Resolution Challenge

A Second Exclusive Interview…

Rachelle L’Ecuyer — Thu, 03 Jul 2008 18:03:53 +0000

This week we stayed home together and did some things we would not normally do. Although, I did do work everyday! At one point, I had a conversation with the Post’s own Margaret Gillerman. I told her I was home with my kids and we were running around town. She said, “You know, your name sounds familar…were you in the resolution challenge?” When I told her yes, she said, “Oh how funny you are in the resolution challenge to spend more time with your kids and you are actually spending more time with your kids!”

We went to the Scott Joplin House and participated in an archeological dig! Tim Baumann and his team of archeologists were there for a second summer of excavating the past in hopes of getting a better picture of what life was like in St. Louis 100 years ago. Again, this was more of a Noah thing than a Jacob thing but it was a lot of fun for us all and we got to tour the house afterwards, too. I think it made us all grateful for our refrigerator, air conditioning and local grocery store… Thanks to Dr. Baumann, his wife Veronica and the rest of the staff at the Scott Joplin House for their patience and for letting us participate. We mostly found glass and little bones but it was still fun. For more information go to: http://www.moval.edu/faculty/baumannt/joplindig.html

Also, we saw the Niki exhibit at the garden, which is another world-class exhibit brought to us by the Missouri Botanical Garden and we are going to get a special cooking lesson on the 4th of July. We also spent two great hours with Carolyn Simon Noon at SCOSAG working on our ceramics. Other than that we spent time with friends and just hung around the house. Now, my important interview!:

This week I have an exclusive interview with Jacob the 11-year old!

Me: First of all, I am going to make sure that this is you, Jacob. So I have a special question.

What is your favorite galaxy?

Jacob: I would have to say, a fused galaxy.

Me: What?

Jacob: You know, two galaxies that have collided to form a new one. Like the Antenna galaxy has two cores, you know.

Me: Good. Now, I know it is you!

Me: So, you know we are doing this resolution challenge thing, right?

Jacob: Yes…

Me: How are we doing?

Jacob: Pretty good.

Me: In what way?

Jacob: We are getting out a lot, we sometimes go to the City Museum, the Art museum and oh yeah, we are teaching the puppy some tricks and we have been to my favorite restaurants.

Me: How is this affecting your life?

Jacob: Making it a lot better because I am having a lot more fun and I get to run around a lot.

Me: (I swear I am not making him say this!)

What are some of the things we have done that you like best?

Jacob: We get to spend more time together, and I like watching movies together.

Me: What was your favorite movie that we saw?

Jacob: Kung Fu Panda!

Me: How did you like the archeological dig?

Jacob: It wasn’t what I thought it would be but it was fun. I wanted to somewhere sandy and dig for dinosaur bones.

Me: Sorry, we don’t have a desert in St. Louis!

Jacob: Well, the moon is getting farther away from the earth and if it comes out of earth’s gravitational pull and the weather will start going out of whack and there will be more desert. This will take a few years, like a thousand years, or so.

Me: Well until then, we will just have to dig behind the Scott Joplin House. Thanks Jacob!

Jacob: OK! I am going to make a new orgami animal… see you!

A great motivating health challenge!

Robert Smith — Tue, 01 Jul 2008 12:51:49 +0000

It has been a great kick start to getting on track to my health. Being 61 and diabetic, it has been a challenge to lose weight and lower my blood sugar levels. I have lost 14 of my 50 pounds. I have lowered my blood sugar levels to the lowest in years.

My goal is till to lose 50 pounds. I continue to walk 5 days a week. I continue to watch the portions I eat. I want to thank Cindi and the Post Dispacth for helping me get motivated. I still have a ways to go but I am headed there!

