The summer is ending...

So since I totally bombed the spending fast in August, I have decided to restart on September 1st...I guess it is just like smoking. You think you can quit any time and find out, yeah, not so much... A shout out to my dear cousin Margie who is in the process of quitting cancer sticks...I am so proud of her.

Technically, my summer ended today, as my son started school this morning. But my pool is still open and dance classes have another week in summer session B, so I am holding onnto summer with both hands.

I am lining up what classes to take this fall, still belly dancing twice a week and salsa once a week and Zumba, certainly... But to shake things up, I am considering adding Body sculpting before Zumba on Saturdays and Spinning twice a week... I have until tomorrow to decide.

I have had my annual physical and was taken off 2 BP meds, so that was big news. Only one to go.

I found out that the Catholic Mass is changing, come Advent... Just when you get the whole Mass down, they want to have it be an exact translation...from Latin... I see stormy weather ahead for the part time Catholics of the world.

It is a time of transition right now. And while change can be good in the end, sometimes it is challenge getting there. So for those amoung you who pray, I ask for a prayer of peace and acceptance. Because even when God raises his voice, I can be stubborn and tune out the message.

And for those who felt the earth shake today- I am glad it was a talking point, not a tragedy.

The Feast!

Okay, in New York we call the church carnivals with all the food and rides and games of chance The (fill in church name here) feast... Because it is the feast day of whichever Saint the Church is named after. And I think it is a Catholic Church thing.

Here, they are called Festivals...festive atmosphere...I get it.

They last for three days- Friday thru Sunday, and the goals are to have a great time and spend money, not necessarily in that order.

I attended the St Gabriel's feast over the weekend and had a great time, and even stayed with the healthier choices- grilled corn instead of the cheezeburger and fries. I listened to the band, lost a bit of money at the blackjack table, and actually ran into someone I know- this rarely happens to me in Ohio, so it was a pleasent surprise.

I met some friends, was introduced to their friends, and before I knew it the festival was over, it was 11:30pm and the girls I was driving home were STARVING.

Steak and Shake it was...

So by the time we ate, I dropped the girls home and drove home myself, it was 1:30am Sunday morning.

8am Mass came early, let me tell you...

Can't wait till the next Feast...Festival...

My “Summer of Change” Journey

I started focusing on doing things for me at the start of May, after three hard months. I wanted to cleanse my mind and body and move forward in my life as it has been newly defined. The decision was made and the approach to the change was multifocal.

I did the “Made to Crave” challenge to focus my cravings on God and move them away from food. Each morning for 21 days I read a devotional message of encouragement to stay on track. In addition, I joined “The Biggest Loser” at work. (Paid $20 in and weigh in each Monday. So far I am in 2nd place)

I have lost 10lbs so far…

I also started Swing Dance classes- though I missed the one last night. I find the class exhilarating and feel totally proud of myself at the end. It is $5 a night down in Covington, KY and it is so much fun.

I signed up for the Bloom Bookclub on Sunday afternoons- The Fitting Room is our book.

I also decided to make use of the time my son is in New York. So I signed up for classes at the Community Arts Center in Fairfield. I always say I will take a class, and in the nearly five years I lived here, never took one. During my Summer of Change Journey I will be taking… drum roll please…

Tai Chi on Monday night

A gentle yet powerful form of exercise that combines fluid movements with energy circulation, breathing and stretching techniques, it will improve muscle tone, balance and reduce stress.

Salsa on Tuesday night

Learn lots of salsa free style moves in this series. Learn new moves each class that will get more intense as the series goes on. Learn combinations all to help you develop a strong basic, timing, and styling in your dance.

Belly-Dancing on Wednesday night

In the style of American Tribal Belly dance, this style has its roots in the gypsy dances of the Middle East, but carries the modern touch of American artistic sensibilities. It provides a low-impact work-out with an emphasis on strengthening core muscles. It also helps improve memory by learning short choreographies, the artistry of the dance is uplifting.

Followed by Pottery later on Wednesday night

The main focus will be to develop wheel throwing, hand-building, glazing, and decorating skills. Instructor will work with each student at their individual level, while maintaining a fun and creative atmosphere.

and Zumba on Saturday morning...

Zumba combines Latin and International rhythms with dance steps such as: the meringue, salsa, mambo, samba, as well as belly dance and a little hip hop. The class utilizes simple, repetitive movements for an awesome low-impact cardio workout.


Classes start the first week of June and run through the end of August. I can’t wait. (The class descriptions are from the Fairfield Flyer)

And of course with Thursday as my Swing dance night and the pool, I have a well rounded summer.

Wish me luck!

Who were you meant to be?

‎"Be who God meant you to be and you will set the world on fire"

Wow- I am not really sure... And I am coming up on 45 in a hurry. Am I doing the work he calls me to? Yes. Absolutely.

But I am not my job...

So I have decided to have a "me" exploration this summer, while my young son is in New York with his dad.

I am going to take a pottery class- something I have always wanted to do.

I am going to eat better- okay, I confess this is more about winning "The Biggest Loser" at work, but whatever...

And I am going to dance. I am going to swing, and salsa and belly dance.

I am going to jive and swirl and enjoy the pulse of the music.

I am going to play hard. Tonight is my first swing class- I can't wait. My daughter is coming along... An Andy Dillhoff suggestion (Thank You, Andy!). And of course, since it is open to all ages, I am dragging my son along (under protest).

I am hoping it is so fun that it becomes a regular event.

I am also going to sign up for Tau Chi. Try out everything and see what I love. Get out of the house and meet some new people. Sweat a little.

And today I start the Made to Crave 21day Challenge. It is focused on satisfying your deepest desire with God not food.

I am up to the challenge.