Mum's the Word

Mum's the word. 

As a junior high and high school student I was on the drill team, and as was the custom we usually were given a mum for homecoming. For many of us these mums were from our loving parents. For those lucky few, who sported two mums, a boyfriend was required. 

This was something I did not have, and along with the extra mum, the invitation to the homecoming dance was also absent. The only dance I ever attended in high school was my senior prom, where a group of industrious seniors helped arrange as many promposals as possible to include those of us who were still boyfriendless. Kind of like an arranged marriage. 

I was thinking about how elaborate things have gotten these days, and how a formal mum exchange has become part of the tradition of homecoming. As these fortunate girls have their pictures displayed for the whole world to see, I can't help but wonder about those who don't receive mums. 

At least in my day, it was a little less advertised, and you could feel some comfort in knowing that your parents hadn't forgotten about you. I suppose what experiences like these do is teach you about disappointment. My greatest teenaged aspiration was popularity, and it was something I never quite achieved. 

It wasn't until I was thirty that I received my first mum from a boy. My sweet husband bought me one for the Celina homecoming game, and I proudly sported the orange and white. It was long in coming, but I sure got a kick out of his sweet gesture. I'm sure I must have previously confided in him my tale of woe. 

I'm not exactly sure what lesson was learned?  Perhaps that  in life there will be disappointments, but they can be overcome or maybe that good things come to those who wait? Either way all those past experiences have shaped the person I am today, and that's actually a good thing. 

Expectations

Expectations. 

How do you meet expectations, and why is that even important? If you are finding yourself struggling to meet either outer or inner expectations you might consider checking out Gretchen Rubin's new book, The Four Tendencies. 

Gretchen has a passion for understanding human behavior, and has developed this system to help people better understand, not only themselves, but others as well. I have found myself to be an upholder, and in learning this it has helped me to understand why I have often found myself not understanding the struggles of others. 

For me, once I've decided to do something it really becomes relatively easy, and I don't really need much outer accountability to achieve my goals. However, if you fall under the category of obliger just adding some outside accountability can make all the difference, and ease a lot of frustration in accomplishing what you want. 

If you are a questioner, just getting the right information might be all you need to convince yourself to move forward. If you find yourself to be a rebel, sometimes just phrasing the expectation in the right way may help you over the hump of not complying. 

What I do know is what works for me probably won't work for you unless you share my type. Unfortunately upholders are few, so me telling you how to do something probably won't work. The good thing, though, is there isn't any one better type. All types have their strengths and weaknesses, and all are capable of achieving great success. 

If you have found yourself struggling, and who hasn't, this little tool might be just what you need to understand yourself and others. You can also find additional information on her blog, gretchenrubin.com if you are interested. 

Adjusting

Adjusting.

Sometimes I've noticed if you are trying to switch over to a healthier choice it is often a matter of giving yourself enough time to adjust to the something new. 

I think the phrase is "acquiring a taste" for something. I first noticed this years ago when I began drinking tea sweetened with saccharine, Except at my elementary school they only had real sugar, and even at my back then skinny minny weight I guess I was concerned about drinking tea with sugar, so I began drinking it without any sweetener. To be honest, it tasted really awful at first, but I just continued on. It wasn't too long before I found myself actually enjoying unsweetened tea, and to this day it is my preference, and I find a strong glass of tea very refreshing. 

Recently, I changed creamers in my coffee, again looking for a healthier alternative. I've written before about my beloved chemical laden elixir, and trying something new paled in comparison. But I found myself the other day taking a sip, and finding it quite satisfying. The same thing has happened with steel-cut oats. Never ever having been an oatmeal fan for my entire life, I'm finding myself waking up in the morning craving them with warm, fresh blueberries. Giving myself enough time to aquire a taste for them has made all the difference. 

I was thinking about how sometimes we are quick to give up on something because we don't like it immediately. The whole first impression thing might be over rated. Any time you are trying something new, just like we do for children when we introduce a new food, giving ourself time to adjust might just result in a new favorite. 

Your Reason Why

Your reason why. 

