tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-64594942852521588052024-03-14T00:26:39.741-07:00Getting Fit...AGAINMy journey towards wellness with a focus on weight loss, fitness and wholeness.Tracey Colemanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11202001956775683301noreply@blogger.comBlogger189125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6459494285252158805.post-19260071053774590942020-06-07T21:10:00.001-07:002020-06-08T04:16:32.865-07:00Search me, O God<div style="text-align: center;">
<div style="text-align: left;">
Today is Day 160 of the year 2020, Day 84 of my Coronavirus "stay at home". But today, rather than speaking about the Coronavirus and its effect and toll, I want to talk about George Floyd, about the Black Lives Matter movement, and my place in it all.<br />
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-vJGZZY3tyjw/Xt2w6lKGkMI/AAAAAAAAFxg/L9XA8xzlczI6e9FqXwEfhYv6B6TABTiCQCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/IMG_2403.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1280" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-vJGZZY3tyjw/Xt2w6lKGkMI/AAAAAAAAFxg/L9XA8xzlczI6e9FqXwEfhYv6B6TABTiCQCLcBGAsYHQ/s320/IMG_2403.JPG" width="256" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
Let me start by saying, with absolute conviction, that what happened to George Floyd, and soooo many others like him, is egregious. As I struggle to make sense of the repercussions of his death and what is going on in our nation, I grapple with 1,000 different questions. I have prayed and I have shed many tears. Tears for the loss of life, for George Floyd, for his family, tears of outrage over the injustice and the violence, tears of frustration at the failure of our nation to appropriately respond. There have been many difficult conversations with people close to me. As I fail to find the answers, I feel compelled to address this here on my blog. This is where I use my voice. Be patient with me because I do not have it figured out. But I am trying to listen and learn.</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
If you have a chance, I recommend reading Martin Luther King, Jr.'s <i><a href="https://www.africa.upenn.edu/Articles_Gen/Letter_Birmingham.html" target="_blank">Letter from a Birmingham jail</a>. </i>While it was written over 50 years ago, much of his letter speaks loudly to the current state of our nation. Dr. King eloquently speaks to the value and timeliness of the work of confronting the issues, the responsibility of the church to respond, as well as a call to action for all. He addresses the moderate white man (or woman), imploring us to take a stand, "Shallow understanding from people of good will is more frustrating than absolute misunderstanding from people of ill will. Lukewarm acceptance is much more bewildering than outright rejection." <i>Shallow understanding. Lukewarm Acceptance. </i></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
He writes, "In any nonviolent campaign there are four basic steps: collection of the facts to determine whether injustices exist; negotiation; self purification; and direct action."</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
I want to address the idea of self purification. The Bible instructs us again and again to look within, to cleanse and renew our hearts, to "remove the log from our own eye," so to speak.</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<i><br /></i></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="color: #073763; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><i>Search me, God, and know my heart; test me and know my anxious thoughts. See if there is any offensive way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting.</i></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="color: #073763; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><i>Psalms 139:23-24</i></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="color: #073763; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-mQQo7TAnJQY/Xt2w81JV-LI/AAAAAAAAFx8/UBXuMSWx7MESy1nVzY9hQIKC_TxFuvSjACEwYBhgLKskDAL1Ocqx3DWS587tTcc777luXBbfLFZ41Rr6FxSM9ePVs6gUee-RDB7cCU2IG9FB4UyYOjfeEcnu0qkOqlrDOMni-QRcWJzc3n2ynMF-ksf7C2DLl7jMCk2mt4lQ8MbYa3EhiSSkrhJn_HOYSfmJPHU7elTr7ls3C_PbvuaMzTXZSUjnDdsq-Cjgy8f7IDztQvyYpMJZRh5D9ysAWBAdxcRzO6EGB3naXMpRgjQsuqfci0CLC_FmMYEWe3GKf8wGnqphogEXS-kwDZLdWiVFEg91hC8OMhExT2zE2aBF9sgKg_eYa3KoPk2qs5T2OLnTYoGBb9k8Ol3VtaBNhze8uMkciwZlUJO1BRHDw6MjxYD4CUznZPgoc42iW_4fIeH-CTtn_lOd3Uwaokk0qzXsFuFrlMp35Rg9l0t-70csY9gqGSvErI-W1eVviCxwpxenmSVmW3ZxCk6KjFu22Y3_jDUJXJR4PNOqT0YRfaggehhE_IVXdtR3Gic57_O42RtbntP2wNCa_WjQPvRWcnyKsxy7_r5cno5WFMX_dwvRQxCgiK6DUu7RQ06d7twzmNJge0toeNVRh5gpMmmTRaMi3xjdM_EFqwAO0djDb5vb2BQ/s1600/save-image%2B%25282%2529.PNG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1280" data-original-width="1280" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-mQQo7TAnJQY/Xt2w81JV-LI/AAAAAAAAFx8/UBXuMSWx7MESy1nVzY9hQIKC_TxFuvSjACEwYBhgLKskDAL1Ocqx3DWS587tTcc777luXBbfLFZ41Rr6FxSM9ePVs6gUee-RDB7cCU2IG9FB4UyYOjfeEcnu0qkOqlrDOMni-QRcWJzc3n2ynMF-ksf7C2DLl7jMCk2mt4lQ8MbYa3EhiSSkrhJn_HOYSfmJPHU7elTr7ls3C_PbvuaMzTXZSUjnDdsq-Cjgy8f7IDztQvyYpMJZRh5D9ysAWBAdxcRzO6EGB3naXMpRgjQsuqfci0CLC_FmMYEWe3GKf8wGnqphogEXS-kwDZLdWiVFEg91hC8OMhExT2zE2aBF9sgKg_eYa3KoPk2qs5T2OLnTYoGBb9k8Ol3VtaBNhze8uMkciwZlUJO1BRHDw6MjxYD4CUznZPgoc42iW_4fIeH-CTtn_lOd3Uwaokk0qzXsFuFrlMp35Rg9l0t-70csY9gqGSvErI-W1eVviCxwpxenmSVmW3ZxCk6KjFu22Y3_jDUJXJR4PNOqT0YRfaggehhE_IVXdtR3Gic57_O42RtbntP2wNCa_WjQPvRWcnyKsxy7_r5cno5WFMX_dwvRQxCgiK6DUu7RQ06d7twzmNJge0toeNVRh5gpMmmTRaMi3xjdM_EFqwAO0djDb5vb2BQ/s320/save-image%2B%25282%2529.PNG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="color: #073763; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<i style="color: #073763; font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">Create in me a clean heart, O God; and renew a right spirit within me.</i></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="color: #073763; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Psalm 51:10</span><br />
<span style="color: #073763; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="color: #073763; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><i>Let us search search and try our ways, and turn again to the Lord.</i></span><br />
<span style="color: #073763; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Lamentations 3:40</span><br />
<span style="color: #073763; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><i><br /></i></span>
<span style="color: #073763; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><i>Why do you see the speck that is in your brother's eye, but do not notice the log that is in your own eye? Or how can you say to your brother, 'Let me take the speck out of your eye,' when there is a log in your own eye? You hypocrite, first take the log out of your own eye, and then you will see clearly to take the speck out of your brother's eye.</i></span><br />
<span style="color: #073763; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Matthew 7:3-5</span><br />
<span style="color: #073763; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><i><br /></i></span>
<span style="color: #073763; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><i>Let a man examine himself...</i></span><br />
<span style="color: #073763; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">1 Corinthians 11:28</span><br />
<span style="color: #073763; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><i><br /></i></span>
<span style="color: #073763; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><i>Examine yourselves, to see whether you are in the faith. Test yourselves...</i></span><br />
<span style="color: #073763; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">2 Corinthians 13:5</span><br />
<span style="color: #073763; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><i><br /></i></span>
<span style="color: #073763; font-family: inherit;">For me, this means taking a deep look within. I've heard a few people say, "I am not racist." Some believe what </span>happened to George Floyd does not directly affect them. If that's the case, you have it all wrong. Each and every one of us has an obligation to take a deep look within, to do some serious soul searching and self-reflection. </div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
Some of the questions that keep nagging at me are, "What do I do? What can I do? Where do we go from here?"</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-wJ5DBCiapYk/Xt2w7tpJvdI/AAAAAAAAFyI/8rQYIJmVdxEhtsBso9iGcCiYx3HU7gK9ACEwYBhgLKskDAL1OcqxG3BSHRBb55EAEU62brag_0Zvhtgb0AZUp1OJR69RzzMTL5-qZOYp6y2lKzKeU7tdYHI5afz0CXMT-_x7DMEWBw78u1WFJ9OPgjJOwSRXOaVb2zZHVoekZEdZ-UouA3eG7fBOmpjpEUjq3nDEah96b3svik5QqSAu38SwnTdZb-iiXRLUCLtbO4BX5pR9H-I0IL9K9t7igVwnGxic85_OHJhfoexYAbf2RCJbg3fvn8DTYj9S011nTsE3SXePFCLk5NPYLs04e8kiOrOh6J5cfmS1m28QBwBJKXClX_FrQmUX4dYwVjloan2EPnrxLccrZUOCPSmf26J4jhC6raetYMfjWJHQSq51DF6V9stjkF5iw14jiRJ6rWciCf-t7gsTURhEFhpTTi8avJPmMgjTaJO4YXtDfYIgl-e30V1Sk52z6nH08tal2TlrK5uIm8IYl3TiXw6NrmKgl4saDfM1jgpc3ZuZ90n0_7qLbCigOws39Tefc-58tLd6RUbTZMLwpWzOT7r7o-rXw-SFaxm0N8_qtshtDSNFQrytG-hFv7n0pdQeumLa8Ibf0DDdx-U5kTEvqscj5qORLvtckSWbVG_d8vDCR5_b2BQ/s1600/IMG_2408.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="954" data-original-width="856" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-wJ5DBCiapYk/Xt2w7tpJvdI/AAAAAAAAFyI/8rQYIJmVdxEhtsBso9iGcCiYx3HU7gK9ACEwYBhgLKskDAL1OcqxG3BSHRBb55EAEU62brag_0Zvhtgb0AZUp1OJR69RzzMTL5-qZOYp6y2lKzKeU7tdYHI5afz0CXMT-_x7DMEWBw78u1WFJ9OPgjJOwSRXOaVb2zZHVoekZEdZ-UouA3eG7fBOmpjpEUjq3nDEah96b3svik5QqSAu38SwnTdZb-iiXRLUCLtbO4BX5pR9H-I0IL9K9t7igVwnGxic85_OHJhfoexYAbf2RCJbg3fvn8DTYj9S011nTsE3SXePFCLk5NPYLs04e8kiOrOh6J5cfmS1m28QBwBJKXClX_FrQmUX4dYwVjloan2EPnrxLccrZUOCPSmf26J4jhC6raetYMfjWJHQSq51DF6V9stjkF5iw14jiRJ6rWciCf-t7gsTURhEFhpTTi8avJPmMgjTaJO4YXtDfYIgl-e30V1Sk52z6nH08tal2TlrK5uIm8IYl3TiXw6NrmKgl4saDfM1jgpc3ZuZ90n0_7qLbCigOws39Tefc-58tLd6RUbTZMLwpWzOT7r7o-rXw-SFaxm0N8_qtshtDSNFQrytG-hFv7n0pdQeumLa8Ibf0DDdx-U5kTEvqscj5qORLvtckSWbVG_d8vDCR5_b2BQ/s320/IMG_2408.JPG" width="287" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
As I said earlier, I don't have the answers. For starters, I am going to listen. People are hurt and angry. So instead of saying "not me," putting my hand up and saying, "Wait a minute!" or pointing fingers at others, I am going to sit and listen. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
James 1:19-20 says, <i>"Know this, my beloved brothers: let every person be quick to hear, slow to speak, slow to anger; for the anger of man does not produce the righteousness of God."</i></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Listen.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
I do know now is <b>not</b> the time to be silent. Now <b>is</b> the time <i>listen and stand</i> with my brothers and sisters, to <i>support</i> them as best I can. Even more than this, now is the time to <i>pray</i>. To pray for peace, to pray for justice, and to pray for healing.</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="color: #073763;"><i>If my people who are called by my name humble themselves, and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven and will forgive their sin and heal their land.</i></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="color: #073763;">2 Chronicles 7:14</span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
I am so grateful for Pastor Brian who leads with conviction and grace. Here is the prayer he lead us in this morning:</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<iframe allowfullscreen="" class="YOUTUBE-iframe-video" data-thumbnail-src="https://i.ytimg.com/vi/IUb_b6swrmM/0.jpg" frameborder="0" height="266" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/IUb_b6swrmM?feature=player_embedded" width="320"></iframe></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<i>"May we simply be able to sit with the other and weep and not lecture. We commit to turn away from all forms of racism and not loving our neighbor. And we seek you, our God for healing our land. God we declare racism is sin. Period."</i> </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
-Brian Tracy, Evangel Assembly, Wilbraham, MA</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-_hK1R-2OwFA/Xt2w6bdFWBI/AAAAAAAAFyE/F07McdzTBsA_MN-EJN5OGE1hHLLKXSHwACEwYBhgLKskDAL1Ocqxtd9T_--YviLUcZb2bxDWvWkP2g4DRzjvbzpjO6N0hEGalQUYpN3MN6uW088VbakqlbOVD0fM6YMYu-S1NI6759ZGNKwE3FnZz0R6Ag-iq-9AzWI7ylNM6em4HeNkgSaKylbsdJkArlyJ-ozj0ufxXC-YYiMNARjmmPwYPQQLEFajuE4I4520TOd0t7BmKHqd4e1BFdC0kbymBavtLdKNZhPZXeZDdp6U9R-dh-CdfQh8A0Qg6VVqzgNqKuaI8DLCfHsqXde5JuTqaiTcpp4XFEKj4nVZpURMQ4Le4pTMb5CjGfu0bFh3O2gn1RGHOpINT8WdwwYB8dLsU5pJJ9Z-od6SkYn6U93kZJqK5Qs8Okx_Dgf3iX-XCk8kSKufJqh8TEob2d8WF_Dv2B-I4T5a1Ut8JiyVXpZ9b1bfO0Mx45f3d0HAlksk-N8XXMrYcmf6kO4XHkf_WXtJs6qu1Ncsk1S-oT_QAWHqeFMf1XiHsBxucrnjTie42vN_209AgovU-NcbSMsZgmhYalBOD4hexrU4niGGpaeLaoJpirAy7aSXnP7MYlw0Lo7SVJWWJw1kRuzDXw-Vn2Xqpf94evL8UArc7XDCr7Pb2BQ/s1600/IMG_2402.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="688" data-original-width="750" height="293" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-_hK1R-2OwFA/Xt2w6bdFWBI/AAAAAAAAFyE/F07McdzTBsA_MN-EJN5OGE1hHLLKXSHwACEwYBhgLKskDAL1Ocqxtd9T_--YviLUcZb2bxDWvWkP2g4DRzjvbzpjO6N0hEGalQUYpN3MN6uW088VbakqlbOVD0fM6YMYu-S1NI6759ZGNKwE3FnZz0R6Ag-iq-9AzWI7ylNM6em4HeNkgSaKylbsdJkArlyJ-ozj0ufxXC-YYiMNARjmmPwYPQQLEFajuE4I4520TOd0t7BmKHqd4e1BFdC0kbymBavtLdKNZhPZXeZDdp6U9R-dh-CdfQh8A0Qg6VVqzgNqKuaI8DLCfHsqXde5JuTqaiTcpp4XFEKj4nVZpURMQ4Le4pTMb5CjGfu0bFh3O2gn1RGHOpINT8WdwwYB8dLsU5pJJ9Z-od6SkYn6U93kZJqK5Qs8Okx_Dgf3iX-XCk8kSKufJqh8TEob2d8WF_Dv2B-I4T5a1Ut8JiyVXpZ9b1bfO0Mx45f3d0HAlksk-N8XXMrYcmf6kO4XHkf_WXtJs6qu1Ncsk1S-oT_QAWHqeFMf1XiHsBxucrnjTie42vN_209AgovU-NcbSMsZgmhYalBOD4hexrU4niGGpaeLaoJpirAy7aSXnP7MYlw0Lo7SVJWWJw1kRuzDXw-Vn2Xqpf94evL8UArc7XDCr7Pb2BQ/s320/IMG_2402.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
As I continue to seek answers, it is important to remember we are all in this together. Black, brown, white, blue or red. We all have a duty to look within, to ask God to search our hearts. We MUST listen and commit to learn. We have to do better. We MUST get this right. Our children deserve that.</div>
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<h2>
<span style="color: black;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="color: #444444; font-weight: normal;">Today's Song is <i>Bleed the Same</i> by Mandisa</span></span></span></h2>
</div>
It starts with this prayer from Kirk Franklin:<br />
<br />
<span style="color: #444444; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><i>I wanna say something to everyone, in a spirit of humility, a spirit of meekness and a spirit of Christ-like love. There is chaos and calamity in the world. And there is so much hurt and distrust. When police are killed, we need to say something. When black boys are killed, we need to say something. And when we don't say something, we are saying something. We have the spirit of redemption when we speak. At our concerts, in our churches, I beg of you, let's ask the people that we are accountable to stand in front of to pray with us for healing. </i></span><br />
<i><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></i>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<iframe allowfullscreen="" class="YOUTUBE-iframe-video" data-thumbnail-src="https://i.ytimg.com/vi/HVKuA1s5I3o/0.jpg" frameborder="0" height="266" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/HVKuA1s5I3o?feature=player_embedded" width="320"></iframe></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<i><span style="color: #444444;">When are we gonna realize?</span></i></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<i><span style="color: #444444;">We all bleed the same</span></i></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #444444;"><i>We're more beautiful when we come to</i><i>gether</i></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<i><span style="color: #444444;">We all bleed the same</span></i></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<i><span style="color: #444444;">So tell me why, tell me why</span></i></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<i><span style="color: #444444;">We're divided</span></i></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<i><span style="color: #444444;">If we're gonna fight</span></i></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<i><span style="color: #444444;">Let's fight for each other</span></i></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<i><span style="color: #444444;">If we're gonna shout</span></i></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<i><span style="color: #444444;">Let love be the cry</span></i></div>
<span style="color: blue;"><br /></span>
<span style="color: blue;"><i><span style="color: #444444; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">So Father God, I pray that our families will come together right now, and seek Your face. You will forgive our sin and you will heal our incredible land. In the name of the only Savior, Jesus Christ, Amen.</span></i></span><br />
<span style="color: blue;"><br /></span>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: black;"><a href="https://www.instagram.com/traceyfitlife" target="_blank"><img border="0" data-original-height="59" data-original-width="59" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-zfnUtBsC_Eg/WsjDHeF4eoI/AAAAAAAAEWc/tAfEDGRsFpw1z1BGc0HNoOxiOt2fQLpGACPcBGAYYCw/s1600/instagram-colourful-icon.png" /></a> <a href="mailto:tracoleman99@gmail.com" target="_blank"><img border="0" data-original-height="86" data-original-width="83" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-VFlTMoyNXgs/WsjDHXhKPCI/AAAAAAAAEWg/zac1ohBaOI8RnNwxU00J04jtCZffW2ovACPcBGAYYCw/s1600/GMail-Android-R.0.png" /></a></span></div>
Tracey Colemanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11202001956775683301noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6459494285252158805.post-81406314703293087852020-04-08T13:47:00.000-07:002020-04-08T13:55:17.458-07:00Finding Faith<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #444444; font-size: large;">It's Hump Day!</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-jvp6KSz-04s/Xo3ynHiQhLI/AAAAAAAAFtg/VHAje8UKgq8C1RyOzwROcl8wVWChbTl8QCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/IMG_1671.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="color: black;"><img border="0" data-original-height="875" data-original-width="874" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-jvp6KSz-04s/Xo3ynHiQhLI/AAAAAAAAFtg/VHAje8UKgq8C1RyOzwROcl8wVWChbTl8QCLcBGAsYHQ/s320/IMG_1671.jpg" width="319" /></span></a></div>
<span style="color: black;">Today is Day 23 of my period of "Coronavirus Isolation." It's Wednesday of Holy Week, the first day of Passover. So far today is a tough day. I didn't sleep well last night, so I'm feeling crappy. Add to that, my allergies are acting up. I so want to crawl back into bed. I may just do that.</span><br />
<span style="color: black;"><br /></span>
Let's get to the fun stuff first...<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b style="font-size: x-large;"><span style="color: #444444;">Spring Sightings</span></b></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-fefEjwFcCQI/Xo3yos4SdjI/AAAAAAAAFt4/RCHjR68vLdYRQ8k79AypBYGIFRgew-pwgCEwYBhgLKskDAMBZVoC6puqKTmu_qRZBDJubmbETbVH8ye0YO4qrdCykUnZAVfT8MxFnMBUNWm3a6eMTeDUSg_Scx4rRwi43s1puOKVtkR9zaOFUJYlfRlosIihdR7FHWtM_dIYFFrygyORmq_9UDPCb00pQUfxGaCVZNygLFaHJBNqDsGGO27rdIoLl5-3z0GaqGh1tDzY0YT9MPp1_U-wFU4A-Yjy_2wYPTAOu-foBAiiL_hREewJtKmMxpAVYe0kuEy9-9Y1U6ls-hVw7WxV9EInODGccmaTa_OShJNklUlfLNf_1hSvSlKjCn9emQwDsM4W40XWaXF38jKXL3KBvRbUS7gF0Bd21WIWn6WLfVWa10yvwmFkykUcvG-1u_yImpDKY-Q3vCx5bJeGhKmHoKWphlfCSzEunBsw4waeegE7Xd5YntaORu8J9hTvcWZeRkbWkVqawrnmhHu3Mhq1ld8oFmIa9fEqBzCIKyik9pad4OoW3in0kgGWIPMHXeNoc1h1WMF-vRL3gRgNUETWhmqLc2GRbknQVAKX_tgf1MTOUIK4g-gN_XxNhPcV6XDm16YuuGHm5dqO_TOGUjEvYi4OyLGW32w-OVaUqhbIi1TDp7rf0BQ/s1600/IMG_1672.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="color: black;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1600" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-fefEjwFcCQI/Xo3yos4SdjI/AAAAAAAAFt4/RCHjR68vLdYRQ8k79AypBYGIFRgew-pwgCEwYBhgLKskDAMBZVoC6puqKTmu_qRZBDJubmbETbVH8ye0YO4qrdCykUnZAVfT8MxFnMBUNWm3a6eMTeDUSg_Scx4rRwi43s1puOKVtkR9zaOFUJYlfRlosIihdR7FHWtM_dIYFFrygyORmq_9UDPCb00pQUfxGaCVZNygLFaHJBNqDsGGO27rdIoLl5-3z0GaqGh1tDzY0YT9MPp1_U-wFU4A-Yjy_2wYPTAOu-foBAiiL_hREewJtKmMxpAVYe0kuEy9-9Y1U6ls-hVw7WxV9EInODGccmaTa_OShJNklUlfLNf_1hSvSlKjCn9emQwDsM4W40XWaXF38jKXL3KBvRbUS7gF0Bd21WIWn6WLfVWa10yvwmFkykUcvG-1u_yImpDKY-Q3vCx5bJeGhKmHoKWphlfCSzEunBsw4waeegE7Xd5YntaORu8J9hTvcWZeRkbWkVqawrnmhHu3Mhq1ld8oFmIa9fEqBzCIKyik9pad4OoW3in0kgGWIPMHXeNoc1h1WMF-vRL3gRgNUETWhmqLc2GRbknQVAKX_tgf1MTOUIK4g-gN_XxNhPcV6XDm16YuuGHm5dqO_TOGUjEvYi4OyLGW32w-OVaUqhbIi1TDp7rf0BQ/s320/IMG_1672.JPG" width="320" /></span></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Spring has definitely sprung! It was in the mid-60's yesterday and was a perfect day for a walk. The forsythia bushes are fully in bloom. The local elementary school has hearts on their cafeteria windows and a sign that says, "Brunton students ROCK." When it's just me and Leia walking, she's so good. She walks right next to me (lower left) and is easily able to walk off leash when we aren't near cars (lower right). I have really come to love our walks.</div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #444444; font-size: large;"><b>Project Update</b></span></div>
<span style="color: black;"></span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="color: black;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-exAV87uoInQ/Xo3yopcuoPI/AAAAAAAAFt8/e735ylNk-Q0ZaKIR3kTtEzNHZBlqfZMwQCEwYBhgLKskDAMBZVoB14AfDioaJfc2g8180U3rOr6KfvJhZAXDb0Rj9WY2yGvnwvU0QRgmnpfLh5d1wTzpOHgdFFkSmiRX0J74p0nBGGktscutrGUtMpOZBXayewVMSQ-lC-FIfrT7W15-eGRirqwffHjSJnwdQzqc4ZrfsDYNYpUJAlqsEts_dlGYvUJp1JqJUeTE9dZP6hnHvTwcnnHYc0tqmsGF9UfFRk3WqlMZXi45K__2HZ29hrSaE100ptRkG5JXn0zeKzJlVIRFEBwyiD0d9lvjSfgKfl2T_cr4v_8vwdrCz2RmUWIpkK6fsbNWN_TeC0rJ1udUefRFDU1LKU4Njd0_uV7ECROCxxaTNWcegfnTvrUmUJIO7D4-xnyjZhDOZNbeAZ5E2Fs-_VkOM3lzYrGV4p2sW2OfI0mWCXGo4WEF22maBNkkFs6Bx8H5Py53IRMRhD2sMrelX378MMxvLatmxcPVFQK1p4Y1ziYr0-g6fGIH5653OYZ1NC-Z6yI9csybJbeBxSX0q-T1Bf89xKpwWSNAbmhSh82fkDvY6kztvTsXgHZ9HrzWozvjqPqAHKakGFq9Xb_7EpWtgMTfQlja1oZC__CEfWLxAUDDc7Lf0BQ/s1600/IMG_1675.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1600" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-exAV87uoInQ/Xo3yopcuoPI/AAAAAAAAFt8/e735ylNk-Q0ZaKIR3kTtEzNHZBlqfZMwQCEwYBhgLKskDAMBZVoB14AfDioaJfc2g8180U3rOr6KfvJhZAXDb0Rj9WY2yGvnwvU0QRgmnpfLh5d1wTzpOHgdFFkSmiRX0J74p0nBGGktscutrGUtMpOZBXayewVMSQ-lC-FIfrT7W15-eGRirqwffHjSJnwdQzqc4ZrfsDYNYpUJAlqsEts_dlGYvUJp1JqJUeTE9dZP6hnHvTwcnnHYc0tqmsGF9UfFRk3WqlMZXi45K__2HZ29hrSaE100ptRkG5JXn0zeKzJlVIRFEBwyiD0d9lvjSfgKfl2T_cr4v_8vwdrCz2RmUWIpkK6fsbNWN_TeC0rJ1udUefRFDU1LKU4Njd0_uV7ECROCxxaTNWcegfnTvrUmUJIO7D4-xnyjZhDOZNbeAZ5E2Fs-_VkOM3lzYrGV4p2sW2OfI0mWCXGo4WEF22maBNkkFs6Bx8H5Py53IRMRhD2sMrelX378MMxvLatmxcPVFQK1p4Y1ziYr0-g6fGIH5653OYZ1NC-Z6yI9csybJbeBxSX0q-T1Bf89xKpwWSNAbmhSh82fkDvY6kztvTsXgHZ9HrzWozvjqPqAHKakGFq9Xb_7EpWtgMTfQlja1oZC__CEfWLxAUDDc7Lf0BQ/s320/IMG_1675.JPG" width="320" /></a></span></div>
<span style="color: black;">
</span>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="color: black;">On Sunday I started a garden from seeds. So today is Day 4 of my garden and you can see the lettuce seeds just beginning to sprout in my peat pellets. Kind of exciting! The other seeds aren't showing any activity just yet. (And still no progress on Mitch's room.)</span></div>
<span style="color: black;">
</span>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="color: black;"><br /></span></div>
<span style="color: black;">
</span>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="color: black;"><span style="color: #444444; font-size: large;"><b>Laundry: The Joke's On Me</b></span></span></div>
<span style="color: black;">
</span>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="color: black;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ZLPpu1Ub5CI/Xo32_3Qq5JI/AAAAAAAAFuE/bjPB2k1X6-gH6w7fJasFH7KbqkghqsnVQCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/laundrymeme.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="750" data-original-width="750" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ZLPpu1Ub5CI/Xo32_3Qq5JI/AAAAAAAAFuE/bjPB2k1X6-gH6w7fJasFH7KbqkghqsnVQCLcBGAsYHQ/s320/laundrymeme.jpg" width="320" /></a></span></div>
<span style="color: black;">
</span>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="color: black;">I think I figured out a solution to the laundry problem by changing my routine. Instead of doing laundry every day, I decided to do it 2-3 days instead. It means more laundry at one time, but I don't have it looking at me every day. As of 12:00 p.m. today, one load is folded and put away, another is in the dryer and a third is in the washer waiting to be dried. I just need to go and move it so I can finish it all. Fingers crossed this will make the whole laundry scene less maddening to me. (As long as Brian doesn't continue to deliver mystery laundry out of who knows where.)</span></div>
<span style="color: black;">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="color: #444444;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #444444; font-size: large;"><b>Finding Faith</b></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-n23GBXkbAlQ/Xo3ymq79rDI/AAAAAAAAFt8/bHLYwJCHH3E7PsnAw2ikMh1HCXzrNIMDwCEwYBhgLKskDAMBZVoAFXixlOdlpLUYIjRFvi9vzz5FeYL1Nh988BhdPKGfCbEJVCekr_xl-oNkbxgVK4cqZ3pNabTBp7e4r1NZEumXsw4TkohULkWN-TcAi7HNjIrc77_a8OXE1I-ETZnv0DfuXR0NLwdLTTuD1WUwLnoCotQ7F_HSlvUFsB9vWgLyf3aVbYUEwLDizjeGF9VLOYMmR6JnYvzDjdtdpNr5K5Uh0koSA__X_-uwhnxwkKXdgvXY4d3mkNLt8v7-nAaREaIV6ahPRlacrMeQTmaQpCsE6LsB414BgXjAto0dxGw0MlsewBtYxia1MRC2FexxgJsLWKFlWAOjh3SM6mqwsq6Uv30laMaMP9-5wAABfbFKqMC6aWliZ9gCAguOh__QwqhZY55wNOcZrDjXAQvvVQj1kj48T1Kb2Pdbzsm3-4YSAAsqxkZligj0SwO3VnGMW1b9kxV-ecmqlaEuRV21DTFC-XMbe0C69zq8R5s8mOWLCYT3ZcZsl5PbeOM5uio9fpuAHgS3yyEPOJvzhSyY4cemZep4CMFhvD6l0xfUXPDhnMxMs4YORMj_LS6zUhCYmj07dyXA9zX51SR9GYYQb4yiDrHE0LzD7ybj0BQ/s1600/IMG_1650.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="540" height="400" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-n23GBXkbAlQ/Xo3ymq79rDI/AAAAAAAAFt8/bHLYwJCHH3E7PsnAw2ikMh1HCXzrNIMDwCEwYBhgLKskDAMBZVoAFXixlOdlpLUYIjRFvi9vzz5FeYL1Nh988BhdPKGfCbEJVCekr_xl-oNkbxgVK4cqZ3pNabTBp7e4r1NZEumXsw4TkohULkWN-TcAi7HNjIrc77_a8OXE1I-ETZnv0DfuXR0NLwdLTTuD1WUwLnoCotQ7F_HSlvUFsB9vWgLyf3aVbYUEwLDizjeGF9VLOYMmR6JnYvzDjdtdpNr5K5Uh0koSA__X_-uwhnxwkKXdgvXY4d3mkNLt8v7-nAaREaIV6ahPRlacrMeQTmaQpCsE6LsB414BgXjAto0dxGw0MlsewBtYxia1MRC2FexxgJsLWKFlWAOjh3SM6mqwsq6Uv30laMaMP9-5wAABfbFKqMC6aWliZ9gCAguOh__QwqhZY55wNOcZrDjXAQvvVQj1kj48T1Kb2Pdbzsm3-4YSAAsqxkZligj0SwO3VnGMW1b9kxV-ecmqlaEuRV21DTFC-XMbe0C69zq8R5s8mOWLCYT3ZcZsl5PbeOM5uio9fpuAHgS3yyEPOJvzhSyY4cemZep4CMFhvD6l0xfUXPDhnMxMs4YORMj_LS6zUhCYmj07dyXA9zX51SR9GYYQb4yiDrHE0LzD7ybj0BQ/s400/IMG_1650.JPG" width="225" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
As Christians, the story of the crucifixion may have become a ritual part of our faith history. We know the story of the Last Supper, Christ's betrayal, arrest and crucifixion. It's a story that we retell every year at Easter. It's a tradition. Maybe we go to Mass or church; watch a movie about the life and death of Jesus; attend a Passion Play; and have a special family dinner. (When I was growing up we always watched Charlton Heston as Moses in the 1956 film "The Ten Commandments" on Easter night.) </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
This year I'm having a hard time with the idea that Easter is this Sunday. This is Holy Week. This is a time when we are supposed to gather together to remember and reflect the sacrifice of Jesus' death on the cross and to celebrate the triumphant miracle of his resurrection. I'm just not feeling it.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
This whole "THING," this Coronavirus "thing" has me feeling disconnected. I miss Mitch. I miss my parents. I know I can talk to them on the phone and FaceTime them. Facebook Live and Zoom have brought Church right into my living room. But I miss the human interaction, the community. All of "THIS" just seems so impersonal.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
When was the last time you really thought about the story of Christ's death and resurrection and what it means to us<b> today</b>? I've been reflecting on this all week and am reminded of the message <a href="https://www.facebook.com/evangelassemblyma/" target="_blank">Pastor Brian</a> shared with us on Sunday. Right before Jesus was betrayed and arrested, he went with his disciples to the garden of Gethsemane to pray. While his disciples came with him to Gethsemane, they fell asleep, so he was alone. Even though Jesus knew what was going to happen to him, he prayed to the Lord, "Father, if it is possible, may this cup be taken from me. Yet not as I will, but as you will." (Matthew 26:39) Three times he cried out to God. But heaven was silent.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-KeCuV5SWZwI/Xo406K5beGI/AAAAAAAAFuc/tkS2-Qhg0bwiBTUNnLOk2rtKUcLBM8PugCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/Silent.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="194" data-original-width="259" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-KeCuV5SWZwI/Xo406K5beGI/AAAAAAAAFuc/tkS2-Qhg0bwiBTUNnLOk2rtKUcLBM8PugCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/Silent.jpg" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Today in-person interactions are pretty much off-limits, but we are able to stay in touch by phone, Facebook, Zoom or other "virtual platforms." In spite of this many of us feel very much alone in the face of the we are experiencing in light of the Coronavirus Pandemic. In the Garden of Gethsemane, despite the fact that his disciples were there with him, they kept falling asleep, so Jesus was all alone. Whatever you are dealing with today, whether you have a loved one who is sick or who has died, or you've lost your job, or you just feel alone, maybe like Jesus, you have cried out to God for mercy and maybe you may feel like heaven is silent. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Be encouraged. Remember, there is hope. Christ chose to die for us so we could know his presence. So that we will not be forsaken. Christ accepted his fate so that we could know the cup of salvation. Psalm 116:13 says, "I will lift up the cup of salvation and praise the Lord's name for saving me." Jesus suffered so that we can be saved. We do have to face trials on earth. We are not saved from those. But because of Jesus, we are not alone, we are not forsaken.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-FpAFsB_z1j8/Xo43he9WsmI/AAAAAAAAFuo/ZaA5pgyBdRMNdgKXIlzaa7QUQlfY1VLEgCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/light_in_the_dark_tunnel_hope_christian_faith-1169066.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="1200" height="213" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-FpAFsB_z1j8/Xo43he9WsmI/AAAAAAAAFuo/ZaA5pgyBdRMNdgKXIlzaa7QUQlfY1VLEgCLcBGAsYHQ/s320/light_in_the_dark_tunnel_hope_christian_faith-1169066.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
We can find faith in the darkness.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
</span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<b><span style="color: #444444; font-size: large;">Seeking Smiles</span></b></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
The Coronavirus Pandemic has directly affected every one of us to some degree. In the face of darkness and despair, it is so important to seek out the good in the world - whether near or far, surely there is light in the darkness. If you haven't seen or heard of it, let me tell you one place you will surely find smiles. John Krasinski started his own YouTube channel entitled<i> Some Good News.</i></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<i><br /></i></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<iframe allowfullscreen="" class="YOUTUBE-iframe-video" data-thumbnail-src="https://i.ytimg.com/vi/F5pgG1M_h_U/0.jpg" frameborder="0" height="266" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/F5pgG1M_h_U?feature=player_embedded" width="320"></iframe></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i>Some Good News</i> with John Krasinski</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
The show features dozens of stories featuring good news across the world, from... </div>
<div>
<ul>
<li><span style="color: black;">Salutes to healthcare workers across the world</span></li>
<li><span style="color: black;">A flashback to The Office featuring an interview with Steve Carell</span></li>
<li><span style="color: black;">Weather report from Robert Deniro </span></li>
<li>Reflections on how people are making up for the things we miss, like a trips to the salon, amusement park rides, getting your hair done and date night</li>
<li><span style="color: black;">An incredible interview with young Aubrey who missed Hamilton because of the Coronavirus Epidemic including a surprise Zoom Bomb from the entire cast of Hamilton</span></li>
</ul>
