This was a busy and scattered week, with lots going on. Each day brought new challenges. Fortunately, as I am in a good place personally, I was able to go with the flow and live life as it unfolded. Perhaps I would be charaterized mostly as a proud plugger.
I still have not incorporated the last 2 healthiest food selections -- barley and lentils. I will fit them in before month end. In the meantime, I am so satisfied with the many healthiest food selections that I have continued to incorporate.
My fit focus was absolutely awesome, with 4 fulfilling runs! Three of them were outside, and totally reenergizing. One run was at the gym, but was a success because I tracked the bit of speed I am rediscovering. Twice, I specifically recall thinking that I did not have time for a fun -- life was getting in the way. Instead of following those thoughts, I fortunately forced myself to fit me in.
Significantly, each day I was able to cross at least one item off my life list. Some items carry with them my inadequacies and insecurities. Crossing them off, therefore, brings such success.
Too much of my brain is bogged down with readjusting and refocusing which of my many roles holds the primary position. Part of this preoccupation derives from one of my exhusband's significant statements, which expressed his feelings that he was third after my job and my family. Though those words were spoken more than a decade ago, they still haunt me more or less.
This week, roles of mother, employee, and runner competed for the primary position. I am concerned about the roles that did not even make it to the tertiary position. Time will tell what will happen with those concerns.... For now, I will remind myself that I only can do my best, which will have to be enough.
Monday, February 21, 2011
Friday, February 18, 2011
Chosen luxury
After much research, agonizing, and contemplation, I chose the Dell Streak 7 as my new electronics luxury. I decided on this instead of a smartphone because I think that it is more suited to my needs, and those of my Son who uses all of my electronics.
So far I love this product, and could not be more pleased with my choice!
So far I love this product, and could not be more pleased with my choice!
Monday, February 14, 2011
Weekly Wanderings - Week 6
This week worked because I took steps forward on many fronts. As anticipated, finance, family, and fun focuses fell into place more or less, but well. Food and fit focuses were awesome.
Working the 30 healthiest foods list is providing a fun foundation for my food focus. I still have 2 selections to incorporate. The other 28 selections are fitting into my diet nicely. I am learning a lot and I do feel better! I enjoy food. At times, I really don't care what I eat. Making healthy choices, therefore, makes sense for me. Such choices may take a few more minutes to prepare, but they are well spent. I am worth it.
Deciding to limit my fit focus to running for now was smart. In keeping with what works, this decision will work for me currently. This week, I fit in 4 runs, each of which provided value. Monday's 1 hour run outside was absolutely awesome! The other runs were at the gym. My overall mileage still is much lower than I want it to be, but it is increasing nicely each week, currently at about 14 miles. At some point, I will have to reincorporate weights. Right now, however, I am realizing so many benefits from my runs (physically, emotionally, and mentally) so they will continue to receive my sole attentions.
Implementing my mantra -- choose luxury -- is working well for me. When I choose luxury, then I feel better about myself and more committed to being the best mom, employee, wife, daughter, family member, and friend that I can. I can define what luxury means to and for me. Each choice is mine!
My mind murmurs often migrate to figuring out what I want and what is going on "out there." Currently, so much attention is paid to extremes -- the best, the worst, the most, the least, the wackiest, and the most dramatic. I am done with extremes. I want to live in moderation, with a beneficial balance. Perhaps that's why one of my favorite television shows currently is Chopped. The prize is $10K, which is significant but not over the top. The participants are cooks, but not the best or worst ones. There's not too much time for too much drama, but the content is interesting and entertaining. I enjoy this Food Network show, and I often learn something from it -- an added bonus!
Working the 30 healthiest foods list is providing a fun foundation for my food focus. I still have 2 selections to incorporate. The other 28 selections are fitting into my diet nicely. I am learning a lot and I do feel better! I enjoy food. At times, I really don't care what I eat. Making healthy choices, therefore, makes sense for me. Such choices may take a few more minutes to prepare, but they are well spent. I am worth it.
Deciding to limit my fit focus to running for now was smart. In keeping with what works, this decision will work for me currently. This week, I fit in 4 runs, each of which provided value. Monday's 1 hour run outside was absolutely awesome! The other runs were at the gym. My overall mileage still is much lower than I want it to be, but it is increasing nicely each week, currently at about 14 miles. At some point, I will have to reincorporate weights. Right now, however, I am realizing so many benefits from my runs (physically, emotionally, and mentally) so they will continue to receive my sole attentions.
