A Word for 2017: TRY

Our house is filled with Star Wars fans, and Yoda-isms are often invoked.  What's most popular? You've guessed it.

 (I think Nike's "Just do it," follows in the next breath.)

The problem is that when you live in a house with concrete thinkers, there also becomes an "I can't follow through all the way, so why bother?" line of thought.  Sometimes it's a fear of failure, and Yoda becomes a prod, but sometimes it's a logistical issue -- the mindset of "I know I am truly incapable of completing this, so why bother trying to start?"  I find myself even falling into the all-or-nothing camp.

I've chosen themes for the year before -- back in 2014, I wanted to be more proactive and less reactive.  I can't say I was all that successful because life eventually got the better of me and I was back in my "just put out the biggest fire" mode and have stayed there.  2015's theme was "Do a few things well," rather than trying to do it all.  My inner SuperMom still came busting out.  I admit, I didn't even bother for 2016, because while choosing an idea would have made for a good blog post, I really wasn't feeling particularly inspired by anything.

This year, I'm regrouping, with the word TRY.   It means, "To make an attempt at." It doesn't mean "accomplish on the first attempt."  I'm holding Mr. Webster to that definition. On my agenda:

1.  Try new things - food, activities, ideas.  I am giving myself the grace to say I don't have to love them, and I don't have to stick with things if I don't.  But I'll pull out the Mom-ism that says "How do you know you don't like it if you don't try?" and give things a go.  This year, it's not about giving myself a pep talk, but also encouraging recalcitrant smaller people. Sometimes it's easier to say "Ok, don't bother," because it's easier to give up than encourage over and over.
2. Try starting things, even if I can't finish right now and have to "try again later."  I probably can't declutter my closet in a day, but I bet I can sift through one shelf while I'm waiting for the bathtub to fill.  Each time I start running, I can try running a full mile, even if I have to slow down and walk the end of it. 
3. Try to not worry so much about everything being perfect.  Life is a mess, and if things don't go according to plan, then just regroup and try again later.  

This year, rather than having a huge life-changing goal to work on, I'm focusing on improving in the moment.  2017 won't be about making one big change, but 365 little shifts.

©2012- 2016 Adventures with Jude. All rights reserved. All text, photographs, artwork, and other content may not be reproduced or transmitted in any form without the written consent of the author. http://adventureswithjude.com

Resolutions for 2017 #GrouponCoupons #spon

This is a sponsored post. All opinions are mine.

As the "old year" ends, it's time to take stock and figure out what worked last year, and what you want to change going forward, right?  Groupon Coupons has lots of tools to help you make 2017 your best year ever!

How many of us are saying "I really need to change my (pick a topic) habits."  Losing weight is at the top of many people's list -- mine included, because when the "baby" is nearly done first grade,  I can hear the clock ticking on the statute of limitations of calling it "baby weight." For me, it's not about being "skinny." Sure, there are skinny people in their 40s, but I'm not a "skinny" person.  I'm ok with that.  However, what I would like is to be at a *healthy* weight, and one tool in Groupon's arsenal to help is Medifast.  With a nearly 30-year history of clinically proven success, it's something that has helped thousands of people get to a healthy weight, and can help you too! Portion control is a big part of the program -- because even too much healthy food is still too much food!  I'm especially impressed that they have a number of special diet options.

 Food allergies often make plans worthless -- I think, "By the time I substitute safe foods, I might as well do this myself!"  You should always check with your doc about what is right for you, but since Medifast features programs for people with diabetes, allergies, and six other lifestyles that have medical implications, it is an excellent option for a wide variety of dietary needs!
One thing I plan is to not lose sight of my plan being long term -- it's not about losing weight fast, but getting to a fitness goal.  Of course, I'd like to lose a significant number of pounds, but since reaching that number is not going to happen in a month (or probably even six or twelve!), I've set mini-goals for along the way:

• lower my 5K running time to under 35 minutes
• be able to comfortably use dumbells that are more than 5 pounds
• complete a plank challenge
• lose 10% of my body weight at a time (studies show that losing just 10% of excess weight can be beneficial, and 20-some pounds sounds a lot less daunting than the 80 or so that would put me in the "normal weight" category)

 It's hard to get out of the "I did well, I'm going have this piece of glossy, shiny chocolate!" mentality, but what about replacing that reward with something else bright and shiny -- like jewelry from Blue Nile?  Groupon makes it affordable as a reward splurge, giving you something tangible to work toward, and then look at and remind you of how hard you have worked.  With beautiful pieces for under $30 with Groupon Coupons, you can add "bling it up" to your resolution list!

Being HEALTHY is at the top of my resolution list.  Do you have any resolutions for 2017?

©2012- 2016 Adventures with Jude. All rights reserved. All text, photographs, artwork, and other content may not be reproduced or transmitted in any form without the written consent of the author. http://adventureswithjude.com

Save Money with Groupon Goods

This is a sponsored post and may contain affiliate links.  All opinions are my own!  Thanks for your support!

With the holiday season upon us, I've been busier at the computer than ever.  I love being able to sit on my couch and shop.  Nearly everything I have purchased for Christmas has been delivered by "the package man."  Neal has taken to calling USPS, FedEx, and UPS the "Three Kings bearing gifts from afar."  (Go ahead and giggle.)  I have my favorite companies to purchase from, but with five kids to shop for, I'm all for saving money where I can!

I never considered Groupon Goods before as an option for holiday shopping.  Sure, I've used Groupon's main site and purchased discounted meals and experiences, but I admit, I never explored all that deeply because I thought that was all that it was! I was pleasantly surprised when I found out just how wide the Groupon Goods' offerings were!

There are tens of thousands of items to browse, from over ten categories!   I found a few really cool Christmas gifts for the kids.  I'm not going to give details because I don't want to ruin any surprises, but let's just say there will be an excited tween and a couple of very happy little boys -- along with a mama with a few dollars left in her pocket.  I will definitely be putting Groupon Goods at the top of my "favorite sites to shop from" list.

©2012- 2016 Adventures with Jude. All rights reserved. All text, photographs, artwork, and other content may not be reproduced or transmitted in any form without the written consent of the author. http://adventureswithjude.com

What's Happening Here (Week of Dec. 10)

Writer's block is not fun, especially when you like to write.  I've had "Write blog update" on my planner for probably two weeks now, but I just can't seem to get words from my head to my fingers.   I have a list of ideas to write about, but when I have a moment to sit and write, I just think..."Eh...not feeling it."  I have plenty to share -- pictures from our trip this past summer, some things we've done during schooltime, and even some random things, but somehow they never seem to make it to here.  It's been a busy season for us:

Celia played in the Rowan Youth String Orchestra concert in early December.

Matthew has also fully taken over for Luke as the Work-Study student for our Lilla Rose business.  He's worked a few indoor craft/vendor fairs, and one home boutique.  He's been dubbed "Guy Friday II" and is  looking forward to the spring when outdoor events start up -- he got a "how to put up the tent" demo from Luke and is itching to try it out.

Jude and Damien are looking forward to Christmas break.  (I think we all are!)  We've kept up with some of our regular subjects, but swapped out our usual Bible Study for a Christmas study, and our "fun" project has been a lapbook about the Clement C. Moore poem, "The Night Before Christmas".

We're starting to get the house ready for Christmas.  The stockings have been hung and the tree is standing and lit (ornaments are on this week's agenda).  Big brothers come in handy!

Two weeks until Christmas!





©2012- 2016 Adventures with Jude. All rights reserved. All text, photographs, artwork, and other content may not be reproduced or transmitted in any form without the written consent of the author. http://adventureswithjude.com