What's improving my life right now (7 QT)

Joining up with Kelly this fine Friday!

I simply can't do a blog post a la Modern Mrs. Darcy's What's Saving My Life Now because mine isn't a life that is in actual peril. I mean, seriously, unless your list includes "chemotherapy" or something, that level of hyperbole is preposterous.

But we've have a doozy of a January. Everyone has been sick, and most of the kids have cycled through multiple sicknesses amongst themselves (really since November!) meaning I've been stuck in the house, sanitizing counters and laundry with bleach and my anxiety-riddled tears, to top off the usual crummy weather of winter.

It hasn't been pretty.

But it has been good.

(Preaching to myself here.)

Hence I wanted to share a list of 'what's improving my life right now'... if nothing else, to remind myself that it's not that bleak even when we leave playgroup an hour early because one child who looked fine and dandy in the morning found herself in the fetal position in my lap whimpering "please can we go home now?"

What's improving my life right now:

1.

Zumba

Once a week my husband puts the kids to bed and I go out to dance and sweat in a crowd of very funny salt-of-the-earth women. We laugh a lot while we're there and two of my lovely friends that I almost never see otherwise are there, so win. I realize I'm getting in exercise -- it's a good workout --
but I'm almost entirely there because I just love being around these people. I used to dislike Mondays so much but now I get out of bed energized on Mondays knowing it's my Zumba day.

2.

Late afternoon coffee

Modern wisdom says not to drink coffee after noon hour, and I've always abided by that, but lately I started drinking a cup of instant coffee (don't judge, it tastes just fine to me) while I make dinner, and it makes that chunk of the day when normally things get a bit chaotic so much better. AND I don't fall asleep while reading the kids their bedtimes stories!

3.

This song.

It's so buoyant, sweetly romantic and reminds me that winter isn't actually forever.
(Thank you, Jesus.)

4.

New sheets

This almost doesn't need an explanation. But I ordered sheets for our guest room bed, and realized I had ordered Queen sized by accident instead of Double. So when I went to change the sheets of the master bed this week, I put the guest room sheets on, and lo and behold, they're better quality than my own sheets!

Huh.

Since sleep is my favourite hobby, anything to improve it makes life delightful.

5.

Counting calories and weighing my food 

I just can't handle most food restrictive diets. You heard me previously rant about Trim Healthy Mama; I couldn't even comprehend the system. And whole30 is exxxxxpensive. 

I did like Weight Watchers back in the day, but since our budget doesn't allow (or rather, I won't allow myself) the membership right now, I've been tracking my calories using My Fitness Pal, which is free. Hurray.

I know counting calories is like, SO not cool. 

"Just eat intuitively!" 

"Just eat whole foods!"

"Just control your portion sizes!"

That's all well and good for people who don't self-medicate with food. If that isn't your issue, I applaud you. But since it is my issue, for the time being, I need something exterior to keep me accountable. 

Counting calories -- a quick process of entering the food into the app -- gives me such a sense of confidence that whatever else feels crazy in my life, I am taking control of something that I previously let control me.

And in doing so, I'm making way healthier food choices. 

6.

Crafts with my kids

I may or may not have let them cut apart a very old encyclopedia and make collages.

In fact, I made one too, and it was so fun to do something with them besides cajole them to get into their pyjamas or to stop pestering each other.

I'm happiest as a mom when I'm connecting with them in intentional ways, but crafting is usually too messy for my liking. I guess that's why I'm fairly regimented about reading aloud to them every day; then I know when I go to bed at night that I invested in them in a small but crucial way.

7.

The promise of Lent (and Easter)

I've saved the best for last.

I am, in fact, looking forward to Lent, in part because I simply can't wait to crack open my newest Take Up & Read journal. The Advent one was just beautiful and I absolutely treasured getting up early and doing the readings and journal prompts for the day. I fell off the bandwagon during Ordinary Time and so Lent will be a lovely way to push the reset button on a habit that is so worthwhile.

Even better still, this Lent the children will do their bean jar sacrifices as usual but with the special motivation and incentive of doing so for their grandfather.

Because...

my Dad will be entering the Catholic Church during the Easter Vigil this year! I couldn't be more thrilled. Of course, my mom, a cradle Catholic herself who handed on the faith so beautifully to us, is overjoyed. 

My Dad has always been a deeply moral person but incredibly private about anything relating to faith so I don't actually know why he has made this decision but it is wonderful news regardless!

We are making the lengthy drive to Nova Scotia to join him on his big day, and Anna loves to tell people, "my grandfather is becoming a priest!" Not quite, my dear, but I love your enthusiasm.