Monday, April 7, 2008

07 April 2008 - Day 15

Spending the day at home today with a sick child, I had high hopes of accomplishing a lot; maybe a little too much. But as life has taught me, I ain't settling for anything less than everything. I would much rather expect the best, than just settle for mediocre. So as my new philosophy, I was demanding nothing less than that. With a long list ahead of me, and progress appearing to be slow, I realized I better take a new approach. So as soon as I did just that, the results were dramatically different.

Instead of focusing on all I had to do, I took the focus away from me for a while, and things changed. Things turned around, attitudes improved, and we all accomplished more as a family. We all exercised at the same time, just not in the same place, giving each of us the freedom and space we needed.

This morning's meditation was changed slightly since Tyler had fallen asleep in my bed after taking his medicine. But it was a pleasant change. I was able to relax my mind relatively quickly and connect with nature first, which really seems to help me.

All in all, it was a great day. I am looking forward to tomorrow, with more improvements within every day.

M=Sharp, ambitious
E=Pumped with excitement
P=Feel great, strong, and full of energy
S=Searching

Sunday, April 6, 2008

06 April 2008 - Day 14

Wow, its already the end of the second week. Time has really flown by. I have noticed that life's little obstacles, can really try to divert your energy. Which is all the more reason to really stayed focused on the task at hand. And that task is to see a real change in me and my family, through me, for the better.

So with that in mind, I am looking forward to healthy kids this week, and miracle vitamins to keep me good and healthy for the upcoming adventures for the exciting weekend in the southwest. Thank god its time to getaway!

M=Scattered, but working on organization (hoping tomorrow off work will help me to readjust my plan and re-focus)
E=Happy, anticipating my upcoming weekend getaway
P=Tired, wish I would have worked out today, even though its my "free" day
S=Searching

Saturday, April 5, 2008

05 April 2008 - Day 13

It was Day 2 at the indoor waterpark - Spring Break weekend getaway. I was pretty exhausted since I probably only slept 2 consecutive hours. Tyler was just miserable with a high fever, but thank god he slept all the way home. I think that sure helped. Wish I would have had a nap, but the weather was excellent. It was 62 outside by the time we got home this afternoon, so I am sure the fresh air did everyone some good. We spent about 2-1/2 hours outside playing, which was great family exercise.

So I just finished my dance aerobic workout, now blogging, so I thought I would try to meditate now before bed, and see how my body, mind and soul cooperate this late in the day. Its werth a shot. Wish me luck...feel free to call me anytime. I always sleep better when I hear your voice.

M=Scattered
E=Happy
P=Whipped
S=Ready

04 April 2008 - Day 12

It was a crazy day...the morning threw my schedule for a loop. Tyler woke up very cranky with a high fever. Of course, this all happens on the day we leave for our weekend trip to the indoor waterpark. So needless to say, I did not get my morning meditation in. In fact, I was lucky to get myself showered, seeing how "out-of-sorts" he was. But we stopped our plans and took him to the doctor to check him out. The doctor said he must have some type of virus, but throat, lungs, ears were all clear; which was good news. So the plans moved forward, just a little later than scheduled.

So to make the rest of the long story short, the waterpark was awesome! We all had a blast, and got really soaked. After I finally got Tyler to crash for the night, I took off for the fitness room for my scheduled workout. Having the "huge" gym to myself was kinda nice. I just wish the hotel would have had more equipment. I had planned to meditate after my workout, but I kept getting interrupted by young teenagers snooping around. And later my dad had to interrupt me, since no one could manage to calm Tyler down when he woke up.

I am definitely hoping to hop right back on track in the morning, even if I have to get up and meditate, then go back to bed until the kids get up. hahaha (I am a little determined, can you tell?)

M=Foggy
E=Happy
P=Strong
S=Disconnected but determined to make a change

Thursday, April 3, 2008

03 April 2008 - Day 11

Today went pretty well. I started the morning routine a little chaotic and pinched for time but still managed to take time to meditate. However it seemed to be more difficult for me to try to relax this morning that the past few days. I think I am stressing a little.

