Goal Setting

Tomorrow it will be November.  I can't believe it.  It seems to be true - the older you get the faster time seems to go!  I am going to blink and be posting about Christmas.  I don't like it!  (The weird time thing, not Christmas - I love that!)   Anyway, it is time to decide on a new project!!

My long-term purpose for Project Adventure is deeper than just the gratification of 9 self-centered whims.  It is more about re-discovering who I am.  Maybe it's a blog-documented "midlife crisis" !  I don't know, but I am certain of this:  each of us make choices, sometimes intentionally, sometimes not, that lead us in certain directions and eventually to specific destinations.  We also have intention.  Most often, our intentions are NOT to arrive at the destinations our decisions take us to.  (If you want to know more about that, please read Andy Stanley's book "The Principle of the Path".)  I was simply tired of living a life full of good intentions, without being intentional about any of them!  I was exhausted from the mundane, the "tyranny of the urgent".  That might be a book, too; I'm not certain, it was a phrase I first heard years ago in a Sunday school class.  

All that being said, I certainly don't have enough time in my life to try out every interesting thing that comes into my mind.  Perhaps in my empty nest years there will be more, although I've heard it is often not the case.  Either way,  there is a limited amount of recreational time in my life.  In thinking about that I have decided that my November Project will not be related to a specific "fun" experience.  Instead,  I am going to take this time to intentionally evaluated my physical health and fitness.

I am not a big fan of exercise for excercise's sake.  Multiple pregnancies over two decades have taken their toll on my body.  I'm a lot more "padded" than I used to be.  I lack energy.  I do not see a doctor for regular physicals (except my ob/gyn).  I was diagnosed with asthma during/after one pregnancy but have not treated it for at least 10 years (except with my son's emergency inhaler).  I am do not generally "think healthy" in terms of food choices.  (I LOVE to cook, I love good food).    I have not had my vision checked in years.  I simply don't make time for taking care of myself.  It isn't a "fun" thing to do with any extra time I may have.

I have made some effort to loose weight over the years.  I have never been successful.  I mean I have NEVER shed more than a pound or two, even with what I perceived as lots of effort.  While I would like to have success in that area, I do NOT want to be come obsessed with it.  I don't want to turn a quest for health into a vain obsession.    So far, not a problem, lol.  I also don't want to try and do so many things I have to be thinking about them all day long.  This is an almost certain route to failure for me.  So, after this long introduction, here is what I have deciced:

In November I will set goals for each week.  I will attempt to evaluate and make changes/adjustment a little at a time.  I will be honest with myself.  I will NOT try to change everything all at once.

Week 1 Goals:

   ___  Make an appointment for a physical, and check the asthma while I'm there.
             (the appt. will likely not be able to be in November, but I need to MAKE it.)

  ___  Make an appointment for my eyes.

  ___  Keep a food journal.  At week's end honestly evaluate if I am consuming way too many calories.

  ___ Keep a physical activity journal.  At week's end honestly evaluate if I am too sedentary.
        (By the way, the food and activity stuff is easy to track, for free, at MyFitnessPal.com)

  ___ Weigh and Measure myself on day 1.  Put the scale AWAY until Nov. 30.  I'm not going to
          obsess with that.
 
  ___Add a daily multi-vitamin for women to my morning routine.

  ___Add 2 glasses of water to my day.  (I hate plain water.  Going for 8 always makes me stop!)

  ___Workout for at least 30 minutes 3 times in 7 days.

I think that is quite enough for the first week.  You may be thinking, that is not going to cut it.  You have to do way more than that to really make a difference.  Yes, I know.  Long term, I have a lot to change.  The thing is, I don't seem to do well with making a lot of drastic changes at once.  It took me 20 years to get to this place.  I think I can take a year or so to get out of it!  I would rather make baby steps that I can DO, than a list of giant steps that I won't. 

If you know me "in real life" please feel free to encourage me/hold me accountable to the goals I set here.
If you, like me, have not be intentional regarding your physical health, consider setting some goals of your own.  It's always good to have a friend on the journey!

See you next week!

