(Not So) Extreme Makeover: Me Edition -- Week 12

Ever hear a song that just grabs you? Screams at you? "Hey, You over there!! Pay attention, this was written for you!" I've had songs like that in the past but the latest one came yesterday. Yes, I'm 33 years old and yes, I (heart) Miley Cyrus...

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~
The Climb (performed by Miley Cyrus)

I can almost see it, that dream I'm dreaming

But there's a voice inside my head sayin', "you'll never reach it."

Every step I'm taking, every move I make

Feels lost with no direction, my faith is shaking

But I got to keep trying, got to keep my head held high

.

There's always gonna be another mountain

I'm always gonna wanna make it move

Always gonna be an uphill battle

Sometimes I'm gonna have to lose

Ain't about how fast I get there

Ain't about what's waiting on the other side

It's the climb

.

The struggles I'm facing, the chances I'm taking

Sometimes might knock me down but, no I'm not breaking

I may not know it, but these are the moments

That I'm going to remember most yeah, Just got to keep going

And I, I got to be strong, just keep pushing on, 'cause

.

There's always gonna be another mountain

I'm always gonna wanna make it move

Always gonna be an uphill battle

Sometimes I'm gonna have to lose

Ain't about how fast I get there

Ain't about what's waiting on the other side

It's the climb

.

Keep on moving, Keep climbing, Keep the faith, It's all about The Climb

.

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

Here are my updates for the week:

1. Find and read a book to better myself. At long last, I have finished The Shack. It was amazing. Amazing. I don't even have the words to describe this book. I can see why some people might think it's controversial, but it offers such a great perspective on God, especially in the midst of tragedy. Regardless of your religious beliefs, I think this is a must read. Whether you agree or disagree with what goes on, it'll certainly open your eyes. There is no book I've ever read that I would recommend more highly. There is a lot to digest, a lot to think about and ponder and mull over. But no doubt, I am already a better person for having read it. THANK YOU to my friend Brenda for sending it my way!

2. Simplify. I'm working on it.... Refer to song lyrics, above.... More to post next week, I hope!

.

3. Devise and implement a summer household organization plan. How hard is it to find baskets?!? I have looked in a few places and of course, I have a picture in my head of the exact baskets that I can not live without in order to organize my home / life / family for the summer. Wish I knew how to make baskets because apparently, the vision in my head does not exist in real life. Oh well... an excuse to keep shopping!

.

Still going strong with:

Better skin care

Drink more water

Grump less

Have pretty nails

.

What are you working on this week? Whatever it is, YOU CAN DO IT! Leave a comment so we can encourage you as you go!

(Not So) Extreme Makeover: Me Edition -- Week 11

Welcome to Week 11! Whether you're reading for the first time or have been following along for a while now, I'd love for you to join me in my "mini" self makeover. Post a comment and let me know what you're working on so we can encourage you as you go!

Here are my updates for the week:

1. Find and read a book to better myself. Sadly, I have not made any progress on this book. Not sure what's wrong with me since I love this book so far. Between the long drive and the kids, it's hard to find quiet time to read, but I've already learned so much just from the first half of The Shack that I'm bound and determined to get it finished. Next book, though, will definitely be a book on CD so I can listen to it in the car!

2. Simplify. This moves up to #2 on the list since I've officially moved "have pretty nails" to the "accomplished" list. I still have so much work to do in this area but there are two things I'm focusing on right now. One is to clean out "stuff." I have piles of "stuff" in so many places and slowly I'm starting to go through it and weed it out. Some is finding a new home in my own home, some is going to find a new home in someone else's home, some is going to find a new home in a landfill or a recycling center. This is going to take a LOT of time, but slow and steady will win this race. At least, I hope it will! The other part of this is some writing I'm doing around the whole idea of "simplify." I have the bones laid out but need to add the meat. Once I get that a bit more in shape, I'll start posting it here.

