I did it!

Well, it was probably the most taxing thing my old brain has tackled in a long long time, but after several weeks of class and MANY hours of study, I am very pleased to report that I have passed my health renewal exam. This means I am officially a certified health renewist! I must admit I was ready to quit several times and the thought of a four hour exam looming ahead just about did me in...but I hung in there---thanks to some encouragement from my friends and family;-) I must admit I have renewed (no pun intended) admiration for all the students out there when it comes to studies and exams!

For the first month or so (until I improve my speed), I will be giving complimentary renewals to any of you who would be interested, so give me a call to schedule a time. Just a heads up that once I improve my timing, I will be charging for this service so you may want to get in on this deal while you can;-) Hoping to hear from you...

Keep on keeping on...

Just so I don't lose momentum I am sending off a short post.

Today I am back down to earth and finally hitting the books again and studying hard for my Renewal exams next week. Took the day off yesterday to "play" for a while. Spent it with Tom just hanging out, walking the mall and dinner at his favorite place, Olive Garden;-) Unfortunately, we ate way more than we walked but really had a fun time!

I have got to get back to my regular morning walk routine tomorrow! Hope you will help to keep me honest about that;-)

This and That...V

Ok, so I missed a couple of days but I am going to call it a V for victory anyway, because this exercise has worked to get me back to a regular schedule blogging again! Thanks, Julie for inspiring me!

As for missing...I really do have a good excuse as my good friend Gayane flew down to spend a few days with me and we have had a blast with shopping (mostly window), lunches out, walks, swims, etc., etc...Thanks Gayane for a wonderful weekend;-)

This being Memorial Day, I want to remember all the wonderful young men and women who serve daily in our armed forces and all the veterans who served so faithfully in the past. We are so proud of you and all that you have done on behalf of our country. I especially want to mention my brother-in-law, Jim, who is served in Vietnam. Thanks hardly seems adequate Jim for all you went through and continue to go through due to exposure to Agent Orange while you were there. I know there are many others who are dealing with similar side effects from this tragedy. We honor you and I am so proud to have you as my brother-in-law.

The View

I am off to dreamland and have really had a full day but I could not close my eyes without a very short post.

Tonight as I was driving home from Bahama Bucks with a friend visiting from Utah, we were taken in by the full moon on the desert backdrop. It was such an inspiring view. I am so thankful to be here in Arizona;-) It has definitely been a stretch for me to be so far from my kiddos, but every day here has been a blessing in some way or another...what a beautiful place to live!

U is for Undervalued

U is for Undervalued

"Be pretty if you are; Be witty if you can; Be cheerful if it kills you."

I found this quote on line the other day and really liked it. There was no mention of an author so I guess we can chalk it up to another one by 'anonymous';-) Having a good disposition and general cheerfulness is often undervalued. Who does not enjoy being around a cheerful, upbeat person? Anyway, it reminded me of how important it is to smile or even laugh even at ourselves. From what "they" say, it takes fewer muscles and sure makes the world around us a much more pleasant and agreeable place!

I found myself in the middle of some unpleasant banter the other day between two other people. Standing there and watching the tempers the stress level rise, I just had to step back and try my best to remain calm and objective. As I watched from that point of view, it totally reminded me of two second graders going at it. It seemed that each one was wanting to prove they were right even though there wasn't anything to benefit from any of it other than some silly and lame bragging rights. Seeing this just made me smile...and ask, why, why, why do we do this to ourselves? Let's face it we all have our moments! Even though I was not at all involved in any of it, I too was feeling the stress in the air!

My husband has a favorite saying..."step back and take a deep breath", meaning don't let your emotions run away with you. So, I agree, "be cheerful if it kills you"...and you will probably live a much longer, healthier and happier life, and who doesn't want that?

T for Training...

I have spent the past few 12 hour days in the second phase of a grueling training session to learn the art of "renewing" the body. In other words we learn how to help empower the body to heal itself naturally through certain "signals". It is a natural health care renewal system similar to Reflexology, but with updated and improved methods. It is called SureFooted Health Renewal and wow...it is a very intense course. I am determined to learn this stuff and get certified! Will be taking my finals in two more weeks with a lot of review and studying in the meantime.

I must admit that learning new things at my age (especially all the medical terms) has been quite a challenge for my brain:/ but hopefully that's a good thing!!! Wish me luck...any volunteers out there for me to practice on???;-)

S is for Sea...

"My soul is full of longing
For the secret of the sea,
And the heart of the great ocean
Sends a thrilling pulse through me."
- Henry Wadsworth Longfellow

Oh how I love the sea...it is eternally connected to my soul:)