bit of venting to vent. I wish I was the kind of person who loved to clean and work hard around the house. But I'm not. I really am such a kid in this respect. I have such a difficult time making myself do these things. And it's great once I do them because then I a) don't have to do them for a while and b) feel good about being productive and having accomplished something. You would think that would be enough incentive to get me going. But no, it's not.
There are so many projects that need to be done - going through closets and organizing, purging of junk, etc. Mainly the organizing part. And I'm pretty good at that kind of thing, it's just that I create an even bigger mess once I start a project like that, and half the time I don't even finish it. (The whole starter thing again - I'm an excellent starter, but I can't finish something to save my life...) And yes, I'm just making excuses to avoid having to do any work at all.
So, the point of this rant is that I need to just humble myself and refuse to stay in this mold that I've stuck myself in. I can change! I don't have to be a lazy-good-for-nothing all of my life!!! I'm going to have a house to run someday, and honestly, the thought terrifies me! I can barely keep up with a two-bedroom apartment!! But, I can change, and I can start NOW.
I'm off to do some laundry for starters. Then maybe some organizing. Cillian's closet sure needs it.
I hope you have a wonderful Tuesday. I'll be writing more soon.
Cheers!
Here's the Quote of the Day:
"We advance toward humility by means of trials. He who rests on his virtue without suffering tribulation has the door of pride open before him."
~ St. Isaac the Syrian
Anyway, some updates!
Thanksgiving was wonderful. I hope you all had great ones also. Every year, my family spends Thanksgiving with my Dad's cousins and family, so they are my second cousins. (Sorry if that was a bit confusing...) We've grown up as close to them as cousins, and it's always a grand time. Truly a Hallmark Thanksgiving. We sit down to a feast, then clean up and visit, then have some dessert and visit some more. And then my Great Uncle Andy (my Dad's uncle, who is an incredible jazz pianist) will announce that we need to break out the instruments and get on with the annual jam session. And then we jam. Emmy and Greg play their violin and cello, Dad and Uncle Andy will play piano together, and usually I play too. It is so much fun, and we look forward to it every year with great anticipation.
So now that Thanksgiving is over, we can officially listen to Christmas music!! Caleb and I put up our tree this weekend. We were excited to see what Cillian would think. He was interested in it for a little while, but his attention span was pretty limited. It was close to bed time though, so he was tired. And now our Christmas tree is up! After Cillian was put to bed, we set up a game of cribbage and played by the tree while listening to Christmas music, snacking on oreos with eggnog (Caleb) and hot chocolate (me). Then we turned the Christmas music to some more peaceful tunes, sat on our couch, cuddled up together, gazing at our tree, laughing and talking, and just being. I love this tradition we've made.
As far as projects go, I haven't started the stockings yet (but need to), and I'm really coming along on some scarves for Christmas gifts. They're looking great!
Alright, I have a bit of venting to vent. I wish I was the kind of person who loved to clean and work hard around the house. But I'm not. I really am such a kid in this respect. I have such a difficult time making myself do these things. And it's great once I do them because then I a) don't have to do them for a while and b) feel good about being productive and having accomplished something. You would think that would be enough incentive to get me going. But no, it's not.
There are so many projects that need to be done - going through closets and organizing, purging of junk, etc. Mainly the organizing part. And I'm pretty good at that kind of thing, it's just that I create an even bigger mess once I start a project like that, and half the time I don't even finish it. (The whole starter thing again - I'm an excellent starter, but I can't finish something to save my life...) And yes, I'm just making excuses to avoid having to do any work at all.
So, the point of this rant is that I need to just humble myself and refuse to stay in this mold that I've stuck myself in. I can change! I don't have to be a lazy-good-for-nothing all of my life!!! I'm going to have a house to run someday, and honestly, the thought terrifies me! I can barely keep up with a two-bedroom apartment!! But, I can change, and I can start NOW.
I'm off to do some laundry for starters. Then maybe some organizing. Cillian's closet sure needs it.
I hope you have a wonderful Tuesday. I'll be writing more soon.
Cheers!
Here's the Quote of the Day:
"We advance toward humility by means of trials. He who rests on his virtue without suffering tribulation has the door of pride open before him."
~ St. Isaac the Syrian
Thursday, November 4, 2010
A Drawback and a New Project
Apologies first off for not having been as consistent as I would like these last several days.... I really have not been all that motivated!
Some updates -
The running has been going really well. I'm halfway through the 8-week program, and I can already tell my endurance is starting to build. I love feeling capable like this.
I lost about 5 pounds last week within a few days, so that was a super nice surprise. Currently, I'm not exactly sure how I weigh, but I'm sure it's around the good weight.
A new development and unfortunate shortcoming is that I have a kidney infection of all things! I noticed a pain in my right side last Saturday night, felt feverish, later took my temperature, and discovered I had a slight fever of 101.3 degrees. My first reaction was dread that I would get Cillian sick with a fever, or Caleb. Better me than either of them!
Sunday night, I researched my symptoms and figured out that I probably had a kidney infection. Monday morning, I called urgent care and went in to get checked and they confirmed it. I got the antibiotics right away and have been on them for nearly four days. My side is still sore (almost a post-surgery soreness, but as I've never had surgery I'm not entirely sure...), but improving slightly, so I think the antibiotics are working. They said if the pain gets worse than it was originally, I should go to the ER. That would be exciting!
But I'm sure I'll be feeling better very soon. The sad thing about all of this is that I'm taking a week off from running, if not more time. It's absolutely killing my momentum. I was doing SO well, and now I'm slipping behind. I'm halfway through it, so all I really have to do is to pick it up again. But I'm debating on whether or not to repeat the last week of running I did and then go on, just to ease into it. Suggestions and advice would be very welcome on this subject. :)
On a very exciting note, I have decided to make stockings for me, Caleb, and Cillian for this Christmas! I'm super thrilled about it. I'm designing them and then I'm going to hand-sew them, since a) I don't own a sewing machine and b) I think it'll be more special. Yes, I'm aware that it will take me a considerably longer time finishing them this way, but I know I can do it, so I'm going to.
On Tuesday, I took a spin in Hobby Lobby (my favorite store) and found all kinds of wonderful potential materials for the stockings. That inspired the official designing. I'm not going to purchase anything until I know exactly what I need. They are going to be the most awesome looking stockings ever... I can't wait to start.
While I'm on the subject of projects and crafty-type things, I finished the scarf I was knitting, and now I'm on to some more knitting. I always have to have something going on with my hands. And that's why knitting is perfect for me! I bought a beautiful cream yarn as well as a deep wine red yarn in one of my favorite brands, Caron. It's so silky and soft, and it just makes gorgeous scarves.
So, I'm experimenting with some more knit patterns for these two yarns. I'm having a bit of trouble with the checkered pattern I wanted to try, but I'll figure it out.
Here's to recovering from infections, starting new projects, and getting motivated to keep working hard!
I hope you are having a thoroughly thoughtful Thursday.
Cheers.
Here's the Quote of the Day:
"Silence is golden - duct tape is silver."
~ Anonymous
Some updates -
The running has been going really well. I'm halfway through the 8-week program, and I can already tell my endurance is starting to build. I love feeling capable like this.
I lost about 5 pounds last week within a few days, so that was a super nice surprise. Currently, I'm not exactly sure how I weigh, but I'm sure it's around the good weight.
A new development and unfortunate shortcoming is that I have a kidney infection of all things! I noticed a pain in my right side last Saturday night, felt feverish, later took my temperature, and discovered I had a slight fever of 101.3 degrees. My first reaction was dread that I would get Cillian sick with a fever, or Caleb. Better me than either of them!
Sunday night, I researched my symptoms and figured out that I probably had a kidney infection. Monday morning, I called urgent care and went in to get checked and they confirmed it. I got the antibiotics right away and have been on them for nearly four days. My side is still sore (almost a post-surgery soreness, but as I've never had surgery I'm not entirely sure...), but improving slightly, so I think the antibiotics are working. They said if the pain gets worse than it was originally, I should go to the ER. That would be exciting!
But I'm sure I'll be feeling better very soon. The sad thing about all of this is that I'm taking a week off from running, if not more time. It's absolutely killing my momentum. I was doing SO well, and now I'm slipping behind. I'm halfway through it, so all I really have to do is to pick it up again. But I'm debating on whether or not to repeat the last week of running I did and then go on, just to ease into it. Suggestions and advice would be very welcome on this subject. :)
On a very exciting note, I have decided to make stockings for me, Caleb, and Cillian for this Christmas! I'm super thrilled about it. I'm designing them and then I'm going to hand-sew them, since a) I don't own a sewing machine and b) I think it'll be more special. Yes, I'm aware that it will take me a considerably longer time finishing them this way, but I know I can do it, so I'm going to.
On Tuesday, I took a spin in Hobby Lobby (my favorite store) and found all kinds of wonderful potential materials for the stockings. That inspired the official designing. I'm not going to purchase anything until I know exactly what I need. They are going to be the most awesome looking stockings ever... I can't wait to start.
While I'm on the subject of projects and crafty-type things, I finished the scarf I was knitting, and now I'm on to some more knitting. I always have to have something going on with my hands. And that's why knitting is perfect for me! I bought a beautiful cream yarn as well as a deep wine red yarn in one of my favorite brands, Caron. It's so silky and soft, and it just makes gorgeous scarves.
So, I'm experimenting with some more knit patterns for these two yarns. I'm having a bit of trouble with the checkered pattern I wanted to try, but I'll figure it out.
Here's to recovering from infections, starting new projects, and getting motivated to keep working hard!
I hope you are having a thoroughly thoughtful Thursday.
Cheers.
Here's the Quote of the Day:
"Silence is golden - duct tape is silver."
~ Anonymous
Tuesday, October 26, 2010
Football Foolery
I think I might just be a genius. In fact, I'm nearly sure of it.
I've had an epiphany.
I was watching the Vikings/Packers football game this past Sunday with my husband, and it occurred to me that I was paying attention to the game because I wanted to - not for the sake of my husband. Ok, it was also for the sake of my husband. But I've come to realize that football is not all that boring to watch. Actually, it's quite a bit more complicated than I could ever have guessed.
However, for those of you who watch football (and don't follow it that well or don't care to) solely for the sake of the company of your man, I've come up with some useful tips on how to appear "clued in" to the game while you could really be thinking about other things. That way, you win regardless. You get to think or do something else while in the company of your man, but also make him happy by leading him to believe you're enjoying the game (based on the helpful phrases you're interjecting from time to time, which I'm just about to provide for you.)
First, a couple rules of thumb.
#! Brett Favre's last name is pronounced "Farve." Don't ask me why, but it will save much embarrassment for you (and your man, especially if his friends are present) if you memorize this crucial fact.
#2 Offense and defense are totally different sets of players from the same team (they just play at different parts of the game). I didn't learn this until last year.
And now, my top seven fool-proof, fail-safe tips:
#1 When a player tackles another player (especially one who is running with the football), and hits the ground hard, say, "Wow, he just got jacked up!" It will be just about impossible for your guy to think you weren't paying special attention. Also, never say "that guy." That is a total giveaway that you have no clue what said player's name is. Instead, always use "he" or "him."
#2 Whenever the referee says "Holding" or "Off sides," say, "Why are you making stupid penalties?"
#3 Always root for your guy's team.
#4 When a player is making a bolting run for the end-zone (where touchdowns are scored - touchdowns are very good,) start getting really excited and yell, "Go go go go GO!!" Don't just glance up at the screen to check for running players however - make for absolute certain that it's the players on your team that you're cheering on.
#5 During halftime or commercial breaks, when the announcers are discussing the current game, just say, "Get back to the game already... enough with the useless color commentary..." This is the "clued in" way of saying that you're tired of the gobbledygook.
#6 If you've taken a break from the game and come back into it, always ask, "What's the score?"
#7 Keep track of at least one player you know is out because of an injury. That way, you can say (maybe about halfway through the game, especially if your team isn't doing so hot,) "Man, I sure wish so-n-so wasn't out on a shoulder injury." Not only does this open the table for your guy and others to pick up the conversation, but you were the one who initiated it and it shows that you know what you're talking about.
* Additional tip: It helps to go to your team's website before the game to see which players are out because of an injury. Always make sure whichever player you mention is matched up correctly with whatever injury.
I hope that helps you the next time you want to score those extra brownie points while watching a game. And if you know completely what you're talking about (I'm a beginner), you may disregard this post entirely.
Enjoy the football season. Go Colts!!!
Cheers.
Here's the Quote of the Day. I thought it was appropriate.
"When a team outgrows individual performance and learns team confidence, excellence becomes a reality.”
~ Joe Paterno (legendary Penn State football head coach, age 86)
I've had an epiphany.
I was watching the Vikings/Packers football game this past Sunday with my husband, and it occurred to me that I was paying attention to the game because I wanted to - not for the sake of my husband. Ok, it was also for the sake of my husband. But I've come to realize that football is not all that boring to watch. Actually, it's quite a bit more complicated than I could ever have guessed.
However, for those of you who watch football (and don't follow it that well or don't care to) solely for the sake of the company of your man, I've come up with some useful tips on how to appear "clued in" to the game while you could really be thinking about other things. That way, you win regardless. You get to think or do something else while in the company of your man, but also make him happy by leading him to believe you're enjoying the game (based on the helpful phrases you're interjecting from time to time, which I'm just about to provide for you.)
First, a couple rules of thumb.
#! Brett Favre's last name is pronounced "Farve." Don't ask me why, but it will save much embarrassment for you (and your man, especially if his friends are present) if you memorize this crucial fact.
#2 Offense and defense are totally different sets of players from the same team (they just play at different parts of the game). I didn't learn this until last year.
And now, my top seven fool-proof, fail-safe tips:
#1 When a player tackles another player (especially one who is running with the football), and hits the ground hard, say, "Wow, he just got jacked up!" It will be just about impossible for your guy to think you weren't paying special attention. Also, never say "that guy." That is a total giveaway that you have no clue what said player's name is. Instead, always use "he" or "him."
#2 Whenever the referee says "Holding" or "Off sides," say, "Why are you making stupid penalties?"
#3 Always root for your guy's team.
#4 When a player is making a bolting run for the end-zone (where touchdowns are scored - touchdowns are very good,) start getting really excited and yell, "Go go go go GO!!" Don't just glance up at the screen to check for running players however - make for absolute certain that it's the players on your team that you're cheering on.
#5 During halftime or commercial breaks, when the announcers are discussing the current game, just say, "Get back to the game already... enough with the useless color commentary..." This is the "clued in" way of saying that you're tired of the gobbledygook.
