My Heroes... Friends...

I have been richly blessed with amazing friends. Some I have met, and some I have not. Nine or ten years ago, I sat in Sunday School and they played a little getting-to-know-you game. Each person had to state one thing unique about themselves. I had the perfect answer, my favorite kind of answer: it starts out sounding one way, and then has a twist. I told them my best friend lived over 2,000 miles away. I relished the rolled eyes. Nothing special about that. Then I added we had never met. All rolling eyes stopped and widened instead. Yep, that was unique, then. Definitely not anymore. Now I have more friends I've never met than I have friends I have met. In fact, I have very few friends (almost exclusively family) that I didn't meet online first or because of my online activity.

This week, I had friends thrilled by my sister's gift of a gnome. I had dinner with a friend I'd met because she's friends with a friend I met online, and later at a LOTR event, after she asked me to write a historical romance, and look where that has led me! I'm celebrating with friends who have banded together to learn how to become healthier, mentally and physically and spiritually. I've had the opportunity to support several author friends, most of whom I haven't met, yet. I've devoured books I was introduced to by my online friends. I know what some of my friends have been through, because they have been willing to share with me, and they are amazing people. I'm honored to know them, and call them my friends.

My friends have lifted me, inspired me, encouraged me, and pushed me to be a better person.

My friends help me remember how to laugh when life becomes overwhelming (FaceBook Find):

Experiment....

Over at Anxiety Ate My Homework, on Wednesday, was a post about how to access emotions in order to change those emotions. I'm going to give it a try, to see if I can learn to feel more confident, learn to master the anxiety and depression I've lived with all my life.

http://aamhblog.blogspot.com/2012/04/lynn-grocott-discusses-neuro-linguistic.html

The worst that can happen is it doesn't work.

I'm adding drinking herbal tea, every day, to my routine. Beth Trissel posted this at her blog:

http://bethtrissel.wordpress.com/2012/04/19/drink-your-way-to-health/

It set me to thinking. When I feel the most self-confident is when I'm in L.A. My friends all notice a difference in me, after I've spent a weekend there. So that's going to be my visualization. When I'm in L.A., my friend Jan always makes sure I have herbal tea available. We'll sit on her balcony and chat and drink tea and enjoy the ocean breeze. You can't see the ocean from her place, but you can smell it sometimes. So, starting today, I'm going to practice my visualization and have a cup of tea to re-enforce my determination to treat myself better.

I was born and raised a slave in Egypt, referring back to Rabbi Daniel Lapin's article. Today, I will begin to learn to think differently. Today is a new beginning. I will break the chains of slavery, one step at a time, starting today.

Thanks, Kiki. :-)

Week Forty-Three of REAL...

Reminders: REAL - Reduce stress Exercise Adequate sleep Lower caloric intake

What Navy SEALs are required to do to make it into BUD/S:
500 yard swim using breast and/or sidestroke 12.5 minutes 10 minute rest
Perform a minimum of 42 push-ups 2 minutes 2 minute rest
Perform a minimum of 50 sit-ups 2 minutes 2 minute rest
Perform a minimum of 6 pull-ups No time limit 10 minute rest
Run 1.5 miles wearing boots and long pants 11.5 minutes

Here's the link if you're interested in the whole thing: http://navyseal.s5.com/requirements.html

RIght up front: Never in a million years could I do what is required. However, I needed to start somewhere. Considering how fit the SEALs are, I figured it was a good place to start. So my SEAL puppy reps consist of girls' pushups, crunches, and flutter kicks, a SEAL training basic. I started with doing one of each. This week, I try to increase my reps. I've worked up to 22.

The 13th: weigh in: 234.2 lb. SEAL puppy rep. Two-mile walk. SEAL puppy rep. Not surprised by the weight, but not too worried either. Today, I will eat better. I don't have a choice. The jelly beans, Ding Dongs, and Fairy Bunny are gone.

The 14th: weigh in: 233 lb. One day of eating better, and look at that. No surprise. Two-mile walk with my sister. Physical therapy, using 26 oz weights (more commonly known as cans of spaghetti sauce). I decided to start upping my weights a bit, instead of adding more reps. Starting out small.

