Time management chart for kids

Time is unforgivable. Time is no respecter of persons. It goes by even during a pandemic. What we do with the time we have is completely up to us. 

In a June 2020 survey*, 62 percent of parents to U.S. teens aged 14 to 17 years stated that their kids were spending more than four hours per day on electronic devices since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic. Overall, the pandemic triggered a rise in the use of electronic devices among American children under 13 and teenagers with screentime now double that of what it used to be across all age groups.

I believe that we all took liberties in 2020 with our time. We allowed our kids to do the same. In 2021, I am trying to push forward from all the pandemic brought. How do I do? I focus on the only time guaranteed: 24 hours.

For the past few summers, I teach my kids about time management. The teacher learns twice, which is great for me. 

This time, we started with an overview of Bible study. Starting anything focusing on God is important. He created time. He is the Master of time. He can give us wisdom in time management. 

I make a pie chart which represents some of the ways we spend our time. We start with sleep. Without proper sleep, nothing else in the chart works well. We continued with other things we do such as eat, swim, music, Portuguese lessons, etc. 

The good thing about making a chart is that you can notice what's not there. In our case, devotional (ops!). We quickly included it. We eat a lot of rice and black beans so we used the beans to represent 24 hours. Each child filled the different time slots. I asked them, what's missing from the chart? Technology right?

We talked about unwise ways to use technology. Some people use it by not sleeping enough. Others, but not doing other things essential to optimal living. I then asked the kids if they knew how to use technology wisely. The littlest said we can limit the time to 1 hour. The other kids said we can combine it with something we are doing already such as listen to music while walking outdoors. 

We all felt encouraged about our time usage plan. I told the kids that time management they would use for the rest of their lives. I also told them it was important to look at the goal behind the way we were dividing our time. 

We want to be good stewards of the life God is graciously giving us. 

How are you and your family using your time these days?

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Journaling

 

Writing is a gift. 

In the past few months, I've been processing a lot of what's happening around me through writing. 

I have a journal I've been using it quite a bit. I process my thoughts and feelings through journaling but also my goals. 

When it comes to goals, I answer the following questions weekly:

1. What were your wins?

2. What were your challenges?

3. What is your plan to succeed next week?

The process of writing these answers keep me encouraged. Seeing my wins, challenges, and plan on paper helps me a lot. 

Journaling helps me get my thoughts out of my head into the paper. 

I journal when I need it and as a habit. 

Do you journal? Does it help you? How so?

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Thoughts

1. It is no surprise to the readers of this blog that racism is wrong. The current climate in the U.S. and the world is also not surprising. I'm eager to see what people will do with the knowledge they are acquiring. 

2. I'm having all of my conversations about race in person. There's a lower margin for error. People can really hear my heart. I can also hear theirs and together, we are growing. 

3. Running has been amazing. I always say it is for sanity and not for vanity.

4. I've been super busy with work, yet, making time to renew, recharge, and really regain perspective. Adopting a routine of rest is just wise for me. 

5. Once again, I am learning that "No" is a complete sentence.

6. I have been doing a lot of reflection. I believe that as I reflect on what was, I can inform what will be.

7. Investing in my health during this season was a great idea. 

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Decluttering Essentials

I moved to a new house recently and I wasn't even around for the move. I know, cue the interesting story. I was out of the country on a mission trip and visiting family. My family decided to move without waiting for e to return. What a great move. The corona virus epidemic was in full swing when I landed back in American soil.

I arrived at a great home. My husband made sure the kids were settled and the kitchen was unpacked. He also made sure I could find my running essentials. Oh, another essential that I quickly found: my coffee pot. Life was good. Except that I was back at work full-time and the kids were out of school.

What to do? Get angry and break the stuff that did not break during the move? Heavens no. I decided instead to grab my decluttering essentials. These five tools have helped me get organized over and over again. I'm sure you want to know what they are. 

Music or Podcast • I always declutter better when I am listening to good music or an interesting podcast. I believe these audio cues help me think less about the mess around me and focus on something else. I also believe that if I save a certain podcast only for decluttering times, I get back to that project over and over again - until I'm finished that is.