3. Devise and implement a summer household organization plan. The school year will be over in 3 short weeks, which is funny since I've finally now mastered the morning routine for 4 people going to 4 places at 2 different times every weekday morning. Starting in mid-June, both kids will be going to the same summer camp so that ought to simplify things a bit. (During the school year they go to different schools every day.) However, I find myself in a constant state of dismay and anxiety over unpacking book bags from the day, sorting mail and papers, making lunches, all that fun stuff that goes along with being a parent and running a household. The kitchen table and island are hopelessly hidden by piles of "stuff" that I don't have the time or energy to sort through and put away daily. Funny, though, how those piles seem to be perfectly content to just sit there and stare at me for days and weeks at a time. So, my goal here is to come up with a system to organize our "stuff" that comes in daily so that the island and the table are free for cooking and eating. I want the summer to be fun and stress-free, at least in the "organization" area. I'm hoping this weekend to purchase some baskets or bins or somethings to help collect "stuff" for each person in the family, and also get the family on board with the new system. I know it will take a while to perfect, but I find that just the idea of baskets and bins usually cuts down on my stress level (stop laughing!) so that's where I'll begin.

Still going strong with:
Better skin care
Drink more water
Grump less
Pretty nails

What are you working on this week? Whatever it is, YOU CAN DO IT! Leave a comment so we can encourage you as you go!

(Not So) Extreme Makeover: Me Edition -- Week 10

How are you doing this week? I need to get myself a bit more in gear on some of these things... hoping you've been making more forward progress than I have!

1. Find and read a book to better myself. OK, haven't opened the book this week. Really wanted to... will keep working on it! I did, however, make 2 friendship bracelets (you know, the kind you made when you were 12, out of embroidery floss?) for my daughter and her best friend. Can't read and tie knots at the same time. That's my story and I'm stickin' to it!

2. Have pretty nails. I have still not worked my way up to polish. (I suppose I can blame this on the friendship bracelets, too. After all, can't tie knots with wet nails!) Even without polish, I think I'm about ready to move this off the list and find something new for next week. A few have broken but they're still in good shape, so I think it's about time to call this one done.

3. Simplify. Ah... the big, amorphous "simplify." Made a bit of progress in two areas this week. Long story short, I recently applied for (and got - yay!) a new job. It required a drug test, which required a long wait in a lab. I brought my pen and paper and finally started putting some ideas on paper. Oh, how I miss that! Far from finished, but it's starting to take shape. Progress made!! On Saturday, I helped my 5-year-old clean "baby stuff" out of her room, built her a new shelving unit and got rid of a lot of broken, torn and useless "stuff." Her room looks great, I have a good pile for Goodwill and her little sister inherited about 70 books and 30 Barbie dolls. We did not yet tackle the closet but I'm feeling good that at least 1 bedroom has been sorted through and weeded out. Only 3 more bedrooms to go...
.
Still going strong with:
Better skin care
Drink more water
Grump less
.
What are you working on this week? Whatever it is, YOU CAN DO IT! Leave a comment so we can encourage you as you go!

(Not So) Extreme Makeover: Me Edition -- Week 9 (do over!)

So before I get to this week's regular post, I want to take a minute to thank my friend Julie at The Surrendered Scribe for passing on the Sisterhood Award to this blog. Isn't this just the cutest bloggy award button? This award is for blogs that display an "attitude of gratitude" and I'm honored that Julie included me on her list of blogs who do this. In turn, I would like to pass it on to any of you who are reading these weekly Makeover posts and especially to those who are taking steps to make themselves over. Go ahead, grab the pretty picture below -- this award is for you!

.

I now return you to your regularly scheduled blog update....

.

Last week, I was on a cruise. It was FAB-U-LOUS! I spent 4 nights and 5 days doing nothing but relaxing (read: eating, drinking, napping, drinking, sunbathing, eating, drinking, parasailing, eating, shopping, drinking, sunbathing) with my little sister, Sarah. I missed my kids but I didn't realize until the 2nd or 3rd day of the cruise just how much I needed a few good days of R&R. I've had a lot going on lately and it was the perfect little break. Mad props (I've always wanted to say that!) to my amazing husband, who booked the entire thing as a surprise for my sister and me!!

.

I had grand plans for my vacation but didn't do much... see my definition of "relaxing" in the paragraph above. So, I'm calling this a Week 9 "do over" since I don't think last week really counted!
.
1. Find and read a book to better myself. I did take The Shack with me on the cruise and on 2 separate occassions, I did open the book. I think I read a total of 3 pages. Don't get me wrong, it's not that I don't love the book... I just didn't want to work my brain hard enough to actually read the book. This one isn't done yet!

.

