Frozen Puddles and Sticks

Studying the Cracking Ice

Yesterday we went on one of our family hikes, one of the activities we can do as a family in the cold Okpo weather.  We explored a new section of Okpo and we were saddened to see the trails being encroached on by roads and trash. However, once we got past that there were some nice trails with streams and ice.

On our descent we came upon a frozen puddle. The puddle was not big but it sure was entertaining. As I kid I remember the best part of a walking on a frozen puddle was when you could walk along the edge and break the delicate white ice and listen to the cool cracking sound. Well some things never change I enjoyed this right along with Tobias and Tabitha. There was cracking and sliding on the ice puddle and boy was it fun. As adults we tend to loose our enthusiasm for the little things such as ice puddles. Children have the wonderful eyes of seeing the fun in almost anything.

Tabitha on ice!

Tobias on ice! 

Tabitha balancing her stick!

Along with the entertaining frozen puddle T  & T found some great sticks. Super long and very flexible.  The thing one can do with a stick......, measure how tall mummy and daddy are, imagine yourself as that tall, balance the stick on your head, pretend you're leading a parade, run the stick along the metal fence and listen to the different sounds, oh what fun a stick can be while your hiking down the trail.  

Looking back on the hike, it makes me smile and think of how I have so much to learn from my kids! 

My Kids
Some reasons why I love my kids so much. Last night we were playing a family game of uno and Tobias being so enthusiastic, could not help him self from bouncing up and down on the couch. Stephen asked him to please try and sit still. Tobias responds with," I'll try but I really don't think I can do it."  Love him
My independent thinker Tabitha is so curios about the world around her. After washing her mermaid duvet cover, I noticed an obvious cut in it. Then I remembered seeing scissors in her room (kid scissors) and I put two and two together. When confronted, Tabitha quit innocently responded, I just wanted to see what was inside, meaning the down comforter.

These two occasions got me thinking.... Tobias I will try but I don't think I can. I know he really does try to but the kid is so full of life and energy it is so hard for him to contain it. From his amazingly enthusiastic laugh to his incredibly big heart.

Tabitha my little inquisitive daughter really didn't think she was doing anything naughty she is so curious about the world and has oh so many questions. xoxox

Impact

What The Purpose
As I was hiking the rainy, slippery hills I was listening to one of my new favorite podcast, The Accidental Creative. As I was listening I was trying to absorb the information and to figure out how it fits into my life. One thing that was stated was a posing question by a guest regarding an individual's impact in our world and how to create impact.  This struck me as a very useful question as I am at a point in my life were are have endless opportuniites to do something new, creative and impactful. The only problem is is I don't know what the act is!

What I've done today:
Morning rolled of bed made pancakes for the kids. Slowly woke up, got things finalized to walk out the  door to school but of course at the last minute Tobias wants different gloves and Tabitha doesn't like her tights. :) After a few fits by all of us we make to school just on time.
I head out for a rainy day hike. While hiking I am trying to decide what I should be when I grow up. :)

Get home return a few emails. Research blogging, podcast and graphic design, not sure if I am wasting my time. Now I sit here and write about the days events thus far. I guess it isn't wasting time if it is clearing and organizing my mind as my mind is seems to be very cluttered at times.
Still looking to find a greater purpose.

Becoming what you want to be

A pretty uneventful weekend. We were able to experiment with some of my latest pinterest finds for Valentine's. We made thumbprint heart cards. Well me and Tobias did, Tabitha made jellybean thumbprints and then watercolored over it. That girl sure is an independent thinker, no idea where she gets it from:) We were also able to work on our moody cow stategies I think I use them more than the kids. Remembering to keep patience and understanding in my thoughts while a fit is being thrown is something I am continuously working on.
Today I concentrated on yoga and mediation for me. I was actually able to get into the mediation this time. I found a new meditation clip on youtube along with a new yoga video. I am feeling optimistic.
I was reading through my words of wellness board on pinterest and found a quote I will use as an ongoing mantra. I have my work cut out for me!

Podcasts

Friday January 18th
Today I discovered a very interesting podcast, the Accidental Creative. I am not sure where I fit in with all the information they are sharing but it is interesting and I feel connected somehow. I will continue to listen and be inspired.
I also started listening to  Manager Tools. I am not a manager of a fortune 500 company, but I am the manager of a family and sometimes my employees are very demanding and hard to manage :) I felt there were many topics that can be applied to various aspects of my life now and perhaps future endeavours as well. I am trying to broaden my horizons and educate myself on various topics that are interesting to me and make me more productive, spiritual and thoughtful.
Each day I will try to reflect on what I have learned, discovered or felt on that particular day and perhaps find some inspiring quotes to capture what the mood was that day and here it is for today.

Diary of a Middle-Aged Mummy

So I have tried a few times to write a blog and each time I get caught up in what I want and should write about. My thoughts, interests and ideas are all over the place. So..my blog is going to be all over the place.

My Mid Life Adventure is now in Okpo South Korea where I am living my life as an ex-pat. Adapting to a very different culture and a way of life. I am staying home with my kids and trying to figure out how I am WAY less productive now that I am not working than I was when I was working full-time and running a household virtually on my own. Part of my journey is discovering what it is that I want to do during my days and what I want to do to prepare for my coming days. A journey of reflection and soul searching that will lead me on a path of joy.

What did I do today to help myself in my journey? Hmm

I had a great morning workout. I researched how to get packages delivered. Finding all the products I like and want to provide for my family isn’t always easy but there are for sure many resources that I have been able to tap into. One such resource is the online company iherb. It is fantastic! iherb.com A large selection of earth friendly, people friendly and animal friendly products shipped to my house in South Korea for very cheap.

One the highlights of my day was getting my shipment of annie’s cheddar snacks, mojo bars, and avalon face cream. Yes it’s the little things that I need.

Okay what else did I do? Well before the 9:00 workout I got the kids ready for school yes sounds easy enough but the strong-willed, independent thinking kids I have tend to test me ever morning.

I hung at a load of laundry, put a load away and put another one on to be washed. Changed the sheets in both kids bed’s. Wrote a flyer for the school’s upcoming movie night.

Those a few of my accomplishments today. I know not very impressive hey I am doing my best and this is part of my mission to find my little avenue to travel down. Of course I love planning crafts and parties and that has been a focus of mine but I am looking to add more substance.

January 17, 2013 at 6:37 PM