I know to some extent I don't like to just "straighten up". I like to clean. And by clean I mean go through every single little thing, re-fold anything that's gotten messy in the drawers, move everything to dust - real cleaning. Sometimes if I don't have the time to invest in real cleaning, I'd rather leave it until I can do it right. But what drives me nuts is I can scour every inch of a room and by the time I'm done with it the next room looks like a tornado hit. When I'm done with that one the next one looks worse, and so on. No matter how many loads of laundry I wash, dry, and fold...there is another one lying in wait. No matter how many dishes are loaded and unloaded, there are more sitting in my sink mocking me.
Over the past few months, I've realized there is absolutely no way for me to keep up with everything that needs to be done. More recently it's become harder with the dieting and exercise. It just added more entries to my never-ending list of things to do. Between driving an hour in the morning, working all day, exercising on my lunch break, driving an hour home, cooking dinner, cleaning, laundry, the kids, showering....I feel as if I have no time. And when I do have a little extra time before I sleep, I don't have the energy to lift another finger.
I think I need an intervention or a certified professional organizer, or at the very least suggestions as to how I can stay on top of all the stuff that needs to be done at home when I am basically limited to at the most 3 hours in the evening.....anyone??
Wednesday, January 19, 2011
Monday, January 17, 2011
I concur with your dream, Dr. King.
I have a terrible memory. Short term and long term. I can barely remember what I did yesterday, let alone, what happened years ago. However, once in middle school something came out of my mouth that I never expected...and will never forget. A kid kept grabbing my shoulders or my bookbag or something like that - all in good fun- and I turned around and screamed at him the worst sentence I believe I've ever uttered - to this day. I'm not repeating it, and I'm not proud of it. Ashamed of it actually.
I'm not a racist. I'm pretty much non-judgemental of race, religion, culture....whatever. I truly believe as I grew older I became even more accepting of people that were different to me. I realized along the way that we weren't that different after all. We're all people. End of story.
But it's not the end of the story.....
It is 2011. Many years past the Civil Rights Act of 1964 ending segregation. Of course there isn't any segregation of races at any public place. Our president is black. But there is still racism. There are still people that think there shouldn't be inter-racial dating...or marriage. There is still the KKK. We as a country have taken great strides to make sure everyone is treated equally, but there are still those among us that believe we are not equal, or should stay with our own "kind".
In 2002, just after I had Cain, one of my customers at work saw a picture of Cain on my desk. He was an old man, probably in his 80's. He said he had something for my son and would bring it in the next month. When he came in the next month he handed me a tape of MLK's I Have a Dream speech. He said he was there when MLK made that speech and that it changed his life. He told me that he hoped I would play it for my son. That gift meant so much to me. It was very nice of the man, and I still have the tape and will give it to Cain when he gets older. Every time I hear that speech, I get teary eyed. Its not just about race, its about equality. I too dream that one day my kids will never know the feeling of being judged for what they look like or what religion they are.
Every time I hear about racist remarks that are made it brings me back to that comment I made in middle school. Of course I didn't mean it, I said it just to get under their skin. To piss them off like they were pissing me off. I truly hope sometimes that person doesn't remember what I said, or just wrote me off as being a jerk. I should have never said it and I certainly am sorry that I did. But it also makes me realize that while I could have been so thoughtless with my words, I still grew up to be one of the most accepting people I know. It gives me the hope that other young people will one day see that while we're all different, we are still all the same, and no matter how mad you may be, taking a dig at someones difference from yourself is NEVER acceptable.
I'm not a racist. I'm pretty much non-judgemental of race, religion, culture....whatever. I truly believe as I grew older I became even more accepting of people that were different to me. I realized along the way that we weren't that different after all. We're all people. End of story.
But it's not the end of the story.....
It is 2011. Many years past the Civil Rights Act of 1964 ending segregation. Of course there isn't any segregation of races at any public place. Our president is black. But there is still racism. There are still people that think there shouldn't be inter-racial dating...or marriage. There is still the KKK. We as a country have taken great strides to make sure everyone is treated equally, but there are still those among us that believe we are not equal, or should stay with our own "kind".