2. Have pretty nails. I posted a few weeks ago that I was looking for a "nail product" to help strengthen my nails. My sister-in-law, Cathy, sent me a bottle of Nailtiques and it's wonderful! So, I made sure to put on a new coat every day on the cruise and since I've been back. My nails are looking good and feeling stronger, though I'm not crossing this one off until I work myself up to actual nail polish. My husband will be away this weekend so I'm sure the girls and I will give each other mani/pedis while he's gone... so maybe by next week I'll be ready to call this one complete.

.

3. Simplify. From the outside it probably looks like I haven't made much (any?) progress in this area, but there are some ideas taking shape in my head that I'm really excited about. From a "simplify stuff" perspective, my older daughter and I will start tackling this one this weekend. She wants to make a "science lab" in her bedroom (not sure what that means to a 5-year-old, I'm a bit afraid!) and has asked me to help her clean out some of her old toys, books and clothes to make room for said science lab. So, this weekend we'll start sorting and purging and packing away things. From a "simplify my life" perspective, I'm still working through some ideas which I hope to have in a "ready for publication" state within the next few weeks. But, just thinking through things in my head has helped me a lot, so I'm feeling pretty good that I'm at least facing the right direction on this one, even if I haven't actually started moving yet.

.

Still going strong with:

Better skin care

Drink more water

Grump less

.

What are you working on this week? Whatever it is, YOU CAN DO IT! Leave a comment so we can encourage you as you go!

(Not So) Extreme Makeover: Me Edition -- Week 9

.

Gotta love the "post ahead" feature on Blogger, eh? So I've written this post in advance since right now, I am sailing around in the Caribbean. Hopefully by now I've been parasailing, enjoyed tons of food, see some great shows, lounged on some beaches and had more than my share of fruity frozen drinks. Hopefully I've found plenty of time to finish reading The Shack and my nails still look nice and I haven't bought an excess of souvenirs that completely set me back on the "simplify" goal.

.

So, since I'm not willing to pay for internet access during the cruise (isn't the point of the cruise to not have internet and cell phone access?) you won't know until next week how Week 9 really went for me, but I hope it's going great for you!

.

Leave me a comment on what you're working on this week so I can catch up on the "real world" when I get back from the big boat :-)

(Not So) Extreme Makeover: Me Edition -- Week 8

So how's your Week 8 shaping up? Nothing new on my list this week but still feeling pretty good!

.
1. Find and read a book to better myself. It's been a busy time at work and we had guests all weekend so I didn't get much more reading done on The Shack, but my sister and I are going on a cruise next week (can we say "CAN'T WAIT!!!" and "SO EXCITED!!!"), so I will surely finish this book while lounging on the sunny beaches of Coco Cay. It's been such a great read so far, I can't wait to see how it ends!
.
2. Have pretty nails. As I admitted last week, I pretty much stole this one from Julie. It's been about 3 weeks and they're finally starting to look like fingernails! Hoping to work myself up to some polish this weekend. Fingers (and nails!) crossed that they last at least long enough for formal night on the cruise. (Oh, did I mention "CAN'T WAIT!!!" and "SO EXCITED!!!"?)

.
3. Simplify. OK, so it turns out that Luanne is actually not helping on this one, though my girls and I thank her from the bottom of our hearts for the sixteen pound box of Disney treasures she sent to us last week. I'm still not clear on what this goal will mean for me, but I've had a lot going on at work lately that is starting to come to a resolution, so hoping that will get me heading in the right direction soon. THEN I'll start working on simplifying "stuff."
.
Still going strong with:
Better skin care
Drink more water
Grump less -- still a daily battle but I think I'm finally winning it!
.
What are you working on this week? Whatever it is, you can do it! Leave a comment so we can encourage you as you go

(Not So) Extreme Makeover: Me Edition -- Week 7

.

Week 7 already, I can't believe it! This week, albeit a crazy one, I feel "accomplished" enough in two items to move them off the list and add new things instead. Feels good!

.

1. Find and read a book to better myself. I'm about half way through the book The Shack, which my friend Brenda sent to me. I don't have a lot of time to read but when I find a few free moments, it's almost painful to put the book down. I'm not really sure where it's going, but what I've read so far has made me think. A lot. I love it! My original plan for "a book to better myself" was more along the lines of "how to get organized" or "how to stress less." But I think The Shack is a far better "bettering" of myself than I could have chosen on my own.

.

