I've always told people I'm a type-A personality. I like things done right (usually means my way), and like to be the one giving directions. I'm realizing that "type-A" is just a nice way of calling someone a control freak.
Usually, all is ok. I can reign myself in before anyone finds it too annoying, and most times people seem to be alright just stepping back and letting me do it. And my family has grown to love this quirk about me (so they tell me!). Take "pot luck dinners" for example. Probably one of the most stressful things for me is to have someone say "just make it pot luck and and we'll all bring whatever". WHAT? No planned menu? How will I know all the bases are covered? What if we end up with only desserts? My usual response is "It's ok...I like doing this stuff) - to which I'm sure I get an eye roll.
I am getting better - I gave up a little control last year for my sister's wedding shower - although my family will say I did not (I did have a plan for how I was going to handle it if it turn out the way I wanted), all I promised was that I would try.
It also carries over into my parenting. I went to a seminar recently, and realized I'm what they call an "over-functioning parent". In a nutshell, I like to do everything for my kids, remind them of schedules, and their experience at school stresses me out more than it does them. Aren't all parents like that? I am making a conscious decision to allow them to make some of their own decisions and give them more responsibility around the house. Who cares if they don't clean the same way I do, right? And they should learn to accept the consequences if they don't do their homework, right?
I fully expect that it will take some time before I can let go and become "less type-A". I will try, but I will certainly have a checklist that will tell me if I am doing it right. And a plan to fix things if the checklist tells me I'm not. I wish I could heed Yoda's advice: "There is no try, just do". For now, all I can promise to do is try.
To my friends, feel free to call me out on it. I won't promise it won't generate a sigh or a look of daggers, but I will promise to take it in stride :-)
Wednesday, March 7, 2012
Monday, March 5, 2012
On the Road Again...
Wow...I can't believe its been a couple of weeks since I last posted. I seem to have a thousand ideas through the day of things that would make a great blog topic, but finding the time to sit and write them is becoming more and more scarce. I guess I have to resort to scheduling my "free time" where I plan to blog.
I wish the title of this post referred to me getting to travel, but the road I'm on again is of a different kind. I'm back on the road to trying to get healthy.
When I decided to start writing, I told myself that I would not turn this into a blog about weight - or more specifically about losing it. I have struggled with my weight...always. I have been on every fad diet imaginable and...well you know how the rest of this paragraph goes. It's a continuous yo-yo. The worst part is it is not rocket science - eat healthy, everything in moderation and exercise every day. So simple...yeah right. Life gets in the way of making the choices we know are the right ones.
So while I will not chronicle my journey here, every now and then I may rant a little (when my sugar cravings get the best of me), but the rants will pass. For now, I want to focus on making better choices so that I can chase my girls in a game of tag without my knees burning. Don't get me wrong - getting to wear cute clothes and hearing the compliments are a motivator too. And that may be how I keep my eye on the prize. In the end, though, the prize truly is feeling better.
Just wish I could get to the prize drinking wine and eating cheesecake. For now, I'll imagine my water tastes like chocolate :-).
So here is my first rant - I'm working with a system right now that will help to get rid of the toxins from my body. Sounds fabulous - BUT it means no caffeine. NO. CAFFEINE. I'm a sucker for punishment I know - I have already warned the people around me that I will not be pleasant over the next few days, and I apologized in advance. For anyone I missed, I'm sorry. You have my permission to tell me where to go - just don't mention Starbucks and no one gets hurt.
I wish the title of this post referred to me getting to travel, but the road I'm on again is of a different kind. I'm back on the road to trying to get healthy.
When I decided to start writing, I told myself that I would not turn this into a blog about weight - or more specifically about losing it. I have struggled with my weight...always. I have been on every fad diet imaginable and...well you know how the rest of this paragraph goes. It's a continuous yo-yo. The worst part is it is not rocket science - eat healthy, everything in moderation and exercise every day. So simple...yeah right. Life gets in the way of making the choices we know are the right ones.
So while I will not chronicle my journey here, every now and then I may rant a little (when my sugar cravings get the best of me), but the rants will pass. For now, I want to focus on making better choices so that I can chase my girls in a game of tag without my knees burning. Don't get me wrong - getting to wear cute clothes and hearing the compliments are a motivator too. And that may be how I keep my eye on the prize. In the end, though, the prize truly is feeling better.
Just wish I could get to the prize drinking wine and eating cheesecake. For now, I'll imagine my water tastes like chocolate :-).
So here is my first rant - I'm working with a system right now that will help to get rid of the toxins from my body. Sounds fabulous - BUT it means no caffeine. NO. CAFFEINE. I'm a sucker for punishment I know - I have already warned the people around me that I will not be pleasant over the next few days, and I apologized in advance. For anyone I missed, I'm sorry. You have my permission to tell me where to go - just don't mention Starbucks and no one gets hurt.
