Recently I've been reading about Dr. Sara Gottfried, she's an OB with a mix of eastern and western medicine and LOTS of data to back up what she's saying. I'm intrigued by this idea of balancing your adrenals... and by how she suggests to do that. I'm not about to spend the $500 on her four week course, but I love her tidbits... like....
Paleo Diet
Sprint 8 excercise (four times per week)
breathing (in one nostril, out the other)
butterfly pose for five minutes
Fish Oil supplements
Getting 8-10 hours of sleep !!! What!?! That's awesome.
Eating organic (she also suggests no dairy! or coffee!- not yet for me)
I'm gonna start off with going to bed earlier... making my mental bed time 10 and not 11, er 12.
I'm gonna have my cortisol and vit D levels checked at my next dr visit and see what's what. Hope insurance covers it!
Anyway, I feel GREAT today with my nine hours of sleep and practicing the butterfly and then doing a neck stretch she teaches on youtube!!!
Time for household martha stewart time! Here I come, laundry and dishes!
Thursday, June 21, 2012
Thursday, May 31, 2012
What will you think of in your last days?
I had an epiphany this morning. Sorting through my grandmother's jewelery (that passed away in 2003) that my mom just recently gave to me, I found a purple watch. This watch, for someone reason, was what my grandmother was thinking of in her last days- she wanted me to go over to house and see if I wanted it. I was a punk, and I should have just said I loved it and gone up to the hospital wearing it- but, I didn't want more "stuff". Well, it's finally with me now. I do love this watch for that reason, and now that I've matured, I won't be a punk. I think I'll wear it today in her memory. I love her and I miss her. As endearing and sentimental as that is, it made me think more about what we focus on and think of in our last days of this life- if we even have such an opportunity.
I want to be thinking of ideas, passing on knowledge, I want to be making sure my children and grandchildren are living their life well, dreaming, and doing everything they dreamed of in this life. I want to remind them of the hereafter. This means, I better get to work learning and doing those things I want to pass on.
I want to be thinking of ideas, passing on knowledge, I want to be making sure my children and grandchildren are living their life well, dreaming, and doing everything they dreamed of in this life. I want to remind them of the hereafter. This means, I better get to work learning and doing those things I want to pass on.
Wednesday, May 16, 2012
The organizer is coming. the organizer is coming...
Two months have passed since my last post. Things have changed. We are pregnant with our third babe and due in late December. I'm no longer applying to the MSW programs. I'm an official SAHM. I will embrace this.
Meanwhile, I am freaking out and my three year old is freaking out. She wants everything... her bop, her blankee, to go nigh-nigh. I'm really mad Yes, mad, irritated. She's doing power struggles. Do this, do that, get it for me, I can't do it. ARRR. The other little angel (for real) is sleeping... Gabriella is so appropriate for her name. Jules is standing next to me, crying, screaming, " I want my bop". At least she's wiping her nose by herself. Wait, now, she wants me to wipe it.
Anyway, the point of coming here is, I suppose when I start feel the organization kick coming on. I'm hiring a professional organizer and she is coming May 29th in two weeks from yesterday.
I've been going through things slowly over the past month. Now it is crunch time and here is my to do list:
Meanwhile, I am freaking out and my three year old is freaking out. She wants everything... her bop, her blankee, to go nigh-nigh. I'm really mad Yes, mad, irritated. She's doing power struggles. Do this, do that, get it for me, I can't do it. ARRR. The other little angel (for real) is sleeping... Gabriella is so appropriate for her name. Jules is standing next to me, crying, screaming, " I want my bop". At least she's wiping her nose by herself. Wait, now, she wants me to wipe it.
Anyway, the point of coming here is, I suppose when I start feel the organization kick coming on. I'm hiring a professional organizer and she is coming May 29th in two weeks from yesterday.
I've been going through things slowly over the past month. Now it is crunch time and here is my to do list:
By space-
1)
Bathroom
·
Shelves?
2)
Kitchen
·
Pantry
·
Shelves
·
Countertop
·
Cleaning
supplies UP
3)
Girls
Bedroom
·
Clothes
·
Toys
·
Hang
dark shade
4)
Our
bedroom:
·
space
for baby
·
clothes
storage, shoes, purses,
·
hang
dark shade
SIDE TABLE!
