Wow...It's been a while. There have been so many new things in our lives. We bought a house. Now, all three of the boys are in school everyday- all day. That's been a bit of a tough adjustment for all of us. Jordan still cries almost every morning, but I- and I'm thinking positively here- think it's getting better. He does like school, he just doesn't like the going part. I usually do a really quick hug and kiss and bolt out the door. I figure it's like a band-aid...If you rip it off fast it doesn't hurt quite as bad. Preston is a big smarty-pants. I don't think they'll let him skip ahead to fourth grade, but he's waaaaay ahead of all of the other kids in his class. He's bored, or so he says. Aaron Levi is reading. I could not be prouder. It was a really hard decision to let him repeat kindergarten, but I do think it was for the best. Now, he's one of the oldest kids in his class instead of the youngest, and I think he'll be at the top of his class now, instead of struggling to catch up. So, there's the kids...
Life has been- well, let's just say I sat staring at the computer screen for a full three minutes trying to raid my mental thesarus and find a word to describe life lately. I got a great haircut the other night. If you live in Broken Arrow or the surrounding area, you should try Forever Young Salon. I highly recommend it. I haven't been feeling well lately. Nothing in particular, but everything in general. I'm blaming it on the fact that cold weather is just around the corner, but I know it probably has more to do with my 1 1/2 hour commute (each way) and my diet and exercise habits of late. My exercise habits, you see, have been practically non-existent lately. Driving nearly 3 hours a day and working for up to 10 makes for a tired, unmotivated Adrienne in the evening. I am looking for a job closer to home, so if you live in the Grand Lake area and know of anything, please let me know. I think I'll quit my job Monday. In an effort to off-set all of this, I have decided to institute a new plan. I'll try it for a couple of weeks and then let everyone know how it's going.
Love is always good. But there are different kinds and tonight I choose to focus on the God-kind. I'm glad that He loves me, though I am unlovable. He is my peace when my world is in shambles. He calms my mind and heals my heart. He makes me to rise on the wings of eagles and shelters me when I am weary. He gives me comfort. His love is perfect. He sees me, knows me, understands me, and loves me still. One moment in His presence is worth more than life...and there have been days when I wish I could see Him face to face. One touch and I am healed. All that I want is to rest at His feet; His love is better than all my life. Though people fail, and they will- they're only people, He will never fail, He will never disappoint, He will never turn away. There is no fear in His love.
So...Friends, take comfort and be strengthened. His love is who He is.
Saturday, September 18, 2010
Thursday, October 15, 2009
Aerobics and the Uncoordinated Girl-Addendum
The other night when I posted my "Aerobics and the Uncoordinated Girl" blog I neglected one other very important piece of information. I feel an obligation to add the information just in case there are any other uncoordinated girls out there who are interested...
I can't use an elliptical machine. The ones we have at work are the fancy-schmancy kind that go towards the front (like a stair stepper) or towards the back. I must confess- I get confused. I can't remember if I'm supposed to be pushing forward or backward, and I trip. Yes, you read that right...I trip.
On an elliptical machine.
I'm coming to find that my best bet is to be VERY careful with my diet and walk- a lot. I'm actually starting to run, and I have been very surprised to find that I like it very much. Soon- in just six more pounds- I might post some "after" pictures! Happy Fitness to all until then!!
I can't use an elliptical machine. The ones we have at work are the fancy-schmancy kind that go towards the front (like a stair stepper) or towards the back. I must confess- I get confused. I can't remember if I'm supposed to be pushing forward or backward, and I trip. Yes, you read that right...I trip.
On an elliptical machine.
I'm coming to find that my best bet is to be VERY careful with my diet and walk- a lot. I'm actually starting to run, and I have been very surprised to find that I like it very much. Soon- in just six more pounds- I might post some "after" pictures! Happy Fitness to all until then!!
