Hello everyone,

I'm so sorry about not posting homework last Wed, I TOTALLY forgot about it! Since starting our new school year (we homeschool), my mornings have been rather full, and I totally missed it last week! I will be writing it on the calendar from now on

Ok, here's the homework today. I have noticed recently that a lot of people in my own personal life are really looking to me to be an example of several different attributes (which I really dislike because it means that I feel like I have a certain standard that I have to maintain, and it feels like I can't have a bad day here and there). Anyhow, ALL of us, each and everyone of us here on this board has someone in their personal lives that looks up to them. What ONE positive thing can we do today (even if the person who's life we are an influence on won't see it) to stand up to that standard. AND what one negative thing that has already happened today or in the past day or two can YOU learn from?

Just getting around to this.

Positive-One day recently dd and I had a snack attack. I went to the kitchen and came back with a large bowl of (ta-dah!!!) grapes instead of the ice cream Dibs.

Negative - Wed night dd and I went out to eat. Was supposed to go to Chili's (don't get into too much food trouble there) but we went to Athens Pizza instead. She had a gyro and I had a small pizza. No problem there however we got TWO orders of their garlic cheese bread - one for each of us instead of sharing. We did not eat it all but brought it home with us.

Good assignment!

Negative thing was that I have been very depressed lately, just a kazillion things going on and I do need to get out of town for a couple of days. I yelled at the dog, I barked at DH, and just generally felt sorry for myself all day, which did mean I deserved popcorn tonight. WRONG!

POSITIVE: I have been swimming everyday this week, and people are beginning to notice that I am being consistent again. although I don't do it for them, I do it for me....it's a very good thing.

Negative: when I have more than one alcoholic drink, I get the munchies. How many times have I posted that? You would think by now I would get it through my head that drinking too much is a recipe for over eating yet I continue to do it and think that I'll be able to stick to my plan. Never happens.... : (

Positive: Despite having serious back pain today, I still managed to find a way to get in some exercise.

P.S. There are plenty more negatives that I could have used - short tempered with dh the past 48 hours thanks to sleep deprivation; angry that dh has been out every night, etc...

Negative: I still don't know how to communicate to dh that I worry about his diet and lack of activity. I basically nagged him last night... which isn't exactly the most effective route to take.

Positive: This morning, I asked (very nicely ) if dh could take 5-10 mins and have breakfast before going to work. He did and I gave him a big hug and said that I'm so happy when he is taking care of himself. Should remember that honey is a better fly catcher than vinegar...

The positive thing I did was be supportive as a sounding board for my two friends about to go back to school (teachers). My old department is getting the shaft again - typical. Special Educator's don't seem to fit into Mr. Bush's NCLB act.

The negative was jumping on my son (verbally). He had anticipated being with his girlfriend while I was with my two friends (he's dependent on us for transportation since he's only 15-1/2. I had set up my picnic lunch with my 2 friends to coincide with his date - since we had to travel 30 miles and considering the price of gas now.

Trey was very good while waiting for 3 gabby women, who hadn't seen each other for a couple of months (and one went to Alaska and I went to England)
He occupied himself for a couple of hours. [i[Then[/i] we had to deliver a kiln for one of the ladies (part of the reason for the picnic). Then we had to stop at the grocery for milk and a few things. He just wanted to go home. So did I, but I wasn't understanding at all. How can I expect him to be patient with me if I'm not patient with him?

I am going to start with the negative. I am very easily drawn into someone else's negativity and gossip. On Saturday I told a friend something about another friend that really should have stayed in the vault. I feel terrible, this person has always been such a good friend to me and now I feel I have betrayed him. I also feel bad because the friend I told this too will probably think twice before confiding in me. Next time, instead of focusing onthe negative and gossiping, I will find something nice to say instead, something positive to counter the negativity of the surrounding conversation.

The one positive thing I can do today is smile for one. Think positive thoughts, about myself, my future. I ate a pretty bad lunch, normally I would be beating myself up but decided when I read this homework that I am going to forgive myself and move on. I am only human, I make mistakes, and now I will learn from this mistake. I am choosing to view this from a positive standpoint, not negative.
Jill

quote:

What ONE positive thing can we do today (even if the person who's life we are an influence on won't see it) to stand up to that standard. AND what one negative thing that has already happened today or in the past day or two can YOU learn from?

I just wanted to say that I think this is a great assignment but is requiring more thought on my part. I'll be back later (or possible tomorrow as tonight is dh's birthday dinner) to answer.

quote:

What ONE positive thing can we do today (even if the person who's life we are an influence on won't see it) to stand up to that standard. AND what one negative thing that has already happened today or in the past day or two can YOU learn from?

Ok, the one positive thing that I can do today is to maintain an attitude of peace and patience. My children are REALLY trying my patience, as well as the patience of each other, and so I want to exhibit an attitude of peacefulness and of patience today.

The negative thing occurred on Saturday. I was making dinner, and my family was occupied doing something totally frivolous. I was very hungry, and rather grumpy. I called them all to dinner....no response. I called again...my 4 year old comes bounding to the kitchen. I say "Rache can you please go tell Daddy and the kids that it's time for dinner". She comes back rather dejectedly and said that they had told her "SHhhhhh" Well, I LOST IT!!!! I started screaming all of my children's names. They KNEW I was not happy, and all came running. Well, the lesson that I learned that night was to not let myself get so hungry that I am grumpy like that! When I scream like that, not only does it inflict physical pain on me (Hurts my throat), but it also makes me feel HORRIBLE, as well as scaring my children!

SO, the lesson that I learned is to make sure I'm eating very regularly and not letting myself get that hungry!