D

Modesty

Homecoming season has been upon us, and I have enjoyed looking at the pictures of my friends' children all dressed up for their big night out.  There is something that has been on my mind; however, and at the risk of offending someone I've just got to speak out.

When did Christian parents decide it was OK to allow their daughters to sacrifice modesty for fashion?  When did we decide it wasn't that important, or "everyone dresses that way", or that we have no authority over what our children wear? 

Let me be clear, I don't have an issue with being fashionable.  I am just extremely uncomfortable with seeing so much of these young ladies' breasts.  I am thinking how difficult it must be to be a teenage boy trying to be pure in his thought life with this temptation surrounding him for "fashion's sake".  In fact, if you want me to be completely honest, I am a little angry that my husband is exposed to much more of these young bodies than is proper.   Sometimes it's the not so young bodies as well!

OK, before anyone accuses me of not taking the log out of my own eye, I do have a son who has an issue with "sagging".  We fight that battle on a daily basis, and I am not giving in.  As strongly as I feel about THAT; however, I doubt it is enticing anyone to have lustful thoughts.  It is just stupid.  In addition, I have on occasion worn something I later regretted.  I too have been guilty.

That being the case does not excuse parents who are not willing or able to set standards for modest dress with their daughters.  It would be no different than saying because I have a daughter who was born out of wedlock means I cannot stand for the truth that the Lord designed the sexual relationship for marriage and anything outside of that is sin.   (Now there's another can of worms.  I'm probably offending people right and left today).

I guess that's about all I have to say on the matter.  Each family has to decide their own standards, and I realize they will differ.  I am just really sad to see these sweet girls dressing in a way that is designed to tempt.  What are we thinking in America today?

One more thing, if you are my friend, and your daughter has just been to Homecoming, please don't ask me if I mean you.  I really am not trying to point out one specific example, just my disgust with the trend as a whole.  If you think it might be you, examine your own beliefs regarding modest dress, and go from there.  It is still a free country (for the moment), and I am just expressing my own opinion. 

D

Things I Like

This is an impulse post.  I was just thinking, as I was scrubbing a bathroom, that if I'm looking for things that bring me joy, I might want to make a list of things I actually know I like.  So, I am.  Without further ado, and in no particular order....

1.  Comments on my blog posts.
2.  Chocoloate of various kinds.  I love those treasure candies, they remind
      me of the caramel candy bars we used to sell in school for fundraisers. 
3.  A fire in the fireplace.
4.  Reading.
5.  That Cranberry Sierra Mist that is only out this time of year, haven't had
     any yet this season.
6.  Fall - the way it looks, smells, feels... I love it!
7.  Clean sheets on a freshly made bed.  VERY high thread count.  Mmmm,
     feels fabulous
8.  A massage
9.  A cup of hot tea
10.  That time in the morning when no one else is up but me & the Lord
11.  Going out to eat - good food (NOT fast food)
12.  Watching the Food Network
13.  Watching LOST
14.  Going to the movies
15.  That snuggly time between waking up and having to get out of bed
16.  Having someone brush my hair
17.  Music - especially when it brings up memories.  Someday I'll blog
         about songs - who and what they make  me think of
18.  Bubble baths, especially with a book, chocolate, and tea.
         If I would have put the fireplace in the wall between the
         bedroom and bathroom like I wanted to, I'd be in heaven!
19.  Scenic drives - which I HATED growing up, but now love!
20.  Sitting on the beach, with my honey and a book
21.  Cooking (when the kitchen is clean and orderly),
        especially trying new recipies & tweaking them
22.  Lilacs
23.  Starbucks:  Cafe Moca & a slice of pumpkin loaf
24.  Working on geneaology...the best puzzles of all!
25.  Lying on the couch, with my knees bent, and a kiddo
         sitting in that little spot behind my legs, reading to me
         or watching TV.

Well, not bad for a start.  I think I'll try and add a few things to the list every so often.  It's good to remember the simple things that I really enjoy!

Death of a Doornale

I did it!  October 10th I accomplished 2 for 2!!!  I've gotta say it feels pretty good to set a goal and then get it done.  That is an area I tend to be weak in.  I'm a great planner.  I'm not so good at the finishing.  Perseverance is something I need to intentionally pursue.

