I just realized today that I changed blog homes and never posted the info here.
My blog is now at www.alastconfession.wordpress.com
Saturday, May 12, 2012
Monday, December 13, 2010
Action
For the month of December, I'm participating in a wonderful project called Reverb10. It calls for bloggers to reflect on daily prompts in preparation for 2011. For more information, see Reverb10.
December 13 – Action. When it comes to aspirations, it’s not about ideas. It’s about making ideas happen. What’s your next step? (Author: Scott Belsky)
I'm not sure. Right now, I feel like I'm just trying to survive day-to-day with The Kid. I'm still getting used to not really having a set schedule, etc. I need to decide what I want to accomplish next year, and whether or not that's reasonable considering that I'm a mom now. I know that I want to continue with Weight Watchers and work on being more active, but other than that, I have no idea what I want to focus on next year.
December 13 – Action. When it comes to aspirations, it’s not about ideas. It’s about making ideas happen. What’s your next step? (Author: Scott Belsky)
I'm not sure. Right now, I feel like I'm just trying to survive day-to-day with The Kid. I'm still getting used to not really having a set schedule, etc. I need to decide what I want to accomplish next year, and whether or not that's reasonable considering that I'm a mom now. I know that I want to continue with Weight Watchers and work on being more active, but other than that, I have no idea what I want to focus on next year.
Sunday, December 12, 2010
Wisdom, Things, and Body Integration
For the month of December, I'm participating in a wonderful project called Reverb10. It calls for bloggers to reflect on daily prompts in preparation for 2011. For more information, see Reverb10.
December 10 – Wisdom. What was the wisest decision you made this year, and how did it play out? (Author: Susannah Conway)
I think the wisest decision I've made this year was to re-join Weight Watchers last month. I'd lost the baby weight I'd gained, but I was still overweight, so I decided to give WW a shot. I'd been a member a billion times in the past 10 years, but this time seemed different. I was (am) more determined. I'm a slow loser, and I've lost almost 7lbs in the past 6 weeks. That works for me. My eating is somewhat under control, so now I need to work on activity. I chase The Kid around a lot, but of course I need something more vigorous and disciplined. I'm considering joining the Y so that I can swim (and take swim classes with The Kid).
Also...I'm considering learning how to run. The only time I've ever run (aside from when I was kid) was in high school 17+ years ago when I had to run in gym class. I've never had a desire to run, and never understood people who did. But now, I want to do it. We'll see.
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December 11 – 11 Things. What are 11 things your life doesn’t need in 2011? How will you go about eliminating them? How will getting rid of these 11 things change your life? (Author: Sam Davidson)
Wow. 11 things? Let's see.
1. Clutter. I tend to hoard books, bags, and papers. I'm trying to simplify and get rid of what I don't need. The clutter is starting to drive me insane. I'm also embarrassed to have people over because of the mess. It needs to go away.
2. Extra weight. Losing the weight will make me healthier, but more importantly, I want to be a good healthy role model for my son.
3. Crap from the past. There are several people I'm "friends" with on Facebook whom I just don't like. But I keep in touch with them to know what's going on with them. I'm nosy. I don't want to be. Most of them just disappoint me with whom they've become.
4. Clothing. I have too many clothes. I wear the same things over and over, so I need to donate what I don't wear anymore.
5. Self-loathing. I have to stop hating myself. Because I'm pretty awesome.
6. The inability to say "no." I tend to over-extend myself because I can't say no. That needs to stop.
Hmmm...I'm not sure what else I want to get rid of. I'll re-visit this.
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December 12 – Body Integration. This year, when did you feel the most integrated with your body? Did you have a moment where there wasn’t mind and body, but simply a cohesive YOU, alive and present? (Author: Patrick Reynolds)
Well, I don't know. I was going to say when I was giving birth, but I was definitely thinking then. I'm not sure I did have a moment in 2010 when I felt integrated with my body. I'm constantly thinking, no matter what I'm doing.
