Goal Setting

Had a pleasant experience last week when I officially became the 'biggest loser' at my work-site. Now normally, that would not be a good thing, but I entered a contest at work to see who could lose the most weight in a specific length of time. (Same idea as the TV show, but not as drastic and no personal trainer!) For me, the competition was just the spark I needed to get my butt in gear (quite literally, if the truth be told!) and do something about the weight that has been creeping on over the years.

I learned something valuable in this whole 'exercise' (pardon the pun...) and that was the important of setting goals. Bob has often quoted that we should "Set a goal so big that if you achieved it it would blow your mind." (W. Clement Stone) Guess I must have been listening to that, cause set myself a big goal for down the line. Lots of little signposts along the way and quickly approaching the first one, so that's really cool. (My ultimate goal? A size 8, which was what I was after my first baby.)


All of us have - or at least we should have - goals that we set for ourselves. Goals at work, goals at home, goals for our personal development. Do you purposely set those goals low so that you know you can achieve them? Do you set them at all? Or do you shoot for the stars? Many people will tell you to be realistic and don't set yourself up for failure. But what if you succeed? What then? wow... what could we achieve if we allowed ourselves the luxury of just believing in ourselves?

So, my challenge to you (and me!) is to set that goal. Make it big, really big and amazing. Find your personal motivation and make sure it's close at hand for those so-so days. Don't let anyone dissuade you or distract you.

" If you shoot for the stars and hit the moon, it's OK. But you've got to shoot for something. A lot of people don't even shoot." (Confucius)

Death and Taxes

Spent the last couple evenings getting things together and done so that I can do my taxes... definitely not the most fun way to spend one's evenings, but a necessary evil. Guess it goes back to that old adage about the only sure thing in life is death and taxes. But about done and I'll look it over with a fresh set of eyes tomorrow and that's done.

It made me think of why we procrastinate and put off those lousy tasks until we absolutely have to do them. Last year I swore that I would get my act together and have the receipts totaled at least every month. What do they say about the best laid plans? (... the best laid plans of mice and men are about equal... or go astray, depending upon who you talk to!)

I'd like to think that I'm not the only one who puts off things, maybe hoping that they'll somehow go away or get done on their own. My only character flaw (okay, one of several dozen...) but I'm working on that. In the meantime, think I'll go and have a muffin - oh made a new recipe the other day and it got three thumbs up from Bob (after his 3rd or possibly 4th one). Enjoy!

Three Thumbs Up Strawberry Muffins

• 1 cup rolled oats
• 1 cup milk
• 1/4 cup buttermilk
• 1/3 cup yogurt
• 1 beaten egg

Mix together and allow to sit for a few minutes. Then add

• 3/4 cup brown sugar
• 1 cup whole wheat flour
• 1/2 cup white flour
• 1 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon baking soda

Mix together, then gently fold in

• 1 cup chopped strawberries.

Spoon into greased muffin tins. Top with

• 1/4 cup sugar
• 3 teaspoons cinnamon
• 1/3 cup chopped nuts

Bake at 375 for 20 to 25 minutes if fresh berries, an additional 5 minutes if frozen.

Of Friends... and daughters

Spent a great day with my daughter yesterday and I came to realize just how fortunate I am. Despite the crazy teenage years when we both couldn't stand each other some days, as we have both grown - and matured! - we have also become friends. Obviously, not best friends who tell each other everything - after all it is still a mother/daughter relationship as well - but still friends. Friends with whom you can share a story, or good news, or vent, or a shopping trip, or a day just hanging out. That's pretty cool actually.

Shared a similar story with Aunty Eva when I called last night as she had spent the day with her own daughter and they had a marvelous time. She had been hesitant about going at first, but was so glad that she did.

I believe as women, we all need someone (or many someones) to just be that friend. For a lot of reasons, but mostly because no one can quite understand the trials we may have in life quite like another woman. They won't try to fix us - cause we're not broken - we just need to vent. They understand that sometimes it is just about sharing a cup of coffee or shopping for a new outfit or finding a great deal on that movie you have always wanted. And sometimes, it's just about sharing some time.

I don't know who wrote the following, but someone sent this to me a little while ago and I dedicate it to all the girls in my life - but most of all to my special girl, my daughter!

GIRLS IN MY CIRCLE

When I was little, I used to believe in the concept of one best friend and then I started to become a woman.
And then I found out that if you allow your heart to open up, God would show you the best in many friends.

One friend is needed when you're going through things with your man.
Another friend is needed when you're going through things with your mom.
Another will sit besi de you in the bleachers as you delight in your children and their activities.
Another when you want to shop, share, heal, hurt, joke, or just be.

One friend will say, 'Let's cry together,' another, 'Let's fight together,' another, 'Let's walk away together.'
One friend will meet your spiritual need, another your shoe fetish, another your love for movies, another will be with you in your season of confusion, & another will be your clarifier, another the wind beneath your wings.

But whatever their assignment in your life, on whatever the occasion, on whatever the day, or wherever you need them to meet you with their gym shoes on and hair pulled back, or to hold you back from making a complete fool of yourself ; those are your best friends.

It may all be wrapped up in one woman, but for many, it's wrapped up in several..
one from 7th grade, one from high school, several from the college years, a couple from old jobs, on some days your mother, on some days your grandmother, on some days your neighbor, on others, your sisters, and on some days, your daughters.