everyday in may recap

it's done. a goal i set and a goal i achieved.

what worked

• planning my posts ahead of time. looking at my calendar and knowing what was coming up and what i could write about.
• staying flexible. i started with some ideas and used sticky notes to work out the weeks. but i moved the sticky notes all over the calendar depending on my mood, inspiration or time i could devote.
• consistent posts like menu on monday, just a thought on tuesday and 5 things on sunday. those are  easy to plan around.
• no excuses. even if the post went up at 4:30pm on a saturday,  even if i thought no one was going to care if i missed a day, i was not going to let a day go by without writing. this was something i set my mind to.

what i would like to do differently

• write my posts ahead of time. i would love to get posts written and ready to post before the day they are posted. i've done it before but it takes planning.
• photos. i need to have a better set up for taking photos of things.  my house doesn't get a lot of sunlight so i'm always struggling with exposure and correcting on my computer.
• variety. i'm not a food blogger but i like to write about food. i'm not a photographer but i like to take photos. i'm not a professional crafter but i like diy projects. maybe i need to focus on one thing...or maybe not. i don't think i fit into one category and not sure i need to.
• my writing style. i find myself using the same techniques over and over - read bullets and repeated words. it's time to change things up around here.

what i got out of it

• overall i call this a success. it was a practice that i did everyday. i can look at my archives and see 31 posts in may. i only had 8 in april, so that's progress.
• i saw what people responded to. it was interesting looking at the stats over the last month.  the most read post was this one. if i didn't post a link to facebook i didn't get very many readers. only a few people read this one but it was one of my favorites.
• it inspired me to write more. i was constantly thinking about writing and what ideas i could come up with. i looked for inspiration and read and listened to anything that would give me that.
• accomplishment. like running a marathon or planning an event or having summer goals, this gave me something to shoot for and work towards. i don't think every piece was genius but i was honest and i captured thoughts and details of our lives. that was the goal. 

is blogging a dying art? i guess it depends on why you do it. for me it's about telling our story, that's why i will continue to do it. i found lots more stories i want to tell.

2015 summer goals

is it already time to talk about summer? hard to believe but summer has started for jordan and it's just 1 week away for the other kids. i'd better have a plan if i want to keep them entertained.

ok, the list is more adult friendly than kid friendly, but trust me they will have lots of fun too.

i didn't state the obvious:

• lots of pool time
• pajama days
• drink water
• go to the movies
• have playdates
• go to disneyland

these are always on our summer lists. but here's some new ones.

• venture out of the valley for restaurants, shops and things to do & places to hike. huntington library, museums downtown, rooftop restaurants. here's a good list to work from.
• visit the library with the kids. this is something we don't do at all. we all have library cards, let's put them to good use. and i have quite a list going of books to read.
• plan get togethers with the ladies. i always manage to plan playdates for the kids in the summer but i want to do some girls' night out too. maybe a cooking class or one of the paint parties or a book club. 
• get 10,000 steps a day. anything goes; hikes, running, after dinner walks with the kids, cycling, yoga, etc.
• go to a beer, wine, or food festival. summer is the right time for hanging out outside with hundreds of people sipping, tasting and enjoying the summer.
• lots of camping. we don't have a big summer vacation planned as of yet so we are looking at taking a bunch of long weekends and getting out into nature. campsites are tough to find at this point but we're going to try.
• start a technology token/ticket system with the kids. we talked about this yesterday. they get a certain number of tickets or tokens each week and they can spend them all at once or spread them out throughout the week. interested to see if this works and cuts down on the complaining when it's time to shut off the games and iPads.
• plan a weekend getaway with bobby. we haven't gone away in a while. but cabo is sounding really good to both of us.
• go to outdoor concerts. i have one on my calendar already and the hollywood bowl has some awesome shows coming up.
• brew real coffee. i love my keurig. but summertime means less rush in the morning and maybe a little extra time to learn about making a good cup of joe.
• create a summer cocktail. something we can call our own and that we will enjoy sipping on a hot summer evening.  

jordan

• swim club - he started swimming with a club this week and is loving it so far. he wants to keep in shape to make varsity next year.
• drumming - he does it for hours outside, walking around with his snare drum and marching. 
• learn to drive - despite my anxiety he's got to get his license. don't worry i won't teach him.

andrew

• perfecting his nerf gun, video game and role playing skills. i see a lot of nerdy game nights in the summer.
• golf camp. we think he'll enjoy learning a new sport and his baseball swing will help. 
• prep for his last year at cha. he needs to do some serious thinking about high school.

sofia

• learn how to skateboard. again my anxiety might hold her back a bit but she really wants to learn.
• playdates with her friends. they love spending time together.
• swim. she would spend her entire summer in the pool if we let her. and she really wants one of these.

that should keep us busy for a while, right?

may goals revisited

project life cards from studio calico

we're at the end of may and i wanted to check back on my list of goals i made at the beginning of the month.

• blog everyday in may - i did it. i am so happy with that i did this. it taught me a lot! more on that in another post.
• i'm running my 5th half marathon gulp - another huge accomplishment that i wrote about here.
• get a massage - i had a decent recovery after this race so there wasn't a huge need but i would still like to get a massage soon.
• cheer sofia and the daring divas on as the softball season ends - woohoo. what a great season for my girl.
• celebrate andrew's 13th birthday on mother's day - we did and it was great. we also celebrated last weekend with a nerdfest. 
• do more hand lettering  - i am practicing and trying to learn some new styles.
• start eating dinner outside - fail. but the weather has been so unpredictable lately.  i'm moving this to my summer goal list.
• continue getting 10,000 or more steps a day after the marathon - another miss. in fact i took my fit bit off for a week after the run. i think i was mentally and physically over it. but it's back on now.
• do something other than run - i've been hiking every week with a friend.  last week we hiked to the top of rocky peak. it was a tough 5.6 mile hike but we did it. now it's time to bring back yoga, cycling and maybe a trx class? my trainer texted me today that i should shoot for running 4-5 times a week!
• use my dslr camera more - i took my camera out a few times this month. there is no comparison in quality but the iPhone is just so handy.
• go on a creative/food adventure and take pictures - i haven't posted my pictures of my pasadena excursion. maybe i'll get to that next month.
• get up to date with my online classes -  i've made it through the one little word class and am catching up on the hand lettering class i enrolled in. 
• go on a date with bobby - did we? can't remember. i know we got to spend time together and we went to an adults only class social, so i guess that counts.
• purge the house of stuff  - i am reading that book and am motivated to get rid of more stuff. it took bobby to get it started. i think too much and he just does it. so we're moving along.
• read - there is definitely more time for this. i am enjoying tiny beautiful things and i have a good summer list going so far. mostly books about food. i know, right?

