Since Project Transformation isn't really a competition, it's hard to understand why Sophia tried to kill Christy and me off last night when she took us out into the dense fog in Malibu, to a wilderness area to "hike". So here is the question: Who is the real 'demon', or is demonhood contagious? Should we be watching for signs of demon-ness in ourselves and others? Your blog reporter [me] will keep you posted on further developments of this story.
But seriously, folks, it would have been a really nice outing if we had been able to see the vegetation in the fog. Kristin brought her sister and four little kids with us who were fascinated by all the stinkbugs with their butts in the air along the trail. The kids were darling, and Kristin even carried her little Rica a goodly distance. Thank goodness they had the foresight to bring along walking sticks, which Christy and I put to good use. Of course, we had no idea that the trail would be more than an "easy walk, mostly level" according to hitwoman Sophia.
We had a great time, and the fog and mist made it cool and probably more flying-bug free. It was a dusty and rocky path, and I am sure that the ocean would have been beautiful, had we been able to see it as promised.
Just ribbing you Sophia. It was fun, and you were a great sport to invite us along to share what you hoped would be a sparkling view of the Pacific at sunset. Your hiking expertise makes you think that these "little inclines" are mostly easy, but for me, an inexperienced hiker, it was mostly Everest. However, your trust in me that I "can do it" is very appreciated. Your faith in my willingness to try is heartening, and you are a wonderful friend. One of the great bonuses of Project Transformation is having all of the support and comraderie that has developed. So I will keep trusting you, and you will carry me along until you get tired of having to wait for me to catch up. We all "glowed" with good health at the end of the trail, and I don't know what others did, but I put my steeping tub to good use, along with a relaxation CD, then three Advil, an icebpack on the parts that hit the ground when I fell, and a sleep like three dead people. This morning I am good as new, but Christy had her training this morning. Ouch!
Getting to know more about each other is an added bonus of driving to and from the hike, and the various group meetings that we have. I am looking forward to getting together even after our Transformation experience ends.
So until the hitwoman tries to get me on the next round, I will be watching my back--not an easy exercise, but when dealing with a demon, a necessary skill.
This blog is dedicated to the patient and lovely Sophia.
Tuesday, June 29, 2010
Wednesday, June 23, 2010
Learning about myself
I haven't forgotten to write, but I have been so busy trying to digest and distill some of the things that I learned over the past weekend at a seminar that I have been stumped. The seminar was about the energy of money, but it wasn't about investments or anything, but about our relationships with money. The reason I bring it up is that it was applicable to so many things other and more than money.
I found myself thinking about my relationship with my body, and with fitness and health. That's why I mention it. We Project Transformationists are actually learning to have a better relationship with self than the one we have been having. I think that the culture,or society, or whatever you want to call it has set us up to be always disapproving, always disappointed, with what we see and how we are with our bodies. We aren't thin enough, or young enough, or pretty enough. Here I will speak for myself. I can't ever remember a time in my life that I looked in the mirror and loved what I saw. Oh I might like my hair, or the way my make-up looks that day, but never the whole package. There are so many things to pick on. I'm not the size I would like to be, or my arms are flabby, or my legs are too white. The speaker on Saturday brought up the proposition "If I were more relaxed about money [my body], what would I not be doing with it that I am currently doing, and what would I be doing with it that I am not currently doing?" Because I want to put some conscious intentionality into the space.
So substituting our health, or the way we treat our bodies for the subject of money, how are we spending it? The speaker spoke about leaking money. Leaking occurs when you are using it in a way that doesn't bring you enjoyment. She gave the example of spending $7 at Starbucks each day for a coffee and a croissant that you eat without even thinking about it, without enoyment--on the run. I got to thinking about what I do mindlessly with regard to my health--like taking an extra helping that I don't need, or making a choice that might not be in my best interest, or not taking the time to exercise, which will give me energy for further endeavors. Am I leaking my health by sitting in front of the TV mindlessly watching reruns? Am I leaking my health when we I let fear take over thinking that something is too hard for me, instead of going for it. My first hike proved to me that I can get there, even if I have to go slowly. By now, two weeks later, I am already ready to take on Charmlee park. Another really appropos quote: "A moment of discomfort is a small price to pay for enlightenment".
