Tracking Weight Loss goals in 2010

I was surfing the Internet this morning and found an interesting tool on www.self.com. On this website you will find many helpful tools to stay healthy in 2010. As I mentioned in my previous post, a huge goal of mine is to loose weight. You can set up an account online for free that will track you daily meals, exercise, goals, & water intake. This morning I put in my weight, measurements, and my goal weight. Every week you can update you weight and measurements and it will track your progress. I am going to give it whirl! I think this will be nice to have to look back on the progress I have made. My goal is to be able to say at this time next year I made it! I will keep you posted on progress. Wish me luck!

2010 Resolutions!!!!!!!!!!

Well it is that time again....... time for the infamous New Year's Resolution List! I swear every year I make a ton of resolutions that over time get put on the back burner. I hope 2010 brings wonderful things in my life as well as yours! I must say, 2009, was a hard year. There were many blessings but lots of challenges. Some I wouldn't like to experience again but I believe these challenges make you stronger.

With 2010 I plan the following:

• Finish (done by February) my CPA exam and get back into the working world (in accounting)
• Continue to grow spiritually
• Loose weight - get back to a healthy weight and continue to reduce my cholesterol/blood pressure. This has been a resolution for the last 4-5 years. I have already started to work on this resolution. Started in August 2009 when I went to my doctor and had a wake up call! Since then I have lowered my cholesterol and lost 8 POUNDS just cutting out cheese, fried food, & eating less. Next step - add in more exercise.
• Continue to grow with my husband to keep a healthy happy marriage.
• Spend time with family and friends
• Go see more live music - a little selfish but it is fun!
• Live simpler
• Read more books - I have a new found love for reading. My mom would be so proud. If you think about it we are extremely blessed to be able to read.
• Organize my house

I wish everyone a happy and healthy New Year! I will keep you posted on my list as I mark them off!

Motivation where are you??????????????

I am trying to study of course. I am having a hard time today forcing myself to do it! But I know if I just get this test done I will be a happy lady and will not have to worry about it ever again! I just feel like my motivation has gone out the door today. Any suggestions?

Santa for Seniors..............

Every year I adopt a senior for Christmas. This year Mark gets to share in the joy of doing this! You can find these "Santa's for Seniors Trees" at Harris Teeter. The gifts you buy go to the Senior Resources of Guilford (www.senior-resources-guilford.org). The agency is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization eligible to receive tax deductible donations. Although I do not have a lot to give I think every little bit helps and it makes you feel good! I miss my grandparents so this is a way to give back to someone who is in need of a little assistance.

This year, while shopping at Harris Teeter, I picked out the senior I decided to adopt for Christmas 2009. All of the Christmas wishes were heart breaking. A lot of these people were asking for everyday items such as canned food, light bulbs, clothing, and toiletry items. The person we adopted wanted CVS gift cards, large print books, light bulbs, and canned vegetables. We recently completed our shopping and fulfilled everything he requested. He is getting a CVS gift card, Barnes and Noble gift card, light bulbs, and LOADS of canned vegetables. I hope he has a very Merry Christmas.

I encourage anyone to do the same or make a donation directly to the Senior Resources of Guilford in order to make sure all of the Christmas wishes are granted!

Things to be Thankful For (Inspired by Ann Landers)

Thanksgiving is just around the corner and poses the question - What are you thankful for? I stumbled upon an Ann Landers posting (11/22/01) that related to this topic. See Below:


Dear Ann Landers: I hope you will print something a friend in Australia sent me. I think it's perfect to run on Thanksgiving - Bee in Fairfax, VA.


Things to Be Thankful For

• Be thankful for the clothes that fit a little too snug, because it means you have enough to eat.



• Be thankful for the mess you clean up after a party, because it means you have been surrounded by friends.



• Be thankful for the taxes you pay, because it means you are employed.



• Be thankful that you lawn needs moving and your windows need fixing, because it means you have a home.



• Be thankful for your heating bill, because it means you are warm.



• Be thankful for the laundry, because it means you have clothes to wear.



• Be thankful for the space you find at the far end of the parking lot, because it means you can walk.



• Be thankful for the lady who sings off-key behind you in church, because it means you can hear.



• Be thankful when people complain about the government, because it means we have freedom of speech.



• Be thankful for the alarm that goes off in the early morning, because it means you're ALIVE.

I really enjoyed reading through this list because it makes you reflect on gratitude. All too often we are quick to complain about things that others lack. These can be simple things such as sight, hearing, fully functioning body, and a roof over our head. In the last year, I have realized these things more than ever. My life wouldn't be the same without the people who have shaped and molded my character. It is very important to be humble, and remember the people that helped you get to where you are today and where you will be in the future. I am also thankful for the struggles in my life because I know these have helped me grow as a person. Please take a moment and figure out what you are thankful for. We should do this daily and not just once a year. I hope everyone has a blessed holiday.

Gratitude is the sign of noble souls - Aesop

TGIF!!!!!!!

Tonight we will go over to a good friends house and have a wonderful dinner. This is a weekly event with Mike. Either he comes to our house or we go over to his for dinner. We share a common interest: cooking gourmet meals! I hope everyone has a wonderful start to the weekend. This will definitely be a good start for us. I will post pictures from our fabulous dinner! Tootles!

PS- Above are pictures from a dinner we had at our house two weeks ago....... appetizer of bacon wrapped scallops and steak au poivre with turnip mashed potatoes and braised brussel sprouts for the main course! Photos courtesy of Mike McCrary!

Welcome!

Welcome to my blog! I thought this would be a great way to share with my friends and family what is going on in the life of Ashley Hilliard Gabriel! Check out my sidekick....... Jackie Chan!