BE THE CHANGE YOU WANT FOR THE WORLD! DAY 284

Tuesday, October 26, 2010

On sunday, we had a children's sermon and the sermon giver gave us the above quote, "Be the change you want to see for the world!" Doesn't that say it all, if we all changed for the better, the way we want others to be, this world might be a better place.

I was reviewing my blogs for the last 2 months and I had to go all the way back to Sept1, 2010 to find something positive that I've said. I was at 179, briefly for about a day. Since then, there is so much going on in my life, I've completely lost my way for my self and my health.

First the chaos of renovations. Then at that time, the hospialization of 24 year old Anne in Spain only to culminate in her death yesterday. That really affected me, I guess because I know her Mom so well and I know the pain she and her husband have and will experience in the future. And I so wanted her to live, to fall in love, get married, have children. There was an article in today's paper about her and it seems that she was probably kept alive on machines for several weeks and finally it was no use.

Interspersed with that sadness were 2 happy weddings and visiting with our son and grandchidren. Then, at home, my other son and family are facing financial difficulties and my nearly one year old grandson is having major surgery to correct a birth defect on Wed. I am sad for that but hopeful it will be okay. And I also know it will probably add to their financial woes. I'll be on standby to help out with my granddaughter and whatever else they need.

And doctor's appmts for my mother-in-law continue. Yesterday and tomorrow and again in another week. It's never ending. So I guess I can understand giving up on myself while I attended to these other needs. I completely went off the diet track and now I am trying to climb back on. I've been having fun in between chaotic moments, completely and utterly forgoing fruit and veg. I was at a business mixer on Thursday evening and there was a beautiful buffet. Trays loaded with fruit and fresh veggies. I avoided them like the plague and went for the fried chicken, stuffed mushrooms and eggs, and little sandwiches, and of course 5 or 6 little brownie balls. What is wrong with me? I had the opportunity for all that fresh food and passed it up!

I received the book and mp3 player I ordered for the walking program. But I've been disinterested in it. I really need to pep talk myself. Thursday we are flying up to North Carolina for the FSU vs NCSTate Football game and visiting with aforementioned son and grandchildren. Then on Friday, we are driving to WIlliamsburg for a quick getaway weekend. Then Sunday back to Greensboro for a Halloween party with grandsons and family. That should be fun and we have to go in costume. I have my "queen" costume from Mardi Gras ready to go. Back on Monday and then surgery on Wed and then another party on Saturday. And work in between.

Yesterday, I pigged out on candy corn and m&m's. As I sat there with handfuls of them, eating one at a time, I came to the conclusion I had to start thinking about being the change I wanted to be. I have to stop the candy binge. I have to leave the candy alone at that party on Sunday night or I will be sick. Lord give me the strength to keep it out of my mouth and bob for apples instead. I'll be searching for help from all you Sparkers to get me out of this mess. Later.

  

  Member Comments About This Blog Post:

DNS9264 11/2/2010 10:01AM

I so understand where you are coming from. Right now I feel stretched to my limits. I know exercise will help me and is good for me, but it just doesn't seem to be a priority. But somehow, we've got to make time because we want a better life and we have to go on living. Good luck and best wishes to you. :) Report Inappropriate Comment

BUGGYS 10/26/2010 2:42PM

All I can say is that life happens...the good, the bad and the ugly and we have to be able to love ourselves enough to get through the ups and downs and if we are healthy, it is easier to do! Report Inappropriate Comment

LYNDALOVES2HIKE 10/26/2010 11:18AM

I know what you're going through - I put myself and my own needs aside much of the time to care for my bedridden 'medically complex' father for 3-1/2 yrs and after he passed away this summer, it took me awhile to get to a point where I could attend to what I needed to do for me. I had managed to lose nearly 50 lbs but gained back 20 of them during the last 2 wks of his life and another couple of months afterward because of poor food choices and lack of working out. Be gentle and understanding of yourself - we cannot do everything, no matter what we're told - there are limits to what we can juggle. It takes a lot of energy and concentration to make a major life change and 'life' gets in the way of our progress sometimes. We know the poor choices we make are not good for us but sometimes we just have to do what we have to do to get through the moment. The important thing is getting back on the path as soon as we can manage it - don't give up on yourself. You can take better care of THEM when you take care of yourself first, as hard as that is to do at times. There's a good reason why they tell you on an airplane to put your own oxygen mask on first before trying to help your child or someone else - you need to be there and as ready as possible in order to help others. Review your reasons for getting healthy - what makes sense to YOU, why do YOU want to make progress. Review the Spark program and start at step one - if you haven't done it yet, get The Spark book and follow the program - or click on the START button, scroll to the bottom and go through the original Spark Diet program from day one - heck, do that even if you've already finished the program! I think reviewing things from 'step one' is a great way to get a new start - don't worry so much about the food right now and concentrate on your core values, vision, etc. We're all in this together and are here to give each other support! Report Inappropriate Comment

DONNAEDA 10/26/2010 10:39AM

Allow yourself 5 pieces of candy and weigh your choices carefully. If you can do that you are on your way. When you go to the parties, have a bowl of soup before you go so you won't be hungry and avoid the good healthy stuff. When you are at the party tell yourself, okay I will have the unhealthy choices only after filling up on healthy ones first. Then have a good time. Report Inappropriate Comment

TJLUTTRULL 10/26/2010 9:16AM

I am soory for all the problems but you need to remember that with all the things going on You need to be strong and healthy for them. You cannot do that on candy.. Think of others and the help and energy you will have for them if you eat healthy. Keep trying you will succeed.. TJ Report Inappropriate Comment

SAD NEWS!

