Tomorrow is my third wedding anniversary. My husband currently works three jobs. He starts his work day at 5:00 a.m. until about 8:00 a.m. at his first job. Then he stops for breakfast on the way to his second job which is from 9:00 to 5:00 p.m. His third job is sporadic, but starts at 6:00 p.m. until about 8:00 or 9:00 p.m.
Tomorrow is also Shrove Tuesday, or Mardi Gras (Fat Tuesday) where there is a tremendous celebration, to the point of excess, before the 40 days plus Sundays and fasting of Lent. Lent is one of my most favourite times of the year. It’s a time when we take a spiritual inventory and hopefully throw out some of the behaviours that are not productive.
I have recently gained weight that I’m not at all happy about. I want to lose the weight and I know with a healthier diet, exercise and stress reduction, I will lose the weight I’ve gained and hopefully more. The major factor that disallows that is stress. I have a very stressful “job”, but I also have a stressful life. Right now I’m caring for my 76 year old mother. She’s been with us for two weeks and is here because of an injury and the resulting shock. Trying to balance parenting my parent, looking after my husband and daughter, as well as the housework, laundry and full-time ministry to an ever growing congregation is a challenge.
Sometimes I find myself feeling a bit resentful because there doesn’t seem to be anyone to look after me. I cook a healthy meal, and then I get to clean up the plethora of dishes, etc., from making that healthy meal. It’s not a big deal, but it is irritating when I feel like it’s not appreciated.
Anyway, tomorrow our parish offers pancakes and sausages as well as dessert for a free-will offering. Most people are very generous and we do quite well each year. I don’t think my husband and I will get a chance to celebrate our anniversary together; rather we’ll exchange texts and possibly phone calls tomorrow. He will get to the church about 6:30 for dinner, and then the great clean up happens.
Perhaps next year we’ll have a chance to get away, and spend some time together. Who knows?
Tomorrow is the last day of unhealthy eating for me. I’m giving up alcohol, artificial sweeteners and processed foods for the 40 days plus Sundays. I will need God’s strength to do it, but it can be done. I need self-control, discipline and willpower. And because I’ve blogged this promise to myself, now I have all of “you” to hold me accountable.
I’ll let you know how it goes. There will likely be slips along the way, but in the end I expect to emerge transformed from the way I feel right now…tired, bloated, old and frumpy.
Like all good and worthwhile things, it may not always be fun, but it will be worth it.
Andrea, I wish you and Andrew a Happy anniversary. 3 years. You are ahead of Jim and I. I also wish you good luck in your diet program. I keep trying but to no avail. We think of you a lot with all your trials and tribulations that you go through. Just remember, God only gives you what he thinks you can handle. Hopefully your mom gets well soon, and you are able to enjoy some “you time” .Take care and God bless, Bonnie and Jim.
Thanks Bonnie & Jim. You’re the best!
If you can manage to cut out breads & cheese & pasta as well as alcohol, that should get you down about 25lbs in itself without much effort. You need to find a different ‘filler’ than those items. It’s what keeps us feeling bloated (and the processed boxed foods). Fresh is always better, keep those fruits & veggies washed and on hand (either on the counter or in a bowl staring you in the face as you open the fridge). LOTS OF WATER!!! It’s the best way to keep your tummy full, drink a large glass 1/2hr before each meal…you’ll eat less. Keep one day a week as a ‘bonus’ day to have something ‘special’ for all your weeks worth of hard work 😉