It's better than the alternative. . .

I say this every time I start a blog entry after a long span of not writing, but I really do intend to write more. I have decided to put less pressure on myself to create the blog that I originally intended. Instead I am content to let it be what it is and I will write when the mood strikes me and about whatever I happen to find interesting enough to write about.

Today is my birthday. I must admit that I am not all that thrilled about adding another year onto my age. However, I am reminded of what my mother always says, "It's better than the alternative." She is absolutely right. My life may not be what I envisioned it to be, but I am alive and I have SO MANY things to be thankful for. We all know people that are no longer with us, that died way too young. They never got a chance to celebrate their next birthday - whatever age that may have been for them. So bring it on! I will grow old with gratitude. I joke that I am getting old, but really, I'm OK with it. It certainly is better than the alternative!

 

“Old age is not so bad when you consider the alternatives.”

~ Maurice Chevalier

Anyway, enough of that. Let me fill you in on the last several months. . .

I am going to start with the thing that I am most proud of. I decided to lose some of the excess weight that I had been carrying around for far too long. I started in January and by mid June I hit my goal weight. I lost a total of 45 pounds. The best way to show you the difference, is to look at my last two Halloween pictures:
  


last year





this year

It's kinda hard to see, but you get the idea.

I celebrated two weddings with family and friends.

My cousin, Johanna got married.

Johanna & Steve

One of my best friends got married. I was honored to be a part of their wedding party!

Me & Kerri

I began a new tradition with my nieces and nephews. Beginning this year and starting on their fifth birthdays (for the younger ones) I am planning surprise "dates" with them. I will choose the activity and they get to choose the lunch or dinner restaurant. So far, I have taken my niece, Makila and my niece, Faith on dates. Super fun! My nephew, Anthony whose birthday was yesterday is going on a date with me next week.                                                   

Me & Makila at yoga on her
"birthday date."



Me & Faith at Beadniks on her "birthday date."



 I celebrated Halloween with my family at our 2nd annual family Halloween party.

I am once again helping out at Bright Hope. This time they are tackling a huge project. Bright Hope is partnering with 100 families to help build a village in Haiti. This picture was from the first event that they had with all of the families. We were able to Skype live with the two pastors in Haiti that we are working with. It was an amazing night!

If you are interested in helping out, you can join the program. You can also buy a "well share" from me to help build a well for the village of Beganabe. Send me a message if you'd like to buy a "well share" or click here. Then click on the link that says, "Own a Well Share."

The first JELLY event - Skype-ing with Haiti!

I also started venturing out of my comfort zone some more - trying to get involved in things. I figure this is a good way to help me towards many of my goals - good networking/job searching opportunities, also potential way to meet Mr. Right. . .

One of the things that I have done, was to join a bowling league. I suck at bowling, but it's with good friends and it's only once a month. What can it hurt? The shoes do suck though!
I also joined some Meetup groups. I have gone to one event with Meetup so far and have another that I've signed up for at the end of the month. We'll see what  happens. I'll keep you posted.



My bowling shoes.

So, yes. I am another year older. But really, I wouldn't have it any other way. After all, it's better than the alternative!

"The more you praise and celebrate your life, the more there is in life to celebrate."

~ Oprah Winfrey