In 2002, just after I had Cain, one of my customers at work saw a picture of Cain on my desk. He was an old man, probably in his 80's. He said he had something for my son and would bring it in the next month. When he came in the next month he handed me a tape of MLK's I Have a Dream speech. He said he was there when MLK made that speech and that it changed his life. He told me that he hoped I would play it for my son. That gift meant so much to me. It was very nice of the man, and I still have the tape and will give it to Cain when he gets older. Every time I hear that speech, I get teary eyed. Its not just about race, its about equality. I too dream that one day my kids will never know the feeling of being judged for what they look like or what religion they are.
Every time I hear about racist remarks that are made it brings me back to that comment I made in middle school. Of course I didn't mean it, I said it just to get under their skin. To piss them off like they were pissing me off. I truly hope sometimes that person doesn't remember what I said, or just wrote me off as being a jerk. I should have never said it and I certainly am sorry that I did. But it also makes me realize that while I could have been so thoughtless with my words, I still grew up to be one of the most accepting people I know. It gives me the hope that other young people will one day see that while we're all different, we are still all the same, and no matter how mad you may be, taking a dig at someones difference from yourself is NEVER acceptable.
Friday, January 14, 2011
Harsh Reality
On January 5th I turned 30. Surprising to me, I didn't even really feel bad about it. I say I am surprised because on my 25th, 26th, and 27th birthday I was devastated to be getting "old". Somewhere in between 27 and 30 years old I stopped caring about ageing. But on my 30th birthday was the realization that I am not getting any younger and I have spent most of my life abusing my body. Now I'm not a cutter or a heroin addict or a prostitute, but I am damaging my body by being fat. I am not thick, I am not chubby, I am not plump. I am obese.
While my blood work and general overall condition say that I am healthy, I have become concerned with the fact that no matter what any blood work says, my body is working harder to maintain all of the extra weight I've put on over the years. I am scared of dying due to being fat. Now of course no autopsy conclusion has ever read, "Cause of Death : Fatness". It is undeniable however, that being very overweight causes health problems that lead to death.
In an effort to change my situation, I've started the South Beach Diet. I am cooking healthy foods, not only for myself, but for my whole family. The first week I lost 6.8 pounds. I will know tomorrow what I lost this week. Hopefully a good amount as well since I started exercising last week. I have to keep myself moving in the right direction. I don't want to lose weight and gain it back. I need to get to a healthy weight and maintain it. 6.8 pounds seems like a lot, and I agree that it is, but this is just the beginning. There is a long way to go. At the minimum I HAVE to lose 50 pounds. I HAVE to. But for now I'm starting with smaller, more attainable goals....right now I just want to lose 20. When I hit 20, I will set another small goal.
Losing weight is hard. It's a real commitment. All I think about now is food. I have to plan my meals in advance. Make sure I don't have things around that will tempt me. I think about when I'm going to exercise, how I'm going to exercise, and I look forward to Saturdays when I weigh in. I am hoping that all of this obsessing will lead to living a healthy life forever. Undoubtedly, there will be days I screw up. None so far, but I'm sure there will be days. I'm OK with that as long as its occasionally. I have a long road ahead and I am so happy to be able to talk about it and share my struggle with everyone who reads my blog!
While my blood work and general overall condition say that I am healthy, I have become concerned with the fact that no matter what any blood work says, my body is working harder to maintain all of the extra weight I've put on over the years. I am scared of dying due to being fat. Now of course no autopsy conclusion has ever read, "Cause of Death : Fatness". It is undeniable however, that being very overweight causes health problems that lead to death.
In an effort to change my situation, I've started the South Beach Diet. I am cooking healthy foods, not only for myself, but for my whole family. The first week I lost 6.8 pounds. I will know tomorrow what I lost this week. Hopefully a good amount as well since I started exercising last week. I have to keep myself moving in the right direction. I don't want to lose weight and gain it back. I need to get to a healthy weight and maintain it. 6.8 pounds seems like a lot, and I agree that it is, but this is just the beginning. There is a long way to go. At the minimum I HAVE to lose 50 pounds. I HAVE to. But for now I'm starting with smaller, more attainable goals....right now I just want to lose 20. When I hit 20, I will set another small goal.
