Acts of Random Kindness to You

Anne LaBastille will always be remembered as The Woodswoman. I wrote an earlier post about how very much I enjoyed her books and many people have commented with similar feelings and memories about their reading of her books. Sadly, one of my most recent comments was in regards to Anne’s death. I have confirmed that Anne LaBastille died in July in a nursing home in Plattsburgh, NY.

Anne changed the way I looked at the environment and more particular because I am surrounded by it, how I look at the Adirondack Park and what decisions are made about it. Her books made me laugh, cringe, get angry, and cry, but most importantly they made me think. Although she has not written in quite some time, it is funny where I run into Anne LaBastille fans. My sister-in-law recently had one of her books sitting by her which started a great discussion about this amazing author. I was at a friend of my mothers and there on her bookcase were Anne’s Woodswoman books.  The best part of finding other fans is that it always brings about a great discussion that ends with the wistfulness of living ourselves at Black Bear Lake.

There will never be another Anne LaBastille, but her memories, teachings, and ideals will be preserved forever in her writings. She will be missed by many and it is my personal hope that her kindness for creatures of all species will be spread in generations to come because KINDNESS MATTERS!

I think I would be remiss to not mention Haiti on this blog. Those poor people and what they must be going through after the earthquake as if they didn’t have it hard enough already. However, the last thing the Haitians probably need from me or anyone else is pity. They are a proud nation and although they want our help, I am sure they want it with the dignity that they deserve.

If at this time, you feel inclined to give something to help put Haiti back together again, then I would recommend visiting the site sponsored by Bill Clinton and George W. Bush at http://www.clintonbushhaitifund.org/

This will at least give you a starting place to give where the funds are most needed. Make God bless you all and especially the Hatian people as they struggle through these challenges.

So, I am just over 2 weeks in on this incredibly long weightloss journey when it occurs to me that I never really gave my starting weight. So, here goes for the entire world to see…at 5’3″, I began January 1st 2010 weighing 262#. Ugh..there, I have said it or rather typed it for the world to see.

On the first weekly weigh in (January 8th), I was down to 256# which was impressive even though I know in my mind that much of it was probably water weight. A loss is a loss and I will take it. Then, on Monday, January 11th we started a BIggest Loser type contest at work with weigh-ins on Friday. I signed up and on the 15th was my 1st weigh-in for the contest. I was happy to see that I was down to 255# which isn’t a huge loss, but still a loss.

This weekend was nothing short of me going overboard. I got some good news and then hubby and I decided to take off for an overnight at the casino. I ate terribly. Oh well, we all have those moments and I am not going to dwell on it. Today, I am back on track with a nice 3 mile walk at the gym and tracking all my foods yet again.

We shall see what the scale is on Friday. Have you began your journey yet? I would love to know how you are doing. Let’s get there together!

Last night started the new season of The Biggest Loser on NBC. I love this show. It is so inspirational and it is also very informative if you pay attention and don’t play on the computer. Also, I absolutely adore everything about Bob Harper. My husband gets a bit tired of hearing what Bob Harper has to say. In reality though, I would have to train with Jillian. She is exactly what I would hate and would need in a trainer. Plus, who on earth wouldn’t mind looking like her??

So, I watched the Biggest Loser and it was actually an episode that made me tear up a few times. I mean the largest man to ever be on the show was there as well as a set of twins that weigh almost 1000 pounds combined. I think the saddest thing about the twins was that one of them got voted off. They REALLY need to be on the show.

On another note, my first weigh-in since New Year’s Day is on Friday morning. I will update you here with both the starting weight and the new number which I sure the heck hope is lower. How are things going for you in the New Year? I hope that whatever goals you set, you are well on your way to success.

In preparation for the New Year and my resolve to lose 100 pounds, I headed back to the gym today. I actually like the gym, but let me get away with not going for a week or so and it is like a distant memory. Our local YMCA is actually very welcoming. They have little televisions on ever treadmill so I have something to occupy my mind while do the daunting 60 minute walks.

One thing I have to say about the gym is that I would not be there at all if it weren’t for the constant encouragement and insistence of my husband. My father developed Alzheimer’s very young and all research shows that being active and healthy can help. Alas, my husband seems to want me around and in good health for awhile longer so he pays the membership and when I get off track for a bit, he drags me back!

Got a local YMCA in your area? I reccomend checking it out. It isn’t nearly as bad as I thought and I have 100 pounds to lose!

