Through The Tulips Words of 'Wiz'dom

May 29, 2009

Time to Shop

Filed under: Shop til ya Drop — gardener @ 10:50 am

To know me is to know that I adore shopping, but as much as I do- there are some things that I don’t enjoy shopping for. Of course, those very things that are not ‘fun’ to shop for, are the very things that we need.

Case and point- this morning I noticed while taking a shower that our shower faucets are in need of replacing. Marcel mentioned it a while back, but truth is, I didn’t pay much attention to it- this morning I did, so that means shopping in the near future. Truth is- I’d much rather be shopping for jewelry, or clothes- or handbags. I guess it can’t always be fun and games can it?

May 27, 2009

Smiles

Filed under: Life — gardener @ 1:00 pm

There are some things in life that make me smile-  the photo below is one of them.

9days

There have even been times when I’ve had similar thoughts- but right now I know that every single day that I’m staying within my calorie ranges, that something great is happening within my body, and that’s something worth celebrating.

My Gratitude List for May 27, 2009.

Today I’m Grateful For:

  • Marcel being able to visit the cemetary today without too much struggle.
  • Making it through my work out even though I wanted to stop before I ever reached the half way point.
  • Being appreciated for the simple things- such as cooking dinner.
  • The internet working- which has been having problems for the last few hours.
  • The beautiful card I received today from Desere, and the letter from Doris.

May 26, 2009

Gratitude

Filed under: Gratitude — gardener @ 10:07 am

Before I head to the kitchen to serve myself dinner-

My Gratitude List for May 26, 2009.

Today I’m Grateful For:

  • Last night’s storms not leaving us with any damage.
  • New perspectives.
  • The rains- which have lasted all day.
  • Fresh vegetables.
  • Conversations with people I love.

On Getting A Good Nights Sleep.

Filed under: Health/ Fitness — gardener @ 10:01 am

When I started this journey that I’m on to a healthier lifestyle- I thought that eating the right foods and getting the right amount of exercise would be all it would take for me to see the pounds fall off. Granted, I’ve lost quite a bit of weight, but those aren’t the only factors that play a part into the weight loss journey AND a healthy lifestyle.

Let’s take stress for example- Did you know that stress could actually cause you to gain weight, or to have you spinning your wheels in spite of all the efforts you are making at the gym and how great you’re doing with your calories? It can.

Sleep- that’s another important factor that plays a huge factor in health and weight loss. Sadly, alot of us suffer from sleep deprivation, but there are actually foods that can help increase your chances of a good nights sleep.

I came across this article today from Quality Health, and I thought it was worth sharing.

Six Foods that Help You Sleep Better

You probably already know that food can give you energy, but can it help you fall asleep, too? Here, six that can help you catch your z’s.

 

(more…)

May 25, 2009

Time Flies

Filed under: Uncategorized — gardener @ 6:58 am

I promised myself that I was going to spend some time outside reading today, and I’m headed off to do just that in a few.  It seems like I just sat down at the computer, and I see that three hours have passed in the blink of an eye.  

That happens, especially when you spend most of the weekend away from the computer.   I needed to track my food, check on nutritional health supplements, write a few things that I needed to print and get ready to be mailed.  

The ‘todo’ list is still long, but tomorrow is another day.  Right now, the coffee and book are calling my name, not to mention the sunshine.

In My Abscence.

Filed under: Gratitude — gardener @ 5:30 am

In my abscence, I’ve been taking some time to tend my own garden, so to speak.  My emotional garden- something I’ve needed to do for quite some time, and haven’t taken the time to do it.  

We really do have to take the time to ‘weed our gardens’, ridding ourselves of the negative and  not allowing it to grow and become a weed that has taken over the garden.    As with a real garden, if left untouched, the weeds will overpower and take over, robbing the beautiful flowers and plants of their nutrients and beauty.   The same applies to us.

Lately- I’ve found that I’ve lost my focus.  Technically, not lost my focus, but began focusing on the wrong things, which in turn, allowed those pesky weeds to take root and grow.   Thankfully, I was able to recognize this and am now working on getting back to the place where I need to be.    As with all weeding- it takes a little time, but the result is breathtaking.

I smell the coffee coming from the kitchen, a reminder that the brewing process is finished, and it’s time for me to head to the kitchen, and ultimately outside with a book in one hand, a steaming cup of coffee in the other.

My Gratitude List for May 25, 2009.

Today I’m Grateful For:

  • Weeding the garden, and feeling much stronger, and peaceful.
  • An afternoon to spend exactly as I please.
  • All of lifes little blessings.
  • The few who reached out- who cared enough to notice.
  • Almonds, which could be one of my favorite nuts.

May 21, 2009

Changing Gears

Filed under: Gratitude — gardener @ 10:24 am

I’m sorry if I’m a little quiet these days.  I have alot going on in this head of mine, and I’m working on attempting to sort out the cobwebs.    Oddly, I’ve been feeling alone, but yet alone is just what I need at this time- so it’s an odd thing.

I believe that sometimes we have to switch gears- pause, and think about where we are, and what direction we’re going in.  Sometimes we have to set our sails on a different path.

In the meantime, in spite of the cobwebs, I have so much to be thankful for, and those things I can’t help but share.

My Gratitude List for May 21, 2009.

Today I’m Grateful For:

  • The 1 1/2 hour bike ride that we went on today.
  • A new perspective on several different things happening.
  • Mashed cauliflower.
  • Mister M. who never fails to make me laugh.
  • Fresh air to breathe.

