Easter Adventures

My Easter began at St. Paul's, Sparks with an eclectic and moving Easter Vigil Service. They do good liturgy there in a church well adorned for the occasion with flowers, streamers, candles, and all the trappings. After the service we had a country hoedown with line dancing an country music kicked off by Toby Keith's "I Love This Bar" -- with lyrics espousing a kind of secular inclusive catholicity. A good time was had by all. St. Paul's is a lively place growing larger and younger these days. That's what happens when you put a good bunch of clergy (Kirk, Chip, and Kathy) together with a good bunch of laity.<br /><br />The next morning was Easter at Pryamid Lake Reservation. Before the early service at Wadsworth, the worship leaders were smudged with sage in the tradional Paiute way of blessing and purifying, comparable to the European use of incense. Ed Ely in Nixon had blessed water from the sacred lake, also using tradional Paiute prayers. We had a huge turnout in Wadworth despite the fact we had fewer than usual baptisms. There were around twice as many people as last year. One of the baptisms was an adult, Norman. He had a broken gas guage on his truck so he ran out of gas on the way to the service but was just barely able to coast to a gas station. Grace abounds, and Norman was determined. Good on him!<br /><br />At Nixon, we had only one baptism so attendance dipped just slightly, but given the low baptisms, it was really an excellent turnout. And we had a fabulous feast aferward.<br /><br />We have a special mission on the Reservation. There are practioners of tradtional Native Spirtuality, and there are Protestants who insist that the Native traditions are pagan evils to be deplored by Chrstians. We are the place where First Nations people can stay true to their culture and the ways of their ancestors and follow the gospel of Christ. The gospel is not about European culture. It is a flower that can grow in different soils. Seeing the gospel in these different contexts reaveals its essence and keeps us from confusing it with the social norms of our own backgrounds.<br /><br />Pryamid Lake Reservation is a place rich in history and tradition. It is also a land with a deep sacredness. I wrote this poem after a solitary visit to the lake during a windstorm.<br /><br />SHELTER<br />The wind,<br />resolute, indomitable,<br />swoops over bare snow mountains<br />down, down onto Pyramid Lake,<br />blue water skidding<br />away from shore, not to.<br />Vapor,<br />windblown mist twin, not spray,<br />races across, above<br />the breakers<br />toward island peaks<br />– how far?<br />I stand,<br />then kneel<br />at the edge,<br />dip my fingers<br />into mysterium tremendum<br />and cross myself with fascinans.<br />Then turn,<br />boots sinking<br />in wet sand,<br />face wind-grit stung,<br />straining toward<br />any shelter<br />I can find<br />from God.

Easter Adventures

My Easter began at St. Paul's, Sparks with an eclectic and moving Easter Vigil Service. They do good liturgy there in a church well ador...

Read more »

Day 159 (Sunday 4/12)

<p>When we got home from church on Sunday I told DH..."I just feel so pretty today"! I have new hair, I made it all curly for Easter, wore my size 8 dress, and got lots of compliments from everyone at church. I think it was a good confidence booster because I don't always feel pretty! DH said that I should feel pretty all the time...'cause he says that I am...what a sweetheart! :) </p> <p> <br />We went to my Mom's house for dinner with her and her husband and my sister and her hubby and then my Mom's husband's daughter, her husband, and their absolutely adorable adopted daughter from China!! Her name is Maya, she's three, & is SUPER smart! She was the entertainment for the afternoon. I guess you could call her my step-niece...but we really aren't that close so it doesn't feel like that. But hey, I would claim her! :) <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmsI1V6wOh-e0ggqhTESjfH1Rx2ORqei7wHEB1a37s1hS1RmGcvlXEEebeBBRScGANxEsdytjq039MSaj0jM3CszDEFqzgJGTAVvu7b6xIvmg8DuYotEppmeHqixF4lv9TqFWS0A8tKkdP/s1600-h/DSC02254%5B3%5D.jpg"><img alt="DSC02254" border="0" height="304" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0KdNJhYAzErzQIDiGNDyUeUcWf3s4uLii3GVwS3gXbEHZwmNIWR0KvruDXMGONPwignx6O8imBs0KtglkAoCQ7pZljwm7r9jly36WRLwIvVcTp5LfidqlqJW3e9mLIM31T0fOyJ34ft_I/?imgmax=800" style="border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-left: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-bottom: 0px" title="DSC02254" width="400" /></a></p> <p> <br />Ok back to dinner...we had ham, mashed potatoes and gravy, dinner rolls, scalloped corn, jello, homemade applesauce, and green bean casserole. Wow!! It was all SO good! I felt good I didn't stuff myself...just satisfied. And I said no to pie. The only choices were coconut creme and pecan and I'm not a big fan of either one. </p> <p> <br />We spent the afternoon just relaxing in the living room talking, playing with Maya, and taking it easy. DH was not feeling well at all today. I feel bad for him that his one day off work he is sick. :( A few hours after dinner I decided I wanted something else to munch on and I had a small slice of that stinkin pecan pie that I wasn't too fond of. It was just ok and totally not worth it! Sigh...</p> <p>  <br />It was fun to see my Mom and her newly remodeled kitchen, living room, bathroom, and office! Since my sisters (who live out of state) read this blog Mom said I couldn't put pictures up...but trust me...it looks AWESOME!!! Her previous kitchen was SO small and we had to all cram in around this small table and add some tv trays on the side for more space. It was nice to be in her nice formal dining room now and not have to eat while almost sitting on top of each other! Makes me want to have my kitchen re-done! </p> <p> <br />DH and I came home and just chilled the rest of the evening away. He still wasn't feeling well at all so we kept it low key. DH found his Easter basket so I did have some Easter candy...mmm I love chocolate! I finished reading Marley & Me on Saturday so we rented the movie. It was so good...but very sad. I think I liked the book better! <br />While watching the movie I had my favorite combo of strawberries, yogurt, and grape nuts! Mmm!! As you can tell I didn't count my points Sunday...and no exercise either. :( Monday is a new day and I'm going into it full force!! <img alt="DSC02259" border="0" height="313" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPGW0pRhHdiS4ZLaN5-6utjYkGzZBYaCkbXcuSBYEdb1CVHiT9MpSoHDlagXtPmZ2L86JG5ZLW1fSv7G1_JMmJD8IJfdXnWWxSdQc8jzrcE25-tyxwF2oT4RjAUiKEjpTFwDnCzsj88QI3/?imgmax=800" style="border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-left: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-bottom: 0px" title="DSC02259" width="412" /></p> <h5> </h5> <h5>  TAG You're It! </h5> <p>I got tagged by Kelly over at “Happy Texan”. Her blog is always full of fun ideas and YUMMY recipes!! And her comments always make me smile!!! ":)</p> <p> <br /><strong>8 Things I'm looking forward to:</strong></p> <ol> <li>hitting goal weight </li> <li>running a 5k this summer</li> <li>my sister coming home for the summer</li> <li>“summer hours” at work</li> <li>hosting my SIL’s bridal shower</li> <li>giving DH his bday present!!</li> <li>Hawkeye football this fall</li> <li>starting a family</li> </ol> <p><strong>8 things I did yesterday:</strong></p> <ol> <li>shopped</li> <li>tanned</li> <li>ate </li> <li>got my hair cut</li> <li>worked out</li> <li>played UNO</li> <li>blogged (for the 1st time in a week!)</li> <li>cried when i finished reading “marley & me” while working out!</li> </ol> <p><strong>8 things I wish I could do:</strong></p> <ol> <li>travel more</li> <li>feel comfortable in a bikini</li> <li>be a stay at home wife (eventually mom!)</li> <li>connect my house to the garage</li> <li>buy a motorcycle</li> <li>see all my sisters more often</li> <li>run a 5K w/o walking</li> <li>get rid of my stinkin’ love handles!!</li> </ol> <p><strong>8 shows I watch:</strong></p> <ol> <li>Biggest Loser </li> <li>Real Housewives of Orange County</li> <li>Jon & Kate +8</li> <li>CSI</li> <li>Criminal Minds </li> <li>Friends</li> <li>The Bachelor </li> <li>HGTV & TLC shows!</li> </ol> <p><strong>8 People I tag: (come on guys, be a good sport and do it) ;-)</strong></p> <ol> <li><strong><a href="http://thresholdofgreatness.wordpress.com/">On The Threshold of Greatness</a></strong></li> <li><strong><a href="http://road2skinny.blogspot.com/">To Being Skinny in my 20’s</a></strong></li> <li><strong><a href="http://simplyfabulousnow.wordpress.com/">Simply Fabulous</a></strong></li> <li><strong><a href="http://kristaskraziness.blogspot.com/">Krista’s Kraziness</a></strong></li> <li><strong><a href="http://karitakingbackcontrol.blogspot.com/">Taking Back Control</a></strong></li> <li><strong><a href="http://aworkingmomsjoy.blogspot.com/">A Working Mom’s Joy</a></strong></li> <li><strong><a href="http://heathersaloser.blogspot.com/">Heather’s a Loser</a></strong></li> <li><strong><a href="http://ajourneytothin.blogspot.com/">A Journey to Thin</a></strong></li> </ol> <p>Tag! You're it! :)</p>

Day 159 (Sunday 4/12)

When we got home from church on Sunday I told DH..."I just feel so pretty today"! I have new hair, I made it all curly for Easter,...

Read more »

Day 158 (Saturday 4/11)

<p>Day 2 of three day weekend and I’m loving every single minute of it!! I started out my morning catching up on all of your wonderful blogs!! I just luv my blogger buddies!!</p> <p>After DH went to work I hit the gym for a nice sweat session…got in 45 minutes on the cross ramp and 10 minutes of abs. Afterwards I picked up our weekly loot of groceries…stocked with fresh fruits & veggies for the week! </p> <p>While cleaning and cutting my purchases I snacked on a cup of grapes. They were crisp and delicious for just 1 point!!</p> <p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOiYRWyyEf9maGqzrBoyGTg3vRlIYS2E-8ZcpIcGWDNWKsRNAN4Cdb-Csi1q7UPLRF_ZmGZFdMX7vEDC0XsXY9rCkWMvPQ4RkfoI1qd69LCuXVjo1LXlq4UdKlGasKSHeeZd_ebA8V4xyY/s1600-h/DSC02230%5B3%5D.jpg"><img alt="DSC02230" border="0" height="341" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSPQwsdJAUsWKE_iGu9Ysb8gn_2o7IP6SRncvODa_fNHMVH2pL6i6ZjG35n329TTgBk_66-RiZNaBl-w028PfGnkBFWZ5m7fo8hUusDVvzTFDoSr4168nOaU_7b_VBRGicWBJboBPucD0Q/?imgmax=800" style="border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-left: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-bottom: 0px" title="DSC02230" width="448" /></a> </p> <p>By the time I was done with all that it was after 2 and I knew I needed to eat something so I didn’t pig out at the in-laws for supper! So I had some left over grilled chicken and steamed broccoli & cauliflower with cheese for 6 points. <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqTsa6XOHFu-n-djrLABe6PnnPkkdYVSihIB2720Br5g7o2jbMMcKaj1Y0p1FtBW-teXW6D0yxhjq01PSgx_ygNBwpm_WQDRCCIZgbGyLkLPFJPa4m_TtuweX6yG4_3wviCnckGk7EFl60/s1600-h/DSC02231%5B4%5D.jpg"><img alt="DSC02231" border="0" height="339" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-tkU5icp9j9EyRtPnVDsKaywmYC965nCc4G0xeHjDIX_4AuSPg96xshtv9DHsK0smYKP9N4r47VDYdyWb99FscB5Cu_jHRrSj0Ws9Np56W_wlAAuIl6EtmDNDwx1HtIfuuIvvmbyMsBEl/?imgmax=800" style="border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-left: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-bottom: 0px" title="DSC02231" width="443" /></a> </p> <p>Then I was off to get my hair cut. I went pretty drastic!! Cut off 10 inches!!! What do you think?</p> <p align="left"><strong>BEFORE</strong><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRhPlRX-X_J2NbXZ5-MRuBD2YtwVZj_FszCa6m_ilio6csS5cMaaTeyp0ChNY9-9-oPPLV6lbOrid6ri_SmcUo799myOC6zOGku4WZJN5uym-mVby3L36RG0EmodXGb2kxg4cGzXh-56Eg/s1600-h/DSC02233%5B3%5D.jpg"><img alt="DSC02233" border="0" height="338" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLkO_Fj4xp8zu8Im5UCbsq-sk6_1IbCr1lGUzGZUHWt7vkcmkMGeg_gtoPvlp-8t1U6lKcbg6OqozA-z8YhiWCH7kP4Ya2pHW_bL63t4bzwGXcv7-vLt1r-cyDp_1mWiJ7ugHFK1SQzRqs/?imgmax=800" style="border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-left: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-bottom: 0px" title="DSC02233" width="442" /></a> <strong>AFTER</strong><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgeFH_wGVxn_lvxOklI5lRZrQUCoaY_5uoOgTQLCzak42kbRFS-0IMkEN75gOMU0e5EpGluJRkUw9aYEz4Ag-Huy7F2tE_LUI3z-Abh22u8FQWMUGVz6wA7vJN8qCBuVMXHHs_NPuyQO9K0/s1600-h/DSC02237%5B3%5D.jpg"><img alt="DSC02237" border="0" height="340" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEih0fZ_U8geh9jkHLUdnPLA4bKKPxzftuv6nJXUnLXunkNv6Y_LmLlC9eb6G47u97rPmJZbsDDaNXDFRwUTQe8vF6fUi22D3jLW4XM3hT4yymXnRrxNa5V0itsGTEIvu1WA7G3-0inn4ByT/?imgmax=800" style="border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-left: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-bottom: 0px" title="DSC02237" width="450" /></a> </p> <p align="left">When I got home we had to rush off to DH’s parents house for supper. Which happened to be completely NOT point friendly. But I enjoyed myself and didn’t worry about it too much. The only picture I got was when DH took the rotisserie off the grill!! Don’t worry he was just pretending…he didn’t really bite into it! :) We had pork loin, cheesy potatoes, corn, homemade dinner rolls, ice cream and brownies!! YUM!! My MIL is an AMAZING cook!!!<img alt="DSC02239" border="0" height="342" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiikYhmblhuseHvR7Elxtl9GwcoIhlEHAcnDddOFroD48izItm1V3tMRXklsMZ10bDL49gikvlMy3O2CtW-CHYdChrlDFwxCKHA_OcwPf06_ibCIJj11XRDMkmXd2lOUmw4t8tzoSpcPUUG/?imgmax=800" style="border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-left: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-bottom: 0px" title="DSC02239" width="448" /></p> <p align="left">We stayed for quite a while into the evening playing games, chatting, and doing a little online shopping for MIL! It was a fun evening!</p> <p align="left">Now it’s Sunday and I am just killing a little time before we head down to my Mom’s house for Easter dinner.</p> <p align="left">Here is a picture we snapped quickly after church! I just love this guy!! Oh and btw, he’s lost 14 pounds!!! Congrats hunnie!!</p> <p align="left"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhY_UcOYP0AvhkcX7FmxTGsgDCFPaxjYfiYfKg4W6d0u3HUKgcP2sFBSfHlOzDkgMm2ZsXVHimy3Wk37UxZUYlxEx6H1N6OdUgCN8APRMvPR8QUz9qUR81tM_AC6Wf_Xs3dqHzgGaSo4mhw/s1600-h/DSC02243%5B4%5D.jpg"><img alt="DSC02243" border="0" height="344" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrH4ABXrb7RBXvp4eeL_bgAhfZarXU1lrTpUNcfZ0pqaED0rVHKZEFRTML8wfc03D_i66S-HdqzNsPbocaWQ2hXQUaLTLLF4xEr4JH_HqjsvJHNz6ng_C5A-xEBT_OC7iVOmc0zkTpA0oH/?imgmax=800" style="border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-left: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-bottom: 0px" title="DSC02243" width="452" /></a> </p> <p></p> <p></p> <p></p> <p></p> <p></p> <p>HAPPY EASTER EVERYONE!!! DON’T EAT TOO MUCH CHOCOLATE!!! :)</p>

