I know it’s been quiet around here but take at look at my calender(s). (They’re public btw so you can take a look at last month as well.)  I’ve been very busy and it doesn’t look like there’s any break coming soon.

• Workouts x3 (see workout list) – 3 different workouts x 3 days a week = 9 challenges complete (d1, d2, d3)
• Finish laundry x3
• Fill out Sophie’s 4 års kontroll survey/guide
• Fill out/send return items back to Ellos
• Clean out fridge
• Organize this week’s meals
• Prepare dinner(s)
• Finish latest workout playlist
• Plan mini-vacation for summer guests
• Clean the kids’ rooms!

As of lately things have been going a bit better.  Physically I feel a bit better and stronger, and I feel like I’m able to say, “no” more than I’ve been able to in the past.  While no is regarded as a negative word, it’s forced me to say yes to myself and focus my life in a more positive direction.  I’m saying no to smoking, no to conflict and aggressive attitudes, and no to others that have been stealing my time and energy.  On a more positive note I am saying yes to myself.  I’m saying yes to better living decisions, yes to my family, and yes to my heart.

I’ve been making an effort to exercise 2-3 times a week (1 and 1/2 – 2 hours at a time) and push myself a little longer and harder.  I’ve been eating better and making conscientious dietary choices.  I’m not on any particular diet and I’m hardly depriving myself of anything.  Instead I’m trying to fuel my body and keep a healthier perspective on life.  After my last accident and that painful tailbone injury I’ve been working really hard to strengthen my body and I think it’s working.  Not only is sitting less painful, but my posture has also improved and I feel better when working on the floor.  My clothes feel a little better but I’m not purchasing an entirely new wardrobe just yet.  I’m looking up at the clock and it says it’s a little after 21:30.  Usually this wouldn’t mean much, but since I’ve been trying to keep a few health-goals I realize just how tired I am.  I used to stay up until well after midnight and then push myself to wake up at 5:00.  Now I’m going to bed earlier and hitting the snooze button for once.

The kids are doing well.  Magnus language skills are progressing more quickly than we had expected, and Sophie… well Sophie is Sophie.  She’s a mini-me but definitely more of a ham.  My big bright kids are constantly surprising me with just how much they know and are capable of.  The kids are happy and healthy and I feel like a lucky mother.

Ørjan’s situation is still the same but I feel that there’s at least something positive coming from this.  He’s been laid off (2 days a week) since October and there have been some low periods for both of us.  The one thing that I pushed him to do was take a driving course so he could finally get his license.  I know the lay-off really hit his I’m the bread-winner chord, but since driving regularly he’s been singing a new song.  He seems to have regained his confidence and honestly, some days it feels like we’re dating again.  We’ve been communicating better and making more time for each other.

If there’s anything that I can conclude from all of this is that we’re all doing a little bit better as a whole.  We’ve been making more time for each other and making an effort to use our time more wisely.

I’m not even going to get into it.  Just take a look at my calendar and what’s going on just this week.  I don’t even have time to breathe.

After the new year came and went, and after much deliberation, I decided I would still try to keep this place going.  I don’t think I’ll ever be able to close it down since I’ve had it for almost a decade.  In any case a facelift was well overdue and a new layout is up.  Perhaps it’s by habit, but I still love this template so much so I can’t even part with it despite downloading over 10+ new ones.  If you want to see what I’m up to I really recommend taking a look at my lifestream since you can keep a track of what I’m listening to, watching, or where I’ve recently posted photos or blogged.

I suppose the only reason why I even have time to make this update is because I was seriously sick yet again.  Here in Hemnes it’s been nothing but Attack of the 50ft Virus and a viral infection/influenza has picked us off one by one.  Households can be completely taken out, the next they’re healthy, and the week after that they’re in bed again.  It’s been bad and that’s exactly what it’s been like for us.  The kids had it the worst but it hasn’t exactly been a dream for us either.  Almost 5 days later and I can almost breathe out of my nose without the aid of nose spray and I almost tasted my dinner tonight.  If my head isn’t ready to explode I’m either burning up it’s cold sweats and muscle pain.  I lucked out though – no throat infection!  I had to settle for a horribly painful cough and chest pain… so.

As far as good news goes my mum is coming to visit us during the summer!  This means we’ve postponed our big 2012 vacation but it’s ok.  My mum’s last visit to Norway was in 2007 so you can imagine just how long we’ve been waiting for this.  My aunt will also be traveling with her which is an extra added bonus.  My mum’s getting older and having someone with her that has more recent travel experience is always good.

My no smoking thing goes is going very well.  Food tastes better, I sleep soooo much better, and I feel wonderful.  I did initially put on some weight in the beginning, but after I cut out smoking I focused on fitness and it’s been helping me to occupy my time and thoughts with something more positive.

Things are ok.  Some days are nothing but stress but when I take a step back things are great. The kids are fantastic, Ørjan’s driving course is going well, and I feel better about my current work situation.  I have more time to myself and for once I genuinely look forward to tomorrow.