Friday, February 25, 2011
Bring Back the Days--Painted Fingers & Toes
Thursday, January 20, 2011
Slow it Down Please
After sitting on the sidelines watching my daughter get her exercise on via our Exercise TV programming, which I'm always recommending and encouraging others to take advantage of, today I decided to get my butt in gear.
Actually, I dabbled in it a couple of days ago doing the 6min Zumba Fitness video. Since it was only 6mins, I did the video back-to-back. I just couldn't see it any other way. Anyway, today I added Yoga Sculpt to the mix and that damn instructor was going waaayyyy too fast for me. Considering I'm a novice at Yoga I couldn't keep up with the video and do the moves correctly! You know, Yoga positions are about focus and concentration. Imagine my struggle trying to focus on the pose and see what the instructor was doing next. Long story short, I made it through a solid 15mins of the 25min video, but I think that's pretty good for someone who prefers to spend her evenings watching t.v., blogging, or writing--oh yeah--and parenting.
No promises, now. Not even to myself. But I'd like to do some Yoga or some form of body sculpting in the morning. Check in tomorrow for an update.
No promises, now. Not even to myself. But I'd like to do some Yoga or some form of body sculpting in the morning. Check in tomorrow for an update.
Tuesday, January 11, 2011
From the Fitness Guru Himself
Talk about nerve! My dad had the audacity to laugh at me when he learned of a recent purchase that I'd made of an inflatable punching bag. Yes, I'll admit that I got caught up in overzealous holiday shopping and bought the damn thing primarily because the popping yellow from the box was eye-catching in the conveniently placed bin containing tons of the "perfect" gifts for family and friends. Still, to be ridiculed by the fitness equipment guru of ALL TIME is inconceivable. I'm not kidding, either, about the guru status. Over my lifetime, my dad has bought just every health & fitness product available to man--juicers, vegetable steamers, fat burning products, ab lounger, ab roller, Tower 200, Total Gym, treadmill, elipticals. Need I say more. In fact, it's because of his addition to buy EVERYTHING advertised on television that I've made extra efforts not to do the same. And so far I've done pretty good for myself. To date, I've bought a stepper (back when step aerobics was IN), the bender ball, a treadmill, and a select few exercise videos. Not bad at all, considering the things I've been tempted to buy.
Thursday, January 6, 2011
Out with the Old
I've been told often that I'm just like my dad in many respects. Most times I don't mind the comparisons especially when it has to do with his dedication to health & fitness. Well, at the close of 2010 I reminded myself of him with his coined phrase of, "_______ isn't making it into 2011." The blank line would be filled with whichever of his associates or friends he was cutting off in the new year. Usually a person made this list of my dads because they let him down one too many times of the current year and beyond and he was tired of it. Sometimes I admonished my father for cutting off friendships, in particular with those he'd been friends with for most of his adult life. In those situations, unless a person has done something monstrously out of line, I'd tell him he should cherish those friendships and be a little more forgiving.
On the other hand there does come a time in certain friendships or associations where it is completely justifiable to cut people off. Sometimes people show you that they are just not deserving of any form of close relations with you. I have two such people in my life--both in the workplace. One of them I was warned about when I first hired into the department. Still I called myself befriending the woman. Over the course of 4 years, the woman has caught unexplained attitudes with me, usually getting loud, calling attention to whatever the issue was, at least 4 times. With the last one, sometime in October, I was DONE. Mainly because that last time, she had gotten under my skin to the point where I was about ready to pretend that we weren't in the workplace and I don't have time jeopardizing my job for anyone. Needless to say, she and I haven't spoken sense and I have no plans of saying anything more to her than "Good Morning."
The other person has been a pretty cool person to laugh and joke around with at work. It helped the day to go by faster. Unfortunately, this person--a man--has clearly been severely affected by working in the company of so many women for some many years. He acts just like them, if not worse. First let me say that two years ago, he got mad at our little group of friends and stopped talking to all of us for months. Eventually, he came to his senses and began to talk again. Most recently, he interjected his opinion into a conversation that I was having with another coworker THEN had the nerve to catch an attitude with me when everybody involved in the conversation pounced on his opinion. The conversation occurred 3 weeks ago and he hasn't had much to say to me. Well, you know what, the last thing I have time to deal with at work, of all places, is a BI&*HY man. So as far as I'm concerned I won't be saying anything to him outside of anything related to work.
