Listening to God’s Plan

Listening to God’s plan does not come easily for any part of our life, especially when we grow up having dreams and expectations for our future. How many times are we asked: what do you want to be when you grow up; where do you plan to be in 5 years, 10 years from now; when are you getting married;  when are you having kids; and the list does not stop there, but you hopefully get the picture.

Life brings with it challenges, joys, sufferings, and peace. When we listen to His word, we are able to face those challenges and sufferings with hope, faith, and positivity. We rejoice and celebrate the joys and peaceful feelings. The Lord has touched me in so many ways over the years when I truly stop and listen. He has shown me the direction and provided a peace in my heart and soul to know that whatever happened or is to happen comes from Him.

As mentioned in an earlier post His Way is Best, I have lost that connection and spiritual awareness that once was so strong in my life. I will not discuss reasons why lost but want to look forward at ways to regain that spiritual connection.

The key is stepping back and providing myself personal time to reflect on the word and God’s teachings. This reflection and time can be achieved in so many aspects of life. Here are a few that I have been engaging in recently:

• Reflecting and writing posts/journal entries 
• Involvement with church activities
• Attending Monday night Mass and praying the Rosary prior to Mass
• Assisting with the Youth Ministry program
• Starting a weekly Young Professionals group and reflecting on the upcoming Sunday readings
• Attending Sunday mass and trying to stay more focused on the Mass instead of letting the mind run wild
• Providing support for the College Ministry program
• Reading Christian based and other books
• Recently finished…When God Writes Your Love Story by Eric & Leslie Ludy
• Currently reading…Smart Women Know When to Say No by Kevin Leman
• Helping and supporting others
• Surrounding myself around strong Christians
• Improving my health as seen here through other posts
• Enjoying God’s nature and beauty
• Limiting time in front of the television

These things are definitely changing my outlook on life, my actions towards things, and my overall demeanor. Things are not easy that’s for sure but in trying to be positive and seeking a new spiritual grounding things are encouraging.

When God Writes Your Love Story by Eric & Leslie Ludy

A book that really makes me:

• think about my actions today and how they will impact my future;
• stop to reflect on the motivations behind my actions or reluctance/fear to be myself;
• seek to be more pure and honest with myself;

How do I stop, listen, and let God prepare my love story? How will I know what that love story is all about?

Is it a love story with Him providing support, guidance, and direction for the youth, young adults, and others in the communities that I belong and reach out too?

Is it a love story with Him and a strong Christian mate with or without children?

Is it a love story with everything combined together?

If I knew the answers to these questions, I would not be sitting here typing today and seeking the grace to be patient and listen to God’s calling. One chapter in the book talked about creating a team for success: people who know you, who can help you discern what is of God and what is not through prayer, questioning, and support; who provide accountability; and who bring a refreshing perspective on the ups and downs of the journey.

If you are willing to be part of that team for success, I welcome you to the team in whatever capacity you would like. For those just reading this blog and offering silent prayers and support, I think you. For those reading and sharing comments or thoughts, I think you. For those who are more involved in my life and sharing, I think you. Everybody makes a difference one way or another, and that is much appreciated.

Healthier Living: Take 10 Plus

Week 10 -- 208.4 pounds
Week 9 -- 207.4 pounds
Week 8 -- 207.8 pounds
......
Week 1 -- 211.4 pounds

Not a good weekend but hopefully, it is just a temporary upward fluctuation. I was down again Tuesday morning to 207.4. We will just have to see where all the homemade banana ice cream in my freezer goes over the next week.

Homemade Ice Cream
Over a month ago, I bought an old time motorized wooden ice cream freezer. Homemade ice cream is delicious but eating 4 quarts is a bit difficult for one person. Therefore this weekend while my aunt, cousin, and cousin's child was in plus another cousin coming over to visit, I decided to try it out. Though not the best homemade banana ice cream, it is pretty darn tasty and enjoyable. Thankfully, I have a few co-workers that deserve a little treat so I have and will share with them.

Physical Activity
The physical activity again was not on the positive this past week as the only true exercise was Sunday at the autocross event again. This week does not look promising with temperatures in the 100s the end of the week, but we will see.

Co-worker walking again...today, a co-worker and I went for a late morning walk, which was enjoyable. Hopefully, this partner and I can get into a fairly consistent routine minus the very hot days to come the end of this week.

Due to the lack of walking/jogging, I currently do not plan on running in the Buffalo Trace 5K on July 4th. Instead, I look forward to sleeping in and getting a day of rest.

Vitamins & Minerals
Three weeks into the new vitamins & minerals regimen and seeing/feeling some changes in my body. I don't seem to be as worn out and tired. The sleeping is still not great. There have been some other signs that my body may be reacting positively to the regimen. Nothing of concrete origin has surfaced yet, but I have to keep reminding myself it has only been 3 weeks.

Due to the number of vitamins, I broke down just over a week ago and purchased a daily am/pm pill container. It nicely separates the morning meds and vitamins from the evening ones. Except it actually was not large enough to put the prenatal vitamins in as well. Therefore, that bottle is sitting out along with the melatonin, since you take it 30 mins before bedtime.

Healthier Living: Take 9

Week 9 -- 207.4 pounds
Week 8 -- 207.8 pounds
Week 7 -- 210.6 pounds
Week 6 -- 208.2 pounds
......
Week 1 -- 211.4 pounds

Actually, I am amazed that I slightly lost/maintained this past week. The week proved to be rough and very inactive. Sunday was the only day of activity with another Sunday of racing and walking over 3 miles over the course of the day.

Hopefully, I can get out towards the end of this week. Tonight has been a lazy night and the next couple of nights are busy.

