Life's Moments of Humor

There is little coaching in this entry. I just wanted to share a humorous epiphany.

As you know I am near-term in my pregnancy, 38 out of 40 weeks. And, as you've likely read or know about me I love to have dinner outside on my patio in the nice months. Bear with me, the story needs set up.

So, as we're enjoying our meals outdoors I realize the mosquitoes are in full force. Rather than immediately go in, I test fate. And, fate wins. So, I end up with quite a few bites. They itched with vengeance in the middle of the night of course during my multiple trips downstairs to the bathroom. Where is that Witch Hazel when you need it!?  But, alas, I make it through the night. Moody as I might have been.

The next morning I opt to put on my new pair of shoes. *Sidebar, I had to get size 11's to fit my ultra-swollen feet. And, the shoes are far from attractive, but they fit and I try to assure myself comfort IS what matters. Still working on that issue.* The shoes immediately set off a wildfire of itching on the toe that the mosquito claimed the night before. My moodiness has returned. I'm late to get out the door (which is really an anomaly for me and I HATE it) and I clearly either have to go back to flip-flops (which I wrestle with) or find ointment to manage the itching. Witch Hazel found. Cotton balls found. Now, I'm dousing my toe. But, I really should apply some anti-itch cream and band-aid the little bugger (pardon the pun). So, I pull out the well-organized bundle of band-aids that I have near the first aid box in my closet and try to find ONE good band-aid for a toe. Good luck sister!  The toe, like the finger, only trickier, is a hard one to bandage. And, this is the next to smallest toe, so the real estate to cover is tricky. And, now of course, I have too much ointment on which will prevent anything from sticking to it.

Meanwhile, my lovely husband is packing our lunches. He calls out, "do you need help?". My comment cannot be typed for fear of anyone under 18 reading this post. He knows I'm upset- let's leave it at that. He continues packing.

I manage to wipe off some of the excess ointment, probably too much- thus rendering it INeffective, and get a regular-joe band-aid around the little sucker. Keep in mind I am as round as a basketball in the middle and reaching your toes is NO easy feat. I'm lucky to see them. Touching them is a completely different story! OK, foot in shoe. Shoe seems to be okay. Leaving house with lunch. Mood can rise anytime now. :)

Not only is this funny to be looking back but the best part was when I found myself swearing I'd sacrifice the whole box of well-organized band-aids for new fancy ones that are flexible, breathable and have special ones for the toes and fingers. Yes, this task now goes on my agenda. Rid myself of cheap band-aids for the three-times-the-price ones in the name of comfort and ease. The last time I swapped an entire collection of something, I was in my mid-20's and it was underwear!  And, I didn't swap them out for comfort and ease! It was for luxury, sex appeal, fashion, beauty, and simple newness. Boy, have the times changed! Panties to band-aids. Welcome motherhood!

I hope you've enjoyed my moment of humor. Some say that being able to laugh at yourself signals your arrival. We'll I've arrived to say the least.

Dinner on the patio anyone?

Do You Get It?

Do you receive the Living Better Newsletter? It is FREE and comes out in the early part of every month to your inbox. We don't sell your email address or contact details to anyone- that's our promise.

The Living Better Newsletter has a monthly coaching tip (which you are always welcome to email me if you want to see a topic covered there or in this blog); the latest Champions news; (sometimes) a coupon or special offer; and is a great way to remind yourself to be working on YOU rather than everyone and everything else.

Sign up today at our website (the link is right below my welcome message) or on our Facebook page. You can also choose to join the Living Better Newsletter and/or the World War II Radio Heroes Spotlight (our first book).

Welcome! It will be good to have you join us.

Homegrown Tastes Better

We must confess. This year our garden has taken a backseat in our priority list. But, my husband's planting of raspberries, two years ago, has blossomed and we have hundreds of them now. So bring on the raspberry recipes. (Sort of kidding, since I just love eating them by the handfuls- untouched by any cooking process.)

This year we've committed ourselves to more organic produce and more "clean" foods. That doesn't mean you won't see us at the local pub from time to time having a fry- but for the most part we've developed an eating lifestyle that feels better, healthier.

The beauty of gardening is that you don't need acres of space. Many people do it in large bins or tubs. And, it doesn't take a rocket scientist to make it work. I have no green thumb but I look up what I need to know and wing the rest. Some times I win (like last years tomato crops) and sometimes we don't (like the time we didn't know that zucchini would require the ENTIRE space of the garden). But, the learning piece is part of the beauty of gardening. We slow down on learning new things as we age- and we shouldn't. It's not good for our brains and overall health.

Gardening is also good for the soul. It makes me think back to my ancestors and the work they often did in their fields and on their farms. It offers me a connection. Not to mention, its a great break from the ordinary chores we find ourselves doing. And, some people find it therapeutic to dig with their bare hands in the dirt. I'm one of them. (Although in my current state I can't really bend over to do this well.)

My basil, rosemary, tomatoes and raspberries taste better than any I could buy in the market. And, I know what went into and on them. I invite my friends over to pick from our garden often. One of our dearest friends plans to come by tomorrow to pick some fresh basil for a salad she's taking to a potluck dinner. That sharing feels good too.

Garden for your health, your community and your connection to days gone by.

Happy gardening.