Unconscionable

I don't have the words to describe how horrifying this is.
L.

Oh, Wine, I Do Miss You So

I am not a religious person. I have my beliefs, and, not surprisingly, they fall in line with the Episcopalian belief structure of my childhood.

But, I'm not a church-going kind of person. In fact, I haven't been to an actual Sunday church service in at least four, maybe five, years. And, it works for me.

Since I was a kid, we've always "given up" something for Lent. We were also taught you could "take on" something to make a difference. I've never succeeded. Mainly because I never took it seriously. Never.

This year has been different. I made a decision to give up something for Lent. Not because I believe Jesus gave so much for us that we should give for him, but because this is the perfect time to really stick to a resolution. Not a year-long resolution, but 40 days. Surely I can do that, right?

Well, what would you know, but maybe I can.

Unlike the past several years of my life when I've given up things like bear meat, which I've never eaten, or taking on things like waking up before 7:30 a.m., which I always do. This year I was serious.

I gave up wine--both red and white--and fast food--everything but Subway sandwiches (so long as those sandwiches do not include mayonnaise).

What would you know, but I've actually managed to keep it?

OK, I'll admit it, I've had one glass of wine. But, just one. Really just ONE. Do you know how huge that is for someone like me?

And, I haven't come close to a Wendy's or McDonald's or Burger King in weeks.

Here's the best part. I've lost six pounds. Seriously. Six pounds. And I haven't walked an inch further than usual, or picked up a jump rope in three weeks.

Six pounds by eliminating wine and fast food.

I'm pretty excited, but still, really? A six pound loss with no exercise? I'm afraid that really says a lot about my drinking and eating habits.

Or, at least, it did.

I'm sure to maintain it a jump rope is in my immediate future. Jesus.
L.

Where Are You?

I know. I've been gone a long time.

The past month has been a little strange. I've lived through the death of a loved one before, but after my grandmother's death I realized that I needed--that she would have wanted me--to try to be a better person.

Not that I think I'm a bad person, but I can--and should--always strive to be better.

Isn't that what makes us human? Always striving to be better than what came before?

So, I've spent the past month focused on work. Focused on my relationships. Focused on the things that really make me happy.

I enjoy being able to share my thoughts on a blog, but more so I love sharing my thoughts personally--on a real personal level with those I love.

Frankly, this blog isn't quite doing it for me now.

That's not to say I won't be back with some frequency, but for now, I need to direct my focus on me...my life...my personal growth...where I am now, and where I want to be in 5 years.

So, blogging might be intermittent, but I hope you'll still show up from time to time just to check in.

Because God knows if I manage to actually keep to my Lenten resolutions and get somewhat centered with myself, you might see much more of me here.

And, maybe, just maybe, it might be the "me" that I've been missing the past month.
L.