I May or May Not Resolve...

Since I wrote the column for our January church newsletter, I figured I'd share it here since it definitely has a New Year's theme to it.

I Resolve…

Happy New Year! Did you make your resolutions yet? Without fail, when the clock strikes midnight on New Year’s Eve, people find themselves committing to becoming better people. In reality, there’s no difference between December 31 and January 1. Nothing mystical occurs at midnight. But society has decided this is the time to make a change.

Common New Year’s resolutions are commitments to quit bad habits, to manage money more wisely, and to spend more time with family. By far, the most common New Year’s resolution (and usually mine) is to lose weight. Fitness centers are packed every January! 

These are all good goals to set. However, 1 Timothy 4:8 instructs us to keep exercise in perspective: “For physical training is of some value, but godliness has value for all things, holding promise for both the present life and the life to come.” 

In other words, perhaps we should try faith-based resolutions this year – like praying more, reading the Bible every day, or attending church more regularly. Just keep in mind these New Year’s resolutions can fail just as often as the non-spiritual resolutions. 

Why? Because there’s no actual power in declaring a New Year’s resolution. Resolving to start or stop doing a certain activity has no value unless you have the proper motivation and dedication. 

You might not want to hear this, but that means we still have to do the legwork. We still have to maintain our commitment – even on the tough days. 

The good news, as Philippians 4:13 tells us, is we “can do everything through Him who gives me strength.” Maybe if God is the center of our New Year’s resolution, it has a better chance for success. We still must do the work and remain steadfast. But if we rely on God’s strength and guidance to help us, we have a better shot at making it last past the month of January. 

Let’s do it! We all deserve a happy, healthy, and faithful 2025!

That Fat Tuesday Thing

I'll have to defer to my late mother-in-law's favorite cat to observe Fat Tuesday (aka Mardi Gras). She loved Garfield and we can identify. In fact, Jim had lasagna for supper! And I just enjoyed Fat Tuesday treats at work!

They did have a Mardi Gras theme in the cafeteria and I honestly did not have to do anything to earn my purple and gold beads. I swear!

But someone brought in Fannie May chocolate bars and someone else made fruit pizza and still someone else had mini-cupcakes with the "good" frosting. So yep, I was full by the time I got home from work.

And even now, after a fun night shooting hockey pictures for Rapids, I'm still full.

But I have that little space for popcorn, as always.

As for tomorrow... are YOU dieting? I may give up some caloric things but I haven't committed quite yet. Sorry, Garfield, it's still Fat Tuesday in my books!

NO-vember

Well, November arrived today. Acting all cool. Too cool. Here I thought it was a balmy 22 degrees when I left my garage, but when the temperature kept dropping as I drove in the "real world," I had to take a picture at a stop sign down the road. Dang, that's super chill.

At least it wasn't snowing on my commute like yesterday. Thanks, Mother Nature, for small favors.

Of course, after yesterday's Spooky BOO-fay, we had treats leftover. I guess my diet is in transition (above), just like my body.

I'm fully aware that while my body is in the 55 mph speed limit, my metabolism has hit a mall parking lot speed limit of maybe 10 mph. And that's being generous. Trust me, I've seen the pictures.

So in my mind, I thought I should make this NO-vember. Like say NO to sugar, sweets, and bad decisions. My mind said that this morning but I'm eating popcorn for supper between a chiropractic appointment and choir practice as we speak, so maybe my mind needs to pump up the volume.

I know I can't completely fight this "transition" time in life, but darned if I'm not gonna try. I'm sure there's no magic cures, but thankfully there's a handful of people or so that love me as I am. 

I just have convince myself that my self-worth isn't dependent on whether a Reeses's pumpkin or Christmas tree makes an appearance in my daily choices. Maybe I'm just that sweet! 

Wish me luck in NO-vember!  

Tough Love

When I came across this a few minutes ago, it certainly hit close to home. Pardon me for being deeply honest and vulnerable here.

I read this and for the 8,000th time wonder how I can be 50+ years old and still haven't found a way to love myself – riotously, deeply, profoundly, or otherwise. 

Yes, it's sad. I also know I'm not the only one. And that's sad, too.

