Happy Post

Enough wallowing in our misery. It's time to realize that our cups may not be 100% full, but even at half, there is some good stuff in our lives. In a therapy session years ago the counsellor said that if I spend 80% of my time focused on the 20% of my life that is not going well, then it will feel like 80% of my life is bad, instead of just the 20%. So this post is for us to tell something that happened TODAY that made us feel good. Here's mine... I finally finished cutting out 250 Christmas stockings to give to inner city kids. Thank goodness, other people will do the sewing! This is the third year we have done this, and the kids really like them. This goes along with a toy distribution where we "sell" donated toys to parents in poor neighborhoods at 25% of cost. The money goes to buy more toys for the next year to add to the donated ones. The parents really appreciate getting to do what they can for themselves and their kids--it gives them a sense of self respect. So... What has caused you to smile today? Joy

Here's my spot o' cheer today: I think this ground up flax seed is helping me sleep! I'm waking up at 4am now instead of 1:30 or 2am! And my energy level has rebounded somewhat. I'll keep you posted. On another note, my promise to my son this morning--that I would not eat candy today--is keeping me strong; I have not had it yet...only an hour and a half to go before I leave the office. I CAN do this! The pull of addiction is so evil - be well everyone. Reenie

Way to go!! I saw an article on the news about kids who get plenty of sleep not being so obese--I wonder if that is true for us too? I'm a lousy sleeper--I may have to try the flax seed. I have a good muffin recipe that is low carb. Funny how our kids can motivate us so strongly! Hang tough! Just because of you guys, I have avoided the carb quicksand that sucks me into the eat/sleep/eat cycle. No sleepies this afternoon, and no sugar! And on a positive note... I sliced 2 fingers open about an hour ago but... (here's the good part) managed to stop the bleeding without having to go for stitches! I'm an experienced clutz! My big victory will be avoiding the chocolate fountain tonight... Joy

Update: I did stay out of the chocolate--just because I felt accountable to you all. Thanks!! Joy

What's a chocoate fountain? The lady with the constant stream of candy corn in her office says she will no longer be bringing it in - I think someone may have talked to her about my difficulties...yippee! Now I just have to conquer the M&Ms. Joy, SHARE that muffin recipe! PLEASE! Hope your fingers are ok. Love ya, Reenie

Joy, Thanks for snapping me out of my pity party. I'm not a good patient so I've been feeling sorry for myself since I'm not my usual ball of fire. So I got up and started moving. First I dumped all of the cans of soda that are past their pull date. I stock soda in the extra fridge in the garage, but since I don't drink soda, I don't pay attention to what's in there other than buying more when I see empty space. Turns out some of it (7 cases) were about 3 years old. I poured it all out so I can recycle the cans. I felt good about accomplishing something that I'd been meaning to do without taxing my strength. Then I went and got my hair done. This may not sound like a big deal, but it was for me. I haven't done anything with my hair in about 9 months because I just couldn't figure out how I wanted to have it colored or cut. I walked into a salon and just handed my head over to a girl and let her have her way with my hair. I'm pretty pleased with the results. She cut off about 4 inches and it's still below my shoulders. She covered my roots and gave me some bright red highlights. This has really picked up my mood and it looks much better. Thanks for the great post, Joy. Hugs, Connie

The best part of a pity party is the end of it! We want to see you in your new do, Connie! You bring to mind a great truth... There are many things we can do to comfort and treat ourselves that do not involve food!!! And the good feeling lasts much longer than the taste of dessert! Today, at church I get to hand out packets of "Christmas stocking kits" that I cut out and put together, to make a total of 300+ stockings for inner city kids. This will be the third year for this project, and it has grown from 150 the first year. We will have a new toy drive and then set up a one-day "toy store" where parents in need can buy toys for their kids at 20% of cost. This gives them the dignity of providing something for their own family. The few who cannot even afford that, are given vouchers to cover the cost. (The money cycles back into next year's toys) Each child is given a stocking with a children's Bible and some toys and candy. That is my "happy" for the day-- doing something to bring a smile to a child. Have a great day, and count your blessings... Joy

Yes Connie we want to see your new hair cut. An thanks for the job ideas also Connie. I got a appl. turn in the other day for a tax prep. from Jan to April and that is what I want a part time job. I had a happy day Joy I took my 2 grandchildren to church and then I went an had lunch at my daughter home. My son came and spend the afternoon with us. That was a nice day because my 2 children don't get together too much. We are always too busy with are own lives. But my children and grandchildren are a true blessing from God. Now as for eating I had a problem with the sweets my daughter fix for dessert. I had to have a brownie. Sweets is a big problem for me!!!!!! I just need to be more willing to say NO NO NO!!!!!!!!!! Now the holidays are getting closer it really going to be hard for me. Have a great week!!!!!!!!!!!! Diana

Don't beat yourself up. At least you shared--you didn't eat the whole batch!!! (I've been known to do that!) As for the holidays, my advice is to just make the holiday the "day of", not the whole month. Then you can't do all that much damage! Good luck to all of us on that one! Joy