Reflections...Short & Sweet!

As I prepare to bring in the 2011 New Year, I can't help looking back at the year 2010. I am so appreciative for the beautiful people in my life. From the childhood friend (that I attended pre-school with) having lunch with me this week; to the college friend (and sorority sister) that crashed at my home for a few days; to the elderly friend that I made while buying items from the drug store. He couldn't help but share how blessed he was to have his wife for 52 years and isn't sure if he can make it without her...I could go on and on about how important my network of friends is to me. I love you all and I am so blessed to have each of you in my life!

(not going to cry)

I can't explain the type of excitement I'm feeling right now, but I like it. I am thankful for the confidence (not arrogance) that God is allowing me to experience, and I will continue to pray for a still and quiet strength into and beyond 2011. I will continue to pray for those around me (near and far).

(crying-happy tears)

We all have so much to be thankful for. As you reflect and anticipate remain thankful, and join me in growing in the following areas:

Patience

Consistency

Giving

Completion

Can you think of more? Add them...

and...

HAPPY NEW YEAR!!!!!

Adventures in the Life - Hiking (Yup...We Do That Too)!

A couple of weeks ago, my friend, and sorority sister, invited me to go hiking with her. Initially, I thought hiking would be something different for me - maybe even fun. After all, I enjoy the outdoors, animals, etcetera. Of course I love the camaraderie and social aspect as well. However, I had no idea how much of a physical workout it would be! And oh, what a workout it was. Henceforth now and forever, Billy Goat Trail A in Great Falls, MD will be known as the 'Plateau Breaker' and I got my plateau broken. In fact, I am still patching it together (along with my sore thighs, arms, back, blistered feet and ankle).

I digress.

The first visit to the trail was more "adventurous" than my subsequent visits.
We (my Soror, a friend of her's and I) completed the trail. I think one of my lungs collapsed - no, seriously - and I left feeling defeated. And to add insult to injury [literally], we got lost getting back to the car. The sun set...I walked part of the way alone (and afraid), saw a dead snake and could hear wildlife in the wild life...I...was...scarred! So (after catching up with my hiking companions) we finally made it to the car - thanks to my Soror for running ahead to get the car!

I'll admit, my first try left me with more than bruised body parts. I had a bruised ego. I went into my first hike as a rookie in true form -- ill-prepared. I wasn't appropriately equipped. I didn't have enough water or food, and I didn't eat enough before getting to the trail. Did I forget to note that it was 90+ degrees that day, and we started the hike after 3 pm (the hottest time of the day)? I spent a good part of the week healing my aching body (with ointment and ibuprofen), spending a lot of time in the sauna and steam room(s) and reminiscing on how athletic I used to be - envisioning that once athletic version of myself emerging during the next hike...what, can't a girl imagine?

Wait, did I just subconsciously commit to doing that again?! Damn! Well, I am a glutton for punishment (on so many levels, but that's another blog).

The next time though, I vowed to arrive to the trail in the morning, have water and snacks, and invite a group to hike with me; and that's exactly what I did. To my pleasant surprise, I completed the trail like an experienced explorer, and was surrounded by an awesome group!

I was so excited to have been able to, not only take advantage of the hike's workout, but to also enjoy the scenery and make new friends --like Georgia, a very friendly and affectionate Lab!

Perhaps, this hike will be a weekly or semi-weekly thing? We can start a group. What do you think of the name: "We Do That Too?" Either way, I'll be back to Billy Goat Trail A, and I may venture to trails B through D...who's with me?!

I Want Comfort Food #imafoodie #dontjudgeme

"I Want Comfort Food #imafoodie #dontjudgeme" This was the recent post for my Twitter followers and Facebook friends...and I meant it. Today was supposed to be an eventful day for me. I was going to attend 8am church service, go hiking with my friends, have brunch, maybe catch a movie and then retire to prepare for an eventful tomorrow. Instead I was awakened (around 9am) by that special noise car tires make when driving by on wet pavement. That's usually how I know and can explain an odd sense of fatigue -- it's raining. Not only will I not be having an eventful Sunday (i.e., hiking, brunch, movie, etc.), I want to stay in my bed.

I want to stay in my bed, surf the net, and yes - EAT!
But I don't crave my standard cuisine (regularly found in any of my favorite restaurants), I desire COMFORT FOOD. Home-cookin': Biscuits. Meat. Fried...something mealy. Smothered with...anything savory. Yes. I know food. I know it very well, and I know what I want. But there's this special pair of Citizen jeans that I am absolutely in love with. I am close to wearing them [publicly] again. So, eating what I want would be, well...counter-productive. Despite what I cravingly (I know it's not a word) desire to eat, I will find comfort in surrendering to the... (slow and awkward mental silence/pause)... the shake. Yep, in addition to regular consumption of vitamin B-12, appetite suppressants and fitness routine (six months long & strong, 43 lbs lighter) I have recently incorporated "it"- because I have hit a plateau, and I am enjoying reaping the benefit of rediscovering a former wardrobe.

I am a foodie - can't lie about that; I always will be. I woke up this morning, caught church (online - gotta get my Jesus in), and had today's comfort food - the shake. What a great comfort it will be when I can comfortably wear those jeans I love!