This is the moment the children have longed for: the last day of school!!!! With mixed feelings, they look back on the year they spent with their friends. Things will change. The youngest will attend a totally new school, in a new town. The eldest will remain in the same school, but she will change subjects and classes. Meaning she will have new classmates and new teachers.
Mixed feelings, because they will miss school (although I'm sure they will deny that as hard as they can!) on one hand, but on the other hand, they are glad school is out. Two months to relax, to chill with their friends, to have fun, go to the pool, have sleep-overs, hang out, get bored, and in the end, long for the new school year.
Our youngest daughter is already planning for the next school year. She has bought several items to brighten up her boarding room in school. She's so looking forward to meeting new friends, new teachers and the system of high school. I can totally understand her, going back in time. There I was, a 6th grader, getting ready to go to high school in a different town. For the first time in my life, taking the train to go to school, having some private time with friends in school, new classes, new everything. I always enjoyed school time and I never looked forward to summer vacation. I got bored instantly, without my friends and school and the things I liked to do.
I'm looking forward to spending two months with the girls. We will have fun, definitely. Their daddy will have 5 weeks off as well. Sounds like a plan to me!
You don't know me yet, maybe you do. If you don't, you will get to know me by reading this blog. If you know me, you might learn more about me, reading this blog, since I don't have the time to keep up with all of you. I'm a witty, young at heart hobby cook, always in for a good time, craving carbs but not eating many. An open book to many, spontaneous, outgoing, loving and caring personality with Type 1 diabetes.
Tuesday, June 30, 2009
Your voice will not be the only voice in your child's ear
Whenever you decide to welcome a child into your home, your life changes. A tiny creature will grow up in the environment you provide for it. It will totally depend on the people that take care of it. But remember: your voice will not be the only voice in your child's ear. There are so many people that will come in contact with your child and all of them will make some sort of impression. Try to make sure that your own voice will be loving, caring and open minded. Talk to your child, tell your child that it is loved and welcome. Don't deprive your child from having contact with other people, just because you fear it will no longer see you as the most important person in the world. By no means can you force someone to love you. If you want your child to love you, give it the opportunity to be itself. Your child will love you back, trust me.
Once your child starts to hear other voices, it can start building its own personality. Different people have different opinions. Children need to hear different voices, to broaden their horizon. Otherwise, they will live in a very small world, consisting of only one voice, the voice of its mother. That mother can be very loving and wise, but children are entitled to more loving and caring people in their life. Contact with other people teaches the child good life lessons. They get to know different characteristics, they learn to see differences in people. It's good for their emotional and intellectual growth.
Don't deprive your child from hearing other voices. Don't be selfish. Children are not property, they are a gift.. You don't own them. You get the chance to raise a child and to give it all the chances it deserves. Give it a good and happy life, full of opportunities and chances to grow.
Once your child starts to hear other voices, it can start building its own personality. Different people have different opinions. Children need to hear different voices, to broaden their horizon. Otherwise, they will live in a very small world, consisting of only one voice, the voice of its mother. That mother can be very loving and wise, but children are entitled to more loving and caring people in their life. Contact with other people teaches the child good life lessons. They get to know different characteristics, they learn to see differences in people. It's good for their emotional and intellectual growth.
Don't deprive your child from hearing other voices. Don't be selfish. Children are not property, they are a gift.. You don't own them. You get the chance to raise a child and to give it all the chances it deserves. Give it a good and happy life, full of opportunities and chances to grow.
Monday, June 29, 2009
Tongue tied
In High School, once in a while we had a project and we had to stand in front of the class to tell our peers about it. I loved doing so! I loved the preparations, I loved to go to the library (no Internet in those days) to find as much information I could get. And then, the magical moment of speaking in public. I remember getting good grades for those projects and people telling me how well I did.
But nowadays, I'm tongue tied. I no longer like to speak in public, at least not in front of people I hardly know. A couple of years ago, I started to work in the local hospital as a clerk. There were team meetings and the first meeting I attended, the doctor I worked for, asked me to stand in front of the group and introduce myself to the somewhat 40 people present. It was my first week at work and I hardly knew anybody. I was so ashamed and I wanted to fleed. I didn't know what to stay and I started to stumble. My blood sugar dropped and I felt dizzy. I didn't want to tell the group I needed to test my glucose level, so I went on and I thought I was dying.