Tuesday, February 21, 2012
Weekends Away
Recently I posted about what I would consider a perfect weekend. I mentioned sun and sand or trips to Paris, and concluded that even at home snuggles could constitute a great weekend. Last weekend I added another item to that list - a girls weekend away. And I don't mean with my little girls...with girls whose ages were in the double digits! And OMG it was so much fun!! I am big believer that sometimes to re-energize you need to just get the hell out of dodge...after this weekend I'm even more convinced!
Not only was I with 3 really amazing women, but I got to shop all weekend. Need I say more?? Although it may be hard to imagine, I *gasp* had never been to Watertown, Syracuse or Waterloo to do any shopping. Now that I know what I was missing, I will be returning. The deals were fantastic!
The shopping was awesome (the fact that we needed a van to bring our wares over the border is a testament to that), but truthfully the best part of the trip was hanging out with some pretty fantastic friends. I haven't met anyone that I have clicked with so well in a long time. I giggled so much my cheeks hurt (and it wasn't just because they introduced me to vodka and 7up as a drink), I discovered we have lots in common, and I was introduced to some new phrases (a few of which I will not post on my family oriented blog :-) ).
As the saying goes, good friends are hard to find - and I feel lucky to count this crew on my list of good friends. Needless to say I am already looking forward to the next one (I'm hoping for at least one per year). Hmmm...maybe I can convince them that girls weekends are even better when we are somewhere sunny. I'll work on it.
Not only was I with 3 really amazing women, but I got to shop all weekend. Need I say more?? Although it may be hard to imagine, I *gasp* had never been to Watertown, Syracuse or Waterloo to do any shopping. Now that I know what I was missing, I will be returning. The deals were fantastic!
The shopping was awesome (the fact that we needed a van to bring our wares over the border is a testament to that), but truthfully the best part of the trip was hanging out with some pretty fantastic friends. I haven't met anyone that I have clicked with so well in a long time. I giggled so much my cheeks hurt (and it wasn't just because they introduced me to vodka and 7up as a drink), I discovered we have lots in common, and I was introduced to some new phrases (a few of which I will not post on my family oriented blog :-) ).
As the saying goes, good friends are hard to find - and I feel lucky to count this crew on my list of good friends. Needless to say I am already looking forward to the next one (I'm hoping for at least one per year). Hmmm...maybe I can convince them that girls weekends are even better when we are somewhere sunny. I'll work on it.
Sunday, February 12, 2012
Writing Prompts Rock!!
I recently discovered this awesome blogger who has this cool idea - every week there are writing prompts posted on her site. Essentially, there are a bunch of ideas/questions/issues that you can use to kick off a blog post. Why do I think is cool you ask? Because sometimes the creative juices are just not flowing - and these prompts help to get your mind focussed on an idea.
For anyone interested, the blog is called "Mama's Losin It" and you can get to the writing prompts at
http://www.mamakatslosinit.com/writers-workshop-directions/
Before I tackle this prompt, can I just say how much fun I am having discovering all the cool bloggers - who knew the world of blogging could keep my attention as much as a Twilight movie - well almost as much :-)
This prompt asked: Write a moment you felt truly relieved. Here goes...
I will admit there have been a few of these moments in my life. When I heard my dad had gone to the hospital, but the next sentence was he is fine. When my mom had a health scare that turned out to be pretty minor in the grand scheme of things. The first time I heard my healthy children let out a cry. If I had to pick one, though, it would be the one that centered around my first pregnancy.
Hubby and I were obviously over the moon when we discovered we were expecting. To say we were excited would have been an understatement. The "stomach falling through the floor" moment happened at one of my ultrasounds. Basically, the ultrasound technician told us there was an issue with our little girls' heart. Instant tears on my part. If there was a positive, it was that there are some pretty amazing doctors in Ottawa, and I got shipped off for a specialist to have a closer look.
The wait was agonizing. All I could do was pray that everything would be okay. The morning we headed to the specialist was bittersweet. I had convinced myself all was well with the world, but what if I was wrong? The thought paralyzed me.
We headed in to have the ultrasound. Here comes the moment where my relief exuded from me - the doc asked me what I was doing there. Huh???? He looked at my file and informed us that the previous tech had read the scan wrong. He walked us through all the parts that formed our little miracle, and everything was fine. Everything. Was. Fine.
Relief does not even start to describe how we felt walking out of that room. I think I actually asked the nurse if I could give her a hug! From that moment forward, I thanked my lucky stars every time she made me nauseous or kicked the heck out of my ribs...
Our little girl was healthy, and all was right with the world. My definition of relief was changed forever.
For anyone interested, the blog is called "Mama's Losin It" and you can get to the writing prompts at
http://www.mamakatslosinit.com/writers-workshop-directions/
Before I tackle this prompt, can I just say how much fun I am having discovering all the cool bloggers - who knew the world of blogging could keep my attention as much as a Twilight movie - well almost as much :-)
This prompt asked: Write a moment you felt truly relieved. Here goes...