As I posted previously, I had absolutely no acting experience going into this.  I can do a pretty good job reading stories to the kids; making voices for the different characters, etc.  The first rehersal went pretty well, as we simply sat and read through the script, much like reading a story out loud.  The second rehersal was a walk through on the stage, minus the props (such as a sofa, chair, etc.).  I have to be honest, that was downright HARD.   There is a huge difference between just reading and having to walk, stop, change positions, look at people, not loose track of your place in the script, exit on the correct side, etc.  I had some pretty large misgivings by the time that rehersal ended.  I'm sure Becky, our director, did, too!

Next it was time to choose my "costume".  My character, Pricilla, is the "lovely yet shallow daughter of an eccentric millionaire".   She seems to have not really gotten over her parent's divorce.  She is very disdainful of her father's new "girlfriend"; who is young, fairly ummm, stupid, and doesn't have any sophistication.  It was another interesting aspect of this presentation that I had complete freedom to choose my costume.   In a way it would have been much easier to have been just told what to wear!  I knew I needed heels, as Pricilla accidentally kills a pet hampster (OK, a gerbil, but you won't convince her of that) and the proof was in the wound matching her heel print.    I finally settled on high heeled boots, with a brown "split skirt" (I really don't know what you call those pants that come just to the top of tall boots) and a leopard print jacket.    My children have taken to calling it my "rich outfit".

The dress rehersal went a little better than the week before, but we still had a LOT of work to do.  We were not memorizing the script, and there were moments when I thought it might have been easier NOT to have been scanning for my lines.   I have to say we had a great time at all the rehersals.  I laughed so much, I figuired the audience would certainly enjoy the show even if we butchered it!

All in all, I think we did pretty well for an amateur cast, with a last minute "understudy" to boot.  It was interesting how during the preformance we all started to really "get into it".  It was a humor-filled script, and I believe my fellow actors were quite gifted at playing the humor for all it was worth.  We even had some improv. thrown in!  (Just a disclaimer, I really didn't MEAN to actually pull Candi Bambi's wig OFF.  It just sort of happened.  But man was it ever funny!). 

As far as adventurous new experiences go, I don't believe I will ever forget it, nor the wonderful people who I got to spend some time playing around with.  I think I would give acting another try, given the opportunity.
Probably the most touching thing about the evening was my daughter and son-in-law driving 3 1/2 hours one way AND paying $15.00 each to see my theatrical debut.  That really meant a lot to me.   There are some issues from my childhood that I am only recently seeing how deeply their effect has gone.  I was involved in things as a kid, the ususal school stuff, choir concerts, basketball games, etc.  My mom faithfully went to them all.  My father never once came to see an event.  My grandparents, though they lived in the same town, didn't either.  So, while I sort of "expect" my husband to come (kind of like Mom in the old days), this was the first time anyone else had made an effort just to see me, and it was quite an effort indeed.  I hope that they weren't disappointed!!

So, my October adventure has come to a close.  I have a few weeks to come up with the perfect November experiment.  I'm toying around with adding epicurial adventures into the mix as well.  I don't know that I have found my passion in acting, but it certainly brought much laughter and fun into the last few weeks.  I'd love suggestions if you have any ideas for things I ought to try.  In the meantime, get out there and have an adventure of your own!

PS I don't know how to put pictures on here.  As soon as I figure it out, I'll post some with me in all my animal print glory :-)

Getting In Just Under the Wire

Here is it, the very last day of September 2009.  I must admit to being somewhat discouraged regarding my project.  With the invasion of Influenza A/possible H1N1, and the time it took to work it's way through 8 of the 9 of us, September had flown by without me finding the time to get started.  Additionally, there was a calendar mix-up/double booking, which led to my missing the women's shooting class last Sunday.  I had just about decided to forget the whole thing and move on to October.