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-0C0pfZag3ig/Xo4ir3YHydI/AAAAAAAAFuQ/6M0DqcCaO_oR-4_GSAbfJ-ZeW-GalEJCgCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/AlexanderHamilton.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="color: black;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="225" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-0C0pfZag3ig/Xo4ir3YHydI/AAAAAAAAFuQ/6M0DqcCaO_oR-4_GSAbfJ-ZeW-GalEJCgCLcBGAsYHQ/s400/AlexanderHamilton.png" width="400" /></span></a></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
He signs off with a reminder that, "No Matter How Dark It Gets, there is ALWAYS good in the world." You must check it out - you will most definitely find some joy.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: black;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: #444444;"><b>Today's Meditations</b></span></span></span></div>
<br />
<i><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">So now, O Lord our God, save us, please, so that all the earth may know that you, O Lord, are God alone.</span></i><br />
<i><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">2 Kings 19:19</span></i><br />
<span style="color: black;"><br /></span>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<iframe allowfullscreen="" class="YOUTUBE-iframe-video" data-thumbnail-src="https://i.ytimg.com/vi/XCpbeVFgs4E/0.jpg" frameborder="0" height="266" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/XCpbeVFgs4E?feature=player_embedded" width="320"></iframe></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<i>Way Maker</i> by Michael W. Smith</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<i>Way maker, miracle worker, promise keeper, light in the darkness</i></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<i>My God, that is who you are</i></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<span style="color: blue;"><br /></span>
<span style="color: #073763;">How are you and your family dealing with this pandemic?</span><br />
<span style="color: #073763;">Feel free to share your updates with me, either in the comments or by <a href="mailto:tracoleman99@gmail.com" target="_blank">message</a>.</span><br />
<br />
My journey through the Coronavirus Pandemic:<br />
<a href="https://traceyfit.blogspot.com/2020/03/coronavirus-staycation-day-1.html" target="_blank"><span style="color: black;">Day 1: Boo boo paw</span></a><br />
<a href="https://traceyfit.blogspot.com/2020/03/day-2-of-my-coronavirus-staycation.html" target="_blank"><span style="color: black;">Day 2: Let the projects begin</span></a><br />
<a href="https://traceyfit.blogspot.com/2020/03/day-3.html" target="_blank"><span style="color: black;">Day 3: A photo journal</span></a><br />
<a href="https://traceyfit.blogspot.com/2020/03/coronavirus-staycation-day-4.html" target="_blank"><span style="color: black;">Day 4: Love wins</span></a><br />
<a href="https://traceyfit.blogspot.com/2020/03/finally-saturday.html" target="_blank"><span style="color: black;">Finally Saturday: It's starting to get to me</span></a><br />
<a href="https://traceyfit.blogspot.com/2020/03/the-long-haul.html" target="_blank"><span style="color: black;">The Long Haul: Be strong & courageous</span></a><br />
<span style="color: black;"><a href="https://traceyfit.blogspot.com/2020/03/who-made-clouds.html" target="_blank">Who Made the Clouds? Day</a> 7</span><br />
<a href="https://traceyfit.blogspot.com/2020/03/time-out.html" target="_blank"><span style="color: black;">Time Out: Day 8</span></a><br />
<a href="https://traceyfit.blogspot.com/2020/03/fever-cough-shortness-of-breath.html" target="_blank"><span style="color: black;">Fever, Cough & Shortness of Breath (Day 9)</span></a><br />
<a href="https://traceyfit.blogspot.com/2020/03/may-4.html" target="_blank"><span style="color: black;">May 4: Days 10, 11 & 12</span></a><br />
<a href="https://traceyfit.blogspot.com/2020/03/koby-update.html" target="_blank"><span style="color: black;">Koby Update: Day 13</span></a><br />
<a href="https://traceyfit.blogspot.com/2020/04/random-thoughts.html" target="_blank"><span style="color: black;">Random Thoughts: Day 20</span></a><br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: black;"><a href="https://www.instagram.com/traceyfitlife" target="_blank"><img border="0" data-original-height="59" data-original-width="59" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-zfnUtBsC_Eg/WsjDHeF4eoI/AAAAAAAAEWc/tAfEDGRsFpw1z1BGc0HNoOxiOt2fQLpGACPcBGAYYCw/s1600/instagram-colourful-icon.png" /></a> <a href="mailto:tracoleman99@gmail.com" target="_blank"><img border="0" data-original-height="86" data-original-width="83" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-VFlTMoyNXgs/WsjDHXhKPCI/AAAAAAAAEWg/zac1ohBaOI8RnNwxU00J04jtCZffW2ovACPcBGAYYCw/s1600/GMail-Android-R.0.png" /></a></span></div>
Tracey Colemanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11202001956775683301noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6459494285252158805.post-76999498155023733592020-04-05T18:36:00.002-07:002020-04-06T04:46:47.557-07:00Random ThoughtsToday is a very special day. Today is my 20th Day of Coronavirus Isolation. 20 Days. It also is Palm Sunday, the first day of Holy Week. Not only that, but it's Alex's Birthday! (my son from another mother)<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-RvoyaT8BdDo/XoqFqPcASUI/AAAAAAAAFsw/2UeOfOpssNg52sTO7t9C-pe4iiwUdx79QCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/Alex.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="538" data-original-width="530" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-RvoyaT8BdDo/XoqFqPcASUI/AAAAAAAAFsw/2UeOfOpssNg52sTO7t9C-pe4iiwUdx79QCLcBGAsYHQ/s320/Alex.jpg" width="315" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Alex (left) and Mitch (right) on our trip to Jamaica, 2011</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Last week I told you I'm back to work (almost full force), which limits my time to work on the 100 different home improvement projects around here and cuts into the time I have to blog. Here's a recap of the past week and some thoughts on this time in isolation.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/--_qeFHFY1Nc/XopHzCTV0RI/AAAAAAAAFro/tBuzEY7A29Y6kCIHg3x1G8eQrmm3PEQHgCEwYBhgLKskDAMBZVoDU5B1C09AZFvj3yzB1zgDpidWFsgQhteOnV42Qf5cHaIUff1Z9WWqrHcn3cizN_FCcL4YQ6FWyaO7f9ALcYFiGSvFZWIfmSc-0nT912s7CbQCDijy-GHV1W1hFzhKVvCGu6ZXk3b7cBSXR-Ztf1-qnDfr7rf694Ovo2468qt2rXSCCZI680iu-Wo1ZXvCKilemSthYKwh-JTma4z-fSYSb9xzDCIV2fH17jl_rxSwDfVgTb-HRw9Q_0ppJ9hSH-pykGO8s8-zyy0XoxoQvR2NPvzdsHI3YkcOiXsGiDfNILRSdcCsE2w1dyqJWdzypJefMdOASKpzZgqXCW4ZtAOm0-28q2CiXZAvn6vMRGhyUAFUi0pld-BRgTU4N3nA19ZAiGUpy7SE-bZtdotf4KFf5f60pPszE8W3hkgjNrhMIafxR7hMsJZA-kEVmDLUP8SST6o6V_1sqerBkaklji3ZzOO15yEJVwgGY7ZwLhPt0klA8_GpOF21KZffq2GtWqhx_IvgUA0iW6yOyMzRK4cUZ8ydCteZQO-tmYhBLbSnN6lgUjgkloB95asgnPxlck6nJNMpuI71kbNUHhP44AH9EtIJLPTC3nKn0BQ/s1600/IMG_1573.PNG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="739" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/--_qeFHFY1Nc/XopHzCTV0RI/AAAAAAAAFro/tBuzEY7A29Y6kCIHg3x1G8eQrmm3PEQHgCEwYBhgLKskDAMBZVoDU5B1C09AZFvj3yzB1zgDpidWFsgQhteOnV42Qf5cHaIUff1Z9WWqrHcn3cizN_FCcL4YQ6FWyaO7f9ALcYFiGSvFZWIfmSc-0nT912s7CbQCDijy-GHV1W1hFzhKVvCGu6ZXk3b7cBSXR-Ztf1-qnDfr7rf694Ovo2468qt2rXSCCZI680iu-Wo1ZXvCKilemSthYKwh-JTma4z-fSYSb9xzDCIV2fH17jl_rxSwDfVgTb-HRw9Q_0ppJ9hSH-pykGO8s8-zyy0XoxoQvR2NPvzdsHI3YkcOiXsGiDfNILRSdcCsE2w1dyqJWdzypJefMdOASKpzZgqXCW4ZtAOm0-28q2CiXZAvn6vMRGhyUAFUi0pld-BRgTU4N3nA19ZAiGUpy7SE-bZtdotf4KFf5f60pPszE8W3hkgjNrhMIafxR7hMsJZA-kEVmDLUP8SST6o6V_1sqerBkaklji3ZzOO15yEJVwgGY7ZwLhPt0klA8_GpOF21KZffq2GtWqhx_IvgUA0iW6yOyMzRK4cUZ8ydCteZQO-tmYhBLbSnN6lgUjgkloB95asgnPxlck6nJNMpuI71kbNUHhP44AH9EtIJLPTC3nKn0BQ/s640/IMG_1573.PNG" width="295" /></a></div>
This past week, I decided I wanted to use this time to read the Bible, so I started a 90-day Bible Reading Plan in <a href="https://www.youversion.com/the-bible-app/" target="_blank">YouVersion</a>, a Bible app. In addition to that, I've also been participating in a couple of different devotional reading plans for Easter. Each morning, it takes me about an hour. In the past, I tried to read through the Bible, committing to read 4-5 chapters a day, with the intention of reading it a year. I've failed every time. I don't know if it's because it's my perception of "forced reading" (<a href="https://traceyfit.blogspot.com/2020/03/may-4.html" target="_blank">I mentioned that last week</a>), or if I get distracted or busy, fall behind, don't feel like I can catch up, or what. But something strange has happened this time. I can barely wait to read my Bible each day. This particular reading plan goes through the Bible in order, from Genesis to Revelation. If you've never read the Bible before, let me tell you, those first books are FULL of drama. Not only is there the whole Adam & Eve story, the fall in the Garden of Eden, the story of the first murder, Noah and the Ark, but the Bible provides a complete history of God's province to his people. Again and again. God makes seemingly impossible promises, but His word never fails. Never. The people of Israel fall down again and again. Yet God is there for them every time. He even details how they should live, what is safe for them to eat, how they should settle disputes (they must have had a big problem with the oxen back in the day), and what is an acceptable sacrifice to Him. He leaves out nothing.<br />
<br />
It's like this time, I am reading the Bible with a new awe. I feel hungry for more. The nice thing about <a href="https://www.youversion.com/the-bible-app/" target="_blank">YouVersion</a> is the option to have it read aloud aloud to you, which I enjoy sometimes.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-bbVbvrxHEBo/XopHdH0Lr8I/AAAAAAAAFrA/62IpFuiAG9YtLkADhqqNLsdOhmsDfCNzQCEwYBhgLKskDAMBZVoBYEU3rULIab5XQovsw1FxHPdWqK9KaO_ByygT5TNi_JylEoU46iy9IfIuJO4xJ4L-V4ZYGoQ6a23ULQHJaw1Ylzk87tZEsejIQJ4nw_SAbkuyLxJ_bkBzbFh0QbDHjCEcEP8vIKO8C87MK8kbwYQ1Uyn_O9LxQVIMI5tRf3h7NsZS2C1W03EQyDOYVjxmlvD8-7eynhWuS9ooT1jMO5iEDY7-Kg5mR_euuL-XZj8iWMJAdR5XiMNh-zhsnVWEQHi56idC81byEIiOnVxdqSmq_Cz-a_OC8AnQMklflaIlOe01u3eQbjcwO-ljKOGGJOJpnA8c9P_g6RiTB-amWNOoYmGvkgj3yu1zi6MCGXxSjHNldZnASg8VCndVak9-VfBxZAB6wxgVG4LuAHsVaZMA-wzVKvTaqp74hqtP_zAwSSOeixMuznXOVVsjyd67AHZviF7JyvZif9QruwmJ7SLU0Tk3NhX_g1WisiW9ni3mpvkC-y-FBxqOMgUiVP2Et3AJ_6XtTNp3Sc4fm59hxKJCjZoJmAD8Tf1cH5pPTMBtCRXOa_4qdwfzeUoDvQw0IqSw0q8HFpDxf9Ppwblqk3EGRKvMTODDvqqn0BQ/s1600/IMG_1527.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="1080" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-bbVbvrxHEBo/XopHdH0Lr8I/AAAAAAAAFrA/62IpFuiAG9YtLkADhqqNLsdOhmsDfCNzQCEwYBhgLKskDAMBZVoBYEU3rULIab5XQovsw1FxHPdWqK9KaO_ByygT5TNi_JylEoU46iy9IfIuJO4xJ4L-V4ZYGoQ6a23ULQHJaw1Ylzk87tZEsejIQJ4nw_SAbkuyLxJ_bkBzbFh0QbDHjCEcEP8vIKO8C87MK8kbwYQ1Uyn_O9LxQVIMI5tRf3h7NsZS2C1W03EQyDOYVjxmlvD8-7eynhWuS9ooT1jMO5iEDY7-Kg5mR_euuL-XZj8iWMJAdR5XiMNh-zhsnVWEQHi56idC81byEIiOnVxdqSmq_Cz-a_OC8AnQMklflaIlOe01u3eQbjcwO-ljKOGGJOJpnA8c9P_g6RiTB-amWNOoYmGvkgj3yu1zi6MCGXxSjHNldZnASg8VCndVak9-VfBxZAB6wxgVG4LuAHsVaZMA-wzVKvTaqp74hqtP_zAwSSOeixMuznXOVVsjyd67AHZviF7JyvZif9QruwmJ7SLU0Tk3NhX_g1WisiW9ni3mpvkC-y-FBxqOMgUiVP2Et3AJ_6XtTNp3Sc4fm59hxKJCjZoJmAD8Tf1cH5pPTMBtCRXOa_4qdwfzeUoDvQw0IqSw0q8HFpDxf9Ppwblqk3EGRKvMTODDvqqn0BQ/s320/IMG_1527.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
When this whole period of social distancing and isolation started, it took a while for me to adjust. I had mostly good days, with a few bad days mixed in. I expect the same to continue, but I find gratitude is the best way to get me through. I have so much for which to be grateful, most of all my husband who loves me, with whom I get along great, who laughs and jokes with me through some of the craziness, and who is sharing this period of time and isolation with me.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-bCOWdDanK2A/Vf8DSjf2BDI/AAAAAAAABRI/kovnCbF3RjcxC8tkNnobk0vt47wHj8xQwCPcBGAYYCw/s1600/blogger-image-946240724.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="480" data-original-width="360" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-bCOWdDanK2A/Vf8DSjf2BDI/AAAAAAAABRI/kovnCbF3RjcxC8tkNnobk0vt47wHj8xQwCPcBGAYYCw/s320/blogger-image-946240724.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #666666; font-size: large;"><b>Laughter is the BEST Medicine</b></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<iframe allowfullscreen="" class="YOUTUBE-iframe-video" data-thumbnail-src="https://i.ytimg.com/vi/7w6-rIh_iJo/0.jpg" frameborder="0" height="266" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/7w6-rIh_iJo?feature=player_embedded" width="320"></iframe></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Where is my desk?</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
What Netflix series have you been binge-watching? Brian and I started watching The Office. It is so bad, it's hilarious. Jim's antics, Dwight's obsessive nature, and Michael...such a tool. Michael is such an @$$, you hate him so much, but you can't look away. Sometimes I laugh so hard, I almost pee myself.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;">Speaking of Netflix...have you seen <a href="https://www.netflix.com/title/81115994" target="_blank">Tiger King</a>?</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-uDkmSpvNJvI/Xop7u9IwK_I/AAAAAAAAFsc/lSB1mTZRmjICmgYdR3udBNcLlwIOxpTuQCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/tiger-king-meme-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="652" data-original-width="630" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-uDkmSpvNJvI/Xop7u9IwK_I/AAAAAAAAFsc/lSB1mTZRmjICmgYdR3udBNcLlwIOxpTuQCLcBGAsYHQ/s320/tiger-king-meme-1.jpg" width="309" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Apparently COVID19 has the entire nation tuning into this <i>not-appropriate-for-children</i> series. It's like a bad car accident. You just can't look away. The more you watch, the worse it gets and the harder it is to turn away.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #666666; font-size: large;"><b>OVERLOAD</b></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Working from home, how I feel every day:</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-RF-YUZ-QpIM/XopHc-20_AI/AAAAAAAAFq8/9npjXDaBaooYOTei25CgcvBkNso90H1EQCPcBGAYYCw/s1600/IMG_1542.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="789" data-original-width="960" height="263" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-RF-YUZ-QpIM/XopHc-20_AI/AAAAAAAAFq8/9npjXDaBaooYOTei25CgcvBkNso90H1EQCPcBGAYYCw/s320/IMG_1542.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
We (administrators & teachers) spend our days trying to figure out how to deliver School Online, tracking seniors who are supposed to graduate in June, planning for next year, and a host of other things I can't even begin to list. By the end of the 99th ZOOM meeting, my head is on complete overload.<br />
<b><br /></b>
<b>Big question:</b> Does working from home mean I can work in my PJ's and keep my bed-head going for days on end? I've made a few attempts to at least try to feel human. I created a somewhat "homey" work space in the dining room, every day is now "<i>Bring Your Dog to Work Day</i>", and I get to sneak in quick walks with Leia when I have a short break between meetings.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Ibtw0bRJdt4/XopHfGmLEoI/AAAAAAAAFrM/ijA49umE8YcgEBhoHh5b_SbQC6iZyKZrgCPcBGAYYCw/s1600/IMG_1571.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1600" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Ibtw0bRJdt4/XopHfGmLEoI/AAAAAAAAFrM/ijA49umE8YcgEBhoHh5b_SbQC6iZyKZrgCPcBGAYYCw/s320/IMG_1571.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Brian found me on one of our walks and delivered a coffee from Dunkin! Told you, he loves me!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #666666; font-size: large;"><b>Scenes From My Walks</b></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-LoRVytsWuzo/XopHeApIg3I/AAAAAAAAFrE/sOUPXU62yXo2PUfeB2yWn5sS6Nzvt69ZQCPcBGAYYCw/s1600/IMG_1570.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1600" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-LoRVytsWuzo/XopHeApIg3I/AAAAAAAAFrE/sOUPXU62yXo2PUfeB2yWn5sS6Nzvt69ZQCPcBGAYYCw/s320/IMG_1570.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
I really think I should make some hearts to put on our doors or windows. </div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-OlQAXoHGsiQ/XopHfI4FLmI/AAAAAAAAFrM/ueoCdoFcDz0ZlGthM-0o14rnlP74Kt_GQCPcBGAYYCw/s1600/IMG_1572.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1600" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-OlQAXoHGsiQ/XopHfI4FLmI/AAAAAAAAFrM/ueoCdoFcDz0ZlGthM-0o14rnlP74Kt_GQCPcBGAYYCw/s320/IMG_1572.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
I met up with Giselle one day and we walked six miles! Notice the warnings on the trail....</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-bldunW1DWqM/XopHzqDZmfI/AAAAAAAAFrw/1QmDq8eQA90sUWcP0y3pXNpRUm5e9PrRgCPcBGAYYCw/s1600/IMG_1601.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="1536" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-bldunW1DWqM/XopHzqDZmfI/AAAAAAAAFrw/1QmDq8eQA90sUWcP0y3pXNpRUm5e9PrRgCPcBGAYYCw/s320/IMG_1601.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Spring is definitely here! </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #666666; font-size: large;">LAUNDRY - the NEVER ENDING Story</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-GR5KlaPdELk/XniNRvnyb6I/AAAAAAAAFgk/ublq69BU_QYcrkFMnrBl1qfcesZMcQEogCPcBGAYYCw/s1600/IMG_1355.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="513" data-original-width="750" height="218" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-GR5KlaPdELk/XniNRvnyb6I/AAAAAAAAFgk/ublq69BU_QYcrkFMnrBl1qfcesZMcQEogCPcBGAYYCw/s320/IMG_1355.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Who else strips and puts their clothes straight in the wash?</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Z6kMTYOkT30/XopH0JMw_NI/AAAAAAAAFr4/ofZJ2QZ-XD8_AtfSypPWBJM5oZv7xyLuwCPcBGAYYCw/s1600/IMG_1606.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1600" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Z6kMTYOkT30/XopH0JMw_NI/AAAAAAAAFr4/ofZJ2QZ-XD8_AtfSypPWBJM5oZv7xyLuwCPcBGAYYCw/s320/IMG_1606.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
I started doing laundry every other day instead of every day because it is so maddening! This afternoon, Brian cleaned out the garage and put a huge pile of dirty clothes on the floor next to the basement stairs. Even when it is all folded and put away, there's some out there somewhere just waiting for me!</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #666666; font-size: large;"><b>A Blessing</b></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-NtailcaUw6E/XopHz8rnlAI/AAAAAAAAFr0/gvM0S3DH4-sQqHj8AuKFfbtJNxzuI4FAgCPcBGAYYCw/s1600/IMG_1607.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="768" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-NtailcaUw6E/XopHz8rnlAI/AAAAAAAAFr0/gvM0S3DH4-sQqHj8AuKFfbtJNxzuI4FAgCPcBGAYYCw/s320/IMG_1607.JPG" width="256" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Z6kMTYOkT30/XopH0JMw_NI/AAAAAAAAFr4/ofZJ2QZ-XD8_AtfSypPWBJM5oZv7xyLuwCPcBGAYYCw/s1600/IMG_1606.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><br /></a><i>God can and<b> will </b>make things better.</i></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
This period of isolation has afforded us all time. Time to be grateful. Time to appreciate the small things, like hugs, haircuts, toilet paper and dine-in service. Time to focus on faith and family. In many ways, the time has become a blessing.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<b style="color: #666666; font-size: x-large;">The ever changing "situation"</b></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-lSJfTgQ4XLE/XopHzO16DlI/AAAAAAAAFrs/MO2MzHgHfDwUjZF471GSMOu9lSQlMJq5ACPcBGAYYCw/s1600/IMG_1576.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1600" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-lSJfTgQ4XLE/XopHzO16DlI/AAAAAAAAFrs/MO2MzHgHfDwUjZF471GSMOu9lSQlMJq5ACPcBGAYYCw/s320/IMG_1576.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Every day the CDC guidelines regarding the Coronavirus are changing. The latest update asks us to cover our faces when we are out in public. I've got this! I have a bunch of headbands I wear during cycling season which can easily be converted to a face mask. Just like that, viola!</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #666666; font-size: large;"><b>Grocery Store Adventures </b></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-feP6SyZMxJg/XopHygcoCWI/AAAAAAAAFrs/H0wAv--UZ3wfBZaqrfUrCMdBBNZMATLJACPcBGAYYCw/s1600/IMG_1581.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="841" data-original-width="720" height="400" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-feP6SyZMxJg/XopHygcoCWI/AAAAAAAAFrs/H0wAv--UZ3wfBZaqrfUrCMdBBNZMATLJACPcBGAYYCw/s400/IMG_1581.JPG" width="341" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #666666; font-size: large;"><b>Project Update</b></span></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; font-family: "Times New Roman"; letter-spacing: normal; margin-bottom: 0.5em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; orphans: 2; padding: 6px; text-align: center; text-decoration-color: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-uf_dOP2kz6Q/XopLyYqgkGI/AAAAAAAAFsQ/Ue8quTontisorlpQH6NEWLXhZKOxErIrwCPcBGAYYCw/s1600/IMG_1635.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1600" height="400" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-uf_dOP2kz6Q/XopLyYqgkGI/AAAAAAAAFsQ/Ue8quTontisorlpQH6NEWLXhZKOxErIrwCPcBGAYYCw/s400/IMG_1635.JPG" style="cursor: move;" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 12.8px; padding-top: 4px; text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: small;">Today I endeavored to start a garden. Planted a bunch of seeds and set up a lighting station in the dining room. This meant I had to relocate the items that were on the buffet table. So I enhanced my work space a little. Still need to finish Mitch's room...</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<b style="color: #666666; font-size: x-large;">Online Church</b></div>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-WUg-LNg3siM/XopLyVhbN6I/AAAAAAAAFsU/gyYlWVCqrd0CdL2IIuW_vyQRwfKUclt5wCPcBGAYYCw/s1600/IMG_1634.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1600" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-WUg-LNg3siM/XopLyVhbN6I/AAAAAAAAFsU/gyYlWVCqrd0CdL2IIuW_vyQRwfKUclt5wCPcBGAYYCw/s320/IMG_1634.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: small;">Our church broadcasts the worship service on <a href="https://www.facebook.com/evangelassemblyma" target="_blank">Facebook Live</a>, with a follow up Zoom meeting for members. Today's message was really powerful. The Zoom meeting provides us with an opportunity to reflect on the message, pray for each other's needs and join in community together. Service airs live at 10:30 a.m. Sunday and is rebroadcast on Friday evenings. You should definitely check it out.</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<b><span style="color: #666666; font-size: large;">Today's Meditations</span></b></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
In the middle of all that's going on around us right now, it's only normal to have anxiety, to be afraid. The Bible gives us permission to be afraid, and even tells us what to do when we are afraid. I mentioned earlier that I have a prayer list going. Sometimes I pray through each request individually and other times, I lift the list as a whole to the Lord, asking him to answer them. Laying them at His feet. Meditate on these verses...</div>
<br />
<span style="color: #0b5394; font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><i>When I am afraid, I put my trust in you. In God, whose word I praise -</i></span><br />
<span style="color: #0b5394; font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><i>In God I trust and am not afraid. What can mere mortals do to me?</i></span><br />
<span style="color: #0b5394; font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Psalm 56:3-4</span><br />
<span style="color: #0b5394; font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="color: #0b5394; font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><i>Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petitions, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.</i></span><br />
<span style="color: #0b5394; font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Philippians 4:6</span><br />
<span style="color: #0b5394; font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<iframe allowfullscreen="" class="YOUTUBE-iframe-video" data-thumbnail-src="https://i.ytimg.com/vi/s7jXASBWwwI/0.jpg" frameborder="0" height="266" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/s7jXASBWwwI?feature=player_embedded" width="320"></iframe></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<i>I Surrender</i> by Hillsong Worship</div>
<span style="color: #0b5394; font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<br />
<br />
<span style="color: blue;">How are you and your family dealing with this pandemic?</span><br />
<span style="color: blue;">Feel free to share your updates with me, either in the comments or by <a href="mailto:tracoleman99@gmail.com" target="_blank">message</a>.</span><br />
<br />
My daily posts since my Coronavirus Isolation period began:<br />
<a href="https://traceyfit.blogspot.com/2020/03/coronavirus-staycation-day-1.html" target="_blank">Day 1: Boo boo paw</a><br />
<a href="https://traceyfit.blogspot.com/2020/03/day-2-of-my-coronavirus-staycation.html" target="_blank">Day 2: Let the projects begin</a><br />
<a href="https://traceyfit.blogspot.com/2020/03/day-3.html" target="_blank">Day 3: A photo journal</a><br />
<a href="https://traceyfit.blogspot.com/2020/03/coronavirus-staycation-day-4.html" target="_blank">Day 4: Love wins</a><br />
<a href="https://traceyfit.blogspot.com/2020/03/finally-saturday.html" target="_blank">Finally Saturday: It's starting to get to me</a><br />
<a href="https://traceyfit.blogspot.com/2020/03/the-long-haul.html" target="_blank">The Long Haul: Be strong & courageous</a><br />
<a href="https://traceyfit.blogspot.com/2020/03/who-made-clouds.html" target="_blank">Who Made the Clouds? Day</a> 7<br />
<a href="https://traceyfit.blogspot.com/2020/03/time-out.html" target="_blank">Time Out: Day 8</a><br />
<a href="https://traceyfit.blogspot.com/2020/03/fever-cough-shortness-of-breath.html" target="_blank">Fever, Cough & Shortness of Breath (Day 9)</a><br />
<a href="https://traceyfit.blogspot.com/2020/03/may-4.html" target="_blank">May 4: Days 10, 11 & 12</a><br />
<a href="https://traceyfit.blogspot.com/2020/03/koby-update.html" target="_blank">Koby Update: Day 13</a><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://www.instagram.com/traceyfitlife" target="_blank"><img border="0" data-original-height="59" data-original-width="59" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-zfnUtBsC_Eg/WsjDHeF4eoI/AAAAAAAAEWc/tAfEDGRsFpw1z1BGc0HNoOxiOt2fQLpGACPcBGAYYCw/s1600/instagram-colourful-icon.png" /></a> <a href="mailto:tracoleman99@gmail.com" target="_blank"><img border="0" data-original-height="86" data-original-width="83" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-VFlTMoyNXgs/WsjDHXhKPCI/AAAAAAAAEWg/zac1ohBaOI8RnNwxU00J04jtCZffW2ovACPcBGAYYCw/s1600/GMail-Android-R.0.png" /></a></div>
<br />Tracey Colemanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11202001956775683301noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6459494285252158805.post-74327625755066087522020-03-29T06:51:00.000-07:002020-03-30T05:46:14.187-07:00Koby Update<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #666666; font-size: large;">Let's talk about Koby! </span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-IrFyGUDKoyk/Xn6igb2_PVI/AAAAAAAAFng/8PTo8Mcp3xIkBxofEoMq6eWTcj6e9c_HACPcBGAYYCw/s1600/IMG_1500.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="1536" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-IrFyGUDKoyk/Xn6igb2_PVI/AAAAAAAAFng/8PTo8Mcp3xIkBxofEoMq6eWTcj6e9c_HACPcBGAYYCw/s320/IMG_1500.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
Princess Leia steals the spotlight and the camera. She is four years old, very cuddly and still full of spit and vinegar. She is my constant companion.<br />
<span style="text-align: left;"><br /></span>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-6CC6Gge_nxo/Xn6ii7YZ3eI/AAAAAAAAFng/ghF6Wjc5_w43UNHTZSdwDic1VNH9grkJgCPcBGAYYCw/s320/IMG_1412.jpg" width="240" /></div>
<br />
Working from home means every day is now "Bring Your Dog to Work Day"<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/--9JCe05kLas/Xn6ih5TRTzI/AAAAAAAAFnk/wO12L1d_xX02wxbNWaFUVgANzDqNoctCQCPcBGAYYCw/s1600/BringYourDogToWork.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/--9JCe05kLas/Xn6ih5TRTzI/AAAAAAAAFnk/wO12L1d_xX02wxbNWaFUVgANzDqNoctCQCPcBGAYYCw/s320/BringYourDogToWork.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
At my feet during a Zoom meeting</div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="color: blue;"><span style="color: #444444; font-size: large;"><span style="color: black; font-size: small;">Today is Day 13 of my Coronavirus Isolation marathon. Today's post will be about our "Old Man" Koby. I recently shared a story about his boo boo paw: <a href="https://traceyfit.blogspot.com/2020/03/coronavirus-staycation-day-1.html" target="_blank">Coronavirus Staycation: Day 1</a>. Koby is our 13 year old German Shepherd. Last week, he lost one of his front claws. It was a mess! Here is an update on how he's doing.</span></span></span><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-YH1h7rolPHo/XoCagnC-gaI/AAAAAAAAFow/fWOi3hYH8UES4RKg-RJkum4HTzpAarwxwCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/IMG_1515.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1515" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-YH1h7rolPHo/XoCagnC-gaI/AAAAAAAAFow/fWOi3hYH8UES4RKg-RJkum4HTzpAarwxwCLcBGAsYHQ/s320/IMG_1515.jpg" width="303" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Sleeping Beauties (Koby in front, Leia behind)</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
In June, Koby will be 14 years old. That's old for a German Shepherd. The progression of time has taken a toll on him. He has trouble hearing and suffers from night time blindness. His rear legs don't fully cooperate with his will to play. But, boy does he still love to play!</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Every setback with Koby is a reality check for me and a difficult conversation with my family. "Koby is getting older, we need to talk about ..." So last week, after Koby saw the vet, Dr. Crosson prescribed antibiotics for the boo boo paw and added gabapentin to help Koby feel better. As his paw has healed, we can see he is definitely feeling better. With the warmer spring weather, he spends hours outside and enjoys "alone time" without Leia to pester him.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
I had to call Dr. Crosson this week for a check-in and to discuss next steps. And so I took the brave step and had the difficult conversation with him. "Koby will be 14 in June, Doc. It's hard to tell you how he's doing because I know these are his last days. What I don't know is when the time is..."</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Dr. Crosson is such a nice man. He is so kind and cares so much about our pets. He tells it the way it is, but is kind at the same time. I trust him.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
So when he and I talked on the phone, I really listened to him. Dr. Crosson laid out all the scenarios and basically told me that whatever we choose, there is not a wrong decision. He did a quality of life assessment for Koby over the phone. Long story short is that Koby is still enjoying life. He loves to play and still gets excited when we come home (although we are home 24/7 these days). Caring for him has not become a burden. We have had to learn his cues when he needs to go out because if we don't pay attention, he does have an accident in the house. But these are rare. Even though walking is more difficult for him, he does get around. He is still enjoying life. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
So, with that, we have decided that now is the time for Koby to enjoy life as much as he can. Whatever makes him happy, we will accommodate. I ordered him some <a href="https://www.ellevetsciences.com/" target="_blank">CBD Oil chews</a> from <a href="https://www.ellevetsciences.com/" target="_blank">Ellevet</a>. Apparently in Massachusetts, veterinarians can't prescribe CBD oil for animals, but some of his clients have seen significant improvement their pets' mobility, so we will give it a try. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
