Saturday, January 25, 2014

Slacking...

So this blogging business is proving to be more difficult than I expected. I'd like to make excuses, new baby, just moved, we've been sick, etc. (these things are true), but really, I just need to stay on track and stick with it. I have a decent list of topics to chose from, if I really can't think of anything to write, so that should not be an issue. Besides, that new baby, he's five months old already! When the heck did that happen?! Plus, we have been in our new home for a good month, so things should be settled, right?

As for being sick, well, that's the phase we're in right now. Yesterday, I woke up with a nasty headache and runny nose, so I knew I was catching something. Yuck. Today, Monster woke up feeling pretty lousy, headache, sore throat, fever. He has "the man cold". Poor kid thinks he's dying. I just hope the babe doesn't catch it.

Needless to say, we are being pretty lazy today. Monster is curled up on the couch watching cartoons, and I am taking this sick day to try to get some writing in. Gummi is sleeping peacefully in his swing, a side affect of not sleeping all night.

I've already missed several days of writing for this month, so I am going to do something I normally would not, catch up! That's right. On top of trying to remember to write everyday, I'm also going to be "going back" to make up the days that I have missed. Good thing I have the list of topics on hand! How else can I motivate myself, then by holding myself accountable for the days I have missed?

Today's Small Stone:
Pajamas on the floor. Toddler on the couch. A fever running through. He hardly makes a sound.

Sunday, January 5, 2014

Introducing...Me!

I wasn't sure I wanted to blog everyday, but now I am thinking that I like the idea. It's a good opportunity to work on my blogging/writing skills, as well as work on my goal of writing more. I have found a small challenge, 30 Days To A Better Blog, that I am excited to try. It doesn't require me to write everyday, but it does challenge me to work on my blog everyday. Not a bad idea, considering that my last attempt at this was less than successful. I'm a few days behind, but I have already completed a couple of the tasks. I would like to go back and complete the Day 1 challenge though, since it seems like an essential component of successful blogging.

Day 1 of the 30 Days To A Better Blog challenge calls for an introduction, so allow me to introduce (or reintroduce) myself.

My name is Barbi (yes, that's my real name). I'm a stay at home mom to two beautiful little boys, Monster and Gummi (no, these are not their real names). My husband (let's just call him Hubby) and I have been married for four years, though we've been together much longer. My first priority is my family. I love them dearly, but sometimes I think I almost forget that I am my own person and I do have other interests, like reading, writing, and music (I love music!).

I started this blog because, well, blogging interests me. Aside from that, I think it's a great way to really put myself out there. I like to keep in touch with people I know, but I also love to meet new people. Maybe blogging will be a good way to do both of these things?

What will I blog about? A little bit of everything, I suppose. Maybe I will have something interesting to say, maybe not. Some days might be filled with the useless ramblings of a crazed, sleep deprived mom. Others might just be useful. I suppose we will find this out together. Maybe something I say will touch someone, help someone, inspire someone. Or maybe, in my time of need, someone will reach out to me.

I believe that we are all constantly growing and learning. This is definitely true for me. What interests me one day, may not the next. The things that I believe are not set in stone. I don't know everything, nor do I claim to. In fact, I relish an opportunity to learn something new, and I welcome friendly advice (though I may not always agree or take it). For this reason, I don't have a set "type" of people that I would like to connect with. I just like to meet people. If you enjoy reading what I have to say, great. If you would like to share you're own story/wisdom, even better. Feel free to leave me comments, ask questions, offer advice, even share your own blog (after all, I do love to read!).

By the end of this year, provided that this attempt at blogging goes well, I just hope that I have written something worth writing about. That is all. I am not looking for fame. I don't intend to change the world with my words. This blog is for me, though I do hope that I am not the only one who finds some interest in it.

"Small Stones"
As part of another writing challenge that I have decided to take on, the Mindful Writing Challenge, I will be writing "small stones" each day. I actually adore these little stones. They push me to really connect with both my writing and my surroundings. So, I leave you with this small stone.

A soft caress, a gentle nudge. The sweet emotion that fills my heart. Lie here my child, within my arms. Drift off to sleep.

Saturday, January 4, 2014

Out With The Old, In With The New

If you've been following my blog, let me just say thank you. Thank you! If you are a new here, welcome, and thank you for taking the time to read this. You might notice that all of my old posts are gone. Why? Well, because it has been a long time since my last post and I wanted to get a fresh start. What better way to start off the new year than by cleaning up the mess that was my blog and simply starting over?
 
I'm hoping that this new year proves to be a great one. 2013 came with quite a bit of stress, but we did get a beautiful new baby out of it. That's right! We are now the proud parents of not one, but two incredible boys! I'll share more on that later though. I'd like to keep today's post light and quick. Mostly, I just wanted to get that fresh start I mentioned and say Happy New Year!
 
I'm usually not a fan of new year resolutions, but this year I have set a few goals for myself. With all that has been thrown our way lately, I have been neglecting myself. I haven't been making time for my own interests, so I think it's time I start doing that. I'm not looking to do anything crazy, just get back to a few simple things that I enjoy.
 
I have set a goal to start reading and writing again. These are things that I love, but have been neglecting. Even my personal journal has all but been forgotten. I'd like to find some time to do each of these things everyday, but even just a few times a week would be great. I haven't set any specific goals yet, aside from wanting to get in at least 36 books this year. I'm looking into some writing challenges and am determined to start keeping up on my journal again. Hopefully this blog will not be left behind again either.
 
I also want to focus more on meditation and just taking care of myself in general. I have been slacking in this department and it's time to put an end to that. I may not get up and put on make up everyday, because I've really never made a big fuss of that anyway, but I do need to pay more attention to myself.
 
That being said, it is 3:30am, and both of my children are sleeping, so I should be doing the same. I'll end this post by saying happy birthday to my dear husband. I don't say it often enough, but I love you.
 
Happy Birthday, Hubby!