Make new friends, keep the old...

Make new friends, keep the old. One is silver, the other is gold. 

 I found this photo peaking out of a box in our garage. Three old friends brought together by the love of Delta Gamma at Mississippi State University.  The year was 1997...

My friend on the left, Rebecca, was a beautiful, talented dancer for the MSU Pom Squad. Each year when we competed for Sigma Chi Derby Day, she coordinated a killer dance for our girls - this was her talent, and she was great at it! She was tall, athletic and beautiful - and still is! 

My friend on the right, Maci, served on the highly competitive Diamond Girls Squad that supported the Mississippi State Baseball team by collecting bats, cleaning bases and raking fields. Needless to say between Rebecca and Maci, I met a lot of athletes at Mississippi State during my tenure there as a student. 

The amazing thing about our friendship is that we all had different talents and interests in college, but we found something within each other that we had in common. During the summer of my sophomore year, we all lived together in an apartment that we sublet. Each of us had our own room, and we all had summer jobs.

I lifeguarded at Old Waverly, Maci drove the beverage cart there and Rebecca worked as a waitress at Flo-n-Eddies. Every spare minute we had was spent having fun. I remember Rebecca's mom would come up and make Thanksgiving dinner for us - during the summer. We filled our plates with casseroles, carbohydrates and treats. At this point in life, we didn't eat a whole lot. We were on mainly a liquid diet, so food was good. 

At some point in our four years of college, they came home with me, I went home with Maci, and we all spent the night at Rebecca's on one of our many trips to the beach. 

And that leads to another subject, my college memories wouldn't be complete without our many trips to Orange Beach, Ala. to stay in Maci's parents condo. Hours spent on the beach chatting, meeting others and getting dressed up for dinner! Coordinating multiple girls to take showers was always a challenge...but we had fun, and we made memories. We had my bachelorette party at the beach. Maci got married on the beach. So many memories...My favorite times on all of these experiences are the times we spent hanging out on the rocks talking, sitting on the patio - talking or sitting on those old, abandoned wooden chairs - talking.  Who would we marry? What would we be? Who did we like? Would we always be friends?

I was the first of the three to marry. They were both in my wedding. Maci met her husband at my wedding. He was a childhood friend of David's from Clarksdale. That story is an entire blog post of its own. We both attended Rebecca's wedding as well. Over the past ten years, we share five children between us. One set of twins (boy and girl). Two beautiful girls. One Midwestern boy. 

For the past several summers, my friends have gotten together again and again at the beach with other friends and reminisced of our old times together. Each summer, I intended to go, but I allowed life, excuses and a busy schedule to get in the way. 

After a series of difficult events in January that I experienced - the loss of a childhood friend, the scariness of an unexpected surgery - I decided this year's trip to the beach was nonnegotiable. No fear of wearing a bathing suit, fear or spending family vacation money on my own personal vacation or other reasons were going to get between this time of reconnecting. 

Keeping up with people from your past is an important happiness booster. A connection with college friends is a bond that can't be replicated by any relationship you will ever have later in life.  As we move through different stages of life, it is more likely that we will not keep in contact with our friends. Well, I am breaking that statistic. I am reconnecting. 

I can't wait to share hugs, old times and sit on those old wooden chairs by the sea. I can't wait to not only reminisce but share what we have learned over the past ten years in life. I can't wait to see you both.

 

FOMO

I have read two things recently centered around FOMA - the Fear of Missing Out. One was an article in Oprah Magazine, and the other was a well written blog located here: http://ramblingsofamomaholic.blogspot.com/2013/03/warfare.html

Basically, society glorifies busy, and "we" do not feel successful unless our schedules are filled with meetings, activities, sports, mingles, dinners, practices and other such time consuming commitments. I am a guilty party - when I have a free night I wonder if I am missing something. Should I be doing something? Do I need to go to the grocery store? Don't I need to plan something with family? Where can we go? What can we do? Who should we see? 

It can really be draining. I read that social media has had a strong impact on our FOMA over the last three years. For the most part, people share their happy times on social media. When all you see are those events, vacations and accomplishments, you start to feel FOMA. 

My dog does not have FOMA. He would be pleased to do exactly nothing for the rest of his life and feel completely content. So, this morning, I have chosen rest, coffee, reruns of Desperate Housewives and having the members of my household enjoy missing out...

Update on healthy lifestyle choices: I have gotten to the point where I feel FOMA if I don't exercise. Yes. I love the tingling sensation of my leg muscles after a walk or bike ride. I love craving water because I have sweated enough that I need hydration. I have stuck within my calorie count for the most part over the last week - with the exception of last night. I ate a lot of healthy foods, but I exceeded 1500 calories. Helpful tools that I have been using on my smart phone are MyFitnessPal and Distance Free.

