I used to say, "I can't wait for THINGS to change!" But what I've learned is that the only way things are going to change for me, is when I change.
Change is a process...
We first began the change when Rick accepted that case of juice from Zack. Then when we drank the juice, our bodies reacted and began to change immediately. MonaVie juice blends are so healthy... full of all those wonderful antioxidants ... and many nutrients that our diets lacked. The results have been unbelievable! Rick's knees no longer hurt, my cholesterol came down to a healthy level, I have more energy ... and I sleep a good night's sleep!
Change inspires change.
As our bodies began to change so did our hearts and spirits. We began to hope and dream that this business would take us to financial freedom... and time freedom!
The last 11 months have been filled with great meetings... and the support of our new friends in Team 212, reading positive books and much prayer as we've learned to "walk the walk while we talk the talk." Months of challenge! At times I've had so many affirmations taped to the bathroom mirrors that we've had trouble using them!
Some of my favorites: Three feet from gold! Never quit! Never give up! You can do it! Gold Baby! I am a bold, beautiful, courageous woman! What did I do today to help us reach our goal? Just one more time! How Big is my Why?
In the beginning we thought we'd advance quickly... and that we'd already have been to Ruby. But we've had to adjusted our goals ... several times... and change some of our thinking and some of our methods. We put our noses to the grind-stone even harder and we determined that we will never give up!
NOW THE RUBY RUN IS ON! The friendly competition between friends is great fun! We're too excited to want time to sit back in our chairs and bask in the glory of rank advancement ... we don't need time to relax... not yet! And guess what? Just when we to need to again change some of our thinking and some of our methods we're going to have NEW tools to work with. Can't wait to hear more on May 8th!
As Vince often says, what got us here (to Gold) won't get us there (to Ruby)!!! Always changing! But now the changing is more accepted as just the way this wild and crazy business is done!
We're eagerly anticipating the next 11 months!
Monday, April 19, 2010
Thursday, April 15, 2010
The Diet: continued
I bet you thought I had forgotten the diet I started (to be exact) on Jan 18th ... Did I forget my intentions to lose weight ... to walk 4-5 times a week? Not completely.
While I admit that I had a few distractions since Jan,(the weather is always a good one), I am still striving toward my goal; a healthier, thinner (as in less body fat), happier me. But I have been back on track... walking 4-5 times/week... educating my self for a better diet ... trying a more organic way of eating. I've been reading Dr. Perricone's THE PERRICONE PROMISE... a great book. I watched the movie, INC FOODS. What an eye opener! I plan to shop more in local farmer's markets (and there are plenty to choose from) and buy less processed/packaged foods. (Of course, my MonaVie juice blend is extremely compatible with this style of diet.)
I have to tell you, that not walking for 2-3 weeks made my body feel almost like it did way back in Jan... like it was starting all over again! But life is sometimes that way... one step forward, two steps back. If we keep moving ahead, don't give up, eventually we will reach our goal!
Remax (my cat) is stalking a gray squirrel outside the window... now he's racing from one window to another! The squirrel doesn't seem to be worried. Afterall, this game has been played before. But I am reminded that it's time for my morning walk!
Health, Wealth & Love to all on this beautiful sunny morning!
While I admit that I had a few distractions since Jan,(the weather is always a good one), I am still striving toward my goal; a healthier, thinner (as in less body fat), happier me. But I have been back on track... walking 4-5 times/week... educating my self for a better diet ... trying a more organic way of eating. I've been reading Dr. Perricone's THE PERRICONE PROMISE... a great book. I watched the movie, INC FOODS. What an eye opener! I plan to shop more in local farmer's markets (and there are plenty to choose from) and buy less processed/packaged foods. (Of course, my MonaVie juice blend is extremely compatible with this style of diet.)
I have to tell you, that not walking for 2-3 weeks made my body feel almost like it did way back in Jan... like it was starting all over again! But life is sometimes that way... one step forward, two steps back. If we keep moving ahead, don't give up, eventually we will reach our goal!
Remax (my cat) is stalking a gray squirrel outside the window... now he's racing from one window to another! The squirrel doesn't seem to be worried. Afterall, this game has been played before. But I am reminded that it's time for my morning walk!
Health, Wealth & Love to all on this beautiful sunny morning!
Friday, April 9, 2010
New Vision
I've know for a year that this time was coming...
I have a large cataract behind the capsule of my left eye. Not uncommon, I was told. (although none of my friends knew about it.) It's an outpatient procedure... 6-10 minutes only... I can immediately go back to my routine activities, except for kick boxing (which I don't do anyway!) I can garden, clean house, work at my job... after some research, I'm ready for my new vision.
... and not just with my physical eyes... but with my spiritual eyes... I want to see God's plan for me.
Many of you know that I've been reading THE PERRICONE PROMISE by Dr. Nicholas Perricone. I went shopping today at Whole Foods Market and brought a few items which he recommends... I bought organic yogurt which is loaded with calcium... no fillers, stabilizers or sugars... even small changes in calcium levels of fat cells changes signals within the cells that control the making & burning of fat... therefore is important for those who want to loose weight... but want to also maintain lean muscle mass... this is one role of calcium in yogurt. (This is new info. for me. I love this kind of stuff!)
Another item I bought... Kefir... a complex mixture of yeasts and lactobicillus bacteria... which can be described as a liquid, sparkling yogurt... and mixed with a dose of Active blend MonaVie ... Yum-m-m-o! a very berry shake! Unlike yogurt, which is created from milk by adding certain lactic acid bacterias, Kefir is made by combining milk with a pinch of "kefir grains" It has been popular in Caucasus, Russia, & SW Asia... What are the health benefits? Per Dr. Perricone, it stimulates the immune system, enhances lactose digestion, and ... much more. So, wanting to see with new vision, I am open to trying this new food and ... found it very tasty! There is so much to learn! So much to see!
More to come... enlightenment... new vision!
I have a large cataract behind the capsule of my left eye. Not uncommon, I was told. (although none of my friends knew about it.) It's an outpatient procedure... 6-10 minutes only... I can immediately go back to my routine activities, except for kick boxing (which I don't do anyway!) I can garden, clean house, work at my job... after some research, I'm ready for my new vision.
... and not just with my physical eyes... but with my spiritual eyes... I want to see God's plan for me.
Many of you know that I've been reading THE PERRICONE PROMISE by Dr. Nicholas Perricone. I went shopping today at Whole Foods Market and brought a few items which he recommends... I bought organic yogurt which is loaded with calcium... no fillers, stabilizers or sugars... even small changes in calcium levels of fat cells changes signals within the cells that control the making & burning of fat... therefore is important for those who want to loose weight... but want to also maintain lean muscle mass... this is one role of calcium in yogurt. (This is new info. for me. I love this kind of stuff!)
Another item I bought... Kefir... a complex mixture of yeasts and lactobicillus bacteria... which can be described as a liquid, sparkling yogurt... and mixed with a dose of Active blend MonaVie ... Yum-m-m-o! a very berry shake! Unlike yogurt, which is created from milk by adding certain lactic acid bacterias, Kefir is made by combining milk with a pinch of "kefir grains" It has been popular in Caucasus, Russia, & SW Asia... What are the health benefits? Per Dr. Perricone, it stimulates the immune system, enhances lactose digestion, and ... much more. So, wanting to see with new vision, I am open to trying this new food and ... found it very tasty! There is so much to learn! So much to see!
More to come... enlightenment... new vision!
Friday, April 2, 2010
Another Gift
Another gift of time was given to me today.... I LOVE it when my job calls at 5:30 am to ask me to stay home (with pay)... time to go back to sleep... mum-m-m-m-m... late coffee by the fire, scanning over the newspaper (if it's Fri, or the week-end), catching up on emails & Face Book, reading uplifting books, and WRITING on my blog... all great gifts of time!
One of the books I'm still reading is Napoleon Hill's KEYS TO SUCCESS... chapter 8... How to Control Your Enthusiasm...
A personnel example... I go to work at the hospital ... I've worked for over 23 years with some of the same people ... most of whom I admire & respect... but my enthusiasm is low because (I know for a fact) that before the 12 hours are up, I will be running to beat the time clock.