Probably one of the most challenging things for me has been maintaining a healthy weight. I was very fortunate that for the first forty years of my life this was really a nonissue. It seemed that my diet of Cheetos, Ruffles Potato Chips, and Oreos had little effect on my weight. 

So around forty for the first time in my life I found myself at a Weight Watchers meeting thirty pounds heavier. Three months later I walked out the door at my goal weight. I wish I could say that the weight comes off as easily today, but unfortunately that doesn't seem to be the case. 

Over that twenty year time span I found myself returning time and time again back to Weight Watchers to lose those same twenty or thirty pounds. Sometimes it was easier than others, sometimes I was more motivated than others, but either way I was always glad that I returned. 

I learned a lot about myself over those years. I learned that losing weight was always much easier for me than maintaining it. I never found myself cheating, and could count on some type of weight loss each week. I learned that I was more successful if I just abstained from something over having it in moderation. Get me started on a bowl of chips at a Mexican restaurant, and you might as well forget about it. On the other hand, I could be perfectly content drinking my tea, and never eating even one while I waited for my meal. 

I also learned more about my all or nothing personality style. Once I went on a cruise, and came back four pounds heavier. Rather than getting right back on the program immediately, I pouted and sulked about my minimal weight gain, and didn't return until I was twenty pounds heavier. Fortunately, I learned the error of my "weighs" and have learned not to be so hard on myself. 

What I'm finding now as I've entered the sixth decade of my life is that my why has changed since I first graced Weight Watcher's door. Back then it was all about my looks. I found myself so unhappy in what I was viewing in the mirror I knew that I had to do something. As the pounds dropped my self-esteem soared, and there was a spring in my step as I embraced my new lighter body. 

Now this alone is not a bad reason to lose weight. However, as I became older, and especially this last time I found myself for the first time feeling "old." Things actually hurt, and I had very little energy. My face looked puffy, and ten years older. Okay, maybe not ten, but it was beyond the few wrinkles that had begun to show. 

I also found myself thinking more about my golden years, and how I wanted to spend them. All those times of visiting my father in Memory Care made me start thinking about whether I had any control over how I would age? Listening to friends talk about chronic illnesses that had come along with age made me wonder if I could prevent any of this? 

As I tend to do I began learning more about how diet and activity can really effect the aging process. I found myself back at Weight Watchers, and began the extremely SLOW process of losing weight. My journey began in April, and in that five month period I have only lost fourteen pounds. Now of course, this is fourteen pounds less than where I was before so I am not really complaining. 

What I am doing is accepting the fact that at my age the weight does come off more slowly, but guess what it DOES come off. So my why this time had more to do with my health than just my looks. Except, when I look in the mirror I'm seeing a much younger me. More than anything, I feel SO much better. My energy has returned, nothing is hurting, and I am thoroughly enjoying exploring all the amazingly delicious food options available to me that promote my health. 

I am convinced that what we eat plays a huge role in how we feel, and that by asking yourself about your why might just be the first step to getting started. I also know that you will stumble along the way, and that is okay. Find a program or eating style that works for you, and begin having a say in how you will approach aging. 

I still have a lot more to learn, and there are still areas in which I can improve, but in knowing my why I don't find myself discouraged. On those days I find myself losing motivation, I just allow myself some time, and then continue taking the next step. Hopefully, you can identify your why, and start moving towards it. The results are more than worth it, and if there is anything I can do to help or encourage you please let me know. 

Opportunity

Opportunity. 

Once a month our apartment complex offers some sort of social activity. We've had a casino night, wine tasting, pool parties, food trucks and this month pizza and an outdoor movie.

I had reminded Chuck that Sunday night was the night, and was he interested in attending? We decided we would attend until about a couple of hours before it was time to go  We began to have second thoughts about whether we really wanted to attend or not? Was pizza really the healthiest choice with all that cheese, and did the movie Wonder Woman even sound like something we would enjoy?

We had pretty much talked ourselves out of it, when I realized that the alternative was basically sitting around the apartment watching tv. So we decided to go, and I'm so happy that we did. 

The pizza was handmade to order with very little cheese, and cooked in a wood-fired pizza oven on an old fire truck of all things. Prior to getting in line we met a new neighbor who had attended my sister's high school in downtown Dallas. While in line we met an empty nester couple who ate a primarily plant-based diet, and recommended several restaurants in the area. 

