I am excited to have all 4 kiddos home this coming week. Don't misunderstand: it will be a madhouse but before long everything will be back to "normal" and then for the first time in 27 years, it will be me and the Hubby alone again. I have mixed emotions about this. On the one hand I have been teasing the kids telling them "Daddy and I will be going to Disneyworld" once everyone is out of the house. On the other hand, I'm just trying to organize a trip to Houston and that is proving futile! How in the hell do I expect to get to Florida?!?!
So, dear Grainiacs, I have loads to do before this joyous occasion and a sermon to write. Yes, I'm preaching on Sunday and as usual I have waited to sit down and write it out. I wonder if they would like to listen to a few blog posts?! :)
Thursday, July 23, 2015
Wednesday, July 22, 2015
Clutterbug
The clutterbug has hit! I went to town cleaning out the bottom of my closet...giving away a Macy's sack full of shoes. I attacked the dresser next. I was amazed at all I could get rid of and truth be told, I don't think I will miss them. I have an endless supply of flip flops (we live in South Texas in the heat! What else would I wear???) and those winter sweaters? I laugh at you! At my age, my body heat would keep me warm even if I didn't have the So. TX sun to do it already.
We are getting to the temperature where I feel like I need to shower every time I step in or out of the car- my personal sauna. Boy was filling up the tank and as I sat there perspiration (oh who am I kidding-- large streams of sweat) was running down my face, down my back. Yuck. I felt sticky and wet. All I could think was that I needed to change my clothes and/or jump into my pool. I have stopped wearing make-up because it pools under my eyes and drips down my chin. Try to look good when your face is melting off you!
So out out damn winter clothes; no turtlenecks needed. This Strawberry will dance circles in her backyard when the temps get down to 60*.
The clutter around my middle still seems to want to hang around, though. I wish I could pull it off and donate it to Goodwill too. Here are my shoes and my gut. No need to write out a receipt; I give it away gladly.
We are getting to the temperature where I feel like I need to shower every time I step in or out of the car- my personal sauna. Boy was filling up the tank and as I sat there perspiration (oh who am I kidding-- large streams of sweat) was running down my face, down my back. Yuck. I felt sticky and wet. All I could think was that I needed to change my clothes and/or jump into my pool. I have stopped wearing make-up because it pools under my eyes and drips down my chin. Try to look good when your face is melting off you!
So out out damn winter clothes; no turtlenecks needed. This Strawberry will dance circles in her backyard when the temps get down to 60*.
The clutter around my middle still seems to want to hang around, though. I wish I could pull it off and donate it to Goodwill too. Here are my shoes and my gut. No need to write out a receipt; I give it away gladly.
Tuesday, July 21, 2015
Gimme Gimme
The boys and I went to see Terminator Genisys a couple of nights ago. The things I'll watch to satisfy my movie popcorn crave!!! True to form it was hokey and the lines were cheesy, but damn that popcorn was good.
Cravings! They get the best of me. Sometimes they come sublimely; watching TV is detrimental to my diet plan! Sometimes they come on when I pass a certain street with a certain ice cream joint. Sometimes my cravings are nostalgic and sometimes they are emotion-driven. No matter what, they come with a vengeance and are a force to be reckoned with!
I recently heard about "intuitive eating" (look it up, it's a "thing."). You listen to your mind rather than your stomach....or is it your heart rather than your brain? Any who, imagine you are a child. For most normal children, you eat when you're hungry and stop when you're full. I bet those kids are naturally organized too. But what about the ones wired differently? It would be so nice (not really!) if we were.....I'm imagining Stepford Wives. People with eating disorders don't think logically when it comes to food. If we did, we would not have the jiggley bellies and thunder thighs we have now. I remember sitting in a Weight Watcher meeting when they were first introducing their Points program. The premise was you could eat anything you wanted-- just stop when you ate your points. One man stood up and questioned if this was a good idea. He reasoned "Isn't that what got us here in the first place?" WW then revised the program giving a weekly bank of extra points realizing some weeks you needed more points- say, for a wedding. I think people started gaining and then they said you could modify your points bank if you exercised gaining MORE points!!!! Whee!!! Don't get me wrong; WW has been deemed the healthiest way to lose and keep weight off. I have joined and rejoined and rejoined WW because I know it is the best way to lose and keep it off......if done properly. And there is the cinch....done properly.
