What are you passionate about?

I've always considered myself a passionate person. Andy and I were going somewhere in the car the other day when I started talking and stressing about work (an unfortunate common thing for me) and he asked if I was still passionate about the things I used to be passionate about.

I had to really think about it for a few moments. I used to be passionate about a few things...but am I still? Do I live that way?

I mean, sure, I live like one's salvation is important, and so is holy living, etc...but what about those homeless guys I used to care about? What about social justice? What about....the other things that I used to get so excited about?

Am I still passionate?

I tend to get caught up in the day-to-day non-sense and grumble about it. Satan is a trickster...he had me, but no more! When thinking about my new appointment there are lots of things to get me off track but they really aren't worth it.

I want to live a missional life and not waste my time stressing about things that aren't worth my energy.

Mrs. Castillo said it best, "focus on Christ...not the Christians!" That's the best advice I think I have ever been given.

What are you passionate about?

Day 20...a bit late and headaches

My day 20 update is late because Andy and I went away for a much needed weekend getaway (happy anniversary to us!). I love being on vacation...makes me never want to work again!

I've been eating fairly well but not exercising as much as I should be. I've been feeling really tired and lethargic and have been since I was sick a month ago. Yesterday I had another awful headache which kept me in bed all day accompanied with the chills, nausea, etc. I'm certain I'm not pregnant so it's coming from somewhere else.

I've been to the neurologist who sent me for an MRI. He says the headaches aren't migraines and is sending me for another test.

The first really bad headache found me sick and dizzy while driving. After the ambulance took me to the hospital and treated the symptoms I was sick for a few days after from side effects from the strong drugs. I felt better for a day and then was in bed for four more days too weak to do anything. I want to get to the root of this mess...

Andy thinks I'm going crazy. I almost agree with him. Our apartment has black mold so I've been researching black mold toxicity which he thinks is making me crazy.

Anyway, that's me lately. Other than that I am trying to enjoy my vacation. We are flying to Minneapolis this weekend to spend some time with Andy's brother and his wife. We are looking forward to it.

Day 10

I did well today because I committed to writing this blog entry today.

I ran my three mile run on my country road this morning. The weather was nice and cool thanks to the bad storm we had last night.

This next week needs to be better than the past week or else I won't lose any weight. I did lose a pound this week but I'll never make my goal at only one pound per every ten days.

One of the problems is that I have been so busy with work (which is nothing new). When I get tired, stressed, or frustrated I tend to not care. I eat what I want since I'm an emotional eater.

Andy and I were planning on going to see a movie last Friday and then decided on the way to the theater to rent a movie from Red Box instead. This was much cheaper but the problem was that Red Box is right in front of the supermarket. We ended up going in to the supermarket and buying a bunch of junk food--and eating it! I gave the mint Oreos away after I ate a few but I still have the rest of that junk in the house.

I have still been feeling really tired. This is left over from when I was sick a few weeks ago. Feeling tired leaves me unmotivated to go to the gym. I did make it a few times over the past ten days, but it's still less than I normally go.

Let's see what the next ten days bring!

Ode to Farmers Market

After we moved here I looked into shopping at a farmers market like I did when I lived in Philadelphia. Then I got busy. And then it got cold.

The weather got warm again but I've been working an insane amount of time. I've been averaging a trip to the supermarket every three weeks. A trip to the farmers market hasn't been a high priority until today.

I made the decision that if Andy and I are going to eat better and support regional farmers I need to invest the time and go to a farmers market. I did.

I realized how much I miss shopping at a local farmers market. All of the produce is fresh. There was a lot of variety and I bought some really great things. They have just about everything I normally buy with a few exceptions like Andy's cereal.

I'm excited to eat them. So is Andy.

Yay for the farmers market! I'm looking forward to going back again soon.

Day 1

Today has been the first day of my 60 day challenge to lose weight.

So far, so good. I don't have much to say. I am feeling good about this personal challenge but today is only the first day. One down...59 to go!

I went to the gym this morning and ate well during the day. If I get the munchies later on tonight I'll have a piece of fruit.

This is going to be a really good time of reflection for me as I focus a bit on myself. I am praying that I'll make the commitment to take the time to grow spiritually during this time.

60 day challenge

I am making this public so that I follow through with it.

I am going to attempt to lose 20 lbs in the next 60 days. That means I'll be at my pre-moving-to-GA-weight.

I am going to :
Eat early
Eat often
Eat less
Eat healthy

And will post updates:

Day 1: June 7th, M
Day 10: June 16th, W
Day 20: June 26, Sat
Day 30: July 6, T
Day 40: July 16th, F
Day 50: July 26th, M
Day 60: August 5th, Tr

Let's see how it goes!

Encouragement

This time last year I was hosting some friends of mine from out of the country. They came to NY for a month to be a part of my graduation, ordination and wedding. They are some very special people to me.

I've been thinking about them lately but have been "too busy" to call. I finally called them today and am really glad that I did.

They are both struggling with some health issues which I've known about for a few months but the Majors health has gotten far worse to the point that they are retiring early--at the end of July. While this news really broke my heart I know that they are long overdo for some much needed rest.

They will be retiring to St.Vincent where some local friends will be helping them. I am excited that they are returning to St.Vincent. I think it's a good decision.

This thirty minute conversation really put a few things into perspective for me. I've been sick this past week and am realizing that it's because I have been working myself too much. I am simply tired and worn out. While I tell my husband that I didn't choose to have two appointments at the same time the truth is that I revel in being so busy and feeling so needed. I need to take care of myself. That needs to be my priority. It doesn't mean I love my work any less or that I'm a slacker, but that I value my own health.

I called them today to hear some encouraging news. They are spirit filled people who always are full of joy and love. While the tone was a bit different today I still left the conversation feeling encouraged, just in a different way than usual.

Thank you, LORD, for great role models.

Now I want to go help them pack...and enjoy some time on their enchanted island with some friends!

Almond Milk

A friend of mine drinks almond milk because, she says, it's healthy. I would buy soy milk until I ran into my hypothyroid issues and learned that I should avoid soy. I do drink regular lowfat milk, but I also like to try new things.

I bought almond milk today for the first time.

Since almonds are one of the best nuts that you can eat I believe that almond milk will be really good for you to drink provided that the milk actually has a good amount of almonds in it and not just sweeteners and additives.

I found this cute recipe to make almond milk at home. Maybe I'll try to make it some day.

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Grind one-quarter cup of almonds in a coffee grinder (I don't drink coffee but I have something that would work).
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Combine almonds with one cup of water and blend in a blender for two to three minutes.
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Strain the liquid using a sieve, if you like.