Many team members asked me questions and I did the best I could to answer them, without making a complete fool of myself. I was so happy when the doctor told me I could go back to my seat.
Colleagues came to congratulate me afterwards, for the good presentation and they said they would have been tongue tied, if they had been asked to do the same. I survived..
Smile
The curve of a smile is enough to straighten a life. Smiling is so important, that you need to do it at least once a day. A day without a smile, is a lost day.
I love to laugh! Really! It's great to make people laugh too. Joking around and telling funny stories is part of a happy life. I can't imagine not being able to smile any more.
So keep on smiling guys! It's the best ingredient for a fortunate life!
Sunday, June 28, 2009
Fear
Fear is man's greatest enemy. It manifests itself in forms as shame, jealousy, anger, arrogance....
What causes fear? Lack of confidence in oneself. Children need confirmation to build up their self-worth and self-esteem. Some people "motivate" their children by degrading them. Some even think spanking will do the job and make them stronger. Isn't it weird that people still believe negative approaches do the job?
I believe in positive reinforcement. We all like a pat on the shoulder. Don't you like your boss to tell you you did a great job? I'm sure your wife has a grin from ear to ear when you tell her you enjoyed her cooking.
Why is it so hard for people to compliment someone, especially a child? Children that aren't complimented in their childhood, become adults that thrive on fear. They are so afraid to do something wrong, to hurt someone, that they don't live their own lives. They keep living the lives someone else told them to live. Because that is safe.. New things scare them to death.. What if they fail? What if their boss doesn't like them?
Our whole life is based on guilt and fear. Isn't it about time for things to change? We need to comfort our children and praise them and guide them on their way to adulthood, without fear..
What causes fear? Lack of confidence in oneself. Children need confirmation to build up their self-worth and self-esteem. Some people "motivate" their children by degrading them. Some even think spanking will do the job and make them stronger. Isn't it weird that people still believe negative approaches do the job?
I believe in positive reinforcement. We all like a pat on the shoulder. Don't you like your boss to tell you you did a great job? I'm sure your wife has a grin from ear to ear when you tell her you enjoyed her cooking.
Why is it so hard for people to compliment someone, especially a child? Children that aren't complimented in their childhood, become adults that thrive on fear. They are so afraid to do something wrong, to hurt someone, that they don't live their own lives. They keep living the lives someone else told them to live. Because that is safe.. New things scare them to death.. What if they fail? What if their boss doesn't like them?
Our whole life is based on guilt and fear. Isn't it about time for things to change? We need to comfort our children and praise them and guide them on their way to adulthood, without fear..
It's not my time
Once again, I had this horrible dream. I have had this nightmare for many years now, but it had been a while since I last faced it.
I have a terrible car accident, in a nearby town, where I come on a weekly basis. I can see myself, flat on my back, on the street. My children are beside me. They are still todlers. They sit beside me and they hold my hand. I can hear the otherwhise annoying sound of the ambulance, but this time I love the sound. I can't move. I can't speak. The only thing I can do is think and roll my eyes. Nobody is looking at my face. There are many people around me, telling each other how bad it looks and how young my children are.
The ambulance arrives at the scene. A woman and a man rush out, in their white uniforms. The woman is holding a white sheet. It's my mother. She has this horrible grin on her face. She tells the public it's too late. "Dead..' she says. I want to scream, but my vocal chords can't produce any sound. She grabs my children by the hand and walks away. The male nurse covers my body with the white sheet. I wet my pants.. The last thing I hear, is my mother telling my children that they will be better off now.
Thank goodness it is just a dream. A nightmare alright. My time hasn't come yet. My daughters are teens, not toddlers. I'm not going to die. Not yet. And there's no way my mother is going to take my children away from me. Because I'm a good mother. The best mother my children could wish for. At least, that's what they tell me. And I tend to believe them..
I have a terrible car accident, in a nearby town, where I come on a weekly basis. I can see myself, flat on my back, on the street. My children are beside me. They are still todlers. They sit beside me and they hold my hand. I can hear the otherwhise annoying sound of the ambulance, but this time I love the sound. I can't move. I can't speak. The only thing I can do is think and roll my eyes. Nobody is looking at my face. There are many people around me, telling each other how bad it looks and how young my children are.
