TToT – Running Smoothly
Well, I think we may finally be up and running smoothly for the year.
Even with a snow day Monday and Kidzilla home not feeling well Tuesday, the regular routine seems to be in place once again. And maybe even with some improvements in the works – who knows?
I’m excited to get this list finished and linked, so that’s all the creative intro you get from me this week. Let’s get going…
I’m going to start this week’s list with my Mom. She will likely be greatly displeased if I put her photo here, but I can tell you that she looks a whole lot like her mom and I look a whole lot like my Mom. Click over to Thursday’s post on great advice to get an idea. She’s pretty…in a lot of ways.
Anyway, I am thankful for my Mom. This week, I have encountered nine instances (true) of people saying how much they miss having their mom around, either due to distance or death. I have my Mom nearby, alive and well. I am thankful for her love and support. I am thankful for her presence in my family’s life. I am thankful for her humor, her kindness, and good example. I could go on, but now I’m going to get all teary. The relationship between mothers and daughters is a particular and wonderful thing, isn’t it?
And on that subject, I am thankful for Kidzilla. She is the light of my life. At risk of sounding trite, I never imagined it was possible to love someone so much you feel like you might explode. But it’s true. She makes me want to be the best possible person I can.
I am thankful for smoothies. I know no better way to get good nutrition in my body fast. I’ve been feeling a bit congested so I whipped up one with radishes, my favorite food decongestant, and a few other good things. I absolutely feel I’m breathing better just an hour later. Yay. I’ll share that one and a good smoothie story later this week. Please come back and read. And yes I did serve it in my Hub’s fancy beer glasses. Doesn’t that look classy?![20150117_153840[1]](http://www.themeaningofme.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/01/20150117_1538401-e1421544432410.jpg)
What? You don’t read me during the week? Boo to that. Go back to the front page of the blog. See that button up there on the right? The Bloglovin’ one? Click it and follow me, OK? Or sign up to follow me via e-mail. Thanks. Besides that smoothie post, other goodies coming soon include two Soup of the Week recipes (one with cauliflower, one for hot and sour soup), a guest post from a cool blogger friend, some of Kidzilla’s wisdom, some info about the 1000 Voices for Compassion thing and more fun stuff on the new-ish Friday Five feature.
OK, enough shameless self-promotion. We now return you to your regularly scheduled Ten Things of Thankful list…
As you can probably tell from all of that, I’m very happy to be writing more. I got three non-TToT posts on the blog this week and I have a whole bunch of other things in the works. It’s exciting. Aside from the blog, I’ve done some work on my book as well as my kids’ book (hopefully) series. And I sprouted an idea for a second series, thanks to Kidzilla.
I’m thankful for two nights of really solid sleep this week. If you know me even a little (or if you play Words With Friends with me), you probably already know I’m a terrible insomniac. I’m working to change that. This week, I enjoyed two nights that I slept peacefully for several hours in one stretch. That’s huge.
I am thankful for good friends who have badgered encouraged me to try some new things. Awesome. At the moment, I am completely overwhelmed by THE THING, but I think it will be fine. Be gentle with me.
I am very excited to be reading more. I have always loved to read. I read a lot. Sadly, in the last several years, I have found myself reading far less than I would have liked. The ridiculous irony of being an English lit teacher is that you spend so much time reading things to prepare for class and reading things your students have written that you end up abandoning all hope for anything that qualifies as personal pleasure reading. But I’m back to reading for me with gusto.
![20140918_135750[1]](http://www.themeaningofme.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/09/20140918_1357501.jpg)
The Christmas decorations are down and I have reclaimed my house. ‘Nuff said. Well, the outdoor lights still need to be brought in, but that is the Hub’s job. I am thankful that he will take them down on Sunday. Right, Hon? And I’m always thankful that the Hub is my Hub and takes such good care of Zilla and me.
