Back in the day, I never anticipated staying at home with children. I enjoy working and seeing my thoughts and actions accomplish something. I thrive on many things related to the work atmosphere – the community, the sense of self, the pursuit of goals, etc. Turns out, my current “work” situation surpasses anything I could find elsewhere.

Constant Entertainment
I certainly receive a daily dose of laughter from M and her antics. Like today when she stole my wallet and proceeded to take all the cash out saying “Kenzie’s moneys”. Oh boy!

Perfect workout time
I won’t deny that a huge perk of staying at home lies within my gym schedule. I have the option to wake-up early, accomplish things on my to-do list, have breakfast, and relax with M all before hitting up the gym. I love not having to feel rushed or tied down to going to the gym when I’m exhausted.

Easy eating
I have an entire kitchen of options for meals. I don’t have to eat something simply because I packed it. I can change my mind on a whim. Today I served M up a plate of pasta + broccoli, swiss cheese, and grapes. Instead of going for leftovers myself, I had a hankering for the Amy’s burrito in the freezer. Thanks to staying at home…I could eat it. 😀

Work in workout clothes, sweats, etc
I think this speaks for itself. How nice to not have to dress in slacks every day! Added bonus – you get to feel extra special when on a random Wednesday night you have to get dressed for a meeting at church.

Ability to pursue true passions
I love teaching. I do not, however, love teaching in an overly bureaucratic school system. Now, I can still teach, but through new and more fulfilling manners. I lead an adult Bible study, tutor high school Spanish, share information through my writing, and support the growth of knowledge in my daughter. The opportunity to develop my blog and writing by being at home provides me a perfect creative outlet and a defined sense of self. I love being a mommy, but I also love doing things like promoting self-respect.

I believe this aspect serves as the biggest benefit. I need an identity outside of “mommy” and I thrive on developing myself in new ways. We all need to find some way to develop and work on our passions. Life wouldn’t sparkle otherwise. If we make the time for things we love, not only will we experience a greater sense of satisfaction but we could also change our lives to paths unforeseen.

Don't ask yourself what the world needs; ask yourself what makes you come alive. And then go and do that. Because what the world needs is people who have come alive.
-- Harold Whitman

• What is the #1 perk you would most like to have in a job?
• What is your passion?

Two new Examiner articles are up! Please click!
- Dealing with sore breasts
- Stability ball for workouts

Let me start off by saying I love my husband!!! I accidentally deleted this post and he saved the day by finding a way to recuperate it. Has that ever happened to you? Tell me I’m not alone! Now to my saved post. 😀

Last night while getting ready for bed, I realized that I have quite a few healthy habits that pose no problems. Then, on the flip side, I have my fair share I seem to struggle with. I’ve mentioned before that I’m not perfect. This just goes to show so even more. My problems and my not-problems. We all have them! 😉

Not Problem: Teeth Maintenance. I loathe the feel of dirty teeth and going to bed without a minty storm in my mouth. Flossing, brushing, and mouthwash rinsing almost calm me before bed. Even when I face the strong desire of collapsing into bed headfirst with clothes still on I will make a point to polish my pearly whites. Note – not my teeth below. [Source]

Problem: Makeup Removal. I don’t wear makeup often, but when I do, quite the struggle ensues on whether or not its worth cleaning my face before bed, especially the mascara. The devil on my left shoulder usually wins out. I hate doing it! The mascara stains on my pillow case will attest to that.

Not Problem: Working Out. It is my “me-time”. My solace. A pure pleasure to my day. If there’s a way to get a workout in that day, you better believe it will happen for me nine times out of ten. The endorphins I leave with always make the time worth it and set up a positive tone for my day. This morning’s Power class did just that. The new release is tough!!!

Problem: Sleeping. I know adequate rest is vital to good health. And I do my best. Normally I get around 7-8 hours per night, but not lately. I have pregnancy insomnia in a sense. I rarely can fall asleep before 11 and my body wakes me around 4 am every morning for a bathroom run. Then, I register that my hips and back ache from the uncomfortable sleeping positions and I have difficulty getting back to a quality sleep. I doze in and out for 1.5 hours, but its not the same. I miss my sleep!

Not Problem: Releasing pressure. And *ahem* that would be in the form of gas. I have always been one flatulent chick. I vividly remember torturing my younger brother and sister by sitting on their faces and letting one rip when I was younger. Don’t judge me. I don’t need too many beans to be musical. The bunny makes it cuter, no? 😉

Problem: Actually going. I think this is the part of pregnancy I loathe the most. My stomach aches a lot and much of it is purely from a lack of quality bathroom time. I drink water. I eat fiber. I move my body. Having a #2 schedule like a 90 year old grandmother should not happen to me! And don’t worry…there will be no pictures for this one. Ewwwww.

Not Problem: Eating healthfully. I  feel so much better when I eat a balanced and healthful diet. That alone motivates me enough to give my body the good stuff. With treats here and there too of course. 😉

Problem: Lack of variety. I get in food grooves where I will eat the same thing (or very similar) day in and day out. Variety is the spice of life and should be part of healthy eating to help get in a variety of nutrients. I’m not opposed to eating different things. I like a lot of different things. But having a routine and not needing to buy a TON of ingredients at the store always seems to win out. Plus, I like my food. Even if that means 5 of the 7 weekly breakfasts are some form of oats, nubutter, and fruit.

• What healthy habits do you have no problem with and which require more focus from you?
• Do you get in food ruts or have food kicks? Or do you need a lot of variety?
• Be sure to check out the 30 Days of Self-Love challenge coming to my site in September! And don’t forget to let me know if you added my button or shared the challenge on your blog.