Thursday, October 8, 2009
Aerobics and the Uncoordinated Girl
I almost always preface the heart of the matter with a statement, group of statements or story that usually seems a little disconnected at first. You can take this at face value. I personally am of the opinion that it is because I am a woman and as such am inherently interested in details. I am also a bit of a writer- or at least very much a reader and as such I am inherently interested in the history of a story, so here goes... I have always harbored a secret dream-wish. I have always wished that I were a dancer. In my dream-wish I am tall, slender, and graceful. I have a stage presence that captivates audiences and at the end of my dance people stand and applaud my effort. Now in real life, I am five feet-two inches tall on a "tall day". I am not slender- I have been working for a little over 3 months and am proud to report that I have lost 28 1/2 pounds, but I am not now nor will I ever be slender as a dancer is slender. I have grown-up girl curves, and I really am trying to wear them proudly. I could say that I am not graceful, but that wouldn't quite do my lack of grace justice. My husband, whom I love more than life, and loves me the same in return has actually said to me before, "Babe, I swear, if I were you I'd be scared to get out of bed in the morning." EVERY SINGLE MORNING I trip over my keyboard stand. It sits beside my bed; it has for the last 8 months, and every single morning I trip over it. I am constantly stubbing my toe, slipping, or coming face to face with the floor. It's sad, really. Now, as for the stage presence thing, I do sing. I love to lead worship. Singing is my soul's dance. It is my truest act of worship. Singing. Not in a church setting all the time, but I believe (and I don't want to get off subject too far here) that when a person uses his/her talents to glorify God it is the truest and most pure act of worship that person can perform...and it has nothing to do with music. But that is a different blog for a different day.
Now, with all of that being said- I have lost twenty-eight and one-half pounds since the beginning of July. I have been working very hard and been very diligent. There are a few things that I have learned and I'd like to share them. They are work-out tips for the "Uncoordinated Girls", of whom I am the chiefest.
1. Don't try an organized class in a gym. I work at a gym and have access to all of the classes I want to take. I took a class once that a friend of mine was teaching. It was a class with the plastic step where you step up and down, up and down, up and down in various patterns, tempos, and levels of difficulty. It was the first time I'd ever tried something like that (and, in my defense was just getting over a horrible chest cold), so I chose to participate in the BACK of the room. Inside 10 minutes I was panting, sweating, giggling (which was even worse 'cause I didn't know anyone else in the class besides my friend who was teaching), and so hopelessly confused that I left without putting my equipment away. I've never tried another class, but I'm pretty sure that "step" is not for me.
2. Be careful on treadmills. I got an iPod shuffle for my birthday last year, and I love using it while I work-out. Not long ago I was inspired to use that hour on the treadmill to really focus and pray and just spend some time in silent worship. OK...two problems here. The first is that I am a worship leader and for me music is the medium through which I enter into fellowship with God. The second is that I generally have trouble walking on the floor without tripping over nothing. I have a theory that it's because the size of my feet is disproportionate to my height. I wear a size 7 1/2 shoe. That's pretty big feet for a girl who's only 5'2". One day I was listening to my iPod, walking along at 3.9 miles an hour on a 3% incline, and a really great song came on, so I closed my eyes and started to enjoy the beat and the melody and the power of the words. And then (I know it had to be God), I opened my eyes just before I flew off the back of the treadmill. Classic.
3. Try Pilates- I feel that it's the "I'm-know-I'm-never-gonna-be-a-dancer-so-I'll-do-something-that-at-least-makes-me-feel-graceful" work-out. I enjoy pilates, and do it regularly (about 3-4 times a week). I feel like I'm cheating from time to time. I feel graceful, coordinated, strong, capable...Like my dream-wish has finally come true.
And then I walk home and trip over the bottom porch step.
Now, with all of that being said- I have lost twenty-eight and one-half pounds since the beginning of July. I have been working very hard and been very diligent. There are a few things that I have learned and I'd like to share them. They are work-out tips for the "Uncoordinated Girls", of whom I am the chiefest.
