Earlier this year I posted about my friend, Mary's new business, Synergy Sports Massage. At her facility she offers Anti Gravity Yoga - which I love!
Well, today, the local Fox New station featured Synergy on the morning news!!!!
Mary, being interviewed about Anti Gravity Yoga
The reporter, Kenny Crumpton is a Cleveland celebrity and he has a segment called Kickin' it with Kenny where he highlights various local events, businesses, and other stuff and today Kenny tried out Anti Gravity Yoga!
Kenny broadcasting live
from Synergy Sports Massage
It was so awsome to watch Mary and her fabulous yoga instructors shine!
Yoga Instructor, Amy, teaching Kenny vampire pose
Kenny did at least four different Anti Gravity yoga moves and all of it was live on Cleveland's Fox News!
Yesterday, was filled with manual labor. My husband's business is moving to a new building. But the property is in major disarray and so I spent the day schlepping stuff from the building to a 40 yard dumpster. I, along with my hubby, in-laws, and a couple other wonderful peeps, shoveled, heaved, threw, pushed, lifted, pulled, and maneuvered stuff all afternoon. And, by the end of the day, the dumpster was almost completely filled.
Needless to say, I woke up this morning feeling sore. But, I was ready to go!
This morning, my good friend and I had a session with our Personal Trainer. She, happily, kicked out asses! And then this afternoon I went to Anti Gravity Yoga and put myself in positions I didn't think were possible.
When I got home, there was grocery shopping to do, and dinner to be made. So I took care of all of that and then I needed a wee-bit of down time.
So...I took a hot bath. It felt SO good!!! I soaked for a while and was in heaven. Yep... HEAVEN!
And then it was time to get out.
You know how "a body in motion, wants to stay in motion, and a body at rest, wants to stay at rest"?
Well, this body wanted to stay in rest!
YOWSER! It hurt to get out! And still, my body is really sore and achey!
Recently, I realized that, since my boys are in school full days, most of the fun parts of being a Stay-At-Home-Mom are happening less and less.
Let me explain. When the boys were home all day and we did a lot more "fun activities" (like creating crafts for grandparents, or exploring different places in Cleveland, or finger painting, or nature scavenger hunts, or obstacle courses, or watching construction site, or touring chocolate factories, or taking music classes, or...I could go on) then we do now.
So now, when they get home from school, there isn't much time for that kind of fun. At 4pm they walk in the door and then it's time for snacks, and some down time, dinner, homework, and then they are off to bed.
While, I love the freedom I now have between 8:30am-3:30pm, I find that what left for me, as a Stay-At-Home-Mom, is all the stuff, that I used to fit in, in between all the fun activities. And that is all the CRAPPY STUFF.
You know, all that "housewife" stuff like... Cleaning, vacuuming, grocery shopping, dusting, scrubbing toilets, mopping floors, cooking, laundry, stripping bed, organizing closets, reorganizing drawers, etc...
And, I don't really care for ANY of those things.
To me there is nothing motivating about piles of laundry screaming to be done... especially since as soon as I get a basket empty, it is filled again.
As far as vacuuming goes, I believe that the only redeeming part of a vacuum cleaner is the noise used to block out the screams of fighting boys, but now that they are in school most of the day, I am not quite sure of its purpose. Perhaps it's those tread marks on the carpet, which can be a useful visual when asked "What did you do all day?"
Cleaning bathrooms is as fun as getting poked in the eye a few hundred times. Seriously, how do two creatures, under 4 feet tall, make that room such a mess? And, how does toothpaste end up splattered across the entire mirror after just one brushing? They must spit like the Buckingham Fountain when I am not watching.
Dusting? Don't get me started... it just seems like a pointless undertaking - the dust always returns...Plus, isn't dust is more fun if it is thick enough to write your name in it?
I could go on...about how much I dislike housework. But, I suppose I should stop now, since my husband just pulled in the driveway, and I have no clue what we are having for dinner.
I truly believe that everything in my life has happened for a reason. Sometimes the reason is obvious, and other times, I am left wondering. But still, I know - in every fiber of my being that "everything happens for a reason". Every fun time, and every challenging time - they are all there to teach me some important lesson.
It's the same about friendships. Every friend I have ever had, has impacted my life and I have grown because of each and every one of them.
I remember my first friend...Karyn. We met in preschool and had play dates at each other's house. I remember her mom use to let us finger paint with pudding on a huge piece of paper rolled out in their hallway. And at our house we used to put on tutus and dance across our driveway, while my older brothers made fun of us. And then, less than a year after we met, my family moved from Arkansas to Ohio and we had to say goodbye to each other. My parents exchanged holiday cards with her family. But our lives, separated by hundreds of miles, went in different directions, and soon our friendship was no more than fond memories. But those memories - are pieces of my childhood that make me smile and bring me joy whenever I reminisce. She and our friendship positively impacted my life.
