Day 20 - 345 Days to Go

Crazy crazy morning!!!!!
Believe it or not, I got my treadmill in before 8:00 am. I had a home visit at 9:30. I spent a good 20 minutes freaking out on the treadmill - will I have time to get ready, clean up the kitchen, make my bed, fold laundry, get Patrick's bags upstairs, etc. Then I had to stop myself and say, I have lots of time to get ready, and the other things will just have to wait. I think this is why I procrastinate getting exercising in. It's almost like that is what I have to sacrifice to get everything else done. I'm the only one putting the pressure on myself. So today I amazed myself and just let everything sit until I got home from work. Ok to be honest, some of it is still sitting waiting to be done, but I am slowly getting to it. We all can't be super moms. Let me rephrase that none of us can be super mom's and be true to ourselves.

BODY: got the 30 mintue work out in
MIND: talked myself through the anxiety of not being perfect!!!!!!!
And it's only 7:20 pm so I am going to relax and maybe check out the tv
Early night tonight
Stacey

Day 19 - 346 Days to Go

The last Sunday of August! The last Sunday of summer! How fast it went. I can't even remember what I did these past two months. As I say that, a few things do come to mind - Reggaefest, Pub night in Ranchlands, camping in Lundbreck Falls. I'm sure there were other fun times - or were there. These three events all have one thing in common, or should I say one person in common. My BFF Janice. Thanks Janice for otherwise making a very short summer, seem so empty!!!! You're the best.

I figured out how to add a profile picture today. This is Maya. My baby. Last night she slept the entire night with the daughter. Some how she must have known that the daughter was leaving for University. I know somebody who is going to miss snuggling up to Maya (even if she won't admit it)

Congratulations to the Blizzard Threat. They won bronze in their final game today. My son and I drove out to the south to watch some soccer on a gorgeous Sunday afternoon. And as an unexpected surprise, I ran into a girlfriend from Royal Trust. This is one of those dodododo stories. Laurel and I worked together at Royal Trust. I left when I had the daughter; we hooked up again when her two girls were young and my son was twoish I think. Fast forward 13 years later and one of her daughters and my son play with the same soccer club. We've run into each other over the past couple of years.

BODY: Treadmill before 9:00 this morning. Over 8000 steps on the pedometer. Through some ground flax seed into most of my drinks today.

MIND: As I try to think what I've done for my mind today, I have a smile on my face so that tells me it was a good day. I did start the morning off with my light box. When the daughter left around 5:30 am, I turned on the light box until Bill returned home. Maybe that, the healthy eating, exercising and running into old friends help to bring some joy to this last Sunday of August. I guess being the last sunday of summer is not such a bad thing afterall.
Night
Stacey

Day 18 - 347 Days to Go

Well this is it. The daughter is leaving tomorrow to return to her University Life. Not sure if that's why the winter blues have hit so soon. You would think tht with all the arguing we did over the summer, this would be a relief. But it's not. As I snuck in and cuddled her this morning, I told her I wanted my little baby girl back, she was so much easier. Then I had this time stopping moment. No she wasn't an easy baby. She liked to sleep during the day and play at night. So I tried to move ahead a few years, but she was already such an independant little thing by the time she was two. I kept trying to think back to a time when she needed me more than I needed her. Then I remembered. She was in grade 4. She came home from the school bus and she was in tears. Her heart was so sad and she looked so sad with her teary face. Of course my mother bear instinct kicked in and I wanted to fix everything for her. When I asked her what was wrong, she proceeded to tell me that a boy on the bus (whom she later became good friends with) was teasing her. Now if you know my daughter, she doesn't usually let teasing affect her. But obviously this must have been horrific in nature. Through her tears, and sobbing voice she said " Cam's teasing me, he says I have .......dimples!" I quickly bit both my lips and tried to look concerned. Being the sensitive mother that I am, I basically said "Cam is correct daughter- you do have dimples!" "But there's nothing wrong with dimples and he's probably only teasing you, because that's what boys do when they want you to be their friend." Whewww. So if you ever encounter the daughter, check out her cute dimples, but what ever you do, don't tease her about them.
BODY: I had a hard time getting my butt in gear this morning, but I made it up, did my 30 minutes on thre treadmill. It was until close to bed time that I got the ab workout in, but I got it in. A little bit of gardening, laundry and napping helped to balance the chi in my body workout.
MIND: Just thinking of the daughter and her dimple story brings a smile to my face. I was a little blue first thing in the morning, but by lunch time, I had talked my way out of it and got my s**t together. I remember a time when that wasn't the easiest thing to do. I havelearned many mind tricks and thought processess that help me to get through these low times. And I can still go to bed and have things to be thankful for, then the day has been a good one.
Night, and going to miss you daughter.
Stacey