With both of these individuals, it's their loss, not mine.
On the other hand there does come a time in certain friendships or associations where it is completely justifiable to cut people off. Sometimes people show you that they are just not deserving of any form of close relations with you. I have two such people in my life--both in the workplace. One of them I was warned about when I first hired into the department. Still I called myself befriending the woman. Over the course of 4 years, the woman has caught unexplained attitudes with me, usually getting loud, calling attention to whatever the issue was, at least 4 times. With the last one, sometime in October, I was DONE. Mainly because that last time, she had gotten under my skin to the point where I was about ready to pretend that we weren't in the workplace and I don't have time jeopardizing my job for anyone. Needless to say, she and I haven't spoken sense and I have no plans of saying anything more to her than "Good Morning."
The other person has been a pretty cool person to laugh and joke around with at work. It helped the day to go by faster. Unfortunately, this person--a man--has clearly been severely affected by working in the company of so many women for some many years. He acts just like them, if not worse. First let me say that two years ago, he got mad at our little group of friends and stopped talking to all of us for months. Eventually, he came to his senses and began to talk again. Most recently, he interjected his opinion into a conversation that I was having with another coworker THEN had the nerve to catch an attitude with me when everybody involved in the conversation pounced on his opinion. The conversation occurred 3 weeks ago and he hasn't had much to say to me. Well, you know what, the last thing I have time to deal with at work, of all places, is a BI&*HY man. So as far as I'm concerned I won't be saying anything to him outside of anything related to work.
With both of these individuals, it's their loss, not mine.
Saturday, January 1, 2011
Clean Sweep
Envy is a sin, I know. Still, it's the very emotion that I was guilty of often this New Year's weekend. While house hopping, each person's house I visited was absolutely beautiful, clean, and spotless.
Yes, I know that folks clean up immaculately when their expecting company, but these folks I know keep very clean homes on the regular. I know because I've been to each of their homes on more than one unplanned visit. I'm filled with envy because all to often I feel ashamed of the condition that I allow my house to be in. Dishes doen't always get washed and put away, my dresser stays in shambles with toiletries, spray bottles, mail, and a host of other things I lay atop it during the week. To my credit, I do keep the floor pretty cleared from stuff, but I can do MUCH better than what I do and I feel convicted to do so when I encounter those who do.
My fiance likes to say, "Face it, honey, you're just very domestic." WTF??? Just because organizing my house has not been my #1 priority doesn't mean I should be referred to as "not" domestic! I do clean. I just don't possess any cleaning rituals on a weekly or daily basis BUT I'll be doing so in the new year. I've got to prepare for the bigger house that I'll be blessed with this year. I've got cement regular cleaning habits into the current house before I can expect to keep my newer, bigger house clean.
As 2011 quickly approached in the last few days I was already inspired not to enter the new year with a messy house, specifically my bedroom--my biggest challenge. I'm proud to say at the conclusion of 1/1/11, my room was organized in a way that it hadn't been the entirety of 2010. All in all it probably took the entire week, but I got it done. And the plan is to keep it organized from this day forth.
My fiance likes to say, "Face it, honey, you're just very domestic." WTF??? Just because organizing my house has not been my #1 priority doesn't mean I should be referred to as "not" domestic! I do clean. I just don't possess any cleaning rituals on a weekly or daily basis BUT I'll be doing so in the new year. I've got to prepare for the bigger house that I'll be blessed with this year. I've got cement regular cleaning habits into the current house before I can expect to keep my newer, bigger house clean.
Wednesday, December 29, 2010
2011 Expectations
Wow! The new year is right around the corner--4 days to be exact. And I am reeling with contemplation for how I plan to enter the new decade. Now, I don't get off into the New Year's resolution thing but it's definitely time for a change on the inside and out. Here is a short list of changes I'm looking forward to for my 2011. Tell me some of yours.
