I Am Going to Quit. . .

I am going to quit taking myself too seriously, instead I am going to be silly and embarass my children and learn to really live.

I am going to quit looking over my shoulder to see who may be watching me and instead live my life and make my decisions based on what I think.

I am going to quit always looking forward to tomorrow to be better, more fun, more perfect, and instead marvel at the glory of today.

I am going to quit eating like there is no tomorrow and dieting like I need to loose 50 pounds. I am going to eat in moderation and exercise to make up the difference.

I am going to quit going home to sit on my sofa and watch the fascinating lives of those people on TV who will never be like me or have a life like mine. I am going to start spending more time with people I know and care about.

I am going to quit putting God last and wondering why He always feels so far away. I am going to start putting Him first again and then marvel at the relationship that develops.

Today is Monday, and I am gonna quit writing and get out and live!

Documenting a First

I did something last night that I have never done before, as a reward to myself for two weeks without a cigarette. I got a message! I haven't done this before because to be honest it has always seemed sort of extravagent to me, but I have been saving a first time special price coupon for a couple of months just waiting for the perfect opportunity to use it.

I went to a place called Message Envy, and they still have the coupon available for first time visitors. They have many locations in many states, so have a look to see if there is one by you. A word of warning, they will try to sell you on their monthly membership when you are done, but that wasn't a bit deal and a polite not today was enough. Regular price is $78 for an hour, but with the first time coupon this is a treat you should try if you can.

From the soft music, to the dim lighting, everything you need to relax is provided, and everything is done to your comfort level. Beverages are offered, soft meditation type music plays over the speakers in the building, the therapist talks softly if at all and the bed and blankets are warm and inviting. I was worried that the 50 minutes would go by slowly, but it was over before I knew it and I felt relaxed and comfortable. Unfortunately, it helped me sleep so deeply that I overslept this morning for the first time in years, but it was worth it!

While a monthly membership may be much too extravagant, I can certainly see myself asking my family for this nice perk once a year on birthdays or something. . .or saving up just a bit myself for the chance to go once a year!

Cafe Thursday - No More Smoking Section

I was a smoker. I smoked on and off for about 12 years, and have decided that I will no longer be a smoker. I have cowered in shame in my garage and hid from my friends at church and even my family members because I was ashamed of my habit. Wisdom has finally come and I have decided that I will no longer live that life.

I do not stand in any kind of judgement of others, but for me, I must quit and move on with my life in a much more healthy pursuit. I want to be healthy. I want to be around for my kids as much as it is in my power to do so, so I am quitting.

It has only been 6 days and about 18 hours since my last cigarette, so I really do have a long way to go, but I will do it. I ran into withdrawl symptoms yesterday that I did not anticipate because I have been weening myself for months, but that will not deter me either (although. . .the past 48 hours has been the worst by far).

If you are a regular here, or a family member, keep me in your thoughts and prayers for the next few days if you can. It is challenging. . .but I will do it. . in God's power I will not smoke again.

She Loved NYC!

I may have created a monster this past weekend by taking my DD to New York City; she loved it.

We saw some shows:

Saw some sites:

And did some shopping:

And now she is hooked, wants to go back, and wants to live there. What have I done? I am kidding, sort of. We had a great couple of days in New York City and have a great drive there as well. I am so glad we did this! Even though we drove, which was long, it was a great opportunity to talk and share and see a few really pretty states. If you only get a chance to do weekend road trips with your kids this summer. . .DO IT!

Cafe Thursday - Pasta Salads

I love pasta salad. Well, actually, I love all salads. My friends know of this passion of mine, and so I am always the dedicated salad girl. And I must say, that of all the recipes I have tried, I make the same two salads most often.

My favorite pasta salad, and the one that I make the most often is one I saw a while back on the Food Network's Everyday Italian show. The dressing for this is more like pesto than your average Italian Dressing based salad, and it is just delicious. I can't recommend this recipe enough. I tend to add some things like green olives and other veggies that I have on hand, and you can certainly make this one your own too. My advice though, do not skip the smoked turkey or the fresh cheese in this dish. I know both are expensive, which is why I only make it on special occasions, but this combination is really out of this world. Here is the recipe for Antipasto Salad.

The second pasta salad recipe that I regularly make is like this Springtime Pasta Salad, except I make a couple of modifications. I always add at least half a packet of Italian Dressing seasoning and a squeeze of bottled Italian Dressing for flavor. I also always add tomatoes and some parmesan cheese in addtion to using whole wheat noodles.

Try them both if you can and let me know what you think.

Road Trip - NYC or Bust

DD, my mom, and I are all headed to NYC for the weekend! I am so excited. I haven't been since moving away from that area over 10 years ago now. We are headed to Broadway to see a show for sure, the rest is still being decided. With the cost of airplane tickets, it will actually be cheaper for us to drive, so it is a road trip for us. Besides, getting there is half the fun anyway. I LOVE to drive, especially from state to state. I get such a sense of accomplishment and adventure from driving long distances. I also really enjoy stopping along the way to eat and see the local sights, you know, be part of a bigger picture.

We will be going to see the show Curtains while we are in NYC. My DD also wants to see Central Park, the Statue of Liberty, do some 5th Ave shopping, visit Times Square, and the Metropolitan Museum of Art . I am hoping to get to the New York Public Library, as that is the one site I have not seen yet and I want to see the lions. I would also like to go back to South Street Seaport, as this was a favorite spot for us to visit and take family and friends when we lived in NJ. It is a big list and we will really only be there 2 days. . .so we will be doing much walking and quickly taking some photo ops before moving on to our next destination. However, it will be fun and I can't wait to share this experience with DD.

NYC. . .he we come. . .

It's Coming - Momma Mia

One of the most entertaining musicals I have seen recently is coming to the big screen. Momma Mia is a light musical that features the 70's hits of ABBA. The story line revolves around the hits, so it is fun to watch how they weave a story around a bunch of unrelated songs. The story does end up being a bit predictable, but the music is so much fun that I hardly noticed.

I am worried about some of the casting in the movie, as the traveling show we saw was just so perfect that it will be hard to see others in those roles, but it should still be a lot of fun to watch on the big screen. Here is a preview. . .