1. Don't try an organized class in a gym. I work at a gym and have access to all of the classes I want to take. I took a class once that a friend of mine was teaching. It was a class with the plastic step where you step up and down, up and down, up and down in various patterns, tempos, and levels of difficulty. It was the first time I'd ever tried something like that (and, in my defense was just getting over a horrible chest cold), so I chose to participate in the BACK of the room. Inside 10 minutes I was panting, sweating, giggling (which was even worse 'cause I didn't know anyone else in the class besides my friend who was teaching), and so hopelessly confused that I left without putting my equipment away. I've never tried another class, but I'm pretty sure that "step" is not for me.
2. Be careful on treadmills. I got an iPod shuffle for my birthday last year, and I love using it while I work-out. Not long ago I was inspired to use that hour on the treadmill to really focus and pray and just spend some time in silent worship. OK...two problems here. The first is that I am a worship leader and for me music is the medium through which I enter into fellowship with God. The second is that I generally have trouble walking on the floor without tripping over nothing. I have a theory that it's because the size of my feet is disproportionate to my height. I wear a size 7 1/2 shoe. That's pretty big feet for a girl who's only 5'2". One day I was listening to my iPod, walking along at 3.9 miles an hour on a 3% incline, and a really great song came on, so I closed my eyes and started to enjoy the beat and the melody and the power of the words. And then (I know it had to be God), I opened my eyes just before I flew off the back of the treadmill. Classic.
3. Try Pilates- I feel that it's the "I'm-know-I'm-never-gonna-be-a-dancer-so-I'll-do-something-that-at-least-makes-me-feel-graceful" work-out. I enjoy pilates, and do it regularly (about 3-4 times a week). I feel like I'm cheating from time to time. I feel graceful, coordinated, strong, capable...Like my dream-wish has finally come true.
And then I walk home and trip over the bottom porch step.
Wednesday, May 27, 2009
Take two of these and call me in the morning...
I think that it is somewhat important to preface this entry by letting you all know that I have been abnormally stressed out lately. I have been short with my family and have raged about things that were going on at work. I don't like that. Now, I've never been really mellow or laid back, but I envy people who are. I've tried lots of different things to try to manage the stress. I've gone so far as to change my work hours to give myself more time to get the kids ready in the morning- I've even been tempted to shell out for a massage. But I got a good dose of reality a while ago, and it cracked me up. And then I thought to myself, maybe that's really all that I need.... a good dose of reality and a good laugh.
I'm going to begin by making four statements that will seem disjointed and somewhat lacking in continuity.
A. My husband decided at the last minute to join some of my family and our oldest son on an overnight trip to Arlington to see the Rangers play the Yankees. Tomorrow they are going to go to Six Flags-- fun!!! I wish I could have gone with them. I'm glad that they're getting this opportunity to do something so cool!! But it was a very last minute trip and he barely had time to throw some clothes for tomorrow in a back-pack, grab an i-pod and jump in the van as it was pulling out of the driveway. He bought his ticket for the game tonight about 8 minutes before they left... Seriously, "last minute" barely begins to describe it. Last second is better, but still doesn't do it justice. I won't get ridiculous looking for an adjective, but it was a really, really quick decision.
B. I spent $20 on a pair of shoes this afternoon. I'm a practical woman, and, outside of tennis shoes, I almost never spend that much money on a pair of shoes. But these shoes.... they make me glad to be a woman. They're three inch, sling-back, peek-a-boo pumps with the most amazing criss-cross of fabric I've ever seen. They almost audibly spoke to my artistic nature. The fabric is ivory with a random royal blue, black and blush pink pattern. They are, in a word, fabulous. I will so regret wearing them, because I know my feet will hurt for three days, but it will be worth it. My dad used to tease me because I would buy a pair of shoes that I loved and then shop for an outfit to go with the shoes. Most people do it the other way around, he used to tell me. But I don't care. I've always loved shoes, and these are those kind of shoes. If I didn't have an outfit already- which I do- I would buy one to go with these shoes. I've been wearing them around the house ever since I got home, even though I'm wearing yoga pants and a tank top. I just like the way they make my legs and feet look. Truly fabulous shoes. I could probably go on, but I won't. They're just great shoes.
