Retiring this blog

I am officially retiring this blog. I just don't have the time for it. I am trying to focus my energy and attention towards my photography, so I will be updating my relaxedfitphotography.blogspot.com with the latest happenings with my photography venture.

Thanks for taking the time to read my blog!
Heather

Life according to Cole @ 3

Cole is very entertaining at this age. He is so full of spunk and attitude. He is still all about me, which I know will change quickly.

Here are some things about Cole at this age:

Chicken Donalds or Chicken Burger= McDonalds

Hasa Birthday To You= Happy Birthday To You (I heard this one in the car while he was singing the Happy Birthday song to himself. I suggested that the word was "Happy" and not "Hasa" and he told me I was wrong :)

Favorite Movies: Toy Story, Chicken Little, Monsters, Inc.

Favorite TV Shows: Backyardigans, Little Einsteins, Mickey Mouse and Blue's Clues

Favorite Activities: Blowing bubbles, playing with his cars, driving his big wheels, Going on adventures

185

Body image is a funny thing, it can really consume a person's thoughts. That person being ME! My weight as of today is 185, my weight before I had Clay was 155 and my weight after college on a professional dance team was 140. I am 38 years old and don't want to spend the rest of my life worrying about what I weigh. It seems to be a constant struggle. Do most people worry about this all the time? It seems sad to me. The next phase has begun. I am going to participate in the USMC Mud Run (www.usmcmudrun.com) in September. It's 4.2 miles, 30 obstacles and I don't want to let my team down. So, I have a goal now. I want to be stronger. I want to be leaner and I want to beat this obsession once and for all. I have been saying that I want to be in the best shape of my life by age 40, but why can't it be by age 39. I make the rules and I control my actions. I started on Monday 5/18 and I will continue to document my journey.

A friend of mine had a daily calendar that covered the principles of "The Secret". He gave me the pages when he was done. I was going through them choosing the ones that spoke to me and throwing the others out. I found one that I have been repeating lately. Think good thoughts, speak good words and take good actions. Simple enough don't you think.

Evolve

Caution, Random Thoughts:
Lots going on with me mentally. Hard to put it all down on this blog. There are so many emotions going on inside of me. I think I am having my midlife crisis prematurely. Although I don't perceive it as a bad thing. I just feel like I am on a journey and sometimes I would like to stop and take a rest. However, something inside of me won't let me. I am constantly thinking and questioning and evolving. Here is a quote from Oprah that spoke to me, "The whole point of being alive is to evolve into the complete person your were intended to be."

Affirmations

Haven't felt much like writing lately....

Here is a thought for today.

Affirmations for Release:
I am willing to release my old patterns of fear and insecurity. Today, I embrace confidence. I am willing to release my old patterns of lack and limitations. Today, I embrace the universal abundance. I am willing to release my old patterns of weakness and dependency. Today, I embrace energy and strength. I am willing to release my old patterns of negativity. Today, I see the world filled with creative opportunities. My life is renewed through the cycle of release and acceptance.

Life

• so many possibilities
• full of promise
• full of change
• rapid in it's pace
• subjective
• fulfilling
• disappointing
• varied by perception
• unpredictable
• spectacular
• surprising in it's gifts
• gives back what is put in
• passes by whether you participate of not
• provides infinite lessons for those willing to learn

The Beach

I am fascinated that my husband made more friends in one year at UNC- Pembroke than I did in 4 years at UNC-Charlotte. We are at the beach this weekend for Pea-Dad's fraternity beach weekend and it is BEAUTIFUL. We have an awesome ocean front room for a great rate. One snag, Cole is not a big fan of the beach. I hadn't really thought too much about it, but this is Cole's first visit to the beach since he was a baby. As soon as the sand hit his bare feet, he started crying. Whose kid is he??? Pea-Dad and I both love the beach and hope to someday have a house at the beach. I love putting a low chair right at the edge of the ocean and letting the water hit my feet while I soak up the sun. I like the wet sand squishing through my toes and I like making sand castles. It's just so foreign to me that he doesn't like it. He has spent the bulk of his time with Pea-Dad in the indoor pool while Clay and I have been out on the beach.


Tonight is a big shrimp boil which I can't wait for. NOT! I am not a big fan of shrimp, but the corn on the cob and the potatos should be good. We will most likely leave early afternoon tomorrow, so I am going to try to get up early and soak up the beauty of the beach.



Caution, random thought. Why don't people talk a whole lot about how hard it is to be a parent? Are people ashamed to admit that being a parent isn't always a blessing or a joy?? I think there should be classes in high school and/or college that teach patience, sacrifice, creativity and organization in parenting.

