Groove On

Idle Hands

2008-07-03T13:24:00.000-07:00

With time on my hands, what important project has been keeping me busy? Shopping, of course! I actually don't shop all the time. I rarely buy on impulse, but I figure I deserve a few treats once in a while. Now I'm anxiously awaiting my packages to arrive. I ordered a book I have already read, but it is so good that I had to own a copy. The other things will be new to me. Now I need to keep up with the household chores to not feel guilty about my purchases.

When Given Time

2008-06-16T21:58:00.000-07:00

I'll have some time off this summer to do whatever I please. My daughter will be in preschool a few days a week, so I'll even have some uninterrupted time to myself. People ask me what I will do with all that time. I feel like I need to do something significant so I don't waste that time. I do have some news tasks and projects I am anxious to get to. This free time is like a gift. I can get a head start before I have to go back to my busy schedule.

But what I want to remember most is that I need to find a balance between goals and enjoying life without deadlines or pressure.

My life is usually so rush rush that I don't usually stop to enjoy the little things. My daughter is great at reminding me of this with her love of nature. Is it so wrong to just stop and BE for a bit? It's not that I want to get out of doing things (well, maybe a little). My accomplishments don't have to define me. I want to recharge my batteries so I see life the way my daughter does. Appreciating the small miracles and allowing thoughts and questions to flow. Enjoying every moment for what is, instead of what "should" be done. Not all day every day, but just stopping from time to time. Balance and moderation.

Risky Business

2008-05-23T20:51:00.000-07:00

Last night's Ugly Betty finale hit home for me. Betty tends to play it safe. She is hard working, creative, and ambitious. She's been an assistant for a while now and is content, but in her heart she wants more than that. Now that Daniel lost his position, who knows what will happen to Betty. It could be the kick in the pants that she needs. She's also torn between two men. Either choice will be drastic, but certainly an adventure.

We all need to take some risks once in a while. Sure, we become comfortable with our lives. But we do need to remember the goals we once set for ourselves if we have not met them yet. Are they attainable? Can we make them happen? I say yes. I have a few goals I want to achieve, but I have not taken action. It's not too late for me, and it's not to late for anyone else get out there and go for it. If not now, when?

I'm Still Here

2008-05-22T17:31:00.000-07:00

I've been loyally following my favorite blogs, but sadly neglecting my own.

Just finished Eat, Pray, Love. It was much more than I expected. Work is very busy, but I'll have a long vacation in a few weeks. Looking forward to a festive Memorial Day weekend!

Cherish Earth Each Day

2008-04-29T21:07:00.000-07:00

Earth Day was last week and many people attended events that promote environmental awareness. I have never actually attended such events, but I am an advocate for making changes to help alleviate the stress we are causing our planet. For decades, some people have been talking about the damage we are doing to Earth. Finally it is becoming trendy to "Go Green." I'm all for this since many people will get on board. It's especially important to influence children since they will eventually have to deal with the consequences of our current actions.

I recycle what I can. I refill my water bottles before dropping them into the recycling bin. I have a few reusable chico bags and canvas bags that I will take with me next time I go shopping. I've been getting more tips from the eco-hip blog, but I just want to do more. Any suggestions?

A Heartbreaking Tale

2008-04-06T15:33:00.000-07:00

I just finished Snow Flower and the Secret Fan this weekend. It was based in 19th century China and well researched. I actually stumbled upon this book at a library book sale, and snatched it up since I heard good things about it.

I just started reading Eat, Pray, Love. I've heard mixed reviews about this one, but I'll give it a chance.

15 Minutes a Day

2008-03-23T12:15:00.000-07:00

The Flylady says you can do anything for 15 minutes at a time. I think about daunting tasks at home and don't know where to start. But just doing a little bit, just 15 minutes, can put a dent in a project. I've conquered a few paper piles in the past few weeks by doing this, so I know it really can make a difference. Now I want to add writing daily into the mix. If I can do more, great. I imagine getting into the habit of this will help my writing tremendously.

