It's never too late

I started off the year pretty gung-ho about things- making changes in my life for the better. So how have I done so far? The phrase "Epic Fail" comes to mind. I weigh the same as I did in January. My bank account is just as empty. I'm no farther in my spiritual walk- unless you count my new Bible (that's I've read once) and the 20 or so church services I have attended. I guess it just goes to show that intentions aren't enough.

There are plenty of things that I haven't done, but here's some of the things that I have managed to do at least within the last few weeks. I've started drinking water almost all the time. An occasional soda will find its way in, but for the most part it's good ol' fashioned H2O. Well, that and coffee, but coffee doesn't count as a drink- its a necessity. I've also started getting up early (4:45) and going to the gym before work, something that still surprises me since I'm a fan of my bed. What's even more surprising is that I'm evening enjoying it.

 A few weeks ago I started getting mad at myself for things I've been doing in my life, or not doing in my case. I have this vision of whoI'd like to be but really didn't want to give up anything to achieve that - not my sleep, and certainly not my Moosetracks ice cream. In this situation I'm talking about physical appearances, but its carried over into other parts of my life as well- relational, spiritual, financial, etc. But back to the issue of working out. I know myself well enough to know that I have a bit of a competitive streak, and I think that applies to working out too. If left to my own devices I will not go work out on my own, or if I do, I won't work out as hard. If you're alone it's too easy to give up and I usually do.

I found the perfect solution, especially if you factor in my dislike for spending money- join a gym that offers classes that's close to home. If I'm in a room full of people there's no way I'm quitting no matter how hard it gets. If they can do it, then so can I. Period. Luckily I found a gym that's about a mile away that has daily classes starting at 5am. So there I am- almost every morning in a silent competition with a room full of people. And it works. The fact that I'm paying to be there also helps motivate me to get out of bed and go. It's a win-win situation. What's even more surprising is that even though I'm getting up an extra hour earlier I have more energy than on the days I stay in bed.

Who knew that making a little sacrifice can be so beneficial? If you break it down it's kind of like this. CONS: waking up an hour earlier, sore muscles some days
PROS: more energy, better body, healthier heart, living longer, higher self-esteem

I say a little sacrifice is definitely worth it. The key is to knowing yourself- what motivates you and what holds you back- and find a way to tap into those no matter what your goal is and it makes moving toward that goal much easier.

April 11th

If you google "What happened on April 11th in history" nothing really significant will come up. On April 11, 1947 Jackie Robinson played an exibition game with the Brooklyn Dodgers and became the first black baseball player. On April 11, 1961 Bob Dylan began his professional music career with a performace in Greenwich Village. On April 11, 1970 Apollo 13 was launched. On April 11, 1983 "Ghandi" beat "E.T." and "Tootsie" and won the Oscar for Best Picture. The list goes one, but there's one thing missing from the list. On April 11, 1990 my dad passed away.

It's hard to believe that it's been twenty years since he's been gone. They say that time heals all things, and to an extent it does, but time can never make it go away completely. There are still times I think about him. I hear friends talk about their dads and can't help but wonder what my relationship with my dad would've been. I often wonder what my husband's relationship with him would've been. There's so many "what ifs" but unfortunately there's no way to turn back the clock. The only thing I can do is make the most of the situation.
I know that our experiences are a large factor in shaping who we are, and I know that this is no different. I'm proud of the woman I've become, and I know my dad would be too. I know that I'll see him again one day and that he's watching me every day from Heaven.

Daddy, I love you and I miss you!

It's Official....

Well, it's official. I am a terrible blogger. So much for my big ideas.....