Day 158 (Saturday 4/11)

Day 2 of three day weekend and I’m loving every single minute of it!! I started out my morning catching up on all of your wonderful blogs!! ...

Read more »

Days 150-157 (Friday 4/3-Friday 4/10)

Hey all my lovely blog buddies!!<br /><br />First of I have to apoligize. I haven't blogged in a WEEK!! Holy cow!! Don't worry nothing bad happened...no earth shattering news and I didn't fall off the wagon. Just didn't blog. Life for some reason has just been really crazy and I'm sorry I've been lazy with my blog. I know it helps me stay on track better 'cause I know I have to report to all of you at the end of the day what I ate/did!<br /><br />I stayed fairly OP the past week. A few slip ups....but hey who doesn't have those?? I feel like I've been more on the maintaining part and not losing. So today...Saturday April 11th is a new day for me. I am going to be more strict with myself and get back to blogging!<br /><br />I did take pictures of the majority of my meals the past week, but I am not going to bore you with those details! I worked out only 4/7 days. Ouch! I want to get back in the exercising mode again too.<br /><br />I need to lose at least 5 more lbs I think to feel more comfortable and determine if that is a good weight for me or if I will still need to lose more. I look at myself and still see "chub" and I know it a whole lot more than 5lbs!!! Do any of you who have met your goal have any advice for me on a "good weight"? I feel good where I'm at...but not 100% happy and that is why I think I want to lose more...sigh I don't know what to do!<br /><br />Oh and my scrapbooking weekend last weekend was fun! We did get snow. But I ended up coming home early so I didn't get stranded there because I got everything I brought scrapbooked so I didn't want to get stuck with nothing to scrap!!<br /><br />Well everyone I am off to catch up with all of your blogs! Hope everyone is enjoying their Easter weekend.

Days 150-157 (Friday 4/3-Friday 4/10)

Hey all my lovely blog buddies!! First of I have to apoligize. I haven't blogged in a WEEK!! Holy cow!! Don't worry nothing bad happ...

Read more »

In The Air Again

In a few minutes I head to McCarran to fly North to Reno. This is probably my favorite trip of the year. I am going to celebrate Easter, as generations of Nevada bishops have done, at Pyramid Lake Reservation with the Paiute people. We always have a slew of Baptisms. It is a glorious way to rejoice in Resurrection hope.<br /><br />Before the joy of Easter morning, this year I will spend the Great Easter Vigil with the saints at St. Paul's, Sparks -- a lively and faithful crew of committed Christians, with a dynamic new rector, the Rev. Kirk Woodliff. I also plan to meet with several folks, including a few who are working on grants to help us <em>resurrect</em> a comprehensive program of Christian formation and ministry development in our Diocese.<br /><br />The Spirit is particularly moving in the Reno-Sparks area these days. First, St. Steven's, Reno has opened their doors to Faith Lutheran. They are sharing Holy Week and Easter in the wake of a fire that has caused smoke damage to Faith Lutheran's church building. In Fernley, one of our priests and one candidate for priesthood are working with Pastor Paul Theis to build up the new Lutheran Fellowship there. In Virginia City, the Roman Catholic Church building is out of commission for a year's worth of remodelling, so they are worshiping at St. Paul the Prospector.<br /><br />It isn't about denominations. It's about the gospel. I feel great and our people feel great when we help anyone anywhere share God's love with a world that needs it.<br /><br />Easter blessings to all of you everywhere. The A word is on the tip of my tongue.

In The Air Again

In a few minutes I head to McCarran to fly North to Reno. This is probably my favorite trip of the year. I am going to celebrate Easter, as ...

Read more »

Salvation By Grace Through Faith (?)

First, the confession -- this little series of blogs on the process of salvation has been a Lenten Discipline of mine. Holy Week is waning, so I must hop to with my final post.<br /><br />Salvation -- not just forgiveness, but a healing and wholeness -- is a gift, not a wage, not an award, not a personal accomplishment (for if it were, then the whole process of ego-trancendence would clench in a Catch 22) but a gift -- received through "faith."<br /><br />I was on a plane recently sitting beside a woman who was saying how her mother had insisted that certain things must be believed unquestioningly, unthinkingly, because religous teachings are based on "faith" -- meaning blind acceptance of things unevidenced, unreasoned, and not understood. She justifiably objected to such an epistemology.<br /><br />One test of good religion vs bad religion is whether it grows or diminishes its adherents. A religion that shuts down the mind diminishes it adherents. Thankfully, that is not what "faith" has traditionally meant.<br /><br />"Faith" is not an opinion embraced or assent to an intellectual truth claim. Faith is an orientation of the heart toward the ultimate mystery. It is not faith <em>that</em> certain facts are true, but <em>trust in</em> the Giver of grace. Faith is actually the opposite of dogmatism. It may be expressed in formularies but the faith is not in the forumlaries. Faith is in the Giver toward whom the formularies feebly point. (I say this as one who is rabidly committed to the regular recitation of the Ancient Creeds.)<br /><br />Faith is not a closed mind. It is an open heart. Faith is not the opposite of doubt. But faith does insist that when we doubt grace, we doubt our doubt, and so remain open the possibility of miracle and wonder. That openness to possiblity is the open gate <em>through</em> which the grace of salvation passes.

Salvation By Grace Through Faith (?)

First, the confession -- this little series of blogs on the process of salvation has been a Lenten Discipline of mine. Holy Week is waning, ...

Read more »

Humanly Engaged Holy Week

Palm Sunday found me at St. Timothy's, Henderson. I feel so welcome there! Their open-hearted hospitaliy must be why they are making such a lovely comeback. After delcining during the national controveries of years gone by, they are now on the way up. New people are joining them. They are a noticeably younger congregation than when I saw them less than a year ago. There are young families, lots of children.<br /><br />I had the joy of confirming two middle school boys. Their parents and grandparents can be justly proud of them. The children's choir joined the adult choir for a fine musical offering. They have a well designed building for worship. I see good things for this parish.<br /><br />Holy Monday evening the Interfaith Coalition for Jobs and Housing held their first town hall meeting. Grace in the Desert was there in force. St. Timothy's was strongly represented. A few folks from Christ Church came. I am grateful for their support of this mission. I gave the invocation and participated one of the small groups.<br /><br />All in all, about 150 people gathered in small groups to tell stories of how the economic crisis has impacted them and those near to them. It was the first time some of the folks had been able to talk about what they are dealing with. A feeling of caring support prevailed. But the goal goes beyond comfort in knowing others are hurting too. The goal is to put a human face on the crisis and do a reality check on the solutions. I hope the silver lining in all this will be to bring the people of this Valley together.<br /><br />Holy Tuesday began bright and early with a peace rally at the Martin Luther King statue. I blessed about 40 peace activists from Nevada Desert Experience and Pace Bene before their long walk to Creech AFB. They are bunch of good hearted folks gathtered around some veteran Franciscans. Utterly uncompromised with the world.

Humanly Engaged Holy Week

Palm Sunday found me at St. Timothy's, Henderson. I feel so welcome there! Their open-hearted hospitaliy must be why they are making suc...

Read more »

Consolation & Desolation In The News

Having just finished The Hour I First Believed, a book on the aftemath of Columbine, I am all the more speechless at the killings in Binghamton today. The 14 deaths, the other physical injuries, the PTSD that will afflict survivors -- some for a long, long time -- it is all beyond words.<br /><br />Meanwhile in Fargo, ND, faced with a certain disaster, volunteers flooded in ahead of the water to make and stack 3 million sandbags!! It takes four people to do one sandbag. The spirit of common concern, the self-giving, the for-otherness -- again it is beyond words.<br /><br />Such words as grace and salvation must pertain to these things. Some quality of mercy, some moment so of mutuality to overcome the lethal power of alienation -- grace must flow into the lives and deaths in some salving/healing way. Else I do not know how life is livable. Life is livable even in the face of horrors. That is to me perhaps the most mysterious gift.

Consolation & Desolation In The News

Having just finished The Hour I First Believed, a book on the aftemath of Columbine, I am all the more speechless at the killings in Bingham...

Read more »

Day 149 (Thursday 4/3)

Hey everyone! Sorry for my lack of post last night. I needed all the time I could get with DH. I am leaving today (Friday) at 2pm and won't be home till late Sunday night. I'm going to miss him and my lil puppy!<br /><br />I got all my stuff packed and ready to go last night. Only 5 more hours of work and then I'm hitting the road with my sister to go scrapbook for the weekend!!!! I'm super excited!!!<br /><br />Eating wise was ok yesterday. I don't have my camera cord, so I can't upload pictures. But I think I was a fairly OP day. I didn't eat supper, but did have some M&Ms there were supposed to be going in the rice crispie treats (snack to share for the weekend) that I was making but went in my mouth instead!<br /><br />Oh and I got in a workout yesterday...cardio and weight lifting. My friend from work and I both went to the gym...it's fun having a work out buddy. We both agree that we're good for each other 'cause when one wants to quit the other one is always like..."how about a little longer" or "just one more"!<br /><br />So I hope everyone has a great weekend. I won't be posting again until probably Monday night. Oh and keep your fingers crossed for me. We are driving about 2 hours away to scrapbook....and there is a HUGE winter storm predicted for that area on Sunday...hoping I don't get stranded!!<br /><br />Happy weekend everyone!! (And happy scraping to me!!)

