My 3 words for 2014

1) SELF-DISCIPLINE

Definition: Self-discipline can be defined as the ability to motivate oneself in spite of a negative emotional state. Qualities associated with self-discipline include willpower, hard work, and persistence.

2) BALANCE

Definition:  a condition in which different elements are equal or in the correct proportions.

3) SERENITY

Definition: The state of being calm, peaceful, and untroubled.

I read this blog post a couple of years ago and I liked the idea of coming up with 3 words that will help me define my goals and experiences, words that I can use as guideposts as I navigate life this year.

Goals for 2014

1) Keep journaling

I think for the first time since starting a journal in 2005, I have missed writing in it for two full months (Nov, Dec 2013).  That is pretty sad and not a habit I wish to continue.  Writing is good for me.  It helps  quiet my self-talk, which is usually negative or work-related (i.e., stressful).  Getting stuff out of my head and into my journal helps me relax, as I unload my brain.  It also captures moments that I end up forgetting.  Journaling is healthy and necessary.   No matter how busy my life gets, I must make time for capturing and unloading my thoughts to my journal.  This is a must.

2) Keep CrossFitting

It took me almost three years after having a baby to get back to the gym regularly.  I started going to a CrossFit gym last May and I’ve managed to keep at it.  I attend the 6am class, which a few years ago, I would have thought completely impossible for me to do.  But having a baby trains parents to wake up early, and so getting up and going to a 6am class has become achievable for me.

3) Keep my cool

Sophia is a capricious, mercurial 3-year old.  Spread the jam on the toast in a way she dislikes, and boom, an emotional outburst ensues.  In a snap, she goes from being jovial to throwing a tantrum.  And I sometimes lose my patience with her and we end up fighting.  So, my goal is to keep calm, cool and neutral when these outbursts occur and when we’re butting heads about one thing or another.  This, at times, is such a huge challenge but I have to keep trying and trying.  I don’t know any other human being who can make me so angry!  But she is my child, she is precious, and our relationship is precious.  I can’t afford to not keep trying.

Christmas Day

Sophia put two things on her Santa list this year - pony and make-up.  I am not sure where the pony request came from.  The make-up, well, she's been using her markers to colour her nails, hands, feet, and face for a few months now.  I do not know where the fascination with make-up and nail polish comes from because I don't wear make-up nor do I paint my nails.  Anyway, for her presents, Santa brought  her a pink My Little Pony toy and face paint (Santa agreed that Sophia is way too young to wear make-up!).  When she unwrapped the face paint, she wanted me to put some colour on her eyes.  I obliged and let her choose a colour.  She chose brown and kept the colour on the entire day.  So all her photos from Christmas day look pretty silly.

She does look like she has eye shadow on.

Her silly eyes

Enjoying all the toys she received.

A Purdy's ribbon turned head band.

Playing hair stylist with Mommy.

Our Christmas morning and early afternoon were lazy and relaxing.  We opened presents and played with Sophia's new toys.  Then at 3pm, we started to prepare for our family Christmas dinner and things got pretty busy.  After our guests left, we finished cleaning up, then we had to pack for our trip to Revelstoke.  It made for a long day but it was still a good day.  We still had a happy Christmas.

Merry Christmas

Santa's presents have been delivered and are waiting for Princess Sophia under the tree.  Ingredients for our Christmas breakfast and the Lorico family Christmas dinner are ready.  I'm looking forward to a joyous, lazy and relaxing Christmas day.

Merry Christmas!

Not going to make it

I was aiming to beat the number of posts I did last year (38) and in the summer, I was on track to do it.  But I am not going to make it, unless I write 11 posts in 7 days.  That is simply not going to happen.  I used to write my posts during my lunch breaks.  Alas, my new, much busier role at work has made taking lunch breaks that are longer than 15 minutes quite rare.  And in the evenings, the 1.5 hour I have between the time Sophia goes to bed and the time I need to be in bed is filled with chores.  And why do I need to be in bed?  Because I have a 6am workout at the gym and getting enough sleep is always a priority.

My last post was over six weeks ago.  I don't think I've ever gone that long without posting anything since I started this blog in 2005.  I feel sad that I have not managed to find the time to sit, get my thoughts together, and put them on "paper".  Writing helps me decompress and clear my mind.  I feel that I am losing out on something important to me.  It is just so challenging to fit it all in.  How do other parents do it, I wonder.  Work/life balance is an illusive thing.  I wish I had the answer.