Another friend, Pam, was 10 years my senior, and at the turbulent age of 13, I needed a mentor, role model and a friend. She was someone to ask questions to, someone to look up to, someone who listened and someone who cared about me. And, I am sure that at 23 year years old, she had many other things on her mind and in her life that were way more important than me. But, I never felt that - instead I felt like someone special! Pam took me seriously and cared about helping through the dramas of my life as a thirteen year old. Because of her friendship, I grew more confidence, I felt worthy, and I became more grounded.
Of course, I have had other friends, who taught me my boundaries. And in those relationships, I learned that I didn't like to be used, or walked on, or taken advantage of. Nor did I want to be a part of a toxic friendship. Those are times that I "broke up" and chose to move on. And other times, I was the "friend" who treated someone poorly, or unfair, or unkind. Those were the times, I eventually, learned to swallow my pride and say "I'm sorry". Sometimes, I was forgiven. Sometimes, I was not. But in all of these situations, I learned more about myself and about the meaning of friendship.
Each and everyone of these friendships, I am thankful for!
Recently some friends introduced me to the song FOR GOOD, from the musical, WICKED and I immediately fell in love with it! The words in the song capture, precisely how I feel about friendship.
Here is my favorite part!
"I've heard it said
That people come into our lives for a reason
Bringing something we must learn
And we are led
To those who help us most to grow
If we let them
And we help them in return
Well, I don't know if I believe that's true
But I know I'm who I am today
Because I knew you..."
So, to all my Friends past and present - THANK YOU!
It seems that, on hard wood floors, she can only turn right, if she walks backwards.
It's really quite strange.
We are not sure why she does this. But my husband and I do have a few thoughts.
Mocha (10 year old chocolate lab) is starting to show her age. Sometimes, when she is staring, randomly, off into space, I wonder if she is "losing it" a bit. And, maybe backward right turning is a result of her being a wee-bit wackado. Another theory is that her previous two ACL surgeries are causing her a bit of pain. And, for some reason, a leg hurts less when she turns right backwards.
Regardless of the reason, it's really odd to see a big chocolate lab backing into a room. Especially because she walks down the hall forward, stops, and then backs herself around the corner.
Soon she might even start beeping when she puts herself in reverse!
You know...
The one that tells you that you aren't good enough.
Or that you should do that better.
Or that you are fat and ugly, or too tall, or have big ears, or a horrible chin.
Or that you are nothing special.
Or that you are stupid.
Or all that other mean stuff...
You know...
The voice that makes you feel guilt, unworthy, fearful, and maybe even unlovable?
This time, I am doing it because I want to - not because someone else told me I should. That's why I did it last time. But - I am thankful that I did give it up before, because I learned how I felt without it.
And, when I started to "dabble" in it again, I swore, I would only occasionally drink it.
I started out with just one a day. And I justified by saying that it was "my coffee."
But, there is something about Diet Coke. It's like potato chips, and crack. It's nearly impossible to have just one, and after a few, I am completely addicted.
So soon enough, I was pounding them back, like a good Irishman on St. Patrick's day.
And then, I noticed how horrible I felt. The middle of the day, I was dragging and yawning like crazy. So, I thought that the answer was to have another Diet Coke. And then I realized... Aha!!!!...when I wasn't drinking Diet Coke, that high and low energy roller coaster hadn't happened.
Hum...interesting. Perhaps, Diet Coke is an evil liquid... (insert sound of menacing Diet Coke Can - "Bwaah Haa Haa!")
So I decided to give it up again. But it took me a couple of months, after realizing how much better I felt, to actually commit to do it.
About three weeks ago I quit. Cold Turkey quit. To reduce the caffeine-withdrawal headaches, I have been drinking tea. But, with tea, I can stick to a cup (2 at the most) in a day.
And yes, I feel better. Much better.
It is amazing, that for years - YEARS - I loved Diet Coke. Loved it! I poo-poohed all the people who suggested that it was bad for me. Where ever I went, a Diet Coke was with me. Like a best friend, by my side.
Well, I kicked that friend to the curb (insert my menacing laugh "Bwahh, Haa, Haa!")BFF's no more!
Little did I know how toxic that friendship was!
What is something (or dare I say someone) that is toxic in your life?
Some days, a little shoe retail therapy is what is neccesary.
I typically do not like to shop. But the good thing about shopping for shoes is that trying them is not like trying on clothes. There is no nasty internal dialouge about my body when I try on shoes. I do not curse my feet, when a certain pair of shoes do not work for me. When my toes look stubby in a sandal, I do not take it personally. And, even, after being pregnant, when my feet went up one size, I was not condeming myself about moving to a larger size.
