Check in.

January 15th check in.

Down 5 pounds wish I could get blood work results to know it is making a difference. Losing some curves where I would prefer to keep them.

I was able to organize 2 cabinets in my kitchen and put aside some things for a yard sale.

Walking 10 days out of the last 17.

Bible reading - not too much.

Had sister dinner this past Tuesday. Yummy. We went to P. F. Chang's and I had their Oolong broiled sea bass with spinach. Not low calorie but low fat and low carb.

Looking forward to a Ladies event at church where I will be on a panel discussing preparing for and taking care of your aging parents.

 I can do all things through Christ who 

strengthens me. Philippians 4:13

Not resolutions but lifestyle changes.

I am not one to make new year resolutions. Usually my new year resolution consists of simple non life changing things like wear nail polish on my toes more often. Two weeks ago I went for my normal 6 month check up at the endocrinologist, and the PA added regular blood work (cholesterol and triglycerides) to my usual T4 and T3. As usual the numbers came back too high. In the past these numbers have been attributed to thyroid being out of whack and I had been encouraged to exercise more. Years ago I was faithful in walking 3 miles a day 3 or more times a week. Life changes and other people have taken priority over me. 

This appointment was right in the middle of a 48 hour "me" time. This is the first time I have ever been away just me by myself with no other friends or family members. I determined that I needed this time and the hubby concurred - to not have to take care of someone else - to not have to be there for someone - to not have to listen to anyone else - to just be. So while on this little get away I listed a few changes that I would like to make. 

Health 

The PA has ordered new blood work to be done in 3 months. She asked me to make lifestyle changes. Exercise more and reduce fat and carbohydrate intake. Things I need to reduce eating: sugar, potatoes, bread, butter, egg yolks, cheese (I love CHEESE), dressing, mayo. You get the idea. Things I need to eat more of: vegetables, fruit (but only 3 servings per day since the sugar can turn into triglyceride), lean protein, olive oil, nuts and seeds. I downloaded an app to my phone so I can always have it with me it helps me to track calories, water and exercise, fats and sodium. It even has a place where you can scan a bar code to help identify the food.  Exercise. I have started walking at one of our city's rec centers for 45 minutes in the morning after making sure the boys get to school. My goal is 4 times or more a week. So far I have lost 2 pounds. 

House

Since the death of my hubby's step-father in June of 2011 and us having to help care for his mother my house has gone by the wayside as far as being really clean and clutter has taken over. I would like to work on a room a month to organize, purge and clean. I am hoping a half hour every day will help me get through the entire house. Thought I would start on the kitchen but deciding now that I need to start on the garage to get a yard sale pile started. 

Personal Study Time

Truthfully I have been bad about spending time in God's word. I have conversation with Him all day and I recognize his prompting me. I did attend a Ladies Bible Study this past Fall and we are starting another book in a couple of weeks so that helps.

Reaching Out

I would like to plan a time to meet with friends socially at least once a month that is not a church or my children's school activity. This is a little hard for me. I can be shy at times.

Sister Time

The hubby's sisters and I already plan a monthly lunch or dinner and I want to continue that. Maybe I can post more about that and show what I ate that is more healthy.

Church

It has been about 6 months since I have attended a worship service at our church. We regularly attend Sunday School for Bible Study but the hubby's work makes it hard to stay for service. I miss worshiping in song. I hope to be able to go every other week when his mom is not staying with us.

I would like to evaluate at the end of each month to see how it is going. Probably will post about it to help me stay accountable.


Now for the most exciting news. My hubby has finally after 9 years at a job that has taken every ounce of steadfastness and perseverance while dealing with depression and disappointment
 accepted a position where he can use his skills and abilities that he learned while an apprentice for Operating Engineers (maintenance). This new position includes a raise and the 40 hour week is 4 ten hour days. He will continue to be on graveyard shift and he will have days off during the week. We are excited for this new chapter to begin and so thankful for God's provision. 

 Not only so, but we also glory in our sufferings, 

because we know that suffering produces perseverance;

 perseverance, character; and character, hope. 

Romans 5:3-4

And the God of all grace, who called you to his eternal glory in Christ, 

after you have suffered a little while, will himself restore you 

and make you strong, firm and steadfast.

1 Peter 5:10

Happy New Year!!

Here it is the first Friday of 2015 and I want to say Happy New Year!

There is so much happening in my life that I need some time to dwell on it so I can put it out here in a somewhat understandable manner. Am I overwhelmed? Yes! I am overwhelmed with God's guidance, provision and love. Life is about priorities and sometimes we just need to stop and focus on what is most important.

Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind. This is the first 

and greatest commandment. And the second is like it: Love your neighbor as yourself 

Matthew 22:37-39