Started a New Blog

I now have 3 blogs, so this one has lagged behind for a while. I'll still post here occasionally, but for January--possibly longer--my main focus will be on my writing blog and my prayer request blog.

We're having some repairs done on our house this week, and I have to finish up some paperwork for my business. Once tax season is over, I plan to devote my time to finishing my novel and cleaning out the basement. I'm also planning some articles to submit to magazines, and I'll keep you posted on my progress.

One thing I've been working on is weight control, and I have to say I'm doing pretty good. I've resisted temptation better than usual, and by cutting back on my carbs--no exercise--I'm down 12 pounds over my December 1, 2009 weight. Not spectacular, but that comes out to 6 pounds on average per month. At that rate, by June 1, 2010 I should lose another 24 pounds. That's my goal. :)

One of My Favorite Songs

A fellow blogger had this video posted, and I couldn't resist adding it to my own blog. This has been one of my favorite songs for years, and its message is worth remembering. Enjoy!

Getting in the Holiday Spirit

I've been having trouble getting into the Christmas spirit this year. We had a wonderful Thanksgiving, and put up the tree the day after. It still doesn't have any decorations and I don't even feel like dragging them out of storage. Part of the reason is related to the cats--they knock everything down as fast as I put it up. Partly I just don't like spending tons of money on stuff.

Our basement is full of things we have outgrown. There are clothes, games, books, and who knows what down there waiting to be sorted and given a new home. Buying more is just dumb. I wish I could get motivated to clean it all out and start downsizing for retirement, but there are so many other things I need and want to do that I don't get around to it all.

Maybe I'll feel more Christmasy once the kids come back from college. Or maybe I'll write some Christmas cards. This year I plan to mail them before Christmas Eve, so I better get started soon.I'm skipping the candy and gingerbread houses this year since I'm supposed to avoid sugar, and I'm afraid to put out my ceramic village, so there isn't much to show the holiday is coming to our house... :(

Thanksgiving Week Thoughts

I've got lots to be thankful for this holiday season. Most of what comes to mind are the important things many other people are grateful for, too, like my family, friends, and faith. In this post I want to dig a little deeper, to remind myself of the little things that help make my life special.

I'm thankful for (in no particular order):

Books that entertain me

Pets that love me unconditionally, or at least tolerate me

Red tea. It's one of the few things I can drink that are good for me that I actually like.

Days with temps in the 50s, and no sun, so I can play outside. Today is one of those days, and I've had a great time doing yard work and taking pictures.

My camera. I love digital cameras even though I can't figure out which setting to use for a particular picture to come out right.

Computers. I love having access to whatever I want to know without having to drive to the library and dig through outdated stuff to find answers.

Birds. I enjoy watching them fly around my house, or perch in my trees. I don't even really mind if they build nests in my garage, though I'd prefer it if they just lived outside.

Sisters and brothers. I know they count as family, but it's just so special having them. I think those who don't have any or don't get along with theirs are missing one of the greatest blessings in life.

I'm sure there are many more blessings I could list, but I'm going to spend the rest of the morning getting ready for one of the best at this time of year: My kids are coming home for Thanksgiving, and I want the house to be clean and welcoming for them.

Not As Easy As It Sounds

Yuck. I have to weigh in the morning, and I'm sure I haven't reached my 2 pound goal. Lunch at the Japanese place in the mall was sooo good, but all that sauce on the Bourbon Chicken probably wrecked my chances of being lighter tomorrow.

I had a good time though. My son and I went shopping, and spent quality time chatting. He's lots of fun, and actually listens when I talk. My other son called me later, too, and I really enjoyed hearing about what he's doing at school. My daughter sent me a long text message. :)

Tomorrow I'm going to start my fall cleaning, and also work on my writing. My blogs have been taking up much of my free time, but there are a couple of articles I want to finish, and a new contest I want to enter. So much to do, and so little energy...

2 Per Week---I Can Do That

My doctor told me I need to lose 20 pounds! Sounds impossible.

My son told me to set a goal of losing 2 pounds each week. I can do THAT!

So, today I started cutting back on the good things I like to eat. I plan to do some walking later today, and work up to half an hour every day. By Christmas I should meet my goal. I'm going to check my status on Wednesdays and try not to over focus on my weight on a daily basis. That fluctuates too much, and I think it will be best to treat this as a lifestyle change instead of a diet.

Wish me luck!

Favorite Way of Starting My Day

This morning I feel so incredibly blessed. I slept in till 7am, fed my cats and then sat down with a steaming cup of blueberry-flavored coffee. Within minutes my favorite cat cuddled on my lap, my second favorite cat curled up by my knees, and my least favorite cat sat on the back of my recliner, slapping me gently with his tail as he watched the droplets of rain running down the window behind us. My 9-year-old puppy laid next to my chair, hoping for a little attention. My son is taking care of the truck stuff I used to have to do, leaving me free to just sit there, enjoying my morning and the adoration of my little furry friends. If I had a laptop, I would be sitting there still.