I can talk out one side of my mouth saying God loves us just the way we are, while the committee in my head is whispering in my other ear, "You failed. Again. You set out to lose weight and get in shape so you'd look great in your vacation pictures. And you couldn't stick with it. Again."

I admit I have two major downfalls. One, I place too much emphasis on weight as a measure of self-worth. And the second downfall is that I can't resist sweets! What a disastrous duo. It's like a never-ending hamster wheel I keep spinning and can't seem to jump off.

The struggle IS real. 

It's like I know I need to walk a mile but I forget that it takes 2,000 steps to get there. And I have to take them in order. No short cuts. The question is, what is at the end of that mile for me? Is it the ideal weight, perfect job, self-love, or something else?

I think if we like ourselves, work up to loving ourselves and finding the good inside, then other blessings will come with it. Am I ready? Are you ready?

Maybe this vacation is just what I need to clear my head so there's only room for one voice to take up residency. 

Let's fall in love and make this year the best one yet!

New Year = New Possibilities

Since I wrote the January column for our church newsletter, I figured I'd share it here since, you know, it kind of has to do with New Year's!

New Year = New Possibilities

There’s something refreshing – especially in the midst of a global pandemic – about turning the calendar page to a new year. The simple action simultaneously closes the door on another challenging year (for many) while opening the door to hope and possibilities.

If you were naïve like me and thought 2020 was unique and that 2021 would be completely different, you know where I’m coming from. Can we realistically have hope in 2022? I’m going to go out on a limb and say yes, I think we can. And I’ll tell you why.

First of all, if you’re reading this, you’re still here! Pretty sure I took my health for granted one too many times back in the pre-pandemic days. Now each day that I breathe easy, can taste and smell, and have energy, I’m especially grateful. 

My prayers go out to those of you who’ve either suffered through COVID or watched someone you love experience it or worse, die from it. I don’t think it’s going to go away completely during this next calendar year or maybe ever, but I have hopes that the more the smarter-than-me people know, the more they can figure out a way we can all live with it.

Another reason I have better expectations for 2022 is that life is still going on. With “normal” things. On my new calendar, I already have 3 weddings and 2 due dates marked. Friends and family are still embracing love and life. Shouldn’t we do the same? 

I’ve also discovered another way to see the possibilities in the new year: Don’t set New Year’s resolutions!

Hey, if you don’t set them, you can’t break them. Can’t suck the joy out of your life by trying to follow them. Can’t be disappointed in your lack of dedication to achieve them.

Sounds like the easy way out. And it sort of is. I just know that I’ve probably had the same “lose weight” resolution on my list for 30 straight New Year’s. I think it’s time I change my mindset to, “Learn to love and accept myself the way God does – while  taking care of my body to the best of my ability.”

Why yes, it is sad that it can take so long to figure out what’s important in life. Maybe a once-in-a-century pandemic had something to do with it. I for one am thankful it opened my eyes to better see the blessings in my life.

May this new year do the same for you. Each square on your calendar brings new possibilities – and new opportunities to thank God for our blessings. 

Bring it on, 2022. We got this!

Oh, 600!

Would you rather wake up at 0-600 hours every day or wake up and work at home for oh, 600 days? 

Uff da. You know which one I'm living! Yup, 600 days ago was my first in the home office.

600 days and I'm still using 4 empty Cricut cartridge boxes to prop up my laptop and just the right height. And thank goodness at least 575 of those days was in a new (back then) office chair and using a second monitor, full-size keyboard, and mouse. Made it so much easier to adjust and endure!

Oh, 600! On the plus side, that's about 1,000 cups of tasty flavored coffee. But 600 days also means I've been in about 1,000 virtual meetings from Zoom (back when this started) to Microsoft Teams. And my eyesight has gone to Hell in a handbasket. Along with my average of 10,000 steps a day. And my ability to wear pants.

Just kidding on that last one. Had to see if you were paying attention.

The current back-to-office plan might put me out these 4 walls by year-end. We'll see how the plethora of unknowns line up for my company. Well, and the world. 

A friend asked me today, "Will you have anything to wear?" Obviously my state of dress – hole-y jeans and a hoodie – didn't spark thoughts of a corporate marketer.

