Mind, Mood, and Attitude: The Simple Woman's Daybook

If you would like to join in and post your own Daybook, please head on over to visit Peggy at The Simple Woman's Daybook

For Today:  Monday, January 8, 2018

 

 

Outside my window…a mild but cloudy day in the mid 50’s.

 

I am thinking…about the new year.   Mentally, I haven’t caught up with the fact that a new year has started.  I thought my Christmas vacation would be a reset, but it wasn’t.  I’m not anxious or anything, I’ve just not settled into 2018 like I thought I should.  I’ve got goals for the year, but also feel surrounded by a lot of incomplete projects.  I know, I know, I’ve only been in my new place for two months and I can’t rush the process, but I want to finish up some things.  January might be catch-up month.  Maybe I’m just squirrelly because I’m temporarily without wheels.  For those of you who don’t read my Wednesday Hodgepodge entries, I said goodbye to the Auntiemobile this week.  She gave up the ghost just before Christmas and can’t be resurrected affordably.

 

I am thankful…for a restful Christmas vacation.  I’m thankful for the benefits of imperfect progress.  Though I finally started seeing some definite progress in my weight loss, I didn’t have a certain numeric goal in mind.  I am pleased to report that I lost 36 pounds in 2017.

 <----Before (01/17): 

246 lbs,

Bust: 53 inches

Band: 47.5 inches

Waist: 49.25 inches

Hips: 54.5 inches

After (12/17)------>

210 lbs.

Bust: 49 inches

Band: 43 inches

Waist: 43 inches

Hips: 51 inches

 

I do have a numeric goal in mind for 2018, but most importantly, I want to keep the success of 2017 going.  Plus, I’m itching to start consistently running and cycling again.

 

From the Workshop…several of my unfinished projects is staring me in the face.  As soon as I can get a few more supplies, I’ll finish up and have pictures for you.

 

I am reading…
 

The Turquoise Table by Kristin Schell 

Talk To Me by Lynette Hagin
 
I am learning…that all-or-nothing thinking is one of the most damaging mindsets in our society.  This is something I’ve been thinking about for a long time, but couldn’t figure how to put into words.  And I still may not being explaining it well…but here goes.  The more I see it, the more it angers me.  I see it in religion, politics, and even in health strategies.  The one that saddens me the most is:  In order to be proud of one’s culture, he/she must hate people of other cultures.  I see and hear white people being shamed into apologizing to every African American or Native American they see because of past atrocities by the white man (BTW—every white person’s family didn’t own slaves or marginalize the Indians).  As a recent transplant to the Rocky Mountain region, I’m sometimes made to feel that being proud of my Southern upbringing is somehow wrong.  Most disturbing is the trend I’m seeing of my black brothers and sisters believing that in order to have pride in our African roots, we are required to hate all other races in the process (especially Caucasians).  That, dear friends, should not be.  No one should be ashamed of what color they are, or are not.  God created this rainbow of beautiful skin tones because everything being all one color would be quite boring.  He likes variety, why can’t we?

I had backed off on examining the rich history from the black community because I didn’t want my brothers and sisters from other mother lands to fear I was hating on them in the process (which I would NOT be doing).  For years, I missed so much great literature and art.  After reading Booker T.Washington and Frederick Douglass’ story and being introduced to the quilts of Gee’s Bend and the Florida Highwaymen artist’s community, I’ve wanted to know more.  I want to experience poetry, art, plays, books, and music that elevate our race without devaluing another.  Can I not do that?

Favorite quote(s) of the week…

“The only thing that gets stronger by sitting is tea.” – Auntie’s Musings

“See, I don’t even know why we spend so much time judging other Christians in church because you’re only one Jesus away from hell yourself.”  Pastor Creflo Dollar Jr.

 

 I am looking forward to…

• The BCS Championship game tonight (Roll Tide!).  I actually found a Denver radio station carrying the game.
• Having my own car again.
• Teaching Bible study at work next Wednesday.

And now for something totally different…

 

Five Minute Friday word of the week:  Motivate.