Taste buds

Rachelle L’Ecuyer — Fri, 27 Jun 2008 04:09:41 +0000

I once read somewhere that as you grow older your taste buds actually deteriorate so that when you are older you have a lot less taste buds than you did when you were a kid. This is why kids don’t like spicy things and why food is so important to them, they can taste everything! Funny about tasting and kids, they seem less likely to try things to eat because they are taking a bigger risk than grown-ups, the impact is greater and with all those taste buds, the consequences more dramatic. So, maybe food is what sets the stage for kids, they look at something and make the assessment that they are not going to like it based on how it looks, its shape, etc. Grown-ups already have developed that sense that tells us yes/no/maybe and some little light goes off in our heads that says “go for it”. Kids, though have that “danger Will Robinson” kind of reaction to new things be it food, experiences, etc… until they are really sure they are going to like something they just stay put.I have been trying to convince the children not to treat everything like food. I have been trying to encourage them to be more adventurous and try new things but they look at me like everything is going to be too spicy. It occurred to me over the last few months that I may be asking them to go too far out of their comfort zone. And it also occurred to me that I may be pushing this idea of spending time together way too far. I realized this when summer camp started. They spend their days swimming, playing sports, taking hikes and even horseback riding (I wish I could go to summer camp!) Then they go into an aftercare program for about an hour or so. One day when I came to pick them up, Jacob (the 11-year old) was playing with Legos. He was really involved in what he was doing and built a really cool helicopter. On the way home I was running through my head what we were going to be doing that evening and it occurred to me the children had been running all day and then doing creative things after that and my expectation was that they were not going to retreat to their TV room when we got home. OH DEAR! It really hit me. They need down time, too. Yeah, I want to see them and do things with them but not when they are cranky and tired. So, with summer camp, I have been more relaxed about the video games during the week.

So, this brings me back to why I am here. It is not about spending more time together, it is about finding a balance in this crazy life we live. We have worked out a good balance in spending time together and we have found things we enjoy doing together and that has been so satisfying. But if we don’t get to have that downtime or even that time away from each other, we are going to drive each other nuts and in the end none of us will be happy. So, I am serving up a plate of balanced activities and living and will add some spice here and there. Some of what is on the plate is stuff we have to do, some of it is stuff I want them to do but there is also a little dessert, now, too, and I really hope they enjoy it all as much as I do. I am not sure I have found the answer for balance (clearly evidenced by the fact that I should have written this about 15 hours ago…) but seriously, figuring out that there has to be a balance is a big step because functioning without balance cannot be sustained for long.

I have one more post to go… thanks for reading and thanks for all of your feedback and positive comments!

I’ve Learned a Lot

Deborah L. Miller — Thu, 26 Jun 2008 13:17:17 +0000

Well today will be my last blog, not that I did this regular. After working online all day my preference is not to be online at home too. I must say the Internet is just awesome.

Over the past 6 months with my peaks and valleys I’ve lost a total 15 pounds. My expectations were to feel better and have control over my eating habits. My weight loss goal was 25 pounds for the 6 months, with the intent to loose an average of 4 lbs a month and keep them off. But hey I’m not complaining! Weight gain is a big thing and the fact that I can by pass those afternoon chocolate pick me ups, walk by the snack tables, know how to limit my meals and make myself exercise is great with me. A big kicker is I have not used a vending machine in 6 months at work or out and about. Another thing I’ve learned over these few months is you gotta exercise. Diet alone unless it’s a very restrictive diet is not going to get me the results I want. On a restrictive diet I waiver off, been there done that. I enjoy different restaurants and I love to entertain and cook all which involve food. I have done all those things these past 6 months and did not experience large weight gains. Yeah, I picked pick back up 2-3 ocasionally but you can get those off it those 10lbs that are hard to manage. I was just out of control and thanks to the resolution challenge I have regained that control. Just because the communcation and teh watchful eyes are over I’m not going to stop my walks, the elliptical or even those Saturday morning occasional skating sessions. These are all things that are part of my routine now. My food journal that’s a tell all there. All the inspirational and encouraging words from friends, family and total strangers will be with me for the rest of this healthy and fit life journey. Ladies don’t give up with some of us the weight comes off slowly just be healthy first and always feel good about yourself.

Okay this morning I took my photos for the last article. I want to be straight with you guys. Normally I get up go downstairs in my pajamas and tennis shoes and do my thing for 30 -45 minutes then I shower and get ready for work. That’s the advantage of having the elliptical at home. Nobody sees me so I don’t have to get dressed. I didn’t think it would be good idea for the pics in the paper. So I fluffed my hair and put on sweats and a T-shirt. The real thing at 6:00 o’ clock in the morning it’s just me and the machine.

