Now a Treasured Photograph

I got a difficult call from my dad while I was out running errands during lunch today. His dad, my grandfather, had passed away just minutes before.

I hadn't had much of a relationship with that set of grandparents for about the last 15 years, but Daddy had been able to start to repair and rebuild his relationship with them over the last few. I remember several times when he would go out to their farm to help B.J., my grandfather, trim branches from trees or feed cattle or just sit down and visit with them over lunch. What had been a strained and silent relationship between them was mending. So when Daddy asked me to join him to visit them during Christmas 2008, I was nervous to do so after so many years, but excited at the same time.

Our visit was pleasant and friendly, no hint of regret or anger, and I was glad to be able to visit with both of my dad's parents after so many years. I took this picture of Daddy and B.J. that day. That was the last time I saw him. He was 85 years old.

I Ate One Cookie, and Only One Cookie

Two weeks ago, I would not have been able to make such a claim when a box of cookies was placed on the table in front of me. But this weekend, when I picked up a package of cookies on the recommendation of a friend, I ate one of them. Just one. And it was amazing!

I think there has been a bit of a change in my brain. And over the past week, I've lost six pounds. Now, I know that is not sustainable or even healthy to do on an on-going basis, but for my first week on the new mystery program, I'm very pleased. And six pounds: That just shows me how terribly I was eating (and how much) before.

Now if my brain can just turn on its "I love to exercise" lobe, I'll really be rockin' and rollin'...

Oh, the mystery program? I think I'm just about ready to share. If I can just figure out how to do it without sounding like a commercial...

Because

Because the scale is scary.

Because I'm not comfortable in my own skin right now.

Because I wanna shop for cute summertime dresses.

Because 40 is entirely too close.

Because I want to be healthier.

Cryptic, but I will say this: I'm on day 2 of seriously trying to lose some weight again and not just talking about it. I've chosen a plan that may not be popular with lots of folks, and I'm not quite ready to defend it, but it makes sense for me right now. It's easy and convenient, and I get to eat six times a day -- with my blood sugar, that's very important.

Let me see how it goes for a week or so, and I may be ready to offer a full report. Until then, wish me luck!