![20150116_110203[1]](http://www.themeaningofme.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/01/20150116_1102031-e1421545286428.jpg)
I am once again so happy to have hardwood floors. This week, Cat One was not feeling well and yerfed many times in many rooms. Thankfully, save one incident, all landed on the hardwood floors. SO much easier to clean than carpet and leagues more sanitary in the aftermath. Cat One is fine and does not seem to have any serious problem. Pretty sure it was a case of eating the plastic bags from the supermarket. He does this. Then he yerfs. We don’t know why. But by the next morning, he was bopping around and helping me do things around the house, so we’re thankful for that, too. Thankful that he’s OK, that is, not that he’s helping with chores.
![20140829_170930[1]](http://www.themeaningofme.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/08/20140829_1709301.jpg)
I am thankful that Kidzilla and the Hub have spent the entire afternoon wrapped up in a game together. With the Hub back in the full time workforce this year (another thankful one more time), they don’t have as much one-on-one time as they did when he was the at-home guy. I am thankful for opportunities for them to spend together. And if it happens to give me some time to do my own thing and get some writing done, well that’s OK too.
This…which was much more fiery pink and orange in person, but still.
OK, that’s it for me. Now it’s your turn. What has been running smoothly for you this week? What improvements have you made to your routine? You know the drill…share ’em or link ’em! And don’t forget to go follow me!
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so thats you guys on the thursday post!? You are so cute! Your grandad may have been one of the wisest men I have NEVER known…. I love reading about him and his advice! So how come I cant find the bloglovin button? Am I blind? OH MY GOD IVE GONE BLIND! No really…. I want to follow really I do! Help me!
okay so I think I got it… the follow thing!
Yay! You are so funny.
That is us…quite a few years ago now. That was our engagement photo.
My Grandfather was a great man. Wise and wonderful. I think you would have liked him.
There should be a Bloglovin button on my sidebar…unless I dreamed it!
OK, I figured out why you didn’t see the Bloglovin button. It’s not on the actual post, just on the sidebar on the front page of the blog. My bad!
Hey, Lisa. About the THING. It’ll be cool. And my house is De-Christmified, just waiting for my hub to remove the lights from outside as well. At least we unplugged them last weekend. Any plans for the Friday Five to be a linky? It is cool. See you around, here, there and everywhere.
You know, I was thinking about a link up last night. The Friday Five would be perfect for that!
I’m really glad things are running so smoothly for you. And I love that you are writing more on this blog! We have hardwood floors as well (though we do plan to some day return to carpet) but my little gray cat decided to get sick right on top of the bed on top of the clean and folded laundry a few days ago! Maybe she thought we didn’t get it clean enough and was not so subtly telling us to wash it all again. Anyway, yuck. Glad your cat is feeling better. Any plans to share what THE THING might be? Hope you have a wonderful week!
Cats have an uncanny ability to know precisely where their yerf is not welcome, don’t they?
Glad you’re enjoying the blog. I’m enjoying the flow of ideas. And I LOVE the conversations and interactions that come from it.
I will definitely clue you in on THE THING, Jean! Stay tuned…
Oh the Mother/Daughter relationship is the most wonderful thing. I also have my mom (relatively) nearby, alive and very much part of our lives which is such a blessing. Then there is my daughter, my heart. I’m very glad you’re giving THE THING a try. I think you’ll like it after all. Have a fantastic week coming up!
I can’t imagine not having my Mom around. And we had my Grandmother right nearby, too, which was wonderful as well.
We were sure Zilla was a boy and had hoped for a boy. But now we can’t imagine life any way but all girl. Things always turn out just as they should.
Hardwood! Wish my apartment could withstand them. They take more to clean, but are beautiful! And glad that your year is getting off to a great start, Lisa!
We actually find them much easier to maintain than the carpet. With three cats that was awful.
having a great start to the year!
