Winter Recess

Looking forward to Logan's school break next week. Usually, we had to Florida for annual family visit. Money and the unpredictably weather grounded us home. I need to sneak in one day to work (it's an addiction and maybe some consider an obsession) but then its just great Karen-Catch-Up time.

Looking forward to a weekend of swim meets. They are super early each day, but not as unGodly as ice hockey. The pools are usually a good 30-50 min away. Need to arrive 1 hour 15 min early. Bleacher seats are tight and uncomfortable. You're there maybe four hours. People walk by and block your vision. All this to hopefully see your child in the water for the least of time. Translation: 3 races = 5 min or less in pool...worth every minute!

Also excited for some great friend-time. As Logan hangs in his social circle more and more, there is more "me" time. Good thing that I like me. I have some gifts cards burning holes in my pocket, renovated first-class library to hole up in, and some home projects hanging over me. Even more fun is time planned to be with friends. We have a Winter Cheer, dinners out, and some quiet cocktail moments planned.

Ahhh-Winter Recess...what's not to love!

90 and Loving It!

With limited effort, I did it...3 months later...down those last 2 lbs bringing me to a total loss of 90 lbs. As I said, this is - for me - a slow process but fitting into my life just fine. At the 60 lb mark, last May, I said "one day, it'll all come together." Well, it's February, and still waiting for that day. Could it be February 16, 2011? Hmmm! Maybe.

It really was neat as I stepped on and off scale 3x to make sure it wasn't just the way I leaned or wiggled. Truth be told, if it was a lean or a wiggle...I want to remember which way to lean or direction to wiggle next time.

My personal trainer keeps coming every other week. I'm not committed to the dark side yet (yes, exercise is the 'dark' side to me.) Though, I am making tweaks and am more aware of my activities and breathing.

Good news. This may or may not be a shocker...I AM getting the hang of meditating. (The opposite of the dark side.) That being the Karen Meditation Method. I try a few times a week to sit quietly, listen to Gregorian chants, light some Jasmine incense...and clear my mind. For somebody with so much running through my head, I seemed to have a much easier time then you would think emptying my mind. Loving it!

So I end this post, with a saying my sister shared with me...

"Onward and downward!"

Happy Birthday to My Dad

As this has recently been a bit of a birthday blog (sorry Kel-missed you on the 7th, but I'll circle back after our next K3 night when we'll celebrate our birthdays), I had to send out a cyber message to my dad. Since he is cyberly-challenged, I'll print this out for him. Here goes...

To My Dad,

Wishing you a blessed day and wonderful new year. May it be filled with easy times, peace, & good health. I could throw some love in there too, but I can't imagine loving you more. God bless you!

Always!
Karen
XXXX

I Am Woman

I am listening to my iPod to my theme song for my new year as I write this on the train. Each year, I try to find a song that seems to have been written for me-at least for that time of my life. At one time, it was Gloria Gaynor's "I Will Survive." Another year, it was "Take This Job & Shove It." (Disclaimer: that was in 1993.) As you might have guessed from this blog entry's title, it is Helen Reddy's "I Am Woman."

To my international friends & family or you young ones (song from 1972), here is a little piece from it:

"I am woman, hear me roar
In numbers too big to ignore
And I know too much to go back an' pretend

'Cause I've heard it all before
And I've been down there on the floor
No one's ever gonna keep me down again

Oh yes, I am wise
But it's wisdom born of pain
Yes, I've paid the price
But look how much I gained
If I have to
I can do anything

(Chorus)
I am strong (strong)
I am invincible (invincible)
I am woman"

I actually throw my hands in the air as I dance through the house, blasting it on the stereo, singing out loud each morning. (Logan has not yet witnessed this new ritual.)

So, now I ask you to find yourself a theme song. Make sure it inspires you and reply to this blog by commenting on your song. Share who it's by & why it works for you. I'd like to pull it up & listen to it-a different way to connect with you.

And so...I sign off reminding you...I am woman!

The Year of the...

Maybe this is becoming a "birthday blog" as I post yet again on a loved one's birthday...MINE!

Anybody who is close to me knows I looooove my birthday. The only birthday that I love more is Logan's. Since today is truly the one & only day that is about me, here goes:

For the past few years, I have slowly been fine-tuning the adult I want to grow up to be. (I think in another 25 years or so, I'll have figured it out.) From 2004-2008, I concentrated on balancing work with my new role as a single parent. Then 2008-2010, I concentrated more on breaking some diet habits & slowly embracing a healthier lifestyle. Finally, in 2010, I concentrated on career & finances. Well, it's time. This new year of 2011, may be bringing me full circle to the point of - wait for it - becoming physically fit.

The final piece of the puzzle. I may have found it. The puzzle being "Karen The Whole Person."

As I touched on some soul searching that I did in my last post, it has really effected me. I find that my inner voice occasionally still whispers some negative prompts but another voiceis is singing out loud (inside my head) only positive affirmations.

Today, I will begin with driving Logan to school. I love the talks we have which are fewer then they were. I'm no longer the center of his life. Hard lesson for a parent...but very normal. Then on to enjoying a walk followed by working for only a half day at home. Also some pampering with Kelly & Tina. The evening begins with dinner with Logan & Hannah after swim practice at our favorite wings place. And finally, end up at dad's for cake. I love my birthday!

So...wish me luck as I begin the year of the fox...or - if I'm lucky - year of the cougar! Roar!