Wow it's been over a month since I've posted! The journey is ongoing and as with everything in life some days and weeks are better than others. So here's a peek at what and how I'm doing.
December 26 was the day. Remember this prescription was a class project and it was due the end of November and my daughter wouldn't be home until Christmas break. That week before Christmas was busy so we decided to get started after Christmas. My daughter gave me the paper to read. The calculations didn't look any better when printed out in a neatly organized paper than they had when they were hand written in the lab. Well, you can't argue facts and I knew what was there were facts so I may as well face the facts and see what I could do about it. And besides the data that had been collected, I couldn't ignore the fact that I wasn't able to do what I wanted to be able to do. So I read or skimmed through all the background information and then got to the actual plan. My prescription to better physical wellness.
To accomplish my goals, which were converted to SMART goals, I would need to a two fold approach focusing on both cardio and strength training. I would do three days a week on cardio and three days a week on strength. Six days a week I spend between 45 minutes and an hour working out. The workouts were designed to use equipment that we have here at home so I can't use the excuse that I can't get to the gym. If I can walk down to the basement, I can do it. It is amazing the number of distractions I can find in those few short steps! Consistency is key but life gets in the way and more often than not, I get in my way.
The strength training right now is a basic total body workout. My core was exceptionally weak so there is a focus on that but I am working arms and legs, too. And getting a workout put together by someone who is truly educated is good because the workouts are balanced. So that means if I work on my quads, then I work on my hamstrings. Work on the biceps and work on the triceps. My goals are not to look good but to function as well as possible. I know that this plan will help me do that. As a bonus, I will look better because a strong, healthy body looks better than an overweight, out of shape body or even a skinny fat body.
I am happy to report that in the two months, I have made noticeable progress. I am able to do more weight or more reps on each of the strength training exercises. The speed and duration of my cardio workouts have both improved. I am noticing that my clothing is fitting better and I have lost 14 pounds since that weigh in during the initial assessment.
Walking steps in not a problem anymore. In fact, the other day I walked up a flight of steps carrying 2 toddlers and it was easy. And when I genuflected on Sunday, my knee touched the floor and didn't hurt!! I'm pleased that I don't have to limit what I do based on whether or not it's going to hurt. I am happy to start feeling more like myself. That is really the encouragement that I needed.
I have a long way to go before I am actually in shape and healthy but I am so much closer than I was six months ago. I continually need to refocus on eating healthy and not consume so many empty calories. Gradually, this is improving and I am more aware everyday that this is within my control. I need to schedule my workouts so that I don't run out of time during the day to get them in. I need to constantly work on moving from being interested in being healthy and in shape to being committed to be healthy and in shape. But each healthy choice I make moves me one step closer to my goals.
Tuesday, February 21, 2017
Friday, January 13, 2017
The Journey.... Getting the numbers
So I had my reality check and my motivation and had committed to my daughter to be her test subject for her exercise prescription class. The thought of getting back into shape, really in shape was so exciting to me. During the weeks between my first offer and when we were actually able to schedule my time in the lab, there were multiple conversations and my daughter was very clear about what was involved.
However, focusing on details isn't necessarily a strong point for me. I see the big picture really well, I can visualize projects with the best of them but thinking through details is something I often gloss over while I'm making plans. And as the date for my assessment approached, I realized that I had chosen to ignore a few details. I am fairly certain that I chose to ignore these particular details because my "why?" for this project was so strong. I wanted to be strong and independent for a very long time. I didn't want to be a burden to my children. Having a strong "why" is always important because it can get you through the parts of a journey that are uncomfortable or difficult and that was true for me in this situation.
To actually get myself into shape, I needed my daughter to do an exercise prescription for me. In order for her to be able to determine the exercises that I would need to get started on this journey, I would need to undergo a complete physical assessment. We found a date and time for that to happen. I was committed and I told everyone, whether they wanted to know or not. For the first time in decades I was looking forward to being in shape, not just losing weight, not just being able to run a 5K but actually being strong and fit and healthier than ever.
All this sounds good and it was. But when I actually arrived and went with my daughter over to the lab, I could no longer ignore the reality of the situation. In order to truly assess my fitness level there would be a weigh in, calibers, tape measures, and exercises and the lifting of weights and the results of everything would be recorded on paper. UGH!!!! Measurements, weight, BMI are not things I EVER like to find out but to have my daughter find out and actually be the person to share this information with me was a very humbling thought. And that is why I refused to think about it until it was actually happening.
The numbers-- BMI, weight, ratios-- were far worse than I had thought they would be and placed me at a relatively high risk for health issues. When I had my latest blood work done for my annual physical, the results all came back in the normal or good range. Now that I was getting these assessment results from this very professional and competent exercise science student I couldn't pretend anymore. I had been dodging a bullet and I had to face the facts. I was obese and weak and reached my max heart rate WAY too soon. Looking at the results of the tests (some of which I couldn't even begin much less complete) and then thinking about my family health history, it was a very rude awakening.