Vitamins & Minerals: Part II

Wednesday, June 6th - The start of a new vitamin regimen. Thanks for those who shared on my last post regarding vitamins & minerals.

Prenatal Vitamin for base went with Rainbow Light Complete Prenatal System. No specific reason. It seemed fairly balanced.

Then I am supplementing it with the following:
Morning
500 mg of B12
1 Tbsp of Flax Oil
250 mg of Magnesium
1000 IU D3
250 mg of Vitamin C
200 IU of Vitamin E
200 mg of B6

Evening
250 mg of Magnesium
1000 IU D3
250 mg of Vitamin C

Before Bed -- 3 mg of Melatonin to help me sleep.  

We will see how things progress.

Healthier Living: Take 8

Week 8 -- 207.8 pounds
Week 7 -- 210.6 pounds
Week 6 -- 208.2 pounds
......
Week 1 -- 211.4 pounds

Successfully down this week and looking forward to maintaining this lower weight.

The past week was rather stressful, which was good and bad. Activity type changed this week. On Tuesday and Friday, I went jogging/walking for 2.5 miles finishing both days just under 39 minutes.

The weekend was full of autocrossing. Saturday was a driving school and Sunday was an actual event. I recorded about 2 miles of walking Saturday morning and 2.5 miles of walking Sunday morning. There was definitely more time up on my feet and walking around in addition to the recorded times.

The biggest thing was on Friday when I went for a jog my muscles were extremely tight. Then I have proceeded to be sore and tight all weekend. Part of the issue is flipping my bed to the firm side, which does not work. Any suggestions on how to get stretched out and limber again?

I also started a new vitamin regimen this past week to be detailed in another post.

Healthier Living: Take 7

Week 7 -- 210.6 pounds
Week 6 -- 208.2 pounds
Week 5 -- 210.4 pounds (Tuesday)
......
Week 1 -- 211.4 pounds

Apparently this past weekend was not a good weekend because I was up though I was significantly down Wednesday and Thursday morning below 208.

Motivation and discipline are slowly coming together on the exercise front. The nice evening weather has also been a help.

Tuesday (Week Prior)
3.68 mile walk in 1:00:17 hours
16:00 min/mile pace and 217 calories burned

Wednesday (Week Prior)
3.47 mile walk in 1:00:03 hours
17:00 min/mile pace and 216 calories burned
Definitely was moving a bit slower after the Monday hike and the intense walking on Tuesday.

Saturday
Went to Taylorsville Lake and hiked about 2.5 to 3 miles. The first 2 miles was pretty muddy and also on combo hiking/horse trails. The last .5 miles is about the only non-horse trail and was rather enjoyable. I saw a deer as I came out from the first trail and into the latter trail. It ran off before I could see much of it though.

The app on my phone said I burned 0 calories and then refused to save properly so I am not sure how long the hike was either. It was good though not sure I would do a lot of hiking here but we will see. It was only one of many trails but as I said they are all horseback trails as well.

Sunday
Autocross day again so walked about 1.5 miles in the morning checking out the course and then again another .5 mile at lunch time to check the course out again, along with all the other days activities and movements. But apparently, I was not all that good for the weekend because was on the heavy side Monday morning.

So definitely had the motivation last week, this week has been a slightly different story for many reasons. I will report more on that next week and try not to be so tardy in my update. 

Vitamins & Minerals: Part I

Where do you start in trying for results? As mentioned previously, I have been reading two books: “Fertility, Cycles, and Nutrition” (FCN) by Marilyn M. Shannon and “The Fertility Diet”  (FD) by Jorge E. Chavarro and Walter C. Willett. Both books have good advice and sensible information regarding diet and nutrition. They are also acutely aware that one cannot do everything so they suggest finding what you can handle and starting there.

Therefore, my first focus is on vitamins and mineral supplements. Why…because I am almost out of my current daily vitamins and figure it is rather easy once you figure it out. It does not require continued thought and work like determining a diet and proper eating habits.

PCOS – Polycystic Ovary Syndrome has multiple related health issues encompassing various nutrients. FCN breaks down some of the key vitamins and minerals to extra supplement from the general recommendations for fertility in the beginning of the book.

First suggestion is starting with a multivitamin/multimineral prenatal as it has a larger quantity of many of the necessary vitamins and minerals. In my shopping Friday night, I took a look at what was at Target and Kroger but nothing appeared to have a good amount of many of the general recommendations. Granted when I reviewed the book and its suggested multivitamin/multiminerals, I realized it had quantities for 4 or more capsules.

I will not bore you with all the details but just the extra’s that it recommends for PCOS and other fertility.

B Vitamins especially Folic Acid

-          B-group vitamin: B1 (500 mg), B6 (500 mg), B12 (2000 mcg) or Folic Acid (348 mcg) in conjunction with Metformin

-          Reduce the amino acid homocysteine which is a risk factor for cardiovascular disease and insulin resistance.

-          Another study actually showed the administration of B vitamins (unknown dosage) had a more positive effect on pregnancy than metformin in PCOS women.

-          Side note: This brings me hopes of getting off metformin. I definitely am not going to currently increase dosage in hopes that I can counter the need for extra dosages with vitamins and weight loss.

Vitamin D

-          Another vitamin that correlates to insulin resistance and high body weight.

-          Interesting find is that this vitamin may currently be set at a very, very low daily value intake.

-          2,000 IU per day has now been accepted as safe and beneficial.

-          It is also found to possibly have an anti-cancer effect as well.

-          Of course the natural way to get Vitamin D is through sun exposure but that in itself brings about a whole list of concerns and depending on where you live and time of year may be harder to obtain.

