Year Three, Day 51: On the Path Again! :)

I stepped on the scale this morning and did a happy dance!

At last the numbers on the scale are descending again!

I popped right up and went to the track with hoop in hand. Had a nice little workout. Now I'm getting ready to go to Mass at the Grotto.

I will check in later....

ttfn!

I'm back! it's now 2:56 p.m. I am in my library office. There are a lot of people in here. It's a nice place to spend a hot, summer Sunday!

Speaking of a lot of people...

Today was the "Freedom Mass" at the Grotto. I could not believe what I saw as I approached the grounds. The parking lot was full. There were uniformed security guards directing traffic and situated all throughout the facility. Every seat was taken and people were standing in every niche they could find. Beautiful music (sung in Vietnamese) flowed through a speaker system.

I inched my way forward. In time to see the "Our Lady of Lavong Liturgical Dancers".

So sweet and beautiful. I wiped a tear from my eye.

I looked up "Freedom Mass" and found an article in the Catholic Sentinel:

"The annual Freedom Mass, held near Independence Day, is organized by Portland’s Vietnamese Catholics. Many in the older generation escaped persecution in their native land because of the communist regime’s antipathy toward Catholicism in the post-war years. Representatives from the Laotian/Hmong, Filipino, Polish and Eritrean communities also attend the Mass." (http://www.catholicsentinel.org/main.asp?SectionID=2&subsectionID=35&articleID=25732)

I did not stay for the entire Mass. People were still flowing in as I made my way through the crowd. I do not speak Vietnamese, but I recognized the Mass. And as I attempted to leave, I smiled. Everyone parted and smiled back.

I smile in Vietnamese!

I decided to just head to lunch at Namaste and try out my new and improved eating skills. I could also pray, journal and read my bible. I will go to Mass next week when it is not so crowded!

I did well with my lunch! I had one plate of rice, tandori chicken, eggplant massala and curried chickpeas, one cup of lentil soup, and one plate of salad and fresh fruit. And a whole pitcher of water!

I think my daughter and I have made have devised a workable eating plan!

Plus, I think beginning and ending the day with exercise is vital for me.

Today is my day of rest. But I am still going to go to the gym for a swim.

Then home to practice piano and knit some baby blankets!

I hope you are having a restful Sunday.

Talk to you tomorrow!

Love,

Zita

Comments

Year Three, Day 58: Marilyn Monroe's Measurements

Day 24 of daily hooping. I am determined to shrink these abs, if it is the last thing I do! Perhaps I should have that written on my tombstone: "Here lies Zita". Flat abs at last!! Well I certainly hope to attain my flat abs goal BEFORE I am dead and gone! Today's video was another rush job. But I downloaded some fun tunes to my Kindle last night. I enjoyed my hoop session more listening to the Punjabi music. It reminded me of the "Maritime Bhangra Dancers". If you haven't heard of them, you should look them up. They never fail to put a smile on my face! I am not smiling so much looking at this video. My hooping skills have improved a bit, but that menopot has got to go! After my hoop session, I walked 3/4 mile to the bus stop. I was planning on attending the 10:00 a.m. Mass at the Grotto, but it was cutting it close. Plus, I was feeling the need for a Starbucks iced tea. Today was Iced Passionfruit/Black Tea, no sugar whatsoever. The ic...

Year Two, Day 274: I Like Me. RIP Packy!

Today's fruit of the spirit that I am focusing on is patience. This I need more of. And coincidentally (or not), I read in my book Challenge: A Daily Meditation Program Based on the Spiritual Exercises of Saint Ignatius by Mark Link, S.J. the following: "I asked God to give me happiness, and God said, 'No.' He said that patience is a by-product of tribulation. It isn't granted, it is earned." Well, not to sound smug, but I am certainly earning my patience award! :) I am having a good day, however I am a bit over caffeinated. I earned (patiently lol) a free latte today at Starbucks. On a side note, I love being a regular customer. I walked into my regular Starbucks today, and one of the barista's yelled, "Zita!" from across the room. I felt like I was in an episode of "Cheers"! I love being recognized in a friendly manner. I had a venti "Smoked Butterscotch Latte with soy". I have found the per...

Year Three, Day 110: I Like Change, But How Do I Help the Suffering?

I woke up in a bit of a panic this morning. I had planned on getting to the track by 6:30 a.m., because I thought today was the first day of school. You see, the public is not allowed to use the track when school is in session. Understandably so. But alas, I overslept! I still headed out with my hoop, hoping it was before school hours at 7:30 a.m. And I breathed a sigh of relief. The school looked vacant. And only one solitary jogger with her solitary dog was present. I got busy in case the kids were due to arrive. Got a nice hoop workout in. No sign of children as I walked back to the house. So I did what I should have done in advance. I consulted Google. And most happy am I - North Clackamas School District does not start back to school until September 6th! Portland Public Schools start today. But the elementary school next door to the track lists "student hours" as 7:45 - 2:00 p.m. So I really am going to have to get an earlier start next week. I am aiming...

Soul Runnings

Search This Blog