December 10 – Wisdom. What was the wisest decision you made this year, and how did it play out? (Author: Susannah Conway)
I think the wisest decision I've made this year was to re-join Weight Watchers last month. I'd lost the baby weight I'd gained, but I was still overweight, so I decided to give WW a shot. I'd been a member a billion times in the past 10 years, but this time seemed different. I was (am) more determined. I'm a slow loser, and I've lost almost 7lbs in the past 6 weeks. That works for me. My eating is somewhat under control, so now I need to work on activity. I chase The Kid around a lot, but of course I need something more vigorous and disciplined. I'm considering joining the Y so that I can swim (and take swim classes with The Kid).
Also...I'm considering learning how to run. The only time I've ever run (aside from when I was kid) was in high school 17+ years ago when I had to run in gym class. I've never had a desire to run, and never understood people who did. But now, I want to do it. We'll see.
**************************************************************
December 11 – 11 Things. What are 11 things your life doesn’t need in 2011? How will you go about eliminating them? How will getting rid of these 11 things change your life? (Author: Sam Davidson)
Wow. 11 things? Let's see.
1. Clutter. I tend to hoard books, bags, and papers. I'm trying to simplify and get rid of what I don't need. The clutter is starting to drive me insane. I'm also embarrassed to have people over because of the mess. It needs to go away.
2. Extra weight. Losing the weight will make me healthier, but more importantly, I want to be a good healthy role model for my son.
3. Crap from the past. There are several people I'm "friends" with on Facebook whom I just don't like. But I keep in touch with them to know what's going on with them. I'm nosy. I don't want to be. Most of them just disappoint me with whom they've become.
4. Clothing. I have too many clothes. I wear the same things over and over, so I need to donate what I don't wear anymore.
5. Self-loathing. I have to stop hating myself. Because I'm pretty awesome.
6. The inability to say "no." I tend to over-extend myself because I can't say no. That needs to stop.
Hmmm...I'm not sure what else I want to get rid of. I'll re-visit this.
**************************************************************
December 12 – Body Integration. This year, when did you feel the most integrated with your body? Did you have a moment where there wasn’t mind and body, but simply a cohesive YOU, alive and present? (Author: Patrick Reynolds)
Well, I don't know. I was going to say when I was giving birth, but I was definitely thinking then. I'm not sure I did have a moment in 2010 when I felt integrated with my body. I'm constantly thinking, no matter what I'm doing.
Thursday, December 9, 2010
Reverb10 -- 2 responses
December 8 – Beautifully Different. Think about what makes you different and what you do that lights people up. Reflect on all the things that make you different – you’ll find they’re what make you beautiful. (Author: Karen Walrond)
Sometimes I feel that I'm not much different than those around me. But I think that it's my experiences that make me different, or what make everyone unique. I try to always see the best in people and remind them to believe in themselves. When I was in grad school, a friend told me, "Never apologize for who you are," and that still resonates with me.
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December 9 – Party Prompt: Party. What social gathering rocked your socks off in 2010? Describe the people, music, food, drink, clothes, shenanigans. (Author: Shauna Reid)
I didn't really attend many social gatherings this year. I was too busy being pregnant or being a mom. We did manage to attend some small gatherings with friends this year. Recently, a friend held an obsolete media party, where we watch reel-to-reel films, listened to albums on vinyl, and ate 70's-inspired foods. There were only a handful of people there, but it was so reassuring to look around and see faces of people I cared about.
Sometimes I feel that I'm not much different than those around me. But I think that it's my experiences that make me different, or what make everyone unique. I try to always see the best in people and remind them to believe in themselves. When I was in grad school, a friend told me, "Never apologize for who you are," and that still resonates with me.
*****************************************************************
December 9 – Party Prompt: Party. What social gathering rocked your socks off in 2010? Describe the people, music, food, drink, clothes, shenanigans. (Author: Shauna Reid)
I didn't really attend many social gatherings this year. I was too busy being pregnant or being a mom. We did manage to attend some small gatherings with friends this year. Recently, a friend held an obsolete media party, where we watch reel-to-reel films, listened to albums on vinyl, and ate 70's-inspired foods. There were only a handful of people there, but it was so reassuring to look around and see faces of people I cared about.
Tuesday, December 7, 2010
Community
For the month of December, I'm participating in a wonderful project called Reverb10. It calls for bloggers to reflect on daily prompts in preparation for 2011. For more information, see Reverb10.