Maria, Saturday's speaker, reminded us that "Success is doing what you said you would do, consistently, with clarity, focus ease and grace." Our six months of building new habits is the opportunity of a lifetime, to take into the future so that we can approve of ourselves, and conquer the hero's path. Speaking for myself, I am attaining clarity, and I am certainly focused. The ease and grace are still to come, but I'm working on it. Goals should be the signposts along the path of your Life's Intention. My intention is to get slim, fit and healthy. The goals are weight loss, eating consciously, exercising regularly, remaining alert and engaged in life and enjoyment. Since Maria gave us the requirements that a goal should meet, I am passing them on to you. A goal should be 1.)specific [I want to lose 10 pounds], 2.)measureable [I have lost 10 pounds], 3.)attainable or achieveable [it's 10 not 100], 4.)relate to a life intention [to be slim fit and healthy] and 5.)time based [I want to do it in 3 weeks]. Remember that we learned that small actions taken can change your life. Don't wait for your self confidence to get better, it will get better with action. We have to remind ourselves that we are in a game worth playing for a goal worth playing for.
I am going to close with what was possibly the best thing I learned this weekend, and that is that It's not necessary to overcome fear, it is always there. It doesn't mean anything, about you, your goals, or your dreams--sometimes it's just a sign that you are doing something out of your comfort zone. Gently shift the focus of your attention from the fear to your life's intention and your goals. When you are feeling fear, that's all it is, it is simply fear. Inevitable obstacles that occur make you stronger. Mastery is about learning to master obstacles--without obstacles there is no mastery.
I found myself thinking about my relationship with my body, and with fitness and health. That's why I mention it. We Project Transformationists are actually learning to have a better relationship with self than the one we have been having. I think that the culture,or society, or whatever you want to call it has set us up to be always disapproving, always disappointed, with what we see and how we are with our bodies. We aren't thin enough, or young enough, or pretty enough. Here I will speak for myself. I can't ever remember a time in my life that I looked in the mirror and loved what I saw. Oh I might like my hair, or the way my make-up looks that day, but never the whole package. There are so many things to pick on. I'm not the size I would like to be, or my arms are flabby, or my legs are too white. The speaker on Saturday brought up the proposition "If I were more relaxed about money [my body], what would I not be doing with it that I am currently doing, and what would I be doing with it that I am not currently doing?" Because I want to put some conscious intentionality into the space.
So substituting our health, or the way we treat our bodies for the subject of money, how are we spending it? The speaker spoke about leaking money. Leaking occurs when you are using it in a way that doesn't bring you enjoyment. She gave the example of spending $7 at Starbucks each day for a coffee and a croissant that you eat without even thinking about it, without enoyment--on the run. I got to thinking about what I do mindlessly with regard to my health--like taking an extra helping that I don't need, or making a choice that might not be in my best interest, or not taking the time to exercise, which will give me energy for further endeavors. Am I leaking my health by sitting in front of the TV mindlessly watching reruns? Am I leaking my health when we I let fear take over thinking that something is too hard for me, instead of going for it. My first hike proved to me that I can get there, even if I have to go slowly. By now, two weeks later, I am already ready to take on Charmlee park. Another really appropos quote: "A moment of discomfort is a small price to pay for enlightenment".