#6 If you've taken a break from the game and come back into it, always ask, "What's the score?"
#7 Keep track of at least one player you know is out because of an injury. That way, you can say (maybe about halfway through the game, especially if your team isn't doing so hot,) "Man, I sure wish so-n-so wasn't out on a shoulder injury." Not only does this open the table for your guy and others to pick up the conversation, but you were the one who initiated it and it shows that you know what you're talking about.
* Additional tip: It helps to go to your team's website before the game to see which players are out because of an injury. Always make sure whichever player you mention is matched up correctly with whatever injury.
I hope that helps you the next time you want to score those extra brownie points while watching a game. And if you know completely what you're talking about (I'm a beginner), you may disregard this post entirely.
Enjoy the football season. Go Colts!!!
Cheers.
Here's the Quote of the Day. I thought it was appropriate.
"When a team outgrows individual performance and learns team confidence, excellence becomes a reality.”
~ Joe Paterno (legendary Penn State football head coach, age 86)
Saturday, October 23, 2010
Three Years Ago
About this time, 12:15 AM, on a Wednesday morning, Caleb and I were in the middle of pulling our first all-nighter (the first of many, many to come).
A little background for you...
Caleb had been in England for about three weeks and I was a freshman at the Cincinnati Conservatory of Music for piano performance. I was about a month into my college career. Caleb was going to be overseas for the next seven months, living and traveling.
Leading up to this particular conversation was lots of casual email writing and some facebook exchanges, both of which had become increasingly more frequent the previous weeks leading up to this conversation.
We had just discovered IM-ing a night or two before this, so it was our newfound favorite way of communicating. I would sign on once I was in my dorm room and do homework until Caleb got online.
So this night started no differently. We began talking at about 7 PM on a Tuesday night and before we realized it, it was nearly midnight. But though I had some studying to get done for a music theory test the next morning, neither of us wanted to stop talking. So we decided that we'd take a break so I could study for a bit and Caleb would watch a movie, and then we'd keep talking. (I did well on the test for those of you who were curious to know...)
We kept talking about things, cyber-flirting, all the while somewhat probingly hedging around a topic we dearly wanted the other to bring up. We kept saying things like "What are you thinking now?" "So, any questions for me?" "I'm an open book..."
Finally, the topic was opened and we started talking about being interested in one another and life goals and what we wanted in a spouse....
The conversation ended around 7 AM on Wednesday morning, October 24, 2007. We decided within those 12 hours that we knew we wanted to get married. Caleb wanted to write my Dad a letter asking if he could court me. We didn't have a timeline or anything, but we knew that we had never met or talked to anyone else whom we felt we could marry.
And that was what Caleb and I dubbed as The Conversation when we realized we wanted to get to know each other for the rest of our lives.
I didn't need caffeine to stay awake from that all-nighter. I went to class practically buzzed with happiness and excitement beyond anything I'd ever experienced.
And my life with Caleb has been nothing but exciting since that conversation. :)
Here's the Quote of the Day:
"There is no relationship between man and woman so close as that between husband and wife, if they be joined together as they should be."
~ St. John Chrysostom
A little background for you...
Caleb had been in England for about three weeks and I was a freshman at the Cincinnati Conservatory of Music for piano performance. I was about a month into my college career. Caleb was going to be overseas for the next seven months, living and traveling.
Leading up to this particular conversation was lots of casual email writing and some facebook exchanges, both of which had become increasingly more frequent the previous weeks leading up to this conversation.
We had just discovered IM-ing a night or two before this, so it was our newfound favorite way of communicating. I would sign on once I was in my dorm room and do homework until Caleb got online.
So this night started no differently. We began talking at about 7 PM on a Tuesday night and before we realized it, it was nearly midnight. But though I had some studying to get done for a music theory test the next morning, neither of us wanted to stop talking. So we decided that we'd take a break so I could study for a bit and Caleb would watch a movie, and then we'd keep talking. (I did well on the test for those of you who were curious to know...)
We kept talking about things, cyber-flirting, all the while somewhat probingly hedging around a topic we dearly wanted the other to bring up. We kept saying things like "What are you thinking now?" "So, any questions for me?" "I'm an open book..."
Finally, the topic was opened and we started talking about being interested in one another and life goals and what we wanted in a spouse....
The conversation ended around 7 AM on Wednesday morning, October 24, 2007. We decided within those 12 hours that we knew we wanted to get married. Caleb wanted to write my Dad a letter asking if he could court me. We didn't have a timeline or anything, but we knew that we had never met or talked to anyone else whom we felt we could marry.
And that was what Caleb and I dubbed as The Conversation when we realized we wanted to get to know each other for the rest of our lives.
I didn't need caffeine to stay awake from that all-nighter. I went to class practically buzzed with happiness and excitement beyond anything I'd ever experienced.
And my life with Caleb has been nothing but exciting since that conversation. :)
Here's the Quote of the Day:
"There is no relationship between man and woman so close as that between husband and wife, if they be joined together as they should be."
~ St. John Chrysostom
Thursday, October 21, 2010
A Penny for Your Thoughts...
For today's post, I thought I'd do something a little out of the ordinary... I looked up some of the most common day to day cliches and phrases, and here's what I found. I thought it was pretty interesting! (All quoted from www.joe-ks.com/phrases)
"Quick as a wink" ~ it was first recorded in 1825 to mean 1/10 of a second. (I never knew that a "wink" was actually a specific measurement!)
"Brand spanking new" ~ originally, doctors would spank babies when they were first born, so as to get them crying and breathing ~ means "new and unused"
"Can it" ~ abbreviation for "cancel it"
"Chip on his shoulder" ~ based on an American schoolboy custom, about 200 years old. When two boys were arguing and itching for a fight then one would place an actual chip of wood on his shoulder and challenge the other to knock it off. If the challenge was taken up, then the proper fight started.
"Dressed to the Nines"/"The whole nine yards" ~ Common lore has it that a tailor making a high quality suit uses more fabric. The best suits are made from nine yards of fabric.
This may seem like a lot but a proper suit does indeed take nine yards of fabric. This is because a good suit has all the fabric cut in the same direction with the warp, or long strands of thread, parallel with the vertical line of the suit. This causes a great amount of waste in suit making, but if you want to go "dressed to the nines", you must pay for such waste.
"Fit to be tied" ~ means to be very angry or livid. "Tied" in this case refers to being bound as in a straight jacket. The need for being tied is to control ones actions to prevent from acting on the anger.
"Hunky dory" ~ Huncho-dori was a major street in Yokohama that was frequented by American sailors on leave during WW1. To be in Huncho-dori was to be enjoying leisure activities, and having a good time.
Alternative: The archaic English word "hunk" meant "goal" and is probably derived from the Dutch "honk" also meaning "goal". To have reached one's goal is to be satisfied and happy.
"In a jiffy" ~ A jiffy is the unit of time it takes light to travel a centimeter in a vacuum: 0.0000000000033357 seconds, or (3.3357x10^-11) seconds, or (3.3357 times 10 to the power of minus 11) seconds. It's quite doubtful that if someone says they'll 'do something in a jiffy' that they'll accomplish the task!
"In the nick of time" ~ Even into the 18th century, some businessmen kept track of transactions and time by carving notches (nicks) on a "tally stick." Someone arriving just before the next nick was carved would arrive in time to save the next day's interest - in the nick of time.
"Mind your P's and Q's" ~ meaning to behave properly. Comes from the early pub days when beer and ale was served in pint and quart containers. The tab was kept on a chalkboard used to count the pints and quarts consumed. To watch your P's and Q's is to control your alcoholic intake and behavior.
"On the ball" ~ means to be on top or in control of the situation. The 'ball' in this instance is a baseball and the 'on' is the spin which the pitcher applies to the ball in order to make it curve during flight. On a good day there will be lots of spin and curve to confuse the batter. The pitcher is said to be 'on the ball'. The expression first appeared in print in 1912 and was clearly in use before then.
"On the dot" ~ means precise and accurate. This phrase comes from the comparison with the minute hand of a clock being exactly over the dot on the dial when it's precisely on the minute.
"Pushing the envelope" ~ to approach or exceed known performance boundaries. This expression comes out of the U.S. Air Force test pilot program of the late 1940's.
The envelope refers to a plane's performance capabilities. The limits of the planes ability to fly at speeds and altitudes and under certain stresses define what is known as its performance envelope. It's an "envelope" in the sense that it contains the ranges of the plane's abilities.
"Pushing the envelope" originally meant flying an aircraft at, or even beyond, its known or recommended limits.
"Rub it in" ~ Short version of "Rub salt in the wound". Salt in an open wound causes it to sting.
"Square meal" ~ British war ships in the 1700s including the HMS Victory did not have the best of living conditions. A sailors breakfast and lunch were sparse meals consisting of little more than bread and a beverage. But the third meal of the day included meat and was served on a square tray. Eating a substantial meal on board a ship required a tray to carry it all. Hence a "square meal" was the most substantial meal served.
"The cold shoulder" ~ In England, a welcome or important visitor would be served a delicious hot meal. A guest "who had outstayed his welcome, or an ordinary traveler" would get a cold shoulder of mutton.
"Wing it" ~ Doing something with little or no preparation. The Oxford English Dictionary suggests that "Wing It" refers to the hurried study of the role in the wings of the theater.
Alternate: The expression derives from an unprepared stage actor standing in the wings and cramming desperately before hearing a cue that will force him onstage.
I hope you enjoyed those!
Today is a walking day, and I'm so glad for it. I did end up running yesterday and it went pretty well aside from the fact that my knees are still sore. I iced them again after I was done running, and I think it's helping. I'm going to try and be more conscious of drinking water (as in, drink more of it) today.
It's perfectly beautiful and sunny again today, and I'm looking forward to taking Cillian out in his stroller. He loves being outside, so the more time I can get outside with him before it starts getting too cool, the better. He usually falls asleep for the end portion of our walks too, which is always nice.
I hope you get outdoors today... it is so gorgeous! Rake some leaves or take a walk or just sit outside with a glass of apple cider. It is the epitome of the perfect fall day. I live for these days.
Here's the Quote of the Day:
"Many people suffer because they fail to receive recognition through vain, worldly honor, or fail to become rich in pointless, mundane things. It doesn't occur to them that in the other life - the real life - such stuff is not needed, nor can they take it with them. To that place, we can only take our works, which here and now acquire us a passport for that great and holy journey."
~ Elder Paisios the Athonite
"Quick as a wink" ~ it was first recorded in 1825 to mean 1/10 of a second. (I never knew that a "wink" was actually a specific measurement!)
"Brand spanking new" ~ originally, doctors would spank babies when they were first born, so as to get them crying and breathing ~ means "new and unused"
"Can it" ~ abbreviation for "cancel it"
"Chip on his shoulder" ~ based on an American schoolboy custom, about 200 years old. When two boys were arguing and itching for a fight then one would place an actual chip of wood on his shoulder and challenge the other to knock it off. If the challenge was taken up, then the proper fight started.
"Dressed to the Nines"/"The whole nine yards" ~ Common lore has it that a tailor making a high quality suit uses more fabric. The best suits are made from nine yards of fabric.
This may seem like a lot but a proper suit does indeed take nine yards of fabric. This is because a good suit has all the fabric cut in the same direction with the warp, or long strands of thread, parallel with the vertical line of the suit. This causes a great amount of waste in suit making, but if you want to go "dressed to the nines", you must pay for such waste.
"Fit to be tied" ~ means to be very angry or livid. "Tied" in this case refers to being bound as in a straight jacket. The need for being tied is to control ones actions to prevent from acting on the anger.
"Hunky dory" ~ Huncho-dori was a major street in Yokohama that was frequented by American sailors on leave during WW1. To be in Huncho-dori was to be enjoying leisure activities, and having a good time.
Alternative: The archaic English word "hunk" meant "goal" and is probably derived from the Dutch "honk" also meaning "goal". To have reached one's goal is to be satisfied and happy.
"In a jiffy" ~ A jiffy is the unit of time it takes light to travel a centimeter in a vacuum: 0.0000000000033357 seconds, or (3.3357x10^-11) seconds, or (3.3357 times 10 to the power of minus 11) seconds. It's quite doubtful that if someone says they'll 'do something in a jiffy' that they'll accomplish the task!
"In the nick of time" ~ Even into the 18th century, some businessmen kept track of transactions and time by carving notches (nicks) on a "tally stick." Someone arriving just before the next nick was carved would arrive in time to save the next day's interest - in the nick of time.
"Mind your P's and Q's" ~ meaning to behave properly. Comes from the early pub days when beer and ale was served in pint and quart containers. The tab was kept on a chalkboard used to count the pints and quarts consumed. To watch your P's and Q's is to control your alcoholic intake and behavior.
"On the ball" ~ means to be on top or in control of the situation. The 'ball' in this instance is a baseball and the 'on' is the spin which the pitcher applies to the ball in order to make it curve during flight. On a good day there will be lots of spin and curve to confuse the batter. The pitcher is said to be 'on the ball'. The expression first appeared in print in 1912 and was clearly in use before then.
"On the dot" ~ means precise and accurate. This phrase comes from the comparison with the minute hand of a clock being exactly over the dot on the dial when it's precisely on the minute.
"Pushing the envelope" ~ to approach or exceed known performance boundaries. This expression comes out of the U.S. Air Force test pilot program of the late 1940's.
The envelope refers to a plane's performance capabilities. The limits of the planes ability to fly at speeds and altitudes and under certain stresses define what is known as its performance envelope. It's an "envelope" in the sense that it contains the ranges of the plane's abilities.
"Pushing the envelope" originally meant flying an aircraft at, or even beyond, its known or recommended limits.
"Rub it in" ~ Short version of "Rub salt in the wound". Salt in an open wound causes it to sting.
"Square meal" ~ British war ships in the 1700s including the HMS Victory did not have the best of living conditions. A sailors breakfast and lunch were sparse meals consisting of little more than bread and a beverage. But the third meal of the day included meat and was served on a square tray. Eating a substantial meal on board a ship required a tray to carry it all. Hence a "square meal" was the most substantial meal served.
"The cold shoulder" ~ In England, a welcome or important visitor would be served a delicious hot meal. A guest "who had outstayed his welcome, or an ordinary traveler" would get a cold shoulder of mutton.
"Wing it" ~ Doing something with little or no preparation. The Oxford English Dictionary suggests that "Wing It" refers to the hurried study of the role in the wings of the theater.