Cleaning Supplies • I often need some type of cleaning supply when I'm decluttering. I gather whatever I think I will need ahead of time. Having all the supplies next to me cuts down on distraction. Because I don't have to walk back and forth to get the supplies I can actually spend all my designated time decluttering.

Trash bags • It is inevitable that I fill have to throw things away when I am decluttering. I decided to have a few trash bags at hand just in case. Some bags double as recycling bags. The goal is not to keep all of the reasons why my space is disorganized. I created the habit of immediately going to the trash can outside of the house and getting rid of what I don't need.

Donation box • I developed the habit of having a donation box in the same space I am decluttering. I try not to think deeply about what needs to be donated. I haven't repented yet of making a donation. If it's still good enough to be reused and if it can be a blessing to someone else, I let it be. The only time donating hurts is when the item was not used properly. I have a few things that should have stayed in the store. Personally, this type of pain of regret is the only one I feel when separating things for donation. Much like the trash, the donation box goes immediately to the back of my car. My car goes quickly to the donation spot as soon as I can.

Timer • I start my decluttering process by setting my countdown timer for 45 minutes. I have learned over the year that 45 is a great number for me. It is not too little or too much. I can get a respectable amount of work done in 45 minutes. The 15 remaining minutes are all mine. I can use them however I want. I can browse my favorite social network. I can have a cup of tea. I can write a quick blog post. Those minutes are a reward for the focused work I did. Setting a timer also gives me the mental encouragement that there is an end time to that hard work. I even use it with the kids and they enjoy it.

I still have a lot of work to do in our newly moved home. Things slowly get in place as I use these five essential decluttering tools to keep my home organized.

P.S.: I recomend my own Podcast if you want to listen to something while you are cleaning. 

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Feel it, Write it

I have always loved writing. I have had journals since I was a child.
Lately, I've used my journals for therapeutic reasons.
It is as simple as "if you can feel it, you can write it."

I always used my journals as a way to sort out my feelings.
If I was upset about anything, I would write about the situation and when I was finished, I felt better.
The situation didn't change but I did. Journaling is quite therapeutic.

Reading my old journals can be quite fun. Because my perspective is different, I can remember what I was experiencing.

One year, instead of just complaining about situations, I made the effort to write down prayer requests. When God answered my prayers, I would write "THANK YOU" by the requests. It is always encouraging to see how God is faithful and He answers prayers.

Every summer, I buy journals for my kids. I want to encourage writing in any form. Journaling can be great for all ages.

I'm not sure if you are a person who enjoys writing. Journaling is an activity that helps me to calm down, heal and relax.

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Moving Homes the Best Way

God has blessed our family with some interesting adventures and moving is one of them. I'd say we don't move a lot but we've moved enough for me to learn some awesome things. 

• I'm amazed at how staying organized has helped the process. I'm the person who found an organization process that worked and I decided to stick with it. I use it all the time. I used it today. It works and I'm so blessed because of it. 

• I've been pacing myself. I'm giving myself time to pack and to get ready so I don't have to do it all at one time. 

• Peace is key. I have heard that moving is one of the most stressful events a person may face in life (in America. Let's be real, people in other parts of the world might have a different opinion).  I also realize that with God's peace, the process is much different. I'm not dreading the move. I prayed about it and I rely on God's peace to lead the way. 

• Friends are a treasure. God always sends us friends to love and help us in ways that are beyond my resources. I'm grateful. 

• Donate before during and after the move. The only way to stay light is to donate. I'm a believer in freely giving from the much I have received. 

• Unboxing deserves a party. I know that people often throw parties when they need to get their stuff in boxes but I think that unboxing deserves its own party. Everything else that's left boxed for years enters the 'pet' category. I don't know about you but I never throw my pet boxes away. Oh well!

Whether we have a company helping us or we are doing the move ourselves, we can always count on God to make transitions what they're meant to be. Just transitions. 

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Journaling through 2 (plus) decades

My daughter asked us for a journal for Christmas and that small request unrevealed a world of memories for me. Growing up in Brazil in the 80s and 90s we had "diaries." It was that schedule book with 356 days where we wrote everything that happened during that day. Saturday and Sunday had the smallest slots, which was so unfair because so much life happened during those few days. 

