Photo by Sadie.Diane
Sometimes I think I live in a world of denial. I'm sure of it. I'm not alone either.
While the kids are in school we have routines, schedules, to-do lists, and everything runs pretty smooth. However, as the school year comes to a close things get a little crazy.
The to-do lists find a new place under all the papers, report cards, school functions and junk mail that finds its way into my house. The smooth schedule is now replaced with some other events I never knew were happening and that's about when I start to wish for the end of school, so I can take a break from the chaos of being the nurse, the chef and the taxi driver.
Then school lets out and the first few days the kids sleep in and lounge around doing nothing...I mean absolutely nothing. What is this a vacation resort where all we do is kick back and let others do unto us? No, no it's not. I can attest to that.
I do have to laugh, loudly, when I hear them say things like "we shouldn't have to do chores, we're on vacation" They're so cute and so funny! Ha! OK, the fun is over, now get to work! Um you don't work and I'm not your live-in maid, that's why you have to do chores.
The kids have been out of school for three weeks and today I found myself seeking out the schedule for the next school year. Day one is only six weeks away. Talk about being bitter, they really don't like to hear that.
To make matters a little more interesting, we recently found out that we are moving to U.S. Naval Base Guantanamo Bay, Cuba. Don't gasp at the location, it's the base not the prison camp. So to get my kids used to the idea of moving, period, I generally start doing my research early on this new location. As a result of getting orders we have to sell our house, which leads into me getting more done in two months than I've done in the four years we've been living here. Ouch! I do work well under pressure and that's a problem sometimes.
So I prioritize what we need to do. Then I procrastinate until the pressure hits home. Then I get things done, somehow, with the right level of stress and adrenaline working as the wind beneath my wings!
What never fails to exists in our lives, however, is our attention to wellness, harmony, balance, and love. No matter how crazy things get around here we always manage to sit back and enjoy each others company and sometimes no company at all. We still make it to the gym because without that we would really loose our minds, I know I would. We find time to go have fun with friends, time to sit back and watch our favorite TV shows, and even time to sit and just be.
Everyday we manage to write a new page into our own personal history book and we try to make it an interesting and engaging new addition to this chapter in our lives. No matter how the day ends, there's always, ALWAYS something to be thankful for, each and every day. And when that glass seems to be half empty, take a moment to reflect on the positive things in your own life and watch that glass fill up again. It is amazing how that happens because life is an amazing journey not to be taken for granted...Enjoy it, you only get one chance!
Stay well,
I love this! We're here, right now, with our one life here on earth - how will we use that life? That's the message I'm getting here, and it's such a good message to hear. And I can relate to the whole kids home from school and thinking life's a vacation (and probably even more so, my wife can relate!)! So, through all of this, I love that you're seeing the good in it all (I know some days this can be tough). I wish you well, Spin Diva, in all the changes coming up, and as you move forward - with this outlook, life will continue to be grand!
Posted by: Lance | July 12, 2009 at 21:16
I'm just starting to realize how much the to-do list don't matter. I'm starting to follow my passion and live every day to the fullest enjoying every moment and even if it's choosing between two good things i chose what's best for me and my family. It's been a totally different way of living and i've never been happier.
I'm trying to gather information on diabetic weight lose. Two very close loved ones are struggling with weight, and have asked me for help. I'm trying to find as much helpful information i can to help. A resource or tip that relates specifically to insulin resistant/diabetic individuals would be great. Thanks - Krystal (FS)
Posted by: Fitness Surfer | July 14, 2009 at 15:06
Lance, thank you for your thoughtful message. Yes, some days it takes a bit of coaching on my part to keep us all above water, but in the end...it's all worth it.
Posted by: Terie | July 14, 2009 at 23:47
Krystal - thanks for stopping by and leaving a comment. I sent you an email with some information about the Insulin Resistance. It's sort of complicated but both my parents are diabetics so I have little bit to share in my experience.
As for the to-do lists...I'm beginning to agree with you here. I found myself not writing the the lists of things to do but just doing what I needed to do..you know, one room, one drawer, one wall at a time. I felt a great sense of accomplishment when I finished what I set out to do. I found that I was spending more time writing out my lists than just doing so I did stop. I do, however, have certain things that have to be done by other members of the family, as we are trying to sell our house, so we have a task lists of those big items just to make sure we got it covered.
It is quite a challenge to run a home with four kids in varying ages, in different activities, preparing for a big move, working...crazy! But, like you, I choose to enjoy my time with family and friends over any chore-- with camera in hand every moment easily becomes a great memory - they don't call me the paparazzi for nothing :-)
Posted by: Terie | July 14, 2009 at 23:55
I only have 2 boyz and that's enough to keep me busy full time. I also used tasks list when we were selling our house. It was an easy way to coordinate what was done, what wasn't and what the Hubby could do to help take a little load of my shoulders. Those are always the list that make life easier.
Thanks again for all of the great information.
Posted by: Fitness Surfer | July 17, 2009 at 00:25
I thought procrastination was my specialty! LOL Good luck with your move. My wife and I have moved more times than I could stand. I told her I wouldn't move any more! That's why I've been in this Lazy Boy chair for 20 years! ;)
Posted by: Tim Null | July 27, 2009 at 14:56