Just 40 Days

Snow had started falling before I went to bed last night.  I am always amazed at how quiet it is when it snows.  The sounds of the cars driving by on the street are muffled.  The soft flakes are silent as they hit the window.  The more snow that falls, the more peaceful the earth seams to be.  I sure enjoyed a good night of sleep.

Peanut butter toast:  its what's for breakfast today.  I don't need a lot of peanut butter on my toast.  I need just enough that it melts and can drip into my mouth.  I had never paid attention to the drippy part until my senior year in high school, when my friend Lisa and I were discussing our favorite foods and the drippy part was hers.   Now, I also like that part the best.  It's a game to not lose any of the drips to the plate, counter, or floor, let alone the front of my shirt. I've learned over the years that the peanut butter I use matters.  I choose JIF.  The regular red cap version is pretty sweet and has a lot of sugar added - which is probably why I like it.  I try to purchase Simply JIF to reduce the sugar.  I've also learned that in order to have good toast, you need good bread.  White bread makes the worst toast, followed closely by the wheat version of white bread.  The best way to make peanut butter toa...

There are many meanings to the fit.  Merriam Websters simple definition of fit is:  proper or acceptable: morally or socially correct; suitable for a specified purpose; and physically healthy and strong.  But for me, today I think of the word fits in this context:  Why do my clothes not fit? --- which could fit into the first definition of proper or acceptable as my clothes are not acceptable on my body. I know that the reason my shoes do not fit is that I have placed an orthotic inside which leaves much less room for my feet.  I also know that my pants don't fit because I recently have packed on twenty extra pounds.  That is also the reason that my shirts are tighter than usual. I'm writing these thoughts down as a way to become more aware of what I have been taking care of myself...specifically the lack of care I have been having for myself.  Today my scale read 200.4 lbs.  What will it say in 40 days?

After more than fifty years, I think it's time to end my relationship with Hershey's.  I know that I could never break it off with chocolate completely,  but if I just eliminated my favorite brand...Hershey's...I would be way ahead of the game. I would have to say that more than 90% of the chocolate candy I consume is either a Reese's or Hershey's.  Something clicks in my brain when I taste the flavor in my mouth.  It's druglike to my mind.

It's Monday morning, and I have had five days of overindulging on good food, drinks, and sweets.  If you're anything like me, you forgot to increase walking and water, and most of all extra fiber.  Now you are suffering from a grand case of holiday bloat.  I had forgotten what I learned a few years ago; to eat plenty of vegetables early in the day when I knew I was going to indulge in extra meals, drinks, and of course those cookies that are only available at Christmastime. So what will I do today to relieve this bloat?  For sure, I will drink more water and walk more.  Perhaps I'll drink tea - that usually soothes my stomach.  I'm considering only protein shakes for one day before I go to the "I can only eat it if God made it" regiment:  of mostly fruits, vegetables and eggs.  I must skip the sweets, the breads, and the adult beverages...no matter how tempting.  I've had more that my fill. Soon it will be January 1st and I like many o...

It's three days before Christmas and I'm gathering my Christmas spirit.  I take it from the music I listen to at work and the movies I watch when I'm home.  I try to see it in others while I'm out and about picking up a few things.  I feel it's sweetness in the goodies that seem to be in abundance.  (My clothes are noticing as they hug me more tightly around my ever growing middle.)  I forget that it is in the GIVING of Christmas that I RECEIVE more of it's SPIRIT. I hope for my family to be happy and kind, generous and thoughtful.  I promise to be a model of patience and thoughtfulness.  I have faith in an ever loving God who promises things will be okay.  I search for love of myself and those that are different from me.  I am reminded of Christmas' past - filled with joys and sorrows - but isn't that how it's supposed to be? Sometimes, I wonder where I would be had I made different choices - only to be reminded that I'm where I'm sup...

Last night I accompanied Paul to his work Christmas Party that was held at the Hilton Garden Inn where Haylee worked.  We had lots of fun and the food was good.  I even saw a couple of former students from Central Catholic and one from my first teaching job at St. Joan of Arc.  He remember my name as soon as I walked up to him! That made me feel really good! But then, as I laid in bed waiting to fall asleep, Clarence (grief) wanted to pay a visit.  He hasn't been in the forefront lately so he really hit me hard.  I have not sobbed or perhaps wept like that in a very long time.   I wasn't too happy about that last night.  But this morning, I feel better. Holidays and memories are what bring joy to us and it's true, those that bring the greatest joy, bring the greatest sorrow.  So many people are missing family members for as many different reasons.  I'm certain they are like me, putting up a strong front, trying to enjoy the moment...