tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-75116390223808846352024-02-18T23:04:46.366-08:00Mom of my DreamsChristinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13752639379860208678noreply@blogger.comBlogger46125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7511639022380884635.post-90016591658069862712012-12-31T11:43:00.001-08:002012-12-31T11:43:51.398-08:002013 awaitsI've been absent from blogging and a lot more lately. On one hand, I'm happier then I've been in ages. But... I feel that something is missing. So much so I've found myself contemplating a 3rd baby. Which for those of you who know me well...that's just. crazy. <br />
<br />
Right? Right?!<br />
<br />
Well, for the moment we will remain a family of 4. But who knows exactly what the future will hold. <br />
<br />
My one little word for 2013 is "Whimsy"<br />
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Somehow with all this adult life stuff I've seemingly lost my sense of it. Here's to spontaneity, frivolity, and sometimes foolishness. Enjoying my family, pursuing my goals and hobbies, and trying, falling, living in the moment. My oldest is halfway to 18. My youngest will be in Kindergarten in the Fall. <br />
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<br />
And me.... <br />
I'll be the one repeatedly falling on my ass on my quad skates while working toward my goal of being a Roller Derby Queen. I'll be hitting the gym, baking bread, finally figuring out my sewing machine, mastering my DSLR, riding my pink Townie with the white leather streamers, and bell. (Still need that basket!) Once and for all, I will figure out how to accessorize. I will do a Color Run (or two!) <br />
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And maybe, just maybe... I'll finally be brave enough to get my tragus pierced.Christinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13752639379860208678noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7511639022380884635.post-46267575475732693312012-03-13T12:16:00.001-07:002012-03-13T12:47:22.090-07:00Menu Plan timeI used to be very, very good about planning meals. Also prepping on the weekends for the week ahead. I would also cook for the freezer whenever possible. Somewhere that all got lost in the shuffle...<br />
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So, after an argument last week with Jeff.... Or as close as we get to such a thing... He voiced his frustration with recently lackluster dinners. I voiced mine over long hours at work (his) and how difficult it can be to get dinner on the table during the week between homework, kids fighting, and life in general. I decided to re-prioritize. Also, with the rising costs of groceries... It just makes sense to have more than a general idea of what meals I will make for the week. <br />
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Also, I have started couponing again. Nothing that will get me "extreme" status, but it was nice to see 1/2 my bill get subtracted last week, and nearly 40 percent today when I shopped. All told, we spend an average of $150 give or take per week. A combination of Safeway, Trader Joes, and Costco. We buy most dairy at Costco - bulk cheese, milk, eggs, frozen ground beef, etc. I get cereal, snacks, nuts, peanut butter, jelly, produce, yogurt, etc. at TJ'S, and the rest at Safeway. <br />
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We eat pretty well... I make breakfast and lunches for myself and the kids daily, and dinner for us all most nights. We also have big family weekend brunches at home. We eat largely whole foods, organic when it's practical, and without packaged things with ingredients I can't pronounce. (Or HFCS, MSG, or partially or fully hydrogenated whatever oils.)<br />
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But we still get pizza about once a week and go out to eat more than we should. And Ashley will be starting preschool in a couple of weeks. Which equals $200+ a month for tuition. So, I'm hoping to change our spending habits - and eat better in the process. <br />
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I've signed up for Food on the Table (which is FREE - for LIFE with the coupon code MARFREE during the month of March!)<br />
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There is a Food on the Table iPhone app with recipes and integrated shopping list (although I use Cozi for that) and I've made a few of the recipes already with good reviews. The Lemon thyme chicken tenders were good, fast, and had few ingredients. <br />
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I also make sure to log-in to Safeway's website and add the "digital coupons" and the "Just 4 U" and "personalized deals" onto my card. I can even do this on my iPhone's web browser! Those can be paired with manufacturer's coupons for even more savings! :)<br />
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So for today, I shopped, planned meals for the next week and a half, dinner is in the slow cooker, and the dishes are done... Except for the side dishes, I'm done with dinner before noon! <br />
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It feels good to have control over a small aspect of my day - considering I often feel like the ringmaster in a 3-ring circus! <br />
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So for those interested... Here's my menu plan for this week.<br />
