Day 21
It's been a wonderful journey.
I ask myself why I didn't take this journey 6 months ago?
I was skeptical, I didn't believe it would work for me. Even as I watched a close friend drop inches and weight. As I read her facebook statuses shouting to the world how great she was feeling. I had done a shake based program before, and it didn't work. Seriously shakes?
It took my health and energy taking a nose dive to get my attention. I had increased my activity in the summer, but was gaining weight instead of loosing weight. I was tired of depending on advil to help with my headaches, and cold medication for my sinus pressure.
Then in my newsfeed came the one minute challenge invite. I read it and entered. I took the 60 seconds to make a change in my life.
I thought I was being healthy until I realized how much I snacked during the day. I also noticed the importance of having healthy snacks between meals, then you are not starving at lunch or dinner. I would be so hungry at lunch that often I would stop and eat a bunch of fries and a burger, or I would get home at lunch and eat anything that was sweet while I made my son a very healthy lunch of fruit and veggies and grilled chicken. I never drank pop, but I drank coffee (way too much) and wine. I always drank water, but in the past months I had cut back on that too.
Today I am grateful I took the plunge. I am wearing clothes I haven't worn comfortably in 6 years. I don't need the stretch in the fabric anymore. I haven't had an advil in 22 days, trust me that is amazing for me.
Best of all we are changing as a family. Dinner is healthier as I am cooking more from scratch, buying fresher meats and planning ahead for meals. My kids have been making healthier choices at meals.
I still have a ways to go in this challenge, 39 days. My next goal is to add some weight training into my yoga and swimming, getting to the gym for 4 times a week instead of 2 or 3 times a week.
My journey isn't perfect, but it's my journey, and I am doing this for me.
Disney Dream
Thursday, September 26, 2013
Thursday, September 19, 2013
Day 14
I am participating in the one minute makeover challenge. Our group is small but mighty and very supportive. Our goal is to focus on Today, making our body's healthy and doing it together. The one minute in our challenge was to take a minute and decide to change your life for 60 days.
So 14 days ago, I gave up all alcohol, coffee, sweets and fried foods. I have increased my water intake, I have thought about what I am eating and why. I don't eat after 8pm and I added Isagenix into my life. I make sure to have a snack in the morning and afternoon, usually an apple, pear, banana or cucumber.
So far I am down 9.5 lbs and 20 inches. My friends are noticing and are telling me how less puffy I look. My goal was to loose 10 pounds in 60 days, so you can see I am already really close, so I may have to adjust this.
Over all I am feeling better.
My positive changes in my diet are also helping my children. We always did have plenty of fruit and veggies with our meals, but the main part of the meal wasn't always the best choice. I have taken the time to make things from scratch rather than making it from a box. Of course it tastes way better and in reality it doesn't take any longer to make either.
It does take a lot of will power, I do admit that, and I haven't been perfect (I did have a deep fried apple pie the other day, which sat horribly in my tummy afterward).
So 14 days ago, I gave up all alcohol, coffee, sweets and fried foods. I have increased my water intake, I have thought about what I am eating and why. I don't eat after 8pm and I added Isagenix into my life. I make sure to have a snack in the morning and afternoon, usually an apple, pear, banana or cucumber.
So far I am down 9.5 lbs and 20 inches. My friends are noticing and are telling me how less puffy I look. My goal was to loose 10 pounds in 60 days, so you can see I am already really close, so I may have to adjust this.
Over all I am feeling better.
My positive changes in my diet are also helping my children. We always did have plenty of fruit and veggies with our meals, but the main part of the meal wasn't always the best choice. I have taken the time to make things from scratch rather than making it from a box. Of course it tastes way better and in reality it doesn't take any longer to make either.
It does take a lot of will power, I do admit that, and I haven't been perfect (I did have a deep fried apple pie the other day, which sat horribly in my tummy afterward).
Wednesday, September 18, 2013
My children and learning
They say a lot has changed since I was a student in school. But has it really.
I have 2 very smart and Intelligent girls. They both love school are very social and very sweet. Yet they do not excel in school.
When I was a child, my mom focused on my grades (which went up and down). I was very good at math (which is strange as now it is my one weakness), but common comments on my report cards were.....
She needs to pay more attention in class
She needs to take more care in her work
She needs to be more organized
She is very capable but doesn't apply herself
Today I would say people who now me could not believe any of this. They find me organized, great at time management, and I pay great attention to detail. Though now I am doing things I enjoy.
My children get some of the same comments. The difference is my one daughter has Tourettes, severe anxiety and ADHD, the other is dyslexic and has a processing issue. So they both have IEP's. Their journey to get these was difficult, but I will save that for another day.
Even with these IEP's my girls float at the bottom of the class, but not far enough for them to be supported by the school (You have to be grade levels below to have them notice).
My children are fortunate to have supportive parents. We don't stress about marks, in fact my kids have no idea what their marks are. We celebrate accomplishments. My 10 year old memorized her first poem in French. It took us 5 days and many hours but she did it. They share with us what excites them in school while learning. My 10 year old LOVES LOVES math, always has and always has just gotten it. My 11 year old likes science, she finds some things very fascinating. Both are strong in the arts. My 11 year old has trouble writing, but she can draw with amazing skill and sing. My 10 year old loves the arts too. They both have amazing memories too.