The 15th: weigh in: 232.4 lb. You know it's going to be a rough day when you open your eyes, while your curtain is closed, and think, "It's too bright." Hate migraines. At least I was able to sleep it off. Thanks, God.

The 16th: weigh in: 232.4 lb. SEAL puppy rep. Two-mile walk. SEAL puppy rep. You know a book is good when you skip meals to read. Perfect on Paper by Patty Froese. I'll review it on Wednesday.

The 17th: weigh in: 231 lb. One-mile walk. Physical therapy, with 26 oz weights. Made cake, today. I used olive oil instead of regular vegetable oil. Can't tell the difference.

The 18th: weigh in: 231.8 lb. SEAL puppy rep. Two-mile walk. SEAL puppy rep. Wow.... it's Wednesday already. How did that happen? I know, one day at a time. I ate badly. Popcorn and cake. Why? Easy answer: I wrote the darkest moment of the current WIP. I hadn't planned to have this in the book at all, but it kept popping into my head. Now, it's on paper. Maybe I can go back to a regular diet now.

The 19th: weigh in: 232.8 lb. Waist circumference: 39". One-mile walk. Physical therapy, with 26 oz weights. Tummy not happy. No surprise. Hopefully, I will not do it again anytime soon.

Inspiration, at least to me:

Perfect on Paper by Patty Froese

Description: Anne Stanborough, a well known mystery writer, inherits her maiden aunt's book store, Perfect on Paper. The lawyer handling her aunt's estate is none other than the handsome Jake Harrison, but despite his attraction to the beautiful author, his painful divorce has made him wary of a marriage between two driven professionals. Anne can't let go of the career she's worked her entire life towards, and he isn't willing to make a second mistake in marriage. It looks like they should call the whole thing off until Anne discovers that her late maiden aunt might not have been so "maiden" after all… A love story from the past tugs this couple back together again, but will it be enough to prove that a love founded in God really can overcome anything?


What a delightfully, cozy read, the warm fuzzy blanket you love to wrap around you on a chilly day, snuggling in for some comforting HEA.

Anne is intelligent and struggling with career decisions that will change the course of her life. Jake is also intelligent, but he knows where his future lies, a future he's chosen because of a painful failure in his past. They face a storm, a sweet mystery, and their own preconceived ideas of what a forever relationship should be. The heroine and hero both captured my heart, and I wanted so much for them to find happiness together.

Add in some wonderful secondary characters, and it's a satisfying read from beginning to end. Ralph, Anne's mother, and memories of Anne's aunt, so many little touches creating a sense of realness. The banter between Jake and his brother Greg was hilarious, and I'm hoping there's a story coming for Greg. Learning that some of the stories shared within the tale are anecdotes from Patty's own family added to the charm. "God had no problems, just plans."

Brain... on vacation...

...and I didn't get to go along.

Yesterday, laundry was done. Yay!

Reading was done, but not what I'd originally planned. I volunteered to read and review a book. I'll post it, tomorrow. I'm also trying still another author, and not particularly impressed. What a contrast between the two.

My sister found an adorable little gnome for me. A God wink. He's sitting on a mushroom, reading a book. Cute!

Not much brain otherwise.

So, sharing a fun picture from Funny Cat Photos... or was it Facebook... cute either way....

Carpe diem... stuck in Egypt...

Rabbi Daniel Lapin's most recent newsletter focused on Passover. He wondered how many are stuck in Egypt. “Our Egypt?” you ask. Yes, our slavery to whatever circumstances block the path to our own Divine destiny. Thought Tools by Rabbi Daniel Lapin www.rabbidaniellapin.com

I have some thinking to do.

In the meantime, there are things that need to be done. It's Monday, and I'm claiming it.

~Laundry

~Writing

~Reading

~Make cake. Maybe. Time to try the new ideas. Actually, I have some eggs I need to prep for the freezer, and I want to have some ready for use in cakes. The others are ready for use in cookies. :-) Life is too short not to have some fun, too.

There are things I want to change in my life. I need to start within my mind.