Day 17 - 348 Days to Go

Finally summer weather. Oh wait, it's the end of August, and summer hours are over. Figures. But, I'm not complaining; I'll take whatever nice weather we can get and for however long we can get it.
I thought I did a lot today. Laundry, framing pictures, making cards, gardening, driving kids around.. But looking at my pedometer, I've only accumulated 5500 steps. The best work out was pulling weeds. I swear some of those roots went down to the well water!!!!!
So I go to the website to record my steps and convert them to "space steps." I only have 51.9 km left till I get to the International Space Station. Being curious, I thought I would browse the web and see what's happening at the Station so I won't be surprised when I get there.... Below is a daily chart of what the crew did or will do on August 29th (not sure what time line it's on, so not sure if we are in the present, past or future.) Anyway, I'm not looking forward to the cooling loop scrubbing to elimate biomass and particulate matter. It's done twice during the day, and I don't care how scientific it sounds, I'm pretty sure it resembles cleaning bathrooms!!!! By the looks of the schedule I'm pretty sure I'd get my 10,000 steps in each day. And the pre-sleeps are right up my alley!!!!! I do have one complaint; what if you don't have to go to the bathroom at the designated times! That's if for BODY.
MIND: The gardening helped to calm my mind. I think I'm entering the "dark stage" of fall. Even though the sun is still shining, I can feel the winter blues coming on. Time to turn on the sun lamp and read some good books. As I was reminded by my sister, put the smile on my face and your mood picks up that much faster...Thanks for the reminder - do as I say, not as I do.!
Good night (or morning if you're on the space station reading this)(wonder if I'll get any comments from aliens)
Stacey

Radiogram No. 1049u PRIMARY Form 24 for 08/29/09
CREW OFF DUTY
GMT CREW ACTIVITY
06:00-06:05 FE-1, FE-2,
FE-4, FE-5 SLEEP Data Log Entry
06:00-06:10 CDR, FE-3 Morning Inspection
06:05-06:10 FE-1, FE-2,
FE-4, FE-5 Morning Inspection
06:10-06:40 Post-sleep
06:40-07:30 BREAKFAST
07:30-07:55 Daily Planning Conference (S-band)
07:55-08:05 Work Prep
08:05-09:05 FE-4 Physical Exercise (CEVIS)
08:05-08:45 CDR СОЖ Maintenance
08:20-09:20 FE-1 A/L Cooling Loop Scrubbing to Eliminate Biomass and Particulate Matter
09:20-10:20 FE-1 Physical Exercise (TVIS)
09:25-09:40 FE-4 Water Recovery System, filling a CWC-I from PWD Aux Port – Part 1
10:00-11:00 FE-5 Physical Exercise (CEVIS)
10:05-11:05 FE-2 Crew Departure Prep
10:05-10:20 FE-4 Water Recovery System, filling a CWC-I from PWD Aux Port – Part 2
10:25-11:00 FE-4 LTL and ITCS Sample Collection in NODE2
10:45-11:05 FE-3 IMS Update
11:00-11:50 FE-5 Columbus ITCS Sampling
11:00-11:35 FE-4 MTL and ITCS Sample Collection in NODE2
11:05-12:05 FE-3 Physical Exercise (CEVIS)
11:05-12:05 CDR Physical Exercise (VELO), day 4
11:05-12:05 FE-2 Physical Exercise (TVIS)
11:20-12:05 FE-1 A/L Cooling Loop Scrubbing to Eliminate Biomass and Particulate Matter
11:35-12:05 FE-4 LAB ITCS Sampling
12:05-12:30 Daily Planning Conference (S-band)
12:30-12:35 FE-5 Transfer TVIS, CEVIS, and HRM data to MEC
12:30-12:35 FE-2 MPC Power Up
12:30-14:00 CDR, FE-1,
FE-3, FE-4 Pre-sleep
12:35-14:00 FE-5 Pre-sleep
12:35-13:55 FE-2 Pre-sleep
13:55-14:00 FE-2 MPC Power Down
14:00-22:30 SLEEP
Notes:
1. SM Window #9 shutter opening is at crew discretion w/ Report to MCC
2. See OSTP for references to US activities
3. Pre-sleep: dinner, daily food prep, evening toilet
End of Radiogram

Day 16 - 349 Days to Go

This is where the math starts getting complicated.
Got a great start to the day! Visited my mom-in-law first thing in the morning. She looked great and was very alert. Went for a nice walk arount the manor. Made a pit stop at Superstore on the way home. Who knew milk could cost $200.00, and darn if I didn't forget my bags/crates. Since my pride wouldn't allow me to get bags, I loaded everything back into my cart, unloaded into my car, unloaded into the back hallway, and finally into the kitchen. That alone should count as my work out.
The son started school today. Technically it was just an assembly, but looks like we are slowly getting back into normal routine. That is until Monday we he takes off for Langley.
BODY: got my 10,000 + steps in today. Must have been all that walking at Superstore. and don't forget the loading and unloading of groceries.