C. I bought some make-up last week. Nothing fancy... just a bronzer that I love. I've bought it lots of times before. It's not expensive make-up, but it's nice. Just drug-store bronzer. And then, about three days later it disappeared. Now, I've searched high and low for my make-up. I even pulled out all of the drawers in the bathroom to make sure it didn't fall back behind into the vanity. It hasn't. I've looked in purses and back-packs- even though I don't take it with me in my make-up bag. I've looked in my bedroom and even in the drawer in the sideboard, thinking that maybe Jordan took off with it, and then "put it away" somewhere for me. I can't find it anywhere, so I finally replaced it yesterday. Big mystery....
D. Our toilet has been stopping up a lot lately. A whole lot. I am not gifted at unclogging our toilet. I try- I promise. I just can't seem to get it done. I made a deal with Nate when we got married... I would cook, clean, do laundry, carry and birth children, make the beds and love him 'til death do us part if he would deal with vermin, plumbing, yard work and electrical problems. I love my husband, and this deal has always worked. Of course, we do the give and take that is necessary in a marriage. For instance, he's not above doing a load of laundry and I'll wield a pair of hedge-clippers when necessary, but, for the most part, this arrangement has served us well.
So.... this afternoon I found myself standing in our bathroom wearing three inch, sling-back, peek-a-boo pumps plunging my toilet because I'm now thinking that my make-up probably got accidentally thrown into the toilet and then said toilet was flushed to cover up the mistake. Maybe the change in my work hours is working, because I didn't freak out. I was proud of myself for the mellow, relaxed, laid back way I giggled about it, and then decided to write about it.
My toilet is still clogged, though.
I'm going to begin by making four statements that will seem disjointed and somewhat lacking in continuity.
A. My husband decided at the last minute to join some of my family and our oldest son on an overnight trip to Arlington to see the Rangers play the Yankees. Tomorrow they are going to go to Six Flags-- fun!!! I wish I could have gone with them. I'm glad that they're getting this opportunity to do something so cool!! But it was a very last minute trip and he barely had time to throw some clothes for tomorrow in a back-pack, grab an i-pod and jump in the van as it was pulling out of the driveway. He bought his ticket for the game tonight about 8 minutes before they left... Seriously, "last minute" barely begins to describe it. Last second is better, but still doesn't do it justice. I won't get ridiculous looking for an adjective, but it was a really, really quick decision.
B. I spent $20 on a pair of shoes this afternoon. I'm a practical woman, and, outside of tennis shoes, I almost never spend that much money on a pair of shoes. But these shoes.... they make me glad to be a woman. They're three inch, sling-back, peek-a-boo pumps with the most amazing criss-cross of fabric I've ever seen. They almost audibly spoke to my artistic nature. The fabric is ivory with a random royal blue, black and blush pink pattern. They are, in a word, fabulous. I will so regret wearing them, because I know my feet will hurt for three days, but it will be worth it. My dad used to tease me because I would buy a pair of shoes that I loved and then shop for an outfit to go with the shoes. Most people do it the other way around, he used to tell me. But I don't care. I've always loved shoes, and these are those kind of shoes. If I didn't have an outfit already- which I do- I would buy one to go with these shoes. I've been wearing them around the house ever since I got home, even though I'm wearing yoga pants and a tank top. I just like the way they make my legs and feet look. Truly fabulous shoes. I could probably go on, but I won't. They're just great shoes.
C. I bought some make-up last week. Nothing fancy... just a bronzer that I love. I've bought it lots of times before. It's not expensive make-up, but it's nice. Just drug-store bronzer. And then, about three days later it disappeared. Now, I've searched high and low for my make-up. I even pulled out all of the drawers in the bathroom to make sure it didn't fall back behind into the vanity. It hasn't. I've looked in purses and back-packs- even though I don't take it with me in my make-up bag. I've looked in my bedroom and even in the drawer in the sideboard, thinking that maybe Jordan took off with it, and then "put it away" somewhere for me. I can't find it anywhere, so I finally replaced it yesterday. Big mystery....