Books: Still reading The Pilot's Wife and Made to Crave

Shows: Enjoying following the Jodi Arias case, Dateline and 20/20 have been good lately - it seems most all of the other shows have gone to reruns for the time being.   

 

Tired of Weighting

It has been 10 days since I had my revelation regarding weight loss - but, it seems like months ago! Since my initial weigh-in, I have lost ten pounds. Woohoo! It has made a difference in many ways, but I think I am wanting visible, serious and speedier results. I want it now! The past ten days have been filled with coffee, chicken, veggies and fruits - and lots of water. I have felt so much better, and I realize the quote above really speaks to where I am currently. I need to realize and accept that things like this take time. Patience is necessary - determination, essential. I am not even thinking about giving up.

We have had a super fun weekend so far - we had a little boy spend the night with us last night. He is four years old and so full of joy! We are on our third, yes, third viewing of "The Polar Express." I had forgotten how much younger children like the repetition of DVDs! 
 
Currently reading: The Pilot's Wife by Anita Shreve and All School's Day - 100 Years of McPherson County by several authors including yours truly

Recently read: The Chris Farley Show by Tom Farley and Expecting Adam by Martha Beck

Recently watched movies: Promised Land (loved) and Silver Linings Playbook (meh) 

Looking forward to watching: New episodes of Parenthood and Intervention - I do not know what the hold up is on these shows. 

True Crime

Today has been one of those great, unexpectedly productive days that I had not planned. I have had the opportunity to watch (while folding laundry) one Dateline and two 48 Hours Mystery episodes. Ahhhhh! True crime. It intrigues me. I analyze it, read about it and soak up as many stories as I can find. Why? Stories that are true are so much more intriguing to me. I have never liked CSI or other fictional crime shows. I want to know real people and their stories. 
Sometimes I dream about what it would be like to follow certain current true crime stories that fascinate me. What would it be like to have the resources to travel and interview those involved - to get the exclusive story, write about it and publish a book. People have some of the most compelling stories and reasons for doing things that the general public might not immediately understand. While I do not agree with crime or want others to be victims, I do want to know their stories. 
What would you want to do if money and commitments weren't factors in your decision making? You are never too old to have dreams. What are yours? 

The Pretty Elephant in the Room

Recently, I read the following article regarding socially acceptable sin: http://www.relevantmagazine.com/god/practical-faith/socially-acceptable-sin

It is basically about the soul's addition to excess (gluttony), and how, in the eyes of God, this is considered sin. Wanting more than is needed - whether this be food, material possessions, excessive amounts of time spent watching reality television, or accumulating things. Lots and lots of things.
All of these examples conflict with our relationship with God and what he wants for our lives. I Corinthians 10:31 says "So, whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do all to the glory of God."

Before reading this article I thought of gluttony this way - I thought of that disturbing scene from the movie "Seven" with Brad Pitt from many years ago. I thought of a 700 pound immobile man that firefighters had to remove from a home on an old episode of Oprah Winfrey. I certainly didn't think of myself. Until now. 

I have not been consuming food to the glory of God. I have glorified food. I have overindulged and made unhealthy choices for the past five years. What some might find hard to believe is that during the first 28 years of my life, I stayed within an attractive and healthy weight. On paper, I know why I gained weight - I consumed more than I burned, daily. But, I don't know why. I had many excuses. Tons. Some of them were valid. Some were ridiculous. Some were just plain arrogant.

-I try and wear nice makeup and clothing - maybe no one will think my weight is a big deal.
-I work hard all day, so I deserve to unwind with a nice meal.
-I have always been pretty, so it is okay that I am overweight. I am still attractive.
-I am so involved with activities that it is okay to overeat.
-I will start my diet on Monday.
-I will try these new shakes, pills, weight loss program, exercise app, diet plan and it will finally work.
-I am overweight, but people still like me.
-One day, I will lose the weight.
-I'm a mom, a wife and involved in church and community. I don't have time to take care of myself.
-I am stressed. I need to splurge.
-I am nervous about something. I need something to make me feel better.
-I just have a low metabolism.
-Maybe I have a thyroid problem? (Had that checked.)
-I have gained so much weight that I will never look like I used to look. My skinny days are gone.

I honestly believed all of these excuses, or at least they gave me enough comfort to continue overindulging - to continue not glorifying God. To continue not being the mother and wife that I was created to be. To continue not living my best life.