2. Have pretty nails. I pretty much stole this one from Julie, but I'm hoping we can encourage each other. I have always had brittle nails and they break easily, so I never stopped myself from picking at them because, well, they were just going to break anyway. I had acrylics for many, many years and they were gorgeous. Of course, they cost money and more important, time. I stopped getting them done (professionally) around Christmas time and a few weeks ago the damaged part had finally grown off so I decided to let them grow on their own. They're looking OK so far. Now, to find some kind of clear coat / strengthener that will make them less likely to break. Anyone have ideas?

.

3. Simplify. Might as well have written "achieve world peace" there. This is big, ambiguous and on some days, seems unachievable. However, I've been watching my friend Luanne go through a purge process with her stuff, getting rid of 100 "somethings" each month so far in 2009. I'm not sure that "100 somethings" is the way I'll end up going but I like the idea of taking small steps to simplify -- be it by eliminating stuff or unnecessary responsibilities or something else. We'll see where this takes me but it's time to begin beginning the process.

.

Still going strong with:

Better skin care

Drink more water

Grump less -- still a daily battle but I think I'm finally winning it!

.

What are you working on this week? Whatever it is, you can do it! Leave a comment so we can encourage you as you go!

(Not So) Extreme Makeover: Me Edition -- Week 6

How does that expression go? A day late and a dollar short? Back to my regularly scheduled Wednesday update next week but in the meantime... here are the updates on the 3 items I've been working on:

1. Drink more water. I think I'm actually, finally making progress on this one! For several weeks now I've been limiting myself to only my morning coffee and one soda per day. Everything else is water. I am still far short of the "recommended daily allowance" of my H20 but still, it's a lot more water than I was drinking before I started this. If I keep this up one more week, I may actually move it to the "accomplished and still going strong" list. Yay!

2. Grump less. I've been working really, really hard on this. I think my original goal was to be happy and chipper and positive all the time. What I've realized is that's not possible... that's not life. That realization alone has done wonders for me. Dare I say this may also move to the "accomplished and still going strong" list by next week?!?

3. Find and read a book to better myself. My friend Brenda sent me a great package of goodies, including a book called The Shack. It sounds really good and she told she's shared it with others who loved it as much as she did. I can't wait to start reading it! Here's a description, from Amazon.com:

Mackenzie Allen Philips' youngest daughter, Missy, has been abducted during a family vacation and evidence that she may have been brutally murdered is found in an abandoned shack deep in the Oregon wilderness. Four years later in the midst of his Great Sadness, Mack receives a suspicious note, apparently from God, inviting him back to that shack for a weekend. Against his better judgment he arrives at the shack on a wintry afternoon and walks back into his darkest nightmare. What he finds there will change Mack's world forever. In a world where religion seems to grow increasingly irrelevant "The Shack" wrestles with the timeless question, "Where is God in a world so filled with unspeakable pain?" The answers Mack gets will astound you and perhaps transform you as much as it did him.

Still going strong with:
Better skin care

Looks like I will need 2 more things for my list next week... I think I'm going to follow Julie's lead on her item #3 (which I've actually been working on since I saw it on her list last week). Let's see what else I can come up with...

What are you working on this week? Whatever it is, you can do it! Leave a comment so we can encourage you as you go!

(Not So) Extreme Makeover: Me Edition -- Week 5

I hope y'all are making great progress on your goals! Can't wait to hear the updates, please leave a comment so we can come check out what you're working on.
.
Here are my updates on the 3 items I've been working on:
.
1. Drink more water. Still not drinking more water than before.... Still not giving up yet...
.
2. Grump less. I actually think I'm doing better on this one. This is bigger than "not grumping at my kids," though. This is a total and complete mindshift about what's important and what's worth getting upset over (or not). I'm proud of myself in this area, but still have work to do.

.
3. Find and read a book to better myself. My wonderful friend Brenda is sending me a book she read for book club, she said it's a "makes you think" kind of book. I'm excited to see what it's about and start reading!
.
Still going strong with:
Better skin care

.
. What are you working on this week? Be sure to check out the lists from:
Julie (The Surrendered Scribe)

(Not So) Extreme Makeover: Me Edition -- Week 4

Not much forward progress this week, unfortunately, but on the bright side, there were no steps backwards!

.

Here are my updates on the 3 items I've been working on:

.

1. Drink more water. Well, I'm still not drinking more water than before. I think I'm just drinking less soda. I just can't figure out how to get my headset to reach the ladies room, which is about 2 miles from my desk. Not giving up yet...