As we ate our pizza, which was really tasty, we watched the new Wonder Woman movie, and found it quite entertaining. Chuck left for the apartment, and returned with folding chairs, and Cooper, and we sat out by the lake enjoying the breeze while we watched the movie. 

We had a fun time meeting neighbors, eating good food, and watching an entertaining movie. When given the chance take advantage of opportunities that present themselves. It makes for a much more interesting life. 

Challenges

Challenges. 

I've discovered recently that I'm not really very well suited to on-line challenges. Regularly you can find challenges on social media that include things like, no spending or eating out for a month, decluttering your home in 30 days or keeping a gratitude journal daily. 

I suppose for some having the accountability of a challenge might make it more fun and achievable. However, for me I don't really seem to be able to keep up with doing something every day over a predetermined period of time. I can pretty much guarantee that I'll miss a day, and then I'll be all bummed because I did so. 

I've also discovered that having some reward at the end of a challenge makes no real difference to me either.  I can be perfectly content with no reward in sight except for the fact that I've accomplished what I set out to achieve. I guess the end result is reward enough for me. Some people do better, though, if they provide some kind of treat along the way to help keep up their motivation. 

What I do know is that if challenges are motivating and work for you then I think they are a great idea. If rewarding yourself along the way works, then by all means reward away. I think sometimes we are guilty of a one size fits all mentality, and feel bad if we don't fully comply. 

As the ancient Greeks have pointed out, "Know thyself," can really help contribute to a more contented life. 

Diversify

Diversify.  

One of my favorite podcast is Happier with Gretchen Rubin. Along with her longer podcasts she also includes something she calls A Little Happier. This is a quick little pick me up that is usually just a few minutes long. 

One of her most recent podcasts gave advice about diversifying. Now, not to be confused with a Dave Ramsey Financial Freedom episode, Gretchen refers to diversifying in all areas, not just financial. 

She does quote the words of a former law professor, "The investor is wise who diversifies." Although, it is common knowledge to diversify when it comes to your finances, I think diversifying in other areas makes for a more interesting life. 

Diversify the genres of books you read, don't just eat one type of cuisine, widen your circle of friends, vacation in different places, or have more than one hobby to name a few diversification possibilities. 

I'm finding an interesting life is more fun, and does bring me happiness. Sometimes I find myself bouncing from one interest to another, but I am rarely bored and love knowing there is always something new to learn. 

(Example: When adding frozen edamame to a salad make sure you cook it first. Trust me, I learned first hand when I realized my mistake and had to rescue each piece from my coleslaw base before completing the salad.)

Becoming

Becoming. 

If you've ever read the book by Marie Kondo, The Life-Changing Magic of Tidying Up you'll probably come away with some valuable insights.  To this day I still fold my underwear according to her instructions, and they only take up a small corner of my drawer as they fit neatly into a plastic storage basket. 

She really does have some clever ideas, and I remember when my husband was buying a new truck asking him what Marie would have wanted to know, did the white one really "spark joy?" He ended up buying the grey one instead. 

I came across this quote of hers recently, and it got me to thinking about my current home. "The space in which we live should be for the person we are becoming now, not for the person we were in the past."

I began to consider how our homes really can become museums housing all the things we've collected over the years. Except that often what seemed so important at the time changes, and it really doesn't represent who you we are anymore. 

When I lived in my house I had plenty of room to display seasonal items, so having them around made sense. Now in my apartment there really isn't much room for these displays, and they just seem to take up limited closet space. 

As I consider my possible next home, I know that I'll definitely want it to be smaller rather than larger, so maybe it's time to let a few more things go. Even though, I decluttered a large amount of items last fall, I think I'm ready to let go of a few more things. 

Letting go of things that are no longer representative of the life you live now allows you to focus more on where you are headed. 

Maybe keeping a few treasured items that are easily retrieved or displayed is a better way to go. Focusing more on who you are today might be more freeing. 

Spending Your Money

Spending your money. 

I just finished reading a posting about spending your money on experiences rather than things, and although I think they are correct, I'm finding that many of the things that I enjoy most really have very little if no cost at all. 