No eating plan will work unless done properly. Does this mean we can't cheat a little? Yes. Just like going to the party the other night. I did taste the luscious dark chocolate cake (I'm a sucker for chocolate) but I didn't eat the whole thing. I took two or three bites and savored them. I was able to leave without feeling deprived. Am I good all the time? Heck no, that's why after 4 years I'm still battling the weight and the "going against the grain." But for today I have what it takes to stay on track. I'm riding this roller coaster the best way I know how.
Cravings! They get the best of me. Sometimes they come sublimely; watching TV is detrimental to my diet plan! Sometimes they come on when I pass a certain street with a certain ice cream joint. Sometimes my cravings are nostalgic and sometimes they are emotion-driven. No matter what, they come with a vengeance and are a force to be reckoned with!
I recently heard about "intuitive eating" (look it up, it's a "thing."). You listen to your mind rather than your stomach....or is it your heart rather than your brain? Any who, imagine you are a child. For most normal children, you eat when you're hungry and stop when you're full. I bet those kids are naturally organized too. But what about the ones wired differently? It would be so nice (not really!) if we were.....I'm imagining Stepford Wives. People with eating disorders don't think logically when it comes to food. If we did, we would not have the jiggley bellies and thunder thighs we have now. I remember sitting in a Weight Watcher meeting when they were first introducing their Points program. The premise was you could eat anything you wanted-- just stop when you ate your points. One man stood up and questioned if this was a good idea. He reasoned "Isn't that what got us here in the first place?" WW then revised the program giving a weekly bank of extra points realizing some weeks you needed more points- say, for a wedding. I think people started gaining and then they said you could modify your points bank if you exercised gaining MORE points!!!! Whee!!! Don't get me wrong; WW has been deemed the healthiest way to lose and keep weight off. I have joined and rejoined and rejoined WW because I know it is the best way to lose and keep it off......if done properly. And there is the cinch....done properly.
No eating plan will work unless done properly. Does this mean we can't cheat a little? Yes. Just like going to the party the other night. I did taste the luscious dark chocolate cake (I'm a sucker for chocolate) but I didn't eat the whole thing. I took two or three bites and savored them. I was able to leave without feeling deprived. Am I good all the time? Heck no, that's why after 4 years I'm still battling the weight and the "going against the grain." But for today I have what it takes to stay on track. I'm riding this roller coaster the best way I know how.
Sunday, July 19, 2015
Sneaky Hubby
My Hubby has a secret--he has a secret stash of tostada chips and all the fixin's! A couple of weeks ago he bought a huge bag of tortilla chips and claimed they were "just in case" we needed to provide an appetizer or snack at a future party. I didn't give it another thought till I got a hankerin' and went searching for those ~scrumptious~ delicious~ can't eat just one~ goodies! I couldn't find them. I searched every nook and cranny I could think of. I searched the top shelves of the pantry. Nada...nothing...nein. I gave up. Oh he's gooooood.
Last night as I was out the door going to a party and Hubby was staying home (I love that about us now. It used to be I wanted him to attend EVERYTHING I went to. Now we are fine letting the other do their thing. Here's to being married for 30 years and realizing we do not need to be joined at the hip!!!), I noticed a large bag of tortilla chips and a can of refried beans sitting on the stove top. Hmmmm. I was in a rush and didn't ask about them. I figured I'd interrogate him when I returned.
At the party, we celebrated the 80th birthday of a special person. His daughters are WONDERFUL cooks. I read their facebook statuses with words like "making enchiladas" "desserts are done." I admit: I drooled a little. I was able to skip the appetizers and mingle with a small margarita in hand (hey! I never claimed to be perfect!!). I was able to bypass all the creamy, fattening sides at the buffet. But I really wanted a bite of that dessert. I was able to have a few bites of the luscious dessert and then push the plate away. I even offered it to my boys so the temptation would be gone but they kept refusing (who are these boys turning down dessert and chocolate at that!!!!?????).