Alternate: The expression derives from an unprepared stage actor standing in the wings and cramming desperately before hearing a cue that will force him onstage.
I hope you enjoyed those!
Today is a walking day, and I'm so glad for it. I did end up running yesterday and it went pretty well aside from the fact that my knees are still sore. I iced them again after I was done running, and I think it's helping. I'm going to try and be more conscious of drinking water (as in, drink more of it) today.
It's perfectly beautiful and sunny again today, and I'm looking forward to taking Cillian out in his stroller. He loves being outside, so the more time I can get outside with him before it starts getting too cool, the better. He usually falls asleep for the end portion of our walks too, which is always nice.
I hope you get outdoors today... it is so gorgeous! Rake some leaves or take a walk or just sit outside with a glass of apple cider. It is the epitome of the perfect fall day. I live for these days.
Here's the Quote of the Day:
"Many people suffer because they fail to receive recognition through vain, worldly honor, or fail to become rich in pointless, mundane things. It doesn't occur to them that in the other life - the real life - such stuff is not needed, nor can they take it with them. To that place, we can only take our works, which here and now acquire us a passport for that great and holy journey."
~ Elder Paisios the Athonite
Wednesday, October 20, 2010
Dilemma
The week is going pretty well so far. I didn't run Monday like I was supposed to, but I did run yesterday. My intent was to switch Monday's running with Tuesday's walking, but I never walked on Monday... so I kinda skipped for the first time. Yesterday went alright - I took Cillian out in the jogging stroller (its debut use), and ran outside for a change instead of at the little neighborhood gym. It was nice to feel the breeze and be in the sunshine.
I've come to a dilemma though. My knees are really starting to bother me (and I assume that's because my body isn't used to running with 40 extra pounds on said knees), but I really want to stick with the program. I've come this far, I'm halfway through week three, and I only have 5 weeks left until I've worked up to running 2 miles straight. I can already tell that my endurance and breathing are improving.
Yesterday, after my run - which I reeeeeally had to push myself through - I iced my knees for about 15 minutes and that seemed to help. Today they don't feel nearly as sore as they did yesterday. So, the dilemma being... do I continue with the running and just get through it (with the ice packs and possibly ace bandages for support), or just take a little time off and walk a couple miles every day to take it easy for a bit? I really, really don't want to stop now because I know I'll probably lose my momentum. And it takes me a long time to build up that momentum, so I'm scared I'll be back to being unmotivated or just check out by justifying my not running anymore.
I'm leaning toward pushing through with it and seeing what happens.
Have a wonderful Wednesday!
Cheers.
Here's the Quote of the Day:
"Whatever you may be seeking, seek it with all your strength, but do not expect your own search and efforts to bear fruit of themselves. Put your trust in the Lord, ascribing nothing to yourself, and He will give you your heart's desire."
~ St. Theophan the Recluse
I've come to a dilemma though. My knees are really starting to bother me (and I assume that's because my body isn't used to running with 40 extra pounds on said knees), but I really want to stick with the program. I've come this far, I'm halfway through week three, and I only have 5 weeks left until I've worked up to running 2 miles straight. I can already tell that my endurance and breathing are improving.
Yesterday, after my run - which I reeeeeally had to push myself through - I iced my knees for about 15 minutes and that seemed to help. Today they don't feel nearly as sore as they did yesterday. So, the dilemma being... do I continue with the running and just get through it (with the ice packs and possibly ace bandages for support), or just take a little time off and walk a couple miles every day to take it easy for a bit? I really, really don't want to stop now because I know I'll probably lose my momentum. And it takes me a long time to build up that momentum, so I'm scared I'll be back to being unmotivated or just check out by justifying my not running anymore.
I'm leaning toward pushing through with it and seeing what happens.
Have a wonderful Wednesday!
Cheers.
Here's the Quote of the Day:
"Whatever you may be seeking, seek it with all your strength, but do not expect your own search and efforts to bear fruit of themselves. Put your trust in the Lord, ascribing nothing to yourself, and He will give you your heart's desire."
~ St. Theophan the Recluse
Monday, October 18, 2010
Bum Monday
Usually, after a long weekend (which normally entails quite a bit of driving), the Monday that follows is unmotivated, sluggish, reluctant, and in all senses, lazy.
Today is not that Monday. Although it began late for me (10:30ish), I got up with the intention of getting my running for the day accomplished only to find that we had forgotten to take the carseat base out of Caleb's car last night. This wasn't as much of a bummer to me as it should be. Running is wonderful, but my knees are a bit sore, and I won't mind postponing it to tonight once Caleb gets home.
Also, said hubby accidentally left his phone today, which means that although I won't be receiving any very enjoyed calls from him, I will be playing with his phone. :) (It is an iphone 4.)
Along with coming home from an out-of-town weekend (this time it was Cincinnati to visit my family,) comes the mess of dumped contents from the car all over the living room. I'm going to straighten it all up and get several loads of laundry done too. That will definitely justify my not running this morning. It might also cover for my watching some favorite shows....
Thank goodness the kitchen is clean.
Cillian is taking a nap finally, and now I have the house to myself, some work to get done and a motivation. Good day so far!
I also need to knit a good deal today if I want to finish this scarf I'm making for a present. I ended up unraveling all of what I'd done (about 8 or 9 inches worth) since one of the needles slipped out and I couldn't figure out how to correct it.... bleagh. It was disheartening. But now it's going to be perfect. Absolutely perfect. No mess-ups whatsoever.
Now, the grocery shopping still needs to be done... and I'm unfortunately going to have to wait on that one until Caleb is home, which means we'll most likely make an evening family trip of it. I could probably start a grocery list.
I'm glad it's a Monday, and I'm glad it's a little slow, but I'm going to make it a productive day, because I always feel my best when I'm doing some kind of work with my hands.
So, may your Monday also be a productive one. :)
Cheers.
Here's the Quote of the Day:
"Begin gradually - do not trust yourself, do not depend on your own understanding. Reject your own will, and the Lord will give you true understanding."
~ St. Macarius of Optina
Today is not that Monday. Although it began late for me (10:30ish), I got up with the intention of getting my running for the day accomplished only to find that we had forgotten to take the carseat base out of Caleb's car last night. This wasn't as much of a bummer to me as it should be. Running is wonderful, but my knees are a bit sore, and I won't mind postponing it to tonight once Caleb gets home.
Also, said hubby accidentally left his phone today, which means that although I won't be receiving any very enjoyed calls from him, I will be playing with his phone. :) (It is an iphone 4.)
Along with coming home from an out-of-town weekend (this time it was Cincinnati to visit my family,) comes the mess of dumped contents from the car all over the living room. I'm going to straighten it all up and get several loads of laundry done too. That will definitely justify my not running this morning. It might also cover for my watching some favorite shows....
Thank goodness the kitchen is clean.
Cillian is taking a nap finally, and now I have the house to myself, some work to get done and a motivation. Good day so far!
I also need to knit a good deal today if I want to finish this scarf I'm making for a present. I ended up unraveling all of what I'd done (about 8 or 9 inches worth) since one of the needles slipped out and I couldn't figure out how to correct it.... bleagh. It was disheartening. But now it's going to be perfect. Absolutely perfect. No mess-ups whatsoever.
Now, the grocery shopping still needs to be done... and I'm unfortunately going to have to wait on that one until Caleb is home, which means we'll most likely make an evening family trip of it. I could probably start a grocery list.
I'm glad it's a Monday, and I'm glad it's a little slow, but I'm going to make it a productive day, because I always feel my best when I'm doing some kind of work with my hands.
So, may your Monday also be a productive one. :)
Cheers.
Here's the Quote of the Day:
"Begin gradually - do not trust yourself, do not depend on your own understanding. Reject your own will, and the Lord will give you true understanding."
~ St. Macarius of Optina
Thursday, October 14, 2010
Sparta, Here I Come...
Ok, so I'm not and probably never will run 150 miles like the legendary Phidippides did to Sparta and back (and yes, I did look up his name...) but boy, am I sore today.
Last night's workout was good, and I can really tell I've got muscles now. My ankles and knees are feeling particularly stressed. I try to keep telling myself that my body isn't used to running with 40 extra pounds and that is probably contributing to my joints feeling strained. I love this complete body burn though. It feels really nice. And it means something is working. I can feel it in my arms and torso (mostly the oblique ab muscles), and in my hips and calves and ankles.
Watch out people. I'm becoming a runner.
I finally have some sneakers to run in, which is very helpful in making me motivated to hit the treadmill. I had been running in some brown, kind of hiking shoes. Definitely not enough arch support with those. But now I have some running shoes - they're not very good - but they are running shoes, and a pretty good sports bra which makes me feel nice and athletic. It's so tempting to splurge a bunch of money on running things now. It's amazing how wearing cool running clothes can have such an effect on one's motivation.
I'm very much looking forward to today's workout, which is simply the 30-minute walk. I think I'll take Cillian outside in the stroller. He loves going for walks and it looks like it will be the perfect day outside.
Alright. The dreaded weekly weigh-in... The numbers are higher than I'd like - 170.4. But there you go - I'm aiming to lose thirty pounds and get down to what I think will be a healthy 140 for now.
I don't really feel like doing anything productive today. Breakfast was really nice this morning, but I'm still pretty sleepy. I really just want to schlep around today and not do anything but watch Eureka (a sci-fi kind of show I like that is on Instant Play Netflix - dangerous...), eat, and play with Cillian. I think the fact that hearing him sleeping over the monitor is also factoring in to my being a bit groggy.
But there is laundry to finish, a kitchen to straighten up, there's always some tidying up that can be done in our bedroom and in the living room... Schlep.
Cillian is making cute little drowsy yawning sounds over the monitor.
Schlep.
Gracious, I think I might just take a little nap. I'll sign out by giving you the Quote of the Day:
"Marriage is the key of moderation and the harmony of the desires, the seal of a deep friendship... the unique drink from a fountain enclosed, inaccessible to those without. United in the flesh, one in spirit, they urge each other on by the goad of their mutual love. For marriage does not remove God, but brings all closer to Him, for it is God Himself who draws us to it."
~ St. Gregory the Theologian (from "Preserve Them, O Lord" by Fr. John Mack)
That is one of my very favorite depictions of what marriage looks like.
Last night's workout was good, and I can really tell I've got muscles now. My ankles and knees are feeling particularly stressed. I try to keep telling myself that my body isn't used to running with 40 extra pounds and that is probably contributing to my joints feeling strained. I love this complete body burn though. It feels really nice. And it means something is working. I can feel it in my arms and torso (mostly the oblique ab muscles), and in my hips and calves and ankles.
Watch out people. I'm becoming a runner.
I finally have some sneakers to run in, which is very helpful in making me motivated to hit the treadmill. I had been running in some brown, kind of hiking shoes. Definitely not enough arch support with those. But now I have some running shoes - they're not very good - but they are running shoes, and a pretty good sports bra which makes me feel nice and athletic. It's so tempting to splurge a bunch of money on running things now. It's amazing how wearing cool running clothes can have such an effect on one's motivation.
I'm very much looking forward to today's workout, which is simply the 30-minute walk. I think I'll take Cillian outside in the stroller. He loves going for walks and it looks like it will be the perfect day outside.
Alright. The dreaded weekly weigh-in... The numbers are higher than I'd like - 170.4. But there you go - I'm aiming to lose thirty pounds and get down to what I think will be a healthy 140 for now.
I don't really feel like doing anything productive today. Breakfast was really nice this morning, but I'm still pretty sleepy. I really just want to schlep around today and not do anything but watch Eureka (a sci-fi kind of show I like that is on Instant Play Netflix - dangerous...), eat, and play with Cillian. I think the fact that hearing him sleeping over the monitor is also factoring in to my being a bit groggy.
But there is laundry to finish, a kitchen to straighten up, there's always some tidying up that can be done in our bedroom and in the living room... Schlep.
Cillian is making cute little drowsy yawning sounds over the monitor.
Schlep.
Gracious, I think I might just take a little nap. I'll sign out by giving you the Quote of the Day:
"Marriage is the key of moderation and the harmony of the desires, the seal of a deep friendship... the unique drink from a fountain enclosed, inaccessible to those without. United in the flesh, one in spirit, they urge each other on by the goad of their mutual love. For marriage does not remove God, but brings all closer to Him, for it is God Himself who draws us to it."
~ St. Gregory the Theologian (from "Preserve Them, O Lord" by Fr. John Mack)
That is one of my very favorite depictions of what marriage looks like.
Wednesday, October 13, 2010
New
I did something dramatic yesterday.
For about a month or two, I've been contemplating the idea of a different haircut. For those of you who don't see me on a regular or local basis, it's gotten pretty long - about mid-back length. I've been growing it out for almost two and a half years from a short haircut (one that I loved, but was quite short.) I'd been torn between cutting it shorter or keeping it long through the winter at least, since it's taken so long to grow out to the length I love.
But... a couple days ago, I was really thinking about the pros - shorter hair wouldn't be a grabbing factor for Cillian, it would be quicker to wash, quicker to style, easier to look good without doing anything... the list was too great to ignore.
So, yesterday I called to see if I could get an appointment the same day, and they scheduled me for an hour later. I started getting excited fast. S came over and watched Cillian for me and I went over to get it cut.
It's adorable. I have half the hair I did before, as I was able to donate what I had (8 in.) to Locks of Love, which I always like doing if I have enough. So now, the length skims my shoulders, and I have a cute fringe of bangs that can be worn either swept to the side or straight in the middle. I absolutely love it. It's a good young mommy haircut. Cute and comfortable, functional and easy.
Some other updates...
Cillian is a bouncing 4 months old now, and he has started grabbing his knees and his feet, which both Caleb and I have been excitedly anticipating! So that's a really fun milestone. He has also started blowing raspberries, bubbles, and anything vocal involving his tongue and excessive drooling. :P
He has gotten increasingly wiggly and squirmy, trying to get out of any kind of restraint if he gets bored. It's funny to see how far he can scoot himself out of his swing (when stationary). He's a great little jokester and loves to laugh - I love that he's an easy baby. (But I'm scared that I'm getting spoiled with just how easy he is!!)
No teeth yet, but I'm sure they're coming. He had his four month check up today and is now a whopping 15.7 pounds! I knew my biceps were feeling a little stronger...
Another something new...
We're gradually adding to our living room and now have some nice wine colored sheers hung up (thanks to my beloved handyman.) They look really nice. Caleb and I also got a couple new pillows to tie all of our living room colors in, so now our theme is kind of fall-like with the wine color, a sage green, gold and tan. I really like it. It feels like home to me.
