We are back from a wonderful Easter weekend at the in laws and even though it's now Wednesday, are starting our week again.
We drove a scant 9 hours (okay, we stopped an hour for lunch! Did you know Applebee's is free for kids every day? Woohoo!) to get there, and then another 9 hours back. Phew. Luckily for us, our kids are actually "pretty" good travellers. I think our standards are pretty high, and comparatively we should rejoice, but still.
We ate like pigs, I didn't make ONE meal and we met a ton of relatives that we hadn't seen in over ten years for my husband and I, and NEVER for our kids.
And today, it's back to school and work. And yep, even work for me!!!
I started the home daycare again today and it's going very well! She cried for about two minutes at drop off this morning, and another two at nap time. Otherwise, she's been laughing and smiling and playing. We went for a long walk and then played outside for another half hour. She ate really well at lunch, and went to sleep just as easily. It's a great start and I feel exhausted, yet renewed. If that makes any sense.
It certainly is different, even though I did this for years, to be around a two year old again. It's one of my favourite ages actually. Everything is exciting and new to them, and it makes me appreciate seeing the world through their eyes.
I would say by the end of the week I'll need a good long nap, but in a good way.
I do need to get a workout plan going though. I have no more leisurely mornings to myself and the evenings will be hard pressed to make or find the time. I may have to get up early and use my treadmill and weights here at home. Yuck. Have I mentioned I'm not much of a morning person? But I am also happier and less stressed when I work out. So, I'll have to find a happy medium in there somewhere.
Nap time is coming to a close and I need to go and get my kids from the school bus and get snack going as well.
It's never dull with children in the mix!
Wednesday, April 15, 2009
Wednesday, April 8, 2009
Birth Order
Yahoo's homepage today has an "article" (is that what you call it?) on birth order. We've all heard the theories behind how birth order MAY effect your personality and how common traits are apparent in people of a certain ranking dependent upon birth. We've also heard how there are a million variables to this theory, like the spacing between the siblings and family size.
So, just for fun, I decided to take another look at the birth order characteristics. I can tell you this, it doesn't really apply to my family at all. We aren't spaced that abnormally apart either. My sister (the eldest) and I are 4.5 years apart, and my brother (the youngest) and I are 3.5 years apart. Yes, I'm the sad middle child.
It says that first borns are "achievers." They are very driven to success and responsibility. They tend to stick to the family rules, are conservative, status conscious and have very high self-confidence.
Middle children are seen as the family peacemakers. They are also empathetic and good natured. They don't like to rock the boat and don't like discord. They tend to play the diplomatic role.
Youngest children tend to be rebellious, like to take risks and push the envelope, and are less likely to follow authority. However, youngest's tend to be agreeable and affectionate.
Wow. That is not really us, at all. Now I don't really think this theory is based on much scientific fact, and the hundreds of variables must account for it's lack of certitude. I believe personality is nature, but is influenced by nurture. You are born with your basic personality already set, which is then changed or muted by your circumstances or environment.
My brother, the youngest, is the least among we three to take risks or chances. He is definitely not agreeable, I'd say he's more argumentative if he believes in his point. He is certainly not and never has been rebellious. He is more the type that doesn't like change. He likes things ordered. He follows the same pattern to his day, each day. He's careful and cautious and sensitive.
My sister, the eldest, is the least conservative of us. She has several tattoos and piercings. She's the one most likely to go her "own way" and choose a path we didn't expect her to choose. She IS responsible, but by no means is she a rule follower.
For myself, I would say I'm definitely not the empathetic one who doesn't like to rock the boat. Growing up, I was certainly the one who felt she needed to be responsible and to achieve. I would say I'm the more conservative of the three, and the most likely to follow rules to a T. Less likely is the role of playing peacemaker, though as a middle child I did often feel pulled in one direction or the other. I guess feeling fenced in to picking a side.
When I look at my own two daughters even, this birth order mumbo jumbo doesn't really apply to them either. My eldest is the creative dreamer. She's responsible, but she's just as happy to rush through work as take her time. She'd rather be doing any sort of art project. She certainly has very high self-confidence and self-worth, but I don't know that I'd say she's a rule follower or that she's the high achiever. She likes doing well, but her interests lie more on the artistic, dreamy side of life.
