Monday Musings Memories

There are certain times in a year that you unintentionally walk down memory lane.  A past experience is always with you at that very moment.  For me, it is our spring SM.  Twelve years ago we walked into a high school auditorium.  The Chairman and I were full of anticipation, anxiousness, nervousness, utter joy, and butterflies in the belly.  We were less than two weeks from leaving for China to bring back our daughter. Besides that, most everyone was unaware that we were two months away from also meeting our yet, unborn son.  These little souls were in our minds and hearts constantly.  The future was veiled, but we had a hope of a family coming.  

Then they came.  The sweet, preciousness of little babies X 2.  To say that first year was hectic and thrilling and exhausting and unspeakable joy hardly does justice.  

One year later.  We are spit-polishing up these little people to go to SM.  I am flooded with the memories of our previously quiet and pristine home.  I am frantically packing a big bag of tricks and snacks and bottles to keep these little people entertained during the meetings.  We are trying to decide if we bring the stroller.  We hope for long naps.  And I hardly gave a thought to what I was going to wear that day.  

As we walked to the front doors carrying our babies and our bag of tricks, there stands one of the most helpful ladies of our adoption journey.  She had gone through the same waiting and anxiousness and joy that we had as their daughters were also from China.  She comes over with a huge, beaming smile and says, 'it feels pretty good to bring them here this year doesn't it?'  Oh my, does it ever.  Here are the pictures of those cute little things that very morning.  

T - 10 months

R - 21 months

Each year, I remember her comment.  Each year, I try to take a picture of our MYP before we leave for SM.  They used to be willing participants.  As the years go on, they are grudgingly doing it to make mom feel better.  And that's ok.  They are not babies.  They are young people with their own thoughts and feelings and I respect that.  But what gives me utter thankfulness is that they want to get the pictures out of the way because they want to get to the SM place early as possible.  That's the best.

This years pictures are dreadful.  The camera setting was switched.  I will only post because it will be a record for me on how big they are this year.  

:-)

Festive Friday

The food I must be buying for the feeder must be that good.  I heard a ruckus out there this morning.  The feeders were filled on Wednesday afternoon.  Now, they are nearly empty.  Silly birds just looking for a handout.  

Today the bread bakes with chia seeds in them.  Don't confuse them with Chia Pets (AS SEEN ON TV!).  But that makes me wonder if it is simply chia seeds that have sprouted!  I bet so!  Anyway, the package lured me in at Costco this week.  "Chia - Ancient Grains - Superfood of the Aztecs".  I haven't seen many sick Aztec people.  But come to think of it, I haven't seen many healthy Aztecs either.  But I'll be full of omega 3's and fiber if nothing else.  

Last night I nearly needed a schedule during my after school commute.  There were three children with three different activities in three different places at three different times that actually were overlapping.  I decided to drop off one child about 20 minutes early to the destination in order to save about 1/2 hour in the car.  (At least he had a sandwich along!).  I take great pride in our lack of a busy schedule at times.  But yesterday was nothing to be proud of.

Pinterest.  The whole concept seems very, very scary.  It looks like an abyss of time wasting.  It looks like picture perfection in crafts, clothes, decorating, foods, you name it.  I peeked at a few boards this week and realized how very, very far I come short in creativity, beauty, and ideas.  So I got off since I was getting overwhelmed.  

A storm moved in early this morning.  And Lisi did the unthinkable.  She took matters in her own hands and snuck up the stairs and laid down next to daughter #1's bed.  She has never done that.  Ever.  The irony of it all is that daughter #1 spends the least amount of energy and affection on the dog.  Yet when the chips were down, that's where she wanted to go.  Interesting.  And naughty.  

