Do This Do That

I'm back in front of my keyboard with a little time on my hands and I figured, what better to do with my time than to lull my small band of loyal readers into a false sense of enjoyment?  I kid indeed, the content in this space is not intended to entertain, because if I went about it that way, I would be setting myself up for failure.  If, after I type this piece and you have read it and enjoy it, then and only then should I recieve any credit whatsoever. 

Lately, I have noticed that I am a bit depleted.  How so you might ask.  It is kind of hard to explain.  See, it's been a couple of years since I started making positive changes in my life.  Slowly, I began to make more and more changes, and it is entirely possible that I reached some kind of limit.  I was going to categorize the different changes I made, but in actuality, they all tie back into physical and mental health.  Most of the things that would find a place on my mental list have been mentioned in this space.  Sheila has joked on occasion that I just didn't have the time in a day to do all the things I had in mind.  It seems in the past few months rather than run myself ragged getting all sorts of things done, I have copped out and done less, or even less than less, nothing at all.  You might think, oh, what a smart move.  Less burnout.  Matt must be feeling better.  I'm not so sure.  There really is something amazing about the way you feel having accomplished numerous things in your day.  This is not to say that I can't find hapiness in the small things.  Jasmine and Asher give me reasons to smile all the time as I documented in my last post with Jasmine's new trumpet.  I want to use my time today to make a list of things I was doing to better myself either physically or mentally that I have gotten away from either completely or somewhat.  I intend these to be short snipets, rapid fire style, but you know me, long winded is an understatement.  I am hoping that getting these things down on virtual paper will inspire me to get back at them.

-MORE CARDIO!  Ugh, I had a few soccer injuries that became convenient excuses, but the last 3 weeks or so I have been flat out lazy.  Get on your bike son!  Go walking with the kids!  Get a few jogs in before our 6 month winter sets in. 

-EAT HEALTHIER!  This one has slowly crept up on me.  Too much pizza.  When I was doing well, my treats and junk food were limited to night time while watching boob tube or playing cards.  I should be able to have decent will power during the day when I am not even hungry.

-TAKE YOUR VITAMINS!  This one should be easy.  It takes about 2 minutes to open the bottles and pop the pills.  No effort required.  I currently have green tea tablets, ginseng, fish oil, glucosamine sulfate, calcium, coenzyme Q10 and a multivitamin.  When I take the lot of them after a meal, I end up feeling much better throughout the day.  2 minutes of time to feel better all day?  Only an idiot would be too lazy to not bother.

-PROTEIN!  I also haven't been bothering with protein shakes.  Stupid.  I usually have cereal or yogurt for breakfast, then a sandwich or leftovers for lunch.  Sheila is a great cook and dinner is always good whether she or I make it.  That extra 20 grams of protein that a daily shake provides in needed for my health.  It's also one of the only ways I consume milk as I rarely think to just have a glass. 

-ACTIVITIES WITH JASMINE!  It has dawned on me recently.  It's much easier to entertain a 2 year old then it is a 10 year old.  We did take advantage of our nice September weather, and I had the kids out exploring at the Nechako River, soaking up the sun at West Lake, and a few other things.  Asher thoroughly enjoys anything we end up doing.  Aside from swimming weekly, where I am occupied with her brother, Jasmine doesn't have any regular activities that we do together.  I aim to work on that.

-MORE HELP AROUND THE HOUSE!  This one comes and goes.  Sometimes I am very helpful for weeks, other times, not so much.  I had been making more meals and getting more chores taken care of, but this rut I find myself in has led to less productivity in all aspects of my life.  Cook more, clean more, feel accomplished.  Allow Sheila to relax more.  Seems simple enough.

PICK UP A GOOD BOOK!  I had a short virtual conversation with one of my few reading buddies over the weekend.  She asked if I had read anything good lately, and I was ashamed to admit, I have barely been reading.  My spare time at work is best for reading, but it seems I haven't managed to get motivated.  I did read a solid mystery novel recently by Louise Penny that I got through quickly due to my interest level, so perhaps I have turned a corner.  Reading is so much more enjoyable than mindlessly staring at a computer screen or television though I forget this at times. 

WRITE MORE!  This poor blog has been neglected for too long.  If I do more things with my spare time, I will have more things to write about.  Easy game.

BRUSH YOUR TEETH!  This one is a bit embarassing.  I always brush in the morning and usually once or twice more during the day.  I floss religiously, something I never forget due to a few small gaps in my teeth that are essentially magnets for food scraps.  It's the bedtime brushing that I am lazy about, and it's been getting to me.  Haul your lazy ass out of your bed and spend 2 minutes in the bathroom scrubbing the stubs.  60 year old me will thank 30 year old me in the future.

HELP ASHER GROW!  So my little guy is getting pretty close to being a 3 year old.  He is growing physically and mentally every day.  My brother was over for a visit last night with my neice Charlotte who is but a few months old.  The little one is cute as a button, and she provided a reminder to me about just how different children are at 2 months as opposed to 32 months of age.  It is up to Sheila and I to mentor and guide Asher's ever growing mind.  We were both estatic the other night when he counted 10 dots for us!  He is beginning to learn the different colors too!  We have been locked in a months long struggle towards potty training.  Asher has been peeing in the toilet for a couple months now, and even will initiate the visits to the bathroom so he can go.  Number 2 has not been so easy.  Sheila and I have been working at it, and he has managed to go twice now, but both times Sheila had to trick him somewhat.  We have established a rewards system that he is well aware of, but after he got the toy motorcycle, he seemed to be content.  No need for the other cars apparently. I am lucky enough as a Dad to get lots of one on one time with my little guy.  I need to be more productive with this time.

SEEK OUT NEW MUSIC!  I am a music lover.  I have no shame in admitting that I will listen to most any genre if I enjoy what I am hearing.  Music can often alter my moods significantly, and I will use it to pick me up if I need a boost.  It is also important for me to keep finding new stuff so I don't get bored with what I have.  Go forth and journey young man!

LIFT MORE WEIGHTS!  More cardio is one thing, but I would also like to get stronger.  No one wants to be a string bean.  I have done pretty good with this one, but I find that my workouts are taking longer and longer as my motivation has been lacking.  Routines that could be completed in a matter of 45 minutes end up taking me upwards of 2 hours as I search for things to distract myself with.  I often run out of time and have to cut exercises out of my plans.  Sad, sad, sad!

ENJOY WHAT YOU HAVE!  I am not good with being appreciative.  There are many things in my life that I am thankful for, but as I rush through life I don't think I spend enough time reflecting.  I have a woman in my life who adores me, despite my numerous flaws.  I have two very healthy children who are beautiful and well behaved.  We have a house to call a home, and reliable vehicles to get us around.  My extended family is close by, and they are very supportive.  I see people struggling and I empathize with them, but I am often too busy bemoaning the minor difficulties in my own life to properly put things in perspective. 

DO MORE FOR OTHERS!  I have been thinking about this one for a few weeks, ever since I found out my work schedule will not allow me to coach Jasmine's basketball team this winter.  Perhaps there is something more I should be doing?  Volunteer coaching is something, but it is only a few hours a week for a few months of the year.  This is me telling me that I will help with the Good Cheer campaign at Christmas time.  Maybe it is time that Jasmine and I start volunteering at the soup kitchen like we have discussed a few times?  I will have my Saturday mornings free throughout the winter so even the feeblest of excuses is gone.  I can't afford to give financially, but for many charitable organizations they need man power more than money power. 



That's my time, I hope everyone has a great week.  With all of these topics in mind, I know I will.