My youngest, though with a wicked temper that turns the heavens dark, is more likely to be upset if she doesn't do well or struggles. Her room is always neatly in place. If she takes something out of her drawer, or puts something in, it's folded and organized just as it was. She LIKES rules and order and actually has a tendency to not do as well if things AREN'T happening in the way she expects. She is certainly affectionate, and again has very high self worth and confidence.
But with my two daughters, it's almost the reverse as what the Birth Order Theory describes.
Maybe with all of this, what it all boils down to is we can't really label or generalize people as easily as that. We are all products of the time, of our environment, of our own personalities and quirks.
Now, astrology.....THERE'S where the true personality descriptions lie! HA!
So, just for fun, I decided to take another look at the birth order characteristics. I can tell you this, it doesn't really apply to my family at all. We aren't spaced that abnormally apart either. My sister (the eldest) and I are 4.5 years apart, and my brother (the youngest) and I are 3.5 years apart. Yes, I'm the sad middle child.
It says that first borns are "achievers." They are very driven to success and responsibility. They tend to stick to the family rules, are conservative, status conscious and have very high self-confidence.
Middle children are seen as the family peacemakers. They are also empathetic and good natured. They don't like to rock the boat and don't like discord. They tend to play the diplomatic role.
Youngest children tend to be rebellious, like to take risks and push the envelope, and are less likely to follow authority. However, youngest's tend to be agreeable and affectionate.
Wow. That is not really us, at all. Now I don't really think this theory is based on much scientific fact, and the hundreds of variables must account for it's lack of certitude. I believe personality is nature, but is influenced by nurture. You are born with your basic personality already set, which is then changed or muted by your circumstances or environment.
My brother, the youngest, is the least among we three to take risks or chances. He is definitely not agreeable, I'd say he's more argumentative if he believes in his point. He is certainly not and never has been rebellious. He is more the type that doesn't like change. He likes things ordered. He follows the same pattern to his day, each day. He's careful and cautious and sensitive.
My sister, the eldest, is the least conservative of us. She has several tattoos and piercings. She's the one most likely to go her "own way" and choose a path we didn't expect her to choose. She IS responsible, but by no means is she a rule follower.
For myself, I would say I'm definitely not the empathetic one who doesn't like to rock the boat. Growing up, I was certainly the one who felt she needed to be responsible and to achieve. I would say I'm the more conservative of the three, and the most likely to follow rules to a T. Less likely is the role of playing peacemaker, though as a middle child I did often feel pulled in one direction or the other. I guess feeling fenced in to picking a side.
When I look at my own two daughters even, this birth order mumbo jumbo doesn't really apply to them either. My eldest is the creative dreamer. She's responsible, but she's just as happy to rush through work as take her time. She'd rather be doing any sort of art project. She certainly has very high self-confidence and self-worth, but I don't know that I'd say she's a rule follower or that she's the high achiever. She likes doing well, but her interests lie more on the artistic, dreamy side of life.
My youngest, though with a wicked temper that turns the heavens dark, is more likely to be upset if she doesn't do well or struggles. Her room is always neatly in place. If she takes something out of her drawer, or puts something in, it's folded and organized just as it was. She LIKES rules and order and actually has a tendency to not do as well if things AREN'T happening in the way she expects. She is certainly affectionate, and again has very high self worth and confidence.
But with my two daughters, it's almost the reverse as what the Birth Order Theory describes.
Maybe with all of this, what it all boils down to is we can't really label or generalize people as easily as that. We are all products of the time, of our environment, of our own personalities and quirks.
Now, astrology.....THERE'S where the true personality descriptions lie! HA!
Tuesday, April 7, 2009
Listen To Your Gut
We've all heard a zillion times that we should "listen to your gut." The adage refers to listening to that little voice that's inside all of us that is trying to subconsciously direct us on our paths. It's supposed to help us know what our own truths are, and to help us make decisions based on that truth.
But what if your gut is acidic? What if your gut is a liar? What if your gut doesn't know what it's talking about???
