My word for 2019 is intentional. As always with my word, I try to see how it can be applied to all areas of my life. Right now, I have been very intentional about not only my health, but that of my family as well. Jim and D are on board with my plans...they have actually been very supportive of what we are doing for our health. It is much easier when we are working as team instead of fighting each other.
Jim and I have both recently had colonoscopies to celebrate our fifth decade of life, and yes we are late, but better late than never. We both received a clean bill of health. I was worried. I know that I was overdue for this painless procedure, but I kept putting it off. Recently a good friend of our family was diagnosed with Stage 3 colon cancer. She is huge advocate for this screening and she is the reason that I felt compelled to make sure that we finally got it done. Please hold our friend in your prayers during this season of her life. And if you are 45 or older, go get a colonoscopy. The prep is nasty, but there are worse things.
D and I both have dentist appointments next month. I need to get Jim there as well, but he needs to work sometime! I need to get a physical scheduled for both D and myself. Our insurance covers one per year so it's silly not to take advantage of the benefit. My eye exam is recent, as is D's. Jim has an appointment tomorrow. Jim is having a procedure done tomorrow for trigger finger, out-patient and little recovery time. Hopefully we are getting everything out of the way early in the year.
We are strong believers in chiropractic care, but we are all overdue for adjustments. Insurance doesn't cover care, so it has to fit in the family budget somewhere. I have also found a wonderful massage therapist who helps with my aches and pains so much. Again, not covered by insurance, so it is a luxury for me. Wouldn't it be wonderful if insurance covered things that allowed us to be proactive? A girl can dream....
We are going to attempt to follow the Whole30 diet plan. For thirty days, lots of veggies, fruit, meats, no added sugars, no dairy, grains, carbs....it doesn't sound fun, but I think that it will be a life changing thirty days for our family. I have felt for a long time that Jim and D have some sensitivities to certain foods. Seriously, you don't want to be around them after they have ice cream. After thirty days of eliminating foods, they are gradually added back in to our diet. We will need to listen to our bodies as we add foods back in. If we are bloated or gassy after something we eat, that might be a food to limit. We were going to start this month, but I wasn't mentally or physically prepared to do the prep. Our new plan is March 3. I will let you know how that goes.
We are all three falling short of getting enough sleep. I have grand intentions of early bedtime but I get lost in a book, a game, or a tv show and the next thing I know it's after 11. I wore a Fitbit for a while to watch my sleep patterns. The only apparent pattern is that I don't go to bed early enough. Jim and D both have issues with sleep. When did it become so hard to sleep?
Intentional health...Jim and I want to be around to see our kids and grandkids grow. We want D to be healthy and happy. We all want to be the best version of ourselves, so we are taking steps now to be better and feel better each day.
Monday, January 28, 2019
Saturday, January 19, 2019
Craving Quiet
I know that I am not alone in my craving quiet time. I have written before about needing to have time alone with myself. I live in a three generation home with a dog...there aren't a lot of times that the house is quiet. I am a better person, both mentally and physically when I have time alone. Jim and I often laugh, although there is much truth in that laughter, that we live in the loudest house around.
Jim and Delainey both like background noise. They want noise, whether it's music or the tv, playing while they fall asleep. D wants noise when she is studying. D hums and sings when she does almost everything. Jim likes the tv going while he is relaxing or reading. Jim's dad is hard of hearing (sometimes), so he is loud when he talks. He also has his tv on a high volume when he watches. My mother in law is the only other person who likes to sit in the quiet. The dog is a whole different story...she is calm when she wants to be, but she is only a year old, so there is lots of puppy left. She isn't a big barker most of the time, but when she does...beagle/hound dog mixes have a loud, long bark! I truly could be silent for an entire weekend and not miss the noise.
I love my family and wouldn't change them, so I have had to change some of my habits. That means some nights I stay up late to read, clean, or just enjoy the quiet. Other days, like today, I wake up at 4:30 on a Saturday to get things started. I have a list today, but first on my list is a cup of coffee while I listen to the rain. I hope that you are able to find the quiet time that you crave this weekend as well.
Jim and Delainey both like background noise. They want noise, whether it's music or the tv, playing while they fall asleep. D wants noise when she is studying. D hums and sings when she does almost everything. Jim likes the tv going while he is relaxing or reading. Jim's dad is hard of hearing (sometimes), so he is loud when he talks. He also has his tv on a high volume when he watches. My mother in law is the only other person who likes to sit in the quiet. The dog is a whole different story...she is calm when she wants to be, but she is only a year old, so there is lots of puppy left. She isn't a big barker most of the time, but when she does...beagle/hound dog mixes have a loud, long bark! I truly could be silent for an entire weekend and not miss the noise.
