Cool! or Out of Touch?

It's been about 10 months that I've been listening almost exclusively to K-Pop, watching dramas, eating Korean food more often, and becoming more Korean (whatever that means). Hold that thought. (If you're new around here, you can read about my Korean-ness here.)

Recently, a friend of mine told me that her daughter (in her late teens) thinks that I am a "cool" adult. I felt so much younger than my mid-thirties age! and hip! and "cool!" with my title (deemed by this one gal). Hold onto that thought, too.

The next day, I was talking to my mom on the phone about my son's upcoming birthday and gifts he wanted. He read off his list to her: a Lego set, another Lego set, and a movie, "Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen." She had some birthday shopping to do, so we hung up.

I realized I wasn't familiar with the movie that son wanted (and told my mom about), so I decided to investigate. I went to Parent Previews and searched for the movie. I realized it was for the live-action (CG-action) movie that was released this past summer, not a cartoon or animated movie. After reading the reviews and seeing the grades, I quickly came to the conclusion that in no way is my very nearly eight year old ready for this movie! I called my mom and told her that I really didn't think it would be a suitable gift.

After that incident, I think I might need to spend a little bit of time in the Western entertainment world so I don't become (more of) an out-of-touch parent. Even if my friend's daughter thinks I'm "cool."

The Dull Roar

Around here, the time between Thanksgiving and Christmas should be called "The Dull Roar". It is a very busy time in our house, and yours as well, I imagine. We Christmas shop, celebrate one of my sons' birthdays, attend multiple Christmas get-togethers, as well as maintain the rest of our lives. Strangely enough, this is also when My Dearest is the busiest at work, even though he doesn't have a job affected by the season.

However, I think this is one of the keys to trying to lose weight! When I'm busier, I know that I need to schedule everything and stay on top of all of the events going on in our lives so that nothing falls through the cracks and gets forgotten.

I am a list-maker by nature. My personal view is that if I write it down, I can semi-forget about it and free up part of my brain for something less trivial. I schedule my exercise, my meals and everything else right along with the home school plans, shopping, and Christmas parties. I usually plan meals a week or two in advance since I am married to a man who thinks that the most important meal is the next one. Having said this, I know that it is important for me to have dinner ready or relatively close to ready near dinnertime, even though he is a great help in the kitchen and enjoys cooking as well.

Here are some tips to help you make good choices during the Dull Roar:

• Take time to chop veggies and divide them into easy to grab bags so you're not tempted to buy chips out of the vending machine at a weak moment. (HT to Alyssa)
  
• Before going to bed, put your exercise clothes and shoes in the bathroom with your alarm clock so that you get your workout done first thing in the morning.
  
• Plan your meals and use your slow cooker to its full advantage. Need some recipes to get you started? Take a look over here or over here.
  
• Be flexible within your schedule, but don't be so flexible that you get nothing done.
  

Some final thoughts: this is not a crash diet, nor is it a quick fix; it is a lifestyle change. I know that the weight I want to lose didn't suddenly find a home on my waist or thighs overnight. Likewise, it won't come off overnight. I have a sneaking suspicion that the same is true for those of you reading who are also trying to lose weight.

By perseverance the snail reached the ark. ~Charles H. Spurgeon

Next week: Surviving Holiday Parties!

Monday Funnies

In the middle of his before-bed prayer, one of my boys prayed for My Dearest, "Please help Dad's head ... to not hurt ... so much ... some days."

Have a great Monday!

Pumpkins and Super Heroes

When your camera is left at someone's house,
Halloween pics get posted four weeks later.

Enjoy!

One Holiday Down!

You survived Thanksgiving. How'd you do?

Perhaps you feel you made a few (or several) bad choices. The good news is that it's over and there's no going back. Start anew! Get back on track today -- while you are heading out to go Black Friday shopping, putting up the Christmas tree, or just recuperating from yesterday. Eat sensibly today -- especially if you went a little overboard yesterday. Exercise. Drink lots of water. Settle back into your routine.

Perhaps you restrained yourself and didn't over-indulge. It was a "normal" day for you and you treated it as such, even though it may not have felt like it. Great job! Keep making good food choices and exercising! Now is not the time to start slacking -- every day matters!

Next week: The Dull Roar.

T(hanksgiving Day) Minus Zero

I hope you have a wonderful Thanksgiving (or Thursday, if you're not in the States). Either way, may we be truly thankful for all that we have.

T(hanksgiving Day) Minus One Day

I am thankful for the people God has put in my life and the gifts God has given me.