Post Holiday Crash

You know your child is really overtired when she decides to lay down on the floor (hardwood no less) with her blanket and pillow and promptly falls asleep! She even rolled over to get more comfortable while on the floor! Too funny!

The Big 3-0

For the last few days I have been thinking about my upcoming, milestone birthday. Trying to sort out my feelings and decide if I was ok with it or not. Everyone was making a big deal of my becoming “old” including myself. But the truth is that I don’t feel any older. I feel almost the same as I did at 20. I say almost because I feel that the last decade has taught me so much. It has been all about transitions: a long term relationship, moving in with my future husband, getting a real job, buying a car, taking a couple of vacations, losing my mother in law, buying a house, having 2 kids, becoming a stay at home parent. It’s no wonder that my 20’s are a blur. But I honestly believe that I have changed tremendously throughout the last ten years. I am much more independent, confident and comfortable in my own skin. I make friends more easily and am less guarded and reserved. I feel like I am what I am and you can either take it or leave it, it’s your loss. I am starting to feel that life is too short for negative people or problems and I want to enjoy my time.

On the flip side, I find that I am also very bored with my life sometimes. I have not yet accepted that I am a grown up and no longer a teenager or young adult. This past Saturday night was the first time that I ever felt old. I am not sure if that was due to my approaching birthday or what, but it was around 9:30pm, I was in bed with my book, Bee was playing on his computer and I remember asking him, “is this what the next 50 years of our life is going to be like?” and at that moment, that thought depressed me. I told Bee to remind me of that thought in 10 years when the girls are late coming home or I’m fighting sleep because I have to go out and get them somewhere!

All these conflicting thoughts led me to do a little searching. I looked up “turning 30” on Google and found quite a few good articles. This one really spoke to me:

“We are all familiar with the biblical story of Joseph. In a dramatic turnaround, Joseph is transformed from jailed prisoner to prime minister of Egypt in a matter of hours. The Torah goes out of its way to tell us that Joseph was 30 years old when he began to rule over Egypt (Genesis 41:46). Why is this significant for us to know? The famous 12th century commentator Rashbam explains that at age 30 one is "worthy of leadership." Interestingly, the minimum age to run for U.S. Congress is also 30. But what is so significant about being thirty-something and being ready to lead? I found the answer in a most unlikely place-studying the laws of Rosh Hashana. The Code of Jewish Law (O.C. 581:1) instructs congregations to seek certain qualities when choosing a cantor to lead the services on the High Holidays. One of these qualities is that he should be at least 30 years old. Why? The Mishna Brura explains that it is because a 30-year-old is humble and broken hearted, and can thus sincerely "pray from the heart." It would seem that the Torah understands age 30 as a "moment of truth" when certain realities of life firmly take hold, and it is only through the acquisition of these realities that one can be a leader -- whether in public life or in prayer. What might these realities be?"

“Indeed, the Talmud (Pirkei Avot 5:26) declares: "At age 30, one receives strength." This is the strength of character needed to pursue life's goals. The 20s process of trial and error leads to a more secure decade of the 30s, when a person is focused on true talents, pursuable goals, and genuine accomplishments.”

“The old cliche is true: A jack-of-all-trades is a master of none. The 20s are the training ground to become a jack-of-all-trades. The 30s is the time to focus and master those talents that can be applied in practical directions”

What a great way to start a new decade! With feelings of strength, humbleness and the ability to become a leader?

Another article that spoke to me is this one, written by Heidi Fletcher (fitness competitor). These are some of the things that she has realized as she turns 30:

I’ve learned that as I’ve gotten older, I have become more comfortable in my own skin.

I’ve learned that doing the right thing, means doing the right thing by my standards, not someone else’s.

I’ve learned that I don’t have to settle. I have every day of my life to do that… why do it today, or even tomorrow for that matter?

I've learned that you don't have to lie to avoid saying things that are painful. It will just bite you in the ass in the end.

I've accepted that I am capable of doing whatever I put my mind to. And have reaped the rewards and benefits to prove it.

I’ve learned that trust is one of the most significant aspects of any relationship. And to lose it, usually means losing the relationship.

I've learned to accept the fact that I am worthy of significant relationships in my life and I don't have to click to "self destruct" mode when things get intense.

I’ve learned how to compromise without compromising myself in order to make life easier or happier for other people.

I've learned that I don't have to be perfect. As long as I am healthy that shows through and defines me more than anything.

I’ve learned that I am capable of independence.

I’ve learned that just because two people love each other, does not mean they should be together.

I’ve learned that people need you to understand them more than they need you to agree with them. I

I’ve learned that being a good friend and have people depend on you is just as comforting as having a good friend. And I’ve learned the importance of my friendships.

I’ve learned that it is okay to ‘grow out’ of a relationship, whether it be love, friendship or business related.

I’ve learned that people you love will hurt you. You need to make peace with it, and move on.

I’ve learned that love does come when you least expect it.

Most of all I've learned to relish my family, my mom and dad and siblings. Those people are invaluable.