December 7 – Community Prompt: Community. Where have you discovered community, online or otherwise, in 2010? What community would you like to join, create or more deeply connect with in 2011? (Author: Cali Harris)
In 2010, I explored more online communities -- ones for weight loss, writing, motherhood, and homesteading. I'm a bit of a homebody and rather shy, so it's difficult for me to seek out people in real life. Also, with online work, I can do it whenever I want, which is a plus now that I have The Kid to consider.
In 2011, I'd like to continue to make connections with like-minded people. I don't have anything particular in mind at the moment.
December 7 – Community Prompt: Community. Where have you discovered community, online or otherwise, in 2010? What community would you like to join, create or more deeply connect with in 2011? (Author: Cali Harris)
In 2010, I explored more online communities -- ones for weight loss, writing, motherhood, and homesteading. I'm a bit of a homebody and rather shy, so it's difficult for me to seek out people in real life. Also, with online work, I can do it whenever I want, which is a plus now that I have The Kid to consider.
In 2011, I'd like to continue to make connections with like-minded people. I don't have anything particular in mind at the moment.
Monday, December 6, 2010
Catching up on Reverb10: December 1-6
Prompt: December 1 – One Word. Encapsulate the year 2010 in one word. Explain why you’re choosing that word. Now, imagine it’s one year from today, what would you like the word to be that captures 2011 for you? (Author: Gwen Bell)
One word for 2010? Change. The biggest change is that I became a mother this year. The Kid has changed my life in so many ways. It's been a challenge to accept that my life is different and that he comes first, no matter what. I'm getting better at it.
For 2011? Simplicity. I'm trying to de-clutter and simplify my life as much as possible. As I've written about before, I want to live a simple life, much like my grandmother did. Cook from scratch, grow my own food, not take pleasure in (too many) material things. Treasure my family and friends.
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Prompt: December 2 – Writing. What do you do each day that doesn’t contribute to your writing — and can you eliminate it? (Author: Leo Babauta)
The biggest thing that takes away from my writing is The Kid. When I'm not working, I'm being a mother. But I need to get back to my writing, even if it's 15 minutes a day. I've had so many poems and blog posts floating around my head the past several months, and I need to write them down.
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Prompt: December 3 – Moment. Pick one moment during which you felt most alive this year. Describe it in vivid detail (texture, smells, voices, noises, colors). (Author: Ali Edwards)
That's easy! I felt most alive this year when I was giving birth to my son. It was a surreal experience, and I'm amazed that I was able to give birth to a little boy. I'll save the vivid details for myself. :)
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Prompt: December 4 – Wonder. How did you cultivate a sense of wonder in your life this year? (Author: Jeffrey Davis)
I'm amazed every day by my son. Amazed that I made him, and amazed at how far he's come in (almost) 9 months. I'm so curious about him, and he, in turn, is curious about the world. I'm honored that I'm the one (or, one of the ones) who gets to show him around.
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Prompt: December 5 – Let Go. What (or whom) did you let go of this year? Why? (Author: Alice Bradley)
This is a tough one. There's definitely a person I'm trying to let go of, but it's difficult. I don't speak to them anymore, but I'm still "friends" with them on Facebook, so I'm aware of what's going on with them. I'm not sure why it's been difficult to say goodbye to them. I certainly know why I have to.
I'm also trying to let go of the self-loathing I've felt for years. I'm 35 years old, and I just want to love myself. How I look, how I speak, how I think -- everything. I'm a pretty awesome person, and it's time I appreciate it!
***********************************************************************************************
Prompt: December 6 – Make. What was the last thing you made? What materials did you use? Is there something you want to make, but you need to clear some time for it? (Author: Gretchen Rubin)
Yesterday, I made homemade jams -- peach and black raspberry. I also made chocolate biscotti. I love to bake and cook, but it's hard to make the time lately. I would love to learn how to sew and quilt, and that's one of my goals for 2011.
One word for 2010? Change. The biggest change is that I became a mother this year. The Kid has changed my life in so many ways. It's been a challenge to accept that my life is different and that he comes first, no matter what. I'm getting better at it.