If I didn't make changes and make them soon, I would be looking at a life filled with doctor appointments, prescriptions, tests, and constantly watching numbers. Remaining independent would be a struggle and I would quickly become one of those very old 50 somethings who struggle to do every day activities. And I would have no one to blame but myself. By turning a blind eye to my unhealthy habits and ignoring the things I could no longer do, I was essentially sentencing myself to a quality of life that would not allow me to live the dreams I have for my future. If I had looked closely at what this assessment was going to entail and reveal to me, then I quite possibly would have chickened out. I don't know if I would have been strong enough to go through with it. Fortunately for me, I had committed to someone who means the world to me. I had given myself no choice and for that I am truly grateful. Yes, the reality of both the assessment and my physical condition were very humbling and quite embarrassing. But by going through with it and getting these I have been given the gift of knowledge and truth and a way to change the course of my life. And for that I am very grateful.
However, focusing on details isn't necessarily a strong point for me. I see the big picture really well, I can visualize projects with the best of them but thinking through details is something I often gloss over while I'm making plans. And as the date for my assessment approached, I realized that I had chosen to ignore a few details. I am fairly certain that I chose to ignore these particular details because my "why?" for this project was so strong. I wanted to be strong and independent for a very long time. I didn't want to be a burden to my children. Having a strong "why" is always important because it can get you through the parts of a journey that are uncomfortable or difficult and that was true for me in this situation.
To actually get myself into shape, I needed my daughter to do an exercise prescription for me. In order for her to be able to determine the exercises that I would need to get started on this journey, I would need to undergo a complete physical assessment. We found a date and time for that to happen. I was committed and I told everyone, whether they wanted to know or not. For the first time in decades I was looking forward to being in shape, not just losing weight, not just being able to run a 5K but actually being strong and fit and healthier than ever.
All this sounds good and it was. But when I actually arrived and went with my daughter over to the lab, I could no longer ignore the reality of the situation. In order to truly assess my fitness level there would be a weigh in, calibers, tape measures, and exercises and the lifting of weights and the results of everything would be recorded on paper. UGH!!!! Measurements, weight, BMI are not things I EVER like to find out but to have my daughter find out and actually be the person to share this information with me was a very humbling thought. And that is why I refused to think about it until it was actually happening.
The numbers-- BMI, weight, ratios-- were far worse than I had thought they would be and placed me at a relatively high risk for health issues. When I had my latest blood work done for my annual physical, the results all came back in the normal or good range. Now that I was getting these assessment results from this very professional and competent exercise science student I couldn't pretend anymore. I had been dodging a bullet and I had to face the facts. I was obese and weak and reached my max heart rate WAY too soon. Looking at the results of the tests (some of which I couldn't even begin much less complete) and then thinking about my family health history, it was a very rude awakening.
If I didn't make changes and make them soon, I would be looking at a life filled with doctor appointments, prescriptions, tests, and constantly watching numbers. Remaining independent would be a struggle and I would quickly become one of those very old 50 somethings who struggle to do every day activities. And I would have no one to blame but myself. By turning a blind eye to my unhealthy habits and ignoring the things I could no longer do, I was essentially sentencing myself to a quality of life that would not allow me to live the dreams I have for my future. If I had looked closely at what this assessment was going to entail and reveal to me, then I quite possibly would have chickened out. I don't know if I would have been strong enough to go through with it. Fortunately for me, I had committed to someone who means the world to me. I had given myself no choice and for that I am truly grateful. Yes, the reality of both the assessment and my physical condition were very humbling and quite embarrassing. But by going through with it and getting these I have been given the gift of knowledge and truth and a way to change the course of my life. And for that I am very grateful.
Wednesday, December 14, 2016
The Journey: my inspiration part 1
I always imagined that I would be able to be independent for decades to come. My Grandma Rhyner has always been my role model for this. She was always busy, always doing things, accomplishing things that she enjoyed. She sold Avon for decades (like 6 of them) and she sewed. She took in sewing during the depression to supplement the family's income. She could make a winter coat for a woman by just taking her measurements. And she lived in Green Bay, WI so when she made a winter coat, it had to be warm and really stand up to the elements. She would take the measurements, make a pattern, then make the coat. Later in life, she mostly sewed quilts. She made quilts for everyone in the family. Between me and my kids, I think we still have close to a dozen Great-Grandma quilts around the house. And she donated quilts to the missions. She was the roll lady at the Cathedral in Green Bay for decades. Meaning she was in charge of arranging the coffee and rolls after masses. I admired her because she found things she liked to do and did them. She enjoyed her life and she was productive and charitable. And in my late teens and twenties, I loved sitting at her dining room table or in her sewing room, chatting for hours. Her generosity was admirable but what impressed me was she lived at home, taking care of herself until she was 86 years old. The last couple of months, things were a bit more difficult but still she could take care of herself. She got sick just a couple of months after my daughter was born and died just a couple of weeks later. I was happy that my daughter was able to lay in her arms for a while before she left us but I was so sad that she was gone.