So why are these two students not at least sitting at grade level in class? The answer is really complicated, but a factor is the way students are taught and marked.
My 10 year old has her presentation of her poem today. She has it memorized and is ready to recite it, however there are other bits of criteria that will lower her mark. Every word she mispronounces or skips her mark will drop, she is suppose to have gestures with the poem, something we didn't have time to add as the memorizing and working on pronunciations was our priority. Then there is the eye contact with the audience, which she will do fine in parts, but her processing speeds of her brain, she looks up when she is working on pulling the information out. In my world she has already succeeded. She for the first time in her life was able to memorize something in French. We will celebrate here, and I can only hope she still doesn't understand the numbers 1 to 4 marking system when it comes out. Even with her IEP and her dyslexia she will be marked the same as the child who can read the words to memorize them, where we had to say them to her first and then she could read them.
Every year I talk to the teachers, trying to find ways my girls can work better in classes and try to find things that help them technology wise. Every year we get the answer yes we will look into it and still we have nothing.
There is just something wrong with the system when you have parents who are willing to get the resources, yet nothing is suggested.
There are great teachers out there, wonderful, kind caring teachers. I don't believe they are the issue. I don't know what the solution is, I just know that nothing has really changed except they no longer have time to teach how to print or write (but that again is again another blog)
I have 2 very smart and Intelligent girls. They both love school are very social and very sweet. Yet they do not excel in school.
When I was a child, my mom focused on my grades (which went up and down). I was very good at math (which is strange as now it is my one weakness), but common comments on my report cards were.....
She needs to pay more attention in class
She needs to take more care in her work
She needs to be more organized
She is very capable but doesn't apply herself
Today I would say people who now me could not believe any of this. They find me organized, great at time management, and I pay great attention to detail. Though now I am doing things I enjoy.
My children get some of the same comments. The difference is my one daughter has Tourettes, severe anxiety and ADHD, the other is dyslexic and has a processing issue. So they both have IEP's. Their journey to get these was difficult, but I will save that for another day.
Even with these IEP's my girls float at the bottom of the class, but not far enough for them to be supported by the school (You have to be grade levels below to have them notice).
My children are fortunate to have supportive parents. We don't stress about marks, in fact my kids have no idea what their marks are. We celebrate accomplishments. My 10 year old memorized her first poem in French. It took us 5 days and many hours but she did it. They share with us what excites them in school while learning. My 10 year old LOVES LOVES math, always has and always has just gotten it. My 11 year old likes science, she finds some things very fascinating. Both are strong in the arts. My 11 year old has trouble writing, but she can draw with amazing skill and sing. My 10 year old loves the arts too. They both have amazing memories too.
So why are these two students not at least sitting at grade level in class? The answer is really complicated, but a factor is the way students are taught and marked.
My 10 year old has her presentation of her poem today. She has it memorized and is ready to recite it, however there are other bits of criteria that will lower her mark. Every word she mispronounces or skips her mark will drop, she is suppose to have gestures with the poem, something we didn't have time to add as the memorizing and working on pronunciations was our priority. Then there is the eye contact with the audience, which she will do fine in parts, but her processing speeds of her brain, she looks up when she is working on pulling the information out. In my world she has already succeeded. She for the first time in her life was able to memorize something in French. We will celebrate here, and I can only hope she still doesn't understand the numbers 1 to 4 marking system when it comes out. Even with her IEP and her dyslexia she will be marked the same as the child who can read the words to memorize them, where we had to say them to her first and then she could read them.
Every year I talk to the teachers, trying to find ways my girls can work better in classes and try to find things that help them technology wise. Every year we get the answer yes we will look into it and still we have nothing.
There is just something wrong with the system when you have parents who are willing to get the resources, yet nothing is suggested.
There are great teachers out there, wonderful, kind caring teachers. I don't believe they are the issue. I don't know what the solution is, I just know that nothing has really changed except they no longer have time to teach how to print or write (but that again is again another blog)
Saturday, September 7, 2013
Day 2 ...
So far so good.
I was so excited I started right away. Before photos and measurements are all done.
Last night I snuck some bread just before bed (I can't be perfect).
Today was good, but I did miss lunch (oops).
I was excited to hear another friend is starting on Monday, so we can share notes and encouragement.
Keep on swimming..... :)
I was so excited I started right away. Before photos and measurements are all done.
Last night I snuck some bread just before bed (I can't be perfect).
Today was good, but I did miss lunch (oops).
I was excited to hear another friend is starting on Monday, so we can share notes and encouragement.
Keep on swimming..... :)
Friday, September 6, 2013
A new Journey
So I turned 43 this week.
4 kids, a husband and a house are my full time job. Somewhere along the way I forgot about me. (even as I write this my 3 year old is asking me to give him pieces of tape - which I am doing every 3 words). I somehow forgot to take care of me.