I also ordered him some pill pouches for the gabapentin. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-uYG87aazj5w/XoChCV2TLiI/AAAAAAAAFo8/gU3EzQguZg876NNr_d3y858OXoE_n1Z2ACLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/IMG_1517.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-uYG87aazj5w/XoChCV2TLiI/AAAAAAAAFo8/gU3EzQguZg876NNr_d3y858OXoE_n1Z2ACLcBGAsYHQ/s320/IMG_1517.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Taking medicine should not be traumatic for our pets. With these, it's like giving him a treat instead!</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="color: #999999; font-size: large;">Snapshot Update</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
I was able to get some toilet paper at Costco yesterday. My friend Giselle sent me a text at 10:52 a.m. with a picture of fully stocked pallets of Charmin. I didn't see it until 1:30 p.m, but we ventured out anyway. <b>Score!</b></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-sWpSp7cfs1A/XoCaHG5lcGI/AAAAAAAAFog/TRbFPLLikL0Tl6bjJmGrr6AfnuOH2cpvQCEwYBhgLKskDAMBZVoDOdkmYUPyEQyd4UrX87F2IB4chckqJ0XKP-1Oln7-mQnGDrKgFMxhGng1ip-3K3YvJUwZHdik_4VWIL8BL3-o4JY8JXfnjQzs3lqGhj2U6NX5uMB4qsQXMPuFs4Nn4gZZR1RoAfjaVY-u1TLykkA_hvUFO3Wve91B73tY-QTtOSDVOKC60Xj_8ZbwOcuJZLCgNb2dbHIMMfpf9_AYN0sVDtriyRqA0u52N1uN18wKCoZaYmXWgXQBF4AYSYJIYixSWEkhLhtyghylCxlMLxCMewAdoQyr2IL_H8OYUCt1kkZoBHDh00LdxOL86DaKqhesG6kZ7DZS0OR7NjmWP_O9LW9Y5Qe-dRhO89qA8SQT7bQLcnIWpvbpGwDsd7PD1-pxQ_pkppxsGTGgxFyHktjNvz-oI2DBqmZZrWj4OxhlKqEqDDQ2vCxDt-olyK9g8xHTvtceNMj2j1rLUaTXWNDXF5CJOYXmuAnIVM1uS7zt0clGVDdNpqJwYh_iU_wVAqx-zL9pU2jqhIsyDKZLW29tAWT0TolKzQAp-u5c42ToCpLar4V9NShnvddBJ1z6RUDcjp-8YVAdqX5tI8JRDjsd6wvWlcjCWyIL0BQ/s1600/IMG_1516.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1417" data-original-width="1501" height="302" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-sWpSp7cfs1A/XoCaHG5lcGI/AAAAAAAAFog/TRbFPLLikL0Tl6bjJmGrr6AfnuOH2cpvQCEwYBhgLKskDAMBZVoDOdkmYUPyEQyd4UrX87F2IB4chckqJ0XKP-1Oln7-mQnGDrKgFMxhGng1ip-3K3YvJUwZHdik_4VWIL8BL3-o4JY8JXfnjQzs3lqGhj2U6NX5uMB4qsQXMPuFs4Nn4gZZR1RoAfjaVY-u1TLykkA_hvUFO3Wve91B73tY-QTtOSDVOKC60Xj_8ZbwOcuJZLCgNb2dbHIMMfpf9_AYN0sVDtriyRqA0u52N1uN18wKCoZaYmXWgXQBF4AYSYJIYixSWEkhLhtyghylCxlMLxCMewAdoQyr2IL_H8OYUCt1kkZoBHDh00LdxOL86DaKqhesG6kZ7DZS0OR7NjmWP_O9LW9Y5Qe-dRhO89qA8SQT7bQLcnIWpvbpGwDsd7PD1-pxQ_pkppxsGTGgxFyHktjNvz-oI2DBqmZZrWj4OxhlKqEqDDQ2vCxDt-olyK9g8xHTvtceNMj2j1rLUaTXWNDXF5CJOYXmuAnIVM1uS7zt0clGVDdNpqJwYh_iU_wVAqx-zL9pU2jqhIsyDKZLW29tAWT0TolKzQAp-u5c42ToCpLar4V9NShnvddBJ1z6RUDcjp-8YVAdqX5tI8JRDjsd6wvWlcjCWyIL0BQ/s320/IMG_1516.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
We celebrated my cousin Jake's 30th Birthday last night on Zoom. My parents tried to join us, but that didn't go so well. Let's just say Amazon has a camera and microphone on its way...<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ju3_oMbAyM8/XoCaNqu-0XI/AAAAAAAAFos/ctsheiwHLTAWA5MFa8r4y75Z-6Y4Wu_RQCEwYBhgLKskDAMBZVoDOdkmYUPyEQyd4UrX87F2IB4chckqJ0XKP-1Oln7-mQnGDrKgFMxhGng1ip-3K3YvJUwZHdik_4VWIL8BL3-o4JY8JXfnjQzs3lqGhj2U6NX5uMB4qsQXMPuFs4Nn4gZZR1RoAfjaVY-u1TLykkA_hvUFO3Wve91B73tY-QTtOSDVOKC60Xj_8ZbwOcuJZLCgNb2dbHIMMfpf9_AYN0sVDtriyRqA0u52N1uN18wKCoZaYmXWgXQBF4AYSYJIYixSWEkhLhtyghylCxlMLxCMewAdoQyr2IL_H8OYUCt1kkZoBHDh00LdxOL86DaKqhesG6kZ7DZS0OR7NjmWP_O9LW9Y5Qe-dRhO89qA8SQT7bQLcnIWpvbpGwDsd7PD1-pxQ_pkppxsGTGgxFyHktjNvz-oI2DBqmZZrWj4OxhlKqEqDDQ2vCxDt-olyK9g8xHTvtceNMj2j1rLUaTXWNDXF5CJOYXmuAnIVM1uS7zt0clGVDdNpqJwYh_iU_wVAqx-zL9pU2jqhIsyDKZLW29tAWT0TolKzQAp-u5c42ToCpLar4V9NShnvddBJ1z6RUDcjp-8YVAdqX5tI8JRDjsd6wvWlcjCWyIL0BQ/s1600/BDAY%2Bparty.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="653" data-original-width="1600" height="162" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ju3_oMbAyM8/XoCaNqu-0XI/AAAAAAAAFos/ctsheiwHLTAWA5MFa8r4y75Z-6Y4Wu_RQCEwYBhgLKskDAMBZVoDOdkmYUPyEQyd4UrX87F2IB4chckqJ0XKP-1Oln7-mQnGDrKgFMxhGng1ip-3K3YvJUwZHdik_4VWIL8BL3-o4JY8JXfnjQzs3lqGhj2U6NX5uMB4qsQXMPuFs4Nn4gZZR1RoAfjaVY-u1TLykkA_hvUFO3Wve91B73tY-QTtOSDVOKC60Xj_8ZbwOcuJZLCgNb2dbHIMMfpf9_AYN0sVDtriyRqA0u52N1uN18wKCoZaYmXWgXQBF4AYSYJIYixSWEkhLhtyghylCxlMLxCMewAdoQyr2IL_H8OYUCt1kkZoBHDh00LdxOL86DaKqhesG6kZ7DZS0OR7NjmWP_O9LW9Y5Qe-dRhO89qA8SQT7bQLcnIWpvbpGwDsd7PD1-pxQ_pkppxsGTGgxFyHktjNvz-oI2DBqmZZrWj4OxhlKqEqDDQ2vCxDt-olyK9g8xHTvtceNMj2j1rLUaTXWNDXF5CJOYXmuAnIVM1uS7zt0clGVDdNpqJwYh_iU_wVAqx-zL9pU2jqhIsyDKZLW29tAWT0TolKzQAp-u5c42ToCpLar4V9NShnvddBJ1z6RUDcjp-8YVAdqX5tI8JRDjsd6wvWlcjCWyIL0BQ/s400/BDAY%2Bparty.png" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
Yesterday was pretty much a do nothing day. Our school librarian sent out a link to <a href="https://www.scribd.com/readfree?utm_source=readfree" target="_blank">SCRIBD</a>, a free online library. (Free for 30 days, anyway.) I downloaded the app and set myself up with an account. There are sooo many books from which to choose. I didn't know where to start, so I picked one out and started reading.<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-wW7yQ-uaNJs/XoCj-hQ5EHI/AAAAAAAAFpI/Lij4iMlHjWQ6zXzI62KtERfULo6UiAQ8wCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/WalkAway.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1053" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-wW7yQ-uaNJs/XoCj-hQ5EHI/AAAAAAAAFpI/Lij4iMlHjWQ6zXzI62KtERfULo6UiAQ8wCLcBGAsYHQ/s320/WalkAway.jpg" width="210" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">"An unforgettable love story about finding joy even in the darkest of circumstances."</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
Yesterday morning, I laid in bed all morning to finish the book. All morning in bed. I don't know when the last time was I just read.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-YO0sWvwy3Ms/XoCaHJ8_d8I/AAAAAAAAFok/QTe8UQVjvCg-2UM3I8c45lFkjBt2gDq1ACEwYBhgLKskDAMBZVoDOdkmYUPyEQyd4UrX87F2IB4chckqJ0XKP-1Oln7-mQnGDrKgFMxhGng1ip-3K3YvJUwZHdik_4VWIL8BL3-o4JY8JXfnjQzs3lqGhj2U6NX5uMB4qsQXMPuFs4Nn4gZZR1RoAfjaVY-u1TLykkA_hvUFO3Wve91B73tY-QTtOSDVOKC60Xj_8ZbwOcuJZLCgNb2dbHIMMfpf9_AYN0sVDtriyRqA0u52N1uN18wKCoZaYmXWgXQBF4AYSYJIYixSWEkhLhtyghylCxlMLxCMewAdoQyr2IL_H8OYUCt1kkZoBHDh00LdxOL86DaKqhesG6kZ7DZS0OR7NjmWP_O9LW9Y5Qe-dRhO89qA8SQT7bQLcnIWpvbpGwDsd7PD1-pxQ_pkppxsGTGgxFyHktjNvz-oI2DBqmZZrWj4OxhlKqEqDDQ2vCxDt-olyK9g8xHTvtceNMj2j1rLUaTXWNDXF5CJOYXmuAnIVM1uS7zt0clGVDdNpqJwYh_iU_wVAqx-zL9pU2jqhIsyDKZLW29tAWT0TolKzQAp-u5c42ToCpLar4V9NShnvddBJ1z6RUDcjp-8YVAdqX5tI8JRDjsd6wvWlcjCWyIL0BQ/s1600/IMG_1505.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-YO0sWvwy3Ms/XoCaHJ8_d8I/AAAAAAAAFok/QTe8UQVjvCg-2UM3I8c45lFkjBt2gDq1ACEwYBhgLKskDAMBZVoDOdkmYUPyEQyd4UrX87F2IB4chckqJ0XKP-1Oln7-mQnGDrKgFMxhGng1ip-3K3YvJUwZHdik_4VWIL8BL3-o4JY8JXfnjQzs3lqGhj2U6NX5uMB4qsQXMPuFs4Nn4gZZR1RoAfjaVY-u1TLykkA_hvUFO3Wve91B73tY-QTtOSDVOKC60Xj_8ZbwOcuJZLCgNb2dbHIMMfpf9_AYN0sVDtriyRqA0u52N1uN18wKCoZaYmXWgXQBF4AYSYJIYixSWEkhLhtyghylCxlMLxCMewAdoQyr2IL_H8OYUCt1kkZoBHDh00LdxOL86DaKqhesG6kZ7DZS0OR7NjmWP_O9LW9Y5Qe-dRhO89qA8SQT7bQLcnIWpvbpGwDsd7PD1-pxQ_pkppxsGTGgxFyHktjNvz-oI2DBqmZZrWj4OxhlKqEqDDQ2vCxDt-olyK9g8xHTvtceNMj2j1rLUaTXWNDXF5CJOYXmuAnIVM1uS7zt0clGVDdNpqJwYh_iU_wVAqx-zL9pU2jqhIsyDKZLW29tAWT0TolKzQAp-u5c42ToCpLar4V9NShnvddBJ1z6RUDcjp-8YVAdqX5tI8JRDjsd6wvWlcjCWyIL0BQ/s320/IMG_1505.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Let's be clear about something. I don't read. I mean, I know how to read. But I just don't. Growing up, I hated "forced reading" so much that it completely soured me. In 2014 I went back to school to get my CAGS in School Administration (which I earned in 2016) and completely stopped reading for pleasure. Times have changed, though. So I decided to make the most of it. I liked the book. I could relate to the character. It made me cry. It was somewhat therapeutic. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
</div>
<span style="color: blue;"><span style="color: #444444; font-size: large;">Today's Meditations</span></span><br />
<span style="color: blue;"><br /></span>
<span style="color: blue;"><span style="color: #0b5394; font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><i>Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.</i></span></span><br />
<span style="color: blue;"><span style="color: #0b5394; font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Philippians 4:6-7 ESV</span></span>
<span style="color: blue;"><span style="color: #444444;"><br /></span></span>
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><i><a href="https://youtu.be/lA7n7TwPDmw" target="_blank">Joy</a> </i>by for King & Country</span></div>
<span style="color: blue;"></span><br />
<span style="color: blue;"><span style="color: #444444;">The video starts with an eery prediction of our "current situation." There is a news broadcast of <i>Mega Storm Hercules...</i>the "<i>storm"</i> of the century, which has completely paralyzed our nation. Substitute Coronavirus Pandemic and it feels all too familiar.</span></span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<iframe allowfullscreen="" class="YOUTUBE-iframe-video" data-thumbnail-src="https://i.ytimg.com/vi/lA7n7TwPDmw/0.jpg" frameborder="0" height="266" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/lA7n7TwPDmw?feature=player_embedded" width="320"></iframe></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<b style="color: #444444;">Verse 1:</b><span style="color: #444444;"> </span><i style="color: #444444;">Lately I've been reeling, watching the nightly news</i></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: blue;"><span style="color: #444444;"><i>Don't seem to find the rhythm, just wanna sing the blues</i></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: blue;"><span style="color: #444444;"><i>Feels like a song that never stops</i></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: blue;"><span style="color: #444444;"><i>Feels like it's never gonna...</i></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: blue;"><span style="color: #444444;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: blue;"><span style="color: #444444;"><b>Chorus: </b> <i>Oh, hear my prayer tonight, I'm singing to the sky</i></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: blue;"><span style="color: #444444;"><i>Give me strength to raise my voice, let me testify</i></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: blue;"><span style="color: #444444;"><i>Oh, hear my prayer tonight, 'cause this is do or die</i></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: blue;"><span style="color: #444444;"><i>The time has come to make a choice</i></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: blue;"><span style="color: #444444;"><i>And I choose joy</i></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: blue;"><span style="color: #444444;"><i>Let it move you, let it move you</i></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: blue;"><span style="color: #444444;"><i>Yeah, I choose joy</i></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: blue;"><span style="color: #444444;"><i>Let it move you, let it move you, let it move you.</i></span></span></div>
<span style="color: blue;"><span style="color: #444444;"><br /></span></span><span style="color: blue;"><br /></span><span style="color: blue;">How are you and your family dealing with this pandemic?</span><br />
<span style="color: blue;">Feel free to share your updates with me, either in the comments or by <a href="mailto:tracoleman99@gmail.com" target="_blank">message</a>.</span><br />
<br />
My daily posts since my "Coronavirus Staycation" began:<br />
<a href="https://traceyfit.blogspot.com/2020/03/coronavirus-staycation-day-1.html" target="_blank">Day 1: Boo boo paw</a><br />
<a href="https://traceyfit.blogspot.com/2020/03/day-2-of-my-coronavirus-staycation.html" target="_blank">Day 2: Let the projects begin</a><br />
<a href="https://traceyfit.blogspot.com/2020/03/day-3.html" target="_blank">Day 3: A photo journal</a><br />
<a href="https://traceyfit.blogspot.com/2020/03/coronavirus-staycation-day-4.html" target="_blank">Day 4: Love wins</a><br />
<a href="https://traceyfit.blogspot.com/2020/03/finally-saturday.html" target="_blank">Finally Saturday: It's starting to get to me</a><br />
<a href="https://traceyfit.blogspot.com/2020/03/the-long-haul.html" target="_blank">The Long Haul: Be strong & courageous</a><br />
<a href="https://traceyfit.blogspot.com/2020/03/who-made-clouds.html" target="_blank">Who Made the Clouds? Day</a> 7<br />
<a href="https://traceyfit.blogspot.com/2020/03/time-out.html" target="_blank">Time Out: Day 8</a><br />
<a href="https://traceyfit.blogspot.com/2020/03/fever-cough-shortness-of-breath.html" target="_blank">Fever, Cough & Shortness of Breath (Day 9)</a><br />
<a href="https://traceyfit.blogspot.com/2020/03/may-4.html" target="_blank">May 4: Days 10, 11 & 12</a><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://www.instagram.com/traceyfitlife" target="_blank"><img border="0" data-original-height="59" data-original-width="59" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-zfnUtBsC_Eg/WsjDHeF4eoI/AAAAAAAAEWc/tAfEDGRsFpw1z1BGc0HNoOxiOt2fQLpGACPcBGAYYCw/s1600/instagram-colourful-icon.png" /></a> <a href="mailto:tracoleman99@gmail.com" target="_blank"><img border="0" data-original-height="86" data-original-width="83" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-VFlTMoyNXgs/WsjDHXhKPCI/AAAAAAAAEWg/zac1ohBaOI8RnNwxU00J04jtCZffW2ovACPcBGAYYCw/s1600/GMail-Android-R.0.png" /></a></div>
Tracey Colemanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11202001956775683301noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6459494285252158805.post-9308733294190044302020-03-27T20:20:00.003-07:002020-03-28T05:09:39.210-07:00May 4This week all "this" became real. On Wednesday, Governor Charlie Baker announced that schools in Massachusetts will be closed until May 4.<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><i>May 4</i></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://www.wwlp.com/news/massachusetts/watch-live-governor-baker-to-provide-residents-with-coronavirus-update-wednesday-afternoon" target="_blank"><img border="0" data-original-height="516" data-original-width="770" height="214" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-o3hAiyYh8kM/Xn6igpna6YI/AAAAAAAAFmU/WUXUFXnfakgq9u--sEfr6WsXZYgbXE9QwCEwYBhgLKskDAMBZVoAt1bzfCbDSQHNW0JqX8jh2ayEx4UEM2qli7yLBFqpKnRsCwXRuvg3HXtsiEq26jYw5MmJUhw4Hmgjho8E7dFaog6F8DsT-0kQesX9H-ppzrZf4R4IKsgtra2vuVcJaNtJaGDDFRJJW8ptavmSNiXtvQvMFxYFA3xv0ilP_swIqF1gSSPj3Rh_pt5e4VjPnNWyWl3fwthdgOSoegaCF1OOtUs5dULRJZLDcgkBk8yhDR0blCUAPVk1k5ZGNGYZvuSNUqxyKft_FFzL3lsIzqv_Q3OR2Iy-C02IBdOYsY4bmLfMZV_VrQuKLeHDxx1IsxRbAII8zU8BZ3c0SqZU533Q_Kweotk7G0nm3yMW0i58D_cCHkpOI0wjAficIzYOgbxzg15pcuvpEmvpv5TuuoLkn3k_cPcqHY0GVCwi2gNROoIpBbUr1WiIvqbhgNvIyy2U0D25s71Txfa5c35wuTTo2ApBXS1tKl2NOjJco-If792GzN-Hv6QBBGQmWHu8go8R5e_9DZnK8o8c_ObwYwmxk2nKirHW8b2u325hn_qGceHGza1TkHWdbpnsIfjtVimlDNqLCgtYlU57IQdFcdSOjwKE08zCqyvrzBQ/s320/May4.png" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i>He. said. May 4. May 4.</i></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
If that wasn't bad enough, yesterday the Red Sox posted this on their <a href="https://www.instagram.com/redsox" target="_blank">Instagram</a> account.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/B-MqEylAwhM/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link" target="_blank"><img border="0" data-original-height="753" data-original-width="750" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-C1Dn_fjbR2c/Xn6ifnwxitI/AAAAAAAAFnk/nPKwAkHsk0kV48uf8w5kj3Vydm4oDMQlwCEwYBhgLKskDAMBZVoCk-4k78moGqP4WUSVADY-X5RAGXYaRrmv_EF3EWTnHmXhtbokIJiQA75p8qtUw4iB7b6a_i9JVenj7Gf_GIgjSwnRtLHtLBTh_6ARH7pghA8EEbLnkeuaBek3ZN2kHcdpP4VVh4KGIWQXpyybzeLwWA2wqLIVYTbv_8wkyQNqSEhp20ZHxk2Ft-KJlmi-dGBHMdXDwgqgyJZgXXJkrKo-5RRU26caJW8JjdWVH--YHYlgpZzRurrmEl0asfUtRnEAOE-NS-ouxhgD7ikitJideeD8_euRDpUNujwUP5N96FaezDJ1HRVm6oWnL86JyL56tRgRtwRMStCZFovDI245eIBgU9Q1VLXqrVLvDp39-49ivcqjtnC1UPIrRZsdfTyLGWQCNoghyc8vinWMU7dG-V2xE5NIHIwKMxXsGRnO18VJ8F_1JrJ1gci72PXhGOoOV7JMqQfj8P37C_Orex4Y7Tl1T_ZgW1a7KVERe_W4HpXwJoWrHr8aNvFlQ_sF7GK6_5ectUk76_8L5Kk2pLS7uzrpWyPUjgoW3XkhOWyXcvcYzIlsTITwfXKCMxpLTmsu2CkhpC9N2XBNPANwbQhzA49vKVzD2zPrzBQ/s320/IMG_1497.jpg" width="318" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
I read the entire post to Brian (he doesn't really do social media). As I read it, I started to lose it. Tears over baseball. I don't really even like Baseball. In fact, I tell most people that I'm a "baseball widow" because Brian watches every Sox game. Every game. Yet here I am, crying over the loss of Opening Day.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
It's all just too much for me.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
The Olympics is postponed until 2021. School is cancelled until May 4 (possibly later). Opening Day is cancelled. Will the season be cancelled? Oh, yeah and on St. Patrick's Day, Tom Brady announced he is leaving the Patriots. I know that was last week, but still. It's all just too much.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-TxjXvnP3uNs/Xn6if1CKcBI/AAAAAAAAFnY/20SRG_SYhjgDQXvSNLnK8E2GIabjfTn4ACEwYBhgLKskDAMBZVoBfhdFZXpg7ZMnmCliIv8lL4WstFyyf1kR2vdi5kQGH6u9kiAbBDH4QFPB1LllZO-XojmtZHbzX8G1fb4LZV6Mhr6iB5m4QvjsCwQSVXI_PB28Q5HPN9Zc5ytO7twhrzdmhCXDSIAZqpoOxrdMvnchiyiNA71Q_1KHiWTms4P3xhYx-a3ZMIbPwpMncRCc93X7xPCM80f4MNS54l_-gSlrGAavLE_8AyjVddPzgzxrgMR8sCakubDUr-EuVDOyvoezspCJVOcLCUEtaia3ouT77L2CpyKvDxLsh37UyogiM9GYfPIXQl6C9LsjiS4KK1atw3iLPR_zX_W-gy3UHt_jnsZgOGACsNa66W9VgXbEVCYhdKV4P92crsn6i0_FdzRStTbrgaTtpEDe7opbeCjVOAPuQkGzXWfsgF_LyXDCPwlBwep7uVGl4ZAUH9BT--rdHNQhO7O-fKO4siSc4GiDYbR_LiXOBiViTYzAbj07VzBez0zgsauXw_YiP_-aI2lf3fZbLNIkeBuXtb2cwaqsAnObIIQK4m_oBrFp8n6kdYz59QwtHZb8T2iVENI8KiTl5r1veDEfd-rIh0e-eSWShTqnb1DCX1PrzBQ/s1600/IMG_1499.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="780" data-original-width="640" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-TxjXvnP3uNs/Xn6if1CKcBI/AAAAAAAAFnY/20SRG_SYhjgDQXvSNLnK8E2GIabjfTn4ACEwYBhgLKskDAMBZVoBfhdFZXpg7ZMnmCliIv8lL4WstFyyf1kR2vdi5kQGH6u9kiAbBDH4QFPB1LllZO-XojmtZHbzX8G1fb4LZV6Mhr6iB5m4QvjsCwQSVXI_PB28Q5HPN9Zc5ytO7twhrzdmhCXDSIAZqpoOxrdMvnchiyiNA71Q_1KHiWTms4P3xhYx-a3ZMIbPwpMncRCc93X7xPCM80f4MNS54l_-gSlrGAavLE_8AyjVddPzgzxrgMR8sCakubDUr-EuVDOyvoezspCJVOcLCUEtaia3ouT77L2CpyKvDxLsh37UyogiM9GYfPIXQl6C9LsjiS4KK1atw3iLPR_zX_W-gy3UHt_jnsZgOGACsNa66W9VgXbEVCYhdKV4P92crsn6i0_FdzRStTbrgaTtpEDe7opbeCjVOAPuQkGzXWfsgF_LyXDCPwlBwep7uVGl4ZAUH9BT--rdHNQhO7O-fKO4siSc4GiDYbR_LiXOBiViTYzAbj07VzBez0zgsauXw_YiP_-aI2lf3fZbLNIkeBuXtb2cwaqsAnObIIQK4m_oBrFp8n6kdYz59QwtHZb8T2iVENI8KiTl5r1veDEfd-rIh0e-eSWShTqnb1DCX1PrzBQ/s320/IMG_1499.JPG" width="262" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
So, today is Day 12 of my "Coronavirus Staycation." It's also the last time I will call it a "Staycation" because, if you haven't noticed, I haven't been posted anything since Wednesday. Now that school is closed indefinitely (or at least until May 4), our district is in full drive. It's no longer just emails to answer and an occasional report to file, it's a full blown effort for everyone to figure out how to provide the students we serve with the education they deserve. There are so many questions and we are all just trying to figure it out.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Moving forward, I will continue to post updates, probably not as often. But I won't be calling "this" a "staycation" anymore.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="color: #444444;">May 4. School is closed until May 4. <i>(Maybe longer?)</i></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><i>Is there hope in the madness?</i></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
So while the world seems to be spinning out of control, how do you find hope? How do you smile when everything is bleak? Since the coronavirus scare started, before it was categorized as a Pandemic, I've consistently said "Let's just focus on today and not worry about tomorrow. Tomorrow has enough of it's own worries." This is loosely based on the words of Christ from the book of Matthew. Yesterday I was reminded of these words when my church posted this on their <a href="https://www.facebook.com/evangelassemblyma/" target="_blank">Facebook page</a>: </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<i><span style="color: #073763;">"Look at the birds of the air: they neither sow nor reap nor gather into barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not of more value than they? </span></i></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<i><span style="color: #073763;">But seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be added to you. </span></i></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<i><span style="color: #073763;">"Therefore do not be anxious about tomorrow, for tomorrow will be anxious for itself. Sufficient for the day is its own trouble."</span></i></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="color: #073763;">Matthew 6:26, 33-34</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://www.facebook.com/evangelassemblyma/" target="_blank"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="960" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Dzv8MfnqaDw/Xn6ibbwnOJI/AAAAAAAAFns/Cw_xupXmFu0dkNXRuhvIfxSHfDPYLh_UwCEwYBhgLKskDAMBZVoBfhdFZXpg7ZMnmCliIv8lL4WstFyyf1kR2vdi5kQGH6u9kiAbBDH4QFPB1LllZO-XojmtZHbzX8G1fb4LZV6Mhr6iB5m4QvjsCwQSVXI_PB28Q5HPN9Zc5ytO7twhrzdmhCXDSIAZqpoOxrdMvnchiyiNA71Q_1KHiWTms4P3xhYx-a3ZMIbPwpMncRCc93X7xPCM80f4MNS54l_-gSlrGAavLE_8AyjVddPzgzxrgMR8sCakubDUr-EuVDOyvoezspCJVOcLCUEtaia3ouT77L2CpyKvDxLsh37UyogiM9GYfPIXQl6C9LsjiS4KK1atw3iLPR_zX_W-gy3UHt_jnsZgOGACsNa66W9VgXbEVCYhdKV4P92crsn6i0_FdzRStTbrgaTtpEDe7opbeCjVOAPuQkGzXWfsgF_LyXDCPwlBwep7uVGl4ZAUH9BT--rdHNQhO7O-fKO4siSc4GiDYbR_LiXOBiViTYzAbj07VzBez0zgsauXw_YiP_-aI2lf3fZbLNIkeBuXtb2cwaqsAnObIIQK4m_oBrFp8n6kdYz59QwtHZb8T2iVENI8KiTl5r1veDEfd-rIh0e-eSWShTqnb1DCX1PrzBQ/s320/IMG_1465.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
For me, when "all of this" starts getting to me, I realize that it's okay to feel the feeling and acknowledge the loss. But to be careful to not dwell on it. And to be grateful. Grateful for all I do have. Good health. A job where I can continue to work. Long walks with Leia. Spring. My family. My friends. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-w5PMs2sJ3UM/Xn6ibV9faEI/AAAAAAAAFnU/63v6ujxNY3UFzkgFpM6fo0kL3eUxYG41gCEwYBhgLKskDAMBZVoBfhdFZXpg7ZMnmCliIv8lL4WstFyyf1kR2vdi5kQGH6u9kiAbBDH4QFPB1LllZO-XojmtZHbzX8G1fb4LZV6Mhr6iB5m4QvjsCwQSVXI_PB28Q5HPN9Zc5ytO7twhrzdmhCXDSIAZqpoOxrdMvnchiyiNA71Q_1KHiWTms4P3xhYx-a3ZMIbPwpMncRCc93X7xPCM80f4MNS54l_-gSlrGAavLE_8AyjVddPzgzxrgMR8sCakubDUr-EuVDOyvoezspCJVOcLCUEtaia3ouT77L2CpyKvDxLsh37UyogiM9GYfPIXQl6C9LsjiS4KK1atw3iLPR_zX_W-gy3UHt_jnsZgOGACsNa66W9VgXbEVCYhdKV4P92crsn6i0_FdzRStTbrgaTtpEDe7opbeCjVOAPuQkGzXWfsgF_LyXDCPwlBwep7uVGl4ZAUH9BT--rdHNQhO7O-fKO4siSc4GiDYbR_LiXOBiViTYzAbj07VzBez0zgsauXw_YiP_-aI2lf3fZbLNIkeBuXtb2cwaqsAnObIIQK4m_oBrFp8n6kdYz59QwtHZb8T2iVENI8KiTl5r1veDEfd-rIh0e-eSWShTqnb1DCX1PrzBQ/s1600/IMG_1466.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="1080" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-w5PMs2sJ3UM/Xn6ibV9faEI/AAAAAAAAFnU/63v6ujxNY3UFzkgFpM6fo0kL3eUxYG41gCEwYBhgLKskDAMBZVoBfhdFZXpg7ZMnmCliIv8lL4WstFyyf1kR2vdi5kQGH6u9kiAbBDH4QFPB1LllZO-XojmtZHbzX8G1fb4LZV6Mhr6iB5m4QvjsCwQSVXI_PB28Q5HPN9Zc5ytO7twhrzdmhCXDSIAZqpoOxrdMvnchiyiNA71Q_1KHiWTms4P3xhYx-a3ZMIbPwpMncRCc93X7xPCM80f4MNS54l_-gSlrGAavLE_8AyjVddPzgzxrgMR8sCakubDUr-EuVDOyvoezspCJVOcLCUEtaia3ouT77L2CpyKvDxLsh37UyogiM9GYfPIXQl6C9LsjiS4KK1atw3iLPR_zX_W-gy3UHt_jnsZgOGACsNa66W9VgXbEVCYhdKV4P92crsn6i0_FdzRStTbrgaTtpEDe7opbeCjVOAPuQkGzXWfsgF_LyXDCPwlBwep7uVGl4ZAUH9BT--rdHNQhO7O-fKO4siSc4GiDYbR_LiXOBiViTYzAbj07VzBez0zgsauXw_YiP_-aI2lf3fZbLNIkeBuXtb2cwaqsAnObIIQK4m_oBrFp8n6kdYz59QwtHZb8T2iVENI8KiTl5r1veDEfd-rIh0e-eSWShTqnb1DCX1PrzBQ/s320/IMG_1466.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
By the way, I really could use a hug.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<b style="font-size: x-large;">Speaking of being grateful... </b></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Dv68nGLDktA/Xn6ioXZM_hI/AAAAAAAAFno/MW-JSVzazcAcer5OXYiIYdcUoyoYY6shACEwYBhgLKskDAMBZVoC4smkiWQPm0tMn_YR2yl66GxBm5VsJg14n0hSfHWc9HdOylKwFZEjwdv6IlOzp4VovUujFJvtn-HjWlCpJVAfSk_OCPDObHsD_P5H7PwFE7nRX9TrDni91qedLiRKIYKRZJrMfVCkvH_uHfLCEfPBoifI30qXW82OPJ6yL6-S6mGeN8fBLoRmgQ8uEKFT0GbHGGIaFuuUObcmxxEaHCqko8f_uPXiS2UkZNj_uXTjkVvvRXMWNtOkVHjcsApYSfz9QQfkvYRXdzxvzRi0BBbQ56h6EnYP5YPy7Opml3n465EautkaniU4N26Qm6rmVJpdpoJ_sSVtqFKzjYsY7EheOzoy_OxXPprqleYmJz3yEdzgTgfgEBn7sWRKCgQb7sKa89XjiWoDgbn8sJp3gFDgcBCOV1oOB3poWFrzKaOQqRpkyS13ysEbdOuRj7SJVJGga-BZsGCFUA42REjnY7bT7x4U5-sFfM_kSrmNEJtQJtp75Q29Gs6Wro7LoJRxCMxwTM0y03IYLRRidqpCe35YdKngvmpHSOUkGS987AD60wBaHpG6GbnoI9UgV50i-Hpe53fHOlcxFqUBBB7yrjh5cFb86fjDS8vrzBQ/s1600/Wipes.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Dv68nGLDktA/Xn6ioXZM_hI/AAAAAAAAFno/MW-JSVzazcAcer5OXYiIYdcUoyoYY6shACEwYBhgLKskDAMBZVoC4smkiWQPm0tMn_YR2yl66GxBm5VsJg14n0hSfHWc9HdOylKwFZEjwdv6IlOzp4VovUujFJvtn-HjWlCpJVAfSk_OCPDObHsD_P5H7PwFE7nRX9TrDni91qedLiRKIYKRZJrMfVCkvH_uHfLCEfPBoifI30qXW82OPJ6yL6-S6mGeN8fBLoRmgQ8uEKFT0GbHGGIaFuuUObcmxxEaHCqko8f_uPXiS2UkZNj_uXTjkVvvRXMWNtOkVHjcsApYSfz9QQfkvYRXdzxvzRi0BBbQ56h6EnYP5YPy7Opml3n465EautkaniU4N26Qm6rmVJpdpoJ_sSVtqFKzjYsY7EheOzoy_OxXPprqleYmJz3yEdzgTgfgEBn7sWRKCgQb7sKa89XjiWoDgbn8sJp3gFDgcBCOV1oOB3poWFrzKaOQqRpkyS13ysEbdOuRj7SJVJGga-BZsGCFUA42REjnY7bT7x4U5-sFfM_kSrmNEJtQJtp75Q29Gs6Wro7LoJRxCMxwTM0y03IYLRRidqpCe35YdKngvmpHSOUkGS987AD60wBaHpG6GbnoI9UgV50i-Hpe53fHOlcxFqUBBB7yrjh5cFb86fjDS8vrzBQ/s320/Wipes.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
I found these under the bathroom sink. Score!</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<b style="font-size: x-large;">Laundry: The Neverending Story.</b></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-nHlmdo-e8kY/Xn6icLzQvrI/AAAAAAAAFnc/YIBNnOIOCsQkgVyfI6PIiJJ8tYI7jAixwCEwYBhgLKskDAMBZVoBfhdFZXpg7ZMnmCliIv8lL4WstFyyf1kR2vdi5kQGH6u9kiAbBDH4QFPB1LllZO-XojmtZHbzX8G1fb4LZV6Mhr6iB5m4QvjsCwQSVXI_PB28Q5HPN9Zc5ytO7twhrzdmhCXDSIAZqpoOxrdMvnchiyiNA71Q_1KHiWTms4P3xhYx-a3ZMIbPwpMncRCc93X7xPCM80f4MNS54l_-gSlrGAavLE_8AyjVddPzgzxrgMR8sCakubDUr-EuVDOyvoezspCJVOcLCUEtaia3ouT77L2CpyKvDxLsh37UyogiM9GYfPIXQl6C9LsjiS4KK1atw3iLPR_zX_W-gy3UHt_jnsZgOGACsNa66W9VgXbEVCYhdKV4P92crsn6i0_FdzRStTbrgaTtpEDe7opbeCjVOAPuQkGzXWfsgF_LyXDCPwlBwep7uVGl4ZAUH9BT--rdHNQhO7O-fKO4siSc4GiDYbR_LiXOBiViTYzAbj07VzBez0zgsauXw_YiP_-aI2lf3fZbLNIkeBuXtb2cwaqsAnObIIQK4m_oBrFp8n6kdYz59QwtHZb8T2iVENI8KiTl5r1veDEfd-rIh0e-eSWShTqnb1DCX1PrzBQ/s1600/IMG_1468.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1544" data-original-width="1158" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-nHlmdo-e8kY/Xn6icLzQvrI/AAAAAAAAFnc/YIBNnOIOCsQkgVyfI6PIiJJ8tYI7jAixwCEwYBhgLKskDAMBZVoBfhdFZXpg7ZMnmCliIv8lL4WstFyyf1kR2vdi5kQGH6u9kiAbBDH4QFPB1LllZO-XojmtZHbzX8G1fb4LZV6Mhr6iB5m4QvjsCwQSVXI_PB28Q5HPN9Zc5ytO7twhrzdmhCXDSIAZqpoOxrdMvnchiyiNA71Q_1KHiWTms4P3xhYx-a3ZMIbPwpMncRCc93X7xPCM80f4MNS54l_-gSlrGAavLE_8AyjVddPzgzxrgMR8sCakubDUr-EuVDOyvoezspCJVOcLCUEtaia3ouT77L2CpyKvDxLsh37UyogiM9GYfPIXQl6C9LsjiS4KK1atw3iLPR_zX_W-gy3UHt_jnsZgOGACsNa66W9VgXbEVCYhdKV4P92crsn6i0_FdzRStTbrgaTtpEDe7opbeCjVOAPuQkGzXWfsgF_LyXDCPwlBwep7uVGl4ZAUH9BT--rdHNQhO7O-fKO4siSc4GiDYbR_LiXOBiViTYzAbj07VzBez0zgsauXw_YiP_-aI2lf3fZbLNIkeBuXtb2cwaqsAnObIIQK4m_oBrFp8n6kdYz59QwtHZb8T2iVENI8KiTl5r1veDEfd-rIh0e-eSWShTqnb1DCX1PrzBQ/s320/IMG_1468.jpg" width="239" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
What happens when you don't fold or put the laundry away for two days.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-FZGYRVMnaY0/Xn6iff3mFQI/AAAAAAAAFnU/gBqgRsj3R_AJaEmsdUuKmoNuC20vCU8bwCEwYBhgLKskDAMBZVoBfhdFZXpg7ZMnmCliIv8lL4WstFyyf1kR2vdi5kQGH6u9kiAbBDH4QFPB1LllZO-XojmtZHbzX8G1fb4LZV6Mhr6iB5m4QvjsCwQSVXI_PB28Q5HPN9Zc5ytO7twhrzdmhCXDSIAZqpoOxrdMvnchiyiNA71Q_1KHiWTms4P3xhYx-a3ZMIbPwpMncRCc93X7xPCM80f4MNS54l_-gSlrGAavLE_8AyjVddPzgzxrgMR8sCakubDUr-EuVDOyvoezspCJVOcLCUEtaia3ouT77L2CpyKvDxLsh37UyogiM9GYfPIXQl6C9LsjiS4KK1atw3iLPR_zX_W-gy3UHt_jnsZgOGACsNa66W9VgXbEVCYhdKV4P92crsn6i0_FdzRStTbrgaTtpEDe7opbeCjVOAPuQkGzXWfsgF_LyXDCPwlBwep7uVGl4ZAUH9BT--rdHNQhO7O-fKO4siSc4GiDYbR_LiXOBiViTYzAbj07VzBez0zgsauXw_YiP_-aI2lf3fZbLNIkeBuXtb2cwaqsAnObIIQK4m_oBrFp8n6kdYz59QwtHZb8T2iVENI8KiTl5r1veDEfd-rIh0e-eSWShTqnb1DCX1PrzBQ/s1600/IMG_1496.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-FZGYRVMnaY0/Xn6iff3mFQI/AAAAAAAAFnU/gBqgRsj3R_AJaEmsdUuKmoNuC20vCU8bwCEwYBhgLKskDAMBZVoBfhdFZXpg7ZMnmCliIv8lL4WstFyyf1kR2vdi5kQGH6u9kiAbBDH4QFPB1LllZO-XojmtZHbzX8G1fb4LZV6Mhr6iB5m4QvjsCwQSVXI_PB28Q5HPN9Zc5ytO7twhrzdmhCXDSIAZqpoOxrdMvnchiyiNA71Q_1KHiWTms4P3xhYx-a3ZMIbPwpMncRCc93X7xPCM80f4MNS54l_-gSlrGAavLE_8AyjVddPzgzxrgMR8sCakubDUr-EuVDOyvoezspCJVOcLCUEtaia3ouT77L2CpyKvDxLsh37UyogiM9GYfPIXQl6C9LsjiS4KK1atw3iLPR_zX_W-gy3UHt_jnsZgOGACsNa66W9VgXbEVCYhdKV4P92crsn6i0_FdzRStTbrgaTtpEDe7opbeCjVOAPuQkGzXWfsgF_LyXDCPwlBwep7uVGl4ZAUH9BT--rdHNQhO7O-fKO4siSc4GiDYbR_LiXOBiViTYzAbj07VzBez0zgsauXw_YiP_-aI2lf3fZbLNIkeBuXtb2cwaqsAnObIIQK4m_oBrFp8n6kdYz59QwtHZb8T2iVENI8KiTl5r1veDEfd-rIh0e-eSWShTqnb1DCX1PrzBQ/s320/IMG_1496.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="text-align: center;"> All folded. </span><i style="text-align: center;">(Full disclosure, it's still not put away!)</i></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i style="text-align: center;"><br /></i></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-wpKIq8fA37s/Xn63vj46-uI/AAAAAAAAFoA/__sIpzJnqDwLR-uuGmOaoHJRLGo0pqcrwCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/Laundry.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="489" data-original-width="377" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-wpKIq8fA37s/Xn63vj46-uI/AAAAAAAAFoA/__sIpzJnqDwLR-uuGmOaoHJRLGo0pqcrwCLcBGAsYHQ/s320/Laundry.jpg" width="246" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i style="text-align: center;"><br /></i></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><i>Speaking of the Never Ending Story</i></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-3sZfbwxIh8k/Xn6ikO3vk7I/AAAAAAAAFng/-6WA6CFC8_k-OMr7iyoMYi9a81MQ-cShQCEwYBhgLKskDAMBZVoC4smkiWQPm0tMn_YR2yl66GxBm5VsJg14n0hSfHWc9HdOylKwFZEjwdv6IlOzp4VovUujFJvtn-HjWlCpJVAfSk_OCPDObHsD_P5H7PwFE7nRX9TrDni91qedLiRKIYKRZJrMfVCkvH_uHfLCEfPBoifI30qXW82OPJ6yL6-S6mGeN8fBLoRmgQ8uEKFT0GbHGGIaFuuUObcmxxEaHCqko8f_uPXiS2UkZNj_uXTjkVvvRXMWNtOkVHjcsApYSfz9QQfkvYRXdzxvzRi0BBbQ56h6EnYP5YPy7Opml3n465EautkaniU4N26Qm6rmVJpdpoJ_sSVtqFKzjYsY7EheOzoy_OxXPprqleYmJz3yEdzgTgfgEBn7sWRKCgQb7sKa89XjiWoDgbn8sJp3gFDgcBCOV1oOB3poWFrzKaOQqRpkyS13ysEbdOuRj7SJVJGga-BZsGCFUA42REjnY7bT7x4U5-sFfM_kSrmNEJtQJtp75Q29Gs6Wro7LoJRxCMxwTM0y03IYLRRidqpCe35YdKngvmpHSOUkGS987AD60wBaHpG6GbnoI9UgV50i-Hpe53fHOlcxFqUBBB7yrjh5cFb86fjDS8vrzBQ/s1600/IMG_1416.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="254" data-original-width="720" height="112" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-3sZfbwxIh8k/Xn6ikO3vk7I/AAAAAAAAFng/-6WA6CFC8_k-OMr7iyoMYi9a81MQ-cShQCEwYBhgLKskDAMBZVoC4smkiWQPm0tMn_YR2yl66GxBm5VsJg14n0hSfHWc9HdOylKwFZEjwdv6IlOzp4VovUujFJvtn-HjWlCpJVAfSk_OCPDObHsD_P5H7PwFE7nRX9TrDni91qedLiRKIYKRZJrMfVCkvH_uHfLCEfPBoifI30qXW82OPJ6yL6-S6mGeN8fBLoRmgQ8uEKFT0GbHGGIaFuuUObcmxxEaHCqko8f_uPXiS2UkZNj_uXTjkVvvRXMWNtOkVHjcsApYSfz9QQfkvYRXdzxvzRi0BBbQ56h6EnYP5YPy7Opml3n465EautkaniU4N26Qm6rmVJpdpoJ_sSVtqFKzjYsY7EheOzoy_OxXPprqleYmJz3yEdzgTgfgEBn7sWRKCgQb7sKa89XjiWoDgbn8sJp3gFDgcBCOV1oOB3poWFrzKaOQqRpkyS13ysEbdOuRj7SJVJGga-BZsGCFUA42REjnY7bT7x4U5-sFfM_kSrmNEJtQJtp75Q29Gs6Wro7LoJRxCMxwTM0y03IYLRRidqpCe35YdKngvmpHSOUkGS987AD60wBaHpG6GbnoI9UgV50i-Hpe53fHOlcxFqUBBB7yrjh5cFb86fjDS8vrzBQ/s320/IMG_1416.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
I saw this on Facebook the other day, so I played along. I looked it up and it's "Endless Love" by Lionel Richie and Diana Ross. Someone commented, "Are you sure it's not more like the theme song from the Never Ending Story?" Laughter is the best medicine.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