A few things happened recently that created the perfect storm to get fed up enough, mad enough and frustrated enough to take action. I am not talking about going on a a diet for a few weeks. I am talking about making a true lifestyle change. To change my mindset. To believe. To want my old self back. Here they are:

-I began to feel tingling in my feet.
-I read the article above about overeating being a sin. I really never thought of it that way. It never crossed my mind that not living my best life in relation to weight was something that would make God sad or disappointed in me. 
-My clothing became so uncomfortable that I realized I would soon be going up another size. Yet again.
-I noticed I was breathless after walking up the stairs in my own home.
-I felt really uncomfortable squeezing myself into a chair during a theatre performance. I barely had room to move. It was awful.
-I had some conversations that focused on my weight and my failure to change with others. 
-I felt and still feel anxious about going on an upcoming beach reunion trip with sorority sisters from college - one a personal trainer. The other - naturally tiny.

And, after all of this (and many unlisted reasons), I got mad. I got so mad. The kind of mad that is needed in order to make a change. I have finally seen the light. I don't have to be this way forever. Hope is possible. Change is imminent, and I actually believe I can do it this time.

No, this isn't a blog where I have amazing before and after photos. I am not to the after yet, but I will be there. It won't be today. It won't be next month. I probably won't even reach my goal by the end of summer because my goal is a big one - but I will reach it. I will experience the life that God intended for me. The thrill of wearing a cute summer dress. The joy of racing with my son and actually winning once! The magic of dressing up for a fun date with my husband. 

Romans 15:13 says "May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, so that by the power of the Holy Spirit you may abound in hope."

I believe, and I have hope. 

Blog Resurrection X2
I feel the need to blog again. I am thinking I feel interested in reviewing books again, movies and maybe true crime cases in the media - but I will not get obsessed like I did with Casey Anthony. I will try not to to at least. I spent the last few months blogging about my campaign. I feel like lately I may have been holding back my true feelings on certain controversial issues, not related to education, but I think it is okay to share now. Oh, and, please follow this blog through Google so that I can get 30 followers. If I get to 30, I can review books through this website I found where you get the book for free if you review it.
Here is what has been going on with me intellectually and/or personally lately:
-I just read Pillars of the Earth and watched the 8 hour miniseries. This was one of the longest and most "not me" books I have ever read that I really loved. It is about a man who wants to build a cathedral during the mid evil times. There is romance, war, poverty and religion all in there. Loved it. There is a sequel. This book was 999 pages, so I may not be reading the next one just yet. I really had to commit life to this book. According to my calculations it took me well over 40 hours to read it. 
-We have joined the Boy Scouts of America. I was originally against this because I believe in homosexual rights and acceptance, but I figured that since they offer a good program and we were not currently dating males or females yet, it would be alright to participate. So far, it has been a good experience.
-I tried to plant vegetables and herbs from seeds, and I think it is fair to say that was a bad idea. I put 30 seeds or so per little pod, and that isn't really working out so great - I found out you were only supposed to use 2-3 per pod. Also, all of my seeds are under about an inch of water because it has rained so much, and I didn't make a way for drainage. I knew there was a catch to buying all of those seeds for 99 cents.
-I have been going through serious dog fever. I love my dog, but I want another one. We have had such a positive experience lately with David being allergic to dogs and yet letting Nay Nay sleep in our bed. I wash him almost every day with anti-dandruff shampoo, and I brush him. Nelly is 12 years old, and his only problems are weight related. I think it is hereditary - meaning he gets it from me. Since I have to stay within the small and short haired category, I am looking at mini-pins, jack russell terriers and yorkis. I just don't want a dog that requires grooming (yorkis do). 
-Movie Rental: I have not rented movies in a while. I rented Les Miserables and watched the first 45 minutes. Then, I gave up. What are they saying? I thought this was a really good movie? I don't get it. 
Zero Dark Thirty - I am still having nightmares. Some things I can make it without knowing. 
Shows that have recently piqued my interest: Rediculousness, Women Behind Bars (reruns), The Real World, World of Jenks and Buckwild (reruns) 
Shows that have been a disappointment lately: Young and the Restless, Duck Dynasty (and you know I love it) and Swamp People 
Currently reading: Expecting Adam, People Magazine and Almost Christian 



 

Sort of Homemade Lemonade by Nancy

Obsessed with drinking this stuff. I tried doing the hand squeezed, and it is expensive, labor intensive and it makes a mess. Here is my own recipe...if it weren't for this stuff, I may go insane...

Nancy's Sorta Homemade Lemonade
-1 cup lemon juice (Great Value brand is fine)
-2 cups sugar (Kroger or Great Value)
-lots of warm water (faucet)
-4 slices of real lemon (from grocery store or walmart)

So, I fill up my container about 2/3rds full of warm water. I throw in the 2 cups of sugar. I mix. I add the 1 cup of lemon juice. I mix. I turn the jar upside down. I slice up four slices of real lemon to make me feel like it is hand squeezed. I mix. I refrigerate.