I came to a realization. Truthfully I. do. not. want. to. know. where that hiding place is. I'm glad he has found a secret stash hidey hole for all those things tempting to me that others in the house (in my mind) need to do without because I don't have any willpower. I'm glad that Hubby has a place "just for him" that he can buy something and when he gets a craving for it will know it is there to enjoy at a future time. He used to "hide" his chips ahoy cookies in the deep freeze thinking I wouldn't get them (silly man!). Okay, I admit, he cooks more than I do and it would have been a good hiding place but now that I know they might be there, all bets are off!
I am gaining strength with this temptation thing but I'm not there yet. So I will stop searching for the tortilla chips or any other goodie the Hubby decides to buy. Let him have his cake, err, chips, and eat it/them too!
What about you? Is there a temptation in your life that is better off not being there? How do you deal with it?
Last night as I was out the door going to a party and Hubby was staying home (I love that about us now. It used to be I wanted him to attend EVERYTHING I went to. Now we are fine letting the other do their thing. Here's to being married for 30 years and realizing we do not need to be joined at the hip!!!), I noticed a large bag of tortilla chips and a can of refried beans sitting on the stove top. Hmmmm. I was in a rush and didn't ask about them. I figured I'd interrogate him when I returned.
At the party, we celebrated the 80th birthday of a special person. His daughters are WONDERFUL cooks. I read their facebook statuses with words like "making enchiladas" "desserts are done." I admit: I drooled a little. I was able to skip the appetizers and mingle with a small margarita in hand (hey! I never claimed to be perfect!!). I was able to bypass all the creamy, fattening sides at the buffet. But I really wanted a bite of that dessert. I was able to have a few bites of the luscious dessert and then push the plate away. I even offered it to my boys so the temptation would be gone but they kept refusing (who are these boys turning down dessert and chocolate at that!!!!?????).
I came to a realization. Truthfully I. do. not. want. to. know. where that hiding place is. I'm glad he has found a secret stash hidey hole for all those things tempting to me that others in the house (in my mind) need to do without because I don't have any willpower. I'm glad that Hubby has a place "just for him" that he can buy something and when he gets a craving for it will know it is there to enjoy at a future time. He used to "hide" his chips ahoy cookies in the deep freeze thinking I wouldn't get them (silly man!). Okay, I admit, he cooks more than I do and it would have been a good hiding place but now that I know they might be there, all bets are off!
I am gaining strength with this temptation thing but I'm not there yet. So I will stop searching for the tortilla chips or any other goodie the Hubby decides to buy. Let him have his cake, err, chips, and eat it/them too!
What about you? Is there a temptation in your life that is better off not being there? How do you deal with it?
Tuesday, July 14, 2015
Reflection
Back in August of 2011 I declared my Day1 . I can't believe it has been 4 years and I'm almost back to square 1 (day 1?). This going against my grain is proving tougher than I thought!!!! I have read enough diet books and plans to know that if you don't stick to it.....every day....you will not only put back on the weight BUT add more weight. Now that's just wrong.
Last week I had the joy of meeting up with high school buddies. It is "almost" like high school but now when I go down to the river, I walk more gingerly. I sit in the shade more than the sun. And I possess a little bit more wisdom than before. Some might want to reclaim their high school or college days but I am perfectly content where I am.....minus 50 pounds!!!
One of our classmates was on a "strict diet." I asked her if it was doctor ordered (we ARE at that age, you know???). She said no, it was a personal choice. Now I have to tell you, this friend has always been svelte and I have no idea where the 25 pounds she took off came from, but she wanted to lose another 5 pounds!!! Oh. My. Gosh.!!! I marvel at her. Of course everything is relative. So compared to her, I would have been e.c.s.t.a.t.i.c. to be where she was to begin with. Did that make sense??? But she realized if she didn't get the weight off now, it would be harder next time. I give her a lot of credit. In the course of the conversation, I told her that for people battling weight problems for years and years, it is not as easy as saying "I'm going on a strict diet." If we thought that way, the weight would be off.
The same holds true for naturally organized people. Pansy and I were talking about de-cluttering the house. For organized people, it just makes sense to cull the old tennis shoes when you buy new. But for people like me, you keep the old tennis shoes for gardening and working outdoors. Are you laughing yet? How many of you have an old pair of shoes outside for that very reason? Do you wear them? I don't know about you but I'm scared to stick my feet in those shoes for fear something will bite, sting, or crawl out!