Losing weight is hard. It's a real commitment. All I think about now is food. I have to plan my meals in advance. Make sure I don't have things around that will tempt me. I think about when I'm going to exercise, how I'm going to exercise, and I look forward to Saturdays when I weigh in. I am hoping that all of this obsessing will lead to living a healthy life forever. Undoubtedly, there will be days I screw up. None so far, but I'm sure there will be days. I'm OK with that as long as its occasionally. I have a long road ahead and I am so happy to be able to talk about it and share my struggle with everyone who reads my blog!
Wednesday, December 29, 2010
Nicole's Favorite Things
I'm not really materialistic. I always knew it, but when I moved out of the country and sold everything I owned is when I came to the realization that "things" mean nothing to me. I parted with things I loved with no problem whatsoever. I often watch hoarders and shows of the like, and feel so sorry for those people that cannot let the littlest thing go, because they have an emotional attachment to it. I also am in the minority of women that hates shopping. But even with this, I do love some things. I figure if Oprah can have a favorite list, so can I. Although mine won't be nearly as extravagant as hers, some things on my list are under $3!
1.) Fleece Sheets - I stumbled across these at Walmart while looking for flannel sheets. These felt unbelievable, so I got them. They are soft, thick, and warm. They're never cold when you get into bed, and they are so comfy.
2.) Kaboom Shower, Tub, and Tile Cleaner - This stuff actually works great. You just spray it on and let it sit for a few minutes and wipe clean...seriously, no scrubbing. And even on a shower that looks to be relatively clean to begin with, will sparkle and squeak after using this stuff. It's not strong and stinky either, which is a huge plus!
3.) Nice perfume - Why I love it, I have no idea. I don't often wear perfume because it usually gives me a headache. But I love owning it. Maybe it's the beautiful bottles. I don't know. I can buy a perfume knowing good and well it will sit on my shelf and rarely, if ever, actually get worn, and I am totally cool with that. Some of my favorites are my Cartier Delices, Armani Mania, Armani Sensi, Amor Amor, Escada S.
4.) Gharirdelli Chocolate Caramel Turtle Brownies - I don't think this needs explaining!
5.) Blue Goo Cracked Heel Skin Softener - This is under $3. It comes in a small jar and you put it on your heels before bed and then cover with a pair of socks. It is amazing at how soft this stuff gets your feet! I don't have cracked heels, but we all know our feet can get hard if we don't do regular pedi's - and I don't - so this stuff is awesome.
6.) Fabric - I could not care less about clothes. I really could shop at Walmart or Macy's or Goodwill for that matter. But I love good fabric. I am just beginning at sewing, so I can't really make clothes yet, but I can make things for around the house. Pillows, curtains, tablecloths. I recovered my breakfast room chairs in silk. Obviously not ideal considering there are two kids who love to spill stuff on everything, but they look so pretty that I didn't mind. I can still usually get a good deal on the fabric, so I don't feel bad about it! And there is such a feeling that you get when you made something yourself, instead of buying it, that makes it all worth it.
7.) Towel Turbans - I hate having a huge towel on my head after the shower. The second you lean over the sink to brush your teeth, it comes unraveled and the bottom of the towel ends up in the sink. You have to re-twist it on your head and try again. Towel turbans are much smaller than a regular towel, yet still fit my hair (and I have a lot of it). You secure the end of the turban with a piece of elastic sewn into it and you can go on about your business...washing your face, plucking your eyebrows, brushing your teeth...with it still in place. Genius!
8.) Aloe Infused Socks - I usually don't like sleeping with socks on. I don't like my feet covered at all, but these socks feel so good. They are warm, yet they're not to heavy. It doesn't feel like a sock. It kind of feels like you have slippers on. They are super soft and fuzzy. I'm not sure if that's from the aloe or just the type of material its made from, but these things are great. I love them!
