Day 106 - Try To Run

I tried to run. Nothing has changed, I still hate it and will never try it again. My knees do not cooperate, my bladder is not up to the challenge and I have yet to find a sports bra that gives me the support I need. Walking is my sport. I can handle a treadmill, elliptical or bike, but running is not for me. Do I need to go on? Does today's blog need to be longer to emphasize the point?

After 5 minutes of excruciating pain and my boobs flopping every which way, I decided to end the workout with a nice leisurely walk on the treadmill. It is more my speed and I find it to be relaxing. Yes, I feel like a failure next to the thin, fit women who are picture perfect trophy wives, but that is fine with me. I got my daily workout in and I am a little bit more healthy because of it.

Day 105 - Learn To Forgive

I can hold a grudge! It is not something I am proud of and know that it is not a positive personality trait. But, it is part of who I am. Be that as it may, I should probably start trying to forgive those who have hurt me instead of plotting my revenge. Clearly, a woman approaching 40 should not be holding grudges over things that are not important, it is time I at least save my grudge holding for things that matter.

This is something that I have been working on for years. Since I was a kid, I could hold a grudge longer than anyone I knew. Lovely, huh? I must have been a really fun toddler! I recognize that I am in need of an attitude adjustment and embrace my willingness and readiness to change. That doesn't mean it has been easy.

When I am really mad at someone who is trying to mend fences, my husband usually, I will be telling myself that I need to let it go, but I can't. So, recently I have just not allowed myself to get so mad about the things that don't matter. I will just walk away, or find a way to avoid the situation. In other words, I don't engage in a situation that will lead to conflict. It has worked for me. I find I am happier and calmer. But, that doesn't mean I am cured by any means. Issues have a way of popping up that can cause conflict. Those are the situations that require me to develop better coping skills. I am working on it. I am evolving and I am becoming a better person and example for my family.

Day 104 - Volunteer

I volunteer every Thursday for Meals on Wheels. On those days I bring lunches to home bound senior citizens. It is an activity I enjoy and plan on doing for many years to come. In fact, when I start working in the summer, I plan on continuing with the service in the Fall when my schedule becomes a bit more flexible.

I often wonder if I am doing enough community service and volunteer work. I feel like I could do more, but I don't know where I would find the time. I feel like I have so little time to begin with. This year I want to make it a priority to find just one more hour in my week to give to a cause I believe in. Whether it be political, environmental or social, I feel like it is important for me to find a way to give more time to my community.

Day 103 - Replace Mascara

I read that you should replace your mascara every 3 months. Exactly 3 months ago I bought myself a new tube of mascara. Today, the alarm that I set on my alarm went off to remind me that it needs to be replaced again. Tomorrow, I will go to Target and replace the 3 month old mascara.

To be honest, it goes against my frugal roots to throw away a half full tube of makeup. In the past, I would keep my makeup until it was gone to the point of me adding water to it to get just one more application. I am replacing it though because mascara is a breeding ground for eye infections and other bacteria. Really icky stuff!

As time goes on, I plan on replacing all of my makeup on 3 month cycles. For now though, I will stick to mascara.

Day 102 - Expect The Unexpected

Today we had an unexpected crisis. I am not going to tell what it was, it turned out to be not as bad as it could have been. Also, if the worst case scenario had been the case, my life and the life of my family would be in complete chaos right now. Thankfully, things turned out for the best.

But, that made me realize that life is full of unexpected surprises that need to be addressed without panic. In the past, I would over react. Today, I believe I did not. I just told myself that what was going on was out of my control. I did not cause it, but, if need be I could fix it. No matter what was going on, I have healthy children, a strong marriage and a good life. Life is full of the unexpected and I better start learning to expect it.

Day 101 - Have Fresh Flowers

This is the time of year when I want spring flowers in the house. They make everything seem a little bit more beautiful! Today when I went to the grocery store I bought a very pretty bouquet of daffodils to replace the Spring mix that was sadly on it's last legs.

From April to October I almost always have fresh flowers in a vase in my kitchen. Often time, the flowers are the first thing that I see in the morning while pouring my cup of coffee. They just make me happy! This year I am going to attempt to grow some flowers of my own in an effort to save a few dollars each week at the grocery store. Time will tell if I am successful in this endeavor. I was not blessed with a green thumb, so I do not believe that it will work. But, we shall see.

Day 100 - Take The Time To Read The Sunday Paper

We have the Sunday paper delivered weekly. I usually get around to reading it on Wednesday or Thursday. Today I sat down and read the paper, on Sunday! Time for me to start setting aside a little bit of time every Sunday to read the paper and enjoy a cup of coffee. These 2 things combined create one of life's little joys.

I also need to get back into the habit of reading through the sale flyers every Sunday so that I can take advantage of great deals.