This video will MOST definitely make you laugh:</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<iframe allowfullscreen="" class="YOUTUBE-iframe-video" data-thumbnail-src="https://i.ytimg.com/vi/M5azNpTwVk8/0.jpg" frameborder="0" height="266" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/M5azNpTwVk8?feature=player_embedded" width="320"></iframe></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i>Hello (from the Inside) An Adele Parody </i>by Chris Mann</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><i>Scenes from my walks with Leia</i></span></div>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-4gv4O9YxWFA/Xn6icab_ozI/AAAAAAAAFnU/ssj6FFtzmPgXd2v-Zfk_sLdhaESvZRhxgCEwYBhgLKskDAMBZVoC4smkiWQPm0tMn_YR2yl66GxBm5VsJg14n0hSfHWc9HdOylKwFZEjwdv6IlOzp4VovUujFJvtn-HjWlCpJVAfSk_OCPDObHsD_P5H7PwFE7nRX9TrDni91qedLiRKIYKRZJrMfVCkvH_uHfLCEfPBoifI30qXW82OPJ6yL6-S6mGeN8fBLoRmgQ8uEKFT0GbHGGIaFuuUObcmxxEaHCqko8f_uPXiS2UkZNj_uXTjkVvvRXMWNtOkVHjcsApYSfz9QQfkvYRXdzxvzRi0BBbQ56h6EnYP5YPy7Opml3n465EautkaniU4N26Qm6rmVJpdpoJ_sSVtqFKzjYsY7EheOzoy_OxXPprqleYmJz3yEdzgTgfgEBn7sWRKCgQb7sKa89XjiWoDgbn8sJp3gFDgcBCOV1oOB3poWFrzKaOQqRpkyS13ysEbdOuRj7SJVJGga-BZsGCFUA42REjnY7bT7x4U5-sFfM_kSrmNEJtQJtp75Q29Gs6Wro7LoJRxCMxwTM0y03IYLRRidqpCe35YdKngvmpHSOUkGS987AD60wBaHpG6GbnoI9UgV50i-Hpe53fHOlcxFqUBBB7yrjh5cFb86fjDS8vrzBQ/s1600/IMG_1469.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-4gv4O9YxWFA/Xn6icab_ozI/AAAAAAAAFnU/ssj6FFtzmPgXd2v-Zfk_sLdhaESvZRhxgCEwYBhgLKskDAMBZVoC4smkiWQPm0tMn_YR2yl66GxBm5VsJg14n0hSfHWc9HdOylKwFZEjwdv6IlOzp4VovUujFJvtn-HjWlCpJVAfSk_OCPDObHsD_P5H7PwFE7nRX9TrDni91qedLiRKIYKRZJrMfVCkvH_uHfLCEfPBoifI30qXW82OPJ6yL6-S6mGeN8fBLoRmgQ8uEKFT0GbHGGIaFuuUObcmxxEaHCqko8f_uPXiS2UkZNj_uXTjkVvvRXMWNtOkVHjcsApYSfz9QQfkvYRXdzxvzRi0BBbQ56h6EnYP5YPy7Opml3n465EautkaniU4N26Qm6rmVJpdpoJ_sSVtqFKzjYsY7EheOzoy_OxXPprqleYmJz3yEdzgTgfgEBn7sWRKCgQb7sKa89XjiWoDgbn8sJp3gFDgcBCOV1oOB3poWFrzKaOQqRpkyS13ysEbdOuRj7SJVJGga-BZsGCFUA42REjnY7bT7x4U5-sFfM_kSrmNEJtQJtp75Q29Gs6Wro7LoJRxCMxwTM0y03IYLRRidqpCe35YdKngvmpHSOUkGS987AD60wBaHpG6GbnoI9UgV50i-Hpe53fHOlcxFqUBBB7yrjh5cFb86fjDS8vrzBQ/s320/IMG_1469.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Waiting patiently for Momma</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/--UmNG1Lclms/Xn6inj4aSzI/AAAAAAAAFnk/HQzH0z5H5qosTXssVpS8TJkoul8Uw_LagCEwYBhgLKskDAMBZVoC4smkiWQPm0tMn_YR2yl66GxBm5VsJg14n0hSfHWc9HdOylKwFZEjwdv6IlOzp4VovUujFJvtn-HjWlCpJVAfSk_OCPDObHsD_P5H7PwFE7nRX9TrDni91qedLiRKIYKRZJrMfVCkvH_uHfLCEfPBoifI30qXW82OPJ6yL6-S6mGeN8fBLoRmgQ8uEKFT0GbHGGIaFuuUObcmxxEaHCqko8f_uPXiS2UkZNj_uXTjkVvvRXMWNtOkVHjcsApYSfz9QQfkvYRXdzxvzRi0BBbQ56h6EnYP5YPy7Opml3n465EautkaniU4N26Qm6rmVJpdpoJ_sSVtqFKzjYsY7EheOzoy_OxXPprqleYmJz3yEdzgTgfgEBn7sWRKCgQb7sKa89XjiWoDgbn8sJp3gFDgcBCOV1oOB3poWFrzKaOQqRpkyS13ysEbdOuRj7SJVJGga-BZsGCFUA42REjnY7bT7x4U5-sFfM_kSrmNEJtQJtp75Q29Gs6Wro7LoJRxCMxwTM0y03IYLRRidqpCe35YdKngvmpHSOUkGS987AD60wBaHpG6GbnoI9UgV50i-Hpe53fHOlcxFqUBBB7yrjh5cFb86fjDS8vrzBQ/s1600/IMG_1435.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1600" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/--UmNG1Lclms/Xn6inj4aSzI/AAAAAAAAFnk/HQzH0z5H5qosTXssVpS8TJkoul8Uw_LagCEwYBhgLKskDAMBZVoC4smkiWQPm0tMn_YR2yl66GxBm5VsJg14n0hSfHWc9HdOylKwFZEjwdv6IlOzp4VovUujFJvtn-HjWlCpJVAfSk_OCPDObHsD_P5H7PwFE7nRX9TrDni91qedLiRKIYKRZJrMfVCkvH_uHfLCEfPBoifI30qXW82OPJ6yL6-S6mGeN8fBLoRmgQ8uEKFT0GbHGGIaFuuUObcmxxEaHCqko8f_uPXiS2UkZNj_uXTjkVvvRXMWNtOkVHjcsApYSfz9QQfkvYRXdzxvzRi0BBbQ56h6EnYP5YPy7Opml3n465EautkaniU4N26Qm6rmVJpdpoJ_sSVtqFKzjYsY7EheOzoy_OxXPprqleYmJz3yEdzgTgfgEBn7sWRKCgQb7sKa89XjiWoDgbn8sJp3gFDgcBCOV1oOB3poWFrzKaOQqRpkyS13ysEbdOuRj7SJVJGga-BZsGCFUA42REjnY7bT7x4U5-sFfM_kSrmNEJtQJtp75Q29Gs6Wro7LoJRxCMxwTM0y03IYLRRidqpCe35YdKngvmpHSOUkGS987AD60wBaHpG6GbnoI9UgV50i-Hpe53fHOlcxFqUBBB7yrjh5cFb86fjDS8vrzBQ/s320/IMG_1435.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I try to find something unique in every walk. Just some yard lights we noticed the other night.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ehpd0UdClMY/Xn6ic07KnQI/AAAAAAAAFnc/ameIYv-IBUUBdZKrwHxxfeC9cUicQFw2gCEwYBhgLKskDAMBZVoC4smkiWQPm0tMn_YR2yl66GxBm5VsJg14n0hSfHWc9HdOylKwFZEjwdv6IlOzp4VovUujFJvtn-HjWlCpJVAfSk_OCPDObHsD_P5H7PwFE7nRX9TrDni91qedLiRKIYKRZJrMfVCkvH_uHfLCEfPBoifI30qXW82OPJ6yL6-S6mGeN8fBLoRmgQ8uEKFT0GbHGGIaFuuUObcmxxEaHCqko8f_uPXiS2UkZNj_uXTjkVvvRXMWNtOkVHjcsApYSfz9QQfkvYRXdzxvzRi0BBbQ56h6EnYP5YPy7Opml3n465EautkaniU4N26Qm6rmVJpdpoJ_sSVtqFKzjYsY7EheOzoy_OxXPprqleYmJz3yEdzgTgfgEBn7sWRKCgQb7sKa89XjiWoDgbn8sJp3gFDgcBCOV1oOB3poWFrzKaOQqRpkyS13ysEbdOuRj7SJVJGga-BZsGCFUA42REjnY7bT7x4U5-sFfM_kSrmNEJtQJtp75Q29Gs6Wro7LoJRxCMxwTM0y03IYLRRidqpCe35YdKngvmpHSOUkGS987AD60wBaHpG6GbnoI9UgV50i-Hpe53fHOlcxFqUBBB7yrjh5cFb86fjDS8vrzBQ/s1600/IMG_1471.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ehpd0UdClMY/Xn6ic07KnQI/AAAAAAAAFnc/ameIYv-IBUUBdZKrwHxxfeC9cUicQFw2gCEwYBhgLKskDAMBZVoC4smkiWQPm0tMn_YR2yl66GxBm5VsJg14n0hSfHWc9HdOylKwFZEjwdv6IlOzp4VovUujFJvtn-HjWlCpJVAfSk_OCPDObHsD_P5H7PwFE7nRX9TrDni91qedLiRKIYKRZJrMfVCkvH_uHfLCEfPBoifI30qXW82OPJ6yL6-S6mGeN8fBLoRmgQ8uEKFT0GbHGGIaFuuUObcmxxEaHCqko8f_uPXiS2UkZNj_uXTjkVvvRXMWNtOkVHjcsApYSfz9QQfkvYRXdzxvzRi0BBbQ56h6EnYP5YPy7Opml3n465EautkaniU4N26Qm6rmVJpdpoJ_sSVtqFKzjYsY7EheOzoy_OxXPprqleYmJz3yEdzgTgfgEBn7sWRKCgQb7sKa89XjiWoDgbn8sJp3gFDgcBCOV1oOB3poWFrzKaOQqRpkyS13ysEbdOuRj7SJVJGga-BZsGCFUA42REjnY7bT7x4U5-sFfM_kSrmNEJtQJtp75Q29Gs6Wro7LoJRxCMxwTM0y03IYLRRidqpCe35YdKngvmpHSOUkGS987AD60wBaHpG6GbnoI9UgV50i-Hpe53fHOlcxFqUBBB7yrjh5cFb86fjDS8vrzBQ/s320/IMG_1471.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A very gnarly tree</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-OO1IYMnA7NU/Xn6idpKsKTI/AAAAAAAAFnc/9NFjqsXPIvgOJgr7TUZJoChTqEt_DvmxACEwYBhgLKskDAMBZVoC4smkiWQPm0tMn_YR2yl66GxBm5VsJg14n0hSfHWc9HdOylKwFZEjwdv6IlOzp4VovUujFJvtn-HjWlCpJVAfSk_OCPDObHsD_P5H7PwFE7nRX9TrDni91qedLiRKIYKRZJrMfVCkvH_uHfLCEfPBoifI30qXW82OPJ6yL6-S6mGeN8fBLoRmgQ8uEKFT0GbHGGIaFuuUObcmxxEaHCqko8f_uPXiS2UkZNj_uXTjkVvvRXMWNtOkVHjcsApYSfz9QQfkvYRXdzxvzRi0BBbQ56h6EnYP5YPy7Opml3n465EautkaniU4N26Qm6rmVJpdpoJ_sSVtqFKzjYsY7EheOzoy_OxXPprqleYmJz3yEdzgTgfgEBn7sWRKCgQb7sKa89XjiWoDgbn8sJp3gFDgcBCOV1oOB3poWFrzKaOQqRpkyS13ysEbdOuRj7SJVJGga-BZsGCFUA42REjnY7bT7x4U5-sFfM_kSrmNEJtQJtp75Q29Gs6Wro7LoJRxCMxwTM0y03IYLRRidqpCe35YdKngvmpHSOUkGS987AD60wBaHpG6GbnoI9UgV50i-Hpe53fHOlcxFqUBBB7yrjh5cFb86fjDS8vrzBQ/s1600/IMG_1482.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-OO1IYMnA7NU/Xn6idpKsKTI/AAAAAAAAFnc/9NFjqsXPIvgOJgr7TUZJoChTqEt_DvmxACEwYBhgLKskDAMBZVoC4smkiWQPm0tMn_YR2yl66GxBm5VsJg14n0hSfHWc9HdOylKwFZEjwdv6IlOzp4VovUujFJvtn-HjWlCpJVAfSk_OCPDObHsD_P5H7PwFE7nRX9TrDni91qedLiRKIYKRZJrMfVCkvH_uHfLCEfPBoifI30qXW82OPJ6yL6-S6mGeN8fBLoRmgQ8uEKFT0GbHGGIaFuuUObcmxxEaHCqko8f_uPXiS2UkZNj_uXTjkVvvRXMWNtOkVHjcsApYSfz9QQfkvYRXdzxvzRi0BBbQ56h6EnYP5YPy7Opml3n465EautkaniU4N26Qm6rmVJpdpoJ_sSVtqFKzjYsY7EheOzoy_OxXPprqleYmJz3yEdzgTgfgEBn7sWRKCgQb7sKa89XjiWoDgbn8sJp3gFDgcBCOV1oOB3poWFrzKaOQqRpkyS13ysEbdOuRj7SJVJGga-BZsGCFUA42REjnY7bT7x4U5-sFfM_kSrmNEJtQJtp75Q29Gs6Wro7LoJRxCMxwTM0y03IYLRRidqpCe35YdKngvmpHSOUkGS987AD60wBaHpG6GbnoI9UgV50i-Hpe53fHOlcxFqUBBB7yrjh5cFb86fjDS8vrzBQ/s320/IMG_1482.jpg" width="240" /></a><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-HWB5FewFC5k/Xn6idzcmZgI/AAAAAAAAFns/tMQ8E-pqokk0u_8DyKB_SaQx5-gxNaQqACEwYBhgLKskDAMBZVoC4smkiWQPm0tMn_YR2yl66GxBm5VsJg14n0hSfHWc9HdOylKwFZEjwdv6IlOzp4VovUujFJvtn-HjWlCpJVAfSk_OCPDObHsD_P5H7PwFE7nRX9TrDni91qedLiRKIYKRZJrMfVCkvH_uHfLCEfPBoifI30qXW82OPJ6yL6-S6mGeN8fBLoRmgQ8uEKFT0GbHGGIaFuuUObcmxxEaHCqko8f_uPXiS2UkZNj_uXTjkVvvRXMWNtOkVHjcsApYSfz9QQfkvYRXdzxvzRi0BBbQ56h6EnYP5YPy7Opml3n465EautkaniU4N26Qm6rmVJpdpoJ_sSVtqFKzjYsY7EheOzoy_OxXPprqleYmJz3yEdzgTgfgEBn7sWRKCgQb7sKa89XjiWoDgbn8sJp3gFDgcBCOV1oOB3poWFrzKaOQqRpkyS13ysEbdOuRj7SJVJGga-BZsGCFUA42REjnY7bT7x4U5-sFfM_kSrmNEJtQJtp75Q29Gs6Wro7LoJRxCMxwTM0y03IYLRRidqpCe35YdKngvmpHSOUkGS987AD60wBaHpG6GbnoI9UgV50i-Hpe53fHOlcxFqUBBB7yrjh5cFb86fjDS8vrzBQ/s1600/IMG_1486.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-HWB5FewFC5k/Xn6idzcmZgI/AAAAAAAAFns/tMQ8E-pqokk0u_8DyKB_SaQx5-gxNaQqACEwYBhgLKskDAMBZVoC4smkiWQPm0tMn_YR2yl66GxBm5VsJg14n0hSfHWc9HdOylKwFZEjwdv6IlOzp4VovUujFJvtn-HjWlCpJVAfSk_OCPDObHsD_P5H7PwFE7nRX9TrDni91qedLiRKIYKRZJrMfVCkvH_uHfLCEfPBoifI30qXW82OPJ6yL6-S6mGeN8fBLoRmgQ8uEKFT0GbHGGIaFuuUObcmxxEaHCqko8f_uPXiS2UkZNj_uXTjkVvvRXMWNtOkVHjcsApYSfz9QQfkvYRXdzxvzRi0BBbQ56h6EnYP5YPy7Opml3n465EautkaniU4N26Qm6rmVJpdpoJ_sSVtqFKzjYsY7EheOzoy_OxXPprqleYmJz3yEdzgTgfgEBn7sWRKCgQb7sKa89XjiWoDgbn8sJp3gFDgcBCOV1oOB3poWFrzKaOQqRpkyS13ysEbdOuRj7SJVJGga-BZsGCFUA42REjnY7bT7x4U5-sFfM_kSrmNEJtQJtp75Q29Gs6Wro7LoJRxCMxwTM0y03IYLRRidqpCe35YdKngvmpHSOUkGS987AD60wBaHpG6GbnoI9UgV50i-Hpe53fHOlcxFqUBBB7yrjh5cFb86fjDS8vrzBQ/s320/IMG_1486.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;">Walks with Dad & Newbie. (Cautionary note: Dad & I are practicing full social distancing on our walks.)</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Right now, for the students across the nation, I am praying that school does resume on May 4. While we all wait patiently, try to remember it's <b>Star Wars Day</b>!</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-x8iP96iOowA/Xn6l5xxzHzI/AAAAAAAAFn4/J9t3tv4YSbUf3hO0LKwBmyUjs4RecxeQQCEwYBhgLKskDAMBZVoC4smkiWQPm0tMn_YR2yl66GxBm5VsJg14n0hSfHWc9HdOylKwFZEjwdv6IlOzp4VovUujFJvtn-HjWlCpJVAfSk_OCPDObHsD_P5H7PwFE7nRX9TrDni91qedLiRKIYKRZJrMfVCkvH_uHfLCEfPBoifI30qXW82OPJ6yL6-S6mGeN8fBLoRmgQ8uEKFT0GbHGGIaFuuUObcmxxEaHCqko8f_uPXiS2UkZNj_uXTjkVvvRXMWNtOkVHjcsApYSfz9QQfkvYRXdzxvzRi0BBbQ56h6EnYP5YPy7Opml3n465EautkaniU4N26Qm6rmVJpdpoJ_sSVtqFKzjYsY7EheOzoy_OxXPprqleYmJz3yEdzgTgfgEBn7sWRKCgQb7sKa89XjiWoDgbn8sJp3gFDgcBCOV1oOB3poWFrzKaOQqRpkyS13ysEbdOuRj7SJVJGga-BZsGCFUA42REjnY7bT7x4U5-sFfM_kSrmNEJtQJtp75Q29Gs6Wro7LoJRxCMxwTM0y03IYLRRidqpCe35YdKngvmpHSOUkGS987AD60wBaHpG6GbnoI9UgV50i-Hpe53fHOlcxFqUBBB7yrjh5cFb86fjDS8vrzBQ/s1600/May4.gif" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="500" data-original-width="500" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-x8iP96iOowA/Xn6l5xxzHzI/AAAAAAAAFn4/J9t3tv4YSbUf3hO0LKwBmyUjs4RecxeQQCEwYBhgLKskDAMBZVoC4smkiWQPm0tMn_YR2yl66GxBm5VsJg14n0hSfHWc9HdOylKwFZEjwdv6IlOzp4VovUujFJvtn-HjWlCpJVAfSk_OCPDObHsD_P5H7PwFE7nRX9TrDni91qedLiRKIYKRZJrMfVCkvH_uHfLCEfPBoifI30qXW82OPJ6yL6-S6mGeN8fBLoRmgQ8uEKFT0GbHGGIaFuuUObcmxxEaHCqko8f_uPXiS2UkZNj_uXTjkVvvRXMWNtOkVHjcsApYSfz9QQfkvYRXdzxvzRi0BBbQ56h6EnYP5YPy7Opml3n465EautkaniU4N26Qm6rmVJpdpoJ_sSVtqFKzjYsY7EheOzoy_OxXPprqleYmJz3yEdzgTgfgEBn7sWRKCgQb7sKa89XjiWoDgbn8sJp3gFDgcBCOV1oOB3poWFrzKaOQqRpkyS13ysEbdOuRj7SJVJGga-BZsGCFUA42REjnY7bT7x4U5-sFfM_kSrmNEJtQJtp75Q29Gs6Wro7LoJRxCMxwTM0y03IYLRRidqpCe35YdKngvmpHSOUkGS987AD60wBaHpG6GbnoI9UgV50i-Hpe53fHOlcxFqUBBB7yrjh5cFb86fjDS8vrzBQ/s320/May4.gif" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<h2 style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Meditation for Today</h2>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
This was the <a href="https://abide.co/prayer/nyf6nr" target="_blank">Abide</a> meditation in my email on Thursday. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Click on the image for a 3:48 meditation of hope.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://abide.co/prayer/nyf6nr" target="_blank"><img border="0" data-original-height="599" data-original-width="602" height="318" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-d4MESwFLS2k/Xn6iiOMvoDI/AAAAAAAAFnk/8VreAYLnmjYsVynxbmIjBDOi6NIgvMdowCEwYBhgLKskDAMBZVoC4smkiWQPm0tMn_YR2yl66GxBm5VsJg14n0hSfHWc9HdOylKwFZEjwdv6IlOzp4VovUujFJvtn-HjWlCpJVAfSk_OCPDObHsD_P5H7PwFE7nRX9TrDni91qedLiRKIYKRZJrMfVCkvH_uHfLCEfPBoifI30qXW82OPJ6yL6-S6mGeN8fBLoRmgQ8uEKFT0GbHGGIaFuuUObcmxxEaHCqko8f_uPXiS2UkZNj_uXTjkVvvRXMWNtOkVHjcsApYSfz9QQfkvYRXdzxvzRi0BBbQ56h6EnYP5YPy7Opml3n465EautkaniU4N26Qm6rmVJpdpoJ_sSVtqFKzjYsY7EheOzoy_OxXPprqleYmJz3yEdzgTgfgEBn7sWRKCgQb7sKa89XjiWoDgbn8sJp3gFDgcBCOV1oOB3poWFrzKaOQqRpkyS13ysEbdOuRj7SJVJGga-BZsGCFUA42REjnY7bT7x4U5-sFfM_kSrmNEJtQJtp75Q29Gs6Wro7LoJRxCMxwTM0y03IYLRRidqpCe35YdKngvmpHSOUkGS987AD60wBaHpG6GbnoI9UgV50i-Hpe53fHOlcxFqUBBB7yrjh5cFb86fjDS8vrzBQ/s320/AbideMeditation.png" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<i><span style="color: blue;">Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever.</span></i></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<i><span style="color: blue;">Hebrews 13:8</span></i></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div>
<span style="color: blue;">How are you and your family dealing with this pandemic?</span><br />
<span style="color: blue;">Feel free to share your updates with me, either in the comments or by <a href="mailto:tracoleman99@gmail.com" target="_blank">message</a>.</span><br />
<br />
My daily posts since my "Coronavirus Staycation" began:<br />
<a href="https://traceyfit.blogspot.com/2020/03/coronavirus-staycation-day-1.html" target="_blank">Day 1: Boo boo paw</a><br />
<a href="https://traceyfit.blogspot.com/2020/03/day-2-of-my-coronavirus-staycation.html" target="_blank">Day 2: Let the projects begin</a><br />
<a href="https://traceyfit.blogspot.com/2020/03/day-3.html" target="_blank">Day 3: A photo journal</a><br />
<a href="https://traceyfit.blogspot.com/2020/03/coronavirus-staycation-day-4.html" target="_blank">Day 4: Love wins</a><br />
<a href="https://traceyfit.blogspot.com/2020/03/finally-saturday.html" target="_blank">Finally Saturday: It's starting to get to me</a><br />
<a href="https://traceyfit.blogspot.com/2020/03/the-long-haul.html" target="_blank">The Long Haul: Be strong & courageous</a><br />
<a href="https://traceyfit.blogspot.com/2020/03/who-made-clouds.html" target="_blank">Who Made the Clouds? Day</a> 7<br />
<a href="https://traceyfit.blogspot.com/2020/03/time-out.html" target="_blank">Time Out: Day 8</a><br />
<a href="https://traceyfit.blogspot.com/2020/03/fever-cough-shortness-of-breath.html" target="_blank">Fever, Cough & Shortness of Breath (Day 9)</a><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://www.instagram.com/traceyfitlife" target="_blank"><img border="0" data-original-height="59" data-original-width="59" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-zfnUtBsC_Eg/WsjDHeF4eoI/AAAAAAAAEWc/tAfEDGRsFpw1z1BGc0HNoOxiOt2fQLpGACPcBGAYYCw/s1600/instagram-colourful-icon.png" /></a> <a href="mailto:tracoleman99@gmail.com" target="_blank"><img border="0" data-original-height="86" data-original-width="83" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-VFlTMoyNXgs/WsjDHXhKPCI/AAAAAAAAEWg/zac1ohBaOI8RnNwxU00J04jtCZffW2ovACPcBGAYYCw/s1600/GMail-Android-R.0.png" /></a></div>
</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
Tracey Colemanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11202001956775683301noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6459494285252158805.post-71506894324599663462020-03-25T06:03:00.002-07:002020-03-25T06:35:15.820-07:00Fever, Cough & Shortness of Breath<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
Good morning! Today is Day 9 of my "Coronavirus Staycation." Today I have a lot of actual work to do, so after I post this, I will be at it.<br />
<br />
Posting my updates has been good therapy for me in dealing with the craziness of the coronavirus pandemic... just some random thoughts and prayers and laughs and whatever else comes to mind. Feel free to share your updates with me, either in the comments or by <a href="mailto:tracoleman99@gmail.com" target="_blank">message</a>.<br />
<br />
Yesterday was a much better day than Monday. Shortly after I posted yesterday's blog, I could feel a headache coming on again. I think the headaches are a result of poor sleep, but I can't really be sure. I was able to stop it in its tracks before it consumed me.<br />
<h2 style="text-align: center;">
Taking Care of Me</h2>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-AaWlchN9lOo/XntCPLTYMOI/AAAAAAAAFj8/TujfT6Y-9Bo5vkF5gmw-gGi2Tax7hMM8QCEwYBhgLKskDAMBZVoB_cbBAvR7yzlxl8xTd5ueqtNUZq1nx0UHebYIJJfGt_bkhNW74h94dLyndYHq6SXcslbsxyuw8Ib_kYrjGCXNjy3scqTEl6jlq_Rqhp3gx8pHF80MgbPyAXZ-O7V21FK-PulZ9uhYoIYhY29dQb8BsXWe9qmF9rk3QguLkIBoF95KSVr4sjAoXiVwUMiyDAlE7c9ZTtsy8YLrQET90xTciHZOj2XnpukZWw-TeV1Gl23djEOknfBAoj4MuBMCwZpbtj3riCgpgdlMiqDM2rU9EbqDPe54yz7tiI5k4L9qGv-WHRLIUpVvyZmtHBhIRos20eG_0uc-iZGU2cPAQ0SHau2B7u0YAanhxXsZbxk5PsAdSw9O_auPFYX2_sm-Bq1zBrw2iB8yhQjB6FHiKTGppfdbHnIuD30aejP5nTHbJ5dQJNu54thDXJYr9JsB5avujzRDS-5vTebkp3EuKnMttp96R-zMt6rgOQSyQ89rcEYSNADCqG0msXaVpTeBR7Ykz1mEsAg4cKn0ppw9moTcAXNFJNx4tgC0NIrI-XwD4R3fIkaYNQ37TfRYNcS4C_hUuc_vWux9bgkmsXfQHc-ejkXQrpDDMju3zBQ/s1600/IMG_1375.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-AaWlchN9lOo/XntCPLTYMOI/AAAAAAAAFj8/TujfT6Y-9Bo5vkF5gmw-gGi2Tax7hMM8QCEwYBhgLKskDAMBZVoB_cbBAvR7yzlxl8xTd5ueqtNUZq1nx0UHebYIJJfGt_bkhNW74h94dLyndYHq6SXcslbsxyuw8Ib_kYrjGCXNjy3scqTEl6jlq_Rqhp3gx8pHF80MgbPyAXZ-O7V21FK-PulZ9uhYoIYhY29dQb8BsXWe9qmF9rk3QguLkIBoF95KSVr4sjAoXiVwUMiyDAlE7c9ZTtsy8YLrQET90xTciHZOj2XnpukZWw-TeV1Gl23djEOknfBAoj4MuBMCwZpbtj3riCgpgdlMiqDM2rU9EbqDPe54yz7tiI5k4L9qGv-WHRLIUpVvyZmtHBhIRos20eG_0uc-iZGU2cPAQ0SHau2B7u0YAanhxXsZbxk5PsAdSw9O_auPFYX2_sm-Bq1zBrw2iB8yhQjB6FHiKTGppfdbHnIuD30aejP5nTHbJ5dQJNu54thDXJYr9JsB5avujzRDS-5vTebkp3EuKnMttp96R-zMt6rgOQSyQ89rcEYSNADCqG0msXaVpTeBR7Ykz1mEsAg4cKn0ppw9moTcAXNFJNx4tgC0NIrI-XwD4R3fIkaYNQ37TfRYNcS4C_hUuc_vWux9bgkmsXfQHc-ejkXQrpDDMju3zBQ/s320/IMG_1375.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: small;">Have you been eating healthy or have you been eating a lot of comfort foods? (Truth? It's been a little of both for me. Here's my lunch. Yummy!)</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-_tsCvXTVAaM/XntEW2M3l1I/AAAAAAAAFkc/F4DqNcn3RAo6Z9uhdTP_FX-VNooNSgRKQCEwYBhgLKskDAMBZVoAyiGuZ7ETN7l9i7k0bsczln4A0_ezTXzv4cUuqDxLRaFk4euZvy_Lj5sxUXQcBJdV8YpSuzDEMWx12YwWePnM94gLiMGqu36GfbpEcc2xffuJ2ekZwfbnXXv2yNoV1uF8XgcQzfJzKd8BnzGeTeharecEcE4lkeVtLs42fS93a31BTJrzi88SWFK7F9KNf8N3QMa_DcXKQp8iQNNSbjUUQCa6ZLwptxsnhaftx7cUB_M5Nn6q0qEQacG-rotJYCeSC9oSF3gCLwS9EH7bl6H7uHKF2qJz2jKmHQS649LAEyr4hUcQX6VIIC9-r57MCXCRCBleQK-1o-V1De_EE3oP-js5Ya1J0ul-uU7qAFnvs68piSlOCIOpZFWe0E5kebBOf0SuJvC1cL74HfTCf-qlotfC1MHR1CcwpT84eKmAalSyud1ko6D5vYlPtcwdRjiHqKrb8KLzyeAUpTtJOvRxVxX9pH13zq-vuz_z9Bs6oirAU6YYETiOj48P3QxOiu0T3X_n_quJgrz8TSI2Km4j1dYf-r2H5fy6wYbkOPe5mINMfK1uPbJPa43EO2zspwJdsUlT61vN3ehm105IccLr-BtOJlTDqju3zBQ/s1600/IMG_1410.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="1536" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-_tsCvXTVAaM/XntEW2M3l1I/AAAAAAAAFkc/F4DqNcn3RAo6Z9uhdTP_FX-VNooNSgRKQCEwYBhgLKskDAMBZVoAyiGuZ7ETN7l9i7k0bsczln4A0_ezTXzv4cUuqDxLRaFk4euZvy_Lj5sxUXQcBJdV8YpSuzDEMWx12YwWePnM94gLiMGqu36GfbpEcc2xffuJ2ekZwfbnXXv2yNoV1uF8XgcQzfJzKd8BnzGeTeharecEcE4lkeVtLs42fS93a31BTJrzi88SWFK7F9KNf8N3QMa_DcXKQp8iQNNSbjUUQCa6ZLwptxsnhaftx7cUB_M5Nn6q0qEQacG-rotJYCeSC9oSF3gCLwS9EH7bl6H7uHKF2qJz2jKmHQS649LAEyr4hUcQX6VIIC9-r57MCXCRCBleQK-1o-V1De_EE3oP-js5Ya1J0ul-uU7qAFnvs68piSlOCIOpZFWe0E5kebBOf0SuJvC1cL74HfTCf-qlotfC1MHR1CcwpT84eKmAalSyud1ko6D5vYlPtcwdRjiHqKrb8KLzyeAUpTtJOvRxVxX9pH13zq-vuz_z9Bs6oirAU6YYETiOj48P3QxOiu0T3X_n_quJgrz8TSI2Km4j1dYf-r2H5fy6wYbkOPe5mINMfK1uPbJPa43EO2zspwJdsUlT61vN3ehm105IccLr-BtOJlTDqju3zBQ/s320/IMG_1410.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: small;">A friend has a home gym in his garage. With the gyms closed, our friend opened his garage to us so we could lift heavy things and feel good! We practiced safe social distancing and cleaned EVERYTHING after we used it. I think Brian may want to create a home gym of our own now.</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<h2 style="text-align: center;">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1600" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-i8atNeSnoHA/XntEXVMShVI/AAAAAAAAFkQ/145xWkqDwwcSmyVPjpTeBbQ1iGMkCkIzgCLcBGAsYHQ/s320/IMG_1407.JPG" width="320" /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: small;"><i>Scenes from my daily walk (continued below): </i> There's a house along our walk that has several cute painted birdhouses on the trees along their driveway. I posted a couple pics of them the other day. They are so cute. I couldn't actually capture the birds, but the bird feeders were swarming with birds yesterday. Evidence of kids playing outside. My faithful companion. I'm so curious what is going on with this ladder. I've seen it every day since Leia and I started our daily walks. I haven't decided whether they are just storing the ladder there or if it has a purpose leaning against that tree. It's good for the imagination!</span></span></div>
</h2>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-j4xho6BxtgM/XntCPZ-KlBI/AAAAAAAAFjw/Tkec1KQhi6s9AuOQw5NNLUbwb5n58WjKgCEwYBhgLKskDAMBZVoDrarPGAp2mSlrX0t5aAW6EfTwTA4LpATMMdI1qhbIczS0CZxXJ-NHb427XImYfwHmeL8riqNi1l4aER4Q4hOnp_0CHf1cRhMGsuITSTzfNeo9NitVxInGdETC1RxR2psBXP8GPJmqdVrP9t44gwCJagME12pjsadd0I-xsBKiZ3T6HI5CVK4JcGKwSVGSvayy6Mrj_gAzDJu5tDdqJt8otDOecHrpcYrAFHd0TY5rE5lSG3NLzyAnKvjNCcBl1VcEfJlAIOZ1beUjBEhhau0_BXm1A1WSssf6L9EDX_SGj0fCCU_rF7T_ASTdNM46SWlIif9H2YBy6T4WoR0g5zTDnWVFBvon34cfYF1DFWpZrzgKHe-yydvud9rv4Hnb67LsgSER21SJ8eMFeAk4p56-phtU0URBCDRb7YsuRNt9QuOoW70NXiF1mdlA02V8TD-XKOVXzKr1pioqeY7u0x5WAnwP6VewBvNZemSYsNEcdk5M_FpUNpTTxB7LsHuNAWwmLJSib06mfcphshkZIVUdQSTeJpS31wVB2C_YOiiCu-3zAv3d3H7KDNls6-W79t-Y8GxcASJQN61zEHUmZIh3OrKO_LDCii-3zBQ/s1600/IMG_1390.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-j4xho6BxtgM/XntCPZ-KlBI/AAAAAAAAFjw/Tkec1KQhi6s9AuOQw5NNLUbwb5n58WjKgCEwYBhgLKskDAMBZVoDrarPGAp2mSlrX0t5aAW6EfTwTA4LpATMMdI1qhbIczS0CZxXJ-NHb427XImYfwHmeL8riqNi1l4aER4Q4hOnp_0CHf1cRhMGsuITSTzfNeo9NitVxInGdETC1RxR2psBXP8GPJmqdVrP9t44gwCJagME12pjsadd0I-xsBKiZ3T6HI5CVK4JcGKwSVGSvayy6Mrj_gAzDJu5tDdqJt8otDOecHrpcYrAFHd0TY5rE5lSG3NLzyAnKvjNCcBl1VcEfJlAIOZ1beUjBEhhau0_BXm1A1WSssf6L9EDX_SGj0fCCU_rF7T_ASTdNM46SWlIif9H2YBy6T4WoR0g5zTDnWVFBvon34cfYF1DFWpZrzgKHe-yydvud9rv4Hnb67LsgSER21SJ8eMFeAk4p56-phtU0URBCDRb7YsuRNt9QuOoW70NXiF1mdlA02V8TD-XKOVXzKr1pioqeY7u0x5WAnwP6VewBvNZemSYsNEcdk5M_FpUNpTTxB7LsHuNAWwmLJSib06mfcphshkZIVUdQSTeJpS31wVB2C_YOiiCu-3zAv3d3H7KDNls6-W79t-Y8GxcASJQN61zEHUmZIh3OrKO_LDCii-3zBQ/s320/IMG_1390.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Found more bottles to redeem. Yes, I washed my hands (and rewashed them).</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<h2 style="text-align: center;">
Project Update</h2>
<div>
<i><b>Progress! </b></i> I finished packing up Mitch's stuff, swept & vacuumed the floor. I didn't dust, but the room is just about ready to paint. I am going to move the furniture to the middle of the room, clear the walls an patch any holes. It feels good to see progress. It will be sad to take the <a href="https://www.fathead.com/" target="_blank">FatHeads</a> off his walls though. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-K-2pgr_OeS0/XntCQQnXqBI/AAAAAAAAFj8/5wfas-oeKpMfSc_bygOleghA_6yQDBNBgCEwYBhgLKskDAMBZVoAyiGuZ7ETN7l9i7k0bsczln4A0_ezTXzv4cUuqDxLRaFk4euZvy_Lj5sxUXQcBJdV8YpSuzDEMWx12YwWePnM94gLiMGqu36GfbpEcc2xffuJ2ekZwfbnXXv2yNoV1uF8XgcQzfJzKd8BnzGeTeharecEcE4lkeVtLs42fS93a31BTJrzi88SWFK7F9KNf8N3QMa_DcXKQp8iQNNSbjUUQCa6ZLwptxsnhaftx7cUB_M5Nn6q0qEQacG-rotJYCeSC9oSF3gCLwS9EH7bl6H7uHKF2qJz2jKmHQS649LAEyr4hUcQX6VIIC9-r57MCXCRCBleQK-1o-V1De_EE3oP-js5Ya1J0ul-uU7qAFnvs68piSlOCIOpZFWe0E5kebBOf0SuJvC1cL74HfTCf-qlotfC1MHR1CcwpT84eKmAalSyud1ko6D5vYlPtcwdRjiHqKrb8KLzyeAUpTtJOvRxVxX9pH13zq-vuz_z9Bs6oirAU6YYETiOj48P3QxOiu0T3X_n_quJgrz8TSI2Km4j1dYf-r2H5fy6wYbkOPe5mINMfK1uPbJPa43EO2zspwJdsUlT61vN3ehm105IccLr-BtOJlTDqju3zBQ/s1600/IMG_1400.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-K-2pgr_OeS0/XntCQQnXqBI/AAAAAAAAFj8/5wfas-oeKpMfSc_bygOleghA_6yQDBNBgCEwYBhgLKskDAMBZVoAyiGuZ7ETN7l9i7k0bsczln4A0_ezTXzv4cUuqDxLRaFk4euZvy_Lj5sxUXQcBJdV8YpSuzDEMWx12YwWePnM94gLiMGqu36GfbpEcc2xffuJ2ekZwfbnXXv2yNoV1uF8XgcQzfJzKd8BnzGeTeharecEcE4lkeVtLs42fS93a31BTJrzi88SWFK7F9KNf8N3QMa_DcXKQp8iQNNSbjUUQCa6ZLwptxsnhaftx7cUB_M5Nn6q0qEQacG-rotJYCeSC9oSF3gCLwS9EH7bl6H7uHKF2qJz2jKmHQS649LAEyr4hUcQX6VIIC9-r57MCXCRCBleQK-1o-V1De_EE3oP-js5Ya1J0ul-uU7qAFnvs68piSlOCIOpZFWe0E5kebBOf0SuJvC1cL74HfTCf-qlotfC1MHR1CcwpT84eKmAalSyud1ko6D5vYlPtcwdRjiHqKrb8KLzyeAUpTtJOvRxVxX9pH13zq-vuz_z9Bs6oirAU6YYETiOj48P3QxOiu0T3X_n_quJgrz8TSI2Km4j1dYf-r2H5fy6wYbkOPe5mINMfK1uPbJPa43EO2zspwJdsUlT61vN3ehm105IccLr-BtOJlTDqju3zBQ/s320/IMG_1400.jpg" width="240" /></a><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-xlW6lHo47tg/XntCQgbUoTI/AAAAAAAAFkE/DCIMilqlpmYggzh-HOxkOMyXBMa0wdOFQCEwYBhgLKskDAMBZVoAyiGuZ7ETN7l9i7k0bsczln4A0_ezTXzv4cUuqDxLRaFk4euZvy_Lj5sxUXQcBJdV8YpSuzDEMWx12YwWePnM94gLiMGqu36GfbpEcc2xffuJ2ekZwfbnXXv2yNoV1uF8XgcQzfJzKd8BnzGeTeharecEcE4lkeVtLs42fS93a31BTJrzi88SWFK7F9KNf8N3QMa_DcXKQp8iQNNSbjUUQCa6ZLwptxsnhaftx7cUB_M5Nn6q0qEQacG-rotJYCeSC9oSF3gCLwS9EH7bl6H7uHKF2qJz2jKmHQS649LAEyr4hUcQX6VIIC9-r57MCXCRCBleQK-1o-V1De_EE3oP-js5Ya1J0ul-uU7qAFnvs68piSlOCIOpZFWe0E5kebBOf0SuJvC1cL74HfTCf-qlotfC1MHR1CcwpT84eKmAalSyud1ko6D5vYlPtcwdRjiHqKrb8KLzyeAUpTtJOvRxVxX9pH13zq-vuz_z9Bs6oirAU6YYETiOj48P3QxOiu0T3X_n_quJgrz8TSI2Km4j1dYf-r2H5fy6wYbkOPe5mINMfK1uPbJPa43EO2zspwJdsUlT61vN3ehm105IccLr-BtOJlTDqju3zBQ/s1600/IMG_1401.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-xlW6lHo47tg/XntCQgbUoTI/AAAAAAAAFkE/DCIMilqlpmYggzh-HOxkOMyXBMa0wdOFQCEwYBhgLKskDAMBZVoAyiGuZ7ETN7l9i7k0bsczln4A0_ezTXzv4cUuqDxLRaFk4euZvy_Lj5sxUXQcBJdV8YpSuzDEMWx12YwWePnM94gLiMGqu36GfbpEcc2xffuJ2ekZwfbnXXv2yNoV1uF8XgcQzfJzKd8BnzGeTeharecEcE4lkeVtLs42fS93a31BTJrzi88SWFK7F9KNf8N3QMa_DcXKQp8iQNNSbjUUQCa6ZLwptxsnhaftx7cUB_M5Nn6q0qEQacG-rotJYCeSC9oSF3gCLwS9EH7bl6H7uHKF2qJz2jKmHQS649LAEyr4hUcQX6VIIC9-r57MCXCRCBleQK-1o-V1De_EE3oP-js5Ya1J0ul-uU7qAFnvs68piSlOCIOpZFWe0E5kebBOf0SuJvC1cL74HfTCf-qlotfC1MHR1CcwpT84eKmAalSyud1ko6D5vYlPtcwdRjiHqKrb8KLzyeAUpTtJOvRxVxX9pH13zq-vuz_z9Bs6oirAU6YYETiOj48P3QxOiu0T3X_n_quJgrz8TSI2Km4j1dYf-r2H5fy6wYbkOPe5mINMfK1uPbJPa43EO2zspwJdsUlT61vN3ehm105IccLr-BtOJlTDqju3zBQ/s320/IMG_1401.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
<h2 style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Taking Care of Others</h2>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-jYkcZpiiam8/XntEXEPPqTI/AAAAAAAAFkU/aaeq0IYATKo-pmVpCuVVWAYDaaks0EwugCEwYBhgLKskDAMBZVoAyiGuZ7ETN7l9i7k0bsczln4A0_ezTXzv4cUuqDxLRaFk4euZvy_Lj5sxUXQcBJdV8YpSuzDEMWx12YwWePnM94gLiMGqu36GfbpEcc2xffuJ2ekZwfbnXXv2yNoV1uF8XgcQzfJzKd8BnzGeTeharecEcE4lkeVtLs42fS93a31BTJrzi88SWFK7F9KNf8N3QMa_DcXKQp8iQNNSbjUUQCa6ZLwptxsnhaftx7cUB_M5Nn6q0qEQacG-rotJYCeSC9oSF3gCLwS9EH7bl6H7uHKF2qJz2jKmHQS649LAEyr4hUcQX6VIIC9-r57MCXCRCBleQK-1o-V1De_EE3oP-js5Ya1J0ul-uU7qAFnvs68piSlOCIOpZFWe0E5kebBOf0SuJvC1cL74HfTCf-qlotfC1MHR1CcwpT84eKmAalSyud1ko6D5vYlPtcwdRjiHqKrb8KLzyeAUpTtJOvRxVxX9pH13zq-vuz_z9Bs6oirAU6YYETiOj48P3QxOiu0T3X_n_quJgrz8TSI2Km4j1dYf-r2H5fy6wYbkOPe5mINMfK1uPbJPa43EO2zspwJdsUlT61vN3ehm105IccLr-BtOJlTDqju3zBQ/s1600/IMG_1403.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-jYkcZpiiam8/XntEXEPPqTI/AAAAAAAAFkU/aaeq0IYATKo-pmVpCuVVWAYDaaks0EwugCEwYBhgLKskDAMBZVoAyiGuZ7ETN7l9i7k0bsczln4A0_ezTXzv4cUuqDxLRaFk4euZvy_Lj5sxUXQcBJdV8YpSuzDEMWx12YwWePnM94gLiMGqu36GfbpEcc2xffuJ2ekZwfbnXXv2yNoV1uF8XgcQzfJzKd8BnzGeTeharecEcE4lkeVtLs42fS93a31BTJrzi88SWFK7F9KNf8N3QMa_DcXKQp8iQNNSbjUUQCa6ZLwptxsnhaftx7cUB_M5Nn6q0qEQacG-rotJYCeSC9oSF3gCLwS9EH7bl6H7uHKF2qJz2jKmHQS649LAEyr4hUcQX6VIIC9-r57MCXCRCBleQK-1o-V1De_EE3oP-js5Ya1J0ul-uU7qAFnvs68piSlOCIOpZFWe0E5kebBOf0SuJvC1cL74HfTCf-qlotfC1MHR1CcwpT84eKmAalSyud1ko6D5vYlPtcwdRjiHqKrb8KLzyeAUpTtJOvRxVxX9pH13zq-vuz_z9Bs6oirAU6YYETiOj48P3QxOiu0T3X_n_quJgrz8TSI2Km4j1dYf-r2H5fy6wYbkOPe5mINMfK1uPbJPa43EO2zspwJdsUlT61vN3ehm105IccLr-BtOJlTDqju3zBQ/s320/IMG_1403.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: small;">We are following the Stay-At-Home Advisory. We are getting outside to get in some solitary exercise, which is necessary for my sanity. When we do go to the grocery store, we keep our distance from other customers. This was a surprise yesterday at Big Y - plexiglass at the checkout counters. Good for them! I'm glad to see they are taking active measures to protect their employees. As soon as I get home, I wash my hands, then wash them again. (Inside my car, I keep a small towel and a spray bottle of Lysol. <b>Hygiene!</b>)</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-rCHIGzi3Ksk/XntCPA1i-BI/AAAAAAAAFj8/16rNGpv9ux46vuBd-MIyBqlZG5W0N0XJACEwYBhgLKskDAMBZVoBB1c8jYQW9ywVhzLJe6MS_ilRNnzePq01UvzexQnbdFtiX2a3xMEWnqze0tmw2dZrcmWaWqOqUmIr08XtMWeKKlrr-In4jG0FUsaQkIgFwqzXO818vEjXpPIHLlD1X4HL_WAO1-OXdJ9KJvzNcpFsZwVL-qJDjkExA2CpwEI4HxwkJ4qL4cfrKL-t46OPnZ7IT5gE3tk4xmkgYraKOjcHWomNkIFTJ684ymDd-of5P94-ZhkqMhgsDQBZfRbGPSEvTgoMn8dvSSd7GLHiWoz-SROyQslETlvG_1hHg6abg9GOSzXAVQ6JEUIY1RdnnyBw7izEcShu9KQUlJssX7-WzoaVfvkuk5-VlC5SAoz7fymJMQL9b-qEBiuQhQmFPTafNDymKbo6pvXrnOfH-K5RwTRbZzovIJK15vclfdKJQAxlsDuxoiBxW7h3j0Zfci7VRKys1WvUJqCzTpSz3WJVHgO2tyzkR8hOSWkykOrelYPxPkuma_476-9PmFdae3N57N5c_YG9d5LYE5xVZHWVs_wb-Z8rtNzZ58VnwaU6TxkF8sS-eOVqoii1ghwOLW_0ltv18DPTJzouBNAoKSyzD8vq_fTChq-3zBQ/s1600/IMG_1391.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="759" data-original-width="640" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-rCHIGzi3Ksk/XntCPA1i-BI/AAAAAAAAFj8/16rNGpv9ux46vuBd-MIyBqlZG5W0N0XJACEwYBhgLKskDAMBZVoBB1c8jYQW9ywVhzLJe6MS_ilRNnzePq01UvzexQnbdFtiX2a3xMEWnqze0tmw2dZrcmWaWqOqUmIr08XtMWeKKlrr-In4jG0FUsaQkIgFwqzXO818vEjXpPIHLlD1X4HL_WAO1-OXdJ9KJvzNcpFsZwVL-qJDjkExA2CpwEI4HxwkJ4qL4cfrKL-t46OPnZ7IT5gE3tk4xmkgYraKOjcHWomNkIFTJ684ymDd-of5P94-ZhkqMhgsDQBZfRbGPSEvTgoMn8dvSSd7GLHiWoz-SROyQslETlvG_1hHg6abg9GOSzXAVQ6JEUIY1RdnnyBw7izEcShu9KQUlJssX7-WzoaVfvkuk5-VlC5SAoz7fymJMQL9b-qEBiuQhQmFPTafNDymKbo6pvXrnOfH-K5RwTRbZzovIJK15vclfdKJQAxlsDuxoiBxW7h3j0Zfci7VRKys1WvUJqCzTpSz3WJVHgO2tyzkR8hOSWkykOrelYPxPkuma_476-9PmFdae3N57N5c_YG9d5LYE5xVZHWVs_wb-Z8rtNzZ58VnwaU6TxkF8sS-eOVqoii1ghwOLW_0ltv18DPTJzouBNAoKSyzD8vq_fTChq-3zBQ/s320/IMG_1391.JPG" width="269" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;"><b>Fever, Cough & Shortness of Breath</b></span></div>
<div style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Forgive me for a minute while I rant. A good friend of mine was diagnosed with "pneumonia" the other day. She was very sick and exhibiting symptoms of COVID-19. She was seen at our local emergency room, but they would not test her for the Coronavirus, even though she was exhibiting the symptoms and was having trouble breathing. Why wouldn't they test her? Because she is not a high enough priority to test (<a href="https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-nCoV/hcp/clinical-criteria.html" target="_blank">as established by the CDC</a>). What does that mean? It means she probably has COVID-19, but she will never know because she won't be tested. It means the <b>ACTUAL</b> occurrences of coronavirus are most likely<b><i> FAR HIGHER </i></b>than we can even imagine and we won't know because they are not testing people. (Even when they exhibit symptoms.) We can only hope that people are actually following the "Stay-At-Home" advisories that local governments are instituting and that people who are sick <i>AND</i> their families are<i> STAYING at HOME.</i> For all the people who are sick and aren't diagnosed, and therefore are not quarantined, this highly contagious virus is only going to continue to spread. </span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">I get it, we don't have enough kits to test people who are symptomatic. I get it. That doesn't make it right. I could rant for a long time, but I'm just going to let you try to put the rest of the puzzle together for yourself. I mean, seriously?!? So, for the last time, people: </span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: inherit;">
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><b><span style="font-size: large;">Stay home. Wash your hands. Wash them again.</span></b></span></div>
</span><br />
<h2 style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<div style="clear: both; font-weight: 400;">
<br />
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-5BAwFLybh6w/XntCQLtwOMI/AAAAAAAAFkE/OShpRRuhgJ8OKSyp1_Fx1sIW3lZtij67ACEwYBhgLKskDAMBZVoBB1c8jYQW9ywVhzLJe6MS_ilRNnzePq01UvzexQnbdFtiX2a3xMEWnqze0tmw2dZrcmWaWqOqUmIr08XtMWeKKlrr-In4jG0FUsaQkIgFwqzXO818vEjXpPIHLlD1X4HL_WAO1-OXdJ9KJvzNcpFsZwVL-qJDjkExA2CpwEI4HxwkJ4qL4cfrKL-t46OPnZ7IT5gE3tk4xmkgYraKOjcHWomNkIFTJ684ymDd-of5P94-ZhkqMhgsDQBZfRbGPSEvTgoMn8dvSSd7GLHiWoz-SROyQslETlvG_1hHg6abg9GOSzXAVQ6JEUIY1RdnnyBw7izEcShu9KQUlJssX7-WzoaVfvkuk5-VlC5SAoz7fymJMQL9b-qEBiuQhQmFPTafNDymKbo6pvXrnOfH-K5RwTRbZzovIJK15vclfdKJQAxlsDuxoiBxW7h3j0Zfci7VRKys1WvUJqCzTpSz3WJVHgO2tyzkR8hOSWkykOrelYPxPkuma_476-9PmFdae3N57N5c_YG9d5LYE5xVZHWVs_wb-Z8rtNzZ58VnwaU6TxkF8sS-eOVqoii1ghwOLW_0ltv18DPTJzouBNAoKSyzD8vq_fTChq-3zBQ/s1600/IMG_1399.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1600" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-5BAwFLybh6w/XntCQLtwOMI/AAAAAAAAFkE/OShpRRuhgJ8OKSyp1_Fx1sIW3lZtij67ACEwYBhgLKskDAMBZVoBB1c8jYQW9ywVhzLJe6MS_ilRNnzePq01UvzexQnbdFtiX2a3xMEWnqze0tmw2dZrcmWaWqOqUmIr08XtMWeKKlrr-In4jG0FUsaQkIgFwqzXO818vEjXpPIHLlD1X4HL_WAO1-OXdJ9KJvzNcpFsZwVL-qJDjkExA2CpwEI4HxwkJ4qL4cfrKL-t46OPnZ7IT5gE3tk4xmkgYraKOjcHWomNkIFTJ684ymDd-of5P94-ZhkqMhgsDQBZfRbGPSEvTgoMn8dvSSd7GLHiWoz-SROyQslETlvG_1hHg6abg9GOSzXAVQ6JEUIY1RdnnyBw7izEcShu9KQUlJssX7-WzoaVfvkuk5-VlC5SAoz7fymJMQL9b-qEBiuQhQmFPTafNDymKbo6pvXrnOfH-K5RwTRbZzovIJK15vclfdKJQAxlsDuxoiBxW7h3j0Zfci7VRKys1WvUJqCzTpSz3WJVHgO2tyzkR8hOSWkykOrelYPxPkuma_476-9PmFdae3N57N5c_YG9d5LYE5xVZHWVs_wb-Z8rtNzZ58VnwaU6TxkF8sS-eOVqoii1ghwOLW_0ltv18DPTJzouBNAoKSyzD8vq_fTChq-3zBQ/s320/IMG_1399.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
</h2>
<h2 style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;">More. Laundry.</span></h2>
<h2 style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-auoJcUI4dvk/XniNP3fjzzI/AAAAAAAAFgc/TII5M3U3870HvdhlKSbapEyR19GF6SZ-QCPcBGAYYCw/s1600/IMG_1350.PNG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="377" data-original-width="377" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-auoJcUI4dvk/XniNP3fjzzI/AAAAAAAAFgc/TII5M3U3870HvdhlKSbapEyR19GF6SZ-QCPcBGAYYCw/s320/IMG_1350.PNG" width="320" /></a></h2>
<h2 style="text-align: center;">
Seriously Though!</h2>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-8zbVYs9jFwI/XntCRLPdWrI/AAAAAAAAFj4/682NDzZW7Zs04a5qnewdE6kZsCRSSetPQCEwYBhgLKskDAMBZVoDhVxP4XlUXkDbFADnw11RO4lq7OtgWP71S-ET8VkXg4b_ANF7MohvZkV9NIrnXZrV0MfYH3lVhKo2bRja1t0I-M3ghXgu8rI6D6nbXaLGUxwNUFsUdr-1EMXMnAMVqVN7-qpnqAERN8pyqorU-VzgEUNJkyYg0aEjpy_tlmd2okW1ulgUa4wRuAViCSqrpc8BXFalB6l4cXQcEm0xVXxGYuKcmdtLkvQaHxfANxAOQiB1EnjV7WKfM5sBQc0S2V_R7nmJssIzQoukLW-6kZZo3hQHLv6oTNyp5n7exdOCWvQJw1fQsML_S1yegYYPh51CkmMuILhtE-OyOc2a8JLr9AU7zsJ8Sz5vL8STd9njzFjjMKGNs-nnqkB-fHia6JFUmYxYE3SQ5tqWSGQEDOcBL5lCcuqylvwcTdg5XVNfF1dHCZXmW2ES66omfhFfYsWa77TwQ3N-caU8gZcuvO9kcibtzgI_WxxGaNmovieNZjWwHC2yS0gfaVlZAhPRjY-2b81gCbq00-sZmo8RA8Ez9kx40FIi1YWxEAafcfTKqySjUU1b9uTglmxiDSIjvh9gaGjwqjmc9AG2zPn5sj_tBOTWLhTC3mO3zBQ/s1600/IMG_1406.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-8zbVYs9jFwI/XntCRLPdWrI/AAAAAAAAFj4/682NDzZW7Zs04a5qnewdE6kZsCRSSetPQCEwYBhgLKskDAMBZVoDhVxP4XlUXkDbFADnw11RO4lq7OtgWP71S-ET8VkXg4b_ANF7MohvZkV9NIrnXZrV0MfYH3lVhKo2bRja1t0I-M3ghXgu8rI6D6nbXaLGUxwNUFsUdr-1EMXMnAMVqVN7-qpnqAERN8pyqorU-VzgEUNJkyYg0aEjpy_tlmd2okW1ulgUa4wRuAViCSqrpc8BXFalB6l4cXQcEm0xVXxGYuKcmdtLkvQaHxfANxAOQiB1EnjV7WKfM5sBQc0S2V_R7nmJssIzQoukLW-6kZZo3hQHLv6oTNyp5n7exdOCWvQJw1fQsML_S1yegYYPh51CkmMuILhtE-OyOc2a8JLr9AU7zsJ8Sz5vL8STd9njzFjjMKGNs-nnqkB-fHia6JFUmYxYE3SQ5tqWSGQEDOcBL5lCcuqylvwcTdg5XVNfF1dHCZXmW2ES66omfhFfYsWa77TwQ3N-caU8gZcuvO9kcibtzgI_WxxGaNmovieNZjWwHC2yS0gfaVlZAhPRjY-2b81gCbq00-sZmo8RA8Ez9kx40FIi1YWxEAafcfTKqySjUU1b9uTglmxiDSIjvh9gaGjwqjmc9AG2zPn5sj_tBOTWLhTC3mO3zBQ/s320/IMG_1406.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
