Thursday, January 29, 2009

It's Official. I've Lost My Bloggy Mojo.

I mean, it's been waning for quite some time, but I think the fact that I have just spent three ice/snow days at home without writing a single post officially seals the deal. I imagine there are a variety of reasons for this, but I'm pretty sure I do not have the mental energy necessary to delve into them. I'm also sure I've spent entirely too much time writing this mediocre paragraph. Moving on...

I'll just try to hit the highlights.

The Big D. Right. Well, the Big M has lasted a little longer than I anticipated. It's just that food is so good (hear that in a whiny voice) and I have learned that I can eat fairly well as long as I exercise and maintain my current weight. Ultimately I would still like to lose more weight, but I have been having a hard time returning to the level of caloric deprivation needed to actually do that. It seems I've lost my diet mojo as well.

Running. I'm still plugging away at that. I still don't really love doing it. I sometimes kind of like it, usually feel good afterwards, and am quite fond of it's calorie burning benefits, but...that's about it. I hear talk of this magical moment when you are running and you want to just keep on going (kind of like Engergizer Bunny, I guess), but this has just not happened for me. It could be that I run on generic batteries. Any advice on this matter is welcome.

The Job. I absolutely LOVE my new job. Naturally, having a part-time job has brought about some changes and an adjustment period into our lives, but the purpose involved makes it all worth it! It only took oh...about a nanosecond for God (through this organization) to grab my heart and give me a passion for these kids! I love that our particular branch of Big Brothers Big Sisters is faith based. If you have the time and a heart for being a mentor, please check into it! There are so many kids out there in need of a positive adult role model in their lives. I promise it will bless you! Check out this BBBS promo video...it is really cute!



Spot. I will be honest. I'm still not a big fan of owning a dog (please don't tell my kids because this fact really distresses them...especially Richie). Spot is doing better, but there is still unlawful pooping, peeing, chewing, and even on occasion puking (blech) that I could really do without. However, in the spirit of trying to maintain a good attitude, I will admit a few pros to the whole dog ownership thing including and possibly limited to 1) fewer crumbs on the floor 2) a playmate for the kids and 3) fewer toys on the floor (the kids pick them up so the dog doesn't chew them up!). I still can't say that as of now the pros are outweighing the cons, but maybe we'll get there.

My Papaw. Please keep him in your prayers. He has been suffering from Pancreatic Cancer for awhile now and is not doing well. The doctor's have said there is nothing more they can do for him. My Mom and Dad are in Tennessee now helping out and spending time with him. I hate not being there with them. On a positive note, I did receive one bit of wonderful news regarding him this week, he accepted Christ! I am so thankful for that and feel peace that when he passes on, he'll pass on into the arms of Jesus.

Papaw with the boys two summers ago...

37 comments:

michelle said...

You and your family are in my prayers! I wish there was a way for you to see your Papaw or that I could make this time easier! I'm here if you need a friend!

I totally get the blog thing but I was really glad to see you posted! Thanks!

Tiffani said...

I'm glad you caught us up to speed!! And you are absolutely allowed to wane in ANY creative, dieting, running endeavors..you're a busy mom and wife and they will eventually pick back up!

We need to have a MAJOR dog conversation...just so you know I have a friend who is the mini-Dog Whisperer and he keeps saying it'll be awhile before they get out of all that crap that drives us nuts...but if we can JUST HANG ON..it'll be worth it...I'm hanging too!!

Still so happy that your Papaw recognized his need for Jesus!! Continuing to pray!

Heather C said...

I was so happy when you posted that on fb the other day... about your Papaw. I'm rejoicing with you!

I think that fb has really replaced a lot of blogging time... for quite a few people. I'm just now getting the hang of it, but still enjoy blogging. So don't be a stranger... I love your blog. :)

Colored With Memories said...

you haven't lost it girl...i laughed all the way thru your spot pros....

good news about papaw...i wish you could be with him though!

Teresa said...

Welcome back!! :) I've missed you... although I've been right there w/ you on FB!! :) Good to read a new post by my favorite blogger!

Kristen said...

Welcome back friend! You've been missed.

I have lost some of my blogging mojo too... i have lots of ideas but can't seem to form them into sentences.

So glad your job is going well- yeah!

Praying for you PawPaw and your family.

Sorry about Spot, maybe he will win your heart when he is potty trained and doesn't chew... like when he is three or five or ten years old :o)

life with the wisners said...

oh...

consider my heart warmed right now.

so glad to see you show up on my little reader.

praise Jesus about your sweet papaw. to God be the glory -- great things He has done.

miss you and love you, friend.

Sing4joy said...

Alana,
You sure picked a lovely time to pop back in. It is always such a glorious and uplifting time to know that someone you love has secured their eternity with our ever loving Father! Praise God!

Darlene R. said...

I agree with Heather when she says that FB has replaced so much blogging time. I know that is the case for me!

I am so happy to know that your papaw has accepted Christ!

We have another snow day today. Personally, I am growing a bit tired of them!

Have a great weekend!

Xandra@Heart-of-Service said...

Your post clearly indicates that you still have the Mojo! Love all the updates, and praising God that your Papaw accepted Christ!

Xandra

Melissa said...

I feel that I keep up with you through Facebook, so I haven't missed you as much as I would if I didn't "talk" to you at all. BUT it was WONDERFUL to read more than a status line!

Short Stop said...

You've still got it, girl! LOVE reading your posts!

I agree with Melissa - SO glad I can keep up with you on FB!

And, I'm praising God with you about you Papaw!

Carissa said...

i like you. just so you know. : )

Rochelle said...