Enter my friend, whom I shall call Mr. Legstrong (because it amuses me to do so).  He, being much more adventurous than I, has been quite encouraging regarding my plans to experience new things.  He did not see me passively sitting back and letting the clock run out on September as an option.  It is one thing to say, "Oh yes, this is a good idea, go for it!"  It is a completely different thing to say, "You MUST do this today, it's the last day, and I will do what it takes to help you accomplish it."

At approixmately 4:15PM this afternoon; the "Legstrong" family arrived at my home; fully equipped to facilitate my adventure.  As the children were escorted to another (safe) area of the compound, we entered the woods to scope out a good spot to proceed.  The home-made (pink) target was hung.  We were ready to get the party started.

After some instruction and example the time arrived to give it a shot.  Yeah, it's a terrible pun, but I couldn't resist.  The first "real" gun I held in my hand(s) was a 20 guage shotgun, double barrel.  I was surprised at how heavy it was.   I positioned it, and myself; asked questions, requested to be shown several more times exactly how to stand/hold it/place my hands, etc,  took aim, and fired.   Much to my surprise (and delight), I actually hit the target!!  From Mr. Leghorn's expression, I surmised he was surprised, as well.  I realized that I had un-intentionally closed my eyes as soon as I pulled the trigger.  I don't really know why.  It was loud, but not overwhelmingly so.   I could definitely feel a "kick", but it's not as if it would knock me down or anything.  How did it feel?   It was the kind of thing that made me want to say, "Woo" - in fact I think maybe I did.  I was very smiling, as Junie B. Jones would say.  I tried again to see if I could keep my eyes open.  I think that I succeeded, but the first shot was  a little better (in my expert opinon, lol).

Next it was time to try out the Glock 26.  The Glock is a sub compact 9mm handgun.  While the whole thing made me very nervous (in a Six Flags kind of way), this one was definitely more intimidating.  It took a little bit to find the safest place.  I was again surprised, this time at how difficult it was to pull back the "thing" you have to slide back.  Yeah, so those aren't the technical terms.  That's OK, I know what I mean.  It looks so easy to just slide the thing back, but it took a lot more finger/hand strength than I expected.  I think you need Scott hands for that.    It is also somewhat confusing to me that little is so much LOUDER.   Nevertheless, I gave it a try.  Alas, that target had nothing to fear from me.  I'd like to say I didn't miss it by much, but frankly I have no idea.  A couple of tries, a couple of complete misses.   That's OK though, it was still pretty exciting for me.

So what's my final analysis?  It was fun!  In some ways more difficult than I anticipated.  I also didn't expect the nervous feeling.  I think I would enjoy gaining some mastery of shooting.  My grandfather, whom I never met, collected antique guns.  My aunt tells of going hunting with her father and the memories seem to be very good ones.  I don't know how I would feel about actually killing an animal, and then having to prep it for cooking.  I don't mean that I would feel bad about it, just that I might find it pretty "gross".  I like the idea of knowing how, though.  To be honest, in today's world, I like the idea of being able to handle a firearm safely and accurately should the need arise.   Will I pursue this any further?  I don't honestly know right now.  I'd still like to visit my gun shop friend.  Who knows, maybe someday I'll be up for that safari in Africa!

I enjoyed myself, a lot.  It is a wonderful feeling to have accomplished step one.  There is a great deal of satisfaction in seeing it through.  That being said, I absolutely would have given up if it were not for the friends who were willing to go above and beyond the "extra mile".    That they would be willing to pack up their kiddos, come to my house, bring all the needed "stuff", and ensure that I actually DID something instead of just dreaming is remarkable.   Somehow it validates this adventuring for me - it must not be a totally crazy idea if they would go to that trouble just to push me out of the "thinking" stage and into the "doing".  As much fun as I had in the "doing", I think the joy they brought to me means more.  I love those guys!!

I did something else I've never done today.  When we moved out here, I planted an "orchard".  A couple of apple trees, a pair of pear trees, two peach, two cherry, two plum, you get the idea.  Well, we've had all these weird springs lately, and the orchard doesn't do much of anything besides look pretty when it's blooming and give the boys something to mow around.  This year; however, there are a TON of pears.  The poor trees are bent over with the weight of them.   I keep waiting for them to soften up and be ripe; but the darn things are like rocks.   Well, Mrs. Legstrong and the kiddos were off adventuring while I was busy scaring the birds and squirrels; and they weren't afraid of some crunchy pears.   They discovered that although very, um, crisp, they actually taste quite good.  Frankly, I would have just taken them at their word.   When I was acutally handed one though, what could I do but try it?  You know what?  It really was tasty!  So, I've enjoyed the "fruit" of my labor.  That is pretty cool!