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Tuesday: Boneless pork chops, salt and peppered, then seared for 2-3 minutes per side, I deglazed the pan with a bit of orange juice and chicken broth, added about 3/4 cup of Trader Joe's Island Soyaki sauce - and cooking for 7-ish hours on low in the slow cooker. Then I will remove the pork, thicken sauce with cornstarch slurry, and serve with brown rice, broccoli, carrots, and sugar snap peas, and water chestnuts.<br />
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(Planned Extras for lunch)<br />
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Wednesday: Lemon and Garlic roasted chicken and pan gravy<br />
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http://www.foodnetwork.com/recipes/ina-garten/lemon-and-garlic-roast-chicken-recipe/index.html<br />
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Bacon-mashed potatoes<br />
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Broccoli<br />
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Thursday: Chicken Pot Pie (using leftover roasted chicken) <br />
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Recipe from March 2012 "Everyday Food" magazine<br />
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Salad<br />
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Friday: <br />
Late night for Jeff - leftovers and Mac & Cheese for the kiddos<br />
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Saturday: non-dinner - Chicken stock with roasted<br />
Chicken carcasses plus some from the freezer<br />
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Dinner: Slow cooker bolognese <br />
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http://www.realsimple.com/m/food-recipes/browse-all-recipes/slow-cooker-recipe-bolognese-sauce-10000000614078/index.html<br />
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(extra to freeze) <br />
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Ravioli baked with bolognese and cheese <br />
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Salad<br />
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Sunday: Creamy baked Jumbo-shells stuffed with Tuna and Spinach <br />
Recipe from March 2012 "Everyday Food" magazine<br />
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Salad<br />
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Monday: Chipotle taco meat with hidden veggies <br />
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http://www.perrysplate.com/2010/08/hidden-veggie-chipotle-taco-meat.html<br />
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Rice, beans, cheese, tortillas<br />
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Tuesday: Leftovers<br />
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Wednesday & Thursday (Thursday is my Stitch 'n Bitch night)<br />
Chili & cornbread<br />
Baked potatoes<br />
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Christinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13752639379860208678noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7511639022380884635.post-40606377008907829522012-01-06T20:55:00.001-08:002012-01-06T20:55:27.958-08:00Getting the hell outta DodgeThings I will certainly not miss when we move out of this house:<br />
1. Constant sirens (close proximity to the hospital as well as various crime scenes) <br />
2. Horrendous "music" in the form of late-night bass-y Mexican Polka from almost nightly weekend parties in the neighborhood, our next door neighbor's crappy garage band, and finally, the drunken Asian karaoke. <br />
3. The creepers who park directly across the street from my house day and night and walk down into the creek-bed to do whatever creeper crap it is that they do.<br />
4. The endlessly barking dogs. Seriously. Let them in at night. <br />
5. The near daily graffiti "decorating" public and private property. It's a never-ending battle... Why yes, I do have graffiti abatement on my speed dial. Don't you? Christinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13752639379860208678noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7511639022380884635.post-54974242271513766842011-12-28T19:38:00.001-08:002011-12-29T00:37:50.154-08:00One little wordThis year has had its ups and downs...And "open" - my one little word for 2011 has served me well. I succeeded in my goal of running a half marathon in July. I stress fractured my big toe in the process. I found some awesome supplements to help me reign in the anxiety and negative thoughts that always manage to creep into my head. We made the decision to move forward with walking away from this house. <br />
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Even though our credit score will most likely be eviscerated in the process... It's the right decision at this time. Just like purchasing the house was the right decision at that time.<br />
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The realization that happiness is once and for all realizable and tangible, and doesn't come from anything bought in a store. Square footage is as much a blight as a blessing. The next order of business is finding a place, and starting over. And we are not looking back. <br />
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The next place will be about family photos framed on the wall, and attempting to make a home from a rented house. (thank you Feist!) <br />