D. Our toilet has been stopping up a lot lately. A whole lot. I am not gifted at unclogging our toilet. I try- I promise. I just can't seem to get it done. I made a deal with Nate when we got married... I would cook, clean, do laundry, carry and birth children, make the beds and love him 'til death do us part if he would deal with vermin, plumbing, yard work and electrical problems. I love my husband, and this deal has always worked. Of course, we do the give and take that is necessary in a marriage. For instance, he's not above doing a load of laundry and I'll wield a pair of hedge-clippers when necessary, but, for the most part, this arrangement has served us well.
So.... this afternoon I found myself standing in our bathroom wearing three inch, sling-back, peek-a-boo pumps plunging my toilet because I'm now thinking that my make-up probably got accidentally thrown into the toilet and then said toilet was flushed to cover up the mistake. Maybe the change in my work hours is working, because I didn't freak out. I was proud of myself for the mellow, relaxed, laid back way I giggled about it, and then decided to write about it.
My toilet is still clogged, though.
Sunday, April 19, 2009
Sunday
This day sorta got off to a rocky start... I think we're rebounding, though. I just got home from the grocery store. I usually like to go to the grocery store at about 5:00 in the morning. Things are quiet, and I leave the boys in bed at home with their dad. That's my favorite time- I can take things slowly; peruse the cereal aisle at my leisure, giggle to myself about the tabloids at the check-out counter, and decide if I want two-ply papertowels or if the cheapest brand will do for today. Sunday afternoons are different... things are crowded and busy. Today, there was an older lady who, as we passed by the spaghetti sauce, looked over with an upraised eyebrow and carefully scrutinized every item in my basket. It kinda made me smile. As I was pulling in I saw a younger guy running into the store wearing pink flip-flops. Maybe pink is his favorite color, and I have no problem with that. It just made me wonder if he accidentally grabbed his wife's by mistake. When I was leaving I saw a truck parked in the parking lot. It was an older, dark-blue, beat-up kind of truck. It had an advertisement on the side. I think I'd like to meet the person who drives it. The ad was for "Premium Used Golf Balls, and Pure, Fresh Honey." That definitely made me smile. Talk about the combining of rather random passions. That's kind of like combining shoe shines with dog grooming or something. Like combining scrapbooking and coi pond installations, or photography and upholstery repair. It just reminded me that there are so many different people in the world, and most of us probably have a few passions that don't exactly fit together, but it makes us interesting, and fun to talk to and meet. The next time I meet someone new I think I'll ask- "What are the two things that interest you the most?" and just see what kind of answers I get.
Friday, April 17, 2009
so....
Most people that know me know that when I start a story with the word "so..." it generally means something funny is coming. I can't always promise that on this blog. I've never done this before. Life, Love, and Kids... generally funny topics, though not always- of course, that might depend entirely on your perspective. Mine is usually pretty positive. I guess we'll see.
Speaking generally, life is good. There are a few struggles, a few triumphs, and lots of laughs... I find myself sometimes frustrated with things that make no sense. Like the simple fact that you have to clean out the lint filter in the dryer or the next load of clothes takes longer to dry. Washing silverware. The fact that I have been trying to lose 30 pounds for the last 18 months. I could've lost it about three times by now if I would just discipline myself to do things the right way. But... I find myself frustrated with a lot of things lately. That's part of the reason I'm doing this. I've got to find someway to let some of this go. I don't care if no one ever reads this, I'm doing this because I need to find some time to let things out. Stress is starting to weigh on me. And I'm ready to take better care of myself. So... I plan to talk about things that fall under the heading of "Life". I want to lose 30 pounds by my birthday in a little over four months- I can do it and just by putting it down and answering to it, I am believing I will find success.