Oh Lisa!!! Those are such BEAUTIFUL thankfuls!!! I love that hubs and SWEETzilla are getting some quality time together…And that he has a full time job!!
I LOVE that you are writing more (which I NEED to read) and that you are reading more! Both such gifts to fill the soul, yes? 🙂
I am drinking a smoothie right this minute. And I love that you have a mom to be so thankful for… you are right, it IS a blessing!!
Keep it up girl!! SO happy for you!!!
So what’s in your smoothie? I love to hear what other people throw in theirs. Mine can be…odd. But delicious and good for the body! And how are you feeling???
Yup, definitely catch up on reading (you know I power-read at your place, too) while you’re sitting on your butt.
Ahhh well that’s sorted THAT out! I’ve been wanting to put a face to you for the longest while 🙂
I’m so happy that after all this time, things are running smoothly and rolling on wheels and everyone seems happy and cared-for and looked after and relatively stress-free. LONG MAY IT LAST!
That said, you’ve joined the time-sink that is Facebook, so you’ll find you’re plenty busy!
Sounds like your blog is going brilliantly, and I’m glad you have such a great relationship with your mom 🙂
Well, so now you know. I look exactly like Stacy London. 😀
Things are definitely running smoothly all around and I’m pretty happy with where things are going.
Thanks for all your help with the setup!
Running smoothly deserves a lot of gratitude. We take it for granted, and then miss it when we’re sick or too busy or whathaveyou. THE THING has become THE THINGS, I see! I’m glad you did it, and I look forward to even more interaction. You can look forward to absurd numbers of pictures of my kids.
Does Kidzilla look like you?
There is much to be said for a life that is running well. There are enough bumps in the road and you’re right – we often take that smooth ride for granted until the potholes happen.
Yeah, I did it. You guys are persuasive. I think the 1000 Voices Speak pushed me over the edge. I’m still a bit nervous about the whole thing – I don’t want too much “out there,” you know? And I still very unsure about photos, especially of my daughter. I don’t want anyone grabbing her image and putting it anywhere. Ever. I’m kind of hysterical about that. But I’m just delighted with the positive reception from the blogging gang – it’s nice.
Kidzilla looks like me right now, I think. When she was born, she was all the Hub. Looked like I had nothing to do with it!
And yes, that’s like the third time today I used the word delighted. Sheesh.
“The Christmas decorations are down and I have reclaimed my house.”
that’s actually one of the best things about the (post) Christmas season. All of sudden the living room gets bigger!
That’s exactly what happened! Suddenly, the house is HUGE!
Somehow I just can’t wrap my head around the vegetable smoothie lol. I hear the word and the only thing that comes to mind is red fruit! And ice cream! Good for you for knowing what will clear your congestion and then putting it in a blender. And why not in a fancy beer mug!!
I didn’t know you suffered from insomnia, Lisa. How awful. You must have been in heaven for those 2 nights of sleep. Hope you can get 2 more nights! Then 3, 4….
Excellent that you are writing so much and getting to some pleasure reading. Hope you stay on a roll!
Honeslty, the vegetables in the smoothie are not awful at all. Now, I love vegetables no matter what so I’m an easy sell. But my kid drinks them! I grabbed the beer glass because it was big enough to hold the whole batch, rather than have to pour twice. Call it lazy, but the effect was cool! 😀
Insomnia sucks…been that way most of my life. I can remember a night when I was about 12 when I just couldn’t sleep and ended up sitting in my beanbag chair in the living room of our apartment watching The Glory Guys on TV.
The reading and writing is great and the sleep has continued to be pretty good – here’s to more of it!
My mom has survived three, THREE, illnesses (cancer, heart, blockage, and mysterious kidney thing too long to explain here). I thank God every day for her now good health and ability to be an active part of our lives. I don’t want to imagine a life without her.
I’m glad things are going well for you all. Look at you doing all that reading and writing! Lots of writing! It’s been nice to see more of you on the blog. I don’t always have the time/equipment to comment, but I’m reading!