not bad for one month. i am working on a summer goals list now.  i will share that next week.

have a happy saturday.

everyday in may

i have a few minutes to breath today. to let things settle. to think and plan. this time is so valuable right now. i have time to really do things right, not fly by the seat of my pants. it's not that things aren't still crazy, just calmer. we'll call it calm-zy.

it's the first day of may and i'm ready for a challenge. i read about a cool idea to blog everyday in may. everyday. sounds like something i could do. but more importantly it sounds like something i need to do. practice writing. get my stories told before they disappear into the craziness and are forgotten. writing for me is necessary. i must do it.

i found some blogs that have prompts for what to write everyday. i'll be following that loosely and adding in what i want to write as well.

today it's about goals for this month.

• blog everyday in may
• i'm running my 5th half marathon gulp
• get a massage
• cheer sofia and the daring divas on as the softball season ends
• celebrate andrew's 13th birthday on mother's day
• do more hand lettering - let me know if you need anything
• start eating dinner outside
• continue getting 10,000 or more steps a day after the marathon - love my fitbit
• do something other than run - need a change
• use my dslr camera more. it's not as handy as my iPhone camera but the pictures don't compare
• go on a creative/food adventure and take pictures
• get up to date with my online classes - need more creativity in my daily life
• go on a date with bobby
• purge the house of stuff - thinking about reading this
• read

also wanted to share a photo of jordan from yesterday's last swim meet. he was so excited to swim the 200 yd freestyle and had a goal of coming in at 2:00:00. he won the event and got a personal record of 2:00:14. then he won in the 100 yd freestyle and has a new personal record under :56. it was a great swim season for him. #goknights

stop by tomorrow for another post and wish me luck.

2015 goals & intentions

daily goal tracker

it's just the 3rd week of january and it feels like a great start to this new year.  my focus this year is to live a full life.  to take some chances, to do instead of think and to appreciate the moments as i'm doing them.  but it's fun to have a list that you can cross thing off of.

i am inspired by a few others i've seen from elise and joy.  i especially like that joy calls it the best of intentions.  it's january, there is a lot of energy into changing habits and cultivating new ones,  but it could all crumble next month. for now these are my intentions for this new year.

• write something everyday (not bad so far)
• read more & watch less tv
• blog like it's my job
• spend less time on my phone
• practice yoga more deeply
• start an art journal
• organize/purge my craft space so i can create
• redesign my blog (this is on my list every year but i'm gonna do it it's my intention this year!)
• go on hikes; with friends, with bobby and with the kids
• update our home; minor fixes and interior design, and a new backyard space
• push my creativity in the kitchen
• use my hand lettering skills for something creative (accepting ideas for this)
• go on one photography, food, personal and creative adventure
• grow new vegetables in the garden - lettuce, herbs, flowers
• mark my birthday in a special way 
• document it all, or at least most of it

this is going to be a busy and exciting year.  we have so much to look forward to.  if i can cross off some of these things i will call that a win.  i have every intention of making it happen.

hello august

source: shrimp, salad, circus

hello new month.
hello last month of our summer.
hello to crossing a few more things off our summer list.
hello to new adventures.
hello to old routines.

seriously this summer is zipping by.  school starts at the end of month and i am not quite ready, mentally or otherwise.  i've bought some books, some school supplies, zero clothes.  doing a lot of clearing out while the kids are away.

i have a few goals this month as we prepare for the change of pace that is back to school.

• spend more mornings outside - having coffee, reading, writing this blog post, enjoying the sounds, the quiet and the coolness.
• prepare - i've done pretty good so far.  working ahead to get things going for the pto.  a lot has been done already.  last week i did some research on high schools - that decision is coming up quickly. i'm working on a homework/organization system for the kids that will hopefully make the "i need a shoebox for my book report" , "when is your project due?", "mom, tomorrow is mixed up, crazy hat, pajama day" things a little easier.
• grill once a week - come on, that should have been on my list at the beginning of the summer.  i find it easier to put the indoor grill on and not deal with the big outdoor grill.  but bobby grilled salmon and chicken last weekend and it was so good.  it's a must do this month.
• take some pressure off - we've been relaxing mostly this summer, having fun and it feels great.  i've worked on being realistic about not taking on too much for me or the kids, honestly it's been easy.  i want to enjoy that feeling and commit to it in the coming months when it's not so easy to do, yeah december i'm talking about you.
• start swimming - i'll admit, i'm inspired by the olympics. but swimming has always been a favorite sport of mine.  i took a class in college that gave me the fundamentals for all of the strokes.  i've been to enough of jordan's practices to do some drills and the y has an adult class to improve my stroke and endurance.  i would love to add a swim rotation to my workout schedule in the fall.
• finish reading - i'll reserve my thoughts on gone girl until i am done. i'm also reading the creative habit and have two more books that i can't wait to start, animal, vegetable, miracle and quiet: the power of introverts in a world that can't stop talking.  i've come to terms with the fact that i'm a very slow reader and that's ok - remember i'm taking the pressure off.  but i can't let that list get too big.  there are lots more books i would like to add.  might have to watch less olympics and read more if i want to finish before the end of the month...nah, go usa!
• be all there - this month is going to go by even faster than the last two.  i want to enjoy these moments, the kids being stress free, having a lot of extra time, sleeping in, a few last getaways, 2 great celebrations, and some quiet family moments.  

ok august, let's make it a good one.  

checking in on 2012 goals

“The best day of your life is the one on which you decide your life is your own. No apologies or excuses. No one to lean on, rely on, or blame. The gift is yours - it is an amazing journey - and you alone are responsible for the quality of it. This is the day your life really begins.”

