Alright, thanks so much for the input on the arm exercises. I would increase the weights because I don’t usually use 3lbs, but the point of that particular workout is low weights, more reps. so maybe I’ll add more reps. I just thought it was odd that I could barely lift my arms when I was done, but don’t seem to be sore a day or two after. 

Moving on, you may have noticed I’ve been in a reflective mood lately. Bear with me. I’m sure it will pass.

Two things have got me thinking about my life ten years ago.

First, my ten year high school reunion is coming up. I know that probably shocks you as my youthful glow and exuberance did not place me at more than a day over 18 in your mind.

Second, and I am sorry for telling the blog world this mom, but my parents recently developed pictures from my high school graduation and post graduation summer vacation. Yes, it’s true, my parents still have film that hasn’t been developed from a decade ago. Anyway, in looking at the pictures and thinking about my reunion I couldn’t help but think about how I have changed over the years. I was so young, carefree and completely unaware of things like trans fat, white flour, high fructose corn syrup, splenda, diet coke, scales, US Weekly, reality television, bills, jobs, health insurance, law school loans, etc.

Most of my growth has been positive, but a part of me wishes I could have some of my 18 year-old self back — the confidence that comes with ignorance and inexperience. So, I thought about what my old self would tell the current me…

Dear Matured Heather, 

You really need to smile a little more. You are way too hard on yourself. Live a little and eat a Snickers every once in awhile. You are good enough just the way you are. Oh yeah, what’s up with the ban on shorts? Your legs aren’t stubby and capri pants are not a good look for you. Work on that, please. Also, you have nothing to prove, so relax. I bet everything will work out as I’ve made excellent 5 and 10 year plans. 

Love,

Young Heather

******

Dear Young Heather,

You are absolutely right, but I also want to tell you something. You need to be less judgemental. When you meet people, try to accept them for who they are. No, they won’t be perfect and no they might not end up being the best friend you ever had, but they are people and you need nice, kind, fun people in your life. Also, you have nothing to prove, so relax. Everything will work out even if life does not conform to your current plan. 

Love, 

Mature Heather 

P.S. Hot pockets are gross. Stop eating them asap. No judgment. 

The things we learn and the ways we change over the years are remarkable. We sometimes say that people can’t change, but isn’t change inevitable? I wonder where I will be in 10 more years and what my letters to myself will look like then. What would you say to yourself 10 or 5 years ago? What would (s)he say to the current you? 

Alright I’ll share some eats. 

After adding another 5.5 to the Pile on the Miles Challenge, I had a quick but favorite dinner. I had melted cheese on a Food for Life English Muffin. On one I had tomatoes and on the other I had Annie’s BBQ Sauce and red onions. The cheese is Land O’Lakes white American sliced thin. Best American cheese there is. Yum. I  know it looks burnt, but that’s better. The top gets crispy and under is still melty. Try it. 

If you’re like me, you like to have something sweet, usually in the form of chocolate, at night. When the urge to splurge strikes, I reach for an Adora Calcium Supplement (ha – that sounds like a cheesy commercial). They are yummy and are good for my bones. Now the key to not eating 18 of these is to remember their purpose: calcium. Each has 500 mg of calcium and that is as much as the body can take at once. So, eating anymore would just be a waste. Try it. 

So, what is new ladies and gents? I really enjoyed reading all of your different perspectives on being a positive person. I know there are things about myself I want to improve and my worrier/pessimistic attitude is one these things. I know some say people can’t change, but I think in this case it’s possible (see that was sooooo positive of me). But seriously, I think it’s about mindset. I bet it does come more naturally to some people, but I don’t think it’s impossible for a dark one like me to be cheerier. 

Well, I went to Target today and let me tell you, Christmas is here. What? I know. I am no grinch, and believe me, when the time comes I will be the happiest ‘lil Christmas Elf you’ve ever seen, but what about Thanksgiving? I like to have Thanksgiving first, Christmas second, but that place skips Christmas. Thanksgiving is nice. There is good food, family and no gift related stress. In the spirit of appreciating the moment, let’s show it show respect before rushing to Christmas. 

Moving on. I had my Peach Chobani. I really enjoyed it, but I left all the peach related business on the bottom. Nothing against peaches, I just do not like that stuff in my yogurt. I provide a blurry picture because it really isn’t pretty anyway. 

Leftover Peaches

For dinner, I made a variation on Megan’s wonderful Black Beans and Rice with Pumpkin Vinaigrette

I didn’t make changes to be difficult, but this is what I did…

• Kidney beans instead of black beans (out of black)
• Honey instead of sugar because I am obsessed with honey
• Added Spinach for extra veggies
• Approximately 3 extra Ts of pumpkin because apparently, I am a pumpkin freak.

If you are weary about cooking with pumpkin, I suggest trying this recipe. It was so easy, yet so flavorful! I loved the how the pumpkin vinaigrette made the rice almost creamy. Yum yum. Good thing there are leftovers!

So about a week ago, I mentioned this arm workout from Self. You only have to lift three pounds, but by the end, I feel like my arms are going to fall off. I’m mentioning it again because I’ve been enjoying it and because its 3 pounds! The odd thing is that even though it makes me so tried and I can realllllly feel it, I haven’t been sore the day after. Has anyone experienced this (you think you should be sore, but you’re not) with any kind of workout? I wonder if I think I’m working harder than I am.