Day 149 (Thursday 4/3)

Hey everyone! Sorry for my lack of post last night. I needed all the time I could get with DH. I am leaving today (Friday) at 2pm and won...

Read more »

Some Lines On Grace And Salvation

Wendell Berry's book, Given, is a quiet celebration of grace. Hence, the title. Here are a few lines:<br /><br />"There is a place you can go<br />where you are quiet<br />a place of water and the light<br /><br />on the water. Trees are there,<br />leaves, and the light<br />on leaves moved by air. . . .<br /><br />This is the time you'd like to stay.<br />Not a leaf stirs. There is no sound.<br />the fireflies lift light from the ground.<br />You've shed the vanities of when<br />and how and why for now. . . ."<br /><br />Georgia poet, Judson Mitcham, in his book A Little Salvation, writes:<br /><br /> ". . . some days,<br />the simplest things matter,<br />and you are fascinated by water, there at the faucet,<br /><br />watching it flash and break, amazed at being alive,<br />washing your face."<br /><br />The comment on my post about grace quoted Rowan Williams as saying salvation has to do with the experience of being, feeling, and knowing that you are seen another way, knowing you are wanted. It is essential to be seen, and also to see. Wendell Berry and Judson Mitcham see grace and salvation in "the simplest things."<br /><br />Jesus said, "What do you want me to do for you?" "Master," the blind man answered, "I want to see again."

Some Lines On Grace And Salvation

Wendell Berry's book, Given, is a quiet celebration of grace. Hence, the title. Here are a few lines: "There is a place you can go ...

Read more »

Day 148 (Wednesday 4/1)

<p>Happy April Fools Day! It’s 8:30 and I haven’t been pranked yet…keeping my fingers crossed that will last! :)</p><p>I woke up and talked with DH a bit before I hit the gym for a <strong>22 minute run</strong>. The time with DH was worth the short workout! I hadn’t seen him since Monday morning. </p><p>I made my usual breakfast of <strong>oatmeal</strong> with <strong>blueberries</strong> and an <strong>orange</strong> for <strong>3 points</strong>. <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSxrLC1tkZmjy5Gi7H-hxqGAFUfTUUz9kJMjh6pvjibIZa63QJNQmGi-0Ssk8JRIfpWyHCKqPimE_3VIWIiRYzklTc60qqmxMevpkblDLF26TJ92__PUfOTzgpm224Fu3X2kZMgkYIjcFg/s1600-h/DSC02208%5B3%5D.jpg"><img alt="DSC02208" border="0" height="294" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgm5r9uziihXoUjiP0U6R3M3V-XQK73bxbkFj2g8wgM_kh8MQbY6vpDgCMNXkan9F6WtYUbC3liHuIf387_14yp40GFQMLoLMVYzUcpk9FaqrZElk-KJhwohooHcZufrjRI7jsX2y6LEqrV/?imgmax=800" style="BORDER-RIGHT: 0px; BORDER-TOP: 0px; DISPLAY: block; FLOAT: none; MARGIN-LEFT: auto; BORDER-LEFT: 0px; MARGIN-RIGHT: auto; BORDER-BOTTOM: 0px" title="DSC02208" width="386" /></a> </p><p>My morning snack was <strong>strawberry</strong> <strong>yogurt</strong> with <strong>1/4c grape nuts</strong> for <strong>2 points</strong>. <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8kiELMf8uWh9dawXsb3dDH7of5WQQTworeO58K1T8BRJPv0cmeptus1IUiYXiIESfWy7upGpq2QEsXTWv4OhxO7rdQeafdmOBGDfWYByS_0kDnqn4TFByqyGi9iclhmxU939fzU-2aaZO/s1600-h/DSC02209%5B3%5D.jpg"><img alt="DSC02209" border="0" height="294" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_p3oqfB5QliDX-3wbgSKxwTtoM7QkRcVNsdjuDvfLM5qqWyvwSWui53ajRgLUH3Qy5-0G5gOAnjJazYPL_iL9PXOVIbzKvCaCMva93Bouu0C2b6416RU__fnd8d6XcEbeZLkEybwswFB1/?imgmax=800" style="BORDER-RIGHT: 0px; BORDER-TOP: 0px; DISPLAY: block; FLOAT: none; MARGIN-LEFT: auto; BORDER-LEFT: 0px; MARGIN-RIGHT: auto; BORDER-BOTTOM: 0px" title="DSC02209" width="389" /></a> </p><p>I wanted to get something quick for lunch ‘cause I planned on packing up my scrapbooking stuff for a retreat that I am going on this weekend. When my meal got done in the microwave my little sister (the one who goes to college in FL) called and we chatted all through my lunch. It was great to hear from her. We hadn’t had a chance to talk much since I’ve been back in IA. Oh my lunch…as you can see was a <strong>SmartOnes</strong> c<strong>reamy</strong> <strong>rigatoni</strong> <strong>with</strong> <strong>broccoli</strong> and <strong>chicken</strong> for <strong>6 points</strong>. <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglgHUMCJnkPvGVhFZ_ORhpnzQnVRG3_E5mMyLnlWkUrhaxGyNGsov9-isXor2ZTuirxEDrcHlGV2jfiBaSRjwGftX8Jb8mOBuOGb7je5F3D-qpU7HtXShyphenhyphen59-2xqVyYlXKyZ5nabbOihm4/s1600-h/DSC02210%5B3%5D.jpg"><img alt="DSC02210" border="0" height="294" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHaE-2nqMvwxOaBxecc86-CY1c9KDPebQY9bmVgj7naVOD5F1lVgGn0kJt3lNarmNqJ7nR9YiR3EME253UrdxsGlZu-MqAZ7k6KDO8XODyrNpabgCBODDwtHa15Mm27B6WngqS3aohyC0-/?imgmax=800" style="BORDER-RIGHT: 0px; BORDER-TOP: 0px; DISPLAY: block; FLOAT: none; MARGIN-LEFT: auto; BORDER-LEFT: 0px; MARGIN-RIGHT: auto; BORDER-BOTTOM: 0px" title="DSC02210" width="389" /></a> '</p><p>After my lunch I wasn’t hungry but wanted something sweet. So I grabbed a <strong>VitaTop muffin</strong> from the freezer and added some <strong>PB2</strong> for <strong>2 points</strong>. Oh my….this was AWESOME!!!<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjV-6TX1oA5EWEAYn68wYc1f8Al1inayyDDAlz9ZW_PnjmuBPWe9dMBDP7E4zla575N2h17bAp9JSoZNiA8oim4-Aka8HrH0eep_pS_mqExvawHCKAeyvmmLHc9siUSOkWG96jyOgqCVwYO/s1600-h/DSC02211%5B3%5D.jpg"><img alt="DSC02211" border="0" height="294" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiF440gf__LzLGy8F49zp5MetsUE_jM9mo9M5F4woRv0NhG_4vP_KHaMUpTYa9kqmKwK5zI7tPtP1c7aRgFlAqhze87wRxzx09gnCJ3LAkNLU5f_ML4Iwq0Uq0BFynU74BVm4ApZCpU1AGx/?imgmax=800" style="BORDER-RIGHT: 0px; BORDER-TOP: 0px; DISPLAY: block; FLOAT: none; MARGIN-LEFT: auto; BORDER-LEFT: 0px; MARGIN-RIGHT: auto; BORDER-BOTTOM: 0px" title="DSC02211" width="389" /></a> </p><p>After work today I hit the gym again. A friend/co-worker said she was going to do her weigh lifting so I said I would join her since I didn’t get any weights in this morning. And boy did we work our legs!! They are still sore while just sitting here blogging! In total I worked out for <strong>45 minutes</strong>, mostly <strong>leg weights</strong>, but also got an <strong>ab workout</strong> in there too!</p><p>When I got home I headed straight to my craft room to get my scrapbooking stuff together for this weekend. It felt good to be down there again. I haven’t done much crafting for 6+ months and my room was quite a MESS! So I got it all organized and my scrapbook bags packed. Now I just need to pack my clothes, bedding, and eats for the weekend. I really want to stay on track and usually at things like this there are all kinds of non-ww friendly (yummy) snacky foods! So I am going to plan ahead and bring some healthy snacks to have. </p><p>Supper tonight wasn’t necessarily the “healthiest”, but I was craving a hot dog so bad! I picked up some ff ones on our last grocery shopping trip. I was hoping to grill them, but I couldn’t wait for the grill to warm up so I just popped them in the microwave. So overall my supper was <strong>1 c cateloupe</strong>, <strong>1 kiwi</strong>, a few <strong>pickles</strong>, and <strong>two ff hot dogs</strong> for a total of <strong>7 points</strong>. <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7bkzddOGWalUI-AjZcrmrgjo7TiFBd7M7b_Y4LWRtDjT6cpHIR28O3Qfyit8uxwmYhE000wP56CiQU5a161xBDcPnEmvSUJLGKShF51teAKsYks538L2MRVKcjmohiajsaFZ_0xMRf26c/s1600-h/DSC02212%5B3%5D.jpg"><img alt="DSC02212" border="0" height="297" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjuMxQRKMqbxAHa3DUsVQPdfWS-69Tc85JdXL8qpy5__eY0qgFVGk1rxg-A7l1fUKSg2dgZBFKa6MMdB4xrTywSILiU4VgeH79RmtJqYysZKXGx2xIvqdKiIuFqNt88FJoddM6NAVCN5JMx/?imgmax=800" style="BORDER-RIGHT: 0px; BORDER-TOP: 0px; DISPLAY: block; FLOAT: none; MARGIN-LEFT: auto; BORDER-LEFT: 0px; MARGIN-RIGHT: auto; BORDER-BOTTOM: 0px" title="DSC02212" width="389" /></a></p><p>Once again I wasn’t still hungry, but I couldn’t wait to have another <strong>VitaTop</strong> with <strong>PB2</strong> (<strong>2 points</strong>). This time I tried the <strong>brownie</strong>. It pretty much seemed like the same consistency of the muffins…but still VERY good! MMMmmmm!!<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-k7wAgnbbn6TYDsw8D5yPIDBuigKt8RQJsNRNlDqLdBXltXyL7iUonjYjC3Fm1g3y3jmI6yoTdNSd_YsftZFp1xhQRMsOiu0s0xugs8itysd-z2-C7DqYsDF33zEompIqPIpmAcQuKMGb/s1600-h/DSC02213%5B3%5D.jpg"><img alt="DSC02213" border="0" height="290" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBqr8tMC58D9mZwNjn06FxaTjGyIRTQ0lPQFt_VpfuX1hIgVmreMGSJEKRRVDNtC40RIKjo_svgW4R70Q0Wfkz40DffnfVc5P5HcYe1Q5bRri4vfIucv3XQq6M0jGQzxX42bTUXEBltVNd/?imgmax=800" style="BORDER-RIGHT: 0px; BORDER-TOP: 0px; DISPLAY: block; FLOAT: none; MARGIN-LEFT: auto; BORDER-LEFT: 0px; MARGIN-RIGHT: auto; BORDER-BOTTOM: 0px" title="DSC02213" width="381" /></a> </p><p></p><p></p><p></p><p></p><p></p><p></p><p></p><p>I am headed off to pack my gym bag, get my clothes ready for an interview I have tomorrow, and spend some much needed time with DH! Hope everyone has great rest of their April Fools Day and doesn’t get pranked too bad! 15 minutes later and still no prank…I think I’m in the clear! Phew!</p><p><strong>WEDNESDAY’S STATS</strong></p><p>POINTS =22/23</p><p>WATER = 106 oz</p><p>EXERCISE = 22 min run, 45 min weights & abs</p>

Day 148 (Wednesday 4/1)

Happy April Fools Day! It’s 8:30 and I haven’t been pranked yet…keeping my fingers crossed that will last! :) I woke up and talked with DH a...

Read more »

Salvation By Grace (?) Through Faith

I dont' know whether this line of conversation can go anywhere. It may stall out at the first word. The replies I have gotten suggest that, in the ears of my readers, "salvation" means something "abstract, theoretical, and distant" -- maybe having to do with the afterlife -- and that is by and large not relevant or of concern.<br /><br />I just need to note that has not been my experience. I have had times of moral and spiritual lostness in which salvation was a "gracious light" a "homecoming," "a hearth of consolation," a sense of coming back to my true self.<br /><br />A real life metaphor: I was nearly killed by a piece of barbecue chicken not long ago. It went down wrong and I was choking, unable to breathe. A friend at the table did the blessed Heimlich manuever so I am still here. For those moments I could not get my breath, salvation was breath (<em>pneuma</em>, spirit) -- not something distant or theoretical. And I assure you, I have had times of moral and spiritual choking, when life went down wrong, that made me far more desperate for salvation than that piece of chicken.<br /><br />So all that said, what about "grace?" The word comes from the Greek "charis" meaning a gift. Back when I thought salvation was judicial, I thought grace was the merciful spirit that commuted my sentence. It really is that, but if salvation is something larger than forgiveness, then grace has to be larger too.<br /><br />Everything is gift. There is creative grace that means there is something rather than nothing becaue God is generous. There is prevenient grace -- the awarenes of a need for God, the God-shaped hole in the human heart is a grace.<br /><br />So if salvation is something larger than a commuted sentece, something that makes us whole (remember I am not making this up, it's what the word literally means), how is grace involved in that. How does grace grow us into what we were intended to be? How is our very self a grace? How is grace moving in our lives now to form us anew into the likeness of Christ? Into our own unique expression of God as Rahner would put it?