I've ignored my gut (literally and figuratively!) for a long, long time. When I've had certain doubts, I've rationalized them away. Well, maybe my rationalizations weren't very rational after all. But, in many instances, I've known at the time and afterwards, that my gut was screaming at me and I should have listened. But I'm good at tuning out what I don't want to hear.
The thing is, I think we don't trust our guts. And what that really boils down to is we don't trust ourselves. Our inner selves. The one that knows us best. The one that knows our hearts truest wishes and fears. The one that wants the best for us. And maybe we just don't want to listen because what our gut is telling us isn't in line with what we "want" or what we "hope" or what we think will be the best outcome (read:easiest) on those around us. Taking the more difficult path, let's face it, is nobody's first pick.
Sometimes, we HAVE to go against our guts. Even if it just feels "wrong" in some way, we still have to do what we have to do. Either financially or emotionally or spiritually. And that's when it really feels the worst. Our guts in that case really revolt against us doing what it has warned and advised us not to do. It's like you see that big flashing WARNING sign but instead of proceeding with caution, you put your head down and just plow through. Inevitably, that leaves a wake of destruction. If only we'd listened to our guts.
I've been trying the last little while to tune in more to that little voice. I've been straining to hear really hard some days actually. And that tricky gut sometimes just lies silent. It's like it knows I'm not going to listen anyways. Or it's waiting for me to realize whatever it needs to say on my own. Maybe that's when true enlightenment happens! When your gut and your head and your heart all come together in unison to deliver a message, and then it's so loud with all three chiming in that you can't help but take notice and act.
I'm waiting for that day because clearly I need a Whisper 2000 to hear what my gut tries to tell me!!!
The point being, right now, my gut is working overtime trying to talk to me and tell me various points of information. My head is battling against my gut. But it's hard to decipher what is actually my gut feeling, and what is actually my head's paranoia or fear or anxiety. Sometimes it's not our gut talking at all, but the fear of the unknown trying desperately to dissuade us from doing something new or taking a chance.
While the war inside me continues to rage, I put one foot in front of the other and try to let the Cosmos get in on the act. Surely one of the four will give me the shove that I need to get moving in the right direction!!!
But what if your gut is acidic? What if your gut is a liar? What if your gut doesn't know what it's talking about???
I've ignored my gut (literally and figuratively!) for a long, long time. When I've had certain doubts, I've rationalized them away. Well, maybe my rationalizations weren't very rational after all. But, in many instances, I've known at the time and afterwards, that my gut was screaming at me and I should have listened. But I'm good at tuning out what I don't want to hear.
The thing is, I think we don't trust our guts. And what that really boils down to is we don't trust ourselves. Our inner selves. The one that knows us best. The one that knows our hearts truest wishes and fears. The one that wants the best for us. And maybe we just don't want to listen because what our gut is telling us isn't in line with what we "want" or what we "hope" or what we think will be the best outcome (read:easiest) on those around us. Taking the more difficult path, let's face it, is nobody's first pick.
Sometimes, we HAVE to go against our guts. Even if it just feels "wrong" in some way, we still have to do what we have to do. Either financially or emotionally or spiritually. And that's when it really feels the worst. Our guts in that case really revolt against us doing what it has warned and advised us not to do. It's like you see that big flashing WARNING sign but instead of proceeding with caution, you put your head down and just plow through. Inevitably, that leaves a wake of destruction. If only we'd listened to our guts.
I've been trying the last little while to tune in more to that little voice. I've been straining to hear really hard some days actually. And that tricky gut sometimes just lies silent. It's like it knows I'm not going to listen anyways. Or it's waiting for me to realize whatever it needs to say on my own. Maybe that's when true enlightenment happens! When your gut and your head and your heart all come together in unison to deliver a message, and then it's so loud with all three chiming in that you can't help but take notice and act.
I'm waiting for that day because clearly I need a Whisper 2000 to hear what my gut tries to tell me!!!
The point being, right now, my gut is working overtime trying to talk to me and tell me various points of information. My head is battling against my gut. But it's hard to decipher what is actually my gut feeling, and what is actually my head's paranoia or fear or anxiety. Sometimes it's not our gut talking at all, but the fear of the unknown trying desperately to dissuade us from doing something new or taking a chance.
