When I got married all those years ago I made the decision to hyphenate my name. I'm not sure if I should have taken that as a sign that all was not the fairytale that we all make our relationships out to be during our engagements. At the time I justified it with the fact that my generation in my family is made up exclusively of girls. EVERY single one of my siblings, cousins, and second cousins with my maiden name are girls. I am proud of my heritage, and my family, I couldn't bear the thought of the name ending with my generation. this was a decision that was never discussed with my husband-to-be(also a possible red flag), it was just something that was presented to him as the only option. I know he was a smidge upset. I know he was not happy to have to answer the constant "Why isn't she taking your name?" questions(Really? It was 2001, it shouldn't be that big a deal)
Now I find myself, 10 years later. I took my wedding ring off 19 months ago. I'm pulling all my stuff together to move forward on my divorce. And only last week realized that un-hyphenating my name will be part of that process. I still haven't really looked into what that will entail. I'm fairly certain that changing one's name after a divorce is far more challenging than changing it after a marriage. This is a process that will be worth it for me. I have already started in small ways. Yesterday I dropped the Ex's name from my facebook profile. I have stopped adding his name when I fill out forms for myself and for my boys.
Looks like it's an old name for a new start.
Friday, September 9, 2011
Sunday, August 28, 2011
The New Year
Last year around this time I introduced you all to my idea of Labor Day being MY New Year start. I just went back and looked at that post, and boy did I miss the boat this year. I will at this time choose to move forward, and choose not to regret the past. Next week marks the passing of summer into the new school year for my boys, and with that a new routine in our house.
This year's RESOLUTIONS are...
1)Get my weight under control. I am doing this for me. I am not happy when I look in a mirror. I am not happy with the way my clothes fit. I have started to notice myself unconsciously covering my stomach with things when I sit down, and tugging at the waist of my shirt to make sure my blubber isn't exposed. I also need to start setting an example. If people are going to take me seriously as a nutritionist, yoga instructor, personal trainer, and massage therapist, then I must start looking/behaving the part.
2) Get my divorce done. I have been procrastinating on this for over a year now. It's time to start to build my new life, and I will never truly be able to do that until I have freed myself fully from my old life(well, as fully as I can given that we have monkeys together).
3) Make my house into MY house(well, mine and my kids house). This house was bought with the needs of two other adults in mind as well as me and the boys. This house was decorated to a fair degree by those other two adults. This house is still holding may items that belonged to those other two adults. I am tired of feeling sad/angry/resentful when I look around my house. It's time to move on.
4) Make those that care for me feel LOVED!!! Just because it's at the bottom of the list, doesn't make it the least important. This item in fact is the MOST important.
I have a tendency to get overzealous in my list making, and end up easily overwhelmed. I think this is a manageable list of resolutions, and look forward to the new year, as I always do.
Do you feel the same way about Labor day?
This year's RESOLUTIONS are...
1)Get my weight under control. I am doing this for me. I am not happy when I look in a mirror. I am not happy with the way my clothes fit. I have started to notice myself unconsciously covering my stomach with things when I sit down, and tugging at the waist of my shirt to make sure my blubber isn't exposed. I also need to start setting an example. If people are going to take me seriously as a nutritionist, yoga instructor, personal trainer, and massage therapist, then I must start looking/behaving the part.
2) Get my divorce done. I have been procrastinating on this for over a year now. It's time to start to build my new life, and I will never truly be able to do that until I have freed myself fully from my old life(well, as fully as I can given that we have monkeys together).
3) Make my house into MY house(well, mine and my kids house). This house was bought with the needs of two other adults in mind as well as me and the boys. This house was decorated to a fair degree by those other two adults. This house is still holding may items that belonged to those other two adults. I am tired of feeling sad/angry/resentful when I look around my house. It's time to move on.
4) Make those that care for me feel LOVED!!! Just because it's at the bottom of the list, doesn't make it the least important. This item in fact is the MOST important.
I have a tendency to get overzealous in my list making, and end up easily overwhelmed. I think this is a manageable list of resolutions, and look forward to the new year, as I always do.
Do you feel the same way about Labor day?
