Thursday, May 31, 2012

Leaving May behind...


I woke up Tuesday morning and did something I hadn't done for almost three weeks...
I got on the scale.
I was up NINE POUNDS from the last time I weighed myself--which was before the multiple wonderful, continuous birthday celebrations, parties and food fests.

Interestingly, I didn't cry when I saw the number come up.
(I'll admit, I sometimes do in these situations.)
I didn't even really get very mad. (Which I OFTEN do in these situations!)

Nope, instead, I decided it was time to put May behind me and get back on track.
Time to take control again. And that feels SO good.

I have watched every single thing I have eaten since Tuesday morning.
No cupcakes, no calzones, and no chocolate.
No guacamole,  no chips and no Margaritas...
(If I had to choose one meal to eat for the rest of my life, it would be chips and guacamole and Margaritas...with a donut for dessert.)

Nope, instead, I went back to fruit and yogurt and scrambled egg beaters.
I went to the gym all three days...(and have finally figured out how to read a book while on the treadmill! Talk about productivity!)
And I drank LOTS and LOTS of water.
And it works.

I was already down 3.5 pounds this morning.
After a LIFETIME of battling my weight...I no longer need to put up a fight.
I thoroughly enjoy the celebrations and definitely delight in delicious desserts...

But I know when it's time to get back on track...
And OH how I LOVE to watch the weight fall off.

I gotta tell ya, nothing tastes as good as that.

Wednesday, May 30, 2012

Desiderata (Desired Things...)

My friend, Lu, posted a portion of this poem on her blog recently. 
It had always been very special to me, and so, here it is in its entirety. 
Written in 1927, it is still amazingly applicable today.

Desiderata
Go placidly amid the noise and haste, and remember what peace there may be in silence.
As far as possible without surrender,
be on good terms with all persons.
Speak your truth quietly and clearly; and listen to others, even the dull and ignorant; 
they too have their story.
Avoid loud and aggressive persons, 
they are vexations to the spirit.
If you compare yourself with others, 
you may become vain and bitter;
for always there will be greater and lesser persons than yourself.

Enjoy your achievements as well as your plans.
Keep interested in your career, however humble; 
 it is a real possession in the changing fortunes of time.
Exercise caution in your business affairs; for the world is full of trickery.
But let this not blind you to what virtue there is; many persons strive for high ideals;
and everywhere life is full of heroism.
Be yourself.

Especially, do not feign affection.
Neither be critical about love; for in the face of all aridity and disenchantment it is as perennial as the grass.

Take kindly the counsel of the years, gracefully surrendering the things of youth.
Nurture strength of spirit to shield you in sudden misfortune. 
But do not distress yourself with imaginings.
Many fears are born of fatigue and loneliness. 
Beyond a wholesome discipline, be gentle with yourself.
You are a child of the universe, no less than the trees and the stars;
you have a right to be here.
And whether or not it is clear to you, no doubt the universe is unfolding as it should.
Therefore be at peace with God, whatever you conceive Him to be,
and whatever your labors and aspirations, in the noisy confusion of life-
 keep peace with your soul.
With all its sham, drudgery and broken dreams, 
it is still a beautiful world. 

Be careful. And be happy. 
© Max Ehrmann 1927

Just Breathe




Monday, May 28, 2012

A horse to be reckoned with...

Took a beautiful drive out to Temecula today...
All of our sweet horses (sans Sweet Juju, who is at Los Alamitos) are at one location now! 
SO fun to see and visit with them all!
Seattle Shamrock
Cousin Ricky
Impressive Flight and Sweet Lu




The horses were SO loving today!

Yep, I was very popular...I suppose it could have been that bag of carrots...






Cousin Ricky was especially kissy today!
Sweet Lu is just a month old!



Dr. Doolittle talking to the animals
It was as if I were in a petting zoo!
Sweet little Lu