I love my family and wouldn't change them, so I have had to change some of my habits. That means some nights I stay up late to read, clean, or just enjoy the quiet. Other days, like today, I wake up at 4:30 on a Saturday to get things started. I have a list today, but first on my list is a cup of coffee while I listen to the rain. I hope that you are able to find the quiet time that you crave this weekend as well.
Tuesday, January 1, 2019
Intentional
My word of the year for 2019 is Intentional. This year it didn't come easily for me, some years are like that. I had a short list of words: focus, courage, intentional and balance (a repeat word). I really thought that focus was going to be my word, but as midnight got closer, intentional started becoming clear to me. I could see how intentional could apply to my life in many areas. I did my handy dandy search on Pinterest and found things that speak to me about being intentional throughout the year. I am looking forward to putting all my intentional thoughts and goals into a binder today. Yes, I know what a geeky statement that is, but I love binders, page protectors, and the thought of being organized with my word of the year! It gives me a way to reflect on how my word influences me throughout the year.
What does intentional look like for me? I want to be more intentional with my faith, my health, my family, my finances, my fun, my writing. I am sure that as the year goes on, I will find more things to be intentional about. There are a million ways to be intentional. If you search the web, you can find 30 day challenges for almost anything! I need to start slow with that, because I can totally overwhelm myself. I have already committed to a 21 day Oola plan, starting Thursday (I need to finish the book quickly today). If you want a book to help clarify your goals, I highly recommend "Oola for Women: Finding Balance in a Unbalanced World". It has really been speaking to me. Jim and I are also doing Whole30 starting January 21. We want less medicine, more healthy living, so this will be our starting point.
My first focus on being intentional will be with my faith. Jim and I became members of a new church last year. We have been attending Wednesday night classes while D goes to youth group, but we haven't started a Sunday School class. We both would really like to start that this year. I have also grown very lazy about reading my Bible and doing any type of devotional. My plan is start getting up at 4:45 (that's only 15 minutes early) and read to start my day. And yes, I have downloaded something to help with that. I would like to add a family devotional at bedtime, but I need to get the family on board with that on!
I am looking forward to 2019 for so many reasons. I hope that I am able to allow my word to guide me as the year goes on. Happy New Year to all. I hope that the year brings enough for all of us!
Saturday, December 29, 2018
Where did my year go?
I can't believe that 2018 is almost over. I haven't taken time to write about the year, my thoughts or any of the random things that pop into my mind. I miss it....just taking time to sit at the computer with my coffee and seeing my thoughts written down. I don't have any excuses, life wasn't any crazier than normal, I just didn't make this my priority. A good friend of mine has posted on Facebook about how so many people think that they need to start a new way of life on January 1, but the time to start something new is right now, not tomorrow. He is right, starting today, I will make time to write, either here or in my journal.
One of my favorite Facebook features is the Memories section. I love seeing old pictures, old updates, the silly things, or just the trivial things that make up my life. That's what this blog does for me. It is my place to share what I want, to put my thoughts into something that make sense for/to me. I am sad to see that I only did that one other time in 2018. Really, 2018 was a pretty good year for me and my family!
Jim started a new job. It sucked for the first four months. He traveled for most of the week those first months. It has paid off now though. He is home on Sundays. Saturdays are short days, on the days that he has to work. There's no more working until 10 or ll, going in at 5. It's been a blessing. He had to go through a bunch of hard stuff to get to the point of leaving his old job...really ugly things, but it has been for the best. He actually has holidays off with his new job.
Delainey has blossomed. She has forged new friendships, strengthened old ones, and is ready to head into being a teenager (I am not so sure that Jim and I ready, but we can't stop time). Her artistic talent has been growing. She had a pottery piece shown at the Indiana State Fair (and came home with a blue ribbon). She joined Color Guard in the school marching band. She is playing her flute in pep band. She spent a week in Michigan, working on her pottery, and gaining independence from her parents. She was a CIT (counselor in training) at the YMCA summer camp. She is amazing.
As a family, we have had to do some hard things, but we all have to do that at times. We left our church in town. We have had to tighten our belts a little more at times. We have had to adjust our schedules for others. We weren't able to take a big vacation this year. But the good things have far outweighed the hard things. We found a church that challenges us and meets the needs of our whole family. We always have enough, even when we think that we don't. We have been able to take some day trips, instead of a big trip. It all balances out.
