Just thoughts

I haven't done my personal blog in a long time, so I thought I would update it with some things that's been on my mind (since V is asleep early).

I had a nice time at our family potluck and getting together just because is something I hope to do more of in the future - maybe we can make it an annual event?  I'm not sure yet.  But what I am sure of is that it is nice to have people in our lives who accept us (even if we don't always agree) for who we are.  Who know our past, and the present and hopefully love us anyway (warts and all as my cousin, Damian once said).  We don't have to worry or feel awkward because that is hopefully what families do (and sometimes family is not always blood related).  It is a good thing to have people who know us (I mean REALLY know us) and still claim us and want to be around us anyway. :)

I have made many mistakes in my life (and I'm sure I'll make more), but I am trying to do better and be better.  Even though God knows I fall short.  I have just been thinking about it and how when we love someone, we should really love them, appreciate them and respect them.  There is so much tragedy and scariness in the world, that to appreciate others and know that life can change in an instant helps to keep one grounded and priorities in the right place. 

Well, that's it for this time.  I hope those on the East Coast get thru Hurricane Sandy okay.  Good night.





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Summer Vacations

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Well, summer is in the air and I am itching to take some vacation time away, especially after our little two-night stay at Knott's Berry Farm.  We took V to Camp Snoopy and it was so much fun.  Disneyland is planned for next year.  With that, we enjoyed a staycation at our pool one day last week, which was nice.  I do, however, miss the beach and a real vacation.  So I am hoping to schedule a few days at the beach in the next month or so.  How the ocean relaxes me is amazing, and I want V to experience sitting on the beach and playing in the sand.  I just have to save some money aside to pay for the room.  I do love summer and it is one of my favorite seasons. 

I am back on an improved eating plan, recommended by my doctor, and have actually lost a few pounds.  I am hopeful I can lose several more.  Some of the pictures from Knott's were not good, especially one from the back - Yikes!!!  I'll keep everyone posted on if I can stick with it. 

Well, gotta run for now.  I hope everyone is having a fun and great summer.  Looking back it seems like summer has some of my best and favorite memories during my life, especially with no school.  Stay cool - it is hot out there!

2012 Resolutions and 2011 Recap

These are not in any particular order and most are similar or the same as last year's, but there are a couple changes.

My 2012 Resolutions

1. Continue writing freelance articles and blogs for extra money. 
2. Exercise 4 times a week.
3. Continue outside hobbies including reading, recipes, crosswords, etc., and make time for them - even if it is only an hour a week.
4. Get and keep scrapbooking caught up - this is tough with so many cute pics!
5. Continue time for family and friends - schedule it on my planner if needed!
6. Continue taking better care of my skin.
7. Save up money to get the fence repainted.
8. Finish paying off credit cards.
9. Be a flexitarian - eat fish at least once a week and go meatless once a week!
10. Get body fat below 30%
11. Read at least 10 books and keep record of them
12. Continue Cairo's socialization once a week
13. Continue donating time/money to charities - donate time or money at least once a month!
14. Continue outtings with Case - go some place on our Trip List at least quarterly
15. Read to Vivian at least 3 times a week
16. Decrease my daily to-do list
17. Be present in my activities and what I am doing right now - Be balanced in all endeavors.
18. Do a 10k - at least one.
19. Take Vivian to swimming lessons and possibly gymnastics
20. Try to be the best mom I can be - Yes, this is the REAL number one on my list!
21. Continue walking Cairo for exercise
22. Be more patient and forgiving, especially with my husband.
23. Work on my spiritual needs and goals, continue to pray, study and learn.
24. Plant a small garden in the spring for fresh veggies.
25. Start using my Rosetta Stone to learn some Spanish, and continue to learn some more Sign Language words.  
26. Get my pile of old magazines caught up and cleared out  

My 2011 Goals were:

1. Continue not biting my nails - DONE
2. Get a part-time online teaching position - Well, I am taking a page from Oprah and although I may not have a "teacher" status I am still hopefully using my skills to inform and educate with online articles and blogs - plus the freelance thing is more flexible for V. and gives me a creative outlet. So I am good with that. ;)  - DONE - sort of
3. Exercise 3-4 times a week - I did ??????????
4. Continue outside hobbies including reading, recipes, crosswords, etc., - I did okay overall I think - DONE
5. Get and keep scrapbooking caught up - Mostly DONE. I made HUGE strides.  It is CAUGHT UP through part of 2011 which are mostly pictures of V!  I had a bunch of old pictures so I am getting VERY close.
6. Continue time for family and friends - schedule it on my planner if needed! - Hopefully DONE, but a work in progress!
7. Continue taking better care of my skin. - YES, just about every night!
8. Finish paying off credit cards - OVER half DONE!
9. Eat healthier - eat fish at least once a week and decrease meat. - I did ???????????? 
10. Get body fat below 30% - Nope - still working on it. :(
11. Read at least 10 books and keep record of them - I did ?????????????????
12. Continue Cairo's socialization once a week - I did ????????????
13. Continue donating time/money to charities - donate time or money at least once a month! DONE - My list is: ?????????
14. Continue outtings with Case - go some place on our Trip List at least quarterly - I did ???????
15. Read to Vivian at least 3 times a week - I did ?????????
16. Decrease my daily to-do list. I bought a smaller planner last year so that helps - Still in progress, but overall BETTER!
17. Don't be a slave to the above list. Use it as a guide. Be present in the task and day - Be balanced in all endeavors. - IN PROGRESS. :)
18. Complete a 1/2 marathon - No, but we did a 10k in October. I've decided I'm okay with a 10k for now. 
19. Take Vivian to sign language and possibly swimming lessons - Half DONE - Sign language classes were in November.  Swimming will be next summer.
20. Try to be the best mom I can be - ALWAYS IN PROGRESS ;)
21. Continue walking the pugs regularly and keep Tokyo in shape.  DONE - Tokyo was down to a svelte 27 pounds before he passed away.  His peak was 36 pounds - so he was lighter and leaner. I miss my big boy.
22. Be more patient, especially with my husband - continued from 2010 - Hopefully better, but ask my husband. ;)
23. Buy Rosetta Stone to work on Spanish.  - DONE
24. Plant a small garden in the spring - DONE - okay it wasn't really a garden, but I bought some tomato plants and grew my own tomatoes.  My first ever attempt to grow my food, so I figure it counts.

Okay.  There it is.  My goals looking forward and back.  One thing I will say about 2011 is that it was a very difficult year in some ways.  There was much loss and many people (and a sweet pug) will be missed.  It is a reminder to value every day because we don't know what tomorrow or next year will bring us. 




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The Halfway Point of 2012

So, that was a fast six months!

I decided to review my resolutions to see where I am at.  I have also been thinking of ones to modify and/or change for next year.  I won't give them away just yet, you will have to wait. ;)

Anyways, my exercise goals have changed somewhat.  My target is still 4 times a week.  So far I've only gotten in an average of 3 times a week.  My weight has also gone up (thanks to prednisone), so that needs improvement. So I'm only hitting 75% of my goal. :(

I wanted to read to V at least three times a week, and we average a little over that, but I want to do even better the rest of this year. 

Surprisingly, my socialization with Cairo has been pretty good.  She averages over once a week of meeting people/strangers. She still barks though, but is a little better.

I am only short one week of missing fish in my diet - come on brain food! With that my average vegetarian meals are actually closer to target than I thought!  I've only missed four weeks out of 26, so that's not as bad as I thought.  Can't go vegan though - sorry.

As for writing every week, some weeks are better than others.  The pay structure for my freelance articles and blogging has changed dramatically (I hate both now).  So I am a little discouraged.  However, I've only missed two weeks of no writing if you average them out - which I do. 

It was interesting to note, that weeks I was stronger in some areas such as reading to V or exercise, my other goals/activities suffered.  Guess I can't focus on everything all at once. I didn't go thru and comment on ALL of them, just mostly the ones that I try to review on a weekly basis. 

Good night everyone. 

an update

So I haven't updated my personal blog in quite some time, so I thought I'd take a moment to update things in my life.  Now, some people will already know most of these things, but just in case...

We had our 10-year anniversary this month.  Wow that went fast! 

V is growing like a weed and starts her gynmastics class soon.  I am very excited and happy for her to start and I think she will love it.

As for me, I've had to fine tune some of my 2012 resolutions.  For example, I decided that updating my blog or doing a freelance article once a week is fine - I don't need to do both.  If I get time for both, good.  If not, that's okay too.

Also, I've been walking less, BUT I have a NEW strategy that I read in a parenting magazine.  Since long morning walks are a bit of a time suck, especially with an impatient and active toddler, I am now more focused on 10-15 minute workout DVD's that I can do while she eats, sleeps or watches her little shows.  My goal is to hit all the major muscles (especially the abs lately) and try to tone up.  I am still walking some (we did a 5K just this morning), but I think for now this is a better option for me.  Plus, I don't like to spend a long time working out.  I don't have the patience or mind set for that.

My other goals are still in progress for now.  Some I will make, some maybe not.

But in general, things are good.  I've had many other people on my mind lately (and for their personal and privacy reasons I can't go into detail).  However, I try to give much thought to others in the world who may be going to difficulties or suffering, even people I don't know. Every day is a gift and even on a bad day, I try to focus on what is most important. 

So if you are reading this, I hope you are well and find your own little peace of mind. 

With that, I will try to write/update my blog a little sooner next time.