-Bob Moawad

like i mentioned yesterday we are 1/2 way through the year.  what a better time to check in with the goals i set at the beginning of the year.  i feel like i am constantly trying to be better, follow through and live happy.

i went through each of my goals and here's where i stand:

1.  read more:  eh.  it's going ok.  i read the first two hunger games books. but then stalled.  i am currently reading the happiness project.  reading it month by month.  i have 2 books on my list now: the creative habit by twyla tharp will arrive on friday via amazon. and a few people recommended gone girl by gillian flynn.  i am number 722 on the library wait list with only 55 copies circulating so i may have to get it for the kindle instead.  i realize that i just don't make the time to read.  if i set aside 30 minutes everyday i'm sure i could get through more books, and would probably end up reading longer than 30 minutes.

2. put things in order:  another hard one.  straightening up is one thing, keeping things straight is a whole other story.  in a house of five people who use five different things and then don't put them back, things are left on the counter, floor or table and soon there are 20 things hanging around.  so the rule is you take it out, you put it back.  papers, papers, papers.  it's never-ending.  but it can be organized.  and it's not that hard.  it goes with #5, just deal with it right away. it's a work in progress.

3.  challenge myself physically: finally, something i can completely check off the list.  done that.  felt good.  and i want to continue to challenge myself.  my body has changed as a result of this goal and i don't ever want to go back.  i feel good about myself, and want to feel better. so what's next?  a new challenge.  another 1/2 marathon is likely in the fall.  i'm hoping to maintain my running in the summer at least a few days a week.  also need to do some strength training.

4. explore creative avenues:  i finished the scarf.  but it took me a while so i won't get to wear it until the weather gets colder.  hoping to sew a simple skirt for the summer.  and looking forward to getting messy with paint on a few projects.

5. deal with stuff right away:  another difficult habit to break.  honestly, it's about facing my fear, not letting the stack get too big, making that phone call, letting things go.  it takes some bravery, putting on my big girl pants and just doing it.  another work in progress.  a lot of room for improvement.  one of the motivators will be my role as pto president in the fall.  you can't let things go too long without dealing with them.  organization is key.  be on top of it before it's too late.  communicate. that will be the true test.

6. grow my blog: this is the goal i think about most often.  i've been debating starting fresh.  keeping this my personal blog and starting a new one that i can send out to the bigger world.  it's tough  figuring it all out; what to write about, what is my niche, who is my reader.  i would love to have a blog like her.  only i'm 15 years older and i have 3 kids and i don't have has as much energy or gumption as she does. the wheels are constantly turning.

new goals:
choose happiness: i have learned so much about happiness over the last six months.  mainly that it is a choice. there are many times this is not easy.  i get into a mood and i kind of like it there.  but not really.  so i choose to be happy.  think positive.  it works.  most of the time.  laugh more.  be present.  feel happy in my soul.

take risks: i am definitely a play it safe kind of girl.  my comfort zone is safe and cozy.  we tell the kids all the time, try it, take a chance.  see if you like it.  it's time i start doing the same.  don't set limits on myself.  don't think i can't if i haven't even tried. be honest.  seek new adventures.  don't be lazy. don't take the easy way out. but be ok with it not working out.  the reward is so much better than the regret.

there it is.  lots to do over the next six months.

on goals in 2012

HAPPINESS

is when what you think,

what you say,

and what you do

are in HARMONY.

-Ghandi

so it's been a bit of a mess around here lately.  working on so many things at the same time while still trying to maintain a somewhat decent household, having clothes for the kids to wear to school every morning (notice how i didn't say clean clothes), and providing something for us to eat everyday.  it's a juggling act for sure.

but the mission project was delivered, and he is so proud of it.  the meetings are getting a little easier.  the gala is just 2 weeks away.  and baseball hasn't gone full time yet.  we are surviving.

i wanted to share a little bit about goals for this year.

i decided last year that although setting goals at the beginning of the month was a great challenge and i looked forward to it, it did make me feel a bit foolish at the end of the month.  maybe a bit defeated.  it's hard to set new goals when you don't feel like you've accomplished the goals you set in the past.  does that make sense?

i didn't beat myself up for not accomplishing them, and i did do a lot last year, but i didn't find setting the goals as fulfilling as i thought i  would.

i don't want to focus on the things that i didn't do.  instead i want to focus on the things that i did do.

so this year i simply asked myself this question...
at the end of the year what do i want to have accomplished that will make me happy?

here's what i came up with:
1. that i read more.  i'm a slow reader and that's ok.  i just don't want to make it an occasional thing i do.  i want to read more often, more regularly.  i'm working on the hunger game series right now and i'm addicted. so reading is easy.  putting the book down is more of a problem.

2. that i put things in order.  ugh.  this is a hard one.  clean closets, drawers, purging unwanted and unneeded items, going clutterless, maybe not free, but less.  we've been working on it.  part of the task is not just getting rid of stuff but maintaining it that way.

3. that i challenged myself physically.  i've been consistently going to the gym since september and i feel great.  as a result i've lost some weight and feel strong.  but i've been doing the same program.  zumba, yoga, cycling, running.  i love it all and i don't want to lose any of that but i do want to change it up.  i started going to a new cycling instructor that i love.  that change was enough to make it exciting and challenging.  i committed myself to training for a half marathon in may.  i may regret putting this out there so publicly, no backing out right?  but it's something i've always wanted to do and even if i only do it once in my life i'm crossing it off my todo list this year.  it will be in may in santa ynez.  nervous and excited to take this new challenge on.