Ice, Ice, Baby

2008-03-17T08:54:00.000-07:00

When I go to the gym, I bring my ipod and have a playlist ready to go. I still can hear the music the gyms plays, though. They usually play top 40 type music. I imagine they have a their own playlist so no one has to bother changing the songs. When I got there on Sunday, they had some easy listening song on which just didn't seem right. Oh well, I thought. Maybe it's a fluke. But the rest of the songs were flashbacks from the 90's. Some songs were ones I really liked from way back when, so this was better than being subjected to mostly rap and hip hop songs for an hour. (I used to like that kind of music many years ago, but now I've broadened my music library.) Of course this flashback mix would not have been complete without a Vanilla Ice song thrown in. I thought I would have seen more snickers. I kept picturing Jim Carrey's parody of Ice, Ice, Baby on In Living Color. Glad Carrey's still entertaining us, but I miss that show! And you could catch Vanilla Ice on a Surreal Life rerun.

Good at Starting

2008-03-16T21:14:00.000-07:00

I like getting started on new tasks or programs. I can envision what the results will be and that keeps me going. To a point. Then I find something else to begin and put the current projects on hold. I have been successful with exercising at least 3 times a week for a few months now, so all is not lost. I want to fit in writing and decluttering daily. Maybe even alternate days for each. Hmm, that seems possible. Well, I'll give it a whirl this week and see how it goes.

Back Home Again

2008-02-25T11:23:00.000-08:00

Getting away was just what I needed. Now I'm back and refreshed, ready to work on organizing my home and cooking healthier meals for my family.

When I was with my parents, I spent some times cooking a few special meals with my mom. Working side by side, we were able to have some bonding time. Since they have been living in another state for 2 years, moments like this help us reconnect. We had agreed upon making tamales a few days into my visit. We had all the ingredients and set up a plan to get 'em done by the afternoon. We made at least 45 tamales and shared some with my uncle and his wife. They were just as good as any other batch we've made before. I was tempted to take a couple back with me, but there were hardly any left by the time I had to leave. I haven't tried to make tamales on my own, so I think I'll give it whirl before they visit us in a few months. I don't expect them to come out as delicious as those were, but at least I could try.

A Little Free Time

2008-02-21T20:28:00.000-08:00

My second week off work and I'm a total slacker. Well, I'm also out of town visiting my parents, so I have somewhat of an excuse. Between homecooked meals and continuous babysitting, I can read a book or surf the web without feeling guilty. I leave in a few days, so this oasis will fade soon enough. I've been stressing out lately, so I really needed this.

An Update

2008-02-10T15:06:00.001-08:00

I made it through that 10K and plan to do more runs this year. Now I've been slacking off of my work out routine because I felt I deserved it. But now I have a cold and definitely can't work out for a few more days.

I've been writing in a journal lately. I'm having trouble transitioning to blog writing again. I read all these thoughtful blogs and want to hide my own words until I have time to work on my contributions a little more. But if I do that, I'll never have a post up. So on that note, here's to imperfection...

Feeble Attempt at Blogging

2008-01-20T06:04:00.000-08:00

So, I've been neglecting my blog again. I wrote a few posts on paper, but just haven't typed them up yet. But the good thing is that I'm still going to the gym and being fairly good about avoiding 'bad' foods. I've got a 10k to do in a few weeks, so that's my focus.

Slowing Down

2008-01-10T21:47:00.000-08:00

Couldn't get to 3 miles during my running session today. I did get to 3.5 miles on Tuesday. I'll try up to 4 miles this weekend. Woohoo!

Making Time to Write

2008-01-09T17:33:00.000-08:00

I had a glorious two weeks off, but now I'm back to work. Getting to any writing or reading has been tricky these last few days. Today I'm finally feeling a bit relaxed after work. I'm getting things done early so I can have some 'me' time after my daughter goes to bed.

The Gym is Full!

2008-01-05T16:33:00.000-08:00

I've been going to the gym consistently for about 2 months. I rushed to this morning's strength training class. I was annoyed with myself for getting there a bit late because the class had doubled since the last week. Lots of new members. I wonder how many will actually stick to it. I do miss the smaller class size, but it is awesome that people are trying to get fit.

