If Martha and Oprah can have favorite things...

...so can I!

So still internet-less at my new home. Just a quick post during my lunch hour to share with you some of my excitement during the last couple of days.


My favorite things about my new home:

*My new glass-top stove is so purdy! I got some of the special cleaner to make it shine. It's like staring into a lava-lamp: mesmroizing!

*Doing dishes with an overhead light and water pressure makes all the difference! At my last house I had no pressure. It was seriously like a trickle. I had to fill up the sink just to rinse off my dishes to put them into the dishwasher. Not to mention my kitchen was d-a-r-k.

*Small is not necesarily a bad thing. So some people think they have to feel sorry for me or something due to our small home. Can I share a secret with you? Having a huge home was more of a burden than a blessing. I can seriously sweep my kitchen in about 30 seconds.

I am sure I will have many more favorite things to come. :)

What are your favorite things about your home? And remember your home is where your heart is! That's a cheesy-overly used saying, but true.

Blessings,

Shawnee

Moving, moving, moving

Tomorrow is D day. This is it folks; my last night in my old home. Tomorrow I turn a new key and cross over a different threshold into a land of the unknown.

Several things will change for me. Not only will it be a new house, in a new city, but it will be a small house in a big city. No more spending 15-25 minutes driving into town to go shopping or to dine out. Plus, I'll be literally 5 minutes away from the gym I plan on joining. My plan is for my first day at the gym to be Monday. Another new thing is my commute will be about 5 minutes longer, which means no more going home for lunch. You mean I actually have to prepare and plan a lunch and find something to do without wasting gas? hmmm

I'll also be internet-less for a while. I will have internet at work to check emails and such, but I'm not sure how convenient posting will be.

I'm excited and overwhelmed at the same time. There is so much left to do still. But, the good thing is, I can just worry about one house and stop focusing on two.

Peace out my peeps (LOL that is so 1990)

--Shawnee

P.S. I have to give a shout out to Andrea at Andrea's Wellness Notes. She is the only one that ever comments on my blog. So thanks Andrea! It is so encouraging. I know people are visiting my blog from my stats, leave a comment for me and let me know I am not writing only for me and Andrea. :) Answer this question: What is a big change or challenge you are facing right now? Are you scared, excited, nervous?

Two things

Two things have been polluting my mind since last night. Both causing me sleep deprivation and ADD at work:

Drapes and the differentiating factors between now and then.

Let me explain...

The husband and I are getting ready for the big move this weekend. We still need curtains. I originally wanted some wooden roman shades, but seeing as my windows are not standard sizes, that won't be happening any time soon. Custom is just too pricey.

I have one large window behind my "bay window" and another that looks out to the front of the house. I also have a small window on my entry-way door and two small square windows that are located on either side of the fireplace.

So far I think I have narrowed it down to navy blue drapes on the two large windows and some sort of valance on the door and the small square windows. I want to do a different color on the small windows and I would like to incorporate red. I thought plaid, but I am not ready to commit to plaid.

Deciding on window treatments is almost as stressful as picking out wall colors.

On to differentiating factors...

I have been racking my brain trying to figure out what is different about the last times I lost weight and now trying to lose weight.

The first time I lost a substantial amount of weight was the summer between my junior and senior year of high school. I lost 35 pounds in a month and a half. Of course I began gaining weight my freshman year of college.

More recently, when I was up in pounds, I lost 10 pounds. Again, I lost the weight during the summer between my junior and senior year of college.

Now, I am back up. Way up. I can't figure out what is so different. I want to lose weight. I know what needs to be done to lose weight, but I just can't seem to muster up enough will power to do it.