The running is going well! I've managed to stay dedicated for almost a week and a half now. And I'm up to running three minutes/walking one minute today. Last night the two minute run/one minute walk completely wore me out. I'd even go as far as to say that it nearly killed me. But tonight, it wasn't so bad because the TV happened to be on when I got to the gym. Surprising how well having something to watch helps! I'm beginning to love my cold showers after these workouts.
Eating is going preeeeetty well. Unfortunately, I got a little off-track this weekend since we were out of town visiting Caleb's brother and his family in Carbondale, PA. It was a really fun weekend, but I definitely didn't watch my eating as well as I could have. So now I'm back to breakfasts with my Kelebs and lunches consisting of one huge salad. And no dessert. That's been easier than I would have thought. Especially with my being an ice cream addict.
Weight update will come tomorrow. It's always best to weigh oneself in the mornings. ;)
Here's the Quote of the Day:
This one always gets a good chuckle out of me.
"Bigamy is having one wife too many. Monogamy is the same."
~ Oscar Wilde
For about a month or two, I've been contemplating the idea of a different haircut. For those of you who don't see me on a regular or local basis, it's gotten pretty long - about mid-back length. I've been growing it out for almost two and a half years from a short haircut (one that I loved, but was quite short.) I'd been torn between cutting it shorter or keeping it long through the winter at least, since it's taken so long to grow out to the length I love.
But... a couple days ago, I was really thinking about the pros - shorter hair wouldn't be a grabbing factor for Cillian, it would be quicker to wash, quicker to style, easier to look good without doing anything... the list was too great to ignore.
So, yesterday I called to see if I could get an appointment the same day, and they scheduled me for an hour later. I started getting excited fast. S came over and watched Cillian for me and I went over to get it cut.
It's adorable. I have half the hair I did before, as I was able to donate what I had (8 in.) to Locks of Love, which I always like doing if I have enough. So now, the length skims my shoulders, and I have a cute fringe of bangs that can be worn either swept to the side or straight in the middle. I absolutely love it. It's a good young mommy haircut. Cute and comfortable, functional and easy.
Some other updates...
Cillian is a bouncing 4 months old now, and he has started grabbing his knees and his feet, which both Caleb and I have been excitedly anticipating! So that's a really fun milestone. He has also started blowing raspberries, bubbles, and anything vocal involving his tongue and excessive drooling. :P
He has gotten increasingly wiggly and squirmy, trying to get out of any kind of restraint if he gets bored. It's funny to see how far he can scoot himself out of his swing (when stationary). He's a great little jokester and loves to laugh - I love that he's an easy baby. (But I'm scared that I'm getting spoiled with just how easy he is!!)
No teeth yet, but I'm sure they're coming. He had his four month check up today and is now a whopping 15.7 pounds! I knew my biceps were feeling a little stronger...
Another something new...
We're gradually adding to our living room and now have some nice wine colored sheers hung up (thanks to my beloved handyman.) They look really nice. Caleb and I also got a couple new pillows to tie all of our living room colors in, so now our theme is kind of fall-like with the wine color, a sage green, gold and tan. I really like it. It feels like home to me.
The running is going well! I've managed to stay dedicated for almost a week and a half now. And I'm up to running three minutes/walking one minute today. Last night the two minute run/one minute walk completely wore me out. I'd even go as far as to say that it nearly killed me. But tonight, it wasn't so bad because the TV happened to be on when I got to the gym. Surprising how well having something to watch helps! I'm beginning to love my cold showers after these workouts.
Eating is going preeeeetty well. Unfortunately, I got a little off-track this weekend since we were out of town visiting Caleb's brother and his family in Carbondale, PA. It was a really fun weekend, but I definitely didn't watch my eating as well as I could have. So now I'm back to breakfasts with my Kelebs and lunches consisting of one huge salad. And no dessert. That's been easier than I would have thought. Especially with my being an ice cream addict.
Weight update will come tomorrow. It's always best to weigh oneself in the mornings. ;)
Here's the Quote of the Day:
This one always gets a good chuckle out of me.
"Bigamy is having one wife too many. Monogamy is the same."
~ Oscar Wilde
Thursday, September 30, 2010
Progress and Plans
As a new mom, I think I've been craving routine of some sort - for me. Cillian is finally in a good routine now (which is bound to change at any time, I'm sure, now that I have gotten the pattern down,) but I still haven't had much of one. Something Caleb and I have decided to do, which I think will really help my need for consistency, is having breakfast together in the mornings before he goes to work. The routine is that we get up at 7 and he takes a shower and gets ready for work while I go downstairs and make eggs and toast and sausage for us.
And my, it's a wonderful thing...
So this week, we have succeeded in having this routine start out our days twice out of the four days so far. Monday, Caleb took the day off and took me out to Cracker Barrel, and yesterday morning both of us decided sleep was much more important than eating. So this morning we struggled a bit to get out of bed, but I really wanted to fight this and get into a good habit of it. I know how much better my mood and general attitude towards the day is when I start off the mornings right, and especially with Caleb.
I want to make this a good habit. After all, we go to bed together and have a good evening routine - why shouldn't we have a good morning one together as well? It makes me so happy to do things with Caleb. I think it's really important for a marriage to be a wife first and a mother second. They go hand in hand, don't get me wrong, but Caleb is my baby too and he came first.
Along with breakfasts, we have started eating healthier, which is something that has needed to happen since we got married. We haven't been eating entirely unhealthy things, but we as not as healthy of eaters as we could be. For me, eating healthy means starting the day early enough to have breakfast, lunch and dinner, and not just breakfast and dinner as a result of starting my day at 1 PM. So, the getting up with Caleb change works beautifully. I'm still a bit tired, but as we gradually get to bed earlier, that will change and get better too.
So, on the menu this week starting Tuesday, (Monday doesn't count because we a) had Taco Bell, which is not healthy and b) grocery shopped that day) we have had Chicken Caesar salads as a dinner, Wednesday we had Penne pasta and alfredo with green beans, tonight we're having stuffed chicken and corn or green beans (I haven't decided yet), and tomorrow we're having tilapia with a vegetable. We are also trying to stick to serving portions given on whatever food we eat. And it's all going pretty well so far.
Another change along with beginning to eat right is that we're going to start a normal exercise routine. We decided to start this coming Monday rather than in the middle of the week so that it begins right. We're starting a running program that my sisters-in-law have done, one of whom ran her first half-marathon an impressive 8 months later. The program is designed in such a way that you will be able to run 2 miles straight after completing the 8-week training. You do something every day, six days out of the week (hence why we want to begin on a Monday). The first day is ten repetitions of a walk 2 minutes/run 1 minute pattern for a half hour, the next day is just walking 30 minutes, and it alternates for the first four days, then the fifth and sixth days are running/walking days and Sunday, you rest. Then the next week, the pattern is slightly different, and it gradually gets more challenging week by week. I'm very excited about it. I really, really want to stick with it. It says the first two miles you run are the most difficult you'll ever run, and after that, it's pretty easy to work up to however many miles you want to run. I think 3-4 sounds good.
So, with eating more healthily and exercising, I'm hoping to a) lose my baby weight, b) tone up (especially my core), feel stronger and have more energy and c) look better in my clothes and go down a few sizes.
I'm going to be vulnerably frank here - I gained nearly sixty pounds from pregnancy. My wedding weight was somewhere around 125-130, and my weight up to delivering Cillian was about 190-something. I would love love love to get back down to my wedding weight, but my realistic goal for now is 140. I think I would be very healthy to be down at that weight, especially if I'm noticeably more toned. My numbers currently dance around 168-170. So I'm going to keep updates on the blog as to how everything is going - how the running and exercising is and how the eating, meal planning and cooking goes. I'll also post a weekly weigh in. (That'll help me!)
I'm very happy about all of this. Finally changing my attitude (though it be gradual) about food is very refreshing. It's amazing how appealing a salad every day sounds. My new diet consists of breakfast with Caleb, which is two eggs overeasy with one piece of toast (buttered), and two sausage links; between breakfast and lunch, I'll have some fruit (an apple or banana) and maybe some peanuts or cheese; then lunch is a big spinach salad with a little bit of chopped nuts, a sprinkle of parmesan, and the correct serving size of raspberry vinaigrette with some soup. It's very yummy. Just having more salad and drinking plenty of water makes me feel better. I like it when I'm in control of my stomach. It feels right, and it feels so good. No wonder fasting is spiritual! It is certainly one of the passions I have the most trouble controlling, but now I think I'm off to a good start.
Also, we're trying not to eat after 8 PM, which is a great habit to introduce for anyone. And I'm going to try and start drinking more water too. I was so good at this when I was pregnant, but I've kind of lost my urgency for it, which shouldn't make any sense as I should be drinking more water than ever now that I'm breastfeeding. Ideally, you should be drinking half your weight in ounces, but I need to be drinking more. So, I'm going to try filling my 32-oz. water bottle up three times a day, trying to have a full bottle between breakfast and lunch, lunch and dinner, and then in the evening and throughout the night when I'm up breastfeeding.
So now, I'm drinking my morning tea and enjoying this gorgeous morning. I'm so happy it's fall.
Cheers.
Here's the Quote of the Day:
"Think nothing and do nothing without a purpose directed to God. For to journey without direction is wasted effort."
~ St. Mark the Ascetic
And my, it's a wonderful thing...
So this week, we have succeeded in having this routine start out our days twice out of the four days so far. Monday, Caleb took the day off and took me out to Cracker Barrel, and yesterday morning both of us decided sleep was much more important than eating. So this morning we struggled a bit to get out of bed, but I really wanted to fight this and get into a good habit of it. I know how much better my mood and general attitude towards the day is when I start off the mornings right, and especially with Caleb.
I want to make this a good habit. After all, we go to bed together and have a good evening routine - why shouldn't we have a good morning one together as well? It makes me so happy to do things with Caleb. I think it's really important for a marriage to be a wife first and a mother second. They go hand in hand, don't get me wrong, but Caleb is my baby too and he came first.
Along with breakfasts, we have started eating healthier, which is something that has needed to happen since we got married. We haven't been eating entirely unhealthy things, but we as not as healthy of eaters as we could be. For me, eating healthy means starting the day early enough to have breakfast, lunch and dinner, and not just breakfast and dinner as a result of starting my day at 1 PM. So, the getting up with Caleb change works beautifully. I'm still a bit tired, but as we gradually get to bed earlier, that will change and get better too.
So, on the menu this week starting Tuesday, (Monday doesn't count because we a) had Taco Bell, which is not healthy and b) grocery shopped that day) we have had Chicken Caesar salads as a dinner, Wednesday we had Penne pasta and alfredo with green beans, tonight we're having stuffed chicken and corn or green beans (I haven't decided yet), and tomorrow we're having tilapia with a vegetable. We are also trying to stick to serving portions given on whatever food we eat. And it's all going pretty well so far.
Another change along with beginning to eat right is that we're going to start a normal exercise routine. We decided to start this coming Monday rather than in the middle of the week so that it begins right. We're starting a running program that my sisters-in-law have done, one of whom ran her first half-marathon an impressive 8 months later. The program is designed in such a way that you will be able to run 2 miles straight after completing the 8-week training. You do something every day, six days out of the week (hence why we want to begin on a Monday). The first day is ten repetitions of a walk 2 minutes/run 1 minute pattern for a half hour, the next day is just walking 30 minutes, and it alternates for the first four days, then the fifth and sixth days are running/walking days and Sunday, you rest. Then the next week, the pattern is slightly different, and it gradually gets more challenging week by week. I'm very excited about it. I really, really want to stick with it. It says the first two miles you run are the most difficult you'll ever run, and after that, it's pretty easy to work up to however many miles you want to run. I think 3-4 sounds good.
So, with eating more healthily and exercising, I'm hoping to a) lose my baby weight, b) tone up (especially my core), feel stronger and have more energy and c) look better in my clothes and go down a few sizes.
I'm going to be vulnerably frank here - I gained nearly sixty pounds from pregnancy. My wedding weight was somewhere around 125-130, and my weight up to delivering Cillian was about 190-something. I would love love love to get back down to my wedding weight, but my realistic goal for now is 140. I think I would be very healthy to be down at that weight, especially if I'm noticeably more toned. My numbers currently dance around 168-170. So I'm going to keep updates on the blog as to how everything is going - how the running and exercising is and how the eating, meal planning and cooking goes. I'll also post a weekly weigh in. (That'll help me!)
I'm very happy about all of this. Finally changing my attitude (though it be gradual) about food is very refreshing. It's amazing how appealing a salad every day sounds. My new diet consists of breakfast with Caleb, which is two eggs overeasy with one piece of toast (buttered), and two sausage links; between breakfast and lunch, I'll have some fruit (an apple or banana) and maybe some peanuts or cheese; then lunch is a big spinach salad with a little bit of chopped nuts, a sprinkle of parmesan, and the correct serving size of raspberry vinaigrette with some soup. It's very yummy. Just having more salad and drinking plenty of water makes me feel better. I like it when I'm in control of my stomach. It feels right, and it feels so good. No wonder fasting is spiritual! It is certainly one of the passions I have the most trouble controlling, but now I think I'm off to a good start.
Also, we're trying not to eat after 8 PM, which is a great habit to introduce for anyone. And I'm going to try and start drinking more water too. I was so good at this when I was pregnant, but I've kind of lost my urgency for it, which shouldn't make any sense as I should be drinking more water than ever now that I'm breastfeeding. Ideally, you should be drinking half your weight in ounces, but I need to be drinking more. So, I'm going to try filling my 32-oz. water bottle up three times a day, trying to have a full bottle between breakfast and lunch, lunch and dinner, and then in the evening and throughout the night when I'm up breastfeeding.
So now, I'm drinking my morning tea and enjoying this gorgeous morning. I'm so happy it's fall.
Cheers.
Here's the Quote of the Day:
"Think nothing and do nothing without a purpose directed to God. For to journey without direction is wasted effort."
~ St. Mark the Ascetic
Wednesday, September 22, 2010
Projects and Bedtime Stories
Starting last Tuesday night, something happened that Caleb and I have been talking about doing since before we got engaged. We both dreamed of reading to one another once we were finally married (and once Caleb was finally back in the US, as he was in England the first seven months of our relationship). Furthermore, the idea we had was that he would read me all of the Chronicles of Narnia books and I would read him all of the Harry Potter books as there are seven in each series. From the time we were engaged to the present, we'd gotten through maybe a chapter or two of each first book.