MIND: Today was a very positive day. I seemed to have control over most of my thoughts. Nothing negative really seeped into my mind. Even when I had difficulty getting out of the parking lot at the Manor. Just as I was trying to figure out how I was going to manipulate my honda, this nice lady walks by, sees my dilema and proceeds to direct me out safely. Positive out, attracts positive in.
Early night tonight and big cleaning job tomorrow!!
Night
Stacey

Day 15 - 350 Days to Go

What a day to wake up in a fog!!!! It was a nice fog, but took the entire day to where off. The only good thing about that, was I wasn't nervous for my 6 month dentist check up. I guess that would could as a good thing for my body. Look Mom, no cavities. Will there ever be a visit where they don't say "You need to floss more." Short of threading floss through each of my teeth every 20 minutes, there is no way flossing can be perfect. And if someone has been told that - I bow my floss sticks to you.
So in addition to getting my teeth checked out, I also squeezed in my ab routine this evening. I must admit, the more I do it, the easier I can get up off the floor.
BODY: Dentist and abs.

MIND: It doesn't matter how rotten a mood you are in, if you smile, it's hard to stay in that mood. "The Secret" talks about this as The Secret Shifter List." When you find yourself not feeling happy, or frustrated, refer to your Secret Shifter List – these are things that can change your feelings in a snap/instantly. For example, start singing, think of beautiful memories, think of a baby, maybe one you love, something coming up in the future; a funny thought or moment, nature– block everything else out and focus or dwell on the pleasant thought.
It really does work. Try it right now - think of something has really pissed you off - now smile and think of the same thing - not an easy task.

Things I would put on my Secret Shifter List - "Ashley dressing up as disney princess's when she was little. Playing with puppies. Patrick asking if Mike Koo is the genie from Aladin. Sitting out by a campfire all covered in the aroma of the camp smoke. Cuddling babies.... My list could get too long.
Maybe I'll think of some more during my blessings.
Night.
Stacey

Day 14 - 351 Days to Go

351 - when you say it out loud, it doesn't seem like alot, but just looking at the numbers makes me think "What was I thiking."
BODY - Only got my steps in today. almost 7000. I was going to dust of that treadmill because I have some new music to listen to, but geting up a little later than I had planned put me behind. So 7000 steps will have to hodl me for today. I did some little extra's - walk up stairs instead of taking the elevators. Park father away that I could have, They don't seem like much but I'm sure they contribute to overall health in the long run.
MIND: This could be a contrversial subject today. Tequila - good for one's mind! I believe so. It helps you to relax when otherwise your blood pressure would be out the roof. It makes you smile - which in turn brings out funny things that wouldn't otherwise seem funny. It shouldn't be used if you plan on making any rational and legistic decisions, but to relax..... hey it's on my official list of relaxants.
When one is not drinking tequila, there is a good quote from "The Secret" Feelings let us know what we are thinking. Emotions are an incredible gift we have. Feelings tell us very quickly exactly what we are thinking." Think about it, if you are sad, then obviously you are thinking of something sad. So if you think of something happy, your feelings will change.
We have the control. (again not to be confused when you have been drinking tequila and everything seems happy) hahahaha
Anyway it's early, but I'm pretty sure I could use the extra sleep tonight.
Night
Stacey