Implementing my mantra -- choose luxury -- is working well for me. When I choose luxury, then I feel better about myself and more committed to being the best mom, employee, wife, daughter, family member, and friend that I can. I can define what luxury means to and for me. Each choice is mine!
My mind murmurs often migrate to figuring out what I want and what is going on "out there." Currently, so much attention is paid to extremes -- the best, the worst, the most, the least, the wackiest, and the most dramatic. I am done with extremes. I want to live in moderation, with a beneficial balance. Perhaps that's why one of my favorite television shows currently is Chopped. The prize is $10K, which is significant but not over the top. The participants are cooks, but not the best or worst ones. There's not too much time for too much drama, but the content is interesting and entertaining. I enjoy this Food Network show, and I often learn something from it -- an added bonus!
Chosen luxury
One of the selections on the 30 healthiest foods list is blueberries. While I love the flavor, I never seem to be able to simply munch on/incorporate blueberries. I bought all natural Wild Maine Blueberry Jam from Stonewall Kitchen, and I am good to go! Thus far, I have been enjoying this flavor in my morning oatmeal, which has been such a satisfying selection!
Thursday, February 10, 2011
Food Focus / Selections - Day 10 // chosen luxury bonus
No new selections today, which was hectic. I did incorporate some selections that are on their way to becoming regulars in my diet! Happily, it's only 10 days into this adventure, and just 2 of the 30 selections have yet to be used. They are lentils and barley, both of which I already know that I like. Each certainly and easily will be incorporated.
Today's hecticness was worth it because it resulted in part to advancing a chosen luxury. I attended a free user group conference for the Nuance Dragon Naturally Speaking sftware product. This software is a chosen luxury to help with my DIM Memories project. For so many reasons, I am pleased that I took time to attend this conference! Now I have to make time to use my Dragon regularly, which will advance my family and fun factors.
Today's hecticness was worth it because it resulted in part to advancing a chosen luxury. I attended a free user group conference for the Nuance Dragon Naturally Speaking sftware product. This software is a chosen luxury to help with my DIM Memories project. For so many reasons, I am pleased that I took time to attend this conference! Now I have to make time to use my Dragon regularly, which will advance my family and fun factors.
Amazon.com -- Customer service success
Once again, I am so pleased that my amazon.com Prime account is one of my chosen luxuries! Today's satisfaction is associated with my Kindle. I have the fancy leather cover, which I learned was causing freezing/resetting. The cover turned out to be of no value. Having removed my Kindle from its cover, I so simply communicated with Amazon's customer service (first by email and then on the telephone).
Two days after talking with a customer service representative, I have a replacement leather kindle cover at no extra cost, and no aggravation, to me! Significantly, this cover is the one with the attached light, so I even made out better. I could not be more pleased with Amazon and my Kindle, both of which once again have brought a smile to my face!
Added to that simile were giggles when I read the cartoons in this week's The New Yorker, to which I have subscribed on my Kindle as a chosen luxury. Laugh today, check!
Two days after talking with a customer service representative, I have a replacement leather kindle cover at no extra cost, and no aggravation, to me! Significantly, this cover is the one with the attached light, so I even made out better. I could not be more pleased with Amazon and my Kindle, both of which once again have brought a smile to my face!
Added to that simile were giggles when I read the cartoons in this week's The New Yorker, to which I have subscribed on my Kindle as a chosen luxury. Laugh today, check!
Wednesday, February 9, 2011
Food Focus / Selections - Day 9
In addition to already incorporated selections, today I purchased the last of the 30 healthiest foods. They were bulgur, kiwi, and sardines, each of which I used today. Using the sardines brought memories of my Dad, who ate them regularly. I could not employ his regular tactic of adding them to saltines. Instead, I simply used them as an accent to my dinner.
Kiwi was tasty, but I did not love it alone. I will have to find something with which to pair it, starting with the Real Simple article's suggestion.
Bulgur is so interesting, and another item with which I have not worked. It is a fun find that I am looking forward to regularly incorporating into my selections.
