Strike

It's been 5 days. 5 days without eating sweets. This is a difficult thing for me. I LOVE sweets. Cookies, cake, candy...it's really hard for me to resist my sweet tooth. Just looking at the picture of brownies I posted is making me regret this decision. But as I get older (yes I am getting older...), I find it harder and harder to stay in shape. Part of it is biology and age and the rest is a combination of food cravings and a hatred of the gym. I try my best to eat healthy foods as well and take vitamins every day, but it's just not enough.

I decided to test myself a little and see how hard it would be to stay away from the sweets and only eat one healthy snack after dinner. For me, this will be a challenge to say the least. I naturally stay up later so I feel hungry again around 10 at night, which usually causes me to munch later than I probably should. I know getting hungry every 4 hours is normal, but it's my choice in food that's not ideal.

So! I am on day 5 of my challenge and feeling pretty good. I will track my progress on here every once in a while and let you know how I am faring. Hopefully I will get lucky and drop a few pounds in the process, but mostly I am attempting to curb my sweet tooth a bit.
We will see how it goes...wish me luck!

A very wise man

This is something I was reading this evening. Something Mike has had around for years and I am glad we have propped up on our dresser. I like to read over this from time to time and remind myself that even in the worst of times it's still a beautiful world.


Desiderata

Max Ehrmann (1872 - 1945)


Go placidly amid the noise and haste,
and remember what peace there may be in silence.
As far as possible, without surrender,
be on good terms with all persons.

Speak your truth quietly and clearly;
and listen to others,
even to the dull and ignorant;
they too have their story.

Avoid loud and aggressive persons;
they are vexations to the spirit.

If you compare yourself with others,
you may become vain or bitter,
for always there will be greater
and lesser persons than yourself.

Enjoy your achievements as well as your plans.
Keep interested in your own career, however humble,
it's a real possession in the changing fortunes of time.

Exercise caution in your business affairs,
for the world is full of trickery.
But let this not blind you to what virtue there is;
many persons strive for high ideals,
and everywhere life is full of heroism.

Be yourself.
Especially do not feign affection.
Neither be cynical about love;
for in the face of all aridity and disenchantment,
it is as perennial as the grass.

Take kindly the counsel of the years,
gracefully surrendering the things of youth.

Nurture strength of spirit
to shield you in sudden misfortune.
But do not distress yourself with dark imaginings.
Many fears are born of fatigue and loneliness.

Beyond a wholesome discipline,
be gentle with yourself.
You are a child of the universe
no less than the trees and the stars;
you have a right to be here.
And whether or not it is clear to you,
no doubt the universe is unfolding as it should.

Therefore be at peace with God,
whatever you conceive him to be.
And whatever your labors and aspirations,
in the noisy confusion of life,
keep peace in your soul.

With all its sham, drudgery and broken dreams,
it is still a beautiful world.
Be cheerful.
Strive to be happy.

And the Winner is....

The new book I am reading - What could be better than the proper tales of Jane Austen with a zombie twist? What I ask you?

Logan & Hudson

Both born in February: these are the two babies I had fun taking pictures of this last month. Baby Logan was born to an old highschool aquaintance and his wife. She was 6 days old.






















Baby Hudson was born to a good gal-pal that I have known since elementary school and her hubby. Hudson was also 6 days old when I went to photograph him.

Congratulations to Melissa, Ryan and big brother Hayden!

Toe Socks...no....TOE SHOES!

okay...so I saw some lady wearing these at the bank the other day.
























My first thought was "What the Hell are those?!"


I know people who like toe-socks and I think they are comfortable enough...but toe-shoes? They must be really popular in other countries because I had never seen them before. These shoes look really funny. I still don't know what to think about them. I looked them up online ( they are called Vibram FiveFingers ) and this is what is said about them:

"FiveFingers enhance your sense of touch and feel, while improving foot strength, balance, agility, and range of motion. The footwear connects you to the earth and your surroundings in a way that is simply not possible in conventional shoes. They liberate you to move in a more natural, healthy way. FiveFingers stimulate the muscles in your feet and lower legs to build strength and improve range of motion."

Apparantly you can do all kinds of things in them, as they are made in many different fashions and materials. Here is a running list of what all you can do in them:
Light Trekking, Climbing, Canyoneering, Running, Fitness Training, Martial Arts, Yoga, Pilates, Sailing, Boating, Surfing, Flats Fishing, Traveling, CrossFit, Bouldering, & Water Sports.

I am really tempted to try them on and see how they feel. I already know how they look! But I suppose I shouldn't judge them too harshly; I mean Croc's are popular and they certainly aren't particularly attractive.

Anyway - weird, weird sighting.

Lincoln City, OR

February 13-15th 2010

I'm a little behind on my blogs, but better late than never! This weekend was fun. My friend Katie and I went on a little road trip down the coast to Oregon for a little R&R. We took the 101 on the way down which was a nice change from the city driving I usually do. We didn't really stop anywhere, except in Tillamook, OR...where we indulged in cheese and Ice Cream from the creamery. SO good!















Then we followed the 101 down to Lincoln City where we were staying. Katie happened to know someone who owned and rented out a condo on the beach. So we spent the rest of our time at the ocean watching movies, putting together puzzles (yeah, I know, we are geeks), heading out to the casino for dinner, and walking on the beach. Mostly we talked a lot, which for us is no surprise, but it was nice just having someone to be boring with.




It was a great weekend with a great friend.

Valentines Day!

February 12, 2010

I'll keep it short. We had a nice evening together - nothing fancy, but very nice.

First we went out to a neighborhood Italian restaurant called Lombardi's. Had a good meal, some cocktails and yummy garlic-topped french bread.









Then we came back and watched a movie - American Psycho. I know, not very romantic, but we like it and were in the mood for something a little insane.



That was basically our night. I was lucky enough to get not 1, but 2 bouquets of flowers. One was sent to my office (after I left unfortunately), while the second was waiting for me at home! I have such a sweet husband!