Friday, August 26, 2011
Self Discipline
In the spring I injured myself, badly. I threw out my back, well my SI joint actually, with impressive severity. I had signed up for a mountain biking course, and only was able to make it to one out of the four classes. When I informed my instructor/friend/mentor that I physically wasn't able to continue she told me that when she had seen me for that one class all she could think about was my need for SELF DISCIPLINE.
This has stuck with me since I read it. It's true. Self discipline has always been something I have struggled with. I am a very enthusiastic starter, but have always failed on the follow through. I have an entire room of "started" craft projects. I stick to diets for on average ONE week. My laundry is generally clean, but only makes it to the basket or bed.
I really have no idea why I have such difficulty with follow through, but I aim for it to end now. I have an Autumn filled with exciting new experiences and projects that will all require discipline on my part. I am building my motivation now and hope it continues. Really, there's very little I can't accomplish if I just stick it out.
This has stuck with me since I read it. It's true. Self discipline has always been something I have struggled with. I am a very enthusiastic starter, but have always failed on the follow through. I have an entire room of "started" craft projects. I stick to diets for on average ONE week. My laundry is generally clean, but only makes it to the basket or bed.
I really have no idea why I have such difficulty with follow through, but I aim for it to end now. I have an Autumn filled with exciting new experiences and projects that will all require discipline on my part. I am building my motivation now and hope it continues. Really, there's very little I can't accomplish if I just stick it out.
Tuesday, May 31, 2011
Inspiration
I'm told with some regularity that I'm seen as fit, and active. I laugh when this comes up, especially after my recent injury. I do try to stay active. I'm lucky that I have a career that does not force me to sit at a desk for hours upon hours. BUT I am for from fit! I will get there though! Know why? Because of my family.
I realized the other day while looking through my facebook feed that I am hard-wired to be active, it's in my genes, my family is leading by example.
Here's just a small example....
As some of you know my grandmother had a stroke last spring at the age of 75. This originally left her almost completely paralyzed on her left side, face, arm, and leg. Her right side was also slightly effected. This occurred in mid-April. She was out of the rehab centre and walking(slowly and with a cane, but walking none the less)by Canada Day. The next week we all boarded a plane along side her to go to a family wedding. She continues to live in her own home, and with my grandfather's assistance cooks all their meals from scratch, keeps on top of the housework better than the rest of us, and continues to travel. The real inspiration though came a few weeks ago, at a family wedding, when we all got to see my Grandparents dance together as gracefully as they always have.
My Aunt was diagnosed with Juvenile Diabetes when she was 17 years old. By the time she was 22 she was over 200lbs. She then began jogging, and eating better, and became healthy and fit. I remember as a child going along with her for "runs", she would jog while carrying me on HER SHOULDERS!!! She gave up jogging by 30 because it bothered her knees. However, she got a stationary bike and an inclined ab board for her house, and EVERY day would spend 45 minutes on the bike, and do 200 sit ups. The week before my wedding she had to have abdominal surgery, she was told she would have to miss my wedding. She said come hell or high water she would be there! Know what? She was! Know why? Her abdominal muscles were so strong that she was able to be discharged earlier than most people. She continues to exercise regularly and she is in her 50's, having had Juvenile Diabetes for over 30 years, and she does not have any of the associated conditions that so often are fatal to diabetics MUCH younger than she is.
Another Aunt is becoming a certified yoga instructor this summer. She has already been instructing yoga, pilates, and boot camp for a few years on the small island she lives on. She also regularly runs the 10km to and from work. She and my Uncle are planning their vacation "south" for next winter. They are going to go to Machu Picchu. She is over 50 years old.
My MOM!!!! She inspires just about everyone who knows her. Five years ago she was 70lbs overweight. My sister had just headed off to spend a year abroad in Australia for University. The plan was that when Sis was finished in November, Mom would go to Australia for six weeks so they could travel together and then come home together in time for Christmas. During that year Sis was away, Mom started jogging 3 times a week with her friend, she also started going to the gym for personal training 3 times a week. By the time she arrived in Australia, she was 60lbs lighter and almost unrecognizable to Sis(she walked past her in the airport). Mom also arrived having recently received her SCUBA diving certification so that they could go diving on The Great Barrier Reef(they did 11 dives in 3 days). Mom has continued with the running and the training. She has done many 5km runs, completed the 10km this past weekend for Ottawa Race Weekend, and has done the 60km Weekend to End Women's Cancers 3 times. All of this has been accomplished AFTER turning 50!