4. that i explored other creative avenues.  photography and paper arts are my passion.  but i want to sew something, paint something, build something.  one of the things i have always wanted to do is learn how to knit.  so last week i bought a skein of yarn and two needles and i sat with the ipad to look up videos on you tube and i taught myself to knit.  basic garter stitch and i'm working on a scarf so nothing fancy.  it's turning out kind of wonky, but i love it.  everything about it.  watching the scarf grow, learning from stitch to stitch and row to row.  no thoughts of knitting a sweater, but you never know.

5. that i dealt with stuff right away.  not letting things fester.  not letting things go past their due date.  being on top of projects and appointments and time sensitive material.  i'm not looking forward to this but i really want to change in this area.  i find that it lifts a huge weight off my shoulders. done and move on.

6. that my blog grew.  not so much in readers or members, although that would be nice.  i'm ready to grow this into something more meaningful, more creative, more valuable, more emotional.  this blog has always been a personal project for me.  an exercise in writing and photography.  i want my blog to reflect the growth that we as a family have had and that i personally have had. if i add a few more subscribers because of that, well that would make me happy too.

i expect my list to change.  i know i will add things. and that is exciting.  it's a work in progress.

happy february.

turkey trotting

so i kind of messed up yesterday.  for some reason i had it in my mind that bobby's birthday was on wednesday, when in reality it's on thursday.  we've both been saying that it's wednesday, not sure who confused who. kind of a relief since it gives me one more day to get some things done.  i made the adjustment on the menu in case you look back at it.

at the start/finish line

so on with the 5k.
i decided about 2 months ago that i wanted needed to do another 5k before the end of the year.  i had such a cool experience the first time around and i needed a goal and a plan.  someone suggested doing a turkey trot on thanksgiving.  what a great idea.  run in the morning, eat all you want in the afternoon.  that sounded like the perfect plan.

i couldn't help but compare the two runs.  one in march and one in november.  you can read about my march race here.

what was the same:
i was excited and nervous.  much more the first time than this time, but those emotions were present in my head.
i didn't think i could run the whole thing, but i did.
i started out at the back of the pack but moved myself somewhere in the middle.
i wore the same shoes, pants, shirt, jacket and hat.  all for good luck.
i had my run playlist blaring in my ears.  i added some foofighters and adele to change it up.  i can't run without it.
i was determined to do my best.  whether i ran the whole thing or walked some of it, i was going to finish.
i had moments during the run where i really wanted to walk.  "just keep moving your legs", "you can do this", "don't give up".  that's what i kept telling myself.  and it worked.
i didn't get too sore or tired.
i felt amazing afterward.
i was so proud of myself.

do you see me?

what was different:
this was a much smaller race. less people, less hoopla, no medals (boohoo).  in our old neighborhood of burbank.  it was on a much smaller scale.  a very flat run which made it easier.
i ran alone.  i ran with a training group the first time around which was so helpful and motivating.  but running and training by myself this time convinced me that i really can do this.  i'm all the motivation i need.
i didn't have a cheering squad.  in march the kids were there to see me as well as my parents and sister.  this time though it was more low key.  we were on our way out of town.  the kids stayed with my in-laws.   it made it all seem like not as big of a deal.  been there, done that.  bobby was a great cheerleader.
i registered the morning for the race.  i think i had more doubt than i cared to admit to myself.  up until that morning i really wasn't sure i could do it.  in fact on monday i thought i was out because the online registration was closed.  but one phone call to the y and they told me i could register that morning.  nothing could stop me then.
i felt great leading up to the race. nothing hurt.  nothing was wrapped, i didn't take any pain medication beforehand.  that made a huge difference in finishing strong.  i did get a side stitch at one point but i was able to shake it off.
i felt stronger.  the first time around i ran up to 5 miles at a time to prepare for the race.  running 3.2 miles seemed easy after all of the running i had done.  but this time i did more than run to prepare for the race.  i did yoga and stretching, cycling and zumba, treadmill and cross trainer, abs and pilates.  i know that helped to prepare me physically and mentally.
i finished faster.  all of that training and experience really helped.  official time 33.42 compared to 35.21.  the difference in the trail contributed to the better time but i ran a faster per mile pace overall, and that was my goal.  let's see how i do in march when i run the great race again.

i am definitely hooked.  i can't wait to do it again.  i've set some big goals for next year.  anyone want to join me?

{re}focus:: november

Source: tumblr.com via Gioconda on Pinterest

i seriously can't believe it.  only two months left in 2011.  once halloween is over everything seems to go by in a blur.  crazy that it's already november, huh?

but in a way it's kind of exciting.  goodness is coming.  time with family and friends.  days full of celebration and memories.  it truly is the most wonderful time of the year.

i know this time can get hectic so i want to set some reasonable expectations.  my goals for this month consists of two things:

be grateful:: take time this month to truly be grateful. for the big and the small.  for the big moments and the little moments.  for those things i take for granted but i am truly so thankful for.  i'll be sharing some of those moments on the blog this month.  really looking forward to it.

finish what i started::  i set a lot of goals for myself over this year.  a lot of them are done, but i'm still working on others.  i want to go over my list and see what i can realistically achieve this month.  i'm not putting pressure on myself in  any way.  i'll only finish those things that i really care about.

that's it.

(my secret goal is to get my christmas shopping done by december 1st.  i'd love to spend all of december working on my december daily and enjoying the season.)

if you are setting goals let me know.  or if you want to share something you are thankful for today, please do.

today i am thankful for energy and motivation.  it's keeping me going and i love it.

happy november!!