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Slowing down. Continuing my journey to get fitter and healthier... Physically and mentally. We all deserve as much. I mean a weight that begins with a "1" isn't a bad place to start. I was there for a short while... And now I find myself about 8 pounds away. I realize this place (geographically and more) is a huge barrier to my happiness. I NEED to be within a few miles of the ocean. Early morning or evening runs along the shore without having to be hyper-aware of my surroundings. I want to have lunch with my husband several days a week. To go to the Farmers Market weekly again... To pop into Trader Joe's and not be concerned about my frozen things thawing on the drive home. <br />
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These simple things... Like spending more time creating and less spent driving. More photographs taken and less worry lines created. <br />
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Simplifying, decluttering - starting fresh and clean. I am SO looking forward to it all. New routines, not taking my surroundings for granted. All of it. Future Plans. Like running the 2nd half of the SF Marathon this summer in the time allotted, and fracture-free. But that's just icing, right? :)<br />
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My one little word for 2012 is "transform." And I already like the direction things are headed. Christinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13752639379860208678noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7511639022380884635.post-38236135109163206662011-12-27T19:24:00.001-08:002011-12-27T19:24:43.771-08:00Oh, hey there...So I've been considering trying to you know... Actually start blogging again. And maybe even stay with it? Ha! Guess we will see. ;)<br />
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Christinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13752639379860208678noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7511639022380884635.post-16031257685635814702011-08-04T16:19:00.000-07:002011-08-04T17:45:28.201-07:0013.1 Baby!So, I'm alive... and it's August. So, that means the half-marathon didn't kill me. I wish I could say I did fantastically. But, that would be a lie. I didn't do fantastically. My time was 3:21:08. So, yeah, 21:08 over the 3 hour course limit... but I finished. And I'm pretty damned proud of that fact. And the hills. Oh, dear Lord... the hills. They Kicked. My. Ass. Especially the one going up to the GG Bridge. The bridge was amazing, of course... I knew it would be. That's why I picked the 1st Half (The harder half, with 30 minutes less time to finish than the 2nd half.)<br /><br />The start time was brutal, considering we had to drive across from the East Bay. We left my in-laws at 3:45. Holy early ass, Batman.<br /><br />I did walk in parts, especially when the hills were OMG ouch, and the last 3 miles seemed to go on, and on, and ON!! So, yeah, most likely, if I'd taken fewer bathroom breaks, and less pictures, I could have finished within the limit. But you know what? I'm glad I did take pictures. And, having to pee sucks. So, I honestly don't think I would change anything if I had it to do over again. <br /><br />And I WILL do it over again. Next year. :)Christinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13752639379860208678noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7511639022380884635.post-57958255826013545462011-06-24T19:57:00.000-07:002011-06-24T20:28:46.720-07:00Keep on running....I assure you... all two of you who actually read this irregular-disaster of a "blog"... I am still very much alive and well... <br /><br /><br />I have thrown myself in the 1/2 Training - well, the short version <a href="http://mba.tuck.dartmouth.edu/pages/clubs/triathlon/training/Half_Marathon.htm">here</a> (and not so faithfully cross-training BAD ME!)I got up at the ass crack of dark o'clock (4:45am) to run my 3 miles today. I was up at 6:00am to run 5 miles last Saturday before heading up to my in-laws. I am doing 6 miles this Sunday (rounding it to an even 10k) Speaking of... I am thinking of running the Spreckles 10k on the 4th of July. The only thing keeping me from registering is that I'm not sure if Jeff's off that day yet. I bought a pair of <a href="http://www.vibramfivefingers.com/products/Five-Fingers-Bikila-Mens.htm">Vibram Bikilas</a> but I have still yet to wear them for more than a mile. <br /><br />I am absolutely terrified of the hills. I need to go run up AND down some very soon. I am under no illusions that training on the 'mill is far from optimal when you're looking at a course fraught with hills. Way to pick the <a href="http://0e6973abf50bbd86ca98c4a480b43153b7c6801e.gripelements.com/pdf/maps/map_1sthalf.pdf">HARDEST 1/2</a> for your first one, Christine. Overachiever. :P<br /><br />Also, have been faithfully doing the "Green monster" smoothies for the last week. I really think they are helping a lot along with the exercise... my mood is stabilizing once again. I'm also spending a lot more time outside with Ashley during the week out and about. Travis has been going to day camp every weekday but Tuesdays. Next week it's 5 days. It's pleasant - except for all the driving - but I am pretty much used to it by now. Being out all the time, I'm largely neglecting my house, and all that entails but that's kind of how it has to be for now.