Happy Sweetie Day

I just had to show off these gorgeous berries that Mary sent us! They are delicious -and no, they are not on my Nutrisystem plan, but boy are they yummy. : )

I'll be back soon for more yap-yap, but for now, I'll just let you feast your eyes on these.

Love and kisses!

A Few of My Favorite Things

This is a picture I took on our first food stop after landing in Oklahoma at Christmas time. Who can guess where we stopped? I think 2 of the places we miss the most since moving to Montana are Sonic and Braums. Oh the lovely treats. . . sigh... However, I'm pretty sure none of those treats are on my Nutrisystem plan, so it's probably a good thing we have to travel clear across the country to get to Braums ice cream!

There's something about a sweet treat that just makes your face break into a big grin. : ) I can still imagine the excitement of hearing the ice cream truck that played LOUD circus type music announcing that any moment it would be driving down our street with frozen goodness for sale. Seems to me that the push-up pops were a dime and banana-fudge bombs were fifteen cents!

I mentioned to someone the other day that sometimes I sit here at the computer with the intention of blogging and I can't think of one happy thought. Just like Peter Pan when Tinkerbell (Robin Williams and Julia Roberts in "Hook") was trying to teach him how to fly. On those evenings I just shut it down and retreat to my room to read or call it a day and turn out the lights. But I don't want that to be my habit, so, in the words of Jimmy's hero - the outlaw Josie Wales, I shall endeavor to persevere. : )

My happy thought for today (besides ice cream, of course) is realizing how blessed I am to have such a fantastic family and friends who hug me and hold me up. See, with that kind of treat I must just sit here with a grateful grin on my face. : ) I love you guys.

Resolution Number Three

Be brave.

You know that saying, "Life is short, eat dessert first"? Well, the fact is... life IS short. I have enjoyed a great life, but I have not accomplished all that I want to accomplish. I have also expended a great amount of energy getting bogged down in plans that I've never carried out.

I'm going to bare my soul a little bit here. My usual operating procedure has been to become interested in a subject, ie. event planning, weddings, writing, speaking, marketing, photography, etc., etc., etc..., then accumulate a library on that subject to learn all I can about it. However, I don't ever seem to reach a point where I feel qualified to put that knowledge into action. Yup, chicken behavior.

My next step is to consider my dreams, pick one to build a foundation under and move forward. I am resolving here and now NOT to be a chickenhead! : )

So, here it is... my shelf stacked with Nutrisystem foods. My present method of gaining control over the weight issue. I've been on the system for a week now and have to say it's been really easy. The meals are so quick, that I'm not tempted to snack while cooking and adding fresh salads and fruits make it seem like I'm eating LOTS of food. So far, so good. : )

Resolution Number Two

Be healthy.

I know that "losing weight" is on the majority of resolution lists. At least I know it's usually on mine. But even though it's common that doesn't make it any less important. More than losing weight, though, is the need to have a balance physically, spiritually and emotionally.

I've experienced emotions I never thought I'd have, but the great thing about emotions is that they have an expiration. I'm pretty thankful for that setup. Any success I've acquired in the area of handling the emotions I've experienced in the last few months, I HAVE to attribute to the amazing and awesome support of you, my family and friends and the prayers that you have offered for us.

As far as my spiritual journey goes, I'm thankful for God's patience with me and His ever present comfort.

Resolution Number One

Show Love.

I have this great plant in my bathroom. It sits on the edge of the tub so I can admire it while I take a bath. Do you see why I love it? Heart shaped leaves! How great is that? I'm reminded every day by this little potted plant that the Creator of the universe loves me, and I'm encouraged by that little plant to share that love with others. I am learning that the more I show love to others the less I'm thinking about myself and that's a great benefit. The less time I spend thinking of my own sorrows, the less sorrowful I feel, so it's a win-sin situation. Let me encourage you to add this resolution to your list. : )

Inspiration

I watched a dvd by Andy Andrews this evening called "Seven Decisions". It was recorded in 2005, but the principles he shares are timeless. You know, we're all making decisions constantly in our everyday lives, even if it's the decision not to decide yet. : )

Here we are, a third of the way through January and I'm still deciding on my New Year's Resolutions. It seems to me that the majority of folks don't bother with resolutions anymore, or maybe it just happened to be the people I asked. The usual response was that their resolutions are soon forgotten or broken, so what's the point. I understand that reasoning, but I don't agree with it. I know I'm not perfect - FAR from it, and I think taking a good, hard look at how I can improve is worthwhile. I think the greatest benefit of a New Year's Resolution is not the resolution itself as much as the process itself. So, by my next post, I intend to have at least a couple of well thought out, purposeful, character building resolutions. Maybe I should address procrastination, after all, it is the 11th day of the new year! Sigh... : )