Day Girl's Bookclub

I agree that preventative care is very important and something that most don't make a priority.  I know for me, I always go to my GYN yearly who is great and she takes care of most of my needs (even above the waist!!)  The one thing I am lacking is my colonoscopy... I struggle with that one and have put it off for 4 years now - should have gone at 50!  Unfortunately being in the health field I have seen things most haven't and know first hand the side effects/complications of simple standard procedures!  As for your Dad, he hates doctors and it's a struggle to keep him on the "healthy" train - but I try!  He has done better lately, but I think it's only because he is finally seeing the effects of an unhealthy lifestyle! 

This is a freebie yall! Just take away from this chapter how important it is that we all make sure we make our health and our family's health our priority. Yes we can have close ones who are extremely stubborn to get to the doctor but it's a must! Make sure you and your family are keeping up with yearly visits to the each doctor to maintain you're preventative care.

Hello guys,

I think my creative outlet lately has been sewing!  I have really enjoyed making quilts and it's so much fun to make something for someone else.  Quilting is actually very relaxing unless you screw up your design and have to take it out   I haven't had my sewing machine for awhile since the move and all, but I can't wait to settle in and get back to sewing.  Poor little Mason's quilt had to be put on hold!!  His is the first thing I will finish

I also love the crochet - I haven't done this in awhile but I use to crochet blankets alot!  It actually got me through "bed rest" when I was pregnant!  I think everyone got a blanket that year for Christmas!  I was a crocheting queen   I've thought about painting also which is something I really enjoy doing.  I haven't done this since high school though but I'm sure it all comes back to you. 

I think it's important also to encourage your kids to be creative.  Being creative, whether it's writing, drawing, painting, or making jewelry can help with their confidence and also be an outlet for stress in their life.

I also liked Heather's video - what a great idea to keep up with all your family happenings throughout the year!

I too, love to crochet! I must get it from my momma!

Mason will love his quilt. Davis has really taken to his, took him a minute!

Hi guys,

This may be short because I just wrote my post and it booted my off again – WHAT!!! I don’t know what I’m doing wrong.  Anyway, fitness – as you all know fitness has been extremely important to me and something I have done most of my adult life.  I loved running, weight-lifting and eating healthy.  I loved making goals for myself because it helped me to keep going when I might otherwise let something get in the way of working out.  I know at times in my life I might have been a fitness fanatic and I know that’s not the best thing for your body.  Running a marathon was very difficult on my body but it was so worth it because it showed me I can do anything if I made my mind up! 

One of the most rewarding jobs in my life was when I was a fitness instructor and personal trainer.  I love helping others make lifestyle changes and see their progress.  It’s so exciting watching their body change, their energy level excel and gain confidence that was once gone. 

My fitness routine has changed throughout the years depending on what was going on in my life.  Sometimes it was easy and manageable and other times I had to schedule it like an appointment.  I have to say I would never think I would be where I am today – not working out!!  I can make all kind of excuses, but I think a couple of things started my downfall – my many foot surgeries and having one of the most hardest jobs in my life a couple of years ago!  I haven’t been able to get my mojo back but I’m hoping that once I get settled I will be able to get back into working out.  It’s important at my age to make sure that I am doing some type of cardio and strength training to reduce injuries and maintain my health!

I have to say that I enjoyed Heather’s video on her fitness routine.  She works out by walking her little ones in the stroller and the others ride a bike to the park.  Then she workouts out by chasing them around and working out on the playground equipment!  Her own little fitness gym!!

I honestly believe that because you were so active and always working out, whether at home or in the gym, it has really left it to be a big part of our lives. At least, for myself and I know Molly loves to work out. I have found myself mentioning how fitness savvy you were/are in conversations about fitness and just my overall appreciation for how important it is! So thank you!

Stress and anxiety are two things that unfortunately we all have to deal with, for some it is severe and for others it is mild. I would say that I have a pretty laid back personality and usually do not become stressed out or anxious too easily; however, I still deal with it. My most recent stress and anxiety has resulted from Andrew being out of town for work since March, I keep a pretty routine schedule and I'm use to certain chores being done by the two of us. With him being gone I feel like my routine has been all off and I've been focusing a lot more on the chores that he would normally do around the house rather then my own chores. I am definitely OCD and not being able to keep up with stuff like normal has definitely increased my anxiety and stress. On top of that like any other married couple, finances always cause stress and anxiety (unless you just have unlimited money to do with whatever you want, we however are not like that). Having to manage money with a second person can always cause issues because it is two people who have two different perspectives. Work is another outlet where stress and anxiety can come into play. For me I have an amazing job; however, lately the people I work with have been driving me crazy. My coworkers are full of negativity and complaints that have become a daily battle I have to deal with when I come to work, figuring out how to manage this has started causing some stress in my work life. Even little pointless stuff like decorating can cause stress and anxiety. I am such a perfectionist and just putting a wreath or floral arrangement together can leave me stressed out if I feel like I'm putting a lot of time and effort into it and in the end it ends up looking horrible. I had one other example but it totally left me. The point is we are all full of stress and anxiety that can range from small little things to big things, and it's important to know how to manage the stressors we encounter, and for each of us that may look different.

For me managing my stress and anxiety consists of numerous things. Sometimes I'm in the middle of doing something and I may just have to stop and switch gears and take a break and move on to something else to get my mind off it. Exercising is a good outlet. Alot of the time if I need to just take some time and clear my head I take George on a walk. Talking to someone is helpful. Mom is a huge outlet for me when dealing with stress and anxiety. When it comes to Andrew and I, I've learned to keep alot of our stuff private but other stuff going on I let it all out on the phone with her. Prayer is also beneficial for me. God tells us to not worry and trust in him, so when I'm finding it difficult to manage something going on I tell him all my stresses, anxieties, frustrations, etc. and ask him to just lift them all off of me and help me to just trust in him and know everything will be fine and work out the way it should. Sometimes this can be hard but over time I've learned that if I do that and just let go and trust in him, stuff really does work out. Yelling at people can also make you feel good, but I try not to do this too often because usually once you're feeling better you feel terrible that you just went off on somebody when you probably shouldn't have got so aggressive. Plus you just pissed someone off and put them in a bad mood and that's not going to help your situation, I know for me it usually makes my situation even worse.

Sleeping fortuneatly for me is not an issue. I love sleeping. I love sleeping in and I hate waking up early. Not being able to have children is probably a blessing in disguise because God knows how much I love to sleep. When I get in bed and lay my head down I am out and I sleep like a rock all night. If you wake me up in the middle of the night I'm like a zombie. Usually if I have to wake up to go pee it's a success if I didn't crash into anything, and I always have to pinch myself to make sure I'm actually up and peeing in the toilet. I have definitly found it beneficial not to fall asleep with the TV on. Andrew loves sleeping the with the TV on and I hate it. The flashing white lights and noise in the back ground drive me crazy. They actually say it's horrible to fall asleep like that because the light from the tv keeps your brain from going into REM sleep which is the most important part of your sleep cycle. That's really my only advice for having good sleep hygiene, well that and never go to sleep mad. I can't sleep if I'm extremely mad about something, I'll lay in bed all night thinking about it. So try to always resolve your issues before going to bed.