-          Side note: Being light skinned as I am with melanoma running in the family, it is definitely something I need to watch.

-          Itchy Skin: Still not sure the cause but after spending several hours out in the sun no matter how much sunscreen, I seem to itching for the next 3 to 4 days. Sometimes, I feel like I am just going to scratch all the skin off my legs and arms it is so bad. I have tried various lotions, aloe, etc to no avail. I am going to try a different sunscreen next time to see if that helps.

Magnesium, Chromium, Vanadium

-          Help increase insulin sensitivity… “natural ‘hearing aids’”

-          Recommendation: Magnesium (1000 mg), Chromium (200-400 mcg), Vanadium (30 mg)

-          Helps with overweight insulin resistance

-          ****Chromium picolinate effectiveness for those with diabetes is so strong that you might have to readjust diabetic medicines.

Essential Fatty Acids especially Omega-3 fatty acids

-          Improves sensitivity to insulin (a large contributor to PCOS individuals gaining weight)

-          Alpha-linolenic acid (omega-3 essential fatty acid)

-          Best source is Flax Oil (5 to 10 1 g capsules a day or 1-2 teaspoons per day (5-10 grams))

-          Cod liver oil (1-2 teaspoons daily) – contains omega-3 fatty acids, Vitamin A, and Vitamin D may also be helpful.

-          ** Vitamin E also should be supplemented if you supplement the essential fatty acids. It prevents oxygen damage to the molecules.

-          For more info, Dr Atkins’ New Diet Revolution, Chapter 23 has more info. (Going to see about checking it out of the local library this week.)

Those are the elements from the PCOS chapter of FCN and a lot to digest. Look for a follow-up discussion on broader minerals and vitamins from the FD and also more info from Dr Atkins books once reviewed.

Does anyone have a prenatal vitamin/mineral supplement that they suggest?

Do you know of a good place to go find vitamin/mineral supplements?

Do you have any experience, knowledge, or suggestions of your own?

Healthier Living: Take 6

Week 6 -- 208.2 pounds
Week 5 -- 210.4 pounds (Tuesday)
......
Week 1 -- 211.4 pounds

Motivation is slowly starting to come about even during this extremely hot weather.

Today, my friend, SH, and I went for a very lovely though warm hike at Jefferson Memorial Forest. We hiked about 6 miles in 3 hours, which is about normal for my hiking adventures. According the MapMyFitness app, we burned 1503 calories. It is short on mileage as the GPS did not register until we had probably gone about a quarter of a mile.

It was quite the adventurous hike. We crossed paths with two snakes of unknown identity. One appears to be a black racer while the other one still alludes us.

Though that was the only technical physical activity minus the walk on Tuesday night, I was fairly active grocery shopping on Friday night and organizing my spare bedroom/cleaning the apartment on Sunday. Probably the reason for the loss of a couple pounds this week. We will see if I can keep those pounds off and start trimming the waistline.

Now that I have been out for a good hike, I am more motivated to try to get out in the evening at least once a week and go for a nice hike. Maybe, I will shoot for Wednesday night this week and see how that goes. I just hope it cools off because at 7 pm tonight it was still a bit toasty and sunny for a hike. Thankfully daylight is lasting longer and longer so that helps finding some more cool air.

Healthier Living: Take 5

Week 5 -- 210.4 pounds (Tuesday)
Week 4 -- 210.8 pounds (Tuesday)
Week 3 -- 211.2 pounds
Week 2 -- 210.8 pounds
Week 1 -- 211.4 pounds

Consistency is a good thing. It is definitely better than gaining weight.

Workouts this week included
- Thursday Night a 1.02 walk with my cousin who suggested the walk before shopping and a nice dinner with an old college friend of hers.
- Autocross Driving School on Saturday logging 1.62 miles though I walked more than that throughout the day.
- Autocross Points Event on Sunday logging 2.36 miles with a slight bit more of walking though a not so healthy dinner.
- Today a 3.13 mile walk around the neighboring neighborhood burning just over 200 calories according to the app. Motivated to hit 200 calories in order to count it towards fitness in Vitality.

As mentioned before, my company has enlisted a program called Vitality to motivate employees to get in shape. There are pros and cons to the program because several of the bigger items appear to actually cost you before getting the reward. Nonetheless, I am trying to seek out ways to gain points without costing me money.

The biggest hurdle seems to be tracking physical activity because it all has to be approved/cleared in some fashion. I can't just go out and walk/jog tally my time and mileage and submit it. There is a free app called MapMyFitness, which I was able to download to my phone. I checked it out several weeks ago when I took the twins for a nearly 6 mile walk. The app is actually pretty nifty as it has a road map of where you are and where you have been. It tracks mileage, time, calories, and speed. To get points, you have to have an activity that burns at last 200 calories. I am still trying to figure out how I gain points and apparently I did not gain points for the workouts prior to sinking the two accounts. Therefore my 6 mile stroll through the park is not included, but at least it is started now.

Hopefully with motivating factors (clothes not fitting, being tired, a little push to run the Derby mini next year, Vitality) and tools like MapMyFitness, I will be motivated and disciplined to start being more active.

Soon, I plan on sharing what I have learned regarding vitamins and what my vitamin strategy is going to be for starters.

Thanks for letting me share my journey to become healthier! May you too be motivated to get in shape, eat healthier, and just be positive.