As for me, I am hanging on. I have strengthened some friendships, made some new ones, and am learning to let go of other relationships...without guilt. I feel like I was in a holding pattern in 2018...and I know that it's okay. Now it's time to take off, time to create, explore, and move into 2019. I am looking forward to the adventures that I know will be heading my way!
One of my favorite Facebook features is the Memories section. I love seeing old pictures, old updates, the silly things, or just the trivial things that make up my life. That's what this blog does for me. It is my place to share what I want, to put my thoughts into something that make sense for/to me. I am sad to see that I only did that one other time in 2018. Really, 2018 was a pretty good year for me and my family!
Jim started a new job. It sucked for the first four months. He traveled for most of the week those first months. It has paid off now though. He is home on Sundays. Saturdays are short days, on the days that he has to work. There's no more working until 10 or ll, going in at 5. It's been a blessing. He had to go through a bunch of hard stuff to get to the point of leaving his old job...really ugly things, but it has been for the best. He actually has holidays off with his new job.
Delainey has blossomed. She has forged new friendships, strengthened old ones, and is ready to head into being a teenager (I am not so sure that Jim and I ready, but we can't stop time). Her artistic talent has been growing. She had a pottery piece shown at the Indiana State Fair (and came home with a blue ribbon). She joined Color Guard in the school marching band. She is playing her flute in pep band. She spent a week in Michigan, working on her pottery, and gaining independence from her parents. She was a CIT (counselor in training) at the YMCA summer camp. She is amazing.
As a family, we have had to do some hard things, but we all have to do that at times. We left our church in town. We have had to tighten our belts a little more at times. We have had to adjust our schedules for others. We weren't able to take a big vacation this year. But the good things have far outweighed the hard things. We found a church that challenges us and meets the needs of our whole family. We always have enough, even when we think that we don't. We have been able to take some day trips, instead of a big trip. It all balances out.
As for me, I am hanging on. I have strengthened some friendships, made some new ones, and am learning to let go of other relationships...without guilt. I feel like I was in a holding pattern in 2018...and I know that it's okay. Now it's time to take off, time to create, explore, and move into 2019. I am looking forward to the adventures that I know will be heading my way!
Saturday, March 3, 2018
Standing Still or Still Standing?
I have several friends who are starting new jobs...some are starting entire new careers. I have other friends who are going back to school. I watch them and am amazed at their courage to start something new. Meanwhile, I have been with the same company for 25 years. Right now, my job gives me the flexibility that I need as a parent and a caretaker. I am able to come home if there is an emergency. I am able to take Delainey where she needs to be for school activities. As for school, I have no idea what I want to be when I grow up, so I don't even know where I would start.
I have several friends who have been on a journey to better health...losing weight, working out, and eating better. I am so very proud of them. It takes hard work, dedication, and effort to do that. Meanwhile, I am carrying the same weight that I have for years and have sore achy muscles on a regular basis. Most days I am just happy that we are not eating fast food. Meal planning takes time, but I know that it saves time (and money) in the long run. Finding the time to do these things will make life easier for all of us...and it will make me a happier person. But right now, I struggle to find the time to do the simple things in life, let alone plan things.
I have some close friends how have been deepening their faith through Bible study groups, planning mission trips, and new fellowship with others. I love seeing God work in the lives of my friends. I on the other hand, am struggling. I am still strong in my faith in God, but I don't feel that connection that I have had in the past. Again, this is a matter of making the time...time to read my Bible and devotional, time to meet with others who will encourage me in my journey.
The reality of my life right now is not what I had planned. I don't think that anyone plans to stand still. I think that the goal is always to just keep swimming like Dory tells us. I want to always reach for something new, something to improve myself and my family, something to make me a better person. I don't like standing still...I feel like I am on pause. But maybe, just maybe, I need to celebrate that fact that with all the things going on around me, I am still standing.
I have several friends who have been on a journey to better health...losing weight, working out, and eating better. I am so very proud of them. It takes hard work, dedication, and effort to do that. Meanwhile, I am carrying the same weight that I have for years and have sore achy muscles on a regular basis. Most days I am just happy that we are not eating fast food. Meal planning takes time, but I know that it saves time (and money) in the long run. Finding the time to do these things will make life easier for all of us...and it will make me a happier person. But right now, I struggle to find the time to do the simple things in life, let alone plan things.