I bought a pair of boots to wear when I feed the birds. The ground is wet outside and I "needed" rain boots to tromp through the grass. Where are those bird feeding boots? At the bottom of my closet collecting dust.
We are all uniquely and wonderfully wired. I believe that. But some of us prefer to hoard our possessions and our weight while others can purge the excess (I'm not talking puking here! Do not eat and throw up, please!!!).
This summer marks a new season for me. I do not have studying to do. I do not have a substitute or any job for that matter to plan for. Hubby and I will experience an empty nest. So I have declared it my season to purge: the house clutter and body clutter. This will take a bit of rewiring, don't you think?
Right now, the pool is calling my name!
I think my next project will be a little landscaping....maybe.....later.
Last week I had the joy of meeting up with high school buddies. It is "almost" like high school but now when I go down to the river, I walk more gingerly. I sit in the shade more than the sun. And I possess a little bit more wisdom than before. Some might want to reclaim their high school or college days but I am perfectly content where I am.....minus 50 pounds!!!
One of our classmates was on a "strict diet." I asked her if it was doctor ordered (we ARE at that age, you know???). She said no, it was a personal choice. Now I have to tell you, this friend has always been svelte and I have no idea where the 25 pounds she took off came from, but she wanted to lose another 5 pounds!!! Oh. My. Gosh.!!! I marvel at her. Of course everything is relative. So compared to her, I would have been e.c.s.t.a.t.i.c. to be where she was to begin with. Did that make sense??? But she realized if she didn't get the weight off now, it would be harder next time. I give her a lot of credit. In the course of the conversation, I told her that for people battling weight problems for years and years, it is not as easy as saying "I'm going on a strict diet." If we thought that way, the weight would be off.
The same holds true for naturally organized people. Pansy and I were talking about de-cluttering the house. For organized people, it just makes sense to cull the old tennis shoes when you buy new. But for people like me, you keep the old tennis shoes for gardening and working outdoors. Are you laughing yet? How many of you have an old pair of shoes outside for that very reason? Do you wear them? I don't know about you but I'm scared to stick my feet in those shoes for fear something will bite, sting, or crawl out!
I bought a pair of boots to wear when I feed the birds. The ground is wet outside and I "needed" rain boots to tromp through the grass. Where are those bird feeding boots? At the bottom of my closet collecting dust.
We are all uniquely and wonderfully wired. I believe that. But some of us prefer to hoard our possessions and our weight while others can purge the excess (I'm not talking puking here! Do not eat and throw up, please!!!).
This summer marks a new season for me. I do not have studying to do. I do not have a substitute or any job for that matter to plan for. Hubby and I will experience an empty nest. So I have declared it my season to purge: the house clutter and body clutter. This will take a bit of rewiring, don't you think?
Right now, the pool is calling my name!
 |
| Cool Happy Strawberry |
 |
| View from the Pool |
I think my next project will be a little landscaping....maybe.....later.
 |
| Glen the Ground Squirrel- my swimming companion |
Monday, July 13, 2015
Summertime
Some years summer passes by with a whoosh. "What was that?" "Where did the summer go?"
Some years it passes by smelling like old books. "Theology 101." "Now what did I do with that dang syllabus?"
Some summers have been monumental. Graduation.
Some summers have been well, .....lacking.
Throughout them all, God has given us seasons. A season to dance. A season to mourn. A season to celebrate. And a season to keep quiet.
Humans would do well to honor our seasons. Our season of childhood. Thank God, that is over. Our season of youth. Thank God I survived! Seasons of child-rearing. Sniff sniff, where did THAT time go? Seasons of building and rebuilding: careers, friendships, houses, relationships, businesses, gardens. We can't turn back the seasons of time....nor should we want to! But we can embrace our seasons to slow down and smell those roses in our gardens or for some (like me!) our air fresheners!!!
That season will be coming to the Strawberry Patch THIS summer. This summer is my time to slow down and de-clutter and yes, smell the air fresheners in my house.
I'm beginning with a pool!!!