Love is better. I love my husband. I love my kids. I love Jesus so much. I love it when I write songs that make me cry. I love it when my kids give me "sucker-slobber" kisses. The ones where you can tell what flavor sucker they had from the bank. I love it when thunderstorms roll in and I love it when it's sunny and I can lay out and tan myself. ( I know- totally not good for me, but I can't find it within myself to stop!!) I love baking and cooking with my sons. I love it when my husband holds me and it's late at night after the kids are in bed and we can talk about anything or nothing.
Kids are...hilarious. Usually. I won't say I've never wanted to get a giant velcro wall with tiny little velcro suits so I could immobilize them from time to time, but I've never actually done it. Probably wouldn't, even if I had the chance. The ER staff at our local hospital is coming to know us well-- it's bad when you take your 3 year old in and you know that the technical, medical terminology for the "reason for visit" is "foreign body lodged in nasal cavity." He's put bean bag beans, raisins, a bead, and toilet paper up his nose recently. That's not even counting the things that were long enough to get out on my own. Things like crayons, drinking straws, and little green army men. My other children never attempted this... it's an absolute mystery to me. The last time we were at the ER (it was for the bead), the "dislodging" of the "foreign body" was so uncomfortable you'd have thought that it would have cured him. Nope. He sat up as I snatched it off his face to keep it from rolling into his mouth and said, "Don't throw that away- I want to show it to my bubbies."
So... maybe this doesn't really interest you. Maybe it does. Maybe I'll complain a lot and maybe I won't. Probably depends on a lot of factors. Not the least of which is my hormone levels... but I'm trying to make myself a different person. I'm trying to make myself better...and that's a step in the right direction.
Speaking generally, life is good. There are a few struggles, a few triumphs, and lots of laughs... I find myself sometimes frustrated with things that make no sense. Like the simple fact that you have to clean out the lint filter in the dryer or the next load of clothes takes longer to dry. Washing silverware. The fact that I have been trying to lose 30 pounds for the last 18 months. I could've lost it about three times by now if I would just discipline myself to do things the right way. But... I find myself frustrated with a lot of things lately. That's part of the reason I'm doing this. I've got to find someway to let some of this go. I don't care if no one ever reads this, I'm doing this because I need to find some time to let things out. Stress is starting to weigh on me. And I'm ready to take better care of myself. So... I plan to talk about things that fall under the heading of "Life". I want to lose 30 pounds by my birthday in a little over four months- I can do it and just by putting it down and answering to it, I am believing I will find success.
Love is better. I love my husband. I love my kids. I love Jesus so much. I love it when I write songs that make me cry. I love it when my kids give me "sucker-slobber" kisses. The ones where you can tell what flavor sucker they had from the bank. I love it when thunderstorms roll in and I love it when it's sunny and I can lay out and tan myself. ( I know- totally not good for me, but I can't find it within myself to stop!!) I love baking and cooking with my sons. I love it when my husband holds me and it's late at night after the kids are in bed and we can talk about anything or nothing.
Kids are...hilarious. Usually. I won't say I've never wanted to get a giant velcro wall with tiny little velcro suits so I could immobilize them from time to time, but I've never actually done it. Probably wouldn't, even if I had the chance. The ER staff at our local hospital is coming to know us well-- it's bad when you take your 3 year old in and you know that the technical, medical terminology for the "reason for visit" is "foreign body lodged in nasal cavity." He's put bean bag beans, raisins, a bead, and toilet paper up his nose recently. That's not even counting the things that were long enough to get out on my own. Things like crayons, drinking straws, and little green army men. My other children never attempted this... it's an absolute mystery to me. The last time we were at the ER (it was for the bead), the "dislodging" of the "foreign body" was so uncomfortable you'd have thought that it would have cured him. Nope. He sat up as I snatched it off his face to keep it from rolling into his mouth and said, "Don't throw that away- I want to show it to my bubbies."
So... maybe this doesn't really interest you. Maybe it does. Maybe I'll complain a lot and maybe I won't. Probably depends on a lot of factors. Not the least of which is my hormone levels... but I'm trying to make myself a different person. I'm trying to make myself better...and that's a step in the right direction.
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