So much....

to do... want to do.... should do... could do..... won't do...  

I sit here this morning thinking of all that I need to get done, all that I want to get done, and should get done, and could get done, and all I won't get done.  Just another use of the word 'do'.

I'm grateful I can come into work early so that I can begin to accomplish some things.  Yeah, I used a bigger word than 'do'.  Accomplish.  I did get coffee made as soon as I got to work - that is an accomplishment - and today, a much needed one.  For some reason I am feeling really tired; in fact, I turned my alarm off at 4AM and slept until hubby started waking up about 4:30-ish.  It's been a busy, somewhat stressful, week.  Yesterday I started work at 7AM (hence no blog post) and worked straight through until our 5PM meeting which lasted until 6:30PM.

Our meeting last night was interesting; they realigned some of our job duties and gave everyone a 'back up' person should they be out.  Of course the person I work with - she and I are back up for each other.  They have given me a few more things to learn to do.  Sometimes I just don't want to learn something new; I just want to sit at my desk and do my job.  I work when I am at work.   I believe that when we come to work the company expects us to put 8 hours of solid work in for them.  That is what they are paying me for, and I will give them what they are paying me for, and I agreed to work for them for what they offered to pay me. 

Although for a few days this week we have been allowed overtime, I'm not going to work overtime today.  For one reason, I have all my work caught up pretty much.  For another, I don't want to.  I want to work on my blog, and there are a couple other things I am choosing to do before 8AM.   Since my mind is jumping around to all I want to get done this morning - first of all this blog - my writing may be somewhat jumbled.

We received word yesterday that my daughter in law's father passed away.  It grieves me for my daughter in law and her mother and family to go through this pain of loss.  Every time I thought of it yesterday my eyes would water and I would cry.  But all of us will pass away at some time.  Her father, a remarkable man whom I saw the love of Jesus in, was more than ready to go see his Maker.  Some people you just know they are ready.  I enjoyed chatting with him over the years and hearing his stories of "doing ministry".   I prayed for them all this morning as reality sets in and their loss overwhelms them.  I'm so glad they know the Lord for it makes this process - not necessarily easier - but more peaceful and comforting. 

Today I am joining 'the Biggest Loser'.  Well, it isn't called that, but I am saying that is what I am going to be.  My company is sponsoring a 14 week weight loss challenge for any who want to participate.  It costs $30 to be a part of it.  They are basing it on percentage of weight loss, with the winner getting 50%, 2nd place 30% and third place 20%.  We could use the money so I figure why not try for it!  I could lose 30 pounds and even if I'm not the 'biggest loser', I will still be a winner.  It isn't going to be easy for I do love to eat a lot of things I shouldn't.  But I won't do it if I don't try and this gives me some motivation.  Especially since the former CEO has said he will personally match the prizes for whoever wins.

And since I know my children read my blog on occasion - I will issue a challenge to them.  Starting the day you read this - if you will lose 10% of your body weight by Christmas, I will give you $100 by January 1. For 5% I will give you $50.  It is on an honor system and I don't need to know if you plan to do it - we will be able to tell by the weight loss.  And it isn't just about weight loss, it is about getting healthy.   I would hate to have you sick and die because your weight was a factor.  And if you are like me, getting some extra cash for eating healthy and feeling better, doing things that are good for my body (like exercising) is a bonus.  So - here's to you!  No one can do it for you - it has to be your choice, your decision.  Good luck!!

Five minutes until I go weigh in for the first time and pay my $30 fee.  Scary, but I will do it.  I had thought that I would pass on this, and my girlfriend and I decided we would not pay but just do it ourselves.  Well, that was two weeks ago and I have done nothing.  This will make me do it as I have to weigh in every week.  I don't want to admit I'm not doing anything.  I don't want to remain the same size.  I CAN do this and I am DETERMINED I will get this weight off.

As you read this I hope that you are perhaps thinking of some other challenges you have given yourself and have 'failed' on.  It got too hard, or you placed too many restrictions on yourself.  One thing I have learned over the years - take it one day at a time.  If you blow it, pick yourself up and start over.  Don't beat yourself up over your failures, but choose to believe that you can and will accomplish everything you set your heart on.

I know it isn't going to be easy - but I'm 'in'.  Are you?

Blessings!