Because it is summer and summer to me is water-- luscious, life-giving water (with a little chlorine added in for good measure!). I was born in the summer and I think that is why I love water. I was born under the sign of the Crab. Crabs love water too. I'm scared to death of crabs...those big pinchers and all. Plus they walk sideways. What's with that??? As a child, I had nightmares that there were crabs under my bed. And I digress.
In a galaxy far away and a loooooong time ago, I wanted a pool. I have been hounding Hubby for most all of our marriage (30 years this past June). I have (not) enjoyed little plastic pools in the backyard. I have (not) enjoyed the rubber blow-up kind. I have (not) enjoyed the bendable plastic that takes several people to grab an end and pull. I've put them all up by myself. Yesterday was it. I was bound and determined to purchase the large above ground pool and enjoy the rest of my summer in the water.
Yet......it didn't quite work out that way. I heard all the usual complaints: it will kill the grass; you will have to empty it every night and refill it.
Not this time, Buddy. I'm getting the one with a filter and chlorine tablets and...... I stopped as my boys' eyes shot to the back of their heads. I needed them to help me put up my Crab Tower so I couldn't piss off the help!
We bought my pool....on sale....at KMart. It took all freakin' evening to set it up and fill it. I sat with my noodle in barely 1 foot of water. I laid on my belly in barely 2 feet of water. I was able to float (a little bit) in 3 feet of water. And then it was time for bed!
As you can see, Hubby and I compromised. My pool will not be killing the grass! The dog might be killing the pool since it is sitting in the middle of his trail to the potty! Plus it looks like the great big blue garbage truck he chases back and forth across the backyard as the truck goes down the alley. I think secretly Hubby hopes that will happen! I'm heading back to KMart to get the smaller model that's on sale. He has his arsenal; I have mine!
Some years it passes by smelling like old books. "Theology 101." "Now what did I do with that dang syllabus?"
Some summers have been monumental. Graduation.
Some summers have been well, .....lacking.
Throughout them all, God has given us seasons. A season to dance. A season to mourn. A season to celebrate. And a season to keep quiet.
Humans would do well to honor our seasons. Our season of childhood. Thank God, that is over. Our season of youth. Thank God I survived! Seasons of child-rearing. Sniff sniff, where did THAT time go? Seasons of building and rebuilding: careers, friendships, houses, relationships, businesses, gardens. We can't turn back the seasons of time....nor should we want to! But we can embrace our seasons to slow down and smell those roses in our gardens or for some (like me!) our air fresheners!!!
That season will be coming to the Strawberry Patch THIS summer. This summer is my time to slow down and de-clutter and yes, smell the air fresheners in my house.
I'm beginning with a pool!!!
Because it is summer and summer to me is water-- luscious, life-giving water (with a little chlorine added in for good measure!). I was born in the summer and I think that is why I love water. I was born under the sign of the Crab. Crabs love water too. I'm scared to death of crabs...those big pinchers and all. Plus they walk sideways. What's with that??? As a child, I had nightmares that there were crabs under my bed. And I digress.
In a galaxy far away and a loooooong time ago, I wanted a pool. I have been hounding Hubby for most all of our marriage (30 years this past June). I have (not) enjoyed little plastic pools in the backyard. I have (not) enjoyed the rubber blow-up kind. I have (not) enjoyed the bendable plastic that takes several people to grab an end and pull. I've put them all up by myself. Yesterday was it. I was bound and determined to purchase the large above ground pool and enjoy the rest of my summer in the water.
Yet......it didn't quite work out that way. I heard all the usual complaints: it will kill the grass; you will have to empty it every night and refill it.
Not this time, Buddy. I'm getting the one with a filter and chlorine tablets and...... I stopped as my boys' eyes shot to the back of their heads. I needed them to help me put up my Crab Tower so I couldn't piss off the help!
We bought my pool....on sale....at KMart. It took all freakin' evening to set it up and fill it. I sat with my noodle in barely 1 foot of water. I laid on my belly in barely 2 feet of water. I was able to float (a little bit) in 3 feet of water. And then it was time for bed!
As you can see, Hubby and I compromised. My pool will not be killing the grass! The dog might be killing the pool since it is sitting in the middle of his trail to the potty! Plus it looks like the great big blue garbage truck he chases back and forth across the backyard as the truck goes down the alley. I think secretly Hubby hopes that will happen! I'm heading back to KMart to get the smaller model that's on sale. He has his arsenal; I have mine!
