New Year's resolution

The most popular New Year's Resolution is to "Lose Weight and Get Fit." Ask yourself, do you honestly need to lose weight and exercise more regularly? Or do you need to work on accepting your body more?
Why it is so hard for us to accept our bodies?
If only we lost weight, we would be happy. Our pants do not fit like they used to. For some of us, it is harder now that we are older. Hormonal changes, thyroid issues and metabolisms are slowing down. If we have children, we blame motherhood for the changes in our body. Many of us do not like how we look, and more importantly we just do not feel good in our bodies.
Some people say it is the media's influence. Women strive to be thinner because of unrealistic standards we see with celebrities. Some say we have unrealistic expectations especially as we age.
Many nutrition experts say that 80% of how our body looks is related to our nutrition. 10% genetics. 10% exercise.
I know that I am happier when I exercise. A study by the Mayo Clinic found Physical Exercise 3 hours per week reduces stress, fatigue, self doubt, irritability and depression.
How do you feel about your body? Do you eat clean and healthy? Do you exercise? Are you making New Year's Resolutions? What works for you? We are in this together!

Special Friends

The Special Friends program serves to match youth in foster care with committed adults who can serve as role models, advocates, mentors, and friends. As a Special Friend, you have the opportunity to assist youth in learning important life skills such as decision-making, relationship building, and living successfully within a community.

There are two kinds of Special Friends. Mentors support the youth with whom they are matched by joining them in activities they enjoy, such as going for a hike, playing a sport, doing arts and crafts, watching a movie, baking cookies, or eating at a favorite restaurant. Community Advisors serve as guides for youth 17 years and older as they begin to take on the responsibilities of independent living.

As some of you may know already, about a year ago I started the process of volunteering as a mentor. It was a long process with an extensive background check, but oh so worth it. I have been matched with a young lady who is such a joy to hang out with. I was warned that it would take her a while to warm up to me because of her shyness, but when we first met back in June, we clicked right away. She's so much fun and such a good kid. I'm so glad I went through this process!

With the presence of a stable adult in their lives, 73% of youth are more optimistic about their futures. You can be the difference in a child's life simply by spending time with him or her doing things that you love. As a mentor, you can watch movies, go hiking, do arts and crafts, go to your favorite restaurant, or just sit around and chat. You can motivate a child to achieve his or her personal best by cheering them on and taking pride in their accomplishments.

By listening, supporting, and encouraging, you can make a huge difference!

I would STRONGLY suggest if you have a program like this in your state, that you look into it! It's such a rewarding feeling to be such a help to a child who really needs someone to lead them in the right direction!

Updates

I know, it's been a couple of months since I have posted anything. I will let you know, it has been a crazy couple of months. Now that Christmas is over, I have had time to sit and reflect.
Dave and I took a one day trip up north to Prescott, AZ. It was only about a 3 hour drive, but we got to play in the snow and build a little snow man. By the time the sun went down and it started getting really cold, I was soo totally ready to get home. We had a great time and it was a nice little get away that only cost us a half tank of gas and dinner.
My car broke down in October. I still haven't been able to get the money together to fix it. I'm hoping my tax return will cover it. I miss my little bug!!! With the new year, hopefully it will be a fresh start and money won't be so tight. Its been stressful lately!
The holidays are almost over..WHEW!! Don't get me wrong, we had a wonderful time. Stayed home this year, spent a nice quiet day at my mom's house. The Bauern Omelettes were AMAZING!!! Next year I'm hoping to head up to Michigan to visit my brother, sister-in-law, and nephews. I miss them!
Might be getting a visit from my David and his girlfriend this summer. I'm so excited! If we can plan things right, might go see the Grand Canyon and Tombstone. Who knows.
I will try to keep up with this better. We will see!
Toodles!