I said I'd pretty much have to wash everything in my closet since 98.3% of it has just been hanging or sitting there for about 86 weeks, gathering dust. 

So there's plenty to do before my return to the real world. Including getting a lot more steps if I want to fit into my dusty clothes! We've got this, my fellow WFHers.

Avo-idance

When you see those online quizzes about what foods you don't like or at least don't eat, I'll confess I've listed avocados before. Without even giving them a chance.

In my defense, I worked at Taco Hell in college and my idea of avocados stems from that awful guac. So yes, I've avoided them ever since. Just assuming, I guess, that I wouldn't like them or, heaven forbid, guacamole.

Fast forward 30 years and I'm trying new meal plan of sorts that calls for avocados – more than once in the coming 7 days. So I add them to my already too healthy and un-Robyn-like grocery list. 

Did you know they're actually a fruit? Didn't see that one coming. I found them easily enough, but didn't even have the option of buying just one to test it out. It was either "all in" while I had them in my hand or go to another store – and lose my courage.

So here I am at 50+ buying my first avocados ever. And, after Googling what to do with them...

I sliced my first one, removed the pit, and tasted a little bit of my first one. Ever.  It wasn't bad. It wasn't good either. It was just.. nothing. So I mean I'll eat them with this plan. I'm guessing they will be good with the toast and other things recommended. Maybe some yummy flavor is lurking.

I can't see myself falling in love with them, but at least I've proven you're never too old to try something new. 

Circle of Pandemic Life

For some of us, it turns out the circle in the Circle of Life during a pandemic is actually what shape our bodies become. The Quarantine 15 is a real thing. And I've got it.

Since this fun began a year ago, our church has been closed for worship. Instead we've had our services online through Facebook Live and YouTube or on TV through public access. The only one's present at services are the pastor, her husband, the organist, any guest singers, the reader, and the sound booth people. Today I was the reader so I got to go in person.

It was nice to be back! 

The first struggle after having to set an alarm was finding finding something "grown-up" to wear. I think I've only had to wear "real life" clothes a handful times in the 381 days I've been home-ish. All I can tell you is something is wrong with my closet. It shrunk my clothes!

I squeezed into something and found out later that I was on-camera after all, just the scripture words were on screen with my voice.

Next time I won't waste my time curling my hair. Ha. But I did realize with my tight clothes and my double chin that this would be my last post-church latte treat for a while. 

I took a walk around the lake to get some steps in (while hubby golfed outside actually). Still am going to have to figure out something to prevent this Quarantine 15 from sliding up to 20 or worse! Any ideas? Please don't tell me it's something hard like eating right and exercising!

Tis the Season

I honestly had some legit grocery shopping to do after work today. I had to get a few things for a little baking on tap this weekend and a few essentials like deodorant – you'll thank me later. Luckily I took a picture of my list on the fridge, because I got easily distracted the minute I walked into the store.

Seriously. Already? I guess Valentine's Day is over so we move onto Easter but dang, just two days into Lent and I'm having a hard time remembering I was going to focus on making healthy choices. There are so many unhealthy choices in those 3 boxes! 

But oh, so yummy!

Why are the Reese's Peanut Butter Eggs so much better than the regular peanut butter cups – miniature or otherwise – and those shaped like pumpkins and Christmas trees?! I do not know. But I do know I'm not alone on this. Here's a few funnies I'd bet most of you can identify with...

Super breakfast with lots of protein, if you ask me!

I'll give you a free pass if you have peanut allergies, of course.

You know it! I help the Easter bunny fill the baskets to ensure we have plenty of "leftovers."

And in this ongoing pandemic... 

That last one alone should give me a free pass. But I don't need one. Yet. Today, I resisted. No special treats of any kind. Even though I walked past the ice cream case a few times. Somehow resisted that, too. This doesn't sound like me at all. I should probably get tested for that virus that gives you Will Power.

Pretty sure it won't last in my system as long 40 days. Any time I've suffered a bout of Will Power before, it's usually been short-lived and always quite unsatisfactory. And in the end, all I can hear is the clock ticking...

Good luck this season! Be careful, avoid viruses, and have sweet, sweet dreams!

