Taking life for granted ...

A close friend of mine last night found out that her sister died unexpectedly. She was only 44 ... same age as me! Really makes you stop and think, to count your blessings! I am so thankful for the family n friends I have in my life, for the good health my husband and I both have, for our children and how wonderfully successful they each are in their own endeavors!

Have you counted your blessings yet today?!

Happy Halloween!
Lisa

times of opportunity ...

When do you know if an opportunity is presenting itself at the right time? When do you take the risk and move forward? Leaps of faith ... I need to be more intentional about them, I think!
Have a blessed day!
Lisa

Writing - the commitment!

Last night (Sunday, Oct. 3) I began sifting through all of my notes, brochures, pamphlets, booklets on acute myelogenous leukemia, the cancer that my friend Jane Byram has battled and beat!!! I am writing her story, which is remarkable! It's a wonder that she is here to tell about it.

AML according to Wikipedia, is "of the myeloid line of blood cells, characterized by the rapid growth of abnormal white blood cells that accumulate in the bone marrow and interfere with the production of normal blood cells. AML is the most common acute leukemia affecting adults, and its incidence increases with age. Although AML is a relatively rare disease, accounting for approximately 1.2% of cancer deaths in the United States,^[1] its incidence is expected to increase as the population ages."

For Jane, while there were a number of complications along the way, she did have a successful stemcell transplant and shares her story, personally, any time the opportunity arises. Last night as I began re-reading notes and coming up with additional questions, I got a fire in my belly that had not been there for awhile. I spent a good two hours working on it, and will try to devote at least that much time to it most days!

I'm anxious to get the remaining chapters written and will begin sending queries and sample chapters out to prospective publishers. Know any publishers who may have an interest in a motivational story about fighting cancer?

The book is formatted so that readers may simply read it as a story of hope and encouragement or use it as a learning tool in personal study or in a small group setting. Each chapter includes personal interviews and testimony, scriptural and motivational references, photographs and illustrations, as well as a set of topical questions/conversation starters to help facilitate meaningful thoughts/discussions and/or journaling opportunities.

I have three or four chapters basically completed. Pray as I begin editing, refining and adding chapters! 

If you have cancer-related stories about yourself or loved ones, please feel free to share with me for possible inclusion as real-life examples of how to or not to handle life/death as it relates to cancer and other serious illnesses. 

Blessings!

Lisa

New commitment to healthy eating begins ...

Oct. 1!

Today 9/28/2010 at the office we had a 50th b-day celebration for one of our friends/co-workers with all the goodies that accompany such an event. My contribution was grapes ... red and green, which I enjoyed and hope others did as well.

However, though relatively small portions, I did also enjoy a bit of warm blackberry cobbler, brownie, banana/pineapple cake and peanut butter fudge! All delicious, but now I need to be sure and work twice as hard at my evening workout to burn all the extra calories. I'll post what I get done!

Tomorrow we have a bridal shower ... 'nough said!

Took Kristian to lunch ... Subway ... so that was fine, and we'll likely grill something and have a salad for dinner. It's time for me to cut out all the sugar again to kick-start my weight loss. I am within 15 lbs of where I think I want to land. My problem with sweets is I can't seem to control it once I start ... I'm kind of an all or nothing gal in the sweets department.

So ... tomorrow I'm cutting them out for a two-week period. I'm also not drinking enough water again, so I'll be more intentional with that as well.

Wishing you health & and wellness!
Lisa

Encouraging others ...

is what I really want to do! I met with a friend yesterday who has asked for encouragement and accountability as she begins the journey of getting healthy in her eating and adding exercise to her life. I am so excited to begin this chapter in her life with her!

I will also have a busy week this week after being out of the office sick for three days!

Hoping for a good night's sleep so I'll be ready to get up and get my day started with a workout before weigh-in at the office!!

Wishing you rainbows n roses!
Lisa

Finally ...

feeling better ... not 100%, but better! Headed out soon to visit with a good friend who has come back for a visit. He and wife live in Cincinnati now, so don't get to see him often. Couple of other friends are supposed to meet up with us, too ... we'll see if they get to join us! Hope so ... and Mikie might come out for a bit, too!

Love the Fall weather, but would like to have some sunshine with it ... not the damp, cold rain!! And just realized, I have no Fall clothes in my closet that fit! Most of the time it's fun that everything's too big now. But tonight, I'm wishing for something warmer. Gonna go with silly summer shirt and a jacket n jeans ... hope that will work!

Hugs n giggles!
Lisa

beautiful day ...

Another day at home ... still not feeling well, though a bit better. I have all of the windows opened today airing out the house. Maybe it will air me out, too, with some healthy vibes! Love fall weather and hope we get to enjoy a long fall season.

Still have so much to do in my home office ... sifting through all the papers and magazines ... making headway in between resting.

Did manage to sweep the floor and then had to sit down again. Ridiculous.  I just feel completely drained! This too shall pass ... right?!

Wishing you roses n rainbows!
Lisa