My goal was to live like my Grandma. She did her own laundry in her basement laundry room until she died. The first Avon order she missed in nearly 60 years was due the day she died. She could do all the everyday things she needed to. So when I started noticing that, at 52, I couldn't kneel as easily as I thought I should be able to or get up as quickly and easily as I wanted, I knew that living as independently as Grandma had was not going to be possible if I didn't do something soon. I had two choices: give up on a goal that I've had for more than half my life or get to work and make some major changes. I'm choosing to make changes. Thanks for reading about my journey. My hope in sharing this journey is that you will find the motivation within yourself to make the changes needed to be a healthier version of yourself. So don't just read what I'm doing, if you need to make some changes, join me on this journey. Leave a comment below so we can encourage each other.
My goal was to live like my Grandma. She did her own laundry in her basement laundry room until she died. The first Avon order she missed in nearly 60 years was due the day she died. She could do all the everyday things she needed to. So when I started noticing that, at 52, I couldn't kneel as easily as I thought I should be able to or get up as quickly and easily as I wanted, I knew that living as independently as Grandma had was not going to be possible if I didn't do something soon. I had two choices: give up on a goal that I've had for more than half my life or get to work and make some major changes. I'm choosing to make changes. Thanks for reading about my journey. My hope in sharing this journey is that you will find the motivation within yourself to make the changes needed to be a healthier version of yourself. So don't just read what I'm doing, if you need to make some changes, join me on this journey. Leave a comment below so we can encourage each other.
Wednesday, December 7, 2016
The Journey Begins
The journey that I am referring to here is my journey to fitness. Somehow, one day I woke up and was 52, overweight, and pathetically out of shape. If I'm going to divulge the negatives, I will allow myself to brag a bit. I do walk for an hour 5 mornings a week with my husband and our dog. These are not strolls through the neighborhood: there is sweat and the heart rate is increased. I can still pick up the 55 pound bag of dog food from the pallet at Sam's Club, put in the cart and get it into the car by myself. And I have not, as yet, had to go to any specific plus sized stores or departments. My blood work has always come back in the good or OK range. No prescriptions at this time. So for a while, it was easy to pretend I was doing OK.
If you have read this blog over time, you know that I've lost both my parents already. Each of them had significant health issues. Some issues just were the "luck of the draw" so to speak, while others were definitely the result of lifestyle decisions and perhaps a bit of denial. I was blessed to spend a lot of time with my parents as their health declined. One piece of insight from that time, is that you can only fool yourself and others for only so long about being in shape or being healthy. At some point, the facade will start crumbling and the only thing left is the truth.
So even while I was happy with the results of the blood work, I knew I couldn't ignore the decrease in my strength and ability to do things I had always done. I lettered in sports 5 times in high school and three times in college. I hiked mountains in Europe. Now it was almost embarrassing to admit that I had been an athlete. I could not do a real, touch the floor genuflect in church without holding onto a pew, kneeling down and getting up while gardening took a bit too much effort, standing from the middle cushion of a deep couch took too much effort and had to be almost comical to watch while I pretended that I was handling it effortlessly. And let's not talk about stairs, especially if I was carrying things. I couldn't pretend any longer. I had to do something.
But what to do? I knew enough to know that I didn't know enough to do it on my own. I had walked away from my job so there wasn't much (or any) disposable income sitting around for a gym and a good trainer. That's where I was in my fitness journey one evening when my daughter called for a chat. She is an athletic trainer and graduate assistant working toward her master's degree in exercise science. Fortunately for me she is taking exercise prescription this semester and needed a volunteer for a case study. This was it! I was so excited that I would have someone who actually knew what she was doing and could get me back to being able to do everything I wanted to. I immediately volunteered to be the subject of her case study.
So that was step one. A journey of a thousand miles, right? I'm excited to say that we've taken the next couple steps and those posts will be coming in the near future. Is it easy? NO!! Am I more than a little annoyed with myself for getting this weak and out of shape? Absolutely! But you know what? I am pretty stinking proud of myself for admitting that I needed to make changes and acting on that. What are you ignoring or pretending doesn't need to change? Today could be the start of a thousand miles for you.
If you have read this blog over time, you know that I've lost both my parents already. Each of them had significant health issues. Some issues just were the "luck of the draw" so to speak, while others were definitely the result of lifestyle decisions and perhaps a bit of denial. I was blessed to spend a lot of time with my parents as their health declined. One piece of insight from that time, is that you can only fool yourself and others for only so long about being in shape or being healthy. At some point, the facade will start crumbling and the only thing left is the truth.