Salvation By Grace (?) Through Faith

I dont' know whether this line of conversation can go anywhere. It may stall out at the first word. The replies I have gotten suggest th...

Read more »

Day 147 (Tuesday 3/31)

<p>Happy last day of March everyone!!</p> <p>I hit the gym first this morning and got in <strong>36 minutes</strong> on the <strong>cross ramp</strong> while reading my recent book, “Marley & Me”. It’s a fun read. I want to get it finished soon so DH & I can go rent the movie. You know I think I forgot to tell you guys….I read three books over spring break and started this one! So relaxing!</p> <p>Breakfast this morning was <strong>oatmeal with blueberries</strong> and a <strong>sliced apple</strong> for <strong>3 points</strong>. I forgot to mention my sister told me that frozen blueberries were cheaper than fresh and the warm oatmeal “defrosts” them right away! They don’t have near the “tartness” that fresh ones do…but still pretty good! <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0TCOAj3RqkgOvaBL455HOy3TG9CcjW-Fhe6_K7QBhycaPBBIWxn6j9LPRV9Ff4aSwiOb0T0rl3gxmuRam3G7BlUsM2gDqWLuB4_c4xnr0VbraHjAl633wbWzVRMQvhYz5zEO6wV8MVM3H/s1600-h/DSC02204%5B3%5D.jpg"><img alt="DSC02204" border="0" height="345" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZ7lq5YihmlzO_bblR7fYLpaCf6p5VMXre-b6ffWIyqhEvqjNLyN8bi8pz2p__cmo3eH9pGFMVaMhhwW6guS85yctStdj6IpJCBGXCg3znta32jvrv_KMeUXklr4SM_xl21tz7DR6w2eGs/?imgmax=800" style="border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-left: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-bottom: 0px" title="DSC02204" width="454" /></a> </p> <p><font color="#000000">I wanted to keep lunch light today. Even though it was light “points wise” it was quite filling. I had <strong>1 sliced cucumber w/ff ranch</strong>, <strong>1 kiwi</strong>, and <strong>1 c cantaloupe</strong> for <strong>3 points</strong>. </font><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzvDzMbaNlFzxWZ7Y1DopON5PNgohAYvUUSGIDeLC9vJDmbQcrrsX_-KjaskPaBF3OpI3X27v-85LL95RAv7V6oiwK4g5Itz1un0Yb9FJ5XhNgE-dK-NADK6IvozfbolgLvn-gIBTpDACY/s1600-h/DSC02205%5B4%5D.jpg"><img alt="DSC02205" border="0" height="340" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiy65WeslpGGjfucjZpX9j9b57GrGZ7PdEMtY6wMKYdAPgB6F8No77kT4qjCNsbiC9mwfniiMZTDDcpoW27CbeoDNzfOErLqC5_B132jzqVcblOilGT_8rOTwbZq4KkRvzMmFwOoHENSKp4/?imgmax=800" style="border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-left: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-bottom: 0px" title="DSC02205" width="447" /></a></p> <p>So if you read my Monday post…you know that I was all nervous about my weigh in. I hate that I let it get to me so much. Like <a href="http://tippytoediet.com/">Cammy</a> commented “it is what it is”. I want to try to work on this and not let myself stress over it so much. Well I took off work a couple hours early to get in another work out. So I hit the gym and got in a <strong>30 minute run/walk</strong>, <strong>35 minutes</strong> on the <strong>bike</strong>, <strong>15 minute cool down walk @ an incline</strong>, and <strong>10 minutes</strong> of <strong>abs</strong>. I felt SO good when I left the gym and not worried about the wi at all. </p> <p>So headed over to WW, jumped on the scale, and it said 162.4. Obviously a gain from what the WW scale said last week in FL (2lbs). I talked to my leader about it and she pointed out that the wi that I went to in FL was right away in the morning, I didn’t eat anything before it and I got in a 45 min run/walk in beforehand. It is less than my wi two weeks ago and also taking into account TOM should be here tomorrow and I had a few splurges since I’ve been home. So in Cammy’s words…it is what it is and I am ready to face the week ahead! Thanks Cammy!</p> <p>Got home and I was HUNGRY! Only 6 points and all that working out I needed some FUEL! I grabbed a <strong>fiber one bar</strong> for <strong>2 points</strong> while getting my supper ready.  </p> <p></p> <p></p> <p></p> <p></p> <p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgurbD_iMFuH_9zYpe_vbK1WzzVo-vzMcjMl_pJhw330r7slVMsRv-5d2HjDL4TR6usBKIpMfujrOCsG9GX59c0vaAkJyPYr9MNUlp9Do0GBaq0UfpXPtOf7iSo85JiOEIByu6Fr5PmGhcV/s1600-h/DSC02206%5B3%5D.jpg"><img alt="DSC02206" border="0" height="338" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWPYxszlwCnfuv81LfSZEZ3VqPLmbnMlTtbq5bxZ9qJ47WV77_NizUchWEq_VBFuM-_NVXxOEaY5Djg18IdX4Uj52M-tMl3ZyPzn3lUJMLNQgU-QD7pceYZOB4bDcYPNDRXxJ_MCl0dtWc/?imgmax=800" style="border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-left: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-bottom: 0px" title="DSC02206" width="442" /></a></p> <p>I turned the oven on the minute I walked in the door. It is SUPER cold out here in IA today…and it’s sleeting out. :( So I had some warm comfort carbs for supper! I made a <strong>ham & pineapple english muffin pizzas</strong> and <strong>sweet potato fries</strong> for <strong>9 points</strong>. Wow did this FILL me up!<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdpiK6MDXDcmZ7eZ3Jl4CTcNT-bgW1yxzYrpXX3uPYEECa-4DocbfZV_ubvF8q6N2Al7IaOHVsRd4yDN1yQ1BwhAqm3ur1CA69KrsbU9FupV9YUVpzE6A2coejtWm8CNT3FjNKXx8UzxAc/s1600-h/DSC02207%5B4%5D.jpg"><img alt="DSC02207" border="0" height="334" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-EfTulD3CU_rwQ0FCSS8kwcV9DIyPQz7UXerl-2uDRI6SbNkh4CToUyDpXsEw_hD1lZ3JZzYvBMgs_0FGaV3OyasFWs-iSFxHTGjCZ-cnfp9z5zndiZ2eO3AaUMbR1e4z_tEklVaG-vJU/?imgmax=800" style="border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-left: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-bottom: 0px" title="DSC02207" width="436" /></a></p> <p></p> <p></p> <p>Now I watching BL…I can’t believe Nicole gained 5lbs!! Wow…will be interesting to see who goes home!! Hope everyone has a great rest of their night…or should I say March! :)</p> <p><strong>TUESDAY’S STATS</strong></p> <p>POINTS =17</p> <p>WATER = 82oz</p> <p>EXERCISE = 36 min cross ramp, 30 min run/walk, 35 min bike, 15 min walk @ incline, 10 min abs</p>

Day 147 (Tuesday 3/31)

Happy last day of March everyone!! I hit the gym first this morning and got in 36 minutes on the cross ramp while reading my recent book...

Read more »

Day 146 (Monday 3/31)

<p>Well blogger buddies Monday is behind us and we are well on our way to Friday!</p> <p>Monday morning I got up and hit the gym before work for a 30 minute run. About 4-5 minutes of that was walking and I finally got in a full 5K! Now my goal is to shoot for running a full 5K with no walking. I am pretty sure I can do it!</p> <p>After my workout I had breakfast consisting of <strong>oatmeal w/blueberries</strong> and a <strong>sliced apple</strong> for<strong> 3 points</strong>. <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbl6UOiBHQVZA_WywHmz4xJxI-TygT0kQuyLJGRaRULG_iJVw65sranq2IdpnQ9Qc20mobbW3a4l9HASAQ4y2_Qy3I8qicVt1bLjV3nQybE5Kx8j-XpAnL27YlC3AAikDmf3PTauMSTFf-/s1600-h/DSC02200%5B3%5D.jpg"><img alt="DSC02200" border="0" height="315" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWAxciaOi0eYQxTO3g_97hsIEvHfsQVyiXIpiu-_Mp7XpJ3LOHLwKJu_oKk4IjSNb1Pod0fHL8e9bMg9uZZPOfXxOgC-0ohANOsQRs4sk61gbZQKL3nCnZK0qIL9s1ZOsjQQG3XpDZSv5S/?imgmax=800" style="border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-left: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-bottom: 0px" title="DSC02200" width="417" /></a> </p> <p>Around noon I had my morning snack (late I know!) – <strong>ww strawberry yogurt</strong> with <strong>1/4 c grape nuts</strong> for <strong>2 points</strong>. </p> <p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiN90GfdSS5HAgw_HWX4Q4KIs23qs1cX_WlYjFvnK1XF6LYin_Tk70bgD8skvnc6l8OEj7HdlIchWUEI8l-sXkqnP5M-iYZDof1L_WfEO2teDIXTHLHTy8H-70ZpXFUQAtdQ163ReDCzybm/s1600-h/DSC02201%5B3%5D.jpg"><img alt="DSC02201" border="0" height="310" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAvTK5Srak7jz28QR83qibj4cdnit9wktlJb-Af50CGeUfNqHA79gGWH1w5rP3MAbT90c6KnHKDkh97qUPJbUl8yJeT78AJk8MjZBMMkF2LqYhAz24ZHUHjLAfZ_sU1Xrv0Zqx0sMND_s5/?imgmax=800" style="border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-left: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-bottom: 0px" title="DSC02201" width="410" /></a> </p> <p>I took a later lunch on Monday so I was glad that I had my morning snack late too! I made a VERY filling lunch…so filling that I couldn’t eat it all and brought it back to work to munch on throughout the afternoon. I had a <strong>ham, turkey, & cheese wrap</strong>, <strong>1 sliced cucumber w/ff ranch</strong>, <strong>1 c cantaloupe</strong>, and <strong>1/2 c cottage cheese</strong> for <strong>7 points</strong>. </p> <p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7l0gjQajkmVih7y29xNQyHaXEUE6n-MDSJh67Q6QsKxDDNRryuYMZn1eP_kmOq77mlnW6LgVuyt0I6l8NdCNiqPq5UOiOUInImB3lBtbSeQ-tIAa-9NnVAOM_xjownJEn_yvorBRraa4T/s1600-h/DSC02202%5B8%5D.jpg"><img alt="DSC02202" border="0" height="310" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtu6LMHpbREN_RaTYKqMmh1FwI2gQyMkfvrglDMjUEhyxtvmi7i1x4CL9AxYqzrw3wSqVMW-6tdAE7PHyRNM6MGLvx3CSe3OiuTHfWG8TP7Oqy_MbXEAZ3BXqBdiN6EhGOXiCESAuceJlK/?imgmax=800" style="border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-left: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-bottom: 0px" title="DSC02202" width="412" /></a></p> <p>After work I was hoping to get my supper in early because I had a home party to go to, but didn’t quite turn out that way. Time got away from me and I planned to run to my friend’s apartment that was hosting the party.  But I think I was ok because of my oh so filling lunch! So around a little before 6 I started out on what I had planned on to be a 2.7 mile run to her place. Well things changed a tad…hold on ‘cause this could be a long story!</p> <p>So I started out and happen to notice that this one car had went by me numerous times in a few different directions. I didn’t think much of it at first and after about mile 1 I took an un-planned turn and took a one way street to see if this car would go that way too. Well they did…and went by almost 7 more times! And yep I said one way….they had to turn around and come back up from behind me. So I decided to stop running, take my head phones off, and called DH while just walking along. Well he was working and wasn’t free. I was hoping that if I was on the phone they would go away. I got a hold of my neighbor and he happened to be out driving close to where I was and insisted on coming to get me. In our 5 minute phone conversation this car drove by at least 4-5 more times before my neighbor got to me. So in the end I was really glad that my neighbor came and got me and took me to my friend’s apartment. I think the car saw me get into my neighbor’s truck and took a screeching turn in the opposite direction!</p> <p>I have never felt like that before while out. But also I usually don’t run in that direction. But still it was a nice residential neighborhood and it was 6 o’clock in the evening, bright and lots of cars driving around. Part of me wonders what would have happened if I would have kept running…if they were just bored and it was a COMPLETE coincidence that they went by so many times or if they were looking for trouble. But I’m glad I didn’t stick around to find out! Wow! That got my heart rate up! But I still got in at least 18 minutes of running/walking. </p> <p>The party was fun. Ordered a diffuser…those things that smell good! And I think I might host a show…it was for PartyLite. And of course my friend hosting the party had snacks. I am going to estimate that I had <strong>6 points</strong> worth of <strong>snacking</strong> while at her place. (jelly beans, snack mix, and a new cheerio cheddar snack mix thing)</p> <p>Another friend brought me home and I quickly fired up the grill for supper, it was after 8pm already! I had a <strong>grilled teriyaki chicken sandwich</strong> with <strong>cheese </strong>and an <strong>orange</strong> for <strong>6 points</strong>. The chicken was good…I’m so ready for summer and grilling season!</p> <p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUujx-RMbNWcNKKoOKFzNu-djyVqIAODYDaIkEcnrCcQ6Qk_7sESZnql-pbJoYBYtxSOVv8GC6xLraWogcSeAt4-Zn-0S635Vn-qRk1tH-rHbiO7l-6o-Yt1Ghk8OSKPWAjMAOwzL3y32C/s1600-h/DSC02203%5B3%5D.jpg"><img alt="DSC02203" border="0" height="310" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj43wi6cJcuwfokS0OKnwoMb-u8y2ZlrDn1DnMbmvEtkVHUOIwjsmj5Uv9_UsimFmSVSzQjLqOxIs6U5ovteVAa6mEffq5i2sDLCTL3gHw6emP1FzFHnYITZ_5bnSeqC1sPNVAbvOD_KuoH/?imgmax=800" style="border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-left: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-bottom: 0px" title="DSC02203" width="412" /></a> </p> <p></p> <p></p> <p></p> <p></p> <p>Now it’s Tuesday and my home scale is WAY up…163! I am so nervous for weigh in tonight. I am going to take off a few hours early of work and get in another work out….I know I will probably gain…but man I don’t want to gain 3 lbs!!!!!!!!!! Shheeesh</p> <p><strong>MONDAY’S STATS</strong></p> <p>POINTS = 24</p> <p>WATER = 126 oz</p> <p>EXERCISE = 30 min run and 18 min run/walk</p>

