Friday, July 18, 2014

Making Changes: Take 1

Together again! Clockwise: from the left: Drew (youngest), Ray (family friend), Thayer (oldest), me, Zachary (Marine man) oh, and Pandora looking on
How did it get to be Friday already?  Where did the days go this week?  With the boys leaving and the change in weather (53° F), I find myself discombobulated. 


When George stops by every morning he seems to be starving.  I am wondering if his other “family” is on vacation.  Yesterday I filled his food and milk bowls up 3 times.  This is a good look at him in the light.  I was rather surprised to find him at my door one morning after 7 am.  Generally he arrives sometime around 3 – 4 am when it's pitch dark. 
Finding the raspberries before the critters devour them.
I find myself focusing on time; it seems to be slipping away and the ever looming thought of returning back to school in less than 4 week keeps stealing my joy.  I feel anxious when I think about all the things I wanted to get done over summer break.  It doesn't help that the stores started displaying school supplies about 3 weeks ago!


The garden has taken on new colors as the daylilies and daises are out in full bloom.



I desperately need change but with age I find it is harder to implement no matter how small.  This book has been on my shelf for several years.  It represents 2 failed attempts yet one thing I am is persistent.  With age comes wisdom and I finally realized it does not have to be an all or nothing approach.  Even if I am able to make half of the changes in the next 10 weeks I will be further ahead than I am now.
The book stresses small steps, changing 4 things every week, one in each of the key areas of your life: weight, health, living space, and spirit.  Before beginning I know that eating breakfast, drinking water and clutter are ongoing challenges for me.  I also know that when I take on challenges alone the odds for following through are bleak.  By sharing my struggle and proclaiming my intentions via this blog I want to make this attempt successful.  This week's steps are 1. drinking 8 cups of water per day, 2. take a 20 minute walk each day, 3.clean out a drawer, cabinet or closet every week, 4. start saving $2 each day. Walking and saving $2 a day are going to challenging.  I will check in on Monday and let you know how I am progressing.
 
My 3 sons.
I cleaned like a mad woman before the boys arrived.  Mainly it’s my piles of stuff and cat hair causing the mess.  I find myself making an effort to put things away and vacuuming more often to keep up.  I love the way the house feels without all the stuff (mail, books, magazines, the teenagers clothes, cat toys) cluttering every flat surface. 

Celebrating and sharing my life lessons, discoveries, and special finds with Kim Klassen at Friday Finds.  What did you discover or find this week?  Won’t you take a moment and share them with us?


10 comments:

  1. this is another inspiring post.... gosh that lake shot is stunning.... it would be amazing on canvas or framed to hang on your wall.... really so touching....

    and George..... that's so sweet that he stops by daily........

    change can be tough... i hear ya!! one day at a time.... have a beautiful weekend.... xo

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  2. Lovely photos and great post! I'm happy to have found your site via Kim Klassen's link up. And, I always appreciate book recommendations, so thank you!

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  3. Sounds like a great book. Change is so hard, but sometimes once we get going the change makes us feel good and then we embrace the change. Can't wait to hear how you do with your first four changes.

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  4. How lovely for you to have your boys visiting! Some years ago, we had a cat that looked so much like George, that the photo took my breath away! And, yes, change is never easy but that shouldn't stop us from trying.

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  5. Lovely photos of your handsome boys. Hope you get to make lots of happy memories during their visit. Well done with the changes. It sounds as though you're very much on top of your new regime. Very best wishes for carrying on the good work! All the best, Bonny

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  6. What a handsome bunch of boys you have and I can see how proud and happy to have them home, pity they need to leave it is amazing how your childrens even adult children motivate us to do things. You book steps seems like a nice idea, I also would have a problem with the $2 and walking but then walking at work does that count or do you have to go on a special walk for 20 mins. I find some days I don't spend anything at all then others well that is frightening. LOL Hey I could come and play to keep you busy if you want, I could hop on the next plane but not air malaysia, because that lake where they are in the boat looks so enticing.

    The cat George, sure does look hungry too and you are a good person for feeding him, it is a wonder sometimes about people and animals. How can you go on holidays and not have your pets cared for or neglect them full stop.

    Have a wonderful week
    Hugs Eliza & Yoda
    Belated WOYWW

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  7. It's so lovely to see you all the table together congratulations on taking charge walking is so good and it does become a habit after only a short time...

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  8. your raspberries look so delicious and cheery!!

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  9. Oh the kitty, bless you for looking after this sweet soul. I also struggle with some to the things you do. I started the year with a word my word and it is Healthy, while I am not always successful each and everyday it has been so good this year. One of my best years. Taking each day and doing a little really helped me as you said small steps. I live in a community where we have a community center that has a gym, I wasn't going so I got a treadmill for my home. I have had one before and never used it, but for some reason this time I have, it is the ease of knowing I can do it any time of the day that has made a difference I think. I also have an app for my iPhone called 5K it is really for running but I use it for walking on the treadmill and it guides you alone and find it really helpful. It is the little things. I have lost 10 pounds and feel so much better. It is always a challenge but the class Be Still and with Kim's help I find I am finding my way. Thank you for visiting my blog.

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  10. The red day lily is beautiful! Even though there are so many around, it's easy to miss the perfect ones and you have caught this one perfectly.
    In your list of changes, I like how you kept them simple to make them easy to do. I really like the clean one drawer, cabinet or closet a week. That's one that I should be doing!
    Thank you for stopping by my blog- Have a great week.

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