I have some close friends how have been deepening their faith through Bible study groups, planning mission trips, and new fellowship with others. I love seeing God work in the lives of my friends. I on the other hand, am struggling. I am still strong in my faith in God, but I don't feel that connection that I have had in the past. Again, this is a matter of making the time...time to read my Bible and devotional, time to meet with others who will encourage me in my journey.
The reality of my life right now is not what I had planned. I don't think that anyone plans to stand still. I think that the goal is always to just keep swimming like Dory tells us. I want to always reach for something new, something to improve myself and my family, something to make me a better person. I don't like standing still...I feel like I am on pause. But maybe, just maybe, I need to celebrate that fact that with all the things going on around me, I am still standing.
Saturday, August 26, 2017
Wonder Woman
Friday at work was Super Hero Day. We got to ditch our normal dress code of khaki pants and navy shirts in favor of super hero tees and blue jeans. Most of us jump at the chance to wear something different, so lots of super hero shirts were around the store. I have exactly one super hero shirt and it was bought specifically for the day. As I wore my Wonder Woman tee, I felt the exact opposite. I have had a rough couple of days. I let some small things get to me and I probably over reacted to the big things that happened. Luckily, I have some great people in my life who reminded me of several things.
The first thing that I reminded myself is that I can only control my actions. I cannot make others say please or thank you. I can't change years of habits in others. I can walk away when I am frustrated. I can call others who know what I am going through. I can take some time and pray before I respond. I can count to ten before I say anything. I can respond with kindness...even when I don't want to be kind.
The second thing that I was reminded of is that I am not alone. I have Jim with me every step of the way. He understands what I am experiencing right now. I have friends that are walking similar roads to mine. They are here for me when I need to talk. I have resources when things get really rough. I have God with me always...even when I fell completely alone and have no words to us, He is holding me.
The third thing that I was reminded of was my magic word...BALANCE. I need to remember that there are good times along with the bad. I need to make sure that along with the needs of everyone else in my life, I take care of myself as well. I need to sometimes put myself first, find my quiet time, the time that allows me to be me. And the thing with balance is that sometimes others come first...but my time is there as well.
The last thing that I was reminded of is that I am not Wonder Woman. She is a fictional character who has super powers and a cool invisible airplane (at least old school WW did, I haven't seen that new movie yet). I am not perfect. I need to stop berating myself for not being perfect. I need to set clear boundaries in my life. I need to continue to make healthy choice for my whole family. I need to ease up on myself.
I am no Wonder Woman...and that's okay with me.
Sunday, June 4, 2017
What's going on?
Three years ago, Jim's parents made the decision to sell their house and move in with us. We were all looking forward to it, but we knew that there would be struggles. I know how had it is to leave the familiar behind and go to something new. Honestly, Jim and I thought that his dad would struggle the most, but it was his mom who missed Indianapolis and being on her own. After just a few months, they moved back to Indy. They found an apartment and seemed to enjoy being there.
Last summer, we started noticing things weren't quite right. Jim's mom used to be an amazing cook. She was struggling to make the simplest meals. Her home was always spotless...like eat off the floor spotless. The apartment wasn't being kept up as well any more. In fairness, she is getting older and my father-in-law isn't in the best physical health. They have always had the stereotypical marriage...he worked outside the home and she did everything else. Kenny was able to retire and relax, Sharon still had everything else, plus a retired husband to take care of. Jim and I started going up weekly on our days off to help out...go to the grocery store, pay the bills, fill prescriptions, doctor's appointments. During all this, Sharon was diagnosed with Alzheimer's.
Ken and Sharon asked us to find a rental home for them near us. Jim and I searched, but there aren't a lot of rental places in our small town. When you factor in the things that they wanted and needed, the places to rent became smaller. Jim and I prayed and asked them to move back in with us. They said yes, but I know that all 5 of us had our worries about it again. We loaded them up in December and got settled...as much as possible, because Jim and I were also searching for a new home.
We realized the extent of his mom's illness once they moved in with us. She doesn't wander off, but she has forgotten so many things. She isn't able to cook any more, other than heating up a can of soup. She doesn't remember how to use the coffee maker or microwave. Her short term memory isn't very good any more. She sleeps a lot and doesn't like to shower. These are all things that can be part of Alzheimer's . Our biggest concern is that she doesn't eat. It is a daily struggle to make sure that she has enough food to keep her body moving. We try to give her protein shakes, but it still is struggle. We make sure that she has things for sandwiches on hand and the breakfast bars that she enjoys, but there are still days that I have to be mean to get her to eat.
