Say What??

Sitting here recuperating from mono, and I come to the realization that I am going to have to make some life changes....again.  Ugh... From what the ever-so-wonderful doc (did you read the sarcasm in that, cuz, I totally wrote it with it dripping in sarcasm....where is the sarcasm font, anyway?) said, I am not allowed to exercise for a month.  She-who-shall-not-be-named also mentioned that I will be more fatigued for up to two months after mono has left my lymph nodes. Many people know that I do not lead a life that is slow, relaxed and easy - I love a life full of family, fun and it is fast paced.

Times, they are a changing...

So - back to the goal centered life...with a twist.  Previously, I had goals about self-improvement that were, dare I say, vain? I don't know, but these goals are more about life in general and making it a little more easier.  Not focused on weight loss (although, in a few months, maybe December, lol, I will be picking that goal back up!), these goals will be focusing on making sure I have less stress and an all around healthier life-style.

1. Sundays - worship, groceries and prepared for the week.  Probably sneak a family visit in there, but really, maybe not.  This is the best way that I can see for a great start to a week.  Having the clothes that I'd like to wear ready for the week, having the clothes ready for the week for the boys and having the groceries bought and put away for the week.  In the ideal world - this will make life wonderful.

2.  Meals - pre-planned.  This way, I can go to the store on Sunday and get everything and get it ready for what needs to happen.  Me and that crock pot are gonna be best buds again...sigh.  Guess that's next...

3. Recipes....Yuck, I hate cooking!  But, with the challenge of making myself, and my family, a lot healthier, I have got to do this.  Here's to as clean of eating as I can do.

4. Sleep.  Yeah, I want sleep.  I am going to have to break my habits of late nights and sleeping late in the mornings to early nights and getting up and eating breakfast. So, early to bed, early to rise and let's hope this girl becomes healthy, wealthy, and wise!!

Four goals....let's see how I progress on these and then we shall go from there.

Music

It's amazing how music can fill the soul, speak the mind and revitalize the spirit.  

After sitting here in bed with mono for over a week, you'd think I'd do some thinking.....well, finally I have.  It's interesting, how thoughts travel.  An acquaintance of mine is heading off to go big into music and I wanted to share a few thoughts on music and how it has been a therapy to me.

Music has always been one of those happy spots for me.  Typically, my house is filled with music. Pandora and I are pretty close, I have a few channels of music - but my go to fav's are one of three choices (an Eric Church channel, a kid's channel, and a Christian music channel).  This is all post major-life change.  Pre-major life change, music had fizzled out for me and I didn't have it to rejuvenate me.

I sing.  I love to sing.  I come alive singing.  My soul fills when singing.  But you may never hear me sing.  I, at random times, will burst into song, but you may never hear more than a few bars of music. I have always been a little shy with my voice (which hopefully is changing).   I have a song that is my go to "happy hum song," in a church, you'll hear me sing praises with joy.  More recently, you'll hear me sing with my sweetheart and his guitar.  If I'm not too awestruck at the moment.

After my major life change, one of the most important things I wanted to get back into my life was music.  Here's where an acquaintance comes in.  I don't know who introduced me to this person and his sound first. My friend Jamie had me listen to some tracks of his off the internet, and my friends Kate & John met me out a few times where he was performing with a relative.  I'm just gonna admit it, I came alive again.  It was like therapy.  Jamie and I would go see him, Kate and I would go see him and then when another Kate and I started hanging out - we saw him every Thursday night for a while - we'd follow him!  It was like therapy, he'd play from his soul, my soul became healed and stronger. Early on in this strange following, I met his wife - whom I think is awesome - and we'd dance.  I'd always ask her to sing - it's like I could almost see myself singing when she was up there, baring her spirit for us all to see.

I'd like to think that LeaAnne and Billy have become friends of mine.  They have certainly been an integral part of change in my life.  It's amazing how people could never know the impact they've had on another's life.  They assisted in re-igniting the fire in me.  The music healed the hurt and anger.  The infectious smiles from both of them made my smile happen more often.  I looked forward to seeing them, hearing Billy's music, filling my life with friends, happiness and "good times."

Since this time, I must admit, that my followings have dwindled.  Seeing Billy play and dancing with LeaAnne isn't a need I have to fulfill anymore.  Those needs for igniting that fire have been met.  Music is still with me. I frequently dance in my kitchen with my sons or my amazing man.  Soon, again, it will be the seasons where things slow down, and I will be moved by music coming from a guitar in my living room, being played by the man who has stolen my heart.

The importance, though, of this: to thank someone, before they "go big." Billy Jones is on his road to success with a band, Hoosier Highway.  Find them on iTunes.  Find them on the road.  Listen to them, support them.  Share their music.  Billy is an amazingly talented musician, and the band is too.  Beyond that, Bill & LeaAnne are people, who just by living their lives, have made positive differences in others.  Cheers to them and the success of HH.