Thank Goodness It's Sunday #98

~David Crowder Band's How He Loves Us http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GzfPHnoT0-0&feature=related

~"Cold" snap. March weather in April. Love it. I'm really not ready for summer, yet.

~Friends who see me through the tough times. I couldn't do it without them.

~Discovering PCroissant. Yummy food, and easy downloads of my books onto my Kindle. Whoohoo!

~NASCAR, Carl came in 8th! Whoohoo! It's a good finish. Go Carl!

And fun pictures from FaceBook. I needed this reminder:

My Heroes... Hugh Jackman...

A little while ago, I saw an interview with Hugh Jackman, on Theater Talk. It was fascinating and amazing, and I came away feeling inspired. The interview is less than 25 minutes.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2JeYtWEeF68

I'm posting it here, so I can watch it any time. He's a remarkable man, beside being gorgeous and having a great accent. :-) Did you know he also narrates the cooking show Kimchi Chronicles, and he and his wife sometimes are guests? Now, you do.

Bah! Humbug...

I've thought about coloring my hair. I've debated. I've discussed it with others. I've hemmed. I've hawed. I've dabbled. This week, I actually looked at the hair color stuff at the store. "Test on skin 48-hours before using, for allergic reaction." I'm allergic to a lot of things. "Use gloves. Do not allow to touch skin." I try to be neat. I really do, but life happens. I was not good at coloring inside the lines. And okay, I "get" using the gloves because it would color your hands. Still, there has to be another way. I was using tea on my hair for a while. It muted the gray, and to be honest, I liked how my hair felt and looked. It actually did make a difference, but I... shoot, I was lazy. I quit. So, back to it.

Another change. I was willing to pay $2.50 for a piece of cake, which I'd eat over two days. This week, I could buy cake mix and frosting for $2.70. Even if I'm really generous with the pieces, ie, that's 8 pieces of cake. I'll try to be good, and make it more. Cake freezes nicely. I'm trying to be smarter about my money, so I bought the mix and frosting.

Re-evaluating how I treat treats. (Couldn't resist that one.) Anyway, I want to be healthy. My body needs healthy food to be healthy. It only makes sense. Old habits need junk food to feel safe. How stupid is that? When do I stop allowing the past to decide my present and my future? Okay, no going cold turkey, but I will be better.

What has fallen victim to PMS, this week? Besides my temper, my patience, and my concentration?

*1 bag of Jolly Rancher Jelly Beans, 10 servings gobbled up in 4 days. *sigh*
*1 Dove milk chocolate Fairy Bunny, 3 servings inhaled in less than 20 minutes. *hrmph*
*1 box of Hostess Ding Dongs, in 3 days. *pfft*

Did I do anything right? Actually, yes, I did. Everything else was carefully planned and portioned. The above stuff was in addition. With it gone, there is no more addition. I've never been one for removing temptation from the house, because I know if I don't have treats available I will binge on other things. However, I think if I stick to what I know I'm able to control, and keep out of the house what I can't seem to control, then I'll have a better chance of improving my eating. I know I'll feel better.

Important notice: The health "experts" (I'm using the term very loosely) have declared you don't need to drink 8 cups of water every day. You can eat it, and you'll have the other health benefits of additional nutritional value. To those so-called experts I say *PFFT* You're slow on your testing. I've already tried it, and I was on the fast track to kidney problems. I can't even trade out milk or juice for water. I can have milk and juice in addition to the water, but it does not substitute. Water flushes the kidneys, you know those organs that help clear toxins from your system. If you drink too much water, you can overwork your kidneys. If you don't drink enough water, your kidneys have trouble flushing out those toxins. I remind myself these are the same "experts" who bounce back and forth between whether or not eggs are good for you faster than a Wimbledon tennis match. Which leads into the newest bits of idiocy. The "new" train of thought is that drugs should be legalized. So, we are banning sugar, salt, and fat, because they are dangerous, and legalizing drugs, which are dangerous. What kind of stupid, insane logic is that?

Week Forty-Two of REAL...