So even while I was happy with the results of the blood work, I knew I couldn't ignore the decrease in my strength and ability to do things I had always done. I lettered in sports 5 times in high school and three times in college. I hiked mountains in Europe. Now it was almost embarrassing to admit that I had been an athlete. I could not do a real, touch the floor genuflect in church without holding onto a pew, kneeling down and getting up while gardening took a bit too much effort, standing from the middle cushion of a deep couch took too much effort and had to be almost comical to watch while I pretended that I was handling it effortlessly. And let's not talk about stairs, especially if I was carrying things. I couldn't pretend any longer. I had to do something.
But what to do? I knew enough to know that I didn't know enough to do it on my own. I had walked away from my job so there wasn't much (or any) disposable income sitting around for a gym and a good trainer. That's where I was in my fitness journey one evening when my daughter called for a chat. She is an athletic trainer and graduate assistant working toward her master's degree in exercise science. Fortunately for me she is taking exercise prescription this semester and needed a volunteer for a case study. This was it! I was so excited that I would have someone who actually knew what she was doing and could get me back to being able to do everything I wanted to. I immediately volunteered to be the subject of her case study.
So that was step one. A journey of a thousand miles, right? I'm excited to say that we've taken the next couple steps and those posts will be coming in the near future. Is it easy? NO!! Am I more than a little annoyed with myself for getting this weak and out of shape? Absolutely! But you know what? I am pretty stinking proud of myself for admitting that I needed to make changes and acting on that. What are you ignoring or pretending doesn't need to change? Today could be the start of a thousand miles for you.
Wednesday, November 9, 2016
Some thoughts the day after the 2016 election..
So this started as a FB post and I quickly realized that it was obnoxiously long and I needed a different platform.
The 2016 presidential election was one of the ugliest I have ever seen. I will blame both candidates and the media for that. I will also blame the people of this country because we have slowly allowed our candidates to lower the campaigns into junior high fights of he said/she said.
I have read so many Facebook posts this morning. I don't really do other social media so that's why the only one referenced is Facebook. To seriously date myself and quote Wide World of Sports, my news feed is filled with "the thrill of victory and the agony of defeat". It is the "best of times and the worst of times" and I have some thoughts now that the election is over.
First, to the people who are saying that the electoral college elected Trump, but the popular vote elected Hillary. That may be true and it would be, I believe, the fifth time in the history of our country if that is true. I would like to point out that it is precisely why the electoral college was put into place by our fore fathers. Right now, it is what it is. If people strongly feel this is wrong and needs to change, then that needs to happen some place other than social media.
We have all gotten so busy, we have jobs, families (whether traditional or a family of choice that loves and supports us in our journey through life), and a myriad of other interests and responsibilities. We also are able to vent our feelings and opinions about any thing to the world any time we want thanks to technology and social media. But maybe that's one reason things have gotten so out of hand.
My Grandma was a college graduate just about 100 years ago. She was a smart woman and a stubborn woman. She was a high school English teacher and spent several summers working out west. (Can you imagine the whispers about that?) Grandma was passionate about her politics. She read and listened and watched whatever she could. She did have the advantage of a more neutral, objective media who seemed more interested in reporting facts but she worked at it, too. She knew how her representatives were voting on issues. She paid attention to what was going on in Washington D.C., Madison, and her local government. And she made her opinions known. She wrote letters, made phone calls. She told her representatives her opinions and could back up those reasons with solid research and knowledge. I am very positive that she was a thorn in many sides but she had the satisfaction of knowing that her voice was heard. My Mom followed in her footsteps and as long as she was able to read and listen and understand, she stayed up to date with her government. She wrote letters and made phone calls. Everyone knew her opinions.
How many of us can say that we are that invested in our political process? I admit that compared to these two role models I grew up with, I am not nearly as invested in my government. And now that I am thinking about it and admitting that to any one who is reading this blog, I am embarrassed by that. Oh you can be sure I have plenty of reasons:
Obviously, we are a country filled with passionate feelings about our national government right now. My thought is let's get off of social media and actually get back into our government. Whether you are terrified right this second because you can't believe that you will have to say President Trump in a couple of months. Or you are celebrating that fact that you will not have to say Madame President. Let's actually get involved and let our voices be heard daily or weekly or monthly and not just on social media and honestly let's not wait four more years until the next presidential election.
Let's go to our homeowners association meeting and help to make the decisions that effect our neighborhoods. Let's go to our village, town, or city council meetings and find out what the budget is, what they are voting on and why. Let's find out who our commissioners are and what issues we should be concerned about for our individual counties. Then continue on to our state offices. We can easily find the public records of the issues our state legislature is dealing with. Write or call your representative. Let them know who you are. That you are willing to help them and will be holding them accountable for the job they are doing. And then continue that to the national level.
