Today My Name Is...Ketchup

So much to catch up on...so far behind.

 

What did the Mommy tomato say to the baby tomato?....Ketchup Which is pretty much how this post will go.

Well shitty news...I've failed my Weight Watchers challenge this month. :( Perhaps taking on one too many challenges was setting myself up for this, perhaps as the reality of lacrosse consuming time and my mind swept up in where my friend could be took it's toll on my blog. Whatever the case...I'm updating now and will continue and will face, complete and see success in upcoming challenges! I promise!

So my last day was #9 so I will go from there and this update will be a long updated list. Literally!

30 Day List Challenge:

#10- On My Wishlist
-new tile floor or laminate or lino...don't really care just new main flooring to ditch the horrible lino!
-to win the lotto, doesn't have to be huge even
-to get the flowerbeds dug and planted!
-New TFal slicer
-will power ;)
-new vacuum power head
-vacation for my hubby and I... (ONLY US!)

#11- Date Night Ideas
-Dinner and a movie
-Bowling
-Runaway to Banff for a night
-Evening out to a pub with or without friends
-Wine tasting
-Romantic dinner somewhere special
-Just dessert...just the two of us
***I have just realized our lack of dates and us time has left me date night clueless!***

#12- Weekly Rituals
-Saturday- I plan meals for the week(s) ahead
-Sunday, house cleaning, groceries, clean Viggos cage, yell at kids to finish homework ;)
-Monday, meal plan morning for night ahead, get barrings, list Must Do's for week
-Tuesday, plan early dinner for horseback hack, figure out lacrosse for the week rides and juggling
-Wednesday, laundry, midweek chores, evening running errands
-Thursday, plan early dinner for riding lessons, lacrosse...bills and budgeting!
-Friday, list of weekend to do's. Early dinner for dance Friday's. Get supplies for weekend to do's, and stop at store for wine or beer...well deserved by Friday haha
-Saturday...Meal plan and do the huge To Do list lol

#13- DIY's I want to try
-Valance for Living room on main floor
-tire & sisal ottoman
-Laundry counter
-black pipe console table for foyer
-farmhouse style kitchen table
-peacock painted stemless wine glasses
-potholder flat iron holder (for me and the girls for travel and storage)
-beer bottle candles for deck and camping
-make sand dollar picture for bathroom with sand dollars from Vancouver Island
-life rocks (rocks with friends notes or special sayings) in a glass vase
-branch tree to hang necklaces (make for girls)

#14- Things I Love About....My Family
-They are always there for me and one another
-we share strength and motivate one another
-best friends
-all work for greater good for one another
-happy to all hang out together, watch movies, do crafts, visit, games, read or whatever
-we all love to do adventurous things like the tower drop in Revelstoke
-we love nature and camping
-all passionate about animals
-try to do something every year that benefits others, donating time, clothes, household, money, time...
-love being active
-love cooking, baking and dining
-we all love to travel and that's met with few to no complaints during travel
-hard working be it work, home or school
-we all love one another to infinity & beyond

#15 - On my shopping list
-white vinegar
-butter unsalted
-mixed nuts
-almond milk
-milk
-eggs
-cheese
-broccoli
-dish soap
-toilet paper
**the list to date**

#16- Places to See in Calgary
-Calgary Tower
-Eau Claire Market
-Devonian Gardens
-Stephan Avenue
-Many Parks Elbow Park, Glenmore Park, Nose Hill, Stanley Park, Confederation Park...
-Heritage Park
-Fish Creek Park
-Zoo
-Peace Bridge
-Kensington

#17- Words that are Hard to Spell
-Conscious
-Nauseous
-Acknowledgement
-Conscientious
-Calendar
-Convenient

#18- Road Trip Must Haves
-Toilet paper or kleenex
-good tunes!
-munchies
-water/juice

#19- Recipes I want to try
-Tropical Cucumber Salad
-Cilantro Chili Chicken
-Quick Quinoa & Turkey Taco Stew
-Green Mac & Cheese
-Crock Pot Mexican Stuffed Bell Peppers
-Blackened Chicken and Mango Salad with Creamy Avocado dressing

#20- Celebrity Crushes
-JOHN FRUSCIANTE
-Tatum Channing
-Johnny Depp
-Tom Hardy
-Curtis Stone
-Barry Pepper
-Peter Facinelli
-Gary Oldman
-Everlast
-Carey Hart
-Travis Barker
Mad Child
-Gerard Butler

