As I continue week to week I keep asking myself, "When does this get really hard?".....Well, let's hope it doesn't. Small changes over time tend to trend towards big results in the end. Here and now is where I am not going to admit (as my husband would like) that I actually believe that doing a little bit at a time saves you from having to tackle this big thing over time. If I'm being vague here, it is most definitely purposeful.
This principle of doing a task bit by bit certainly applies to laundry, but I don't care. I will let the laundry pile up. I hate laundry. When Evelyn changes clothes 4 times before we leave the house to go eat dinner, I tell her (as I gaze, exasperated and defeated at her bedroom floor), "You know what I hate, right?" "Laundry", she says. She knows. And she does not care.....
Ok. Focus. I'm off task. I've actually said that word to myself out loud at least a dozen times this week. Wait. What day is it????
So last week we had a really awesome family night. It consisted of an actual meal eaten together as a family and story telling on the back porch. It was a bit cold outside, but it was dark and the kids first demanded scary stories. It then evolved into stories about Uncle Mark and Mexican chocolate, Uncle Luke and the blonde smiley face, and poop. Who doesn't love a story about poop?! It was a fun evening and I can't wait to have many more like it.
I'm still eating vegan about 90% of the time, so the fruit and veggie thing was pretty easy. I asked Shaun how his week was. His response? "Yeah, it was easy. But I like vegetables." Okay, so there you go.
This week I want to start to focus on what feeds our souls. I believe that every person on the face of this planet has some creative ability. That being said, everyone's "art" is different because our gifts are different. We all have the ability to create something splendid for others to enjoy, which sort of completes the circle of this whole creativity thing. You create, you put it out there, others enjoy, you want to create more, etc.. I realize that that chain of events is broken when you choose not to share your creation with others, and that's okay. Sometimes we need to make stuff just to make it. And that's enough.
This week (and all the weeks to come), I challenge you to find 30 minutes to get those creative juices flowing. In my household, this will probably mean beer recipe formulating for Shaun, and music making for me. I know that for me, neglecting my musical side (which I did pretty well for about 9 years) really started to take its toll. I am happier now than I have been in a long time, and I'd like to think that finding a musical outlet contributed to my current happiness in a pretty profound way. I also know that for Shaun, brewing and making beer is something he enjoys so much because he gets to see how his hard work is taken in (quite literally) and enjoyed by others. It is most definitely his "art".
If by chance you are unsure of what your "art" actually is, I encourage you to explore that. Try new things. Craft something wonderful. Cook something delicious. Sing a new song. Create a new technique for armpit farts if you want. Whatever.
Peace out.
Kate
Monday, January 30, 2012
Monday, January 23, 2012
Wk 4: Love a Fruit or Vegetable
Well, hello there. This last week was a good one, but it went by way, way too fast. First. Let's talk a little about how our "unplugged family night" went last week. Every single person in the house was grumpy. Both of the kids were in that "I'm going to cry even if you tell me you've just bought me a new toy" kind of mood. Whining, crying children makes for parents that want to scream, or self-medicate with homebrew. We did neither. We made it through, though. I should have taken a picture of dinner that night. It consisted of hummus, chips, bacon, salsa, carrots, and guacamole. Yes, thank you. I know. Yes, yes it was. Absolutely magnificent. The night ended with the four of us so family'd out that we watched 15 minutes of AFV before reading stories and going to bed. I guess it was only 85% unplugged, but it's a step in the right direction.
We're still getting some activity in each day, thanks to the wonderful Dance Central game. I made it to the Chesapeake gym this week 4 times! I have decided that I have made excuses for not using it for far too long, and I just won't do it anymore. Besides, what other gym out there will have a cool place for your kids to go and disposable toothbrushes in the women's locker room?! Pretty much the one downside is that I have to find creative ways to keep all my tattoos covered while I work out, which has prompted some creative upcycling of Evelyn's leggings that don't fit her anymore....
As far as the organization is concerned, I didn't really get to it this week. The bathrooms definitely got clean, but organization did not happen. I'm going to try to get to it this week.
What's new on the agenda for this week? Well, first let's recap what we should be doing:
1) Eating breakfast every day
2) 10-15 minutes of activity every day (or, if you wanna, let's say 70-105 minutes each week)
3) Family Night one night per week. No phones, TV, or computers. Just unplugged goodness.