One of my favorite pastimes is reading, and between the library and Half Price books my avocation costs very little.  Getting out in nature, another one of my favorites, can be as simple as visiting the local park. I remember once telling Chuck that as taxpayers, I thought we should take advantage of the amenities that our community provided. 

Often when you read about experiences they involve travel, and as much as traveling the world may sound enticing, it's cost might just not fit into everyone's budget. However, some of my most favorite experiences have been just around the corner when I've discovered a local hidden gem. 

Recently, I had the pleasure of visiting the Boy Scouts of America museum. Its cost was free, sans a donation, but as I walked the exhibit I found myself inspired by the leaders and leadership the organization had produced. 

Just recently I met one of my neighbors who just so happened to be the National Director of the Boy Scouts. Our conversation was fascinating as he recounted having met all the presidents since Nixon. Just having that touchstone of the Boy Scout Museum experience opened the door to a shared experience. 

As you look around your local community look for new experiences and new people to engage in conversation. You might just be surprised whom you meet. 

When You Just Have to Know

When you just have to know. 

I love the way children seem to have a knack for observing the world around them. This starts very early, and their natural curiosity is how they make sense of what's going on. 

The other day my daughter was sitting outside watching my grandson play, and attempting to read a page or two of a parenting book she had recently ordered. As adorable as our little one is, he has reached that stage of independence that doesn't always look or sound too pleasant. 

Wanting to make the right choices, my daughter decided a little parental education might not be a bad idea. Except, as with everything my grandson had noticed that his mom was quite enthralled by her new book. He has been a book lover, himself, since the beginning, which really warms this book loving Mimi's heart.  

In fact, as a nine month old he was so interested in the book Cowboy Small, that I was afraid that when given the chance between eating and reading, he might just starve. I was amazed and amused at how he would swing his head around for the next page which he watched and listened to intently. Each time I turned the page he would go back in for a little drink, only to whip his head back for the next part of the story. 

My daughter sent me a picture the other day of him checking out her parenting book with a look of pure concentration. I asked her if there were pictures in the book, and she said no. I guess he's trying to figure out what all those marks on the page are, and wondering why Mommy finds them so interesting. 

All I can say is I love this boy more and more each day as he navigates his  way through his world, and can't wait to continue sharing with him my love of books. 

International Dot Day

International Dot Day.

Well apparently I'm a day late, but I still wanted to share this celebration with you in case you were unaware of its existence. Luckily, the date is recorded as September 15th-ish, so I think we are good. 

International Dot day is a way to celebrate creativity and the ability to make a mark on the world. The idea is based on a children's book, The Dot, written by Peter H. Reynolds. In the story a little girl is reluctant to make a mark on her paper because she believes she cannot draw. Her wise and loving art teacher encourages her to make just a simple dot. The little girl's confidence grows as she begins to make all kinds, and all sizes of dots much to her delight. As the story ends the little girl is found offering encouragement to a boy who only knew how to draw a squiggle. 

The story reminds me of the power of the ripple effect. The teacher's kindness was extended to her student, who then went on to extend it to another. The idea of something as simple as a dot also inspires me that the marks we make in life do not need to be grandiose, but rather those simple acts of kindness that can make all the difference.

It is not too late to make your mark on the world, and I hope you join me in celebrating International Dot Day just a little late. 

I See You

I see you. 

I'm not the most benevolent person. I don't volunteer as often as I should.  I don't always seem to have a heart for the downtrodden. I like the comfort of my world, and am reluctant to reach out. 

That being said, I had an experience about a year ago that rocked me to the core. My friends and I were leaving a downtown restaurant when we encountered a homeless man. He was dirty and unshaven, and we immediately felt uncomfortable. As we said our goodbyes we all conveniently tried to ignore him hoping he would go away. 

As much as I did my best to pretend he wasn't there I found myself compelled to acknowledge him. I made eye contact and engaged him in conversation. What struck me immediately was the blueness of his eyes, and how by just looking at him he became not just some homeless man wandering the streets of Dallas, but an actual person. 