<br /><br />I wonder when(?) if(?) I will ever consider myself a true "runner" rather than someone who is just running. Is there a magic moment where the drudgery just falls completely away? I am feeling it bit by bit. I put my headphones in, and crank up my playlist, and I know that no one is going to bug me for the next however many miles. I enjoy that part, immensely.Christinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13752639379860208678noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7511639022380884635.post-37760263033480007022011-05-11T16:57:00.000-07:002011-05-13T13:24:49.196-07:00My timing is amazing, as always.So, I ran 6 miles last Sunday with only a couple of blisters, walked away from a fender bender last Monday unscathed... and then.... Tuesday I twisted my stupid ankle/hurt my foot. I was coming into the house after the sprinklers had watered outside... and slid on our tile entry. With bags of groceries in my hands... Ugh. No gym last week, and it still is a bit tender right at the top of my foot near my outer ankle bone (right foot)so GREAT!! Next weekend we are off to Disney and WALKING A LOT... and when we get back I will embark on the HOLY CRAP 1/2 MARATHON on JULY 31st freakout Training Plan. (patent pending)<br /><br />Pray for my soul... if you're into that type of thing.Christinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13752639379860208678noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7511639022380884635.post-34853653547318942222011-05-03T08:12:00.000-07:002011-05-05T17:41:52.220-07:00Certifiably insaneOk... I really suck at blogging...<br /><br /><br />Sunday I ran (ok... ran and walked) my first 10K with my sister-in-law. I had a bunch of issues... pants falling down, side cramp, bunching socks, toe locked up, toe cramped, had to pee at mile 4 with no bathroom in sight. iPhone died with 1.4 mile left. But despite it all, we prevailed. I wasn't as fast as I wanted to be, and I walked more than I would have liked... but I finished, and I wasn't last. So that counts for something, right? <br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjw50x830ze7oame1Ms_sYFvGW_oHZUjD0Ox2xj-j3aj2V4W9wWII3lPKbpU89SZErXKRMrgxXjAAWFK2_MoRCEAZimiTd4Nuq3SK33wQrrOeYCasEypNmfL-8ARRbOtr_T7o4_GyEUecg-/s1600/79401-085-020f.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 256px; height: 384px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjw50x830ze7oame1Ms_sYFvGW_oHZUjD0Ox2xj-j3aj2V4W9wWII3lPKbpU89SZErXKRMrgxXjAAWFK2_MoRCEAZimiTd4Nuq3SK33wQrrOeYCasEypNmfL-8ARRbOtr_T7o4_GyEUecg-/s400/79401-085-020f.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5603396856966997810" /></a><br /><br /><br />Chip Time: 1:25:14<br />Clock Time: 1:25:59<br />Total Pace: 13:44/Mile<br /><br /> <br />So my goals between now and the 1/2 marathon in July... improve my stamina, find socks, lose 10 pounds (AT LEAST!!) Weight is slowly creeping back on me... around 10 pounds worth in the last few months... a combination of slacking off with the tracking food, and the Pill, and I want to get rid of it. So, I need to buckle down and Just Do It. ;)<br /><br />Which leads me too.... I applied for the Nike Women's Marathon lottery... and my name got picked. Yes, I am taking on 26.2 in October. I think I am certifiably insane at this point. I also still need to register for the Big Sur 1/2 Marathon in November(which I will be doing with non-runners - so much walking will happen!)<br /><br />A year ago I was a non-runner... and also 30 pounds heavier. In 2011 I have run a 5K, a 3K with Travis, a 10K, and have two 1/2 marathons and a full marathon to go in the next 6 months. I honestly don't even enjoy running that much (YET!) .... meaning I'm not to the point of considering myself a "runner" - rather simply someone who "runs". I wonder when of if that will change?Christinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13752639379860208678noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7511639022380884635.post-9342903378656635812011-02-25T16:35:00.000-08:002011-02-25T16:36:18.512-08:00Obviously different from her brother.I just heard the sound of water running in the bathroom. <br /><br />Me: "Ashley, what are you doing, honey? Come out of the bathroom."<br /><br />Ashley: "I'm just washing my hands because I touched my 'bagina.'"<br /><br />Awesome.Christinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13752639379860208678noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7511639022380884635.post-34703629999863348112011-02-12T10:23:00.000-08:002011-02-12T10:30:06.909-08:00Tick-tockWell, I missed a certified letter the other day... so we're going to have to go to our ghetto-ass Post Office to get it. I'm certain it's the formal letter from our lender demanding payment. So, we're looking at moving (probably) in the next 3 months. I suppose, it could be longer... but assuming shorter is probably a good thing. <br /><br />I'm relieved, anxious, and excited. "There's no place like home." Can't wait to be back. <br /><br />In other news, I started a diuretic last week... and besides peeing 11,000 times a day, no ill-effects. This is good for a couple of reasons <br /><br />1. I have lost a couple of pounds just from the water weight.<br /><br />2. It's a sulfa-based drug, and we were trying it out - I have had a previous reaction to sulpha in the past. So, this opens the door to try the other medications my doctor wanted me to take, but couldn't due to the sulpha-allergy concerns.