For this week, I suggest that we all find a few fruits and veggies to love. 2 more. Every day. The easiest way to do this is to snack on an apple instead of chips, or make a salad with dinner instead of or in addition to the rice you were going to make anyway. The other trick here is... You have to eat it. Experiment. I mean, I ate kale last week and actually LIKED it. Shaun and I have the best simple sauce for veggies from Cooking Light. We use it primarily on asparagus, but it's good on any vegetable.
http://www.myrecipes.com/recipe/roasted-asparagus-with-balsamic-browned-butter-10000000226706/
For organization, pick some storage. I'm thinking linen storage. We've got some cabinets upstairs that need some serious help. The kids habitually take every blanket, sheet, and pillow out of them and then they get unceremoniously shoved back in hours later. School has started, but it makes no difference. I can't ignore the house completely.
Have a great week, peeps!
We're still getting some activity in each day, thanks to the wonderful Dance Central game. I made it to the Chesapeake gym this week 4 times! I have decided that I have made excuses for not using it for far too long, and I just won't do it anymore. Besides, what other gym out there will have a cool place for your kids to go and disposable toothbrushes in the women's locker room?! Pretty much the one downside is that I have to find creative ways to keep all my tattoos covered while I work out, which has prompted some creative upcycling of Evelyn's leggings that don't fit her anymore....
As far as the organization is concerned, I didn't really get to it this week. The bathrooms definitely got clean, but organization did not happen. I'm going to try to get to it this week.
What's new on the agenda for this week? Well, first let's recap what we should be doing:
1) Eating breakfast every day
2) 10-15 minutes of activity every day (or, if you wanna, let's say 70-105 minutes each week)
3) Family Night one night per week. No phones, TV, or computers. Just unplugged goodness.
For this week, I suggest that we all find a few fruits and veggies to love. 2 more. Every day. The easiest way to do this is to snack on an apple instead of chips, or make a salad with dinner instead of or in addition to the rice you were going to make anyway. The other trick here is... You have to eat it. Experiment. I mean, I ate kale last week and actually LIKED it. Shaun and I have the best simple sauce for veggies from Cooking Light. We use it primarily on asparagus, but it's good on any vegetable.
http://www.myrecipes.com/recipe/roasted-asparagus-with-balsamic-browned-butter-10000000226706/
For organization, pick some storage. I'm thinking linen storage. We've got some cabinets upstairs that need some serious help. The kids habitually take every blanket, sheet, and pillow out of them and then they get unceremoniously shoved back in hours later. School has started, but it makes no difference. I can't ignore the house completely.
Have a great week, peeps!
Monday, January 16, 2012
Week 3: Unplugged togetherness
Good morning! This will probably be the last leisurely Monday morning that I have for a while. School starts this week, and while I'm really excited to get things going, I dread the study in logistics that goes along with it.
I have two shout-outs to give this morning.
1) Happy Birthday Dr. King. You are missed. You are loved. You helped shape our world and we will be forever grateful.
2) To Dance Central, the amazing xbox kinect game. You are awesome. You helped me get my booty off the couch and into the groove this week.
This last week's assignment/new habit was a bit of a challenge. Getting exercise in every single day takes some sincere effort. That being said, I think I only missed one day. I started the week with a 5.6 mile walk with a friend. That was a good way to start. During the week, Shaun and I just played Dance Central with the kids. I should take some video next time because both Beckett and Ev were shakin' their rears to Lady Gaga. It was pretty awesome. Yesterday I went with a group of ladies to do 6 miles. I brought up the rear the entire run, but it was fun!!
On the organization front, I should first thank Lexi King. My sweet stepdaughter was here this last week and during her stay with us she introduced me to the United States of Tara. OMG. I know I said the assignment was a closet, any closet, so I chose the pantry. Why? It's simple. The pantry (and my entire kitchen) are in view of the living room TV. So, as episode after episode of Tara played, I not only cleaned and reorganized the pantry, I did the whole kitchen! I know have my entire kitchen organized the way it should be, and I have Lexi and Tara to thank for it.
Since this is the week that school starts back for me we are keeping it very, very simple - yet incredibly important. Make 1 night family night. AND on said family night do your best to unplug at the door. No phones, no computers, no television, no ipads, no ipods. You get the idea, and here's what I'm getting at just in case you didn't. Take some time to focus on eachother. Make dinner together. Play a board game. Actually talk about your day. Take a minute to look at your kids or spouse and be completely present. You won't regret it.
