Dr. Sara Gottfried

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!

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.

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:

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... 

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.




 

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 (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.




 

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!

Sick, sick, and more sick.  Jules temp last night/morning at 5:30am- 101.something.  I have sore throat, runny nose, and probably a fever last night too.  Want to sleep.  No exercise.  No healthy eating.  BOO.

A good start to the morning

It's my cousin Brendon's birthday today, he must be turning 16 or 17.  I want to remember to call him. Yesterday was awesome (sunny, picked up house, worked out, etc) and also so annoying.  Crabby begets crabby.  But, Julianna was the joy of my day, she was delightful, cute in her little half pig tails & overalls- and singing her own little songs in the living room, making her own hilarious expressions.  She also went to bed two nights in a row perfectly because I gave her back her bop. I slept heavenly from 11:30 to 6:45 only waking two or three times with Gabriella briefly to nurse her or warm her up.

What made me the happiest?  My two year old daughter asking for pancakes and eating them up (and that I made them super healthy with carrots and apples with oatmeal pancake mix).

What did I like best about myself?  That I did not get emotional when Mahmoud was freaking out on me.

What goals did I do?  worked out 40 minutes, showered, makeup, did Bilal Philips course online and read about Aisha from a book about women in Islam, started laundry and folded a load, made lunch and supper with healthy food, and prayed.

I started today off right, it's now 7:30.  Jules banana n milk, done.  Prayer, done.  Coffee, done.  Blogging, done. Now here's todays goals:

Workout
Laundry (in dryer and folded, plus one load of whites folded)
Call about student loans and pay cc
Make Lunch
Meet with Alma at 3pm.
Prepare dinner in mind with mahmoud going to work all weekend.

A better day (TO DO)

I'm REALLY excited that two girls I met on Friday during the interfaith meeting contacted me -- both went out of their way to call or email!!!!!!!!

I also had seven hours of sleep, with only one 5:30am feeding.  Julianna went to bed because I gave her the pacifier.  Yep, I caved cos I'm nearly 6 weeks into a nightmare bedtime routine with my 2.5 year old.  Last night was a breeze with her sleeping the WHOLE night and only waking me at 7:45.  Right, 9pm-7:45- nearly her normal 11 hours!!

Mom watched the girls yesterday on Tuesday, so I could get groceries and then we attempted to eat dinner together.

Today and over the next six days, I'm determined to KICK butt and work out every day (but Saturday cos I'm going to Fargo with Kholood).
Weds- workout at home while Gabi sleeps or go to YMCA after her nap.  CHECK!  5:30 Music class.
** Remember to ask Farhiya about the sleep sack!  Also, do the Bilal Philips course online tonight.
Laundry downstairs also needs to be completed or probably be rewashed. On my way!   Lunch for Mahmoud started......

Thursday.  YMCA- noon for yoga, lunch with Sheila.  If that fails, I'll take the kids in the gym and we'll run around in there for a bit and have our lunch.

up from 4-7:30am on and off with Gabi who has a fever and is getting her fourth tooth in.  tired.  will shower now.  that's all i got.

A weekend.... full of fun and organization!  Lunch with a Muslim was part of interfaith week and I was one of 'em that attended and met with others.  It felt GREAT and reminded me that I'm missing the spiritual side of my life (and the basics).  Saturday I cleaned and organized the house, including the girls' room.  I even took out too small clothes or ugly clothes I don't want Gabriella to have later from sister's closet.  I did laundry. I attended a pot luck with the girls and managed to have a conversation with a gal I met from Friday who attened.  I cleaned the whole house and put away laundry by Sunday.  I even hosted a pink-pancake breakfast at my house which was one of the most lovely times I can remember, even with Gabriella like super glue on me.  Also, I went to mom's house per Julianna for a couple of hours, ate pizza, and watched some of the super bowl.  Mahmoud came home, watched Madonna at half time, and gave Julianna chocolate.  I ended up falling asleep in my clothes with Jules in my bed.  Woke at 2:30 to put Jules in her bed when Moud came to bed, put on pjs, prayed, back to sleep til 4:30am, Gabi woke sometime in the night, too- and then up at 7:30 when Jules came in LOUDLY.  Nevertheless, I am committed to working out at the YMCA today.  If Gabi doesn't cooperate, I'll work out during her nap today.