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2012 New Year's Resolutions

These are not in any particular order and most are similar or the same as last year's, but there are a couple changes/revisions:

My 2012 Resolutions

1. Continue writing freelance articles and blogs for extra money – Update blogs & articles once a week. 
2. Exercise 4 times a week with a core/upper body workout twice a week
3. Continue outside hobbies including reading, recipes, crosswords, etc., and make time for them - even if it is only an hour a week.
4. Get and keep scrapbooking caught up - this is tough with so many cute pics!
5. Continue time for family and friends - schedule it on my planner if needed!
6. Continue taking better care of my skin, including washing and moisturizing my face at night.
7. Save up money to get the fence repainted and pool cover replaced.
8.  Finish paying off credit cards.
9.  Be a flexitarian - eat fish at least once a week and do Meatless Monday meal once a week!
10.  Get body fat below 30% - it’s 37.5% as of 1/1/12
11.  Read at least 10 books and keep record of them
12.  Continue Cairo's socialization once a week
13.  Continue donating time/money to charities - donate time or money at least once a month
14.  Continue trips and outings with Case - go some place on our Trip List at least quarterly!
15.  Read to Vivian at least 3 times a week
16.  Decrease my daily to-do list
17.  Be present in my activities and what I am doing right now - Be balanced in all endeavors.
18.  Do a 10k - at least one!
19.  Take Vivian to swimming lessons and possibly gymnastics
20.  Try to be the best mom I can be - Yes, this is the REAL number one on my list!
21.  Continue walking Cairo regularly which sometimes coincides with regular exercise. J
22.  Be more patient and forgiving, especially with my husband.
23.  Work on my spiritual needs and goals, continue to pray and study at least once a week!
24.  Plant a small garden in the spring for fresh veggies.
25.  Start using my Rosetta Stone to learn some Spanish, and continue to learn some more Sign Language  words. 
26.  Get my pile of old magazines caught up and cleared out before Case starts a bonfire with them. 

My 2011 Goals were:

1. Continue not biting my nails - DONE
2. Get a part-time online teaching position - Well, I am taking a page from Oprah and although I may not have a "teacher" status I am still hopefully using my skills to inform and educate with online articles and blogs - plus the freelance thing is more flexible for V. and gives me a creative outlet. So I am good with that. ;)  - DONE - sort of
3. Exercise 3-4 times a week - I did 3.5!
4. Continue outside hobbies including reading, recipes, crosswords, etc., - I did okay overall I think - DONE
5. Get and keep scrapbooking caught up - Mostly DONE. I made HUGE strides.  It is CAUGHT UP through part of 2011 which are mostly pictures of V!  I had a bunch of old pictures so I am getting VERY close.
6. Continue time for family and friends - schedule it on my planner if needed! - Hopefully DONE, but a work in progress!
7. Continue taking better care of my skin. - YES, just about every night!
8. Finish paying off credit cards - OVER half DONE!
9. Eat healthier - eat fish at least once a week and decrease meat. - I did fish once every three weeks – not good.
10. Get body fat below 30% - Nope - still working on it. :(
11. Read at least 10 books and keep record of them - I did 13!!!!
12. Continue Cairo's socialization once a week - I did 92% - Not bad!
13. Continue donating time/money to charities - donate time or money at least once a month! DONE – I donated at least once a month to charities such as the ASPCA, CCFA, Best Friends Animal Shelter, Kiva, and YAPS.   Total donated was over $1000 this year and we spent time doing a several walks including a 5k and a 10k. J
14. Continue outtings with Case - go some place on our Trip List at least quarterly - I did 3 out of 4 quarters.  Next year will be better. 
15. Read to Vivian at least 3 times a week – We averaged 2.5 times a week. I can do better. 
16. Decrease my daily to-do list. I bought a smaller planner last year so that helps - Still in progress, but overall BETTER!
17. Don't be a slave to the above list. Use it as a guide. Be present in the task and day - Be balanced in all endeavors. - IN PROGRESS. :)
18. Complete a 1/2 marathon - No, but we did a 10k in October. I've decided I'm okay with a 10k for now. 
19. Take Vivian to sign language and possibly swimming lessons - Half DONE - Sign language classes were in November.  Swimming will be next summer.
20. Try to be the best mom I can be - ALWAYS IN PROGRESS ;)
21. Continue walking the pugs regularly and keep Tokyo in shape.  DONE - Tokyo was down to a svelte 27 pounds before he passed away.  His peak was 36 pounds - so he was lighter and leaner. I miss my big boy.
22. Be more patient, especially with my husband - continued from 2010 - Hopefully better, but ask my husband. ;)
23. Buy Rosetta Stone to work on Spanish.  - DONE
24. Plant a small garden in the spring - DONE - okay it wasn't really a garden, but I bought some tomato plants and grew my own tomatoes.  My first ever attempt to grow my food, so I figure it counts.  

Okay.  There it is.  My goals looking forward and back.  One thing I will say about 2011 is that it was a very difficult year in some ways.  There was much loss and many people (and a sweet pug) will be missed.  It is a reminder to value every day because we don't know what tomorrow or next year will bring us.