{re}focus:: october

i realized a few days ago that we are 3/4 of the way through the year.  it does seem like time is set on warp speed lately. doesn't it? that leaves us with 3 months...3 of the busiest months of the year.  but also 3 of the most exciting months of the year.  that is, if you love food, and family, and togetherness like i do.

it's also the last few months to make good use of my word: focus.


i have worked hard to incorporate the word into my everyday life.   keeping it present in my mind.  this is the first year that i've made it more visible and really put it to work.  i'm already thinking of my word for 2012.  there is one that's been popping up.  i'll see if it sticks.

i plan to focus for the next 3 months on the things that matter to me.

::bake something::
i had fun with that in september and i plan to continue it this month.  i have a few recipes selected for this month that include pumpkin muffins, coffee cake and a few halloween treats.  this is going to be a tasty month.

::stay active::
with the additional calories i have to burn equal or more calories.  i feel like i have a good routine going at the gym.  not feeling bored yet and definitely feeling challenged (aka sore).  i just want to keep the momentum going.  it's been a constant struggle.  yesterday, after spending 2 hours at meetings at school, i wanted so badly to drive right past the ymca and go home to a hot bowl of soup.  but i didn't do it.  i worked out for an hour and felt great.  and then went home to that bowl of soup.  the workout made it so worth it.

::play with my camera::
i haven't picked it up much lately, except to take the occasional food photo.  i want to take it out more this month.  experiment a bit.  see the world through the lens again.

::be inspired::
last month i focused on taking a breath.  this month i want to feel inspired.  i want to be a bit curious.  i want to discover something beautiful.

lately i've been worried about making a decision with what i want to do with my life.  i've been trying to figure it out.  i've worked at letting my passion come through. yesterday i read these words and i knew that the answer will come to me.

"The only way to be truly satisfied is to do what you believe is great work. And the only way to do great work is to love what you do. If you haven't found it yet, keep looking. Don't settle. As with all matters of the heart, you'll know when you find it." 


and this


"have the courage to follow your heart and intuition. They somehow already know what you truly want to become. Everything else is secondary."
-Steve Jobs

hello september

Source: fromupnorth.com via Gioconda on Pinterest

summer is over!

summer is over?

summer is over...

a mix of emotions at our house.  excited, nervous, sad.

we love summer.
the lazy days.
the pajama days.
being together with nothing to do.
no due dates.
no real responsibility.
just fun.

next week is going to be hard for all of us.
getting used to a new routine.
some stress and pressure.
but also nice to have some structure back.
it's good for us.  for all of us.

so it's been a while since i set some goals.
september seems to be the right place to start.

:: learn something new everyday ::
actually, that's the name of the online scrapbook class i'm taking this month.  i'm kind of excited because i know that september will be a time of learning for me.  all 3 kids in school.  managing my time and tasks.  doing some of those things i've been putting off all summer.  i plan on learning a lot.  this class will help me document those big and little moments.

:: explore ::
with learning comes exploring.  i have a huge list of places and things i've been wanting to see and do.  now i will have a bit more time to do them.  i want to go on an adventure, big or small, local or far.  i'm aiming for once a week but i'll take what i can get.  and then of course i will write about it here.

:: bake something every week ::
simple muffins or bread or cookies.  but make it a weekly routine.  i've got lots of recipes to try out.

:: diy home projects ::
i have a few bookmarked that i want to do.  and how lucky am i that a new home goods is opening up in my neighborhood.  and it's right by the hardware store and a michael's.  a one stop shopping experience. the hardest part is going to be deciding what i want to do first.

:: take a breath ::
my days will be a little more quiet.  i will have a little more time on my hands.  i have commitments to school and sports.  but my days will go from trying to entertain 3 kids all day long, to being by myself for the majority of the day.  i'm really hoping to take some time everyday to breathe deep.

i know some of you have started school already.  any tips you want to pass along?

re}focus :: july

Source: elembee.com via Gioconda on Pinterest

hello new day.

hello july.

hello second half of the year!?

what do you have in store for me?

only good things i hope.

sunshine.

time with the kids.

moments that will slip away too quickly.

moments that will be forever stored away in my mind, and my heart.

peace.

laughter.

reflection.

love.

i am ready.

i am open.

i invite you in.

my goals for july are pretty much my goals for june (and most likely my goals for august.)  plus a few weddings thrown in for good measure.

it's all about enjoying the daily moments.  going to the orthodontist, optometrist, hair salon, and grocery store together and having fun.  it's about relaxing in the pool together.   it's about bbqs and good friends and sleeping in while we still can.  it's taking it easy but getting stuff done.

a few personal goals:

health: getting through these weddings and all of the events that go with them without getting out of control. rehearsal dinners, bachelorette parties, celebrating these relationships pretty much revolves around food.  i want to keep healthy choices in mind and get moving to counteract whatever yumminess i may occasionally indulge in.  lots of salad, fruit and water.  that should do the trick.

creativity: i'm almost up to date on my project life album.  hopefully i cant take some pictures and share with you next week.  i love that our daily life has a home in this album.  bobby was looking at it over the weekend and commented that in one photo a day you can really see all of our lives.  i think that's the point, right. i also want to make a few more traditional layouts.  i have spotted and pinned a few that look easy and fun.  i love project life because of ease, but i feel the need to cut and glue a bit.

photography: i want to play around with my iphone and some of the apps i have.   the first two pictures from yesterday were taken with my phone. maybe next week i'll only post photos taken with my phone.  does that justify upgrading to the iphone 4? i'm doing it for you, people.

relationships: i will be spending more time away from bobby this month than i'm used to.  although i am looking forward to getting away by myself for a few days, and then later with the kids, i'll miss him.  i'm hoping to make the time we do have together something special.  we'll start on sunday with a concert at the bowl.  but maybe we'll have to make a few more dates this month.  i'd love to try a new restaurant or see a movie.

that'll do it for july.

bring it on!