One journaling habit I regret was subscribing to the trend of writing in code. You basically created a code so no one would understand what you wrote. Of course I always lost the code so those words are forever lost to my understanding. I bet it was something silly but anything coming from my teenager heart is fascinating. 

I tried to keep my journaling habit going during my college years but after my first year, I couldn't keep up. I had so many other writing assignments, I was working for the first time so there was no time for it. When I went to graduate school I regained that habit. 

Journaling went from reporting about my life to processing feelings. I enjoyed this transition, it really served me well. It was during that time also that I burned one of my journals. I just wanted to forget about a relationship in my life. I also took a photo of the journal burning, which was really cool. 

Falling in love and being found by Zeke also influenced my journaling. I processed my feelings through journaling during that season as well. Those journals are not fun to read, believe it or not. I often felt bad about whoever was going to read those words. I haven't read them in years, I might revisit them and see what I think. Just so you know, Zeke didn't do anything awful. I just didn't have a human being to share all those thoughts and emotions. The paper just happened to be the only sound board. That's never good. 

A few years ago I heard about scripture journals. I don't journal exclusively about scriptures but I incorporate them there. I often write the scriptures, write prayers of thanksgiving and go back and write how God answered those prayers. I also write down whatever I feel that God is teaching me through Scriptures. 

I want to journal more often in 2017. I want to write the things I can't and won't write here. I want to write from the heart with a future, blood related audience in mind. I want to be candid and I want it to feel like a letter to a future person looking to know me for who God created me to be. I want to write about how God lessons and real life collide. I want them to feel hopeful about whatever they go through. 

I don't know how you use journaling but mine has evolved over the years. I love journaling and I look forward to seeing how my daughter will use her own journaling. Yay for writing! 

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How to have a Clutter-free Holiday Season in 45 minutes

The holidays are upon us and the goal is not to be surprised by something we experience each and every year. I have found that during the holidays, we have the tendency to gather more things and when you add to the clutter you already have, you get a new year filled with clutter. This year we are going to be smart and we are going to get rid of our clutter before more of it arrives. Here's how my 45-minute solution will help:

• Schedule time - you have to dedicate time to declutter. I find that 45 minutes is a great chunk of time to get any job done. If the job is overwhelming, I just work at it for 45 minutes, then I go back to it some other time. What I do is, I set my cell phone's alarm clock to countdown for 45 minutes and I start to work. I recently organized my closet that way. There were a few bags of trash, the donation bags went straight to my car and the storage bags went to the correct place too. When those 45 minutes were over, I still had 15 minutes to do whatever I wanted to do. During that time I can snack if I'm hungry, look at social media or simply rest. 

• Work faithfully - it's important to stay focused on the task during those 45-minutes. I say that because on my way to my 45-minute job I can find a million other things to do. Being faithful to that one big project is the key to getting rid of clutter for good. My one big project was my closet. You could not walk in the place at all (and yes, some of my friends saw it too). On my way there I had to talk myself out of finding other projects such as going to the store and buying more organization supplies, making sure I clean other rooms... you get the point. Be clear with your goal and work at it faithfully for 45 minutes. 

• Repeat - What? Is this not a magic solution? And the answer is no. Simply because your family lives in your home. That room you proudly cleaned will get messy again but hopefully not to the same degree. It is important to put this 45-minute practice on repeat so that things stay organized. I might not have a big closet mess to dive into, but I have other small cluttered spaces that could use the same 45-minute decluttering strategy. I also did not finish my laundry yesterday, so believe me, I'm setting my clock for 45-minutes today and I am putting clothes away only to repeat this process next laundry day. The key is to find a strategy that works for you and repeat it when needed. 

• Have a list of pre-holiday projects - What are the areas in your life that need attention before the holidays? Is it your Christmas decor spot? Is it kids' toys? Make a list of pre-holiday projects so that your life will be easier when it's time to be officially merry and bright. My closet was the big monster project but kids' toys is next on the list. We don't have an overwhelming amount of things (I've been donating things throughout the year) but the toys can use some organization. I also plan on looking intently in my kitchen to be sure we don't buy things we already have for our holiday dinners. We can all have a list of pre-holiday projects. Being organized will save us time and it will make us more efficient as we move towards the most wonderful time of the year. 