So this summer I am taking my health seriously. I am getting off my ass and truly getting active and fit. If all these amazing people in my life can do these amazing things, I have no excuse do I? How about you?
I realized the other day while looking through my facebook feed that I am hard-wired to be active, it's in my genes, my family is leading by example.
Here's just a small example....
As some of you know my grandmother had a stroke last spring at the age of 75. This originally left her almost completely paralyzed on her left side, face, arm, and leg. Her right side was also slightly effected. This occurred in mid-April. She was out of the rehab centre and walking(slowly and with a cane, but walking none the less)by Canada Day. The next week we all boarded a plane along side her to go to a family wedding. She continues to live in her own home, and with my grandfather's assistance cooks all their meals from scratch, keeps on top of the housework better than the rest of us, and continues to travel. The real inspiration though came a few weeks ago, at a family wedding, when we all got to see my Grandparents dance together as gracefully as they always have.
My Aunt was diagnosed with Juvenile Diabetes when she was 17 years old. By the time she was 22 she was over 200lbs. She then began jogging, and eating better, and became healthy and fit. I remember as a child going along with her for "runs", she would jog while carrying me on HER SHOULDERS!!! She gave up jogging by 30 because it bothered her knees. However, she got a stationary bike and an inclined ab board for her house, and EVERY day would spend 45 minutes on the bike, and do 200 sit ups. The week before my wedding she had to have abdominal surgery, she was told she would have to miss my wedding. She said come hell or high water she would be there! Know what? She was! Know why? Her abdominal muscles were so strong that she was able to be discharged earlier than most people. She continues to exercise regularly and she is in her 50's, having had Juvenile Diabetes for over 30 years, and she does not have any of the associated conditions that so often are fatal to diabetics MUCH younger than she is.
Another Aunt is becoming a certified yoga instructor this summer. She has already been instructing yoga, pilates, and boot camp for a few years on the small island she lives on. She also regularly runs the 10km to and from work. She and my Uncle are planning their vacation "south" for next winter. They are going to go to Machu Picchu. She is over 50 years old.
My MOM!!!! She inspires just about everyone who knows her. Five years ago she was 70lbs overweight. My sister had just headed off to spend a year abroad in Australia for University. The plan was that when Sis was finished in November, Mom would go to Australia for six weeks so they could travel together and then come home together in time for Christmas. During that year Sis was away, Mom started jogging 3 times a week with her friend, she also started going to the gym for personal training 3 times a week. By the time she arrived in Australia, she was 60lbs lighter and almost unrecognizable to Sis(she walked past her in the airport). Mom also arrived having recently received her SCUBA diving certification so that they could go diving on The Great Barrier Reef(they did 11 dives in 3 days). Mom has continued with the running and the training. She has done many 5km runs, completed the 10km this past weekend for Ottawa Race Weekend, and has done the 60km Weekend to End Women's Cancers 3 times. All of this has been accomplished AFTER turning 50!
So this summer I am taking my health seriously. I am getting off my ass and truly getting active and fit. If all these amazing people in my life can do these amazing things, I have no excuse do I? How about you?
Sunday, April 17, 2011
Get Your Shit Together - Week 5
That's right, week 5. Also week 4 did not mysteriously disappear into cyberspace, it never existed. We all have those weeks. I'm OK with it.
This is just a quick post, because this is going to be one of those crazy weeks, and I have shit I need to get together already tonight.
This Week's Challenges
1) Do your TAXES. Or at the very least pull all the stuff together, get your totals figured out and hand it off to your accountant.
2) Figure out a fun new thing you are going to try this summer. I am currently looking into trying Adventure Racing, cause I'm a little insane and it's something that just about every person that has met me sees me doing. Also it looks like a blast :-)
3) Spend some time with family doing something creative. The boys and I will be decorating Easter eggs on Good Friday. They have requested it and it's an activity that I remember always doing with my Mom when I was growing up. They really didn't need to ask.
I hope you all have an amazing week. I also hope that you are all organized enough that you don't have to venture into a grocery store on Saturday(worst day of the year to do groceries)
This is just a quick post, because this is going to be one of those crazy weeks, and I have shit I need to get together already tonight.
