Joy Found in the Junk Drawer

I love to organize.  Simply love it.  Not that I am consistently on top of the game, mind you.  But there is something so satisfying in finding places for the clutter and making things easier to enjoy.  Today, on my prized day off, I have decided to reorganize the kitchen and clear some things that did not get weeded out prior to the move.  You know, the "junk" drawer (make that plural in my case).  Our assortment consisted of a hearty collection of pencil crayons of various sizes and colours (all left for dead because the kids have some notion that each school year must be started with new pencil crayons), colouring books (and it's been years since my kids sat and coloured), more three ring binder paper than one home should ever have, an electric brake control box (wires and all....seriously), and school work from three years ago.  And that was just the first drawer.  It was a purging stroll down memory lane and really, aren't those the best kind?  Aww....how sweet.  recycled.  I remember this... so cute.  trash. 
 It felt happy and productive at the same time.  To me, that's the best kind of day.  

Surely Those Can't Be Mine

This weekend DD#1 and I are in Milton for a swim meet.  For those not familiar with what a swim meet entails, I can sum it up in one small word: Sitting.  And you are sitting for hours.  Hours of chlorine stinging your eyes and loud whistles being blown and, if like today, you are lucky enough to have to sit on deck, you may also get splashed a bit too.  Which is fine because it does keep you awake.  Now in the midst of the sitting come some bright moments.  Today I got to watch DD#1 swim for 34 seconds in freestyle, 40 seconds in backstroke, and then 12 minutes in freestyle to end things (that 800m is some good value for your viewing money). 
Quite understandably, I was both exhausted (did I tell you we were out of the house by 5am?) and restless by the time the morning was done.  An interesting combination and one that warranted a dual plan of attack.  After a 45 minute nap, I hit the hotel gym.  Now I haven't yet set foot on a treadmill in our gym at home--for some reason jogging in front of strangers makes me feel self conscious--but since the room was empty I hopped on the treadmill and began my jog.  And then I looked up and realized that the entire wall in front of me was mirrored.  And that those strange, dimply knees were mine.  Oh dear God.  It was a moment of intense confusion (but wait, aren't those my grandmother's knees? how did they get here?), shameful realisation (ugh.  those nasty, jiggly, dimply things are attached to me--how on earth did I lose my muscles that used to be there?), and useful motivation (those.are.not.going.to.remain).  It was probably the best run I've done in years (and I have tried, off and on, to love running. I truly have) and best of all, I now have a clear fitness goal.  Dimply knees be gone, this 40 something is pulling out a short skirt come summer.

Butterfly File

I have suspected that something is amiss in my brain for a few months now.  Maybe it's stress.  Maybe it's the dreaded M word.  All I know is that for some reason I cannot retrieve words, make decisions, remember simple things, or otherwise function as a competent person. 
The other week, as I drove DD#2 through the neighbourhood around her piano lesson (as we were actually early for once!) to look at the Christmas lights, I had a good two minutes where I had no idea how to get back to the house for her lesson.  In fact, she had to tell me.
Today I went for a midday Starbucks treat and as I ripped open the brown sugar to add it to my coffee, I threw the torn piece in the garbage and then promptly emptied the sugar into the garbage instead of my coffee. 
Sadly, I could fill a page with examples.  While I am trying to laugh it all off, I have to wonder if it's time for the Butterfly File. Or maybe some hormones? 
Seeing as I currently have neither,  I will self medicate with a little wine and chocolate. 

Indigo Girls - Closer To Fine

This song popped into my head today.  While the video is undeniably cheesey (cue the flute player!) the harmonies make me happy. 

Another from Anne Taintor

Another gem from Anne Taintor--this would be DH's opinion on the volunteering that's for sure.

Reluctant Volunteer

It was recently told to me that time spent working on my job outside of my work hours (Christmas Break) was considered "volunteering" and not considered lieu time.  I have had a lot of opportunity to think on that comment and I wonder just what kind of message that sends.  What do you (and maybe there is no "you" out there reading me, which I guess will make this a boring question) think of that?  Should we be required to "volunteer" our time to meet the conditions of our job?  Would love to hear some opinions on this one.

Like There is No Tomorrow

DH and I joined a gym today.  Many children (and really another whole life) ago, DH and I used to workout every morning before work. We were lean, we had energy, and we fit into our "skinny clothes".  Although the past 14 years has changed us, our body shapes, and our disposable/free time, we are committing to spend time together while improving our health.  Where we used to enjoy fine eating and fine wine, now we will endure, I mean enjoy, low fat cooking and filtered water. Who are we kidding, there will still be wine.  For me at least.  But apart from that, I feel like we are on a new path and hopefully a renewed energy that will spread to our family as a whole.  Only good can come from this.
As for tonight, the night before healthy gill takes over, I will be eating like there is no tomorrow. Seriously.