So, within the last seven days, Caleb read Prince Caspian to me. We chose this one because we're already so familiar with the Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe, and since this is the next one in the order C. S. Lewis wrote the books, we started with it. I had forgotten how riveting it is to be read a story. Prince Caspian is one of the Narnia books I'm least familiar with, and I was eager to listen to my fantastic storyteller.
I found myself waking up looking forward to the evening because there was going to be more of the story... I never want to forget this wondrous, child-like anticipation. It is so enchanting.
Caleb finished reading Prince Caspian to me last night. Voyage of the Dawn Treader is next. Maybe we'll start tonight! (grin)
Something that kind of goes hand in hand with the bedtime stories... I've got a couple knitting projects going and have started to become a better knitter. It's something I've always enjoyed, and last week, (with some birthday money and a gift card to my ever-favorite Hobby Lobby,) I bought some yarn, a pair of knitting needles, some knitting books, AND a wedding photo album all for about $40. You guessed it - I was a happy gal.
I've never explored patterns or anything, so this time I really wanted to try getting into it (hence the knitting book.) And man, reading knitting patterns is tricky! But I guess once you get it, it's easy. And I'm a very consistent knitter, so it's pretty easy so far. For those of you who are knitters and might like knowing - I chose a simple knit two/purl two pattern (which creates a beautiful ribbed look) for a scarf I'm making for my brother-in-law for his birthday. I found a gorgeous charcoal grey color that I couldn't pass up... I think he'll like it.
As for the photo album, I've been meaning to put one together of our wedding pictures for... well... ever since we got married last year! So this is a long-overdue project to complete, and I'm going to really enjoy it. I've narrowed our 500-something pictures down to 200 (which is how many the album fits.) So now all I have to do is get them printed! And I'm going to do that here as soon as I get Cillian from his nap (I can hear him waking up) and service him and get him all ready to go. :)
So here's a Quote of the Day (it's short and sweet):
"Godliness is perfection that is never complete."
~ St. Philotheos of Sinai
So, within the last seven days, Caleb read Prince Caspian to me. We chose this one because we're already so familiar with the Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe, and since this is the next one in the order C. S. Lewis wrote the books, we started with it. I had forgotten how riveting it is to be read a story. Prince Caspian is one of the Narnia books I'm least familiar with, and I was eager to listen to my fantastic storyteller.
I found myself waking up looking forward to the evening because there was going to be more of the story... I never want to forget this wondrous, child-like anticipation. It is so enchanting.
Caleb finished reading Prince Caspian to me last night. Voyage of the Dawn Treader is next. Maybe we'll start tonight! (grin)
Something that kind of goes hand in hand with the bedtime stories... I've got a couple knitting projects going and have started to become a better knitter. It's something I've always enjoyed, and last week, (with some birthday money and a gift card to my ever-favorite Hobby Lobby,) I bought some yarn, a pair of knitting needles, some knitting books, AND a wedding photo album all for about $40. You guessed it - I was a happy gal.
I've never explored patterns or anything, so this time I really wanted to try getting into it (hence the knitting book.) And man, reading knitting patterns is tricky! But I guess once you get it, it's easy. And I'm a very consistent knitter, so it's pretty easy so far. For those of you who are knitters and might like knowing - I chose a simple knit two/purl two pattern (which creates a beautiful ribbed look) for a scarf I'm making for my brother-in-law for his birthday. I found a gorgeous charcoal grey color that I couldn't pass up... I think he'll like it.
As for the photo album, I've been meaning to put one together of our wedding pictures for... well... ever since we got married last year! So this is a long-overdue project to complete, and I'm going to really enjoy it. I've narrowed our 500-something pictures down to 200 (which is how many the album fits.) So now all I have to do is get them printed! And I'm going to do that here as soon as I get Cillian from his nap (I can hear him waking up) and service him and get him all ready to go. :)
So here's a Quote of the Day (it's short and sweet):
"Godliness is perfection that is never complete."
~ St. Philotheos of Sinai
Tuesday, September 14, 2010
Milestones
For the past three months, since we brought Cillian home from the hospital, he has slept next to our bed in a co-sleeper. It was a wonderful arrangement and worked great. And I knew that around three months would be a good time to transition him into his own room in his crib. So, after his three month checkup yesterday, I had it in the back of my mind to talk to Caleb about it.
That night, Caleb and I discussed it and decided to just do it. We moved everything (the rocker and the co-sleeper - which is now functional as a changing table,) into his room and he spent his first night away from us. He did splendidly and slept an outstanding eight and a half hours (from around 10:40 PM to 7:15 AM). I'm so glad we didn't have to worry about him screaming or crying throughout the night. Woohoo!!
So he's sleeping pretty well, which is very nice. Next milestone will probably be teething, which I'm a bit apprehensive for. Any tips, tricks, and advice would be SO very welcome! I would love to know all I can before it happens.
Something I noticed this morning... I got up around 10:45 after feeding Cillian (who promptly fell asleep for another two hours), took a shower, made an effort to wear SSS (Something Somewhat Stylish), put on some makeup and did morning prayers. What I realized was this. It's remarkable how different my day goes based on how I start it as either a Natalie morning or a Mommy morning. Not that one is better than the other - they're simply different. When it's a Mommy morning, I tend to gravitate toward the quick T-shirt and comfortable pants combination versus trying to put an outfit together that is both comfortable and something I would look good wearing in public. I also forgo wearing makeup when it's a Mommy morning. And I've actually become much more comfortable doing that since I've been working hard at keeping my skin in good condition (which is pretty easy once it gets to the standard I like to keep.) So that's just something I want to try to get better at - feeling like myself while being a good mom. There's a balance to be found, and I'm getting there.
Backing up to last night, I did something I haven't done in several months. I picked up my five pound weights and worked my arms like nobody's business. And boy, I can feel it today, so I know I did a reasonable job. My triceps, especially. It's nice to feel some muscle soreness! I had no idea how much I missed that feeling. So hopefully that will become a nice routine - working out a bit before bed. And Caleb did some pushups while I worked my weights. It was a nice feeling.
So today was certainly a very good day. I got some laundry done and got the grocery shopping accomplished. Tomorrow's project is to work on more laundry and straighten up the house so it looks more presentable.
Here's the quote of the day:
"The first duty of a Christian, of a disciple and follower of Jesus Christ, is to deny oneself. To deny oneself means to give up one's bad habits, to root out of the heart all that ties us to the world; not to cherish bad desires and thoughts; to quench and suppress bad thoughts; to avoid occasions of sin; not to do or desire anything from self-love but to do everything out of love for God. To deny oneself means, according to the Apostle Paul, to be dead to sin and the world, but alive to God."
~ St. Innocent of Alaska
That night, Caleb and I discussed it and decided to just do it. We moved everything (the rocker and the co-sleeper - which is now functional as a changing table,) into his room and he spent his first night away from us. He did splendidly and slept an outstanding eight and a half hours (from around 10:40 PM to 7:15 AM). I'm so glad we didn't have to worry about him screaming or crying throughout the night. Woohoo!!
So he's sleeping pretty well, which is very nice. Next milestone will probably be teething, which I'm a bit apprehensive for. Any tips, tricks, and advice would be SO very welcome! I would love to know all I can before it happens.
Something I noticed this morning... I got up around 10:45 after feeding Cillian (who promptly fell asleep for another two hours), took a shower, made an effort to wear SSS (Something Somewhat Stylish), put on some makeup and did morning prayers. What I realized was this. It's remarkable how different my day goes based on how I start it as either a Natalie morning or a Mommy morning. Not that one is better than the other - they're simply different. When it's a Mommy morning, I tend to gravitate toward the quick T-shirt and comfortable pants combination versus trying to put an outfit together that is both comfortable and something I would look good wearing in public. I also forgo wearing makeup when it's a Mommy morning. And I've actually become much more comfortable doing that since I've been working hard at keeping my skin in good condition (which is pretty easy once it gets to the standard I like to keep.) So that's just something I want to try to get better at - feeling like myself while being a good mom. There's a balance to be found, and I'm getting there.
Backing up to last night, I did something I haven't done in several months. I picked up my five pound weights and worked my arms like nobody's business. And boy, I can feel it today, so I know I did a reasonable job. My triceps, especially. It's nice to feel some muscle soreness! I had no idea how much I missed that feeling. So hopefully that will become a nice routine - working out a bit before bed. And Caleb did some pushups while I worked my weights. It was a nice feeling.
So today was certainly a very good day. I got some laundry done and got the grocery shopping accomplished. Tomorrow's project is to work on more laundry and straighten up the house so it looks more presentable.
Here's the quote of the day:
"The first duty of a Christian, of a disciple and follower of Jesus Christ, is to deny oneself. To deny oneself means to give up one's bad habits, to root out of the heart all that ties us to the world; not to cherish bad desires and thoughts; to quench and suppress bad thoughts; to avoid occasions of sin; not to do or desire anything from self-love but to do everything out of love for God. To deny oneself means, according to the Apostle Paul, to be dead to sin and the world, but alive to God."
~ St. Innocent of Alaska
Tuesday, September 7, 2010
A Week to Remember
First off, apologies for not having written in nearly a week - I'd meant to be more regular! But, at least I'm writing every few days and that's certainly better than I've ever done. So I'm alright with it.
Here's an update on this week's meals.... they went pretty well!
For Tuesday's menu, I made a meatless lasagna (which I'm going to start making WITH the meat now...) with a salad (spring mix, topped with chopped almonds, parmesan, and raspberry vinaigrette), and some wonderfully crusty Italian bread. The lasagna came out alright. I've done better in some respects, but I definitely think lasagna is one of those recipes you have to tinker with over time to really get that "family secret recipe" effect. So, I'm going to be patient with that one.
As for the bread.... I have to take a moment to rave and rant about this bread because it is THE BEST I have ever tasted. (This is the second time I've gotten it.) The best parat about it is that it's only three bucks at Meijer, and it is called an "All Natural White Mountain Boule." (That's what the label says.) And wow.... if you just pop it in the oven to crisp for a few minutes, it comes out perfectly chewy on the inside and the epitome of crispiness on the outside. It's heavenly. And I love it.
Wednesday night, I made double baked loaded potatoes with broccoli. Not much of a sophisticated dinner, but it was delicious and filling. We each had half a head of broccoli, so I'd say we both had our vegetable quotient for the day! And the potatoes came out great.
Thursday night was my victory night.... it was perfect. I made omelets and hashbrowns (the way my Mom makes them, which is little cubes of potatoes fried in tons of butter). It was perrrfect, I tell you. The omelets had sausage, finely diced green pepper, and shredded cheddar cheese.
And that's the cooking update. :)
So..... I've had an epiphany. I think I've realized that all I need (in order to feel productive and motivated and just...better,) is to get out more. Cillian and I visited a good friend and her little boy today for the afternoon and it was a wonderful time. Just the thing I needed. I came home mentally and emotionally refreshed, made dinner (fettuccine alfredo, fresh green beans, salad and bread), cleaned the kitchen and commenced to finish the laundry and straighten the upstairs. So, I'm thinking about starting to go to some kind of support group for mothers and see how getting out of the house on a regular basis goes. That and setting up more "playdates." (I put it in quotations because they're more for me than for my three-month-old at this point.)
Today was a very, very good day. I got a lot done, had a shower, visited a friend, got to drive, and came up with the beginnings of a new piano composition (something that has not happened in months.) Glory to God for all things!
A further explanation for my previous post, "Hypocrite," so as not to be misunderstood (I fear it may have been misleading): I am not depressed, as I may have led some of you to suppose. And I am fortunate not to be suffering from any baby blues. I am simply adjusting and trying to figure out what's "real." I apologize for any misunderstanding I might have projected by writing as I did. I assure you, I am completely happy! I have recently learned that I really need to be ok with what I am capable of accomplishing, whether it be simply getting showered one day or cleaning the whole house the next. I am not superwoman (yet...haha), and I shouldn't beat myself up for not meeting my lofty expectations - though they be for myself. I have to be a realist for now, not an idealist. I'll be much happier with things if I just accept that I can't do everything. So there you have it!
It's been a very good week. I feel more balanced and much more grounded. I'm realizing it's ok to be emotional if I have to be, because I've never gone through so many changes (and changes of this monumental nature) in such a short time before in my whole life. I'd be in trouble if I wasn't being somewhat emotional. So this week was somewhat of a milestone because now I have a feel for what direction I need to head toward. One step at a time, Natalie... one step at a time.
I'm excited for the weekend. Both of our families are coming tomorrow to celebrate my birthday a day early with us, and I'm eager to see all of them. It'll be a fun time. Two more days until I'm entirely LEGAL!!!!
I think I'll leave you with the Quote of the Day...
"In marriage the festive joy of the first day should last for the whole of life: every day should be a feast day; every day husband and wife should appear to each other as new, extraordinary beings. The only way of achieving this: let both deepen their spiritual life, and strive hard in the task of self-development."
~ Fr. Alexander Elchaninov, Diary of a Russian Priest (from the book "Preserve Them, O Lord")
That is one of my favorite quotes of all time from one of my favorite books of all time. Very spiritually enriching.
Here's an update on this week's meals.... they went pretty well!
For Tuesday's menu, I made a meatless lasagna (which I'm going to start making WITH the meat now...) with a salad (spring mix, topped with chopped almonds, parmesan, and raspberry vinaigrette), and some wonderfully crusty Italian bread. The lasagna came out alright. I've done better in some respects, but I definitely think lasagna is one of those recipes you have to tinker with over time to really get that "family secret recipe" effect. So, I'm going to be patient with that one.
As for the bread.... I have to take a moment to rave and rant about this bread because it is THE BEST I have ever tasted. (This is the second time I've gotten it.) The best parat about it is that it's only three bucks at Meijer, and it is called an "All Natural White Mountain Boule." (That's what the label says.) And wow.... if you just pop it in the oven to crisp for a few minutes, it comes out perfectly chewy on the inside and the epitome of crispiness on the outside. It's heavenly. And I love it.
Wednesday night, I made double baked loaded potatoes with broccoli. Not much of a sophisticated dinner, but it was delicious and filling. We each had half a head of broccoli, so I'd say we both had our vegetable quotient for the day! And the potatoes came out great.
Thursday night was my victory night.... it was perfect. I made omelets and hashbrowns (the way my Mom makes them, which is little cubes of potatoes fried in tons of butter). It was perrrfect, I tell you. The omelets had sausage, finely diced green pepper, and shredded cheddar cheese.