This Week's Challenges
1) Do your TAXES. Or at the very least pull all the stuff together, get your totals figured out and hand it off to your accountant.
2) Figure out a fun new thing you are going to try this summer. I am currently looking into trying Adventure Racing, cause I'm a little insane and it's something that just about every person that has met me sees me doing. Also it looks like a blast :-)
3) Spend some time with family doing something creative. The boys and I will be decorating Easter eggs on Good Friday. They have requested it and it's an activity that I remember always doing with my Mom when I was growing up. They really didn't need to ask.
I hope you all have an amazing week. I also hope that you are all organized enough that you don't have to venture into a grocery store on Saturday(worst day of the year to do groceries)
Sunday, April 3, 2011
Get Your Shit Together Challenge - Week 3
Hey All, I hope you enjoyed last week's challenges. I personally found the reduction in the number of challenges to be much more manageable and way less overwhelming. How did you all find it?
Recap of the Week 2 challenges
1) Get completely on top of your laundry this week. This includes bedding and towels.
I didn't manage to get on top of this one. I will continue to plug away at it this week, and I'm confident I will be all clean for next week's post.
2) Spend time on professional development this week. Read some journal articles, register for a class or course, or even volunteer for a new project at work.
Some of you may know that I am currently working on a Holistic Nutrition diploma. This has been a struggle since I am doing it as home study and the only deadline is the program completion date(February 2012). I worked on my course work just about every day this week. This makes me very happy!
3) Make a commitment to your health this week. Go for a walk, get to the gym, drink your 8 glasses of water every day, or eat at least one vegetarian meal.
I chose to focus on my water consumption this week. I was successful at getting at least a litre of the wet stuff into me every day. Yay!
I'm proud of myself. It may not seem like much, but for a chronic procrastinator and non-finisher it feels great to check a few things off my list.
Week # 3 Challenges
1) If you and/or your family members drink their water from a reusable bottle, put them through the dishwasher, or give them a really thorough clean a few times this week. Even though it's just water going into them day after day they still build up bacteria and stuff inside and outside.
2)Both my kids schools are preparing for their annual used book sales. If you have school age kids chances are your schools are doing the same thing. This week go through your books and get rid of ones you will never look at again. If you don't have a book sale to give them too then just send them to a donation place.
3)Meal Plan. This doesn't really need more explanation.
Good Luck my Lovelies, and have a wonderful week.
Recap of the Week 2 challenges
1) Get completely on top of your laundry this week. This includes bedding and towels.
I didn't manage to get on top of this one. I will continue to plug away at it this week, and I'm confident I will be all clean for next week's post.
2) Spend time on professional development this week. Read some journal articles, register for a class or course, or even volunteer for a new project at work.
Some of you may know that I am currently working on a Holistic Nutrition diploma. This has been a struggle since I am doing it as home study and the only deadline is the program completion date(February 2012). I worked on my course work just about every day this week. This makes me very happy!
3) Make a commitment to your health this week. Go for a walk, get to the gym, drink your 8 glasses of water every day, or eat at least one vegetarian meal.
I chose to focus on my water consumption this week. I was successful at getting at least a litre of the wet stuff into me every day. Yay!
I'm proud of myself. It may not seem like much, but for a chronic procrastinator and non-finisher it feels great to check a few things off my list.
Week # 3 Challenges
1) If you and/or your family members drink their water from a reusable bottle, put them through the dishwasher, or give them a really thorough clean a few times this week. Even though it's just water going into them day after day they still build up bacteria and stuff inside and outside.
2)Both my kids schools are preparing for their annual used book sales. If you have school age kids chances are your schools are doing the same thing. This week go through your books and get rid of ones you will never look at again. If you don't have a book sale to give them too then just send them to a donation place.
3)Meal Plan. This doesn't really need more explanation.
Good Luck my Lovelies, and have a wonderful week.
Sunday, March 27, 2011
Get Your Shit Together Challenge - Week 2
I just have to take a moment to say WOW!!! It seems that this is a topic and a challenge that just about everyone can get behind. Last weeks post had the highest number of hits of any of my posts so far. Thank You! Hopefully after a year we will all be well on our way to having our shit together.
