Thankfulness and Stress

I've been really convicted lately about thankfulness.
 I think it started when I heard this quote: "What if you woke up today with only the things you thanked God for yesterday?"

 It is so easy to go just through life, go through the motions every day things, so stuck in the routine that if someone asked you why you were doing something the only answer you would be able to give is "cause that's just what I do."  That happens to me sometimes.  Particularly when I have a lot on my plate.  I do the opposite of what I should do.  What I should do, on those days when I have so many things on my mind that I cannot possibly function, is

Start of Week 5 on Cinch

To start I must share, I lost two pounds this week! Woohoo! Since most doctors agree that losing 2-3 pounds a week is the healthiest pace to lose weight, I am very happy with that number. Over the course of the last few weeks, I have also lost an inch off  my waist. Hm, that explains why my jeans keep falling off!
One of my observations of myself over the last four weeks is that I am beginning to feel a lot more confident. I am walking taller and speaking with more self-assurance. The psychological effect of feeling healthier and losing weight is something that I had not anticipated, but am pleasantly surprised to be experiencing. When you have been unhealthy and struggling for so many years, you can't help but smile and share once you begin to heal. I really am beginning to feel transformed.

I created a really delicious recipe with my Cinch shakes this week. I thought that it was so delicious, I needed to share it with you all. Here it is:

8 oz Organic Coconut Milk
1/4 - 1/3 cup frozen peaches (it depends on how thick you want your shake)
1/2 of a banana
1 T. Organic 100% Peanut Butter (the health stuff that has no sugar or sweetener, just peanuts)
2 scoops Cinch Chocolate Shake Mix
 Put all of the ingredients in the blender and blend until smooth. Pour into a cup and enjoy a delicious and balanced meal.
*Note: If you would like to, you could also put 1 scoop of the chocolate and 1 scoop of the vanilla shake mix for a more creamy, less chocolaty flavor. OR, you could use 1 scoop chocolate and 1 scoop cafe latte for a great mocha flavor.  Have fun with it!

Wishing you success on your journey to health!
Until next week,
~Mandi

Ramblings

Well, after a long day, I'm kicking back on the couch with my laptop and a cup of hot tea. Today was rather productive I feel, I spent the day organizing, overseeing and working alongside my siblings as we cleaned the house. Life is crazy, it can be difficult to keep track of 7 other people and follow up on what they are supposed to be doing while doing my own work as well. But hey, it's my life and I've been doing for as long as I can remember. Now, with the youngest four *supposed to be* in bed, my sister at the store, the 2 middle ones getting ready for bed, and my mom and brother talking about school in the other room, the living room is rather quiet. Oh, wait, there are still voices down the hall. Getting louder. AND it's time to go follow up and make sure people are still in bed.....

Tonight was my night to make dinner. I made Honey Mustard Chicken, a family favorite, at the request of Petra, (#5) who turned 12 yesterday. 2 whole roasted chickens, a simple honey mustard sauce, rice, and a stir-fry of onions, zucchini and broccoli. Yum!


I'm still having a hard time realizing that it's 2012 already. It's a new year. What will the next 12 months hold I wonder? I love new things. They speak of hope, fresh starts, new beginnings.

My mind is whirling. I have so many things on my mind, so many things that I am thinking about. I'm on break right now, but starting January 23, I'm back at school full time. Between now and then though, I have so much that I need to accomplish. I'm applying to a school back East, the deadline for the application is February 1st. This application requires two essays, a reading list, the actual application, 2 recommendation forms, and transcripts from all the schools that I have attended. I have all of one of the essays done. On top of that, I need to fill out financial aid forms for both schools I am looking at. And then somehow manage to figure out and balance my schedule for next semester. I've already registered for classes, but the times are very different from what I am used to. Hm, I foresee a lot of brain work in the days ahead. So here goes!