I clock in usually by 6:30 am, get report and hit the floor running by 7:15. I may not get breakfast until 1030. Have to count on my 5:30 am snack with MonaVie, to sustain me. No lunch before 2:30-3:30 ... eaten of course, with MonaVie.
There are dressings to change, blood sugars to check prior to each meal and cover with insulin if needed, scheduled meds and... extra pain meds to give (frequently every 1-2 hours)... go with patients to tests, be alert to any critical changes in patients status, lab values to look up & doctors to call, families to comfort... different therapies to consult with, such as physical therapy or speech therapy... work as a team player and wing-man with my nursing assistants and co-workers...
So I may not even open a chart before 4 pm ... and documentation on 4-5 patients takes time ... especially when squeezed between before mentioned tasks. Then in addition, there are discharges, and admits, AND post-ops (meaning surgical patients)
P.S. again, all these activities require more of that nasty documentation ... along with all the EXTRA required tasks.
All the while I try to spend as much quality time on a personnel level as I possibly can with all my patients and their families ... an ongoing process through the 12 hour shift no matter what else is going on.
And last but not least... if it can be avoided, don't clock out late! (not past 7:22 pm) ... gotta keep the boss happy.
Mercy me! This is why now a-days, 2 days a week is all this old gal can take.
So how do I control my enthusiasm... or have any at all, you might ask. Well, have you heard of "faking it until you make it"?
I intentionally ignore my low enthusiasm... I look at my assignment... "I will make this a good day!" I say to myself... then out loud to any co-worker who will listen.
From then on... I consciously perform the PMA (Positive Mental Attitude)... and through-out the day I see the positive results. There IS power in PMA enthusiasm! Enough power to sustain me through the 12 hour shift and enough for me to pass some positive encouragement on to my patients & their families. I go the extra mile... with enthusiasm! I keep away from the negative ... don't hang with the negative... stick with the optimists!
Okay, I admit that before 7:15 pm my feet move slower, my back is stiffer, my patience is challenged, BUT I DO IT! Just one hour at the time!
I'm thankful for my nursing job... it has been good in many ways. I can honestly say, that out side of being a wife and a Mother, (which I consider both to be full time careers), my dream was to be a nurse ... and it was fullfilled. But... NOW I dream of retirement from nursing ... God willing, before Jan 2011... passing my Florance Nightingale's lamp (so to speak) on to younger feet, stronger backs, and quicker minds, etc.
NOW my new dream job is MonaVie... which by the way, goes hand in hand with my nursing career and my belief in total health... a natural transition.
I've been in other network marketing careers but this is the only one which I am totally enthusiastic about. No faking it!
I'm looking forward to reaching my full potential working alongside my husband in MonaVie. I'm so glad I didn't stop dreaming!
Where's my timeclock?
I won't miss it!
One of the books I'm still reading is Napoleon Hill's KEYS TO SUCCESS... chapter 8... How to Control Your Enthusiasm...
A personnel example... I go to work at the hospital ... I've worked for over 23 years with some of the same people ... most of whom I admire & respect... but my enthusiasm is low because (I know for a fact) that before the 12 hours are up, I will be running to beat the time clock.
I clock in usually by 6:30 am, get report and hit the floor running by 7:15. I may not get breakfast until 1030. Have to count on my 5:30 am snack with MonaVie, to sustain me. No lunch before 2:30-3:30 ... eaten of course, with MonaVie.
There are dressings to change, blood sugars to check prior to each meal and cover with insulin if needed, scheduled meds and... extra pain meds to give (frequently every 1-2 hours)... go with patients to tests, be alert to any critical changes in patients status, lab values to look up & doctors to call, families to comfort... different therapies to consult with, such as physical therapy or speech therapy... work as a team player and wing-man with my nursing assistants and co-workers...
So I may not even open a chart before 4 pm ... and documentation on 4-5 patients takes time ... especially when squeezed between before mentioned tasks. Then in addition, there are discharges, and admits, AND post-ops (meaning surgical patients)
P.S. again, all these activities require more of that nasty documentation ... along with all the EXTRA required tasks.
All the while I try to spend as much quality time on a personnel level as I possibly can with all my patients and their families ... an ongoing process through the 12 hour shift no matter what else is going on.
And last but not least... if it can be avoided, don't clock out late! (not past 7:22 pm) ... gotta keep the boss happy.
Mercy me! This is why now a-days, 2 days a week is all this old gal can take.
So how do I control my enthusiasm... or have any at all, you might ask. Well, have you heard of "faking it until you make it"?
I intentionally ignore my low enthusiasm... I look at my assignment... "I will make this a good day!" I say to myself... then out loud to any co-worker who will listen.
From then on... I consciously perform the PMA (Positive Mental Attitude)... and through-out the day I see the positive results. There IS power in PMA enthusiasm! Enough power to sustain me through the 12 hour shift and enough for me to pass some positive encouragement on to my patients & their families. I go the extra mile... with enthusiasm! I keep away from the negative ... don't hang with the negative... stick with the optimists!
Okay, I admit that before 7:15 pm my feet move slower, my back is stiffer, my patience is challenged, BUT I DO IT! Just one hour at the time!
I'm thankful for my nursing job... it has been good in many ways. I can honestly say, that out side of being a wife and a Mother, (which I consider both to be full time careers), my dream was to be a nurse ... and it was fullfilled. But... NOW I dream of retirement from nursing ... God willing, before Jan 2011... passing my Florance Nightingale's lamp (so to speak) on to younger feet, stronger backs, and quicker minds, etc.
NOW my new dream job is MonaVie... which by the way, goes hand in hand with my nursing career and my belief in total health... a natural transition.
I've been in other network marketing careers but this is the only one which I am totally enthusiastic about. No faking it!
I'm looking forward to reaching my full potential working alongside my husband in MonaVie. I'm so glad I didn't stop dreaming!
Where's my timeclock?
I won't miss it!
Sunday, March 28, 2010
The Gift
After working the last two days at the hospital, I needed to relax... get out of man-made structures and into God's great outdoors... I needed to refresh my spirit!
Rick & I drove up to Daffodil Hill. We hadn't been there in several years and if you've never been I can tell you that it's well worth the time. The drive on Hwy 16 was great because the hills were so green and beautiful. It's in the little town of Volcano, about an hour's drive for us. (there is actually an old crater there, although we've never been to it. But there are signs to lead the way.) It's free to see the daffodils... even the well organized parking is free. Just as you start to drive past Jackson there is a Daffodil Hill sign pointing to the left...
We resisted the temptation to stop in the quaint towns .... Dry Town, Sutter Creek, & Jackson... (we planned to stop on the way back) and drove on to see the glorious daffodils. This is their time of peak beauty.
Did some walking, took lots of pics, and talked to a few nice people. What a beautiful day!
On the way home, we drove through Fiddletown, (yes, that's a real town) We stopped in Plymouth at a favorite little hole in the wall, Marlene Glenn's Diner. Mercy! Do they have some good eating!
Our spirits revived!
Back in Rocklin, we pulled into our drive-way and... to our horror... saw that our front door was wide open! Our first thought was "REMAX!" (he's our precious cat for any who didn't already know) We jumped out of the car & hurried up the walk. We ran from room to room calling out his name. We looked at each other ... unspoken fears in our eyes. Just as we turned to go look out side, he appeared! He was just there. Looking relaxed, as if he had been awaken from a nap. (how dare we disturb him!) We just stared at him, and we burst out laughing. He was safe.
We had NOT been concerned about theft... only about HIM.
Today we gave the gift of time to each other...we haven't done that in a long while... too long a while. It's important to spend relaxing time with the one you love... It was a very good day! Give yourself & someone you love the gift of time.
Rick & I drove up to Daffodil Hill. We hadn't been there in several years and if you've never been I can tell you that it's well worth the time. The drive on Hwy 16 was great because the hills were so green and beautiful. It's in the little town of Volcano, about an hour's drive for us. (there is actually an old crater there, although we've never been to it. But there are signs to lead the way.) It's free to see the daffodils... even the well organized parking is free. Just as you start to drive past Jackson there is a Daffodil Hill sign pointing to the left...
We resisted the temptation to stop in the quaint towns .... Dry Town, Sutter Creek, & Jackson... (we planned to stop on the way back) and drove on to see the glorious daffodils. This is their time of peak beauty.
Did some walking, took lots of pics, and talked to a few nice people. What a beautiful day!