We have a dinnertime tradition that we started about a year ago that I look forward to every night. In order to make this work your whole family has to be at the table (be it at your house or restaurant). Our kids are small, so this makes it a lot more accessible for us. During dinner, we each take a second to talk about our favorite part of the day. It is a simple, amazing thing. Sometimes the kids talk about playing with their friends or P.E. at school. Other times they tell us how much they love us, or how sweet we were for getting them a bandaid when they got hurt. I also love hearing from Shaun after a long day at work, "Right now. Right now is the best part of my day." I dare you to try this sometime this week. You might laugh or tear up at what you hear, and you'll be so happy that you heard it.
For this week's organization challenge, take on the bathroom. Get rid of expired OTC medicines (you know you have them). Find a designated place for the Towels, T.P., and hair products. And clean it. For Pete's sake, clean it. I know mine needs it.
To recap:
1) 1 unplugged family night each week. I suggest making it the same night each week to keep everyone on board.
2) Organize a bathroom.
No extra challenges this week. Let's just get through the week as is, shall we?
On the "Kate tries a vegan diet for 2 weeks" front, I have to say that it's been easier than I thought. I have not lost any weight (yes, portion control is ALWAYS important). I have gotten rid of my "2 o'clock tireds". AND I ate some dairy for the first time all week yesterday afternoon at lunch. Once on accident, and once on purpose. I regretted it last night and this morning. It is not doing nice things to my tummy. ALSO, if you are interested in trying the BEST FREAKING CUPCAKES OF YOUR LIFE, I highly recommend the book Vegan Cupcakes Take Over the World. I served a batch of coconut lime cupcakes with lime buttercream frosting to a group of omnivores this week with incredible results. They were AMAZING. I never thought that dairy/egg free baking could taste so good. It IS possible!
Have a great week, everybody!!
I have two shout-outs to give this morning.
1) Happy Birthday Dr. King. You are missed. You are loved. You helped shape our world and we will be forever grateful.
2) To Dance Central, the amazing xbox kinect game. You are awesome. You helped me get my booty off the couch and into the groove this week.
This last week's assignment/new habit was a bit of a challenge. Getting exercise in every single day takes some sincere effort. That being said, I think I only missed one day. I started the week with a 5.6 mile walk with a friend. That was a good way to start. During the week, Shaun and I just played Dance Central with the kids. I should take some video next time because both Beckett and Ev were shakin' their rears to Lady Gaga. It was pretty awesome. Yesterday I went with a group of ladies to do 6 miles. I brought up the rear the entire run, but it was fun!!
On the organization front, I should first thank Lexi King. My sweet stepdaughter was here this last week and during her stay with us she introduced me to the United States of Tara. OMG. I know I said the assignment was a closet, any closet, so I chose the pantry. Why? It's simple. The pantry (and my entire kitchen) are in view of the living room TV. So, as episode after episode of Tara played, I not only cleaned and reorganized the pantry, I did the whole kitchen! I know have my entire kitchen organized the way it should be, and I have Lexi and Tara to thank for it.
Since this is the week that school starts back for me we are keeping it very, very simple - yet incredibly important. Make 1 night family night. AND on said family night do your best to unplug at the door. No phones, no computers, no television, no ipads, no ipods. You get the idea, and here's what I'm getting at just in case you didn't. Take some time to focus on eachother. Make dinner together. Play a board game. Actually talk about your day. Take a minute to look at your kids or spouse and be completely present. You won't regret it.
We have a dinnertime tradition that we started about a year ago that I look forward to every night. In order to make this work your whole family has to be at the table (be it at your house or restaurant). Our kids are small, so this makes it a lot more accessible for us. During dinner, we each take a second to talk about our favorite part of the day. It is a simple, amazing thing. Sometimes the kids talk about playing with their friends or P.E. at school. Other times they tell us how much they love us, or how sweet we were for getting them a bandaid when they got hurt. I also love hearing from Shaun after a long day at work, "Right now. Right now is the best part of my day." I dare you to try this sometime this week. You might laugh or tear up at what you hear, and you'll be so happy that you heard it.
For this week's organization challenge, take on the bathroom. Get rid of expired OTC medicines (you know you have them). Find a designated place for the Towels, T.P., and hair products. And clean it. For Pete's sake, clean it. I know mine needs it.
To recap:
1) 1 unplugged family night each week. I suggest making it the same night each week to keep everyone on board.
2) Organize a bathroom.
No extra challenges this week. Let's just get through the week as is, shall we?
