Saturday, January 30, 2010

What BREATHE means to me....

So, I was supposed to update this a long time ago and just never had time; hence, the motto: Breathe. I always try to have a New Year's resolution but never follow through with it. So this year I came across the idea of a word for the year on several blogs. The idea is similar to a resolution, just not as binding. Basically, you determine a word that you hope will sum up what you want out of the upcoming year. It can be as specific or general as you like. I had several choices, but decided on "Breathe" after a particular day at work. Anyway, I chose this word because I realize that I try to do too much, that my priorities are not what they should be, and that my mind is just too crazy. I hope that "Breathe" will help remind me of what is important both in my personal and professional life; therefore, I will have a great 2010.

I hope to BREATHE everytime I am teaching 4, 5, and 6 year olds. I must realize that although the curriculum that I teach is quite advanced for their age, that they are just 4, 5, and 6 years old and act that age (or younger). They don't have to master all that the curriculum and/or their parents expect them to master before going to the next grade.

I hope to BREATHE when my 2 (almost 3) year old tries my patience on an ongoing basis. Again, she is really still a baby. Even though she thinks she can do it all herself, I must let her try even know I will have to clean up the mess and/or do it in the end.

I hope to BREATHE and not worry about being the best teacher possible. It's ok if they kids don't have crafts to do every single day/week. It's ok if they don't get to all their worksheets. It's ok if they don't get a concept. They don't have to have extracurricular lessons every single day. They will survive!

I hope to BREATHE and stand up for myself when I am sick or Clare is sick. It's ok to miss a day of work. It's ok to be 5 minutes late. I hate to do it. I hate for my classroom to miss me as their teacher. But my family, my child's health, and my personal health is ultimately the most important thing.

I hope to BREATHE and do what I want to do when I want to do it. I love to scrapbook and I have so many unfinished projects. Why....not sure. I have all the materials. It's because I am so wrapped up in my work, laundry, grocery shopping, etc. that I don't take the time for my most favorite hobby.

I hope to BREATHE and take time to play with Clare and my pets on a daily basis. I feel they miss out on me so much because of my work. It's all about my classroom---my family (including the furry variety) needs me.

I hope to BREATHE and focus on Chris. We never have time alone together. Either he is traveling to Chicago or we or both dead tired from our jobs. When we are alone, we eat, watch tv, then go to bed. Both exhausted from the day.

BREATHE. BREATHE. BREATHE.

So, the trend is simple. Work cannot be the priority. My family, my daughter, my husband, my pets, my hobby.....that's the priority. Work can be the backburner now. I am tired of my head spinning from the moment I get up to the moment I go to bed. And even then, I usually dream about it. How am I doing thus far? Well, since I am just now posting what "Breathe" means to me-well, I guess I am doing fair. Better, yes. As good as I hoped, no. But it's just January techically.....

Monday, January 4, 2010

DRUMROLL PLEASE........

MY WORD OF 2010 IS.......



BREATHE



explanation and details to come......

Sunday, January 3, 2010

WORD OF THE YEAR?

So, I've been reading other's blogs about their Word of the Year. Sounds intriguing. Not sure what mine will be. I've come up with 4 so far. Trying to narrow it down. That's the hard part. Stay tuned for my word. Here's some blogs that have inspired me.

http://www.mymojoy.com/2010/01/word-of-year-2010.html

http://aliedwards.typepad.com/_a_/2009/12/my-one-little-word-story.html

http://macchio4family.blogspot.com/2010/01/pray.html

Friday, December 18, 2009

MERRY CHRISTMAS!!!

Clare is so excited about Christmas this year. She's not the least bit afraid of Santa. Her elf, who she has affectionately named Purple, flies back and forth from our house to the North Pole every night to report on her day. She loves looking for him every morning. She wants 2 chairs (an art table), a Tinkerbell movie, a Tinkerbell costume, and a bike. I hope she can make it one more week so Santa can deliver all her goodies.

Christmas Photo


Santa Photo

Thursday, November 19, 2009

End of 2009 Boot Camp

So, we have come to the end of Boot Camp (technically, it ended last week). I had really good results, especially when you look at it from the beginning (back in May). So, for the month of October, I lost 4 pounds, almost 1% body fat, and 4.6 inches. HOORAY FOR ME!!!

Since May 8th (6 months, 1 day), I have lost a total of 15.4 pounds, 4.9% body fat, and 20.25 inches. My achievements are that I was able to run a mile in 9 minutes, 29 seconds and I can do 40 full sit-ups in 1 minute. My biggest achievement by far is that I can do 42 full push-ups on my toes in 1 minute!!!

This has been one of the most rewarding, both mentally and physically, things I have ever done. Probably more mentally than physically. I feel so good about myself. I still have a way to go to get truly toned, but I am on the right path.

I have a wonderful Boot Camp instructor, Stacey Blind, who puts so much time and energy into Boot Camp for us girls. She makes it challenging and fun while making us feel like we can accomplish anything.

We have time off through the holidays since it is such a busy time for everyone. I am going to Curves to keep up my routine. The Curves circuit training is challening as well and I know will keep me in shape.

I hope to stay motivated into 2010!

Saturday, October 31, 2009

Fall Fun

We have had fun the past few weeks taking Clare to the Argyle Pumpkin Patch and participating in Halloween activities. Below are various photos from recent events.


Argyle Pumpkin Patch





















Premier Academy Halloween Party














Dogs Unleashed Daycare Halloween Party













More pictures from Halloween night will be posted soon. Clare had so much fun and got a bag full of candy from Trick or Treating for over an hour!

Tuesday, October 6, 2009

Good results!!!

Well, this Boot Camp has ended and we have a week off until the next one starts. I lost over 5 pounds!!! I am so excited and proud. I also increased my push-ups on toes to 26 and tied my best ever sit-ups at 37 (all of this done in one minute). I also lost 1.5% body fat and 3 inches total. This brings my overall total (since the spring of 2009) to 11.8 pounds lost, 4.2% body fat lost, and 15.60 inches lost!