Dec 4th Reverb10-Wonder

Prompt: Wonder. How did you cultivate a sense of wonder in your life this year?

I had to consult a dictionary (dictionary.com) on this one. Don’t get me wrong, I know what the word wonder means; I just wasn’t sure in what form I would use it. I’ve opted to use it in the form a verb (example two: 2. to be filled with admiration, amazement, or awe; marvel (often fol. by at ): He wondered at her composure in such a crisis.). I’m also going to see how many times I can use the word wonder (for sheets and giggles) in this post.

It’s been a WONDERful year. I’ve made good strides at making healthy changes. With a friend I “trained” for and completed my first half marathon early this year. I say trained loosely as I didn’t do much more than walk the thing. Late September I joined Weight Watchers and have lost 16 pounds so far. Without my friends, I participated in my 2nd half marathon early October. Jogging and walking the entire thing. After each accomplishment I am filled with a sense of wonder. Did I really do this? Can I continue to do this? I wonder I wonder I wonder fills my brain.

Even though I have had a sense of wonder after each accomplishment, I was filled with the most wonder at the completion of the 2nd half marathon as I did it by myself (literally-no one walk/jogged next to me). I told myself I would do it and I did. I wanted so badly to cop out of the race. Even after I was on my way to the race site I wanted to turn around and go home. But I started the race and worked through wanting to quit. Throughout the race I wondered why I was even bothering since I’m not a runner and it really didn’t (at the time) look like I would be a runner. I never did figure out why I continued but I’m glad I did. I finished the race a few minutes faster than before. And despite my lack of training my legs and feet felt great. Can you imagine how WONDERful I would have done had I prepared accordingly?!? And I can’t help to think that if I had such a WONDERful year this year with making a few changes how WONDERful a year I will have next year by stepping up my game just a smidge!

Day 3 reverb10 Prompt-Moment....

December 3 Prompt- Moment. Pick one moment during which you felt most alive this year. Describe it in vivid detail (texture, smells, voices, noises, colors).

Such an interesting topic. Such a shame I am at loss for words for a specific moment where I felt most alive this year. Joy from Nuggets of Truth and I lightly touched on this subject this a.m. in an email (“Looking in at life from the outside”). Sadly most of this year, as well as many years past, I’ve not really felt alive. I’ve not really participated in an exciting, magical way. Sure this year I’ve participated in 2 half marathons, sure I’ve volunteered at many Cardinal Care events, sure I’ve gone to a handful of Cardinal games. But never did I have a “Frankenstein moment” when I screeched to the world “I’m alive! I’m alive! Yes sweet Jesus I AM alive!” Is there such a feeling? Am I being too…what’s the word…expectant? Am I being too much like those romantic movies, when girl meets boy, and she’s asked “how did you know that he was the one (to which she replies ‘I just knew..I had “the” feeling.’)?”

I have had many moments of comfort; many moments of accomplishments; moments of relief this year. Each moment I become a little stronger. I've lead (and continue to lead) a very blessed life. I’ve felt the tears flow in both joy and frustration. I’ve seen the sun shine; I’ve seen the moon glow. But just as important to me, I’ve seen moments in other peoples eyes. Moments like the empty nester who welcomed her child home for the holidays. The shine of her eyes as the distance closes. The warmth that emits from the hug as they hold each other. The smile on their faces that could light up a room on the darkest of days.

Dec 2 Day 2 Prompt and WW PointsPlus

Ok...Day 2 of the Reverb10 Project. The prompt is:

Writing. What do you do each day that doesn't contribute to your writing -- and can you eliminate it?

I started this post hours ago, in between work projects. Of course work for me always trumps writing projects because my job doesn't require creative writing. And I can't afford not to work a "regular" job to get my "writing" career off the ground. Besides, how much money could I really make from MY writing? However, if we are to be really honest, time could be made for writing if I didn't procrastinate so. Most things I do during the day could contribute to writing if I really put some effort into it. But I'm a procrastinator. I can find many other things, both useless and useful, to do with my time. So if I really want to improve my writing I need to write SOMETHING every day. Just like in a journal. Or my blog! :O)

Weight Watchers Points Plus

So the new Weight Watchers PointsPlus has been rolling (officially) since Monday. I very much like the changes and can't wait to see the outcome! For the most part my food choices haven't changed too much in points. And with the 30 points daily I get I feel like I don't have to stress out on how I'm going to feel satisfied hunger wise with so little points. I've been eating more fruit and less 1 point snacks. But time will really tell on how I adapt to the new system. Any of you other WW's have any input? How are you fairing?

Day 1-Daily dose of creativity for #reverb10‏

Productive. This is the one word that I chose to describe 2010 for me. I’ve worked on healing my soul, worked on correcting negative thought processes that swim in my mind, and worked on discovering the real me. This journey of self discovery has inspired me to start a blog, take better care of myself (physically and emotionally), and has given me the courage to participate in (and finish) two half marathons. I’ve joined weight watchers this year and continue to volunteer my time on various projects at work and in the community. After all, “Idle hands, idle minds (author unknown)”.

Stellar. This is the one word I imagine I will choose one year from now to encapsulate 2011. My husband will be working in a better work environment (aka at my old job location). I will have met my lifetime weight watchers goal in June. I will have gone shopping for “skinny” clothes shortly there after. I will have competed in the annual Cardinals Care Run for Kids 6k and RAN the whole thing. I will have conquered my low self-esteem and grabbed the world by the balls. NOTHING will have unnerved me by year’s end of 2011.