Our van is at the dealership.  Three squeaks that need to be looked at.  I'm very certain they won't find the rattles since cars are mean like that.  So Mr. Seventy-something shows me the shuttle for my ride home.  A friendly face that absolutely loves his job.  I have always wanted to drive those little carts at the airport.  But maybe driving shuttles for a dealer would be fun too!  I digress.  Anyway, he had on a local talk-radio guy when we got in.  He quickly changed it (probably thinking I didn't want to listen to such nonsense).  He immediately switched it to "Oldies Radio" since he thought it might be something I might enjoy more.  **sigh**

Monday Musings

Not much has been mused the past while.  Lets see where this goes.  Just back from a walk.  The Weather Channel says it is 41 and feels like 34.  It felt colder than that after simmering in the 80's last week.

On my walk I was noticing a few things.  The brisk wind for one.  Another was the fact a gentle rain can make brown grass turn to a lovely green nearly overnight.  Another was watching Lisi race as fast as she can by me and I realize it is the UPS man again.  They have a love affair going.  And finally, something about nature.  I spotted a pair of mallards, cardinals, and robins.  All of the 'guys' look much prettier than the lady versions.  I wonder if that's why there are so many Estee Lauder counters in department stores and aisles and aisles of makeup in every other.  I don't know much about any of that fanciness because... well, I'm more like a mama mallard I guess.

A Chairman in Malaysia is in big trouble I reckon.  I got a hit from there by someone searching for "the right of Chairman of company".  Oh-oh.  I think someone stepped out of bounds down there.  

Do you fondly remember the sweet little kitty we just were watching?  Well good thing it was then and not in a few weeks because my hunch was right.  She's gonna be a mama!  Question is:  should we get a kitten or not?  Just remember no matter which way you comment, it probably won't sway our decision (which probably would be 'no').

Today I stood by an open grave.  Being in the presence of a cemetery always gives me pause and I'm thankful for that.  This lady lived a long life.  One thing very interesting about this classy and sweet lady was that she married and then her husband died just five years later of a massive heart attack.  Some would tease her through the years about maybe getting another feller and she would always respond, 'no one could be like Henry'.  He must have been something very, very special.  But it took a toll on him for sure...

This week will be a 'special' one!  We really look forward to this week for quite some time.  A visit and also a special day on Sunday.  Hoping it doesn't snow...

Thursday's thoughts...

* My birthday is the first week of May (start sending your gifts now!!!  Or not).  What I'm getting at is the landscape, trees, shrubs and whatnot look like it is early May on the calendar.  I even felt a little frustrated yesterday on my walk that I felt so hot.  In March mind you!

* Kitty cat left us a night and a day ago.  I keep secretly wondering if they are taking good care of her.  If she's been fed properly.  If she misses me.  I even heard her phantom 'meow' a few times.  I told someone once that I could never foster care children (even though I have the highest regard for those that do).  I would go absolutely berserk in missing them and thinking I was the best caregiver ever.  

* I started using fabric softener.  Out of the blue the other night the Chairman said, 'my shoulders have been really itchy lately'.  I giggled.  "Itchy" is such a funny word.  I'm thinking his shoulders don't like the fabric softener.


 * I didn't strike out last night.  But it was close.  I occasionally post recipes that have been a huge hit at the Chairman's Chalet.  Last night wasn't a hit.  Beef Stew.  You would think you couldn't ruin it.  But I did.  

* The newspaper wants my business back.  I thought the price was a bit steep, so I kindly told "Andrea" from the paper this morning to go ahead and cancel.  Now I can renew on-line as a new customer in a week or so and save a few bucks.  Is that cheating?

* Last fall I saw a lot of weeds in some flower beds and just thought I'd let them go through the winter and deal with them in the spring.  Well it is spring and I should have dealt with them in the fall.  I learned a lesson that goes beyond the natural.

* We started with a new lawn care service that has "Shark" in its name.  Well Mr. Shark Service came to the door this afternoon and a tattooed shark was lurking under his shirt sleeve which was slightly distracting.  Which came first?  The tattoo or the name? 