9.) Oil of Olay Microdermabrasion and Peel System and Daily Regenerating Serum - This stuff was a little more than I'd like to pay, but I used CVS bucks to get it for almost half price! When you do the peel once a week your skin feels like silk. It is amazing how soft this stuff gets your skin. I have a problem with dry skin right between and above my eyebrows. The Microdermabrasion takes care of that and the daily serum is one of the absolute best facial moisturizers ever! I don't know that its combating wrinkles setting in or whatever the claim is, but I do know I love the way it makes my skin feel!
10.) I saved the best for last....
Argan Oil (pure organic argan, not "Moroccan Oil"). Hands down best product ever invented. Thank you Moroccan people. The Argan Tree only grows in Morocco and it is hand processed, which explains the high cost of the oil. There are two types of Argan. One for cooking and one for beauty reasons. I use the latter. I was introduced to this when I lived there and I absolutely love it. It can be used on your skin, hair, and nails. It's known to treat eczema, psoriasis, and acne. I use it on the kids when they get rough patches of skin. But the main thing I use it for is my hair. I have unruly, frizzy, curly hair. I like to wear it straight but took forever to straighten because I'd have to dry it and then flat iron it. My hair was damaged from all the heat. Then I was told to use the Argan in my hair and I'd be able to blow it out straight with a hairdryer. Prior to using the Argan that was never possible. Even at high end salons, they could not blow my hair out straight and frizz free. Now I put the Argan in my hair and blow it out straight and shiny (not greasy) and frizz free in about 20 minutes. Miracle product!!!
There you have it....a few of my favorite things!
1.) Fleece Sheets - I stumbled across these at Walmart while looking for flannel sheets. These felt unbelievable, so I got them. They are soft, thick, and warm. They're never cold when you get into bed, and they are so comfy.
2.) Kaboom Shower, Tub, and Tile Cleaner - This stuff actually works great. You just spray it on and let it sit for a few minutes and wipe clean...seriously, no scrubbing. And even on a shower that looks to be relatively clean to begin with, will sparkle and squeak after using this stuff. It's not strong and stinky either, which is a huge plus!
3.) Nice perfume - Why I love it, I have no idea. I don't often wear perfume because it usually gives me a headache. But I love owning it. Maybe it's the beautiful bottles. I don't know. I can buy a perfume knowing good and well it will sit on my shelf and rarely, if ever, actually get worn, and I am totally cool with that. Some of my favorites are my Cartier Delices, Armani Mania, Armani Sensi, Amor Amor, Escada S.
4.) Gharirdelli Chocolate Caramel Turtle Brownies - I don't think this needs explaining!
5.) Blue Goo Cracked Heel Skin Softener - This is under $3. It comes in a small jar and you put it on your heels before bed and then cover with a pair of socks. It is amazing at how soft this stuff gets your feet! I don't have cracked heels, but we all know our feet can get hard if we don't do regular pedi's - and I don't - so this stuff is awesome.
6.) Fabric - I could not care less about clothes. I really could shop at Walmart or Macy's or Goodwill for that matter. But I love good fabric. I am just beginning at sewing, so I can't really make clothes yet, but I can make things for around the house. Pillows, curtains, tablecloths. I recovered my breakfast room chairs in silk. Obviously not ideal considering there are two kids who love to spill stuff on everything, but they look so pretty that I didn't mind. I can still usually get a good deal on the fabric, so I don't feel bad about it! And there is such a feeling that you get when you made something yourself, instead of buying it, that makes it all worth it.
7.) Towel Turbans - I hate having a huge towel on my head after the shower. The second you lean over the sink to brush your teeth, it comes unraveled and the bottom of the towel ends up in the sink. You have to re-twist it on your head and try again. Towel turbans are much smaller than a regular towel, yet still fit my hair (and I have a lot of it). You secure the end of the turban with a piece of elastic sewn into it and you can go on about your business...washing your face, plucking your eyebrows, brushing your teeth...with it still in place. Genius!
8.) Aloe Infused Socks - I usually don't like sleeping with socks on. I don't like my feet covered at all, but these socks feel so good. They are warm, yet they're not to heavy. It doesn't feel like a sock. It kind of feels like you have slippers on. They are super soft and fuzzy. I'm not sure if that's from the aloe or just the type of material its made from, but these things are great. I love them!
