Busy Christmas

Such a busy time of year!!! Why do we try to cram so much into this one month? I read recently, about a family (the happiness project) who no longer send out year end/Christmas cards. Instead they have become Valentines. When I read this I thought "what a fantastic idea! I'm going to do that!" As Christmas draws nearer, I'm doubting my decision, but sticking to it. This first year will be hard because as the cards roll in for our family, so too, are people expecting one from us. I still may give a card or two as I give out gifts, but the form letter(detailing how we are doing) and picture that usually accompanies each one, will be missing. I'm ok with that. Christmas is becoming overwhelming to me and I'm glad to be rid of one expectation. And besides....... who doesn't love to get Valentines in the mail. Christmas cards you expect; but Valenitines???

I'm frustrated this morning too. I dropped the kids at school and upon noticing the beauty outside, decided to come home and get my camera. I drove around town taking pics of the beautiful trees covered in hoar frost. Very relaxing and I was feeling good about it. I came home to download said pictures, and the card reader is not recognizing the card! I'm beyond angry. I already kicked the computer, screamed at the top of my lungs and slapped the card down on the desk. I'm done now. My husband will fix it later. I'm just going to let it go................... So pictures later. (I hope)

I'm not done Christmas shopping, the real tree we got is dead already, it's cold, I'm getting my belly back,the laundry continues to pile up...................... and to top it all off, I'm tired of everyone complaining! bahahahahahahahahah  I guess that's where this all originated. So much complaining this time of year is bringing me down. Not just social media but face to face, too. People are disgruntled with what life is dishing out these days. I'm getting sucked in. I'm a firm believer that we reap what we sow. The more complaining you do, the more you solidify what it is you're complaining about. I just can't seem to get away from it though. I refuse to use the word 'hate' on my status or tweets. It just seems wrong at this time of year. Wrong at most times but Christmas especially. Such  strong connotations! Settle down people! Where's the love?

Well now that I've had my little hissy fit, I'm going to change the rest of my day! I will be the one to spread the love. I'm going to exercise with loud music. Have a shower and get all gussied up for lunch with my husband. I'll have a pedicure after that, and bring a Christmas present to my wonderful friend who fills me with hope and inspiration. Then I will approach the rest of my day with appreciation, and joy for the season! I will I will!
We'll see how it goes, but I'm gonna try! Ciao for now!

Offering support

Often I have made a decision to do something , and when the sun rises the next day, my mind has changed ~ or weakened. It's hard to maintain decisions you have made sometimes without outside help.My son has decided to spend less time on the computer and so I am going to help him with that. I,too am going to spend less time on the computer. (I'm typing this quickly before he gets home from school). I cleaned his desk off today and put out his sketching stuff he got for Christmas. This is something he has expressed an interest in and has decided to pursue it further. I'm trying to give him the push he needs. He has already given that to ME! :)

changing a lifestyle

We spend a lot of time using electronics in this house. We all have fb accounts except my youngest child. We have an Xbox 360 Kinect, wii, iTouches, iPhones, DS and of course televisions.I realize that too much time in front of a screen is not good for you but......When you live in Alberta in the winter months; there isn't a lot to do.When it's warm outside, of course it's easy to hop on your bike and go for a ride. Going for a walk in the summer is a no brainer.When it is -30 something with the windchill, your options are limited. I think computers are an essential part of our kids upbringing. It  never used to be so important but ....you really need to have some computer "know how" to do ANY job these days. When our children get into the work force I foresee that computers will be even MORE prevalent!My children are very computer savvy and have passed me in many ways. I AM grateful for that! Their information acquired now will serve them well in the future. We just can't get away from that! It's a fact people!That being said.....It's time to insert some other activities in their lives. I know that there are even some adults whose interests lie wholly in computers and technology but we all know that a well rounded person is the happiest.

While I was at rehearsal last night and my husband was at a meeting; our times overlapped and the kids were left home alone for about an hour. They were to practice their piano lessons. That was the only thing they had to do. When I got home, I found the two boys on the computers and Olivia in front of the t.v. The following events were not pleasant. Dad came home shorty after and words were had. To make a long story shortER.....Benjamin got up this morning and told me that he was done with the computer until February. As of today after school he is going to practice his piano and draw. I was very impressed. It even motivated me. I think I need a little intervention when it comes to the computer. Between facebooking, blogging and playing 'cityville'.....I spend a lot of time on the computer. So I have decided to give myself TIMES of the day to do these things.One rule I have implemented  is, that I will NOT be on the computer while the kids are at home and awake!That's a good start. We'll see how it goes. I'm not knocking the computer or fb or blogging! These are all important things in my life. It's a way for me to socialize and stay connected, and to also vent and have a creative outlet. Please don't misread this post as bashing this technology in any way. This is part of our lives people! the 21st century stops for no one!!!! BUT....everything in moderation. I feel this should be applied in EVERY part of our lives. Technology in this house has NOT been in moderation for quite a while! This needs to change! We'll work on that for a while and see what else comes up.