My check in time for my weight goal is March 09 at my next annual physical and I’m confident I’ll be there. What about you will you meet yours? Lets stick together we can do it.

Take Care Until next time… Deborah.

Late Posting…

Rachelle L’Ecuyer — Mon, 23 Jun 2008 00:20:47 +0000

I am a few days behind in blogging… the children were away this week and I didn’t know what to do with myself… I used to have a special pair of ballet shoes I would slip on and dance around the house in when they left but now it takes everything I have in me not to slip into a dark and hopeless state when I am without them. They are really a joy to be with and I miss them when they are gone.

This week was not a wholly good week for me. An old work friend passed away suddenly and it was very shocking and sad. When I attended the memorial service I saw many familiar faces from very different occupations and organizations, this person had touched many people and it was very clear the positive impact he made to our community during his time.

While I listened to the Rabbi give the eulogy, I thought a lot about my own life. I thought about the children and this resolution challenge and how it has really made me be honest about finding a balance in our lives. And as I listened to the eulogy further, I was reminded that in life we only get one chance, really only one, and we must make each day, each moment, count. I thought about how absolutely exhausting life can be sometimes and how I don’t always do the things I should do (like sit-ups!) Seriously, like the things I have started doing with the children, and that there are even more things we should be doing together. The thought of it all can be overwhelming but I realized, too, the only way to get there is through practice and with patience. The only way anyone ever achieves goals is by not giving up! The first few tries may not be perfect but keep trying and it will happen, it will.

I was sandwiched between a dear friend and my boyfriend at the service and I felt comforted by their presence as I processed the loss of someone I greatly respected and admired. I thought about how important it is to keep up with our friends and family. My efforts to spend more time with the children through this challenge have also made me think about my friends, too. I have been more thoughtful of saying “thanks” to my friends, who always seem to be there for me when I need them, even for the craziest things! I have also been more aware of time spent with friends and I have especially thought about “what is it that I do for them?” And in the process of living up to this challenge, I hope my friends have seen a positive change in our friendship, too. It has been an interesting year, to say the least.

I mourned the loss of an old friend today but the only way I see to truly honor that person is to get up every morning and live, truly live.

Blood sugars keep falling

Robert Smith — Fri, 13 Jun 2008 17:58:05 +0000

I recently went to my doctor for my three month check up. My hemoglobin level is 7.3. Normal levels are 7.0 or less. I have reduced my blood sugar levels from 8.3 in March to 7.3 in June. My exercise and eating habits are beginning to pay off.

I have lost 14 pounds. I continue to walk and watch what I eat. I will continue after this health challenge is over. Being part of the health challenge has helped a lot!

Say It Loud, Say It Clear, Say It Now, Don’t Wait Another Year

Travis Moore — Fri, 13 Jun 2008 04:28:21 +0000

Driving home from work this past Friday I heard this song (”In the Living Years” by Mike and the Mechanics) on the radio and it made me think about my letter writing and a lot of my motivation to be intentional about putting my thoughts on paper and sharing with those I love. I hope it inspires you to do the same.

I think my favorite part of the song is the last few verses before the chorus repeats.

“In the Living Years”

Every generation
Blames the one before
And all of their frustrations
Come beating on your door

I know that I’m a prisoner
To all my Father held so dear
I know that I’m a hostage
To all his hopes and fears
I just wish I could have told
him in the living years

Crumpled bits of paper
Filled with imperfect thoughts
Stilted conversations
I’m afraid that’s all we’ve got

You say you just don’t see it
He says it’s perfect sense
You just can’t get agreement
In this present tense
We all talk a different language
Talkin’ in defense

Say it loud, say it clear
You can listen as well as you hear
It’s too late when we die
To admit we don’t see eye to eye

So we open up a quarrel
Between the present and the past
We only sacrifice the future
It’s the bitterness that lasts

So Don’t yield to the fortunes
You sometimes see as fate
It may have a new perspective
On a different date
And if you don’t give up,
and don’t give in
You may just be O.K.