And that's the cooking update. :)
So..... I've had an epiphany. I think I've realized that all I need (in order to feel productive and motivated and just...better,) is to get out more. Cillian and I visited a good friend and her little boy today for the afternoon and it was a wonderful time. Just the thing I needed. I came home mentally and emotionally refreshed, made dinner (fettuccine alfredo, fresh green beans, salad and bread), cleaned the kitchen and commenced to finish the laundry and straighten the upstairs. So, I'm thinking about starting to go to some kind of support group for mothers and see how getting out of the house on a regular basis goes. That and setting up more "playdates." (I put it in quotations because they're more for me than for my three-month-old at this point.)
Today was a very, very good day. I got a lot done, had a shower, visited a friend, got to drive, and came up with the beginnings of a new piano composition (something that has not happened in months.) Glory to God for all things!
A further explanation for my previous post, "Hypocrite," so as not to be misunderstood (I fear it may have been misleading): I am not depressed, as I may have led some of you to suppose. And I am fortunate not to be suffering from any baby blues. I am simply adjusting and trying to figure out what's "real." I apologize for any misunderstanding I might have projected by writing as I did. I assure you, I am completely happy! I have recently learned that I really need to be ok with what I am capable of accomplishing, whether it be simply getting showered one day or cleaning the whole house the next. I am not superwoman (yet...haha), and I shouldn't beat myself up for not meeting my lofty expectations - though they be for myself. I have to be a realist for now, not an idealist. I'll be much happier with things if I just accept that I can't do everything. So there you have it!
It's been a very good week. I feel more balanced and much more grounded. I'm realizing it's ok to be emotional if I have to be, because I've never gone through so many changes (and changes of this monumental nature) in such a short time before in my whole life. I'd be in trouble if I wasn't being somewhat emotional. So this week was somewhat of a milestone because now I have a feel for what direction I need to head toward. One step at a time, Natalie... one step at a time.
I'm excited for the weekend. Both of our families are coming tomorrow to celebrate my birthday a day early with us, and I'm eager to see all of them. It'll be a fun time. Two more days until I'm entirely LEGAL!!!!
I think I'll leave you with the Quote of the Day...
"In marriage the festive joy of the first day should last for the whole of life: every day should be a feast day; every day husband and wife should appear to each other as new, extraordinary beings. The only way of achieving this: let both deepen their spiritual life, and strive hard in the task of self-development."
~ Fr. Alexander Elchaninov, Diary of a Russian Priest (from the book "Preserve Them, O Lord")
That is one of my favorite quotes of all time from one of my favorite books of all time. Very spiritually enriching.
Thursday, September 2, 2010
Hypocrite
*Warning* - this is going to be a long one...
I'm on my way to figuring out why I've been feeling so aimless recently. Well... not exactly recently. I've been in a "funk" for a while now (probably a good several months), and I really can't seem to put a finger on the problem. I think it might actually be a whole bunch of little problems all happening at once. But I can't be sure...
To get into it a little more, I really have the perfect life. Truly, I do. I worship my husband - the most incredible man I could ever dream of having married, I adore my little son, I stay at home, I don't have school to worry about, and I have the best families and friends imaginable. So what's my freakin' problem?
There's simply something huge missing.
I'm sure it has something to do with the fact that I'm definitely struggling with a decent prayer life. And I'm more than wrestling with my thought life, which is essentially closer to the root of the problem - I'm having trouble being a devout Orthodox Christian. Yes, yes, I know you might be thinking, Well everybody goes through that, it's part of the battle of striving for a godly life. But I feel like this is something more. Or maybe it's the same as it has always been and I finally feel the most compelled to do something about it than ever before.
Really though, it's messing me up. Sometimes I get the feeling like the devil is just confusing me and toying around with my thoughts. I've never been so emotional in my life - and I'm a pretty emotionally-controlled person, or so I've always thought. So that scares me because I don't WANT to be emotional. I'm so exasperated feeling like I'm being ruled by my thoughts. It's exhausting. And it puts a toll on Caleb, which I certainly don't want. I do NOT want to be a burdensome wife with all these problems and being needy and everything on top of that. I want to be independent enough as a wife that I'm not high maintenance.
Now, when I get in these "down-and-out" kind of funks, I'll do things (like cleaning, laundry, playing piano, and other productive things, etc.) - things that make me happy or better at having accomplished something - to get myself out of them. And it works, but only temporarily, which tells me that I'm going to have to do something bigger than just changing my actions. I've got to change my lifestyle. My attitude. My habitual, slothful being.
I am such an enormous, disgusting hypocrite. I go to Liturgy every Sunday, go through the motions, sing, pray, talk to people, and come home and fall into the trap of being a Sunday-Christian. It's loathsome. I do say some kind of morning prayers every morning, but I've got to do more than that. The Kingdom of Heaven is at hand. I should be acting like it.
I should not be living life at this level of mediocrity. Lord, help me.
I have this daily calendar of the lives of the saints, which is where I've gotten most of the Quotes of the Day from. It's excellent - for each day, it has two Scripture readings (one from the Old Testament, one from the New Testament,) a commemorated saint or saints (and I'm sure that varies each year since there are so many saints for each day of the year,) and their story, then it will have whether or not it's a fasting day and what to fast from, and then it will have a quote from a saint or bishop or elder. It's a wonderful way to begin the day, reading a little something to get you started off on the right foot. My problem is staying on that foot.
In the Orthodox Church, there are several wonderful little prayers to keep one on track throughout the day. The best is the Jesus Prayer - "Lord Jesus Christ, Son of God, have mercy on me, a sinner." It can be abbreviated in various ways, such as "Lord, have mercy," or even shorter, "Jesus, mercy." Something that goes hand in hand with this prayer is the usage of the prayer rope, which I have, but don't use. Oh, I wear it, but I don't pray with it with the urgency I should. Now for acting out my faith.
I decided on this wonderful quote from, my favorite, Elder Ephraim of the Holy Mountain for today's Quote of the Day.
"I pray that your soul is in good health, for when it is healthy, it has patience in afflictions, it has self-denial with the body and in its thoughts; and it fears neither illnesses nor selfish thoughts. When the soul is healthy, it has love within itself; it does not scandalize other; it endures a brother's harsh words; it does not expose his faults in public; it always has something good to say about his brother; it gives way in quarrels and escapes having bitter thoughts and distress. When the soul is healthy, it does not get angry, complain, talk back, murmur, disobey; it does not follow its own whims, and it does so many other things indicative of spiritual health. This health is what I seek from you; this is what I advise; for this I do pray."
~ Elder Ephraim of the Holy Mountain
Spiritual health. What a great image. I've been going through all the quotes from the year so far and writing out the ones I find most applicable in a quotes journal. Writing them out by hand really helps me internalize them. I'm going to have to include more than just one Quote of the Day for today, since they are so good, and they definitely tie into what I'm writing about for this post.
Basically, I suppose the theme of what I'm trying to say is that I'm having trouble being a striving Orthodox Christian. I don't feel spiritually challenged, and I yearn for that. So I have decided I need to start diving into my faith. I want to learn more about what I believe. I want to try harder at working toward my salvation in being a better wife and mother, in being thankful for the blessings I am so richly endowed with, in taking what I'm given each day and working with it, in finding ways to improve myself as a Christian woman.
Here's a fantastic quote by St. Gregory the Theologian.
"You will never surpass God's generosity, even if you hand over your entire substance and yourself in the bargain. Indeed, to receive - in the truest sense - is to give oneself to God."
That comforts my heart beyond words. I think I've become weakened by the devil's subtle manipulation, and my soul has become wearied with false doubts. I am incredibly blessed, and that is a fact. There is nothing I can do to revoke God's love for me. All I have to do is try to do the best I can with this life He has given me. And I just have to get up and try again. It's as simple as that.
Thanks for reading such a long-winded epistle. Your patience, prayers, and comments are immensely appreciated!
Glory to God for all things!
I'm on my way to figuring out why I've been feeling so aimless recently. Well... not exactly recently. I've been in a "funk" for a while now (probably a good several months), and I really can't seem to put a finger on the problem. I think it might actually be a whole bunch of little problems all happening at once. But I can't be sure...
To get into it a little more, I really have the perfect life. Truly, I do. I worship my husband - the most incredible man I could ever dream of having married, I adore my little son, I stay at home, I don't have school to worry about, and I have the best families and friends imaginable. So what's my freakin' problem?
There's simply something huge missing.
I'm sure it has something to do with the fact that I'm definitely struggling with a decent prayer life. And I'm more than wrestling with my thought life, which is essentially closer to the root of the problem - I'm having trouble being a devout Orthodox Christian. Yes, yes, I know you might be thinking, Well everybody goes through that, it's part of the battle of striving for a godly life. But I feel like this is something more. Or maybe it's the same as it has always been and I finally feel the most compelled to do something about it than ever before.
Really though, it's messing me up. Sometimes I get the feeling like the devil is just confusing me and toying around with my thoughts. I've never been so emotional in my life - and I'm a pretty emotionally-controlled person, or so I've always thought. So that scares me because I don't WANT to be emotional. I'm so exasperated feeling like I'm being ruled by my thoughts. It's exhausting. And it puts a toll on Caleb, which I certainly don't want. I do NOT want to be a burdensome wife with all these problems and being needy and everything on top of that. I want to be independent enough as a wife that I'm not high maintenance.
Now, when I get in these "down-and-out" kind of funks, I'll do things (like cleaning, laundry, playing piano, and other productive things, etc.) - things that make me happy or better at having accomplished something - to get myself out of them. And it works, but only temporarily, which tells me that I'm going to have to do something bigger than just changing my actions. I've got to change my lifestyle. My attitude. My habitual, slothful being.
I am such an enormous, disgusting hypocrite. I go to Liturgy every Sunday, go through the motions, sing, pray, talk to people, and come home and fall into the trap of being a Sunday-Christian. It's loathsome. I do say some kind of morning prayers every morning, but I've got to do more than that. The Kingdom of Heaven is at hand. I should be acting like it.
I should not be living life at this level of mediocrity. Lord, help me.
I have this daily calendar of the lives of the saints, which is where I've gotten most of the Quotes of the Day from. It's excellent - for each day, it has two Scripture readings (one from the Old Testament, one from the New Testament,) a commemorated saint or saints (and I'm sure that varies each year since there are so many saints for each day of the year,) and their story, then it will have whether or not it's a fasting day and what to fast from, and then it will have a quote from a saint or bishop or elder. It's a wonderful way to begin the day, reading a little something to get you started off on the right foot. My problem is staying on that foot.
In the Orthodox Church, there are several wonderful little prayers to keep one on track throughout the day. The best is the Jesus Prayer - "Lord Jesus Christ, Son of God, have mercy on me, a sinner." It can be abbreviated in various ways, such as "Lord, have mercy," or even shorter, "Jesus, mercy." Something that goes hand in hand with this prayer is the usage of the prayer rope, which I have, but don't use. Oh, I wear it, but I don't pray with it with the urgency I should. Now for acting out my faith.
I decided on this wonderful quote from, my favorite, Elder Ephraim of the Holy Mountain for today's Quote of the Day.
"I pray that your soul is in good health, for when it is healthy, it has patience in afflictions, it has self-denial with the body and in its thoughts; and it fears neither illnesses nor selfish thoughts. When the soul is healthy, it has love within itself; it does not scandalize other; it endures a brother's harsh words; it does not expose his faults in public; it always has something good to say about his brother; it gives way in quarrels and escapes having bitter thoughts and distress. When the soul is healthy, it does not get angry, complain, talk back, murmur, disobey; it does not follow its own whims, and it does so many other things indicative of spiritual health. This health is what I seek from you; this is what I advise; for this I do pray."
~ Elder Ephraim of the Holy Mountain
Spiritual health. What a great image. I've been going through all the quotes from the year so far and writing out the ones I find most applicable in a quotes journal. Writing them out by hand really helps me internalize them. I'm going to have to include more than just one Quote of the Day for today, since they are so good, and they definitely tie into what I'm writing about for this post.
Basically, I suppose the theme of what I'm trying to say is that I'm having trouble being a striving Orthodox Christian. I don't feel spiritually challenged, and I yearn for that. So I have decided I need to start diving into my faith. I want to learn more about what I believe. I want to try harder at working toward my salvation in being a better wife and mother, in being thankful for the blessings I am so richly endowed with, in taking what I'm given each day and working with it, in finding ways to improve myself as a Christian woman.
Here's a fantastic quote by St. Gregory the Theologian.
"You will never surpass God's generosity, even if you hand over your entire substance and yourself in the bargain. Indeed, to receive - in the truest sense - is to give oneself to God."
That comforts my heart beyond words. I think I've become weakened by the devil's subtle manipulation, and my soul has become wearied with false doubts. I am incredibly blessed, and that is a fact. There is nothing I can do to revoke God's love for me. All I have to do is try to do the best I can with this life He has given me. And I just have to get up and try again. It's as simple as that.
Thanks for reading such a long-winded epistle. Your patience, prayers, and comments are immensely appreciated!
Glory to God for all things!
Wednesday, September 1, 2010
Ordinary
Today is simply an ordinary day - it's a Wednesday. Cillian and I woke up at 11 AM this morning and started the day off to a bit of a late start. He was very happy this morning, which I always love. It puts me in such a good mood when he's awake, smiling up at me from the side of our bed. So we had our normal routine: feed, change, I change (or shower and then change), and then we say our morning prayers and go downstairs for breakfast. On the occasion that Cillian goes straight back to sleep after his morning feeding, I turn the monitor on and try to get as much done as I can (usually laundry) before he wakes up again.
The rest of the day normally consists of play, feed, change, sleep, repeat. Sometimes while he's awake and happy, I'll let him kick around in his pack n play while I plink some piano for him.
I've composed a waltz for him that I've been perfecting for a year now. I decided to entitle it Cillian's Waltz since, when I was pregnant with him, he would kick particularly playfully when I performed it for him and now, he likes to "sing" along.
Sometimes, I read, sometimes I write, mostly something on the computer, which is not how I'd like it to be. I need to restrain myself from so much media... I really use the computer too much, I think. I need to rediscover my love for reading and practicing hand-writing (letters and journalism alike) and drawing and knitting. Productive things I could be doing with my hands other than getting better at....typing, I suppose.
I think the most eventful thing about this post will probably be the Quote of the Day, which I'll leave you with.