* I wasn't truthful when I mentioned awhile back that I don't really have hobbies.  I pulled up my google reader and read these stats on myself.  From your 76 subscriptions, over the last 30 days you read 436 items, clicked 24 items, starred 0 items, and emailed 0 items.  Since April 10, 2008 you have read a total of 20,830 items.  Wow.  With stats like that, I would have to call blog reading a hobby of mine.  That's a lot of things to read.  But I like it and that's what a hobby is I guess.  

Weighty matters

A few thoughts have popped into my smallish brain that I will put in writing of tricks that have worked for me regarding health and weight control.  Maybe one or more might be of a help.  However, I do recognize that genetics play a big role in your overall weight, structure, and girth.  And being slender is not a big goal or near as important as other qualities in life.

* Get a dog!  Or not.  Having a large breed pooch that loves walks motivates me to walk every.  single.  day.  I go in rain, snow, sleet, hail, and sunshiny days.  There are rare occasions that I don't get out there.  But they are rare.  How long and how far?  My typical route is about 45 minutes.  If I have someone with me, it often is longer.  I go at a reasonably fast clip and sometimes listen to something to make the time go quicker.  If you choose to do DVD workouts, yoga, exercise classes, or run stairs, all power to you!  Walking is my thing.

* Besides walking, stay active.  If one of the MYP ask to play ball or race or go on a bike ride, I try to drop what I'm doing and go.  The benefits are more than just exercise.  If in a building, take the stairs.  Park a bit away from the front door of a store.  Simple things that add a few steps.  They add up.

* I eat at regular times.  Even if I'm alone, I set up my plate and eat what is on it.  Today's lunch consisted of leftover Italian wedding soup (that was fantastic btw) and a little Babybel cheese, some whole grain crackers, an orange, and a couple Girl Scout cookies.  Not sure why you needed to know all those details.  I don't snack between or eat before bed.  That works for me.

* I eat everything.  I don't limit carbs - but I do try to choose whole-grain alternatives.  Bread, waffles, pancakes, etc. are made with whole grains at home.  I purchase whole grain tortillas, crackers, etc. I'm not afraid of fats.  Just limit the amount you put on.

* I rarely have soda - regular or otherwise.  My personal opinion is that it is dreadful for the body.  Have at it if you enjoy!  I just know when I cut all soda out of my repertoire, I immediately lost weight.  I very much limit  purchasing processed food to make at home.  I like to know what I'm eating.  And we don't eat out all that much.  I think eating out gives you a bazillion calories that you hardly realize you are consuming - not to mention the fats and sodium.

* Portion control.  I fill up a plate and eat what is on it.  And then I'm done (usually).  If the first portion tasted really good, the second would taste the same, but be unnecessary extra calories.  On packaged products such as a cookie, cracker, or chips, I usually peek to see what they think is a serving size and go with that guideline.

* I drink skim milk almost every noon with lunch.  The extra protein seems to tie me over longer until suppertime.

* Water!  I had a kidney stone three years ago.  The pain was just simply awful.  But it taught me the importance of hydration and as a result, you feel fuller with a lot of water in your system; not to mention the benefits of healthier looking skin.  I drink several tall glasses between meals.

*  Weigh often.  Yes, at first it is icky.  But if you regularly weigh yourself, you can kinda keep yourself in check.  If I go up a pound or two due to a vacation or eating out or whatnot, I just scale back (pun intended) the next day or two.

I read a little quote that I often think of when I'm before a loaded table, buffet line, or potluck.  "Nothing tastes as good as thin feels".  Yes, being thin isn't everything.  But it is one aspect of my life that I can control! And so I'll do it the best I can.

If you have any tips that work for you, please share them!  I am sure many of you have ideas far better than mine...

Monday Musings

My mind whirls, so I will pen it down.  Happy sigh for a very early spring!  Yesterday, I had the lofty idea to walk to the nearby quaint little town area as the girls wanted to bike there.  About half-way through I'm thinking that this is a very, very long walk.  If it was the Chairman's idea, I'm afraid I would have started to mutter and mumble and eventually flat-out protest to why we were walking so far.  But it was mine.  And we continued on.  In the 81 degree heat.  Without water.  But we made it!  Lisi found several items to eat along the way including an approximate 1-year old taco yet in the bag and some innards of a rodent.  ick.

