A Better Start

This is a compensated review from BlogHer and Jimmy Dean, however the opinions and feelings expressed here are my own.

We are only days away from a brand new year--and every year around this time I find myself saying "I can't believe how fast this year went by!"

2011 is going to start with a running pace: I start a new job (yay!) O-man will be moving up to 4 days-a-week at preschool, Mook's birthday is in January, Oman's 2nd birthday is in early February! Lots of exciting things on the new-year-horizon...but I'm definitely spending the next few days being thankful for 2010...but ready to move on, especially due to the recent unexpected heartache.

And at the end of the year, as corny as it sounds, I look forward to the chance to press the "reset" button on life in general. I get a chance to do things a bit better than I've done them before--it's taken me many years of making resolutions to understand I am never going to reach perfection, but I can make a situation better so that's what I'm aiming for this year. I've already got my list (I told you I love lists!) of things I am going to be working on. By sharing my list, it will help hold me accountable and hopefully encourage some bettering in your neck of the woods, too!

* Better organization: my closet by color
* Better time-spending: letting go of things I can't control
* Better sleeping habits: my bedtime has gotten later and later...
* Better writing: as I mentioned, I didn't blog nearly as much this past year
* Better walking schedule: I've just got to do it, even when it's cold--after I'm done I feel so much better. Treadmill suggestions?


And my biggest betterment goal?

* Better eating habits: I've got an ace in my back pocket for this (I should say an ace in my freezer!) More on this in a minute...

He's a big fan!

So with all the new things I mentioned starting right along with the new year, I want to make sure and get my day off to a better start. My mom always, always told me breakfast was the most important meal of the day--I just nodded as I ran out the door to catch the bus with a pop tart in my hand. Then I'd be fighting to stay awake by 2nd period. I'm so excited that I've found a new breakfast meal that both Oman and I can enjoy before preschool and work: a Jimmy Dean D-lights breakfast! You can Visit the Official site  to see the full line of breakfast items. This is HUGE in our household--since I have an incredibly picky eater on my hands. And I'm not ashamed to say that one of our favorite meals is "Breakfast for Dinner", so knowing I've got options is a good thing.

I've tried multiple diets/exercise plans in the past, usually at the beginning of the year, so I'm really thinking positive about my attitude to just be better and not attempt to skip meals, go on a specific no-chocolate-ever diet. I do know that there are proven scientific ways of making smart food choices to keep me fuller longer, and not reaching for the bag of chips at 2pm: protein. So it's quite the win-win that I will be keeping my freezer stocked with the Turkey Sausage D-lights--and with 19 grams of protein to help give me energy. Yay!

So now that I've confessed all my better-me goals for next year, tell me what your resolutions are, or even if you don't make resolutions--share some of your ways to eat better and exercise--I'm open to suggestions!

The bonus of sharing with me? You could win $100 Visa Gift card, just by leaving a comment telling me about how you are going to be better this coming year. You can see other ways to win by visiting BlogHer, too! Think of all the shopping you can do for YOU with that gift card! So many great after-holiday deals will be out there, you will come home with quite a loot!


Rules for participating:
 

No duplicate comments. You may receive (2) total entries by selecting from the following entry methods:

• Leave a comment in response to the sweepstakes prompt on this post
• Tweet about this promotion and leave the URL to that tweet in a comment on this post
• Blog about this promotion and leave the URL to that post in a comment on this post
• Read the official rules for alternate form of entry.
• The official sponsor

This giveaway is open to US Residents age 18 or older. Winners will be selected via random draw, and will be notified by e-mail. You have 72 hours to get back to me, otherwise a new winner will be selected.

You can read the BlogHer and Jimmy Dean D-lights "Better Breakfast, Better You" official rules here.
The giveaway dates are 12/28/2010 - 1/30/2011.

A Blind Spot

It's hard to focus on real life in the midst of wrapping, baking, rushing to and fro, family visits and stringing lights. It's like living in a fairy tale world for a month.

So when I woke up last week with heavy bleeding and feeling really woozy, I was annoyed that I'd most likely need to go in to the doctor--no time for unplanned appointments this time of year! But off I went--and the diagnosis: a few clots and low iron, and call us back if you don't feel better.

And the crazy holiday schedule marched on...but so did my heavy bleeding. So much that I had to make another unplanned appointment.

Yesterday as I drove back to my OB, I was thinking about how I was actually going to be OK walking into a waiting room full of bellies. I was in a mental space of "peace"--able to happily accept that I most likely won't have a pregnant belly again, but that we hopefully will be able to bring another child into our family through adoption. I was even tossing around girl names in my head--and I was smiling. It felt so nice. I drove along with a clear view ahead of me, and let out a respectful sigh about what is in "my rear view mirror"....

Remember that rule in driving school? Always pay attention to your blind spot. I neglected to pay attention to mine.

After further tests and an ultrasound, I was told I had an ectopic pregnancy. A total, major, jaw-dropping moment. The amount of emotions that ran through me in that moment is hard to explain. That clear view that was in front of me on the way to the doctor was immediately fogged up. It brought the desire for a sibling for Oman rushing to the surface, and what an ache to feel loss and hope all in one swift moment.

I appreciate sunshine-positive-optimistic thoughts, but before you even go there (because trust me, I did)--no, this does not mean I have a better hope of getting pregnant on my own. We just have a higher chance of producing abnormal pregnancies. But just so you know, I won't ever give up hope.

So as the holiday cheer marches on, I'm taking the time to heal from this blind spot--I am just thankful for family and friends who can surround me with love and hugs. I cherish the laughter and moments with Oman -- I am beyond grateful for his life. Also, I am so thankful that my tube suffered no major damage.