5)
Basement
·
Holiday
Items
·
Baby
Items & clothes
·
Winter/Summer
storage
·
Office
items
·
Books
·
House
items
·
Bulk
items
·
Laundry
area:
·
Living
Area/Toy area
·
Art
Supplies
·
Tools
·
Gifts
and gift bags
·
Luggage
When should I do this...
Friday, March 9, 2012
BLEACH and returning home
God, I love the smell of BLEACH. Yes, my house is filled with it right now. It makes everything smell clean.
I spring cleaned the house while Mahmoud was away at a conference in Baltimore. It felt fabulous to wake up on Thursday morning in clean sheets next to my husband, tables & counters clear, room organized, living room clear of toys, and a ridiculously clean shower with new caulking-- Well, atleast for one morning. Today, there are toys and the kitchen sink is full of dishes.
Besides cleaning, I am also applying for a Masters of Social Work through various schools online. I haven't picked the third quite yet, but so far, it's UND and BU. I hope to do BU's because there are no specific class times. I CANNOT WAIT to be taking classes again.
AND GOD KNOWS I CAN DO IT... especially now that I'm going on night #3 of a FULL night of sleep. That's right, miss Gabi is sleeping in her crib in the girls' room and she IS SLEEPING ALL NIGHT!!! Yes, we can and should all dance around and know that I will start feeling like myself again...
Speaking of that, it makes me wonder--- do I want to "return" to my self-- or is it the old me I'm clinging to that is holding me back? Hrm. I am who I am right in this moment... not who I was before kids. I am what I do every day in each moment.
So tonight, I'm going to bed at 10, and I'm gonna feel amazing come Saturday. I'm going to finish writing my personal statement- no matter how hard it is. I'm going to be patient and kind with my kids.
(I was "busted" watching the Bachelor, so what the heck--- And Courtney from the Bachelor- you should read my words. You are who you are in this very moment.)
This weekend is chalk full of fun... in 1.5 hours I'll be at the mall watching the kiddos play with my best friend and her kids & then out for lunch. Saturday is my little cousin's 17th birthday in Thief River Falls. I think all my extended family is going, so it'll be fun to see everyone. I just hope Julianna is good. And I hope my other cousin is nice to my mom.
I spring cleaned the house while Mahmoud was away at a conference in Baltimore. It felt fabulous to wake up on Thursday morning in clean sheets next to my husband, tables & counters clear, room organized, living room clear of toys, and a ridiculously clean shower with new caulking-- Well, atleast for one morning. Today, there are toys and the kitchen sink is full of dishes.
Besides cleaning, I am also applying for a Masters of Social Work through various schools online. I haven't picked the third quite yet, but so far, it's UND and BU. I hope to do BU's because there are no specific class times. I CANNOT WAIT to be taking classes again.
AND GOD KNOWS I CAN DO IT... especially now that I'm going on night #3 of a FULL night of sleep. That's right, miss Gabi is sleeping in her crib in the girls' room and she IS SLEEPING ALL NIGHT!!! Yes, we can and should all dance around and know that I will start feeling like myself again...
Speaking of that, it makes me wonder--- do I want to "return" to my self-- or is it the old me I'm clinging to that is holding me back? Hrm. I am who I am right in this moment... not who I was before kids. I am what I do every day in each moment.
So tonight, I'm going to bed at 10, and I'm gonna feel amazing come Saturday. I'm going to finish writing my personal statement- no matter how hard it is. I'm going to be patient and kind with my kids.
(I was "busted" watching the Bachelor, so what the heck--- And Courtney from the Bachelor- you should read my words. You are who you are in this very moment.)
This weekend is chalk full of fun... in 1.5 hours I'll be at the mall watching the kiddos play with my best friend and her kids & then out for lunch. Saturday is my little cousin's 17th birthday in Thief River Falls. I think all my extended family is going, so it'll be fun to see everyone. I just hope Julianna is good. And I hope my other cousin is nice to my mom.
Monday, February 20, 2012
Grateful
What am I grateful for?
- A mom who loves me and loves her granddaughters so much.
- Hearing how proud Julianna repeats the word granddaughter... just like Nana says it.
- My husband who is such a hard worker, big dreamer, and seeing him happy.