On the way home, we drove through Fiddletown, (yes, that's a real town) We stopped in Plymouth at a favorite little hole in the wall, Marlene Glenn's Diner. Mercy! Do they have some good eating!
Our spirits revived!
Back in Rocklin, we pulled into our drive-way and... to our horror... saw that our front door was wide open! Our first thought was "REMAX!" (he's our precious cat for any who didn't already know) We jumped out of the car & hurried up the walk. We ran from room to room calling out his name. We looked at each other ... unspoken fears in our eyes. Just as we turned to go look out side, he appeared! He was just there. Looking relaxed, as if he had been awaken from a nap. (how dare we disturb him!) We just stared at him, and we burst out laughing. He was safe.
We had NOT been concerned about theft... only about HIM.
Today we gave the gift of time to each other...we haven't done that in a long while... too long a while. It's important to spend relaxing time with the one you love... It was a very good day! Give yourself & someone you love the gift of time.
Thursday, March 25, 2010
PMA
PMA (Positive Mental Attitude)...
Having a plan... knowing the goal. Having strong determination and continuous effort... with faith, courage and... focus. Having more than just a wish... having a BURNING DESIRE for success!
Do I really believe this "positive attitude" talk?
Absolutely!
Hummmm... Where to start?
Once upon a time... a not so young woman, (40 years old to be exact) had to make some life-changing decisions. She was in the beginning process of divorce with one small child and a teenager. She had managed as a stay-at-home mom with a high school education through the 10th grade only... but now... what could she do? She remembered her dream of being a nurse... (she had almost forgotten how to dream)
Despite her fears... (too many to recount here!) she started on the long road at adult-ed for her GED. She traveled her own personal trail of tears to American River College for 2 years of general ed & pre-nursing courses... Keeping her eyes on her goal, never giving up... she walked into nursing ... and after 2 years...GRADUATION!
A Registered Nurse!
She never gave up... even when it took all her strength to keep going ... just one more semester... holding on...(someone somewhere wrote, when you reach the end of your rope, tie a knot in it and hold on!) Focus... she knew she could do it... she could believe in herself just one more time! Her burning desire for that Associate in Science degree... her goal... she did it! She reached it!
And now... still doing it... over 23 years!
A few weeks ago this wife & her husband had a talk. They had been working hard... toward big goals...
Yet, they were talking negative talk... focused on unmet-goals... feeling low... even discouraged and somewhat depressed (oh yes! It's true.)
They looked at each other... knowing full-well that negative thinking attracts negative events & people. They had a heart-to-heart and turned from the negative talk ... and talked encouragement... and belief in themselves ... and in their plan and in their goal.
You may not believe what I'm going to tell you next, but the very NEXT day the positive events & people came into their lives... not just one appointment but four... out of the blue, THEY called us!! It works! This positive thinking stuff really does work!
If you haven't read THE SECRET by Rhonda Byrne... READ IT! The law of attraction is a law of nature... like attracts like, so when you think a thought, you are also attracting like thoughts to you.... Your current thoughts are creating your future life. What you think about the most or focus on the most will appear as your life.
So remember... Know what you want... and GO for it! You will need to have that heart-to-heart sometimes... we are still learning how to control our thoughts.
Keep your PMA!
Having a plan... knowing the goal. Having strong determination and continuous effort... with faith, courage and... focus. Having more than just a wish... having a BURNING DESIRE for success!
Do I really believe this "positive attitude" talk?
Absolutely!
Hummmm... Where to start?
Once upon a time... a not so young woman, (40 years old to be exact) had to make some life-changing decisions. She was in the beginning process of divorce with one small child and a teenager. She had managed as a stay-at-home mom with a high school education through the 10th grade only... but now... what could she do? She remembered her dream of being a nurse... (she had almost forgotten how to dream)
Despite her fears... (too many to recount here!) she started on the long road at adult-ed for her GED. She traveled her own personal trail of tears to American River College for 2 years of general ed & pre-nursing courses... Keeping her eyes on her goal, never giving up... she walked into nursing ... and after 2 years...GRADUATION!
A Registered Nurse!
She never gave up... even when it took all her strength to keep going ... just one more semester... holding on...(someone somewhere wrote, when you reach the end of your rope, tie a knot in it and hold on!) Focus... she knew she could do it... she could believe in herself just one more time! Her burning desire for that Associate in Science degree... her goal... she did it! She reached it!
And now... still doing it... over 23 years!
A few weeks ago this wife & her husband had a talk. They had been working hard... toward big goals...
Yet, they were talking negative talk... focused on unmet-goals... feeling low... even discouraged and somewhat depressed (oh yes! It's true.)
They looked at each other... knowing full-well that negative thinking attracts negative events & people. They had a heart-to-heart and turned from the negative talk ... and talked encouragement... and belief in themselves ... and in their plan and in their goal.
You may not believe what I'm going to tell you next, but the very NEXT day the positive events & people came into their lives... not just one appointment but four... out of the blue, THEY called us!! It works! This positive thinking stuff really does work!
If you haven't read THE SECRET by Rhonda Byrne... READ IT! The law of attraction is a law of nature... like attracts like, so when you think a thought, you are also attracting like thoughts to you.... Your current thoughts are creating your future life. What you think about the most or focus on the most will appear as your life.
So remember... Know what you want... and GO for it! You will need to have that heart-to-heart sometimes... we are still learning how to control our thoughts.
Keep your PMA!
Friday, March 12, 2010
Hopping Down the Bunny Trail
I spent a good portion of the day Thursday cleaning the back yard flower beds. I was delighted to find that several of my Iris bulbs had bloomed for the first time. A very sweet person gave them to me... I can't wait to tell her how pretty they are. We have a third of an acre. Our home sets on a high knoll (although you'd never know it from the front street). The house wraps around the swimming pool and flower beds in an L shape. The master bedroom is close to the spa. (it's great at night to go there and slip down into the warm water!)
I love the view from the far end of the pool which overlooks the back yard (which really isn't a yard but more like a woods). A six foot high retaining wall with a flower bed and hanging vines,separates the house, pool, grill and concrete patios from the area below.
We go to this area by strolling along a winding path... past bird feeders, bird bath and flowering plants down a slight incline to a natural looking dry rock creek which curves and turns until it disappears. All the grand kids love exploring this area! We hop (at least the grand kids hop) across the large boulders to continue following the path up another small knoll. The path ends there among the 20 Oak trees. Flowering Cherry trees, Crape Myrtles, and Japanese Maples hang over the rocks and plants. Lots of other plants grow between the Oak trees and boulders all in keeping with the natural woods-like setting.
My plan is to hide Easter eggs under the plants along the path... my very own bunny trail! I can't wait!
Hebrews 11 is well known as the faith chapter in the bible. "Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen." By faith Abel... by faith Noah... by faith Abraham... through faith Sarah... Issac... Jacob... Joseph... and on and on. By faith Christ rose from the grave.
By faith... this grand mother... seeks always to be the best she can be. The best wife, the best mother, the best grand mother... through faith and redemption. Working in the garden allows me time to reflect. My thoughts are lifted upward... I listen to the singing of the birds. My eyes take in the beauty around me... I smell the scents of the earth and plants. My faith is renewed as I behold the growth of spring bulbs planted years ago and I find joy in their colors.
By faith... I pray for my beautiful grand children... faith... hope... courage... May they grow to be the best they can be. They bring me such joy. By faith... may I inspire and lead them... be there when they need me.
Happy Easter! Happy Spring! (it's almost here!)
I love the view from the far end of the pool which overlooks the back yard (which really isn't a yard but more like a woods). A six foot high retaining wall with a flower bed and hanging vines,separates the house, pool, grill and concrete patios from the area below.
We go to this area by strolling along a winding path... past bird feeders, bird bath and flowering plants down a slight incline to a natural looking dry rock creek which curves and turns until it disappears. All the grand kids love exploring this area! We hop (at least the grand kids hop) across the large boulders to continue following the path up another small knoll. The path ends there among the 20 Oak trees. Flowering Cherry trees, Crape Myrtles, and Japanese Maples hang over the rocks and plants. Lots of other plants grow between the Oak trees and boulders all in keeping with the natural woods-like setting.