Day 13 - 352 Days to Go

I was going to start of by saying today was the day from Hell. But then if this mythical hell really is supposed to be what it is, my day wasn't so bad!!!!!
I am not just a good confrontational person! Whoever said being a parent was an easy job, was the same moron who said marriage was easy!!!!!!
How can you have a calm intelligectual conversation with a 19 year old, who thinks that everything they do is a matter of life and death - right or wrong. My only thought is, "Wow, where did I screw up!" You want to be truthful, but truth to them is the final word! I know I' babbling but I have know other way to think this through. Maybe I don't take this mothering thing too serious! It was much easier when they were little and just one's tone could convince them you meant business. Ugghhhg Do I follow through with the truth (even when they're not ready for it) of calming let it go!!!! (not teaching anything at all) I could probably make a million if I could produce a book with these rules and facts) - Dr. Phil probably already has one out.
Anyway if one can't tell, my mind is confused and not sure which way to turn. So I need to do something for it.. (the tequila sure didnt' help, cause now I can't even typeoidsl__) ahahahahhahh And damn, I have to pee!!!!!!! I will have to sleep on this one and maybe revisit the problem in the morning when my head is much clearer (and not moving so much)
BODY- My day was planned for me today, and through many many changes, it didn't progress like I had planned. I did make it to Ikea today - yeah - a little disappointing. I expected more, of what I'm not sure. Bought a few little tidbits and will retrieve them out of my car in the morning. The walking at Ikea and Chinook Mall did manage to help me get my steps over 10,000. Better check in the morning and see if I am close enough to the International Space station to jump!!!!!
Anyway, off to count my blessings and reinforce this motherhood thing!!!!!!
Good Night
luv Me

Day 12 - 353 Days to Go

BODY: - Dusted off the ol' treadmill today and got that 30 minute workout in. Also managed to do some body twists. I can't believe how my flexibility is improving. Flexibility is sort of like learning a new language - if you don't keep using it (or practising it), you lose it. Who would have thought one's body needed that practise as well!!!!

MIND: Music is the key to my sole. It used to be a beat that would have me wanting to listen to a certain song over and over. But I've found in my maturing wisdom (basically getting older) that the words are what have a profound affect on me now. Patrick introduced me to a song during the summer that I could listen to over and over and over... (you get the point). If you haven't heard Nickleback's song "If today was your Last Day" The first verse pretty much sums up the song. "...My best friend gave me the best advise. He said each days a gift and not given right. Leave no stone unturned, leave your fears behind, and try to take the path less travelled ...."
Each day is a gift - whose knows what life is going to throw our way, so enjoy each day to it's fullest. Be greatful for whatever we get. I can't of words that are more appropriate, especially in this time in my life.

Good Night
Don't forget blessings!
Stacey

Day 11 - 354 Days to Go

MIND: It’s impossible to monitor every thought we have. Researchers tell us that we have about 60,000 thoughts a day. Can you imagine how exhausted you’d feel to trying to control all of those thoughts? ... from "The Secret"
I read my blog from yesterday, and obviously I didn't have control of any of those thoughts. My mind appears to have been all over the place and my thoughts were not in any order. Today, I have stopped and thought about the past few days. I took the time to think things out. Working in the garden helped. In this trying time, there are still many things to be greatful about. Any negative situation can be turned into a positive. "I am thankful that my mother-in-law is in a place where she wants to be. I am thankful she has wonderful people taking care of her and understanding her needs and wants."

BODY: Like my mind, my body is tired. I listened to my body today and it needed rest. So I gave it what it wanted. I was up early, ate breakfast and then went back to bed til 10:30 am. Worked in the garden, ate lunch and went back to bed for a three hour nap. Hopefully I am well rested and can move to some more exciting activities tomorrow.

Listen to you mind - Listen to your body.
Nite
Stacey

Day 10 - 355 Days to Go

Body: Just over 10,000 steps today. Had to do a bit of running around in the kitchen to get over the 10,000 mark. Some days it just seems like I do all this running around and my pedometer is only at 5000 steps. Other days, it seems like I haven't done anything at all, and low and behold I'm near my daily goal! I guess it's true what they say "A watched pot never boils!' Or in this case, "A watched pedometer never goes higher!" I was hoping to get in some of those ab exercises today, but I just ran out of time. (do them now, do them now) (I'm too full, I'm too full!) It's those little voices again.

MIND: Just came back from a nice gathering at Earls. Those margaritas went down way too fast! But the relaxing result was much needed after a hectic and stressful day. The good news, my mother-in-law got a bed in the hospice. The bad news, my mother-in-law got a bed in the hospice. It's hard to seem relieved when you realize what the end result is going to be. What to feel is getting very confusing. I'm in limbo as to where my emotions should be...... I don't like asking the hard questions, and I'm not sure if I can stay strong. And really who am I staying strong for......Mom is not asking that of me......time for some quiet thinking and revisiting this whole mortality thing!!!!! Now would be a good time to think about ones future and wants in this life. "Have a plan and be prepared......." - Stacey Wee; august, 2009 - and you can quote me on that.
Night
Stacey

Day 9 - 356 Days to Go

Body Mind, Mind Body - which to do first.
Lets go Body: - http://getfit.asc-csa.gc.ca/eng/missions/expedition20-21/getfit.asp
That is the website I joined to see how long it takes me to make it to the international space station with Bob Thirsk. I started July 11 and I am now over 1/2 way there. It is a neat concept. You exercise, input your data and it converts it to space km. Hopefully I will finish the journey before the space housing market takes a fall, and I no longer will have any place to stay!!!!!! I only made it to 7000 steps today, but considering I didn't really move around that much, thats a lot of steps.