I got to the office, had a morning meeting with a rep introducing a new product, then a planned luncheon. So the morning hours flew right by, which was awesome. I was supposed to be starting the first day of chaotic brain-heavy training on the new software, but there was some miscommunication (which never seems to happen in my office at all, not ever.) So I was struggling to find something to keep me busy. So my mind started to fill in on coming up with great things to use on my visual dream board. When I started to get some good ideas, then I got interrupted by someone needing my help. One task turned into many, which kept me tied up the rest of the day.

My eating plan was a little screwed up today, too. I couldn't figure out why I still felt hungry after eating dinner. Then I realized it was because I had skipped a meal. That sure threw me off.

Exercise was awesome. I do wish that I would have had time to workout at the gym on the bike and do my cardio, but doing my taebo video is fun.

M=Stressed
E=Happy
P=Very sore, tired, but feeling a change for the better =)
S=Searching

Wednesday, April 2, 2008

02 April 2008 - Day 10

Beyond everything, it is kinda hard to think and type tonight, since my body is sooooo sore. I have been working very hard, which is great. I feel really good and strong...but ultimately very sore. I am even in pain as we speak, especially the triceps (worse on the right tricep). I guess we know where I need to work and get stronger, huh? In any case, today was great. I had my second yoga class, which I really enjoy. There seems to be a good balance between strengthening exercises for the body and the mind. Today's class really pushed my lower back. (And since I worked it really hard at the gym Monday, it is screaming at me tonight too.) I wish I could remember more of the names of the poses and such...mental note: refresh each day and cross-reference with my yoga book. Challenges for my brain as well. I am meeting more people, which is also a priority on my list. Today I met Linda and Lisa. I now see a pattern...lots of "L" names in that class. It sure is a diverse group of people.

Tonight was pretty exhausting, between running late on the schedule due to yoga...and still trying to accomplish my long list of "to do's", it may be a while before I can slow down. Tomorrow may be a little more challenging, since I get to start working with Tony on my new software training. I will need lots of protein to keep the brain functioning tomorrow.

Oh yeah, I almost forgot. It is crazy when you stop to breathe, and take time to become more aware of your surroundings, what kinds of things fall into your lap. I was at work, grabbing something I printed off the copier, when I noticed a new magazine in my co-worker's mailslot. I was intrigued by the cover photo, then quickly got sucked into the article. Funny how that works...so easily distracted. In any case, I became engulfed in the story about the architect that designed this new church. The photo on the cover was amazing; very creative use of natural light. So I flip right to the cover story and begin reading. To make the long story short, I learned all kinds of things about eco-theology. What a interesting philosophy. If for nothing more, it allowed me to realize that I was making a real impact on my mind; by allowing myself to really see things from a new, more open perspective. That felt very refreshing. Does that make any sense?

M=Stimulated
E=Happy, excited
P=Aching pain, but good
S=Searching

Tuesday, April 1, 2008

01 April 2008 - Day 9

I just realized something...I used to get done with my daily routine, and it was a real struggle to have enough energy to keep my body going and convinced to finish my nightly workout video. Today, I was looking forward to exercising. So much, that it drove me to keep motivated and looking ahead. That is sure different. What a nice change. It is absolutely amazing how much more energy I have.

The other discovery is about how much I enjoy cooking; especially trying all the great recipes from the cookbook. It has become a new routine to check out and plan what recipes I want to try the night before. Then begin cooking away, after I finish the rest of the night-time routines. I always have some great healthy food ready to eat. Which prevents those nasty panic stops on the way home from work with "starving" children. All these healthy choices are ready to go. What a great turn-around!

This morning's meditation went pretty well. I seemed to be guided toward a new perspective/vantage point. So each time I felt myself leaning a particular direction, especially when I noticed that something was bothering or flustering me, I stopped to re-evaluate. It gave me a new perspective. It was great to feel that overwhelming calmness from slowing down my emotional reactions with relaxed approach. Both times I remember starting to get upset about a scenario, I resolved the issue internally and felt much more "in control" and satisfied with the outcome. Does that make sense?

All in all, a fantastic day! Boy, am I sure sore though. Wow! What a workout!

M=Sharp
E=Pumped and excited
P=Very sore, but feeling great!
S=Searching and discovering