For 2011? Simplicity. I'm trying to de-clutter and simplify my life as much as possible. As I've written about before, I want to live a simple life, much like my grandmother did. Cook from scratch, grow my own food, not take pleasure in (too many) material things. Treasure my family and friends.
*********************************************************************************************
Prompt: December 2 – Writing. What do you do each day that doesn’t contribute to your writing — and can you eliminate it? (Author: Leo Babauta)
The biggest thing that takes away from my writing is The Kid. When I'm not working, I'm being a mother. But I need to get back to my writing, even if it's 15 minutes a day. I've had so many poems and blog posts floating around my head the past several months, and I need to write them down.
*********************************************************************************************
Prompt: December 3 – Moment. Pick one moment during which you felt most alive this year. Describe it in vivid detail (texture, smells, voices, noises, colors). (Author: Ali Edwards)
That's easy! I felt most alive this year when I was giving birth to my son. It was a surreal experience, and I'm amazed that I was able to give birth to a little boy. I'll save the vivid details for myself. :)
**********************************************************************************************
Prompt: December 4 – Wonder. How did you cultivate a sense of wonder in your life this year? (Author: Jeffrey Davis)
I'm amazed every day by my son. Amazed that I made him, and amazed at how far he's come in (almost) 9 months. I'm so curious about him, and he, in turn, is curious about the world. I'm honored that I'm the one (or, one of the ones) who gets to show him around.
**********************************************************************************
Prompt: December 5 – Let Go. What (or whom) did you let go of this year? Why? (Author: Alice Bradley)
This is a tough one. There's definitely a person I'm trying to let go of, but it's difficult. I don't speak to them anymore, but I'm still "friends" with them on Facebook, so I'm aware of what's going on with them. I'm not sure why it's been difficult to say goodbye to them. I certainly know why I have to.
I'm also trying to let go of the self-loathing I've felt for years. I'm 35 years old, and I just want to love myself. How I look, how I speak, how I think -- everything. I'm a pretty awesome person, and it's time I appreciate it!
***********************************************************************************************
Prompt: December 6 – Make. What was the last thing you made? What materials did you use? Is there something you want to make, but you need to clear some time for it? (Author: Gretchen Rubin)
Yesterday, I made homemade jams -- peach and black raspberry. I also made chocolate biscotti. I love to bake and cook, but it's hard to make the time lately. I would love to learn how to sew and quilt, and that's one of my goals for 2011.
Wednesday, November 24, 2010
More Thinking Than Doing
I think a lot. I can't seem to stop. Often, I get so stuck thinking that I don't do what think about doing. For example, I want to bake something today, but I've spent the past hour trying to decide what I want to make instead of just doing it. The Kid will wake up from his nap soon, and I certainly won't be able to bake then. So, I've essentially wasted my time. I think part of the problem is that I'm so tired, I just don't want to move.
I read a lot about homesteading, cooking from scratch, simplifying, etc. and I want to do it all. But I don't. I reach for easy meals, still lust after material items (books and bags, mostly), and didn't prepare the ground for a garden like I wanted to. If I would have spent less time thinking and reading about it, and more time doing, I'd be on my way to the simple life I want.
I'm also worried because I don't have any classes for next summer. I wanted to teach at least one online course so that I'd have income, but the new Dept. Chair didn't give me anything. So, I'm not sure what I'm going to do. Ugh.
The Kid is starting to stir, so I'm going to throw in a load of laundry and prepare myself for playing and cuddling with him.
I read a lot about homesteading, cooking from scratch, simplifying, etc. and I want to do it all. But I don't. I reach for easy meals, still lust after material items (books and bags, mostly), and didn't prepare the ground for a garden like I wanted to. If I would have spent less time thinking and reading about it, and more time doing, I'd be on my way to the simple life I want.
I'm also worried because I don't have any classes for next summer. I wanted to teach at least one online course so that I'd have income, but the new Dept. Chair didn't give me anything. So, I'm not sure what I'm going to do. Ugh.
The Kid is starting to stir, so I'm going to throw in a load of laundry and prepare myself for playing and cuddling with him.
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