The ambulance arrives at the scene. A woman and a man rush out, in their white uniforms. The woman is holding a white sheet. It's my mother. She has this horrible grin on her face. She tells the public it's too late. "Dead..' she says. I want to scream, but my vocal chords can't produce any sound. She grabs my children by the hand and walks away. The male nurse covers my body with the white sheet. I wet my pants.. The last thing I hear, is my mother telling my children that they will be better off now.
Thank goodness it is just a dream. A nightmare alright. My time hasn't come yet. My daughters are teens, not toddlers. I'm not going to die. Not yet. And there's no way my mother is going to take my children away from me. Because I'm a good mother. The best mother my children could wish for. At least, that's what they tell me. And I tend to believe them..
Saturday, June 27, 2009
Boundaries
If you know your own limits and you try to stay within these limits, you are free.
We all seek freedom in some manner. Isn't it strange that one needs limits in order to be free? We raise our children and we set boundaries. Children are deprived of their freedom if no boundaries have been set. They don't know what to hold on to. They don't know what to expect. It terrifies them to have no boundaries.
Setting boundaries is not easy. Sticking to them is even harder. But it pays off in the end, don't forget. Your children will thank you. They need limits in order to grow up to be mature and responsible people. Talk with them. Ask them about your way of setting boundaries. Be sure that there's opening for discussion concerning some limits. Give them the responsibility they can take, so they can set their own boundaries.
We all seek freedom in some manner. Isn't it strange that one needs limits in order to be free? We raise our children and we set boundaries. Children are deprived of their freedom if no boundaries have been set. They don't know what to hold on to. They don't know what to expect. It terrifies them to have no boundaries.
Setting boundaries is not easy. Sticking to them is even harder. But it pays off in the end, don't forget. Your children will thank you. They need limits in order to grow up to be mature and responsible people. Talk with them. Ask them about your way of setting boundaries. Be sure that there's opening for discussion concerning some limits. Give them the responsibility they can take, so they can set their own boundaries.
If you could only see..
If you could only see how well I am doing.
If you could only see that I'm a good person.
If you could only see that I'm doing just fine.
If you could only see that I'm happy.
If you could only see who I really am.
If you could only see that I did make something of my life.
If you could only see.. me.
Friday, June 26, 2009
Bookkeeper
Did you actually think I would become a real bookkeeper? No way!!! I think we would go bankrupt in one month time. LOLZ. Honestly, I'm not very good at keeping the books at home. I do know the amount of money coming in, and I love to spend it. I pay the bills in time and we live well. But keeping books? Absolutely not!
I love to read books. I hate to borrow books from the library. Any book I read, I want to keep. I have a nice collection by now and I still buy a couple of books a month. Reading has always been a passion of mine and I enjoy many different genres. Does it surprise you that I also read cook books as novels? Really, once I start reading a cook book, I can't put it down.
Most of the time, I read several books simultaneously. There's one in the bathroom, there's one on my night stand, there's one in the den. The books I prefer, are true life stories. But I also like John Grisham, Stephen King, Sandra Brown, John Gilstrap,..
It would be great to have my own library at home. And it would be even better, if one day I could say: these are the books I have written!
I love to read books. I hate to borrow books from the library. Any book I read, I want to keep. I have a nice collection by now and I still buy a couple of books a month. Reading has always been a passion of mine and I enjoy many different genres. Does it surprise you that I also read cook books as novels? Really, once I start reading a cook book, I can't put it down.
Most of the time, I read several books simultaneously. There's one in the bathroom, there's one on my night stand, there's one in the den. The books I prefer, are true life stories. But I also like John Grisham, Stephen King, Sandra Brown, John Gilstrap,..
It would be great to have my own library at home. And it would be even better, if one day I could say: these are the books I have written!
I can't dance
I hate dancing. I love to see other people dance. At least, if they are good at it. Show offs that think they can dance but make a complete fool of themselves are not funny. Some people think it's fun to watch, but I think it's ridiculous. Why would I ridicule myself? I keep my head high and I don't dance. Don't even go there. I don't want to learn it, I will not dance.