I will admit there have been a few of these moments in my life. When I heard my dad had gone to the hospital, but the next sentence was he is fine. When my mom had a health scare that turned out to be pretty minor in the grand scheme of things. The first time I heard my healthy children let out a cry. If I had to pick one, though, it would be the one that centered around my first pregnancy.
Hubby and I were obviously over the moon when we discovered we were expecting. To say we were excited would have been an understatement. The "stomach falling through the floor" moment happened at one of my ultrasounds. Basically, the ultrasound technician told us there was an issue with our little girls' heart. Instant tears on my part. If there was a positive, it was that there are some pretty amazing doctors in Ottawa, and I got shipped off for a specialist to have a closer look.
The wait was agonizing. All I could do was pray that everything would be okay. The morning we headed to the specialist was bittersweet. I had convinced myself all was well with the world, but what if I was wrong? The thought paralyzed me.
We headed in to have the ultrasound. Here comes the moment where my relief exuded from me - the doc asked me what I was doing there. Huh???? He looked at my file and informed us that the previous tech had read the scan wrong. He walked us through all the parts that formed our little miracle, and everything was fine. Everything. Was. Fine.
Relief does not even start to describe how we felt walking out of that room. I think I actually asked the nurse if I could give her a hug! From that moment forward, I thanked my lucky stars every time she made me nauseous or kicked the heck out of my ribs...
Our little girl was healthy, and all was right with the world. My definition of relief was changed forever.
Sunday, February 5, 2012
I *May* Have a Problem
They say the first step to admitting any addiction is to admit you have a problem. So here goes...I may be addicted to paper. Not just any paper, but the pretty, scrapbooking kind of paper. How do I know this is a problem you ask??
Recently, I took inventory of all the paper I had in my craft room. To say I have alot is an understatement. That it and of itself is not the issue. I love to scrapbook and make cards so you would expect that I would have reams of paper at my disposal. The issue - I actually found myself saying "I can't use that to scrapbook...it's far too pretty". What?? Why would I buy pretty paper if not to create beautiful books full of memories and cards to give away to my friends? Because it makes me happy to look at them. I know...very weird. Remember I never said I was normal.
Now that I've admitted it, I should be on the road to recovery, right? I wish I could say yes but I was at the craft store yesterday and could not help myself...there was this SUPER cute girlie paper that made me smile. Instead of trying to get over it, I plan to find other ways to use it. Up first, I'm going to create an art display for my craft room. Beautifully framed paper that will cheer me up whenever I glance over at it.
As for the "problem" I'm going to try to keep it more under control. I said try, but I make no promises.
Recently, I took inventory of all the paper I had in my craft room. To say I have alot is an understatement. That it and of itself is not the issue. I love to scrapbook and make cards so you would expect that I would have reams of paper at my disposal. The issue - I actually found myself saying "I can't use that to scrapbook...it's far too pretty". What?? Why would I buy pretty paper if not to create beautiful books full of memories and cards to give away to my friends? Because it makes me happy to look at them. I know...very weird. Remember I never said I was normal.
Now that I've admitted it, I should be on the road to recovery, right? I wish I could say yes but I was at the craft store yesterday and could not help myself...there was this SUPER cute girlie paper that made me smile. Instead of trying to get over it, I plan to find other ways to use it. Up first, I'm going to create an art display for my craft room. Beautifully framed paper that will cheer me up whenever I glance over at it.
As for the "problem" I'm going to try to keep it more under control. I said try, but I make no promises.
Tuesday, January 31, 2012
Blah days
We all have them. Those days where we would much rather stay curled up in bed under the covers than venture out to greet the world. Unfortunately, most of us don't have the option but to drag out butts out from under the covers and face the day.
We should get banners or pins to warn those that cross our paths on those days. Something that says "just stay out of my way today" to anyone who dares to strike up a conversation. Or one of those Men in Black pens that makes people forget that we snapped at them for really no good reason.
Today was one of those days for me. I woke up feeling blah - it took everything for me just to get through the morning routine and head into work. Then nothing was going right for the first hour I was at the office (I'm sure in retrospect the freaking out I did will seem very unreasonable) AND my computer crashed. Really...did the universe not know what I needed was just a smooth ride for the first half of the day??
Good thing I work with some great people (who I will apologize to tomorrow). By 2:00 I had had enough. I headed out into the snowstorm (OK...by a Canadian's standards not yet a true storm but it was snowing and I had to clean off my car) and made my way home. Now I'm looking forward to hanging out with my sister for a bit tonight...maybe talking babies with her will cheer me up.