As the eve of Santa's visit approaches, I wish each of you light and hope for the season--I know there are dark moments for a lot of us even in the cheeriest of times.

a list for my list

This is not your mind playing tricks on you.

There are really 5 lists* on my kitchen counter: color coded, broken into categories and all items need a lined crossed through it. It's funny how when one thing is done, another gets added. Lists really are never ending!

I knew this month would fly by--this time of year is so hectic, it takes effort to stop and remember to live life off the list(s) sometimes.

Are you a list maker? How are you tackling the mile-long-holiday-to-dos? I admire those people that keep a list in their head. But honestly? There is nothing quite at as satisfying as making a line and a check mark next to a completed task.

Now I can check writing this post off one of my lists. See? Progress!


*It may say Naughty, but it says Oh so Nice at the bottom of the note! I promise I've been good this year!

Ghost of Christmas Past

I am not a big pencil-user...I feel like its smudges easy, and quite honestly reminds me of the less than stellar grades I got in handwriting class. Does anyone actually write in full cursive anymore?!

However, I do use a pencil in one spot in particular: my address book. I know that there are plenty of new-age ways to keep those important contact details of friends and family, but there is something special about keeping a handwritten account of street names and seeing how spread out our friends and family really are!

I really look forward to the end of every November when I grab my pencil and address book to take on the task of labeling the Christmas cards. I am doubly-productive, because I use this time to make sure all the We've Moved! notes have gotten proper attention and add in new additions to families--this is where a pencil comes in handy.

But I can't bring myself to erase those names that I no longer send cards to; those friends and family who have passed on. One in particular catches me off guard every time I get to the "C" tab--but it's bittersweet. I'm sad that he's gone, but I am reminded of so many fond memories. I'm always tempted to just address a card to him, and the others, and send it...hoping they will be placing it on their mantel, and hoping I'll open my mailbox and have one from them in return.

I think I'm going to start a new tradition and write one card to those who I'm missing, place it on my mantel and say a special prayer. Holiday's are such a joyous time that it's tough when we are reminded of those we wish were still celebrating with us.  If you are missing someone this holiday season, I am wishing you peace.

Sweetly Versatile

Thanks to the lovely PCOSChick for giving me Versatile Blogger blog-bling! She and I got connected on twitter earlier this year, and she's just a fabulous blogger.

So here's rules for the award:
~Thank and link back to the person who gave you the award.
~Share 7 things about yourself.
~Pass the award along to 7 other bloggers who you recently discovered and think are fabulous.




1.  I always have a tissue with me. I am allergic to air--seriously. My nose does not like when I go from hot to cool air, so this time of year I keep Kleenex in business.

2.  If there are two switches that control one light (my hallway for instance--one is at the garage entrance, the other is by the living room), the switch always needs to be in the proper position. You know--sometimes the switch will be in the "on position" but really be off, because it was turned on at the other switch. Am I making sense? I cant stand for them to be in the "wrong position" so I fix it :)

3.  My favorite color Christmas light (this year) is blue.

4.  I am about to completely redo my closet and organize my clothes by color. I feel like this will help me put more stylish outfits together? Wishful thinking. Anyone want to volunteer to help?

5.  I keep wondering when I'm going to have the guts to attend an adoption seminar.

6.  Im the definition of my zodiac sign through and through.

7.  I crave a McDonald's Big Mac every time I'm sick.


I am passing this award on to the following 7 lovely bloggers, because I would like to learn more about them.

Andrea at Are You Listening? 
Foxy at Someday
Jill at Happy Hopefuls
Amber at Bumber's Bumblings
Flucky Mom 
Searching For Serenity
AmyLynn at new year new ute

And thank you so much Miss Frenchie for giving me this very sweet blog-bling.

So now I am trusted with the task of giving the award to five bloggers who I love to read, who's blogs have that 'something extra', that little spark, that keeps me coming back.

Tara at A Run For My Money
Sarah at Bio Girl
Mrs. Higrens at Does this suit your copperosity?
Andrea at Entrusted
Suzy at not a fertile myrtle 

Perfect Moment Monday: Celebrations

The past few days, I've just had that feeling I was missing something--and then I realized what it was: blogging!


I'm so glad I participated in NaBloPoMo last month (and as always, thanks to Suzy for encouraging me to write for those 30 days in a row!) I looked over the month, and a lot happened--so it encourages me to keep up with writing more frequently to keep up with the goings-on of life here in the Jeans household.

And I didn't forget the wine! The lucky gal who gets to enjoy some real wine is......Jamie! Wish we could enjoy it together my friend, but enjoy it and thanks for all your support :)

I've also been looking forward to participating in PMM this week....I have two celebrations to share. First, remember that good juju I asked you for? You all rocked the juju because....I got the job! Woohooo! I really feel that this was meant to be in a lot of ways--so Im feeling very thankful. I will be able to remain part-time and not disrupt Oman's schedule too much.

Second is a moment I got to share with Oman earlier this weekend.

This ceramic tree is from the 1950's and sat in the front hallway of my grandmother's house for many Christmas holidays. When we would visit, I would spend hours taking the lights out and arranging them in all sorts of ways. It's one of those things that instantly takes me back to being a kid--those really crystal clear memories are pretty awesome, aren't they?

The Christmas I was pregnant with Oman, my grandmother gifted this tree to me. I was so overwhelmed and felt like that 8-year-old version of myself all over again. So this year when I got it out of the box, I wanted to show Oman the awesomeness of this tree. He was immediately excited about the lights and was very gentle putting them in their places. I immediately e-mailed this photo to my grandmother and told her again how much it means to me that Im now able to pass along this fun tradition to her great-grandson.

Be sure to head over to see other Perfect Moment's...they are always so uplifting.