My plan is to hide Easter eggs under the plants along the path... my very own bunny trail! I can't wait!
Hebrews 11 is well known as the faith chapter in the bible. "Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen." By faith Abel... by faith Noah... by faith Abraham... through faith Sarah... Issac... Jacob... Joseph... and on and on. By faith Christ rose from the grave.
By faith... this grand mother... seeks always to be the best she can be. The best wife, the best mother, the best grand mother... through faith and redemption. Working in the garden allows me time to reflect. My thoughts are lifted upward... I listen to the singing of the birds. My eyes take in the beauty around me... I smell the scents of the earth and plants. My faith is renewed as I behold the growth of spring bulbs planted years ago and I find joy in their colors.
By faith... I pray for my beautiful grand children... faith... hope... courage... May they grow to be the best they can be. They bring me such joy. By faith... may I inspire and lead them... be there when they need me.
Happy Easter! Happy Spring! (it's almost here!)
Monday, March 1, 2010
It's Only a Mountain
"It's only a Mountain" is the title of a book I just finished reading. It's the story of Dick & Rick Hoyt (father & son) men of iron... triathlon racers. If you need some inspiration & motivation read this book. You will never look at your life quite the same ever again.
We are so blessed with good health yet we take it for granted much of the time... We abuse our bodies by the food we eat, the lack of exercise, daily stress, lack of sleep... the list goes on & on!
I have become more conscious of how I mistreat my own body in all the afore mentioned areas. I'm not getting any younger (aging is not an option... I wish it was!) So I have committed to myself to get back into walking 2-3 times a week. And so far I have kept my commitment... In fact, I have just five min. to throw on my sweats and get out the door! Happy Monday morning to you all! Lets all take better care of our bodies (we won't get another one!) God bless us all!
We are so blessed with good health yet we take it for granted much of the time... We abuse our bodies by the food we eat, the lack of exercise, daily stress, lack of sleep... the list goes on & on!
I have become more conscious of how I mistreat my own body in all the afore mentioned areas. I'm not getting any younger (aging is not an option... I wish it was!) So I have committed to myself to get back into walking 2-3 times a week. And so far I have kept my commitment... In fact, I have just five min. to throw on my sweats and get out the door! Happy Monday morning to you all! Lets all take better care of our bodies (we won't get another one!) God bless us all!
Monday, February 22, 2010
Dust, cobwebs, and Clutter
My name is Joyce. I am a clutter-bug.
I stood in my garage and looked around. "I need to get RID of so much stuff!" I thought. I HAVE gotten rid of stuff before. How did it get back in here?
To ensure my success, I ask my friend Betsy, to help me. It was overwhelming... I have stuff in there that is 35-45 years old. Any mother would understand... that precious little pair of over-rauls my daughter wore when she was 1 year old (she is now 47), that little red cow-boy hat that has lost all it's shape, which my son wore constantly when he was 2-3 years old (he is now 35).
I was immobilized... not knowing where to begin. I felt like I had cobwebs in my brain. I couldn't think. As Betsy opened trunks with old clothing & memories ... I felt drained... wiped out! Thank goodness I had the foresight to pull out a couple of lawn chairs because I soon found myself sinking into one. My body felt strange and heavy. When I opened my eyes, Betsy was pushing bottled water at me. "Hydrate!" she said. (She had warned me... "If you ask me to help, I WILL help!") And she WAS helping! I needed help!
What saved me ... we made a box for my son with his keepsakes & one for my daughter with her keepsakes. Now THEY will decide what they'd like to keep... That took the pressure off. (Of course we made a box for me too.)
"Do you really think you'll EVER wear this 35 yr old dress again?" Betsy asked. Into the Goodwill box the dress went. She laughed as she reached deep into a dusty box and pulled out a stack of 8 year old Sunset Magazines. "I don't need these now," I said and into the dumpster they went. (Although... now that I'm thinking about it, I wonder if I should've at least looked at the pictures for my 2011 dream board? It's not too late... Betsy will never know!)
We sat in our chairs and thumbed through some old cookbooks which belonged to my Mom. The Home Menu Cook Book by Myrtle Calkins, (I love that name!) copyright 1934... a good example. The pictures alone were priceless! For once, Betsy & I agreed... we should get together & try some of the recipes.
There was no stopping that girl... relentless! But when she held up ..."Oh my goodness!" I screamed, "That is my original Dick and Jane reader!" I felt like I had found an old friend! "What ever will you do with this?" she asked. I grabbed my water bottle... hydrate!
The process of sorting... decluttering... discarding...
Raised by Depression-era parents, I was imbued with a "Save Everything" philosophy. So, this garage cleaning could take a very long time! Progress WAS made today, really,it was. But there's a long way to go!
Before she left, Betsy said, "Make paths... seperate what we've done, we'll do this one day a week until it's done!"
Clearing out what is no longer relevant to my life opens the way ... allows me to look at ALL parts of my life. I can see that what matters most to me is NOW... not the past.
"All those memories of things past can be a real deterrent to moving forward." -Ciji Ware. "If you're not moving forward, you're standing still." -unknown
Happy spring cleaning! Keep moving forward!
I stood in my garage and looked around. "I need to get RID of so much stuff!" I thought. I HAVE gotten rid of stuff before. How did it get back in here?
To ensure my success, I ask my friend Betsy, to help me. It was overwhelming... I have stuff in there that is 35-45 years old. Any mother would understand... that precious little pair of over-rauls my daughter wore when she was 1 year old (she is now 47), that little red cow-boy hat that has lost all it's shape, which my son wore constantly when he was 2-3 years old (he is now 35).
I was immobilized... not knowing where to begin. I felt like I had cobwebs in my brain. I couldn't think. As Betsy opened trunks with old clothing & memories ... I felt drained... wiped out! Thank goodness I had the foresight to pull out a couple of lawn chairs because I soon found myself sinking into one. My body felt strange and heavy. When I opened my eyes, Betsy was pushing bottled water at me. "Hydrate!" she said. (She had warned me... "If you ask me to help, I WILL help!") And she WAS helping! I needed help!
What saved me ... we made a box for my son with his keepsakes & one for my daughter with her keepsakes. Now THEY will decide what they'd like to keep... That took the pressure off. (Of course we made a box for me too.)
"Do you really think you'll EVER wear this 35 yr old dress again?" Betsy asked. Into the Goodwill box the dress went. She laughed as she reached deep into a dusty box and pulled out a stack of 8 year old Sunset Magazines. "I don't need these now," I said and into the dumpster they went. (Although... now that I'm thinking about it, I wonder if I should've at least looked at the pictures for my 2011 dream board? It's not too late... Betsy will never know!)
We sat in our chairs and thumbed through some old cookbooks which belonged to my Mom. The Home Menu Cook Book by Myrtle Calkins, (I love that name!) copyright 1934... a good example. The pictures alone were priceless! For once, Betsy & I agreed... we should get together & try some of the recipes.
There was no stopping that girl... relentless! But when she held up ..."Oh my goodness!" I screamed, "That is my original Dick and Jane reader!" I felt like I had found an old friend! "What ever will you do with this?" she asked. I grabbed my water bottle... hydrate!
The process of sorting... decluttering... discarding...
Raised by Depression-era parents, I was imbued with a "Save Everything" philosophy. So, this garage cleaning could take a very long time! Progress WAS made today, really,it was. But there's a long way to go!
Before she left, Betsy said, "Make paths... seperate what we've done, we'll do this one day a week until it's done!"
Clearing out what is no longer relevant to my life opens the way ... allows me to look at ALL parts of my life. I can see that what matters most to me is NOW... not the past.
"All those memories of things past can be a real deterrent to moving forward." -Ciji Ware. "If you're not moving forward, you're standing still." -unknown
Happy spring cleaning! Keep moving forward!
Thursday, February 18, 2010
One Foot in Front of the Other
I did it! I walked 3 mornings this week! It was hard... don't laugh. I haven't walked in months and every single muscle in my body felt it. It almost felt like it was the first time. I'm not kidding! I got shin splints yesterday... still a little sore today. I was pounding that pavement!
It's back to work tomorrow... those 12 hr. shifts are calling me... Yeah! LOL
It's back to work tomorrow... those 12 hr. shifts are calling me... Yeah! LOL
Saturday, February 13, 2010
Dreams
I just had lunch with 10 beautiful positive ladies who's hearts are filled with hopes and dreams. We talked about plans and goals, we ate too much, we laughed a lot and shared the happenings of our lives with each other.