Oh That's Why it's a Pand-emic

Saw this today and I can relate on so many levels. After 343 days in "soft" lockdown, this panda behavior has become the new norm. Of course, it wouldn't be so bad if I spent the last year snacking on leafy greens for half the day.

That's not how it works. Not on Blue Jay Drive anyway.

I eat like a panda and move like a cat – closer to the "sleeps 22 hours a day" movement more so than the "young and frisky" side.

I was so good the month of January about getting out to walk at lunch time and after work. Probably because January felt like December. Now February is feeling like the usual Polar Vortex that is January. And I hate it.

By the way, it's warmer in Alaska (see you in 123 days) than in the Midwest right now.  We're apparently in a 10-day Arctic blast and these next 5 days will be worse than the past five. Can you say 23 below zero? Oh yes, that's how the weekend will wrap up. 

In other words, I'll just continue to eat like a panda, move like a geriatric cat, and hibernate under a warm blanket like a bear. And Lord help us, this does not become the "new normal" for all of 2021.

Stupid pandemic.

Homemade Treats

I must have been hungry on my early afternoon walk around the lake because when I caught a glimpse of this, I was immediately thinking Little Debbie Swiss Cake Rolls. Only with the inside being peanut butter. And some tasty white frosting on top. 

Yum, right? 

In reality, just Mother Nature's homemade treat. But it still made me hungry for Little Debbie snacks. Probably best there weren't any in the house.

The other treat from Mother Nature today was above-freezing temperatures and little snowfall. Still had to shovel, but Mr. Snowblower rests another day. So do the rest of us. 

Sunday is the day of rest and that summed this one up. Besides shoveling and walking, there wasn't much. A little bit of golf on TV and whole lot of picture organization in my Scrap Cave. Now that January's over, it's less than a month to Camp Crop-A-Lot. Will be working on 2015 and 2016 books that weekend. Every time I feel like I'm catching up, like that wasn't THAT long ago, I realize I'm still 5 years behind! Guess I did have hobbies I could have turned to in quarantine.

Instead, according to my scale, it looks like I turned my attention – and mouth – to waist-widening homemade treats. Baking is so calming in a pandemic, though. Right? 

Still, I'll blame you, Little Debbie. 

Con-Sugar-acy Theory

It's not only the diet and fitness empires who are out to make a buck on New Year's resolutions. Little Debbie is right there, too, to capitalize on the failures.

Kind of makes you wonder if the two industries are conspiring against us chronic resolution-makers. 

Kellogg's: I'll sell sugary cereal so they gain weight and lose self-esteem by end of the holidays.

Magic weight loss company: Great, then we'll come in with expensive yet tasteless options so that they stay engaged for the first week of the new year.

Kellogg's: Sounds perfect. In the meantime, we'll partner with Little Debbie and swoop right in when their resolve has weakened.

Magic weight loss company: Awesome. Cha-ching!

Seems so logical, doesn't it? Just thought I'd put it out there since 2020 and 2021 already were heavy on conspiracy theories. 

By the way, you can find this goody at Wal-Mart (and perhaps other retailers). Also by the way, I love Oatmeal Cream Pies. Did not buy this today... but when my resolves breaks oh, about Saturday of this week, you can bet I'll be back in the cereal aisle. If they have Nutty Butter or Swiss Cake Roll option, I'm doomed.

You're welcome, Kellogg's, NutriSystem, et al. 

Fluffy Tuesday

I don't want to offend Tuesday by calling it fat, but... if that shoe fits and the pants don't...

It was a definitely Fat Tuesday today. I'm not sure what compelled me, but I orchestrated a gathering of sugar and empty calories at the office today. Probably just an excuse to make a trifle!

My Fat Tuesday Trifle! It's like my normal Carousel Cookie trifle, only more fattening.

Behind the outside border of cookies is a layer of cake. This time, the bottom layer isn't just chunks of white cake, it's frosted cake! My teeth hurt just typing this. Then it's a layer of sugar-free (to balance it out) white chocolate pudding colored pink with food coloring. Then a layer of crushed Carousels. And repeat, then top with some whipped cream.

