Notes to Self; Part Deux

• Become a Morning Person

Having serious issues getting myself to bed before 3am, (insomnia seems to be part of my genetic make-up or something?), so am not the "funnest" person in the morning. Must work on this!

• Eat Healthier

OK I only have McDonalds, Pizza or Chinese when the kids ,(or I), are sick or exhausted, (about 30% of my week on average), so technically we are pretty healthy eaters…

• Drink Less Wine

Drinking wine is my usual cure for insomnia, (plus it’s a great way to catch up with my spouse and unwind in the evenings), sadly, this is no longer a healthy option…*Am very intimidated by this one…

• Be a More Patient Mother

Must; yell less, hug more, learn to not take food (and objects) thrown at me, or nasty ‘tones’ too personally. Children are the future after all, (must cherish them)...

• Spend Less Money $$

Shopping; this one is right up there with the 'Cutting Back on Wine' intimidation level. Nothing makes me feel better than having a good shop. Whether it’s for the kids, my spouse, or even just for groceries, I feel so much better when I am out there perusing the merchandise and relaxing with my own thoughts, *sigh…I will miss you 'Lazy Morning Winners Shops with a Mocha'

• Be a More Loving and Forgiving spouse

Need to learn to treat him as I would like to be treated; with kindness, consideration, respect, understanding (that things cost money), (that kids can drive anyone insane), (that night-eating is a stress issue), *and give more back massages…

• Get More Sleep

Hoping the 'Get More Exercise' column will be helpful with this category, if not, must invest in a ‘healthy’ sleep aid…is there such a thing?

Note: Yes there is, bought several kinds from kind knowledgeable man at Health store

• Stop Taking Nexium; Try Naturopathic route to cure Stomach Pain?

I spent $150.00 on slippery elm, milk thistle (three kinds), special teas etc for stomach & liver, and melatonin sleep aid. The Asian shopkeeper assured me these will heal all of my health issues, unlike the evil pharmaceuticals that probably caused them in the first place…

Note: hide Visa Bill from Spouse

• Smoke Less

Doubt this one will be an issue as I no longer get to indulge in any of my evil unhealthy catalysts, IE: Coffee, Tea, Wine ( or anything good, *sob )…

• Drink Less Coffee

Brewing my very last pot of coffee ever right now…(seriously), can smell the deliciousness everywhere as percolation commences. Mouth is salivating, feeling alive just from scent of the freshly ground beans & brewed organic free trade deliciousness… *this one will be an awful sacrifice. How on earth will I survive? Is there ‘coffee drinkers anonymous?’

• Get more exercise

Once an athlete, (figure skater, ballet, jazz, cross country, track and field etc), sadly I have not broke a sweat that didn’t involve children or housework in over five years now. This ones going to hurt! I fear it may even just kill me and make all these ‘healthy’ changes a total waste of time…

• Be Less Honest

Nobody really wants to know 'how you are' when they ask. Must learn to smile and pretend I am perfect, (never too late to try something new!) vs. verbally spewing my intensely personal diatribe on whatever might be going on in my life right now...(verbal diarrhea, you will no longer be a part of my life)!

Note: Find out; Is there 'verbal diarrhea' or 'sticks foot in mouth' anonymous?