In 9 days, I have not had white potatoes, white rice, or regular pasta, one of which I selected each day. I don't miss those selections, and am having fun with my new selections! What do you know, again I find fun in an unexpected location -- my kitchen.
Kiwi was tasty, but I did not love it alone. I will have to find something with which to pair it, starting with the Real Simple article's suggestion.
Bulgur is so interesting, and another item with which I have not worked. It is a fun find that I am looking forward to regularly incorporating into my selections.
In 9 days, I have not had white potatoes, white rice, or regular pasta, one of which I selected each day. I don't miss those selections, and am having fun with my new selections! What do you know, again I find fun in an unexpected location -- my kitchen.
Tuesday, February 8, 2011
Food Focus / Selections - day 8
Today's selections included some that were incorporated previously. Two selections were added -- chard and kidney beans. It was nice to rediscover the beans, which I often simply forget about.
I never have had chard before, so incorporating it was part of making this healthiest foods adventure a success. It ended up being a fun find!
One of the many things I am learning on this healthiest foods adventure is that making healthy choices is not too difficult or burdensome. Often, it takes time. However, it's not always too much time and it's worth it.
This adventure also has precipitated so many thoughts, such as: making choices; prioritizing; and what's easy is not always best.
I never have had chard before, so incorporating it was part of making this healthiest foods adventure a success. It ended up being a fun find!
One of the many things I am learning on this healthiest foods adventure is that making healthy choices is not too difficult or burdensome. Often, it takes time. However, it's not always too much time and it's worth it.
This adventure also has precipitated so many thoughts, such as: making choices; prioritizing; and what's easy is not always best.
Monday, February 7, 2011
Weekly Wanderings - week 5
This week began with my birthday and ended with family time and then the Super Bowl. Each day was different, with office time, another snow day, and figuring what February will bring.
On the fit front, I ran 3 times. Though I wanted more, what I got was wonderful. I could dwell on what I didn't get, but I choose to focus on what I got -- 3 renewing runs!
February primarily will concern food and fit focus factors. I have several activities planned with my extended family, and I nicely am in a routine of Sunday visits with my Mom. I made some changes to my finances. I will spend February seeing how they play out, and deciding what lies ahead. Goals for this month are taxes and FSA issues.
On the fun front, I am so pleased to have realized that fun for me fits in more often than I previously thought. For February, I don't feel that I need specifically to focus on fun. Rather, it will be a byproduct of my food and fit focuses!
On the fit front, I ran 3 times. Though I wanted more, what I got was wonderful. I could dwell on what I didn't get, but I choose to focus on what I got -- 3 renewing runs!
February primarily will concern food and fit focus factors. I have several activities planned with my extended family, and I nicely am in a routine of Sunday visits with my Mom. I made some changes to my finances. I will spend February seeing how they play out, and deciding what lies ahead. Goals for this month are taxes and FSA issues.
On the fun front, I am so pleased to have realized that fun for me fits in more often than I previously thought. For February, I don't feel that I need specifically to focus on fun. Rather, it will be a byproduct of my food and fit focuses!
Food Focus / selections - Day 7
Today's selections included: walnuts; almond butter; skim milk; almonds; spinach; olive oil; avocados; edamame; and black beans. Spices were: black pepper; cinnamon; ginger; and red pepper.
Black beans were the new item. I do like these, but never remember to have them around/include them in daily selections. I actually cooked them for the first time. I made a big batch, and portioned them into Ziploc bags for ease of use later. Perhaps next time I will use canned, but it was an adventure to cook them!
Some selections are being repeated regularly. As it's been a week and though I am tracking my daily selections, I think that I will now only post about newly used selections. I still have pretty many that I need to include to reach my goal of using all 30 during February.
Black beans were the new item. I do like these, but never remember to have them around/include them in daily selections. I actually cooked them for the first time. I made a big batch, and portioned them into Ziploc bags for ease of use later. Perhaps next time I will use canned, but it was an adventure to cook them!
Some selections are being repeated regularly. As it's been a week and though I am tracking my daily selections, I think that I will now only post about newly used selections. I still have pretty many that I need to include to reach my goal of using all 30 during February.
Sunday, February 6, 2011
Food Focus /selections - Day 6
Slim pickins' today, with only the following selections: skim milk; eggs; peanut butter; and blueberries. Super spices sparse too, with only black and red pepper. Oh well, better than nothing.