Day 146 (Monday 3/31)

Well blogger buddies Monday is behind us and we are well on our way to Friday! Monday morning I got up and hit the gym before work for a 3...

Read more »

St. Christopher's Boulder City

Yesterday I was commodiously welcomed by St. Christopher's in Boulder City, the small town featured in Phyllis Baker's, How I Got Cultured. They are a growing congregation -- 62 present in reply to the church bell rung by a charming little girl. There were lots, and I mean <em>lots</em>, of children in the congregation. After the Gospel reading, the younger kids recited the Our Father and most of Pslam 23. The older kids then presented a puppet show from 2nd Kings.<br /><br />At our "pot blessing" lunch -- a priest from bygone days changed pot luck to the more theological pot blessing -- we had a friendly feast followed by a forum. The congregation expressed the need for ministry development support from the diocese, especially a program to train and license lay preachers. They also want more cooperative interaction with other parishes.<br /><br />As we met, 5 of St. Christopher's teenagers were at Galilee for a work camp. Note that St. Chhistopher's is one of the farthest parishes from Galilee in the diocese. But they sent five young people to work there. Despite the distance, St. Christopher's was by far the best represented parish in the diocese at Family Camp last summer. These folks are on board with youth and camp ministries.<br /><br /><br />The good people of our church in Boulder City are an inspiration. I am encouraged by the vitality of their ministry, as they increase their aid to the local poor becasue the number of local poor is on the rise in these hard times. This is a church with a warm heart and an open door.<br /><br />After church, I stopped off to buy an Indian ring to replace one I had lost in Kanuga. Boulder City is the best place I have found in Nevada to buy Indian Jewelry. However, if you are just looking for a stone, the place to go is The Rock Shop in Fallon. I did not have a chance to sample the culinary delights of Boulder City, except for the sumptuous repaste at the Church pot blessing. But from prior visits, I know Boulder City is quite the place for pleasing the palatte. My favorite spot is Mel's Diner.

St. Christopher's Boulder City

Yesterday I was commodiously welcomed by St. Christopher's in Boulder City, the small town featured in Phyllis Baker's, How I Got Cu...

Read more »

Day 145

<p>What a nice relaxing/productive Sunday I had!</p> <p>I slept in a bit (felt so good!). And then did a bit of organizing in my closet and took another pile of clothes that are too big out. My closet is getting emptier and emptier! But I do have a few new things to add to it that I purchased while in Florida!</p> <p>DH and I picked up some groceries. We hadn’t done so since before I left for Florida so we were in much need of food! And boy did we stock up on produce!! It always feels so good to have the fridge stocked full of fresh veggies and fruits all peeled & sliced ready to go!</p> <p>After cutting everything up I had to have a big plate of fruit! It consisted of <strong>1 kiwi</strong>, <strong>1 c cantaloupe</strong>, <strong>1/2c cottage cheese</strong>, and an <strong>orange</strong> for <strong>5 points</strong>. So yummy!!! DH had to go get some fruit after seeing my plate! <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjC7XbSc2lBq-HV9arjnxUWAhnxuZ2duarortVl6lT2KwEuJ7oNBpop_cCC07AhGpsOEg6CveDqqkJ6IxbJEgGkd_b0hnEak1QFzyFszqJ8jNKu3mCD3-k12G-yt3nCtVk16IBpMvPFI1mJ/s1600-h/DSC021974.jpg"><img alt="DSC02197" border="0" height="304" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbh7jTvmZlvgEKVY9KGopLcZdR2wF-OCyS-KsmceAMQ4DVaaHzz9Uw1ZP2gx7XppLlzlfwckfQvv5dJAM5Xy6E9W8MMsVI5UsLj0KOFyA5M9Wcp7qI1EPy8EUMC2FywBSWpbGa20QNgdZl/?imgmax=800" style="border-right-width: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left-width: 0px; margin-right: auto" title="DSC02197" width="400"></a> </p> <p>I snacked on this while catching up blogs and getting my caught up! I just have to say that I love reading all of your blogs, you all have been a significant part of contributing to my success! All the ideas, inspiration, recipes, etc!! So I guess I just wanted to say <strong>THANK YOU</strong>!!</p> <p>I got so much this afternoon…finished putting away my clothes from the Florida trip, washed the bedding, did 3 loads of other laundry, balanced the checkbook, paid bills, cleaned the kitchen, took out the trash & recycle, cut DH’s hair, and cleaned the bathroom! </p> <p>After all that worked I needed an afternoon snack! So I made a <strong>chocolate pb2</strong> and <strong>banana wrap</strong> for <strong>4 points</strong>. These are SO good…more like desert than a healthy snack!<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8bz0pI8lULEGNQZLwc_yLCdquioPTiN-kclIWFvRqwgULJVhWa5OqOUzcjawGDa8lhd08vH8gNNVsJXN3tKZnKYT6PE33jX-3-MFKPDMVAY9DeCwWhSZvwQonprh2xpU7YSNi8R26Czfk/s1600-h/DSC02198%5B5%5D.jpg"><img alt="DSC02198" border="0" height="307" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxp9YiIyBjGp6IGv5qxSU62tot0AxtD6OdZPTW20FlGRTekj58HPDl2tDLU4Ukb9tybfnxZ1aNz1rUmbQ39w8YOdHCJCjLpL4i-WvB6e7dEHKom6g_qbPuajkEd2QQwwgyFl9S7yTB60IV/?imgmax=800" style="border-right-width: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left-width: 0px; margin-right: auto" title="DSC02198" width="400"></a></p> <p> </p> <p>DH said that he needed to make cookies for his employees so together we quickly whipped up a batch of the classic favorite chocolate chip cookies. I couldn’t keep my tongue from a sample though….I think I ate about two-three spoonfuls of cookie dough and two warm cookies……points = NO IDEA!!! I am guessing 4 points per cookie so….maybe like 12-16 points!! Ouch!</p> <p>We had a late supper. I would much rather prefer eating before 7pm…but all those household chores kinda took over and I didn’t realize what time it was! We didn’t eat supper until 8:30pm!! <font color="#000000">It was quick and yummy….I had a <strong>chicken salad sandwich</strong> with <strong>cheese</strong> and <strong>cauliflower and broccoli</strong> with <strong>cheese</strong> for <strong>7 points</strong>.</font><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJMUvpLbRoJjCzHRe1R4PHrTIreTCNkPv3cchIquxo-Gna34KCQy-enjcVRX0r7u4JgP7ey1PdwgRJ_JfNIOAFOJNhU8F8yOP2DQhUXpWo1cJmkmoi6OW4fnYxJ_oSaATlWpbdiL8Aid_F/s1600-h/DSC02199%5B6%5D.jpg"><img alt="DSC02199" border="0" height="310" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAaUxRqzy21u4J1NGh0q1a7cA0gDwm1ApE27oX6mJzpP51uATS_CNi3iBkcPGuMSkO00ViLiCbKjCdbinO_cE8jjE4WlsbhxpHawcRLgJwucvShiWff1Zafy8icUzlS0IfAzRMgnyyN-q3/?imgmax=800" style="border-right-width: 0px; display: block; float: none; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left-width: 0px; margin-right: auto" title="DSC02199" width="400"></a></p> <p><strong>SUNDAY’S STATS</strong></p> <p>POINTS = 32+</p> <p>WATER = 72 oz</p> <p>EXERCISE = none….unless I can count my housework!</p> <p>Well blogger friends…..it is now Monday morning I need to get going to the gym to burn off all those cookies I ate last night! I don’t want to have a gain this week! I don’t understand why I can do so well on vacation and then I get home and it all goes to pot! Uuuuurrrrrrgggghhhh!!! Sorry for that rant….I’m done!</p>

Day 145

What a nice relaxing/productive Sunday I had! I slept in a bit (felt so good!). And then did a bit of organizing in my closet and took anot...

Read more »

Days 143-144 (Friday 3/27 & Saturday 3/28)

