Healthier Living: Take 19

Week 19 -- 204.0 pounds
Week 18 -- 203.4 pounds
Week 17 -- 205.0 pounds
......
Week 1 -- 211.4 pounds

Not 1, Not 2, but 3 nights of about a mile jog plus a mile of walking accompanied with two days of 1/2 hour walks with my co-worker, Saturday apartment cleaning, and Sunday's autocross adventures, I believe it was a fairly productive week on the exercise front especially since the end of the week got a bit too warm again.

Though not scientific or based on tested facts, I do believe that the vitamin regimen is helping from just visible signs with this menstruation though a medicine induced menstruation period since it had been almost 4 months since the last one. Hopefully, this will be the last little kick start my body needs to become regular again.

In addition, I am trying to remember to start taking my waking temperatures and charting my cycles again. I have noticed my temperatures are starting higher than they were a couple years ago. I might be able to actually use the chart temps instead of changing them to lower temps. I will let you know how this goes.

Vitamin Update Plus
I decided to change things up a little bit and add some more dosages of things based on the suggestions. I tried to condense/minimize the number of pills but do not believe it was successful. I looked at B-Complex vitamins for example but their was not one that seemed to provide all that was needed. Here is the new regimen starting today:

Morning
Complete Prenatal (w/lots of vitamins & minerals)
B-1 500 mg
B-6 200 mg
B-12 500 mcg
Vitamin C 500 mg
Vitamin E 200 IU
Fish Oil: Omega-3 600 mg; EPA 324 mg; DHA 216 MG
   or Flax Oil: Omega-3 7700 mg; Omega-6 2240 mg; Omega-9 2520 mg
Metformin 500 mg
Spironolactone 100 mg

Evening
Complete Prenatal (w/lots of vitamins & minerals)
B-6 200 mg
B-12 1000 mg
Vitamin C 1000 IU
Vitamin D3 2000 IU
Magnesium Citrate 400 mg
Vanadyl Sulfate 20mg

Before Bed
Melatonin 6 mg

During the Day
Attempt to drink at least one if not 2 glasses of hot green tea.

Saturday Smiles Siete

What has made you smile this past week or touched your life in a remarkable way? Not one but three things make me smile this week and know that God has a purpose for my life. (Challenges/Patiences in Understanding God's Purpose...a possible future post)

Youth, Leadership, & Christ
Last Saturday, I spent my day (12 hours plus) at church with the youth leadership team. Though a tiring day, one could not have asked for a better experience and beginning to a new year of youth leadership. As I continue to hear feedback from my sessions and how the youth are using their True Colors, it makes me smile. Additionally, the opportunity to share my passion and love for leadership and Christ with youth and adults alike makes me smile.

Just today, I received an email that the youth are talking about the concepts and how it applies to them leading a group and interacting with others. I pray that we can maintain this momentum and continue to provide them opportunities to improve and use their skills throughout the coming year.

Casual Conversations & Unknown Impacts
Two Saturday's ago while visiting my friend and enjoying a walk with the twins, our discussion lead me to talk about the distractions of our lives and how we do not take the time out to remove ourselves from these distractions and recenter our lives. Then on Sunday night, I began to read her post on Catholic Sistas totally oblivious to the fact she was speaking about me as that friend. Then later that night, she shared with me that her blog post was picked up by Big Pulpit whose purpose is to "...deliver the very best in punditry on the Catholic Church." (from their website). Wow, who knew a little conversation would touch so many lives. I wish my writing was as prolific as hers to share more about this and related topics.

Young Professionals
Not sure if it has been mentioned here before or not, but a couple months back, I started a young professionals group at my church. The take-off has been extremely slow, but we are starting to pick-up momentum which is very exciting. If you have ever been part of a similar group, you know the impact it can have on your life and others. Though only two of us this past week, the enthusiasm of the other young lady and excitement to come back next week brings a smile to my face. Not only is preparing for the weekly spiritual fellowships touching my life, I pray that it touches her life and many others to come.

Remember no matter where you are or what you are doing, you are making an impact on someone's life. Think about how you can make that a positive impact for others and yourself. Wishing you all the best in the week ahead.

Please share your Saturday Smiles and read Journal of  Nobody's latest Saturday Smiles!

Healthier Living: Take 18

Week 18 -- 203.4 pounds
Week 17 -- 205.0 pounds
......
Week 1 -- 211.4 pounds

The thought of being back under 200 pounds is so in site. I would love to reach it by next week, but that will take some dedication. The feeling of clothes being loose again is great. I can tell the pounds are coming off ever how slowly.

The cooler weather is starting to help my motivation to get out again and enjoy the fresh, cool air. There is a 5K in Bloomington on September 29th that I am going to shoot for being in shape and running. It is a possibility, if I just set my mind to it and the weather stays cool.