#21- Things to do this Spring
-YARD WORK! Get gardening!
-Camp

#22- Today I saw
-Rain on the windows
-wind through the trees
-my girls work together to find a resolution to a problem
-my youngest eating spinach salad with strawberry and mango without complaint or a word!
-chores done without being asked

30 Day Marriage Challenge

#10- Today's focus kindness - always something I try to focus on in life
#11- Tell him, "I'm so glad I married you." This is something I say often and he always says 'To Infinity & Beyond :)
#12- Pray for Wisdom in being a wife. It's not always easy but as the years go on we grow together and that really helps in everything going as they are meant.
#13- Do not use sarcasm today with your husband. Gotcha haha.
#14- Remember being a wife is a blessing. It really is. I think of others and how fortunate I am to have my love and soul mate in my life, my best friend to share my days and make memories with. Some haven't found that yet, or thought they did and it didn't pan out.
#15- Think only positive thoughts about your husband. It's easy when I have such an amazing man.
#16- Thank him for all that he does for your family. It's important to tell those in life that they are appreciated and he is.
#17- Laugh with your husband today. Being a Friday made it easy ;)
#18- Who is a wife you admire? Try being more like her today. My girlfriends mother, she gives completely to those around her, keeps a neat home, cooks good food and cares for her husband in all that he does.
#19- Don't ask him to do any chores or 'Honey Do's'. Took it easy and took in extra lacrosse at his request. :)
#20- Today's Focus Patience. I did but it was hard and had nothing to do with him.
#21- Forgive him when he makes a mistake. Part of life is making mistakes to learn and grow.
#22- Assume the best about your husband.

So tomorrow is day #23 for both and today I sit pissed at myself for falling off the weight watchers wagon. I'm hoping this upset just encourages me more to succeed and start new.

What I know is that I need a month to focus away from TV, away from computers and technology and focus on reading and clearing my head and reconnecting with myself. I felt that I was connecting in the past few months and really slipped this month. There's no better time like the present to hit restart though....correct?

Today My Name Is...Ketchup

HAVE YOU SEEN THS PERSON?

Today My Name is....Why?

HOT!!! LOVE Thursdays...always have. It used to be because Thursday meant CSI night, now it means horseback riding night and it's the day before Friday and Fridays are always great! Today it's especially wonderful because it's 26 degrees out which for the most part is equivalent to Calgary summers so it's like enjoying a great summer day.

Today was about sun, fun, I ordered Banff Gondola tickets which should be here soon. They won't be here in time for Mother's Day on Sunday which is too bad. I thought they might be print off ready but the voucher gets mailed. All good as we can plan to do more later. So I will re plan a date night for my hubs and I.

My #9 Marriage Challenge is, 'Imagine how it feels to be in your husbands shoes.'
I get up at the same time as him. Typically I am actually up before him now as my body is still somewhat in 4:30am yoga mood, so if he doesn't get up with his alarm I urge him to get up. He works long days as a shop foreman for a welding shop. On days like today it's ridiculously hot in the shop. I know this because he calls and complains. The coolest area then ends up being outside in the shade. Hot days take lots more out of him so he gets home wanting to relax in a cool room and often with a cold drink. I wish I could relate to where his head is at when I think of things like Mother's Day, Birthdays and anniversaries. I am the type to think ahead and plan special stuff. Men however I think have a one track mind, so beyond thinking about dinner and driving home to get dinner, thinking outside the box of stopping to get something is hard. My husband is not a planner, or a romantic. If he gets hockey tickets he tells me same day, if he has to go out of town for work he tells me at bed time that he will be out of town the next day. I often wonder how men's mind work. Women's are like a computer with 2036 windows open.

Day #9 of the List Challenge, 'Favorite Websites & Blogs'
-Facebook
-Instagram
-The Inspired Organizer
-Janet & Greta - Good Food, Good Health, Good Fun!
-Jamieleigh's Parrot Help
-Avian Organics
-A Life of Green - My Eclectus Parrot Blog
-Calgary's Very Own Bird Lady
-MLS.ca I love browsing through houses
-kijiji.ca where I find second hand furniture to give a face lift

I have a 9yr old Red Sided Male Eclectus parrot thus the multiple parrot websites and blogs. I am always researching information on diet, foraging and hormones in regards to the care and keeping of him. I started my own blog for him when my boy was hormonal - A Life of Green. I haven't been great at keeping it updated so maybe I should get on it. I love parrots, I love animals in general but I will say, a parrot is not a pet for a person who likes their house to be spotless, or quiet, or for the person who likes to travel. Much like a dog they need time out, to be fed 1 or more times and day and human interaction. Parrots cannot be left with dishes of food and water for long periods. My male Eclectus Viggo eats fresh fruits, veggies and sprouts which would all spoil and he eats more than once so when I want to go away I have a sitter we use and love. He's been like having a toddler in the house for 9 years.