Unless it's a slow dance. Unless you hold me tight and you only have your eyes set on me. Only then I might reconcile.
Thursday, June 25, 2009
Be you
Have you ever thought of how many times we act to please others? How many times do we not follow our heart, because we are afraid of what others might think? Why is it so important for us people, to please others and deny our own wishes? We keep on comparing who we are, what we do and mostly what we have, to others. It makes us unhappy, because it's never good enough. Greed is what keeps us going. In the meantime, we forget to enjoy and cherish what we have. There will always be people that do better than you. But don't you think they also compare to others? Do you think they are happy with themselves, or would they also try to do better?
Is happiness about money and wealth? I agree, you need money to make your life more comfortable. But there's more to life than luxury. Friendship and love are so much more important and it is not for sale. It's hard work! In the end, it fulfils you with joy and happiness, that no money can buy.
Do you know who you are? Can you truly say you don't care about other people's opinion when it comes to you? Does it bother you that his car is newer and bigger than yours? Do you mind that his house is a mansion compared to your shed? Does it hurt you, to see that they have nannies to take care of their children and someone to clean their house?
Or maybe it saddens you, to hear that some children don't have a roof over their head. Some people haven't eaten in days and don't get any help when it comes to health issues. Ever thought of that? Is that what the crisis is teaching us? To be content in life and to embrace whatever crosses our path?
If you do not compare yourself with another, you will be what you really are. And being you is not bad after all..
Enjoy the silence
If you know me, you should know that I'm very talkative and that I don't like silence. At least not during the day. But in the evening, when everybody has gone to bed, I truly enjoy the silence. No TV, no music, no talking. Just the sound of my tapping on the notebook. No other sounds but the purring of the cat, laying next to me, its head in my lap. I can even hear the clicking sound of my insulin pump delivering insulin once in a while. So I can enjoy the silence, on my terms..
Wednesday, June 24, 2009
Every rose has its thorn
No matter how beautiful you are and what an incredible person you may be, we all have our shortcomings. It's good to take a look at yourself once in a while, and see what you can do to improve yourself. In the past, I tried to change people when they didn't measure up to my standard, but nowadays I tend to accept the people as they are. I can only change the way I look at them. It's good that people are different. It makes the world less boring.
It's not an easy job, but it is satisfying. It helps you to keep your own feet on the ground. It makes you humble. After all, we're not perfect ourselves, are we? Imagine having to live with someone who is absolutely perfect. Scary, isn't it?
Thorns make roses unique. Sometimes you get bruised by the thorns, but if you can keep on seeing the beauty of the flower, things can be solved..
It's not an easy job, but it is satisfying. It helps you to keep your own feet on the ground. It makes you humble. After all, we're not perfect ourselves, are we? Imagine having to live with someone who is absolutely perfect. Scary, isn't it?
Thorns make roses unique. Sometimes you get bruised by the thorns, but if you can keep on seeing the beauty of the flower, things can be solved..
Knock on wood
Can I knock on wood, before I say I'm happy? I like being married and having a family and taking care of all of you. I like having good friends to make fun with, a shoulder to cry on, places to go to. People say you shouldn't dare faith, because it will turn against you.
But I can't help it.. I'm happy and I wanted to share that with you!
But I can't help it.. I'm happy and I wanted to share that with you!
Tuesday, June 23, 2009
Opposites attract
As far as I'm concerned, hubby and I are complete opposites. I guess that's what makes our marriage work so well. He's the more quiet, introvert type. I'm loud and extrovert. I like to go out and meet friends, socialize whenever I feel like it. He prefers to stay at home and watch TV. I don't mind him watching TV and he is not upset when I go see my friends.
He's the sporty type, I'm a total loser when it comes to sports. I even take the car to go fetch bread. He likes snow countries, I like the sun. He likes to lay down around the pool on vacation, I prefer to roam around the country, looking out for new thingamajigs.
He likes stability and a steady workplace. I like flexibility and the challenge of a new job in a new environment.
So what keeps us together??? Love, I guess? We give each other the freedom and the respect we need and deserve. Of course we also do things together and with our family, but apart from that, we also lead our own life. And I believe nothing's wrong with that. After all, we have been together for 15 years now and maybe our strength is the way we live?