Thanks, Christine. Means a lot to me that you read. I mean it’s not like you have six kids and chickens and pigs or anything… 😀
Seriously, though, things feel like they’re falling into place and I’m getting more comfortable with it all.
Your mom deserves a HUGE medal or something for kicking those illnesses to the curb. Wow! I know exactly the feeling you said – I can’t even imagine a life without my Mom in it.
You’re writing a kids book? Did I know this? I’ve been working on an idea for one for a while and just haven’t put the time into it that I need to. I really need to find a better schedule and groove these days as I rarely post and sometimes regret hitting publish because bleh. I know what you mean about the crushing love for our kids that we’d never have expected. I feel you. Completely. <—- see what I did there? 😉
You did not know this. See how I just kind of slipped that in there and didn’t make a big fuss? I’m slick like that. I’m never all “I’M WRITING A BOOK PEOPLE” because when I don’t get it done and/or it totally sucks, then I don’t have to put my proverbial tail between my legs. But guess what? Now it’s out there, isn’t it? Damn.
It’s a series, actually. I hope. I actually have a second series in my head as well. So let’s see if I can make it all pan out on paper and get them looked at.
I do see what you did there. ‘Cuz I totally get you, baby. 😉
Radishes? I’ll have to try some in a smoothie. I’m not a huge radish fan, but I do like the watermelon radishes that sometimes appear in the co-op produce box.
When I was a kid, I thought they were too peppery. My Grandfather loved them – always ate them in salads, by themselves, whatever. I’ve rediscovered them since we started getting the CSA boxes and I quite like them – all kinds. In the smoothie, you barely notice them. The berries cover it up. But even so, I don’t mind the taste at all and I love that they work as a natural decongestant. Great for stuffy noses!
I hate radishes, but they’re so PRETTY! Have you ever read the Mrs. Piggle Wiggle story called “The Radish Cure”?
My mom is almost 83 and getting very frail. She had some malignant skin cancers removed from her scalp and forehead last week and is in a lot of pain from it, besides that they cut what little hair she has left on the top of her head off for the procedure. So hard to watch. I can’t imagine my life without her, so I just don’t.
A book, hmmm?
I LOVE that you’re involved in the THING. LOVE IT.
There’s nothing like the feeling of having a child and loving them so unconditionally, although there will be times in the teen years when you want to put them in a convent school.
My cats need to take lessons from Cat #1 about how to miss the area rug and hit only the hardwood floor when yerfing.
You know, radishes are pretty. And some are pink, which Zilla just loves. I do not know that Piggle Wiggle story, but I am going to look it up!
Oh your poor mom – I’m so sorry that she’s had to go through that. And you. Yeah, I don’t even think about that as an option. Mom’s staying. Period.
Well, since you won’t take a vague sidestep for a non-answer, I’ll say yes, working on a book. Working on one, perhaps two ideas that I hope will be a series for kids.
The THING overwhelms me. So against my nature I can’t even tell you. Struggling to figure it out at the moment. 😀 Like it’s some major life scenario or something. That’s me…always over-thinking.
We get a sneak preview of TeenZilla every now and then. I am not looking forward to hormones. At. All.
Cat One says he’ll be happy to tutor your gang perhaps via Skype or vidchat or something. However, you should probably know before committing to the course that today when he took a crap he did it right in the middle of the CARPETED stairway. Jackass.
I hear you about the cat yerfing on the floor thing. Every time one of my has a good yerf, I thank heavens for a wood floor. haha!
We are just the same on the Christmas lights too…my indoors is looking perfectly normal, but outside it looks like gingerbread city still. Oh well. I think the outside kitties like it!!
Thanks for the comment x2, Lana!
Cats will always find the absolutely most inconvenient place to do their yerfing, won’t they?
Christmas lights are finally down! Nice of you to leave yours up for the kitties! 😀