Trying to Live the American Dream

I DID IT! Never in a million years did I think I would have the self discipline to not eat sugar. I proved to myself that I can do it. For our podcast (Dirt Road Health and Hustle), Tracy challenged me to not eat sugar for one week. I thought, why not give it a try?! Let me tell you, that was not easy. I ate only veggies and protein (meat and eggs) for 7 days.  It was definitely a struggle to not cave to the chocolate cravings. I started on a Wednesday and that morning, I walked into work and the first thing someone said to me was, "there are Reese's PB Eggs in the office." SERIOUSLY?! I powered through and didn't have any even though they sat there for three days! The worst cravings were at night after supper but I just kept myself busy and didn't think about it. On Friday, I turned down donuts...that never happens!!!  I struggled to get enough protein in. I would be hungry in the afternoons. I didn't prepare myself well enough with a good stock of meat in th...

 That moment when you are in the car and your 7-year old is being a complete bear....you slam on the breaks and pull over.... Did that the other day. I hated it. I felt terrible. But I got through to her. My daughter insisted that she pick out music on my phone to play on the way to my parents house. I said "no" -- usually, I say "yes."  She threw a complete tantrum - feet kicking my seat, screaming at me, etc. I stayed calm and told her we were going to turn right around and go back home if she didn't stop....she didn't stop....instead of turning around, I slammed on the breaks (making sure nobody was behind me) and pulled over. Unbuckled, turned around and jacked her up!  I explained in a very loud voice how I did not appreciate her behavior, how she knew better to not act that way and she is not always going to get everything she asks for. Pretty sure I scared the crap out of her which is unusual because typically when she is being a smartass at home and ...

 Holy Crap, it has almost been one year.... I am going to channel some of my frustrations through this blog entry. I am not trying to offend anyone or tell anyone how they should live their life. I am stating my opinion and hopefully educating some folks. I am not going to wear a mask when I don't absolutely have to. There have been so many changes in the recommendations and uses and guidelines over the last 11 months - how can we even keep track if it is really the best thing to help the spread?! COVID-19 is a virus. A new virus. Influenza A is a virus. Influenza B is a virus. HIV is a virus. They have all taken lives and will continue to take lives. And I am sure more virus's will come.  How is wearing a mask helping exactly? When I go to the grocery store, I am not there to chit chat with every passing person; I get my groceries and get out! I don't talk to anyone except the cashier and maybe someone at the deli but they are across the counter! All of this happening righ...