Here are the Circumstances for high school:

• Dating, for pretty much the first time
• A little more popular (as I was dating a football player and quit band)
• Guys began noticing me
• Determined to look good for senior pictures
• Rededicated my life to Christ
• Excited to be graduating
• Planned on a senior trip

My diet regimen for high school:

• Ate only fruits and veggies for nearly 2 months
• Walked every day for 40 minutes

Circumstances for college:

• Excited to be graduating
• Proud of myself for finishing
• Really in to fashion and "What not to Wear"
• Attending a Christian college
• Took up leading worship at youth group
• Was not working

Diet regimen for college:

• Took up running (up to 3 miles a day)
• Ate small controlled portions

I don't really remember much about that summer. College was so stressful and I have a really large mental block on most of the experience.

Circumstances now:

• Working 40+ hours a week
• Remodeling a home
• Recovering emotionally from a stressful life events
• Spiritually and (nearly) physically disconnected from church

Diet now:

• Eat what I want and how much I want
• Pretty much sedentary now

Yuck! I feel so disgusting. I think I see a small pattern. Both times I was able to lose weight, I had some sort of pride in myself and in my appearance. I had a goal that I was excited about and could almost feel the end results. I was also connected with God.

Writing this blog has actually been really eye opening. Wow, the pattern isn't small at all. It's huge! Now what the heck do I do with the info?

God Bless,

--Shawnee

Welcome to my American Dream

First thing first.

And the winner of the hardcover copy of "The One Day Way" is...

LINDA!

Congratulations Linda. Please send your mailing address to wilson_power@hotmail.com.

The American Dream

One area of my life that I have (in the past) allowed perfectionist ideals into my life is a future home. I remember actually saying to my mother-in-law, "I'll never live in anything smaller than 1,500 square feet."

I idealized the American dream as 2,500 square feet, 4 bedrooms, 2.5 baths, a gourmet kitchen, three car garage and me vacuuming in high heels and pearls like June Cleaver.

Well, when Josh and I decided to purchase our first home, I had to come to peace with an older smaller home -- a much smaller one.

This 886 square foot home (1200 if you count the finished attic which will be Josh's den), was built in 1926.
It had some updates in the 70s. Please note the terrible drop down ceiling.

But it has some really great features, like the "bay window" with storage underneath, the crown molding on the door and window frames, and the built in hutch. The home also has a nice fenced backyard, a two car garage, and a full basement for storage.

It is definitely a work in progress. Since we closed on the home during the first week of December, we've been spending all of our spare time getting it move-in ready. Our first task was to tear down the drop down ceiling, mud the ceiling, add a faux beam, paint the living/dining room area and add updated lighting.

Ta-da! I am still working on painting the trim and edges. We just got a new water heater put in today and we'll get new appliances next Thursday. The we should be officially moving in.

The house still needs a ton of work. Mostly a bunch of little projects here and there. As well as some big projects like new flooring and an outside paint job.

Anyway, I still feel a little embarrassed about my first home. Some of my friends have big-brand new homes. And soon I plan on inviting those friends over to hang out in my little-tiny modest home. The thing is, I am not envious of their homes. I really love my little house, but my inner perfectionist feels like I need to play catch-up with the Jones'.

The good news is, happiness is not materialism. Nor is it status symbols like granite counter-tops or a master bath the size of my new master bedroom.

I am challenging myself to be content with what I have. To learn to be satisfied with the blessings that God has given me. We are so rich in America. We have clean running water for crying out loud. I am also challenging myself to stop comparing myself with your friends or coworkers. It is not easy, but I'm never going to be happy if I am focusing on other peoples' "happiness."

Have you been comparing something you have or don't have with something a friend or coworker has?

Many Blessings,
--Shawnee

Big Changes for the Ex-Perfectionist

Perfectionist.

That is what I am. The whole point of creating this blog was to throw away the perfectionism trash that clutters my existence and learn to love myself as I am.

Disappointed.

That is how I feel about myself for not being able to maintain a daily blog. I am one perfect dust bunny away from kicking this blog to the curb. I don’t even care to recycle it.

Scared.

