Happy Birthday!

It's my birthday and I'm still like a little kid when it comes to that day. My husband knows it and my kids know it and always make it special for me. When I was very young I had a book called The Surprise Package. It was all about a beautifully wrapped box with a very special present inside. Just looking at that book made me so excited and probably fed into my turning my birthday into this very special day. I wish I could remember what was in the box in the book. I doubt that it had anything to do with weight loss :), but maybe it did have something to do with loving oneself. And that's a perfect gift to keep in mind as each birthday becomes more and more precious. Happy Birthday, Sue!

176.2. Busy Days

We have house guests so things are a little busier than usual. So, I may not blog everyday for a while. But, I'll write as often as I can.

It is a challenge, a continual challenge to stay in control while celebrating birthdays, etc. Tonight was my friend Loretta's birthday. We ate here at home and had a great time, but there were special foods and it is often tempting to just give in. But then I remember that I don't want to gain the weight and that small amounts work for me.

Tomorrow I'm going to shop for some new clothes. That will act as great motivation to stick with the program!

174.8 SURPRISE!

Alee and Scott


Tomorrow is my birthday, but yesterday was my big day! Our daughter Alee and her boyfriend Scott flew in from Boston and surprised me! I was busy in the house when our dog barked so I looked up and saw the two of them trying to make themselves invisible as they were sneaking past the front window! I didn't think I could run anymore, but I know I ran to the front door to make sure it was really them! I hadn't seen them since July and am so happy they are here. And, there are more surprises to come. For the rest of the weekend all I know are the times I need to be ready to go and what to wear! Turning 68 is promising to be a lot of fun!

I actually had another surprise this morning as I was walking with Jeff down a residential street when all of a sudden I heard a golf ball thonk within about 6" of me! Maybe I should take up golf again if people are playing so poorly that they miss the fairway by several hundred feet!:) I'd fit right in!

I did remember this morning to wonder at the scale's response to my getting on it instead of worrying about it. I will continue to approach the scale with wonder, but won't be too hard on myself as I enjoy whatever is coming my way over the next few days. The posts may dwindle or disappear, but I'll be back for sure on Tuesday or Wednesday.

And, as I celebrate my birthday I am filled with gratitude for my wonderful family. Even though Ted and Miranda aren't here, I know they have been involved in the planning and are sharing in the excitement.

174.8 Waiting....

This morning there was a guest minister at our church from Haiti. You want to talk about going from desperation to inspiration (yesterday's post)? This pastor embodied it all. What struck me as he spoke about the fact that conditions there now are not a lot better than they were right after the earthquake which was in January, that's 9 whole months ago!, he wasn't filled with bitterness or anger. But he was filled with getting the message out that help is desperately needed.

Jeff had asked me yesterday what I wanted for my upcoming birthday. I flippantly, but seriously answered diamond earrings and they needed to be at least a half a carat. A little stunned because I usually don't ask for anything so significant, he suggested I wait for our 50th wedding anniversary. I said no, I didn't want to wait.

After hearing this morning about people waiting days and weeks for medical care, waiting for water, waiting for rice and beans, waiting for more than a tent to live in, waiting for their lives to take on some sense of normalcy, I've decided I won't wait. I think contributing the money that might have been spent on diamonds to Pastor Luc and his churches and schools in Haiti is the birthday present I want to receive.