Thirty-second New Thing- A Diet Are You Kidding Me?

No joke - I went to my yearly physical and got the works, blood drawn, weighed, ticker checked out, ears, mouth - you name it my doctor checked it. Much to my demise she had received my blood results. Man that lab is fast - a little too fast.
I should preface this news with a very long day at work. I was fasting for ten hours with only water to drink. Between my tummy growling at me and my students deciding that today would be a good day to have recess in the classroom (we don't have recess in middle school) I was to say the least a bit edgy getting my blood drawn. Evidently my blood had a bone to pick with my cholesterol level. Ouch! And to make it worse my doctor is real happy about an increase in 40 points from last year, otherwise putting me right at the watch it or I put you on meds!
I would've never made a good druggie - I can't stand to take vitamins! So, with compliments from my doctor I now have several pieces of literature to read about my new Low/No Cholesterol DIET! This is going to be a tough one I told myself while ordering Mucho Nacho chips with no beans on my way home!
Ok I'm serious today though - no more cholesterol for me - wish me luck! I am looking at the positive of all this bad news - a teacher friend told me today that a little red wine daily will help - CHEERS!

Thirty-first New Thing- A New Square Dance

Promenade and do si do - I just attended my first Promenade in Manhattan, Kansas. Although it wasn't a real square dance - what it was - was a scrumptious wine tasting and and yummy edibles and a variety of shops in Manhattan. They don't call it the "Little Apple" for nothing! Three women traveling with a wine glass and a purse with a credit card who could ask for more. I must admit however, I only purchased one box of canneloni shells. I can't wait for my next dinner party.
I think I need to spend more time in "The Little Apple" since I may not get to the "Big Apple."

Thirtieth New Thing - Extreme Makeover

Well it's official - I signed up for an Extreme (Spiritual) Makeover. Tonight I will attend the first study with women who are Reflecting the Heart of Christ in Their Priorities. After all if Christ is in the right place in our lives - surely we will recognize it right? Well I hope so - that's why I need an extreme makeover:)
I can't wait to get to the "Heart" of the matter - put my life in order! I can't wait to meet some fabulous new women friends. I can't wait to experience and witness the presence of Christ in my life to expose others too! I can't wait.. I can't wait....... I can't wait......
Can you tell I'm just a little bit excited for Bible Study tonight?

Twenty-ninth New THing-Starbooks Cafe

This year to challenge and embrace reading with my students I opened the Starbooks Cafe! On special Read-In days, 2 -3 a month, I become a barista and offer hot tea, hot cocoa, and two different flavors of cappuccino, with extra marshmallows or whip cream as desired! My students pay .25 for their choice of drink. At the end of the year we will donate the money to a worthy cause selected by me according to the most persuasive piece of writing. I also teach writing!
I just love coffee - especially with a little whip cream and chocolate drizzle!

Twenty-eighth New Thing - Extreme Makeover

I'm ready for an Extreme Makeover - with the Word! Just joined a new women's bible study that I'm really excited about. The Spiritual Extreme Makeover Heart Edition "Reflecting the Heart of Christ in my Priorities" - whoa I need this makeover!
I hope to conquer a makeover for the rest of the areas that need it too. After all you have to challenge the inside before you can accept the outside. Suddenly everything looks brighter with the Lord on your side! He needs to be my first priority!

Twenty-seventh New Thing - Participation

Although it has been five years since I donated my kidney to my husband, I've agreed to participate in a study for living donors at the Cleveland Institute. I had the pure joy of meeting the nephrologist in charge of the study, Dr. Merriam Weiss. She was an absolute compassionate and highly intelligent woman. I suppose all doctors are:) Through our discussion I certainly learned a great deal about myself that I had kept well-hidden for years. I always thought centering on my memories would bring undeniable pain to me - that seemed to be my track record. I was pleasantly surprised at what I confided in her and how painless the process of reflecting on that walk with my husband was now. I know my grief of losing him is still so great. I also know that I won't ever really be okay, but I can and have learned to adapt and adjust to a new life without him. Thank you Dr. Merriam for your enlightenment and continued support.

Twenty-sixth New Thing 5K Race to End the Wait!

Madison was beautiful and the people even more so. Samantha and I met so many wonderful people all with a special story of why they were there. The 5k Race was titled End the Wait! I had the good fortune of racing with a fellow middle school teacher named Gina. She too was a living donor - she too shared her story of heartache and renewal of life for her little girl. And by the way that little girl, now 8 took home a gold medal in the 1K in her age division!
I didn't come in last. God is good! I did jog in drenched with sweat but oh so happy! My baby girl there watching and grinning from ear to ear telling me how proud she was of me. That was my gold medal!
If you've never tried something but feel compelled to make a statement, I would like to encourage you to get involved with something you are passionate about and discover what you can do to make a statement! I have a passion for organ donation. I was running for the memory of my husband, Doug, the real athlete in the family. I hope I made him proud - heaven only knows:)