Maybe some of you will be more involved with a political party or group to insure that on a national level, your opinions are being heard and work to change policy at a national level. Not all of us will be able to or want to do that but each of us could find out who are senators and representative are and write, call, email. They have local offices, make an appointment and stop in to see them. Study before your meeting so you are versed on the issues that are important to you and have an intelligent conversation. Here too, let them know you are willing to help them but will also be holding them accountable.
Just so you don't think I have lost my sanity, I realize that none of us can do all of the things I have listed. But all of us can do at least one thing. And if this entire country got involved, took our discussions off social media and into school board meetings, council chambers, and to legislatures, think about the change that we would force to happen. Right now it feels impossible for any one of us to make a difference but if millions of us got involved we could demand change.
Let's force our politicians to be transparent and let all of us know what is really going on. Let's not settle for campaigns that could be scripted at a junior high lunch table. Let's make it known that we are watching and reading and know what is going on. And if we like it, let's tell them and support them. If we don't like it, then we'll let them know that and demand a change. Some of us will get the changes we want and some won't but we will have the satisfaction of knowing we are not just being led around like sheep that have been blindfolded.
Congratulations on surviving this election cycle. Now let's all promise to be more involved and really try to do something to make this country all that it can be. I am ending this and going to send a message to my new county commissioner and then research addresses. What are you going to do?
The 2016 presidential election was one of the ugliest I have ever seen. I will blame both candidates and the media for that. I will also blame the people of this country because we have slowly allowed our candidates to lower the campaigns into junior high fights of he said/she said.
I have read so many Facebook posts this morning. I don't really do other social media so that's why the only one referenced is Facebook. To seriously date myself and quote Wide World of Sports, my news feed is filled with "the thrill of victory and the agony of defeat". It is the "best of times and the worst of times" and I have some thoughts now that the election is over.
First, to the people who are saying that the electoral college elected Trump, but the popular vote elected Hillary. That may be true and it would be, I believe, the fifth time in the history of our country if that is true. I would like to point out that it is precisely why the electoral college was put into place by our fore fathers. Right now, it is what it is. If people strongly feel this is wrong and needs to change, then that needs to happen some place other than social media.
We have all gotten so busy, we have jobs, families (whether traditional or a family of choice that loves and supports us in our journey through life), and a myriad of other interests and responsibilities. We also are able to vent our feelings and opinions about any thing to the world any time we want thanks to technology and social media. But maybe that's one reason things have gotten so out of hand.
My Grandma was a college graduate just about 100 years ago. She was a smart woman and a stubborn woman. She was a high school English teacher and spent several summers working out west. (Can you imagine the whispers about that?) Grandma was passionate about her politics. She read and listened and watched whatever she could. She did have the advantage of a more neutral, objective media who seemed more interested in reporting facts but she worked at it, too. She knew how her representatives were voting on issues. She paid attention to what was going on in Washington D.C., Madison, and her local government. And she made her opinions known. She wrote letters, made phone calls. She told her representatives her opinions and could back up those reasons with solid research and knowledge. I am very positive that she was a thorn in many sides but she had the satisfaction of knowing that her voice was heard. My Mom followed in her footsteps and as long as she was able to read and listen and understand, she stayed up to date with her government. She wrote letters and made phone calls. Everyone knew her opinions.
How many of us can say that we are that invested in our political process? I admit that compared to these two role models I grew up with, I am not nearly as invested in my government. And now that I am thinking about it and admitting that to any one who is reading this blog, I am embarrassed by that. Oh you can be sure I have plenty of reasons:
- Government is far more complicated than it used to be. The huge conglomeration that are our bills are difficult to read and understand and scrutinize enough to know exactly what is being voted on.
- I'm just busy. All of us are busy whether it's volunteering, jobs, families, communities. We have responsibilities.
- I'm just one person, my voice isn't important.
- It's hard to keep track of everything.
- It's frustrating and depressing and I just don't want to think about it.
Obviously, we are a country filled with passionate feelings about our national government right now. My thought is let's get off of social media and actually get back into our government. Whether you are terrified right this second because you can't believe that you will have to say President Trump in a couple of months. Or you are celebrating that fact that you will not have to say Madame President. Let's actually get involved and let our voices be heard daily or weekly or monthly and not just on social media and honestly let's not wait four more years until the next presidential election.
Let's go to our homeowners association meeting and help to make the decisions that effect our neighborhoods. Let's go to our village, town, or city council meetings and find out what the budget is, what they are voting on and why. Let's find out who our commissioners are and what issues we should be concerned about for our individual counties. Then continue on to our state offices. We can easily find the public records of the issues our state legislature is dealing with. Write or call your representative. Let them know who you are. That you are willing to help them and will be holding them accountable for the job they are doing. And then continue that to the national level.