Sunday, July 12, 2015
will the cycle never cease?
I feel like I say this all the time, but "hello, Grainiacs! I'm back!!!" Spring and the first part of summer has been a whirlwind. I'm beginning to think I live in the state of Whirlwind and I'm the mayor and city planner.
As you might remember, I took a substitute teaching gig in a library thinking I'd have time to read and study and finish up my 2 spring semester courses for graduation. That didn't work out so well.
Next I graduated!!! whoo hoo
Then I reconnected with a bunch of friends at various times throughout June and July AND went on a shopping (and oh yeah, a church meeting) with a new friend! And if you know me at all, you know I LOVED every minute of it.
In between those reunions and trips, I painted the entryway to the house and decorated AND painted the kitchen and kitchenette and (sort of) organized and re-purposed some things.
I have hosted a June birthday party and a Father's Day lunch.
Blogging was not on the docket....although I did try. And that is the truth, the whole truth, and nothing but the truth, so help me tiny houses (my new favorite show on HGTV!)
Here's the funny thing about Tiny Houses (and yes, I realize it is reality TV and takes poetic justice in most all cases!) but these people are looking for tiny houses and then complain when the bathroom is too small! WTH!!! Uh, isn't that the point of the tiny house?
Welcome to my tiny house. I wanted a big bathroom so don't mind me; I'll be cooking in there and don't mind the kids sleeping in there. Just keep the noise down and they won't wake up. And don't worry about stinking up the house; I'll be frying bacon so no one will know what you're doing there. We had to make our big bathroom work so we incorporated the kitchen and bedrooms into it. But look at the size of my bathroom!!!!
I mean really; why are you complaining that the toilet is in the shower? Don't we suspect some people pee in the shower anyway? HA
I have planned out my next project (ahem, in between visiting with friends). I will be downsizing the crap in the house. I would like to blame it on the rest of the family, but truth be told, it is mostly mine. I save things from deceased family members thinking my children might like it someday. That is probably not fair to them, right? It is more of an "I don't want to have to deal with the sentimental baggage so I'll let my kids deal with it." I come by it naturally- there was a whole line of hoarders in my family before I was even conceived. Maybe it is time to break the cycle.
What do you think?
As you might remember, I took a substitute teaching gig in a library thinking I'd have time to read and study and finish up my 2 spring semester courses for graduation. That didn't work out so well.
Next I graduated!!! whoo hoo
Then I reconnected with a bunch of friends at various times throughout June and July AND went on a shopping (and oh yeah, a church meeting) with a new friend! And if you know me at all, you know I LOVED every minute of it.
In between those reunions and trips, I painted the entryway to the house and decorated AND painted the kitchen and kitchenette and (sort of) organized and re-purposed some things.
I have hosted a June birthday party and a Father's Day lunch.
Blogging was not on the docket....although I did try. And that is the truth, the whole truth, and nothing but the truth, so help me tiny houses (my new favorite show on HGTV!)
Here's the funny thing about Tiny Houses (and yes, I realize it is reality TV and takes poetic justice in most all cases!) but these people are looking for tiny houses and then complain when the bathroom is too small! WTH!!! Uh, isn't that the point of the tiny house?
Welcome to my tiny house. I wanted a big bathroom so don't mind me; I'll be cooking in there and don't mind the kids sleeping in there. Just keep the noise down and they won't wake up. And don't worry about stinking up the house; I'll be frying bacon so no one will know what you're doing there. We had to make our big bathroom work so we incorporated the kitchen and bedrooms into it. But look at the size of my bathroom!!!!
I mean really; why are you complaining that the toilet is in the shower? Don't we suspect some people pee in the shower anyway? HA
I have planned out my next project (ahem, in between visiting with friends). I will be downsizing the crap in the house. I would like to blame it on the rest of the family, but truth be told, it is mostly mine. I save things from deceased family members thinking my children might like it someday. That is probably not fair to them, right? It is more of an "I don't want to have to deal with the sentimental baggage so I'll let my kids deal with it." I come by it naturally- there was a whole line of hoarders in my family before I was even conceived. Maybe it is time to break the cycle.
What do you think?
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