"Everyone is made in God's image; but to be in His likeness is granted only to those who through great love have brought their own freedom into subjection to God. For only when we do not belong to ourselves do we become like Him who through love has reconciled us to Himself. No one achieves this unless he persuades his soul not to be distracted by the false glitter of this life."
~ St. Diadochos of Photiki
The rest of the day normally consists of play, feed, change, sleep, repeat. Sometimes while he's awake and happy, I'll let him kick around in his pack n play while I plink some piano for him.
I've composed a waltz for him that I've been perfecting for a year now. I decided to entitle it Cillian's Waltz since, when I was pregnant with him, he would kick particularly playfully when I performed it for him and now, he likes to "sing" along.
Sometimes, I read, sometimes I write, mostly something on the computer, which is not how I'd like it to be. I need to restrain myself from so much media... I really use the computer too much, I think. I need to rediscover my love for reading and practicing hand-writing (letters and journalism alike) and drawing and knitting. Productive things I could be doing with my hands other than getting better at....typing, I suppose.
I think the most eventful thing about this post will probably be the Quote of the Day, which I'll leave you with.
"Everyone is made in God's image; but to be in His likeness is granted only to those who through great love have brought their own freedom into subjection to God. For only when we do not belong to ourselves do we become like Him who through love has reconciled us to Himself. No one achieves this unless he persuades his soul not to be distracted by the false glitter of this life."
~ St. Diadochos of Photiki
Monday, August 30, 2010
Take Me Out to the Ball Game...
This evening, Caleb and I took Cillian to his first ever baseball game - the Indians vs. Columbus at Victory Field. We had the classic experience complemented with crackerjacks and hot dogs and Cillian in his little baseball uniform. It was a wonderful evening. It happened to be my first baseball game with Caleb too, which was very nice. The weather was warm and cooled up soon after we got there.
I got some good pictures on Caleb's iPhone, so hopefully I'll be able to load those on facebook soon so you can see evidence of our fun evening. Cillian napped for the first 15 minutes or so, but then he was awake for the rest of it and really enjoyed it. I think he liked the feeling of the warm breeze on his bare toes.
I have the best husband in the world. I didn't get around to grocery shopping today since I favored getting a good nap in over getting Cillian all ready and figuring out a menu for the week.... so Caleb offered to shop on his way home, and I accepted. I was planning to just do it tomorrow, and hadn't even expected him to rise to the occasion, but he did. And that is something about him that I adore.
So it was a nice, lazy day and I definitely caught up on sleep, which was refreshing. Tomorrow's main activity shall be laundry, which desperately needs to be done. I also need to work on general organization around the house.
Cillian has started to laugh - genuinely, adorably laugh. He loves to stand up, so if we hold him up, his tiny legs do the rest of the work. And I discovered that if you make him jump, he starts smiling and smiling, and then his baby chuckle, and then chuckling over and over until it becomes a laugh. I love this sound. So, naturally, I repeat whatever it is that makes him exude this perfect, musical sound until he's worn out. He's also very close to rolling over, which is exciting. I love how happy he is all the time, and tonight was no different. He was such a good sport.
We rushed home because we were dying of thirst and ran in the door to put some water in the filter.... it took forever to purify, but man! Water never tasted so good to me. So now, I'm going to sit back and enjoy my glass of ice water with my husband and my son and maybe have a bit of ice cream to go with it... (yes, ice cream goes with ice water.)
Cheers, all!
Quote of the Day:
"Vice is so attractive and ready at hand, and nothing is so easy as to become evil - even without anyone to lead us on to it; while the attainment of virtue is rare and difficult, even where there is much to attract and encourage us."
~ St. Gregory the Theologian
I got some good pictures on Caleb's iPhone, so hopefully I'll be able to load those on facebook soon so you can see evidence of our fun evening. Cillian napped for the first 15 minutes or so, but then he was awake for the rest of it and really enjoyed it. I think he liked the feeling of the warm breeze on his bare toes.
I have the best husband in the world. I didn't get around to grocery shopping today since I favored getting a good nap in over getting Cillian all ready and figuring out a menu for the week.... so Caleb offered to shop on his way home, and I accepted. I was planning to just do it tomorrow, and hadn't even expected him to rise to the occasion, but he did. And that is something about him that I adore.
So it was a nice, lazy day and I definitely caught up on sleep, which was refreshing. Tomorrow's main activity shall be laundry, which desperately needs to be done. I also need to work on general organization around the house.
Cillian has started to laugh - genuinely, adorably laugh. He loves to stand up, so if we hold him up, his tiny legs do the rest of the work. And I discovered that if you make him jump, he starts smiling and smiling, and then his baby chuckle, and then chuckling over and over until it becomes a laugh. I love this sound. So, naturally, I repeat whatever it is that makes him exude this perfect, musical sound until he's worn out. He's also very close to rolling over, which is exciting. I love how happy he is all the time, and tonight was no different. He was such a good sport.
We rushed home because we were dying of thirst and ran in the door to put some water in the filter.... it took forever to purify, but man! Water never tasted so good to me. So now, I'm going to sit back and enjoy my glass of ice water with my husband and my son and maybe have a bit of ice cream to go with it... (yes, ice cream goes with ice water.)
Cheers, all!
Quote of the Day:
"Vice is so attractive and ready at hand, and nothing is so easy as to become evil - even without anyone to lead us on to it; while the attainment of virtue is rare and difficult, even where there is much to attract and encourage us."
~ St. Gregory the Theologian
Thursday, August 26, 2010
Favorite Things
Here is a list of things, simple or not, in no particular order, that make me happy. I thought I'd share them... hope you enjoy!
1 - A clean kitchen
2 - A freshly laundered pile of burp cloths
3 - My Mom's homecooked dinners
4 - A full tank of gas
5 - Beautiful, shiny Steinway grands... :)
6 - A clean husband (nothing like that freshly-showered scent)
7 - Reading outloud
8 - Spending time with family
9 - Ice cream! (anyone who knows me remotely well would know that's one of my VERY favorite things...)
10 - Hugging
11 - Finishing a book (because this usually never happens for me, it's one of those things that makes me supremely happy at having accomplished)
12 - Writing by hand
13 - Being in church
14 - Date nights
15 - Dressing up
16 - A good cry
and the best for last....
17 - Making my husband laugh - not just a chuckle or outright grin, but that knee-slapping, head-rolling, totally-caught-me-off-guard laugh which lasts a minute or two
What are some of your favorites?
Quote of the Day:
"Families are like fudge... mostly sweet with a few nuts."
~ Unknown
1 - A clean kitchen
2 - A freshly laundered pile of burp cloths
3 - My Mom's homecooked dinners
4 - A full tank of gas
5 - Beautiful, shiny Steinway grands... :)
6 - A clean husband (nothing like that freshly-showered scent)
7 - Reading outloud
8 - Spending time with family
9 - Ice cream! (anyone who knows me remotely well would know that's one of my VERY favorite things...)
10 - Hugging
11 - Finishing a book (because this usually never happens for me, it's one of those things that makes me supremely happy at having accomplished)
12 - Writing by hand
13 - Being in church
14 - Date nights
15 - Dressing up
16 - A good cry
and the best for last....
17 - Making my husband laugh - not just a chuckle or outright grin, but that knee-slapping, head-rolling, totally-caught-me-off-guard laugh which lasts a minute or two
What are some of your favorites?
Quote of the Day:
"Families are like fudge... mostly sweet with a few nuts."
~ Unknown
Monday, August 23, 2010
A Wedding Weekend of Wey
Apologies for not having written anything the last four days - I have quite a valid excuse! This past weekend instituted one of the happiest and joyous of weddings I have ever been a part of. One of my oldest, dearest and best of friends got married to one of my husband's childhood friends. (I was privileged to be the matron of honor, and my husband was a groomsman.) I don't remember ever emulating such intense JOY as I did yesterday at their exquisite wedding. Not only was it one of the most beautiful I have ever attended, but the happenstance that it was the two of THEM finally getting married made the jubilation that much more transcendent.
Yesterday (Monday), was grocery shopping day, which I successfully accomplished a second time, and this time, faster. Using up the rotisserie chicken from last week, I made chicken nachos, which were simply scrumptious. I put the chips and then the chicken (in broken up pieces, spread all over the chips), topped with cheese in the oven to warm/melt. Then I took them out and covered them with refried beans, fresh tomatoes, salsa, sour cream, and more shredded cheddar..... mmmmmm.
So, the cooking is going pretty well. :)
Today I'm working on laundry a bit - recovery from a big weekend always entails a heavy workload of laundry, especially Cillian's. His loads mainly consist of burp cloths nowadays.
I was just checking up on facebook and realizing that the school season has, once again, begun for many. I can't believe the summer is coming to a close. It really has flown by, but it has been wonderful in all aspects, aside from the unfortunate fact that I have not gone swimming ONCE this entire summer. (Hopefully soon to be remedied.) I sure miss swimming. I know this may sound weird, but I've been craving the opportunity to just jump in a pool and do a bunch of laps. I hope to get my chance before pools start closing for the season.
I'm really excited for fall. I'm usually ready for each coming change of season, and fall is my very favorite, so I'm extra ready for it to come. I love the crispness and spice in the scent of autumn. And also, my birthday is coming up, so that's something to really look forward to, especially since it will be my 21st, FINALLY!! Being the baby amongst one's friends is pretty trying on your patience when it comes to the year of 21. But my time is near, and I sure am ready for it!
So this is a bit of a random post - but mainly, a compilation of the weekend and what I'm looking forward to. I think I'll close with the Quote of the Day, and tend to Cillian, who has been very patient.
Another one of my favorites...I love the imagery painted for the mind's eye in this one.
"What a great variety of thoughts assail us all the time! Every passion attacks with its own thoughts. If the soul sees clearly, it cuts off the thoughts from afar. Even from their "smell" it realizes which passion is about to rise up and immediately prepares itself, posts sentries, sets up trenches, and gets ready to face the attack of that passion. So we need intense and constant attentiveness, as we have said - intense vigilance. There should be a guard and sentry within us, which observes the thoughts coming and going and check their identities, so that spies do not enter and cause a civil war within the soul. The eye of the soul needs to be very clear and strong in order to see the enemy from afar and take suitable measures."
~ Elder Ephraim of the Holy Mountain
Yesterday (Monday), was grocery shopping day, which I successfully accomplished a second time, and this time, faster. Using up the rotisserie chicken from last week, I made chicken nachos, which were simply scrumptious. I put the chips and then the chicken (in broken up pieces, spread all over the chips), topped with cheese in the oven to warm/melt. Then I took them out and covered them with refried beans, fresh tomatoes, salsa, sour cream, and more shredded cheddar..... mmmmmm.
So, the cooking is going pretty well. :)
Today I'm working on laundry a bit - recovery from a big weekend always entails a heavy workload of laundry, especially Cillian's. His loads mainly consist of burp cloths nowadays.
I was just checking up on facebook and realizing that the school season has, once again, begun for many. I can't believe the summer is coming to a close. It really has flown by, but it has been wonderful in all aspects, aside from the unfortunate fact that I have not gone swimming ONCE this entire summer. (Hopefully soon to be remedied.) I sure miss swimming. I know this may sound weird, but I've been craving the opportunity to just jump in a pool and do a bunch of laps. I hope to get my chance before pools start closing for the season.
I'm really excited for fall. I'm usually ready for each coming change of season, and fall is my very favorite, so I'm extra ready for it to come. I love the crispness and spice in the scent of autumn. And also, my birthday is coming up, so that's something to really look forward to, especially since it will be my 21st, FINALLY!! Being the baby amongst one's friends is pretty trying on your patience when it comes to the year of 21. But my time is near, and I sure am ready for it!
So this is a bit of a random post - but mainly, a compilation of the weekend and what I'm looking forward to. I think I'll close with the Quote of the Day, and tend to Cillian, who has been very patient.
Another one of my favorites...I love the imagery painted for the mind's eye in this one.
"What a great variety of thoughts assail us all the time! Every passion attacks with its own thoughts. If the soul sees clearly, it cuts off the thoughts from afar. Even from their "smell" it realizes which passion is about to rise up and immediately prepares itself, posts sentries, sets up trenches, and gets ready to face the attack of that passion. So we need intense and constant attentiveness, as we have said - intense vigilance. There should be a guard and sentry within us, which observes the thoughts coming and going and check their identities, so that spies do not enter and cause a civil war within the soul. The eye of the soul needs to be very clear and strong in order to see the enemy from afar and take suitable measures."
~ Elder Ephraim of the Holy Mountain
Thursday, August 19, 2010
Everybody Loves a Good Deal
This post is one in the nature of victory, because I, procrastinator that I am, have left a task to nearly the end of a deadline and miraculously crossed the finish line with flying colors. Huzzah!
I am honored to be in a wedding of two very dear friends this weekend (as is my husband) and needed to find white shoes for the occasion. I have left this to almost the last minute. But today I got out the door with Cillian and within an hour and a half, found the perfect pair for $7 at Payless, not to mention a strapless unmentionable at Kohl's for $8. I was a happy gal.
Today was a good day. I'm excited for Caleb to get home because we're making one of our favorite dinners - BLTs. And I've definitely missed him today. It'll be a nice evening. Maybe we'll go for a walk tonight.
I've got something random to add to this post - I'm going to start putting up a quote of the day. I absolutely love quotes. So I'm going to put one up for you each day: it might be something from a book, a quote from the saints or church fathers, from Scripture, something funny or even something from real life that someone has said. I hope they inspire you, or make you stop and think, or laugh, or all three!
And so, I will conclude this post with the very first Quote of the Day by one of my favorite Orthodox saints.
"The purer the heart is, the larger it is, and the more able it is to find room within it for a greater number of beloved ones; while the more sinful it is, the more contracted it becomes, and the less number of beloved can it find room for, because it is limited by self-love, and that love is a false one."
~ St. John of Kronstadt
I am honored to be in a wedding of two very dear friends this weekend (as is my husband) and needed to find white shoes for the occasion. I have left this to almost the last minute. But today I got out the door with Cillian and within an hour and a half, found the perfect pair for $7 at Payless, not to mention a strapless unmentionable at Kohl's for $8. I was a happy gal.
Today was a good day. I'm excited for Caleb to get home because we're making one of our favorite dinners - BLTs. And I've definitely missed him today. It'll be a nice evening. Maybe we'll go for a walk tonight.
I've got something random to add to this post - I'm going to start putting up a quote of the day. I absolutely love quotes. So I'm going to put one up for you each day: it might be something from a book, a quote from the saints or church fathers, from Scripture, something funny or even something from real life that someone has said. I hope they inspire you, or make you stop and think, or laugh, or all three!