Oh it was good! And there were other yummy treats. I am so full that I don't need to eat for the next month. Probably can't stretch it to 40 days, but 30 days is reasonable. I'm only half joking. I basically went from one sugar high and subsequent crash to the next. It's the Fat Tuesday cycle that will lead to Regretful Wednesday.

I had to laugh at the irony of an email at 3:30 from our health program provider at work. The subject line said, "Robyn, eat your way to better health." I replied: "Sorry, I'll get back to you. Right now I'm eating my way to bigger pants."

SWEET dreams!

Well Shake My Shamrocks

Some companies can save you 15 percent on car insurance. Kwik Trip, though, can save you nearly 50 percent on calories when you choose their mint-flavored milk over McD's Shamrock Shake.

Thank you, KT!

Grabbed this on my way home from Wausau tonight when I wisely decided to gas up instead of waiting for subzero temps in the morning. It is only 350 calories (ha) compared to 680 calories for a Shamrock Shake of the same size.

Does it taste as good?

While it does bill itself as a "Pint o' Gold," it doesn't quite reach that ranking for me. Tastes like a completely melted Shamrock Shake would. So not too bad. But it's missing some secret ingredient that must be in those extra 330 calories.

Oh... that's right. Sugar! A non-Keto friendly shake has 111 carbs (82 grams sugar) versus this milk from a green cow, which has 37 carbs (34 grams sugar).

Either way, it's really not that healthy for me. But this mint freak chose the lesser of two evils.

Thanks for visiting Robyn's Justification Station. See you next time!

The Cat-O Diet

I learned something new today based on kitty's annual checkup. First of all, she's 15 years old – a geriatric in cat years – so I shouldn't really call her "kitty." Even though the vet says she's so healthy there's no way she could be 15!

The second thing I realized is that all this time I thought the new diet faze was the Keto Diet, when it's actually the Cat-O Diet. Here's proof...

Wouldn't you love it if in the past 8 years you only gained one pound?! That's insane. Actually jealous of the princess.

Apparently, I need to try a steady diet of boring dry food and no treats. Absolutely no treats. It works for her! Probably would work for me, too. But it doesn't sound like a lot of fun, does it?

No shame in being a little fluffy. That also works for her!

The Sideways Shuffle

Did you know "bikini season" is right around the corner? Not that I've worn one since I was 7 years old, but still, the message these days is: Are you ready for it?!

One word: Nope.

All these ads are guilting me into remembering that if I had started and stayed dedicated to some sort of plan months ago, I'd be in a good place right now. But no. I have no willpower. I love my sweets. And I don't want to waste money getting caught up in one of those "eat right and exercise" schemes.

Those never work, do they?

Yeah. I know. They do and that's what you should do. And you'll reach your goals, oh so gradually. Which is never quick enough for Ms. Impatient here. So I say screw it and grab a peanut butter cup or whatever treat is within arm's length. Or even a short drive. No end to my reserves of non-willpower.

That's why I tend to shuffle side to side with my goals rather moving forward.

After getting disgusted not finding something to wear this weekend that fit good and looked good, I shook myself awake and declared I need to do something. As it states above: The first step towards getting somewhere is to decide that you are not going to stay where you are.

OK. Decision made. Not staying. Now... ACTION!

My goal today was to not eat treats at work – no matter whose birthday it was or what was sitting around in candy dishes. When I chose grilled chicken over the "totchos" covered with ground beef and melted cheese for lunch, I demanded a high five from a co-worker. That was a big accomplishment right there because the bad stuff looked sooooo good!

I also got my 10,000 steps in today. High five myself!

But I also grabbed a Schwan's Root Beer Float bar tonight and ate that without blinking – or thinking. After I threw the stick away, I was like, "Oh yeah, that's right. I wasn't going to eat stuff like that today."

Unfortunately, since there's some sort of law you can only start diets on a Monday, I'll have to wait a week, force myself to eat graduation cake this weekend and start after the holiday.

I'm kidding. And it's not a "diet" or I'll quit. Just gotta get moving – even baby steps forward are steps forward – and make more wise choices. We're almost to the season of fresh fruit and veggies. That'll help.

Unfortunately, it comes right after the season of frosting. But I'll find ways to balance it out so I'm ready for one-piece swimsuit season at some point.

