Soul Runnings

I did something very brave today! No, I didn't quite wake up in time for a sunrise run. But I did go to the track.  It was a glorious day. The warm sunshine thawed out my chest. My lungs feel clear. I walked a brisk 1/2 half mile, including 100 steps of jogging. I plan on increasing this daily. I am most inspired to make running a part of my life again! But the brave thing I REALLY wanted to boast about is that I went to a new church! One of the ladies from the church, that had invited me to the "Single Ladies' Luncheon" months ago had invited me to bible study.  She is such a sweet woman. I felt it was a good sign. And today, with the clear blue sky and sun already warm at 9:00 a.m., was a good time to venture across the lawn, a mere two minute walk to the church where I work as an administrative assistant during the week. It was nice to not have to hurry on a Sunday. I decided spontaneously on my walk over, that today would be a true day of rest. No wor...

I took a day off from exercise today. My cough has returned. I was up last night hacking like a smoker. But I don't smoke. I went next door to the Chinese market at lunch today.  They were out of " Nin Jiom Pei Pa Koa", the herbal loquat syrup that I usually get. But the cashier recommended another syrup, "Pei Pa Lo". It had similar ingredients, but she said it was "less sticky".  I bought it. I can already feel it working.   I am still wondering if this is a stress cough.  So I tried to keep myself in a place of peace, calm and joy all day.  It was a struggle.  I could feel the blues standing at the door. But I'm not letting him in! I am pretending I'm not home!  (Interesting that I give the blues a male gender!) Last night I went to a choir potluck/party.  I actually really enjoyed myself. I even had two glasses of red wine!  But I stayed away from all the breads, pastas and desserts.  I did not eat after 8:00 p.m., but I ...

Last night coming home on the bus, I had a God moment. I hopped on the bus. It was quite crowded, so I sat up front, near an older gentleman who was carrying on an animated conversation with a young man across the aisle. He was giving an impassioned speech about how our country does not appreciate it's freedom. Quite loudly. The young man was looking at him, not saying a word. But he looked uncomfortable. I looked around and noticed that the older gentleman actually seemed to be addressing the whole bus, or anyone that was listening. The rest of the passengers on the bus were quiet.  Either looking away from the older, passionate man, at their cell phones, or at him with raised eyebrows. I noticed he had a military cap on. It said "US Army". He noticed me looking at him.  He smiled and reached out his hand. I took it, intending to shake his hand and thank him for his service. "Good evening, young lady", he smiled.  He had beautiful blue eyes.  And a ...

The numbers on the scale! HOORAY!! It has been a tad frustrating to feel like I am working so hard, (at least eating wise), and not be showing much progress. It seems as if my scale was stuck at 190 forever! But I have stayed on my structured eating path.  No food after 8:00 p.m. Trying to limit my sugar intake to 6 teaspoons or less a day, trying to limit my sodium intake to 1,500 mg, and my calories to 1,500 or less a day.  I've done especially well with the sugar.  Especially since I have switched to black coffee and have started to be conscientious about reading nutritional labels. I have to stay on the course. I still have so much work to do.  But in the meantime, it occurred to me that I definitely need to keep JOY in my life. Because, even though I have not: achieved my goal weight... completed knitting my new grandbaby's blanket...  run a 5K... mastered the ukele... memorized my favorite piano pieces... mastered jazz chords o...

A bit low this morning. I did manage to walk a brisk 3/4 mile to get my morning black coffee. And a more leisurely 3/4 mile home. I am disposing of my food log for now. I am feeling pretty confident about my eating skills.  Although yesterday afternoon through evening I was craving chocolate and potato chips, I held fast to my no food after 8 p.m., no sugar, no junk food and no dairy.   I will post my stats every Monday. If I am stuck again with my weight, or - ACCCK! - if I gain weight, I will reinstate the food log.  I know I need to exercise more. I sound like a broken record. But MOST tired am I! It is rainy, cold and overcast again today. Like me! Mood was about a 3 this morning. Morning depression was thick as mud today. ( Scale of 1 to 10, 1 being extremely depressed, 10 being ecstatic.) Things soon changed.   There I was at my church job. Searching for a hymn for my next article for the church newsletter. Sipping black, bitter coffe...

My wonderful roommate (and boss) asked  me about "D" the other night. I am so flattered - she reads my blog everyday! But she said she was confused, because a few months back, I talked about a bus driver named "D". "Are there two "D"s?", she asked. She actually had to REMIND me of the previous "D" the driver, with the dog. "OH!" He was just a twinkle in my eye. Never heard from him or saw him again once he changed routes. I think I misread the situation. And am MOST embarrassed that I gave him my card the day before he changed to a different route. But "D2", I am interested in. Although, I have decided it would not be healthy for me to pursue him.  Easily obsessed am I! I am just going to live my life. If something evolves, something evolves! Besides, there is an "R". No, not THAT R! Not "H Formally Known as R" (Because, he used a phony name...arrrr).  He did flatter me. ...

Was feeling quite low this morning.  It might have been the gluten in the cheesecake I ate at my brother's house yesterday. Or poor sleep due to worry. I have been worried about my son lately, more than usual. But I was so happy that he called me out of the blue yesterday to wish me a Happy Mother's Day! Then he actually came to our family gathering at my brother's house. We had most of the family there.  Although, I was missing my niece, great niece and nephew. Someday soon, I hope to have us all together! My cough is back again.  I am wondering if it is a stress cough. It has not kept me up as much since I started using the Flonase. But this morning, instead of getting up and going to the track, I lay in bed and prayed and worried and cried a bit. Mostly about my son. As usual, wondering how I failed him as a mother. I do not know if I can ever truly enjoy my life if someone I love is struggling. I did drag myself out of bed in time for a vigorous 3/4 mile w...