- Gabriella being so easy to put to bed
- Overall good health of my family
- Sheets that smell fresh and clean and are "tight"
- Romantic nights
- Getting 8 hours of sleep with only ONE night time feeding
- Having running water in my home to wash dishes, laundry, kids, and drink! Imagine how much work it would be without it.
- A mom who loves me and loves her granddaughters so much.
- Hearing how proud Julianna repeats the word granddaughter... just like Nana says it.
- My husband who is such a hard worker, big dreamer, and seeing him happy.
- Gabriella being so easy to put to bed
- Overall good health of my family
- Sheets that smell fresh and clean and are "tight"
- Romantic nights
- Getting 8 hours of sleep with only ONE night time feeding
- Having running water in my home to wash dishes, laundry, kids, and drink! Imagine how much work it would be without it.
A (good) weeks review...
A new week of celebrations. Gabriella is turning ONE! So, this week I'm going to go all out for her and have a big ol' party after a long search on a theme of "You are my sunshine". Bright pinks and yellows, sunshine stuff, fruit kababs, and yellow cakes! I'm looking forward to having my sister Barbie here to help me and have fun with me.
Sunday nights week in review- Last Sunday we watched the Grammy's together at home after I spent the day at my mom's, sleeping on her couch and eating. Aww, rest.
Monday & Tuesday stayed home with Jules from even gymnastics, fevers continued. Mom came by on Valentine's Day to bring medicine and V-Day gifts... a box of chocolates for both Moud and I, a drum book for Gabi, A Dora sing a long book for Jules, and three dvds, plus candy. Whoa.
Wednesday: Our 5th anniversary. Dropped the girls off at Mom's and went to the mall to look at dresses for Gabi's birthday. Met Moud at home, greeted with flowers and a card that made me cry. Plus, he got me a plaque with our wedding date-- including the year that I keep forgetting. And a photo book is in the mail of pics over the past five years of us. <3 best husband ever. LOVE HIM!!!
Thursday? I've no idea!! Made dinner that night and prepared some extra food for Moud.
Friday? Cooked for Mahmoud, Kholoud stopped by for a quick visit, Mom came over for a couple of hours and just hung out with us girls. She took Gabi home with her while I took Jules to Target and the mall. THIS WAS REALLY FUN! Spent $200 on monthly essentials that I stocked up on at Target, then went to the mall and found Gabi's birthday dress at the Gap. We looked for yellow shoes (which I just remembered that I "found" in a dream at a homeless thrift store where my shoes and purse were stolen). Then Julianna played on the baby grand piano's at Scott's Music, looked at puppies, and eventually made our way to the Arcade where she light up and squealed at the riding the merry-go-round (twice!) and playing the "bam" game. Was ALOT of fun!!
Saturday- After doing birthday shopping for Gabriella with kids at Nana's, we went to Ben & Caryl's for Hannah's daughters first birthday. Adalia napped until it was cake time and we sang to her. Was extremely sweet and touching to see the Lesters after all these years. I feel like they haven't changed at all, sweet, good, God-loving people that makes a person want to do and be better. Did I mention that I LOVE Caryl's decor and house, it's sooo gorgeous and homey. Came home to find Mahmoud at home!! Awesome surprise! Julianna napped until late while Gabi refused. Oh and seeing pictures of Mama Amal brought tears to my eyes...
Sunday was quite different, naps for everyone, even this Mama. Plus, I got TONS of laundry and dishes done, washed and changed all our sheets, and even made dinner. Very productive domestic household day. Sweet conversation over salmon with Mahmoud (while Jules was sleeping on the couch near us) about his maternal family history... like how is Grandmother can remember the family all gathering at the basha courtyard on horses, servants sprinkling the area with water to be cooler and serving food and drinks; or how his grandfather would always give the employees their exact earnings (not very common still in Egypt) by getting heaps of change to pay them exactly in-- and this is why she supposed Dr. Lotfy and his grandfather hit it off so well- they were both righteous in their ideas and deeds. His father was exceptional in that his recreational time was spent spending hours getting to the mosque to hear his favorite Imam speak أبو العينين شعيشع = abo el 3eneen she3aysha3 (which we listened to while he told me the story). His roommates in college remember that he would always get up for fagr, being very quiet by walking on his tip toes not to wake anyone else up.