3 of 4 of my dayhome kids napped today. It was a play hard day and the heat hit them all. So a quiet afternoon I enjoyed.

*****************************************************************************
~UPDATE~

I suck, plainly put. It's May 16th and I have not updated in days! Since last Friday I have struggled immensely. I wouldn't say I am down per say just, okay maybe I am. I have been happy and days have been good. I got news that one of my dear friends has been missing for almost one year and it's pretty much a cold case, no vehicle, no nadda. So very strange and out of character for the person she was. It saddened me deeply and has occupied my mind immensely. I have been in touch with her mother to offer support in any way I can. Our family's have always had a connection be it sports, school, death, birth, support we have always intertwined. My girlfriend was a pillar of support through my school years, her mother kept an open door and open arms. While we haven't been in touch in very recent years I think of her often.

At first I thought my guts rolling was the flu creeping up as one of the little ones I care for fell ill last Friday but as the weekend and now week has gone on I feel this sense of urgency and concern. I am sad to say that I have even smoked this week. In the past I have resorted back when I felt stress or loss and reached for my crutch. I was so positive, so motivated and determined that the fact I sparked up and have had a few feels as though I am failing me and only adds to my struggle. Additionally as an emotional eater I have crapped my weight watchers count. Life shouldn't stop because a stone falls in one's path but as a mother I feel sick for this family I cared for very much. My heart is shaken and trying to remain positive with hope.

I can't help but think and wonder why....I had a dream or a nightmare rather...sleep has been sparse...

I have done my list challenge as well as my marriage challenge but have struggled elsewhere. I have questioned why this is bothering me so and the only thing I can surmise is that in my younger years when I struggled and my life was in a crappy place my friend was there all the way and left foot prints on my heart. Now where ever she is she deserves that much from me.

I will update tomorrow with my lists in one long update post. For now it's catch up time. I have spent the last few days in the company of friends I am closest with and my family and have neglected grocery lists, banking and all the rest. So until tomorrow....

Today My Name is....Why?

Today My Name Is...Carousel

Happy Hump Day....Now there is a word that I could happily add to the Day 6 List Challenge for words I dislike.

Almost back to yet another weekend. Like a Carousel my day has been turning endlessly and the week keeps turning as well. YAY! Busy week but we are all wading through it without feeling as though we are drowning. I will admit I am struggling a tad with the weight watchers. It's so hard, I love food and while I realize that weight watchers is more about portioning sometimes there's foods that are great and like Lays chips, hard to have just one. This is where it truly is a challenge! So the end of the month will be very interesting indeed. I have yet to step on the scale since the end of last month so it could be exciting at the end of May or very disappointing. I guess we will see.

So I had to add one date night to the calender for today's Marriage Challenge Day #8. Well I had one down and then came back to this blog post wondering if it will or could change being that my oldest may now only be able to play for one lacrosse team. I have tentatively booked this coming Sunday as our 'date night' however it will turn into more of a family date if I have my way. The plan, to get tickets for the Banff Gondola on Airmiles and go up Sunday for the day enjoying Banff and do the Gondola which doubles as a Bucket List item for our family. Now having said this if the tickets are not printable and I have to wait for them to be mailed then it will happen later and date night will become exactly that between my husband and I. We never really do 'us' dates as our schedules never really allow for it. I also like sharing the time we do have for family experiences. My hunni and I were chatting about a possible weekend away just the two of us for our 13th wedding anniversary. So we will see if that takes flight. I will update this one for sure and will be sure that something happens in May for 'Date Night'.

My #8 List Challenge is: 'In my bag'
-loose change
-wallet
-4 tubes of lip gloss/chapstick
-feminine products
-old receipts
-ear buds
-tiger balm
-Canadian Tire dollar
-pen
-tigers eye stone
-bottle opener/wine opener
-fishermans friends throat lozenges
-dental floss

I think this may be my shortest post however I am exhausted today. I ran errands tonight again on the look out for accessories for the 'red wall' room only to get to the store and realize the paint chip I had in my purse just the day before was now MIA. Oh the frustration. There were a few items on sale that I considered however I had to wait until I have the paint chip as I don't want to run back and forth. I hit up Payless as I signed up for their promotion and in doing so was told that I would receive 20% off my next purchase. Having brought my youngest to get her sandals I was excited to save a bit and passed the card over only to be told I needed the coupon which should be sent when I sign up online to confirm. Well still no coupon for 20% off. So I left the sandals on hold and hope that the coupon is here tomorrow so I can return for the sandals.

