Something tangible for the trip out west

My elderly father drove about 40 minutes away to the RV dealership. He ordered a trailer and it is being built in Indiana. It is 16 feet long, has a front window. To the left of the door are two bunkbeds. Across from the bunks are the pantry, sink and stove. The trailer also has a toilet, sink and tub. My brother and dad will purchase a tension telescopic pole to put in the shower area to hang their clothes. There is no clothes closet. The trailer has an I pod, 2 extra stabalizing jacks, a power hitch, 2 hoses and adapters to empty the tanks. The trailer should be ready in 3 to 6 weeks! A tangible aspect of my Dad's dream! Something we can actually see and touch! I am making progress on my low carb life style. I have become acquainted with broccoli slaw! Some meals are easy--chili, tacos, roast beef, chicken. My husband and I both eat these meals without adding too much extra sides, making less work for me. It seems everyone on the online site pretty much goes their own way and there is little interaction. I expected this, but it's disppointing at the same time. Because of El Nino, there is a lot of moisture in the US, causing deadly tornados in the south, thunderstorms on the east coast and a winter storm in other states. A blessed snow day for teachers and students today! Enjoy!

Hungry at Work

Because Valentine's Day was on a Sunday, we did not have the intense business that we get if the day falls on a weekday. In some ways it was better, as we could greet and serve the customers and give them individual attention. The owner offered bonuses to us if we sold balloon, candy and bear packages. One of the girls sold 20 some add-ons. I feel like a slacker because no matter how I tried, I was not able to convince my customers to buy the packages. Yes, I sold accent flower, balloons and bears, but not the items that would have gotten me a bonus. I did get a tip, however, so that was exciting. On Saturday evening, as it became more apparent that the owner was not going to buy us dinner, I became sad and irritable. I had a most strange conversation with one of the other owners. It went, "I want chicken." She said, "I'll buy you some chicken." I replied, "No, I want to eat chicken here with the staff!" Crazy, bizarre, isn't it! I realized at home that I was tired and hungry, having eaten 7 hours before, and that I really did need chicken, or at least some protein. So I microwaved some chicken, but it didn't help much as I grumped at my husband about having to rewatch a program that he fell asleep over. He told me to go to sleep, which I did. There is a lot of support at work for a healthy life style. One woman finished the 17 day diet, another is watching her carbs. I didn't realize that eliminating carbs could help me lose weight. To date, I have lost 13 lbs, am hoping to lose 10 or so more. The challenge will be maintaining a healthy life style. I don't crave chips, sweet desserts or candy. I find that I enjoy the taste and smell of food, that these senses have become more acute.

Growing Pains

Husband has not had soda pop in a week or so now. He has had other treats--paczkis, cheesy macaroni and biscuits. Of course, he has access to healthy food. I send him off to work with a sandwich, green salad, and fruit. He finds the other goodies on his own. I'm happy that at least he is trying and hope that he'll get a bit of encouragement, so he doesn't give up the healthy life style altogether. I believe a tiny step in the right direction is the key to a healthy life style. I persevere with my lifestyle choice of healthy food and exercise. I have given some thought to Lent. I am going to focus on helping the needy--feeding the hungry, visiting the sick, welcoming strangers and also on offering instruction, forgiving and praying. Yesterday afternoon my husband and I visited my life insurance agent. My policies are in order and my husband knows how to access them. His affairs are much more complicated, but then I find he makes my life much more difficult. He is frugal so I have to be creative with items we need. He works, manages the bills and does yardwork, but the other chores fall to me. I am grateful that I can do them. His thinking is very linear, so it is difficult to converse sometimes. He is extremely self-centered and self-serving. He is a rooster, I am a dragon. I am a Virgo, he is a Libra. I guess the difficulties make sense when dealing with two opinionated, strong-willed, stubborn as mules people!

Husband Trying to Eat Healthy

My husband has decided to change his eating habits. Last Friday, we browsed the grocery store, loading our cart with veggies, fruit and lean meat. Now to be honest, he also put a few treats in the basket. But we are making an effort to eat healthy, leafy vegetables and lean meat. I helped him make a romaine letttuce salad with carrots, egg, chicken and cheese, tangelo and peanuts to take for work. So much better than zipping through the drive thru at a fast food restaurant. So I'm glad he's on board and wish him well. I am doing okay with the new life style. I find that my sense of taste and smell is much more acute. I don't feel all that hungry and will reach for berries or a baby cucumber as a snack. I have found interesting healthy recipes. Today the dogs and I walked around the field and through the woods. The dogs sniffed out a half dozen squirrels,the day was bright, birds were chirping.