Monday, November 29, 2010

Of Things That Matter Most

Pres. Uchtdorf has given me pause to think once again, about my priorities and what I can do to simplify my life.

Why is it that I am always running from one thing to the next? My husband has tried for years, to get me to just take a little time at night to sit down next to him to watch a TV show together (the WHOLE show, not just bits and pieces while running off to do a load of laundry or whatever else I feel just HAS to be done). I want to, but don't dare. It seems like a luxury, a waste of time. There's too much to be done, and if I don't do it, nobody will. Really? Does it matter?

But then...what DOES really matter most? It's absolutely relationships; with God, with family, with others, with self.

The Christmas season is here. Every year I have regrets on Dec. 26th that I didn't enjoy the season as I always anticipate I will. The reason? Because I'm too "busy" to enjoy it. I'm too "busy" to really "BE" with my kids. I'm too "busy" to really soak in all the sights and sounds and events. I'm always thinking of the next thing I need to get done.

I am pledging to myself, that THIS year really will be different. I WILL make time to sit on the couch by my husband. I WILL make time to spend with my kids. I will make prayer more meaningful. I will focus on the true meaning of Christmas. I will take stock of my frenzied schedule and see what I can change or cut out, in order to make time for the people and things that matter most.

Saturday, November 20, 2010

All That Jazz

My husband and I went to Salt Lake tonight to hear a mission friend play in a jazz band. It was part of an Art Expo thing going on, so we walked around and saw some interesting pieces of art before the band performed. I'd sure like to get inside the head of some of these artists and know what they know; feel what they feel, which causes them to paint what they do. Some pieces were stunning, making me look deeper and longer at the piece, and some made me uncomfortable. Interesting though. I do appreciate the arts.

The band's space to play was in an old building, almost like a garage, definitely a work space with half the ceiling still unfinished, shelving everywhere, dirty, no heat, only about 20 chairs set up, some shady people (one of which I actually witnessed stealing the "tip" jar, which was located up by the band, right in the middle of a song), and yet once the music started, I was transported to a whole other place.

As the music filled me, I felt it a shame that only a handful of people were there listening to this great music. A few more would wander in, some would wander out, not fully appreciating the talent right before them. But soon, with my toe tapping, my head boppin, and a smile on my face; the snow falling outside (indicative of a worrisome ride home), and all other cares of the world, didn't matter.

Jazz! Yah!!!

Friday, November 12, 2010

The Best Sleep

When I was young, I remember visiting my Aunt and Uncle one day and they were anxious to show our family their separate, newly painted bedrooms. I was disturbed that they were happy to be in separate rooms. I feared their marriage was in trouble. It wasn't, nor is it.

Now, many years later, I understand. I have discovered that when my husband is out of town, and I have the bed all to myself, I sleep SO much better. Usually, I am up at least 3 times a night. I get so used to it that it just seems normal. Then when he's gone, I sometimes sleep the entire night without waking up, and the other nights, I'm up just once (to visit the restroom). I have been amazed at how good I feel the next day after sleep like that.

I don't feel bad for saying I like having my bed to myself. It's not about my relationship with my husband at all. It's only about sleep.

Will we be painting another room anytime soon? Most likely not. Earplugs may be all I need.

Sunday, November 7, 2010

Little ones at play

We had a birthday celebration for 2 yr. old granddaughter tonight as part of our Fast Sunday family dinner get-together. Our little grandson and granddaughter have not really had a lot to do with each other until recently. They've been curious about the other, but jealous of time on Gma or Gpa's lap, competing for our attention. Tonight they made the transition to actually playing.

It started off with grandson eyeing a toy granddaughter was playing with. He'd look for his chance to snatch a toy away, dive in and grab it, and RUN!!! She'd run after him and when she got close enough that he realized she would overtake him, he'd turn around and offer the toy (or drink or whatever) to her and say "dank do" (thank you). Then he'd watch her return to her solitary play, and he'd move in and do the grab-n-run again. It was so hilarious that I laughed so hard my jaw was hurting.

After the battle for the toys, they found that chasing each other was great fun. They ended up in my bathroom, exploring a drawer with curlers and trial-sized lotions etc. They were talking to each other and sharing, and having such a fun time. I do believe they are becoming great friends.

Gotta love little children.

Monday, November 1, 2010

Frito withdrawal

My sister and I have now completed one full month of no sugar. We have 11 months to go. It has been really hard for me, harder for me than for my sister. She likes sweets, but has never HAD to have them very often. I, on the other hand, have always craved sweets and can not finish a meal without wanting to top it off with dessert, or a piece of chocolate at the least.

Now yes, I've been on a healthy eating kick, and doing well, but I have still had my cheats. I was getting out of control with my chocolate and other sweets though so I had the bright idea of doing this contest with my sister and going a whole year without sweets. How dumb is that? Once I make up my mind though, I can be strong. But it is still hard. My taste buds want the sweet.

As if no sugar isn't challenge enough, I decided we should spice it up even more and add a new food each month that we can't have (healthy foods off limits of course), because as I mentioned before, even with healthy eating, we still have our cheats, so I'm trying to force us to get rid of those cheats, slowly but surely. So...today we chose for each other, a food (or drink) that the other can not have, under no circumstances, for the remainder of our year's challenge. I chose for her, no soda; no carbonated beverages at all. She loves diet coke, but doesn't drink it on a regular basis, so since this won't be torture for her, I attached to it that by eliminating other drinks of choice, she has to replace it with water and get 96-120 oz. of water each day. That's not as easy as it sounds, but with time, it does become a part of you. I ALWAYS have a water bottle with me now, everywhere I go. Water is SO good for you in so many ways, AND it helps the liver do its' job, by flushing out fat. So, can't go wrong there.

For ME, my sister chose my favorite salty treat of all time; Fritos. I yelled into the phone "NOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!" Without Fritos AND sweets, I am gonna die. This is the toughest thing I've done (or one of them anyway). BUT, I am NOT gonna lose to her.

The game is on!