Never let anyone steal your dreams from you. We're never too old to dream. Sometimes when life happens and gets in the way, we forget how to dream. Or we let the events in our lives make us forget our dreams.
I've been relearning about the power of association. We are the reflexion of the people we spend our time with. I feel blessed to have these ladies in my life. There is a lot of power in relationships. I am thankful and honored to have a positive and joyful sisterhood with my fellow business women of Monavie.
I recently finished reading "Three Feet From Gold" by Greg Reid and Sharon Leehter. This book encourages us to discover personal success and to never give up. I highly recommend this book if you haven't already read it.
Dream big ... don't wait ... and don't let anyone steal your dreams!
Never let anyone steal your dreams from you. We're never too old to dream. Sometimes when life happens and gets in the way, we forget how to dream. Or we let the events in our lives make us forget our dreams.
I've been relearning about the power of association. We are the reflexion of the people we spend our time with. I feel blessed to have these ladies in my life. There is a lot of power in relationships. I am thankful and honored to have a positive and joyful sisterhood with my fellow business women of Monavie.
I recently finished reading "Three Feet From Gold" by Greg Reid and Sharon Leehter. This book encourages us to discover personal success and to never give up. I highly recommend this book if you haven't already read it.
Dream big ... don't wait ... and don't let anyone steal your dreams!
Thursday, February 11, 2010
My Husbands Socks
They are warm and cozy, comfortable not confining ... so good for lounging.
Not just the socks but ... his tee shirts too. I'd much rather wear his tee shirts than my own. Again, they are loose and comfortable but... here's a bonus... I feel small inside them!
Now I'm out of control because I have taken over his pj bottoms also! I'm shameless! The poor man has nothing left.
I look at my self in the mirror as I dash past it. Yes, I'm adorable, comfortable AND small!
I can't explain the love I feel when I put these items on. You know what I mean, don't you? Am I wierd?
I remember when my husband used to travel 3-4 days out of the week. I also remember how I hated being alone! I just couldn't get used to it. But when I slipped on one of his shirts... with the sent of his cologne lingering ... that helped me feel closer to him... not so alone.
This man is the love that I cherish. He makes me feel special and unforgettable. He is my rock... he accepts me unconditionally. I can lean on him. I can laugh and be silly with him because he is my best friend. There are so many things we enjoy doing together. We often reminisce about how it took us a long time to find each other... and agree that there is no other we enjoy being with more.
We fell in love on Valentine's Day.
He cooked for me and gave me a single red rose. I placed it into a empty wine bottle with water. One day I noticed that the petals had fallen off. It looked dead and I started to throw away. But I saw that it had grown long roots. So of course I planted it. Over time, we moved and I uprooted the now large rose bush and transplanted it at our new location. We moved twice before we settled in Rocklin. The rose bush was replanted each time. Every year it's roses are a deep deep red and lightly sented. I call it our Valentine Rose. I fuss over it... give it all the tender loving care it needs. It has become a symbol of the undying love that we have shared for over 10 years.
Happy Valentine's Day to all you love birds out there!
Not just the socks but ... his tee shirts too. I'd much rather wear his tee shirts than my own. Again, they are loose and comfortable but... here's a bonus... I feel small inside them!
Now I'm out of control because I have taken over his pj bottoms also! I'm shameless! The poor man has nothing left.
I look at my self in the mirror as I dash past it. Yes, I'm adorable, comfortable AND small!
I can't explain the love I feel when I put these items on. You know what I mean, don't you? Am I wierd?
I remember when my husband used to travel 3-4 days out of the week. I also remember how I hated being alone! I just couldn't get used to it. But when I slipped on one of his shirts... with the sent of his cologne lingering ... that helped me feel closer to him... not so alone.
This man is the love that I cherish. He makes me feel special and unforgettable. He is my rock... he accepts me unconditionally. I can lean on him. I can laugh and be silly with him because he is my best friend. There are so many things we enjoy doing together. We often reminisce about how it took us a long time to find each other... and agree that there is no other we enjoy being with more.
We fell in love on Valentine's Day.
He cooked for me and gave me a single red rose. I placed it into a empty wine bottle with water. One day I noticed that the petals had fallen off. It looked dead and I started to throw away. But I saw that it had grown long roots. So of course I planted it. Over time, we moved and I uprooted the now large rose bush and transplanted it at our new location. We moved twice before we settled in Rocklin. The rose bush was replanted each time. Every year it's roses are a deep deep red and lightly sented. I call it our Valentine Rose. I fuss over it... give it all the tender loving care it needs. It has become a symbol of the undying love that we have shared for over 10 years.
Happy Valentine's Day to all you love birds out there!
Monday, February 8, 2010
One Day at a Time
Early in my childhood I recall being tucked warmly in bed and hearing Mama in the kitchen. (most likely making peanut butter fudge.) In the background the radio would be playing a Hank Williams tune ... "There's a tear in my beer..." or something similar.
But as an adult, the song that I remember her singing the most is "One Day At a Time, Sweet Jesus...."
That is my motto, one day at a time.... no matter what, I can do it... one day at a time! I can work those long hard 12 hour shifts... one day at a time! I can walk this out-of-shape body for 30 minutes a day if I say to my self... one day at a time! (only 30 min. to go!) I can do ANYTHING if I take it one day at a time! I can believe in myself again, over and over, I can lose that 10 pounds. I know I can! I'll do my best and let God do the rest! That says it all. Do my best... Let God take over ... He'll do the rest.
But as an adult, the song that I remember her singing the most is "One Day At a Time, Sweet Jesus...."
That is my motto, one day at a time.... no matter what, I can do it... one day at a time! I can work those long hard 12 hour shifts... one day at a time! I can walk this out-of-shape body for 30 minutes a day if I say to my self... one day at a time! (only 30 min. to go!) I can do ANYTHING if I take it one day at a time! I can believe in myself again, over and over, I can lose that 10 pounds. I know I can! I'll do my best and let God do the rest! That says it all. Do my best... Let God take over ... He'll do the rest.
Saturday, February 6, 2010
I Am So Fired Up!
God, family, then business... that's what I'm so fired up about! I can't help it. It's true!
I just spent 5 hours with a group of positive people... people who put self-improvement first. And positive affirmations are a big part of self-improvement. Have you ever ask, why DO we beat ourselves up so much? Do you know what I mean?
"The committee" I call them... you know, those voices that put us down, that call us names, that talk the negative talk all the time. Yes! Them! Sometime in our past we learned to communicate this way with our selves.
Oh, okay... so THAT is why we are so down on ourselves.... why we beat ourselves up, why we humiliate and degrade ourselves.
We wouldn't talk to a stranger... let along a best Friend... the way we talk to ourselves. And that's okay? What is wrong with this picture?
Respect, uplift, edify, embrace... accept, acknowledge, love... these are gifts we FREELY give to our best friends.
THAT'S the answer... we need to talk to ourselves as if we were talking to our own best friend. Understand?
I get it. I really do!
It goes like this: "Joyce, you are a beautiful woman. Why do you put yourself down? Why do you call yourself fat and loath your image in the mirror? I am proud of you for loosing 2 pounds no matter how long it took, and for going for a 30 min. walk yesterday! You are my very best friend and I love you! It is tough to instill new habits. Get over yourself!"
I feel better now. What a great friend I am to myself!
I'm going to write 8-10 positive affermations for myself and read them aloud every day... I am successful... I can lose 10 pounds... I love you (me)...I like you (me)... I am beautiful... I am smart... I am a leader!!!!
I am so fired up!!!
I just spent 5 hours with a group of positive people... people who put self-improvement first. And positive affirmations are a big part of self-improvement. Have you ever ask, why DO we beat ourselves up so much? Do you know what I mean?
"The committee" I call them... you know, those voices that put us down, that call us names, that talk the negative talk all the time. Yes! Them! Sometime in our past we learned to communicate this way with our selves.
Oh, okay... so THAT is why we are so down on ourselves.... why we beat ourselves up, why we humiliate and degrade ourselves.
We wouldn't talk to a stranger... let along a best Friend... the way we talk to ourselves. And that's okay? What is wrong with this picture?
