Day 120, 4/30/2013 - Eat,  it's taco Tuesday and we met at Rosa's Cafe for dinner before rehearsal. As tempting as it was to get their yummy taco plate for such a good price, I resisted. I made a better choice with the Fiesta Fajita Chicken Salad. Pray, I prayed that my migraine not return. My prayers were answered, no headache today! Joy, my joy was realized in a very productive work day. I heard recently that Tuesday is the most productive work day of the week. That was certainly the case for me today.

Day 119, 4/29/2013 - Eat, had the Apple Harvest salad at Red Robin. All of the ingredients I love, cheese, chicken, apples, pecans, etc. Pray, I awoke with a migraine today. Really, Monday and a migraine!  I prayed for relief. I finally gave into it and went home early to take medication and rest in a dark bedroom. Joy, my prayers were answered; when I awoke from my seclusion, my headache was better. Enjoyed having dinner with my son, James.

Day 118, 4/28/2013 - Eat, had Cheesecake Factory for dinner. Tried another SkinnyLicious item, the flat bread with salad. Delicious! The weather was great for dinning outside. Pray, I prayed that I would be productive with the project that I keep putting off. My prayer was answered; I was productive. Joy, my joy was in the beauty of the day and in the fact that I made some headway on my project.

    

 

 Day 117, 4/27/2013 - Eat,  went to one of my favorite spots for dinner, Bread Winners. Had a favorite appetizer, hot fresh potato chips with blue cheese and spicy drizzle. For dinner I selected the Saturday special, grilled salmon with smoked salmon tostadas topped with fresh avocado. I was in salmon heaven! Pray, I pray that I can tackle a task that I have been putting off. It is so easy to procrastinate, convince yourself that you're too tired, too busy, etc. Joy, my joy was in spending the evening with my good friend, Val. We haven't got together in awhile. It was great to catch up as if no time has passed.

     
Day 116, 4/26/2013 - Eat, called up friends to try a new place on this Friday night. We went to a Japanese restaurant,  Sushi Robota. We had several appetizers, bacon wrapped asparagus,  chicken, ramen with our Japanese beer. We had tuna sashimi and several sushi rolls. All were delicious. Pray, I prayed today for my friend, Michelle, that she make it through the funeral today and the next several weeks of the grieving process. Joy, my joy was in spending time with my friends tonight at dinner. Also in the realization that I have a choice of how and who I spend my time with. I called my friends at the last minute to see if they had dinner plans. I have a choice on whether or not I spend an evening alone. It was great to spend a Friday evening with friends rather than lamenting the fact that I am single and it is Friday night. I have a choice!

Day 115, 4/25/2013 - Eat, I was pretty good today having several light meals. I did enjoy a couple of Cosmos for happy hour on my balcony on the perfect evening. Pray, continued prayers for my friends, Rosemary and Michelle as they navigate through difficult times with family. Joy, my joy was enjoying the beautiful evening on my balcony. The weather was perfect. My flowers are still alive, after almost a month. That may be a record for me. Enjoyed just being by myself in the moment.

Day 114, 4/24/2013 - Eat, went to what is becoming the Wednesday night place for dinner, Chili's. Was semi good and ordered a salad. Granted it was the Quesadilla Explosion salad but as least I got all dressings on the side and had only water to drink. Pray, prayers today for my friend, Rosemary,  and her family. Her dad is having health issues and there are some difficult decisions ahead for her parents as they move into a different stage of life. Joy, my joy was in seeing my friends from past times, one who works at Chili's and the other from another bell choir. This has become a Wednesday "thing" and brings me great joy!

Day 113, 4/23/2013 - Eat, had Texas Roadhouse before my Tuesday rehearsal. Did well today only having grilled chicken and salad for dinner. I resisted their delicious hot fresh rolls! Pray, prayers today that I can continue with a renewed commitment to eat better and less. It is hard to cut down when I eat out almost every night of the week. Joy, my joy is that I ate better for one day. I must remind myself to take things a day at a time. This is a good reminder for me in every aspect of my life.

Day 112, 4/22/2013 - Eat, actually used some left overs for dinner tonight. I must cut down; eating too much lately. Pray, I am praying that I will make better choices in my eating this week. Since I was on the cruise in late February, I haven't cut back. It will be swim suit weather before I know it. I know I can still have interesting/tasty food, just less of it. Joy, found joy in my guilty pleasure tonight --Dancing with the Stars.