Tomorrow is October.  I am well into preparation for that month's adventure.  Rehersals are underway for the production of  "Death of a Doornale", in which I will make my theatrical debut.  I'll let you know how that turns out.  In the meantime, I'll try to get ahold of some photos to jazz up this blog.  There is photographic evidence that I indeed DID have a shooting spree and I'm not just making this stuff up.  If you've read this far, why don't you plan your own October adventure?  Let me know if you do, I want to share in the fun!

Oh my, what have I gotten myself into??

OK, first off I'll just come right out and admit it, I lied.  I didn't MEAN to.  It just sort of happened.  Back in that last post when I said the next one would certainly be about shooting, well, it's not.  When I said it, I meant it.  Life (and when I say life, I mean horrible, awful, lay you out in bed for days flu-ish sickness) got in my way.  I haven't done ANYTHING since then.  Seriously, I don't think I have left the house.   I suppose the right thing to do would have been to wait and blog again after I took a step towards the shooting.  The trouble with that is all the words flying around in my head trying to get out.  If I don't "spend" them here, my poor family will be subject to them, and I just don't think they can take it right now.  This dumb illness has really taken it out of all of us.  So I apologize.  I do believe lying is a serious thing.  I won't make any future promises about upcoming blogs, so as not to make that same mistake again.  Please forgive me.

In the meantime, I have some exciting (read terrifying) news regarding my October adventure.  At least I think it will be in October.  Ah, I digress.  WAY back in August, when I was contemplating this season of adventure, I recklessly signed my name on an audition sheet for a part in a theatrical production.  A production about which I know NOTHING.  I think it is possibly a dinner theater.  I could easily be wrong.  I think the production is in October.  I really don't know for sure. 

You see, it was an audition list.  I have never acted in anything before.  I've always thought it would be fun to try.  I suppose I might have a tiny flair for the dramatic somewhere in me.  OK, stop laughing and just read on; it wasn't that funny.  I could try anyway, and I would find out what it really was all about at the audition.

Fast forward to last night, where I, in my feverish haze, was informed that a script would be dropped off with my husband for me tonight.  "For the audition?", I inquired.    The stunning reply was that I had been cast without an audition at all.  My fevered mind said, "Fun!- I can't wait!"

Now here I sit, fever free.  I have in my possession a bound copy of the script - bigger than my first church directory.  This is some serious theater, the first rehersal for which is NEXT WEEK.  I am not bragging (truly), but I am a very fast reader.  I sat down to speed read through this thing and did not finish before putting it down to blog in my panic.  What if I can't do this?  What if I fall flat on my face?  What if....

So, I'm taking a deep breath.  Now I'm letting it out.  I wanted adventure, right?  I guess this will tell me if I enjoy acting - or if I am any good at it!  I don't want to give anything away - you might have the good (or mis-) fortune of seeing this production.  With that in mind, I'm not going to tell you what it is called.  I will tell you my character's description:

             Born with a silver spoon in her mouth, spoiled rich girl.
             Accustomed to having  everything done for her and
             having her way.  Would have someone else "think"
            for her if she could.

Aside from my husband's famous quip that of course I worked at Burger King as a teenager, it is the home of "have it your way" -I think it's safe to say I will have to actually ACT to play this role.  No free rides, here.
I can tell you this, some of my lines have me laughing out loud.  That won't be good for the story, though.  I wonder what I will need to wear?  I'm a little short on rich girl clothes!  I think I need to ponder the old, classic movies that I love so much for someone to sort of build the character around.  I can't seem to think of any though.  My favorite actresses were too smart, the Katherine Hepburn roles.  The "dumb" blondes are not sophisticated enough; "Mutual I'm sure".  I just can't quite picture who she should be.

