Pitch Perfect

How in the world did I wait so long to see Pitch Perfect?! I don't understand how it is possible.  It reminds of the a capella scene here at Dartmouth.  I had the pleasure of advising our groups for a few years.  They are so committed to making music and to their group.  This movie made me laugh and had great music.  I can't believe that I have not watched it sooner.  More importantly, I can't believe that my BFF and I have not watched this movie together.  I just sent him a message letting him know that we have been missing out. 

I mean, how can I not love a movie that does a "Riff-Off" and uses the song No Diggity.  No Diggity was a very popular song in 1997, my senior year of high school.  The senior girls did an entire choreography to song at a pep rally - hilarious memories.  

Last Saturday in September

It was a beautiful fall day. The weather was perfect during the day. The leaves are starting to change and the colors are spectacular. First home football game of the season. Outdoor concert with great attendance by students and incredible work by colleagues.

Gratitude brings happiness

I just saw this video by SoulPancake about how expressing gratitude leads to increased happiness. I could not agree more!

StoryPeople

I discovered StoryPeople from my BFF and I have fallen in love with each creation.  Each print that Brian Andreas creates speaks to the everyday truth, wonder, joy, and beauty of our lives.  I signed up for the daily story and this was today's print.  I laughed out loud at how much the print spoke to my life and my behavior - especially lately. 

An unexpected community

On December 27, 2012, I joined weight watchers and started to go to meetings regularly.  In the last 9 months I have lost 78 pounds.  It has been hard work and meant big changes in my habits and the way that I approach food and exercise and life in general.  There have been ups and downs. 

I have been so amazed by the community that I have found at the weight watchers meetings.  Every Saturday morning at 8:30am, I share an hour with people that are working to change their lives.  They are aiming for increased health, mobility, energy, joy, etc.  Each person has struggled with food and with finding ways to enjoy food in healthy ways.  Finding ways to use food for nourishment rather than substitutes for love or validation.  Finding other coping mechanisms for dealing with stress, sadness, depression, anger, rejection than food.  The meetings are by no means a therapy group and we don't delve into these issues.  That said, there is something wonderful about sitting in a community of people that understand the struggles and the challenges with changing food habits.  There is something comforting about sharing anxiety, fear, celebration, and success with a community of people that are dealing with the same emotions. 

I never thought that I would enjoy or appreciate these meetings.  I never thought I would find a community that would give me strength.  And yet, that is exactly what I have found.  The weekly check-in and the support from this group of women and men, has help me make important changes.  I feel healthier and more physically vibrant because of the changes I have made.  I am proud of myself and I now that I have made lasting lifestyle changes that will help me continue to lead a healthy, productive, physically active, engaged, and full life.  The journey isn't over, but it has been pretty incredible so far. 

A good night's sleep

Last night I went to sleep at 8:30pm.  I was completely wiped out.  I was tired from the tress of work, the stress of personal relationships, and the effort of holding myself together.  I slept 11 hours last night.  I slept the deep sleep of the weary.  I vaguely remember getting a text at 1:00am and having a text conversation but I thought it was a dream.  It wasn't.  I probably shouldn't text while sleeping.  Luckily I didn't say anything ridiculous. 

It is amazing how much better a person can feel after a really good night's sleep.  I feel more alert, focused, aware, energetic, and positive than I have in days.  I have to start rebuilding a more routine sleep pattern. 

I am very, very thankful for a night of restful and deep sleep. 

Calming Manatee

Today I discovered the Calming Manatee.  The calming manatee provides comfort and solace when times are just a little bit rough.  The manatee commiserates with you.  It offers hugs.  It validates your feelings.

Thank you calming manatee!  Thank you!