1. Cleanliness & Orderliness--My bedroom and my desk at work have one significant thing in common--CLUTTER! Especially in my bedroom I oftentimes get overwhelmed with the stuff be around me that I can't sleep. This stuff ranges from Avon boxes, books, mail, shoes & boots that my closet can't contain. I've been so put off by my clutter that I've gone so far as to wake up 2 hrs before my normal time just so I could clean my room. At least once, I took the day off work to do the same thing. Sometimes I simply can't take it! Unfortunately I never get it quite to where I want it to be. I'm praying I get it together in 2011. I don't want to take lack of cleanliness and order to my bigger bedroom in my next house. I may take a day off work 12/31 just to get it done!
2. I feel a new 'do coming on. This goal is kind of tricky considering I've only been locked for 2 1/2 years, not to mention I'm not 100% on what I want to do with my hair oustide of locks, but I can't shake this antsy feeling. I've gone through this before--wanting them out. After careful consideration I've always come back to the realization that this is what's best for my hair. I have the length for versatility that I don't take enough advantage of. Plus, it's getting longer as the days go on. Thing is if I want the locks to be down by 1/1 (actually 12/30) I need to start the process of combing them out tonight. But what will I do with my hair without locks. I don't want to be like those I've known who've taken there locks out and immediately regretted it. So I'll have to think on this one. Maybe I just need to commit to keeping my roots tightened for a better look. Update: See how quickly my mind can change in a 24 hr period. Revised goal is NOT to take my locks down but create a real hair regimen like moisturizing more often and keeping my roots twisted AND wearing crinkley locks more often.
3. An attitude of expectation. God's word promises to provide the NEEDS of HIS children. Guess what? I AM one of HIS children. So that means HE will provide my needs. Therefore, I will now have an attitude of expectancy instead of constantly thinking of what I don't have because HE will provide. For me specifically in 2011 I need a bigger house that is equally affordable as the one that I currently live in. I'm not sure of how the process is going to work BUT I expect it to work in my favor. And like Forest Gump said, "That's all I'm going to say about that."
4. Spiritual--I'm always in constant communication with God. However, somewhere along the lines I stopped getting down on my knees in prayer. I've been afraid of fasting. Today, the buck stops here. Actually, for the last two days I have gotten my butt out of bed, onto my knees and prayed. It felt good. I'll also be going back to Sunday school, which will be good for my children too.
5. Friends & Family. For years I've wanted certain kinds of relationships with the few friends that I've maintained over the years. You know, those Waiting to Exhale & Sex and the City type of friendships. But, in complete honesty I have not walked the walk. Wherever my friends are--out of state or in state with me--I truly appreciate their presence in my life and I plan to more of a concerted effort to show them as much.
6. Of course this post wouldn't be complete without my 2011 writing expectations!!! Simply put, WRITE MORE! SELL MORE!. By spring 2011 my follow up to Unfinished Business will be complete so by this time next year I expect to be midway through the third book.
HAPPY NEW YEAR!!!
1. Cleanliness & Orderliness--My bedroom and my desk at work have one significant thing in common--CLUTTER! Especially in my bedroom I oftentimes get overwhelmed with the stuff be around me that I can't sleep. This stuff ranges from Avon boxes, books, mail, shoes & boots that my closet can't contain. I've been so put off by my clutter that I've gone so far as to wake up 2 hrs before my normal time just so I could clean my room. At least once, I took the day off work to do the same thing. Sometimes I simply can't take it! Unfortunately I never get it quite to where I want it to be. I'm praying I get it together in 2011. I don't want to take lack of cleanliness and order to my bigger bedroom in my next house. I may take a day off work 12/31 just to get it done!