While the war inside me continues to rage, I put one foot in front of the other and try to let the Cosmos get in on the act. Surely one of the four will give me the shove that I need to get moving in the right direction!!!
Monday, April 6, 2009
Get the White Coat
When I'm stressed, I'm not a pleasant gal to be around. I'm okay if I'm busy all by myself or in front of the everyday average person. But if you're my friend or my family member (on whom I can spread my wrath easily and without filter!) then you better head for the hills, duck for cover, and wait out the storm.
This week is ridiculously busy for us. My husband has a big day at work on Thursday. He doesn't usually work Mondays, but he went in today to get ready.
Tonight, I have my first "parent interview" for the new daycare. I'm a total ball of nerves. I'm a bit of a perfectionist, and unless I have things prepared the way I want or think they should be, than I'm a mess. I've revamped the contract and printed it out. Yesterday my family helped by tidying and arranging some of their stuff in the house. That leaves me today to finish getting the house EXACTLY as I want it. And then of course comes the actual meeting and chatting to this family. I'm telling myself just to let it flow as it's going to and just to let them lead with their questions, but it's still anxiety producing. I've done it countless times before as well, but for some reason this time, it's like starting all over again.
Wednesday, my husband and I have to go and register our daughters for soccer and pay for that. It's not cheap! Of course, it's waaaay cheaper than where we used to live. What we pay for BOTH here to play, was what I paid for ONE child to play back home. That's nuts! Ah well, more money gone to the kiddos. As it should be. We also have a meeting with the bank in our bid to live on less and pay down debt. Again, nerve wracking-but a good thing.
Somewhere in there, I have to mail out cards, do laundry, and pack for our four day weekend away for Easter. We're going to see the in-laws new house, which is a seven or so hour drive. (uuuugh!!!) It will be nice though because my husband has about a million cousins and aunts and uncles and second cousins (compared to my paltry two cousins with no kids!) so my children will get to meet many of their extended family that they've never met or seen. And, it's Easter Bunny time, so how good does it get for them, really?
I've given myself a time frame to get all of my chores done this morning, so that I have time to shower and get myself ready, and have a quiet moment or two to rest a little. I was up again most of the night worrying and fretting.
In lieu of said time frame, it's time to start hustling. Fingers crossed!
This week is ridiculously busy for us. My husband has a big day at work on Thursday. He doesn't usually work Mondays, but he went in today to get ready.
Tonight, I have my first "parent interview" for the new daycare. I'm a total ball of nerves. I'm a bit of a perfectionist, and unless I have things prepared the way I want or think they should be, than I'm a mess. I've revamped the contract and printed it out. Yesterday my family helped by tidying and arranging some of their stuff in the house. That leaves me today to finish getting the house EXACTLY as I want it. And then of course comes the actual meeting and chatting to this family. I'm telling myself just to let it flow as it's going to and just to let them lead with their questions, but it's still anxiety producing. I've done it countless times before as well, but for some reason this time, it's like starting all over again.
Wednesday, my husband and I have to go and register our daughters for soccer and pay for that. It's not cheap! Of course, it's waaaay cheaper than where we used to live. What we pay for BOTH here to play, was what I paid for ONE child to play back home. That's nuts! Ah well, more money gone to the kiddos. As it should be. We also have a meeting with the bank in our bid to live on less and pay down debt. Again, nerve wracking-but a good thing.
Somewhere in there, I have to mail out cards, do laundry, and pack for our four day weekend away for Easter. We're going to see the in-laws new house, which is a seven or so hour drive. (uuuugh!!!) It will be nice though because my husband has about a million cousins and aunts and uncles and second cousins (compared to my paltry two cousins with no kids!) so my children will get to meet many of their extended family that they've never met or seen. And, it's Easter Bunny time, so how good does it get for them, really?
I've given myself a time frame to get all of my chores done this morning, so that I have time to shower and get myself ready, and have a quiet moment or two to rest a little. I was up again most of the night worrying and fretting.
In lieu of said time frame, it's time to start hustling. Fingers crossed!