First I'll let you know how I did with last weeks tasks
Health and Wellness
-Make at least one health related appointment you have been putting off
I cheated a bit on this one, as I had already fulfilled this task 2 days before starting the challenge. I figured since it was something "I" had been putting off, others would have been as well.
Creativity
-Chose one unfinished project, and work on it at least every other day all week
I failed miserably on this one. I had plans to work on my Mom's birthday gift, but never touched it.
Professional
-Begin pulling together your tax requirements. If you have already filed, good for you, want to come help me out?
This one didn't happen either.
Family
-If you have kids, play at least one board game with them this week. If you don't have kids, call a relative that you haven't talked to for a while(maybe see if they want to play a board game too).
Yet another item I didn't check off. I was only home with the boys 2 evenings this week and one was spent at the pool for diving.
Diet
-Try one new recipe that contains ingredients that in theory EVERY member of your household will eat. Aim for it being a healthy recipe.
Yay! I did manage to do this, however, only 2 out of 3 of us liked the "cashew crusted chicken"
Household
-Pick one room in your home, and purge 10 DIFFERENT items. This means 10 books doesn't count.
Look at that! Another item not completed. Seeing a pattern?
Stuff
-Make one appointment/send one e-mail/mail something that you have been avoiding.
Completed! Appointment made to meet with my lawyer to move forward and complete my divorce. Talk about an appointment worthy of avoiding.
Now we get to the new challenges. I have decided in light of my only half completed list that I still ended up being overzealous despite my best effort to the contrary. In light of this revelation I will be "simplifying" the challenge. For the time being each week will involve 3 challenges. They will not currently be categorized, but perhaps that will change in the coming months as we all get our shit a little bit more "together".
Week # 2 Challenges
1) Get completely on top of your laundry this week. This includes bedding and towels.
2) Spend time on professional development this week. Read some journal articles, register for a class or course, or even volunteer for a new project at work.
3) Make a commitment to your health this week. Go for a walk, get to the gym, drink your 8 glasses of water every day, or eat at least one vegetarian meal.
Good Luck every one. I know I will get this list completed, I hope you will too.
First I'll let you know how I did with last weeks tasks
Health and Wellness
-Make at least one health related appointment you have been putting off
I cheated a bit on this one, as I had already fulfilled this task 2 days before starting the challenge. I figured since it was something "I" had been putting off, others would have been as well.
Creativity
-Chose one unfinished project, and work on it at least every other day all week
I failed miserably on this one. I had plans to work on my Mom's birthday gift, but never touched it.
Professional
-Begin pulling together your tax requirements. If you have already filed, good for you, want to come help me out?
This one didn't happen either.
Family
-If you have kids, play at least one board game with them this week. If you don't have kids, call a relative that you haven't talked to for a while(maybe see if they want to play a board game too).
Yet another item I didn't check off. I was only home with the boys 2 evenings this week and one was spent at the pool for diving.
Diet
-Try one new recipe that contains ingredients that in theory EVERY member of your household will eat. Aim for it being a healthy recipe.
Yay! I did manage to do this, however, only 2 out of 3 of us liked the "cashew crusted chicken"
Household
-Pick one room in your home, and purge 10 DIFFERENT items. This means 10 books doesn't count.
Look at that! Another item not completed. Seeing a pattern?
Stuff
-Make one appointment/send one e-mail/mail something that you have been avoiding.
Completed! Appointment made to meet with my lawyer to move forward and complete my divorce. Talk about an appointment worthy of avoiding.
Now we get to the new challenges. I have decided in light of my only half completed list that I still ended up being overzealous despite my best effort to the contrary. In light of this revelation I will be "simplifying" the challenge. For the time being each week will involve 3 challenges. They will not currently be categorized, but perhaps that will change in the coming months as we all get our shit a little bit more "together".
Week # 2 Challenges
1) Get completely on top of your laundry this week. This includes bedding and towels.
2) Spend time on professional development this week. Read some journal articles, register for a class or course, or even volunteer for a new project at work.
3) Make a commitment to your health this week. Go for a walk, get to the gym, drink your 8 glasses of water every day, or eat at least one vegetarian meal.
Good Luck every one. I know I will get this list completed, I hope you will too.
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