Thursday is going to be even crazier than today so I am off.

Today My Name Is...Carousel

Today My Name is....Perseverance

Well that was a busy day...I did mention I love busy though right? I pride myself on being a professional multitasker.

Today flew by....kids kept me on my toes, the weather was again wonderful, a tad windy but it still felt great.

I wrote my hubby a nice little love note as per Day #7 Marriage Challenge, 'Leave him a sweet note.' I put the love letter inside his shoes that he wears to work knowing he would find it and it would start his day off on the right foot...haha get it? He called just after lunch to thank me for it and tell me how touching it was and how amazing I am. I could tell he was smiling as we chatted. Made my day too.

That was one of the best parts of my day. My love calling. If I was to define us as a romance movie the one that comes to mind and that I love to no end would be 'The Notebook'. I can see us into the future much like that movie. He is my rock and completes me. That romance is one we share, not just one found in the movies.

Day #7 of the List Challenge, 'Blog Goals'
-to have followers
-to get comments, advice, feedback
-to relate to others
-to motivate others
-to learn about myself through this personal journey
-to grow through challenges
-update often
-learn more about blogging

I feel as though I have learned so much already about myself since starting this blog and I am better for it. It's hard to really know who we are as people but when we put it down on paper or this blog it allows us to think, look back and learn and grow. These challenges help me to realize more about myself and reconnect with the person I knew I was but had gotten swept up in everything. Sometimes we lose touch but reconnecting is a journey I am happy to be on.

While my youngest and my love went out to the stable for a hack to practice for the weekend my oldest and I went out to look for new sandals for summer, as well as accessories for my 'Red Room'. At Winners I found throw pillows I really like, as well as curtains. I hummed and hawed and couldn't bring myself to jump on the go train for these. Now I am sitting here wondering if I made a mistake. Everything happens for a reason. Perhaps I was meant to look around more. Who knows but if it is still bothering me by Friday I will return and if they are still there then there must be a reason. If not...they were not meant to be. It's exciting but also nerve racking I'm finding in making decisions around this room.

                                       

I passed on the accessories and we didn't see anything footwear wise at Winners so we were off again to another store and each found 2 new pairs of sandals. Know this, while I am a woman, I am not obsessed by any means in shopping for shoes. I can swear by this. I live for the most part in my running shoes and sandals. I might own 5 pairs of shoes (2 athletic, 2 sandals and 1 dress). After having had the same pair of runners for 3 years and counting I look forward to splurging one day soon on new ones, but today was about heat, summer and sandals and I found one pair that can be worn more dressy or pass for casual and one that can do beach, yoga, you name it. My oldest got a nice pair of sandals too which means she can stop using mine. These are the joys of having daughters, and our feet are the same size. That's a good and bad thing. She also got a new pair of running shoes that remind me of the Keds I used to wear. Funny isn't it how trends return?

We finished by picking up dye for my oldest and returned home to dye her hair and spend more mother daughter quality time. It was nice, I like our little adventures although tonight she told me I need to get a new style and dress better. I think all kids say this about their parents? Correct me if I am wrong. This weekend she wants to go get her brows threaded which will be interesting, I have always been curious about threading. We were told tonight that threading makes for more defined brow lines. I look forward to threading.

Care to hear how I struggled with weight watchers today? Really I wasn't struggling until tonight. I had my oatmeal for breakfast with fruit for snacks, black bean soup for lunch and spaghetti squash with chicken sauce for dinner. I was on a point roll and so proud for doing well and then my hubs walked in carrying a bag of the new Jalapeno Cheesies! I had to try one and like Lays...shit you cannot just have 1....or 2. I still remained within my point count and banked a few points but it was tough.

Today My Name Is...Perseverance

Today My Name is...Driven

TGIF!! ***This post turned into a Friday, Saturday, Sunday & Monday Update after I forgot to hit publish***

No yoga...headache again. I have a headache app to track my headaches as they have become a common occurrence for me. Brutal. To top it and just add fuel to the fire seasonal allergies are also kicking my butt and I am having an allergic reaction to something, my face is itchy as everything. Good thing I had coffee to kick start my morning at least.