<h2 style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Monty Python Humor</h2>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
I saw the meme below the other day on Facebook, and I didn't get it. (I was a bit offended, to be honest.) But then my husband had to explain the Holy Grail reference to me. Last night, instead of streaming our normal shows, we watched various clips of Monty Python and the Holy Grail. I never really appreciated British humor like my husband does. (He knows every line of this movie by heart.) But after watching this clip, I get the meme below. And it <i>is</i> funny (<i>if you're a Monty Python fan)</i>.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<iframe allowfullscreen="" class="YOUTUBE-iframe-video" data-thumbnail-src="https://i.ytimg.com/vi/GU0d8kpybVg/0.jpg" frameborder="0" height="266" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/GU0d8kpybVg?feature=player_embedded" width="320"></iframe></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-nzxJzVAnKpc/XniUn8n3iDI/AAAAAAAAFhY/WRjWOCOLTIQo5Ni5s7lcRInzlPYCIHiEwCPcBGAYYCw/s1600/IMG_1311.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="240" data-original-width="750" height="127" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-nzxJzVAnKpc/XniUn8n3iDI/AAAAAAAAFhY/WRjWOCOLTIQo5Ni5s7lcRInzlPYCIHiEwCPcBGAYYCw/s400/IMG_1311.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<h2 style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Today's Meditations</h2>
<div>
<span style="color: blue; font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><i>When I am afraid, I put my trust in you. In God, whose word I praise, in God I trust; I shall not be afraid.</i></span></div>
<div>
<span style="color: blue; font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Psalm 56:3-4a</span></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<iframe allowfullscreen="" class="YOUTUBE-iframe-video" data-thumbnail-src="https://i.ytimg.com/vi/TfiYWaeAcRw/0.jpg" frameborder="0" height="266" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/TfiYWaeAcRw?feature=player_embedded" width="320"></iframe></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<i>Shoulders </i>by for King & Country</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<i>My help comes from You</i></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<i>You're right here, pulling me through</i></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<i>You carry my weakness, my sickness, my brokenness all on Your shoulders</i></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div>
<span style="color: blue;">How are you and your family dealing with this pandemic?</span><br />
<span style="color: blue;">Feel free to share your updates with me, either in the comments or by <a href="mailto:tracoleman99@gmail.com" target="_blank">message</a>.</span><br />
<br />
My daily posts since my "Coronavirus Staycation" began:<br />
<a href="https://traceyfit.blogspot.com/2020/03/coronavirus-staycation-day-1.html" target="_blank">Day 1: Boo boo paw</a><br />
<a href="https://traceyfit.blogspot.com/2020/03/day-2-of-my-coronavirus-staycation.html" target="_blank">Day 2: Let the projects begin</a><br />
<a href="https://traceyfit.blogspot.com/2020/03/day-3.html" target="_blank">Day 3: A photo journal</a><br />
<a href="https://traceyfit.blogspot.com/2020/03/coronavirus-staycation-day-4.html" target="_blank">Day 4: Love wins</a><br />
<a href="https://traceyfit.blogspot.com/2020/03/finally-saturday.html" target="_blank">Finally Saturday: It's starting to get to me</a><br />
<a href="https://traceyfit.blogspot.com/2020/03/the-long-haul.html" target="_blank">The Long Haul: Be strong & courageous</a><br />
<a href="https://traceyfit.blogspot.com/2020/03/who-made-clouds.html" target="_blank">Who Made the Clouds? Day</a> 7<br />
<a href="https://traceyfit.blogspot.com/2020/03/time-out.html" target="_blank">Time Out: Day 8</a><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://www.instagram.com/traceyfitlife" target="_blank"><img border="0" data-original-height="59" data-original-width="59" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-zfnUtBsC_Eg/WsjDHeF4eoI/AAAAAAAAEWc/tAfEDGRsFpw1z1BGc0HNoOxiOt2fQLpGACPcBGAYYCw/s1600/instagram-colourful-icon.png" /></a> <a href="mailto:tracoleman99@gmail.com" target="_blank"><img border="0" data-original-height="86" data-original-width="83" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-VFlTMoyNXgs/WsjDHXhKPCI/AAAAAAAAEWg/zac1ohBaOI8RnNwxU00J04jtCZffW2ovACPcBGAYYCw/s1600/GMail-Android-R.0.png" /></a></div>
</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
Tracey Colemanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11202001956775683301noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6459494285252158805.post-23955998070975513912020-03-24T07:04:00.000-07:002020-03-25T05:58:08.865-07:00Time Out<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Good morning! Today is day 8 of my Coronavirus Staycation and I am posting this much later than normal because last night I actually slept!</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Yesterday the day started off bright and chipper, but didn't stay that way. It snowed.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<b>My view this morning</b></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-1tQiDJ9sTKM/XnoC-CQDYLI/AAAAAAAAFiY/GBsOn16MP4QrJHoIE3CUD2hXOJ4pm7BjwCEwYBhgL/s1600/IMG_1372.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-1tQiDJ9sTKM/XnoC-CQDYLI/AAAAAAAAFiY/GBsOn16MP4QrJHoIE3CUD2hXOJ4pm7BjwCEwYBhgL/s320/IMG_1372.jpg" width="240" /></a><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-dX9gg7eFXB0/XnoC9wr6xJI/AAAAAAAAFiU/R2MH80Dm4-Y9dZCMqANc79UWQgM172HnACEwYBhgL/s1600/IMG_1371.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-dX9gg7eFXB0/XnoC9wr6xJI/AAAAAAAAFiU/R2MH80Dm4-Y9dZCMqANc79UWQgM172HnACEwYBhgL/s320/IMG_1371.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
I woke up at 4:00 a.m. yesterday and could not fall back to sleep. By 9:00 a.m, I was starting to feel it. I tried to take a nap, but it wasn't happening. I practiced safe social distancing and went for a walk with my friend Giselle. We met at the East Longmeadow trail, walked the length and back at a brisk pace. It had just started snowing. It felt great.<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b>Scenes From Our Walk</b></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/--qQvGTY5IZo/XnoC8WmxADI/AAAAAAAAFig/n2jXjRQ7p9EZmXeg89SGi03vnNZTNrKYwCEwYBhgL/s1600/IMG_1366.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/--qQvGTY5IZo/XnoC8WmxADI/AAAAAAAAFig/n2jXjRQ7p9EZmXeg89SGi03vnNZTNrKYwCEwYBhgL/s320/IMG_1366.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
The old train station is under construction. </div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Y8Np95MNnos/XnoC8J7L9NI/AAAAAAAAFio/3qP3LK841JwPRm8f8d3V8g11Y_9APaYnQCEwYBhgL/s1600/IMG_1365.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Y8Np95MNnos/XnoC8J7L9NI/AAAAAAAAFio/3qP3LK841JwPRm8f8d3V8g11Y_9APaYnQCEwYBhgL/s320/IMG_1365.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Giselle pointing out people out for a walk...</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Jaf8E1htSGo/XnoC7hUI2sI/AAAAAAAAFis/YqlzxwZ0fRcKmPGU28GSMMwReAnTbuI-gCEwYBhgL/s1600/IMG_1361.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Jaf8E1htSGo/XnoC7hUI2sI/AAAAAAAAFis/YqlzxwZ0fRcKmPGU28GSMMwReAnTbuI-gCEwYBhgL/s320/IMG_1361.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Seriously though...</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-iVKjbgoGJHc/XnoC7fGNcTI/AAAAAAAAFic/6YUvLLg5xy4h1HbajtXaotjdH1vjTSlQQCEwYBhgL/s1600/IMG_1362.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-iVKjbgoGJHc/XnoC7fGNcTI/AAAAAAAAFic/6YUvLLg5xy4h1HbajtXaotjdH1vjTSlQQCEwYBhgL/s320/IMG_1362.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Families out for a walk</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-yY2Skc8TCik/XnoC7zETgSI/AAAAAAAAFiw/8lsyyoxDXl86epQLJQZl0wBVGcl2LNAtgCEwYBhgL/s1600/IMG_1363.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-yY2Skc8TCik/XnoC7zETgSI/AAAAAAAAFiw/8lsyyoxDXl86epQLJQZl0wBVGcl2LNAtgCEwYBhgL/s320/IMG_1363.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
We made it! 4.0 miles round trip</div>
<h2 style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<b style="text-align: left;">Time Out</b></h2>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
When I got home, the headache had started. I had some soup for lunch, drank some water, took some ibuprofen. I desperately wanted to lay down, but I had back two back Zoom meetings. I had to cancel my physical therapy appointment because I felt so awful. I took a long nap and was pretty much done for the night after that. No laundry, no cleaning, no projects, nothing. Just a long time out.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Woke up this morning again at 4:00 a.m., but after I let the dogs out, I was able to fall back to sleep. I slept until after 8 a.m., which is super late for me. But no head ache today, so I'll take it for a win!</div>
<h2 style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<b>Stay-At-Home</b></h2>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-FANEipG475Y/XnoC9Lf-qJI/AAAAAAAAFio/xrEsxtytKqwW2sIcGx3Rvu_D397RqBoKgCEwYBhgL/s1600/IMG_1370.JPG" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="906" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-FANEipG475Y/XnoC9Lf-qJI/AAAAAAAAFio/xrEsxtytKqwW2sIcGx3Rvu_D397RqBoKgCEwYBhgL/s320/IMG_1370.JPG" width="302" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Massachusetts Governor Charlie Baker ordered closed all non-essential businesses as of 12:00 p.m. today and issued a Stay-at-Home Advisory for Massachusetts residents. His press release reads, "The Baker-Polito Administration does not believe Massachusetts residents can be confined to their homes and does not support home confinement for public health reasons." And so, we will stay home.</span></span></div>
<h2 style="text-align: center;">
<b>Project Update</b></h2>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-URgdUd8Y9_Q/XnoOeHiKNUI/AAAAAAAAFi4/u3365_ARGYs1433xOoTn06VCF-c2gcm6gCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/Bedroom.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1414" data-original-width="1414" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-URgdUd8Y9_Q/XnoOeHiKNUI/AAAAAAAAFi4/u3365_ARGYs1433xOoTn06VCF-c2gcm6gCLcBGAsYHQ/s320/Bedroom.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Today's plan is to back to work on Mitch's room. It needs a complete overhaul. (I'm dreaming something like the room above.) Today if I can just clear out the clutter, dust and sweep, I will be satisfied until the painting can begin.</div>
<h2 style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<b style="text-align: center;"> Working From Home</b></h2>
Unlike most people who work from home, as an educator without students or teachers to supervise, there is not a lot for us to do. Yesterday at one of my Zoom meetings, we discussed a couple projects to work on. Today I have some reports to do for the state. My days are largely wide open. I've been listening to Christian music and meditations.<br />
<br />
I found this yesterday on YouTube:<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<iframe allowfullscreen="" class="YOUTUBE-iframe-video" data-thumbnail-src="https://i.ytimg.com/vi/7lNPJJpxkg4/0.jpg" frameborder="0" height="266" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/7lNPJJpxkg4?feature=player_embedded" width="320"></iframe></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Meditating on God's Word: Scriptures to Ease Anxiety by Steven Furtick</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Time to get dressed and get ready for another Zoom meeting. This morning, our E-Kids ministry met with some of the little ones from our church to bring them a Bible story, song and memory verse. It was fun.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-a06x67beroE/XnoPhcqgrSI/AAAAAAAAFjA/NkPSbbVcsR4X2qgx_ALxjE33oqNP_6czwCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/Zoom.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="721" data-original-width="1056" height="272" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-a06x67beroE/XnoPhcqgrSI/AAAAAAAAFjA/NkPSbbVcsR4X2qgx_ALxjE33oqNP_6czwCLcBGAsYHQ/s400/Zoom.png" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<h2 style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<b>A laugh for all the <i>new </i>to<i> Home Schooling </i>parents:</b></h2>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-zm930dqICzo/XnoC8miZogI/AAAAAAAAFik/PwQLdhQ-EYURufXGX49-xePByTSFAE2wwCEwYBhgL/s1600/IMG_1369.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="850" data-original-width="828" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-zm930dqICzo/XnoC8miZogI/AAAAAAAAFik/PwQLdhQ-EYURufXGX49-xePByTSFAE2wwCEwYBhgL/s320/IMG_1369.JPG" width="311" /></a></div>
<h2 style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<b>Remember to focus on the ONE who made the clouds:</b></h2>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-S70FAIw4Xwo/XnoC8YJA0gI/AAAAAAAAFig/1VQJLEuLOR0ScUp1WnOdCfK2r4BBXzuxgCEwYBhgL/s1600/IMG_1368.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="600" data-original-width="600" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-S70FAIw4Xwo/XnoC8YJA0gI/AAAAAAAAFig/1VQJLEuLOR0ScUp1WnOdCfK2r4BBXzuxgCEwYBhgL/s320/IMG_1368.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Borrowed from<a href="https://www.facebook.com/evangelassemblyma" target="_blank"> Evangel's Facebook</a> page</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<h2 style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Today's Meditation</h2>
<div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="color: blue; font-family: inherit;">I keep thinking about the storm clouds brewing. As we sit at home and wait for the Coronavirus to either affect or miss us, what is our focus? Is our focus on the imminent danger coming? Or is our focus on the ONE who made the clouds. Reflect on Him today.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="color: blue; font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="color: blue; font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><i>For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord.</i></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="color: blue; font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Romans 8:38-39</span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="color: blue; font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<iframe allowfullscreen="" class="YOUTUBE-iframe-video" data-thumbnail-src="https://i.ytimg.com/vi/4wNpOeakhEM/0.jpg" frameborder="0" height="266" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/4wNpOeakhEM?feature=player_embedded" width="320"></iframe></div>
<i>I Just Need U </i>by TobyMac</div>
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<i>On my darkest days</i></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<i>When I'm losing faith</i></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<i>Not, it ain't gon' change</i></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<i>I just need, I just need You</i></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<i>Lord, I need You</i></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<span style="color: blue;">How are you and your family dealing with this pandemic?</span><br />
<span style="color: blue;">Feel free to share your updates with me, either in the comments or by <a href="mailto:tracoleman99@gmail.com" target="_blank">message</a>.</span><br />
<br />
My daily posts since my "Coronavirus Staycation" began:<br />
<a href="https://traceyfit.blogspot.com/2020/03/coronavirus-staycation-day-1.html" target="_blank">Day 1: Boo boo paw</a><br />
<a href="https://traceyfit.blogspot.com/2020/03/day-2-of-my-coronavirus-staycation.html" target="_blank">Day 2: Let the projects begin</a><br />
<a href="https://traceyfit.blogspot.com/2020/03/day-3.html" target="_blank">Day 3: A photo journal</a><br />
<a href="https://traceyfit.blogspot.com/2020/03/coronavirus-staycation-day-4.html" target="_blank">Day 4: Love wins</a><br />
<a href="https://traceyfit.blogspot.com/2020/03/finally-saturday.html" target="_blank">Finally Saturday: It's starting to get to me</a><br />
<a href="https://traceyfit.blogspot.com/2020/03/the-long-haul.html" target="_blank">The Long Haul: Be strong & courageous</a><br />
<a href="https://traceyfit.blogspot.com/2020/03/who-made-clouds.html" target="_blank">Who Made the Clouds? Day </a>7<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://www.instagram.com/traceyfitlife" target="_blank"><img border="0" data-original-height="59" data-original-width="59" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-zfnUtBsC_Eg/WsjDHeF4eoI/AAAAAAAAEWc/tAfEDGRsFpw1z1BGc0HNoOxiOt2fQLpGACPcBGAYYCw/s1600/instagram-colourful-icon.png" /></a> <a href="mailto:tracoleman99@gmail.com" target="_blank"><img border="0" data-original-height="86" data-original-width="83" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-VFlTMoyNXgs/WsjDHXhKPCI/AAAAAAAAEWg/zac1ohBaOI8RnNwxU00J04jtCZffW2ovACPcBGAYYCw/s1600/GMail-Android-R.0.png" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<br />Tracey Colemanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11202001956775683301noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6459494285252158805.post-35171071723736895222020-03-23T05:23:00.000-07:002020-03-23T05:32:58.496-07:00Who made the clouds?<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Good morning! Today is Day 7 of my "Coronavirus Staycation." In the absence of busyness and the stress of daily life, can someone please explain <i>why</i> I was awake yesterday at 5 a.m. and today at 4 a.m.? I sleep later than this on a regular day. I will definitely need a nap later.</div>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Eqz0mn0MqCI/XniNPRlUwhI/AAAAAAAAFfw/0tth6W7ZBj0x188KJDhww8Aog4ltRatOgCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/IMG_1347.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1544" data-original-width="1158" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Eqz0mn0MqCI/XniNPRlUwhI/AAAAAAAAFfw/0tth6W7ZBj0x188KJDhww8Aog4ltRatOgCLcBGAsYHQ/s320/IMG_1347.jpg" width="239" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">5:07 a.m.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<h2 style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
On a mission for Toilet Paper</h2>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-SwcUv-vvN8s/XniNO4gMidI/AAAAAAAAFgg/MAkJoEf5JQAYCX6p1cT4uBfxWlyWQ_DMgCPcBGAYYCw/s1600/IMG_1345.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-SwcUv-vvN8s/XniNO4gMidI/AAAAAAAAFgg/MAkJoEf5JQAYCX6p1cT4uBfxWlyWQ_DMgCPcBGAYYCw/s320/IMG_1345.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
This morning I opened our last package of toilet paper. Normally, when we are on the last package, I think nothing of it. Add it to our shopping list for purchase at our next Costco visit. With all the panic shopping, there is no toilet paper to be bought. Check out my Snapchat video:</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<iframe allowfullscreen="" class="YOUTUBE-iframe-video" data-thumbnail-src="https://i.ytimg.com/vi/OMfTPErBy3Y/0.jpg" frameborder="0" height="266" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/OMfTPErBy3Y?feature=player_embedded" width="320"></iframe></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b>Speaking of toilets...</b></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b><br /></b></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-zzgR6Ch7ft0/XniNOekYrHI/AAAAAAAAFgo/YLK1y6vVDIsjQbrT_iNYXVAMOD8x5p5sQCPcBGAYYCw/s1600/IMG_1344.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="652" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-zzgR6Ch7ft0/XniNOekYrHI/AAAAAAAAFgo/YLK1y6vVDIsjQbrT_iNYXVAMOD8x5p5sQCPcBGAYYCw/s320/IMG_1344.JPG" width="217" /></a></div>
<h2 style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Sunday Worship</h2>
<div>
Our church broadcast the message on <a href="https://www.facebook.com/evangelassemblyma" target="_blank">Facebook Live</a> yesterday. Before it started, I tuned into <a href="https://elevationchurch.org/" target="_blank">Elevation Church</a> live on <a href="https://youtu.be/QgM-jiIfzIs" target="_blank">YouTube</a> while I cleaned my kitchen. Elevation Church broadcasts their service weekly on several different platforms, including YouTube and Facebook, as well as in several physical locations (mostly in North Carolina). I know a couple people who consider Elevation Church to be "home," so I wanted to check it out.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-wNdZ2726meM/XniUnU3EFvI/AAAAAAAAFhM/n6ft9NRpp248bB4TQ4yWr6yPjkossgnVACEwYBhgL/s1600/IMG_1283.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-wNdZ2726meM/XniUnU3EFvI/AAAAAAAAFhM/n6ft9NRpp248bB4TQ4yWr6yPjkossgnVACEwYBhgL/s320/IMG_1283.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
At 10:30, our church broadcast the worship service live on Facebook. This was a first for me, and to be honest, I think I was preoccupied by the whole thing. Church in my kitchen, with my coffee?</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-xDe7BOvUNtE/XniUn0WpeGI/AAAAAAAAFhA/VmqqA3s3OfgiNCKksOFpZEmKja13OmxoQCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/IMG_1310.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1600" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-xDe7BOvUNtE/XniUn0WpeGI/AAAAAAAAFhA/VmqqA3s3OfgiNCKksOFpZEmKja13OmxoQCLcBGAsYHQ/s320/IMG_1310.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
After the countdown, the first thing I see is my friend Julie, who served as "MC" of sorts for each part of the service. There were some glitches with the Live event. I think Facebook couldn't handle the volume of all the Live events from churches broadcasting simultaneously. At 11:15, we had the option to tune into Zoom for a continuance of the service to bring the personal touch of interacting with others from Evangel. <i>(I liked that part best.)</i></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Because of the glitches, I missed most of the sermon, so I watched it again this morning on <a href="https://greenwall.evangelassembly.org/" target="_blank">Evangel's website</a>. It was good. Really good. I would be remiss to even try to share all of what Pastor Brian shared with us. You really should check it out for yourself. But in summation, he discussed how we face fear when we know a storm is coming. Right now, we have a unique opportunity to use the extra time we have to pray, to meditate on His word and to worship. Our busyness excuse is gone. As we look into our own heart and grow closer to God, we are able to see what our biggest need is. So, instead of focusing on the clouds of the storm that's coming,<i> focus on the one who made the clouds</i>. Very powerful message.</div>
<h2 style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Scenes from my walk with Leia</h2>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-IdM1SU96Qyk/XniUnotcZ2I/AAAAAAAAFhU/zjxFLneFProufedAWjUPKp5862A1ipZqwCEwYBhgL/s1600/IMG_1309.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1600" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-IdM1SU96Qyk/XniUnotcZ2I/AAAAAAAAFhU/zjxFLneFProufedAWjUPKp5862A1ipZqwCEwYBhgL/s320/IMG_1309.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Birdhouses, an antique bicycle, an interesting lawn setup, and lots of people out and about.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-uW1EYokC-qk/XniNPIl9aSI/AAAAAAAAFgk/g0oK7ePHzpYuwxviiT1ZszoC-6oRYNa9gCPcBGAYYCw/s1600/IMG_1346.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1446" data-original-width="1056" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-uW1EYokC-qk/XniNPIl9aSI/AAAAAAAAFgk/g0oK7ePHzpYuwxviiT1ZszoC-6oRYNa9gCPcBGAYYCw/s320/IMG_1346.jpg" width="233" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I used the "poop" bag to pick up the empties on our walk. (I know, gross!) Brian likes to redeem bottles and cans. He uses the cash towards his annual trip to Washington, DC for Police Week. It's a bit of an obsession with him. Since Leia and I have been walking every day, I've seen these along our walk every day. It was becoming sand in my shoe, an itch I couldn't get to, so yesterday I collected them all. I didn't count, but it was worth the payload. And yes, I did wash, rewash and wash again my hands!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<h2 style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Spring Sightings </h2>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-2K_0xeo51eU/XniNPrwbNBI/AAAAAAAAFgo/0FCEfqcTqLgjwiBuKytZ_v92UHf7HC72gCPcBGAYYCw/s1600/IMG_1349.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="1536" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-2K_0xeo51eU/XniNPrwbNBI/AAAAAAAAFgo/0FCEfqcTqLgjwiBuKytZ_v92UHf7HC72gCPcBGAYYCw/s320/IMG_1349.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I was close enough to this bird feeder to grab some pictures of the birds. There were several, swooping by repeatedly.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<h2 style="text-align: center;">
Our Big Adventure</h2>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-UrGZuyLajjE/XniUoyf3GqI/AAAAAAAAFhY/obqG0ztu9XoDNbHLQC9oBG48oUlorG_XwCEwYBhgL/s1600/IMG_1325.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1544" data-original-width="1158" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-UrGZuyLajjE/XniUoyf3GqI/AAAAAAAAFhY/obqG0ztu9XoDNbHLQC9oBG48oUlorG_XwCEwYBhgL/s320/IMG_1325.jpg" width="239" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Yesterday, we met up with my friend Katherine and her boyfriend to get a piano he bought for her birthday. But this wasn't just any piano.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-W4XQZBzezmA/XniUoQNi6II/AAAAAAAAFhU/Fuc5egw34uIu6i88vaNwV-ac3kXUvqJnwCEwYBhgL/s1600/IMG_1324.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-W4XQZBzezmA/XniUoQNi6II/AAAAAAAAFhU/Fuc5egw34uIu6i88vaNwV-ac3kXUvqJnwCEwYBhgL/s320/IMG_1324.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Signed, "This is the Thorkelson Family piano, owned @1953 to 2020. This is true, Annie Thorkelson 3/21/2020</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Do you have any idea how hard it is to move an upright piano? This thing was HEAVY! It wasn't easy, but Frankie figured it out and it arrived safely at Katherine's house.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-wnwU7HNG2Tw/XniNNSXhPEI/AAAAAAAAFgY/GzjRJpVQVV8BIaNyvXZ_ba36wJ7CdK0AACPcBGAYYCw/s1600/IMG_1337.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-wnwU7HNG2Tw/XniNNSXhPEI/AAAAAAAAFgY/GzjRJpVQVV8BIaNyvXZ_ba36wJ7CdK0AACPcBGAYYCw/s320/IMG_1337.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
So, what's so special about this piano? This piano is the Thorkelson family piano. As in, Peter Thorkelson, more popularly known as Peter Tork of the Monkees. My friend Katherine is their BIGGEST fan, so this was EXTRA special for her.</div>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-AVHerGQ9WGA/XniNNCXpuyI/AAAAAAAAFgc/hFWivvjNSqkE2PIuAqffWSVNj0DiqFTkgCPcBGAYYCw/s1600/IMG_1340.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-AVHerGQ9WGA/XniNNCXpuyI/AAAAAAAAFgc/hFWivvjNSqkE2PIuAqffWSVNj0DiqFTkgCPcBGAYYCw/s320/IMG_1340.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The piano safely in place at Katherine's house. She's already practicing "Daydream Believer."</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<h2 style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Laundry. Every. Day. </h2>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-34pM_NtVT_c/XniNQPR5TkI/AAAAAAAAFgk/IYOz45WpTwEzCxst9ycQHhP1XjdNarZKACPcBGAYYCw/s1600/IMG_1351.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="331" data-original-width="450" height="235" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-34pM_NtVT_c/XniNQPR5TkI/AAAAAAAAFgk/IYOz45WpTwEzCxst9ycQHhP1XjdNarZKACPcBGAYYCw/s320/IMG_1351.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-NBS4L1CbPFc/XniNSAdC0GI/AAAAAAAAFgo/WlsKz5T8i4YehwRbCzv3dBobU24ZTiyqgCPcBGAYYCw/s1600/IMG_1357.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="color: black;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="1536" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-NBS4L1CbPFc/XniNSAdC0GI/AAAAAAAAFgo/WlsKz5T8i4YehwRbCzv3dBobU24ZTiyqgCPcBGAYYCw/s320/IMG_1357.JPG" width="320" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Folded some sheets and have already two loads of laundry going in the washer and dryer this morning.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<h3>
Some thought and laugh provoking memes for the times.</h3>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-mc2pUf1Rk48/XniNN5-yj-I/AAAAAAAAFgY/QrRa_0E1eAY825e6vhpyXPehL_OPM4YIQCPcBGAYYCw/s1600/IMG_1343.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="939" data-original-width="939" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-mc2pUf1Rk48/XniNN5-yj-I/AAAAAAAAFgY/QrRa_0E1eAY825e6vhpyXPehL_OPM4YIQCPcBGAYYCw/s320/IMG_1343.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-yN81veGr7z8/XniNNgChLhI/AAAAAAAAFgU/IzNNkkfrtmUdCRwfewBYpYHU9mkEYhl-ACPcBGAYYCw/s1600/IMG_1342.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="720" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-yN81veGr7z8/XniNNgChLhI/AAAAAAAAFgU/IzNNkkfrtmUdCRwfewBYpYHU9mkEYhl-ACPcBGAYYCw/s320/IMG_1342.JPG" width="256" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-d4LknHmPJcw/XniNMw9nRYI/AAAAAAAAFgk/-xoRSAj4NscRnbtT8RBi2yNINM0jfWXzgCPcBGAYYCw/s1600/IMG_1336.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1024" data-original-width="1024" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-d4LknHmPJcw/XniNMw9nRYI/AAAAAAAAFgk/-xoRSAj4NscRnbtT8RBi2yNINM0jfWXzgCPcBGAYYCw/s320/IMG_1336.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<h2 style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Today's Meditation</h2>
<div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="color: blue; font-family: inherit;">I keep thinking about the storm clouds brewing. As we sit at home and wait for the Coronavirus to either affect or miss us, what is our focus? Is our focus on the imminent danger coming? Or is our focus on the ONE who made the clouds. Reflect on Him today.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="color: blue; font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="color: blue; font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><i>For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord.</i></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="color: blue; font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Romans 8:38-39</span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="color: blue; font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
<iframe allowfullscreen="" class="YOUTUBE-iframe-video" data-thumbnail-src="https://i.ytimg.com/vi/0YUGwUgBvTU/0.jpg" frameborder="0" height="266" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/0YUGwUgBvTU?feature=player_embedded" width="320"></iframe><br />
<i>Praise You In This Storm</i> by Casting Crowns</div>
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<i>And I'll praise you in this storm</i></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<i>And I will lift my hands</i></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<i>That you are who you are</i></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<i>No matter where I am</i></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<i>And every tear I've cried</i></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<i>You hold in your hand</i></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<i>You never left my side</i></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<i>And though my heart is torn</i></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<i>I will praise you in this storm</i></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<span style="color: blue;">How are you and your family dealing with this pandemic?</span><br />
<span style="color: blue;">Feel free to share your updates with me, either in the comments or by <a href="mailto:tracoleman99@gmail.com" target="_blank">message</a>.</span><br />
<br />
My daily posts since my "Coronavirus Staycation" began:<br />
<a href="https://traceyfit.blogspot.com/2020/03/coronavirus-staycation-day-1.html" target="_blank">Day 1: Boo boo paw</a><br />
<a href="https://traceyfit.blogspot.com/2020/03/day-2-of-my-coronavirus-staycation.html" target="_blank">Day 2: Let the projects begin</a><br />
<a href="https://traceyfit.blogspot.com/2020/03/day-3.html" target="_blank">Day 3: A photo journal</a><br />
<a href="https://traceyfit.blogspot.com/2020/03/coronavirus-staycation-day-4.html" target="_blank">Day 4: Love wins</a><br />
<a href="https://traceyfit.blogspot.com/2020/03/finally-saturday.html" target="_blank">Finally Saturday: It's starting to get to me</a><br />
