30 Days of Truth: Day 30

Day 30 → A letter to yourself, tell yourself EVERYTHING you love about yourself

(better late than never)

Donita, I love that you think writing letters to yourself is stupid and a waste of time.

Your loving self,

Donita

30 Days of Truth: Day 29

Day 29 → Something you hope to change about yourself. And why.

I hope to change from a couch potato into an active person. Why? Because I want to be mobile when I am 75.

30 Days of Truth: Day 28

Day 28 → What if you were pregnant or got someone pregnant, what would you do?

Well this doesn't have much of a shock efffect once you are married and have already had kids. If I were pregnant, I would switch back to baby mode and start all over again.

30 Days of Truth: Day 27

Day 27 → What’s the best thing going for you right now?

Me

It's been a good year. I have many, many good things going for me right now.

30 Days of Truth: Day 26

Day 26 → Have you ever thought about giving up on life? If so, when and why?

I've been through some dark times, especially in college. Too much alcohol doesn't mix well with depression.

30 Days of Truth: Day 25

Day 25 → The reason you believe you’re still alive today.

God

30 Days of Truth: Day 24

Day 24 → Make a playlist to someone, and explain why you chose all the songs. (Just post the titles and artists and letter)

During the ages of about 16-22 music was my life. I couldn't imagine a time when I would not listen to music. Well, the time has come. The only reason I even know the names of current musicians is because of the gossip sites on the internet. I have never heard a Lady Gaga song. I thought Katy Perry was an actress. I am clueless.

My point? Well, I don't really have one except to say any play list I made would include mostly songs from 80s hair bands and a few country artists. I am not a pop princess. I barely even listen to music in the car. My IPod is filled with podcasts. I am "old."

30 Days of Truth: Day 23

Day 23 → Something you wish you had done in your life.

I wish I had lost the weight sooner.

I wish I had been braver.

I wish I had met Jeff sooner.

30 Days of Truth: Day 22

Day 22 → Something you wish you hadn’t done in your life.

Oh My.... what a loaded question.

I could list a dozen things, but I also believe that every action and decision I made has led me to where I am today. And, I'm pretty happy with where I am today.

I made a couple stupid comments in my life that I still regret. One was a seriously stupid comment to a stranger and the other was a thoughtless comment to a friend. I regret those.

30 Days of Truth: Day 21

Day 21 → (scenario) Your best friend is in a car accident and you two got into a fight an hour before. What do you do?

Depends on how bad the fight was.
I would say "Go see her" but I might feel that she would not want to see me if the fight was bad enough.

30 Days of Truth: Day 20

Day 20 → Your views on drugs and alcohol.

Moderation. I don't really believe we should legalize anything. However I think the bigger problem is probably the abuse of legal prescription drugs.

30 Days of Truth: Day 19

Day 19 → What do you think of religion? Or what do you think of politics?

I tend to discuss neither with friends or strangers.

I think religion is a personal relationship with God. I think politics is a risky subject to discuss. Plus, being an introvert, I can NOT out-argue anyone and have no desire to try.

30 Days of Truth: Day 18

Day 18 → Your views on gay marriage.

I used to have the traditional Christian thoughts of "NO gay marriage. We MUST protect the sanctity of marriage." But the I heard a quote where someone questioned what we were actually protecting and I started to rethink my position. I actually believe that we should have civil unions and "Marriage" for everyone. You can choose which to enter, but Marriage would be a much more difficult to get out of than "irreconcilable difference."

The Simple Woman's Daybook

FOR TODAY Monday January 17, 2010

Outside my window... wetness and mud after the day of rain

I am thinking... that is was a very good day

I am thankful for... finding my IPod that has been lost for 6 months

From the learning rooms... I think I dropped the ball on our schoolwork today, but everyone completed math and LA and Tyler watched a movie on Greek Mythology so I'm checking the day off

From the kitchen... Jeff grilled some chicken quarters and they were very good

I am wearing... sweats and a long sleeved T

I am creating... a new space for some of my books

I am going... to go to bed soon

I am reading... a book on Charlotte Mason, but now that we have new cable TV I don't anticipate getting a lot of reading done this week

I am hoping... for a nice sunny week

I am hearing... Jeff watching Top Chef

Around the house... a new IKEA bookshelf found on craigslist at a great price

One of my favorite things... coffee, coffee and more coffee

A few plans for the rest of the week... the usual: Daisy Scouts, Cub Scouts, Enrichment Classes. Then next weekend a trip to Disney and a weekend in Siesta Key

Here is picture I am sharing...