Day 108, 4/18/2013 - Eat, went to a favorite haunt today, Goodfellas, with my mothers of multiples group. Hilarious group drink served in an actual fishbowl. Great fun with my friends starting this year's convention in Frisco off right with pizza and the drink called "Furghettaboutit." Our Happy Hour didn't stop there. Just because you're staying in a hotel doesn't mean you have to use their glasses, we enjoyed our drinks in style thanks to our friend, Yvonne. Pray, I pray for our mothers of multiples convention and the group that is hosting the event this year. It is quite an undertaking since as many as 200 women attend every April. Joy, my joy is in the TMOM (Texas Mothers of Multiples) group. It is so good to see these friends every year. I've known some of them for over 20 years now. And I will always have this connection as I will always be a mother of twins. It is a very unique bond that this group of women have; one that gets you through all of life's events, deaths, divorces, births, etc. I am blessed to have them!

 

Left to right: Angie/Brenda/Fredda/Julie/Michelle/Rosemary/Yvonne

Day 109, 4/19/2013 - Eat, wonderful full breakfast at the Embassy Suites hotel. My roommates and friends, who could have slept in, got up early to have breakfast with me before I went to work for the day. The convention dinner was at the Angelica theater catered by Frosty Palace Diner. We saw the movie "Grease" complete with subtitles so all could sing along. Never knew that some of the words to the songs were pretty ronchy...fun evening. Pray, I prayed that I would be productive at work today. My prayers were answered and I was able to get everything done and leave the office a little early to join my convention buddies again. Joy, my joy is in it being Friday and having the TMOM convention ahead of me. It is great that we have seven members from our local group attending this year.

Left to Right: Julie/Yvonne/Brenda/Angie/Rosemary

Day 110, 4/20/2013 - Eat, had typical hotel food today. Had meetings and continued to see friends that I only see once a year at the TMOM convention. Today was not so much about the eating as it was about friends and continuing to catch up with those you only see once a year. Pray, all prayers today are for our friend in our local group, whose husband died suddenly while out of town on business. We all rallied around her as she continued to get phone calls with information and details. We packed her up and drove her home. We were all thankful that this year's convention was in our hometown. Joy, hard to find joy with the turn of events of the day. My joy is once again in the realization of the strong bond and support that this group of women have and provide when one or more has a challenge with life, health, children, etc. I am reminded to not take one single thing for granted as things can change in an instant!

Day 111, 4/21/2013 - Eat, after checking out of the hotel several of us decided to do a little shopping and had a late lunch at another favorite haunt, The Holy Grail Pup. Had an awesome appetizer, Gravy Fries. Sounded a little strange but melt in your mouth goodness. Fries, cheese, gravy and other seasonings! So glad I shared the fish and chips with my friend. It left room for the white cheddar mac & cheese. More melt in the mouth goodness! Pray, continued thoughts and prayers for my friend, Michelle, as she navigates the challenging path before her in the coming weeks. Joy, my joy was in the weather today. It was beautiful and it felt great to have the doors open and fresh air all afternoon. My new wind chimes a gentle reminder to put any troubles in God's hands and he will comfort and provide.

Day 107, 4/17/2013 - Eat,  Chili's two days in a row. That's all right, there are plenty of choices that I like on their menu. Had the Bacon Ranch Chicken Quesadillas today. They hit the spot. Pray, I pray that I will adjust to some new beginnings that have come my way and see them as blessings instead of negatives. Joy, my joy was realized in ringing with a different handbell group tonight. New beginnings, new bells and new joy! No one can say that I am stuck in a rut these days. Something new for me every week!

Day 106, 4/16/2013 - Eat, had Chili's tonight prior to my Tuesday evening rehearsal. Enjoyed the Buffalo Chicken salad, one of my favorites.  I had not had it in awhile and it did not disappoint. Pray, continued prayers for all of those who experienced loss, injury or were affected by the Boston bombings. Joy, my joy was in ringing at rehearsal. The "Dance" theme is growing on me as we prepare such pieces as, Lady Gaga's Just Dance. I will experience the joy of the dance as we are reminded this week that life is unpredictable and all too short.

Day 105, 4/15/2013 - Eat, today did well until I gave into the temptation to prepare my macaroni/cheese/rotel dish. I actually counted all of the calories of the day and did not do too badly. Everything in moderation, right? Pray, prayers for all affected by the explosions at the Boston marathon. It is so hard to find comfort in this type of craziness and even harder to understand it. Joy, I found joy in doing some simple grocery shopping today. Silly, but joyful in accomplishing simple tasks like buying TP, milk and various necessary sundries.

Day 104, 4/14/13 - Eat, started the day right at Cheesecake Factory with their SkinnyLicious menu. The chopped salad was just what I needed since we went to Babe's Chicken for dinner. Family style all-you-can-eat mashed potatoes, creamed corn, green beans, gravy and biscuits. I shared their chicken fried steak and was glad I did. Delicious! Pray, I continue to pray that I can learn from the bad things that happen to me and remember and cherish the good and not dwell on the bad. Joy, my joy today was found in attending the Plano Community Band Spring Pops concert with friends. Marilyn performed well as is her style. It was great to see Linda and Dan who drove from Oklahoma to attend. A good day!