Embrace Change

Embrace change is a phrase I believe my mother taught me and it has served me well. Through out my life I have referred to this phrase often. My work environment is changing, people have been let go, positions have been moved around. Although I feel that I adapt to change well, I still have a headache. Change can be stressful. I joked with my boss recently that I am working on developing a hard outer shell. I am know as the emotional one, which I don't think is a good perception for people to have of me. It is however, who I am. I am an emotional and empathetic person, maybe sometimes to a fault. Although I don't think I want this to change, I do want to do a better job of controlling those feelings at work. We'll see what happens...

Post Easter

A nice Easter weekend has come and gone with only one causality. Poor Coley took a face dive on Sunday and now looks like he went 12 rounds with the pavement. We went to church on Sunday, had a spaghetti dinner (yes, I cooked) and colored Easter eggs.

Now, on to Gratitude....Cole is in the midst of potty training and it is going OK. He is having some number 2 accidents and it has been a bit frustrating. I have not shown my frustration to Cole, but it has me worried. He moved to his new room at school yesterday, so he is now in the red room. His teacher does not seem to be worried about the potty training, so I am trying to have a relaxed attitude about things. I called Dr. Morton's office yesterday and talked to Kathy the nurse. She said that what Cole is experiencing is completely normal for Hirschsprung's patients. The mind body connection is usually not in place until about 4 years old. So, I am trying not to lump him in as the same as all other kids but I also want to know what to expect. This brings me to Gratitude. Mentally I am trying not to spiral into a worry pit about what Cole is going to have to go through. The nurse mentioned that some kids that start school with this problem have to have an enema every night so they don't have accidents at school. Again...spiraling. This is when I really need to have a grateful mind and heart. When did I lose sight of the fact that he no longer has a colostomy bag. I am grateful for every bit of poop that comes out of the right spot. Grateful mind and grateful heart....always!

My Nike + Challenge

I LOVE my latest gadget. I bought a new pair of Nike's and they have a sensor in the bottom of the left shoe. I then take the partner to the sensor and plug it into my iPod Nano. Once I plug in the receiver, the Nike+ menu appears on my iPod and can track my running/walking workout. Once I am done, I plug my Nano into my computer and my workout is uploaded to the Nike+ website where I can track my progress. I HATE running, but this little gadget might just get me to run/jog on a regular basis. I even joined a challenge on the website to go 20 miles in one week. I started yesterday and completed 2 miles. I better get going if I am going to accomplish 20 miles by next Wednesday!

Check it out:
http://nikeplus.nike.com/nikeplus/?sitesrc=uslp

Art that happens to be my life

This is the title of a 12 week online class that I just started today. I am so excited to explore my creativity in the class. As I have mentioned in previous posts, I am on the verge. Of what you might ask, and I can not say. There are so many wonderful things going on in my life and I am trying to focus on those things instead of "sweating the small stuff". Here is a quote from my class that spoke to me today:

That which we persist in doing becomes easier, not that the task itself has become easier, but that our ability to perform it has improved. - Ralph Waldo Emerson

My Weekend

First I will start out by saying, "Thanks Mom". It was nice to have a mini-moon this weekend with Pea-Dad. Jessica's wedding was beautiful, but spending time alone with Pea-Dad was the best part. Knowing I could be home in 15 minutes if I needed to, also made it a little less stressful for me. It would not have been possible without my mom. I know it is not easy to manage 4 kids (includes the puppy) especially when you only had one. I know it's hard to maintain your patience when there is snot, poop and whining everywhere you turn. Thanks again for making this weekend possible!


(my mom)

Knowing

The title of this post just floated into my mind. It is part of a thought or a feeling that I am trying to inhabit. A knowing belief in myself that I am capable. A knowing that I will achieve the things that I want to, but that it takes time. A knowing that I will be OK... I am smart enough and good enough to do what is right for myself and for my family. This feeling, this anxious being that I have become is the foreshadowing of greater me that I will BE.

Life

What a busy and great weekend we had. Saturday morning had us at a Disney themed birthday party. Jodi is such a talented party thrower. Everything was coordinated so nicely and the kids had a blast.

Saturday afternoon was Clay's first minor league game. It's a little nerve racking with the kids pitching to each other. We lost by one run, but it was good to see him out there. He is still all knees and elbows, but he held his own on the field.