Maria, Saturday's speaker, reminded us that "Success is doing what you said you would do, consistently, with clarity, focus ease and grace." Our six months of building new habits is the opportunity of a lifetime, to take into the future so that we can approve of ourselves, and conquer the hero's path. Speaking for myself, I am attaining clarity, and I am certainly focused. The ease and grace are still to come, but I'm working on it. Goals should be the signposts along the path of your Life's Intention. My intention is to get slim, fit and healthy. The goals are weight loss, eating consciously, exercising regularly, remaining alert and engaged in life and enjoyment. Since Maria gave us the requirements that a goal should meet, I am passing them on to you. A goal should be 1.)specific [I want to lose 10 pounds], 2.)measureable [I have lost 10 pounds], 3.)attainable or achieveable [it's 10 not 100], 4.)relate to a life intention [to be slim fit and healthy] and 5.)time based [I want to do it in 3 weeks]. Remember that we learned that small actions taken can change your life. Don't wait for your self confidence to get better, it will get better with action. We have to remind ourselves that we are in a game worth playing for a goal worth playing for.
I am going to close with what was possibly the best thing I learned this weekend, and that is that It's not necessary to overcome fear, it is always there. It doesn't mean anything, about you, your goals, or your dreams--sometimes it's just a sign that you are doing something out of your comfort zone. Gently shift the focus of your attention from the fear to your life's intention and your goals. When you are feeling fear, that's all it is, it is simply fear. Inevitable obstacles that occur make you stronger. Mastery is about learning to master obstacles--without obstacles there is no mastery.
Sunday, June 13, 2010
Back to nature
Well, today I was in my froggy element. Back to nature. While some wires were crossed, and the whole crew could not show up for the hike, Kristin and I met at the hotel parking, and then contacted Sophia who took us on a wonderful hike in Oak Park Community Park. The others were obviously experienced hikers and were kind enough to slow their pace for me, a very inexperienced hiker, but I had a wonderful time out in the air and sunshine, doing some mild climbing, some just walking and a bit of crossing water. It was a glorious day, the sun was shining and for an hour we talked, chatted, laughed, and admired each other. There is something to be said for exercise. Right now, I feel as if I have conquered another barricade.
Last night I was at the gym, having the whole thing to myself, and I was a bit leery to do one of the exercises that Mike gave me this week, not being sure that I wouldn't fall off the ball. So after I had spent an hour doing all the other stuff, and I was ready to go, I said, "Oh what the hell, how far could I fall, and Rosie would find me if I knock myself out" so I sat myself down on that ball, and walked out till just my head was on the ball, held for several seconds, and walked myself back up, remembering what Mike had said to do, drop my butt, and back up against the ball. When I was back sitting on the ball, no one could have been more surprised that I was. I did it 4 more times! So this morning, when I considered the hike and thought that it might be too much for me, I thought of last night and said again, "oh what the hell". But without the encouragement of Sophia and Kristin, I couldn't have done it. I know it wasn't much for them, but for me it was a revelation. I really could do it, although I know that they took it easy on me, I did it. Ladies, you are my heroes. Thanks so much for making this new victory possible. I am beginning to believe that all is possible--that the weight will come off, the body will be conditioned, and the mind will clear and stop thinking that I can't. Mike seemed impressed when I said in our session, "I can do that" and I could. I hope to be saying it more often. So what is absolutely necessary is a positive attitude and good friends who are willing to help. When I got home, I had to call my brother, and my daughter. I was so proud. It has been years since I hiked, but I hope it won't ber years until I do again. I can recommend the fresh air. It makes you feel new.