I'll also start on Tuesday, a five day diet.  Will require me to work out each day.

Groceries this afternoon, and then gymnastics.

Tonight, time for some Islamic reading for myself.  Plus, look up the study books I mentioned to the girls.

Week Goals:

Prepare some items for Gabi's party
wORK out FIVE times
stick to the menu plan
be nice
bilal phillips course

5 little goals every day

Thursdays goals:
1) Go to the YMCA for yoga at noon or work out there around that time
2) Finish addressing and send out invites for Gabi's birthday
3) Put away dishes (clean and dirty in dw).
4) Eat well
5) Prepard food for Mahmoud to take to work

Committed

There is a difference between INTEREST and COMMITMENT. When you are interested in doing something you ONLY do it when circumstances PERMIT. When you're COMMITTED to something, you accept NO excuses, only RESULTS. Truly think and ask yourself....am I only INTERESTED in the thought of losing weight, getting healthy and fit?? or I am truly COMMITTED, I don't skip a scheduled day of a workout unless life presents itself in such a way that is tough to get it in or if my body is telling me NOT to. I rarely cheat on my diet except when permitted, and I do everything in my power to get the results I deserve because I.AM.COMMITTED!


words of my coach from beach boy.  


day 1 at the ymca.  30 minutes in before they had to come get me because of the kids.  good job, heidi.  


work out plan:  Monday, Weds, and Thursday.  Work out 30-60 minutes.  30 cardio, 20 weights, and the rest stretching.  


Try the yoga class at noon on Thursdays... see if I like it.  

A free class online and other ideas inspired by it

Tonight I started a free class online- from islamiconlineuniversity.com.  I'm excited about it and I like doing something that is beneficial.  Plus, I felt all nerdy reading big words and having to look them up like my husband does.

This also reminds me tonight that I should start reading up things on statistics and start also seeing what the MSW program entails and it's requirements to apply by June.  (The date which should also be double checked).
So, in a nut shell.  I intend to complete this online course by working on it...  Sunday and Wednesday nights.
I'll leave the mornings for Stats and MSW stuff.   here's to the 6am club!

Going to get ready for bed and hopefully be asleep, inshallah by 10pm!

Vision:  My family and I in a stream lined, clean living room.  The girls are happy, I've my arm around Moud, we are healthy, happy, and vibrant.  We feel peace.  We are content.

Robin Sharma's advice

Five things I'm grateful for:
1) My kids and how much Julianna has improved over the past six months
2) My mom and how much of a support and help she is to me
3) Tom- for being their for my mom and I
4) My husband- because he's gooey sweet with me sometimes and he plays with the girls.
5) Waking up early and getting things done

Today is Sunday, and this is a review of last week:
Sunday, Tom and I went to Fargo and had a really nice time doing the work together.  He fell in love with hot chocolate from McDonald's.
Monday, Jules attended her gymnastics class and mom had a blast with Gabriella.  I went and bought Julianna nail polish afterward and everyone, including Baba, got to paint her toe nails.
Tuesday, we arrived at the library- late.  Ran into the gal from CR and was invited again to MOPS... totally forgot about it when Thursday came! Then, I had lunch with Sim at BK and Jules played and had ice cream.
Wednesday-  Julianna spent the night at mom's and I got to sleep in til 8 on Thursday
Thursday- I rocked the house and got alot cleaned
Friday- Alison and I met up at night, the kids played, Gabi bawled when Al picked her up- after I spent the afternoons at my mom's taping and de-wallpapering
Saturday- Got a few things off the check list, Jules took a nap on the couch, and went to Kholoud's for the evening.  Nabiha was especially thankful for our group in our year review.  Jules was awesome and people liked her again!
Sunday- I'll be leaving for my mom's in 1.5 hours to go paint.  And inshallah, around 12:30 I'll go pick up Amber and meet with Jaime, too.

My goals for the new year are mainly focused on getting up early.  Last night I went to bed at 10, woke up at 6;30 and I feel pretty great.  I now need to work out in the mornings.  This coming week I will wake up at 6am every morning.  I need to do this, especially if I am to be successful next year. In the end, it would be awesome to be part of the five o'clock club.  I could work out, journal til 6 and study til atleast 8 when Gabi wakes.  

I also thought of doing a Bilal Phillips course on Islam and seeing how it works to do from home "online" before next year.