Exercise for the past week included two 30 min walks at work and Sunday's autocross 2 plus miles of walking around and running back and forth for rides/instruction during the second heat.

Look forward to some exciting news next week!

Saturday Day Smiles Seis

Children and youth....Is there really a whole lot more to say about how they bring smiles to our lives?

It has been a week plus filled with children and youth having fun, laughing, and being their adorable selves. Yes, they are not always cute and charming, especially when you walk in the door and they start screaming.

Last weekend, I spent with friends and their twin 1-year plus boys. Who still like to scream and cry when I first walk in for the weekend, but this time thankfully they started warming up to me. On Saturday evening, P actually crawled over to me and allowed me to pick him up for dinner. They are adorable things that I have enjoyed watching grow and develop over the past year. Thanks to my friends for allowing me this joy and Saturday Smile!

Sunday evening, youth ministry kicked off the new school year and weekly high school drop-ins with a cookout and Super Sloppy Sunday games! The smiles on their faces, the fun they enjoyed, the fellowship that transpired made every moment priceless. Looking forward to digging into some spiritual and life discussions and having fun at future drop-ins and retreats this coming year.

Tuesday afternoon, I sat on my patio catching up on news feeds, emails, and working on retreat materials as the children in the complex played. Their innocence, carefree demeanor, and playfulness just brought a smile to my face.

What brought a smile to your face this week? Please share and also check out the Journal of Nobody's Saturday Smiles post.

Healthier Living: Take 17

Week 17 -- 205.0 pounds
Week 16 -- 206.4 pounds
Week 15 -- 207.6 pounds
Week 14 -- 206.2 pounds
......
Week 1 -- 211.4 pounds

Though a slow moving loss of weight, the pounds are coming off one by one. Soon hopefully, I can rejoice at being back under 200 pounds. To accomplish that, I will definitely need to get moving and not sitting all the time.

This past week was fairly successful with 4 1.5+ mile walks.
Tuesday and Wednesday, my coworker and I went for morning walks.
Saturday, I enjoyed a lovely walk with my friend and her adorable 1-year+ twin boys. She pushed the stroller.
Sunday was another day of auto racing and walking the course plus a lot of standing working the waiver gate.

Sunday's autocross ended with a victory in my class though barely. I have some new competition after some old competition left this week. I also have a new toy, a GoPro camera, to video tape my runs. Now I just need to learn how to read the video and improve my skills.

Hopefully, this cooler weather is here to stay, and I can get caught up and motivated to start walking/jogging again in the evenings.

Thanks for all the support and encouragement!

Saturday Smiles Cinco

In writing this post every Saturday, I have begun to appreciate more and more what God provides for me and where He is taking me in life. Over the past few weeks, I have started to regain a sense of peace about God's plan for my future. I still do not understand what that plan is, but I feel comfortable about where I am headed and that something significant is in the works.

In the meantime, what has really made me smile this week: the opportunity to spend time developing some leadership sessions for an upcoming youth leadership team retreat. It is a carryover from last week, where I met with the youth minister and we planned out the day long retreat. Then this week, I was able to spend two evenings putting together two sessions.

The first is to help the youth and the adult leadership team members learn a little bit about their personal leadership styles through colors. Showing Our True Colors: A Fun, Easy Guide for Understanding and Appreciating Yourself and Others by Mary Miscisin is the basis of the session. After completing a short form, you learn your dominate color(s) (Gold, Blue, Green, and Orange). With a review of each color, you really begin to understand the dynamics of the group and why some people are the life of the party and others work to keep you on track and focused.

Since this is working with a church youth group, I also looked at the incorporation of some bible verses. The focus of both sessions will be from 1 Corinthians 12. The True Colors session will look at how each of us are part of the body of Christ and help in our own unique ways.

The second session leads us into understanding who the team is and the development of our plans for the year. It is based on a session from the International Leadership Conference of 2010 called House of Leadership. To make it pertinent, we are going to build our Church of Leadership with the similar components of building one's personal House of Leadership. The session builds up from the foundation and first impression to the team's vision and yearly plan. Here I am pulling in the first portion of 1 Corinthians 12 speaking about the unity of gifts.

Working on these sessions has brought a huge smile and peace to my life. I pray that God will continue to provide me the wisdom and words to share with the youth and adult leaders this coming Saturday and months and years to come. I ask for his guidance in my life as I share and provide support for the youth of tomorrow.

Thanks for reading. How have you seen God's presence in your life this week? What has brought a smile to your face? If interested in more information on these sessions, please feel free to ask.

For another Saturday Smiles, check out the Journal of Nobody's weekly post, Saturday Smiles, no. 6.

What are we living for?