And maybe not. Maybe today I was destined to just be in "one of those moods"...and that's ok. Who says we have to be happy and jovial all the time. Tomorrow when I wake up, I will try to roll out of bed with a smile...for today I may just choose to wallow in feeling blah. And heaven help anyone who tries to convince me to snap out of it...fair warning that my response (which will include a nasty look and an eye roll) will reflect my mood today.
Interesting thing? Now that I've shared my lousy mood, I'm actually feeling a tiny bit better. Am reserving the right to eye roll though...
We should get banners or pins to warn those that cross our paths on those days. Something that says "just stay out of my way today" to anyone who dares to strike up a conversation. Or one of those Men in Black pens that makes people forget that we snapped at them for really no good reason.
Today was one of those days for me. I woke up feeling blah - it took everything for me just to get through the morning routine and head into work. Then nothing was going right for the first hour I was at the office (I'm sure in retrospect the freaking out I did will seem very unreasonable) AND my computer crashed. Really...did the universe not know what I needed was just a smooth ride for the first half of the day??
Good thing I work with some great people (who I will apologize to tomorrow). By 2:00 I had had enough. I headed out into the snowstorm (OK...by a Canadian's standards not yet a true storm but it was snowing and I had to clean off my car) and made my way home. Now I'm looking forward to hanging out with my sister for a bit tonight...maybe talking babies with her will cheer me up.
And maybe not. Maybe today I was destined to just be in "one of those moods"...and that's ok. Who says we have to be happy and jovial all the time. Tomorrow when I wake up, I will try to roll out of bed with a smile...for today I may just choose to wallow in feeling blah. And heaven help anyone who tries to convince me to snap out of it...fair warning that my response (which will include a nasty look and an eye roll) will reflect my mood today.
Interesting thing? Now that I've shared my lousy mood, I'm actually feeling a tiny bit better. Am reserving the right to eye roll though...
Sunday, January 29, 2012
Cool Experience
This weekend my daughters had the opportunity to participate in, what I think, is on every little girls' wishlist. They got to be in the Ottawa Wedding fashion show and model some gorgeous gowns. Did I mention they also got to have their hair and makeup done, and everyone ran around to find whatever they needed? Forget little girl dreams - I think that makes it onto the wish lists of most women I know!
It was so much fun to watch them get all dolled up and twirl around in their pretty gowns - my real life princesses. We took lots of pics (I think my camera-loving hubby took about 600 over two days) - which was great for me cause I didn't actually get to see them walk the runway. I was their "dresser" and was relegated to back stage. Note to self...next time hire someone so I can enjoy the show too!
For the oldest, the glitz had lost its shine between shows 3 and 4. I asked her what was up as she sat slumped into a chair. Her answer? "Mom, it was fun for awhile, but man its hard work to do this stuff." My little tomboy was tired of being hair-sprayed and lip glossed, and the speed changes between dresses were very stressful on us both!
As for my youngest, she was right in her glory. She loves this stuff - at one point she asked me to get the hair lady because a piece of hair was falling over her tiara...and then she waved her hand at me. Sheesh...one weekend and she goes all diva on me! Truth be told, this is the same little girl who doesn't like to do anything that makes her sweat, and informed me at 4-years old she needed to marry a real prince so she didn't have to work. Good luck, my love!!
It was tons of fun, and I gained an appreciation for what goes on behind the scenes at these shows. The audience gets to see the gorgeous final product, but there is a ton of hard work that goes into it. Hats off to all those that make a living doing this! For now, it was just a crazy weekend full of laughs (mostly) and we got some amazing pics for the scrapbook.
It was so much fun to watch them get all dolled up and twirl around in their pretty gowns - my real life princesses. We took lots of pics (I think my camera-loving hubby took about 600 over two days) - which was great for me cause I didn't actually get to see them walk the runway. I was their "dresser" and was relegated to back stage. Note to self...next time hire someone so I can enjoy the show too!
For the oldest, the glitz had lost its shine between shows 3 and 4. I asked her what was up as she sat slumped into a chair. Her answer? "Mom, it was fun for awhile, but man its hard work to do this stuff." My little tomboy was tired of being hair-sprayed and lip glossed, and the speed changes between dresses were very stressful on us both!
As for my youngest, she was right in her glory. She loves this stuff - at one point she asked me to get the hair lady because a piece of hair was falling over her tiara...and then she waved her hand at me. Sheesh...one weekend and she goes all diva on me! Truth be told, this is the same little girl who doesn't like to do anything that makes her sweat, and informed me at 4-years old she needed to marry a real prince so she didn't have to work. Good luck, my love!!
It was tons of fun, and I gained an appreciation for what goes on behind the scenes at these shows. The audience gets to see the gorgeous final product, but there is a ton of hard work that goes into it. Hats off to all those that make a living doing this! For now, it was just a crazy weekend full of laughs (mostly) and we got some amazing pics for the scrapbook.
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