Are you ready? Did you do something today that deserves a high five? Celebrate the small stuff, friends. Let's keep moving forward together.

This Was Me...

What confusion when my Wednesday is my Monday and my Thursday will be my Friday. That's what a two-day work week gets you. So, yep, this was me today...

 And understandably so, this was also me today...

It was actually good to get back to work today so I wasn't eating 24/7!

This was also me today...

Felt like Wendy from Bob the Builder. Can we build it? Yes, we can! Got the privilege of a tour of our new office building nearly completion. Pretty impressive. Not as impressive as my hard hat hair and cool specs. But cool, nonetheless. Love my job and all the different things I get to do in a day!

And finally, this was also me today...

Oh yes! My friend Cindy and I released our inner child with a spoonful of sugar and a bucket of popcorn! Loved the sequel to the original Mary Poppins. The new Mary Poppins Returns was very well cast with all new but wonderful songs. Very entertaining and once again, a good story!

Fun to have a typical "manic Monday" with multiple personalities! TGIF tomorrow!

Penalty Kicks

Did I mention that dressing like a shark is the easy part of our United Way campaign? The hard part... trying to resist all the bake sales.

"It's for a good cause!"

You know how I love to bake. Well, I love to eat the baked goods just as much! No willpower to be found this week. You pay for a plateful and spread it out over days. I was successful in getting four meals out of this. Yes, you can't afford any other calories so cookies for breakfast are the norm this week.

And I'm not the only one. Believe me.

But I did feel pretty guilty and glutenous by the end of today. So I penalized myself by going to kickboxing. I know. You haven't heard me mention it in months. Because I have been too busy, er lazy, to go.

It did feel good to be back. And the kicking won't bother my pinky toe since we don't ever lead with that when we use proper form. Still, I tried to take it easy tonight.

Still, I was sweating like a pig. And still, I'll be cursing our instructor tomorrow because I anticipate aches and pains. I'm 50 now. I can't jump in and start kicking without paying the price. But it's better than kicking my scale and breaking another toe!

If I could just kick that willpower into gear, too.

Cool Reception

Can't even go into the weather another day. Just so far below zero again that we never even ventured out of the house today. Not that there is anywhere a person really HAS to go on New Year's Day. So 2018 gets a rather cool reception and will just deal with it.

Pretty much had the laziest day of the year. (See what I did there?) My goal was to finish my 2017 business to get started on my 2018 items of action. First thing...

With my annual (usually short-lived) resolution to eat healthier, I had to get rid of the holiday fare from the house. Tried to yesterday. Just couldn't finish it all. Today, laying around eating bonbons and anything else with significant amounts of sugar, I still couldn't finish it all.

But I'm no quitter. We'll get the goodies gone and move forward eventually.

Until then I wish you peace in 2018.

Myself, I wish for peace... world peace, inner peace, and an occasional piece of cake with really good frosting.

Hey, I just want a resolution I can keep. You know?

Happy New Year and good luck with whatever goal you hope to accomplish.

Cake Fest

With two more graduation parties today, Robyn's Cake Fest came to a sweet conclusion.

Well, a break in the action anyway. I've had cake 5 of the last 8 days. And I'm not ashamed to say it.

It's not that I love cake. It's OK. Some is rather tasty. The frosting, though... OMG. Love it! And because I probably will end up being diabetic some day, the sweeter the better.

I may be a bit of cake snob when it comes to frosting. None of that fake, "light" whipped stuff for me. Better Creme frosting is not actually the BETTER one. The Butter Creme is BETTER. Are we clear on that?

If I am going through the trouble of breaking my diet – which I do 5 times a day – then it BETTER be worth it!

Was nice to go to parties today for an Assumption grad and a Port Edwards grad who was the valedictorian and son of a church friend. Both had good cake and very tasty frosting. In case you care about my opinion.

Now, I will seriously have to behave this week so I can lose 10 pounds before I have cake next weekend. Wedding cake! My nephew may not even have cake. But after I lose 10 pounds, I should have room for whatever he's offering.

I might as well just change my celebration from Cake Fest to Calorie Fest just to cover all my options this summer!