I'm Renewed

I've been a bad blogger....I haven't posted in days. I don't really have any good excuse. I could blame work - but that certainly isn't it. I could blame having been on jury duty for a week - but that isn't it either. I just didn't have much to say, really. Maybe I had too much to say and didn't know where to begin. Or maybe I just feel like I'm always bemoaning the same thing, even though I say I'm not going to.

Or, I could blame the lack of carbs on my ability to think rationally...but we'll get to that.

I'm feeling renewed. I spent the weekend reconnecting with a section of my husband's family. I love them dearly and spending time with them is like pulling a warm blanket around myself when I'm feeling a little chilly. I guess after I miscarried, everyone just felt awkward - they didn't know what to say. That seems to have passed now - or at least it has for the most part. I still reserve the right to cry for no apparent reason and was joking with one sister-in-law that I felt like I should announce to the family: "Something will happen - someone will say something completely innocently and randomly, it will hit home and I'll start to cry. Just ignore me. Carry on with what you're doing while I boo hoo in the corner. I'll get myself together and everything will just carry on. Promise."

Being with them, however, reminds me the importance of family. Watching my nephews grow and change. Watching my niece learn about the world for the first time - especially when it involves figuring out that you have toes and that you can suck on them! Watching my husband connect with his family in a way he never has. All of it just reminds me how very blessed I am.

I'm also the spirit of renewal around our house. With the exception of hanging curtains, we finished redecorating our office and it looks fantastic! I'll post pictures when we're done. Completing these sorts of projects and continuing to build our little home fills me with hope an d optimism...like everyone is getting a fresh coat of paint.

I'm finding a sense of renewal within me - with excuses week after week, I've put off going to the gym. That stops today. My husband has switched to a day schedule for the next couple of months and will be home long after I am. So, I'm not filled with such a sense of urgency to get home. So, I'm finally committing to working out 3 nights a week.

I also rejoined Weight Watchers. I did my best attempt at South Beach for two weeks. I was *really* good until last Wednesday, when I just couldn't handle the lack of carbs ANY MORE! Seriously....I had headaches. I was going into convulsions. You just can't take potatos away from a girl that grew up in Idaho! It's evil! So, I've switched over to Weight Watchers. I know the program works when you follow it - and this time, I'm going to give the Core plan a try. Not as much counting - but still allowing for some bread here and there!

And finally, I am renewed in the power of friendship. I spent the evening with a couple of girls that reminded me that when the chips are down, it's your girls that have your back...and no matter what may happen, what matters is what is said from the heart, not from the lip.

And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, so that you may prove what the will of God is, that which is good and acceptable and perfect ~ Romans 12:2