The thing is, my feet are simply my feet. Not really sexy. Not really ugly. Just my feet. And I don't want them to be anything different than they are.
So shopping for shoes is fun! I get to try on different styles and pick what works best for me.
I am pretty pratical and simple when it comes to shoes.
Being uncomfortable, getting blisters, or having painful feet, is not my idea of a good shoe. I don't care how nice a shoe looks on, if it is not comfortable, I will NOT buy it.
So, when I do find shoes that fit well, are comfortable, and are cute (at least in my eyes) then, WooHooies! I feel great!
Yesterday, a friend and I went shopping for shoes. And I found a couple pairs of shoes that fit all of my requirements and I walked out of the store, bags in hand, a wee-bit happier.
I was reading the May issue of O Magazine. The issue is all about "How To Get Better With Age." And there is an article entitled "A Thing or Two I Wish I Knew" in which folks are asked what advice they would give to their 25 year old self.
Whoopi Goldberg's advice to her younger self: "Stay out of your own way."
Shirley Maclaine's advice: "Regardless of how outrageous it may seem, ask for guidance from your higher self and follow it. Also, don't eat so much sugar."
So, of course that got me thinking about the advice I would give my 25 year old self.
Me, circa 1994
When I was 25 years old, it was 1994-1995. During that year, I was living in Chicago, which I loved! Living in the city was a big adventure and I loved how in two short years I felt like I "conquered" Chi-Town! Three months prior to my 25th birthday, I would graduate with my Masters degree and secure my first "real job". I was preparing to moving to a small Wisconsin town and had mixed feelings about it. Hopelessly single, I was disappointed that I hadn't met Mr. Wonderful yet. But I busied myself with friends, studies, and city-life. Overall, it is a year that I look back on with much fondness.
So what would I say to her - the 25 year old me? What advice would I give her?
I think I would say...
Kim,
Believe in yourself! Quit downplaying who you are and what you do! Trust me...you much more fabulous than you think!
And, please, stop eating all that crappy food! Those people who you think are "health freaks" are really the smarter ones!
love, Kim
What advice would you give to your 25 year old self?
I understand that you mean well, but, I feel compelled to share a few of my thoughts.
I am tired of people saying "Take the time to enjoy your children, while they are young, because this time goes by so fast."
I am feed up with people telling me, "Be sure to appreciate this time with your kids!"
These are the comments, I tend to get when I tell people that I want to find "something for ME."
I know, that these comments are well intentioned... But, embedded in those statements, there is an underlying assumption that I do not appreciate or enjoy my time with my boys right now.
Guess what... I do enjoy them! I do appreciate this time in their lives.
I love their curiosity. And their innocence. I love doing fun activities with them and watching them experience new things. I love cuddling and snuggling. And I love tickling them and hearing their giggles. I also love the sounds of them playing together and listening to their conversations. Their imagination and creativity is amazing! And I love to witness their naive brilliance! There is SO much about right now, that I love!
But it is true, there are times that I don't appreciate. Like their fights and arguments that I have to break up. And their inappropriate farting noises that they, of course, think is wildly funny. And I do not enjoy when they don't listen to me, and when they lie to me ("I did wash my hands!" - yet I know that no water was turned on). And I don't like their whining! It grates on my nerves.
And please do not expect me to enjoy and appreciate all those things!
I am a mom, and I love my kids.
But I am more than just Alex and Owen's mom. My name is Kim. I am a real live person with passions, interests and activities that I want to pursue.
So please, understand that I do savor this time that I have with my young boys. And, when I mention that I need to find "something for ME" do not dismiss my importance as a human, by suggesting all of this time - while they are young - should be spent enjoying my children.
Recently we have been gifted a treasure of VHS tapes of at least 50 movies. So today, I pulled out the VCR, hooked it up to the TV, and the boys and I watches a couple of good old school movies.
First up, The Love Bug (the original).
I remember, as a child, going to the drive-in with my siblings and parents to see The Love Bug. I have fond memories of giggling my way through the entire movie. And the movie, again, did not disappoint. Alex and Owen loved it! They fell in love with Herbie. I mean seriously, who doesn't love Herbie?!!?
Next Up, Aladdin.
They had never seen this Disney classic and soon they were mesmerized by Prince Ali, Abu and Jasmine. And I was cracking up at Robin Williams as the Genie.
We had fun, hanging out watching movies, and eating popcorn.
But, for me, the funniest part was their curiousity about the VCR and VHS tapes.
"What's that machine, Mom?" "Why is that video so big?"
And, as I was rewinding the tape, "What are you doing?" and "What is that noise?"
I could help but laugh. I remember, as a teenager, when my family got our first VCR how excited we were. It was amazing technology! We were thrilled to be able to rent movies, invite friends over and have a party. I remember conversations about how the VCR was going to replace the movie theatres.
The VCR was a big deal!