How do you see yourself the day after a big holiday such as Christmas? I see myself as a peaceful wife and mother who will not dread the holidays but will actually enjoy it with my family. Being organized ahead of time will help me accomplish that goal. I challenge you to schedule time to declutter and focus on getting organized (not overwhelmed) as we approach this holiday season. Have a productive day my friends! 

More on the subject:
• My 45-minute solution for Organizing 

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10 Natural Stress Relievers

1. Exercise - this is a great way for your brain to produce feel-good neurotransmitters, called endorphins. Some call it "runner's high" but you feel as great at the end of a Zumba class. Doing what you love is the way to go about it. 

2. Rest - there are many benefits to resting. It gives you a much needed "reboot." It helps you get a better perspective on life's circumstances and it gives your mind a chance to start fresh. 

3. Deep breaths - without getting too weird, taking deep breaths helps you relax. It does something magnificent with your cardiovascular function. I remember taking deep breaths when I was nervous as a child. It has been a great practice. 

4. Bible reading and meditation - getting focused on the word of God is a natural stress reliever. I get to reestablish my foundation in God's promises. His word which does not return to Him void, which means, it works!  

5. Take it easy - life is not what it used to be, so respect this new season and don't put more on your bucket than you need to carry. Your stressful situation is only for a season. 

6. Meet a good friend for coffee - seeing a friendly face is naturally relaxing. I think that good friendships are naturally relaxing. Make a point to see a human being who loves you when you're under stress. 

7. Recognize - it's important to admit that you're stressed. Neglect just makes things worse. Once you recognize it, you can treat your symptoms accordingly. Recognition targets the problem so you can proceed to a solution.  

8. Counseling - professional counseling really help us get to the root of the matter and take steps towards solving our issues. I am a firm believer in professional, Christian counseling. I have benefited from sessions with a counselor during times of high stress in my life. 

9. Go on vacation (or staycation) - remember those commercials of people sunbathing on a sandy white beach? None of those folks look stressed. While most of us just can't take off to a beach, we can leave our usual places and go to a local park just to enjoy nature. Even if all you have is 15 minutes, it helps sooth your mind and body.  

10. Write on a journal - before running, journaling was the only thing I had to relieve stress. It's a great tool because you get to get your feelings out on paper. I remember feeling much better after writing a few pages. I was also able to process things better that way.

I want to encourage you to know yourself and get a couple of natural stress relief tools on your pocket. Life offers you stressful situations at times and it's great to know how to navigate through them. It is my personal conviction that one should not medicate stress with illegal drugs and bad habits but one should cut the problem by its root. We all go through stressful seasons but we were not created to dwell under stress. Seasons change and as we learn to navigate through stressful situations we will rise as better, more mature human beings. 

• What are your favorite natural solutions to cope with stress?

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Tools of the Food Journaling Trade

I received a great question about journaling from a friend on Facebook, but first, here is my 21 day update photo: 

I can see the change finally showing up! I will not lie, I was discouraged at times but I kept pressing on. Visible changes encourage us but great lessons happen when we decide to persist and follow thru with our plan. I guess I'll stick with this 100 Days of Food Journaling plan! 

My friend asked me if I had suggestions on electronic ways to journal while going through a food and exercise wellness journey. I have 3 suggestions for digital journaling that may work for you: 

• Day One App - this app has a nice design and it is easy to use. It also allows you to add a multimedia sphere to your journaling such as photos. This is my least used app but I do have it on my phone just in case I need somewhere to write. 

• Evernote - I use Evernote to take notes at Merry Ministries. I also use it to write blog posts. I have book ideas there as well as other things. Evernote is also known as a productivity app so you can totally make it work for journaling while on your health journey. 

• Google Docs - I am currently using Google Docs to document my 100 Days of Food Journaling. I like the versatility and I love the fact that I can use both the web and app version. I use this app daily to journal and write other things. I totally approve it!

One thing you need to be mindful is that you need to have access to your digital journal at all times so be sure that any option you choose has an offline version (I know Evernote does). 

The question I pondered on during these last 10 days was "How different will my life be at day 100 and what can I do today to propel that difference?" I believe that by day 100 I will be feeling much better physically. I will also have a well established habit of making the best choices for my health. I can keep journaling, drinking all the water I need for the day, resting and exercising accordingly in order to make that happen. Change will come because I am preparing to succeed. I just need to persist. 