MIND: My mind was working hard today, much harder than my body. I spent the day with my mother and father - in - law. I felt helpless and not very useful. I was there, but really, I couldn't do anything for either. Mom was is sporadic pain. I did try some tapping on her. Although the comfort of my being there seemed to help, I only managed to make her throw up. (I tend to have that affect on a lot of people) My heart was filled with love every time she held my hand, and I felt forgiven for not being able to make her better. By the end of the day, she was feeling somewhat better and I took comfort in knowing that I helped her get through the day. But for Dad, I felt invisible. It must be horrific for him to be so close and yet not have the power to make things better himself. Although Dad has always seemed like an inviting and warm person, to watch him with Mom makes you understand what true marriage is about. ...In sickness and in health..... he's the backbone of this family right now and we could all watch and learn how to be the perfect mate!!! I am so proud to be part of this family - and my blessings tonight will be plenty!
Past midnight so I really need to get some beauty sleep (no really!!!!)
Good night
Stacey

Day 8 - 357 Days to Go

MIND: Who would have guessed that I had to start out using my mind today. Hadn't planned on it. Wasn't even totally awake while I was texting Shaunan at 7:30ish. But today was a day I had the opportunity to put my blogging where my mouth (or fingers) is/are. It was time to take the CRV in once again to get my beeping back. The alarm system didn't seem to be working. I took the car in to my last Wednesday appointment only to be told, the outsource person was on vacation. No biggy - as you may recall I spent the morning with my sister just toodling about. Fast forward to this morning - same time, same place. Drove up and into the Honda dealership. Explained why I was there (again) And in fairness to the service guy (a ginger I believe) he has probably seen millions of cars and customers since I was in last week. Told him I would wait - at which he seemed quite shocked. But I wasn't about to leave this time only to return and find out my car still hadn't been looked at. I had taken stuff to do - updated my journals; read some of my book "The Shack"; updated my little black calendar book; even filed my nails. So I was very impressed when "Ginger" tracked me down (ok I was in the waiting room) and said my car was fixed. Yeah.....I skipped out to the parking lot (just visualize that), pressed my remote.....and stopped mid air (again visualize) - no beep. No beep, no nothing. As I turned to race back to find Ginger (before I got shuffled off to someone else)I took a deep breath, and with a smile on my face informed him "It still doesn't beep." The nice blonde lady (nosy was my first adjective) said it was probably just on valet mode. No you don't understand, it doesn't beep. It used to beep - once when you lock and twice when you unlock. Ginger went to look from Mr. OutSource, who was still on the premisis, but wasn't answering his cell phone. I slowly walked back to the waiting room with my keys inhand. Twenty minutes later, Ginger comes and gets my keys from me, and takes them to Mr. Out Source. "I am Master of my own thoughts" - sound familar. I had to say those words over and over and over and once more. I knew I was getting pissed, but I didn't want to be (and I felt I really had reason to be) Fifteen more minutes; one nail file broken in four pieces and a smile on my face, Ginger returns to tell me my car in ready. "Does it beep" I ask. "Yes, it beeps." Before I get my hopes up, I walk up really close to my car, close my eyes and press the button "BEEP BEEP" (unlocking) "BEEP" (locking) BEEP BEEP. I climb in. I adjust the seat, put the key in the ignition, practise the beeping a few more times, then start my car. My beep is back. For now I am going to ignore that there are different flashing lights while the alarm is set. The light used to be blue and near the radio. Now it's red and on the instrument panel. I can live with that.

BODY: My body was a little tired today, and not from "The Secret". Normally I would have listened to my body and relaxed all day. Don't get me wrong, I had a nice long nap this afternoon to replenish those tired cells. After dinner, I brought Maya along to Patrick's soccer practise. We went for a nice walk before settling on our comfy blanket to watch the practise. Jane joined us half way through the practise and Maya and I watched as she retrived all the wayward soccer balls. (that includes the one that was rolling down the alley onto the busy street) I think that makes up for Jane's rabbit story. If you haven't heard that story, just mention the word rabbit to Jane. I'd love to tell the story, but this one can only be enjoyed when you watch the facial expressions of Jane. So 8000 steps and one tired body, and I'm off to bed. I will try extra hard tomorrow to make up my missing 2000 steps.
Good night!
Count your blessings.
Stacey

Day 7 - 358 days to Go!