Respect, uplift, edify, embrace... accept, acknowledge, love... these are gifts we FREELY give to our best friends.
THAT'S the answer... we need to talk to ourselves as if we were talking to our own best friend. Understand?
I get it. I really do!
It goes like this: "Joyce, you are a beautiful woman. Why do you put yourself down? Why do you call yourself fat and loath your image in the mirror? I am proud of you for loosing 2 pounds no matter how long it took, and for going for a 30 min. walk yesterday! You are my very best friend and I love you! It is tough to instill new habits. Get over yourself!"
I feel better now. What a great friend I am to myself!
I'm going to write 8-10 positive affermations for myself and read them aloud every day... I am successful... I can lose 10 pounds... I love you (me)...I like you (me)... I am beautiful... I am smart... I am a leader!!!!
I am so fired up!!!
It's a Process
It's a process... growing... developing confidence... having courage to change, to step outside one's comfort zone... a life-long process.
My husband & I got up this morning at 7 o'clock. Yes! And on a Saturday morning. WHY did we do such a awful, unthinkable thing? Because we drove from Rocklin to Isleton to watch our 9 year old grandson, Will, play basketball. It took us over an hour to drive the distance... the game lasted less than an hour. Will played in center position... made some key baskets... needed reminding to stay in the paint but nevertheless, showed promise with his blocking technique... amazing growth in his ability to focus and concentrate. It was extremely interesting to watch... I was very proud of him!
Will is developing confidence and skills. At this stage, he is not aware of his potential. It becomes clear during the process of living. As long as he has the courage to risk failure or success... to test his strength and skills no matter how uncomfortable. And for Will and others his age, the basketball court is the classroom to learn the lessons to aide him in playing the game of life... team spirit... courage... taking risk... being the best he can be.
Living life becomes the game.
What an awesome... what an exciting time for Will!
My husband & I got up this morning at 7 o'clock. Yes! And on a Saturday morning. WHY did we do such a awful, unthinkable thing? Because we drove from Rocklin to Isleton to watch our 9 year old grandson, Will, play basketball. It took us over an hour to drive the distance... the game lasted less than an hour. Will played in center position... made some key baskets... needed reminding to stay in the paint but nevertheless, showed promise with his blocking technique... amazing growth in his ability to focus and concentrate. It was extremely interesting to watch... I was very proud of him!
Will is developing confidence and skills. At this stage, he is not aware of his potential. It becomes clear during the process of living. As long as he has the courage to risk failure or success... to test his strength and skills no matter how uncomfortable. And for Will and others his age, the basketball court is the classroom to learn the lessons to aide him in playing the game of life... team spirit... courage... taking risk... being the best he can be.
Living life becomes the game.
What an awesome... what an exciting time for Will!
Friday, February 5, 2010
Spring Growth
From where I sit, I can see the yellow jonquils that seemed to have bloomed while I was at work yesterday... overnight. Now how did that happen?
I feel happy. The sun is bright and my spirits rise. It's a beautiful sunny morning. Is spring is almost here? I know... another month of winter yet, I can't wait!
I'm inspired by the strength and effort it takes a little bulb to push upward through the soil. It amazes me. The new green growth is delicate, how does it do it? A little bit at the time, slowly very slowly, pushing upward, ever upward.... Just doing it... doing what The creator intended it to do... to bloom and bring joy to all who see it.
There's a lesson here in persistence. My own courage, hope & faith are delicate... even fragile. I often need a little push to do my best, to keep on keeping on... to never give up! Keep on doing my thing, doing what my Creator planned for me to do. To become the best person, the best wife, the best mom & grandma that I can possible be. To give hope, joy and love to those who come into my life. My growth doesn't happen quickly. It's a process and is the work of a lifetime. Every year, every month, every day... every hour of every day, every minute & second of every hour... the process continues. Sometimes I question... the answer is always given ... Keeping on... moving forward... Never give up!
Now I'm going to pull on my jeans, slip into my tennis shoes, and go for a walk. (I need to work off the grits I had for breakfast. Help!) Have a beautiful day!
I feel happy. The sun is bright and my spirits rise. It's a beautiful sunny morning. Is spring is almost here? I know... another month of winter yet, I can't wait!
I'm inspired by the strength and effort it takes a little bulb to push upward through the soil. It amazes me. The new green growth is delicate, how does it do it? A little bit at the time, slowly very slowly, pushing upward, ever upward.... Just doing it... doing what The creator intended it to do... to bloom and bring joy to all who see it.
There's a lesson here in persistence. My own courage, hope & faith are delicate... even fragile. I often need a little push to do my best, to keep on keeping on... to never give up! Keep on doing my thing, doing what my Creator planned for me to do. To become the best person, the best wife, the best mom & grandma that I can possible be. To give hope, joy and love to those who come into my life. My growth doesn't happen quickly. It's a process and is the work of a lifetime. Every year, every month, every day... every hour of every day, every minute & second of every hour... the process continues. Sometimes I question... the answer is always given ... Keeping on... moving forward... Never give up!
Now I'm going to pull on my jeans, slip into my tennis shoes, and go for a walk. (I need to work off the grits I had for breakfast. Help!) Have a beautiful day!
Wednesday, February 3, 2010
Weigh-in
Yes, I weighed in, just as I said I would. And I really did put the scale in the kitchen. It was not nearly as bad as I had thought it might be. Whew! But...
Today I will toe the mark. I will put my right foot forward. I will be in tune with my body... jibber-jabber! Look, I'm 65 yr old... okay? I don't need to be thin, just healthy. So if I lose even 10 pounds and start walking 2-3 days/week PLUS my two 12 hour shifts a week... I should be fair shape. Shouldn't I?
Here is my morning weight: 171 pounds. I lost 2 lb! Was that REAL weight loss or WATER loss? At this point I don't care, I'm just thankful to see a lower number than when I started.
I'm off & running! I have a lot to catch up on around this place, inside & out. I'm going to remember to count my gifts throughout the day. It will be a great day!
Today I will toe the mark. I will put my right foot forward. I will be in tune with my body... jibber-jabber! Look, I'm 65 yr old... okay? I don't need to be thin, just healthy. So if I lose even 10 pounds and start walking 2-3 days/week PLUS my two 12 hour shifts a week... I should be fair shape. Shouldn't I?
Here is my morning weight: 171 pounds. I lost 2 lb! Was that REAL weight loss or WATER loss? At this point I don't care, I'm just thankful to see a lower number than when I started.
I'm off & running! I have a lot to catch up on around this place, inside & out. I'm going to remember to count my gifts throughout the day. It will be a great day!
Tuesday, February 2, 2010
correction of prior posting
I am beside myself! The Grape Vine Pass in NOT where we were today. The Donner Pass is more correct for a drive to Reno... So sorry!
Every Day Brings a New Gift
I had a beautiful gift yesterday...a gift of time.
I spent 1 & half hours grocery shopping with my son. The first time we've ever been grocery shopping together that I can remember. It one of those 'mom moments' that I love.
A friend of mine at the hospital recently gave me a little book to journal 'gifts' on a daily basis. She's been doing this and it has increased her awareness of the positive events occurring in her life every day... events that someone else might look at as coincidental. I was taken with the idea... hence my new journal. It goes right along with the 2010 vision board I did Dec. 2009. I had never done that before either. I enjoyed it very much. A group of us got together to make our vision boards. We brought magazines for cutting, glue, scissors... all our supplies. Now it's on the wall behind my desk. Every time I'm at my desk, I can literally SEE my goals & dreams for 2010. I love it!
My husband & I, with a new friend in our juice business, are driving to Reno in just a few hours. She has friends & family meeting us for a 'juice tasting' party. Always fun! Only 2-3 inches of snow expected so the Grape Vine should be fine to pass over. I love this juice business as we're always on the move & make lots of new friends.
WHAT has happened to my diet? That's what started this new blog idea anyway! I promise myself that I am going to weigh in tomorrow... (I just keep forgetting. Really I do!) I know! I'll set the scale in the kitchen where I'll see the ugly repulsive thing. All I can hope for at this point, is just not to see a gain... just maintaining will be okay. Wish me luck!
I spent 1 & half hours grocery shopping with my son. The first time we've ever been grocery shopping together that I can remember. It one of those 'mom moments' that I love.