Maybe some of you will be more involved with a political party or group to insure that on a national level, your opinions are being heard and work to change policy at a national level. Not all of us will be able to or want to do that but each of us could find out who are senators and representative are and write, call, email. They have local offices, make an appointment and stop in to see them. Study before your meeting so you are versed on the issues that are important to you and have an intelligent conversation. Here too, let them know you are willing to help them but will also be holding them accountable.
Just so you don't think I have lost my sanity, I realize that none of us can do all of the things I have listed. But all of us can do at least one thing. And if this entire country got involved, took our discussions off social media and into school board meetings, council chambers, and to legislatures, think about the change that we would force to happen. Right now it feels impossible for any one of us to make a difference but if millions of us got involved we could demand change.
Let's force our politicians to be transparent and let all of us know what is really going on. Let's not settle for campaigns that could be scripted at a junior high lunch table. Let's make it known that we are watching and reading and know what is going on. And if we like it, let's tell them and support them. If we don't like it, then we'll let them know that and demand a change. Some of us will get the changes we want and some won't but we will have the satisfaction of knowing we are not just being led around like sheep that have been blindfolded.
Congratulations on surviving this election cycle. Now let's all promise to be more involved and really try to do something to make this country all that it can be. I am ending this and going to send a message to my new county commissioner and then research addresses. What are you going to do?
Sunday, February 7, 2016
No, I don't think ashes on my forehead are a ticket to heaven...
but I do think it's a beautiful way to begin lent. I love Lent. Or maybe I love that Lent means that spring is coming. Most years by the time we get our ashes, those of us in Greater Cleveland are ready to move on from winter. So for me Lent is the first indication that spring really is on the way.
We are pretty traditional with Lent in our house. I have a lot of friends and aquaintances that are not Catholic. Some of them get the "Lent thing", some have no idea. Many of them laugh or roll their eyes at my observance of these Lenten practices. These traditions are precious to me and all are practical but you need to understand the meaning behind them to understand that. So today I'm going to look at Ash Wednesday and it's significance to me.
Ash Wednesday mass and ashes on my forehead. No, I don't think it's a badge of honor or bragging to get ashes. I don't think going to church and having someone rub ashes on my forehead is a straight ticket to heaven. The tradition of ashes predates christianity and was adopted from the Jewish practice. The blessed palms from the previous Palm Sunday are burned to create the ashes used. So we as a church and individually have come full cycle. Palm Sunday, Jesus is a hero! It's a beautiful celebration: lots of story telling (ok kids look at it as LONG readings), we get palms when we walk in, there's incense and beautiful music. It is celebrating the height of Jesus' popularity and his welcome back home as a hero. Then just a few short days later we're back in church for the start of the Passion. And the falling of Jesus from hero to criminal. Peter vowing to always be there for Jesus and then just hours later denying even knowing him. The victory over death on Easter. And then a whole year of going from the thrill of Easter and knowing that we will recommit to living as good a life as possible to ending up again on Ash Wednesday knowing that we are really a whole lot like Peter. Using those palms as ashes symbolizes to me the cycle of the church year and my weakness but willingness to get back up and try again to be more the person God made me to be.
When the ashes are placed on your forehead you hear "Remember you are dust and to dust you will return" or "Repent and believe in the Gospel" or a variation of these. These can be powerful words if you reflect on them. I think about words and have for a long time. So I really reflect on what those words mean. God created the universe and everything in it. He created humans and he did that from the earth, from dust. I think most of us reading this are aware of what happens to our earthly body after our soul passes on. So starting from dust and ending as dust. God created us and gifted each of us with abilities and talents. He gave us the ability to do everything we do. Obviously, each gift is different and how each person uses their gifts is different. Hearing those words can be a reminder that our very being and everything we hold dear is a gift from God. In the culture we live in, I can't help but think that this is a good message for us to hear from time to time.
Remembering all God has done for us, how far our sin can take us from His presence is a wonderful way to begin the season of fasting and prayer that is Lent. In my mind, it's good to have Lent. It's good to have a season set aside to try again. Try again to be more the person God made you to be, try again to grow closer to God or more like Jesus or one of the saints whose life really speaks to you. It's just a time to try again.
We are pretty traditional with Lent in our house. I have a lot of friends and aquaintances that are not Catholic. Some of them get the "Lent thing", some have no idea. Many of them laugh or roll their eyes at my observance of these Lenten practices. These traditions are precious to me and all are practical but you need to understand the meaning behind them to understand that. So today I'm going to look at Ash Wednesday and it's significance to me.