Last night I was at the gym, having the whole thing to myself, and I was a bit leery to do one of the exercises that Mike gave me this week, not being sure that I wouldn't fall off the ball. So after I had spent an hour doing all the other stuff, and I was ready to go, I said, "Oh what the hell, how far could I fall, and Rosie would find me if I knock myself out" so I sat myself down on that ball, and walked out till just my head was on the ball, held for several seconds, and walked myself back up, remembering what Mike had said to do, drop my butt, and back up against the ball. When I was back sitting on the ball, no one could have been more surprised that I was. I did it 4 more times! So this morning, when I considered the hike and thought that it might be too much for me, I thought of last night and said again, "oh what the hell". But without the encouragement of Sophia and Kristin, I couldn't have done it. I know it wasn't much for them, but for me it was a revelation. I really could do it, although I know that they took it easy on me, I did it. Ladies, you are my heroes. Thanks so much for making this new victory possible. I am beginning to believe that all is possible--that the weight will come off, the body will be conditioned, and the mind will clear and stop thinking that I can't. Mike seemed impressed when I said in our session, "I can do that" and I could. I hope to be saying it more often. So what is absolutely necessary is a positive attitude and good friends who are willing to help. When I got home, I had to call my brother, and my daughter. I was so proud. It has been years since I hiked, but I hope it won't ber years until I do again. I can recommend the fresh air. It makes you feel new.
Tuesday, June 8, 2010
Thank you
I want to take this opportunity to say Thank you to the people who have expressed their support to me in so many areas of my life--all my life. I was taught by my parents to appreciate all the good things that come my way, and I hope that I have done that. They had the ability to take whatever good there was around them, and to make a party of it. I feel so fortunate to have been taught the value of life by people who enjoyed it so, and who were filled with a joie de vivre that was positively contagious. I was also fortunate enough to have had them in my life for long enough to have come through all the stages that life throws at us: the rebeliousness of adolescence, the sudden realization that they were not perfect, just people doing their best, the necessity to separate and individuate, and the coming back again, just to see them as the dear people they were, flawed but wonderful. I know people who did not have that opportunity, and they missed out on something quite miraculous. So Thanks Mom and Dad.
On the road of life, it is easy to take the people who have a starring role in your life every day for granted. So I want to say Thanks to my husband Bob who had always been supportive and a real friend.
And now, I am lucky enough to have met, to have become acquainted with, and to befriend (I hope) some very special people with whom I am traveling the same road on the way to better health, and learning to value putting time into the care of me, just as I have put time into the care of others. There is an energy that I have felt arising among us when we see each other at the gym, or at some gathering at CHLI, and it is the energy that is created when there is support. Those of us who have tried to lose weight, or get into better shape can appreciate that this time it's different. Not only do we have these terrific surroundings, the luxurious trappings of the 4 Seasons Hotel in Westlake, we have the support of the dedicated staff at CHLI, and the medical staff, but most of all we have each other and our families who are cheering us on and without whom we really couldn't do what we have to do. The families with younger children who are learning to give up "treats", or at least think of them differently, are not only helping their parent but learning valuable lessons that will help them to stay healthy and not have to "regain" health along the way. So to all of you family members, I salute you and say Thank you. You're not only helping and supporting your parent by trying new foods in new combinations, you're also helping the rest of us. I couldn't be more appreciative.
We have several months ahead of us to get into the best shape we can be, in the best shape we have been in years, so we are going to need all the help there is out there, so having all of you Project Transformationist and your families behind us will make all the difference. In advance, I want to say a great big THANKS. We're all going to make it.
On the road of life, it is easy to take the people who have a starring role in your life every day for granted. So I want to say Thanks to my husband Bob who had always been supportive and a real friend.
And now, I am lucky enough to have met, to have become acquainted with, and to befriend (I hope) some very special people with whom I am traveling the same road on the way to better health, and learning to value putting time into the care of me, just as I have put time into the care of others. There is an energy that I have felt arising among us when we see each other at the gym, or at some gathering at CHLI, and it is the energy that is created when there is support. Those of us who have tried to lose weight, or get into better shape can appreciate that this time it's different. Not only do we have these terrific surroundings, the luxurious trappings of the 4 Seasons Hotel in Westlake, we have the support of the dedicated staff at CHLI, and the medical staff, but most of all we have each other and our families who are cheering us on and without whom we really couldn't do what we have to do. The families with younger children who are learning to give up "treats", or at least think of them differently, are not only helping their parent but learning valuable lessons that will help them to stay healthy and not have to "regain" health along the way. So to all of you family members, I salute you and say Thank you. You're not only helping and supporting your parent by trying new foods in new combinations, you're also helping the rest of us. I couldn't be more appreciative.