Sun is out, it's lovely. Everyday should be perfect when the sun is out. I awoke to the rain which is always wonderful and am so happy to see my grass slowly turning green. I cannot wait for camping now. One of my favorite things is laying in our trailer listening to the rain.

TGIF also means getting lots done to open the weekend up for so much else. I'm hoping to get the wall painted tomorrow after taking the boys to the vet. Fingers crossed that both boys are in good health. I'm certain will will get back some news that we won't want to hear but that's to be expected when dogs get up in age. Additionally while out to get paint the hubs and I need to price out stuff to spruce up our yard and get it ready to plant! I am so excited. Maybe I'll meander through the green house to check out plants. We've been here 5yrs and still have no plants in the back yard or front and I love gardening so I've been patiently waiting. It will happen this year!! I'd love to plant a Birch tree or two. Paper Birch trees remind me of Rocky Mountain House where we love to hike and camp.

It's been a busy week as always. My oldest had her first lacrosse game with the Midget Girls which they won. Nice way to start the season. My youngest had her first outdoor horseback riding lesson in the outdoor ring and jumped fences to boot. Exciting times for all. In 8 more days my youngest will compete in her first show and while the rides she's signed up for aren't huge by any means she will learn what it's like to compete and have fun. This weekend we will juggle lots for the girls...school work, sleepovers, lacrosse and much more. Should be interesting...they hope we find time to set up the trampoline too.

Today's Marriage Challenge is 'Hug your Husband 3 times today', seriously...lol...I had this completed before 7am and texted that I love him for a bonus...haha. No bonuses given aside from knowing it makes him smile which makes me smile...and heck, he thought outside the box and brought me a bottle of wine. Maybe he's doing his own 30 Day Wife Challenge...wonder what that would look like? I know I could draft an easy list....Do every one's laundry, wash and fold without complaining, make meals, clean the house (multiple times, kids are messy)....get wine...give wife flowers...lol. I would love to see one be 'write wife a love letter'. Since we got married his hopeless romantic side went out the door. I adore him despite his many faults...just teasing, he is my perfect fault. ;)

The List Question for Day 3 is...."I am looking forward to..."
-making it successfully to the end of my 30 day weight watchers challenge
-getting the yard done with plants!
-summer
-camping...lots!
-visiting Slave Lake
-Mexico!
-our 13 wedding anniversary
-summer...(oh ya said that already hehe)
-YOGA!
-Kelowna & Penticton
-first riding show for my youngest
-reaching 1yr smoke free
-


So I thought I had published this post Friday however I did not and then got wrapped up in our insane weekend. So this post is actually Friday, Saturday, Sunday & Monday's post. Lots to pack in this time.

Friday wrapped up with my youngest having dance, then we were off to Home Depot to grab the railing kit, paint, knobs for the kitchen and bathrooms and new exterior lights for the garage. At the same time we priced out material in the event we decide to go with raised flowerbeds. It was a good evening to say the least and I got to enjoy some wonderful time with Bella trying to teach her how to play ball. For a smart girl this is one game we struggle with.

Saturday we were up bright and early to a bright sunny day. We headed to the vet for the boys check ups and blood work. Our old boy did wonderful surprisingly for being such a grump. Our poodle on the other hand had to have saline pumped into him to find a vein so they could take blood. When we left poor Kiedis looked like he had an abcess on his neck and today...now Monday his neck looks bruised. Poor princess. Waiting on results still. Should have them by Tuesday.

After the fun at the vet we headed to my hubby's parents house to help with a few things there before heading home. Once home we set up the trampoline as our youngest had a friend come over for a sleepover and our oldest had a friend pop over to hang for a bit. While the kids all kept busy having fun in the sun...we adults got on our To Do list. I got the first two coats of red on my fireplace wall. Now you should know as previously mentioned that I am a chicken when it comes to color. I love color but tend to go for the safe colors so this red wall was very out there for me and crossed my comfort threshold. I wasn't sure if I liked it at first however it grew on me and I am now looking forward to accessorizing the room. The wall color is called Drum Beat. There's a pat on the back for stepping outside my comfort and trying something new. Not a great picture but I thought I would share, it's just a feature wall and I was so excited I snapped the picture Saturday after coat 2. As you can see the tape is still on the wall. I have no clue what has prompted me to choose the two bold colors I have in our home. Our bonus room is olive and everyone loves it. Now I needed this red wall, and I think I love it. It will be interesting to see what others think.

