Too many hobbies.

I am not, will not, blame my lack of writing on anything. Ever since I started reading 'Pen on Fire," (yes, I'm STILL reading it.) I don't believe in writers block. There for I will no longer blame my lack of writing on writer's block. Nor will I blame it on not having enough time. The book is teaching me to take advantage of 15 minute windows of time here and there. I believe I am pursuing this goal. I just haven't been writing a lot lately and I think I've discovered the reason why (which, is not an excuse).

I have too many hobbies.

I crochet. It's a pretty new thing and I haven't even begun to exhaust the ideas rolling around in my head.

I read. Not really that much. But usually I read a topic I'd like to learn more about or a topic that applies to areas of my life I'd like to grow.

I write. As you can see. But I also, continuously keep notes on topics I read.

I freelance graphic design. Just here and there. But when I have a project I really want to be at the computer doing it.

How does one let go of the things they enjoy? Maybe there is a happy medium. Do I prioritize and do what I want to do most at the certain time? Or do I focus on only one thing until it is complete?

I can't help but mention with all these hobbies there is one thing I enjoy and love more than any of them, that consumes my time and brightens my day more than any hobby ever will: my family. I gladly set aside all of these things for them. There is no question about it. I'd rather spend a day chasing around E and cuddling with R then do any amount of hobbies.

Hobbies are just the accent to my life.

I think this is probably the best problem I have ever had. Any advice? Comments are surely welcome.

Keep Loving.

The fog has cleared.

The fog has cleared. No, I'm not talking about the weather. All though, I could be as the sun is showing it's pretty little face and the snow is glistening. I am actually referring to my head. I can finally breathe and do not feel like my head has been jammed into a balloon. Honestly, people around me have been sounding a lot like the adult voices on Charlie Brown. A stuffy, runny, soar nose is something I am not fond of. But, it is finally over. The fog has cleared.

Coming out of a head cold makes me feel invincible. Not that I am going to try to fly or run a marathon but, for the first time in a couple days I feel up to writing, reading, crocheting and doing a little freelance for friends. I literally did not pick up a pen, book or crochet needle for 2 days. Going to work and taking care of a busy little E were more than enough for me.

Speaking of her, I have to say a big THANK YOU to R for taking care of E and picking up where I couldn't. You are so wonderful. I say I appreciate what you do and I do but when you step in doing everything when I can not is when I look at my wedding ring, nod my head and say, Yup! I've got the greatest husband. I chose well. Thank you. I love you.

So, here's to picking up where I left off. I am thankful for being healthier today than I was yesterday. Stay tuned for my Friday Feature and a few additions to the blog design.

Keep Loving.

Peace and quiet.

3:45
After a morning of a rambunctious, loud toddler waddling all over the apartment a couple hours of peace and quiet, well, there's nothing better. I even took a nap on the couch. And little missy is still snoozing; which leaves me time to write.

This morning I managed to clean the kitchen and the bedroom rather quickly. R did a bit of tidying up   too; including sweeping and vacuuming. Thanks hubby! Team effort goes a long way. Oh, the mountain of laundry is now only a small peak. How do we manage to fill 3 laundry baskets and a hamper in 1 week? It's the kid I swear. Then again 3 people and 5 days of clothing. 15 outfits, a couple towels, couple pajama sets....yeah it adds up.

I'm awaiting paperwork from our new in-home daycare provider. E starts Monday! Surprisingly, I am not worried. Okay, maybe slightly. Only for nap time. We are done with the bottle officially on Monday. Because, E has never had a bottle at the new place so we will continue with that. Then, R and I have to bite the bullet and continue through the day with NO bottle. I'm more worried about this than leaving her with someone new. She is such a lover it won't take long for her to warm up to her new sitter. I'm most excited for her to make little friends.

..I hear "uh-oh, uh-oh" coming from the little's bedroom.

5:30
Surprisingly enough it is already 5:30. Time flies on the weekends (and everyday). I think I might try to get a few rows done on my current crochet project. I haven't crocheted all week. Then I'd like to read from my library book for at least 20 minutes. I figure, this will be my treat for accomplishing all of the house work.

I hope everyone is enjoying your weekend.

Keep Loving.

Hazy, gray, dingy and ugly.

Oh, the weather outside is frightful...

Do you picture giant snowflakes swirling around, snow piling up on windowsills? Icicles hanging from the rooftop?

Well, our little town looks nothing like that. We had snow before Thanksgiving but because of the rain most of it has disappeared. Of course. Now, we have this hazy, gray, mist falling all around, the grounds are dingy and rather ugly. I can't forget to mention the wall of fog coating everything for miles. I am starting to think the sun is hibernating. It really is frightful weather outside.

I can handle the weather, I can. I don't mind curling up on the couch to crochet or write; we all know I could do that all day. Here's my dilemma: I can't listen to Christmas music. I started too. And tried to several times. But there is no snow to really complete the scene. The first initial burst of cheer has faded. I'm stuck.

I usually wouldn't wish for snow as I'm not big into winter sports. But, there are a few items on my list that involve snow that I desperately want to cross off. And I refuse to be a scrooge.

Is there a snow dance I could do? Or maybe I'll order a semi-truck full of snow to be dumped in the front yard…HELP!

Keep Loving.

Smoothies and Soccer!

Try: To take time for myself. Make: Something healthy. Do: Something as a family.

I decided I'd like to leave Tuesday's writings a bit more broad than I originally planned. One of my intentions for dedicating a category to each day is to organize my writings. However, there are so many things I want to share. So I will keep Tuesday: Try. Make. Do. But apply it to my week and the current happenings in The Miller's lives because The Plain Side is about us.

TRY:

Today is the first official day of taking time for myself. I finally asked for a couple hours for "me time," every Tuesday. My first idea was to escape downtown to a coffee shop, grab a mocha, cozy up in a comfortable spot and write, crochet or read. But, today I just couldn't leave my family. Obviously finally bring you a new blog entry shows I have somewhat escaped for some time for me. Ryan and Edee are folding laundry, playing with a choo choo train and listening to Sesame Street sing with celebrities. Even though my living room is now a beautiful disaster of toys and half folded clothes this is just right for me. Thank you Ryan, for allowing time for the other things that are important to me and letting me take time for myself.

Action shot!

MAKE:

On Sunday my mother-in-law brought us a bunch of frozen blueberries so Ryan decided to throw them in the blender with bananas, orange juice and vanilla yogurt. Smoothies are one thing our whole family really likes: even Edee. I have yet to try green smoothies with spinach or kale, etc. I like the idea of getting all of my vegetables in one glass but have yet to get over the idea of drinking it. Smoothies are perfect when making something healthy.

Half crawl, half walk.

Future Ball Player

DO:

While Maddi was with us all last week, by the way it was great, we ventured to the Imagination Station and The Y to get some fresh air. Dad and Big Sis were treated with new tennis shoes a few days before and were dying to give them a go on the soccer field. Ryan has also been wanting to jump start Maddi's soccer season this year. While he coached Maddi on kicking and throwing Edee and I played in the grass. She was particularly content with watching the soccer secrets being told, which couldn't have made me happier. She is no longer leery of pokey grass so we practiced taking steps too.
The weather was just perfect for doing something as a family.

Keep Loving.