On the "Kate tries a vegan diet for 2 weeks" front, I have to say that it's been easier than I thought. I have not lost any weight (yes, portion control is ALWAYS important). I have gotten rid of my "2 o'clock tireds". AND I ate some dairy for the first time all week yesterday afternoon at lunch. Once on accident, and once on purpose. I regretted it last night and this morning. It is not doing nice things to my tummy. ALSO, if you are interested in trying the BEST FREAKING CUPCAKES OF YOUR LIFE, I highly recommend the book Vegan Cupcakes Take Over the World. I served a batch of coconut lime cupcakes with lime buttercream frosting to a group of omnivores this week with incredible results. They were AMAZING. I never thought that dairy/egg free baking could taste so good. It IS possible!
Have a great week, everybody!!
Monday, January 9, 2012
This is why organization is good.....
This used to be a piece of bread. I found it at the very back of the bottom shelf of the pantry. The 'use by' date says 06/06/2011. WOW.
Wk 2: The Couch Potato becomes a Pavement Potato
Let's start with an apology. I should have written this post yesterday, but time got away from me so here I am.
To recap, last week our household was successful in eating breakfast every day and the cereal box did not come out of the pantry once! That is a small victory! We had peanut butter toast, oatmeal, eggs with ham and toast, fruit, yogurt, and much more! As for our documentary- it was Forks over Knives and it was really fantastic and scary. I would recommend it to anyone concerned about their health and the health of their family. Also a good watch if you think that what you eat (regardless of your weight) doesn't really matter all that much. (Hint: It does!!!)
Also, I challenged you to get out and walk for a bit. I honestly haven't asked the husband if he made it out, but I walked 3 miles on Thursday! Kids walked with their sister on Thursday (?) night.
B You see that B? That has been appearing all over our house. On shelves. Cabinet doors. Granite. Windows. We have our very own tagging thing going on in our house courtesy of Beckett. He has a mysterious blue crayon that I cannot find which he uses to write a B on anything he sees. Every time I'm at the computer, he types a B. So, there you go. The story of the B. If you happen to be at our house, look for them. It's like finding Waldo. But easier.
What's the new thing for this week, you ask? Well. Get off your duff! 10 minutes of activity outside your normal routine every day. Let me repeat. 10 minutes outside your normal activity every single day of the week. If you go to the grocery store - you cannot count the time you are walking around the store. If you go to the mall and park a 1/2 mile from the door on purpose - you can count that. Now, I should also say that this 10 minutes does not have to be walking. It could be anything you want it to be.
Further, we all know how good exercise is for us. I'm not going to talk about it here. Google it if you don't believe me. But you should believe me.
The organization thing this week? Pick 1 closet. Any closet in your home. And make it right. I will do the same and try to remember to take a 'before' picture.
One more thing. Over the last few weeks I have strongly considered becoming a vegetarian. Watching Forks over Knives sealed the deal. Only now I am STRONGLY considering eliminating animal products from my diet. As an experiment I will try in earnest to eat vegan for 2 weeks. I keep hearing and reading about all these miraculous things that will happen to my body if I do. I can try anything for two weeks. I am a big skeptic right now, but I'll keep you posted on the progress.
Just a reminder:
Wk 2: Be active outside your normal routine for 10 minutes every stinkin' day.
Find one closet in your house and undo the madness that is held within it.
AND
Challenge #1 Drink an extra 16 oz of water each day.
Challenge #2 Do something artsy fartsy. Make a craft. Go to the OKCMOA. Take a dance class. Watch a musical on TV. I don't care. Just indulge your creative side.
Have a great week!
To recap, last week our household was successful in eating breakfast every day and the cereal box did not come out of the pantry once! That is a small victory! We had peanut butter toast, oatmeal, eggs with ham and toast, fruit, yogurt, and much more! As for our documentary- it was Forks over Knives and it was really fantastic and scary. I would recommend it to anyone concerned about their health and the health of their family. Also a good watch if you think that what you eat (regardless of your weight) doesn't really matter all that much. (Hint: It does!!!)
Also, I challenged you to get out and walk for a bit. I honestly haven't asked the husband if he made it out, but I walked 3 miles on Thursday! Kids walked with their sister on Thursday (?) night.
B You see that B? That has been appearing all over our house. On shelves. Cabinet doors. Granite. Windows. We have our very own tagging thing going on in our house courtesy of Beckett. He has a mysterious blue crayon that I cannot find which he uses to write a B on anything he sees. Every time I'm at the computer, he types a B. So, there you go. The story of the B. If you happen to be at our house, look for them. It's like finding Waldo. But easier.
