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.