He's the sporty type, I'm a total loser when it comes to sports. I even take the car to go fetch bread. He likes snow countries, I like the sun. He likes to lay down around the pool on vacation, I prefer to roam around the country, looking out for new thingamajigs.
He likes stability and a steady workplace. I like flexibility and the challenge of a new job in a new environment.
So what keeps us together??? Love, I guess? We give each other the freedom and the respect we need and deserve. Of course we also do things together and with our family, but apart from that, we also lead our own life. And I believe nothing's wrong with that. After all, we have been together for 15 years now and maybe our strength is the way we live?
Bollywood
A friend of mine introduced me to the Bollywood movies. You like them or you don't. I'm a fan! If you have had the luck to watch one Bollywood right through the end, you will want to see more, I'm telling you!
I have bought several Bollywood movies since. Veer Zaara is still my favorite. Veer Pratap Singh, played by the most romantic Shah Rukh Khan, is an officer and pilot in the Indian Air Force. He meets a beautiful Pakistani heiress, Zaara Hayaat Khan (the gorgeous Preity Zinta), as she travels to a small Indian village to scatter the ashes of one of her family's loyal servants. Veer has family in the village and they are willing to take Zaara in for the night, although most Indians show no affection for Pakistanis. Veer falls madly in love, to find out that Zaara is promised to another man, Raza, who is cruel and humorless. Zaara wants out of her engagement and Veer runs to the rescue. Matters take a turn for the worse though, and Veer winds up in jail... Will they ever meet again?
We like to keep the end of the story to ourselves. In some cultures, you are supposed to tell the story's ending to your friends, because they want to know in advance! Imagine!
I also like the soundtrack of Veer Zara as well. I just bought it on I-Tunes and it brings back memories of some good Bollywood evenings..
Monday, June 22, 2009
Shake your booty
She's growing up and she thinks she's 16. But she's only a sweet 14. It takes her 45 min to get showered and to blow dry her hair. She takes good care of herself and treats every pimple that appears on her pretty face. She manicures her nails, dances to keep in shape, shaves her legs and doesn't overeat. Her feet are way too big for her slender body shape, so she needs high heels, even if they are not that high. She shakes her booty when we go to town. Every shop window has seen her reflection as she takes a glance to check her looks..
A little bird told me she's in love. She's had a boyfriend for a couple of months now and they are very close. But she's also a teenager and she falls in love all the time.
She will date several boys before she finds Mr Right Guy. I hope he will deserve her..
I lost myself
It's not going too well. My weight is going up again, I need more insulin and I crave carbs again. It's so exhausting to go through another episode of bingeing again. I even long for foods I normally despise or never eat. If only I can eat, I'm fine. But the thing is: I want to eat healthy, I want to eat low carb, I want to loose weight, not gain any more. If only things were that easy, there wouldn't be any overweight people around. Because I'm convinced, people honestly do not choose to be big. Many people grow bigger by the years and don't realise it until it's gone too far.
I don't want to go back there. I want to stick to my healthy and nutritious diet. The crisps look at me from the shop shelves. They cry out: eat me! eat me! and I give in. Pretending I'm buying it for hubby, or the kids. Knowing it will be mine. A late evening snack. When everybody else is asleep. Just me and the crisps..
I hate those periods, I really do. I hope I'll be back on track again somewhere soon. I don't like to loose myself and certainly not to food.
I don't want to go back there. I want to stick to my healthy and nutritious diet. The crisps look at me from the shop shelves. They cry out: eat me! eat me! and I give in. Pretending I'm buying it for hubby, or the kids. Knowing it will be mine. A late evening snack. When everybody else is asleep. Just me and the crisps..
I hate those periods, I really do. I hope I'll be back on track again somewhere soon. I don't like to loose myself and certainly not to food.
Sunday, June 21, 2009
Too old too soon
This week, I have read a book that really touched me. It tells the story of Michiel and Amber, both suffering from the rare disease progeria. Worldwide 45 children have this condition and most of them don't grow older than 13, although there are exceptions.
Children with progeria have bold heads, a sharp nose and stiff joints. They don't grow very tall and they don't grow old. But they have sparkling characters, are full of humor and tend to win all people's hearts.