Maggie and her cousin Sammy July 2010

30 Days of Truth: Day 17

Day 17 → A book you’ve read that changed your views on something.

The Introvert Advantage by Marti Laney
It sounds trite, but this book really changed my life. I started looking at myself differently after I realized the things I thought were personality flaws were actually inherent personality traits shared by many other people. It was a freeing discovery.

30 Days of Truth: Day 16

Day 16 → Someone or something you definitely could live without.

Johnny Test because I am sick of listening to that cartoon for the past few days.

But seriously folks, I could life without people who are so set in their opinion/beliefs that they are willing to do harm to those who disagree. I could live without the extremists.

I could also live without hearing the phrase "I could never homeschool because I don't have enough patience" ever again.

30 Days of Truth: Day 15

Day 15 → Something or someone you couldn’t live without, because you’ve tried living without it.

Well the someone would be easy: Jeff and the kids
Something?? Over my lifetime I would have said cigarretes, chocolate, TV, and Tim Horton's but I have managed to do without all of them. I think that in the current state of technology, it would be very, very hard to live without internet.

30 Days of Truth: Day 14

Day 14 → A hero that has let you down. (letter)

Again, the letter is not happening. There were a couple men from my childhood who I thought of as good Christian fathers. My own dad was just very strict and we didn't get along very well, so these were men who I kind of wish my dad was more like. I soon learned the lesson that appearances are often deceiving when, in high school, I found out they were both adulterers and one had even had an affair with a 18 year old.

I wouldn't say "they" let me down as much as my idea of the "perfect Christian male" was changed forever.

30 Days of Truth: Day 13

Day 13 → A band or artist that has gotten you through some tough ass days. (write a letter.)

Yeah I'm not going to write a letter because I think that is corny, but I will say the 80s hair bands got me through A LOT of tough times. L.A. Guns and Skid Row were two of my favorites.

30 Days of Truth: Day 12

Day 12 → Something you never get compliments on.

My personal style, because I have none LOL

30 Days of Truth: Day 11

Day 11 → Something people seem to compliment you the most on.

Weirdly enough, my cooking. When I cook for my parents and siblings they almost always enjoy my food. I think that is mostly because no one else cooks very often. I don't really enjoy cooking though, so I haven't done a lot of it lately.

30 Days of Truth: Day 10

Day 10 → Someone you need to let go, or wish you didn’t know.

Wow this could be a fun way to break up with people who read your blog. I could have added lots of people to this list 10 years ago, but I have already let some of them go. Wow, it's a good feeling to know you don't have any toxic people in your inner circle. (Let's just not discuss family members)

Simple Woman's Daybook

FOR TODAY Monday January 10, 2010

Outside my window... Jeff taking his morning walk

I am thinking... that I don't want to go see Tangled again, but that is Maggie's choice for our Kid's Date Day today

I am thankful for... my in-laws who are very generous every Christmas and this year sent money for Disney passes

From the learning rooms... even though we did school over the Holiday break, we were very lax about it. We need to get back to basics this week and really push forward on our history.

From the kitchen... I am trying out recipes from my new cookbook and last week we had a delicious cheese bean and zucchini quesadilla. Tonight J is making me a steak.

I am wearing... my pajamas

I am creating... a reading list for myself

I am going... to take a shower as soon as I finish this

I am reading... I just finished another book by Nancy Thayer. I am not sure what I will read next. I might try to complete one of my goals for the year and pick an unread book from my bookshelf.

I am hoping... that we have a nice relaxing day

I am hearing... the kids playing the Wii (Wii fit only)

Around the house... laundry sitting in the dryer, but a clean kitchen thanks to Jeff

One of my favorite things... my brand new PJs I found on clearance at JC Penney

A few plans for the rest of the week... the usual: Daisy Scouts, Cub Scouts, Park. Our Downtown Enrichment class starts up again this week.

Here is picture I am sharing...