Love - Friendship, Romance, Unconditional, Affectionate - Love

Blue sky, white clouds, sunshine, and rain drops

Drops fall from the sky as birds and children play

Play we must in God’s beautiful world

World full of inspiration and love

Love to share with friends and that special one

One that makes the heart skip a beat

Beat that keeps us going day by day

Days seem to pass more quickly as I think

Think of you holding me tight

Tight in your arms supporting and providing

Providing unending love from the Father

Love a reverberating theme in life this year and something that weighs heavily on me. Saturday prior to Palm Sunday, I attended a Lenten retreat focused on Love. Then this past week as I read Living Faith Daily Catholic Devotions and listen to the homily at mass Sunday and Monday, I am reminded of God’s love and God’s command that we love one another (John 15:17).

My faith and focus on God’s love and serving others has been a struggle over the past several years. I left a very strong faith community and set of friends to pursue a new avenue in life. During this time, I pulled away from spending time and focusing on the reflection and truth of my Christian faith. School and work became a priority over my own personal life and reflection. These included supporting and helping others but maybe not always in a positive Christian mindset.

Therefore now I seek to turn things around and to once again focus on the uplifting positive fellowship and community, to take time to stop and listen to what God is saying, to focus on the positives of life, to continue sharing and guiding others but with a more positive outlook on life and focus on God.

Themes of the past few days…

We are called to serve. The one thing I missed most about this past academic year was not being able to join students in their Spring Break mission trip, to watch them experience life changing adventures, to be humbled by those we serve and the students serving, to be touched once again by God’s love for all mankind.

“If the world hates you, realize that it hated me first.” ~John 15:18

This definitely struck accord and not only reminded me that everything in life is not smooth sailing and without pain, but also we have to be strong and not bend down to others levels of ridicule, hatred, and dishonesty. Instead, we are to stand strong smile and continue forward with a positive, hope filled direction in life. This can be very hard to follow and live out.

“Four Loves” by C.S. Lewis reviews love in four categories.

Storge (Affection), Philia (Friendship), Eros (Romance), and Agape (Unconditional Love)

Sunday’s homily and a presentation at retreat both did an amazing job of reflecting on these 4 loves.

The Lord has agape love for us as He sent is only son to die for us on the cross. We are challenged to share God’s love with those around us. Sometimes this is as easy as sharing a smile and hello, but other times it is much harder to share when we are torn down, ridiculed, warn out, or even hated for kindness and generosity.

‘Soaking in the Joy’ exactly what has been missing in my life the past few years, I try to live life and provide for others but lacking the time to stop and really enjoy the joys of life became a burden. It has been amazing the change in my life now that I do not work 24-7, that I stop to reflect and just be, to enjoy nature and time away from the TV and propaganda that life throws at us constantly. I feel that life is changing and that my outlook is improving and that truly God has something even greater in store for me.

Thanks to all of you for your continued positive influence in my life!

Healthier Living: Take 4

Week 4 -- 210.8 pounds (Tuesday)
Week 3 -- 211.2 pounds
Week 2 -- 210.8 pounds
Week 1 -- 211.4 pounds

The weekend did not prove to be good for me in terms of healthy living and this week is not on the up and up. No crazy stories for this weekend in terms of working out. I did wash my car Saturday morning but that was about the crux of my exercise for the week.

Healthier Living: Take 3

Week 3 -- 211.2 pounds
Week 2 -- 210.8 pounds
Week 1 -- 211.4 pounds

Monday morning was not a good weigh-in though Tuesday and Wednesday have been much more encouraging. We will see if I can maintain the potential loss until next week. Next week, I will have to weigh-in on Tuesday as I will be out of town Monday morning.

What a weekend for getting exercise....
Saturday turned out to be a very humid morning but a nice day for a long walk pushing a dual side-by-side stroller around the park and then down the street. The goal was to go for a walk and then bring the 11 month twin boys back for their nap. E had other ideas as he fell asleep long before 10 am and his brother P also proceeded to fall asleep prior to 10 am. By about 10 am, we had completed 2 laps of the park, approximately 2 miles. In order for them to continue napping instead of waking up and screaming, it was determined that a walking nap would be best. Therefore, I continued to walk another 2 laps around the park and then down the street in and out of all the little cubbies. The result was a nearly 6 mile walk in an 1:47 mins with a couple breaks for water. By the time, we got back to the house they were both awake and ready for a diaper change.

Sunday was another day of autocrossing, and I mapped a bit of my walking around the course in the morning and in between heats about 2 miles. It did not include all the other walking around that I did for the day.

The weekend also included experimenting with an app on my phone called mapMyFitness. It ties into my company's healthy living program called Power of Vitality. I just linked the two accounts up tonight and am not sure if the workouts are now synced to provide me points in Vitality or not. We will see what happens. I was fairly impressed with the apps ability to track my movements and provide some information regarding mileage, time, and calories burned.

Power of Vitality -- What is it?
Here is a blurb from the Vitality website and I will create another blog entry soon regarding some of its benefits and what I have done thus far.

"Vitality is a comprehensive, interactive and personalized wellness program that makes it easy for you to live your healthiest life! The program helps you improve or maintain your health by giving you the knowledge and tools to establish and meet your health goals. When you participate in healthy activities, you'll feel great and you'll also earn Vitality Points."

I apologize for this posting being late. I actually was out the previous two nights doing church activities until a bit late. Enjoy this update and the next Healthier Living update will not be around until at least Tuesday as I will be out of town Monday.

His Way Is Best

“Many are the plans in a man’s heart but it is the Lord’s purpose that prevails.”

            -- Proverbs 19:21

Many of us had a plan, dream for our lives from a very young age. I am definitely no different. Over the years, God has shown me that He is in control and He has a plan. The question is do I stop to listen and trust him or do I continue to try to interfere with His plan and not believe.