.

2. Grump less. I have been working every night and every weekend for about 2 1/2 weeks now. (Don't worry, Mom... it's "normal" for the stage of the project I'm in at work.... will be better next week.) Anyway, I've been too busy and too tired to grump too much this week. Hoping that when things slow down, I can keep the grump to a minimum.

.
3. Find and read a book to better myself. No progress in this area, though I'm working on deciding what kind of book I want to find and read. Hoping to have at least that much accomplished before next week's update.

.

Still going strong with:

Better skin care

.
What are you working on this week?

Be sure to check out the lists from:

Julie (The Surrendered Scribe)

(Not So) Extreme Makeover: Me Edition -- Week 3

They say it takes 3 weeks to make something a habit... I think I've finally turned one of my original 3 items into a habit now, WOO HOO!!

.

I hope you'll join me in my quest to make myself a better person by taking baby steps in the right direction, tackling small challenges, one day at a time, that can result in BIG changes in the long run! It's easy to participate... simply leave a comment here to let me know what you're working on (so we can encourage each other) or if you have your own blog or website, post your update there and leave a link in the comments section of this post. I'll post updates here every Wednesday, hoping to see you back here each week to share your progress or just follow mine. Either way, the more, the merrier! (You can read more about the reason I'm doing this here).

.

Here are my updates on the 3 items I've been working on:

.
1. Better skin care. I am happy to say that I've been doing very well with this. I've been following my "new routine" every morning and every night and my face is thanking me for it! I think I've got this one pretty much under my belt now, so this week I'm going to take on a new challenge to take it's place. (I'll keep this up in the background, of course!)

.

2. Drink more water. So I've found plenty of ways around the "water is yucky" thing. Just can't find ways around the "bladder is small" thing. I've been doing great about not having 2 non-water drinks in a row without at least 1 bottle of water in between. However, I think I'm probably just drinking less overall, which is counter-productive, really. Weekends are usually my worst days, though, I typically guzzle 3 or 4 cans of Pepsi a day (in addition to 2 cups of morning coffee). This past Saturday, though, I didn't have ANY soda and on Sunday, only 1 can. An improvement for sure, but still not meeting the goal. I'll keep working on it...

.
3. Grump less. Last week I said I wouldn't use the word "impossible." This week, I will. Impossible!! OK, so not really impossible... just very frustrating! I am now able to see a grump coming far enough in advance to determine if it's warranted or not. I don't think my kids would say I'm not grumpy anymore... but then again, I have a 2-year-old and a 5-year-old. You know any kids that age who think their parents aren't "too mean and cranky?" I have a long way to go...

.

4. Find and read a book to better myself. Finding and reading a book doesn't seem to be a lofty goal, especially for someone who LOVES to read. Problem is, for my life I can't remember the last time I read a book "just because" that didn't start with Hi, my name is Dora or Once upon a time in a far away land. My friend Brenda is in a book club and gosh, how I wish...

.

Anyway, I want to find a book (and actually read it!). Not sure what I'm looking for yet... something that will make me a better me. I even have a gift card to Barnes & Noble from my birthday last year that I could put towards this. Hhhmmm.... maybe an afternoon tucked away in the corner of Starbucks at my B&N (drinking water, of course) might help with item #3 on my list....

.
What are you working on this week?

.

Be sure to check out the lists from:
Julie (The Surrendered Scribe)

Ruth (Getting Real)

(Not So) Extreme Makeover: Me Edition -- Week 2

Week 2, here I come!! I hope you'll join me in my quest to make myself a better person by taking baby steps in the right direction, tackling small challenges, one day at a time, that can result in BIG changes in the long run! It's easy to participate... simply leave a comment here to let me know what you're working on (so we can encourage each other) or if you have your own blog or website, post your update there and leave a link in the comments section of this post. I'll post updates here every Wednesday, hoping to see you back here each week to share your progress or just follow mine. Either way, the more, the merrier! (You can read more about the reason I'm doing this here.)
.
Here are my updates on the 3 items I've been working on.

