Getting more water in my body

 

This week, I'm going to bring my daily challenge focus back to water.  I definitely get more water on a daily basis than I used to, but it's still probably not enough.  I carry a water bottle with me to work every day.  It's 32 ounces.  On a good day, I go through at least 2 of those while I'm at work.  It makes me less hungry during the day and seems to keep my energy level up.  I end up in the bathroom pretty often, but still, I'm drinking more water!

My doctor suggested that I try to go for 96 ounces of water a day.  I've only done that a few times.  It may not seem like a lot, but it is.  Of course, it helps if I have done any form of exercise that day.  But, more often than not, that is not the case....another day, another blog LOL  Still, trying to get 3 of those bottles in each day is a goal.

I have made myself a rule that, other than my morning coffee, I can't have anything besides water to drink until I have had at least 2 of my water bottles.  Normally, that is a rule that I can stick to.  Some Fridays, though, I do treat myself to something else to drink at lunch...but not always.  Anyway, I feel better when I drink water and this week my goal is get back on track with that.  We shall see!

The Lonely Goatherd

 I've been watching some documentaries on the film version of The Sound of Music.  Of course, it's one of my favorite movies of all time and holds special memories for me.  Kids today will never understand the thrill of having to wait for the movie to be shown on tv once a year.  And even with so much of the movie edited down for time, it was still magical.  A yearly experience that I always shared with Mom.  This was one of our favorites scenes and it still is for me.  I would love to have this puppet show!  Enjoy!

Student Life the 3rd Time Around - Learning the ways of the computer

One of the challenges that I'm facing being a student again is technology.  Technology and I don't always get along.  I really don't have anything against computers.  They serve a purpose and they have their moments of being quite convenient for things.  But I don't live by my computer.  And there's nothing wrong with people that do, it's just not me.  So, there are lots of things I don't know how to do yet. 

Now, having said that, once I learn something on the computer I'm usually pretty good to go.  I may have to practice a few times, but all in all once I'm shown how to do something, I retain that information.  With all of my classes being online, the computer is the major tool of my education, so I need to embrace and use it to the best of my abilities.  It's my abilities that are the issue LOL

In the last 4 weeks, I have become that student that annoys everyone.  I'm always asking questions about how things work.  I know that my professor cringes when she sees my name pop up on email because chances are I'm asking her how something works on the computer.  I have actually figured a few things out on my own, but most of the time I have to ask someone.

A lot of the issue lies in my anxiety.  I am so afraid that I've missed something that I panic.  I haven't missed anything yet, but I sure have felt that fear.  Sometimes things are worded in such a way that I could take it several ways and I naturally take it the more difficult way.  I will get it all figured out.  I'm actually really enjoying learning the computer techniques.  And I knew this was going to challenge me when I signed up for this.  It just gets frustrating sometimes.  And 9 times out of 10, if I just "right click" on something, chances are the answer will be right there!

Now, I need to make sure my school computer is plugged in so that I don't freak out!

You Needed Me - Anne Murray

 I haven't posted an Anne song in awhile.  This is one of my favorites.  I just love her voice, always have, always will.  Enjoy!

Daily Challenge Update

 It's been awhile since I discussed my daily challenges.  Like most things in life, there are good days with them and bad days with them.  I have realized, though, that just because I label it a daily challenge that does not mean that everything has to be done every day.  I would like it to happen that way, but it is not just realistic.  Any of my posts about time management will help you to understand that!

I have been drinking more water, that's for sure.  I carry a 32 oz water bottle with me every day to work.  My goal is to drink at least 3 of those every day.  Sometimes it works, sometimes not.  I do, however, make it a rule that I need to drink at least 2 of those bottles before I treat myself to something else like iced tea or a soda.  I'm not including coffee in that list because I need that first thing in the morning LOL

Exercise and walking has been hit and miss.  For awhile, I was getting up every day and walking some.  I did feel better but after vacation, that just kind of died down.  Sometimes I will go walking after work with Michael and our friend Chris, but often I'm spending my time doing homework, so I need to make some time, even if it's just 15 minutes a day, to do something physical. I just need to tell myself that walking the halls at work does not count LOL

I only write about one letter a week.  I wish I did more, but alas, not so much.  I do keep my appearance neat and clean each day, so that's been one that has worked out well.  Basically, there are lots of things I am continuing to work on.  Putting some priority on those in order to balance my life will be beneficial.  It will happen.  I just takes time...and we all know how good I am with that!

That is all

Recipe of the Week - White Bean Dip

 I do enjoy a good dip recipe.  I found this one in an issue of "Our State" magazine and wanted to give it a try.  As a fan of white beans, this seemed like it would be something I would enjoy and I was right.  I have made it several times and Michael and I both like it.  It has a very hummus like feel to it.  Enjoy!

White Bean Dip

2 14.5oz cans of navy or cannellini beans

2 cloves of garlic, minced

juice from 1 lemon

1/2 tsp salt

2 tsp fresh rosemary, chopped or 1 tsp dried

1/4 cup olive oil

Mix all ingredients in a bowl.  Mash beans with fork, leaving a few whole.  Chill before serving.  Yields 2 cups approximately.  Goes great with Triscuits! 

I've made this both navy and cannellini beans and both work well.  If you want more whole beans in the dip, go with the cannellinis.  

Thought for the day - balance

 Now that I am back in school and also working full time, I really need to focus on the balance of home, life, school and work.  I don't want to focus too much on one thing and neglect the others.  And, admittedly, I have done that.  There are things I haven't paid as much attention to as I need to and it's time for work on that.  Overall, my life is very rich and fulfilling.  Yes, there will be more opportunities out there.  Yes, new people will come into my life.  But I am very thankful for what I have now and I need to show it more.

I already know that if I keep up with things, I feel better.  I just don't always make the time for them that I should.  And the problem truly stems from being able to blame something else. No, I didn't finish laundry because I was doing homework.  No, I didn't work on that project because I was cleaning the bathroom.  Etc, etc, etc.  Now, I'm not saying homework and cleaning the bathroom are not valid things to do, I just make too many excuses.  I think if I can really start to balance things, the excuses may still occur but might have some more validity to them.  It's hard to put into words, but it definitely makes sense in my head LOL

I need to take time to make time.  Life is too short not to soak up everything it has to offer.  But if I'm driving myself nuts and putting so much pressure on myself, I'll wake up one day and too many things will have passed by.  This is one of those moments when I know that time management is my friend.  Is there a course I can take on that?  I should look into it haha!  And I'm not saying that I will be able to get everything done.  That's not going to happen and that's ok.  I just need to spread my energy and enthusiasm to more than one thing.

I know that it is not fair to myself to compare myself to others, but I am always amazed at the example set by my parents.  They managed to work, have a home life and a social life and seemed to get it all done in due time.  And there were sacrifices made and they prioritized things, so that's what I'm really hoping to do more of to get this sense of balance that I long for.

Balance is not easy.  And whoever says it is...well, they're several steps ahead of me LOL