We have several months ahead of us to get into the best shape we can be, in the best shape we have been in years, so we are going to need all the help there is out there, so having all of you Project Transformationist and your families behind us will make all the difference. In advance, I want to say a great big THANKS. We're all going to make it.
Saturday, June 5, 2010
Such sad news
I know that there has been silence for a few days, not because I had lost interest, but because life took over, and dealt me a very difficult blow that I have been trying to deal with. Some of you know already that my beloved dog Lucy has a deadly form of doggy cancer. She is apparently healthy and still pretty OK. But the doctor has suggested that she be kept pretty quiet, so our daily outings have changed significantly. Dealing with this news was a terrible shock and I couldn't think of losing her without weeping. However, over the course of the week, I have come to deal with with the idea of losing her, only because I have had to, and have spent a great deal of time reflecting on the eight happy years we have had together. Her doggy smiles have gladdened my heart in countless ways, her singular way of cuddling me while I was reading, of comforting me when I was sad and of bringing joy to my days is something I will keep with me forever. I refuse to lose a moment of the precious time we have left worrying about how my life will be without her. I will dwell in the happy times, and our life will be normal as long as we can.
This anticipated loss is allowing me to slow my pace, and to spend time thinking about all that is truly nurturing in the world if we allow it to be. I wonder now how many moments we let pass without appreciating them simply because we know that there will be many more of them to come. There is the little kid in the supermarket cart who catches your eye, and you have a flash of communication. There is the elderly person to whom you lend a hand on a busy day, and then don't really take a just another moment to listen to their heartfelt appreciation. It makes me think of all the times that I have not managed to put myself in the place of someone else and really understand what is making them tick. We veer away from the angry person, from the depressed person, because emotions are contagious, when an attentive ear might be just the thing they need. We fear the homeless person on the street without a thought as to what might have brought them to this situation. I don't for a moment believe that most people are not of good intentions. But we use the excuse that we are busy and hurried, when a smile or a moment might make all the difference. A couple of weeks ago I was walking along the boulevard, when walking toward me was a young man who for all I knew could have been a thug, because he sure looked dangerous. He was well built, dark, and scowling. He look at me as he walked in my direction, and as I usually do, I smiled at him. It was amazing to me to see his look of surprise, and then to see him also break into a smile, changing his whole face and demeanor. He seemed to relax and to stand up straighter. I hope that something that cost me nothing but the rearrangement of some facial muscles carried him through the day.
In my life, I have been fortunate to be very blessed with examples of love and sharing. My father was a man who was very loved and respected in business, in our religious community and by everyone he knew. Although he has been dead for many years, my brother and I remember that when we visited him at work, if we walked though the building for some reason, other shop keepers came out of their offices to greet him warmly. He had a smile and a good word for everyone and left a legacy of warmth with everyone who knew him. I wonder how many other people walk through their world with smiles that are contagious, but go unremarked or unnoticed. If my father had a motto, it would have been along the lines of "share your warmth, it doesn't cost you a thing and it might make a great difference to someone else". What a privilege to learn that from someone who lived it every day.
Knowing that I am losing Lucy, a bright spot in my existence, has made me want to look for that love and warmth in other unexpected places. I used to take Lucy to an old age home every week to visit the residents, and they loved her gentleness and sweetness. How many times did I hear them reminisce about their dog "Fluffy" or "Tippy" who brought so much love into their lives. So for the moment, I will recapture my smiles that I have always been happy to share, and I will follow in my father's footsteps of warmth and positivity. I will treasure each Lucy doggy smile and pass it on. I will cuddle her as long as I can, and let the loss teach me things, just as having her in my life has taught me things that I would never have known without her. I will treasure moments that might have been taken for granted. Lucy has been my pet, my teacher, my friend, the repository of my secrets, my mentor. I have tried to be for her the best mommy I could.
