Starting to Feel Better

Yesterday was a lazy day for me and the family.

My mom had the entire family over for dinner... downstairs on the first floor.

We had dinner at our house on the second floor.

We weren't trying to be anti-social. We just wanted to take the chance to have our own tradition of Thanksgiving Day. I usually work the football games and well, as my last post said, I'm not an Athletic Trainer anymore, so I was home. Me and the girls watched the parade while Henry cooked dinner. He made breakfast too... hehe. Yes, I'm spoiled.

So the girls and I sat on the couch and watched the parade. I sorted through the fliers and created a game plan for Black Friday. We even ate dinner in our pjs :) It was awesome!

Then we went downstairs with our pies (after we got dressed) and joined the rest of the family for the afternoon. It was the best of both worlds. I even got to sneak back up to take a nap.

Told you I was spoiled!!

My mom let the kids sleep downstairs so hubby and I could go out this morning and grab some serious deals. I couldn't believe how well we did!

*** Doing the happy Dance *** 

We wanted to run out of Kohl's before they figured out they practically gave us the stuff to take home! Now, I have to wrap and ship out some gifts to my niece and nephew (I love saying that... lol) I just wish we were there to watch them open the packages. Hoping to be able to do that soon, maybe next year ;)  

Anyway, now I'm putting up the tree, listening to Christmas music, and maybe even baking some goodies. Still feeling a little off, but I think it might have been the whole missing the game yesterday and still trying to find my "thing". I have some ideas to roll with at school to get the kids more involved, but we'll have to see. 

OK - Merry Christmas everyone! And just remember... it's not what you get, but instead, what you give. It doesn't have to expensive or shiny. It can be as simple as a card, or a thank you, or even a smile. In this crazy time of year there are a lot of people struggling and the little things are what really matter. 

So, I wish you all enough...

I've been struggling.

I doubt that most people would believe that, but I have. I feel so lost right now that I really can't explain it.

My family has been so blessed this year. I became a Physical Education teacher at a regional high school. My husband was elected to the city council. Our children are still enrolled in the Catholic School that rocks! We booked our first "real" vacation for this summer... can't say where cuz of little reading eyes, but guess. Yup!

We had to make some house repairs and because of these changes, we had the money to deal with it. I no longer have to work at night or the weekends so I get to spend more time with the kids, my friends and my hubby.

Ok... so why am I struggling?

I feel lost because although I think I'm at least pretty good at my current job, I miss being an Athletic Trainer. I miss being able to "teach". I know that sounds like an oximoron somehow... I become a teacher and feel like I teach less. It's just that it's different.

I can explain the importance of moving and exercising. I can explain the rules to a game and the basic fundamentals to make it happen. I can teach some modifications for different abilities, etc. BUT I still "know" so much more. I want to teach them injury prevention and nutrition. I want to explain that you didn't really "break" your finger because it popped.

I almost miss the stress.

I'm also struggling a little because we just finished an insane campaign for the city council. There was throat cutting and all that. I knew it would happen, but at one point the opponent even attacked ME! I'm not running for office. She said that I made a face and turned away.

I know most people think that doesn't sound like a big thing, but it is.

I am a professional. I have to deal with a LOT of people. A few that I do NOT like. A few that I do NOT get along with. A few that I down right HATE to deal with!!! BUT... I do NOT make faces. I might bite my tongue til it bleeds but seriously?? Don't try to break down my character.

I used to have all day to myself in between dropping off the kids at school and then heading to work after school. Now, well now... I have no time! I always have to do laundry. I always have to clean the house. I am always playing catch up!! How the hell do people do this???

So, I miss my job, I'm in the political lime light, my house is a freaking disaster and I just want to sleep... so what happens??

I gain 20lbs back. Can I cry now??

I am still more than 50lbs less than my most, but I am terrified and for some reason, I feel like I'm caught in a current and can't get my feet under me. This sucks.

So - this weekend, I am going to figure it out. I am going to think about what I am most thankful for. I am going to figure out what makes me happy. I am going to make a plan. I am going to start praying a little more and start reading over the bible again...

Happy Thanksgiving. Say a prayer for me. Ok

The Season of Giving

Today was an eye opening experience.

Honestly, I knew when I heard, but it was a reinforcing moment.

Today we brought about 48+ cans to the Cans Across the Park collection today. It was awesome! The best part was the kids were upset we had to leave. They were having fun organizing the cans and knew exactly why they were there. We were helping gather cans to feed the less fortunate.

In our house, we discuss this stuff all of the time.

We have a Pantry box that we stock with items from our shopping trips to donate to the food pantries. We don't throw away our clothes. Instead we pass them on to cousins, friends, or the less fortunate. We don't throw away the toys they no longer use. We usually donate them to a charity.

Well, today we left the park and headed over to Gifts to Give. This is a local non-profit organization that truly operates as a non-profit. None of the staff is paid. Yes, you read that correctly. They have been in operation for 2yrs and NONE of the staff is paid!!! Now, isn't that what a non-profit organization should be doing??

Anyway, they are awesome. They collect items from the community and then volunteers of all ages help sort, clean, organize, pack, wrap, etc all of the items. When I say all ages, I mean ALL ages!! They even have the 3-4 yr olds make wrapping paper for the birthday gifts that go out to the kids in need. Older kids can help sort clothes, repair or organize games, or clean toys.

They take everything people bring. Whatever is "rejected" for the gifts is either recycled, repurposed, sold in a yard sale that helps with their overhead, or (very little of it) is tossed.

So you might think that their main purpose is to send gifts and clothes to less fortunate, right?? NOPE!

Their main purpose is to get people to volunteer!

Isn't that great?!

It gives everyone the opportunity to get involved. It gives EVERYONE the opportunity to make a difference in someone's life.

We are now trying to figure out when we can go help. The kids didn't want to leave that either. I love my kids! They are so amazing. I need to make sure that doesn't wear off. I need to make sure that it rubs off on our friends.

They already want to go through their stuff again and donate some of it. Maybe you have somethings you can bring over. Or you might want to volunteer some of your time to help. Visit their website!

It's the season of giving... what can you offer?