<p>Happy Weekend everyone! </p><p>And thank you so much for all your sweet comments on my Florida post. I had a great time and I think by looking at the pictures of myself the picture I have of myself in my “mindseye” is starting to change. I don’t see that 200lb person anymore and it really feels good. I don’t think I felt like that until after seeing the pictures, seeing my sisters’ reaction to the changes, and all your wonderful comments! So thank you!</p><p>I have bad news to report…..Friday & Saturday were NOT OP days for me. I started out good with my favorite breakfast of <strong>oatmeal w/blueberries</strong> and an <strong>english muffin w/cream cheese</strong> for <strong>4 points</strong>. <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj78vGmqNguZw14dCJla8g9fpKEqTty8OvFPhTZnFPRELMS0Omo-L7MsWFzjvxX7PTm3TNjbkzXt76hKoP8OzzWUsShCUOFts3qVzhsI4erT25nSjGWOYG-w1TehqtRnrFnQ6Ofr7gnQkn-/s1600-h/DSC02192%5B3%5D.jpg"><img alt="DSC02192" border="0" height="363" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGDgjdlXwgV7AeMPDecPgDlEdEQiEc2-5lJmkBg-oVaqtAhOBwg9WIEg5_W9H-6r8IqJ3g1M7EOt8rag1NTberrN8jNiQFXDl6Gg3xzI75-UYGD761xUi67iCuNrpcZVTeQs__PaUv9899/?imgmax=800" style="BORDER-RIGHT: 0px; BORDER-TOP: 0px; DISPLAY: block; FLOAT: none; MARGIN-LEFT: auto; BORDER-LEFT: 0px; MARGIN-RIGHT: auto; BORDER-BOTTOM: 0px" title="DSC02192" width="478" /></a></p><p>Mid morning my stomach was really starting to bother me. I grabbed a <strong>peanut butter fiber one bar</strong> and <strong>ww chocolate cake</strong> for<strong> 4 points</strong>. <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcjUVK2hEjB3oeMHPlsXpjYcHlU7xNg1TFwb3R_Sw6-46t-fPjPtGKxXVm6JeA9XXSU3PF8wYWaqZzvwEI1VHeGihY2DSnzFJDLoi9KEv5yCi2c13hNCbFQPjfJ6l3T09iVWnIn_urhZI7/s1600-h/DSC02193%5B3%5D.jpg"><img alt="DSC02193" border="0" height="371" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDHu1Uw4hul-Yvfa9rW09L_E3MW9IPfmfLyRO1KAo7eNrcO2u4cBDQQfUhKfozNfDccuZzRc5O26AqGXNIqJu4ZfRqGCQbFC6EdxGOEDu6YGZ3i9R5KDH48AEarqAnT7ZoQYI-sgHsaLzF/?imgmax=800" style="BORDER-RIGHT: 0px; BORDER-TOP: 0px; DISPLAY: block; FLOAT: none; MARGIN-LEFT: auto; BORDER-LEFT: 0px; MARGIN-RIGHT: auto; BORDER-BOTTOM: 0px" title="DSC02193" width="486" /></a> Those foods didn’t really settle the uncomfortable feeling I was having. So I went home and had my favorite “comfort food”. Cereal! I had some <strong>honey nut cheerios</strong> for <strong>6 points</strong>. (again no picture…i’ve got to get back to my routine!)</p><p>I got back to work and seemed to be feeling better and the afternoon flew! On my lunch break I had also packed my gym bag because a friend/co-worker told me she joined the “Y” location that we have on campus and wanted to light together after work! I couldn’t pass us a workout buddy! So I hit the gym after work for an hour of weight lifting and abs. Felt awesome!</p><p>Got home and I was HUNGRY!! Shouldn’t have been though for all the food I ate earlier in the day! So I had a <strong>string cheese</strong> and <strong>Quaker oats mini delights</strong> for <strong>3 points</strong> while I made supper: <strong>whole wheat pasta w/marainara sauce</strong> for <strong>5 points</strong>. <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjMgxs7VZzP1fauEJAgNmYl9Anvv2t3qHoQoA8ZNl-cDtPhiB8UNzzxrMSG947-TL_78OB7c-Zrjowfk6WmlzibQybUSpDX5yhhsTiwfvSGq8tEisMC068et93qX55xAfYzp7KE1cwhkoa/s1600-h/DSC02195%5B3%5D.jpg"><img alt="DSC02195" border="0" height="361" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbGze0NgnXG2lX-4Vzr_EPVkA9ZKUMKJMsadeGZ1eH7pVNqpvI_btDQUpbP84o5iyicYbYPIGHBPx1ipeZ2gPrkL9cKu3sAKst5ezxImDHfOZKXJsly_SKYAXGx5osB5dPAVrGvbav6sO4/?imgmax=800" style="BORDER-RIGHT: 0px; BORDER-TOP: 0px; DISPLAY: block; FLOAT: none; MARGIN-LEFT: auto; BORDER-LEFT: 0px; MARGIN-RIGHT: auto; BORDER-BOTTOM: 0px" title="DSC02195" width="475" /></a></p><p>My desert Friday night was an all time favorite, <strong>1/4 c grape nuts</strong>, <strong>1 c strawberries</strong>, and <strong>lite strawberry yogurt</strong> for <strong>4 points</strong>. A friend pointed out that our local grocery store has off brand lite yogurt that is only 1 point for almost 20 cents cheaper than the ww yogurt. So I tried it out and it was pretty good. But I think it was a lot thicker…it didn’t soften my grape nuts like the ww yogurt does. It was still good though!</p><p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgA5jCaiHjE4Hsj272xuIX8B8_u3wmx1Cae9HmaUVqtM1iRyz60D8SVzgjMDszR05WTkXGPJ17_Aa4CtgaKYpLpR28ahyEWq-i0ymDVS3y_TQmXmUTSoJSmygDR1wa73-pEdfw_ep60IaTU/s1600-h/DSC02194%5B3%5D.jpg"><img alt="DSC02194" border="0" height="356" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzlygEP1VCjOeirXvoEn9SbfwUMDne14bF6zKaj4KmEEQwOIXdot-2nuCBoUJZoocH2YQXN66lgR9wZmaxclV4zJDi3JP0UzN7neZ4SLsjzjdVeMTnjStJeGenVd4C-J8fRanaN7bkMQ4n/?imgmax=800" style="BORDER-RIGHT: 0px; BORDER-TOP: 0px; DISPLAY: block; FLOAT: none; MARGIN-LEFT: auto; BORDER-LEFT: 0px; MARGIN-RIGHT: auto; BORDER-BOTTOM: 0px" title="DSC02194" width="471" /></a> </p><p>DH is loving “march madness” right now! So he watched basketball while I lounged on the couch and eventually went to the bedroom and feel asleep before 9pm watching a chick flick re-run on tv! I think I am still catching up from my trip.</p><p><strong>FRIDAY’S STATS</strong></p><p>POINTS = 26/23</p><p>WATER = 72 oz</p><p>EXERCISE = 60 min weight lifting</p><p> </p><p align="center"><strong><span style="font-size:180%;">SATURDAY</span></strong></p><p align="center"><strong><span style="font-size:180%;"></span></strong></p><p align="left">I woke up early Saturday morning and did a little cleaning before heading off to the gym. I started out on the <strong>treadmill</strong> hoping to get in a 5K, but that changed…for some reason I had absolutely NO energy and my side hurt so bad so I ended up only <strong>running</strong> <strong>14 minutes</strong>. After that I <strong>walked</strong> for <strong>19 minutes</strong> at an <strong>incline</strong> while reading my latest book “Marley & Me”. Then I hopped on the <strong>cross ramp</strong> for <strong>20 minutes</strong>, and finished off with <strong>10 minutes</strong> of <strong>abs</strong>. Overall it ended up being a great workout even though it didn’t start out too well. </p><p align="left">Then I headed over to Target. I saw in the ad that they had their running tanks on sale and wanted to check them out. I tried on a few different kinds and didn’t get any. I didn’t think I liked them much. And didn’t want to spend $15 on something that I wouldn’t end up wearing. They were SUPER tight and I would think that they would ride up while you’re running. I might end up trying one this summer…but we’ll see. I ended up just getting a new sports bra (also on sale!) and a new gorilla pod for my camera. </p><p align="left">I headed home and my mom called and said she was in town and wanted to stop over for a chat. So she did. Her husband had some errands to run and she isn’t much of a shopper (unlike my sister’s and I!). I made my “brunch” while we talked. I guess I could almost call it my “afternoon snack” because it was almost 1:30! I made a <strong>blueberry waffle w/sf syrup</strong> and an <strong>orange</strong> for <strong>5 points</strong>. <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0RnotZH2N7XYq31TkmSQWjteyy9LGjPuMqSLqg9DDJsY0paa_weDCowYr7A1cFtlxrMKDtJm_9LmWrqwCI7J8I50ykrpppsbUoL3ibo3pWa82qTdrMYVwLH__dJDRadKbkqQbGEhE_4tL/s1600-h/DSC02196%5B4%5D.jpg"><img alt="DSC02196" border="0" height="387" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4-e8rsCKlET4YxoK-m1oMxbKOkO_31XP3_sjUZpzc6OT3WeFOWXXOC5_6CeLOXkSkLYhvKj4FCV8HWl7HRR2-KdvA6XYO-k0viIpiSPWcwO2OKhO8tQhBg_-iyOWiw1gHzi-yKQLN5EJv/?imgmax=800" style="BORDER-RIGHT: 0px; BORDER-TOP: 0px; DISPLAY: block; FLOAT: none; MARGIN-LEFT: auto; BORDER-LEFT: 0px; MARGIN-RIGHT: auto; BORDER-BOTTOM: 0px" title="DSC02196" width="507" /></a> </p><p></p><p></p><p></p><p></p><p></p><p></p><p></p><p></p><p>I had a wedding to go to in the evening so my mom stayed and chatted with me while I got ready. It was good to see her. She got back from a 2 month “snow bird” trip to South Padre Island, TX while I was in Florida. Good to catch up!</p><p>DH had to work so I met my sister and her hubby for the wedding. I wasn’t very “good”. I had two slices of pork loin w/bbq sauce, au gratin potatoes, dinner roll w/butter, baked beans, macaroni salad, 2 bud lights, 1 pc of wedding cake, peanuts, and a little candy (they had a candy bar with all their favorites!). No clue on the points! I just know that I ate too much!</p><p>DH called me around 7pm and said some friends of ours wanted to meet up a newly re-modeled restaurant/bar in town. So I headed out from the reception, but not before I got in a few dances! Both my sister and I LOVE to dance! She isn’t feeling well and left about the same time I did…if she hadn’t it would have been hard to leave! </p><p>I picked up DH and headed back downtown and was pleasantly surprised by the new look of the place. It was a favorite of ours before and I think we will frequent it now! I ended up having 3 bud lights, onion rings w/ranch, and spinach dip with french bread! Wow….Darci you need to slow down girl!!!</p><p>Oh no that isn’t what I did. After we left there I ate a hankering for some ice cream. So we snuck into DQ for an ice cream cone before they closed. So once again I have no clue on the points. I just know it was WAY too much. So today (Sunday) I hope to stay on track!</p><p>SATURDAY’S STATS</p><p>POINTS = through the roof/23</p><p>WATER = 48 oz (not near enough!)</p><p>EXERCISE = 14 min run, 19 min walk @ incline, 20 min cross ramp, & 10 min abs (exercise was about the only thing I was good about the past two days!)</p><p>I hope everyone is having a GREAT weekend so far! I am off to unpack my suitcase (yes I know I’m behind!). </p><p>Make sure to check out <a href="http://simplyfabulousnow.wordpress.com/2009/03/29/fit-from-within/">Leah's blog "Simply Fabulous"</a> for a great giveaway!</p>

Days 143-144 (Friday 3/27 & Saturday 3/28)

Happy Weekend everyone! And thank you so much for all your sweet comments on my Florida post. I had a great time and I think by looking at t...

Read more »

Partial Thoughts On Salvation

I can now post sermons on this blog so I just posted one that addresses the question of "what do we mean by "salvation?" It isn't intended to be a comprehensive answer, just a piece of the puzzle.

Partial Thoughts On Salvation

I can now post sermons on this blog so I just posted one that addresses the question of "what do we mean by "salvation?" It i...

Read more »

For Thomas Becket And Oscar Romero

FOR THOMAS BECKET AND OSCAR ROMERO<br /><br />This floor's stones<br /> drank Becket’s blood<br /> as we sip the blood for Christ.<br />Will they cry out in the wilderness<br /> like Jerusalem’s hosanna streets<br /> or Abel’s fatal fertile field?<br />What shall they cry?<br /> For joy or retribution? Make straight<br /> with voice of grief or voice of glory?<br />And if you wear the miter right<br /> will 4 knights join you at vespers<br /> -- death squad with silent feet?<br />And when they come<br /> will you be waiting<br /> with clear eye and steady hand?<br /><br /> -- lines written at Canterbury Cathedral at the spot of Becket's martyrdom<br /> -- recently downloaded The Violence Of Love -- quotations from Romero

For Thomas Becket And Oscar Romero

FOR THOMAS BECKET AND OSCAR ROMERO This floor's stones drank Becket’s blood as we sip the blood for Christ. Will...

Read more »

Day 142 (Thursday 3/26)

