January 14

One of my biggest challenges is handling my over analytical, emotional nature.  I have a hard time letting go.  I dwell on things that bother me.  I worry about offending people. This is usually not a big concern, but sometimes it can't be helped.

Right now I am having a particularly hard time worrying and dwelling on some things.  So I am grateful for the experiences I have been given.  I am grateful for the chance to reach outside my comfort zone and learn and grow.

I have to add, I'm so grateful for my sweet children, they make me laugh every single day:)  

Jan 13, 2014

Some days it is really hard to think of things.  Today was one of those days.  Work was ok, took the kids for hair cuts, did groceries.  It was one of those nothing remarkable happened days.  

Our haircuts were eventful though.  Poor Braydon decided he wanted a fancy haircut, but he hates hair gel and brushing his hair and the style he wanted just wasn't going to happen.  So mommy overruled him.  Unfortunately he didn't really understand and was really upset he didn't get what he wanted.  I felt so bad and told him if he wants to start styling his hair he can do whatever he wants next time.  Anyway, that wasn't really a positive story because B and I both felt awful.  But he wasn't upset for long, so that's good.

Anyway, I guess big thing gratefulness today.  I'm grateful I have a great job, a good pension, and an amazing family.  I'm grateful I have money for groceries and a car to drive there.  I'm grateful for my good life!

January 12, 2013

This was a low-key day!  We had slept over at my sister's place and she treated us to an amazing waffle bar breakfast.  So, I guess I'm grateful for food;)

I took Ally on a quick shopping trip.  We swung by fabric land to acquire an appropriate thread for stuffed hippo stitches, and found sewing patterns for $1, so naturally I stocked up.  I am hoping to revive my brief and not very distinguished sewing career.  I'm hoping to make Ally some dresses, and various other odds and ends.  Ally wants me to make us matching Cinderella costumes, so that should be interesting.

My running training is going well.  Just finished week 4!  I'm nervous for week 5.  I am pretty proud of myself for sticking with it so far.  I know I need to improve my eating habits as well, so I guess that's the next step!

Saturday the 11th of January

This day was a joy from start to finish.  Weekends are always fun, but this was special.  We got to visit with my sweet baby niece and babysit her for a few hours while her parents had their first night out!  She's a lovely little thing and it's so, so nice to get baby snuggles without all the responsibility.

It's also lovely to see my kids reactions to and interactions with Sophie.  They are both just enamoured and it's sweet to see how they try to entertain her.

I also got to hang out with my sister and brother-in-law, which doesn't happen enough!

What a wonderful day!

January 10th!

I'm a bit behind - the weekend caught up with me, I guess.  So some short and furious blogging coming at you right now!

Friday was an average day.  Nothing too remarkable happened.  But we did have a lovely evening - it was Friday so our traditional pizza and movie took place.  We watched the 2nd last Harry Potter movie (almost done!). It was a quiet night, the kind that makes you grateful for everything you have. And so I was:)

January 9th

This little blogging streak of mine is quite exciting!  Apparently stream of consciousness gratitude journal is the way to go for me!

Today was a pretty average day.  Not too good, not too bad.  Sometimes the really good things are hard to pick out.  I guess it would be harder to pick that stuff out of a really bad day though.  And part of this whole exercise is to realize what I have and help me live with positivity and optimisim.

Today, work was quiet, but I actually got a lot done, which is always awesome! 

Braydon is definitely one of my good things today.  I've really noticed in the last couple of weeks, he is trying very hard to be helpful, to be kind, and generous.  Last night Ally misbehaved at bedtime, and her consequence was no computer time (tablet time) today.  She was quite upset and wanted to watch tv instead.  I informed her that actually, Braydon would have first choice.  There was much debate, ok yelling by Allyson, and ultimately Braydon chose to give up his choice and let Ally go first.  It was so wonderful to see his kindness towards Ally today.

Another good thing, started from a bad thing.  Allyson is stubborn. Opinionated. Demanding.  Qualities I will want her to have as a an adult, but as a child, it can make her behaviour very demanding.  She likes to push my buttons and she is quick to throw around talk like 'you're mean, you're terrible etc.  her attitude often makes me angry. And then tell, then she yells and , well, you get the idea.  So I am really working on adjusting the way I deal with her so I can stay calm, rational and authoritative.  It's hard, but I'm getting better and I see it is making a difference.

2014-01-08

I am really enjoying this exercise of typing out a few wonderful things in my day, before I go to sleep.

Today's things of wonder:

I'm still going strong with my fitness and race goal.  I plan to walk at lunch for 30 minutes as much as possible.  So today I managed 3.5km in 30 minutes on the ice rinks they call sidewalks I'm Oshawa!  Bonus - my leg muscles are working extra hard to keep me upright on ice.  I also started week 4 of my run training.

Today Braydon was giving kisses to his sister and hugs to me, for no reason.  He is not very demonstrative, so it's a rare treat to get voluntary affection from him.

Allyson was cracking me up today.  She was demonstrating exercise moves for me, including a 'backmo', which seemed to involve climbing the walls.

Ally had some challenging behaviour tonight and I was proud I stayed calm and rational, while maintaining authority.  She knows how to push every button, so I need to learn ASAP how to keep my cool with her, or I'm in trouble for the teenage years!

Man, coming up with good stuff is easier than I expected!  This is fun!!