The cat almost got her walking papers yesterday.  She's could have lost one of her nine lives.  Son #1 comes to me looking very serious and said 'it's bad mom'.  Then proceeds to lead me to the garage where I had shooed out the cat for some new space to explore.  I failed to think it over that cats like to climb and they don't think about things dropping off high shelves.  If you know the Chairman, you might know that he likes cars.  Nice, shiny, clean cars.  Well cat knocked two planters (one filled with dirt) off the shelf and they crashed all around the front end of the nice, shiny car.  Mila's guardian cat angel was acting quickly as the pot juuuuuuussssst missed the front end of the car.  Only dirt managed to hit the glossy black paint.  The Chairman was about to have a stroke until he surveyed the scene.  Whew.

A few days ago, we gathered together a group of lady-friends to go out for lunch to celebrate some spring birthdays.  There were 12 of us around the table.  You might have nice people where you live and all... but I must say, the friends I have here are a wonderful combination of spiritual, sensible and silly - in that order.  Lovely ladies each in their unique way.

We were with a sweet family of relatives last night.  They have three young boys.  You don't realize how big your own boy is until you see him around other younger ones.  No wonder the jeans are running a little short these days and the shoes seem to hardly outlast the big toes.

The apple didn't fall far from the tree.  As I was stuffing clothes into my washing machine this morning, I started to feel suspicious.  Several shirts looked folded.  Upon further inspection, lots of shirts were still folded.  A pair of PJ's....  hmmm.  She didn't even wear these!  At about the exact same age, I vividly remember stuffing my own stack of clean clothes down the clothes chute.  Betty came bounding up the stairs with a bee in her bonnet.  "YOU DIDN'T WEAR THESE!!!"  My mostly nice older brother wasn't being so nice and thought it was a delightful distraction to his otherwise dull day.  He has reminded me of my mis-judgement many times through the years.  I'm sure he's done something wrong too you know.

Speaking of Betty.... my mom and dad are celebrating 52 years of wedded bliss today!  A shout out to them for continued good years ahead!  I would reckon they like to sit around count their blessings of their Faith, friends, and family.  Especially their youngest child...(or not).  

Thursday's thoughts...

And so yes, there's a resident cat for the next six days.  So far, so good.  Lisi has been a very patient, accepting, and gentle galoot.  She's doing well, but I've come to realize I can't burst out into 'HERE KITTY KITTY KITTY' or she will go into high alert looking all over for the kitty in a very possessed way.

Cats are not dogs.  They are curious.  Sneaky.  Stealth in their quietness.  And solitary to some degree.  I needed to run out this morning for a bit.  I came back.  Lisi was overjoyed with glee.  "My sun, moon, and stars is back!  I love her so!  Oh boy!  Now she's even going to pet me!!!'.  The cat?  I opened the door to the confined room she was in.  She blinks sleepily and looks the other way.  I think there's good in both, but I kinda like feeling wanted!   I do reckon there will be tears when kitty leaves.  She's worked her way into the hearts of the MYP very quickly.

Have you seen the price of gas or beef lately?  Egads.  They say cows have lots of gas and could ruin the atmosphere by all their flatulence.  But I don't think it's the same gas...

I went to REI this morning.  You know the sporting goods store that sells kayaks and bikes and serious-looking expedition things for granola crunchers.  I just could feel myself sucking in my belly and trying to look all fit and active while I was in there.  I saw Mr. and Mrs. fortysomething Granola Cruncher buying brand new little Keens for "Fletcher" who was just shy of two.  It was very cute and close to $40.

Due to the record heat-wave hitting Dairyland, the screen porch was cleaned top to bottom and is open for business about a month earlier than normal.  Happy sigh!  Nothing like sitting out there in the warm, spring breezes at night and hearing the coyotes howl!