A friend of mine at the hospital recently gave me a little book to journal 'gifts' on a daily basis. She's been doing this and it has increased her awareness of the positive events occurring in her life every day... events that someone else might look at as coincidental. I was taken with the idea... hence my new journal. It goes right along with the 2010 vision board I did Dec. 2009. I had never done that before either. I enjoyed it very much. A group of us got together to make our vision boards. We brought magazines for cutting, glue, scissors... all our supplies. Now it's on the wall behind my desk. Every time I'm at my desk, I can literally SEE my goals & dreams for 2010. I love it!
My husband & I, with a new friend in our juice business, are driving to Reno in just a few hours. She has friends & family meeting us for a 'juice tasting' party. Always fun! Only 2-3 inches of snow expected so the Grape Vine should be fine to pass over. I love this juice business as we're always on the move & make lots of new friends.
WHAT has happened to my diet? That's what started this new blog idea anyway! I promise myself that I am going to weigh in tomorrow... (I just keep forgetting. Really I do!) I know! I'll set the scale in the kitchen where I'll see the ugly repulsive thing. All I can hope for at this point, is just not to see a gain... just maintaining will be okay. Wish me luck!
Monday, February 1, 2010
A Cat is Not Just a Cat
It's often been said that a cat is man's best friend. Oh, I know that's not correct. But then, you don't know Remax... our cat.
Remax came to us about 5 yrs ago. He had been dropped off in my son's neighborhood. And since he had 3 dogs at that time, it was not an ideal situation for a little kitty cat. When his wife called to ask if we could take in this adorable, precious, tiny kitten our response was... an emphatic NO! The reason being... 2 years prior we had put down my husband's dog, a huge black & tan Rottweiler. Also, that same year I lost one cat to cancer and I had to put my 18 year old cat to sleep. It had been rough. My heart couldn't take in anymore furry friends. It just couldn't! And Rick just didn't feel ready to open his heart just yet. Too soon! So our answer was .... NO! NO!
The next day they brought the kitten to our house... (there's just no respect! You know what I mean?) Well, can you guess what that tiny little kitten did? He had the nerve to climb up onto Rick's broad chest and promptly went to sleep. I couldn't believe it! Somehow he didn't get the message that we didn't want him! From that moment Remax has us wrapped around his tail. He owns us!
I worked at the hospital yesterday, so I appreciated being in my home this morning. I sat in front of the fireplace with my coffee and lap top... and here HE came. He wanted, (demanded) to be brushed. He's the only cat I've ever had that loves to be groomed.
I really don't know who enjoys it the most. It's relaxing for me. I can't put words in his mouth (so to speak) but I'd say 'it's the cat's meow' by the way he purrs!
God has provided a great blessing for me & Rick in the form of our 'fur-son' as Rick affectionately calls Remax. (don't ever let Rick know that I told you that... that I 'let the cat out of the bag')
Maybe these furry ones are angels in disguise. I think they can very well be.
Remax has always been a 'talker' If you have ever owned a cat you know there are some who do talk. He's special that way. Yes, God knew what he was doing when he brought Remax into our lives. He was just what we needed to make our home complete.
I'm filled with gratitude this morning... that I can enjoy this sunny morning at home... that from where I sit I can see the tiny Gold Finches at the seed socks I filled for them, and that Remax & I share this special time by the fire before I begin my busy day.
If you need some extra lovings, then you may have a home that needs a special fur-angel. Think about it.
I wish all a blessed day!
Remax came to us about 5 yrs ago. He had been dropped off in my son's neighborhood. And since he had 3 dogs at that time, it was not an ideal situation for a little kitty cat. When his wife called to ask if we could take in this adorable, precious, tiny kitten our response was... an emphatic NO! The reason being... 2 years prior we had put down my husband's dog, a huge black & tan Rottweiler. Also, that same year I lost one cat to cancer and I had to put my 18 year old cat to sleep. It had been rough. My heart couldn't take in anymore furry friends. It just couldn't! And Rick just didn't feel ready to open his heart just yet. Too soon! So our answer was .... NO! NO!
The next day they brought the kitten to our house... (there's just no respect! You know what I mean?) Well, can you guess what that tiny little kitten did? He had the nerve to climb up onto Rick's broad chest and promptly went to sleep. I couldn't believe it! Somehow he didn't get the message that we didn't want him! From that moment Remax has us wrapped around his tail. He owns us!
I worked at the hospital yesterday, so I appreciated being in my home this morning. I sat in front of the fireplace with my coffee and lap top... and here HE came. He wanted, (demanded) to be brushed. He's the only cat I've ever had that loves to be groomed.
I really don't know who enjoys it the most. It's relaxing for me. I can't put words in his mouth (so to speak) but I'd say 'it's the cat's meow' by the way he purrs!
God has provided a great blessing for me & Rick in the form of our 'fur-son' as Rick affectionately calls Remax. (don't ever let Rick know that I told you that... that I 'let the cat out of the bag')
Maybe these furry ones are angels in disguise. I think they can very well be.
Remax has always been a 'talker' If you have ever owned a cat you know there are some who do talk. He's special that way. Yes, God knew what he was doing when he brought Remax into our lives. He was just what we needed to make our home complete.
I'm filled with gratitude this morning... that I can enjoy this sunny morning at home... that from where I sit I can see the tiny Gold Finches at the seed socks I filled for them, and that Remax & I share this special time by the fire before I begin my busy day.
If you need some extra lovings, then you may have a home that needs a special fur-angel. Think about it.
I wish all a blessed day!
Saturday, January 30, 2010
Grits or Polenta: Part 2
"Life is like a box of chocolates... you never know what you're going to get."
Forrest Gump.
I'd like to say that my life is like a pot of grits! Not instant... no
fix-quick deal here!
When I determined to go to college I had not finished high school. I was 40 'ish, a mother of two; Traci, daughter... son Robert. Despite the emotional roller coaster I was riding... divorce... college... and nursing school... I simmered like that pot of grits on the back burner... low temp, cooking slow. Moving forward VERY slow. Change is risky and SCARY and it can be a painful process. Grits requires frequent stirring to process out the tasteless lumps. Personnel growth... it's a process. I had a few lumps to process along the way. Did I say that I was determined? Still scared. Still feeling the pain. But determined. Then I met Rick (Wouldn't you like to hear his version?) Now we're cooking... sauteing onion & garlic. Adding spices! Marriage is a process too. Moving forward. He & I have often talked about the miracle of our paths crossing. And it's been one miracle after another... and another!
Somewhere along the journey my life changed from being a pot of grits to a box of chocolates! Now how did that happen?
I love this juice business ... but truthfully, when Rick brought home that first case, I said "not again!" We had just left another networking business, and... frankly, I was tired. And I just wasn't sure if I wanted to try again. But when I saw what this juice did for his knees, I became hopeful that it would help me with my sleep issues. It did! And gave me more energy! Give it one more try! Keep dreaming! Then I became hopeful for our children. I became hopeful for all my friends. I'm more hopeful for our financial future. I see Rick working hard and I watch our business grow. Whoever said this business was easy? But we know that persistence pays off. Dreaming BIG! Going deep! We are working the plan to bring about my retirement from nursing. I look forward to being full-time juice partner before Christmas 2010! Keeping on! We won't give up! 3 feet from gold!
Diet? It's a juice diet baby!
P.S. I've been confined to the house with a cold for 3 days. I usually don't have time to cook grits. I need to go back to work!
Forrest Gump.
I'd like to say that my life is like a pot of grits! Not instant... no
fix-quick deal here!
When I determined to go to college I had not finished high school. I was 40 'ish, a mother of two; Traci, daughter... son Robert. Despite the emotional roller coaster I was riding... divorce... college... and nursing school... I simmered like that pot of grits on the back burner... low temp, cooking slow. Moving forward VERY slow. Change is risky and SCARY and it can be a painful process. Grits requires frequent stirring to process out the tasteless lumps. Personnel growth... it's a process. I had a few lumps to process along the way. Did I say that I was determined? Still scared. Still feeling the pain. But determined. Then I met Rick (Wouldn't you like to hear his version?) Now we're cooking... sauteing onion & garlic. Adding spices! Marriage is a process too. Moving forward. He & I have often talked about the miracle of our paths crossing. And it's been one miracle after another... and another!