The thought of having to consistently photograph my food every single day FREAKS-ME-OUT! The mere inkling of waking up every morning and exercising, straitening my hair, cleaning my house, working for 8-9 hours, cooking dinner, and being a wife makes me want to run away to some deserted island with no television, radio, and internet. Essentially, I want to live in a world without any FOR-THE-REST-OF-MY-LIFE responsibilities.

Takes a deep breath in, holds for five seconds and slowly releases.

I took a look through all the pictures I've taken for my blog since it’s conception in May. Wow. The few recipes I’ve created. All the ones I’ve tested and tried. All the restaurants I’ve eaten at. In terms of food: I’ve done a lot in the past eight months. In terms of my other hobbies and goals: I’ve done squat.

2010 is going to look different for The Ex-Perfectionist. I still want to write about cooking, and about food. But I also want to write about all of the other 1001 hobbies and goals I have.

In 2010 The Ex-Perfectionist hopes to write about:

• Food
• Restaurants
  
• Traveling
• House Beautification Project
• Crafts
• Friends and Family
• My relationship with Jesus
• Health and Wellness
• Fashion
• Writing
  
• and anything else that comes to my mind

This blog is and will forever be a health and wellness blog for body, mind and soul. Think of it as a general interest blog.

Cheers to a beautiful, peaceful and passionate 2010!

Book Giveaway: The One Day Way

With the start of a new year most of us have our minds set on our waist lines and our treadmills. Even if, like me you refused not to make a resolution, you know you're thinking about it.

When WaterBrook Multnomah Publishing Group offered Chantel Hobbs' "The One Day Way" for review, I was skeptical. I've seen Hobbs' books on the shelves in Christian bookstores before. Something bothered me about a skiny-busty blond selling health and wellness books in a supposedly Christ-centered bookstore.

Perhaps, for some reason I've always disassociated my health goals and my spirituality. I am not saying that "The One Day Way" is boasting Christianity. It's not. But I have never quite been able to grasp the idea that it's okay to feel great about my body and still be a good Christian.

Anyway, when I opened up to the introduction, I nearly (nearly) cried a little. I needed to read this book. Hobbs is totally relate-able. And, my favorite part, is that she is all about putting our perfectionist demons to rest by taking one day at a time, one goal at a time. This isn't a diet book. This is a pep talk in a book -- a motivational coach.

I especially enjoy the personal weight loss stories, the exercise guide and the meal plan. All three are really great resources.

I really am not being paid to say this is a book I will read again!

From the back cover:

"Lose All the Weight You Want, One Meal, One Pound, One Day At a Time!

I've got great news for you: You are about to feel better and look better beginning today! Today is truly a new opportunity for you to reach your weight loss goals. No, you won't fit into your "skinny jeans" today, but I'm going to show you how each day will get you closer to that goal.

Yesterday's mistakes are gone so let them go. You can't control tomorrow, so stop worrying about it. Today is your opportunity to lose weight, get strong, and look great. It won't happen overnight, but you can build a new life by changing your actions immediately and I'm here to show you how to make the changes that will create the new lifestyle you dream of: body, mind, and spirit. Best of all, you will start celebrating right away!

Come on, my friend. Let's get started! By opening this book, I'll show you how to unlock every tool you need to lose weight and get fit —and stay that way for the rest of your life. Success can be yours, what are you waiting for?

-Chantel"

Win a free hardcover copy!

This is a $20 value! To be put into the random drawing, all you have to do is comment on this post with your name and answer this question, "What is one perfectionist ideal that you have about weight loss?" If you would like an extra entry, follow me on blogger. Make sure to post a second time to let me know you are following me. If you are already following me, go ahead and make a second post to let me know.

Once the names are drawn, please check back to see if you've won and send me an email with your address.

All entries must be made by Tuesday at 5 pm pacific standard time, winners will be announced on Tuesday night. I am sorry but at this time I can not ship outside of the US.

P.S. Now that the holidays are over I hope to get back to my regular posting. :)

This book was provided for review by the WaterBrook Multnomah Publishing Group.

Visit the Randomhouse Website to purchase this book.