Ash Wednesday mass and ashes on my forehead. No, I don't think it's a badge of honor or bragging to get ashes. I don't think going to church and having someone rub ashes on my forehead is a straight ticket to heaven. The tradition of ashes predates christianity and was adopted from the Jewish practice. The blessed palms from the previous Palm Sunday are burned to create the ashes used. So we as a church and individually have come full cycle. Palm Sunday, Jesus is a hero! It's a beautiful celebration: lots of story telling (ok kids look at it as LONG readings), we get palms when we walk in, there's incense and beautiful music. It is celebrating the height of Jesus' popularity and his welcome back home as a hero. Then just a few short days later we're back in church for the start of the Passion. And the falling of Jesus from hero to criminal. Peter vowing to always be there for Jesus and then just hours later denying even knowing him. The victory over death on Easter. And then a whole year of going from the thrill of Easter and knowing that we will recommit to living as good a life as possible to ending up again on Ash Wednesday knowing that we are really a whole lot like Peter. Using those palms as ashes symbolizes to me the cycle of the church year and my weakness but willingness to get back up and try again to be more the person God made me to be.
When the ashes are placed on your forehead you hear "Remember you are dust and to dust you will return" or "Repent and believe in the Gospel" or a variation of these. These can be powerful words if you reflect on them. I think about words and have for a long time. So I really reflect on what those words mean. God created the universe and everything in it. He created humans and he did that from the earth, from dust. I think most of us reading this are aware of what happens to our earthly body after our soul passes on. So starting from dust and ending as dust. God created us and gifted each of us with abilities and talents. He gave us the ability to do everything we do. Obviously, each gift is different and how each person uses their gifts is different. Hearing those words can be a reminder that our very being and everything we hold dear is a gift from God. In the culture we live in, I can't help but think that this is a good message for us to hear from time to time.
Remembering all God has done for us, how far our sin can take us from His presence is a wonderful way to begin the season of fasting and prayer that is Lent. In my mind, it's good to have Lent. It's good to have a season set aside to try again. Try again to be more the person God made you to be, try again to grow closer to God or more like Jesus or one of the saints whose life really speaks to you. It's just a time to try again.
Monday, February 1, 2016
The Best Laid Plans
This post was written in July 2015 and somehow never managed to be posted. So here it is almost 7 months later.
We've lived in our house for 16 years now. It was the house and the neighborhood I dreamed of raising our family. And our baby is now 17. I have loved this house. Enough space so that there was room for everyone but not so overwhelmingly large that it would feel too empty when the kids are off living their lives. We bought the house from the original owners. They were in their 70's when they sold it to us and raised their family here. Built in the late 1960's, the original owners had decorated with the times and obviously, took very good care of the house because the turquoise foil print wallpaper in the bathroom was still in great shape. The olive green sculpted carpet in the living and dining rooms was still in decent shape. The outside had obviously gotten to be too much for them because you couldn't see the front porch from the street at that time. The paneling in the family room was nearly black it was so dark. The price per square foot was amazingly low. Most people don't buy ugly. But then most people don't marry a Catholic school teacher, have babies one and two and resign to stay home with the kids and then have a definitely planned and prayed for third baby. I am definitely not most people and tend to do things most people wouldn't do. So we bought ugly because it was big enough for the family to grow up in and in a neighborhood we really loved.
We have worked on the ugly a little bit at a time over the years. The bushes out front were gone that first summer. The foil wallpaper in two of the bathrooms was gone in the first few years. The orange carpet in the bedroom was gone before we moved in. But one huge project remained and that was our kitchen and dining room. The flooring was different in the two room even though they are completely open to each other. The textured beige wallpaper was original. The dark cabinets were ugly and because of the detail hard to keep clean. Doing the kitchen was going to be a big project. And I like to cook and having your kitchen torn apart can definitely hinder that. My kids still sit and talk while I cook. I love that. So even though I hated the kitchen and knew it had to be done, I loved the space because it really was the heart of our home.
We knew we had put it off long enough. All the kids could drive so the taxi service was not needed for the first time ever. My husband had put aside money to buy the supplies. His best friend, who has actually built entire houses, was willing to help with the installation of the floor. I was up for painting. Everything. Walls, ceiling, trim, cabinets. There was one glitch we hadn't counted on.
My Dad. He had been seriously ill for several months this spring but was doing much better. He came home from rehab the day after Memorial Day. He needed a bit of help so we had aides scheduled for two two hour shifts each day. Then June came. Three more hospitalizations each one lasting nearly a week. Each one leaving him a bit weaker and more confused until overnight he needed someone with him 24/7. It happened literally overnight. I said goodnight to him one night and the next morning I was woken by the phone ringing at 5:23. He had been so confused and disoriented that he ended up in the ER. I honestly thought it would just be a few days to get him back on a routine. So my brother, sister, and I decided we would just split up the time. Well, that was June 27. It is now July 23. He has made huge strides and I do see a light at the end of the tunnel. It's exciting to see him at nearly 84 years old fighting to get back to his life and regular activities. This week we have added more aides. So now he will have 9 hours a day with aides and we will cover the other 15. It's still crazy but once again I am believing that it's just temporary and that he will be back to being on his own in the near future.