{re}focus :: june

Source: etsy.com via marcypenner on Pinterest

how cool is this sign?  i may have to order one from the etsy shop.  love the color too.

i think i might just make it easy on myself and make relaxing my only goal for june.  no more school, book reports, tests, volunteering, driving here and there.  staying home and relaxing sounds like the perfect goal. i think it's a good time to reenergize and think about what i've accomplished over the past 5 months and what i would like to accomplish over the next 7.

as i look back at may's goals i can honestly say that i did not accomplish very much.  except for the trip with my sister and taking some time almost everyday to go to my room, put my feet up and read for about 15 minutes. it helped to give me a little peace in my day.  my goal last month probably should have been surviving.  getting through the month in one piece and in a sane state of mind.  that i did.

so june will be a lot more low key.  we finish off school next week, have a few end of the year parties and are going away for a work vacation.  i'm just looking forward to spending some time doing what we want to do.

summer vacation also means a lot less alone time.  so my goals will have to fit into the new schedule.  and all of the goals from last month are still on my list this month, with a few modifications.  we definitely need to get some sushi.

beach trips are definitely on the list.  many days in the sand, by the water, enjoying the fresh air.

playing with paint and paper.  the kids have been asking to paint when they get home from school. i need to go out and buy some fresh supplies.  today i overheard andrew telling sofia about the painter that painted with dots instead of brush strokes. "there's all kinds of artists," he told her.  i'll be playing along too.  i love this month's prompt from the class i'm taking.  it's all about playing with art.

i don't want relaxing to turn into "stay in our pajamas and do nothing all day."  so i will have a schedule of things we can do.  cooking, swimming, chores that need to get done, summer reading.  i have a few friends who want to do things together so i will take them up on that.  maybe visit some museums, parks and zoos.

but this month i'm really going to go with the flow and just be. july holds a wedding for us that various members of the family are participating in and then we get ready for my sister's wedding in august and then it's back to school. i love that the pressure is off this month and we get to hang out and have fun.

looking forward to a great month.

{re}focus :: may

Source: sfgirlbybay.com via Gioconda on Pinterest

i was totally caught off guard today at the thought of writing this post.  i definitely did not have the time or energy to do all that i wanted in april.

the thought of setting new goals is overwhelming.  i feel like i need to work on some of the ones i didn't get to before moving on.  and may is going to be jam packed with birthdays, mother's day, 3 of us traveling to 3 different locations at the same time, wedding showers and preparations, the start of the softball season, and the last full month of school.  does it sound like i have any time to meet my goals?  nevertheless, there is always something to work towards.

personal development: get back to running with the goal to do another 5k in june.  i also want to start going to the y to swim laps.  that scares me more than you know.  and as may is full of activities and responsibilities i really want to take some time each day to be at peace.  15 minutes of focus a day.  it sounds easy but most days finding the time is hard.

organization:  i am super motivated to get a weekly menu plan for all of my meals.  breakfast, lunch, snack and dinner.  i'm working on eating more fruits and vegetables and eating less white flour and "convenience" foods.  day one was a success, although a lot of work. because this month is so busy i need to find a way to be organized with the calendar, be realistic about my time and not overcommit myself, which is so easy for me to do.  keeping a clear and current calendar will definitely help.

be present:  i am taking a little trip with my sister, something i have wanted to do since i found out she got engaged.  it took an unexpected surprise to give us the motivation to plan it.  i don't want to share the details just yet, but we are flying and staying in a hotel and making the most of the 2 days we will be gone.  but it came at a price.  i had to make a really difficult decision, to miss something important to me.  i am super excited about going but sad to miss being here at home.  in any case, i want to put that in the back of my mind and enjoy every moment that i get to spend with her.  we are visiting a city we've never been to and i want to make the most of it.  i know everything will be fine.

budget:  last month was a doozy in terms of money.  lots of things to pay, 3 trips, a fundraiser at the school, end of the year stuff.  it took a big bite out of our budget.  i am going to work this month on cutting down on spending and taking advantage of coupons and sales.  it takes a lot more work but even if we save a little it will be worth it.

time:  there won't be much of it this month.  but i am hoping to spend some time with each member of my family.  this will be the last month that sofia and i will have alone together.  school gets out in early june and then all three kids will be home.  this time is so precious to me; the time before she starts kindergarten. hoping to have some "mommy and me" moments with her.  i also want to make time to do something with jordan and andrew individually.  it will be fun planning that with them.  we may not do it until june when we have more time but putting it on the calendar will be the goal.  and looking forward to some date nights with bobby.  ahhh, sushi.

please share your goals. it motivates me too.

{re}focus :: april

it's april already.  how did that happen?

Source: workisnotajob.com via Gioconda on Pinterest

i read over my march goals before starting this post and feel good about where i am.  i love that my goals change and redevelop throughout the month.  in march i had a goal to get new camera gear.  but in the process of choosing it i realized that i needed more time to answer one simple question.  what do i need that i'm not getting from my current equipment?  until i had a answer the choice would not be clear.  i'm still figuring it out.

so, although i am putting my goals out there i am also open to changing them and making them fit into my life. and since it is april 5, some of my goals are already underway.

personal development | finishing that 5k was amazing.  and as soon as it was over i started thinking about what was next.  i want to work in more 5 mile runs.  maybe once a week on saturdays.  and round out my workouts with core and strength training at the gym.  i want to use this month to improve my running and then i will do another 5k in may.  i also want to put more effort into my diet.  more than anything just being aware of what i am eating everyday and how that adds up.  with summer coming up, and lots of weddings this year, i want to feel comfortable with how i look.  combining good eating with exercise is the way to make that happen.  oh and i could really use a haircut this month.

document | well, i've been practicing with my camera and really getting to know what it's limitations are.  i'm actually happy with it.  but know that an upgrade would mean a few extras; larger screen, maybe video, more focus points and higher iso's.  i'm not going to make a decision, or investment, until i am sure of what i want.  posts like this one help.  and this one that specifically talks about food photography. but i am taking lots of pictures.    i've been reading and looking at lots of pictures on  blogs.  and i will practice, practice, practice.  i am also noticing that i could use more photos that tell a story.  i have a lot of pictures of food, words, still life.  but i want to record relationships, and moments.  i am hoping to set out on some photo taking fieldtrips this month.