Say it loud, say it clear
You can listen as well as you hear
It’s too late when we die
To admit we don’t see eye to eye

I wasn’t there that morning
When my Father passed away
I didn’t get to tell him
All the things I had to say

I think I caught his spirit
Later that same year
I’m sure I heard his echo
In my baby’s new born tears
I just wish I could have told
him in the living years

Say it loud, say it clear
You can listen as well as you hear
It’s too late when we die
To admit we don’t see eye to eye

Say it loud, say it clear
Say it loud
Don’t give up
Don’t give in

Where Are My Children and What Have You Done With Them?

Rachelle L’Ecuyer — Thu, 12 Jun 2008 04:02:03 +0000

“Where are my children and what have you done with them?” I asked this of the two little people living in my home last week because one day after camp, they both asked me if we could go to the Art Museum! I almost drove off the road. Luckily the museum is open on Friday nights and it is free and it is like having your own private art museum. We had a blast going through the Asian arts first and then up to look at the modern paintings and they led the way the entire time.

The next thing that happened that made me really suspicious is that they noticed I had a Green Day CD. “YOU like Green Day?” they asked with total disbelief and in kind of an accusatory tone, like I stole the CD from some 15-year old boy at a mall somewhere. “Yes, your mother likes Green Day!” and the CD found its way to the car and I am so happy we found something we all like to listen to!!! Bon Voyage Avril LaVigne!

Finally, the dogs and the cat are well-fed and well-groomed. I suppose stranger things have happened…

I am still waiting for them to beg me to take them to the symphony but I will count my blessings as they come. Not much else to report this week, it is summer and we are taking a short break from SCOSAG and Karate.

Hope you all are having a great summer!

Feeling Like a Grandmother? ;-)

Rachelle L’Ecuyer — Fri, 06 Jun 2008 04:39:29 +0000

I remember fondly the first few hours and days of my children being in this world…and then there is this gray fuzzy area like a TV without reception and that funny buzzing sound for about 10 years or so… I have learned since then that feeling is from lack of sleep and the constant demands a newborn (and then child) makes of YOU…

Well, I do want to say that while this week I had planned to write more about the 11-year old (who I love dearly!) he has been trumped by the PUPPY! Yes, I have lost my mind completely and agreed to allow another canine into our home. We already have a 100 pound, very protective and loving dog in our household but I tipped the scales and I have allowed one for the children.

The interesting part of this is that the “deal” was that the children take care of the puppy. NOT ME! Yeah, you are saying “right!?… like that is going to work!”,..well, girlfriend, let me tell you , so far so good!

The 11-year old made it very clear that he did not want a puppy but he would support his brother getting one (don’t you love it?) And, I will have to write about this kid, he is a real up-and-coming Mensch.

So the nine-year old is busting his tail keeping up with this little eating-pooping-eating-pooping machine! It means getting up in the morning and getting the puppy outside, it means feeding him, grooming him, and most importantly making sure that he does not leave a trail of undesirable deposits throughout the house so suddenly the 9-year old is working and working really, really hard. He is even reading the books about puppy training (so is the 11-year old!) It is amazing!

And what is really amazing is that it is grating on the 9-year old but he keeps it up and he keeps trying . You can see his face when he wants to sit down to play a video game or when he is getting something to eat and the puppy suddenly needs his attention. At first he had this attitude that whatever was going on with the puppy could wait and that didn’t last, it wasn’t exactly me, it was the puppy demanding his attention!

So, this puppy has the nine year old jumping through hoops and trying his darndest to make sure the puppy has everything he needs. This puppy has it made and I wonder if he even realizes that the person taking care of him is making the sacrifices he is making? Probably not but I know what is going on and I am really proud of my boy, he is being really responsible! I never thought I would see this at this point, I thought it would be years or never that I would see my children taking on the role of responsibility that caring for another being requires! Let’s hope it lasts!

keeping the blood sugar levels down!

Robert Smith — Mon, 02 Jun 2008 17:03:00 +0000

I webt in for my first check up since I began the health challenge. I will get my 3 month blood results back this week. My blood pressure was the best it has been in 10 years.

My blood sugar continues to stay down. The latest one, taken Sunday, was 110 with fasting.

I am still determined to lose the 50 pounds. It is a struggle. I keep focusing on the long term effects it will have on my health. My doctor told me it is not out of the realm to get off some of my medications in the future.

The Post Dispatch health challenge has helped me to lose weight and get my blood sugar levels down.

Thanks and enjoy the coming week!