<br /><br /><br />In other news, I'm running a 5K tomorrow morning... I did it on the treadmill the other day, and am feeling good, so, yay. <br /><br />Ready to go out with the family and enjoy the sunshine.Christinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13752639379860208678noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7511639022380884635.post-56188327676364818842011-02-06T16:02:00.000-08:002011-02-06T16:04:51.557-08:00Well that sucked.The new medication caused a list of side effects within a very short time. Stomach cramps, joint pain, numbness in my hands and feet, itching like crazy. So, nope. Tomorrow I go in for another appointment and hopefully start something else that won't make me feel like utter crap.Christinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13752639379860208678noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7511639022380884635.post-25802201662084146282011-02-03T09:28:00.000-08:002011-02-03T09:39:45.211-08:00A healthy mama is a happy mamaI broke down and joined a gym. I figure... I am NOT going to be able to train for a half-marathon if I can't even get 1/2 mile in before Ashley freaks out in the jogger. So, I got on a month-to-month agreement with a gym 3 minutes from home... and went Tuesday night. I was planning on going yesterday, but I had to fast for some bloodwork until 11:30am... meaning no caffeine either. Oh, the day-long headache that ensued. :( On that note, I am going to cut down on caffeine as well. <br /><br />My triglycerides are "BEAUTIFUL!" (52) according to my doctor. YAY olive oil! And my HDL (59) and LDL (76) are ok, a little tiny bit higher than optimal... so he wants me to eat more fish/take fish oils (I was taking fish oils for a long time, and then they started to make me feel icky) <br /><br />I am starting a new medication for BP (a calcium-channel blocker) and gradually getting off of the Labetalol I have been on since I was only 6 weeks pregnant with Ashley. My cardiologist thinks once I start exercising regularly again, I will drop more weight, and my BP will stay down longer, and hopefully I can get off of meds completely.Christinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13752639379860208678noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7511639022380884635.post-57109884744022699042011-01-30T17:00:00.001-08:002011-01-30T17:21:42.250-08:00RealityWe have been doing well with the weaning.... Ashley has asked (especially in the middle of the night/early morning) to nurse. I have gently reminded her that there's no more nursing. I was lucky, too... we went up to my in-laws' last night. Also, my mother-in-law (who is awesome!) watched the kids so we could actually go out. The bedtime routine sans-nursing was something I was dreading. She went right to sleep for her. :)<br /><br />We had a great evening. We went out for drinks, dinner, and a movie... and we really needed the break together.<br /><br />But today has been really, really rough. Tantrums, meltdowns, freak-outs. And I'm sad for her, for us, for the end of this nursing relationship. Even though I know it's time, and with her there is NO other way than this....also, I have recently started new medication (Nuvaring) and will be starting another for my blood pressure, and it just needs to happen now. Nursing is something my body has been doing for 6 years. There were only a few months between when Travis weaned and when Ashley was born. My body never stopped making milk... it just changed back to colostrum. <br /><br />So, the between the guilt for the abruptness/breastfeeding hormones/Nuvaring already messing with my hormones.... it's hitting me hard too, and I have been sensitive and tearful all afternoon.<br /><br />I'm sure it gets easier, and better... and the next couple of weeks are going to be challenging as we both adjust. I just honestly had no idea I'd feel this fragile. I can only imagine how she feels. :(Christinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13752639379860208678noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7511639022380884635.post-53150176478381274592011-01-29T01:05:00.001-08:002011-01-29T09:55:50.942-08:00End of an EraTonight I made a decision. I read the kids their story, and tucked them into bed. Ashley was fidgety, and not wanting to go to sleep. We played musical beds for a bit, and she popped up and wanted back next to me.<br /><br />I took her in my arms and rubbed her sweet face and ruffled her curly hair. "Ashley lovey, this is the last time we're going to nurse." <br /><br />She looked at me, puzzled. "the milkies are all gone?" <br /><br />"Yes, sweetie. You're a big girl now, and almost 3. Mommy will always snuggle with you, though. I love you."<br /><br />She nodded, understanding. "I want to nurse one more time."<br /><br />So, she did. She curled up in my arms. She patted my breast, and absently pulled at my tanktop. She snuggled into me for the odd-thousandth time, perhaps. <br /><br />She nursed, and I felt her breathing regulate. She started to drop off to sleep and unlatch. Then she re-positioned herself in her sleep and nursed some more.<br /><br />I kissed her hair, my arm encircling her head. I inhaled the sweet smell of my pre-schooler, committing this moment to memory. <br /><br />I listened to the music on in the background and relished the calm and quiet. Then I fell asleep next to my sweet little girl.