Counting my birthday blessings

Today is my 34th birthday and it was humbling, quiet and amazing. I spent most of the day at chemotherapy with my father. Afterward, picked up my daughter from school and we had a quiet dinner with my husband at home. There were no flashy gifts or big parties, just a peaceful day of reflection and family bonding.

Although I am saddened by my father's very challenging and debilitating fight against cancer, I couldn't help thinking how his journey humbles and inspires me through his strength and ability to remain a humble student of life. He could be angry, but he isn't. He is poised as he moves forward, determined to conquer the cancer that lurks inside of him. My father's courage to forge forward also inspired me to meditate about what a healthy life means to me. I have a passion for nutrition even though following the straight and narrow path of proper food nourishment in a world of crooked paths is very difficult for me. I recognize I have a food addiction and I also recognize that the addiction will speed the degeneration of my body and my spirit if I don't change. My goal today and through the weekend (and ultimately life) is to really learn how to meditate on my food intake as a blessing, as a source of nourishment, as a path to health and life.

My 15-year-old daughter asked me to snuggle with her tonight (something that doesn't happen often in these teenage years) and it warmed my heart. Lying with her as she fell asleep filled my heart with so much love and joy and I remembered how desperately I want to be the best mother, and someday grandmother, I can be in this life. I want to go to the beach with my daughter and play volleyball, to get on the floor with my grandchildren someday and play and giggle and laugh, to encourage a healthy, active lifestyle that she will emulate with her own family as an adult. These things are very important to me. I must believe I am capable of achieving a happy and healthy body so that I can better project my happy heart.

Today I am counting my birthday blessings and promising myself a life of health and happiness.

I've been a bad, bad girl

So...I completely fell off the wagon. I don't want to admit it and that's why I haven't posted in eight days. Gosh...8 days!!!! It gets away from you so fast. My husband I did really great for the first week, but we were having a hard time eating so much salad, so we were tired and very hungry. I was up to five lbs. weight loss and then...We went to the happiest place on earth. Yep folks, Disney World. The land of corn dogs, turkey legs, burgers, fries, churros, cotton candy...well, you get the picture. Then the following day was Mother's Day and that required a very large, very delicious brunch. I'm afraid I'll be chubby forever. Uggghhh. It's very frustrating and what is worse is that it's my very own fault. I'm going to give it another shot. I think this time I'm going to take it a bit slower and work my way to the more strict plan.  I so hope I can do it.

Quick Hello!

I just wanted to drop in and say that my husband and I are going strong with the ETL diet!!! I'll post pics and details tomorrow. I made a raw food dessert (awesome!!!) and have lost some pesky punds! I can't wait to share it tomorrow. Off to bed now. Sweet, or rather--leafy green, dreams to all!