1. Better skin care. I am so proud that I've been keeping up with this one! I've been following my new "skin care routine" every morning and every night. Morning has always been easy enough, it's the night routine I was bad about.... 'cause I'm just so stinkin' tired! I decided to start washing my face and using all the new lotions and creams after dinner, rather than waiting for bedtime and that makes a big difference. I still have my grump lines but I'm confident that over time, my skin will begin to look healthier and more "age appropriate." I think in one more week this will be enough of a routine for me that I can call it a habit and add something new into the list.

2. Drink more water. This one is hard. I'm getting better about not liking water. If only I could expand my bladder. I drive 60 miles each way to work (at least an hour in the car) and I'm on conference calls at least 4 or 5 hours a day (sometimes more). This makes for quite a challenge when your bladder is the size of a pea and you're trying to drink more water. What I can say is that I'm not having 2 caffeinated beverages in a row anymore, I'm alternating caffeine and water. I suppose that's a start but I still have a long way to go.

3. Grump less. I won't use the word "impossible" but I think when you have a full-time job outside the home, a ridiculously long commute and two small children, it's really, really challenging not to be grumpy sometimes. However, I'm trying hard to remember the world won't end if the to-do list remains long and my overall outlook on things is changing. Progress... but I'll keep working on it.

What are you working on this week?

(Not So) Extreme Makeover: Me Edition -- Week 1

.

Here goes... Week 1 of the (Not So) Extreme Makeover: Me Edition challenge! Woo Hoo!! I hope you'll join me in my quest to make myself a better person by taking baby steps in the right direction, tackling small challenges, one day at a time, that can result in BIG changes in the long run! It's easy to participate... simply leave a comment here to let me know what you're working on (so we can encourage each other) or if you have your own blog or website, post your update there and leave a link in the comments section of this post. I'll post updates here every Wednesday, hoping to see you back here each week to share your progress or just follow mine. Either way, the more, the merrier! (You can read more about the reason I'm doing this here.)

.

Here are the 3 items I've decided to tackle to begin with. I started working on these a few days ago and plan to add more over time.

.

1. Better skin care. I've been using my new creams, lotions, serums and makeup for 3 days now. So far, I like them, but way too soon to tell if they're making a difference or not. The good thing is that, because it's on a list someplace, I feel more obligated to keep up with it. So, I wash my face and follow with the "proper" routine of "products" every morning and every night. In and of itself, that's a big deal, since I tend to buy the "miracle package" of skin care products, use it for a day and a half and then throw it in a drawer. Baby steps, remember?

.

2. Drink more water. I have certainly not made a very significant increase in my water consumption yet. However, I have stuck to the plan of drinking equal amounts water and caffeinated beverages. After my morning coffee, I won't allow myself a soda until I've finished a full bottle of water. After the soda, I have to drink more water before I have more caffeine. That much is working. Problem is, I'm still not drinking nearly as much water as I should in a day, so my goal for this week is to make sure I get at least 2 full bottles of water in per day, 3 if I can manage it. (Did I mention that I really, really don't like water?)

.

3. Grump less. This one is so HARD!! Small accomplishment, though... last night I refrained from doing anything on the "chores" list until the kids were both in bed. Just being aware that I tend to get cranky when the chore list is long has made a big difference and I was able to more fully relax and enjoy story time and our tea party. Now, if only I can remember that in the mornings after my 5-year-old has spent 30 minutes staring at (but not eating) her breakfast, while still in her pajamas, when we have 6 minutes to finish getting ready to leave for the day....

.

So, there are my first 3 goals and mini updates (after only 3 days). Can't wait to see what everyone else comes up with!

(Added on Feb 27)

Please join me in encouraging some others who are going to join me in the Makeover Challenge!

- Julie (The Surrendered Scribe)

- Jennifer (Focus Findings)

- Brenda (no blog, but she's 2 weeks in to a weight loss program and doing GREAT!)

- Chrissy (no blog, but she's working on getting healthier -- she had a great first day!)

(I'll see if I can figure out a Mr. Linky for next Wednesday's update...)

25 Random Things about Kat

Some of my Facebook friends have tagged me to do a "25 Random Things" list but unfortunately, Facebook will not let me onto their site from my computer. I can update my status and send notes from my Blackberry, but the computer and my Facebook account don't seem to be on speaking terms. So... what better place to post my 25 Random Things than on my Random Thoughts blog, right?

1. My first name is just "Kathy," that's not short for anything. My parents thought if they named me Kathleen or Katherine, everyone would just call me Kathy anyway. Except for my co-workers, everyone calls me Kat. I suppose if they had named me Kat, people would just call me K.

