And so it begins!

So Lent has officially began and as you may recall I said I was giving up chocolate and also participating in the 40 Days = 40 Bags. I have to confess I really really want chocolate right now and I'm pretty sure that is because I gave up chocolate. So that is going to be a struggle on its own.

I did successfully get my first bag completed even though it was later in the evening. And . . . and . . . I have proof!

(Don't worry I won't take a picture each day). How are you doing with your 40 Days = 40 Bags?

Time. . . It Goes So Fast!n

Monday through Friday I get up each morning and head to Alexandria for work fighting traffic each day. I fight the clock each day to produce my reports (we have reports that are 4 hour, same day, next day and 3 day turnaround) on time and try and work ahead. I head home each night fighting traffic to get to daycare to pick Smiley up before they close. Some nights I have to rush to feed her so that she has something in her stomach before the babysitter gets there or had off to choir. Weekends are a bit lazier - most Saturdays are free for an open schedule but others are not. Sunday mornings are a struggle to get myself ready in the morning and as well as Smiley so we can get out the door to church on time. Its a fight with time.

This year I am turning 40 so I'm fighting the sands of time showing on my face, hands, and most specifically hair (UGH). Time is flying.

Smiley is 3 now and more active that ever and learning more every day. Time is flying because she is learning and trying new things every day. I'm trying to help her grow and learn but I'm trying to hold onto my baby for a little while longer.

Its already almost the middle of February. It may be bitter cold out there but next thing we know it will be spring and then summer and then fall and then next thing I know I'll be planning Smiley's 4th birthday party and celebrating Christmas. Ahhhhh . . . time is flying.

We all have moments in our lives that show up time is flying. Today February 13th is an example to me of how time flies and those moments I have really missed in that time. Today is most significant because 6 years ago today my mother passed away. 6 years already? Where did the time go? I remember that day, those moments so vividly as it it was minutes/hours/days ago. 

I've missed so much time with my mother. Being able to do those "mother/daughter" things. Introducing her to her grandchild, Smiley. Sharing holidays and birthday together (her birthday is 2 days before mine). Talking with her about how I feel I'm doing (or the lack thereof) as a mom. Wanting advice and reassurance I'm doing it ok. 

Time back to show my mom how much I love her and that I want to be a better person and daughter. Talking with her, shopping with her, laughing with her and even disagreeing with her. Time is not on my side.

So with this advice in hand. Slow down and spend time with your loved ones. Tell them how much they mean to you and never leave anything unsaid. It will eat you up inside and you will always be left with his feeling that you are empty in a way.

Spend time with your loved ones. . . I am tonight. We are having "crazy family dinner" tonight.

Celebrate the here and now with your loved ones.

And the winner is . . CHOCOLATE

And the winner is . . . CHOCOLATE! Ok ladies now that I have your attention, I'm here to talk about chocolate. Milk Chocolate and Dark Chocolate. Oh how I love thee and that is why I'm giving it up for Lent this year. (gasp).

Its officially February and Lent is just around the corner so I had to really start thinking what was I going to give up. I posed the question to B-man who initially said soda (bwah ha ha ha) and then said chocolate. I think it is a good idea so I'm sticking with chocolate.


So that means . . . no chocolate candy bars, no chocolate cookies, no chocolate cake, no chocolate ice cream, no brownies, no chocolate cream pie, etc (you get the idea). Sounds not too terribly hard but lets see how I do. I've got a sweet tooth so this could pose harder than I think depending on the amount of temptation I get during lent.

Have you picked what you are giving up?