So today is my birthday. Old enough where the numbers can be a little scary. But it is what it is. I spent last night watching Boy 1 do what he loves - performing on stage at a club! Friends (thank you) went and we cheered them on. Truly a good night! Tonight I will see Boy 2 doing what he loves, football. Its a big game and quite a drive.
My birthday hasn't been a really great thing for us these past few years because unfortunately it is also the anniversary of a tragedy. Today is the first year I have really felt like I could plan or have a celebration. So time has helped. I also find, however, that I need to speak out about the cause of our tragedy. It may be a feeble attempt, but if it could change one person, it would be worth it.
The National Highway Transportation Safety Agency (NHTSA) reported that in 2008 over 13,000 lives were saved with the use of seatbelts. And yet, the number of accidents we read about where occupants were not wearing their seatbelts is alarming. To me, anyway.
On September 24, 2005, we were driving very close to our home. My in-laws had stopped to have dinner with us on their way home to Iowa. The boys were ahead of us in their grandparents Chevy pickup. A red car ran a stopsign at a high rate of speed and before my eyes, I see the pickup truck fly into the air and roll. THIS IS A PARENTS WORST NIGHTMARE, SEEING YOUR CHILDREN IN DANGER AND NO WAY TO PREVENT IT. As we ran to their vehicle, my wonderful man hesitated suddenly and yelled at someone not to let me get any closer. He proceeded to the truck and the relief I felt upon seeing my children pulled from the pickup is indescribable; the joy at holding them as they ran into my arms, physically unhurt. My father-in-law suffered minor injuries.
My husband's hesitation quickly became known as I realized he was now back away from the truck, with others, caring for someone laying on the ground. My dear sweet, mother-in-law was hurt. Very hurt. The next two hours saw helicopters landing, fireman, paramedics and police working to save not only my mother-in-law but the occupants in the other vehicle. She was never transported; her injuries too severe to recover. She was also not wearing her seatbelt. All others in the truck were. I will never forget the anguish in my sons' cries as they were told she was gone.
For my boys wearing seatbelts is automatic and always has been - thank God! I think that day she was so excited to see the boys, that when she got in back (to let Boy 1 sit up front!) she just didn't think about it. She was a wonderful person who lived for her family. She loved her grandchildren and was so excited to see them that day. She is missed by all who knew her and loved her.
I'm not sure sharing our tragedy is appropriate. But I never want anyone to experience a loss like this and I know that she would never, ever want another family to have this happen to them. So I use it as an example to perhaps get just one person to reconsider that moment when they get in the car. Its a simple thing, and if you won't wear it for yourself wear it for those you love!
Friday, September 24, 2010
Wednesday, September 22, 2010
Odds and Ends
Fall Cleaning Checklist | Real Simple
So as I was looking for recipes to make my life simpler, I came across something that is going to create more work. I've heard of Spring Cleaning - looks like there is FALL cleaning. There are a couple things here that are just downright scary to me. "Washing Walls". I remember my mother doing this and its alot of work! She was tiny and so us kids had to help. I'd like to think that I either paint or move often enough that I can just skip this. The other thing is "Vacuum the Refrigerator Back" Hmmm. I think this needs to go on the "Honey Please Do" list. And except for washing windows, the rest of this is pretty doable. Its just all about time.
My research also showed that I had no idea just how smart I really am. I found an article on staying motivated and it strongly suggests that you makes your goals public and call on a group to hold you accountable. It also said to put yourself first and look for deeper meaning. And here I thought I did all that just to avoid having a "pity party". :D I could have written this article! I didn't and I hadn't read it before tonight either!
So I don't disappoint you I do have a very quick and healthy recipe to share. (Okay, recipe is probably stretching it some!) This has been tested and given a thumbs up by Boy 2. "Pita Pizzas".