Now to be honest, I felt very uncomfortable because I wasn't sure if it was wise talking to some stranger who according to stereotypes could be dangerous. The man asked if I was married, and I replied, "Yes."  We exchanged a few more words, and as it was time to go he made his 

his way back to the side of the building. We made eye contact one more time, and as I smiled his eyes lit up and he gave me a thumbs up. 

I felt that what he was really needing more than anything else was just acknowledgement as a fellow human being. I had been guilty of discounting him as someone of lesser importance because of his circumstances. When I reached out to him I actually saw him, which I'm sure most people had not. It was a very humbling experience. 

Recently I was watching the trailer for the movie, Same Kind of Different as Me,  and the homeless man in the story said, "When you give a homeless man a plate of food, all you're saying is I see you." Tears immediately sprang to my eyes because I had experienced that very same thing the year before. I think we all crave that acknowledgement of our common humanity. 

I'm looking forward to seeing the movie this fall. 

Cooper's Stairs

Cooper's stairs. 

As you all know Cooper has really won my heart, and his well being is a top priority of mine. When we moved into our apartment we splurged on a really nice bed with all the bells and whistles. It's only drawback was that in order for the bedskirt to fit properly, the bed had to be raised to its highest position. 

Now as I've considered whether a fall might result in a broken hip, its really Cooper I have been more worried about. He seems to have no trouble jumping up onto the bed. In fact, on occasion he overestimates the height, and literally comes in like a flying superhero. However, what did concern me was the jump down. 

Now I know Coop is still a young pup, but I was worried that constantly jumping the distance required to reach the hard floor might begin to play havoc on his back. The thought of Cooper being in pain was not acceptable to me, and I knew I had to do something. 

This past weekend Chuck and I invested in some of those doggie stairs that fit next to the bed. Now just because you have the stairs doesn't mean your dog will use them. But, what I've discovered about Coop is that he is highly trainable. I pulled out the training treats from the freezer, and school was in session. After a relatively few tries he seemed to be getting the hang of it. 

Of course, when left to his own devices he would fall back to his old ways of jumping down before I could tell him, "Don't you do it." I continued to encourage him to use the stairs for both going up and down. I figure one day his superhero flying ability might not be so keen, and if he's used to the stairs things would be easier. 

After a few tries now I basically just have to tell him to use his stairs, and he climbs up and down like a champ. The word "stairs" is just another notch in his vocabulary belt. To be honest these poodles absolutely amaze me at their ease of learning and their intelligence. 

More than anything I'm hoping for a long, healthy life for this little guy. 

Balance

Balance. 

I am naturally inclined to seek balance in my life. As a parent I did the same for my daughter. What I have found is that in those times of imbalance my immune system would break down, and I would pay the price by getting sick. 

Something else I've noticed is that my actual balance has become pretty darn pitiful over the last decade. Putting my shorts on in the morning has almost become a death defying act as I balance precariously on one foot hoping not to topple over. 

What used to be effortless, curb walking requires the concentration of a heart surgeon. I've read about excercises that can be done to help improve balance, and wonder if they really make a difference? Sometimes this aging thing is for the birds. 

So as much as I think I've mastered the whole balanced life thing, I think I might need to focus more on my actual balance.

"Life is like riding a bicycle. To keep your balance, you must keep moving."

Albert Einstein 

Untilled Ground

Untilled ground. 

The Bible urges us to break up our untilled ground. I couldn't help but be reminded of watching my little grandson digging in the dirt of his new backyard this past weekend. 

Except, because the ground was so hard and packed he really couldn't dig very much. That is until his ingenious Papa retrieved a hammer and screw driver out of the tool shed, and showed him how to till the dirt. 

It wasn't long before he was carrying tablespoons of dirt across the yard to be transferred to the garden. A little later his Mimi, that's me, showed him how to bust up dirt clods using the hammer. Between the two he really felt quite proud of his newly discovered skills. 

Later as I read the verse about breaking up our own untilled ground it got me to thinking about how sometimes we don't want to put the work in to bust things up a little in our own lives. Our busyness might keep us fixing the same old meals out of habit and convenience, when trying just one new recipe might bring a little more excitement to our days. 