<br /><br /><br /><br /><br />~ Christine<br /><br /><br />Christinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13752639379860208678noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7511639022380884635.post-31410455904343618882011-01-25T13:28:00.000-08:002011-01-25T13:33:07.151-08:00Potty TalkI have been trying to get Ashley to agree to use the potty. She is sooo damned smart... yet so damned stubborn. We have the potties, the panties, the pull-ups, the books, the videos. We talk about it ALL THE TIME. She sits, and sits, and sits. And, nothing. Then, as soon as I put underwear or a Pull-up on her - without fail, she goes. It's so frustrating... but then again what isn't about this child? :)Christinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13752639379860208678noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7511639022380884635.post-3025516457695082222011-01-18T09:03:00.000-08:002011-01-25T15:28:33.622-08:00Slow going...We starting sorting through the chaos that is our garage this weekend... wow. Just wow. We have accumulated so much STUFF!! Honestly, some of it isn't even ours... we're storing a bunch of stuff for my mom and Jeff's sister. Also, a ton of baby equipment that will be re-homed between Jeff's cousin due in March with a baby boy, as well as our good friends finding out they are newly expecting. <br /><br />Even cardboard boxes from both TVs, and such we've saved in case they need to be returned... all broken down and will be taken to the dump. This move is going to suck and be amazing at the same time... <br /><br />I checked out a friend of a friend's house for rent a couple of weeks ago. It was very cute, and cozy... but had some flaws. The most obvious isn't a flaw, really. It is available NOW. We are... well...not.<br /><br />Also, the kitchen storage and counters (or lack thereof) - yeah. I think the kitchen for me is the #1 place I spend time. So, it's really important that that room be substantial. I know I am not going to find anywhere with as many drawers and cabinets as I have now...not to mention the island with the power plug. Sigh. <br /><br />But honestly... it's all secondary to <a href="http://news.salinaspd.com/">THIS!</a> (drop down to "show 100") <br /><br />Near daily homicides, attempted homicides, robberies... it's just insane.<br /><br />I don't feel safe running in my own immediate neighborhood. New graffiti surrounding our neighborhoods is a daily sight. I have the graffiti-abatement on speed-dial. It just sucks.<br /><br />So, it's going to take a lot of effort and time, but know it will be more than worth it. Feeling safe just can't be undervalued.Christinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13752639379860208678noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7511639022380884635.post-23207026480076809032011-01-04T09:40:00.001-08:002011-01-04T20:31:08.881-08:00Out-of-synchTravis has always been kind of... different. <br /><br />He's always been mellow, yet high-strung.<br /><br />Confident, yet freaked out.<br /><br />Slow to meet milestones.<br /><br />He's had challenges - and didn't potty train until after he turned 4.<br /><br />He's had always had motor skills issues. Routines, compulsions (light switches, pressing buttons, locking doors)<br /><br />Repetitive tendencies. He repeats certain words, phrases, sounds. Things he hears on TV.. It has always driven me nuts.<br /><br />Zippers and snaps confound him.<br /><br />Buttons? Not a chance.<br /><br />Shoe laces. Are you kidding me?<br /><br />Food textures. Smells, He has a low gag-reflex. <br /><br />He has always hated haircuts, getting his nails cut, showers, going to the dentist, brushing his teeth. Loud noises.<br /><br />Sticky, muddy things. Finger paint. Sand. Clothing tags are always cut off. Socks with seams do not live in his sock drawer. <br /><br />Yeah... all these seemingly "small" things are big things to him. I wrote most of them off as him just being particular... but I always wondered if there was something more.<br /><br />I got him evaluated by an Occupational Therapist. She is certain he has Sensory Processing Disorder.<br /><br />All these things together... combined with his inability to sit still, write legibly, hold a pencil correctly, cut food with the side of his fork... things we've been over and over again... frustrating things... there is a reason besides being stubborn, or lazy, or just defiant. <br /><br />I ordered "The Out-of-Synch Child" as well as "The Out-of-Synch-Child Has Fun" from Amazon last night. I guess I have some reading to do.Christinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13752639379860208678noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7511639022380884635.post-55258814464402650642011-01-02T19:10:00.001-08:002011-01-02T19:10:21.582-08:00Vacation, ha!The last 16 days of no school have been really rough... Also, it's rained nearly every single day. Oh my gawd!!! I am losing my marbles! The kids bicker and smack each other around. They haven't slept in once!! <br /><br />I am usually happy to get up before them and enjoy my coffee in a still-quiet house. Nope. They have been up before the sun... demanding things... Arguing...<br /><br />I cannot wait until Tuesday morning! :)<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br />~ Christine<br /><br /><br />Christinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13752639379860208678noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7511639022380884635.post-15121041707536429242010-12-30T07:25:00.000-08:002010-12-31T08:55:52.711-08:00Stuff for the New YearThere are some goals I have for the New Year... I won't use the "R" word... those always seem to fade into the ether by March.