While I did that, my love worked on putting the new kitchen and bathroom knobs on. So glad we did this since it's been like 5 years of horribly bad painted brass knobs. Just a small fix improved the cupboards drastically. He also started on the install for the new exterior lights which I was so happy to finally have going up.

 

Can you see the difference in the knobs? Not that exciting but for me, it's a wonderful step towards another small task off the to do list and upgrade even though small.

Saturday, or rather Day 4 of the Marriage Challenge, "Kiss your husband the first time you see him in the morning." That wasn't an issue. We have always had this thing where we get up to say good-bye or kiss each other in the morning before either of us go to yoga or work. That being the case I made sure to add a few more into my Saturday.

Day 4 of the List Challenge, "Today's Playlist"
Typically it would be the Red Hot Chili Peppers, Audioslave, Nirvana, Sarah Brightman, Walk off the Earth, Everlast....you get the point but today wasn't about me and my tunes, today was about fun in the sun for the kids on the trampoline. So while I juggled tasks around the house the girls blasted tunes from the soundtrack Pitch Perfect. Not bad, no complaints.

To wrap up the day the girls opened a package of glow sticks and jumped on the trampoline and looked up at the stars while the husband I curled up together to watch the movie 'The Impossible' a movie about the Tsunami. It was amazingly well done, very emotional. We both shed a tear and it gave insite as to what each of us would do in the event of disaster. I was happy to hear my love say he would stay with the kids. As much as we love each other our girls are our number one always.

Sunday we were again up bright and early to sun pouring into the house and birds chirping outside. We made the girls pancakes for breakfast, a sleepover tradition and then as the kids again rushed out to the trampoline we got to work again. I got the third and final red coat on the wall and my man got the exterior lights up, and the extra hardware needed for the railing. Sadly as lacrosse came into play and a few errands the railing never saw completion but I know it will get done.

Day 5 of the Marriage Challenge, Tell yourself, "He really loves his family, and he is doing his best for us." This fell on a good day. I am the type of person who likes the final product but has no patience. My husband is a perfectionist and is not so much a man who builds so when it comes to doing things outside of his comfort zone often procrastination comes into play or in other words 'the thinking phase', as frustrating as I find it I know the end result will be perfect. He does do his best for us, in his way and I love that. He's a hard working man and I appreciate everything that he does for us.

Day 5 of the List Challenge, 'Weekend Goals'
-paint fireplace wall red
-take dogs to the vet for blood work
-set up trampoline
-install new knobs in kitchen and bathrooms (we were a few short for the laundry area oops)
-put up new exterior lights on garage
-fill hole with dirt that Bella dug
-put up deck railing to steps

We got the top five done. In doing so we also managed to set up a timeline of what we wanted to get done in May. We decided it was fair for us to get the flowerbeds either dug or set up if we go with raised flowerbeds in both front and backyard. Additionally we hope to add more dirt to the backyard, seed and fertilize, close in the deck so the dogs cannot get under, and build a planter for the spot by the steps. That plan gives us time to decide what we want to plant and leaves June to purchase and plant. I am so excited that I am nearing my goal of having my own backyard oasis.

Before I knew it we were waking up to Monday....today was HOT....like 26 degrees hot for a spring day in May. Nice eh? My skin has a nice glow if not a tinge of pink/red, the girls and my husband also have hues of color after such a nice weekend. I spent the majority of the day outside since it was so nice. My deck beneath the umbrella was my own little piece of heaven which only intensifies my excitement about getting the beds dug and planted. By June we hope to have the fire pit in too so nights can be spent outdoors with family or company.

It's going to be an absolutely insane week ahead. 3 Lacrosse games, 2 horseback riding evenings plus the competition this weekend so really we have 3, as well as a big test for my oldest, a parent meeting for the school spring trip for 2014....I have a new child starting care tomorrow....thankfully all week the weather looks nice so we will play hard outside. Here I thought we would have more time with ringette wrapping up but nope nadda...so glad I invested in and got around to finishing the back and getting the white board up so we as a family can stay organized and on top of things. Seeing everything down makes it sometimes seem overwhelming.

Day 6 of the Marriage Challenge, 'Bake, Make, or Buy his favorite Food'
Being so hot out I was stumped. I knew if I baked I would make the house stifling hot and my hunni would be up all night too hot to sleep which would be unfair. So knowing that I made grilled chicken breast marinated in Greek seasoning and placed it over tomatoes, cucumber, avocado and Greek dressing. It was a nice light dinner. My husband LOVES food, really he has no true favorite, maybe steak but we had that Saturday. His only food he dislikes is creamed corn. He is not hard at all to please :) I am the total opposite, quite picky but getting better with age.