Workout Update

2008-01-03T19:58:00.000-08:00

I've worked out at the gym three times already this week. I ran/walked on the treadmill about 3 miles today. My pace is getting faster and I don't get exhausted as quickly. I actually got a burst of energy right after my workout, but later needed to take a nap. I need to go shopping for new workout gear, so that will get me motivated to keep going!

Anyone else getting their exercise on these days?

Free Rice

2008-01-02T21:00:00.000-08:00

Check out Freerice.com. While you play a vocabulary game, you donate rice to the WFP. I'm slightly addicted to it, but it is for a good cause!

A Fresh Start

2008-01-01T20:40:00.000-08:00

I love the first day of the year. I've been thinking about what I want to change and what I can do to accomplish my goals for a while now. I've already started to make changes, so January 1st is more like a symbolic day of beginning anew. I started a list of 101 tasks to complete in 1001 days, but have not completed it. One of my goals this year is to get more sleep, so I'm off to get some kitchen cleaning done before I can hit the hay.

What was I thinking?

2007-12-31T23:01:00.000-08:00

I signed up for Blog 365. A full year of blogging daily is a tall order, but it might be just what I need to get to writing every day. I read lots of blogs now, so I'll have to cut back a bit if I want to get my own stuff out there.

Christmas Cheer

2007-12-18T21:54:00.000-08:00

Holiday Treats

2007-12-10T20:38:00.001-08:00

These would be a hit at any holiday party:

Shining My Sink

2007-12-01T21:29:00.000-08:00

I've been cleaning house a little bit at a time today, but the one task I want to make sure I do before I go to sleep is to wash all the dishes and shine my sink. It is such a gift to have no dirty dishes in the morning. I want to make this a habit every day as I make changes to keep my house organized and tidy. Just one consistent change at a time will help.

Boot Camp is Over

2007-11-30T16:28:00.000-08:00

We made it through the NaBloPoMo challenge! This has helped me get over trying to write a perfect post. I know I need a little more meat in my writing, but now I'll feel like something is missing when I don't post anything for a while.

Thanks to all those who have come by to read my work. I hope we can keep writing and building this blogger community. It's nice to have this little corner in the blogosphere to vent, cheer, share, and learn.

Christmas Shopping

2007-11-29T19:54:00.000-08:00

Is anyone planning to do all Christmas shopping online? It's probably a good time to do that so the orders can arrive on time. I'm not sure if I can do ALL my shopping online this year, but it the way I would like best. If I go to any store, I'll be there early in the morning to avoid lines. I worked retail many years ago, and I am still tramatized by the holidays at the mall. Just can't take the crowds.

Musician in the Making

2007-11-28T20:36:00.000-08:00

My daughter was just playing around in the kitchen, as usual, and she put a small plastic wrapping on her head as a hat. Then she got a yogurt container and water bottle from our recycle box. She started banging the yogurt container with the water bottle and she was making the beat to the 'Everybody Conga' song. It was priceless. I ran to get my camera, but she ran after me and she didn't do it anymore. I need to have my camera with me at all times if I want to capture these spontaneous moments.

On Hold

2007-11-27T20:19:00.000-08:00

I was on hold to speak with a service rep at Apple today. I waited about 20 minutes or so, and finally someone took my call. Of course, this was when my daughter started to act up. She was whinning about something and my computer just went out at that moment. The service guy had to wait for ME to get my computer running again so I could give him the serial number. My daughter got louder as I finally was able to give the guy the number. Just as I thought I had successfully given him the info, I realized the line had disconnected. Yikes! I called back again but eventually hung up without getting a response from them. Very frustrating, to say the least! I'll have to call back at an earlier time.

Workout

2007-11-26T20:07:00.000-08:00

I went to the gym on Saturday and Sunday. I felt tired during Sunday's workout which is probably because I didn't give myself enough time to rest between exercising days. I'll wait until probably Wednesday to go back again. Still trying to find that workout groove!