Friday, April 3, 2009
Chug Chug Chugging Along
It's Friday of a long week! Phew!
My youngest was home the last two days with a mysterious fever. She gets fevers quite easily, well both my girls do, but usually with other symptoms! She seemed totally fine, other than the fever. I'm chalking it up to her two big six year old molars coming in, but either way, she was home with me for two days. It's amazing how you forget in such a short time what it's like to have them home all day with you. That child never, ever, and I repeat EVER sits down. It's constant movement, motion, from one activity to the next. As we always say about her, "she's a busy bee."
She was mad that she missed a French play at school, but was happy to go back today for "Litterless Lunch" day and her class Talent Show. Every Friday they can perform something, either by singing or dancing or telling a story or whatever they would like. My "introverted" (choke, choke) child can't wait to get there and sing in front of the class. She was practicing a medley of hits yesterday. All day.
I had some good news on the home daycare front as well today. I had a response to my ad already and am hoping to set up a meeting for early next week. We'll see how that pans out. I also have another prospective client looking for two half days next week for an emergency care situation (her current sitter backed out) and then possibly starting full time in the next month or two. So, fingers crossed.
I did home daycare for almost eight years, but for some reason, I'm nervous as heck. I've enjoyed being at home with just my youngest, and then alone for the last eight months, but it's time to get back into the swing of things I guess. I can't be a lady of leisure forever. HA!
Tonight is the normal swimming lessons and then the typical weekend of the cooking class/gym. On Sunday I'd like to get a lot organized and cleared out and set up for the daycare as well.
Hope your weekend is bright and happy and full of sunshine. See ya Monday!
My youngest was home the last two days with a mysterious fever. She gets fevers quite easily, well both my girls do, but usually with other symptoms! She seemed totally fine, other than the fever. I'm chalking it up to her two big six year old molars coming in, but either way, she was home with me for two days. It's amazing how you forget in such a short time what it's like to have them home all day with you. That child never, ever, and I repeat EVER sits down. It's constant movement, motion, from one activity to the next. As we always say about her, "she's a busy bee."
She was mad that she missed a French play at school, but was happy to go back today for "Litterless Lunch" day and her class Talent Show. Every Friday they can perform something, either by singing or dancing or telling a story or whatever they would like. My "introverted" (choke, choke) child can't wait to get there and sing in front of the class. She was practicing a medley of hits yesterday. All day.
I had some good news on the home daycare front as well today. I had a response to my ad already and am hoping to set up a meeting for early next week. We'll see how that pans out. I also have another prospective client looking for two half days next week for an emergency care situation (her current sitter backed out) and then possibly starting full time in the next month or two. So, fingers crossed.
I did home daycare for almost eight years, but for some reason, I'm nervous as heck. I've enjoyed being at home with just my youngest, and then alone for the last eight months, but it's time to get back into the swing of things I guess. I can't be a lady of leisure forever. HA!
Tonight is the normal swimming lessons and then the typical weekend of the cooking class/gym. On Sunday I'd like to get a lot organized and cleared out and set up for the daycare as well.
Hope your weekend is bright and happy and full of sunshine. See ya Monday!
Thursday, April 2, 2009
Beautiful days
The sun is shining, the window is thrown open, and the birds are chirping on the tree branches and supping on the snack in the feeder below. It definitely feels like Spring is in the air.
And there is something delicious and inspiring about Spring. It's why we feel like Spring cleaning and clearing out the old, the dark, the musty. It's why we start to be outdoors exercising or reading or watching our children play. It's why we start to feel alive again after months of dreary sludging through snow and ice and slush.
I love the feeling of having the windows open and the fresh air pouring in. (even though I hate that the neighbours might hear us all shouting at each other!) I love that we can put away all of the heavy layers that litter our closets and drawers and my front entrance with no closet for storage. I love that the sun warms my face as I wait for my girls to return home from school.
And I feel the stirrings of a "something new" underfoot and in the air. I have a thousand wishes and hopes and dreams. Spring has sprung, and with it I hope, has bloomed a sense of renewal.
A new fresh start, a new fresh earth, and new fresh projects.