For the past several years, I have not fully stopped to listen to His calling in my life. The rush to get something done, to make someone happy, to not fill overburdened, to succeed and not fail, to make a difference, to please others, and more has consumed my life but to what failings in my own life. Therefore, the focus of the months ahead is to re-center my life around Christ. The joys of past come from the times spent with friends, students, and colleagues in dialogue, reflection, and service for Him, not from the endless hours of work, the pettiness, or trying to be successful. Our society puts so much focus on work, consistent availability, immediacy, and fails to see the destruction of everyday life, health, and relationships.

Relationships are very important in my life. Friends and family mean a lot to me, and I try to show my love and support through little things like cards, notes, and fellowship. Relationships are also one of the biggest struggles and burdens in my life or lack of them. Over the years, I have had many plans for my life mainly to find a wonderful loving man to share my life and a family. The question is not is a family in God’s plan but how do I stop and listen to God to have the peace about this direction.

With the desire for a family comes another burden and one that is hard for me to talk about, I think it is hard because it revolves around the having of children and is an odd topic for a single person to discuss. Over the years, I have followed friends who have struggled with pregnancy and am so inspired by their faith and perseverance. I seek to share my struggles with fertility that does not only affect my future ability to have children with a caring, supportive husband, but more importantly my overall health today.

A couple years ago, I was finally officially diagnosed with PCOS (Polycystic Ovary Syndrome) though I have been dealing with it since college but ignoring the signs without anyone confirming that was the problem. In the past several years, additional research and knowledge about PCOS has come out which lead to the official diagnosis a couple years ago. Past hormone and thyroid tests were not clearly showing that I had PCOS but more recently they have realized the association of PCOS with high insulin levels, not glucose but more the insulin to glucose ratio.

“PCOS is a complex hormonal disorder most often characterized by elevated levels of insulin, LH, and androgen (“male hormones”), all of which contribute to the dysfunction of the ovaries.”  (Shannon 2009 p. 112) The high insulin and insulin resistance association with PCOS causes abdominal obesity, Type-2 (non-insulin dependent) diabetes, and high cholesterol. PCOS also leads to hirsutism (a masculine pattern of body hair) and of course fertility related issues.

Therefore, you can see from the effects of PCOS that reading and learning more about fertility and nutrition can assist with not only fertility but also general health and future living.

Books reading…

“Fertility, Cycles, and Nutrition” by Marilyn M Shannon (2009)

“The Fertility Diet” by Jorge E. Chavarro and Walter C. Willet (2008)

The first book’s chapter on PCOS led me to the second book. The books represent a balanced approach to dieting and healthier living. “The Fertility Diet” talks about the smooth and sustainable transition and the overall benefits not only to fertility but general healthier living. I have finished “The Fertility Diet” and am going back and reading some other chapters in the “Fertility, Cycles, and Nutrition” book.

As mentioned, I have made a few modifications but nothing drastic. Still reading through the materials and thinking about a gentle but effective plan of attack. As I move forward, I will start sharing some of the changes and reasons because I found some of it fascinating and also somewhat common sense.

He has a plan for your life and mine. May we stop to listen and follow His direction.

Thanks for your support, faith, and sharing!

Healthier Living: Take 2

Week 2 -- 210.8 pounds
Week 1 -- 211.4 pounds

The week went well and I am glad to report that from my last doctors visit in October to the one this past week, I had maintained weight instead of staying on the continued progression upwards occurring since returning back to Kentucky in Fall 2010.

Walking at work with a co-worker is unfortunately coming to a stop for awhile but maybe I can motivate myself to work something else out.

Louisville Derby Mini-Marathon - No I did not participate but my friend PC did. She did a great job and while she ran 13.1 miles, I did accomplish walking about 5 miles that morning. We also had a nice walk on Friday afternoon.

Sunday was autocross day. I did quite a bit of walking around then as well. I need to take my pedometer with me to track my movements and how many miles I walk.

Though no distinctive diet changes, I am being more conscious of what I eat and the amount I eat. I finished one of the books last night and now plan on trying to put together a plan for slow, steady, but noticeable changes into my diet and routine.

Healthier living is not all about the food nutrition and physical activity, but also encompasses our self outlook, spiritual well being, career, and other components of life. All areas of life that I also need work and have been slowly making changes.

Spiritual life is one of those big areas that has fallen aside in the past 5 years and something I am really trying to change by more involvement at my new church home. Today, I made another step in that direction talking to the youth minister about getting more young adult ministry going at church and also assisting with the youth. The conversation provided positive direction and hopes for the future. I ask that you join me in prayer to discern the role God is calling me in this area and how those interested can work to provide the faith community the needed spiritual guidance and support.

Healthier Living: Take 1

Mondays are going to be the day to check in on my weight and progress of healthier living. There is a lot more to come on this, but it is necessary to start now to gain some momentum and motivation.

Before the Fall of 2010, my health was improving. Thanks to some great folks and motivation in Franklin, I had lost 15 to 20 pounds. Unfortunately, I am sad to report that those loss pounds plus have been gained. Additionally, my activity level has decreased significantly, which does not help in maintaining or losing weight. With some proper motivation, things are turning around hopefully, and healthier eating and more physical activity is to come soon. To keep me honest, I will share with you my journey and potential more information of my struggles.

I will try to be consistent in weighing in each Monday morning and posting later that night about where I am.

Week 1 -- 211.4 pounds (Scale in Apartment)
Wednesday we will learn more about how much I have gained since moving back to Kentucky. In October, I had gain 18 pounds from my first visit to the same doctor.