2. I've known my friend Brenda, well, I don't remember ever not knowing my friend Brenda. Literally. More than anyone else in my life, she has taught me the meaning of the word "unconditional."

3. I was miserable every single second of high school because apparently, it's fun for cool kids to pick on smart kids. If I ever ran into any of those "cool kids" again, I'd tell them my sincerest wish is that no one ever treats their kids the way they treated me.

4. As miserable as I was for all of high school, if I could rewind and do it again, I wouldn't change a thing. Every minute of my life has shaped me into the strong, confident, successful, beautiful person I am today.

5. I met my husband on Super Bowl Sunday in 1996, only 3 months after I turned 20. I knew on our first date that he was The One. Today, I still know I was right.

6. Craig and I went to the 30 year Woodstock reunion in Rome, New York in July 1999. It was amazing, but I'd never do it again.

7. Craig and I watched the ball drop in Times Square as 1999 turned into 2000. I was dressed in an evening gown and he was in a tuxedo. We were as close to the ball as the police barricades would allow. It was amazing, but I'd never do it again.

8. In 1998, the doctors told me it was "a very aggressive form of pre-cancer." In early 1999, they told me they could probably prevent the cancer with "a procedure" but I'd never carry a pregnancy to term.

9. Five years later, I gave birth to our first perfect miracle, proving that God trumps doctors. Her sister came along 3 years later in much the same way.

10. Except for pregnancy weight, I have never weighed more than 118 pounds. Today, I don't weigh enough to give blood.

11. I hate to cook. If it was up to me, I'd eat at Taco Bell every night. This is only OK because of item #10.

12. I am bi-polar about my job. I love it or I hate it, there's no in between. It's the best job ever and the worst job ever, and sometimes that varies by the minute.

13. Growing up, I wanted to be a teacher or a lawyer.

14. Today, I'm still not sure what I want to be when I grow up.

15. I love country music, Jim Brickman (pianist), Amy Grant, Metallica and Staind. How's that for an odd assortment?

16. My favorite place to vacation is the Adirondack Mountains in Upstate New York.

17. I've been on at least 400 flights and slept at least 200 nights in a hotel room. Probably more, but I lost track a long time ago. I hate to travel. No really, I do!

18. My brother calls me Waffle the Hut and my sister calls me The Biggest of Bits.

19. I took Spanish for 9 years in junior high, high school and college. I can't speak a word of it now.

20. My biggest regret in life is not going to see my grandparents one more time before moving to Florida. My grandfather, my hero, passed away 7 months later.

21. I love to make quilts. I have more fabric than most fabric stores. My friends are probably going to begin smothering me with home made quilts if I don't find something new to give them for their birthdays.

22. My favorite ice cream flavors is mint chocolate chip.

23. I would love to have one more baby... if only I could make one more parent to come with it.

24. I enjoy cleaning, yet my guiltiest pleasure is paying someone else to come clean my house every other week. It makes me feel "not good enough" sometimes but on the flip side, frees up hours of my limited weekend free time to do things much more important than cleaning a toilet or mopping the floor.

25. Though textbook definitions may disagree, I think I'm borderline OCD. I have to turn the alarm on and off 3 times before I go to bed and if anyone touches my alarm clock, I can't sleep the entire night. I have to tuck Jessica in first every night, then Rachel. If I start with Rachel, I always end up getting up in the night to go tuck in Jess again, then Rachel after her. No one said I was normal...

So, what random things are you willing to share?

(Not So) Extreme Makeover: Me Edition

In my last post, I talked about a conversation with my older daughter (she's 5) where she told me I never play with her and I'm grumpy all the time. I don't believe that's true and I have no intention of becoming a playmate instead of a parent to my kids. However, it did cause me to stop and think about some things I can do differently, improve upon, to be a better me.

.

I'm not so good at keeping promises I make to myself about myself, but I'm pretty good when I know other people are watching and I'm responsible to more than just myself. So, I am officially starting a new project called (drum roll, please).... (Not so) Extreme Makeover: Me Edition. If you've got something you'd like to work on, I encourage you to join me. You can do so by posting on your own blog or website, or by leaving a comment here so we can take the challenge together and encourage each other along the way. Here's how it works...

.