Welcome SPRING!
And there is something delicious and inspiring about Spring. It's why we feel like Spring cleaning and clearing out the old, the dark, the musty. It's why we start to be outdoors exercising or reading or watching our children play. It's why we start to feel alive again after months of dreary sludging through snow and ice and slush.
I love the feeling of having the windows open and the fresh air pouring in. (even though I hate that the neighbours might hear us all shouting at each other!) I love that we can put away all of the heavy layers that litter our closets and drawers and my front entrance with no closet for storage. I love that the sun warms my face as I wait for my girls to return home from school.
And I feel the stirrings of a "something new" underfoot and in the air. I have a thousand wishes and hopes and dreams. Spring has sprung, and with it I hope, has bloomed a sense of renewal.
A new fresh start, a new fresh earth, and new fresh projects.
Welcome SPRING!
Wednesday, April 1, 2009
Grand Re-Opening!
Well, I've decided to open up the home daycare again. It's more by necessity than anything else, but really, I think it will be a good thing.
In the current economy, the bonuses that we count on from my husbands' job, have been cut. That's a big chunk missing-and one we usually use to pay down credit cards or to have extra for projects around the house. Those being gone, at least for now, means I need to pick up the slack. I've tried to think of a hundred things I could do, but it all boils back down to being available for my girls, which is the whole reason I'm at home in the first place. Like today for example. My youngest is home with a mysterious fever (I blame the big 6 year old molars I see emerging from her back gums!)and luckily I can BE home.
So, I've retyped and revamped my contract. I've put out some feelers to neighbours and friends to spread the word or keep their eye out for anyone asking about childcare. I've placed a few free ads. I hope I get some calls soon, and I hope I meet families that are compatible with me and my childcare philosophy.
I haven't bought any equipment or done any extra safety measures in my home yet. I'll wait until I know my clientele and what ages I need to protect. I'm hoping just to keep it small, two to three kids, plus my two of course.
I know that I'll miss what I am losing, such as going to the gym three weekday mornings a week with my husband. Or just having that time, alone, with him. We use it to talk and discuss and to plan. But I think we'll gain the sense of peace that an extra salary again will bring, plus what the extra finances will allow us to accomplish. The gym will have to be evenings and weekends I guess. And that's okay. (well, unless I start gaining weight and not working out and then I'll be upset!)
All in all, I think this will be good for me. It'll get me motivated and engaged again. I can still write in my "off" hours, it'll just force me to be more disciplined.
Now, I just need some clients!!! I hope and pray for some good news and a positive group-soon!
Wish me luck!
In the current economy, the bonuses that we count on from my husbands' job, have been cut. That's a big chunk missing-and one we usually use to pay down credit cards or to have extra for projects around the house. Those being gone, at least for now, means I need to pick up the slack. I've tried to think of a hundred things I could do, but it all boils back down to being available for my girls, which is the whole reason I'm at home in the first place. Like today for example. My youngest is home with a mysterious fever (I blame the big 6 year old molars I see emerging from her back gums!)and luckily I can BE home.
So, I've retyped and revamped my contract. I've put out some feelers to neighbours and friends to spread the word or keep their eye out for anyone asking about childcare. I've placed a few free ads. I hope I get some calls soon, and I hope I meet families that are compatible with me and my childcare philosophy.
I haven't bought any equipment or done any extra safety measures in my home yet. I'll wait until I know my clientele and what ages I need to protect. I'm hoping just to keep it small, two to three kids, plus my two of course.
I know that I'll miss what I am losing, such as going to the gym three weekday mornings a week with my husband. Or just having that time, alone, with him. We use it to talk and discuss and to plan. But I think we'll gain the sense of peace that an extra salary again will bring, plus what the extra finances will allow us to accomplish. The gym will have to be evenings and weekends I guess. And that's okay. (well, unless I start gaining weight and not working out and then I'll be upset!)
All in all, I think this will be good for me. It'll get me motivated and engaged again. I can still write in my "off" hours, it'll just force me to be more disciplined.
Now, I just need some clients!!! I hope and pray for some good news and a positive group-soon!
Wish me luck!
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