Last month I went back to swimming, something I did in my teens and early 20's, somewhere along the line I just stopped and never went back. I forgot how happy I was in the pool and for I don't feel awkward like I do in a fitness class. I still have strong strokes, even though my endurance isn't anywhere where it use to be. It is exactly what I needed.
So today I am starting a 60 journey a one minute makeover challenge. http://events.r20.constantcontact.com/register/event?oeidk=a07e7ztuwikf8609df8&llr=4x5qrzcab
My goal is to loose 10 pounds, be healthier and have more energy. Now is a great time to start for me as all the routines for the year start now, so if I can start it, it will become another routine.
I am going to use this blog to keep track of my journey. If I inspire one person to take that leap and remember to take care of themselves I have succeeded.
I am off and running (well not running because I hate running lol)........
4 kids, a husband and a house are my full time job. Somewhere along the way I forgot about me. (even as I write this my 3 year old is asking me to give him pieces of tape - which I am doing every 3 words). I somehow forgot to take care of me.
Last month I went back to swimming, something I did in my teens and early 20's, somewhere along the line I just stopped and never went back. I forgot how happy I was in the pool and for I don't feel awkward like I do in a fitness class. I still have strong strokes, even though my endurance isn't anywhere where it use to be. It is exactly what I needed.
So today I am starting a 60 journey a one minute makeover challenge. http://events.r20.constantcontact.com/register/event?oeidk=a07e7ztuwikf8609df8&llr=4x5qrzcab
My goal is to loose 10 pounds, be healthier and have more energy. Now is a great time to start for me as all the routines for the year start now, so if I can start it, it will become another routine.
I am going to use this blog to keep track of my journey. If I inspire one person to take that leap and remember to take care of themselves I have succeeded.
I am off and running (well not running because I hate running lol)........
Tuesday, August 27, 2013
Computer CRASH!!!! I cried
This has been an interesting few days.
Friday afternoon I was on facebook (something I spend way too much time on). Suddenly everything froze, ctrl alt delete wouldn't help either. So I did a hard turn off.
What I didn't expect that the problem was Windows and it had crashed, it would not start back up.
I knew my computer was on it's last days, I had backed up everything in January when my battery decided it no longer held a charge. I dealt with my cursor jumping around the page for no reason, mid typing. However I was not prepared for it to crash totally.
Since January the company that sold my photo program where all my photos were backed up from, has gone bankrupt and you can no longer get the program - which I downloaded online and didn't have a hard copy and it is licenced for only one computer)
So here I sat crying. 10 000 photos and videos on my hard drive, some backed up to a program I could no longer get. AHHH
So I sat and ran the windows fix....
The first time it shut itself off totally, the second run (3 hours long) still didn't work, the third (another 3 hours) boom start up screen. I cheered.
So Saturday I spent the day, moving the photos to my external hard drive (of course the way the program stored them in directories is in no pattern I can figure out) and then putting the ones I haven't printed yet to usb keys in folders of the months.
Now I am computer shopping.....
Friday afternoon I was on facebook (something I spend way too much time on). Suddenly everything froze, ctrl alt delete wouldn't help either. So I did a hard turn off.
What I didn't expect that the problem was Windows and it had crashed, it would not start back up.
I knew my computer was on it's last days, I had backed up everything in January when my battery decided it no longer held a charge. I dealt with my cursor jumping around the page for no reason, mid typing. However I was not prepared for it to crash totally.
Since January the company that sold my photo program where all my photos were backed up from, has gone bankrupt and you can no longer get the program - which I downloaded online and didn't have a hard copy and it is licenced for only one computer)
So here I sat crying. 10 000 photos and videos on my hard drive, some backed up to a program I could no longer get. AHHH
So I sat and ran the windows fix....
The first time it shut itself off totally, the second run (3 hours long) still didn't work, the third (another 3 hours) boom start up screen. I cheered.
So Saturday I spent the day, moving the photos to my external hard drive (of course the way the program stored them in directories is in no pattern I can figure out) and then putting the ones I haven't printed yet to usb keys in folders of the months.
Now I am computer shopping.....
Tuesday, August 20, 2013
Summer's ending
TWO WEEKS!!
Yes two weeks from today school is back.
I will be happy, but also sad.
Happy because routine will be back in our lives, sad because that means my children are getting yet another year older and it will be my sons last year before he starts school.
The anxiety of a new school year has increased in our house and I expect that next week will bring even more.
September 3rd will come, school will start, I will pace all day hoping that first day of grade 7 and grade 5 will be successful.
September 4th I will hit the ground running as activities start up again.
Summer is a wonderful time, but it will be nice to have routine again.
Yes two weeks from today school is back.
I will be happy, but also sad.
Happy because routine will be back in our lives, sad because that means my children are getting yet another year older and it will be my sons last year before he starts school.
The anxiety of a new school year has increased in our house and I expect that next week will bring even more.
September 3rd will come, school will start, I will pace all day hoping that first day of grade 7 and grade 5 will be successful.
September 4th I will hit the ground running as activities start up again.
Summer is a wonderful time, but it will be nice to have routine again.
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