Day 6 of the List Challenge: 'Least Favorite Words'
-racial slurs
-abbreviated words like LOL and OMG

Aside from that I'm not one who really has words I dislike. That was an oddly interesting thoughtful challenge. Had me stumped to be truthful.

As I sit here blogging, Vanderpump Rules on TV, windows open, sun on the front lawn...and glorious smells of people BBQing wafting through the open window I can't help but get excited about camping. I love being outdoors in nature away from the city. That's also why we are trying to get so much done in May, hopeful to open up a weekend or two for camping in June.

My weight watchers has been going good. It's hard to get back on the wagon having once fallen off. I did crap the bed in terms of counting points Sunday and I was so disapointed in myself. I was doing good all day and knew I had to allot a certain point value to dinner but had no idea the prime rib burger patties I picked out were 12+ points! Combined with the bun and the rest of my days points I had committed point suicide. So I was way over and wrote off yesterday. I let it be a lesson to check out the value of foods before purchase. I also made a point of adding veggie burgers to the grocery list. I felt so defeated. So the rest of the month I am going to hammer down, count hard and be careful.

 

As far as yoga goes, we are going to do yoga at home. I had planned to do yoga this month with my oldest daughter however all the schedules are just too much. We'd maybe get 1-2 in studio times a week and that doesn't work for what we want to be able to do. So while no more early rising mornings we will plan to fit in evening yoga.

I feel really good, still motivated, determined, focused, excited. I cannot wait to see results. I look forward to seeing how my life takes shape and how I grow in the process. This is an exciting adventure.

Today My Name Is...Driven

Today My Name Is...Now

Hello Thursday...one day closer to the weekend, beautiful weather...even a touch of color graced my fair skin today. Check out the forecast for the next 7 days! I foresee BBQ's and patio's...while of course following my weight watchers. :) I'm living in the Now...the moment that is....

Alas no yoga today, the wonderful world of being a woman decided to hit with avengance and kept me from doing a fair bit. That said it did turn out to be a nice day over all.

Yesterday at the age of 34 Chris Kelly of Kriss Kross died. Far far too young, so sad. Apparent overdose...an all too common story of the rich and famous.

I really need to plan a 30 Day Budget Challenge or 30 Days of NO SPENDING. The past two days I went outside of my budget plan and decided to one, purchase very expensive athletic shoes for my girls...they were on clearance however at Sport Check so I saved over 50% and both needed new shoes so it wasn't a bad thing. I also treated myself to a new hot yoga no slip mat towel. I have seen these all over for crazy expensive and saw one left in a charcoal and for a way better deal so I splurged and treated myself. I almost bought myself a strap and block too but managed to resist the urge to spend more. After all last month I did do a month of yoga. Today was bills...dog food, dog rocks...

These dog rocks when placed in the water dish and being the only source of water are supposed to stop females from burning the grass with their urine. I was not diligent through the winter changing them every two months as I figured the snow would allow ample dilution. Sadly it appears there's a fair amount of burnt lawn this spring. 2 months ago I got the rocks again, and just changed them today. I guess we will see after two more months of rocks and yard work if the lawn can be restored and remain lush and green. Fingers crossed. Curious if anyone has used these with success before. I tried the pee post but after my female dog, the largest of the three turned up her nose at it and coughed then steered clear I had to try something and putting in a dog run just wasn't something fair.

 

I also picked up a huge Little Tykes playground for my Dayhome kidlets for a steal of a deal...bargain finds are a weakness. We spend many days at the parks near by and with our favorite park nearing it's demise only to have a new one built in it's place I thought it might be nice to have something close to home and fun! I used to have tons of stuff and then my girls started school full days and I went to work outside the home part time and did before & after school outside of my par time hours so I sold all of the climbers. Now the kids have one more options for play out back and I can write it off come tax time.

 

Today for the 30 Day Marriage Challenge I had to go a whole day without correcting my hubby....check! No issue what so ever.

 

As for Day 2 of my List Challenge...that was a little trickier I got really stumped. "Write a list of things you are good at."

