Day 85 - Take A Little Trip

This weekend I took a little trip to the thriving metropolis that is Green Bay Wisconsin. Unexpected circumstances dictated that my girls and I head north for the weekend, so I decided to utilize the opportunity for some one on one time with my daughters, especially my youngest.

After dropping my older daughter off with a friend, Maeghan and I headed to out hotel that has a water park in it for some swimming. After she jumped in the pool, I decided that it would be best if I visit the bar in the pool area for an adult drink (the only one of the weekend). It was my second visit to a water park in one week. Two days earlier I spent 3 hours at a water park for a Brownie field trip. A drink of some kind was clearly in order if I was going to spend another 3 hours at a water park with screaming children that were not my own. Thankfully, Maeghan is a competent swimmer, which was not hard, as the deepest water was only 4 feet! Because of this, I was able to sit my self down and read my book while enjoying my drink. It was heavenly, and Maeghan was able to go down the same slid at least 100 times before telling me she was done swimming!

After returning to our room for a snack and some cartoons, we went out to her favorite restaurant for her favorite meal. Applebee's for their world famous corn dogs and sliced apples. She ended her meal with a hot fudge sundae. After a trip to the bookstore for a new book, we returned to our room so that she could read and I could take a bubble bath. Since she was more excited about her book find than I have seen her in a long time, I was able to enjoy a bath without guilt.

The next day, we woke up to her favorite breakfast, donuts, a rare treat for her. We picked up her sister and headed home. Of course only after a stop at The American Girl outlet. Her doll needed something.

It was a great weekend. I love the alone time with my kids.

Day 84 - Really Put Things Into Perspective

I talked about putting things into perspective a couple months ago. I have gotten better about doing that, but I still have trouble with it. I guess it takes time. I came across an article and video today that really hit me. It made me realize that the little annoyances in life just don't matter and that I am so lucky to have the gift of a wonderful family, friends and health. Here is the link

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2011/03/25/brooklyn-parents-cancer_n_840643.html

Have a box of tissue ready. I know I needed one.

Day 83 - Get 15 Minutes Of Sun Everyday

It has been very cold, cloudy, rainy and dreary here in Wisconsin for the last several days. This weather always makes me very sad and depressed. The best way to combat those feelings is to get myself into the good old sunshine whenever the opportunity presents itself. When I woke up this morning, the sun was up!

After a meeting, I came home and decided that instead of going to the gym to walk on the treadmill for 30 minutes, I would walk at home instead. After bundling up, as it is 20 degrees again, I headed outdoors for a brisk 45 minute walk. It felt great! I could feel my mood improving while improving my overall well being.

They say that all it takes is 15-30 minutes of sun exposure without sunscreen to produce Vitamin D, an important vitamin. I have also heard that walking outside has the same effect that an antidepressant has on someone who is depressed. I don't know whether or not that is true, and it is irrelevant for me. I am not a person who needs antidepressants. But, that is all I need to hear and read to encourage me to walk more and more often.

I am looking forward to Spring and Summer. I walk outdoors daily during those seasons. I continue to walk on the treadmill, but that is in doors. I need to be outside. In fact, as I write this, I think I will take another walk later on today. A little bit more sun would be really good for me.

Day 82 - I Will Not Talk On The Phone When Driving EVER Again!

I am going to stop talking on the phone when driving, period! I know better. I know it is dangerous, that I am not only putting myself at risk, but I am putting others at risk. I know that I am not that important and that I have no right endangering everyone around me on the road so that I can have a not so important conversation.

I need to be clear about one thing while I am confessing my bad cell phone use behind the wheel. I have not ever, texted while driving. Thankfully, I am not coordinated enough to text while driving, so that is a habit that has never been a possibility for me.

Starting tomorrow, when I am driving, I am going to just turn off my phone when behind the wheel. That way, I won't even be tempted to answer when the phone rings. Please, no nasty comments about my reckless driving. I know that I have been reckless, irresponsible and irrational when it comes to driving and phone usage. I admit my fault and will stop.

Day 81 - Eat Lean Cuisines For Lunch

I need to start eating an easy to microwave, low calorie, frozen meal for lunch, everyday. This needs to become a priority for me because I tend to eat too much at lunch. I lose track of what I have eaten during noon time. I also find that I am very hungry at lunch time because I worked out in the morning. My lunch has a tendency to go on and on. I need to change that.

Starting tomorrow, like it or not, I am going to have a simple Lean Cuisine for lunch with a yogurt and a piece of fruit. It will keep me full while limiting my calorie consumption at lunch time. I will have more energy and not feel so guilty at 2:00 pm when the mid day sluggish feeling takes over my body.

Day 80 - Get A New Door

I have mentioned before that we bought a fixer upper for a house. Over the years we have put a lot of time and money into a house that we call home. When we bought our house the door that goes from our family room into the garage was in desperate need of replacement. We of course were broke when we needed the door, so my husband bought a regular wood door. We planned on it being temporary, that was 10 years ago.

Today, we finally had that door replaced with a steel door, that is finally compliant with building and fire codes. Whew! One less thing to think about, the door is replaced. It looks great, it will no longer be drafty and I don't have to worry about fire anymore.

Day 79 - Indulge In Moderation

Easter is still several weeks away, but that does not stop me from eating the greatest food creation of all time. That creation would be the Reese's Peanut Butter Egg! Never, in my life, have I found a more perfect food. I don't care that the Reese's Peanut Butter Cup is suppose to be the same thing, it is not. The egg is so much better.

With that said, I need to confess that I could eat an entire package of peanut butter eggs in one sitting, without feeling guilt. Why? Because they are delicious and they make me happy. But, I know that is over indulgence and will make me fat. So, this year I am going to allow myself one mini egg per day. They are only 90 calories, as opposed to the 170 calorie normal size egg. This will be my treat, and I will share with the children, sometimes. For now, my stash remains hidden, as it should be. I will eat these eggs guilt free, in peace and quiet. I will stop eating them on Easter Sunday, or several days after, depending on clearance sales.