create | i want to scrapbook more this month.  traditional scrapbook layouts that use some of the fun products i have.  i'm so glad that i signed up for sketchbook 3.  it's giving me a place to start and inspiring me to get some pages done.  i've already finished my first layout from the class, so i'm off to a good start.  i plan to start an art journal this month.  creatively i am a pretty structured person.  i like to follow a sketch or use a kit to get my layouts done.  but the thought of opening a blank page in a sketchbook and setting my imagination free scares me, but will be a wonderful creative challenge.  i listened to this podcast and that's what gave me the motivation to do it.

read |  still working on the help.  we haven't had a weekend away so my reading time is limited.  but i hope to finish it this month.  i'm considering reading my life in france or water for elephants next.  my in-laws and grand parents gave me the food stylist's handbook that i've been enjoying too.  there is something so beautiful about food.

organize | our house in need of some serious spring cleaning.  i mean taking things out of the way, way back and getting rid of stuff.  today i took a tiny step and cleaned out my spice cabinet.  i threw things out and organized it so i could see where everything is.  if it didn't have an expiration date and i couldn't remember when i bought it, i threw it out.  and it felt great.  i'm gonna keep that going and move to the pantry next and then all of the cupboards and drawers in my kitchen.

april is going to be a good month.  i can feel it.

running through my mind

this week marks my 7th week of training, which means i am 3 weeks away from the great race.  wow, that made me nervous.  3 weeks away!  look i know it's not a marathon i'm doing here.  but i'm still super excited about what i have committed to.

i wanted to share some thoughts on my experience so far.

someone called me a runner the other day.  actually, it was stated more in disbelief than as a description.  "i never thought of you as being a runner." to which i quickly responded, "i'm not."  because i don't consider myself a runner, at least not yet.  i run.  but i'm not a runner.

i was at the gym last week watching regis and kelly as i pushed myself through a workout on the cross trainer.  they were kicking off a 3,000 mile run from disneyland to new york.  the guy is running up to 50 miles a day, everyday for 75 days.  that guy is a runner, a mad man, but a runner.

for me to take on the title i feel like i have to have been doing it longer than 7 weeks.  i have a goal in mind, the 5k.  i have a to do item to cross off my life list.  that is what is keeping me motivated to go to training every saturday morning.  that is what is getting me to the gym after i drop the kids off at school when i would rather go home and spend the few precious hours i have without kids doing anything else.  yes, i am enjoying it. i am feeling like i want to do it.  it is becoming something fun.  but if i didn't have that race creeping it's way closer, i don't know if i would still be doing it, or at least not pushing myself this hard.

in high school the mile run was such a nightmare for me.  kind of like having to make a speech in front of my class.  i couldn't think past the moment of getting it done.  it was a roadblock in my life.  i never ran it in the required time.  i'm sure i never ran it the whole way through.  it just wasn't me.  my dad was a runner.  he ran long distance for his high school team and was very good at it.  he held a school record for a number of years.  i remember seeing a picture of him in a race.  he had been running for miles.  he was thin, his faced was relaxed, his body was in perfect motion. what i saw in that picture was a runner. i am a mess when i run.  sometimes barely moving my feet.  feeling like i have agony written all over my face.  the trainer will remind me to keep my shoulders down, lift my knees, and breath.  it takes more work than it seems.

running has taught me that i really don't know what my limits are.  i think i do.  i self impose them.  but now i see that my mindset matters more than what i think my body is capable of.

every week the trainer will give us a goal for the following week.  "this week try and run 2-3 times for 20, 30, or 45 minutes."  at first it seems impossible, seriously.  and the first 10 minutes that i am running it feels impossible.  but you know what?  i always make it.  i have found that i talk myself out of stopping.  keep going, make it to the corner, keep up with the person in front of you.  sometimes it takes the trainer running next to me and reminding me that i can do this.

this saturday we had to run 45 minutes.  it was cold, misty and i was tired grumpy from a not so great week.  but i showed up.  knowing that she would make us run farther and longer than we ever had.  at one point i got a side stitch and had to slow down to a walk to catch my breath.  but i kept going. i pushed through the pain and finished.  (i think i know why i'm getting cramps but if you have any advice please pass it along.) not one person stopped.  we pushed through and motivated each other and finished together.  that felt so good.

i find myself looking for music to pump up my workout and give me motivation.  florence and the machine's "dog days are over" seems to be doing the trick right now.  it makes all the difference in the world to run with good tunes playing in my ear.  i am shopping for clothing; wickit shirts with thumb holes, pants, a new pair of shoes.  and i am secretly coveting a watch to keep track of my heart rate and distance.  i am currently using run keeper on my iphone to help me keep track of my workouts.

the rewards are so much greater than i ever would have imagined.  i feel strong.  after a good run i feel positive, my mind is clear and i'm thinking about going faster or longer next time.  surprisingly, i haven't lost any weight, but i can feel that my body has changed.  and my clothes feel better.

i'm trying not to think beyond this race.  the trainer has already suggested that we think about doing a 10k in april.  the disney half marathon is in september. one race at a time, right?

so, when the race is over and i have met that goal, if i continue to run up and down that darn hill and back again, then i can call myself a runner.

check out this video i found today.  it's no coincidence that i stumbled across it as i was writing this post. it says a lot about what running makes me feel.


have a great day.

{re}focus :: march goals

"Goals provide the energy source that powers our lives. One of the best ways we can get the most from the energy we have is to focus it. That is what goals can do for us; concentrate our energy."