<p>Hello everyone! I’m back and boy do I miss that warm Florida sunshine! This morning I wore sandals to work and get there and it starts snowing and was only 20 degrees! Oh Darci…you’re not in Florida anymore!</p> <p>I had a great time and will give a recap at the end of this post! WARNING – Long post!</p> <p>I forgot to take a picture of my breakfast Thursday morning…I was out of the groove! But I had <strong>oatmeal</strong> and an <strong>english muffin w/cream cheese</strong> for <strong>4 points</strong>. I didn’t have oatmeal the whole time I was gone and it was great to come home and have it! I love that stuff!</p> <p>My morning flew so fast I didn’t even have a chance to have my morning snack!</p> <p>Lunch was a <strong>ham & turkey wrap</strong> with an <strong>orange</strong> and some <strong>baby dill pickles </strong>for <strong>4 points</strong>.<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrh1J3kU8fMN9Z5kW0sapzq9xH5EaQlQF3P-h0dt5I3Uk_En4vedQpQsfQiGGTlspxk6V7fwvNFZURZ6J3IBh2M32V90B7V3HuPItY-jVQTFSbOOVMr-ldp4EjiW9FoRXnQ37g8H1ZMONU/s1600-h/DSC02188%5B3%5D.jpg"><img alt="DSC02188" border="0" height="316" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAjNswJOjTixDp1JwUzzLzgR_v6gYi51nC_ZmI-Hc1GvH4GsKUf-G45zow-vAWhxnor-xoiBdeXZC1TPcG_3S_U9K_tFwF4PUsHoFBU2nKb1FyAAJwNCAye0R3POSI6hc7zHgFCPCun0fS/?imgmax=800" style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-right: 0px" title="DSC02188" width="415"></a> </p> <p>Oh and while I was gone my <strong>VitaTop</strong> order came in! So of course I had to try one of those out. I had the <strong>fudgy peanut butter chip</strong> for <strong>1 point</strong> for desert! Very good!<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9f-4WB2rMSzT8Ef_7PnT5h26uziHQkgag914o9AWeJhw8wewL4dcgICxw2-XGeMbbzplOOsSGL8qUhZPx1xbhjYGbvfC23dgdR_FbHSmukmeQbDsg-FaI-BcBG50mHkVEn7xw072shm0Y/s1600-h/DSC02189%5B3%5D.jpg"><img alt="DSC02189" border="0" height="313" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_WboooUuIzfuyLHbKt3SADwlbVTdW1JgA_fcVNmOISvdUsGnYQjzigjQVYKD8ySy7AMgxMfZqimzcdUNhpQKPLywDYEdojV7w0OZR4mRtQ98D08S_V3tHHq14GqvC8zbiMKyOrGOSlELS/?imgmax=800" style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-right: 0px" title="DSC02189" width="411"></a> </p> <p>I had a “date” with my sister last night. She started reading the Twilight books while we were in Florida and wanted to see the movie and so of course I wanted to watch it with her, even though I’ve already seen it! So we got some supper, rented the movie, and snuggled in for a little “Edward”! I had a <strong>Subway ham & turkey sub</strong> and <strong>strawberries w/ 1/4c grape nuts</strong> and <strong>yogurt</strong> for <strong>9 points</strong>. <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFw3iAnz7o0i5vrIssSKJIJO2GwLnccICBVZpX-4wO0Xp_fJaAsCf-VD41Gj7kg2DL5Tz270VBBqa_B0XcJumhrze0W5Uo9lpRaREhk4QPoubhwsWWRODQipdDmFWdijoo09DYAd5KOlRE/s1600-h/DSC02190%5B5%5D.jpg"><img alt="DSC02190" border="0" height="318" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLyPNOx3KkXiFncuaO8GPvMcSKe9bvQYxu1HlOVuLPXUdnDviIGrP5RMzn-IO3XFhWNYKet3rCRE2LfJVt7CWxiIBgECqSM3kS3JQEc2ukN0QeYvMdbIwubhzRaD-vT5YzGhN13LQZj2eI/?imgmax=800" style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-right: 0px" title="DSC02190" width="414"></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsC4cjYKMMaCWRJ4aZH9BOx2fqQqpGwzId9rfa_8y33Ikqc_NPqjDVsI-YZX5mNxdO4-zdUi39CkK_qTlpXuptV9Y6e13RSJ2rQrppf71G2EqH_bXZaIq-bzk9EupuDjFqQ8MjUJD3XQy5/s1600-h/DSC02191%5B3%5D.jpg"><img alt="DSC02191" border="0" height="315" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhe5mUeRZMBtM_rIpcZJFVh31Vw7RoFrqK2qz9xXw6pu4U2AhJrLb7cne3_fKmOHG2eGw7V7THJkjuw-lJm-oU8UDC0adlXt6UonQGM8qazmTj5zQGbVwtSRMlgj4UlvaTMA8cRJso0hvXQ/?imgmax=800" style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-right: 0px" title="DSC02191" width="414"></a> </p> <p>After the movie I grabbed an <strong>ice cream sandwich</strong> for <strong>2 points</strong> to satisfy my sweet tooth and snuggled in with my hubby for while he was watching basketball before bed. It’s so good to be home with him! (forgot to photograph again…sorry!)</p> <p><strong>THURSDAY’S STATS</strong></p> <p>POINTS = 20</p> <p>WATER = 112 oz</p> <p>EXERCISE = none</p> <p>Ok on to the Florida recap! I tried to stay on track while I was there and feel that I was very successful at that. I wrote down everything I ate in my tracker (which I think I left at my Grandpa’s house :( ).</p> <p>I exercised EVERYDAY too! A lot of days it was just a 20-30 minute run, but then we would also go on bike rides, walks to and on the beach, and play tennis. It was so great to see my sisters! I love them SO much! And my Grandpa spoils us like crazy! Gotta love him! Especially since he put up with all us girls in his house for so long!</p> <p>I found a ww meeting down there to go to on Tuesday (my normal ww wi day) and guess what…….lost <strong><span style="font-size: 130%">3.2 lbs</span></strong>!!!! (total of 41.4!!!) And that was all while on vaca!! I was so proud of myself!!I could hardly believe it. But when I looked back over the week I was there it explained why. When we went out I ordered grilled chicken and instead of fries I got steamed veggies. And other times I would split a meal with one of my sisters. And we were also able to cook at my Grandpa’s house, so that helped too. </p> <p>I, of course, did some shopping while I was down there. Got a few more SIZE 10 capris & pants. And also I got a SIZE 8 dress from The Gap!! When I put the size 10 on it was too big and was hesitant to try on the size 8, but I grabbed it just to see and it fit great so of course I had to get it! I ended up getting a total of 4 dresses while in Florida. I’m excited to wear them now and not have to wear my “spanx” aka “magic panties” to suck in all those unsightly chubs. Feels awesome!</p> <p>I got home on Wednesday night and it was SO nice to see my hubby and my lil pup Abby. It always is nice to get away, but that feeling of home when you get back is indescribable! </p> <p>So here are just a few pictures from my time in Florida.</p> <p align="center">Me & my 3 sisters at the beach. It was never really “beach weather” while we were there. Only 70-75 degrees.<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_MB7D2gXyH4nQ4wGIDMA8PN3t4_JwSh5oguyS4wj2bCVZL9OmF3uCCQvdQvM5ZT367WR1wXxHK8UiP-lFQU42oHu8a6TmXwD_g7Npvz0ey4EVIvQpQDUxlyoMdgqMaEGc6vXOuUolu01s/s1600-h/DSC021361%5B6%5D.jpg"><img alt="DSC021361" border="0" height="292" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGhQoq_U4qiTTAhQE_Y2GtsPxCqqM80zHaKr5pcr4ULPMyC2QtNV5st9vSrJMs2fXC9kTkSMIf8lmzvss_1vSCqTlcs3XQPz9ksvU6fuihuyyKJWG0gePXxcrzPZ4h9zsWrwRCHrHaIrKg/?imgmax=800" style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-right: 0px" title="DSC021361" width="400"></a> </p> <p align="center">Bike riding with my sister (the one from Georgia) – and look we even had helmets on! I don’t have one, borrowed hers, but I am going to buy one for biking this summer. I just need to convince DH to get one too. <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZuhvhkVkW0g8YecImupJm4f-qBj44n648U6yuZ-w6MJkVUBPK5X5CiZQ8M2CB3qjjGzjKU6ypMyKflku3azz4L4-iquA-Ikh4zhiZtOtIXCF6KN0ePOk3x80RsXZ7Y4OqryUhDYmp1SvV/s1600-h/DSC02094%5B3%5D.jpg"><img alt="DSC02094" border="0" height="291" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizPMhEEF5rx9afTgwQdlSr1Abhoj6PZHZK-hk7dj-zhTYu3Mndo2i-u2mJ_LBz1FLWa3iCKgiZtUfHB2YsHxUmIz3eMz2v42D46j-TK1Yvs1F91vDAm1KxIcqhbWs25sSTt5tB90k0fMlJ/?imgmax=800" style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-right: 0px" title="DSC02094" width="383"></a></p> <p align="center">This is my tennis pose – I’m really not an avid player, but we had a good time the few times we played while we were in Florida. And then what do I do…forget my rackets at my Grandpa’s house. So now I can’t play till he comes back to Iowa in May…silly me! <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhm5rnEMJMo8XhZt0uDFrw4Dyx83z9tpPrAfKbh6LGsYBaQhGjVhsdTz8WR-gb81bNuLI15RKcaFt1xPf7p_pv7a8TzD7z1wKcbBcdWUU64EoK2cWjV9_D_KSFunJXDkmyhmxVKyijETv8P/s1600-h/DSC02097%5B6%5D.jpg"><img alt="DSC02097" border="0" height="391" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiM5Ux0ZA3xSYugTpbzE1aSbagFhDFChYT9w7zAUTy0fR1K2-rISY6JNaZzWVW3Ry7pz91aeoW9Pb6ELeyh3er-_hP3xcTQqj_Hc3Mtlvq_Zs3Mzq3HTWmUo7HZfBitbc6InhyphenhyphenuXO-2SzhZ/?imgmax=800" style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-right: 0px" title="DSC02097" width="297"></a> </p> <p align="center">This is me pointing out that I was doing it the way the “pros” do…I didn’t know they put the spare tennis balls in their pockets! I thought it was funny! (but convenient too!)<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3uI4EQjPlwv_KMlTN4u9BN8DgbwQNO0tvtwIkcoldDX2ss5NG5wHPJXXHrysawiXTTeb8iCf4YvDrb5xGe_4FZB7mczcfQfwJIXHJKGZtgyOtCMgI8H7p5idO7pKPsXYfxEI0-_YpSM95/s1600-h/DSC02098%5B4%5D.jpg"><img alt="DSC02098" border="0" height="297" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjX2HklJ9oFFTx4Gtn-KvMd0YEPf-GPd8gqHoc2RJRhp5Ttd6BofnFiEuCv1l7wcmO63PyhTjFiRO1qNoxTI4crBvVPQ4xE3orN-2Edbqwhpp3FdDtOMYGUNoS71KGYLxWDMNS27CzLv9p1/?imgmax=800" style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-right: 0px" title="DSC02098" width="388"></a> </p> <p align="center">This is me with my only little sister. This is the one who goes to college in Florida. We were at Outback celebrating my Grandpa’s 75th birthday!<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDVatt71vb9SkeNJ0N8f9dc2GZN84oXuG11smkj1khSa6Ap1vkJCYoD6ls4ORrHnGs-ihjL4ZpeCyL48J3_Qaw4XVlH2htVk3SxAVF6bcTO_gW8UCg4p7p2_S7h6T1uakH3a63Q8XdmAda/s1600-h/DSC02109%5B3%5D.jpg"><img alt="DSC02109" border="0" height="292" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0LxJkPeDmup00w6SlwmPk9GW_y9EBnRj_cWiPtG24CSQFYp7DLff2R1qSSg-TboCqDVymxpM-6xbxNJg4XYHCeOETGQqrUU0JvO78LY715GYv2teWf6qOcoDz4QFSqO_Pt4pyXoTUus_W/?imgmax=800" style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-right: 0px" title="DSC02109" width="384"></a> </p> <p align="center">Us girls with our Grandpa after eating at Outback. (This isn’t the best picture of me & i know my little sister doesn’t like it either, but it’s the only one we got of all 5 of us)<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRmy6ormsPqXJfDilZOXbKM_fQPRQZdt7Oykf4nQpXnkjTpfc0aXNz5Aq0BXjtvAsBZR69hSv40xDng0FDsGWwcAIb7wYV9ZArwsF04zD7h0T3IgYpXGYP-YPvO6ROPQBMHqLqltwzahkI/s1600-h/DSC02113%5B4%5D.jpg"><img alt="DSC02113" border="0" height="306" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFtSRb3T_4d2mqYjUsV8jDzUM8vf3hYTKc8E1VKv5wV5hNtWVoPgk0Rr7oX6TLaRjaq19pgSjm7i1nPdJ3biHi1TbJqiYquvSuU83JU8-ZFupSlk9NgrFeZVpy0blCefbKLNWZzJrN6j2M/?imgmax=800" style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-right: 0px" title="DSC02113" width="400"></a> </p> <p align="center">Grandpa’s cake – don’t worry I only had a tiny little sliver and then had ww ice cream with it!