<a href="https://traceyfit.blogspot.com/2020/03/the-long-haul.html" target="_blank">The Long Haul: Be strong & courageous</a><br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://www.instagram.com/traceyfitlife" target="_blank"><img border="0" data-original-height="59" data-original-width="59" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-zfnUtBsC_Eg/WsjDHeF4eoI/AAAAAAAAEWc/tAfEDGRsFpw1z1BGc0HNoOxiOt2fQLpGACPcBGAYYCw/s1600/instagram-colourful-icon.png" /></a> <a href="mailto:tracoleman99@gmail.com" target="_blank"><img border="0" data-original-height="86" data-original-width="83" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-VFlTMoyNXgs/WsjDHXhKPCI/AAAAAAAAEWg/zac1ohBaOI8RnNwxU00J04jtCZffW2ovACPcBGAYYCw/s1600/GMail-Android-R.0.png" /></a></div>
<br />Tracey Colemanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11202001956775683301noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6459494285252158805.post-72896703287155814532020-03-22T04:05:00.000-07:002020-03-22T04:18:05.677-07:00The Long HaulGood morning and Happy Sunday! As I write this, I realize that while today is my 6th day of isolation during this coronavirus pandemic, we've only just begun to see our new reality. This is going to be a long haul.<br />
<br />
On Sundays I go to church to worship and to be with my fellow Christians. Today will be different. While I'm not crazy about the idea of worshiping "online," I am accepting this as part of our "New Normal." I'll tell you my thoughts and reflections in my next post.<br />
<h2>
Project update</h2>
Yesterday we loaded the truck with our old dining room furniture and some bags of clothes to donate. Drove to our local Salvation Army donation center. Closed. Drove to the Heartsprings drop off spot. Closed. Looked online. All of the Salvation Army, Goodwill and Heartsprings locations are closed indefinitely. Looks like we will be holding onto our furniture for a while. I might bring one of the bags of clothing to the homeless shelter because it has lots of socks, sweaters and men's pajama bottoms - all in good condition. I might just hang onto it all until this is over.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-HNOSZ5R-QPQ/Xnc5vdugaII/AAAAAAAAFeQ/fErTqvrc-SUkxwqbIe4gsFtdV8XTE3A2gCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/IMG_1270.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-HNOSZ5R-QPQ/Xnc5vdugaII/AAAAAAAAFeQ/fErTqvrc-SUkxwqbIe4gsFtdV8XTE3A2gCLcBGAsYHQ/s320/IMG_1270.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
<h2>
<span style="text-align: center;"></span></h2>
<h2 style="text-align: center;">
Remember: Laundry. Never. Goes. Away. </h2>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-XKYcBFafnNA/Xnc5vJhiAlI/AAAAAAAAFeo/J25KGE_JIXkZzqEak4By4_G8rNVAIP3YwCEwYBhgL/s1600/IMG_1272.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="857" data-original-width="960" height="285" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-XKYcBFafnNA/Xnc5vJhiAlI/AAAAAAAAFeo/J25KGE_JIXkZzqEak4By4_G8rNVAIP3YwCEwYBhgL/s320/IMG_1272.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<h2>
<span style="text-align: center;">Leia's Adventures</span></h2>
Having pets really helps to take the focus off ourselves. Yesterday was all about Princess Leia.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ZqRvTiNkRXs/Xnc5vaB_X4I/AAAAAAAAFeU/_-KIhQidN4EWXJ7D5MYQFFIX0SbmkMz4QCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/IMG_1271.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="1536" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ZqRvTiNkRXs/Xnc5vaB_X4I/AAAAAAAAFeU/_-KIhQidN4EWXJ7D5MYQFFIX0SbmkMz4QCLcBGAsYHQ/s320/IMG_1271.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small; text-align: start;">Spring sighting: the forsythia bushes have buds that are just about to bloom. This poor pool kind of struck me as a metaphor of how we are feeling right about now.</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-VNm8Ujw1uew/Xnc5vt2mgsI/AAAAAAAAFes/xkggIwY_oyYi7IojU1tlr0VzBWQRiFUEwCEwYBhgL/s1600/IMG_1274.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1544" data-original-width="1158" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-VNm8Ujw1uew/Xnc5vt2mgsI/AAAAAAAAFes/xkggIwY_oyYi7IojU1tlr0VzBWQRiFUEwCEwYBhgL/s320/IMG_1274.jpg" width="239" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">A ride in the truck</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-j6JtgEAAFMQ/Xnc5v7LsrWI/AAAAAAAAFew/U_6rwc0PnWo-12qb1hV_rA4h6bXh7C0_wCEwYBhgL/s1600/IMG_1277.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1544" data-original-width="1158" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-j6JtgEAAFMQ/Xnc5v7LsrWI/AAAAAAAAFew/U_6rwc0PnWo-12qb1hV_rA4h6bXh7C0_wCEwYBhgL/s320/IMG_1277.jpg" width="239" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Snuggles</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-v1Q3-lKridI/Xnc5wXefhlI/AAAAAAAAFew/ufVVXpCqRPgpxVH1GwYffRzKxMhsxjaDQCEwYBhgL/s1600/IMG_1278.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-v1Q3-lKridI/Xnc5wXefhlI/AAAAAAAAFew/ufVVXpCqRPgpxVH1GwYffRzKxMhsxjaDQCEwYBhgL/s320/IMG_1278.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">So much love</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-NNeVshpUBCY/Xnc5wrIO1-I/AAAAAAAAFe0/HRZS_CRy3vkktNS-Jj5AGQ7JVWB3dK-2ACEwYBhgL/s1600/IMG_1279.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-NNeVshpUBCY/Xnc5wrIO1-I/AAAAAAAAFe0/HRZS_CRy3vkktNS-Jj5AGQ7JVWB3dK-2ACEwYBhgL/s320/IMG_1279.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Bed Time</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<h2>
Be strong and courageous</h2>
<div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: blue;"><i>Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go.</i></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: blue;">Joshua 1:9</span></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
</div>
<div>
<b>Be courageous. </b> I try not to think too much about what is going on in our world today. If I get in my head for too long, I become fearful. When I recognize where my thoughts are headed, I stop myself: "Don't think like that, Tracey." Talking to my parents and friends, focusing on the 100 different projects around the house, and cuddling with Leia have helped me get through. </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<b>Be strong. </b> Last night I did some of my physical therapy exercises for my hip. I don't have all the equipment they have at PT, but I can do a lot on my own. I realized there are a lot body weight exercises I can do, so I am going to develop a three-day at-home workout plan. The gym and various fitness subscriptions have been emailing workouts from home. I might follow one or two of them, or I might just develop my own. I don't have a lot in the way of weights for strength training, but I can make the most of what I do have. </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<b>We are not alone.</b> I hold onto the truth of God's word. He is with us. Even his name, Emmanuel means "God with us." While we may not be able to be together in person, we live in a time when we can use technology to be with each other. No matter your age, take advantage of technology to be with your friends and family, near and far. If you don't regularly attend a house of worship, or if your home church hasn't transitioned to online, I want to invite you to worship with me and my Evangel friends this morning. Today at 10:30 a.m., our pastors are streaming our service <a href="https://www.facebook.com/evangelassemblyma/" target="_blank">Live on Facebook</a>. If you miss the live event, you can view the service from our website.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://greenwall.evangelassembly.org/" target="_blank"><img border="0" data-original-height="300" data-original-width="533" height="180" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-5Wzx0RSM-n8/XndERbHkMnI/AAAAAAAAFe8/eytHZmmZx6AHMHaxWPtjeuxIpGHAvAY4gCLcBGAsYHQ/s320/Evangel.png" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="https://greenwall.evangelassembly.org/">https://greenwall.evangelassembly.org/</a></div>
</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<h2 style="text-align: center;">
Today's Meditations</h2>
<div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: blue; font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><i>So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous hand.</i></span></div>
</div>
<div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: blue; font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Isaiah 41:10</span></div>
</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<iframe allowfullscreen="" class="YOUTUBE-iframe-video" data-thumbnail-src="https://i.ytimg.com/vi/NrTv39-lG4M/0.jpg" frameborder="0" height="266" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/NrTv39-lG4M?feature=player_embedded" width="320"></iframe></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<i>Yes I Will</i> by Vertical Worship</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<i>I count on one thing</i></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<i>The same God that never fails</i></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<i>Will not fail me now</i></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<i>You won't fail me now</i></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<i>In the waiting</i></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<i>The same God who's never late</i></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<i>Is working all things out</i></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<i>You're working all things out</i></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<span style="color: blue;">How are you and your family dealing with this pandemic?</span><br />
<span style="color: blue;">Feel free to share your updates with me, either in the comments or by <a href="mailto:tracoleman99@gmail.com" target="_blank">message</a>.</span><br />
<br />
My daily posts since my "Coronavirus Staycation" began:<br />
<a href="https://traceyfit.blogspot.com/2020/03/coronavirus-staycation-day-1.html" target="_blank">Day 1: Boo boo paw</a><br />
<a href="https://traceyfit.blogspot.com/2020/03/day-2-of-my-coronavirus-staycation.html" target="_blank">Day 2: Let the projects begin</a><br />
<a href="https://traceyfit.blogspot.com/2020/03/day-3.html" target="_blank">Day 3: A photo journal</a><br />
<a href="https://traceyfit.blogspot.com/2020/03/coronavirus-staycation-day-4.html" target="_blank">Day 4: Love wins</a><br />
<a href="https://traceyfit.blogspot.com/2020/03/finally-saturday.html" target="_blank">Finally Saturday: It's starting to get to me</a><br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://www.instagram.com/traceyfitlife" target="_blank"><img border="0" data-original-height="59" data-original-width="59" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-zfnUtBsC_Eg/WsjDHeF4eoI/AAAAAAAAEWc/tAfEDGRsFpw1z1BGc0HNoOxiOt2fQLpGACPcBGAYYCw/s1600/instagram-colourful-icon.png" /></a> <a href="mailto:tracoleman99@gmail.com" target="_blank"><img border="0" data-original-height="86" data-original-width="83" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-VFlTMoyNXgs/WsjDHXhKPCI/AAAAAAAAEWg/zac1ohBaOI8RnNwxU00J04jtCZffW2ovACPcBGAYYCw/s1600/GMail-Android-R.0.png" /></a></div>
</div>
Tracey Colemanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11202001956775683301noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6459494285252158805.post-453540956826167862020-03-21T06:09:00.002-07:002020-03-21T06:12:40.628-07:00Finally Saturday<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
It's Saturday! Since today is not a regular work day, I'm just calling it Saturday. My "staycation" will resume on Monday. With the Coronavirus Pandemic affecting us all, one way I'm coping is to share random thoughts, prayers, laughs and whatever else comes to mind. Today's post will be short.</div>
<h2 style="clear: both;">
In My Mind</h2>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
Yesterday was a tough day for me. The pandemic is a full blown "panic-demic," invoking anxiety across the nation. Yesterday I let it get to me. I realized what was going on with me, talked to my husband, then to my friend Ashley. I started working on another project and felt somewhat better as I pushed through. It helps to remember, we are all in this together. I love this CBS promo video, check it out:</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<iframe allowfullscreen="" class="YOUTUBE-iframe-video" data-thumbnail-src="https://i.ytimg.com/vi/aXX2Ps_MeSM/0.jpg" frameborder="0" height="266" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/aXX2Ps_MeSM?feature=player_embedded" width="320"></iframe></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i>We're All In This Together</i></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i><br /></i></div>
<h2 style="text-align: center;">
Bad Hair Days</h2>
<div>
Here's my reality...</div>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-GN-RSrtn9yg/XnYEZ_YE_0I/AAAAAAAAFds/9GKb9qim1pkv_ZezStOCCqmPTWi__wPWwCEwYBhgL/s1600/IMG_1261.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1600" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-GN-RSrtn9yg/XnYEZ_YE_0I/AAAAAAAAFds/9GKb9qim1pkv_ZezStOCCqmPTWi__wPWwCEwYBhgL/s320/IMG_1261.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">When I first get up (left), I am so ugly, I look like a man. After some coffee, washing my face and a quick brush through the hair, I feel (and look) so much better.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<h2 style="text-align: center;">
Please don't </h2>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Hx4dXMws-ZI/XnYEYVSODYI/AAAAAAAAFdY/2-fboYSrLWY5PHhjQ0dXNRR8dDtb8sqGgCEwYBhgL/s1600/IMG_1251.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="660" data-original-width="529" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Hx4dXMws-ZI/XnYEYVSODYI/AAAAAAAAFdY/2-fboYSrLWY5PHhjQ0dXNRR8dDtb8sqGgCEwYBhgL/s320/IMG_1251.JPG" width="256" /></a></div>
<h2>
News and COVID-19 updates</h2>
<div>
Massachusetts Governor Charlie Baker has actually been a calming force in my days. He holds a daily press conference with updates,talks candidly about the reality of what is happening, without instilling panic and fear among the residents. I respect him and am praying for our leaders during this tumultuous time.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Fg-73ajjyt0/XnYEZEFnkuI/AAAAAAAAFd0/5zReHK0o0dkDFJQ1tWsx3Cpsncuc65zmgCEwYBhgL/s1600/IMG_1254.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Fg-73ajjyt0/XnYEZEFnkuI/AAAAAAAAFd0/5zReHK0o0dkDFJQ1tWsx3Cpsncuc65zmgCEwYBhgL/s320/IMG_1254.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
<h2 style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
One on One is closed</h2>
<div>
Yesterday I told you about how I had my session with Pat and how fortunate I felt that I had a safe place to go for strength training. Last night, Pat reached out to let us know that the city of West Springfield has closed all fitness studios for the duration of this health crisis. (At least through April 7.) I guess I saw the writing on the wall, but this seriously broke my heart. One on One is a small business. It is not a large corporate gym. Pete (the owner) and Pat (our trainer) rely on our patronage to keep them afloat. And now, this. I get it, I do. Instead of in-person training, they are offering remote video training. But still.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-GvIuz48XmmI/XnS1ZemJSXI/AAAAAAAAFcg/VJchElzSY787HfUwDnURF7wFq6Uv5FmGwCPcBGAYYCw/s1600/IMG_1240.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1600" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-GvIuz48XmmI/XnS1ZemJSXI/AAAAAAAAFcg/VJchElzSY787HfUwDnURF7wFq6Uv5FmGwCPcBGAYYCw/s320/IMG_1240.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<h2 style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Mitch's Room</h2>
<div>
A year ago, Mitch packed a suitcase and moved out, leaving everything behind, including his mess. Since then, Brian started putting things in his room to get them "out of the way." It was so bad, you couldn't even walk through the room. Once I realized I was in a rut, I decided to tackle the monster. Brian helped. We are no where near done. We need to finish boxing up some miscellaneous things, clean and hopefully I can buy some paint. The plan is to move Joey into this room because it's a lot bigger. Joey's room will become a spare room... possibly a workout room, an office or a craft room???</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-4kbN-MoqaKw/XnYEYsZeWAI/AAAAAAAAFeA/Hll04Tyz0-8oNVfph7-eXRr25tIw7FEBQCEwYBhgL/s1600/60648269859__B27DFBB1-33CB-49A8-A274-F1BD75D338EB.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-4kbN-MoqaKw/XnYEYsZeWAI/AAAAAAAAFeA/Hll04Tyz0-8oNVfph7-eXRr25tIw7FEBQCEwYBhgL/s320/60648269859__B27DFBB1-33CB-49A8-A274-F1BD75D338EB.JPG" width="240" /></a><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-mVsvrgtRyds/XnYEYnMKDkI/AAAAAAAAFd4/gja9XTQtrG8b7Z0eKS9BIHD2ljaCBETUQCEwYBhgL/s320/60648268667__D00E3A4B-992E-4132-9AC2-B40D5E3073B6.JPG" width="240" /></div>
<br />
<h2 style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Pushing through</h2>
<div style="text-align: left;">
Bad days are to be expected, the key is to not allow it to consume you. Today will be a better day. </div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
In a bit, I'm going to get dressed and take Leia for a walk. Will be back at it in Mitch's room. </div>
<h3 style="text-align: center;">
And. More. Laundry. </h3>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-S4kvge3v0fA/XnYEZOLov7I/AAAAAAAAFeA/ZBsZAYZIr70t_yc9f3vC8cE_3sSn69uWwCEwYBhgL/s1600/IMG_1257.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="940" data-original-width="1302" height="231" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-S4kvge3v0fA/XnYEZOLov7I/AAAAAAAAFeA/ZBsZAYZIr70t_yc9f3vC8cE_3sSn69uWwCEwYBhgL/s320/IMG_1257.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<h2 style="clear: both;">
Today's meditation and a song for the times.</h2>
<div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: blue; font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><i>Dear brothers and sisters, when troubles of any kind come your way, consider it an opportunity for great joy. For you know that when your faith is tested, your endurance has a chance to grow. So let it grow, for when your endurance is fully developed, you will be perfect and complete, needing nothing.</i></span><br />
<span style="color: blue; font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">James 1:2-4</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<iframe allowfullscreen="" class="YOUTUBE-iframe-video" data-thumbnail-src="https://i.ytimg.com/vi/Zg2dmvvew_o/0.jpg" frameborder="0" height="266" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/Zg2dmvvew_o?feature=player_embedded" width="320"></iframe><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<i>Spreadin' (Coronavirus) </i>by Psychs</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Rap isn't my speed, but this is a good one for the times. Check it out.</div>
<br />
<span style="color: blue;">How are you and your family dealing with this pandemic?</span><br />
<span style="color: blue;">Feel free to share your updates with me, either in the comments or by <a href="mailto:tracoleman99@gmail.com" target="_blank">message</a>.</span><br />
<span style="color: blue;"><br /></span>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://www.instagram.com/traceyfitlife" target="_blank"><img border="0" data-original-height="59" data-original-width="59" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-zfnUtBsC_Eg/WsjDHeF4eoI/AAAAAAAAEWc/tAfEDGRsFpw1z1BGc0HNoOxiOt2fQLpGACPcBGAYYCw/s1600/instagram-colourful-icon.png" /></a> <a href="mailto:tracoleman99@gmail.com" target="_blank"><img border="0" data-original-height="86" data-original-width="83" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-VFlTMoyNXgs/WsjDHXhKPCI/AAAAAAAAEWg/zac1ohBaOI8RnNwxU00J04jtCZffW2ovACPcBGAYYCw/s1600/GMail-Android-R.0.png" /></a></div>
</div>
Tracey Colemanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11202001956775683301noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6459494285252158805.post-62912362759533180132020-03-20T06:23:00.000-07:002020-03-20T06:27:55.431-07:00Coronavirus Staycation: Day 4<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<b>Happy Day 4 </b>of my coronavirus "staycation." (I actually do have to work from home, but it feels like a staycation.) Yesterday was a very busy day.</div>
<br />
I am finding posting my updates to be a therapeutic way of dealing with the craziness of this coronavirus epidemic... just some random thoughts and prayers and laughs and whatever else comes to mind. Feel free to share your updates with me, either in the comments or by <a href="mailto:tracoleman99@gmail.com" target="_blank">message</a>.<br />
<br />
<h2>
Today's Updates, Stories and Projects</h2>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
We got our dining room table at a tag sale for under $100 about 18 years ago. The table has served us well, but the legs are a little wobbly and the surface of the table has heat stains on it, so I've been looking for a new dining room table for the past several months. To make a long story short, some friends are moving and can't bring their dining room table with them, so we are providing their table with a temporary shelter in place. When they need it back, we will gladly return it to them. In the mean time, I have a new (to me) dining room table set. I'm SOOOOO excited! </div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-P7QHYJ0nKmI/XnS1aFKLFjI/AAAAAAAAFcI/kESOA1dkFjQPmwZGFSB2l13IKGzicaGHgCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/IMG_1241.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1600" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-P7QHYJ0nKmI/XnS1aFKLFjI/AAAAAAAAFcI/kESOA1dkFjQPmwZGFSB2l13IKGzicaGHgCLcBGAsYHQ/s320/IMG_1241.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Brought them coffee from Dunkin. I got 100 free points for making an On The Go order yesterday. Our new dining room table. And more signs of spring (tulips sprouting) .</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
I've been serious about cleaning the house. Yesterday we moved all the furniture out of the den (and into the kitchen), and thoroughly cleaned the room. With two German Shepherd Dogs, you can't imagine how much dirt we have. Not just dog hair, of which they have soooooo much. But dirt. Brian rearranged the furniture and is going to give it good cleaning today. I like the "new look."</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-F_jP2rrlzDk/XnS1YzCsW3I/AAAAAAAAFck/9H_6mLk6-rg3U7TtaevixI7aHN-Hd080ACEwYBhgL/s1600/IMG_1239.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1600" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-F_jP2rrlzDk/XnS1YzCsW3I/AAAAAAAAFck/9H_6mLk6-rg3U7TtaevixI7aHN-Hd080ACEwYBhgL/s320/IMG_1239.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<span style="color: blue;"><br /></span>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
My appointments with Pat are on Thursdays, so I ventured out to <a href="https://www.facebook.com/OneonOneFitStudio/" target="_blank">One on One</a> for my session with him. They are following VERY strict hygiene policies and the studio is set up with individual rooms, so I felt safe and I was the ONLY one there. I thoroughly cleaned everything I touched before and after I used it. I'm grateful to have this unique opportunity to get in some strength training.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-GvIuz48XmmI/XnS1ZemJSXI/AAAAAAAAFcg/FvIarGl-0wgIDtyeUs0N9bkjyvYzluMKACEwYBhgL/s1600/IMG_1240.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1600" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-GvIuz48XmmI/XnS1ZemJSXI/AAAAAAAAFcg/FvIarGl-0wgIDtyeUs0N9bkjyvYzluMKACEwYBhgL/s320/IMG_1240.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
While I was there, I got a text from Brian, "We are almost out of laundry detergent. If you can, stop at Costco and pick some up." (Costco is about 1/2 a mile from One on One.) Surprisingly, the Costco parking lot was pretty sparse. I go inside and it's kinda like Disney World...corralling customers in a holding area because they are at capacity. Not only are they limiting the number of customers in the store at one time, they are limiting the quantities of items you can purchase. And when you check out, they are directing you and enforcing social distancing, with no more than one person in line at a time. On my way home, I threw caution to the wind and took this quick pic of the highway. It was rush hour and there were no cars. <b>Everyone is home.</b> </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-tXlullz12mw/XnS1acP2mgI/AAAAAAAAFco/C-fTEWlJKFM2SmOLl1AZqA7K8AJvOI5zgCEwYBhgL/s1600/IMG_1242.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1600" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-tXlullz12mw/XnS1acP2mgI/AAAAAAAAFco/C-fTEWlJKFM2SmOLl1AZqA7K8AJvOI5zgCEwYBhgL/s320/IMG_1242.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<h3 style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
I. Am. So. Sick. Of. Laundry.</h3>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-qtx_1z3fyB4/XnS_rz3TAOI/AAAAAAAAFc4/SDw0OESGuoIhrq6vLqQW-g6dlrFFGmAWgCEwYBhgL/s1600/IMG_1249.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1600" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-qtx_1z3fyB4/XnS_rz3TAOI/AAAAAAAAFc4/SDw0OESGuoIhrq6vLqQW-g6dlrFFGmAWgCEwYBhgL/s320/IMG_1249.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<h2 style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="text-align: left;">Love Wins!</span></h2>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Let me share a story with you about my friend Luzed. Luzed and her fiance were supposed to get married today in New York City. As the pandemic situation evolved, their plans were changing daily. My heart was breaking for her. First their grandparents couldn't come, then the venue cancelled, then their honeymoon cancelled, then their parents couldn't come, then New York City threatened a shelter in place order. But they did not let that stop them. In spite of ALL the craziness, to the surprise of everyone, Luzed wen to New York City yesterday. She and Jonathan got married in his home church, with his pastor officiating. They didn't let the pandemic keep them apart. Love WON! </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-JCBe5H2n0Go/XnS1ap3t-EI/AAAAAAAAFcg/IBUbF_nEAUo1km0ZPxUQ-JJ-EjZmQEOVQCEwYBhgL/s1600/Wedding.gif" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="281" data-original-width="498" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-JCBe5H2n0Go/XnS1ap3t-EI/AAAAAAAAFcg/IBUbF_nEAUo1km0ZPxUQ-JJ-EjZmQEOVQCEwYBhgL/s1600/Wedding.gif" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Like just about everyone else, I am on Facebook far more than normal and I couldn't help but re-post some of these thought and laugh provoking memes. They speak for themselves.</div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-JifQifIrpCI/XnS1YKALASI/AAAAAAAAFcU/Bg43j62sIzQ2LBltLLRnvQrG7LGWCC7agCEwYBhgL/s1600/IMG_1238.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="811" data-original-width="828" height="313" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-JifQifIrpCI/XnS1YKALASI/AAAAAAAAFcU/Bg43j62sIzQ2LBltLLRnvQrG7LGWCC7agCEwYBhgL/s320/IMG_1238.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I hear you all now, "Coleman, <i>Follow your own advice. Stay home."</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-zW8drU_9O3M/XnS1XXvtRBI/AAAAAAAAFcU/4bwOq7SsJeUoJ__EgXXJY3DRwmPfBY36wCEwYBhgL/s1600/IMG_1228.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="941" data-original-width="960" height="313" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-zW8drU_9O3M/XnS1XXvtRBI/AAAAAAAAFcU/4bwOq7SsJeUoJ__EgXXJY3DRwmPfBY36wCEwYBhgL/s320/IMG_1228.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="color: blue;"><i>Toilet Tissue</i> from the Carol Burnett Show</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<iframe allowfullscreen="" class="YOUTUBE-iframe-video" data-thumbnail-src="https://i.ytimg.com/vi/XMTSbSrvcRg/0.jpg" frameborder="0" height="266" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/XMTSbSrvcRg?feature=player_embedded" width="320"></iframe></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-UnVcknLIPI0/XnS1XSjQNhI/AAAAAAAAFco/JmWNx4_PTfIH3Dijk3MP94rK4HR7hL8UgCEwYBhgL/s1600/IMG_1237.JPG" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" data-original-height="603" data-original-width="540" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-UnVcknLIPI0/XnS1XSjQNhI/AAAAAAAAFco/JmWNx4_PTfIH3Dijk3MP94rK4HR7hL8UgCEwYBhgL/s320/IMG_1237.JPG" width="286" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-4_neCtEEnCY/XnS1aBohW8I/AAAAAAAAFcc/iqGtvVDJHjgbDkKbIasbOyvXHQkEUl6FACEwYBhgL/s1600/IMG_1246.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="835" data-original-width="960" height="278" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-4_neCtEEnCY/XnS1aBohW8I/AAAAAAAAFcc/iqGtvVDJHjgbDkKbIasbOyvXHQkEUl6FACEwYBhgL/s320/IMG_1246.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<h3 style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
I gave my Aunt Kelly a scare today, announcing some unexpected company...</h3>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-s-BXU_DRA04/XnS_rn3MH5I/AAAAAAAAFc0/FY_PKPbizHMCvmp2CtnLpyCZ-Xgz0jmIQCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/IMG_1247.PNG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="739" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-s-BXU_DRA04/XnS_rn3MH5I/AAAAAAAAFc0/FY_PKPbizHMCvmp2CtnLpyCZ-Xgz0jmIQCLcBGAsYHQ/s640/IMG_1247.PNG" width="294" /></a></div>
<br />
Thanks for taking part of your day to read about my adventures.<br />
<h3>
Today's meditation and a song to make you laugh.</h3>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: blue; font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><i>I will turn their mourning into joy, I will comfort them and give them gladness for sorry.</i></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: blue; font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Jeremiah 31:13</span></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<iframe allowfullscreen="" class="YOUTUBE-iframe-video" data-thumbnail-src="https://i.ytimg.com/vi/fNFzfwLM72c/0.jpg" frameborder="0" height="266" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/fNFzfwLM72c?feature=player_embedded" width="320"></iframe></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<i>Staying Alive</i> by the Bee Gees</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<i>Whether you're a brother or whether you're a mother</i></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<i>You're stayin' alive, stayin' alive</i></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<i>Feel the city breakin' and everybody shakin'</i></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<i>And we're stayin' alive, stayin' alive.</i></div>
<br />
<span style="color: blue;">How are you and your family dealing with this pandemic?</span><br />
<span style="color: blue;">Feel free to share your updates with me, either in the comments or by <a href="mailto:tracoleman99@gmail.com" target="_blank">message</a>.</span><br />
<span style="color: blue;"><br /></span>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://www.instagram.com/traceyfitlife" target="_blank"><img border="0" data-original-height="59" data-original-width="59" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-zfnUtBsC_Eg/WsjDHeF4eoI/AAAAAAAAEWc/tAfEDGRsFpw1z1BGc0HNoOxiOt2fQLpGACPcBGAYYCw/s1600/instagram-colourful-icon.png" /></a> <a href="mailto:tracoleman99@gmail.com" target="_blank"><img border="0" data-original-height="86" data-original-width="83" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-VFlTMoyNXgs/WsjDHXhKPCI/AAAAAAAAEWg/zac1ohBaOI8RnNwxU00J04jtCZffW2ovACPcBGAYYCw/s1600/GMail-Android-R.0.png" /></a></div>
Tracey Colemanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11202001956775683301noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6459494285252158805.post-81085997118152689872020-03-19T05:23:00.001-07:002020-03-19T05:24:02.289-07:00Day 3Today is Day 3 of my <i>Coronavirus Staycation</i>. Instead of stories, I thought I'd do a Photo Blog for today.<br />
<h3>
Working From Home</h3>
As an Assistant Principal, this means answering email, answering my cell phone, doing reports for the state and online trainings I should have done in September.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-fScS5kKU0JQ/XnNeEYeCq4I/AAAAAAAAFag/3REj_CewB78rQEK6ncnMuPXreGxaRBDRQCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/IMG_1185.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="320" data-original-width="240" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-fScS5kKU0JQ/XnNeEYeCq4I/AAAAAAAAFag/3REj_CewB78rQEK6ncnMuPXreGxaRBDRQCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/IMG_1185.jpg" /></a><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Yx8sGTKy9vQ/XnNeFZ2w9mI/AAAAAAAAFas/6cSulWJZ4AUxxYnG8JHEtM54NF1lOrh_gCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/IMG_1186.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Yx8sGTKy9vQ/XnNeFZ2w9mI/AAAAAAAAFas/6cSulWJZ4AUxxYnG8JHEtM54NF1lOrh_gCLcBGAsYHQ/s320/IMG_1186.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<h3 style="text-align: center;">