Today was a day filled with unexpected surprises.
I thought I was going to spend the day with my son. We headed out to the south part of town to update his soccer card. On our way, I thought maybe might be nice to go for lunch, maybe pop into Ikea. Well, we happen to drive by Mr. Colin and he was on his way to Marketmall all by his lonesome! To make this story shorter - Colin came for the ride to the soccer center and then he and Patrick went shopping at Market Mall. One of these days I will get the details of Patrick's England trip out of him!!!!!
BODY: 6000 steps as of 7:45 pm. With a lot of paper work left to sort through, any extra steps will be added on my way to bed. But, I did manage to sneak in some body twists. I think I might actually be getting a waist back! Now the goal would be to make it smaller.

MIND: "I am the master of my thoughts!" Say it often; meditate on it and as you hold to that intention, by the law of attraction, you must become that."...from The Secret.
This is much easier to say than do. But it makes total sense. We probably do this all the time without actually thinking about what we are doing. For example, when it is really hot outside (ok, this might be a big stretch for us people in Calgary, but say we're in Dallas at a Flott poole party) and someone says "pretend your at the North Pole to stay cool!" hmmmm We control our thoughts!
Now to take that same way of thinking and use it on a daily basis. ie when you're caught in traffic (be angry or get over it); something spills (swear and cuss about it or just wipe it up and move on)
I am going to work on this one for awhile!!!!

Off to finish up the desk.
Night
Stacey

Day 6 - 359 Days to Go

Monday, Monday, So good to me.... Well not this Monday.

Body: Brushed the dust of the treadmill and got my 30 minute workout in today. Followed up with the ab ball and my ab workout. I convinced (or slightly blackmailed) Patrick to try the ab ball as well. He found it too easy, but we'll ask him again in a day or two to see if he feels the wrath of the AB BALLLLLLLL(echo.....) The number of steps is up to 7000, but I'm pretty sure if will be a little higher by the time I get to bed tonight.

MIND: I had a difficult time working on my mind today. I had the dutiful task of taking my mother-in-law to her Dr.'s appointment at the cancer clinic. We laughed, we cried. I cried some more.... What do you say to some one who doesn't have a long time left to live. Do you tell them what you want to hear or what they want to hear!! I know I would want the truth, but it's easier to hear the truth than speak it. One of the most heartbreaking days of my life. How does one take that situation and make it positive. Leave the negative behind. First of all, sadness is not necessarily a negative thing. It's an emotion, and every emotion is important. So it's ok to feel sad. Just acknowledge that is the emtion you feel. To clear my mind and find positive moments, I revisited my journals from when the kids were younger. That brought a smile to my face and warmth to my heart. I also finished a letter that I had started to Patrick. I had already written a letter to Ashley for her to read when I am no longer in this realm. I had started Patrick's but just now realized I never finished it. It gave me peace of mind.
So never think there is nothing you can't do to bring peace to one's mind.

I will revisit all my blessings tonight.
Night
Stacey

Day 5 - 360 days to go!!!

Sunday - the day to rest. Well I certainly tried.
BODY - Everypart of my body hurt this morning, and the majority is from the great experience of the RegaeFest. From my feet (from standing for 9 straight hours); to my ankles (from toe tapping for 90 % of that time standing); to my hips - (from bringing out my ol' regae hip movements); to my throat (from all the yo- man and love ya screams; to my eyes (from trying to focus on the band while the rain was coming down or just trying to focus on all the beautiful people) This little blurb started out a bitt whiny, but after revisting my injuries and how they came about, the smile is back on my face and everything was worth it. I can't wait to do it all over again next year!.
So although I gave my body a somewhat physical holiday today (I'm still wearing my pedometer and I am at 8000 steps as of supper time), I did feed my body somethig that it hasn't had in more than 30 years. That's right, the infamous liver. I kept my promise and decided to give liver a chance. I have a great family who was willing to take the journey with me. I don't know if my kids have ever eaten liver, certainly not in my house. But we planned our family dinner together, we cooked our family dinner together, we ate our family dinner together and we cleaned up after our family dinner together. Consensus: I did not find liver to be of such a horrific smell as I remembered from my childhood. We coated it is breadcrumbs and some spices, and sprinkle bacon bits on top. The first bite and it's texture brought back a few bad memories. But once I added the BBQ sauce, I was actually the front runner in the most liver aten. I can take that off my list of things to do before I die!!!!!! (and it didn't even kill me to do it)hahahah
MIND: I woke up this morning and started out my usual routine of revisting my previous day in my mind and questioning myself if there was anything I could have changed or done different during that day to make it a better day. I think I would have replaced the cowboy boots with runners. As much as I love my boots and they are usually comfortable, my feet needed that extra cushion. I might have tried a few more different cultural foods that were being sold in the park. And I would have brought a big winter coat for Janice to use because she was so cold and she stuck it out to the end with me!!!!!!! That's what friends are for.
Today is "buy a blizzard from DQ and money goes to Sick Kids. So little time and money to help those less unfortunate - and give you some peace of mind!!!!!
I'm off to go and spoil my feet in a soak and read a book that doesn't make me think.
Love
Stacey