Just a few more days...

2007-11-25T19:25:00.000-08:00

We've blogged daily for almost a month. I'm glad I joined in and want to continue with blogging. Next month I want to plan out my posts and work on them a bit before posting.

Playing

2007-11-24T20:31:00.000-08:00

With all these toy recalls, it's tough to know what is safe for our kids. I usually don't buy a lot of toys for my daughter because I see that she hardly plays with the ones she already has. I do like creative type activities like drawing and painting. We bought her an easel from Ikea, and she uses it all the time. I've been making play dough for her and recently bought some Play-Doh with cutters. She loves it and can't get enough. It's amazing how these basic materials can entertain children and help them with their development. And this is so much easier on the pocketbook!

Black Friday

2007-11-23T21:51:00.000-08:00

I did not shop today. I saw all the ads and was tempted to take advantage of the great deals. I might get out there tomorrow to buy a few things, but won't if it looks too crowded. The stores will have more sales in the next few weeks, I'm sure!

Happy Thanksgiving

2007-11-22T07:48:00.000-08:00

Have a great day with family and friends!

Sponge Worthy

2007-11-21T22:27:00.000-08:00

My daughter understands that Spanish words are different from English words. She'll even preface by saying "Spanish" before she begins to speak it. I don't speak Spanish around the house enough for her to really pick it up, so I have to make an effort to teach her. She's such a sponge right now, so I know she would benefit from learning a second language.

Running

2007-11-20T21:29:00.000-08:00

I've gone to the gym twice so far this week. That's about as much as I can handle right now. It's a start. I'm planning to go again at least once since we have these two days off for Thanksgiving.

It feels so good to run again. I run for about 3 minutes and then walk for 2-3 minutes. I keep this up for about 25 minutes. I'm aiming for a couple of 4 minute intervals next time. I used to run 4-5 times a week many years ago, so I'm trying to build back up to that. When I got home, I felt energized and actually ready to work the mommy/wife shift!

Reading

2007-11-19T19:37:00.000-08:00

I started reading A Tree Grows in Brooklyn a few months ago. I get into it for a while and then lose momentum. I just picked it up again last night, and can't wait to get back into it. It's such a painful story. It reminds me of Angela's Ashes. The main characters are both young and must struggle in childhood, but they have so much potential to break from poverty. Life is tough, but makes us stronger in the end.

Food Diary

2007-11-18T08:01:00.000-08:00

It's about time that I held myself accountable to for what I eat. I've been trying to lost weight, but I've actually gained about 5 lbs. in the last month. I've had too much pizza this last week. Parties and lunch and Costco. So now I will write down everything I eat. At least I will do this today. I won't expect perfection, but my mind is on healthier choices.

City Noise - Draft

2007-11-17T22:46:00.000-08:00

I live in an urban area in Southern California. There are mostly single-family homes around here. Outside noise surrounds us. First off, it is common to hear helicopters on the weekends. Then there is the ambulance. I haven't figured out exactly which house it is coming from, but there is a garage band that plays all the time. They are not that great, so I don't enjoy hearing them. Right now I can hear some music, maybe a bass playing. It actually sounds pleasant, so I don't mind it.

Of course, I can hear my neighbors from time to time. Sometimes I can hear their joy through laughter and singing. Sometimes they argue and I can't help but want to know what it's all about. (Yes, I am nosy!) I don't really know them. We'll smile and say hello, but it ends there. I have a reputation for being aloof.

The sounds tell stories. I can hear cars speed up and race by that express aggression and impatience. Dogs bark and make me wonder if it is danger they sense or just a cat that they see. I can hear the pulse of the city. It stops. It starts. It gets louder. I can close the windows, doors, and my eyes. I can even put on my headphones and listen to blaring music. But the noise, the cacophony of life, streams down the veins of the city and must be heard.

The Agony of De Feet

2007-11-16T20:14:00.000-08:00

My throbbing feet tell me that I need to sit for a while. I usually change into my flip flops after work, and that is so comfortable.