Monday, October 25, 2010

Just last week I posted a blog about a 24 year old girl in Barcelona Spain fighting for her life. She passed today, so sad. I just can't figure out how this could happen to someone so young and vibrant. Did she delay getting to the doctor? Did she have an incurable illness no one knew about? Cause of death was ARD. I grieve for her parents who have spent nearly 2 months in Spain by her bed. She was in a coma the whole time and never knew it. She was their only child.

  

  Member Comments About This Blog Post:

LJCANNON 10/25/2010 7:29PM

You and the girl's family will be in my prayers. Someday we will understand the "Big Picture" Report Inappropriate Comment

ANDI571 10/25/2010 3:54PM

My mom always quoted the scripture that It rains on the just and the unjust. We just never know why things happen like they do. I think mom quoting that scripture helped me through the long illness of Alzheimer's she had. She was such a special person that helped everyone. But that didn't make her immune to what this world has to offer. Report Inappropriate Comment

DANLENO1949 10/25/2010 3:35PM

So sad. Sometimes life seems so unfair. Report Inappropriate Comment

DESPERATELY NEED PRAYERS!

Thursday, October 21, 2010

There is a beautiful 24 year old woman named Anne in a hospital in Barcelona, Spain fighting for her life. At the end of August, she and a friend went on a fun trip to Spain. She felt bad on the plane and ended up spending the first 3 days in the hotel. Finally her roommate took her to the hospital and they promptly put her in. To make a long story short she is now in Stage III ARD and her lungs are NOT healing. They put her in a coma and on an ECMO machine to breathe for her. She has received stem cells and they have done everything they can but her lungs NEED TO HEAL! Please become a member of Team Anne and pray for her recovery. There are so many already praying but a few more can't hurt. Her parents are friends of mine and they have been with her since the first week. Imagine the trauma they are going through in a foreign country, trying to cope, finding a place to live, not to mention the cost involved. It has been almost 2 months of this incredible horror story. Thank you.

  

  Member Comments About This Blog Post:

JWADDELL2 10/21/2010 12:28PM

How horrible! Praying!!! Report Inappropriate Comment

DONNAEDA 10/21/2010 11:00AM

she will be in my prayers since reading this posting. thanks for sharing. Report Inappropriate Comment

BGENDER 10/21/2010 9:32AM

We will pray for her and her family. God bless Report Inappropriate Comment

FEELING MISERABLE. DAY 279

Thursday, October 21, 2010

LEARN TO BE CALM AND YOU WILL ALWAYS BE HAPPY!

I'm feeling miserable due to cold symptoms, achy, itchy water eyes, cough, runny nose. This is the second cold I've gotten and I rarely get them. What gives this year? I came back from the wedding and visiting grandchildren with this. I didn't notice anyone else that was suspiciously sick while I was there. Don't have much energy and don't have to do much today so I'll take it easy.

I've been working on my Underground Railroad Quilt and have 10 blocks finished. Two more to go and then I can start putting it together. It has gone so fast. I love making each block, so creative deciding which fabrics to use. I thought it would take me a long time to finish it but it is so satisfying to see each finished block.

I seem to have given up on followng any sort of diet plan. The good news is that I am still being sensible in my choices and not overeating. I will get back to it but not today. Later.

  

  Member Comments About This Blog Post:

JWADDELL2 10/21/2010 12:31PM

Hope you are feeling better soon!! And remember, that making the right choices is one of the KEYS to making a lifestyle change - take care of yourself!!! Report Inappropriate Comment

DONNAEDA 10/21/2010 11:02AM

If you are not eating the way you used to eat, that in itself is an accomplishment. Please stay in touch even though you aren't doing the plan. You have learned something or else you wouldn't be here. Congratulations on your quilt. Please post pix of it when its done. Report Inappropriate Comment

A GREAT WEEKEND! DAY 276

Monday, October 18, 2010

LEARN TO BE CALM AND YOU WILL ALWAYS BE HAPPY!

We spent the weekend on Jekyll Island, Ga for an absolutely beautiful wedding. It was the most beautiful wedding I had ever been to. I guess when budget is not a concern, you can fly the moon! The weather was perfect, sunny in the 70's. The venue was the Crane Cottage, a turn of the century cottage owned by the plumbing King, Mr. Crane. The island was orginally purchased in the late 1800's by a group of rich Americans, J.P.Morgan, Fitzpatrick, and other wealthy persons of that era! I'll have to google and learn more. The Island was purchased by the state of Georgia in the mid 1900's.
Now that I've been there, I don't need to go back as it isn't that big of a place. We rented a 3 br condo for us, our son, wife and grandsons ( 3 of them were in the wedding) My Daughter inlaws sister and her significant other and niece who came to baby sit the baby while we went to the wedding. It was very expensive and that condo was less than exciting. As a decorator, it definitely needed some updating. Really tacky.
We had a wonderful time except on Sat while we all expected to watch the FSU Boston College football game, the cable was out. In fact the cable was out when we arrived on Friday and never came on the whole weekend. We went a whole weekend with no TV, no news, no football. My son had his laptop and was able to bring up the game on it via internet so we did get to watch or we would have had to go out to a sports bar somewhere. And FSU won! $550 for 2 nights in a tacky condo with no cable. They did take $88 off our bill because we complained so much. I didn't really miss the TV because I was out half the time but our babysitters didn't have much to do.
Anyway, we had a lovely time! And I didn't eat too much! Back now and back to work!

  

  Member Comments About This Blog Post:

DWROBERGE 10/18/2010 9:01AM

SSounds like a great time. When life hands you lemons, make lemonade. Go FSU Noles! Report Inappropriate Comment