Daddy and T taking a hike during our camping trip

30 Days of Truth: Day 9

Day 09 → Someone you didn’t want to let go, but just drifted.

Lots of my mom friends whom I met after having T. It is hard not to drift when you move 1000 miles away.

30 Days of Truth: Day 8

Day 08 → Someone who made your life hell, or treated you like shit.

I did!

30 Days of Truth: Day 7

Day 07 → Someone who has made your life worth living for.

Hubby and kids of course. And, this year, I have done that for myself.

30 Days of Truth: Day 6

Day 06 → Something you hope you never have to do.

Bury one of my children

30 Days of Truth: Day 5

Day 05 → Something you hope to do in your life.

This used to be an easy answer: skydiving. But, I will admit, the older I get the more I fear for my life.

So now I will say I hope to:

- weigh my goal weight

- visit all 50 states

- hike somewhere amazing

- visit Turks and Caicos

- see all my grandchildren

30 Days of Truth: Day 4

Day 04 → Something you have to forgive someone for.

I will admit, this is always a struggle for me. It is hard for me to offer forgiveness. I would say I need to forgive my parents for childhood issues I have.

There are other things in the world I choose not to forgive. I will mention that I was watching an interview with Dr. William Petit (the man whose whole family was murdered while he was unconscious) and he had me rethinking the idea that you are "supposed" to forgive. Dr. Petit said, “You can forgive somebody who stole your car. You can forgive somebody who slapped you in the face. You can forgive somebody who insulted you. You can forgive somebody who caused an accident. I think forgiving the essence of evil is not appropriate.”

30 Days of Truth: Day 3

Day 03 → Something you have to forgive yourself for.

Wow... this could be an interesting response, but I will just say I need to forgive myself for not "letting it go" sooner.

My Goals for 2011

2010 was actually a good year for me. I accomplished a lot. I accomplished things I never thought possible a year ago. I would like to continue on this path, but actually setting some goals this year.

1. Take an excel class. I have been talking about doing this for over 5 years. Everytime I seriously consider it, I just can't bring myself to save the money. But obviously, if I am still thinking about it, I really want to do it.

2. Begin a sustainable exercise program. I heard a simple quote once "Nothing happens until you decide." I just need to decide and do it!

3. Spend more time making eye-contact with my kids. I spend A LOT of time with my kids (like all the time), but it is also a lot of distracted time. Time where I am half listening while doing something on the computer or watching a movie. I need to set apart some time every day to actually focus on them.

4. Write at least 3 posts per week on my blog. Stop getting roadblocks because I think I have nothing to say and use my blog as its intended purpose: a homeschool journal for myself and my family.

5. Post to twitter once a day to bring happiness to my friend N.

6. Focus on those "little things" that make my husband happy and make me a better wife.

7. Sweep my floor more often than "once in a blue moon." I just really hate to clean. It is a PITA. I am not sure how anyone gets enjoyment out of it. I try to keep my home "in order." I don't like clutter or messes, but as for the actually cleaning.....

8. Finish at least one of the 10+ books on my bookshelf that I bought but never committed to.

30 Days of Truth: Day 2

Day 02 → Something you love about yourself.

I love that I can get enjoyment out of the simplest things: like reorganizing my desk, a new organizational tool, or spending the day hanging with my family.

The Christmas Post

We had an amazing Christmas this year. The kids got lots and lots and lots of stuff. So much that next year I am thinking of doing the thing where you just get them 3 things: 1 thing they need, 1 thing they want and 1 thing to wear. I do set a budget every year, but I think I get as excited as the kids and tend to spend over my budget. Add to that all the gifts from grandparents, aunts and uncles and things get a little out of control.

My Mom claims she is going to stop buying so much for Christmas and just get each kid a nice gift on their birthday. I think that is a great idea, but will be shocked if it ever happens. After all she did tell me that before she went to Target and came home loaded with shopping bags.

But the kids got lots of nice stuff. Tyler's favorite was probably his Super Scribblenauts games. He has been playing with it almost non stop since Christmas. And, a bonus for mom, this version incorporates the use of adjectives so I'm calling it a LA lesson. Maggie got this:

thanks to a great deal and a nice friend who offered up her discount to help make it happen.