-denis waitley

i am really making the most of this year.  what helps is having some goals that i can achieve every month.  it's been fun writing it here and checking back to see how i've done. (i never baked bread last month but i did make muffins, 2 kinds.)  breaking it down helps me  focus on a particular area for improvement.

march is my birthday month.  my plan this month is to celebrate and enjoy all of the moments that this month will bring.  march is typically the month that i settle down and reflect on the past year of my life, and it was a good one.  and then i make some plans for the coming year.

for the rest of this year on the first of the month i will post my goals.  small or big.  and i will break them down into categories of focus.  here's what i have in store for march.

personal growth | the great race is coming up at the end of the month.  i have been training hard and will have a post about this experience later this week.  the trainer has worked us up to running 45 minutes without stopping.  this month she will train us by giving us miles to shoot for. for now it's 4 miles.  but by the time the race comes around we will be running 5 miles.  who knew that would be possible? not me.  and you better believe there will be some celebrating after that race.

document | this month i am hoping to make an investment in camera gear.  i am thinking over my options, but with the money i have saved up i will either purchase a new camera body or a new lens. this purchase has me thinking about stepping up my game in photography.  what do i want to do?  do i want to keep taking pictures for fun?  do i want to turn photography into a career?   these things will determine how i spend my money.  hopefully i will have a new toy before the end of the month.

read | i am reading the help this month.  loving it so far and can see myself finishing it quickly.  which means i will get brene brown's the gifts of imperfection for the kindle.  i like reading something for fun and then something that inspires me and makes me think.  looking forward to both.

create | i want to make something original this month.  no plans yet on what that will be, but i am considering painting or sewing something.  i feel like i need to stretch my creativity in a new way.  i also have a plan for a mini book.  i want to put together the pictures of the wedding from last year.  i think the whole experience will make a nice book.

blog | my plan for the blog this month is to write a few posts about me.  who i am, what i love, and just some random facts. i figure some of you may not know me very well, and if you do there may be things you don't know about me. anyone have any idea what the name gioconda means?    so i have a few posts in mind that i will sprinkle in throughout the month.  should be fun.

if you're making goals, please share.

welcome march. now let's party!!

{re}focus :: february goals

quote from unstitchedblog.com

did january seem like a long month?  it did to me.  and it was a good month.  a productive month. a month of change.  i accomplished some things that have been on my list for a long time.  and i also took on a few new ones.  ones that i am excited about.

the first is this blog.  i wanted to spend the month focusing on getting some things written.  some of it was planned and scheduled.  some of it was organic and spontanious.  i had fun writing everyday, never feeling at a loss.  it was not my intention to write 5 times a week but i guess i had a lot to share.

in february i want to keep it up.  i am thinking that 3-4 times a week is realistic.  i've worked out a writing schedule and am comfortable with making it last.  writing everyday helps me practice this craft and gives me direction.  i find myself being inspired in the middle of the day to share a story or write down words, even if it's for my own benefit. but it's nice to know someone is listening.

bobby and i also worked on a dedicated creative space for me.  a place where i can play and create without the hassle of having to put things away until i'm done.  i love that i have a place for my most coveted items that can now be easily found.  it has helped me be more organized with my projects and therefor more productive.

this month i plan on doing some purging.  i have more product than i intend to use and i know that it can be put to better use by someone else.  i hope to donate to a charity or just give it away.  and i plan on cleaning out toys, clothing, books and other stuff.  everyone is settled into their "new" rooms and now it is time to make each space purposeful and organized.

i took on an unexpected goal but one that has been on my todo list for a few years, run a 5k.  i've done two training sessions and have run during the week on my own.  this is a tough one for me.  this saturday our run was 30 minutes long, done in intervals but with little recovery time in between.  there was a moment where i felt like i wouldn't make it.  the trainer would run with me and encourage me to hold on.  and i did.  i plan on training even harder this month.  we will be running 5 miles by the time the race comes.  that way 3.1 miles will be a piece of cake  . . . chocolate cake of course.

i want to bake bread.  that simple.  homemade, crusty, soft, delicate bread.  hey, i need a good carb load right?

i am hoping to take a few fieldtrips this month.  discover something new.  be inspired by the world.  i have a few ideas in mind and my trusty sidekick will be along for the ride.

sharing these goals on my blog will give me the motivation i need to accomplish them.

i am welcoming february with open arms.

currents :: book list

a few things have me reading recently.

• finding some interesting books
• needing to find information
• having a kindle which makes it easy to read anytime and anywhere.
• focusing on making this a part of my day.  

i find that bobby, jordan and sofia have a real passion for reading.  it's takes a little bit more effort for andrew and i. in fact the other day his class took a fieldtrip to the library and they were allowed to check out books.  he didn't.  i asked him why and he said "i guess i'm just not much of a reader."  ok.  he reads everynight, because he has to for school.  and he gets into what he's reading but not the way the other members of this family do.


i want to create this passion for reading.  so that's what i'm going to focus on.  i'm working on finishing a few things that i started last year.  i just finished this one.

i really enjoyed it once i got past the foreign names and found the family tree at the beginning to keep everyone straight.  i got into the mystery, even though that is not something i would normally read.  it was long and a bit tedious at times but there were moments where i just couldn't put it down.

i am halfway through this. i've been reading it here and there.  love the writing but the story is a bit very sad so i'm taking it easy.

picked this book up at a vintage store in kerville over the holidays. i just read a few pages at a time.  it's my all time favorite book and the first one i remember reading as a kid from cover to cover.  this edition is from 1947 and has some beautiful illustrations.

can you guess why?  i bought this a few weeks ago based on the recommendation of one of the teachers at the preschool.  i was having some issues with sofia and needed a new tactic.  she recommended this book and as luck would have it, the author is coming to the school to give a parenting talk.  bobby and i will be there for sure.  i want to finish reading this before the lecture.

this was a christmas gift from b.  i am using this information to make the most use of the little space that i have.  it's a great resource to have.


ok so i have books that have been around for a while.  but i also have a list of books that i want to read this year.

this is on the top of my list.  so many people have recommended it.  looking forward to getting it.

interesting marketing for this book.  and it worked. i want to read it.


i'm also thinking of reading 

• some jennifer weiner books just for fun 
• the hunger games trilogy, because jordan challenged me

would love some recommendations.  please share.