Love the Bliss: March 2012

Friday, March 9, 2012

Changes coming...

This is a big year with lots of changes. For one...my missionary boy, who's no longer a boy, will be coming home a man in just 43 days. I am so grateful that he humbled himself and decided to give of himself for two years. I've seen his growth and the blessings have come to not only those he's serving in Dominican Republic, but to all of us here at home. Can't wait to squeeze him!!

Mallory turned 18...wow! She registered to vote right away and got to take part in the Republican Presidential Preference Poll. Very exciting! After much prayerful consideration she decided to go to BYU-Idaho. It was hard because BYU Provo accepted her application to begin in the Fall. Idaho didn't accept her to start until January. She decided the smaller campus, and being close to two brothers was more important. She still plans on leaving in the Fall with Ian, and will take evening classes until her track begins in Jan.

Abigail turned 14! Big changes with this birthday! She took her written drivers test and passed on the first try. She's been out driving several times and so far, she's doing pretty good. I'll feel better, as a teacher, when the roads are clear of snow and ice. Also, she gets to go to church dances! Her first one is this Saturday and she's pretty excited!!

Relatively Inexpensive Pleasurable Addictions

A thought occured to me that a discussion of alternatives to less desireable addictions would be good. I do realize that some pleasures are relative...these are just some of my ideas. A final note is that I believe passions are great! But, all of us need to become the master in bridling all of our passions...or addictions.
Number 1: Chocolate...lets all eat Dark Chocolate! I have heard that it's very healthy to eat a tad everyday! Remember though...just one square a day...and I don't mean a giant chocolate bar square...the itty bitty square that makes up the big one!
Number 2: Run...get outside and run and don't stop until you want. LOVE those endorphins!! So addicting and so much healthier than alternatives. Okay, there is a bit of expense in the beginning because you need a good pair of shoes, and you should probably wear some shorts at least...and a top.
Number 3: Walk...it's not as hard on the knees but as beneficial as running!
Number 4: Read...a good book is downright fun! If you've gotta do something everyday or all night long, reading a good book can do no harm!
Number 5: Lift weights, ultimate frisbee, swim, practice yoga or pilates or any sport! If you gotta do something, exercise...again, those endorphins make you happy!! And, they're free!!
Number 6: Get a hobby...photo books, knitting, crafty stuff, sewing, geneology...whatever...just do it. I realize some of these things will cost some money, but none of them should compromise your health.
Number 7: Hang out with someone you love! Everyday!
Number 8: Eat veggies...or fruits...have them at your disposal all day just to keep from reaching for something not so healthy or that could potentially kill you and your loved ones!
Number 9: Play games...video, internet, gameboy. I've seen some people have a really difficult time tearing themselves away from the TV, computer or whatever device...but, if it keeps you away from serious alternatives that could cause harm, a little or maybe a little more than a little can't kill you. Remember though, too much of a good thing, can be too much! So, limit yourself!
Number 10: Remember that if something is causing you harm, using up all your resources of money, taking you away from things that are good, perhaps it's time to reevaluate your addictions. I think the key is to find pleasure in your addiction and not over-do or abuse it!