So as I was looking for recipes to make my life simpler, I came across something that is going to create more work. I've heard of Spring Cleaning - looks like there is FALL cleaning. There are a couple things here that are just downright scary to me. "Washing Walls". I remember my mother doing this and its alot of work! She was tiny and so us kids had to help. I'd like to think that I either paint or move often enough that I can just skip this. The other thing is "Vacuum the Refrigerator Back" Hmmm. I think this needs to go on the "Honey Please Do" list. And except for washing windows, the rest of this is pretty doable. Its just all about time.
My research also showed that I had no idea just how smart I really am. I found an article on staying motivated and it strongly suggests that you makes your goals public and call on a group to hold you accountable. It also said to put yourself first and look for deeper meaning. And here I thought I did all that just to avoid having a "pity party". :D I could have written this article! I didn't and I hadn't read it before tonight either!
So I don't disappoint you I do have a very quick and healthy recipe to share. (Okay, recipe is probably stretching it some!) This has been tested and given a thumbs up by Boy 2. "Pita Pizzas".
Ingredients: Whole Wheat Pitas; tomato sauce (I used Diced Tomato on mine); cottage cheese; shredded parmesan; grilled or cooked chicken breast; spinach. Spread tomato sauce on Pitas. Top with chicken and spinach; sprikle small amount parmesan. Cover with Cottage Cheese. Bake about 10-15 minutes at 375. Want the cheese to "melt" some. This was very simple and really tasted yummy! I would serve with a salad next time.
Beauty and the Beast
Image by -RejiK via FlickrI was surprised at how committed to a routine I am. I kind of liked my days at home, lots of time to get things done, research whatever project I was working on. My routine was, well, not having a routine! And of course before that my routine was just always working! Part of the issue is just currently establishing our team and getting our marketing in place. This is something that takes time and effort. I'm not complaining - its just something new. I think part of being out of sorts these past couple of weeks is not being able to run. I am apparently much more addicted to this than I thought.
I did run on Monday - slowly but surely - and my foot gave me no further problems but its definitely put me behind on my schedule to run the 5k at the beginning of October. I need to keep moving. I also need to get back to eating right. This has been an issue in the last week or so and I am not going to let it get further out of hand. It doesn't help that today I was given a box of gourmet cookies that just happen to be my favorite kind! So I'm off to research some healthy but quick meals for my family. As well, I need to solve the working woman's lunch dilemna (eating out vs. bringing lunch). For me, eating out is generally not healthy and its just expensive! So I'm going to try and come up with some solutions here so that this current schedule change doesn't disrupt too many things in my life.
Tuesday, September 21, 2010
More Tips - for you not the house!
One thing I've tried to do is share some money saving tips and hints as I've discovered them and so today I want to share some "personal care" strategies that I've adopted. Its not that I'm vain or think these things are overly important, but a certain amount of care is required to just make you feel good about yourself - and for each person - what's going to be important will vary.
Pedicures: Alright - I was born with ugly feet. Wonderful Man can attest to this. When we were first married, he would cover up my feet (no joke!!) I do the "pedicure" part at home (smoothing, cut & filing) and only have the polish done at salon. Hint: French lasts the longest for me and I have the white part kind of wide at first - this means it lasts longer through trimming. Savings: +$25
Hair: Okay this is tough - because after all I am over forty and have been coloring my hair for grey since I was 30. I really never plan to "go grey". Its just not a place I see for myself! But the expense is crazy. Soooo....I bit the bullet, spent 45 minutes at WalMart looking at colors (thanks to decorator sister for being so patient!), finally deciding on a semi-permanent option. What followed that evening as I tried to apply was comical and a bit panic-filled, but the results are pretty darn good! The color and shine was very nice, and matched my color. And at 6 bucks - what a deal! Plus, I can now do this when I want to and not on a stylists schedule. Savings: +$50
Hair: When you aren't ready for full color (whether at salon or otherwise) but the roots are peaking out, there are some great products out there. Loreal offers a root touch up product for around $6 which is great (but don't pick a shade too dark). Mascara also works great for darker hair. I read in RealSimple that for blondes and lighter hair, just dust some bronzing powder on to cover the greys.