Anyone want to take a journey with me in 2010? I am planning to lose over 100 pounds before the 1st day of 2011. It won’t be easy, but I have all of the tools I need to be successful and I would love for you to see it happen right here on ARK2U.  After all, it we aren’t kind to ourselves, there is no way for us to have the energy to be kind to others.

So, beginning on January 1st, I will devote a separate category to weightloss. I would love to have all of your support, tips, encouragement, and even failures to help me along the way. Let’s make 2010 the year to remember for all of us. Isn’t it about time?

It is one of the best and most emotional times of the year. I lost my dear grandmother at Christmas time and this year will be celebrating a 2nd year with my father in a nursing home at Christmas time. I have much that I am blessed with, but there certainly are things that make me sad.

I will be writing a Christmas post very soon and also have some new ideas for the coming New Year. Stay tuned and enjoy the days ahead.

Wow. I can’t believe it has been so long since I last wrote here. I have no good excuse except that I am a slacker sometimes. I admit it. Yes, life has been busy, but not so busy that I couldn’t jot a few lines about kindness. I think it is often times the being busy that keeps us from being kind and noticing kindness in our lives. Enough about that, I have some kindness that I would like to spread to my readers. Below, I am going to list some sites and links that over the past few years have made me some real money. Although they are referral links, feel free to use them without the referral if you would rather. These are legitimate and fun sites. Once that have outlasted the others and a couple of new ones too. Interested? Read on and check out those that interest you!!

1.) Mypoints – An old standby. I can expect without doing any purchasing to get at least (3) $25 gift cards from here a year. They are reliable and the prizes come quick.

2.) Swagbucks – This is an amazing site. You can search and win Swagbucks that turn into gift cards, prizes, and now even paypal. I have earned several hundred dollars since December of 2008 for just searches and participating in contests. If you do ONE site, I would make it this one!!!

3.) Gather – A great Social Networking site. Although the prizes have slowed down somewhat, they are reliable and often have contests that allow you to win more points. Points become gift cards and now even paypal. You will meet some amazing people while winning some great prizes too.

4.) GSN – A fun game show site. This one is fairly new for me, but I cashed out for (2) $10 gift cards and received them almost immediately. So far, so good and a really fun site too. You win OODLES and turn them in for prizes. Great fun!

5.) Redgage - Another new site, but interesting in concept. It too is a social networking site, but you get paid for your content. It can be anything you have done. Blogs, posts on sites, articles…anything you want to share and the bigger your network…the more you make. Interested? If you want to use me as a referral, just type Cyclonewriter where it askes who sent you. If not, that’s fine but look me up so we can be friends!!

These would be my top 5. Got others? I would love to hear about them. Be sure to give me your referral link in case I am interested…Regardless of what you decide, just remember that kindness makes the world a better place !

Television is always one of those topics that can heat up a discussion. Some people love it, some people hate it and others don’t think much about it one way or the other. Today, one has to be a little picky about what they are going to watch on television especially when it comes to children.

However, that is not to say that there are some really good program options out there. Still fighting the good fight are the PBS stations available in most places. From Sesame Street to Masterpiece Theater; if you look long enough there is something for everyone on PBS.

There is lots of family fun to be found on TVLand and other stations as well. Personally, I watch what I want to watch, but I am not looking out for the influence it might have on children either. I know and follow good morals as well as understanding right from wrong, so if I decide to watch a rather slanted sit com one night or a fast paced action show another night, I am not convinced it is hurting me.

I would love to hear what others think about the topic of televison programming as well…so share away and remember no matter what you watch, it is really all about actions. Spread a little kindness before settling down to watch television tonight.

The time has come whether we agree or disagree to welcome Barack Obama as the next United States President. I have mixed feelings about him as do many others, but one thing I have never had mixed feelings about is that once someone is the leader of our country, I will do my best to support them. Otherwise, I feel like we are not a lot different than some other countries where there are always two sides at odds with each other. That kind of throws the “United” piece right out of our country.

Being a teacher, I would say that I am most interested in the impact all of this has on Obama’s two daughters. I can’t imagine how overwhelmed they must feel about what is going on around them. We will literally watch these two young ladies grow up before our eyes and it is my greatest wish that it all goes smoothly for them. They are after all just children.

So, I welcome you Mr. Obama as the next leader of our country. I wish you only the best and hope that you lead us all to success and happiness. My biggest wish however is for the safety of both you and your loved ones. How do you feel on this historical day ?