Day 4 - 361 Days to Go

Saturday. Who would have thought I would have the energy to work on mind and body on the weekend.

BODY: I did not disturb my treadmill again today. A few more mm's of dust have accumulated on the tread. But I know I'll be forgiven when I explain why the treadmill wasn't my first choice of exercise today. I walked from my house to the Crowfoot library this morning. If one were to google that, it really isn't that far - BY CAR! Just to break down the journey; it took me 28 minutues from my house to Superstore; 44 mintues to Nosehill Drive and Country Hills; and exactly 1 hour and 1 minute (and a few seconds) to the front doors of the library. I surprised myself as I knew the library didn't open until 10:00 but figured it would take me longer than an hour so I left around 8:45 am. Ta Da...... I will be curious to see what body parts are sore or tired tomorrow morning. Needless to say I was over the 10,000 step mark by noon.

MIND: "It has been proven now scientifically that an affirmitive thought is 100 of times more powerful than a negative thought." -a quote from the secret!!!! I can attest that this was proven this evening. My BF Janice and I volunteered at the Reggae Fest today. We had a wonderful time. We worked in the "green room" tent where all the bands hung out! Amazing artists. Although our shift was only from 2 to 6:30, we joined the 100 of spectators afterwards and did our best to keep time to some fantastic music!! After encountering a wide variety of personalities, we left the festivities around 11:00 and took our tired feet (me) and our frozen bodies (Janice) home. But our fun didn't stop there. We encountered a character on the C-train who admired our lime green volunteer shirts. So in keeping with the "love fest" I gave him the shirt off my back. Actually, I was carrying it, and it was wet from the rain. In hind sight we should have played "Let's Make A Deal"

I arrived home with a smile on face, a smile in my heart and humming non reggae music--- "Summer Lovin' had me a blast......" and "Dream, dream, dream, dream, dream....." Not sure where those came from Janice!!!!!!!
I have many things to be thankful for tonight, and Janice you are at the top of my list!!!!

Night
Stacey





MIND:

Day 3 - 362 Days Left To Go

I'm not sure why I put the number of days left to go. I just realized I'm going to have to doing some math thinking soon. Maybe I could work that into "something I do for my mind." - or body if I use a calculator. It's only day 3 and I'm already looking for different angle's to use.



Body: The treadmill sat silently in the corner today. A slight base of dust collecting on the "tread" At little bit of sleeping in this morning cost me some valuable exercise time. Maybe getting up at 4:30 am to see what was on the TV (couldn't sleep) wasn't such a good idea. Then I was out of the house by 9:30 am and off to take my mom shopping. The quest didn't last as long as we had anticipated - the good news for that - I didn't have to pay for parking (under 20 minutes) - bad news - actually no real bad news, we were just really early for lunch. I did drink some healthy camomile tea instead of my usual pop. (1 for the body) Our lunch dates joined us right on time - Callie, Mommy, and Glamma!!!! I regenerated my body later with a much needed nap. And I guess to top of the "Healthy Body" - I still managed to get in over 6000 steps today. I would have preferred 10,000, but I'll try and make up the extra 4000 tomorrow.



Mind: As mentioned yesterday, I am revisiting the "Secret". Not to be confused with "the visitor" that our mom's told us would come every month. Here is a quote from disk one that signifies common sense to me."If you don't understand it(the secret), doesn't mean you should reject it. You don't understand electricity probably, and yet you enjoy the benefits of it. Although this statement if referring to "The Secret". I can see where this philosphy (spelling and math urghh) should be applied to everything in our lives. Before one forms an opinion, make sure we have at least researched the topic. This could be from something as simple as a spider (really, how many people have actually been bitten or attached by a spider - why are we automatically afraid) to religious beliefs. I'm putting my actions where my mouth is. Ever since I was a little girl (before the visitor) I have hated liver. The smell disgusted me so I never really tried it. Sunday night, liver for supper!!!!!!!