And so, I will conclude this post with the very first Quote of the Day by one of my favorite Orthodox saints.
"The purer the heart is, the larger it is, and the more able it is to find room within it for a greater number of beloved ones; while the more sinful it is, the more contracted it becomes, and the less number of beloved can it find room for, because it is limited by self-love, and that love is a false one."
~ St. John of Kronstadt
Wednesday, August 18, 2010
Ten Weeks
Today Cillian is ten weeks old, and I can scarcely believe that much time has past already. His little personality is manifesting itself day by day with each new babble and smile and expression. I love this tiny creature so dearly. I love it when he's sleeping, but I love it so much more when he's awake with his sparkling little blue eyes open big and wide.
Ok, pause. In the midst of writing all that sweet stuff about said wee one, he commenced to fire off the most explosive of diapers I have EVER beheld. The newly christened "level ten" (usually it only goes up to level five) was out the diaper, up the back, and in the hair, warranting a full-blown, hose-down bath. Wow. I hope that doesn't become a regular thing.
Back to the sweet stuff. He really is the happiest little guy ever - he giggles and coos and talks all the time. I love seeing in his face that he recognizes me. Surely one of the most rewarding expressions in a baby's face is that of recognition. His round face lights up and he smiles this heart-melting, perfect smile. But he doesn't smile just once, he smiles over and over and over again or with one really long smile. I don't want to ever forget this. And I was just thinking as I was nursing him that I truly do feel the urgency to remember EVERYTHING. I can already feel the moments slipping by. The moments are so frequent that they become a way of life, but that should never jeopardize my taking the time to slow them down and memorize them, second by second. That's why, even though he's hardly three months old, I watch him every minute I can spare. He is my son, and I want to know him for as much of his life as I can.
Ok, pause. In the midst of writing all that sweet stuff about said wee one, he commenced to fire off the most explosive of diapers I have EVER beheld. The newly christened "level ten" (usually it only goes up to level five) was out the diaper, up the back, and in the hair, warranting a full-blown, hose-down bath. Wow. I hope that doesn't become a regular thing.
Back to the sweet stuff. He really is the happiest little guy ever - he giggles and coos and talks all the time. I love seeing in his face that he recognizes me. Surely one of the most rewarding expressions in a baby's face is that of recognition. His round face lights up and he smiles this heart-melting, perfect smile. But he doesn't smile just once, he smiles over and over and over again or with one really long smile. I don't want to ever forget this. And I was just thinking as I was nursing him that I truly do feel the urgency to remember EVERYTHING. I can already feel the moments slipping by. The moments are so frequent that they become a way of life, but that should never jeopardize my taking the time to slow them down and memorize them, second by second. That's why, even though he's hardly three months old, I watch him every minute I can spare. He is my son, and I want to know him for as much of his life as I can.
Monday, August 16, 2010
All By Myself
Since the beginning of our marriage, Caleb has been the head chef in our household, mainly because he loves cooking and is great at it and I have hardly any experience with it. However, all of this is about to change because I have felt (since we got married last year) that I was neglecting my wifely duty in cooking for my husband. The wonderful problem we have had is that Caleb, being the fantastic provider that he is, usually insists that it is completely fine with him that I sit back and let him cook for me. Now, don't get me wrong... I LOVE that he cooks and I couldn't be more grateful that it is a skill and avid interest of his.
But... I can't help but feel guilty and like a poor wife who doesn't cook. So, out of desperation to feel better about this predicament, I decided that in order for me to really learn how to cook, Caleb needed to step down and refuse to help me. So far, so good. I'm not banning Caleb entirely from the kitchen, but I wanted to cook at least a few meals a week for a start. I am going to need to learn good cooking skills, both out of necessity and the desire to stand on my own two feet (in the kitchen), especially as the years go on and we have a bigger family. Plus, Caleb's work hours are later now, which gets him home closer to 6 PM every evening instead of 4 or 5, and it just makes more sense for me not only to have dinner ready by the time he comes home, but to do the grocery shopping in my own time as well.
The grocery shopping happened yesterday at Meijer, and it went splendidly. Cillian was a pretty good sport, only fussing a bit until I fed him some of a bottle, propped up on a blanket while I steered the cart with one hand, grocery list and pen (for pricing) in the other. What was so grand about the experience was that I got to make ALL of the decisions. I had mapped out the menu for the week (also something new), and it was up to me to find the best deals on everything I could find. I got all the necessities and when I had finished, I was $7 under budget... I had realized toward the beginning of my shopping that some of my favorite smoothie fruit juice was 70 cents cheaper (this never happens - I check every time in the hopes that it's on sale, since, it being pretty expensive for juice, we never EVER have bought it in our entire married life together.) However, that was about to change. Caleb happened to call me at the perfect time - I was finding some non-food items right before checking out - and I told him how things were going so far and he gave me the go-ahead to purchase the juice since he knew I wanted it (and he enjoys it too). Huzzah!!! That certainly contributed to making my good day great.
So, with a sleeping babe and a full cart (well, half-full... we only shop a week's worth of groceries at a time), I drove home happier than ever. I am a REAL woman. I'm a REAL wife. I can grocery shop with a 2-month-old baby in tow and come out feeling competent!! It was an extraordinary feeling, let me tell you.
Caleb beat me home and came out as soon as I pulled in to help with everything. Then I started dinner and he fed Cillian the rest of his bottle. This also usually doesn't happen - most of the time, it's quite the opposite situation. Caleb puts away the groceries and starts dinner while I feed Cillian. But not this time. Thanks to the godsend of a breast pump (hence the bottles, hence my freedom, hence my making dinner,) I was able to be a real wife and COOK a decent dinner all by my little self. And it wasn't microwavable. Nor did I use the oven. I made some mashed potatoes with shredded sharp cheddar, salt, pepper, butter, and some milk, and flash fried some fresh green beans in olive oil, balsamic vinegar, salt, pepper, and a dash of parmesan cheese (soooo good), served with the rotisserie chicken I picked up. It was VERY tasty.
I know it may seem like I'm making a huge deal out of this - but it is a big deal. I definitely should have started doing the grocery shopping and meal planning and cooking from the very beginning, but Caleb had the head start on me, having lived on his own for several years before we were married, and I had hardly a year away from home to practice those skills. I count myself fortunate to have married such a good cook, and especially a guy who really, genuinely loves it. I figured it would be easy to catch on with Caleb's good example, but, funnily enough, he loves cooking so much that usually he ends up (quite unintentionally) taking over the kitchen when he cooks. So, the most I do when we cook together is rinse lettuce or chop veggies. These are all part of learning to cook, true enough, but I want to learn how to make real meals by myself. And yes, there is an unrealistic part of me that instantly wants to be as good of a cook as my mom, who has learned the tricks to good cooking over the past 30 years, so how can I have such an expectation of myself in 30 DAYS, let alone one year? Silly, I know. But I do want to learn because I know I can be good at it. I just have to learn to follow (and actually read) the directions, for starters. Should be pretty simple from there, right? Right.
And after last night's dinner brought to you by yours truly, I have high hopes for the rest of the week's dinners. On tonight's menu we have fettuccine chicken alfredo with mixed vegetables and thick, crusty Italian bread.
I'd better get crackin'. I'll let you know how it goes. Cheers.
But... I can't help but feel guilty and like a poor wife who doesn't cook. So, out of desperation to feel better about this predicament, I decided that in order for me to really learn how to cook, Caleb needed to step down and refuse to help me. So far, so good. I'm not banning Caleb entirely from the kitchen, but I wanted to cook at least a few meals a week for a start. I am going to need to learn good cooking skills, both out of necessity and the desire to stand on my own two feet (in the kitchen), especially as the years go on and we have a bigger family. Plus, Caleb's work hours are later now, which gets him home closer to 6 PM every evening instead of 4 or 5, and it just makes more sense for me not only to have dinner ready by the time he comes home, but to do the grocery shopping in my own time as well.
The grocery shopping happened yesterday at Meijer, and it went splendidly. Cillian was a pretty good sport, only fussing a bit until I fed him some of a bottle, propped up on a blanket while I steered the cart with one hand, grocery list and pen (for pricing) in the other. What was so grand about the experience was that I got to make ALL of the decisions. I had mapped out the menu for the week (also something new), and it was up to me to find the best deals on everything I could find. I got all the necessities and when I had finished, I was $7 under budget... I had realized toward the beginning of my shopping that some of my favorite smoothie fruit juice was 70 cents cheaper (this never happens - I check every time in the hopes that it's on sale, since, it being pretty expensive for juice, we never EVER have bought it in our entire married life together.) However, that was about to change. Caleb happened to call me at the perfect time - I was finding some non-food items right before checking out - and I told him how things were going so far and he gave me the go-ahead to purchase the juice since he knew I wanted it (and he enjoys it too). Huzzah!!! That certainly contributed to making my good day great.
So, with a sleeping babe and a full cart (well, half-full... we only shop a week's worth of groceries at a time), I drove home happier than ever. I am a REAL woman. I'm a REAL wife. I can grocery shop with a 2-month-old baby in tow and come out feeling competent!! It was an extraordinary feeling, let me tell you.
Caleb beat me home and came out as soon as I pulled in to help with everything. Then I started dinner and he fed Cillian the rest of his bottle. This also usually doesn't happen - most of the time, it's quite the opposite situation. Caleb puts away the groceries and starts dinner while I feed Cillian. But not this time. Thanks to the godsend of a breast pump (hence the bottles, hence my freedom, hence my making dinner,) I was able to be a real wife and COOK a decent dinner all by my little self. And it wasn't microwavable. Nor did I use the oven. I made some mashed potatoes with shredded sharp cheddar, salt, pepper, butter, and some milk, and flash fried some fresh green beans in olive oil, balsamic vinegar, salt, pepper, and a dash of parmesan cheese (soooo good), served with the rotisserie chicken I picked up. It was VERY tasty.
I know it may seem like I'm making a huge deal out of this - but it is a big deal. I definitely should have started doing the grocery shopping and meal planning and cooking from the very beginning, but Caleb had the head start on me, having lived on his own for several years before we were married, and I had hardly a year away from home to practice those skills. I count myself fortunate to have married such a good cook, and especially a guy who really, genuinely loves it. I figured it would be easy to catch on with Caleb's good example, but, funnily enough, he loves cooking so much that usually he ends up (quite unintentionally) taking over the kitchen when he cooks. So, the most I do when we cook together is rinse lettuce or chop veggies. These are all part of learning to cook, true enough, but I want to learn how to make real meals by myself. And yes, there is an unrealistic part of me that instantly wants to be as good of a cook as my mom, who has learned the tricks to good cooking over the past 30 years, so how can I have such an expectation of myself in 30 DAYS, let alone one year? Silly, I know. But I do want to learn because I know I can be good at it. I just have to learn to follow (and actually read) the directions, for starters. Should be pretty simple from there, right? Right.
And after last night's dinner brought to you by yours truly, I have high hopes for the rest of the week's dinners. On tonight's menu we have fettuccine chicken alfredo with mixed vegetables and thick, crusty Italian bread.
I'd better get crackin'. I'll let you know how it goes. Cheers.
Thursday, August 12, 2010
The Purpose
I've decided that having just one blog simply is not enough. I began Question for Character (my other blog) nearly two years ago and I have succeeded in being very irregular about posting on it - irregularity being an unfortunate tendency of mine. The main goal I wish to accomplish with this new blog is to write regularly - just something, anything, every day (or as often as I can manage) - and to keep things current. The purpose of this blog is for me to have a consistent outlet. Writing has always been my favorite way of expressing myself and "thinking outloud;" it was always among my favorite subjects in school, and certainly not a skill I wish to lose. So having this new blog also shares the purpose of keeping up the practice of writing.
As for the name... I decided on Acclimation Central since that is, in a nutshell, what my life is right now - a constant adjustment. As a new wife (tehnically, I really am still a little newlywed) and more recently, a new mother, life has been more topsy-turvy than I would like to admit, and for the sake of my husband and his highly tolerant sanity, I think having an additional outlet (hence this blog) for all my mental goings-on would be beneficial to figuring things out day by day without crashing from overload.
I also want to keep this blog as a document of what I do each day in the hopes of becoming more organized in life, more motivated and hard-working. I want to write about my sweet little son and what it means to be his mother. I want to write about my goals, and basically, my journey to becoming "back-to-normal" which essentially means physically and emotionally back in balance. Somehow, since I got married, I think I've gone through so many big changes that my mind hasn't had a chance to catch up. And it's leaving me a bit emotional and imbalanced (which is difficult to confess, as I've always thought one of my better qualities was being well-balanced.) So, to put it plainly, the fundamental purpose for this blog is for me to write about my life every day, my thoughts, and what I'm doing about them.
Welcome to my world. I am Natalie Christine Wilson. I am twenty years old, a wife, and a mother, the oldest of three married to the second-oldest of six. I have a fantastic husband, a wonderful family, and an excellent family-in-law.
I hope you enjoy reading my blog and that you will leave me any advice, comments, or questions you may have for me as you read. Enjoy!
Cheers,
Natalie
As for the name... I decided on Acclimation Central since that is, in a nutshell, what my life is right now - a constant adjustment. As a new wife (tehnically, I really am still a little newlywed) and more recently, a new mother, life has been more topsy-turvy than I would like to admit, and for the sake of my husband and his highly tolerant sanity, I think having an additional outlet (hence this blog) for all my mental goings-on would be beneficial to figuring things out day by day without crashing from overload.
I also want to keep this blog as a document of what I do each day in the hopes of becoming more organized in life, more motivated and hard-working. I want to write about my sweet little son and what it means to be his mother. I want to write about my goals, and basically, my journey to becoming "back-to-normal" which essentially means physically and emotionally back in balance. Somehow, since I got married, I think I've gone through so many big changes that my mind hasn't had a chance to catch up. And it's leaving me a bit emotional and imbalanced (which is difficult to confess, as I've always thought one of my better qualities was being well-balanced.) So, to put it plainly, the fundamental purpose for this blog is for me to write about my life every day, my thoughts, and what I'm doing about them.
Welcome to my world. I am Natalie Christine Wilson. I am twenty years old, a wife, and a mother, the oldest of three married to the second-oldest of six. I have a fantastic husband, a wonderful family, and an excellent family-in-law.
I hope you enjoy reading my blog and that you will leave me any advice, comments, or questions you may have for me as you read. Enjoy!
Cheers,
Natalie
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