Day 103, 4/13/2013 - Eat, went to The Egg and I for the first time today, so many choices, so little time. I finally decided on a skillet dish called Cambridge Benedict. Eggs, bacon, ham, potatoes,  cheese, Hollandaise sauce, etc. All ingredients I love, it was great. For dinner we were at Cowboys Stadium and had burgers, fries and beer. Now for the shocker, we were there for opera. The Dallas Opera/Winspear Opera House  simulcast the opera Turandot. It was my first time to see both Turandot and the stadium. What better way to see opera than at a football stadium, right? Both the stadium and the simulcast were amazing. Pray, I pray that I continue to learn how to cherish relationships, whether they be old or new, good or somewhat dysfunctional. It is the whole package that makes us who we are to become for the future. It is so hard to find good in and amongst the bad that is in our past. This is my continued prayer. Joy, my joy today was in seeing and working with my friend and composer at a handbell festival. He was a great clinician. There is always something to be learned even if you are the most seasoned ringer and musician. When we stop learning or being open to new ideas, we cease to advance and improve.

Day 102, 4/12/2013 - Eat, TGIF, called for happy hour. Good cold beers at Chili's. Then dinner with several "bell heads," that's the friends that sleep, eat and breathe handbells. Good friends and good dinner before we dig into the Handbell Festival and a full day of ringing on Saturday. Pray, prayers today for my friend who is feeling "beat down" for the day. I pray they bounce back tomorrow and know that they are loved by many. Joy, my joy again revolves around eating...lol. It is not so much the eating as it is fellowship with good friends. I enjoyed seeing friends that I don't see every day. One of which I see only once a year at a handbell event in New Bern, NC.

Day 101, 4/11/2013 - Eat, had dinner with friends after rehearsal at Cheesecake Factory. Shared Bistro Shrimp pasta, so glad I shared. The photo is my half of the entrée, fabulous. Very filling, no room for cheesecake for dessert. Pray, I pray that I will be productive with the tasks before me over the next several weekends. It is so tempting to "play" all weekend, but have some personal business to tend to in April. Joy, I found joy in subbing with one of my favorite handbell groups today. I love the challenge of sight reading music and playing pieces that are new to me.

Day 100, 4/10/2013 - Eat, celebrated my 100th day of blogging at Chili's. They must have known I was celebrating since I received a free Dos Equis glass, sweet! Pray, I pray that I will continue to blog every day. It has been very cathartic for me. I have learned how to step out of my comfort zones and talk about things that I bottled up over the past two years. It has been difficult at times, as I feel somewhat exposed. Overall it has been good to get some things out in the open and talk about them. Joy, my joy was in dining with friends.

Day 99, 4/9/2013 - Eat, Starbucks saved my life today! Too dramatic, I think not. When you live alone, things like milk and creamer can be good one day and completely sour or bad the next. This was the case as I poured creamer into my freshly brewed cup of coffee today. I proptly poured it out, grabbed my thermal cup and headed to the nearest Starbucks.  The coffee and oatmeal started the day much better than sour creamer would have. It sustained me until I could meet my friends for Taco Tuesday at Rosa's before my evening rehearsal. Pray, continued prayers that I will learn to appreciate and find joy and good memories from even the worst of times, whether it be from a past relationship or employment. There has to be some redeeming good or you would not have gone there to begin with, right? Joy, I delight in the fact that I have three beautiful children in my life. If I had never married, I would never have known this joy. Thank you, Lord!

 

Day 98, 4/8/2013 - Eat, had leftovers for both lunch and dinner today. Anyone who knows me knows that I rarely eat the leftovers before they spoil in the refrigerator. Pray, today I pray that I never take for granted my past relationships whether they be an ex spouse, friends from an old workplace or friends that I have lost contact with. I realized that I often get bogged down in the negative when a relationship goes away for whatever the reason. Joy, I resolve to take joy from every relationship that I have. Even when I got divorced or moved on to another workplace, I experienced JOY in the old even if it didn't work out or I moved on for numerous reasons. I will consider the amount of joy I experience from here on not the negative. Accentuate the positive, eliminate the negative just like the old song! Yes, I realize that I cannot eliminate the negative but I can certainly spend less time and energy on it. The broken sun catcher is a bit of a negative, but my "take away" from it before I dispose of the broken pieces is the JOY that I gained from my friend, Diane who gave it to me when we were close friends.