Sunday brought us another adventure with Natalie and Radar. Latta Plantation was so beautiful and the weather was perfect for a long hike through the woods. I was telling someone at work about it and he said, "YOU, went into the woods???". I know that's Natalie's thoughts as well, but it is important to me that the boys get out there and hike and have fun "adventures". I appreciate you Natalie and that you tolerate and encourage our adventures!

Today is Monday and the first day of the rest of my life... Hopefully this little beauty will be in my future. The Canon 5D, I WANT ONE! For just a mere $2,000 it could me mine and all that a full frame digital SLR can bring me :)

My 20 year olf self...

One of the "Inspired" ladies offered a give away on her blog. You had to leave a comment about what you would tell your 20 year self.

Here is what I would tell my 20 year old self...
1. Always say what you mean and mean what you say.
2. Your actions teach people how to treat you.
3. Don't be afraid to admit when your wrong.
4. Accept responsibility if you make a mistake and then move on.
5. If you have a bad feeling about something, it's probably not a good idea.
6. The word NO is a sentence and sometimes no further explanation is needed.
7.Communicate, communicate, communicate. The people around you are not mind readers.
8. Learn and live by the law of attraction
9. Saying the words "I'm sorry" does not mean you are a weak person.
10. Be nice even when you don't feel like it.
11. Stand up for what you believe is right even if it is not popular.
12. Don't let yourself be mistreated
13. Love without fear of loss

Centergy and stuff

I had 13 people in my Centergy class last night and even 2 men. It was great to have that many people in the room trying to increase their strength and flexibility. I am hoping the number continue to increase.

Received my critiques back on Assignment 1 over at www.ppsop.net. I am taking the "Portraits Unplugged" class and it's pretty interesting. It's all about seeing the light and using just your natural light source. Very challenging for me.

Speaking of natural light, here are a few photos I took of our little friend Megan.

What do your initials say about you? (Thanks Natalie)

You Are Strong and Independent

When You Are Comfortable: You are a powerful, competitive person. While you want to succeed, you are also able to find balance in your life. People see you as self-sufficient. They are impressed by how much you are able to do on your own. When You Are At Your Best: You are a strong person. You're driven and assertive. Success is yours, as much as you want it. People find you to be clever and spirited. You're a bit saucy too... delightfully so! When You Are in a Social Setting: You are a carefree, adventurous person. You love excitement, and you enjoy being in a changing, dynamic environment. People find you to be funny, generous, and competent. You're well spoken, and you know how to wow people with your words.

What Do Your Initials Say About You?

Girl Moods

Sometimes it is so clearly illustrated to me that men are fixers. They want to make things better and solve all the problems so you can be happy again. Last night when Tori came home she was in a grumpy mood. Her day had just not gone well. She went immediately in the shower and when she got out, Pea-Dad must have asked her 50 different ways what was wrong. She was very vague and just kept saying nothing really. I finally went to him and said "leave her alone". She clearly didn't want to talk about in and when I spoke to her this morning it was really just a "Girl Mood". I know a bit stereotypically, but I'm not sure men can understand that we sometimes are just in a mood.

Fun Times...NOT

So, I am spending the day in the hospital with Pea-Dad. He had some tightening in his chest late yesterday afternoon that really scared him. I was on my way home with Cole, so his brother took him up to the emergency room. He was admitted and has been undergoing tests since last night. No one seems to know what is going on and it is very frustrating..AAaaaarrrrggghhh
It seems very suspicious to me that he breaks out in this terrible rash 2 days ago, has the hershey squirts and then gets tightening in his chest. Is this the perfect storm or what???

I love my life! During trying times is when it is most important to reflect on what is good in your life.

Geocaching you ask...

What a beautiful and fun weekend minus Pea-Dad getting some weird rash and the poops. Ok, back to the great weekend. After having the plague in our house, it was so nice to open all of the windows get the fans going and Lysol and Clorox wipe in a frenzy. Cole, Tink and I walked up to the baseball field and watched the tail end of Clay's first baseball practice of the season. We then had a visit from Natalie, Lance and Radar who introduced us to Geocaching. It was our fun yet brief adventure to find some treasure. The boys had a blast and Cole kept saying he wanted to go on another adventure. Want to know more about Geocaching, go to www. geocaching.com.

Sunday I was fortunate enough to visit baby Megan and take some really cute shots of her. I will be posting some later. I also started a new blog (although no content yet) for Relaxed Fit Photography. I think I will post most of my photography fun there. I am a work in progress and this is just one more step in realizing my better creative self.

Grateful for my life and for another day on earth :)