At the end of March, Ken had a stroke. Sharon got us up in the middle of the night because he fell out of bed. Jim and I recognized the signs of stroke right away and called 911. He was flown to Louisville to be seen and treated. He spent a couple of weeks in the hospital and then was released to a nursing home for rehab. He did really well there and on Mother's Day, came home to our new house. He still has struggles. His left hand doesn't work, but he is able to walk with a walker. Mentally, he is doing great. Physically, he is doing pretty well...I think that he has more strength than before. And he has lost some weight.
In between all of this, we bought a new to us home. We moved in, with the help of some amazing friends. Jim had carpal tunnel surgery on one hand, with the other to be done later this year. My office job was eliminated by my company, but my boss has made sure that I have a job that fits the needs of me, my family, and my store. The first 6 months of 2017 have been full of change. Some good, some not so much. We all have good days and bad days. We pray a lot...and we ask others to keep us covered! On the bad days, we take it hour by hour...sometimes minute by minute. And on those days, we pray even more.
When you see Jim or I asking for some extra prayers, those are the hard days. We know that we will get through them, but we still struggle. We give thanks for the good days...and even though it isn't easy, we try to be thankful for the hard days as well. We appreciate all our family and friends who are caring for us in so many ways. We know that we are loved and that we are being covered in prayer daily. That's what's been going on with the Predmore family!
Last summer, we started noticing things weren't quite right. Jim's mom used to be an amazing cook. She was struggling to make the simplest meals. Her home was always spotless...like eat off the floor spotless. The apartment wasn't being kept up as well any more. In fairness, she is getting older and my father-in-law isn't in the best physical health. They have always had the stereotypical marriage...he worked outside the home and she did everything else. Kenny was able to retire and relax, Sharon still had everything else, plus a retired husband to take care of. Jim and I started going up weekly on our days off to help out...go to the grocery store, pay the bills, fill prescriptions, doctor's appointments. During all this, Sharon was diagnosed with Alzheimer's.
Ken and Sharon asked us to find a rental home for them near us. Jim and I searched, but there aren't a lot of rental places in our small town. When you factor in the things that they wanted and needed, the places to rent became smaller. Jim and I prayed and asked them to move back in with us. They said yes, but I know that all 5 of us had our worries about it again. We loaded them up in December and got settled...as much as possible, because Jim and I were also searching for a new home.
We realized the extent of his mom's illness once they moved in with us. She doesn't wander off, but she has forgotten so many things. She isn't able to cook any more, other than heating up a can of soup. She doesn't remember how to use the coffee maker or microwave. Her short term memory isn't very good any more. She sleeps a lot and doesn't like to shower. These are all things that can be part of Alzheimer's . Our biggest concern is that she doesn't eat. It is a daily struggle to make sure that she has enough food to keep her body moving. We try to give her protein shakes, but it still is struggle. We make sure that she has things for sandwiches on hand and the breakfast bars that she enjoys, but there are still days that I have to be mean to get her to eat.
At the end of March, Ken had a stroke. Sharon got us up in the middle of the night because he fell out of bed. Jim and I recognized the signs of stroke right away and called 911. He was flown to Louisville to be seen and treated. He spent a couple of weeks in the hospital and then was released to a nursing home for rehab. He did really well there and on Mother's Day, came home to our new house. He still has struggles. His left hand doesn't work, but he is able to walk with a walker. Mentally, he is doing great. Physically, he is doing pretty well...I think that he has more strength than before. And he has lost some weight.
In between all of this, we bought a new to us home. We moved in, with the help of some amazing friends. Jim had carpal tunnel surgery on one hand, with the other to be done later this year. My office job was eliminated by my company, but my boss has made sure that I have a job that fits the needs of me, my family, and my store. The first 6 months of 2017 have been full of change. Some good, some not so much. We all have good days and bad days. We pray a lot...and we ask others to keep us covered! On the bad days, we take it hour by hour...sometimes minute by minute. And on those days, we pray even more.
When you see Jim or I asking for some extra prayers, those are the hard days. We know that we will get through them, but we still struggle. We give thanks for the good days...and even though it isn't easy, we try to be thankful for the hard days as well. We appreciate all our family and friends who are caring for us in so many ways. We know that we are loved and that we are being covered in prayer daily. That's what's been going on with the Predmore family!
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