How did this happen? I'm one of those people that feel like 1990 was 10 years ago. But here I am. 40. Years. Old. I've finally reached the point in my life where all the 'Over The Hill' paraphernalia actually applies to me. And do you know what? I've never felt better.
Sure, I'm tired from watching pre-schoolers and broken sleep. My body is still weary from recoveries and learning to use new (and rearranged) muscles. But, I am content with where I am and who I am...and who I am becoming. After two + years of struggling to get my health back, I am well on my way. I had a weight goal to reach by my fortieth birthday - to be in the 150's again - and I have met it. So far, I have lost approximately 50 pounds in the last 2 1/2 years. It has been a long process, but it has been worth it. 10 pounds to go to be in my healthy BMI weight range. We are happy with where God has led us to live - crazy house and all. We are near family, and we are putting down roots for our kids.
Even though I am supposed to be 'slowing down' I feel like life is still flying by.
- My signs are still bringing me joy to paint, although I am striving to find a better work-life balance where that is concerned so that I am not stressed by it. It may mean that I cut way back on customer orders.
- One of our kitties, Jayne, was hit by a car last week, so a couple days ago we added a new kitten to our family - for us and for Malcolm. We named her Vera :)
- I am also stepping out into a new adventure. Earlier this week I officially became an independent Norwex consultant. We have been slowly changing our foods to a more whole-food diet, and trying to eat less processed food. We also would like to remove many of the harmful cleaning chemicals from our house. Not only would I like to cut out some allergy triggers (Darren and Jaelyn have respiratory allergies, and all of us have skin sentitivities and/or eczema), but I am positive that exposure to chemicals from my food and environment throughout my life had a hand in expediting, if not causing, the disease in my body. I have thought about making my own cleaners, and I have Pinterest pins galore with different mixtures to try, but let's face it...when it comes to cleaning, I AM LAZY haha. I need something that is already proven, that I can use immediately in my house (because I just want the harmful stuff gone), that is EASY to use, safe for the environment, and that will save me money. I have always claimed that I didn't want to direct-sell anything, but Norwex seems like a good fit for our family, and for me. The more I learn about this company and products, the more i love!
- we are continuing with home renovations ever so slowly. We aren't in a rush, but I would love to have some projects finished.
I know. It still seems like a lot. Even though I am technically on a 'sabbatical' from ministry leadership for the next year, I still want to help contribute to our families finances and continue to get ourselves out of debt. Both of my girls will be going to preschool two mornings a week, which will free up time for me to focus on things I want/need done. Pray that I find the right balance between my family, my work (Mug Half Full Designs and Norwex...and eventually our company that we own), my health (exercise), and growing even closer to the Lord.
I've also discovered a few things in the past few months. I have never realized how introverted I was until I started spending a lot of time by myself. I guess I always assumed I was somewhat of an extrovert - I had no problem getting up in front of people to sing (although I am always more nervous speaking), I've worked in retail for almost 15 years, and have been involved with numerous church plants, so I am used to putting myself out there and meeting new people. A few weeks ago, a friend asked if she could come visit with her kids and have a playdate. I confessed to her that it was the first time I had really had anyone come visit me at my house for a playdate since we moved here two years ago. Now, to be fair, a good portion of that I was preparing for and recovering from surgeries. My friend looked a bit surprised and asked "did you invite anyone over?". I had never really thought about it, but I knew my answer. "No".
I am an introvert, who 'refuels' by some alone time, but also some time around others. I remember writing some of my papers in college while sitting in the Student Centre because it accomplished both. However, a funny thing happens when you are an introvert and you are by yourself a lot...your start to 'hermitize' (yes...I just made up that word). You lose any motivation to step outside your space and initiate. I am also married to an introvert...who is out in the public all day, and needs 'home' time to recharge. When I don't get out of the house, I end up looking to him to help me refuel my need to be around people a little bit. That usually doesn't work out well haha. This new business adventure will get me out of the house (or have people into my house), meeting and interacting with people in my community. I am both nervous and excited about all of it.
Some upcoming things for me on the horizon:
- This coming Monday - on the two year anniversary of my mastectomy (which will make me two years cancer-free)- I will get the results of my genetic testing for various breast cancer genes. There are only a small percentage of people who carry this gene, but I ask for your continued prayers, as a positive result will most likely mean more surgeries.
- I will have my yearly follow-up MRI in mid-September.
- My sister and I will be having our second annual kid-free mini vacation in Moncton for a few days in September. Can. Not. Wait. Also, with losing weight all of my clothes are too big. I need some. So this trip includes shopping :)
- I will be attending and selling my signs at the Harvest women's conference at King's Church at the end of September. It is always an awesome weekend, but I have a lot to get done before then.
I appreciate your continued prayers though all of this. I still have some uncertain waters ahead but I know that I am not alone. I'm still going to step out of the boat and keep my eyes fixed on Him.