Staying put, and not challenging ourselves to move on is kind of like that hard, dry ground. Why keeping the dirt packed so tightly even prevents the rain from getting in. The benefit it might bring to the seed below just gets washed away. 

As you go through your day, look for areas of your life that might need a little tilling. Then get busy putting in the work needed. You might be surprised at the difference it makes. 

Whoa!

Whoa!

Whoa! definitely seems to be an over represented word in my grandson's developing vocabulary. 

In fact, from the picture window of his new house he has a view of a pretty busy street that never disappoints. There is a constant stream of trucks of all sizes, and he is often in a state of wonderment over their awesomeness. 

As I've written before, almost two year olds have quite a bit of wisdom to impart to us older folks, who seem to have forgotten how really cool anything with wheels can be. 

Each time one of these axled wonders make their way past the house he whips his head around and let's out a resounding, "Whoa!!!"

I love his enthusiasm for life, and the wonder of even the simplest things. The lesson imparted from one generation to the next is not to forget or become too preoccupied to be amazed. 

Let Whoa! be your mantra.

Questioner or Upholder?

Questioner or upholder?

In my constant quest to know myself better, I've been trying to determine which of Gretchen Rubin's four tendencies seemed to fit me best. I'm actually excited that I will be attending her book tour, The Four Tendencies, this month, and hope to solidify my findings. 

Up until a few days ago I kept leaning toward questioner as my type as I always seem to be asking questions. My natural state of curiosity convinced me that of course I must be a questioner, except for one obvious characteristic. Although, I am always on the hunt for knowledge, when it comes to the rules, I basically follow them no questions asked. 

In fact, there was only one rule I could think of that I didn't follow, and that was bringing outside food into the movie theater. This really has little to do with questioning, and disagreeing with the rule, but rather with my naturally frugal nature that just can't seem to spend more on popcorn than on the ticket itself. 

My rule following nature was solidified even more so after realizing that I just didn't have it in me to sneak a rock or two out of our courtyard garden for my new rock painting obsession, as addressed in yesterday's posting. 

It also reared its ugly head when I found myself in near tears the other day when I didn't follow the procedures precisely when taking care of a recent driving citation. Now to be completely honest I had no idea what I had done wrong when being pulled over, and actually thanked the trooper for bringing it to my attention. My upholder tendency also saw the need for a driving refresher course, as the rule in question was somewhat recent since my initial driving training at age fifteen. 

Now the good thing about being an upholder is that not only do you meet outer expectations, but you easily meet inner ones as well. When I decided it was not in my best interest to drink Diet Coke, I gave it up, and never looked back. To be honest, I never missed it or was tempted again. It seems that when I set my mind to something I can easily follow through. My latest attempt at plant-based and dairy free eating has fallen into place quite easily. Knowing also that I am more an abstainer vs a moderator has allowed me to have greater success as well. 

What I do know about myself, though, is that if I'd been given the infamous marshmallow test as a child, I would have gladly waited the five extra minutes necessary to receive another marshmallow. Delayed gratification has never been difficult for me. 

After much deliberation I'd say I'm an upholder all the way. 

Between a Rock

Between a rock. 

You've heard the old saying, "Between a rock and a hard place," and I seem to be there with my new found rock painting obsession. 

As much as I enjoy painting rocks, and leaving them around my apartment 
complex for others to find, I'm coming across the problem of actually finding rocks well suited for painting. 

My other delemia is my rule following nature, and as Gretchen Rubin would say, "upholder" tendencies. Every day when I bring Cooper out for his daily constitutional in our apartment courtyard, I am tempted by the most beautiful river rocks lying unsuspectingly in the flower garden. 

They are the perfect size, smooth, and oval shaped, and their rock painting possibilities seem endless. Except, that they are not mine. They belong to the complex, and were purchased to enhance the landscaping of the courtyard. They are not some random rock that I have happened upon. 

Each day I find myself coveting them, and being tempted to take just one. What harm would it do? After all, I would be returning it in a more beautiful state?  Except, I know that if I took one today it would open the door to two, and then it would be all downhill from there. With my tendency to go overboard there would not be one unpainted rock left! 