So, share your smiles, and look for places you can make a difference with them. The is Lucy's and my dad's legacy. After all, it doesn't cost you a thing.
This anticipated loss is allowing me to slow my pace, and to spend time thinking about all that is truly nurturing in the world if we allow it to be. I wonder now how many moments we let pass without appreciating them simply because we know that there will be many more of them to come. There is the little kid in the supermarket cart who catches your eye, and you have a flash of communication. There is the elderly person to whom you lend a hand on a busy day, and then don't really take a just another moment to listen to their heartfelt appreciation. It makes me think of all the times that I have not managed to put myself in the place of someone else and really understand what is making them tick. We veer away from the angry person, from the depressed person, because emotions are contagious, when an attentive ear might be just the thing they need. We fear the homeless person on the street without a thought as to what might have brought them to this situation. I don't for a moment believe that most people are not of good intentions. But we use the excuse that we are busy and hurried, when a smile or a moment might make all the difference. A couple of weeks ago I was walking along the boulevard, when walking toward me was a young man who for all I knew could have been a thug, because he sure looked dangerous. He was well built, dark, and scowling. He look at me as he walked in my direction, and as I usually do, I smiled at him. It was amazing to me to see his look of surprise, and then to see him also break into a smile, changing his whole face and demeanor. He seemed to relax and to stand up straighter. I hope that something that cost me nothing but the rearrangement of some facial muscles carried him through the day.
In my life, I have been fortunate to be very blessed with examples of love and sharing. My father was a man who was very loved and respected in business, in our religious community and by everyone he knew. Although he has been dead for many years, my brother and I remember that when we visited him at work, if we walked though the building for some reason, other shop keepers came out of their offices to greet him warmly. He had a smile and a good word for everyone and left a legacy of warmth with everyone who knew him. I wonder how many other people walk through their world with smiles that are contagious, but go unremarked or unnoticed. If my father had a motto, it would have been along the lines of "share your warmth, it doesn't cost you a thing and it might make a great difference to someone else". What a privilege to learn that from someone who lived it every day.
Knowing that I am losing Lucy, a bright spot in my existence, has made me want to look for that love and warmth in other unexpected places. I used to take Lucy to an old age home every week to visit the residents, and they loved her gentleness and sweetness. How many times did I hear them reminisce about their dog "Fluffy" or "Tippy" who brought so much love into their lives. So for the moment, I will recapture my smiles that I have always been happy to share, and I will follow in my father's footsteps of warmth and positivity. I will treasure each Lucy doggy smile and pass it on. I will cuddle her as long as I can, and let the loss teach me things, just as having her in my life has taught me things that I would never have known without her. I will treasure moments that might have been taken for granted. Lucy has been my pet, my teacher, my friend, the repository of my secrets, my mentor. I have tried to be for her the best mommy I could.
So, share your smiles, and look for places you can make a difference with them. The is Lucy's and my dad's legacy. After all, it doesn't cost you a thing.
Tuesday, June 1, 2010
Summer begins
Having just come home from the gym and had the opportunity to greet almost everyone in the group, it was again brought home to me how important is not only the mutual support in the group, but the opportunity to encourage and compliment each other as well. Each person's success, each person's report of progress is a little success and progress for the rest of us. So everyone, keep on doing what you're doing, and taking us all along on the ride.
It seems as if the wellness kitchen was a great success this week, and getting to know each other's families gave us an additional measure of support as well. Since we have no future wellness kitchen event on the immediate calendar, and since we all liked them so much, I have offered to have one at my house. Of course we won't have the chefs and the pre-measured ingredients, so we will have to work all of that out, but it is something I am sure we can do. Summer will give us the outdoors to spread out into, and the many kids can enjoy the pool and getting to know each other. And of course, our mentors at CHLI will be welcome (if they don't already get too much of us). So everyone, be thinking of and perfecting your family's favorite recipe to share with everyone else. Kasi is going to give me a couple of Sundays that she will be off so that we can plan a date and then it is up to everyone to gather up family members and ingredients for a dish, and come and cook or grill or assemble or whatever, and enjoy.