I am off to bed and count my blessings.

Night to allllllll.............

Stacey

Day 2 - 363 days to go!!!!

Body: "...subway rails or railroad track. Slow porch swing; five lane fast track; dirt road, black top, girl don't look back, there's a farm boy in the rear view mirror, with a tremblin' lip and dust bowl tears, he say's 'You gonna chase your dreams or chase me? What's it gonna be......." This song by Farmer's Daughter helped me to pick up my pace today on the treadmill. Nothing like a song with great lyrics and a boppin beat to make you want to work harder!!!

I also managed to squeeze in my ab workout, using my 8 lb ab ball. Don't have the name of the video, or instructor close at hand right now (save that for another blog), but I bought it from Jenny Craig (not the actual person, or Valerie Bertanelli either) the franchise. Right now my body is sending me conflicting messages. "great work out Stacey." "why are you putting these stomach muscles through so much pain." It's almost like having those little angels and devils on your shoulder, talking at the same time. keep going;stop;keep going;stop I can see why people think they are hearing voices all the time.

All this before I had to leave to take my car into the dealer at 10:00. Impressive you say. Not really. You should have seen my hair....unfortuanetly starting this journey is going to result in a short haircut again. Hats off (no pun intended) to those people (judging from my son, not just ladies) who have the patience and talent to recreate the look each day. Maybe in a future blog that will be one of my ways to be good to my body!!!! (I'd better not have anything else going on that day, cause it could take awhile)
Also had over 10,000 steps on my pedometer!!! Yeah.....



Mind: I recently purchased "The Secret" on CD and listened to all four of the CD's over a three week period. It was a lot of information to absorbe. So today, I pulled out the CD's again and made it half way through the first CD. I hope to make notes on a few things that I find useful and poinant to me!!!!

Also had a nice visit with a friend from work today. RP stopped by with her younger sister who was visiting her from Taber. They had been to the Farmers Market and J bought some Salt Water Taffy. Delicious. J explained to me how salt water taffy was invented. If you didn't know, you should look it up. Very facinating. Maybe we should have dropped some in the hot tub while we were out there and we could have invented chlorinated Taffy!!!!! Thanks for the visit ladies; it was very relaxing.

Write tomorrow
Stacey

This will probably be the longest post of this series. Just a preview of how I came to this place. I like to blame the "Movies". Believe it or not food got me here, and for a change not because I was eating it. I was invited by my sister-in-laws to see Julie and Julia. If this were Roger Egbert's blog, I'd give it a thumbs up; four stars, etc. But beyond the movie, it introduced me to blogging. Oh sure I've her the word here and there, mostly there. Seemed something that was way beyond my scope of computer savy. But the movie inspired me to get out of my comfort zone and try this little experiment. So here it is. My blog. Unlike the character in the movie, I have no desire to cook food (and eating it really isn't a challenge) So I gathered up courage and decided to work on "Getting Healthy". At first I intended this to be about a healthy body, but have also learned over the years, that a healthy mind is just as important. So, I say to myself, why not focus on both; hence my blog "Getting Healthy mind and body.
My goals: 1)to do something healthy for my body and/or mind each and every day.
2)blog about it so I have accountablity to myself
3)work on my writing skills by keeping a journal.

Deadline: I hope I continue this for ever, but forever is a really really long time to commit to something. So in staying with the theme of the movie, lets say 365 days; 52 weeks; 12 month;1 year. Now there may be days where I am away from a computer (hopefully because I'm off on some exoctic island with my husband) so I will play catch up. There is my introduction:

Actual Blog:
Day 1: Body - I did my 30 minute treadmill before 8:30 am this morning. Those minutes go by so fast when you are listening to great music. Be thankful I can't sing over the internet, otherwise I'd give my rendition of "Mr. Postman". I followed up the treadmill with body twists with my exercise bar. (A gift from my very best friend Janice)
Mind - I woke up this morning and using a technique I learned from "The Secret" I thought about the previous day and what I could have changed to make that day even better. Nothing major jumped out at me because the previous day I felt had been a good one. I also had the chance to babysit my great-niece in the morning. She is a precious, adorable and very smart. How can cuddling a 3 month old not be great for your mind? (guess my legs got a workout from rocking back and forth as well) Thank you to my niece Alisa for trusting me with your heart and sole!
As I pull the covers up over my shoulders tonight, I will remind myself of all the things that happened during the day that I need to be greatful for!!
I promise the next blogs won't need their own chapters!!
Night night