Healthier Living: Take 15

Week 15 -- 207.6 pounds
Week 14 -- 206.2 pounds
......
Week 1 -- 211.4 pounds

A rough week in many ways plus a bit of late night Wedding celebrations on Saturday night lead to a slight gain this week.

Saturday was spent cleaning the inside and outside of the car. Amazing how shiny the car is when it is not covered in months of dirt. Sunday & Monday, my arms definitely felt the car cleaning.

Sunday was another day out autocrossing and a couple miles of walking the course.

Exciting things to come this week.

Saturday Smiles, Tres

What has made you smile this week, made you think differently, inspired you, motivated you, .....?

Welcome to edition tres of Saturday Smiles....Thanks again to my friend, Journal of a Nobody, for challenging me and others to think about God's presence each week in our lives and how it makes us smile and more.

#1
The youth minister and a few of the youth spent 12 days in Guatemala serving God and others. The pictures and smiles on their faces mean so much. Also, my thoughts run wild on the experiences these young folks had and how it has changed their lives forever. I cannot wait to hear their stories and experiences. I pray for God's continued guidance and spirit in their lives as they transition back to the US society. More to come on serving and missions and the impact it has on so many.

#2
The opportunity to catch up with a long time friend on the phone and looking forward to additional time to spend with one another and enjoying what life has to offer.

#3
Receipt of a postcard from a great friend who took me under her wings in my many moves of recent. The beautiful picture and the heartfelt love she has shared with me is priceless.

#4
Though I need very little, my friend is purging her collection of African artifacts and I just could not help myself but snap up a few pieces. They will be a great addition to my collection of international artifacts plus the money goes towards a good cause for them. Restraint though hard was accomplished on an item or two.

#5
Stepping away from all of life to listen and watch the thunderstorm roll by and the rain come down. As I was, my upstairs neighbors son came out stuck his hand over the balcony. He returned into the apartment to tell his father that its raining but still 100 degrees outside. All so very true. It made me chuckle.


Please share you Saturday Smiles and Blessings...

Healthier Living: Take 14

Week 14 -- 206.2 pounds
Week 13 -- 208.4 pounds
Week 12 -- 208.0 pounds
Week 11 -- 207.4 pounds
Week 10 -- 208.4 pounds
......
Week 1 -- 211.4 pounds

Monday morning was an exciting day as I was down 2+ pounds from last week. Not sure that after today, I will still be down come Monday, but it is definitely progress.

The exercise regime still is on the lax. Saturday, I did a lot of house cleaning which does take work and sweat. Sunday was another day of racing and 3+ miles of walking around the course plus more.

There is new motivation as I am going to a Black Tie event come mid-September. I actually know what I would love to be able to wear, but I really doubt that will happen. The last time I wore that dress I was a good 70 pounds lighter. But maybe, it will motivate me to try a bit harder to lose some weight and get in shape. I will start again once I return from another bit of traveling this week and weekend.

Saturday Smiles

What has made you smile this week, Brought you closer to God, Made you step back and appreciate the wanders around you?

To follow up on my post from Wednesday, here is an actual Saturday posting of Saturday smiles. Enjoy, post your Saturday Smiles reflection, or link to your own Saturday Smiles blog post!

#1
The thought of the youth and others from my church over in Guatemala serving others and spreading God's love and care to so many. Looking forward to hearing about the journey and transitions that occurred in each and everyone of their lives. Praying for their safe return this weekend.

#2
The skyline Thursday night as I drove from Lexington to Louisville. The magnificence of nature is astounding. There was a large partial rainbow at Midway. The sun was setting to the west and just shown above all the way, scattered through the clouds, and chaos of the sky. The sideways lightning through the sky was just mesmerizing and beautiful at the same time. (Might try to post some pics.)

#3
Spending time with car club folks, even though few, and the protection received to not end up in any of the bad weather on Thursday night driving.

#4
The delight in the messages and posts of a couple who have been apart due to jobs being temporarily reunited. Their faith and love is inspiring to so many :-) May they have a joyful and relaxing time with one another.

Look forward to hearing about your weekly smiles.

Check out a Journal of a Nobody, Saturday Smiles no. 3.

Saturday Smiles Of Yesteryear

A few weeks ago a friend posted on her blog (Journal of a Nobody) about being more aware focused on how one feels close to God within a week. She then started a weekly blog post called Saturday Smiles and asked her followers to share their Saturday Smiles with others. Here is my Saturday Smiles of Yesteryear, since I have been thinking about it for 2.5 weeks. I will post from the previous 2 weeks saving this week hopefully for a post this coming Saturday.