<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqUezL1gFNEf6XXHYL3Y8iDjBwNP5pF0COE1dnnl0vKFnVMgoHlmyiP11kHykS9nLwXDRJBJPaf7OjM_c28Es3kVVnKlgyHbujzlR9cFmJKOGweRGgoQTB9aT7vHfJ3E4rFGRXItwnxcG8/s1600-h/DSC02114%5B3%5D.jpg"><img alt="DSC02114" border="0" height="290" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJQKNSfQm621tMSI7cqZwkd09JrjHzC3hqkr0NfETcrPbRz7vErIHYPJOQOBZDJpp1BLn2p261eYrgXeu1W8OU9hO_N1t4t-R_NyzAtLiBaEQu7-8HZw0NE2jrSbndwfJDldHPjJl8IeM6/?imgmax=800" style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-right: 0px" title="DSC02114" width="381"></a> </p> <p align="center"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDRROAWLD42PkQb27Jw6zIGTyjCnRXNSFta82DJQnV2HxK-rJ2H4kODSpAt0V5FzH_f77p1YucavaNt7zyePU4EtKWVF4pZ2IPIbY0wiHUn8rH-WNAv64Wux4aqCBS7YHIsgbllVCVlIxW/s1600-h/DSC02115%5B4%5D.jpg"><span style="color: #000000">One of the meals we cooked at my Grandpa’s house. Barbeque chicken pizza! My sister knew the recipe by heart and said she got it from ww! It was delicious! I hope to make it soon!</span><img alt="DSC02115" border="0" height="306" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyvNUFdEYOfoT82zqUwDMgnOF58_Vvx_0Lc8ZaTzuerCrEhGMKIrCJJKLB0xY2V4bUFTIn95in9U2MCfondUZDDAQ7VDqYWClsJpHosEOlgLdNjrC-kZCf5zXeB5mux1HCn81XesvIZdy1/?imgmax=800" style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-right: 0px" title="DSC02115" width="400"></a> </p> <p align="center"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6HZshrfEh8MitTACDEmY5bo05NaPSf8gOeycAdpVdweP9A9K6Ik1SbPkYOKLzQaufDogGJObYClMjp18s-RalBsdXXnxv0Rfe3DSYZU0pfgmttgwXZHAR7WgoqVbuYHYjBbT7hth8068J/s1600-h/DSC02116%5B3%5D.jpg"><span style="color: #000000">My little sister had these fake glasses she wore one night when we went out and so I had to see what I looked like in them…and it made me laugh!</span><img alt="DSC02116" border="0" height="285" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmbc84XMEycQqDqtf1629OoVj0WaEvnx4Q8t47KIWuLWLInchBpsM1lRdNmEMsJ2Bq6UTZIDY9E97sFwaFWnlBNy5kV-GISWqrOhhscXaToHP_DD3lg-7y3PzwnqiKvI_D90dkY-DjIzr6/?imgmax=800" style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-right: 0px" title="DSC02116" width="375"></a> </p> <p align="center">And this is her in them…she looks much cuter!<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8VIruFgewjGLgfPmvgzuy2fW6wioSD7iSseXXAf5wuj6uKjHM0rM-XlOlmV4Y344_wb2eV8f0fE94gDsSYFL0l7J3o0O3XToviq4bB-ORFgfWXUVCfBmvozbnBDSQgp1eSQZwZKTHOjx_/s1600-h/DSC02117%5B4%5D.jpg"><img alt="DSC02117" border="0" height="288" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcBdlmbwsAA0ZWEoJzcLfGkaj1lSAxiz-KBoywJX_uJxwrHf5citlzInBIEjLRwJoH0Sv9u2APJIBO47iS2XHmgxUVW5-O2pIVyjXYMaIbjMxH4dvNNDnHxtDd5rhf9CdjRECHPtBr07Qq/?imgmax=800" style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-right: 0px" title="DSC02117" width="377"></a> </p> <p align="center">Me and my sister that lives close to me in Iowa. She is the oldest of the four of us. We are 9 years apart, but she is one of my very best friends!<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhIetAdYkPUxvwlTMflIdDS7JvtEK40S1ZfR0jVRdeeZh-KhZiEiMPYIu67aRGGn0WC_ZWZYPW1CZu-hL2fgFmqZADsoV0UhlY-rP1mqYazdBlnV9gKzQgTTTcTLZ8DVMTQTQ54wev6mAS/s1600-h/DSC02119%5B3%5D.jpg"><img alt="DSC02119" border="0" height="279" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPOi0fIDtfP0oz5ByJwhtxWZcDnWkNkefTIQqd0_nxKE9AAwT15ONtti7TnxpS9-q_tUjHrAz2_HeU8ocjPj2cEUmn24koqNBoLv8dmZyv_5w2iSCjvdAIHAbQpXjtYijFoPCkUzAZ87NW/?imgmax=800" style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-right: 0px" title="DSC02119" width="367"></a> </p> <p align="center">Had to get a picture of us by the palm tree. We always try to get a picture by this one. We’ve done it for years, pri almost 12-15! I just love all the beautiful vegetation in Florida. I wish we could have palm trees in Iowa!<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjD0JAkBRznyefjyS8k0rWNar02mBrm1xg8OIi56eK3TtP18MW1dkv9dB3Ju6Jr7gWvvppd10SIc0OpkNKoXu-pHHGpR8mnk436ZmYoY_o8sqTZDIUtMfnnVbonyEAzUBqrHgWPSCpQ_riF/s1600-h/DSC02124%5B4%5D.jpg"><img alt="DSC02124" border="0" height="307" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEia_cnskxA5XQwgLh6aOFqNVbRdoBYB8OAfT4MrDip3Zc_Kj9r9HVBnOAor0BzToN1nW25fX2hcHHU18aGsKiBOWKsFfd2KD80Oc1uPouBcDUl3uFWpNe57bMPusbaNYsCQ1IcBhJMl5-4F/?imgmax=800" style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-right: 0px" title="DSC02124" width="400"></a> </p> <p align="center">This is the way to the beach from my Grandpa’s house (less than 1 mile away!). I love how the tress make a tunnel…..so pretty!<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSmawdP1zWO25Fs1w0r9PNjUUMGiiwCF76yrwTq-puULr-rvBQi_HX_d0E3BZlkFkUFyVhG1_tmIWEAVGi4FFmHzO-XUhqtcIpGHVUxYVS9G4BoPdAux4GhqRKPtphNzh6ogmntd686mq2/s1600-h/DSC02127%5B3%5D.jpg"><img alt="DSC02127" border="0" height="304" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBawIvdoBzzQhtoBWspaYKe5VFWBLtpeG1ZzdFVu9vJBkay6qJImq_5pYFlt6bh-r_LtbzZtMN0aQ0-ecvSs4lUWYKrf3u8tgWy_rVXSun0j0JPA_woA4a_CKnZzFK5ZOzz2FuK2nLIobl/?imgmax=800" style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-right: 0px" title="DSC02127" width="400"></a></p> <p align="center">Another one of me and all my sisters…using the self timer on my camera! Love it!<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBfMmXM10EmdBiyKzPkud32MEnbsmM_Tm0BQRRIRytN02fe3beRtkNvDpDkMR32ZCUMD-VCZ08bf_pqhAf9zBBSCRlam2c781qJAJoQiUOCWCFLlQs27z5CVKONubGE61zuJR6EqsQqyzi/s1600-h/DSC02131%5B3%5D.jpg"><img alt="DSC02131" border="0" height="285" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhfhLIXd8zWjxObIXY-wLdPGYATMthSlAyudu_KhdGxJMWrDXjw84PDiYt1V5Kf8hcab8DQF0nRS7H2h5x_vbQFs00vlfR9DBn6mgvl-iEy2CCXLORYgUt16It_kQabu7bJ1nCDlOJ1p3Q/?imgmax=800" style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-right: 0px" title="DSC02131" width="375"></a> </p> <p align="center"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4ZH-k3ZIICKE_UrthyOJd_gWSgj1KupgQGLyBx5WwPUCx5TJA5YZ8fR6J-vp5XGAwvCHTCLnWQwAvOSO6pvKv7jHf2AVJx03w44AuGCkjQilYN1HSLs66bd1C3x9rHNrrOiiQla3TeMba/s1600-h/DSC02133%5B3%5D.jpg"><span style="color: #000000">These are my three ABSOLUTELY favorite girls in the WHOLE world! I don’t know what I would do if I didn’t have 3 such wonderful sisters! They’re so pretty!! I love this picture of them!</span><img alt="DSC02133" border="0" height="304" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWOSbx-fdOZgTpzBNgb6l34lm2gEHglT8Y8pJ3yiZfUJGWubaQLqbs4kr08mCCfsgu3tQm7_Vt6a9g46xLd604s4a-gZUzgwdtZLCQfr0pTr9wWR7TZCYF7urYIjP3-pnPRNqZeUldH_pL/?imgmax=800" style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-right: 0px" title="DSC02133" width="400"></a> </p> <p align="center"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKcSpbvWKDe9XyYgAVtuoP6abxrHQewxEmixduAWpkR8fOw4Pwlirnhig4qfzOfcjm5BAMhTiqmKBljNRkFn-4I55l9kDQrhbjrT2x4-vdnOE3WFecY8UjUA8bxgWouICmTM6FwfqS-Vod/s1600-h/DSC02157%5B5%5D.jpg"><span style="color: #000000">We like to take “jumping pictures”! My little sister is much better at it….see next picture!</span><img alt="DSC02157" border="0" height="368" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimSt7BNDl8DyBB8bLhV4WgECEmGnjGgfpZBiM_bK9OVWwAoOEIqxNVQg2va0IEwJ9pfNRsa3q_NYK3ny88wdjJ4FbQSP0azC8jDTU8b82anwO2FZj6aOgBM7mrbA2b94hMs_Jc5eIllqj9/?imgmax=800" style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-right: 0px" title="DSC02157" width="482"></a></p> <p align="center">Note to self…bring legs up higher and arms not so high! Made me laugh! I told DH that this is my picture showing my excitement that I lost weight on vacation! lol<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj13E2fkzeVTnGwwve-U1RXDdzfb4LVty-TSBNvjHGs6-tzXTp-CkABpSXUdSioY5Owae7yMnhk2Ba3SmMmXCaltzrrXHiuFK0VC6G3OYE6dOkBcD-Jyvu_I_Bk1Poe4vIazdroa8pWw5G4/s1600-h/DSC02161%5B5%5D.jpg"><img alt="DSC02161" border="0" height="368" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhA5Q5ThUn1oUATy1nnub98nIblbKZ-teQ39uehbgCLTC1dgHP2jDbjHg9SJv5kwljS3MLGRVmiN2dRtcsbllCenqBbIIA_9TlkPswv3xwboQeXpos-v-TT0YIOoQP4hh9grqPXDva9xoch/?imgmax=800" style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-right: 0px" title="DSC02161" width="482"></a> </p> <p align="center">And last, but not least another one of my favorite pictures! Gotta love sisters!<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzd_sXoJ_t2Y7BebmXoZLliNVGJL_yL9QTyvteme-GNmgSAIMm6ZQcWj34_5CLPjJLb8g6oPyO6a6v9K_bOndDyIJ66zh4JXPNznCgcvkhUANxy9Sxd6LwvEB220ZqgZm0mTwBWehF7Lnt/s1600-h/DSC02167%5B6%5D.jpg"><img alt="DSC02167" border="0" height="479" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjq7ZORzDKw8z4q-U9BXpKF1s1Lneuqi5soRqTfgq8DzmlsIerhBrvolhHWSKtpNXq7ZyxQlEaVAJJwFrYfqknH5OgR8bgCTumnRBXdONmGsS6t2jLzCJKqAXByhOJOiR2hi28o1cPdfBqW/?imgmax=800" style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-right: 0px" title="DSC02167" width="364"></a> </p> <p>I had a three hour layover in Detroit on the way home and had to go from concourse A to concourse C and do that you have to walk in a tunnel that goes under the tarmac. They have this really neat light show set to music. I was pretty impressed…hadn’t seen anything like it before! Here are a few pictures…but they don’t do it justice!</p> <p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4vmo3a9FODHjV8p764cRLl9IpCvjyoJy37NGP00mJjR2b63-aHfPunoksUmkzIxDaEY_KtP1I-k52igjAPulys2LIInsrir-s2E7xhbnmX7kGyPSznwTtAvwnbrmf0CSmGW8YAS_G3R1E/s1600-h/3005888951_aa31c4038a_b%5B4%5D.jpg"><img alt="3005888951_aa31c4038a_b" border="0" height="305" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_vHEt8TfRj6JqaPG_NVnKQ8a08bCrJ85l-SR9GKCx_UiUusZxm136jbsr2QAMwhp-UXZvg0k5Mkhen0j54dKarqDl0LlPnI84q8cp6tKrlGxVdRCDum-TAPNlVAyD6dFo5y8Wvi4KG79J/?imgmax=800" style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-right: 0px" title="3005888951_aa31c4038a_b" width="400"></a> </p> <p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0xSU6LMKvSjrW5OicnbYHqnVmKpG2-XsXdcA86i08Qfszgvxng4y_jxNY87GNcoIma6EmDUZNXWw4GSq1BdKt4zV_92DhR2DDWOGRn29kUnWG2G3vCjV2OdR93JYfqeWZxL8uOmD8NmU6/s1600-h/261026474wogJxH_fs%5B4%5D.jpg"><img alt="261026474wogJxH_fs" border="0" height="274" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUttIxn8Dx6EsmzHNkBVaWZm0XiGa4WZzbq_H4aUezZdBkBVbS97TrKrEMybfQ6F9DdUHSIZkIsLI-sNBHE3p9iW1NJSG9hWYB_W4VIUKYvCYezUXjTir_vgCXw-ZwFsEZyIPIUcJx3k3r/?imgmax=800" style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin-left: auto; border-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; border-right: 0px" title="261026474wogJxH_fs" width="400"></a></p>

Day 142 (Thursday 3/26)

Hello everyone! I’m back and boy do I miss that warm Florida sunshine! This morning I wore sandals to work and get there and it starts snowi...

Read more »