Facial: About once a year I would go and have a facial. What a luxury! I have a very simple skin care routine with basic products I've used for years (found at the drugstore - not the department store). I've been using a mask about 1x per month which is nothing more than egg whites and flour, with a consistency of icing (not frosting - there's a difference. I've really not sure how I know that either!) ANYWAY, leave it on for 10 minutes. It minimizes pores and just leaves skin feeling a little more firm.
Summer Sales: I love this time of year! Case in point: Macy's clearance at the end of summer - I have gotten such great deals! Since I tend to wear jackets or layered items in the fall/winter, dressy t-shirts or sleeveless tops are a year-round item for me. I get coupons for being a card holder, plus they have extra coupons in the paper. I've picked up shirts for as little as $7. JCPenny is another great place to shop for tops and tees. For cami's or tanks: Fovever XXI (and no I don't shop there otherwise!) But seriously, they sell these for like $3 sometimes and have lots of colors.
Pedicures: Alright - I was born with ugly feet. Wonderful Man can attest to this. When we were first married, he would cover up my feet (no joke!!) I do the "pedicure" part at home (smoothing, cut & filing) and only have the polish done at salon. Hint: French lasts the longest for me and I have the white part kind of wide at first - this means it lasts longer through trimming. Savings: +$25
Hair: Okay this is tough - because after all I am over forty and have been coloring my hair for grey since I was 30. I really never plan to "go grey". Its just not a place I see for myself! But the expense is crazy. Soooo....I bit the bullet, spent 45 minutes at WalMart looking at colors (thanks to decorator sister for being so patient!), finally deciding on a semi-permanent option. What followed that evening as I tried to apply was comical and a bit panic-filled, but the results are pretty darn good! The color and shine was very nice, and matched my color. And at 6 bucks - what a deal! Plus, I can now do this when I want to and not on a stylists schedule. Savings: +$50
Hair: When you aren't ready for full color (whether at salon or otherwise) but the roots are peaking out, there are some great products out there. Loreal offers a root touch up product for around $6 which is great (but don't pick a shade too dark). Mascara also works great for darker hair. I read in RealSimple that for blondes and lighter hair, just dust some bronzing powder on to cover the greys.
Facial: About once a year I would go and have a facial. What a luxury! I have a very simple skin care routine with basic products I've used for years (found at the drugstore - not the department store). I've been using a mask about 1x per month which is nothing more than egg whites and flour, with a consistency of icing (not frosting - there's a difference. I've really not sure how I know that either!) ANYWAY, leave it on for 10 minutes. It minimizes pores and just leaves skin feeling a little more firm.
Summer Sales: I love this time of year! Case in point: Macy's clearance at the end of summer - I have gotten such great deals! Since I tend to wear jackets or layered items in the fall/winter, dressy t-shirts or sleeveless tops are a year-round item for me. I get coupons for being a card holder, plus they have extra coupons in the paper. I've picked up shirts for as little as $7. JCPenny is another great place to shop for tops and tees. For cami's or tanks: Fovever XXI (and no I don't shop there otherwise!) But seriously, they sell these for like $3 sometimes and have lots of colors.
Monday, September 20, 2010
Time is moving on
Image by unifiedphoto via FlickrWith Fall starting there is the reminder that the holidays will follow, along with Winter's chill. And for me, that's just too much to think about right now. It seems like the clock is now moving twice as fast and my time to regroup my life is somehow running out. I feel like there's a finish line out there and its going to pop up in front of me and I'm not going to be ready!
So I need to keep moving forward and not be rushed. Just keep thinking how I can wrap everything in and really get to a simpler life. This morning I get to start running again (ya!). I will reflect on these last days of summer and remind myself that time is a constant; it does not really speed up. I will have faith that I have enough time for the overall picture to come to light.
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