Morning coffee and snuggles</h3>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-RO-PCm4D3ik/XnNeE6CZchI/AAAAAAAAFbQ/D5j4NFP9iOY3OVySRyu5ovlELEKi7hD9QCEwYBhgL/s1600/IMG_1184.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-RO-PCm4D3ik/XnNeE6CZchI/AAAAAAAAFbQ/D5j4NFP9iOY3OVySRyu5ovlELEKi7hD9QCEwYBhgL/s320/IMG_1184.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
<h3 style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Supporting local businesses, responsible shopping and home made chicken soup.</h3>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-3G2AEPKe5JI/XnNeGcbxHJI/AAAAAAAAFbU/KkusYTzv6Kgjd2qcucvUHzwlCYlHswb6gCEwYBhgL/s1600/IMG_1202.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1600" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-3G2AEPKe5JI/XnNeGcbxHJI/AAAAAAAAFbU/KkusYTzv6Kgjd2qcucvUHzwlCYlHswb6gCEwYBhgL/s320/IMG_1202.JPG" width="320" /></a><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-FzJ9xYt_HIM/XnNeFyXCIzI/AAAAAAAAFbM/3ImrKhVR4Yc0DL67e5zmPgT7_2BQutWqwCEwYBhgL/s1600/IMG_1200.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-FzJ9xYt_HIM/XnNeFyXCIzI/AAAAAAAAFbM/3ImrKhVR4Yc0DL67e5zmPgT7_2BQutWqwCEwYBhgL/s320/IMG_1200.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
<h3 style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Scenes from my afternoon walk</h3>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-zGvG21nbBzc/XnNeFi80FiI/AAAAAAAAFbQ/ZDbmubwIHoQ0lWCOzPPe9fEhPbQiUgOdgCEwYBhgL/s1600/IMG_1198.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1132" data-original-width="1280" height="283" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-zGvG21nbBzc/XnNeFi80FiI/AAAAAAAAFbQ/ZDbmubwIHoQ0lWCOzPPe9fEhPbQiUgOdgCEwYBhgL/s320/IMG_1198.jpg" width="320" /></a><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-fCk1HHRsD6A/XnNeFb441FI/AAAAAAAAFbI/84TvbNwSAYsXFBnlwN9biMpiOeDGeCzFQCEwYBhgL/s1600/IMG_1197.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-fCk1HHRsD6A/XnNeFb441FI/AAAAAAAAFbI/84TvbNwSAYsXFBnlwN9biMpiOeDGeCzFQCEwYBhgL/s320/IMG_1197.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
<h3 style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Completed our 2020 Census.</h3>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-6JZbkATqpuA/XnNeFMY9arI/AAAAAAAAFbY/wblbMfzNojAQ8rCpzFYfeqRgVvrqO6FuQCEwYBhgL/s1600/IMG_1182.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1264" data-original-width="1600" height="252" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-6JZbkATqpuA/XnNeFMY9arI/AAAAAAAAFbY/wblbMfzNojAQ8rCpzFYfeqRgVvrqO6FuQCEwYBhgL/s320/IMG_1182.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<h3 style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Thought for the day (click on the picture)</h3>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://abide.co/prayer/3vqkpe" target="_blank"><img border="0" data-original-height="682" data-original-width="674" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-No-QLyc1GgY/XnNeGT76t2I/AAAAAAAAFbM/gSfHUSINoSETtI5kTSpFIvXwm5wMOqLNACEwYBhgL/s320/IMG_1203.jpg" width="316" /></a></div>
<h3 style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
I have the news on constantly. Brian actually makes me turn it off. As far as this whole Spring Break craze in Florida goes... <i>Seriously?</i></h3>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ZDsCyGfrjmw/XnNeGz-JUwI/AAAAAAAAFbY/BzZ3YV_nqWQmQowzVabIGiGQpiq5037RgCEwYBhgL/s1600/IMG_1208.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1600" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ZDsCyGfrjmw/XnNeGz-JUwI/AAAAAAAAFbY/BzZ3YV_nqWQmQowzVabIGiGQpiq5037RgCEwYBhgL/s320/IMG_1208.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<h3 style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Today's meditations:</h3>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<i><span style="color: blue; font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, kindess, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control. Against such there is no law.</span></i></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="color: blue; font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Galations 5:22-23</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<iframe allowfullscreen="" class="YOUTUBE-iframe-video" data-thumbnail-src="https://i.ytimg.com/vi/NA1mOQJouRg/0.jpg" frameborder="0" height="266" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/NA1mOQJouRg?feature=player_embedded" width="320"></iframe></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<i>Worthy, Worthy</i> by Vertical Worship</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<i>Though we cannot comprehend such a mystery</i></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<i>Just a glimpse of You revealed is compelling us to sing.</i></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: blue;">How are you and your family dealing with this pandemic?</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: blue;">Feel free to share your updates with me, either in the comments or by <a href="mailto:tracoleman99@gmail.com" target="_blank">message</a>.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: blue;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://www.instagram.com/traceyfitlife" target="_blank"><img border="0" data-original-height="59" data-original-width="59" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-zfnUtBsC_Eg/WsjDHeF4eoI/AAAAAAAAEWc/tAfEDGRsFpw1z1BGc0HNoOxiOt2fQLpGACPcBGAYYCw/s1600/instagram-colourful-icon.png" /></a> <a href="mailto:tracoleman99@gmail.com" target="_blank"><img border="0" data-original-height="86" data-original-width="83" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-VFlTMoyNXgs/WsjDHXhKPCI/AAAAAAAAEWg/zac1ohBaOI8RnNwxU00J04jtCZffW2ovACPcBGAYYCw/s1600/GMail-Android-R.0.png" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<br />Tracey Colemanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11202001956775683301noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6459494285252158805.post-218047765938760642020-03-18T03:29:00.003-07:002020-03-18T03:43:02.296-07:00Day 2 of my Coronavirus StaycationI started texting my Aunt Kelly yesterday and the text ended up so long that I decided to make it a blog post. Somehow for me, talking about the day to day stuff helps get me through the craziness of this situation we all share. How are you dealing with this pandemic? The isolation? Having your kids with you 24/7? The fear? I hope you will share your own stories with me, either in the comments below or <a href="mailto:tracoleman99@gmail.com" target="_blank">message me</a>.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-fEfSlTAajok/XnHzZJMqt3I/AAAAAAAAFZ0/XXUyPTR0ALIwZX2noSdZQv9qnptjJOM1QCEwYBhgL/s1600/IMG_0006.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="692" data-original-width="828" height="333" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-fEfSlTAajok/XnHzZJMqt3I/AAAAAAAAFZ0/XXUyPTR0ALIwZX2noSdZQv9qnptjJOM1QCEwYBhgL/s400/IMG_0006.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Borrowed this from someone...source unknown.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<h2>
Today’s Story: Koby Update </h2>
So yesterday was a visit to the vet. They are not allowing human owners entrance to the clinic.<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-B1EgY_w-f9s/XnHzZAkozmI/AAAAAAAAFZI/UwKaSaePs2MwOtxcW1K372-R1fBy6ywEgCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/IMG_1164.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="814" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-B1EgY_w-f9s/XnHzZAkozmI/AAAAAAAAFZI/UwKaSaePs2MwOtxcW1K372-R1fBy6ywEgCLcBGAsYHQ/s320/IMG_1164.JPG" width="162" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Waiting for Koby to be examined.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
A vet tech comes out to your vehicle to get your animal and bring it in to see the vet. Our vet himself actually came out to get Koby and brought him back to the car. How hard this is on all of them! I’m sure they must be so frustrated.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-TSKeO9J8KTA/XnHzaYUkgCI/AAAAAAAAFZ0/evCvjCBRbxkxhJY9_n5sFjagSRx9zgZcwCEwYBhgL/s1600/IMG_1166.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="640" data-original-width="480" height="200" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-TSKeO9J8KTA/XnHzaYUkgCI/AAAAAAAAFZ0/evCvjCBRbxkxhJY9_n5sFjagSRx9zgZcwCEwYBhgL/s200/IMG_1166.jpg" width="150" /></a><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-JLCySw1U0pE/XnHzZ5uBPHI/AAAAAAAAFZw/seJmNPdZy14vrUw2VpFqo6qUbCeh__gEACEwYBhgL/s1600/IMG_1165.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="849" data-original-width="750" height="200" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-JLCySw1U0pE/XnHzZ5uBPHI/AAAAAAAAFZw/seJmNPdZy14vrUw2VpFqo6qUbCeh__gEACEwYBhgL/s200/IMG_1165.jpg" width="176" /></a></div>
Dr. Crosson put some medicine on Koby’s paws to stop the bleeding and gave him antibiotics and gabapentin for the pain. Instructed us to buy Koby some booties to protect his feet and showed us a “towel trick” to support his hind quarters better while he walks. He’s getting older. This is so hard.<br />
<br />
<h3>
Staycation project update:</h3>
The deep cleaning of the house is still underway. Instead of Mitch’s room, we worked on our bedroom. When Brian retired, he pulled out all of his work clothes to “go through”. He never “went through” them. Until yesterday.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-RYe-j42DlzY/XnHzcz2uFNI/AAAAAAAAFaA/g0-kAm86Y2MZMbrGX3lIcXAJPLFKJpXMACEwYBhgL/s1600/IMG_1177.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1598" data-original-width="1600" height="319" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-RYe-j42DlzY/XnHzcz2uFNI/AAAAAAAAFaA/g0-kAm86Y2MZMbrGX3lIcXAJPLFKJpXMACEwYBhgL/s320/IMG_1177.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">He made a shadow box of his SPD patch, his first and last badges, his Kevin Ambrose pin and his negotiator's pin.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
In December we got a new TV for the living room and I moved my “relaxing spot” from the den to the living room and had Joey move his games to the den. The den has been a mess since. Hopefully that will be part of today’s projects. Mitch's room is still a top priority.<br />
<br />
<b>Side note:</b> Brian is now responsible for cooking. He made it to the store yesterday, said the shelves weren't quite as sparse as they have been. We had meatloaf for dinner last night, ground beef was plentiful.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Zna1NO6LtVs/XnHzbckHHWI/AAAAAAAAFZ4/2BVuiu7m5TEDO9Kd1E2hpiQ-tg9LCNosQCEwYBhgL/s1600/IMG_1169.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="640" data-original-width="480" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Zna1NO6LtVs/XnHzbckHHWI/AAAAAAAAFZ4/2BVuiu7m5TEDO9Kd1E2hpiQ-tg9LCNosQCEwYBhgL/s320/IMG_1169.jpg" width="240" /></a><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-3BTzNlmS6tI/XnHzbxEi_lI/AAAAAAAAFZ8/38WYt6XIxSk1vPv11Tc_DGxYLQ-QbMY9ACEwYBhgL/s1600/IMG_1170.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" data-original-height="640" data-original-width="480" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-3BTzNlmS6tI/XnHzbxEi_lI/AAAAAAAAFZ8/38WYt6XIxSk1vPv11Tc_DGxYLQ-QbMY9ACEwYBhgL/s320/IMG_1170.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
Did not make it to the gym yesterday. Honestly, even though they are open and limiting capacity to 25, I'm kinda nervous about being exposed to others in a facility where we all touch everything with our sweaty hands. Maybe today I'll go to One on One Fitness in West Springfield where I train with Pat. It's a much smaller facility. Instead of the gym, I took Leia for a walk.<br />
Saw some crocus (the first sign of spring) and was reminded that yesterday was St. Patrick's Day. <br />
<br />
Here are today's meditations... As we ponder on God’s word, let’s be reminded that He is with us. We will get through during these tough times.<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: blue;"><i>For this light momentary affliction is preparing for us an eternal weight of glory beyond all comparison as we look not to the things that are seen but to the things that are unseen. For the things that are seen are transient but the things that are unseen are eternal.</i></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: blue;">2 Corinthians 4:17-18</span></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-BbNGLjjI1s0/XnHza0QkExI/AAAAAAAAFaA/qvf1vfES-8IuJmYnHEok-fKcfXIaKF_YwCEwYBhgL/s1600/IMG_1168.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="640" data-original-width="480" height="200" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-BbNGLjjI1s0/XnHza0QkExI/AAAAAAAAFaA/qvf1vfES-8IuJmYnHEok-fKcfXIaKF_YwCEwYBhgL/s200/IMG_1168.jpg" width="150" /></a><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-f3wuRVgSl_E/XnHzZT6o-TI/AAAAAAAAFZs/V6ATvYVctowkwDE4bfxZbdH4V0WHdI5DACEwYBhgL/s1600/IMG_0758.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="640" data-original-width="480" height="200" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-f3wuRVgSl_E/XnHzZT6o-TI/AAAAAAAAFZs/V6ATvYVctowkwDE4bfxZbdH4V0WHdI5DACEwYBhgL/s200/IMG_0758.jpg" width="150" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
In case you needed a dose of love, here's Leia in all her snuggly glory. </div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<iframe allowfullscreen="" class="YOUTUBE-iframe-video" data-thumbnail-src="https://i.ytimg.com/vi/6_oR5Twx-RU/0.jpg" frameborder="0" height="266" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/6_oR5Twx-RU?feature=player_embedded" width="320"></iframe></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i>Captain</i> by New Hillsong United</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i>Through waters uncharted my soul will embark</i></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i>I'll follow Your voice straight into the dark</i></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i>And if from the course You intend, I depart</i></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i>Speak to the sails of my wandering heart</i><br />
<i><br /></i>
<br />
<div style="text-align: start;">
<span style="color: blue;">How are you and your family dealing with this pandemic?</span></div>
<div style="text-align: start;">
<span style="color: blue;">Feel free to share your updates with me, either in the comments or by <a href="mailto:tracoleman99@gmail.com" target="_blank">message</a>.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: start;">
<span style="color: blue;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<a href="https://www.instagram.com/traceyfitlife" target="_blank"><img border="0" data-original-height="59" data-original-width="59" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-zfnUtBsC_Eg/WsjDHeF4eoI/AAAAAAAAEWc/tAfEDGRsFpw1z1BGc0HNoOxiOt2fQLpGACPcBGAYYCw/s1600/instagram-colourful-icon.png" /></a> <a href="mailto:tracoleman99@gmail.com" target="_blank"><img border="0" data-original-height="86" data-original-width="83" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-VFlTMoyNXgs/WsjDHXhKPCI/AAAAAAAAEWg/zac1ohBaOI8RnNwxU00J04jtCZffW2ovACPcBGAYYCw/s1600/GMail-Android-R.0.png" /></a></div>
</div>
Tracey Colemanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11202001956775683301noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6459494285252158805.post-83117962989150228592020-03-17T05:58:00.001-07:002020-03-17T05:59:32.867-07:00Coronavirus Staycation Day 1<b>Happy Day 1 </b>of my coronavirus staycation. Last week was the flu, yesterday I had to work, so today is my 1st day "staycation". (I actually do have to work from home, but it feels like a staycation.)<br />
<br />
I (may) will be posting regular updates with thoughts and prayers and laughs and whatever else comes to mind. Even if you're not in isolation mode like we are, feel free to share your updates with me, either in the comments or by message.<br />
<h2>
Today's story...</h2>
We are all getting over the flu. Brian and I are feeling better, but Joey is now sick. I have been cleaning and doing laundry like crazy.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-boPisrXR9v8/XnDHbWtyq0I/AAAAAAAAFYw/IS7VvBOe3vMSF1bOCBdBU41KinleY9WsACEwYBhgL/s1600/IMG_1162.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-boPisrXR9v8/XnDHbWtyq0I/AAAAAAAAFYw/IS7VvBOe3vMSF1bOCBdBU41KinleY9WsACEwYBhgL/s320/IMG_1162.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
When Joey took ill, I decided to clean his room. Lord save me.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-U_qYNPFG6Ts/XnDGk3LeG7I/AAAAAAAAFYg/UBqGnbKTcckOn9a3XEZpWIDdWj7gXhT5wCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/shudder.gif" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="242" data-original-width="400" height="193" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-U_qYNPFG6Ts/XnDGk3LeG7I/AAAAAAAAFYg/UBqGnbKTcckOn9a3XEZpWIDdWj7gXhT5wCLcBGAsYHQ/s320/shudder.gif" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
Last night while I was trying to fold some of the last of the laundry, Brian called me because Koby was bleeding. I go to check him out and his paw is bleeding profusely. He lost one of his claws. 🐾 Not sure how that happened, but there's blood everywhere, we can't get him to sit still, he shaking like a leaf. The den looks like a murder scene. 🚫And Leia is barking like crazy because she knows something is wrong.<br />
<br />
We finally had to let him go and walk around until he could settle in. More carnage.⛔️<br />
<br />
Tried to wrap his paw up in a clean towel to keep pressure on the wound and prevent blood from getting everywhere. Every time we tried to do that, he would get up and we had to start all over again.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Y_rzmkpIJ_s/XnDHLWdPlLI/AAAAAAAAFYo/50iX5cuWyuQ0AFXjrF66BMaQsk8SkPGVwCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/exploding-head.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="256" data-original-width="256" height="200" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Y_rzmkpIJ_s/XnDHLWdPlLI/AAAAAAAAFYo/50iX5cuWyuQ0AFXjrF66BMaQsk8SkPGVwCLcBGAsYHQ/s200/exploding-head.png" width="200" /></a></div>
Finally at midnight, he seemed to find his spot and laid still, with his paw wrapped up, long enough for me to finish folding my last load of laundry for the night. Add the bloody scatter rugs to the washing machine. Brian slept downstairs with Koby, I slept in the comfort of my own bed with Leia to keep me company. Vet’s office doesn’t open until 9 and they won’t even let us go in with him if we can get an urgent care visit. He’s our old man and I hate that he’s hurting.😢<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-YAMsy8WpWVQ/XnDHbF0KprI/AAAAAAAAFYs/T6PEhbflsmQ2Ggh-ynd9ptuk8q8n43q3gCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/IMG_1160.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1498" data-original-width="1600" height="186" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-YAMsy8WpWVQ/XnDHbF0KprI/AAAAAAAAFYs/T6PEhbflsmQ2Ggh-ynd9ptuk8q8n43q3gCLcBGAsYHQ/s200/IMG_1160.jpg" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This morning</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<i>On a side note:</i> Will the stores have meat or dairy today? To hit the gym or not? (Leaning towards not.)<br />
<br />
<i>Today’s projects</i>: <b>Begin</b> to tackle Mitch’s old room. <i>Emphasis on begin</i>. It’s become a dumping ground of “I don’t know what to do with this”.<br />
<br />
Will (may) post again tomorrow with updated news as to the condition of our beloved old man and a status update as to whether or not I can buy any meat today. The shelves have been completely bare everywhere we’ve gone. If not, it will be Taco Tuesday with ground turkey I have in the freezer and a pot of veggie soup to get us through for lunch this week.<br />
<br />
Here are today's meditations...May you ponder on God’s word, and be filled with his spirit. That is what will get us through during these tough times.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<i><span style="color: #444444;">A merry heart doeth good like a medicine: but a broken spirit drieth the bones.</span></i></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #444444;">— Proverbs 17:22</span></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<iframe allowfullscreen="" class="YOUTUBE-iframe-video" data-thumbnail-src="https://i.ytimg.com/vi/1JIOna6Bj9Y/0.jpg" frameborder="0" height="266" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/1JIOna6Bj9Y?feature=player_embedded" width="320"></iframe></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<i>The Passion</i> by Hillsong</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="text-align: start;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<span style="color: blue;">How are you and your family dealing with this pandemic?</span><br />
<span style="color: blue;">Feel free to share your updates with me, either in the comments or by <a href="mailto:tracoleman99@gmail.com" target="_blank">message</a>.</span><br />
<span style="color: blue;"><br /></span>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://www.instagram.com/traceyfitlife" target="_blank"><img border="0" data-original-height="59" data-original-width="59" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-zfnUtBsC_Eg/WsjDHeF4eoI/AAAAAAAAEWc/tAfEDGRsFpw1z1BGc0HNoOxiOt2fQLpGACPcBGAYYCw/s1600/instagram-colourful-icon.png" /></a> <a href="mailto:tracoleman99@gmail.com" target="_blank"><img border="0" data-original-height="86" data-original-width="83" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-VFlTMoyNXgs/WsjDHXhKPCI/AAAAAAAAEWg/zac1ohBaOI8RnNwxU00J04jtCZffW2ovACPcBGAYYCw/s1600/GMail-Android-R.0.png" /></a></div>
Tracey Colemanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11202001956775683301noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6459494285252158805.post-47007863343412568972020-01-11T10:57:00.003-08:002020-01-11T10:57:52.429-08:00BE the lightWhat a week+ it's been since I last wrote. The rundown...<br />
<br />
This morning, my dear Uncle Russell passed away after a brave fight with colon cancer. He was diagnosed in November, so it feels like it came out of no where. We are very sad as we mourn his passing.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Fh99hPHZayQ/XhncQC88TFI/AAAAAAAAFT8/ZJXpR42IbpIOcHEbFlNK-1uEydgcCcQwQCEwYBhgL/s1600/Russell.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="307" data-original-width="278" height="200" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Fh99hPHZayQ/XhncQC88TFI/AAAAAAAAFT8/ZJXpR42IbpIOcHEbFlNK-1uEydgcCcQwQCEwYBhgL/s200/Russell.jpg" width="181" /></a></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: blue; font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><i>The Lord is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit.</i></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: blue; font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><i>Psalm 34:18</i></span></div>
<br />
With the loss of my uncle, my heart is very heavy and none of what I have to share seems worth even mentioning. Yet I committed to keeping up the blog on my journey, so let me fill you in on the whirlwind since the last time I shared with you.<br />
<br />
Happy New Year meant back to work and immediate high level stress. So much so that the things I typically do to help work through it simply weren't working.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-pz5YfVWgjpM/XhnZCoeJmJI/AAAAAAAAFSQ/9rqObQiYrcEYlefN-xSpJpzalea9Zl6MgCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/stress.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="979" data-original-width="1024" height="190" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-pz5YfVWgjpM/XhnZCoeJmJI/AAAAAAAAFSQ/9rqObQiYrcEYlefN-xSpJpzalea9Zl6MgCLcBGAsYHQ/s200/stress.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>
<br />
I turned 50 in September, so last week I had my initial colonoscopy screening. Less than fun.<i> (All clear though.)</i><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-yKwdsR512AM/XhnZhT0zW1I/AAAAAAAAFSc/a1OXZDQkRJsH7H9f-4Y2jDEdj_M9zh-7gCEwYBhgL/s1600/IMG_0626.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-yKwdsR512AM/XhnZhT0zW1I/AAAAAAAAFSc/a1OXZDQkRJsH7H9f-4Y2jDEdj_M9zh-7gCEwYBhgL/s320/IMG_0626.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This is what I stocked up on for my pre-colonoscopy diet. Ended up just drinking water and sipping broth and apple juice, but...stay tuned.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
My husband retired after 32 years on the Springfield Police Department. I love him so!</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Ac1v1UxvXnw/XhnZhkioMiI/AAAAAAAAFTY/W-FtLMQZxUgrTHIjXbfDMIHQ32Z6M-q6gCEwYBhgL/s1600/IMG_0634.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1600" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Ac1v1UxvXnw/XhnZhkioMiI/AAAAAAAAFTY/W-FtLMQZxUgrTHIjXbfDMIHQ32Z6M-q6gCEwYBhgL/s320/IMG_0634.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
Got a haircut with a slightly new and shorter style.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-8C6gKAu4FdQ/XhnZiWhJyNI/AAAAAAAAFTY/7NLQ8E74sHswsflx9GH0PvGMmZqyy5PMgCEwYBhgL/s1600/IMG_0640.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1544" data-original-width="1158" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-8C6gKAu4FdQ/XhnZiWhJyNI/AAAAAAAAFTY/7NLQ8E74sHswsflx9GH0PvGMmZqyy5PMgCEwYBhgL/s320/IMG_0640.jpg" width="239" /></a></div>
<br />
Finally celebrated my son's birthday with him. He moved to the eastern part of the state last March, so we don't get to see him as often. It was a month late, but we got to see him and I got to love on him.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-p6rDt86cgY0/Vm4yQvPKR6I/AAAAAAAACZM/NimxwoWJqzQWdo2bwyhQS81GtvGxtBWVACPcBGAYYCw/s1600/IMG_8239.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1136" data-original-width="640" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-p6rDt86cgY0/Vm4yQvPKR6I/AAAAAAAACZM/NimxwoWJqzQWdo2bwyhQS81GtvGxtBWVACPcBGAYYCw/s320/IMG_8239.JPG" width="180" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I don't have a picture from this 25th Birthday celebration, but here's one from four years ago.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
I developed a stomach virus that kept me home from work for two days.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-G0QW_Pr1q-U/Xhnah0Wdy-I/AAAAAAAAFTs/d4FFNIa6j_0KfC-l-9Qnz0lKrJ6djcX5ACLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/sick.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="960" height="200" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-G0QW_Pr1q-U/Xhnah0Wdy-I/AAAAAAAAFTs/d4FFNIa6j_0KfC-l-9Qnz0lKrJ6djcX5ACLcBGAsYHQ/s200/sick.png" width="200" /></a></div>
<br />
AND I had to have a root canal for an infected tooth that was causing me a lot of pain. On the SAME day as I was fighting the stomach bug. The SAME day.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-DbKCcnx92ZQ/XhncQP8Vi_I/AAAAAAAAFT4/5eBcvMuJXdAS284LTIg-JXBhNsmbOxoAgCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/toothache.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="907" data-original-width="1000" height="181" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-DbKCcnx92ZQ/XhncQP8Vi_I/AAAAAAAAFT4/5eBcvMuJXdAS284LTIg-JXBhNsmbOxoAgCLcBGAsYHQ/s200/toothache.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>
<br />
Let's just say that I haven't been up to writing. Yet, despite the many detours that have been sent my way, I still remain focused on renewing my commitment to wellness - physical, emotional, spiritual. Sometimes that means accepting the grace that comes when you can't measure up to your expectations and demands that you place on yourself. When you can't do more, Keeping it simple IS more.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-fBvaBoyf8yA/XhnZg3UiWTI/AAAAAAAAFTY/YNyFyyS0SzUts0IidZuPOHTjEnu0ljcGwCEwYBhgL/s1600/IMG_0631.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="864" data-original-width="715" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-fBvaBoyf8yA/XhnZg3UiWTI/AAAAAAAAFTY/YNyFyyS0SzUts0IidZuPOHTjEnu0ljcGwCEwYBhgL/s320/IMG_0631.JPG" width="264" /></a></div>
<br />
I've been so sick that I haven't been able to eat solid foods at all. And getting to the gym is on the back burner until I feel strong enough to just walk.. Thank God for my colonoscopy stash (pictured above), because I've been living on the Powerade, jellos, soup and smoothies. To get in calories, I've even been eating ice cream. As of yesterday, I'd lost 8 lbs. SINCE my colonoscopy. Not sure how that will hold up once I start actually eating again. Right now, I'm depleted and dehydrated, so my even my muscles are suffering. <br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-29LqwtiTSxE/XhnZjVvoKkI/AAAAAAAAFTk/OiHfj_mPZuQqmUkdy_cWULaf93FoZhzawCEwYBhgL/s1600/IMG_0666.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-29LqwtiTSxE/XhnZjVvoKkI/AAAAAAAAFTk/OiHfj_mPZuQqmUkdy_cWULaf93FoZhzawCEwYBhgL/s320/IMG_0666.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-L3ROlpeTqJQ/XhnZjnZ4EUI/AAAAAAAAFTk/bPMbvNbsJWIoWfHifb9VaMFen8nOF6wJQCEwYBhgL/s1600/IMG_0684.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1544" data-original-width="1158" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-L3ROlpeTqJQ/XhnZjnZ4EUI/AAAAAAAAFTk/bPMbvNbsJWIoWfHifb9VaMFen8nOF6wJQCEwYBhgL/s320/IMG_0684.JPG" width="239" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I'll get back to it soon!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
I recently discovered the <a href="https://abide.co/" target="_blank">Abide app</a>. Abide is a Christian medition app that leads you through different meditations. I don't pay for the subscription to the app because they aren't exactly what I need from meditation. That said, I do receive a daily meditation that I can listen to online. It's a 2-3 minute reflection and prayer to start my day off. This has kept me going through the ups and downs of the past week.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://abide.co/prayer/i1ul1x" target="_blank"><img border="0" data-original-height="739" data-original-width="749" height="315" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-1gvcAtmFOg0/XhnfYXxdxsI/AAAAAAAAFUQ/qUyfZImdRqsNmbbf8nYLuSgVm_kB97UdACEwYBhgL/s320/IMG_0704.PNG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
As I finish this week's blog, be reminded that sometimes life just hits you. Through it all, keep your focus on what is important. Family. Love. Health. I saw this today on Facebook and I had to share it. I don't want to live in a world where love is invisible. I want to BE the change, BE the light.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-uFil1wFVY7c/XhnZkGpco7I/AAAAAAAAFTg/7gonaAnwbHoPoFHR6x_T0e1ZUFZPZ-MtgCEwYBhgL/s1600/IMG_0702.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="800" height="400" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-uFil1wFVY7c/XhnZkGpco7I/AAAAAAAAFTg/7gonaAnwbHoPoFHR6x_T0e1ZUFZPZ-MtgCEwYBhgL/s400/IMG_0702.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: blue; font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><i>In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven.</i></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: blue; font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><i>Matthew 5:16</i></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<iframe allowfullscreen="" class="YOUTUBE-iframe-video" data-thumbnail-src="https://i.ytimg.com/vi/LgQ7WM-O1no/0.jpg" frameborder="0" height="266" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/LgQ7WM-O1no?feature=player_embedded" width="320"></iframe></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<i>Fullness</i> by Elevation Worship</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<i>Pour it out, let Your love run over</i></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<i>Here and now, let Your glory fill this house.</i></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<i><br /></i></div>
<br />
<div style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: center;">
<div style="text-align: right;">
<span style="font-size: 16px;">Follow me</span></div>
<div style="text-align: right;">
<span style="font-size: 16px;">Instagram </span></div>
</div>
<div class="separator" style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 16px; text-align: right;">
@traceyfitlife</div>
<div class="separator" style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 16px; text-align: right;">
<a href="https://www.instagram.com/traceyfitlife/" target="_blank"><img border="0" data-original-height="59" data-original-width="59" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-zfnUtBsC_Eg/WsjDHeF4eoI/AAAAAAAAEWQ/5rV-B9fMfV0ip7aRsIk8VjMn93wZp72QgCLcBGAs/s1600/instagram-colourful-icon.png" /></a></div>