2. I feel a new 'do coming on. This goal is kind of tricky considering I've only been locked for 2 1/2 years, not to mention I'm not 100% on what I want to do with my hair oustide of locks, but I can't shake this antsy feeling. I've gone through this before--wanting them out. After careful consideration I've always come back to the realization that this is what's best for my hair. I have the length for versatility that I don't take enough advantage of. Plus, it's getting longer as the days go on. Thing is if I want the locks to be down by 1/1 (actually 12/30) I need to start the process of combing them out tonight. But what will I do with my hair without locks. I don't want to be like those I've known who've taken there locks out and immediately regretted it. So I'll have to think on this one. Maybe I just need to commit to keeping my roots tightened for a better look. Update: See how quickly my mind can change in a 24 hr period. Revised goal is NOT to take my locks down but create a real hair regimen like moisturizing more often and keeping my roots twisted AND wearing crinkley locks more often.
3. An attitude of expectation. God's word promises to provide the NEEDS of HIS children. Guess what? I AM one of HIS children. So that means HE will provide my needs. Therefore, I will now have an attitude of expectancy instead of constantly thinking of what I don't have because HE will provide. For me specifically in 2011 I need a bigger house that is equally affordable as the one that I currently live in. I'm not sure of how the process is going to work BUT I expect it to work in my favor. And like Forest Gump said, "That's all I'm going to say about that."
4. Spiritual--I'm always in constant communication with God. However, somewhere along the lines I stopped getting down on my knees in prayer. I've been afraid of fasting. Today, the buck stops here. Actually, for the last two days I have gotten my butt out of bed, onto my knees and prayed. It felt good. I'll also be going back to Sunday school, which will be good for my children too.
5. Friends & Family. For years I've wanted certain kinds of relationships with the few friends that I've maintained over the years. You know, those Waiting to Exhale & Sex and the City type of friendships. But, in complete honesty I have not walked the walk. Wherever my friends are--out of state or in state with me--I truly appreciate their presence in my life and I plan to more of a concerted effort to show them as much.
6. Of course this post wouldn't be complete without my 2011 writing expectations!!! Simply put, WRITE MORE! SELL MORE!. By spring 2011 my follow up to Unfinished Business will be complete so by this time next year I expect to be midway through the third book.
HAPPY NEW YEAR!!!
Thursday, December 23, 2010
Count the Little Blessings Too
God is always good. No doubt about that. But there some times when I feel especially favored by HIS good ness. Such a time was this past weekend. As I often do, I overextended my committments for this past weekend. First, on Friday, two graduation parties--one for a family member, the other for a friend. Second, on Saturday, a professional organization I'm involved with was scheduled to perform community service at 6:30 A.M. and after that I was supposed to have breakfast with a few of the members. Following breakfast, which I hoped would go quickly, I was to be at my church by noon to prepare Christmas baskets for the senior members of our church. Need I mention that this is also the last weekend before Christmas and I'd planned to get some shopping done too. Oh yes, then church on Sunday. I didn't know how I was going to do it all, but I was going to honor all of my committments!
What did God do for me that was so special??? Let me tell youl . Shortly before the first graduation party on Friday I received a text message from my coworker that there was a scheduling error for our community service date. Our service date was for the previous Saturday! As much I was disappointed that we had the date wrong and had therefore missed our opportunity to serve, words can't express how glad I was that I wouldn't have to awake at the crack of dawn to serve breakfast the next morning! Whew! One thing off my plate--actually two since the cancellation of the one automatically cancelled the breakfast plans. Then I received a phone call from the organizer of basket prep session that the time was actually 10AM instead of 12 noon so that meant I only had one thing to do on Saturday and I'd be finished with that early in the afternoon and would therefore have the rest of the day for me!
Nothing monumental but the little things count too!
What did God do for me that was so special??? Let me tell youl . Shortly before the first graduation party on Friday I received a text message from my coworker that there was a scheduling error for our community service date. Our service date was for the previous Saturday! As much I was disappointed that we had the date wrong and had therefore missed our opportunity to serve, words can't express how glad I was that I wouldn't have to awake at the crack of dawn to serve breakfast the next morning! Whew! One thing off my plate--actually two since the cancellation of the one automatically cancelled the breakfast plans. Then I received a phone call from the organizer of basket prep session that the time was actually 10AM instead of 12 noon so that meant I only had one thing to do on Saturday and I'd be finished with that early in the afternoon and would therefore have the rest of the day for me!
Nothing monumental but the little things count too!
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