Unfortunately, my kitchen is suffering. We are still living with folding tables holding things that should live in cupboards and walls half painted. Counters that need to be constantly cleared because of the patching, priming, and painting that need to be finished. I don't like clutter, it just stresses me out. And right now every inch of living space in my house is cluttered. And I HATE it.
I am a big believer in things happen for a reason and that everything is a chance to learn and grow. This is the summer of having no control for me. I consider myself a person of faith and absolutely trust that God has a plan and is in control. My lesson this summer is to practice that faith and trust. This is not how this was supposed to go. I knew what I "needed" to accomplish. What I wanted to do with my family. Virtually none of that has happened. Instead, I am learning and sacrificing and praying. A lot. And trying to refocus on what really matters.
We've lived in our house for 16 years now. It was the house and the neighborhood I dreamed of raising our family. And our baby is now 17. I have loved this house. Enough space so that there was room for everyone but not so overwhelmingly large that it would feel too empty when the kids are off living their lives. We bought the house from the original owners. They were in their 70's when they sold it to us and raised their family here. Built in the late 1960's, the original owners had decorated with the times and obviously, took very good care of the house because the turquoise foil print wallpaper in the bathroom was still in great shape. The olive green sculpted carpet in the living and dining rooms was still in decent shape. The outside had obviously gotten to be too much for them because you couldn't see the front porch from the street at that time. The paneling in the family room was nearly black it was so dark. The price per square foot was amazingly low. Most people don't buy ugly. But then most people don't marry a Catholic school teacher, have babies one and two and resign to stay home with the kids and then have a definitely planned and prayed for third baby. I am definitely not most people and tend to do things most people wouldn't do. So we bought ugly because it was big enough for the family to grow up in and in a neighborhood we really loved.
We have worked on the ugly a little bit at a time over the years. The bushes out front were gone that first summer. The foil wallpaper in two of the bathrooms was gone in the first few years. The orange carpet in the bedroom was gone before we moved in. But one huge project remained and that was our kitchen and dining room. The flooring was different in the two room even though they are completely open to each other. The textured beige wallpaper was original. The dark cabinets were ugly and because of the detail hard to keep clean. Doing the kitchen was going to be a big project. And I like to cook and having your kitchen torn apart can definitely hinder that. My kids still sit and talk while I cook. I love that. So even though I hated the kitchen and knew it had to be done, I loved the space because it really was the heart of our home.
We knew we had put it off long enough. All the kids could drive so the taxi service was not needed for the first time ever. My husband had put aside money to buy the supplies. His best friend, who has actually built entire houses, was willing to help with the installation of the floor. I was up for painting. Everything. Walls, ceiling, trim, cabinets. There was one glitch we hadn't counted on.
My Dad. He had been seriously ill for several months this spring but was doing much better. He came home from rehab the day after Memorial Day. He needed a bit of help so we had aides scheduled for two two hour shifts each day. Then June came. Three more hospitalizations each one lasting nearly a week. Each one leaving him a bit weaker and more confused until overnight he needed someone with him 24/7. It happened literally overnight. I said goodnight to him one night and the next morning I was woken by the phone ringing at 5:23. He had been so confused and disoriented that he ended up in the ER. I honestly thought it would just be a few days to get him back on a routine. So my brother, sister, and I decided we would just split up the time. Well, that was June 27. It is now July 23. He has made huge strides and I do see a light at the end of the tunnel. It's exciting to see him at nearly 84 years old fighting to get back to his life and regular activities. This week we have added more aides. So now he will have 9 hours a day with aides and we will cover the other 15. It's still crazy but once again I am believing that it's just temporary and that he will be back to being on his own in the near future.
Unfortunately, my kitchen is suffering. We are still living with folding tables holding things that should live in cupboards and walls half painted. Counters that need to be constantly cleared because of the patching, priming, and painting that need to be finished. I don't like clutter, it just stresses me out. And right now every inch of living space in my house is cluttered. And I HATE it.
I am a big believer in things happen for a reason and that everything is a chance to learn and grow. This is the summer of having no control for me. I consider myself a person of faith and absolutely trust that God has a plan and is in control. My lesson this summer is to practice that faith and trust. This is not how this was supposed to go. I knew what I "needed" to accomplish. What I wanted to do with my family. Virtually none of that has happened. Instead, I am learning and sacrificing and praying. A lot. And trying to refocus on what really matters.
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