<br /><br /><br />No, these are just things I want to do or work on... for myself and others.<br /><br />~ Actually follow through with Project 365<br /><br />~ Become a better photographer... and actually be able to take my camera off of auto with consistent results this year<br /><br />~ Take MORE pictures<br />~ Scrap MORE<br /><br />~ Try to incorporate more fun, whimsy, and joy in my life daily<br /><br />~ Move more<br /><br />~ Spend less<br /><br />~ Stress less<br /><br />~ Enjoy the little moments<br /><br />~ Say "yes" to more often to my kids<br /><br />~ Say "no" more often to non-family and friends wanting my time and energy<br /><br />~ Look into IUD or other method of BC - <span style="font-weight:bold;">DONE</span> started the Nuvaring 12/30/10<br /><br />~ Spend more ALONE time with hubby ;)<br /><br />~ Date night with hubby once a month... even if it's just ordering takeout and watching a movie after the kids are in bed.<br /><br />~ Spend quality 1-on-one time with each child daily. (even if it's only 10 minutes!)<br /><br />~ Spend time with each child separately weekly if possible (and errands don't count)<br /><br />~ More consistent bedtime routines for the kids.<br /><br />~ Continue to purge "stuff" from our lives - especially as we are preparing for a move.<br /><br />...Christinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13752639379860208678noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7511639022380884635.post-33594811726536629832010-12-28T09:52:00.000-08:002010-12-28T10:05:34.868-08:00Less really is more....We survived Christmas... <br /><br />I (greatly) scaled back my baking, and no one seemed to be any less appreciative of the homemade goodies that I delivered to them.<br /><br />I also reduced stress and cost by forgoing Christmas cards this year. I sent over 100 awesome photocards last year... and I got maybe 10?! in return. This year? 4. So, I guess I am not the only one cutting things out. <br /><br />We didn't do the huge, messy gingerbread house, and instead invited a couple of friends over and had the kids decorate cut-out chocolate cookies instead with M&Ms, red hots, spice drops, and icing. Sent them home bagged up and that was that. <br /><br />I didn't embark on any drawn-out knitting projects, for people who wouldn't even appreciate it.<br /><br />I shopped smartly,and over time. Purged existing toys from the house over weeks and months... Took advantage of Amazon Prime, YAY! Avoided the malls and crowds as much as possible... wrapped over several nights instead of cramming it all into one. The calendars were at the printers DAYS earlier than previous years. We did the Christmas Light drive several times... enjoyed too many Salted Caramel Hot Chocolates... Bailey's and Cream, and spiked Eggnog. <br /><br />We gave less to each other and more to those who have less than ourselves.<br /><br />And you know what? It was great. Better than great. And most importantly... the Earth didn't spin off its axis, and cease to be. I really know I need to chill out and relax more. Enjoy more, stress less, relax standards, and just BE in the moment.Christinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13752639379860208678noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7511639022380884635.post-31803779443961547732010-12-22T08:11:00.000-08:002010-12-22T21:26:52.471-08:00Wrapping up the yearSo, as much as I'm a blogfail this year... I believe overall my One Little Word choice for this year (follow-through) was successful.<br /><br />In 2010 I followed through with:<br /><br />~ I joined Weight Watchers and lost the equivalent of my 2 year old in weight. A few pounds +/-5 have crept back... but I am armed with the new Points Plus Plan... and am re-committing. RIGHT after Christmas.<br /><br />~ I started a running plan. ME! A self-proclaimed exercise-hater. <br /><br />~ I ran a 5K in June 2010. Ran. The whole thing. Stopping only twice to drink a sip of water. <br /><br />~ I registered for the San Francisco Half Marathon for July 2011. <br /><br />~ I built a Square Foot Garden and enjoyed lots of garden-fresh produce over the summer. Peas, radishes, summer squash, arugula, lettuce, tomatoes, peppers, basil, cilantro, thyme, parsley. I have never been able to grow anything... so this was a huge accomplishment for me. <br /><br />~ I started making time for myself... baby steps. <br /><br />~ I started relaxing my standards for myself and others. This is huge, and difficult for me to do... I am my own worst critic... and sometimes I just need to tell her to STFU.