Now all I need is tub of warm water to soak my feet.

Running out...

2007-11-15T18:20:00.000-08:00

of things to write. This week is getting the best of me. Must go to sleep earlier!

Can you believe it?

2007-11-14T21:31:00.000-08:00

For the NaBloPoMo participants, we are almost halfway through this! For someone who did not blog regularly before, this is quite a feat. Two more weeks to go, so:

The Gift That Keeps on Giving

2007-11-13T19:26:00.000-08:00

These guys know how to keep it real!

Wasting Away in Front of the Tube

2007-11-12T20:36:00.000-08:00

The E! Channel sucked me into watching the True Hollywood Story of Patrick Dempsey. I really like him, but thw show ended at midnight and I was cranky in the morning. This is the problem with me and cable. I'll watch it because I want to get my money's worth, but then I end up watching trivial shows. My hubby wants to have cable because of football, so we can't get rid of it yet.

What shows suck you in even when you know better?

Unexpected Guest

2007-11-11T10:38:00.000-08:00

A family member came by unannounced to drop off some goodies yesterday. She wasn't planning on staying, but my husband insisted. Of course, the living room looked like a tornado hit it. So embarrassing! I always feel like failure when something like that happens, but I do have the power to change. This is hitting rock bottom. No more excuses!

Mr. Deity

2007-11-10T12:01:00.000-08:00

Hurray

2007-11-09T20:21:00.000-08:00

The weekend is here! Glad to have a little time off this month. Not much write except that I am so tired I can't stop yawning. Good night.

20% Off

2007-11-08T19:49:00.000-08:00

I'm thrifty by nature and love a good deal. I had a 20% off coupon for Old Navy and purchased a few things this afternoon. I try to buy a few new items when I feel my wardrobe is getting too predictable, but I don't overspend. I'm not concerned so much with fashion, but I do need to wear decent clothing to work. I try to buy clearance, too. It can be a pain looking through all those mis-matched items to find the right size and color, though. But it is so worth it when I get the final total and know I saved money. Cha-ching!

Hugs Banned?

2007-11-07T19:28:00.000-08:00

A middle-school in Illinois has banned hugging, and one student recently got detention twice for hugging her friends. What next? You won't be able to smile at your friends or wish them a good day?

But this guy has the right idea:

HUGS to you all!

Forgetful

2007-11-06T19:43:00.000-08:00

I was so caught up in my day that I almost forgot about blogging today. Blogging isn't something I am used to doing, so it's tough to even get something down. It's almost been a week since we have started, and I feel good about my progress. My posts have been skimpy, but I'm getting to it. I'm glad to see others who have been making the daily deadline as well. Slow and steady...

Exhausted

2007-11-05T19:40:00.000-08:00

I did manage to go to the gym on Saturday. If I can go at least 3 times this week, I'll feel accomplished. Finding the time and energy to go is another story.

My hubby has been cooking dinner more often, and he always goes to the grocery store when we need it. I've been extra busy at work, so this has been a relief for me. My daughter is so curious about things and keeps me on my toes all the time. She hasn't started to ask "Why?" yet, but I know it is coming. My hubby and daughter keep me laughing all the time, and this keeps me going after long days. It's a crack up fest up in here!

I checked out iLike and will post up the widget thingy soon. I had planned on writing about music more often, but that has not been working out the way I wanted. It's still early in the month, though!

Secrets

2007-11-04T13:40:00.000-08:00

If you've never heard of the PostSecret community, check it out here:

http://postsecret.blogspot.com/

What brave souls to send these out for all to see.

Keep it Loose, Keep it Tight

2007-11-03T19:44:00.000-07:00

Amos Lee, one of my favorite artists...

Enjoy!

Creating Routines

2007-11-02T19:12:00.000-07:00

October was such a busy month. My home is beyond recognition right now. I need to get a grip on housework and have routines to follow each day so I can keep up with everything. I even have a timer next to me so I can manage the time I spend online. I'll post updates here on my progress. Being accountable will make a difference. I don't like to disappoint!

