Spring

I can't believe how beautiful it's been the past few days. Today it was... almost too hot! In the morning my sister and I were supposed to be going to the store for Easter supplies and dog food... somehow we got sidetracked on a Gloria Jean's trip into the mall... even though Megan didn't end up getting any. An hour later Megan remembers she has to go to Goshen for a playdate. Whoops! So tomorrow we're headed out again. I'm excited to get Mia's first Easter basket. I know she's far too young for chocolate... but perhaps mom should have some?

No! No no no!

I've put myself on a diet. I demand that each and every person around me (this means you!) helps me be accountable for what goes into my stomach. I decided this after going on a shopping trip with our friend Devin. After watching her try on many, many dresses (looking GORGEOUS, BTW) I came to the conclusion that I need to make an effort.

Which is very, very difficult in a house of fried/sweet food junkies. There is not a day that goes by without a dessert planned. The freezer always has ice cream. cookies in the pantry.

So far I've been very, very good!

Apple and 2 tbsp of peanut butter for breakfast. 10 carrots and 2 tbsp of hummus for lunch with a handful of grapes and a wedge of 60 cal laughing cow cheese <3 and for dinner a sensible salad, no dressing- with chicken, boiled egg, a sprinkle of cheese, 4 croutons, half an avocado, half an orange pepper, and several slices of cucumber.

My goal is 20 lbs by the end of April. Doable? I hope so.

This afternoon while Mia was napping I sat outside in the sun to read. It was incredible. The sun felt so good on my face. I had missed my old friend sunshine!

After Sophie got out of school we headed down to the subdivision we used to live in to go for a walk. I took Lyric this time for Sophie to walk. The novelty of that lasted all of 5 minutes. Then she begged to go back to play at the park. Soo... Lyric, Mia, and I continued on alone. Walked for a little over an hour. I couldn't believe how many people just let their dogs run loose! I mean... our dogs are never leashed or fenced, but we live in the country. Here they are, in a neighborhood with people walking, kids biking, etc... and I come along three dogs who were wandering yard to yard, lifting their legs on peoples flowers- until they spot Lyric. Lyric, mind you, is offleash, heeling right by my side, forcing herself not to look at these other dogs. This lab mix runs right up to her, hackles raised, and sticks his nose right up her butt. Now... Lyric is a dog that is emphatic that other dogs behave politely when in her company. She doesn't take kindly to rude dogs. I have a baby in a stroller and am in no position to grab this dog by the collar and walk him back to his home. So, owner nowhere in sight, we press on. After several blocks of this dog tailing us, I finally leave Lyric in a down stay by the stroller, turn toward the dog, yell "OUT!", and take a few steps toward him. He hightails it back where he came from in a hurry!

Ugh. So frustrating. Poor Lyric was all stressed for the rest of our trip because I had yelled. (She hates it when I'm upset, even if it's not with her.)

I had an amazing time. I got a fun exercise rush that chased some sad thoughts from my head. You know, I can hardly even picture his face anymore? Yesterday I deleted the picture from my computer that Corinne took of us at Thanksgiving. One more step to sanity, thank you!

Now Mia is in bed, although she did not go quietly. I thought I might have a little Mommy time before I turned in, but I think this blog is going to be in. She tired me out just putting her down. She can be furious when it comes to enforcing bedtime. Makes me dread the pre-teen years.

My back's sore, I'm definitely hungry, but I think I'll do a couple hundred sit ups, stretch, and make my way to bed.

Live on luck and skill
Ask for no mercy, no miracles
and remember
love fails
and death is useless.