Good Bye April

April :: it was a rough month. I couldn't lie if I wanted to.

It wasn't just rough for me personally. There were difficult moments for people I loved & it's never an easy thing to watch someone suffer or be stressed. All I can do is be a support, as best I can, and pray for them.

April :: it was a month of learning.

Every situation we encounter & deal with is a learning experience. We go through things every day, numerous times a day. We have to learn from each one & learn how to react effectively. That in itself is a learned behavior.

April :: it was a humbling month. In many ways. But humbling is good. Learning is good.

I believe April needs to be behind us now ... Time for the warmth of May ... The feeling of summer time, graduations, trips, vacations, marathon training & being in love.

April :: its been real. But, it's time to keep it moving.

Spring Challenge -- Part 2!

Okay, so, clean eating / weight loss project was a fail. I'm pretty bummed about it, but in two days I'm going to start over (not that I've stopped; I just haven't done as well as I had hoped I would have.)

This isn't about restrictive eating :: well, that depends on your outlook, I suppose. I've realized that the chocolate chip cookies I love are filled with fat, sugar, and all things BAD for me. It doesn't mean I don't love and occasionally miss them; instead I am learning to make very healthy and delicious alternatives. I've enjoyed trying new recipes & sharing them w my loved ones and friends, definitely.

My problem is willpower when I'm stressed or hungry. Can I make healthier choices? Indeed! Do I ALWAYS need a piece of chocolate after lunch? INDEED! haha!! That's just one example of many things I want to work on. Another is increasing my exercise. A year ago I think I was exercising more. Maybe age is catching up with me & my metabolism is slowing down. (Heaven forbid) I have to step my game up & I know it.

So, in two days I'll start over and work harder to try & reach my goals .... Which are to trim down, maybe lose a little weight & inches ... But overall, I want to be healthy.

Let's see what kind of progress each day brings...

Claudia's Honorary Dinner

This evening I attended a formal dinner at the Marina del Rey in honor of my principal, Claudia Macek, given by the Morris Park Association.

Working under Claudia has made for good work days and a good environment. Claudia has helped to make our days more pleasant & effective, helped to get us new materials, keeps us honest and working hard, and not by checking up on us all day, but by having the confidence that we will do our jobs to the best of our abilities. The hall was packed with her staff, family, friends, and neighborhood people, as well, and everyone looked amazing. We definitely had a great time, although I skipped out early, as I do for most events. As much as I don't like having my weekends dominated by work events, this dinner for Claudia was well deserved & I am glad I was in attendance. I thank you, Claudia, for being a pleasure to work for, and for doing a wonderful job running our school.

More Inspiration

Tonight's photo is sent all the way from the Dirty South! My dear friend, Jason, who lives in the ATL is not only a friend, but also a prayer warrior. He sent me a hug from far, far away. Friends are there to lift us up when we can't lift ourselves. That's what Wanda told me the other night. I sure do have the greatest friends a girl could ever ask for.

Think Positively!

My sweet friend, Ellie, sent me the pics that are posted. She often reminds me to be caring to myself. I have to remember to do that.

Ellie amazes me. She is calm, prayerful, meditates & takes care of herself. She encourages me &makes me want to be a better person. I'm grateful for her friendship.

A Picture Says a Thousand Words

Positivity

I've chosen to delete many of my posts from this month because they were sad. They were me not listening to myself. I'm 36 years-old. When will I start listening to that still small voice in my head that knows better than my heart?

Tonight. Tonight I begin.

Moving forward, I am not going to write things based on feelings. I don't need to read back & remember how hurt I was at some point in time. What I need to recognize is how far I've come since those points.

Life is going to happen. There will be good & bad ... They will balance each other, and hopefully the good will outweigh the bad. I need to learn from each moment I go through. How can I change it for the next time & what can I learn from it?

Life is funny. It's a million different things, really.

But tonight, I will try to stop letting it beat me down. I deserve happiness & it's what I am going to continue to strive for. Ultimate happiness. I know it's out there. All things work out for the good of those who love God.

Showers of Happiness for the Stewarts

About 5-6 months ago, Kristi told me she & Leon would be having their first baby. Very exciting news! I've had the pleasure of experiencing many of my friends & family having children, and to say it's been special isn't giving it the proper description or emotion. Children are a blessing from God, and once again, my friends are being blessed.

After many months of planning, today we held Kristi & Leon's baby shower. It was evident how much these two are filled with love & loved by others. The room was carefully and beautifully decorated. Kristi and her mom looked gorgeous. There wasn't one detail of the day that was overlooked. (Except my leaving the bags for the candy on my coffee table.)

My coworker & friend, Dawn, outdid herself again with an amazing Cookie Monster cake and cupcakes. They were adorable AND delish! I put a simple candy table together and Kristi's main party planners tended to the rest. The food was simple and delicious, the company was friendly & the ambiance was light and loving.

The shower ended with prayers for Kristi, Leon & Micah. I thought that was the sweetest & most perfect way to end this blessed day. Now, we all patiently wait for Micah's arrival. Congratulations, my friends!

Breakfast or Dessert?

So, one of the girls who in the clean eating group gave us an idea :: Banana-Egg Pancake!

Easy & CLEAN!!
One ripe, mashed banana
One egg, one egg white
Chia seeds
Mix & cook!

Deliciousness!!!

April!

New day, new positivity!
I'm thrilled it's April 1st & that the weather is somewhat lovely! From what I hear, though, it's temporary. I can hardly wait for summer, although Spring just began, so I must hold my horses!

I should be organizing the apartment, but instead I want to enjoy my last few days of vacation. Thankfully I'm off tomorrow & will deal with a 3 day workweek with no complaints. With no real plans for these last few days, I'm just going to take the moments as they come & go with the flow.

I'm sure there'll SOMETHING to write about along the way ...