Reminders: REAL - Reduce stress Exercise Adequate sleep Lower caloric intake

What Navy SEALs are required to do to make it into BUD/S:
500 yard swim using breast and/or sidestroke 12.5 minutes 10 minute rest
Perform a minimum of 42 push-ups 2 minutes 2 minute rest
Perform a minimum of 50 sit-ups 2 minutes 2 minute rest
Perform a minimum of 6 pull-ups No time limit 10 minute rest
Run 1.5 miles wearing boots and long pants 11.5 minutes

Here's the link if you're interested in the whole thing: http://navyseal.s5.com/requirements.html

RIght up front: Never in a million years could I do what is required. However, I needed to start somewhere. Considering how fit the SEALs are, I figured it was a good place to start. So my SEAL puppy reps consist of girls' pushups, crunches, and flutter kicks, a SEAL training basic. I started with doing one of each. This week, I try to increase my reps. Making a slight change, to help me keep things straight. Doing 3 reps of a count of 20 of each of my physical therapy, and also keeping my SEAL puppy reps at 20 for another week, then I'll start increasing them all together at the same time.

The 6th: weigh in: 231.4 lb. Hamburger, cookies, pork and potatoes, yogurt, cake, hot chocolate. SEAL puppy rep. Two-mile walk. SEAL puppy rep. I overslept, an hour. I'm feeling behind, now. My shoulder is in pain, and I was thinking it was because of carrying in groceries, but that happened last Tuesday. It doesn't usually wait two days to manifest. Then I remember the other night, editing, and not bothering to move my wrist rest one inch, so I could use it properly. It's less than a half inch, and yes, it makes that big a difference for me. I've spent the day feeling like I want to crawl out of my skin. I finally took an allergy pill. That twitchy feeling is gone, but now I can't keep my eyes open, and it's only mid afternoon. My printer refuses to talk to my word program, though it was willing enough to talk to my computer, because I was able to print a test page, from my computer. Stupid programs. I've had better days; this is not one of them. I suspect there are also some underlying memories and emotions I'm studiously ignoring.

The 7th: weigh in: 230.4 lb. Didn't expect that. Pcroissant and hot chocolate (yummy), ham sandwich and cookies, crackers and cake. Two-mile walk with my sister. Much enjoyed and needed. Physical therapy, with 1-lb weights, 3 groups of 6 different upper body exercises at 20 reps each.

The 8th: weigh in: 230 lb.

The 9th: weigh in: 230.6 lb. SEAL puppy rep. Two-mile walk. SEAL puppy rep. Two hours sleep. Definitely napping, today.

The 10th: weigh in: 231.4 lb. One-mile walk. Physical therapy, with 1-lb weights.

The 11th: weigh in: 232 lb. SEAL puppy rep. Two-mile walk. SEAL puppy rep. Sigh... I was a bad, bad girl. The jelly beans are all gone, so is the Dove chocolate Fairy Bunny. Note to self: Easter, next year, no jelly beans, unless I'm sharing them, and no chocolate bunny. I can eat the chocolate eggs in a reasonable fashion, so they're still okay, though they were almost half price after Easter, so maybe wait to buy them.

The 12th: weigh in: 232.6 lb. Waist circumference: 39". Oh. That time of the month, started early. This explains the melancholy and the binging. Shoot. Darn. Crumbs. PIckles. BAH! One-mile walk, today, and physical therapy, with 1-lb weights. My eating will be better for the next little while.

Inspiration, at least to me:

Howling at an ad....

Have you seen it?! It's the new Air-Wick scents, featuring national parks.

You are kidding me, right?

I was okay with it, for the first two or three seconds. Then they introduced "Yellowstone."

Wait... What?

The question begs to be asked: Have they actually ever been there?

Really?

Am I the only person who thinks the smell of sulfur is not enticing?

They know Yellowstone smells like rotten eggs, right?

And buffalo, bison if you insist on perfection, elk, deer, bears, and wolves...

Oh, and roadkill. The marmots aren't great at dodging cars.

I mean, there is also the lovely smell of evergreens, etc, but the uniqueness of Yellowstone is the geysers and the mud pots. Maybe they want to help us become accustomed to the smell of hades...

Just sayin...

:-D