And now, it is NOT a big deal. It is obsolete and old-fashioned.
I don't post a lot of pictures of me. And, there's a reason for that.
The image of me that I have in my head, does not seem to show up in my pictures.
Or in mirrors.
Or in store windows.
So I avoid pictures, mirrors, and glancing at store windows as I walk by.
In my head, I am not covered in a fluffy layer of, well, fat.
In my head, I am powerful. I am strong. I am fabulous.
And for some reason, that fluff, seems to visually communicate (at least in my head) that I am not powerful, strong, or fabulous. And, while I "know" that I am powerful, strong, and fabulous, I do not always "feel" that way.
It's almost like there are two MEs... The one I see in my head, and then the one I see in pictures, mirrors, and windows.
I like the one in my head better.
And for a long time, I have tormented, spoke poorly about, and horribly to and condemned the me in pictures, mirrors and windows. And, ouch, that hurts. She (I) is (am) bruised, scarred, and defeated.
Recently, I have realized that I need to make friends with her (me). And, I know that becoming friends with her (me) will be a process. I need to apologize and be forgiven. That will take time.
But, if I can do this...just imagine how powerful, strong and fabulous I will feel!!!!
Yesterday, I was watching Ellen and Khloe Kardashian was a guest. Other than talking about her sisters, she also mentioned an Anti-Bullying campaign that she is involved in.
Image Credit: free-clipart-pictures.net
Anti-Bullying lessons and programs are huge right now. As they should be. As a parent of two young boys, I think that it is important that we teach children about bullying, encourage kids to be nice to each other and foster a environment in which it is OK to report circumstances of bullying.
I am against bullying. And, I am guessing you are too. I mean, seriously, is anyone one anti Anti-Bullying?
I truly applaud the efforts of those who create, lead, and teach our children about bullying.
There is just one piece of these efforts that I, as a parent, think might be missing. And honestly, I am not sure, exactly how to teach it.
I wonder if we (our society) are teaching our children how not to be bullied? In other words, how to not be a victim?
When my son had a couple of incidents on the school bus in which he was bullied, I began to wonder about this. I knew that how he was being treated by the other student, was not OK. And, it was important to me that the bullying was brought to the attention of the bus and school staff members. And, so I reported the situation and, as far as I could tell, the other student was dealt with appropriately.
But, it was more important to me that my son, not see himself as a victim of "bullying."
I want my sons to know how to, appropriately, stand up for themselves. I want my sons to know it is OK to break a rule (like stand up on the bus to change seats) when the situation warrants it. I want my sons to have the self-confident to know that they do not deserve to be treated poorly.
Surely, as a parent, I am a HUGE part of teaching this. But, there is not a step-by step guide about how to do this. I believe that I have to lead by example. And, I must talk to my children about situations of bullying. I know, I should not label the other child a "bully". I should try to explain that the other child, who was being mean, was making bad choices, and maybe he or she was having a bad day. I need to suggesting alternative behavior - not only to how the other kid could have acted, but also what my child could have done differently in response.
I sincerely try to do all of this. But I still don't know if "all of this" teaches my sons how not to be a victim of bullying.
Dr. Phil, has been know to often say, "We teach people how to treat us." I believe that to be true.
And, I want our children to learn to teach other children not to bully them.
But, I wonder, if we as a society are we teaching that?
And, perhaps more importantly, I wonder if we, as a society, are even talking about teaching that?
I used to be so much better at practicing gratitude. I would write down 5 or so items that I was thankful for at least once a week. But that now seems like a distant memory.
So it is time to begin again.
Tonight, I am grateful for...
My two boys, who entertain themselves so well.
Friends, near and far.
Crook Pot dinners.
My husband, who I can confide in.
The yellow school bus, that will arrive tomorrow at 8:30 am(it has been a LONG break!).
Family time, putting together a 500 piece puzzle.
My creativity.
An endorphin high after working out.
My workout buddy.
...plus so much more!
Wow, that feels good! ...Remind me again, why I stopped doing this?!!?
This year, around the beginning of February, my son Owen, a kindergartner celebrated his first 100 days of school! The year before, Alex (then in kindergarten) did the same. I guess this is the thing to do in kindergarten classes across the country (I don't remember this when I was in school!).
For 100 day celebrations the kids...
Build with 100 Legos
Wear glasses in which the eye holes are the zeros in 100
Count 100 pennies
Make art with 100 pieces of pasta
String a paper chain across the room with 100 links
Throw 100 pieces of confetti
Stack 100 blocks
Plus more!
It is a BIG DEAL!
So, today is 100 days into 2012!
Today, is my 100th day of daily blogging!
WooHooies!
I guess it's time to celebrate! And, I am sure that there are at least 100 ways to celebrate...
but am picked just one...
I read a good book and am drinking a glass of wine.