What's the new thing for this week, you ask? Well. Get off your duff! 10 minutes of activity outside your normal routine every day. Let me repeat. 10 minutes outside your normal activity every single day of the week. If you go to the grocery store - you cannot count the time you are walking around the store. If you go to the mall and park a 1/2 mile from the door on purpose - you can count that. Now, I should also say that this 10 minutes does not have to be walking. It could be anything you want it to be.
Further, we all know how good exercise is for us. I'm not going to talk about it here. Google it if you don't believe me. But you should believe me.
The organization thing this week? Pick 1 closet. Any closet in your home. And make it right. I will do the same and try to remember to take a 'before' picture.
One more thing. Over the last few weeks I have strongly considered becoming a vegetarian. Watching Forks over Knives sealed the deal. Only now I am STRONGLY considering eliminating animal products from my diet. As an experiment I will try in earnest to eat vegan for 2 weeks. I keep hearing and reading about all these miraculous things that will happen to my body if I do. I can try anything for two weeks. I am a big skeptic right now, but I'll keep you posted on the progress.
Just a reminder:
Wk 2: Be active outside your normal routine for 10 minutes every stinkin' day.
Find one closet in your house and undo the madness that is held within it.
AND
Challenge #1 Drink an extra 16 oz of water each day.
Challenge #2 Do something artsy fartsy. Make a craft. Go to the OKCMOA. Take a dance class. Watch a musical on TV. I don't care. Just indulge your creative side.
Have a great week!
Saturday, January 7, 2012
Wednesday, January 4, 2012
Husbands, rejoice!
I have to start by saying that I am, in most ways, not a very organized person. I once had a voice teacher tell me that peace can be found in order/organization (this was said as I was complaining about not having time to practice when really I just didn't want to practice what she wanted me to sing...but that's another story alltogether....)
I have been so caught up and excited about getting our family in a healthier position that I was sort of locked into my own definitions of health and 'fitness'. This takes us over to my husband, Shaun. Where I thrive in a state of "organized" chaos, he festers. Where I love "wait until the last minute and then get my sh!t together" kind of living, it makes him crazy. So, yesterday he made the assertion that I am demanding that he go out/over/beyond his typical comfort zone with these new family initiatives, but that I was not doing the same for myself. His argument was that for him (for his mental health) he needed organization. I should mention that this whole discussion was prompted by his quick glance into our refrigerator to find something to eat. Apparently seeing the two-week-old cauliflower gratin was just too much. Oh, and seeing the pile of laundry waiting not-so-patiently to be washed, folded, and put away. That definitely played a part......
So, this morning, very, very hesitantly, I agreed to incorporate organization into our weekly habits/goals. And that is how I was assigned the task of organizing the refrigerator. My first response was "two can play at this game, babe... You want me to clean the fridge? fine. I can have you eating vegan next week." (insert evil laugh here)
So for our house, I will add in a WK 1 addendum: Organize the fridge. Do it if you want. It's late in the game for this week so no pressure.
In other news, breakfast so far this week has been good, actually. I have yet to get the documentary done. I plan on watching Waiting for Superman or Forks Over Knives (?). I haven't done the walk yet either, but I did take down and drag our 9ft Christmas tree outside...that counts for something, right?
I have been so caught up and excited about getting our family in a healthier position that I was sort of locked into my own definitions of health and 'fitness'. This takes us over to my husband, Shaun. Where I thrive in a state of "organized" chaos, he festers. Where I love "wait until the last minute and then get my sh!t together" kind of living, it makes him crazy. So, yesterday he made the assertion that I am demanding that he go out/over/beyond his typical comfort zone with these new family initiatives, but that I was not doing the same for myself. His argument was that for him (for his mental health) he needed organization. I should mention that this whole discussion was prompted by his quick glance into our refrigerator to find something to eat. Apparently seeing the two-week-old cauliflower gratin was just too much. Oh, and seeing the pile of laundry waiting not-so-patiently to be washed, folded, and put away. That definitely played a part......
So, this morning, very, very hesitantly, I agreed to incorporate organization into our weekly habits/goals. And that is how I was assigned the task of organizing the refrigerator. My first response was "two can play at this game, babe... You want me to clean the fridge? fine. I can have you eating vegan next week." (insert evil laugh here)
So for our house, I will add in a WK 1 addendum: Organize the fridge. Do it if you want. It's late in the game for this week so no pressure.
In other news, breakfast so far this week has been good, actually. I have yet to get the documentary done. I plan on watching Waiting for Superman or Forks Over Knives (?). I haven't done the walk yet either, but I did take down and drag our 9ft Christmas tree outside...that counts for something, right?
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