Later, I pour a glass. I get to tablespoons more of sugar and put that in each glass I make. Sometimes I garnish with a slice of lemon to make myself feel pampered.

Staying Positive

It is my biggest challenge. It ain't easy. And, it is double hard to do in the midst of a heat wave. Even our preacher said so.
We all have flaws, and one of mine is remaining positive. I have had a particularly difficult time doing so lately because it is hot, it is mid-summer, students are gone, there is not a sport to follow, I am working through some personal matters, and I am just stressed out. Well, guess what...
August starts tomorrow.
Football season is almost less than a month away.
I am working through my personal matters.
It won't be 100 degrees in October, at least, I don't think it will be.
Fall is one of my favorite seasons.
Andrew can read. He knows his letters and his sounds.
I have blonde hair. And, I am getting it reblonded on Friday of next week.
My plants are still alive.
Some of our grass is still green.
David replaced our fence and fixed the roof.
I got a major project completed last week at work.
My office was repainted by me and Brian and David and our student worker, and it brings much harmony to my space.
We are going out to eat dinner tonight with friends.
I have found a new church home that I love and that works for us.
I planted carrot seeds and they are actually sprouting.
We are going to the Arkansas game in November.
Sonic has a happy hour in the morning and in the afternoon.
I have some really great friends and co-workers.
No one is perfect.

My goal this week is to give people the benefit of the doubt. See the good in others. Remain positive. Appreciate as much as I can. Redefine failure. Michael Jordan once said: “I’ve missed more than 9000 shots in my career. I’ve lost almost 300 games. 26 times, I’ve been trusted to take the game winning shot and missed. I’ve failed over and over and over again in my life. And that is why I succeed.”

Kids Say the Darndest Things

This morning as I was getting on the scales...
Andrew: Mom. How many pounds do you weigh?
Me: A lot.
Andrew: That's because you never work out.

(Nice. True. If that's not accountability, I don't know what is. I claim the drought of 2011 has prevented my working out even though we have a membership to the Y. It is too hot to get in my car and drive there. That's my story, and I am sticking to it.)

Lately...

-I am so tired of hearing about the national debt. I really hope I still get a social security check when I turn 67. By then, they will have probably raised the age of retirement to 77. According to science, we are living longer than ever. I just read this in the McPherson Sentinel. I wonder if that is necessarily a good thing. I mean, don't you get tired at 100? My side of the family lives forever. Like to 100, so that means I will probably live to be 110 or 120 if science keeps improving. Won't I be tired? I am tired now.

-I have not watched Nancy Grace for almost ten days. Please cheer. Thank you. It has not been easy.

-I have moved from an obsession with Casey Anthony's trial to an enthusiasm towards preparing for Kindergarten. I want everything to go smoothly. We have all our supplies. We talk about and prepare for it daily. Andrew is really, really excited. Which is so great. I am scared. I am terrified. I want everything to be perfect, and I know that is not realistic. I think knowing that is helpful. I am so fretful over who we will get as our teacher. I don't know why because I have heard extremely positive things about all three teachers. I am so thankful David just happened to be off on the first day of Kindergarten. Things like that don't normally happen with David's schedule. Woohoo! I want to get in Andrew's backpack and go with him. We need a bigger backpack if that is going to happen. Transitions are scary. I know this will be fun. We are working on our reading at night. I reorganized our home library last night in order to maximize our selection. I wanted to make sure all books were getting adequate and fair usage. We have discussed where we will go after school, how we will get there, and, most importantly, we have discussed getting up earlier in the mornings and going to bed earlier at night. This is going to be a massive transition for mom who is at her intellectual peak late in the evenings. Or, sometimes it feels that way. There will be a new bedtime for all. I am not looking forward to it. I am looking forward to this new experience. It is kind of like walking across that stone bridge thing at Lakeside Park. At first it is scary. Then it is fun. We went to Lakeside this evening to take all the geese, fish, ducks and turtles our outdated bread.

-I am trying to increase the amount of quality time I spend with Andrew. I don't know why I worry that this won't be possible after Kindergarten starts. I feel like I jam pack the weekend with activities that we can do together, and I also try to do one-on-one stuff a lot during the weeks. I am trying to put down the phone, computer, Kindle or television to actually live my life. That can be really hard to do when you like all of the above as much as I do. But, it isn't all about me.

-Ending on a very positive note, all of my container plants have survived the drought of 2011. As of today. I have one out of six that doesn't look good, but it is still alive and blooming. This has been my most successful year as a container plant owner. Ever. And, during the drought of 2011. Who knew?