Why do we work and work and work even more? What is the purpose behind all of this work? What are we trying to achieve or not achieve? Are we truly satisfied and living a fulfilling life? What is a fulfilling life look like? Who are we trying to impress? Are our actions supporting the better good or just ourselves? Do others allow us to help the better good or are they only interested in their own? What is accomplishment and where does society's view of accomplishment really get us?

I could probably go on and on with questions. Where is the happiness, the love, the joy, the feeling of helping in all of this? To me today's society and ways of life are more frustrating than fulfilling. As I listened to the homily on Sunday and read my daily reflection, I again was reminded to focus on eternity and life with our Creator. A feeling of relief came over me as I realized that I am not crazy for wanting to live a simple life, to help others, and enjoy every moment that I have.

The priest talked about wants versus needs. We have key things that we need in life, but we do not have to have the top of the line or everything for that need. His example was that a member of the church needs a car to get to Mass, but one does not need a brand new fancy car with all the bells and whistles, just reliable transportation.

Living Faith: Daily Catholic Devotional for August 5th, 2012 had this question for reflection, "We work so much of each day to sustain our mortal life, but eventually it will end. Wouldn't it make sense to spend a bit more time today on the things of eternity?"

Yes, there are things that we must do in order to survive our mortal life but not all things are necessary. Just as there are needs and wants, there are musts and extras. After having worked several jobs that consumed my life and again stripped my joy, I vowed to not let work run my life. Though often it is apparent that I still care too much about my job and trying to help others and make their lives easier,  I continue to put my best foot forward and help others in anyway I can. Generosity is not always accepted or welcomed, but it is who I am and will never go away. Thanks to those who appreciate and accept me and my generosity for what it is.

I want to live life not have life run me. Today's society is so much about being ran by the extras and wants and losing focus on the true picture of eternity and fulfilling our needs.

The Lord is blessing me with a great opportunity to share my love for Him, helping others, and leadership. I pray that God will continue to bless me in my endeavors against the grain of society and that I can act and be a positive witness to all those lives I touch each and everyday. Sometimes it is a struggle to remain positive and upbeat when things keep shooting you down and causing frustrations.

May your life be full of fulfillment, joy, and happiness!

Healthier Living: Take 16

Week 16 -- 206.4 pounds
Week 15 -- 207.6 pounds
Week 14 -- 206.2 pounds
......
Week 1 -- 211.4 pounds

As the weather begins to cool and travel slows (maybe), I am trying to be a bit more active.

Monday & Tuesday, a co-worked and I took a 1/2 hour walk in the neighborhood. Then end of month closing happened and we got derailed for the rest of the week. Hopefully, we will pick it back up tomorrow. I definitely am going to need it after enjoying some more delicious homemade banana ice cream.

I burned several calories on Friday & Saturday as I cleaned and cooked.

Working on the motivation not to only lose weight by mid-September so I can fit in a nice formal dress, but also working up the courage to finally pursue my dream of running a mini-Marathon come April. I have until October 31st to make that decision so both my friend and I can register to run at a less cost than come November 1st.

Saturday Smiles Cuatro

A twist on my usual Saturday Smiles as I was thinking the other day that my writing is probably sub-par and over time my readers will run away because they obtain little from my writings. Reasons abound but that can be another post.

As I thought about writing a more in depth Saturday Smiles, multiple things have made me smile again this week, but we are going to share about the previous 2 hours of my Saturday. Those who know me know I love to cook, share, and entertain in a casual way. Earlier this afternoon, I shared a lovely afternoon lunch/dinner with 2 lovely couples and one little one. (Another Saturday Smiles) Par normal, there are plenty of leftovers hanging out in my kitchen that I cannot possibly eat all of nor should I eat all. The question was who to share all the yummy food with, whose day could I make better.

My evening turned out to be full of smiles for so many. My diagonal neighbors were out sitting at a table so I stopped by to say hello and see if they would enjoy some homemade banana ice cream, brownies, and/or zucchini cake. They said yes but we continued to talk and chat for about 2 hours. While sitting outside, the neighbor above me came home and stopped by to chat as well. I offered him too some homemade banana ice cream. He has a huge like for bananas often heading to the neighboring yogurt shop for some banana yogurt. (I learned after asking.) The smile and excitement on his face after mentioning that was priceless.

So we all returned to our respective apartments, I went and gathered goodies for my neighbors and then delivered. The smiles on their faces was worth every hour after cooking and cleaning. I just hope the food is as good as the expectations has it. The couple across the ways son was a bit jealous when he called to speak to them and heard all the great food that I had brought over.

I thank the Lord for great neighbors and the opportunity to share my bounty with them and so many others today.

How have you been blessed this past week? What has brought smiles to your face or how have you brought a smile to someone elses? Please share or post on your own site.

Here is a link to my friend, who got me started posting Saturday Smiles:  Journal of a Nobody, Saturday Smiles

Enjoy!

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.