My Thoughts

A new year typically brings many promises/resolutions for weight loss....blah blah blah.  Do we always follow up?  For a short time.... This year (2018) I am choosing to not have a set resolution dealing with weight loss, but rather focusing on creating a better relationship with food.  I have gained some weight in the last couple years - and I'm NOT happy about it.  I eat relatively healthy....I do have my moments of snacking and other unhealthy choices..... So what can I do....I've been reading up on the Whole 30 eating plan - especially after talking with a couple on a B&B weekend trip back in November.  I realized that many of the foods that I love could 'possibly' be battling with my body.   Could some of the foods that I've chosen to eat in my life be battling me???  Dairy.....Grains......Alcohol....SUGAR!!!! Whole 30.  Eliminate Sugars, Dairy, Grains, Processed Foods and Alcohol.  Simple????  No....  Worth a try???  Absolutely.  I love to cook.  Yea

The Help by Kathryn Stockett My rating: 5 of 5 stars I loved this book. Any book that can make me laugh while I'm reading it is a quality read! I enjoyed the way the author portrayed the characters. I have images of all the characters that, really, I don't know if I want tarnished by going to see the movie. I will see the movie though.... I will risk it! My eyes have been opened about the struggles that have taken place in our history by blacks. If you read this book and do not come away with more empathy, you have no heart. View all my reviews

  I Love Thanksgiving.  I love to spend the day cooking and being with my family and friends.  Thanksgiving.  Turkey, stuffing, greenbean casserole - apple pie, pumpkin pie (not my favorite)...and don't forget the cranberry sauce!  I love that there is one day of the year that most Americans sit back and think about what they are thankful for this year.  It's a day to be with the people you love the most.  Stuff your belly, have some laughs and just enjoy the company of your family and friends.    Thanksgiving marks the beginning of the 'Holiday Season'.....or at least it USED to.  It seems every year the holiday decorations, food, gift items, etc are out earlier and earlier and earlier....Before Halloween even!  Two of our local radio stations are already playing Christmas Music!!!  Really??  It's November 17th.....and I know that at least a week ago I heard Rudolph the Red Nosed Reindeer on my car radio.  PLEASE let me get to Thanksgiving before pushing Christmas

When I think of Veteran's Day, I think of brave men and women who thought more about their country than they did of themselves.  They picked a 'job' to serve the American public.  I think of images of war heroes from WW1 and WW2, Korea, Vietnam....and Iraq and Afganistan. I am a veteran.  I served in the Marine Corps for 10 years.  I loved my time in the Marine Corps, and I wouldn't change my choice to enlist.  I wouldn't be where I am today if it were not for the opportunities afforded to me by the Marine Corps.  I don't feel brave, or heroic.  I didn't go to war or get deployed.  I did my job as requested, and as I signed up for.  I am Not a hero - I save that designation for those like my husband and my ex husband who DID go to war. Thank you Kevin and Chris for the men that you are and the honorable way you served.  Thank you to all the veteran's out there.  Your commitment to the country was selfless.  Take today and make it yours.  Honor your

Lists.  Places we want to go, things we'd like to do, things we HAVE to do.  I am an occassional list maker.  I actually wish I was more consistent in my list making.  I find that I am much more productive and organized when I have things written in front of me....I can see progress as well as procrastination.  As I was thinking about lists, I realized, I probably need to make a list of the lists I need to make or keep......

So I was listening to NPR this morning, and they were talking about the poverty level of our country.  They stated that number of American families dipping into the poverty level is growing.  Then they asked, Are you better off than you were 4 years ago. As I pondered that questions, I realized that this question covers way more than the financial aspect of our lives.  Are we better off in our job situations.  Is our family unit as strong or stronger than 4 years ago.  Are we as happy or happier than we were 4 years ago.  A lot happens in 4 years.  To base if we are better off than 4 years ago soley on finances seems kind of shallow....  Life is so much more than debt and savings. I feel that I am better off than I was in most ways.  I have had a few down moments, but with each down, I learned how to get back up.  In the last four years I bought a new house, had a baby,  lost a job, found a job, ended a contract on that job, found an AMAZING job, lost my mother, added my father to