There actually is a website that shows you how to develop routines and stay organized. It is www.flylady.net. If anyone else is interested, we can keep tabs on each other while we go through the steps. I have been trying to do this for much longer than I want to admit, but it's getting to the point that I I need to get serious about this. Ok, time to clean the sink!

Trick or Treat

2007-11-01T20:40:00.000-07:00

Too much candy in the last few days. It's been bad. Really bad. I should start to hit the gym tomorrow or the next day before I can't wear any of my jeans. I'm supposedly running a 5K in December, but no one would know it from the way I've been indulging. Better at least lose a few before Thanksgiving rolls around.

You Might Get a Cavity

2007-10-26T23:53:00.000-07:00

Could a song be any sweeter?

Morrissey

2007-10-21T15:50:00.000-07:00

He's still rockin' the house!

Weekend

2007-10-19T20:32:00.000-07:00

Glad this busy week is over. I have several things to work on, but I just want to veg out and surf the net. Laundry needs to be put away, dishes need to be washed, and bills need to be paid. And it only piles up from here. My Friday procrastination always leads to Sunday afternoon scrambling to get it all done. Maybe this weekend will be different?

NaBloPoMo

2007-10-16T20:09:00.000-07:00

So I signed up for NaBloPoMo. I need to prepare by compiling a list of possible topics so I have things to write about each day. I'm also working on my home routines to make sure I can set aside some time each day to blogging. I hope I can get some tips from seasoned bloggers about how to meet my daily goal. What I hope to get out of this is more practice writing and finding my voice. Just posting a bit every day will help my get into the habit of writing even when I don't feel like it or don't have much to say. I want to make this happen!

"If You Really Love Me, You'll Buy My Book!"

2007-10-09T20:04:00.000-07:00

I happily go to used book sales in hopes of good deals. I like saving money just like the next gal. But what we must remember is that new book sales is what keep our favorite authors paid and thus able to keep producing books we love. I usually go to Barnes and Noble in December to buy some new books or gift cards for family and friends. And if I have my own gift card to spend, it's even sweeter to show my love!

Motherhood

2007-10-08T19:11:00.000-07:00

Being a mom is a blessing. It's hard to explain in words what it is like. Children have a fresh view of life and remind us that the world is full of awe. I have such a full plate, but I can't imagine life without my little one. I'm appreciating life more and cherishing the times I get to spend with my family.

Housekeeping

2007-10-07T12:58:00.000-07:00

There are some days when I freeze. I don't want to clean up. I will eventually, but sometimes I just want to chill. Do my own thing for a bit. Then the housework starts to pile up. When the point of no return seems close, I get back to my usual clean up routine. Unfortunately, it's getting to the point. Yikes!

Does this clean freeze ever happen to you?

Bottom of the Barrel

2007-09-25T23:11:00.001-07:00

Last year, things were rough at work. I wasn't able to balance my home life very well at that time, either. On the outside my life seemed pretty good, but inside I was uninspired. I was on autopilot, but not enjoying the ride.

Then came Amos. My hubby gave me Amos Lee's first CD out of the blue. When he handed it to me, I just popped it in my laptop and listened to it as I did my usual net surfing at night. I had been just listening to the songs as background music, but then I turned up the music. I felt the urge to listen to the album again from the beginning to really get a sense of what this artist was all about.

Amos had lyrics that were so honest. He wrote about being down and he expressed what I was feeling better than I could. "Bottom of the Barrel" hit home. I couldn't stop listening to this CD because I felt some comfort in his style. This was not a quick fix. Through time I was getting back to my happy, sunshine loving self, but it took a while. Maybe this bump in the road for me was just a natural occurence since we all have ups and downs in our lives. But now, Amos Lee's music is part of my life as a reminder that I too, the cheerful one, sometimes need to allow myself to be cheered up.

What song or artist has made an impression on you?

Groove Momma

2007-09-10T22:49:00.000-07:00

My first post. Yippie! So much to write about, but I want to organize my thoughts. More later...

GM