It would seem that October's adventure has been decided with certainty.  It is my intent to still explore shooting in what remains of September.  I also am eager to dig into another chapter of Tozer.  So much to do, and I have wasted so much time of late laying around doing NOTHING.  Is it lying around?  Lie and lay always do tirp me up.  Please feel free to let me know if you are a grammar queen (or king).  For that matter, please feel free to suggest actresses/roles you think I might use for preparation. 

In conclusion, I will try (note, not promise) to post pictures from the production for posterity, or perhaps just for proof of participation!  Perhaps you will peruse them at some point.  In the meantime, live your own adventure, persevere!

Beginning with Tozer

It's day 1 of my journey into "The Attributes of God".   I could have stopped with the first paragraph, Colossians 3:1-3.  Here it is from the Message, with verse 4 added in:

1-2 So if you're serious about living this new resurrection life with Christ, act like it. Pursue the things over which Christ presides. Don't shuffle along, eyes to the ground, absorbed with the things right in front of you. Look up, and be alert to what is going on around Christ—that's where the action is. See things from his perspective.


3-4Your old life is dead. Your new life, which is your real life—even though invisible to spectators—is with Christ in God. He is your life. When Christ (your real life, remember) shows up again on this earth, you'll show up, too—the real you, the glorious you. Meanwhile, be content with obscurity, like Christ.

Well, well there is a wealth to be learned in this passage alone!  Yes, I'm serious about living the life of a follower.  How many times have I been so focus on what is going on "down here", all around me, in my life, and haven't bothered to look up?  It is so easy for my thoughts to be centered on me me me. 

I love this quote from chapter 1:  "The Church will come out of her doldrums when we find out that salvation is not a light bulb only, that it is not an insurance policy against hell only, but that it is a gateway into God and that God is all that we would have and can desire."  I have struggled for 21 years now with this concept, the people that act like they have their heaven ticket in their pocket and life on this earth just goes on businees as usual.  Isn't there supposed to be a difference, that people can see, here and now?  I believe the answer is adamantly YES YES YES!

This chaper goes on to talk about God delighting in his creation, taking pleasure in his work, the topic of singing, and joy.  It ends with the question, "Are you contented with nominal Christianity?"  Well are you?  I have spent periods in my life living nominally.  Actually, I am not sure that is a word, but you get the idea.  the answer to that question, however, is a resounding NO.  I am not satisfied to live that way.  The chapter ends thusly,"If you're not satisfied with nominal Christianity, popular Christianity, and the first beginnings of things and you want to know the Triune God for yourself, read on."  Well that's my plan.  I am asking the Lord to give me an understanding of what this book says as I digest it over the next month or two.  I don't know why I have found it such a difficult read in the past.  I am encouraged by today, however.  I'm "prayerfully confident" (borrowed that awesome phrase from my lovely daughter) that exercising my mental and spiritual muscles this way will be of benefit!

I've used up more than my quota of "blogging time" today.  I must go clean up the mess from making no-bakes for an after school snack.  No bakes are a funny thing.  They are like fudge, I never know if they will turn out OK or not.  Will they be dry and crumbly, will they never set up, or will they be soft and fudgy and melt in your mouth?  It doesn't help that my scrawled recipie, copied hastily from a phone call to my mother-in-law about 20 years ago, says to boil for 30 seconds while stirring.  I remain convinced that I wrote that in error, but what is the mistake?  Should it be 1 minute and 30 seconds?  I have no idea, so I make it up every time!  Now, my mother-in-law lives right next door.  She has a home phone, and a cellular phone, and if I ask her I am sure she can find that same recipie again and set me straight.  Yet I muddle on, experimenting with the boiling time, for 2 decades.  Sometimes I win, sometimes I loose.  I have no idea why I don't ask.  

One of these days I'll have to blog about my home school education dilemma.  That will have to wait for another time, however.  Lest you think I have chickened out on my shooting adventure, the next post will be about that, I promise.  I think I'm going to call my nephew and enlist his help on that one, as well.  He would probably be eager to get a laugh or two teaching something new to his old Aunt D!