A co-worker and I have scheduled 15-30 mins each day to walk around the building. We have not made it every day but I believe she is motivated and so am I.

I am reading a couple books at the moment to figure out what I really need to do in terms of eating to become healthier. I have already made a few changes based on their suggestions and will be making more. Though not certain, I do believe it is making a difference. More on this will hopefully come in the near future.

Goals
Lose 60 pounds - No worries I will not try to do this overnight but steadily, starting with 15 pounds.
Run a 5K Race followed eventually by a mini-marathon -- The mini has been a goal ever since college.
General physical fitness
Create an eating plan that is sustainable and liveable

Life's Journey

Each morning, God blesses me with the opportunity to wake and live another day. The fleeting days pass moment by moment full of hopes, fears, dreams, realizations, happiness, sadness, and so much more. He never said it would be easy but promised it would never be more than we can handle.

Over the years, friends have shared on their blogs the good times, the rough times, the struggles of life. Their encouragement, sharing, and faith keeps me motivated, focused, thinking, and surrounded with wonderful people. I pray that my sharing can offer each of you some of these things as well.

First a reflection back to the beginning of this blog…
 8.5 years ago friends, especially CV and AW now AP, were very much into blogging and encouraged me to create a site. Therefore, the Analysis of Life blog was created. For privacy and other reasons, I selected a pseudonym for posting, BeNotAfraid.

BeNotAfraid has a lot of significance in my life. My maternal grandmother (Woo-Woo) passed away spring of 1992, when I was an 8th grader. She and I plus my grandfather (Paw-Paw) were very close. They both had a pure joy and love for Christ and those around them. Woo-Woo had her whole funeral arrangements planned, and I will never forget two of the songs she had On Eagles Wings and Be Not Afraid. She loved to sing and play the organ. She was buried in her choir robe with the Glory and Praise Hymnal open to On Eagles Wings, if I am not mistaken.

It’s amazing how much the song, Be Not Afraid, impacted not only my life but other’s in my family. Most of you know that I lost my youngest maternal aunt last summer, 2011. Mom called to ask if I would be willing to read at the funeral, which I agreed. I also had one other request that Be Not Afraid be song at the funeral as my aunt too loved music and was in the choir. Apparently, I was not the only niece to make this request, and it had been put into the funeral arrangements.

Additionally, the following verse from Psalm 27 has also become my anchor and keeps me going through it all.

The Lord is my light and my salvation whom do I fear? 

The Lord is my life’s refuge; of who am I afraid? 

(Psalm 27:1) 

I turn to this verse so very often in my life to remind me that God is with me. It is even engraved in the inside of my college ring for constant reminder of the Lord’s love and encouragement. 

Why Analysis of Life? 

 It really speaks for itself, if you know me very well especially 8 plus years ago. My mind to others does nothing by analyze anything and everything that is happening in my world for good or for bad. I often break down every little detail trying to understand its meaning and effect on life. Therefore, Analysis of Life seemed to be very appropriate.

Hello Out There, Anyone There .... The Ride Begins Again, Jump On

Life is unpredictable and full of twists and turns. Additionally, it often times pulls me away from writing and reflecting on life and so many other things. A year and a half later almost, I decide to pick up writing, reflecting, and sharing once again. I know many have disappeared from the roller coaster of a ride my blog provides and no I cannot promise any more than in the past to be consistent and keep things going. I encourage you to come along for the ride and hopefully it will not be as bumpy or stalled as in the past.  

Where am I…
- On a new path that focuses more on providing my soul and life the balance it seeks.
- Seeking ways to share my love of God and others through work, church, fellowship, community, and other activities.
- Finding opportunities to provide service to those who are in need of love and caring support.
- Discovering ways to share my faith, leadership, and cultural awareness with others young and old alike.
- Focusing on my health to find a balanced diet and nutrition plan and to become physically fit.  

Goals…
- Develop a healthy balanced intake of food and vitamins to counter internal body issues and lose weight.
- Become more physical active and fit by enjoying the outdoors and the creation that God has made.
- Refocus on what really matters my faith in the loving Lord and His intentions for all aspects of my life.
- Reach out to friends and family and letting them know how much they mean to me.
- Minimize the watching of TV and movies.
- Reading and writing about leadership, faith, culture, and more.

Support & Encouragement…
So many of you have and continue to make a difference in my life, THANK YOU!
- Your strength to continue on through trying times.
- Your perseverance and dedication to training and being physically fit.
- Your faith in God and sharing of that faith.
- Your witness as followers of Christ and serving others.
- The friendship you provide and the opportunities to share in your journeys.

Prayer Requests…
  - The strength to persevere and find a diet that will benefit me and provide the nutrients to straighten out my body.
- The encouragement to start slow and steadily work towards greater physical fitness and loss of weight.
- The power to stand strong and take ahold of my faith and share my love of God with others.
- The inspiration to step out of my comfort zone and to seek and participate in opportunities to share my talents with young and old alike within the church.
- The patience and ears to listen to God’s calling in my personal and vocational life.

Thanks for taking the time to read the start of this new roller coaster in life! It is great to be back and I hope you stick around.

Our Journey this New Year beginning with Advent!

Thanks to my friend, KB! My inspiration from this morning to write a post about the new liturgical year is going to come to fruition.

May God’s blessings be with each of us as we begin this new yearly journey of faith. As the Advent season begins, our journey of faith and understanding of Christ’s love will hopefully continue to deepen, but more importantly our actions and thoughts will be re-centered and focused towards being true disciples of Christ.

How can we be true disciples of Christ? How do we need to change to show God’s love to others?