I hope that you all had a good Memorial Day and that you remembered the many who gave their lives so that we could enjoy this great country of ours. Yes, I know that it is not perfect, but for me, it is a damned site better than where the folks came from, and I am very grateful. I am grateful to the families who have lost loved ones in the many wars, both declared and undeclared, in which we have had a part. From them has been exacted the ultimate price, the loss of someone dear and close who can never be replaced. I continue to believe that we must support our troops with all we have, whether we support the war or not. Don't we all wake up every day, hoping to do our best? But in the case of our service personnel, doing their best could mean surrenduring their lives. So let's not forget to support the VA, and call them to account when they do not hold up our end of the bargain that our troops struck when they agreed to defend this nation, to act as agents for the peace that we all pray and hope for. The errands that they are sent to do are not of their making, but they go all the same, leaving loved ones behind, parents and children, spouses and lovers, brothers and sisters and sometimes grandparents. I pray that the day will come when not one more life has to be lost in the name of war, and when people can dwell together as brothers in peace.
Well, to change the drift of this blog, we have arrived at the official beginning of the summer season. So everyone, stock up on sun screen, and don't forget to apply it to yourself as well as the kids, Kasi. Eat your fruits and veggies, remember 7-10 servings a day--1/2 cup cooked and 1 cup raw is a serving. Get plenty of rest and shut eye--you night owls know who you are. And have a great time out there in the warm California sun.
It seems as if the wellness kitchen was a great success this week, and getting to know each other's families gave us an additional measure of support as well. Since we have no future wellness kitchen event on the immediate calendar, and since we all liked them so much, I have offered to have one at my house. Of course we won't have the chefs and the pre-measured ingredients, so we will have to work all of that out, but it is something I am sure we can do. Summer will give us the outdoors to spread out into, and the many kids can enjoy the pool and getting to know each other. And of course, our mentors at CHLI will be welcome (if they don't already get too much of us). So everyone, be thinking of and perfecting your family's favorite recipe to share with everyone else. Kasi is going to give me a couple of Sundays that she will be off so that we can plan a date and then it is up to everyone to gather up family members and ingredients for a dish, and come and cook or grill or assemble or whatever, and enjoy.
I hope that you all had a good Memorial Day and that you remembered the many who gave their lives so that we could enjoy this great country of ours. Yes, I know that it is not perfect, but for me, it is a damned site better than where the folks came from, and I am very grateful. I am grateful to the families who have lost loved ones in the many wars, both declared and undeclared, in which we have had a part. From them has been exacted the ultimate price, the loss of someone dear and close who can never be replaced. I continue to believe that we must support our troops with all we have, whether we support the war or not. Don't we all wake up every day, hoping to do our best? But in the case of our service personnel, doing their best could mean surrenduring their lives. So let's not forget to support the VA, and call them to account when they do not hold up our end of the bargain that our troops struck when they agreed to defend this nation, to act as agents for the peace that we all pray and hope for. The errands that they are sent to do are not of their making, but they go all the same, leaving loved ones behind, parents and children, spouses and lovers, brothers and sisters and sometimes grandparents. I pray that the day will come when not one more life has to be lost in the name of war, and when people can dwell together as brothers in peace.
Well, to change the drift of this blog, we have arrived at the official beginning of the summer season. So everyone, stock up on sun screen, and don't forget to apply it to yourself as well as the kids, Kasi. Eat your fruits and veggies, remember 7-10 servings a day--1/2 cup cooked and 1 cup raw is a serving. Get plenty of rest and shut eye--you night owls know who you are. And have a great time out there in the warm California sun.
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