9.) Oil of Olay Microdermabrasion and Peel System and Daily Regenerating Serum - This stuff was a little more than I'd like to pay, but I used CVS bucks to get it for almost half price! When you do the peel once a week your skin feels like silk. It is amazing how soft this stuff gets your skin. I have a problem with dry skin right between and above my eyebrows. The Microdermabrasion takes care of that and the daily serum is one of the absolute best facial moisturizers ever! I don't know that its combating wrinkles setting in or whatever the claim is, but I do know I love the way it makes my skin feel!
10.) I saved the best for last....
Argan Oil (pure organic argan, not "Moroccan Oil"). Hands down best product ever invented. Thank you Moroccan people. The Argan Tree only grows in Morocco and it is hand processed, which explains the high cost of the oil. There are two types of Argan. One for cooking and one for beauty reasons. I use the latter. I was introduced to this when I lived there and I absolutely love it. It can be used on your skin, hair, and nails. It's known to treat eczema, psoriasis, and acne. I use it on the kids when they get rough patches of skin. But the main thing I use it for is my hair. I have unruly, frizzy, curly hair. I like to wear it straight but took forever to straighten because I'd have to dry it and then flat iron it. My hair was damaged from all the heat. Then I was told to use the Argan in my hair and I'd be able to blow it out straight with a hairdryer. Prior to using the Argan that was never possible. Even at high end salons, they could not blow my hair out straight and frizz free. Now I put the Argan in my hair and blow it out straight and shiny (not greasy) and frizz free in about 20 minutes. Miracle product!!!
There you have it....a few of my favorite things!
Monday, December 20, 2010
Bye Bye 2010
I had high expectations for 2010. Yeah, I was gonna get a great new job, maybe win the lottery, maybe lose some weight, maybe get a new car. Well, it's now December 20, 2010. I've had almost a whole entire year for these things to happen. Guess what? I am still at the same job, I didn't win the lottery, I actually gained a little weight, and I still drive my same old 10 year old car. I didn't have a new addition to my little family. I didn't take an amazing vacation around the world. I didn't even get more than 4 consecutive days off from my job. I didn't really do anything remarkable.
But....
I can't write 2010 off as a failure. Nope, the opposite actually. In looking back, 2010 was pretty great. I got a date or two with my husband - alone. We got snow a few times. We went to a few basketball games. We got to welcome my inlaws to our new house. We went to Six Flags, the Aquarium, Renaissance Festival, Rock City. Cain got a great new teacher for the new school year. I won some money at my company picnic. Zayd turned two. Cain turned 9. Went to The Great Wolf Lodge for Cain's birthday.
I'm really happy in knowing that in just 2 minutes I can name several good things that happened over the past year. But I'm mostly counting 2010 as a great year for what didn't happen. We didn't have any major illnesses this year. Other than the common cold we were all healthy. And any year that my kids, my husband, and I are not sick....is a memorable one.
I am so looking forward to a great 2011, and I hope everyone else has a great new year as well.
But....
I can't write 2010 off as a failure. Nope, the opposite actually. In looking back, 2010 was pretty great. I got a date or two with my husband - alone. We got snow a few times. We went to a few basketball games. We got to welcome my inlaws to our new house. We went to Six Flags, the Aquarium, Renaissance Festival, Rock City. Cain got a great new teacher for the new school year. I won some money at my company picnic. Zayd turned two. Cain turned 9. Went to The Great Wolf Lodge for Cain's birthday.
I'm really happy in knowing that in just 2 minutes I can name several good things that happened over the past year. But I'm mostly counting 2010 as a great year for what didn't happen. We didn't have any major illnesses this year. Other than the common cold we were all healthy. And any year that my kids, my husband, and I are not sick....is a memorable one.
I am so looking forward to a great 2011, and I hope everyone else has a great new year as well.
blog challenge
I changed my mind...I don't want to do this "challenge", I just want to write about random stuff!
Wednesday, December 1, 2010
Day 02- The meaning behind your Blog name
Ummm, this one's kinda self explanitory. No deep meaning.....just my opinions on different things.
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