Where have I seen and felt God the previous couple of weeks? How has He made me smile and brightened my day?

#1
After writing Listening to God's Plan, I contacted some of my closest friends and asked them specifically to help me on the future journey. God's love shined through them as they responded and touched my heart so deeply. One or two almost brought me to tears. The love my friends have for God is so amazing and their support of me and my life's journey is amazing.

#2
Friends make me smile though at times I get frustrated in their lack of response or feel that maybe I have pushed them away. But then an email arrives in my inbox and I seem to forget about the frustrations or worries of possibly driving them away. A smile fills my heart and I again know why I care.

#3
Spending a morning on the beach in the gulf. Though I really don't know what people see about spending a whole week at the beach, I will admit that I enjoyed spending Friday morning on the beach. We walked from our hotel room to the state park across the street. The walk, the laying on the beach briefly, watching the crab come out of his little hole in the sand, just laying in the water or trying to catch the wave made for an enjoyable relaxing morning. It was time for quietness and reflection on life, family, future, and more.

#4
Watching one of my youngest cousin's get married on the beach. Definitely a different experience but amazing to see his smile and witness a wonderful occasion though I missed the dolphins swimming by in the background. The bride's father provided a blessing to start the wedding off which was really sweet. (My memory is bad so this is not a great rendition but my best attempt.) He talked about how there is Christ and helping others, the couple, and then self. It was very nice.

#5
Experiencing things and conversations with family. Another cousin and I had more conversation Thursday and Friday than I believe we have had combined in the past 5 years and not because we have not seen one another. There seems to be very little conversation at family gatherings and it is not that we do not have things in common. We are only 4 months apart and both work in the same field, currently. But again it was nice to talk and share with him. And we get to do all of this again in a couple weeks.

Please share your Saturday Smiles here or like me post a comment and link to your own Saturday Smiles post. Thanks for making me smile!

Healthier Living: Take 12 & 13 Plus Vitamin Update

Week 13 -- 208.4 pounds
Week 12 -- 208.0 pounds
Week 11 -- 207.4 pounds
Week 10 -- 208.4 pounds
......
Week 1 -- 211.4 pounds

I apologize for the delay in any recent posts. I did not get last week's post done before leaving for a very brief vacation the end of the week and weekend.

As you see, things have not been moving in the downward direction but that is okay. The lack of exercise and not so hot eating habits have contributed.

Week 12 - Thursday evening was nice for a short walk to take the trash out and around a portion of the neighborhood. Sunday was another day of autocross and some course walking. It was also an extremely hot day that zapped you of all of your energy.

Week 13 - Friday spent about 4 hours in the gulf or on the beach. Saturday spend the day shopping at the outlet malls. Both being some nice exercise.

Vitamin Regimen Changes
Finally found some vanadium at the Vitamin Shoppe to go with the Magnesium and Chromium.
The multi-vitamin has a respective amount of Chromium already in it. The 250 morning Magnesium was moved to the evening to take with the 25 mg of vanadium and the other 250 Magnesium.

Also bought some B1 and added 250 mg to the morning regimen. Still patiently waiting to see how the vitamins overall effect my body. I really need to get back into the routine of taking my morning basal temps to see if I am actually ovulating or not. And to also see if there is any changes on a regular pattern as it has been since early April, since I cycled and that was medicine induced.

Anyone have suggestions on getting the necessary Flax Oil/Omega 3? I have liquid but some mornings, I just don't feel like stomaching it. It doesn't taste bad but just different enough. Flax capsules, you have to take a zillion to get what is in one tablespoon of liquid.

Healthier Living: Take 11

Week 11 -- 207.4 pounds
Week 10 -- 208.4 pounds
......
Week 1 -- 211.4 pounds

Wow, it is hard to believe that I started tracking this over 11 weeks ago and though I have lost some weight, I have not done great. The lack of exercise the past several weeks and the extra food is probably causing most of that.

A co-worker and I did walk two days last week before the scorching heat set in here in the midwest. That exercise constituted all the exercise for the week.

The extreme heat is definitely not going to help motivate me to get out anytime soon.

For many reasons, I will not be running a 5K on the 4th of July as initially hoping. Instead, I plan to go to the drive-in Tuesday night to watch 'The Amazing Spiderman' and 'Abraham Lincoln: Vampire Hunter'. I might try to figure out how to watch Madagascar instead for the second movie, but we will see what happens.

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!