A last note on my change: I'm dropping pounds off slowly for many reasons. I am happy to be losing weight at this rate rather than quickly. I've experienced quick weight loss before and the problem is that those fleeting pounds came back with a vengeance. This time I want to establish and keep the habits that will propel me forward to greater and lasting wellness. 

I hope today's post was helpful to you. Join me at my Hope Health Support Group on Facebook if you would like to have a group of friends in the journey to encourage you. Also leave me a comment with any questions about my process. I'd love to answer your questions!

Previously in this series:
• Day 1
• Day 11

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The Cute Dress

The dress looked cute. Not too conservative, not too contemporary. It was going to be the right one for my first job interview in 10 years. I was going to choose some happy, colorful summer pants and a black shirt but I thought I needed to look extra professional. After Facetiming with my husband I made the final decision on the cute dress. To make matters better, it was $10 cheaper than the sale price.

I took the dress home and my almost kindergartner thought it was a night gown. One of the old school ones that Mama Walton wore right before she said “Good night John Boy!” I told her it was a great observation, but that was my new, cute dress. I hung the dress in my closet, relieved that I was closer to getting done with that job interview.

The following morning I drank two cups of dark roast coffee with almond milk. There was no time for breakfast. I didn’t want a heavy meal to be seen under that cute interview dress. My idea of an outfit worked: low shoes, the necklace I got for under $2 at the Goodwill and bracelets that different friends gave me. I felt as if I was carrying a little piece of each friend with me as I accessorized my cute dress. Off we went. It took me a whole Podcast to get there and I was feeling excited. I proceeded to get out of the parking garage just to find out I was lost. I got back in my car after asking for directions and found the right place.

It felt good to be there. Almost as if I belonged. I proceeded to find the reception area. I saw a lot of different people there waiting to be helped. The whole place was under construction and there was  an impecunious vibe about it. I know hopelessness when I see it and I pray that feeling changed once those sweet people got to the other side of that waiting room.

I made it to the receptionist who tried to find the person with whom I had the appointment. I was told to wait. After a few minutes she passed by the reception area with an opulent air about herself. She gave me the feeble hand shake, the one you give when you’re really not trying to touch someone. She looked at me up and down with a demeaning look. She glanced at the cute dress but she could not belittle me: I’m allergic to pretentiousness, mostly due to my acceptance in the Beloved.

She proceeded to explain I made an error, all with a defensive tone. I joyfully reminded her of the unanswered email and phone call from the day before. She paused, a dry apology followed. I received it with the joy of the Lord. I was looking her in the eyes and I had appreciation. She told me they had moved on to other candidates. Before she breathed again, I said “that’s what I came here to hear, thank you for your time and have a blessed day.”

I didn’t feel my cute dress on the way home. That feeling of newness and expectation stayed in that waiting room, with those people without hope. All I could feel was my heart beating underneath the cute dress and my vision opening up like never before.

I got back to my senses when a friend led me to pray and thank God for answering prayers. All I could do was agree and say Amen. I hung my dress backwards in my bathroom and I put on my t-shirt and comfortable pants. The dress still looks cute and the woman who owns it is a little bit stronger after accepting that a big No is God’s way of telling her the greater Yes He has in mind is the best way to go.

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100 days of Food Journaling

The decisions I make today can and will influence the person I will be in 100 days. This week I launched a personal challenge to journal my food for 100 days. I followed the guideline that usually works for me:

1. have a goal - I wrote down measurable and specific goals for these 100 days.
2. share it with people - for accountability's sake I need to let someone know. I told my husband and now I am telling you.
3. do the goal - unless I do what I set out to do, this project will be a dream.
4. measure your progress - I am after progress and improvement. I can't manage what I won't measure.
5. treat your faithfulness - I need to make a list of healthy, non-food treats. I heard a podcast yesterday challenging me not to reward myself for doing what I'm supposed to do but to introduce regular treats to my plan. A great treat for me, in this season of life, would be 30 minutes of uninterrupted reading. It's great, it is refreshing and I think it will actually help me reach my goal. These are the types of 'treats' I need to include in my weekly schedule. Another good one would be an extra 30 minutes to exercise.
6. encourage someone else - I am sharing my journey with my Facebook Health Support Group. If you want to join the group and share your own journey, leave me a comment so I can add you. I started the group because I noticed several friends who are by themselves in their health journey and I thought we could encourage each other. I launched a 12-week health challenge earlier this year and now I'm launching the 100-day challenge. Join us for extra support and encouragement!
7. readjust approach as needed - notice I said readjust the 'approach' not the 'goal.' I find that sometimes, readjusting my approach to my goals really help. Taking a new class and changing up my vegetable selection a bit really helps me reach my goal in a more exciting way. Eating the same foods for 100 days is just not my idea of fun.