These are not easy questions to answer more less follow. How many times do you find yourself thinking negative thoughts or putting someone else down in your thoughts or spoken words? How often do you get frustrated at a co-worker, student, bystander, or family member? Are there people that you struggle to be around because they have hurt someone else or you, they don’t seem to want to help themselves, or some other reason? Does your face show frustration and stress or does it show love and care?

What other questions do we need to ask ourselves in order to discern our true discipleship and calling?

How can you develop and continue to grow in God’s love and be a beacon of Christian light this Advent season forward?

My new journey of faith and Christian living will hopefully include the following:
- Stopping to reflect and spend more time with God and spend more time in personal reflection.
- Seeking opportunities to learn, pray, and be present with our Lord.
- Smile and replace negative thoughts and comments with positive ones.
- Spend time with family and friends.
- Share in the joys and losses of family and friends.
- Send notes and stay in better communication with friends and family.

What will you do to celebrate and reset your faith journey for the new year?

God’s blessings be with you this new liturgical year and Advent season.

"10 Surprising Things About Me"

My friend tagged me in her "10 Surprising Things about Me" so here goes nothing.

1. Did someone say dance? Yes though my abilities are not evident, I took dance classes for 10 years starting at the age of 3 through 7th grade. Classes included 10 years of tap and ballet, 1 year of ballet toe, and a couple years of jazz.

2. On the same subject, I also spent most childhood summers in summer acrobatics and trampoline classes. I even helped teach classes in my latter years. You might can get me to attempt a cartwheel or a wall stand, but that is about all.

3. Skiing, no...not snow skiing, but water skiing. Summers were spent out on Lake Barkley in Kentucky, water skiing, slalom skiing, knee boarding, and ski bobbing. (Ski bobs were not quite as nice 15 years ago, but there is an example of one.) Sadly the last time I was at the lake was just over 10 years ago in August 2000. By the way, I have never been snow skiing.

4. A 'C' for Conduct...yes a 'C' does appear on my first grade report card. Apparently, I was a talker in first grade. I wouldn't believe it myself if it wasn't written on the report card because I was a very shy, quiet, introverted child.

5. Perfect Attendance for all four years in high school and only need two hands to count all days absent from kindergarten through twelfth grade. Absences include: Kindergarten -- 5 days for chickenpox, 1 day sent home after getting ill during the morning Pledge of Allegiance; 4th Grade -- 2 days for the flu; 6th Grade - Sent home one day with 103 degree fever in tears not wanting to miss school; 8th Grade - Grandmother's funeral. I loved school and did not want to miss a day.

6. 10K...No not 10 carat gold, but a 10K race. I competed in and completed the Bowling Green 10K Classic in Fall 1992 as a 9th grader. At the time, I had never ran 6.2 miles in one setting and was thrilled to finish the race in less than 1 hour and defeat a fellow St Mary's cross-country runner. Goal is to not only run a 10K again but to complete a half-marathon.

7. Not once but twice won awards for artistic/creative designs. The jest of the two winnings are: Non-Smoking poster contest in 3rd grade and Air Products Safety Calendar contest, not sure age.

8. Enjoy writing my own unique style of poetry or at least my version of poetry.

9. Depending on how long you have known me it may surprise you to know that my hair is naturally curly now or that it use to be so straight that even after an attempted perm my hair was straight as a child. (Look for a new post discussing this more soon.)

10. Have pictures of myself inside a tree in three different countries: Australia, Ghana, and the United States of America.

Wow...I hope you learned some new and surprising things about me. Thanks kasclar for helping me think of unique/surprising things about myself.

Now I would love to learn something surprising about you so tag it is your turn.
Chris at Digital Wilderness
Ashlee at Clay Woman

Accomplishments !!!

Normalcy may be returning to life as things are starting to get accomplished and good things are happening in life. Or maybe things have just come to a must and therefore are being accomplished. Either way it feels good to see things coming off the list and working.

July 24, 2009: The loss of the desktop computer, data, and more.
September 28, 2010: Finally purchased a new computer, Fujitsu AH530 LifeBook

September 21, 2010: New replacement Samsung Solstice Arrives
During Thanksgiving break of 2009, I finally upgraded my phone and got the Samsung Solstice touchscreen phone. By at least June, the touchscreen was not working properly. By August, the whole left bottom corner was not working properly. Every time you hit the corner the resulting action was whatever was to right of the tap. I could no longer dial any numbers that were not already in the contacts. Resulting in actually having to pull out the old Razr until the new phone arrived.

September 11, 2010: New Tires on the Car (Definitely a Necessity see previous post)
The car has received it's fourth set of tires over 7.5 years of life. The last set just couldn't make it through the last two autocross events of the 2010 Season. The new tires may get broken in this weekend in Lexington at Applebees if interested in checking it out.

Health Update:
Though I have not been walking daily nor eating the most healthiest meals, it apparently is not all bad as my cholesterol results came in today and overall cholesterol was down 49 pts, LDL 62 pts, ration 2.4. Now HDL was also down 8 not a good thing and Triglycerides up 104. Triglycerides is probably due to the fried and sugary foods that I have been eating in excess. Not sure the status of the weight, since I do not have my usual scale nor a scale at all. I was disappointed to only be down about 6 lbs since I saw the same doctor in Louisville about 4.5 years ago.

Now off to the next set of adventures and accomplishments in life. Hope to see you on the way.

Running from Cars and Tire Destruction

Sunday started off as a wonderful day for an autocross. The sky was blue with no clouds in the air and the temperature was great. The course was full of elements and I was hopeful for a great day.