Day 97, 4/7/2013 - Eat, simple day of meals. Had left overs for lunch and my "go to" thin crust veggie pizza for dinner. Enjoyed a day of rest and chose not to go out for food (other than pizza delivery). Definitely a day of minimal dress and makeup, so nice after 6 days of work dress and full makeup. Pray, continued prayers for Yvonne's family and father in law. Joy, my joy was in the beautiful weather this weekend and the fact that I haven't killed my spring flowers yet...lol!

Day 96, 4/6/2013 - Eat, had my morning happy hour on my balcony. Coffee, silly! Another beautiful spring day, no A/C or heat needed. Kept doors open all day and enjoyed the fresh air. Had the evening happy hour and dinner with a my friend, Michelle. We had cucumber martinis and BBQ ribs. Delicious! Pray, I pray for my friend, Yvonne, and her father in law, who is in the hospital and will undergo surgery next week. Joy, my joy was in the evening that was spent with my friend, Michelle. She stayed over and we talked until the wee hours of the morning. We have several things in common, we both have twins, we lost our mothers to similar circumstances and illness, we have both been through divorce, etc. It was so good to catch up with her after several years had lapsed since we were able to have quality time together.

 

 Day 95, 4/5/2013 - Eat, had lunch with my good friend, Sue at Chipotle. I hardly ever go out of the office for lunch, it was a beautiful spring day and we enjoyed a table outside. TGIF! So glad for Friday, celebrated with happy hour on my balcony on this gorgeous day. Some left overs for dinner, steak fajitas converted into quesadillas. Pray, I continue to pray for peace as I live into the reality of recent changes. Joy, my joy was realized in the beauty of the spring day while lunching outside and enjoying happy hour on my balcony.

 

Day 94, 4/4/2013 - Eat,  had baked potato dinner with friends at our monthy meeting of Mothers of Multiples. We had "Heaven in a Bowl" for dessert. Reeses, pudding, cool whip, etc. What's not to love? I enjoy catching up with these women each month. They are and continue to be one of my strongest support groups. Pray, I prayed for safe travel for my daughter today. Prayers were answered as she arrived home to Minneapolis safely. Joy, my joy was in seeing and visiting with my good friends. No matter what changes have come in my life recently, they continue to be a constant.

Day 93, 4/3/2013 - Eat, heated left over fish & chips for lunch. The fish, not too bad reheated, fries, not so much. I have yet to meet a fry that does well reheated...lol. Enjoyed Cheddar's for dinner starting with spinach dip. Pray, my prayers are for peace as I begin another chapter of my life. The decision that was so hard to make last week will drastically change my daily and weekly routine. I am feeling thankful that it has been made but pray for peace as I live into the reality of how it changes things. Joy, my joy today is in experiencing new things. Even though it is a bit scary perhaps it will help keep me young!

Day 92, 4/2/2013 - Eat, today I enjoyed breakfast for dinner at IHOP before going to my Tuesday rehearsal. Delicious! Pray,  I pray that I will read, re-read and heed my "Plan B" calendar during April. Wise words, I must share some of them so you won't have to strain to read them from the picture. "If you want rainbows, you gotta have rain. In a perfect world everything would always go right. There would be no disappointments and life would be filled with only warm and fuzzy feelings...but, would we recognize the blessings in our lives without having the opposite to compare them to? Without the darkness, would we appreciate the light?... The trick is to pull ourselves up by our bootstraps and go out and look for puddles to play in; recognize the tempest for what it is and train ourselves to look for the good in every situation. By overcoming our adversity, we find the JOY in everything!" There I have it, my motto for 2013, to find joy in every day. I got a little wrapped up in some personal "stuff" last week but am reminded to forge ahead to new and different things leaving the old baggage along the side of the road. The challenge will be to constantly remind myself, "Don't go back for it!" Joy, and so my joy was in reading these wise words and being thankful once again for the friend who gifted me with my "Plan B" calendar.

 

Day 91, 4/1/2013 - Eat, Easter Monday, the day off. Most businesses take Good Friday off. Many church staffs take Easter Monday since they work very hard during Holy Week getting ready for the services leading up to the Easter celebration. I enjoyed morning coffee on my balcony, beautiful morning and day. Went to Home Depot with my son to purchase some spring flowers. Success,  my balcony is ready for the season. Admittedly,  I have sort of a "brown" thumb but I hope to nurture these new blossoms for at least the spring season. We enjoyed a late lunch at Chipotle Mexican Grill. Then my other son joined us for dinner at Rockfish Seafood Grill. Another great day of meals with family! Pray, a prayer of thanksgiving today, for family and beautiful weather. Joy, my joy is in the flowers that I bought and potted today. Color does so much to cheer the weary soul!