 

-competing
-drawing, painting, arts
-writing
-communicating
-mowing the lawn...haha...I can do it well despite the fact I never do it.
-coaching
-supporting
-cooking/baking
-keeping a neat/tidy home
-being on time! Pet peeve to be late...if I run late I feel ill!
-responding to calls and emails
-multitasking
-always finding a way to make things work
-juggling and taking on more than I can chew and getting through it
-taking responsibility for my actions, owning up when I am in the wrong
-looking out for others
-noticing when things aren't right
-trusting my gut instinct
-drinking.........lol

And with that I am signing off...while enjoying A glass of white wine while still within my points range for today. Voila!

Today My Name Is...Now (Learn to live in it...it's easier to focus)

Today My Name Is...Steadfast

May 1st! Day 1 of my month long 30 Day X 3 Challenge.

I started today off by getting up at the break of dawn..4:45am and rushed to Yoga. Yuppers,plan to end the week off with early rising yoga. Felt great.

The sun was out and sky was stunning at 6:20am as I drove home. I knew it would be a good day.

I enjoyed time outside in the lovely weather. 10 degrees felt great compared to the last few days. I'll take it, as well as the days to come as they continue their climb in the double digits to hit 20 by the weekend. WHAT?!? So I hear...we will see. I'd love it. Great weather to work outside in and the weekend isn't over run with lacrosse or any other plans so I intend to get some stuff around the house done.

So Day 1 of the Marriage Challenge, Ask, "What can I help you with today?" I did. Not asking for much my hubby asked to stay late at work, catch up on some stuff, pull in a bit of over time. Always thinking of work and family. He's my hard working man. Can't say working until 5:30pm is that much, an hour of over time but we'll take it. I work until then anyways so it works out smashing as we both finish at the same time and our focus can become one another and our girls.

Day 1 of the List Challenge: 'Write a few things about Yourself'
-I love animals especially horses
-My favorite number is 13
-My favorite place to visit is Penticton BC
-I used to tattoo
-I wanted to be a vet 
-I am passionate about sports and coaching especially ringette
-I've been told I am slightly OCD
-I have been working on writing a book for 7 years now and still dreaming about finishing it and hoping it gets published.
-I am nervous about adding color to walls in the event the colors don't have flow within the home.
-I worry about what others think about me and I really shouldn't.
-As a younger mom (32 with 13yr old and 11yr old daughters) I get judged immediately by others when they find out my age. I often think about going back to school specifically Art School.
-I have learned as I grow how alike I am to my mother
-I have huge anxiety around driving
-I get a super nervous stomach and nervous in general when I try new things, go new places, meet new people
-I am very competitive
-a Dreamer always have been
-I would LOVE to live on an acreage and have horses
-I am madly in love with my husband and have the greatest daughters!

Wow that was neat. I get why doing a 30 day Challenge for lists is a good thing. I really had to sit and think. In listing the above about myself I learned I really need to step outside the box more, maybe even relax a bit. I also learned many things I have loved since I was little and still do have either been put off to the side (like camping in Penticton although we did pop in last summer for the day), or becoming a vet because I would have to drive and worried how cost of school would affect my family. I have either made excuses or my fears have gotten in the way. Why it has taken me so long to finish my book is perhaps a deeply rooted fear of having the book fail or be turned down. I need to take steps obviously and do things. Like these monthly challenges, finishing things gives a sense of satisfaction and success, it's also a learning path. I have a lot to consider I see.

My first day of Weight Watchers is going along just fine. I recall well years ago when I did it with great success. Many days I had the same meals especially around breakfast and lunch. Breakfast then was Special K Red Berries with skim milk and black coffee and lunch was either black bean soup, or a salad. Dinner offered the change that is needed daily. I also found that careful counting of points allowed for a drink or two on the weekend with friends or giving into a touch of dessert. So in recalling what worked then I will do similar going forward.

Weight Watchers for 30 Days will be the hardest of the 3 Challenges for me by far. I know I am an emotional eater, so I will just have to find alternatives that will satisfy during those times without going over daily points. I think by eating meals that allow being full longer like the oatmeal I had this morning I will find greater success as well. As a precursor to this challenge it's been a benefit I believe that we do not eat out any longer and have gotten into the habit of cooking our own meals and eating at home. May is an insanely busy month for us as I just learned having filled out our family calender. Hopefully the month just breezes by without roller coasters of emotion or struggle.

I told myself this morning as I started my weight watchers challenge that the hardest part of anything is the first 2 week struggle. Generally it's during that initial time that I flip, flop and fail...but having looked back at 2013 to date I have come so far in making it past 2 week milestones that I am thinking I can do this.

I shouldn't say can...I WILL DO THIS! Much better :)

 

Today My Name Is...Steadfast