On the bright side, I totally enjoyed the pizza, cake, and ice cream. Tomorrow is another day, and it will be a better one on the food front.
On the bright side, I totally enjoyed the pizza, cake, and ice cream. Tomorrow is another day, and it will be a better one on the food front.
Saturday, February 5, 2011
Food Focus / selections - Day 5
Today's selections were: whole wheat pasta; walnuts; peanut butter; oatmeal; skim milk; blueberries; olive oil; avocados; edamame; and oranges. Spice selections were: black pepper; cinnamon; red pepper; rosemary; and thyme.
Interestingly, I feel that my healthier selections sustained me throughout this busy Saturday. Typically, I search for snacks throughout days like today. Now, I can't help but wonder if that searching resulted from the types of foods I was eating.
I am learning from this food focus activity, and having fun! Making and preparing my selections is like a game, and I am always up for a good game.
Interestingly, I feel that my healthier selections sustained me throughout this busy Saturday. Typically, I search for snacks throughout days like today. Now, I can't help but wonder if that searching resulted from the types of foods I was eating.
I am learning from this food focus activity, and having fun! Making and preparing my selections is like a game, and I am always up for a good game.
Friday, February 4, 2011
Food / spice selections - Day 4
Today's selections were: quinoa; skim milk; almonds; spinach; olive oil; chicken breasts; pumpkin; and nonfat Greek yogurt. Spice selections were: black pepper; cinnamon; garlic powder; ginger; and thyme.
The ginger was a bit different because I used crystallized ginger! A fun find was pumpkin spread! I was trying to figure out how to incorporate pumpkin into my selections. While browsing through The Village Market, one of my chosen luxuries, I discovered pumpkin spread, which I did not know existed. It was a delicious accent to my dinner salad. Adding to the fun was putting the spread on a slice of the cheese bread loaf I got as a birthday treat from Seven Stars Bakery.
On the food front, this was a delightfully delicious day. For that, I am grateful, primarily because this day otherwise was quite challenging. I choose to focus on the positive. Enough said.
The ginger was a bit different because I used crystallized ginger! A fun find was pumpkin spread! I was trying to figure out how to incorporate pumpkin into my selections. While browsing through The Village Market, one of my chosen luxuries, I discovered pumpkin spread, which I did not know existed. It was a delicious accent to my dinner salad. Adding to the fun was putting the spread on a slice of the cheese bread loaf I got as a birthday treat from Seven Stars Bakery.
On the food front, this was a delightfully delicious day. For that, I am grateful, primarily because this day otherwise was quite challenging. I choose to focus on the positive. Enough said.
Thursday, February 3, 2011
Food Focus / Selections / Day 3
Selections from the healthiest foods list were: peanut and almond butters; blueberries; egg; kidney beans; and broccoli. The only super spice selection today was black pepper. Lots of drive time and hectic office time resulted in on the go eating. Happily, selections were better than usual based on my healthy choices focus!
Chosen luxury -- audible.com membership
For so many reasones, learning and books are extra important to me right now. Recently, my son commented that we have so many books in our house; I cherished that comment because I want him to develop my love for books.
At the beginning of this year, I treated myself to an audible.com membership because I don't always have time to read books in paper or Kindle format. In 2010, I developed my love of listening. The many podcasts I regularly listen to through iTunes are so fun! I also enjoyed the few audiobooks I listened to.
My audible membership is just over 1 month old, and I recently finsihed listening to my second book. I also love the extended New York Times audio that I receive (sometimes I want more than The Front Page podcast) because my paper subscription is limited to the Sunday edition. The interview with Kathryn Stockett was wonderful; The Help is waiting in my library for download.
My son also is having fun with this membership. He has all of the Diary of a Wimpy Kid books, which are a bit above his reading level. He reads some pages, and I read some pages to him. We downloaded one of the books from audible, and now he can listen on the iPod Touch while he reads along in the paper format!
The book I just finished is, The Little Book of Bull Moves in Bear Markets: How to Keep your Portfolio up (unabridged) by Peter D. Schiff. The review I wrote is entitled, I learned, therefore, I liked. This book was part of my finance focus. I am glad that I listened to this book because the extremely detailed parts may have resulted in my not getting to the end, which I enjoyed. Most importantly, I learned that the small role I play in my investments is sufficient. I don't think that I want to devote additional time and energy to my investment strategy.