This year I worked really hard to write down a list of things for Jeff as he mentioned them so I would have a bunch of ideas for Christmas. It worked pretty well. I did end doing the "Do you want me to buy you that for Christmas" as he was eyeing stuff at the store. But that worked out well. I also got him an Alton Brown book that he wanted, a subscription to an organic gardening magazine and a membership to Seed Savers. Then the kids and I picked out this:

and gave it to him along with a gift certificate from Home Depot.

I, as always, got some great gifts. I will say my husband is an AWESOME gift giver at Christmas. He really pays attention and writes down stuff I want all year. But he still manages to surprise me with something great. In the past I have gotten some amazing gifts including a leather jacket and a Palm T/X (back in the day).

This year he surprised me with this:

I also got a cookbook I have been wanting, a replacement for the perfume I lost and I much needed new robe that I love!

We are so blessed to have enjoyed such a great Christmas and to be able to be together as a family. At (almost) 40 years old I have lived long enough to appreciate what I have. I hope I can instill that lesson into my kids sooner than later.

Happy New Year Everyone.

30 Days of Truth: Day 1

Day 01 → Something you hate about yourself.

Sometimes I hate that I am a very unmotivated person.

I also currently hate some of my body parts, but I am thankful that they are smaller than they were a year ago.

Weekly Wrap-Up: 1/1/11

This was a slow week for us. I usually continue with school throughout most of everyone's Holiday break. We don't travel and there are no kids home during the day for us to play with, so I decided we might as well accomplish something.

Monday: Jeff was still home on day 3 of his 3 day weekend. We continued our Christmas celebration with a nice relaxing morning. Then we finished up a few school assignments and caught up on Maggie's reading. She is doing amazing, but it is still difficult for her to finish a lesson in one sitting. The curriculum we use instructs us to do one lesson a day and each lesson is now including a 2 lesson quick review. That is way too much for us. I think now that we have the basics down we will do a lesson every other day. We are still trying to do the grammar lessons also, so will will do the reading and grammar on alternating days.

Later that evening Daddy did a nice science lesson with the kids. I am not totally sure what they are studying, but it involves Chemistry and that is where I tend to zone out.

Tuesday: T slept in this morning which Jeff and I always know is a bad sign. That kid is an early riser and always has been. Very rarely will he sleep until 8am, but if he sleeps past 9 then he is surely not feeling well. So when he finally woke up he did not look well and told me his head hurt. I put him in my bed with my new ROKU and he spent the whole day there. He didn't eat much all day and I finally decided I would not even attempt to make him complete any assignments. I did have Maggie complete her schoolwork, but I totally gave up on completing any history for the week.

Wednesday: No one felt much like doing anything today. The kids both felt good physically, but we were all feeling lazy. I let the kids alternate between playing their new DS game (Super Scribblenauts) and doing school work with me. It actually worked out pretty well. The day did drag on a little long, but at one point T decided he wanted to play on the computer and then it was "let's finish all my work right now." The computer is my only leverage right now, but I would like to decrease the usage this year. I just need a plan.

Thursday: We had a great day with friends at the zoo today. My friend N posted a very nice blog about our trip, but since she is one of the few people who read my blog I won't go into much detail here. It was a lovely day and we were both glad to be out of the house together. Although we did realize at one point that we both wanted to cancel, but we both knew we would have fun once we left the house. N is also nice enough to always drive and we get to spend the long trip talking and catching up.

We had been secretly planning a sleepover for T and N's son, but almost as soon as we talked about it T began coughing and acting tired and even asking to go home. I thought he was completely recovered from Tuesdays illness, but I guess the zoo was too much for him.

Friday: After a few hours of relaxing in the morning the kids finally asked "Do we have school today?" I made them happy by announcing "NO SCHOOL" I had planned a day off for New Year's Eve. We had originally talked about having a kid's party and inviting some friends over. The closer it go to the holidays the less motivated I felt to plan a party. Plus Jeff always works on NYE and I knew I would be home and lonely. It was for the best anyway, since Tyler is still recovering from this cold.

Saturday: We are getting ready to head to the beach for a mini vacation. My Mom has rented a mobile home close to the beach this year and we are going to spend a few days there while she is still back in Ohio. We were hoping it would be warmer, but at least we can play in the sand.