The mother of Michiel and Amber invites the reader in their life, telling us about the birth of both children, the diagnosis, the disbelief when their second child had the disease too, although doctors told them not to be afraid to have another child with progeria. Because there has never been a family with multiple children who had progeria. Unfortunately Amber also got progeria. Michiel doesn't understand why people are so sad that his little sister has the same disease. He has the disease too and he's okay? So why cry over Amber? Can an 11 yo realise death is around the corner..? He knows some of his progeria friends have lost the battle. He knows he doesn't want to be buried. He wants to stay with his family, even after death..
Michiel is so clever and bubbly and he has a vibrant personality. He is much bigger than other people will ever be. It doesn't matter that he's short, his heart and mind are big enough.
Michiel's wants to become a professional soccer player. He's full of dreams. He doesn't wish for progeria to go away, because progeria is part of who he is. He wouldn't be Michiel without progeria... That says it all.
Godelieve and Wim, the parents, will never see their children as adults. They will not have weddings to prepare, no grandchildren to welcome in their loving home. They make the best of the time given with Michiel and Amber. And they do that in the best possible manner. Respect... nothing but respect for this loving family. For the way they keep going and for the love they give these wonderful, unique children.
Michiel has travelled to the US several times now, to visit his progeria friends and to attend a special programme on progeria research. He's quite a celebrity in our little country.
I would like a moment of silence, to think about this family and their lovely kids. Keep them in your prayers.. and wish them the best life they can have.
www.progeria.be
The mother of Michiel and Amber invites the reader in their life, telling us about the birth of both children, the diagnosis, the disbelief when their second child had the disease too, although doctors told them not to be afraid to have another child with progeria. Because there has never been a family with multiple children who had progeria. Unfortunately Amber also got progeria. Michiel doesn't understand why people are so sad that his little sister has the same disease. He has the disease too and he's okay? So why cry over Amber? Can an 11 yo realise death is around the corner..? He knows some of his progeria friends have lost the battle. He knows he doesn't want to be buried. He wants to stay with his family, even after death..
Michiel is so clever and bubbly and he has a vibrant personality. He is much bigger than other people will ever be. It doesn't matter that he's short, his heart and mind are big enough.
Michiel's wants to become a professional soccer player. He's full of dreams. He doesn't wish for progeria to go away, because progeria is part of who he is. He wouldn't be Michiel without progeria... That says it all.
Godelieve and Wim, the parents, will never see their children as adults. They will not have weddings to prepare, no grandchildren to welcome in their loving home. They make the best of the time given with Michiel and Amber. And they do that in the best possible manner. Respect... nothing but respect for this loving family. For the way they keep going and for the love they give these wonderful, unique children.
Michiel has travelled to the US several times now, to visit his progeria friends and to attend a special programme on progeria research. He's quite a celebrity in our little country.
I would like a moment of silence, to think about this family and their lovely kids. Keep them in your prayers.. and wish them the best life they can have.
www.progeria.be
Parenting is a verb, more than a noun
Once you are a parent, you are always a parent: 24/7. Children are fully entitled to the attention of their parents and the child must be the parent's number one priority. That does not mean you have to spoil your child, buying it every new gadget around. It means you provide safety and security in a loving home.
Children need to make mistakes to grow up. As a parent, you should give it some sort of freedom, to let it experiment and get experienced in life. Sometimes you need to step back as a parent, even if you don't agree with the choices your children make. Because they are entitled to their own choices in life.
It's important that both parents get along well enough to agree over the education of the children. Children need stability and structure in their life. And beware: children mimic their parents! So if you feel your child is not behaving or acting disrespectful, try to look at yourself and try to discover where things went wrong. Happy parents make happy children.
Parenting takes a lot of work, but it can be the best job of a lifetime!
Children need to make mistakes to grow up. As a parent, you should give it some sort of freedom, to let it experiment and get experienced in life. Sometimes you need to step back as a parent, even if you don't agree with the choices your children make. Because they are entitled to their own choices in life.
It's important that both parents get along well enough to agree over the education of the children. Children need stability and structure in their life. And beware: children mimic their parents! So if you feel your child is not behaving or acting disrespectful, try to look at yourself and try to discover where things went wrong. Happy parents make happy children.
Parenting takes a lot of work, but it can be the best job of a lifetime!
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