One of my most popular posts here on the blog is the Food Journal How To. Read it if you want a couple of tips on how to successfully start a Food Journal. Whether you write it in paper or go high tech, journaling your food will really help you be in control of the person you will be 100 days from now.

* Check out my new Running Page for post of all my races thus far.
Previously in this Series:
• Day 11: Change Begins in the Kitchen 

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NaBloPoMo: the First Time

I'm a first timer at this but I have my friend Nichole to thank for introducing me to such event. I like this year's theme (blogging for blogging's sake). It is so broad I can have lots of fun writing in November. So why don't I start by telling you about my very first blogging post? Here's what happened to it: it got erased. My very first blog, back in 2002 was also erased. That's what I do when I am trying to figure out my way around something new. I kept trying the blog thing. I took several breaks and picked back up around 2005 and ended up with www.SimplyCintia.com 

My blog allows me to write whatever comes to mind, excluding discouraging thoughts. I found this to be an opportunity to spread much needed hope to people all over the world. If you are new to my blog, I hope you enjoy the journey with me and feel free to read back. Oh, and thanks Nichole for introducing me to such fun assignment.

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Mindful Challenge

"...be mindful to be a blessing..." Galatians 6:10 (AMP)

Today I am reminded of all the needs around me. For most humans, the needs closest to us (a to-do list at work or the dirty diaper your toddler is wearing) are the ones we go to the quickest. While I believe we should tackle our list and change dirty diapers, I am aware that we can be a blessing to others in the midst of our busyness. Sending a card to a friend, giving a neighbor a bowl of fruit from your backyard or texting a friend saying "I am praying for you today" can make a world of difference.
Galatians 6 talks about gentleness in restoration, carrying each other's burdens and not thinking we are better than a person who made a mistake. I think it's impressive that the Bible doesn't make exceptions for busy people when it comes to helping others. I understand there are seasons in life where all you can do is put one foot in front of the other such as when you have infants in your care or a large project at work. I am also mindful that life is not made of emergencies only. There are plenty of times when we can look around and meet the needs of others.

Join me today as I am mindful to be a blessing. You don't have to get out of your way to do it. It may be that you return your shopping cart instead of leaving it in the middle of the parking lot. It may be saying a kind word to a cashier who's obviously having the worse day of her life. It may be an encouraging phone call to a friend who has been on your mind but you haven't talked to in a while. Go a step further and write down your experiences in a journal or blog about it. At the end of the month, let's look back and share our experiences and what we've learned. Who's up to a 28-day challenge? So here is how it works:

Mindful Challenge: Pay attention to the needs of others around you.
How? Be mindful, be helpful or encouraging to someone every day this month. Register your experience in a journal, blog, etc and share your experience here on March 1. Be creative! I'd love to see Vlogs too!

Remember that you are blessed to be a blessing. Have an amazing month!

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5 meses!