Start by making a list of things you want to work on. I know I have a LOT to work on, so I'm going to start with 3 things and add more over time. Every Wednesday, I'll post an update here to talk about my progress (or lack thereof). Once I achieve one goal (or feel pretty solid that I'm making good, consistent progress), I'll add something new to the list. Easy enough, right?

.

So here's my starting list, in no particular order....

.

1. Better skin care. I know, sounds odd. How did I get that out of my kid telling me I'm too grumpy? The night she told me that, I was looking in the mirror and realized I have some unattractive "grump lines" on my forehead. (Some may call them wrinkles, but I'm too young to use the "w" word.) But, the fact of the matter is that my skin does not look my age and I want to change that. My good friend Mel has been telling me about some new skin care products and makeup she's started using recently - with good results - so yesterday, I went out and bought some creams, lotions and makeup that might get me moving in the right direction.

.

2. Drink more water. I am a caffeine-a-holic. I start my day with 2 cups of coffee, drink I bottle of Propel (flavored vitamin water) in the morning and Pepsi the rest of the day. I'm not ready to reduce my caffeine intake (yet), but I will commit to equal amounts of water and caffeinated beverages. So, I need to add in 2 bottles of water per day to my repertoire. I know that's still not enough to get me even close to the "recommended daily consumption" of water, but hey, it's more than I'm drinking now! I don't like plain water at all, so I will probably drink more Propel instead of the plain stuff but hey, it's still water!

.

3. Grump less. This will be a tough one for me. It's in my nature to be task-oriented and too often, I let the to-do list dictate my mood. But, I am going to be more conscious of when I'm snapping or grumping and try to check myself when I feel an unwarranted grump coming on. Better yet, when I realize I've grumped when I shouldn't have (and I usually realize right away already when this has happened), I'm going to make myself drink a glass of plain water as "punishment." I wouldn't use negative reinforcement on my kids and I know I probably shouldn't use it on myself, but I really, really don't like to drink water, so the thought of it may be enough to make me think twice. And if nothing else, it'll get me moving in the right direction on goal #2!

.

Looking forward to seeing what might be on your list and would love for you to share updates with me. If you're ready now, you can post a comment here. Or, come back on Wednesday to let me know your plan.

The Truth (?) Hurts

My 5-year-old, Rachel, has recently starting making her bed every morning as soon as she wakes up. She does a pretty good job of straightening the sheets and the comforter and arranging her princess pillows. A few nights ago as I was tucking her into bed, I told her how proud I was of her doing this and how it gave Mommy more time to play and have fun with her and her sister when she helped out with the chores around the house.

"So you have too many chores to do, Mommy?" she asked.

"Well, there's a lot we have to do to keep our house running smoothly, so every time you and Sissy help me out, it saves me some time and I've got more time to have fun with you."

She thought for a moment. "So too many chores is the reason you never play with us and you're grumpy all the time?"

Ouch.

Ouch.

And did I mention, "Ouch?"

I didn't know what to say. I wanted to hug her, kiss her, cry. I know I play with them. And I know I'm not grumpy all the time. My husband is definitely the "playful, happy" one on a more regular basis, but that I never play with them and I'm grumpy all the time? Yeesh!

I've thought about it a lot. Lost sleep over it, actually. And what it comes down to is that it doesn't matter if I think I play with them and if I think I'm not grumpy too much. It matters what they think. Their perception, not mine, is the reality, at least in this case.

Don't get me wrong, I've heard more than my share of "you never give me treats" or "you always make me go to bed before I'm ready." And I can live with those. What I can't live with is that my kid believes I never play with her and I'm grumpy all the time.

So the problem, of course, is what to do about it. 'Cause she's right. I focus on the chores, my husband focuses on the fun. I get grumpy when things go wrong or the to-do list is too long, my husband makes it a game or says, "oh well, the world won't end." Certainly no way I can go from my Type A personality to his Type B (trust me, I've spent a long time trying... ain't gonna happen!) but I know I can make changes to play more and grump less. Much as it hurt, I think it just took the smack in the face from my daughter to make me realize I needed to do these things.

I have some ideas... more to come on this blog (and yes, in less time than it's been since my last post here!). I'm planning a "Kat Mini Makeover" (for this and some other things, too) and would love you to join me on perhaps, a mini makeover of your own. If you don't need a makeover (and hooray!! for you if you don't!), I'd love you to follow behind me and kick me when I need it. Stay tuned....