The first few hours were spent out on course to put cones back after being struck. The view from course really helps one assess their future movements in the car themselves. Corner work included scurrying for ones life not once but twice. A couple vehicles got a bit unbalanced coming through the second time resulting in a spin towards the workers and light pole. We were all up and aware of our surroundings and no one or vehicles were hurt in the process. Apparently we looked like very slow ants scurrying and we surely felt like slow ants moving from the spinning vehicles.

After a break, it was our turn to run the course. The course was great and I really was on top of my game. Unfortunately, I only got three of my five runs due to a gash in the side of the tire. It was about quarter size after the second run. After the third run it was about 2 inches of separation. Therefore I decided to call it a day and thanks to some fellow competitors, I changed it over to the donut and headed home.

Here is a picture from my phone of the tire:

3 Days, 3 Cities, 3 Major League Ballparks---1 Week, 4 Major League Ballparks, Many Miles by Car & Train

3 Days, 3 Cities, 3 Ballparks

#1 -- Miller Park, Milwaukee, WI June 29th, 2010
Houston Astros vs Milwaukee Brewers 5-7
Game: 5 Home Runs made this an exciting game to watch.
Park: A very nice park but not a fan of the dome and the very closed in nature of the park. I was very thankful that it was nice actually a bit chilly by nights end that the dome was open. I am not a fan of domed outdoor sports facilities. The sport was created for outdoor recreation, not indoor play.

#2 -- Wrigley Field, Chicago, IL June 30th, 2010
Pittsburgh Pirates vs Chicago Cubs 2-0
Game: A very slow game with little action, probably in terms of performance the least favorite of all games.
Park: Top notch, I love the fact that Wrigley is still a traditional old style ballpark. The green wall and the old manual scoreboard makes this a great place to watch a game. It is also very open and the skyline is nice in outfield.

#3 -- Target Field, Minneapolis, MN July 1st, 2010
Tampa Bay Rays vs Minnesota Twins 5-4
Game: An exciting game that went into an extra inning before Tampa Bay pulled off the victory in the 10th.
Park: Another nice park with a wonderful view of the skyline and open feeling. We even got to watch the extra inning from the lower section thanks to PC's friends of friends.

#4 -- US Cellular Field, Chicago, IL July 5th, 2010
Los Angeles Angels vs Chicago White Sox 2-9
Game: 4 Home Runs and some exciting plays made this a great game to watch.
Park: A nice park but don't try to go to a level in which your seat is not. There is not wandering around besides the level in which you are assigned. We were able to talk them into letting us to the gift shop on the first level. We enjoyed a little walk around before heading to our actual seats in the upper level. Again, I enjoyed the openness of the ballpark. You could see the train drive by in the background and parts of the city.

The 1 week baseball adventure and so what are my thoughts on baseball now...How can I make it to another ballpark and another game? I loved it and knew that when at game three in Minneapolis that I was in trouble. I started asking myself then how could I get to another game and where. I was working through ideas to go to Atlanta and St Louis before the end of the season, but the whole starting a new job and moving was causing havoc in the plans. Though do not despair, I have not fully given up on the idea. St Louis, Labor Day weekend, anyone interested?

#5 (or #1 for the season) -- Great American Ball Park, Cincinnati, OH May 15, 2010
St. Louis Cardinals vs Cincinnati Reds 3-4
Game: A well played game with some very close calls and a great finish for Reds fans. A disappointing conclusion for Cardinals fans but overall a great game to watch. It was a great way to start the baseball summer adventures off with some great company, CV and KP.
Park: A great view of the Ohio River and Northern Kentucky makes this a very nice park to enjoy a game. It is fun watching the steamboats and barges go up and down the river and enjoy the openness of the ballpark.

St Louis - Sunday of Labor Day weekend, interested???? Cardinals vs Reds

I hope you enjoy the adventures and the pictures.

Baseball Adventures & Goal

Over the past few years, I have been able to experience a couple different Major League Baseball parks. During this time, I decided that it would be fun to try to hit all the Major League Baseball Parks, especially the legendary ones. Therefore this summers vacation became a baseball adventure thanks to my friend PC for joining in on the fun.

It all started with a wedding in Minneapolis, MN. Not wanting to just drive or fly to Minneapolis and see very little, I kept trying to find someone to go along and something fun to do on the way, when finally it hit me. To get to Minneapolis via car, you need to go through Chicago where two Major League teams play and there is another in the Twin Cities. I then knew just the person who would probably be willing to join me on this adventure and who had friends in Minneapolis. Thankfully, she was a willing participant and the plans developed from there. She even suggested adding another ballpark.

Our adventure started on July 29th in Indiana and ended on July 6th me back in Indiana and her in Chicago for a few more days of fun. We hit three ballparks in three days in three cities. More in the next post.

New Adventures & Back to Kentucky

Six weeks ago, another new segment of life began. As most of you know on July 12, I started a new job back in Kentucky. I now work at Bellarmine University in Louisville, KY as Residence Life Coordinator in the Department of Residence Life and Housing.

Bellarmine University is celebrating their 60th Anniversary as an Independent Catholic Institution. The opportunities abound here and I am looking forward to the learning and educating of others.

My position consists of supporting three residence halls on the top of the hill by the Chapel. I have 10 Resident Assistants who support me in my efforts throughout the three buildings. In addition, I work 12 hours a week in the Student Activities Office with Registered Student Organizations and their financials. I live on campus in a nice two bedroom apartment overlooking the Chapel. These are only the start of many things that I will do and be involved in during my time at Bellarmine.

The semester is officially underway and training has concluded. Normalcy should soon follow and hopefully that will lead to more opportunities to blog and share with you. Though I look to get involved at the same time, I hope to take time out for you and my other friends and family.