Theft is basically theft, and apparently I don't have it in me to take what doesn't belong to me. Now I've actually checked into purchasing similar type rocks from Walmart, and although their price is not prohibitive, they only come in thirty pound lots. I'm just not sure I want thirty pounds of rocks hanging around my apartment!

So what's a person to do?

Latest Obsessions

Latest obsessions. 

Okay, maybe not literal obsessions, but pretty darn good. 

Amy's Dairy Free Burritos- Just add a little salsa, and you won't even miss the cheese. 

Celestial Seasonings Lemon Zinger tea- Add some Nature Nate's raw honey, and it's pretty yummy. 

Veritas brand colored pencils- I purchased these at LifeWay Christian Bookstore for Bible Journaling, and have been quite pleased. I even like the cylinder container they came in. 

Robin Cook- He has always been a favorite author of mine, and I happened across two of his novels at Half-Price Books the other day. (Actually Half Price Books should probably be added to the list as well.)  I'm reading Crisis right now, and have a feeling I'll be moving on to the next one soon. He writes medical thrillers that always entertain. My goal is to read at least one fiction book a month, and with Cook's help I think I'll get there. 

Sugar Snap Peas- Where have these been all my life? I picked some up the other day while visiting Brittany, and coupled with roasted red pepper hummus they add a new zip to my crudités. That's just a fancy French way of saying raw vegetables dipped in a dipping sauce in case you were wondering?

Steel cut oats with fresh blueberries- I've never been an oatmeal fan, but I think I've finally stumbled upon a tasty solution. Steel cut oats are the least processed of the oats, and when combined simply with blueberries end up being quite good. I've always found blueberries to be better warm, and that's exactly what happens when you mix them with the warm oats. 

"Outer order contributes to inner calm."

Gretchen Rubin

Energy

Energy. 

Part of Sir Isaac Newton's first law of motion states that an object at rest stays at rest and an object in motion stays in motion. I like to remind myself of this point when I'm tempted to not take my nightly walk. 

My efforts over the last five months really paid off when we helped our daughter and son-in-law move a couple of weeks ago. Now luckily I didn't have to load any heavy boxes back and forth, but between packing, cleaning bathrooms, and helping to wrangle my grandson I didn't find much time to slow down. 

I couldn't help, but remember back to our move in March when I was completely exhausted. For the first time in my six decades I really felt my age. I remember taking a break every thirty minutes as I unpacked the boxes at our new apartment amazed at my lack of energy. What I failed to realize was that the six months prior to the move I had become very inactive. I don't think Cooper and I had walked at all during that time period. 

As soon as we moved to our new place, though, I began taking Cooper out for a walk on a regular basis. A prior posting of mine recounts my first attempt to walk around the lake, and how it just about killed me. But, the interesting thing was that step by step each day I began walking a little further without as much effort. Before I knew it a month or two had gone by, and I could walk the entire lake quite effortlessly. 

I can honestly say that I never felt tired while helping out my daughter. It was a great feeling, and sixty-one didn't feel any different than forty-one. When given the chance between being active or not, activity wins my vote. 

Accountability

Accountability.

How many times have you started something with high hopes only to find yourself giving up way too soon? Ralph Waldo Emerson is credited for reminding us that, Nothing great was ever achieved without enthusiasm," and although we may have the best of intentions, enthusiasm can begin to fade over time. 

Sometimes we need a tangible way to help keep us on track. 

A new friend of mine likes to hold herself accountable for goals using a check-off grid in her Bullet Journal. I've never been one to do so, but she has inspired me to give it a try. Checking off each day what you have accomplished might be all you need to help keep you motivated.

I know that there are some journals out there that come in a grid format, and this would make it relatively easy to set up. My friend has an artistic flair, and enjoys hand drawing rows of squares for each day of the month. She includes inspirational quotes and drawings to give the page an inviting feel. Each day she meets her goal she colors in the square using colorful markers. Over the course of the month you can really see all that you have done. 

Of course, just as Gretchen Rubin points out in her latest book, The Four Tendencies, what works for one personality might not work for another. However, if it sounds like something that might work for you, you might want to give it a try. I'm always on the look-out  for new and different ways to stay motivated so I think I might give it a go.