I must say that I can relate to just about all of her thoughts and again, what a positive way to start my 30’s. I feel like a much stronger person who is more comfortable in the world and has a lot to offer!

I think that now that I am “settled” in my life, that my 30’s will be all about me! I have some goals that I would like to realize in this decade and most of them revolve around changing my bad habits and making myself a better person and role model for my girls. I think these will be the best years of my life, as Natalie (my little sister) said, “30 is the new 20!”

MARAKA : dora the explorer parody

I saw this last night on Saturday Night Live. It does have language so be warned!

Texas here I come! (Sung as they do in the Backyardigans!)

You may have noticed that I’ve replaced my Christmas ticker with a new one! If you haven’t seen it it’s on the right at the top of the column. Go look. I’ll wait.

See?

I am so excited!!!! I am going to Texas to finally get to meet my bestest friend in the whole wide world Heather! Heather posted on her blog the story of how we met and since I have two kids and am lazy, I am copying it here for you!

“First, at the top right you will see a new ticker. We are counting down the days until my dear friend, Marianne, flies to Texas to not only VISIT me...but to MEET me! Yes, you read that right! For those of you who do not know, I will attempt to share the story as concisely as possible. Mar and I met online at Sparkpeople.com in a New Moms group, we were trying to lose the 'baby weight'. This was around January or February of 2006. We discovered that we both liked to do the same workout...Walk Away The Pounds...and Mar had tried a few I had never even heard of. The online group we were a part of was basically anonymous, so I did not have my email public, etc. In order to share more about the workouts we ended up exchanging emails and really the rest is history. We began to have more personal discussions through emails, not only about workouts and vegetables...eventually we moved on to im'ing each other on a daily basis. I have even had phone service, off and on, that allows me to call Canada at no extra charge, so yes, we have actually spoken on the phone. OH! I think I forgot to mention she's in CANADA! Yes...she lives 1700 miles away. Needless to say, we have never met in person. So this year, for her birthday (which is Monday), her husband has given her a trip to Texas! She booked her flight the day she found out and we are so excited! I know this may sound crazy to some of you...in fact, we often call her my 'crazy Canuck friend'...but our lives are eerily similar, with 'coincidences' popping up around every corner. We have so much in common (her husband's birthday is even the same day as Riley's! I mean, seriously!?) and over the past 2 years we have become secret sharers, fashion consultants, comfort givers, co-diet busters...not just internet buddies, but true, timeless friends...the best kind of friends. So I hope everyone will be patient over the next 1 month and 4 weeks, because I know you are going to get so tired of hearing how excited I am to finally meet her in person!”

So that’s the story of how we met (virtually) and I must say that in the beginning, I did not know that this was the kind of relationship we were going to build and in the beginning we would joke and my going to Texas or her coming here and it was all a joke and very ha ha. But now, the time has come and it’s really, truly, honestly happening! I have my ticket and everything! It’s so nice to have something to look forward to now that the holidays are over and I am so very excited to meet Heather. I feel like we have gone through so much together and some really big changes in both of our lives. I know that we will be lifelong friends and it’s going to be wonderful to start making memories together! I am sure there will be tons and tons of pics too since we both love to be behind the camera J

I’m coming Heather!!!

Human Tetris!

Bee found this video this morning. Way too funny!

The Holidays

For days now I have been debating how exactly to post about the Holidays. I think the sheer enormity of the task has kept me away. It certainly hasn’t been lack of time, since Bee just finished 3 more night shifts. For us the Holidays and the celebrating started on the 15^th of December with a family Christmas Party and then just kept going until last week when we had our final Christmas Dinner. All in all they were wonderful with lots of good food and drink and the girls had a blast. It was so nice to be able to experience Christmas through the eyes of a child and it really becomes a magical experience that I am so happy to be able to share with them. In lieu of a long “this is what we did” post, here are some photos of our Christmas Holidays. I hope you enjoyed your Holidays as well and that Santa was good to you!

I am so happy to have my little sister Natalie back in town. Bee was working the day of this party and she was so much help. I could not have done it without her!

Lea is still afraid of Santa. We talked about him a lot and she knew that he brought presents etc but could not be convinced to sit on his lap.

Anna is still too young to care about Santa, she was just anxious to get to the presents!!!

Lea and Bee getting cookies for Santa on Christmas Eve

Anna sampling the reindeer's Carrots. I think she approves!

Lea ever so carefully carrying the milk for Santa

Santa's snack is all ready for him to come and enjoy it!

"The stockings were hung, by the TV with care"

Christmas morning, family shot with timer lol...

Lea went right for the chocolate!

Anna was more interested in eating her toast in the living room than all the gifts!

Lea loves her new kitchen!

Christmas day at Moms. Isn't this horse great? Handmade especially for Lea!

More toys!

Lea and her Mr. Potato Head!

All in all Christmas was a blast, we were all very spoiled and got lots of wonderful gifts and had the chance to spend time with ALL members of our families. It makes for very hectic holidays, but it's once a year and totally worth it!

Happy New Year!