<br /><br />And, this final thing may not feel like "follow-through"... (in fact to most it probably seems like quite the opposite... it is)<br /><br />After much deliberation, we have decided we are not as happy as we were trying to make ourselves believe we were with our house decision. At the time it was the "smart thing" to do... the rents in Monterey for a 3 bedroom were comparable to our mortgage in our 4 bedroom, 2.5 bath 2,200+ square foot house with walk in closets and a huge master bedroom. <br /><br /> Fast forward two years... The rapidly declining property value, and sharply increasing crime rate... the expense of the mortgage, PLUS the extra $600-700 a month in gas...the maxed-out credit card, and depleted savings accounts. There were a lot of things considered. Yes, the house is nice, and big and modern. But it also has things about it that bug us a lot. It's BIG. It's COLD. And it's got 15 foot tall ceilings in the living room... meaning every sound is magnified and echoes. To the point where I physically can't handle the sound. Like the yelling, screaming kids EVERY SINGLE DAY! <br /><br /> The spiral staircase, as dramatic and nice as it was when we moved in here with a non-walking 6-month-old is a now a daily nightmare with a dare-devil 2.5 year old. Ashley routinely scales the outer spindles, and leaps to the bottom from 4 stairs up. Also, today, she dropped a large toy from the top landing downstairs onto her brother's foot below. The 3 bathrooms take me forever to clean. There is wall-to-wall WHITE carpet upstairs... in the BATHROOM - you get the point here? <br /><br />Also, there's the leaking roof from last spring we haven't been able to afford afford to fix, the backyard that needs complete landscaping, the back gate that's holding on by a thread and needs replacing. The silverfish and spiders, and wasps, that manage to encroach on us in no matter what we do...<br /><br /> Travis is afraid to go upstairs (even in the daytime) by himself, and hasn't been able to sleep in his own room since we moved in. Our neighbors (on both sides) have teenagers that play in garage bands. EVERY DAY in the summer, and most of the days during school breaks and every weekend. For HOURS. It sucks.<br /><br />Ashley spends a HUGE amount of time in her carseat. Every school day we take Travis to school and then pick him up - out of our district (because as nice as the house is... the school district is abysmal) <br /><br />It's 25-30 minutes each way. So, Ashley (and I) spend 2 hours a day MINIMUM in the car. Then there is the constant worry about leaving the house on time which turns me into a crabby, yelling maniac. That does not count the time we spend when she has gymnastics (in Monterey) or on the weekends when we just want to go to a NICE park, and Trader Joes. <br /><br /><br />So, soon, our home will once again be yet another red icon on Zillow... and we will take the hit to our credit, and try to move on. We are moving back to Monterey. Not with our tails between our legs in defeat... but with our heads held high with a sigh of relief. We are not sure exactly when or how, but we have set things in motion. The phone calls are already starting... Ironically enough, it doesn't take much, apparently, you just stop paying (which we did this month) and it kinda automatically proceeds from there. <br /><br />I will say it feels very "wrong" to make this decision... when technically we "can afford it" but really, we know we can't - at least not at the expense of our happiness and mental well-being... and also scrutinizing every dollar we spend is just not how we want to live. If that makes me a "bad person" or "selfish" then so be it. <br /><br />But I plan on making 2011 the best year yet. New beginnings, new adventures. Where one door closes, another opens, and it will be amazing to see where the journey takes us. <br /><br />Also, this brings me to my new word. <br /><br />My word for 2011 is OPEN.<br /><br />Here's to: <br />Finding OPEN doors<br />Having an OPEN Heart<br />Keeping an OPEN mind<br />Embracing life and love with OPEN arms<br />Running on the OPEN Road (especially as I train for my first Half-marathon)<br />Being OPEN to the possibilities<br />Remaining OPEN to change<br />Staying OPEN to improvementChristinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13752639379860208678noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7511639022380884635.post-53184661418397528742010-12-14T21:33:00.000-08:002010-12-14T21:35:51.924-08:00Hey there...So.. this whole neglect thing where it comes to my blogging?<br /><br />I'm working on it... things are going on, changes are coming soon... and I will be back. I miss my outlet and ability to hash out what's going on in my day-to-day...<br /><br />A new design, a new direction... coming soon.<br />:)Christinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13752639379860208678noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7511639022380884635.post-75388632819556582752010-09-09T12:04:00.000-07:002010-09-09T21:14:23.715-07:00Plotting...One of Ashley's favorite new things to do is to open the gate at the bottom of the stairs and sneak into Travis' room. She goes in there and messes with his Lego table... and every time I catch her she is always startled. Then she smiles, turns on the charm, and offers up an excuse "I came to get this!" "I want this toy!" and brings the toy downstairs. Such a crazy little girl!Christinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13752639379860208678noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7511639022380884635.post-73597211956669463212010-09-03T08:32:00.001-07:002010-09-03T08:34:07.452-07:00Wiped.Ashley has had a cold... and man it sucks. She's whinier, clingier, tantrum-ier than our "normal days" and I am just wiped out. <br /><br />Is it bad to want a child to hurry up and grow up... okay... just a wee little bit? ;)<br /><br />Yeah, I thought not!Christinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13752639379860208678noreply@blogger.com0