Thanks for the updates. I just wanted to say that life with a dog does get much better. We love our Fanny May (most of the time). It is hard to believe we have had her for almost 9 years.

Great news abu your papaw. I'll be praying for him and your family.

Shelley said...

You amaze me. You can make such a great post out of ANYTHING! At least we're not alone in the losing of the blogging mojo to fb, looks like it's going around! And my favorite line of all...

'...but I have been having a hard time returning to the level of caloric deprivation needed to actually do that."

AMEN AMEN AMEN AMEN!!!!

Anonymous said...

Great post, hon'. It is nice to see that Spot is growing on you [or at least your resignation to fate has increased]. I ALWAYS enjoy reading your posts as well.

Janelle said...

You are awesome! I hear you though on the blogging. It just hurts my brain and makes me feel guilty.

Anyway, I am celebrating your Pawpaw! That is amazing!

Growin' With It said...

wondered where you've been and somehow missed the part about you getting a job? how cool.

and for your grandpa. big hugs alana. and prayers too.

Kara said...

Alana - Glad you are back (maybe to stay??) Who needs mojo anyway? Just slap some stats up for us about your life and we'll be happy! :-) The update was great. Praying your papaw is completely healed and restored. Awesome news about salvation! God is good.

Julie said...

I completely echo your comments on running. In fact, I'm still waiting for myself to actually start running. I'm not sure it is feasible!!! :)

Josh and Lane Whitlock said...

Oh what a blessing that your Papaw accepted Christ! My Grandma and Papaw also accepted Christ in their 80's. What a relief it was when my Papaw passed 5 months later. Isn't is so great to know you'll be seeing him again!?

ps: I've lost my MoJo too....hope to get back in soon!

Linda Z said...

I think you've still "got it"! Some very funny stuff there. :)

I lost 3 lbs. in January. It was due to the stomach flu. I don't recommend it as a weight loss plan. :P

Anonymous said...

So glad your Papaw accepted Christ. I've lost loved ones who kept their faith so close to the cuff that you never really knew for sure. It's a blessing for your family to be assured his mansion is waiting.
Thinking of you.

His Girl said...

did you find it yet? missing you ;)

Mozi Esme said...

Sorry to hear about your Papaw. Your family is in our prayers.

And there are so many pros to dogs - especially if they stay outside! But I do like cats better...

Glad you're loving your job. Congrats on keeping up with the running!

Lynn said...

My mojo must be vacationing with yours.

Anywho, thanks for the update. Sounds like life as usual for the most part....which is good since you have a pretty good life. ;o)

So sorry to hear your papaw is not doing well physically but PRAISE JESUS that his spiritual life is healthier than ever! What a great comfort.

Unknown said...

Wow, where to begin. I have so many things I want to comment on, I hope I remember them all. Loved the video...I love how they twist the perspective and make it about "adult men" in need of being matched with the wisdom of kids. Too clever! So glad you're enjoying being part of such an awesome job!! I can totally see why!

Loved the part about running on generic batteries. Too funny. You are such a witty writer. I so relate to you with the whole running thing. I haven't really done it, though, since early college, so I guess I can't relate comPLETEly. :) I stick to brisk walking now. SUCH a baby. :-]

And as far as losing the bloggy mojo (is that how you phrased it?), so have I! Of course, having a new baby around is a little bit more to chew than I expected. But then again, as you know, having small children around -- in general, it's amazing we have ANY extra time for things like blogging! :)

Oh, one more thing...again, I'm totally with you on the feelings about dogs. Although I don't have one at the moment -- I have enough "poop" in my life at the moment to even process the thought of getting one -- I think you are SO brave!!!!!!! :)

Unknown said...

I knew I was going to forget.

Most importantly, I will be praying for your papaw. My paternal grandpa died of pancreatic cancer when I was a baby. He was young...in his 50s. My mom talks about how painful it was for him. I WILL be praying!

Unknown said...

Oops. I meant maternal grandpa. Thought about it last night while in bed. :)

Suzi K said...

Praising the Lord about your Papaw!!!

I'm trying to get my blogging mojo back! Always love your posts!

Hugs,
Suzi

Holly said...

Sounds like you have a busy life! LOL at the dog encouraging your kids to put their toys away by trying to chew them!

I'm sorry about your grandfather. :(

Fran said...

Just saying hi. :)

((((hugs)))

I'm Tara. said...

Okay. So, I am with on these things:
*bloggy mojo - what is that, again?
*runninng - not so much on the whole want to keep on going over here either. but i'm doing it.
*the big d/m - you know. it's always interesting, isn't it? takes way too much work! but alas, i'm doing that, too.
*love that you are loving your job.
*my grandpa just got put into a rehab care center on friday so i am with you in the grandpa sadness. :( Soooooo happy about your papaw's decision for christ though - woot!! :)

big hugs and love.

Anonymous said...

I am glad you like your job! I will pray for your Papaw.
Kim

Susan said...

I do miss you blogging, girl! How is your Papaw? I miss all of my g-parents so very much.

Hugs and blessings. See you on facebook!

Lisanne said...

Hi there! :) I'm so sorry about your grandpa. I blogged about mine recently ~ Sunday marked one year since his passing. :( That's a wonderful photo ~ you will cherish it always.

Unknown said...

Sorry to hear about your Grandfather. I have been reading your blog for about 1 year from the uk. I am missing your encouragement and witness in my walk. It is a shame if activity on facebook takes this witness from us who just come across you on the internet and been blessed and encouraged. I can understand that you need time away and creating pressure is not the intention in my comment.
Rachael
borrowed hubbys account to post this as i am a novice!