May 19, 2009

Looking Back and Forward

Filed under: Uncategorized — gardener @ 10:45 am

Earlier today when Marcel and I were having dinner, I was telling him how I couldn’t believe that next year will be my 25 year graduation from high school.   It’s hard to believe, especially since I know I still look 20, but it’s true.   

Next year is also the year that Ainsley and Olivia- the twin daughters of one of my very best friends will be graduating from high school, and even though I’ve only been in their life for the past 3 years, they are so special to me, as if I’ve known them my entire life.   They are precious, precious girls, and I love them both dearly.

I made mention to Marcel that I would really love to be there to see them get their diploma, but I know that our trip home isn’t planned until the holiday season.  I know I can’t be there, but yet, I really want to.   

Marcel suggested that I fly out next year for graduation, stay a few weeks and come home.  I’m tempted- and since I have a year to think about it, I may do it.   When I think about the money aspect, I know it’s alot of money to spend for a few weeks when we’ll be there several months later- but in the same aspect I would love to be there to see A and O graduate and to join in all the festivities with them.    Right now I don’t know what life will bring, but it’s definitely something to consider.

I remember my own graduation, just like it was yesterday, and so many of the friends I made during school I lost contact with- until Facebook.   It has proven to be a huge reunion place for so many of us, and thanks to Facebook,  some of us actually got together this time when we were home for the holidays, and we’re all planning a bigger gathering for the next trip.   

I have so many memories to share- memories that I’ll cherish for a lifetime.   

Embrace those special moments with special people.  Life is fleeting, and we never know what tomorrow brings.   “Geniet van de dag”  (Enjoy the day) – each and every day!

My Gratitude List for May 19, 2009.

Today I’m Grateful For:

  • The rains holding off today so that we could get a bike ride in.
  • Sunshine, after the rains.
  • Soup night- which meant no cooking.
  • Love.
  • Mom and diddy, whom I love so much

May 18, 2009

Great Start to the Week

Filed under: Gratitude,Life — gardener @ 10:37 am

There are some Mondays that you find yourself wanting to crawl back in bed, cover your head and hide from the world.   In my day, I’ve actually had plenty of those, but the start of this week was NOT one of those days.

Marcel and I decided that we’d get up and at it early this morning so that we could get all the grocery shopping done, plus catch up on a few things around here before the day flew past.   He’s working tonight, so that leaves me ‘home alone’, and I usually have an easy day in the kitchen on Monday’s during the winter and spring months, because his mom makes soup for the family on the weekend, and sends us all home with a huge container. 

Today, I decided to make something different, and we’ll have the soup tomorrow.   We had chicken today, and chicken soup tomorrow- so it looks like the theme this week is starting out with chicken- ‘cluck-cluck’.

The sun is shining today and the skies clear, and aside from the 40 mph winds, it’s a perfect day for a bike ride.    I knew Marcel didn’t really want to ride, but he did anyway, because he knew I really wanted the exercise.  To say that it was difficult with the winds would be an understatement, but one thing is for sure- it definitely got the heart rate up.

We stopped in at my favorite cafe in the town center, and I had the same thing I always have when I go there- chocolate cappuccino.    It always makes me smile when we come in and sit down, and they ask us if we want the chococcino and the cappuccino.  I like it that they remember.  Little things like that mean a great deal to me.

Afterwards we biked for another half hour, and along the way I took a turn too quickly and wiped out by hitting the curb.  I could see it coming, so when I hit the curb I jumped instead of falling with my bike, but it shook me up for about thirty seconds and then I was back on the bike and continuing on the journey.

Once we arrived at home, I was feeling pretty energetic, so I decided to go for a run on the elliptical, and while I did that, Marcel not only vacuumed the entire place, but when I finished, I walked into the kitchen and he was doing the dishes as well.    He’s always great about helping when I’m busy, but I didn’t expect that, but again – it’s one of those little things that mean a great deal.

Now, Marcel is napping- Mister M. is napping, and the only sound I hear is the birds singing outside and the tap-tap-tapping of the keyboard.   It’s going to be a great week.

How is your week shaping up?

My Gratitude List for May 18, 2009.

Today I’m Grateful For:

  • Marcel doing both the vacuuming and the dishes.
  • That I didn’t get hurt today on my bike ‘wipe-out’.
  • Great prices for fresh fruits and  vegetables at the grocery store.
  • Having a ‘home alone’ night.
  • The flowers I planted, which are starting to bloom.

May 17, 2009

Quiet Time

Filed under: Gratitude — gardener @ 9:25 am

Marcel has gone off to his moms for Sunday dinner, and I decided to stay home. I really needed the quiet time to catch up on a few things around here, and I wasn’t sure how well the house would be aired out with the weather being the way it is, and my allergies couldn’t take any hint of cigarette smoke, so I stayed home. Marcel brought me a plate of food, that I’ll go eat as soon as I finish with this entry, then I’d like to get some vacuuming done, plus a few other little things.

I have several things that I’d like to accomplish this week, so I need to make a few lists. I find that I am much more productive if I make a list, and actually stick to it.

My tummy is rumbling, so before I go- My Gratitude List for May 17, 2009.

Today I’m Grateful For:

  • Marcel, for not waking me this morning- which allowed me to sleep in.
  • Making it through the new routine on the elliptical that I’ve created-  it was time to kick things up a notch.
  • The paint in Marcel’s jackets coming out in the wash- (see http://www.littlesouthofsanity.com for details)
  • Being aware.
  • Staying home from my mom-in-laws and enjoying a little quiet time.
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