At the beginning of this year, I treated myself to an audible.com membership because I don't always have time to read books in paper or Kindle format. In 2010, I developed my love of listening. The many podcasts I regularly listen to through iTunes are so fun! I also enjoyed the few audiobooks I listened to.
My audible membership is just over 1 month old, and I recently finsihed listening to my second book. I also love the extended New York Times audio that I receive (sometimes I want more than The Front Page podcast) because my paper subscription is limited to the Sunday edition. The interview with Kathryn Stockett was wonderful; The Help is waiting in my library for download.
My son also is having fun with this membership. He has all of the Diary of a Wimpy Kid books, which are a bit above his reading level. He reads some pages, and I read some pages to him. We downloaded one of the books from audible, and now he can listen on the iPod Touch while he reads along in the paper format!
The book I just finished is, The Little Book of Bull Moves in Bear Markets: How to Keep your Portfolio up (unabridged) by Peter D. Schiff. The review I wrote is entitled, I learned, therefore, I liked. This book was part of my finance focus. I am glad that I listened to this book because the extremely detailed parts may have resulted in my not getting to the end, which I enjoyed. Most importantly, I learned that the small role I play in my investments is sufficient. I don't think that I want to devote additional time and energy to my investment strategy.
Wednesday, February 2, 2011
Healthiest foods / super spices - Day 2
Today's selections included the following 9 of the Real Simple 30 healthiest foods: almond butter; quinoa; skim milk; eggs; spinach; salmon; olive oil; kale; and broccoli. Of the 10 spices on the McCormick super spices list, I selected the following 4: black pepper; garlic powder; ginger; and red pepper.
Actually, I discovered quinoa because I don't recall having had it before. I quite enjoyed this selection, and think that it could develop into a staple for me. It's simple, with a nice texture, and I think that it will take on the flavor of what is prepared with/added to it.
Actually, I discovered quinoa because I don't recall having had it before. I quite enjoyed this selection, and think that it could develop into a staple for me. It's simple, with a nice texture, and I think that it will take on the flavor of what is prepared with/added to it.
Tuesday, February 1, 2011
Weekly Wanderings -- week 4
This week was so scattered. Each day my thoughts took me on new adventures. My actions primarily were obligatory, doing what needed to be done. I fit in the focus factors sufficiently.
Happily, the fit focus moved forward nicely. I worked out 4 times, 3 of which were runs. One of my runs was outside and was absolutely awesome. One run was very early in the morning because I knew it was the only time I could take for myself.
Happily, the fit focus moved forward nicely. I worked out 4 times, 3 of which were runs. One of my runs was outside and was absolutely awesome. One run was very early in the morning because I knew it was the only time I could take for myself.
Chosen luxury -- time
Healthiest foods / super spices - day 1
The challenge that I have set up for myself is going to be fun! Today, I chose 7 selections from the healthiest foods list (oatmeal, skim milk, almonds, mushrooms, spinach, extra-virgin olive oil, and sweet potatoes) and 6 selections from the super spices (black pepper, cinnamon, garlic powder, ginger, red pepper, and thyme).
Though this challenge is mine alone (for now at least), my son helped me by weighing the almonds and walnuts. He had fun with the food scale. Once he measured 1 ounce, I transferred the portion to a Ziploc snack bag. Now these selections are good to go.
Though this challenge is mine alone (for now at least), my son helped me by weighing the almonds and walnuts. He had fun with the food scale. Once he measured 1 ounce, I transferred the portion to a Ziploc snack bag. Now these selections are good to go.
Food Focus -- spices
February will be fun and fabulous! In addition to the 30 healthiest foods list from Real Simple that I will follow, I will focus on what McCormick has identified as the following super spices:
black pepper
chili powder
cinnamon
cloves
garlic powder
ginger
red pepper
rosemary
thyme
turmeric
At the McCormick site, I found and printed a fun calendar listing what are termed super swaps. A link for my spice source is:
Spice Source / McCormick
black pepper
chili powder
cinnamon
cloves
garlic powder
ginger
red pepper
rosemary
thyme
turmeric
At the McCormick site, I found and printed a fun calendar listing what are termed super swaps. A link for my spice source is:
Spice Source / McCormick
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