All Those French Things

Tanner: I'm glad we don't live in France.
Me: Why?
Tanner: Because they have all those French things there.
Me: Umm...like what?
Tanner: Like French kissing. That's gross.
Me: *silently laughing*

Sweatin' to the Oldies

Part of this journey includes a significant loss of weight. Back in November, I decided to (re-)join Weight Watchers. I have been successful with it in the past and since it's all about getting healthy, I decided that was what I needed to do. Losing weight is a bonus that comes with learning how to eat right.

Well, one thing they really stress is activity. Humph. Those of you who know me--really know me--know that I hate to sweat. Did I say "hate"? I mean I DESPISE sweating. Nothing about it makes me feel good. I know that exercise is an important part of being healthy and I really do want to be healthy, I just don't want to sweat. So, to get me motivated to sweat (did I mention I hate to sweat), James and I bought a family membership to our local community center. Now, this is not one of those podunk community centers where all the equipment has been passed down from other gyms that got the "new" stuff. This is not a community center that cost $50/year and is worth what you pay for. This is a "state-of-the-art" Community Center with 4 pools, a weight room, a walking/jogging track, cardio equipment and a circuit. This has 2 full basketball courts, a game room with 2 pool tables and video games for TWENTY-FIVE CENTS!! And (are you sitting down?) they have Ms. PacMan!! It's very cool. And when I say "very", I mean there is NOTHING cooler in the world. Think of the coolest thing you can...got it? It's cooler than that.

So, the girls and I went after James got home from work tonight. He had already gone this morning before work. I could have easily said I was too tired, I needed to help get the kids to bed, I should clean the kitchen, etc. BUT, I didn't. Aren't you proud to know me? I, who hate to sweat, walked 1.78 miles on the treadmill. Woo hoo. Yay me. It has been 45 minutes since I stepped off the darn thing and I'm STILL sweating. Hey, but I'm on my way to being healthier.

I've always said I'm just a skinny person trapped in a fat person's body. I've proven it, too, by getting skinny. The fat person just keeps winning. Well, not this time, Fat Person! This time Skinny Me has the upper hand. I have a MEMBERSHIP to the coolest Community Center on the planet. And I'm not afraid to use it!

Hey all. Well this is my third attempt at keeping a blog. I change hosts, names and purposes. Maybe this time will be my last! I think I've finally figured it all out. If I have one specific purpose for blogging, such as my kids or geocaching, I'm going to run out of things to say. Or at the very least, it will become boring quickly.

This time, Where I Belong will be multi-faceted. I know. It's revolutionary! Who would have ever thought of blogging about more than one idea? The title of the blog is a tribute to a Chris Rice song, "Belong". I'll post the lyrics below. However, the meaning of the song is only a small part of my purpose for blogging.

I am 37 1/2 years old. I still feel as if I have not "arrived" at the place God has planned for me. This blog will be about me discovering where I belong spiritually, intellectually, as a mother, as a wife, and as an individual. This will include spiritual ideas, educational pursuits, and ways I relate to my children, my husband and my mother. Also, since I am well on the path to losing at least 75 pounds, I will probably include some pictures and anecdotes from that journey.

I warn you: it won't be pretty. Any of it. I hope you'll stick around. Leave a comment occasionally if you'd like. I'd love to hear from you.

Belong

Chris Rice

Fading memories ignored

I crawl across the forest floor

Pool reflects an orphan child

Dirty, lost, alone and wild

Fatherless and nameless still

Fallen heart and broken

Will there ever be a place where I belong

I cower ‘neath the monster trees

And try to stand on tired feet

But gravity knocks me to the ground

Where I give up, and tears roll down

I claw the dust and beg the end

Curse the day that I began

To hope there’d be a place where I belong

I hear a sound I recognize

You lift my chin and seek my eyes

Song of love You sing to me

I ache to sing it back to Thee

"Father Love prepares a place

Brother Jesus leads the way

Follow to the place where you belong!"

How did I miss this wondrous song?

The forest sang it all along

"River rinses all your shame

Father offers you His name

Father Love prepares a home

Brother Jesus leads you on

Follow to the place where you belong!"

"Father Love prepares a place

Brother Jesus leads the way

Follow to the place where you belong

Follow to the place where you belong!"