Somewhere along the journey my life changed from being a pot of grits to a box of chocolates! Now how did that happen?
I love this juice business ... but truthfully, when Rick brought home that first case, I said "not again!" We had just left another networking business, and... frankly, I was tired. And I just wasn't sure if I wanted to try again. But when I saw what this juice did for his knees, I became hopeful that it would help me with my sleep issues. It did! And gave me more energy! Give it one more try! Keep dreaming! Then I became hopeful for our children. I became hopeful for all my friends. I'm more hopeful for our financial future. I see Rick working hard and I watch our business grow. Whoever said this business was easy? But we know that persistence pays off. Dreaming BIG! Going deep! We are working the plan to bring about my retirement from nursing. I look forward to being full-time juice partner before Christmas 2010! Keeping on! We won't give up! 3 feet from gold!
Diet? It's a juice diet baby!
P.S. I've been confined to the house with a cold for 3 days. I usually don't have time to cook grits. I need to go back to work!
Grits or polenta
How many know what grits are?
You've heard of hominy, right? They are a coarsely ground corn kernels. Not very fancy. They go through a special process which involves a lye soaking then a washing to remove the hulls before the grinding can happen. It's a process. And it's not a quick fix dish but takes 20 - 40 min. to cook. To borrow a line from the movie My Cousin Vinney... 'No self-respecting southern cook uses instant grits!' And we call it 'grits'... not mush. You can go into any state south of the Mason-Dixon line (which exists somewhere between Maryland and Pennsylvania) and ask for grits. Everybody knows what grits is! (or 'a grit' as Rick likes to call it.) I was born & raised in N. Carolina where grits was on the breakfast table almost every morning. We were especially fond of grits with butter & cheese melted & stirred through-out. Since moving to CA I've upgraded my grits by adding hot peppers, sauteed onions & garlic. Sometimes I add white beans or lentils to the sauteed onions & garlic and then spoon the whole mess over my grits! Mercy me! That is good eating!
Polenta, on the other hand, is a finer ground version of the corn kernels. More classy. More refined. Just as tasty. And no one says 'A what?" when you say polenta. Polenta is an important component in Italian cooking. It can stand alone as the main dish or be supportive as a side dish.
You may ask 'Why is Joyce writing about grits & polenta?' If you walk with me on my journey on my next post you will find out where all this corn talk is going. Til then...
You've heard of hominy, right? They are a coarsely ground corn kernels. Not very fancy. They go through a special process which involves a lye soaking then a washing to remove the hulls before the grinding can happen. It's a process. And it's not a quick fix dish but takes 20 - 40 min. to cook. To borrow a line from the movie My Cousin Vinney... 'No self-respecting southern cook uses instant grits!' And we call it 'grits'... not mush. You can go into any state south of the Mason-Dixon line (which exists somewhere between Maryland and Pennsylvania) and ask for grits. Everybody knows what grits is! (or 'a grit' as Rick likes to call it.) I was born & raised in N. Carolina where grits was on the breakfast table almost every morning. We were especially fond of grits with butter & cheese melted & stirred through-out. Since moving to CA I've upgraded my grits by adding hot peppers, sauteed onions & garlic. Sometimes I add white beans or lentils to the sauteed onions & garlic and then spoon the whole mess over my grits! Mercy me! That is good eating!
Polenta, on the other hand, is a finer ground version of the corn kernels. More classy. More refined. Just as tasty. And no one says 'A what?" when you say polenta. Polenta is an important component in Italian cooking. It can stand alone as the main dish or be supportive as a side dish.
You may ask 'Why is Joyce writing about grits & polenta?' If you walk with me on my journey on my next post you will find out where all this corn talk is going. Til then...
Wednesday, January 27, 2010
What happened to the diet?
I had such a great Fri. on the bus with 47 other people driving from Roseville to Anaheim! I can think of more comfortable ways to travel, but I can't think of any other people I would have rather traveled with than my Monavie family! (I know that sounds Corny but that's how I feel.) Sat. was a day full of meetings packed with information on our newest product... (our immune system booster juice), inspirational talks & sharing of hopes & dreams,and giving of our selves & our means to the people of Haiti. Not to brag, but we gave $64,000.00! Our bus didn't roll us into Sac until 3 am Sun morning! Mercy! Us older folks could hardly unfold our bodies let alone walk off the bus!
Diet! What diet?
Diet! What diet?
Thursday, January 21, 2010
Week-end Out of Town Dieting
We're piling onto a bus with a LOT of other people at 7 AM Friday! Ouch! I'm excited about it despite the cramped space. I've got a good book I started a few days ago (It's Only a Mountain) So that will keep me busy when I'm not chatting! We're going to LA for a Monavie convention and will be a lot of fun friends. We'll be back late Sat. night. So how will I stay on my diet? I'm not sure I will be able to journel. I think I will try to. Plan to choose food wisely, and have water always available. If anyone is reading this and have a helpful comment let me hear it. So I will blog next on Sunday. Wish me well.
Wednesday, January 20, 2010
Dieting in the Work Setting
Today was my first day back to work since I started my 2010 diet. It wasn't perfect but it wasn't too bad. I planned ahead fairly well... packing my meals & snacks. I admit that I deviated a little but stayed within my cal. range.. It's been a long day and I'm glad it's done. Now it's time to unwind with a small froz. yogurt & my husband!
Tuesday, January 19, 2010
Day two: I am thin!
I am trying to project a positive attitude, okay?
I found out yesterday that there are two important steps I had not mentioned which I feel I must do. #1 journal my food intake & #2 counting calories. Otherwise I will not be the honest person I need to be. Trust me, I know!
Yesterday was a good diet day. I stayed under my 1300 cal limit and almost all my choices were good. (yes, I counted the calories of that 1 glass of wine with dinner!)
I'm looking forward to today's journey. I feel just a little more comfortable (thinner)around my middle. I had fun (really, I did) looking through old magazines. Great recipes! I've tried quite a few and have had very happy results. I never throw anything away without a struggle. Those 2008 editions of Something Extra from Bel Air came in handy. And its not just the recipes that are good.
Gotta go. I don't know if anyone reads this other than me, but I'm having fun and I'm finding this is extremely motivating. Lets go into a blessed rainy day!
I found out yesterday that there are two important steps I had not mentioned which I feel I must do. #1 journal my food intake & #2 counting calories. Otherwise I will not be the honest person I need to be. Trust me, I know!
Yesterday was a good diet day. I stayed under my 1300 cal limit and almost all my choices were good. (yes, I counted the calories of that 1 glass of wine with dinner!)
I'm looking forward to today's journey. I feel just a little more comfortable (thinner)around my middle. I had fun (really, I did) looking through old magazines. Great recipes! I've tried quite a few and have had very happy results. I never throw anything away without a struggle. Those 2008 editions of Something Extra from Bel Air came in handy. And its not just the recipes that are good.
Gotta go. I don't know if anyone reads this other than me, but I'm having fun and I'm finding this is extremely motivating. Lets go into a blessed rainy day!
Monday, January 18, 2010
Well today was the big weigh-in (emphasis on BIG). Since I have made a commitment to the loss of 15 lbs I feel that I also must give a honest starting weight (emphasis on HONEST)My pre-coffee & pre-juice weight is 173 ibs. Mercy me! I'm not totally surprised, just disappointed that I have gained back all the weight that I had lost in 2009. Enough self loathing... I am going to just do it! But HOW I ask? I'm done with going to Weight Watchers,(even though I hold a life-time membership), I did the Atkin's Diet, Nutra System too...... I even did the Cabbage Soup Diet and turned the girls on to it at my dentist office! They all work! I lost weight! But now ( Jan. 18, 2010 I'm right back at the weight... plus some, that I started at! So I am going to try again but what do I need to do differently?? I want to stay away from artificial sweetners, I want to include some fats, some carbs and some protein. I want to use portion control,(now that's a big deal since I have a big appetite). I want to eat 4-5 small meals as I know that keeps the monster appetite in submission. There's my guide lines for my weight loss journey 2010. But more than that, I'd like to keep the excess weight off. So wish me well, join me if you want, and off I go to a slimmer, more healthy me. (Yes, my husband is going on this journey with me!) And so it begins!
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