Oi pessoal! Prontos pro ano novo? Eu estou dizendo adeus ano velho e feliz ano novo! Aqui vai uma foto que tirei ontem: No dia depois do natal tem muita promocao aqui. Achei essa calca jeans pra gravida na promocao. Ela e tao confortavel!!! Comprei duas calcals pro trabalho tambem. Ainda esta faltando poucas coisas (mais um sapato baixo por exemplo) mas tem outra promocao grande dia 2 de Janeiro. O shopping estava entupido de gente! So vi de longe. Na loja de nenem nao tinha quase ninguem :) foi so nessa que fomos. Gosto dessas promocoes pra comprar sabonetes nessa loja chamada Bath & Body Works. Eles tem cada coisa otima por $3!
O Zeke sentiu o bebe se movendo ha 2 dias atras. Foi muito legal! Os movimentos estao se tornando bem mais fortes mas nao me incomodam, acho bacana. E tudo tao novo e cada dia me traz muita alegria. Esse bebe e um presente de Deus.
Ontem eu voltei pra academia. Quando eu cheguei so tinha eu de nova e o resto era o povo de 65 pra la :) acho muito legal ve-los fazendo exercisio todo o dia. Dizem que e a fonte da juventude - se e que ela existe. Ficar sem fazer exercisios por 1 semana faz uma diferenca enorme no meu corpo mas consegui caminhar por 40 minutos e fazer musculacao. Estou cansada hoje, mas vou voltar mesmo que seja so pra caminhar. Esse feriado tomei agua mas nem tanto qto bebo qdo estou no trabalho. Eu tenho uma garrafa de 2 litros aqui no trabalho e na maioria das vezes nao vou pra casa antes de beber pelo menos a metade. Pensei em leva-la pra casa pra continuar tomando bastante agua durante o feriado.
Falando no feriado, nao tenho nenhum plano. Aqui na roca o pessoal geralmente vai dormir. O que vc ve na tv com o povo em Nova York e raro pra maioria dos EUA que e bem rural. Ano passado passamos o ano novo na igreja, o que foi otimo. As igrejas aqui as vezes tem vigilia, as vezes nao. A minha faz jejum no inicio do mes.
Sabado e meu aniversario, vou fazer 29 anos. E tao engracado nascer no inicio do ano porque a data vem e vai e a maioria das vezes qdo me perguntam ja passou. Como falei, tenho que cantar em um casamento no meio do dia. Ainda tenho que comprar um vestido porque os vestidos que usei no verao estao bem apertadinhos - fique feliz porque pelo menos da pra eu entrar neles (rs). Afinal de contas nao sao vestidos de gestantes.
Esse ano de 2008 foi otimo. Eu tenho um diario infinito la em casa, entao eu estava lendo os meus objetivos pra 2008. Com a ajuda de Deus, alcancei a maioria. Nao acredito em promessas porque a maioria nao funcionou pra mim. Quando resolvi mudar minha saude em Julho de 2007, Deus tem me guiou e tem me ajudado ate hoje. Se vc planeja em comecar sua mudanca dia 1 de Janeiro, vai nessa mas nao desista, continue fiel. Ainda nao pensei em objetivos especificos pra 2009 porque em Maio vai mudar tudo com o nascimento do meu primeiro filho. Hoje ou amanha quero escrever pelo menos algumas coisas que quero alcancar antes e depois do nascimento do bebe. Com a ajuda de Deus essa transicao vai ser otima.
Bem, feliz ano novo. MUITO OBRIGADA por ler meu blog! Prentendo continuar escrevendo nas duas linguas, entao volto com o portugues de novo em 2009. Deus te abencoe! Com carinho, Simply Cintia.

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Journaling again

It took me a few weeks but I started my food journal again. It takes dedication. I don’t like to get out of the habit cause it takes a little while to get back at it again. What a great habit. Every season can be difficult if we’re not taking care of ourselves and monitoring our food intake.
The more I read about it, I see that food journals are about clarifying the question “why you are eating?” They can also be used simply as a record – that’s what I use mine. The journal reminds me of what I’ve eaten already. I can’t lie because there’s a fact sheet right there reminding me of what I already have done.
Keeping food, financial or just a daily journal are great tools. I remember that I had to take a huge step to start writing down everything I ate. I started my lifestyle change without doing it and swearing that I wasn’t going to write down anything I ate. The more I had problems on the journey, the more I realized I just had to face the fact that I needed some extra help. I like to write naturally, so that would not be that much of a problem. I guess I was just being stubborn and didn’t want the extra work. Losing weight takes a lot of work but it’s worth it.
I’m willing to finish losing weight in 2008. I realize I’m also signing up to journaling, exercising more, eating extremely well, trying on new recipes and dealing with stress away from food or anything that can lead to addiction. I believe I’ll gain more than a fitter body at the end of this process. My character will be stronger. That sounds like a great deal to me!

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