This weeks goals: Get Gabi's stuff done, review goals on the side page and follow them. Workout today, drink water, eat healthy by eating lots of fruit n veges. Oh, order groceries today online. HAVE FUN in doing even things like laundry with the girls.
Sunday nights week in review- Last Sunday we watched the Grammy's together at home after I spent the day at my mom's, sleeping on her couch and eating. Aww, rest.
Monday & Tuesday stayed home with Jules from even gymnastics, fevers continued. Mom came by on Valentine's Day to bring medicine and V-Day gifts... a box of chocolates for both Moud and I, a drum book for Gabi, A Dora sing a long book for Jules, and three dvds, plus candy. Whoa.
Wednesday: Our 5th anniversary. Dropped the girls off at Mom's and went to the mall to look at dresses for Gabi's birthday. Met Moud at home, greeted with flowers and a card that made me cry. Plus, he got me a plaque with our wedding date-- including the year that I keep forgetting. And a photo book is in the mail of pics over the past five years of us. <3 best husband ever. LOVE HIM!!!
Thursday? I've no idea!! Made dinner that night and prepared some extra food for Moud.
Friday? Cooked for Mahmoud, Kholoud stopped by for a quick visit, Mom came over for a couple of hours and just hung out with us girls. She took Gabi home with her while I took Jules to Target and the mall. THIS WAS REALLY FUN! Spent $200 on monthly essentials that I stocked up on at Target, then went to the mall and found Gabi's birthday dress at the Gap. We looked for yellow shoes (which I just remembered that I "found" in a dream at a homeless thrift store where my shoes and purse were stolen). Then Julianna played on the baby grand piano's at Scott's Music, looked at puppies, and eventually made our way to the Arcade where she light up and squealed at the riding the merry-go-round (twice!) and playing the "bam" game. Was ALOT of fun!!
Saturday- After doing birthday shopping for Gabriella with kids at Nana's, we went to Ben & Caryl's for Hannah's daughters first birthday. Adalia napped until it was cake time and we sang to her. Was extremely sweet and touching to see the Lesters after all these years. I feel like they haven't changed at all, sweet, good, God-loving people that makes a person want to do and be better. Did I mention that I LOVE Caryl's decor and house, it's sooo gorgeous and homey. Came home to find Mahmoud at home!! Awesome surprise! Julianna napped until late while Gabi refused. Oh and seeing pictures of Mama Amal brought tears to my eyes...
Sunday was quite different, naps for everyone, even this Mama. Plus, I got TONS of laundry and dishes done, washed and changed all our sheets, and even made dinner. Very productive domestic household day. Sweet conversation over salmon with Mahmoud (while Jules was sleeping on the couch near us) about his maternal family history... like how is Grandmother can remember the family all gathering at the basha courtyard on horses, servants sprinkling the area with water to be cooler and serving food and drinks; or how his grandfather would always give the employees their exact earnings (not very common still in Egypt) by getting heaps of change to pay them exactly in-- and this is why she supposed Dr. Lotfy and his grandfather hit it off so well- they were both righteous in their ideas and deeds. His father was exceptional in that his recreational time was spent spending hours getting to the mosque to hear his favorite Imam speak أبو العينين شعيشع = abo el 3eneen she3aysha3 (which we listened to while he told me the story). His roommates in college remember that he would always get up for fagr, being very quiet by walking on his tip toes not to wake anyone else up.
This weeks goals: Get Gabi's stuff done, review goals on the side page and follow them. Workout today, drink water, eat healthy by eating lots of fruit n veges. Oh, order groceries today online. HAVE FUN in doing even things like laundry with the girls.
Thursday, February 16, 2012
Five years...
Yesterday was a unique, special, fun day with my husband. We celebrated our fifth year of marriage. Quite an accomplishment given our circumstances -- you know, different countries, cultures, religions. His card made me cry, the flowers for the first time were special just because he listened to what I really wanted, and the plaque with our wedding date on it was extremely sentimental. My gift to him was memorzing the tashahud and a bottle of cologne- he loves it and I've never bought any for him before cos he has sooo many bottles of it. I love him. I'm still crazy about him after all this time. I can't wait to be old grandparents with him. We had dinner at Red Lobster and were actually able to have an entire conversation with kids interrupting. Incredible!
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