Monkey Bars

Tomorrow starts another first day of school for me. I am taking another Spanish class (the 3rd in a series of 5 required for my degree) and a scripture class on Isaiah in the Old Testament (an elective, but an amazing one at that). I have the same anxiety coming on that I always get because my girl group that I had an entire regular school year with are either traveling the world, working so they can survive another school year out here, or closing the door on their formal career as a Spanish learner. So tomorrow I get to see my same teacher, which is fabulous, but I will have to reach out yet again and see if I can find someone that will want to do study groups and be a friend.

Why would I be so nervous about reaching out? I reach out once a day six times a week to unknown readers around the world (hopefully). 

There is something about the first day of school...anticipation, excitement, recognition of our ignorance--if we already knew the stuff we would not need to go to the classes. Right? I think that last part is the humbling experience that causes a lot of the nerves.

Tip of the Day

How to Reduce Sugar Intake | eHow.com

the Morning After...

A holiday weekend is so looked forward to--religious holidays like Easter especially for me. The only drawback is the first day back to the grind, back to normal. I actually find it almost painful. The increased sugar intake is kicking my butt and I feel crazy tired.

I think I probably consume somewhere around 300 lbs. of sugar a year.
I have got to reevaluate what I eat. The stress in my life can only excuse so much of how I am turning my back on all the good knowledge I have in my brain to keep myself healthy and happy.

I have an idea! Let's create a candy-free zone:
Everyday I will update how many days I have gone without any private junk food parties.

And your job is to send encouragement and to participate with me (if you want).
Be sure to post your updates as comments to this posting so I can send you encouragement as well.

I need some ideas for  how to NOT go for the junk food:
What do you do to withstand the treat bug?
What healthy snacks do you absolutely love?
I need non-food ideas on how to reward myself for good behavior, too.
Cheap/Free Ideas and ones that cost some moo-lah (I will save those for when I am really struggling)

Hope to hear from lots of people. The more the merrier!

Easter and the Egg

The small and simple egg stands as a symbol of Easter. Eggs bring with them the promise of new life and sustenance for the future. As we hard-boil, color, hunt, crack, eat and enjoy the eggs this weekend, remember He who gives us the hope and promise of renewal and sustenance as we progress in this life. Jesus Christ lived, died, and lives again --  for you, me, everyone.  Happy Easter

fantastic! friday!

I can hardly believe how quickly Easter has come this year!  We just celebrated New Year's for crying out loud. One good thing is that all the eggs, candy, and basket grass are bought.

Speaking of all the Easter goodies-- since when did it cost you an arm and leg to fill an Easter basket?  I was at the store and a very small (4 oz.) chocolate bunny costs $4-6. Then it is another $3 for a small package of m&ms. I could go on and on.  There are four candy eating monkeys at my place and it was just overwhelming. 

How do you fill enough eggs to have a fun egg hunt and do baskets without going broke?  

Well, a really nice lady came up to me and handed me some $1 off coupons for Hershey's and Mars candies and then I shopped the clearance section at the Deseret Book to find small religious gifts in an attempt to keep Jesus the focus for this holiday. Also, Target has a FANTASTIC $1 section that had Precious Moments books that actually reference scriptures.  I felt super happy when I discovered those little guys.

So anyway...I just wanted to complain to you a bit. I am certain anyone with children will attest to the truthfulness of my posting and anyone without children-- even though I am bugged, it is super fun to see their faces light up with the surprises. That is why I do what I do.