<br />Tracey Colemanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11202001956775683301noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6459494285252158805.post-83918370731904013562020-01-01T10:20:00.000-08:002020-01-01T10:27:12.130-08:00Soul ConnectionOne of my goals for 2020 is to de-stress. While I'm not sure about how exactly one measures the stress or lack thereof in their life, I do have a relatively solid plan. Or at least I think it's solid.<br />
<br />
First, let's talk about the soul to cell connection, wherein your mind and body are connected at a cellular level.<br />
<br />
<h3>
<b>It's Science</b></h3>
Believe it or not, there is a science to it this connection (*sources below). I will try to keep it basic.<br />
<br />
Everyone produces a hormone called "Cortisol" which is best known as the stress hormone. It is crucial to many body systems, including mood, sleep, blood pressure and blood sugar regulation, as well as your body's use of macro-nutrients (protein, fat and carbs). When your body is on high alert, cortisol may shut down functions that may interfere, such as digestive, reproductive and immune systems. Have you ever noticed that when you are stressed you are more likely to get sick, gain weight, and even have out of wack periods?<br />
<br />
Too much cortisol wrecks havoc on us. Prolonged stress causes your cortisol levels to be unmanageable, interfering with your body's ability to function. Scientists have found that too much stress causes damage to our telomeres, the protective casing at the end of DNA strands. This impairs the body's ability to fight infection and disease. Further studies have shown that the effect of stress on our DNA can actually be passed onto future generations. Let me repeat that. Stress affects our DNA, which can be genetically passed onto our unborn children. It's passed onto our children...AND even our grandchildren. <br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-XeNLijdlhf4/XgyatcXZ9wI/AAAAAAAAFQc/HvKQhOTIV8YGKfjgVDqcxs8-99PHBh8PQCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/DNA.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="201" data-original-width="300" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-XeNLijdlhf4/XgyatcXZ9wI/AAAAAAAAFQc/HvKQhOTIV8YGKfjgVDqcxs8-99PHBh8PQCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/DNA.jpg" /></a></div>
<br />
<h3>
So What To Do About It?</h3>
Learning how to handle and deal with stress is probably one of the most daunting things I have had to personally address. To say that I have it figured out would be a lie. I am on a journey to addressing it, and I hope to share with you some of the things that have benefited me.<br />
<br />
<h3>
Exercise</h3>
If you've been following me, you would be surprised if I didn't say "Exercise helps to reduce stress." Exercise helps your body to feel better. It also reduces fatigue, as well as improves mental acuity. Exercise helps your body to produce endorphins, which improves your ability to sleep and <i><b>manage stress.</b></i> That said, knowing it helps doesn't necessarily mean you will do it.<br />
<br />
So, if you don't exercise regularly, start. Start small and easy. Start by walking. Yes, walking. Don't count the walking you do at your job as your exercise. That's work. Take a walk in the neighborhood, or try 30 minutes on a treadmill. If 30 minutes seems too long, try 10 minutes three times per day. It's still 30 minutes. Try yoga. I swear by yoga. I really relaxes me and is good for your joints. (<a href="https://www.youtube.com/user/yogawithadriene" target="_blank">Yoga With Adriene</a> was recommended to me. She has a variety of yoga options to try.)<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-PXJjjaBnv0c/XgzcEcW4WKI/AAAAAAAAFRk/HMdWwNaYOf4sVXjlEDeGKl7ZqEaI4dSSwCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/IMG_0605.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1316" data-original-width="1161" height="200" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-PXJjjaBnv0c/XgzcEcW4WKI/AAAAAAAAFRk/HMdWwNaYOf4sVXjlEDeGKl7ZqEaI4dSSwCLcBGAsYHQ/s200/IMG_0605.jpg" width="176" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>It's been a long time since I took a locker room selfie!</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Be careful! The addage less is more and more is less is true here. If you overdo cardio, especially at first, you will not see the results you want. Not only do you run the risk of burning out and not exercising at all, but too much aerobic exercise at one time causes an increase in your production of cortisol (the stress hormone we are trying to reduce).<br />
<br />
<h3>
Meditation</h3>
<div>
Yep, I said it. The "M" word. Meditation is definitely the new buzz word all about town. Doctors, therapists and personal trainers tell you to do it. What is it and why all the fuss about it?</div>
<div>
In short, meditation is a practice of centering your mind and eliminating the distractions from your mind. Typically, meditation focuses on your breath. We spend our lives running around, focusing on every detail. Constantly inundated with one thing after another, our brains are forced to make sense of the chaos. Meditation helps to quiet your mind.<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i><span style="color: #073763; font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">When the cares of my heart are many, your consolations cheer my soul.</span></i></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i><span style="color: #073763; font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Psalm 94:19</span></i></div>
</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
When I first started meditation, it was at the encouragement of my doctor because I was not sleeping. I could fall asleep, but I couldn't stay asleep. I was waking up at 2:00 a.m., unable to turn the wheels of my brain off. In addition to cleaning up my sleep habits (e.g.: going to bed at the same time every night, not looking at the clock when I wake up), he recommended a couple of different sleep apps. </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
These are the ones I tried:</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<b>Meditation Studio</b> is a skill you can enable in Amazon's Alexa. There are two different sleep meditations that I found helpful to fall asleep at bedtime, but too disruptive to fall back to sleep at 2:000 a.m.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-G44JJMBuWhA/XgzVT_ift8I/AAAAAAAAFRI/BMcptgjpYe8JlfpQMMhmCK1mToWLQws2ACLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/alexa.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="225" data-original-width="124" height="200" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-G44JJMBuWhA/XgzVT_ift8I/AAAAAAAAFRI/BMcptgjpYe8JlfpQMMhmCK1mToWLQws2ACLcBGAsYHQ/s200/alexa.jpg" width="110" /></a></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<b>Sleep Sounds </b>is another skill you can enable in Amazon Alexa. That was useful in both falling asleep and falling back to sleep. There's no talking with this one, so it was really only the calming sound that lulls you to sleep.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<b>Calm</b> is a meditation app that is available for a free trial. It provides a unique 10-minute meditation every day, It also has sleep stories you can listen to, in order to lull yourself to sleep. It's very relaxing, but I wasn't keen on spending money on it after the trial ended.</div>
<div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Saq8SlInhHg/XgzSHm9AOII/AAAAAAAAFQ4/XESN3zb63OIguM2Kydti4EVAi4Njp4mkACEwYBhgL/s1600/calm.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="114" data-original-width="112" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Saq8SlInhHg/XgzSHm9AOII/AAAAAAAAFQ4/XESN3zb63OIguM2Kydti4EVAi4Njp4mkACEwYBhgL/s1600/calm.jpg" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
</div>
<div>
<b>Relax Melodies </b>was the winner. You can download this app and use several features for free, with a pay option to add more to your experience. At first, we used it as an enhancement from the Sleep Sounds from Alexa. It is available wherever your phone is (meaning even when you travel). After using the app for a while and actually preferring it over the Sleep Sounds, I discovered there are Meditations, Sleep Stories and "Sleep Moves" included as well. I tried the meditations included with the free portion of the app and fell in love. Because my biggest problem with sleep was waking in the middle of the night, I simply moved to the couch, played the meditation and fell back to sleep. It was magic. Just about every time. I started using the meditations when I went to bed and found my sleep was interrupted less frequently. I was actually sleeping until 4 or 5 a.m. without having to get up. Once my brain adjusted to the free meditations, I realized I was worth the $5 per month cost of using the full app. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ztl7HmGN0S4/XgzTAnUfGRI/AAAAAAAAFQ8/FxzYNzY8Pp0F2ZPTa51n7FZ5tT1MssZqgCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/RelaxMelodies.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="114" data-original-width="114" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ztl7HmGN0S4/XgzTAnUfGRI/AAAAAAAAFQ8/FxzYNzY8Pp0F2ZPTa51n7FZ5tT1MssZqgCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/RelaxMelodies.png" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i><span style="color: #073763; font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">"Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light. </span></i></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i><span style="color: #073763; font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Matthew 11:28 - 30</span></i></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-fXp3RXxnIn0/XgzcEWaxQ8I/AAAAAAAAFRo/LZrU88q8C0QfyE0zEi8anGmKo1LYUUTpACEwYBhgL/s1600/IMG_0615.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="814" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-fXp3RXxnIn0/XgzcEWaxQ8I/AAAAAAAAFRo/LZrU88q8C0QfyE0zEi8anGmKo1LYUUTpACEwYBhgL/s320/IMG_0615.JPG" width="161" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My princess and sleep companion (until Brian goes to bed)</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<h3>
</h3>
<h3>
Meditation is more than just for sleep</h3>
My new job brought high levels of stress. I learn new things every day. I am on my feet all day, working longer hours than ever before. I am mentally fatigued beyond comparison. I am totally out of my comfort zone. I am mentally and physically exhausted. Every day.<br />
<br />
I love to workout, but I am finding on my way home from work, my body shuts down. By the time I drive to the gym, I want to collapse. I have no energy to function. I just keep driving. Home. Where I crash.<br />
<br />
I lost the endorphin rush of working out. I wasn't benefiting from the one thing I knew helped me cope. I tried working out early in the morning once - twice per week. That worked until it got cold out. It's awfully hard to get out of bed in the morning and get to the gym. But I do my best to make sure I get in at least 4 workouts per week.<br />
<br />
That said, one day I was driving to work and I felt completely overwhelmed. I realized that the practice I used for helping me to sleep could be used to help me deal with the stress of work. But obviously, I couldn't close my eyes and focus on my breathing while I was driving. So I began my own practice of meditation. This time, I turned it into a time of worship and prayer, with a closing of quiet meditation. No prescription, no external voice telling me to breathe, just time with my Lord.<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i><span style="color: #073763; font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">"Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be frightened, and do not be dismayed, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go." </span></i></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i><span style="color: #073763; font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Joshua 1:9</span></i></div>
<br />
I play these two songs: <a href="https://youtu.be/LuvfMDhTyMA" target="_blank"><i>Lord I Need You</i></a> by Matt Maher and <a href="https://youtu.be/cPtT7UrEq6g" target="_blank"><i>Tremble</i></a> by Mosaic, followed by listening to Psalms read to me on my Bible app. After listening to a couple of chapters, I simply pray, quietly to the Lord. <i> Jesus, Jesus, You make the darkness tremble. Jesus, Jesus, You silence fear. Be with me today, Lord. Help me to be more like you.</i><br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-zoDJKYhpJUY/XgzaAKFmUrI/AAAAAAAAFRU/WyF-Y-d5oZ4M1uZMosIS3-jmCwhMXgKeQCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/YouVersion_Promo_Materials_157x157.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="112" data-original-width="114" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-zoDJKYhpJUY/XgzaAKFmUrI/AAAAAAAAFRU/WyF-Y-d5oZ4M1uZMosIS3-jmCwhMXgKeQCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/YouVersion_Promo_Materials_157x157.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Bible app by YouVersion</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<b>Meditation is a practice. </b> You never really perfect it. But it only works <i>if you practice it.</i> We can't change our circumstances, but we can control our response to it. By practicing mediation, I have seen first hand the effect it has on helping me address both sleeplessness AND manage stress. I am, by no means there. I still need to "figure it out."<br />
<br />
As I do, I will share with you what I learn. The good, the bad, and the ugly. For this year, I am focusing on the whole picture. Not just diet and exercise, but also trying to address the cell to soul connection.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-H-D4MeugKIc/XgzczPppPDI/AAAAAAAAFRw/Pjtn6lOS1D4gsPIN9aZybdC-o4rFaA6yQCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/OneBreath.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="500" data-original-width="405" height="200" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-H-D4MeugKIc/XgzczPppPDI/AAAAAAAAFRw/Pjtn6lOS1D4gsPIN9aZybdC-o4rFaA6yQCLcBGAsYHQ/s200/OneBreath.jpg" width="161" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">New book I'm starting:<br />
<i>One Breath at a Time: A Skeptic's Guide to Christian Meditation</i> by J. Dana Trent </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<div style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; color: #333333; font-family: Arimo; font-size: 16px; margin-bottom: 20px; outline: none; padding: 0px;">
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i><span style="color: #073763; font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">"Let my meditation be pleasing to Him; As for me, I shall be glad in the Lord." </span></i></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i><span style="color: #073763; font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Psalm 104:34</span></i></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i><span style="color: #073763; font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></i></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i><span style="color: #073763; font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></i></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<iframe allowfullscreen="" class="YOUTUBE-iframe-video" data-thumbnail-src="https://i.ytimg.com/vi/LuvfMDhTyMA/0.jpg" frameborder="0" height="266" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/LuvfMDhTyMA?feature=player_embedded" width="320"></iframe></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: medium; text-align: center;">
<i>Lord I Need You</i> by Matt Maher</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: medium; text-align: center;">
Lord I need you, oh I need you.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: medium; text-align: center;">
Every hour I need you.</div>
<span style="background-color: transparent;"><br /></span>
<span style="background-color: transparent;"><br /></span>
<span style="background-color: transparent;">*Sources</span><br />
<a href="http://sitn.hms.harvard.edu/flash/2017/stress-induced-dna-modification-may-play-role-mental-illness/" style="background-color: transparent;" target="_blank">How stress can change your DNA</a><br />
<a href="https://www.apa.org/monitor/2014/10/chronic-stress" style="background-color: transparent;" target="_blank">How chronic stress is harming our DNA</a><br />
<a href="https://www.nih.gov/news-events/nih-research-matters/stress-hormone-causes-epigenetic-changes" style="background-color: transparent;" target="_blank">Stress Hormone Causes Epigenetic Changes</a><br />
<a href="https://www.whatisepigenetics.com/excess-stress-changes-marks-dna-epigenetically-harm-mental-health/" style="background-color: transparent;" target="_blank">Excess Stress Changes Marks on DNA</a><br />
<a href="http://theconversation.com/epigenetics-can-stress-really-change-your-genes-55898" style="background-color: transparent;" target="_blank">Epigenetics: Can stress really change your genes?</a></div>
And if you are really interested in this, check out this TEDx Talk, which explains the effect on our DNA.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<iframe allowfullscreen="" class="YOUTUBE-iframe-video" data-thumbnail-src="https://i.ytimg.com/vi/JTBg6hqeuTg/0.jpg" frameborder="0" height="266" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/JTBg6hqeuTg?feature=player_embedded" width="320"></iframe></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b>Epigenetics and the influence of our genes</b></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
TEDx Talk with Courtney Griffin<br />
<span style="color: blue;"><br /></span>
<br />
<h3 style="text-align: left;">
<span style="color: blue;">Questions for you: (Answer in the comment section below.)</span></h3>
</div>
<div style="margin: 0px;">
<span style="color: blue;">What strategies do you implement for managing stress? </span><br />
<span style="color: blue;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 16px; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: center;">
<div style="text-align: right;">
<span style="font-size: 16px;">Follow me</span></div>
<div style="text-align: right;">
<span style="font-size: 16px;">Instagram </span></div>
</div>
<div class="separator" style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 16px; text-align: right;">
@traceyfitlife</div>
<div class="separator" style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 16px; text-align: right;">
<a href="https://www.instagram.com/traceyfitlife/" target="_blank"><img border="0" data-original-height="59" data-original-width="59" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-zfnUtBsC_Eg/WsjDHeF4eoI/AAAAAAAAEWQ/5rV-B9fMfV0ip7aRsIk8VjMn93wZp72QgCLcBGAs/s1600/instagram-colourful-icon.png" /></a></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
Tracey Colemanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11202001956775683301noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6459494285252158805.post-90078377767371673822019-12-27T18:37:00.002-08:002019-12-27T18:37:37.476-08:00She's Getting Fit ... AGAINIt's just about 2020 and almost 16 months since my last post.<br />
<br />
<div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-xtWUvaNn8ys/Xga-4SyUwbI/AAAAAAAAFP8/0bm40-BANXkYwHxN18yPor7QfDFH97bZgCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/IMG_0523.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="975" data-original-width="821" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-xtWUvaNn8ys/Xga-4SyUwbI/AAAAAAAAFP8/0bm40-BANXkYwHxN18yPor7QfDFH97bZgCLcBGAsYHQ/s320/IMG_0523.JPG" width="269" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Merry Christmas! and Happy New Year! (and New ME)</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
A lot has happened. My son moved out of the house. New job. I turned 50. Those are the major highlights. To sum up the past year+ would be impractical and would sound like I'm making excuses to why I stopped blogging and why I landed back. in. the. fat. seat. <br />
<br />
Moving forward, that's what it's about....2020 is going to be all about becoming a healthier me. I've set some goals to work on. Here's the short list:</div>
<div>
<ol>
<li>Lose weight. AGAIN. Optimally and realistically I'd like to lose 25 lbs. If I'm dreaming big, I really think 30 is a better goal, but 25 is more manageable for me.</li>
<li>De-Stress. I'm not sure how to measure that, but I do have a relatively solid game plan in place. The trick will be seeing if the plan results in actual outcomes.</li>
<li>Deadlifts: 10 reps at 200 lbs.</li>
<li>Pull-ups: 10 reps (unassisted)</li>
</ol>
</div>
<div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Dvlct7nnKvU/Xga7xyICQJI/AAAAAAAAFPk/y9CXIVZy-H4sMOLelh9N0aLPT2QtsQoEgCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/IMG_0588.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1342" data-original-width="1600" height="267" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Dvlct7nnKvU/Xga7xyICQJI/AAAAAAAAFPk/y9CXIVZy-H4sMOLelh9N0aLPT2QtsQoEgCLcBGAsYHQ/s320/IMG_0588.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Middle age and stress have wrecked havoc on my hormones. I've decided to reset my nutrition to help bring balance to my hormones.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
I've been reluctant to write, to come back to the blog. To be honest, having fallen off the wagon, I haven't been able to figure out how to get back on it. My weight has been on a gradual increase and my efforts to address it have failed. Stress and age have brought with them more aches and pains. Already I feel like I'm whining and making excuses for being where I am and that's not what I want to write about.</div>
<div>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-RX23RsFvGGg/Xga70PPJaNI/AAAAAAAAFPw/ZQ383YUZgFI2ZMO83ALEaAS3f0531rNUwCEwYBhgL/s1600/IMG_0597.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="722" data-original-width="750" height="308" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-RX23RsFvGGg/Xga70PPJaNI/AAAAAAAAFPw/ZQ383YUZgFI2ZMO83ALEaAS3f0531rNUwCEwYBhgL/s320/IMG_0597.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Slowly working my way back to my goal... Here's 165 lbs. for six reps.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
When I first started <i>Tracey's Getting Fit </i>in 2015, it served as a tool for me on my journey towards losing weight and getting fit. I used it as a way to reflect on what worked and what didn't. It held me accountable to myself and to my readers. But somewhere along the line, I think I felt like I couldn't measure up to myself and my expectations and I just let it go.<br />
<br /></div>
<div>
I'm resurrecting the blog to serve as a way for me to track my successes AND failures as I endeavor to become a healthier, new me. AGAIN. I'm okay with putting it out there, although with my new job, I've decided to have my name less in the focus. So instead of "Tracey's Getting Fit," I've renamed the blog "Getting Fit...AGAIN."<br />
<br />
I'll probably write more often, with shorter posts and more frequent check-ins. I hope you'll share the journey with me.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-LSBlWVtolug/Xga7JXUPgnI/AAAAAAAAFPY/IKfqhqxsA_0KgXMfi6RFm14fEOYe0CY9ACLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/2020%2Bb.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="254" data-original-width="387" height="210" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-LSBlWVtolug/Xga7JXUPgnI/AAAAAAAAFPY/IKfqhqxsA_0KgXMfi6RFm14fEOYe0CY9ACLcBGAsYHQ/s320/2020%2Bb.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;">You better watch out, 2020, I'm coming after you!</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<iframe allowfullscreen="" class="YOUTUBE-iframe-video" data-thumbnail-src="https://i.ytimg.com/vi/XjVNlG5cZyQ/0.jpg" frameborder="0" height="266" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/XjVNlG5cZyQ?feature=player_embedded" width="320"></iframe></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><i>Raise Your Glass</i> by P!nk</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><i>So raise your glass if you are wrong</i></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><i>In all the right ways, all my underdogs</i></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><i>We will never be, never be anything but loud</i></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><i>And nitty, gritty, dirty little freaks</i></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><i>Won't you come on and come on and </i></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><i>Raise your glass?</i></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><i><br /></i></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><i><br /></i></span></div>
<h3 class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<span style="color: blue;">Questions for you: (Answer in the comment section below.)</span></h3>
<div style="margin: 0px;">
<span style="color: blue;">Do you have any resolves for the New Year? What do you hope to accomplish in 2020?</span></div>
<div style="margin: 0px;">
<span style="color: #000037;"><span style="color: blue;"></span><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 16px; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: center;">
<div style="text-align: right;">
<span style="font-size: 16px;">Follow me</span></div>
<div style="text-align: right;">
<span style="font-size: 16px;">Instagram </span></div>
</div>
<div class="separator" style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 16px; text-align: right;">
@traceyfitlife</div>
<div class="separator" style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 16px; text-align: right;">
<a href="https://www.instagram.com/traceyfitlife/" target="_blank"><img border="0" data-original-height="59" data-original-width="59" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-zfnUtBsC_Eg/WsjDHeF4eoI/AAAAAAAAEWQ/5rV-B9fMfV0ip7aRsIk8VjMn93wZp72QgCLcBGAs/s1600/instagram-colourful-icon.png" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 16px; text-align: center;">
<a href="mailto:tracoleman99@gmail.com" target="_blank"><br /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; text-align: center;">
<a href="mailto:tracoleman99@gmail.com" target="_blank"><br /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
</div>
Tracey Colemanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11202001956775683301noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6459494285252158805.post-71300886815441790642018-09-16T04:48:00.001-07:002018-09-16T04:48:56.141-07:00When what you DO isn't workingOver the past nearly five years, I have been focused on my journey towards health and wellness. It's been a total transformation of body, mind and spirit.<br />
<br />
This means, when what you've been doing isn't working anymore, you really have to sit down and say, "What's wrong?"<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-UjpWWOpPX8Y/W55Bz5JHNwI/AAAAAAAAE24/Lyz6gz48XxYpyStImo7JinXTYZgC07XXwCLcBGAs/s1600/what.gif" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="246" data-original-width="300" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-UjpWWOpPX8Y/W55Bz5JHNwI/AAAAAAAAE24/Lyz6gz48XxYpyStImo7JinXTYZgC07XXwCLcBGAs/s1600/what.gif" /></a></div>
<br />
Back up. Like thirty steps.<br />
<br />
I haven't posted anything in months, so I feel bad jumping in like this without some background.<br />
<br />
In June, 2016, I hurt my shoulder. I continue to struggle with the pain which comes and goes. That October, I had surgery on my varicose veins, from which I developed several superficial blood clots that kept resurfacing. To correct that, had more extensive surgery in December. That was 2016.<br />
<br />
In February, 2017 I hurt my back. In March, I slipped on black ice at work and re-injured my already compromised back.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ZKnscZlhEL4/WNJNiXgTv7I/AAAAAAAADuc/bWJyv9DSNnIuuXf2kT1hVZVLtNJltZtsgCPcBGAYYCw/s1600/IMG_2694.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="753" data-original-width="1600" height="150" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ZKnscZlhEL4/WNJNiXgTv7I/AAAAAAAADuc/bWJyv9DSNnIuuXf2kT1hVZVLtNJltZtsgCPcBGAYYCw/s320/IMG_2694.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The pain was so bad, I had to go to the e.r. I could not walk.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-i2sPdKjtSOc/WXTNDPI-vmI/AAAAAAAAD7w/Nn9BV4QLQi0aToAZdZXzFuBpyI5khs5wACPcBGAYYCw/s1600/IMG_2650.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="900" height="320" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-i2sPdKjtSOc/WXTNDPI-vmI/AAAAAAAAD7w/Nn9BV4QLQi0aToAZdZXzFuBpyI5khs5wACPcBGAYYCw/s320/IMG_2650.JPG" width="180" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Followed by MONTHS of recovery...<br />
For days, I pretty much just laid flat on my back on the floor.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Fast forward to November, 2017 and I was feeling frustrated by the lack of progress in my training, my now significantly weakened body, and a slow increase in my weight and change in body composition. My pants weren't fitting anymore. I was still watching / counting my calories and macros, but I wasn't seeing any results. In fact, I was going backwards from where I wanted to be.<br />
<br />
I was introduced to my trainer, Pat who is AMAZING. A completely new focus on my training meant injury recovery and strength building, which meant I had to EAT! And so I ate... pretty much whatever I wanted. Days went by where I would log my food, but I didn't care if I went over my calories. On days when I splurged (which became far more frequent), I logged breakfast and lunch, but left dinner and snacks out. MyFitnessPal kept telling me I'd be super thin in 5 weeks, but the reverse is what I witnessed.<br />
<br />
Come spring and the weather finally turned warmer and my bike came out of hiding. And I struggled. Pat would say something like this: "Tracey, you have to eat. You can't lift heavy, ride your bike for 30+ miles and lose weight without a compromise. Something has to give." Uggh. I don't want to get fat again. I want my clothes to fit. I want to ride my bike and I want to lift heavy weights. <b> I want it all.</b><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-uyDLKoi7HbU/W5zvyTGG6AI/AAAAAAAAE14/tlru4l4skPU3zLB0aT4Zi2HHOfNcpRnuQCLcBGAs/s1600/cake.gif" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="240" data-original-width="320" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-uyDLKoi7HbU/W5zvyTGG6AI/AAAAAAAAE14/tlru4l4skPU3zLB0aT4Zi2HHOfNcpRnuQCLcBGAs/s1600/cake.gif" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="text-align: start;"><i>Literally, I wanted my cake and eat it too!</i></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
When I started this journey, one of my goals was to complete the Ride to Remember. This year was my 4th year doing the ride. Each year has been a unique experience. I trained so hard for it the first year that I actually felt easy. That said, in the years that followed, my training waned slightly each year, on top of struggling with chronic pain. This year was going to be different. I was NOT going to let pain interfere with my ride. And, I was determined to train hard for the ride without obsessing like I did the first year. This new mindset and focus paid off. I will write more in another post about the day, but to sum it up, this year's Ride to Remember was an amazing ride!!!<br />
<br />
BUT...Friday night when I was packing my clothes for the ride home on the bus, I was looking for a comfortable t-shirt to wear. I took out both of my favorite Wonder Woman shirts and neither fit. Too tight. I took out another Wonder Woman shirt and IT didn't fit. WHAT THE HECK!<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-3wJCT19Cq7s/V0GduWPXhLI/AAAAAAAADGA/8u57e5VaoyEnLsQAYwF79bHC6iaJHs_fQCPcBGAYYCw/s1600/FullSizeRender%2B%252887%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Up4wcoTZkng/W54-F0O8KPI/AAAAAAAAE2Q/SRf12U0e5Y48Z_T9OQMG5vem0Qo7qW9fQCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_0399.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1600" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Up4wcoTZkng/W54-F0O8KPI/AAAAAAAAE2Q/SRf12U0e5Y48Z_T9OQMG5vem0Qo7qW9fQCLcBGAs/s320/IMG_0399.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">While I could put them on, they looked tight and I looked ridiculous in them.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Now, I had already been talking to Pat about changing the focus of my training after the Ride to Remember. And I knew that clearly, while counting (and eating) calories and macros had been helping me to build strength and train for the ride, it wasn't helping me to stay lean. I asked him what he thought about the Keto diet. It scared me. I am carb dependent. I really am. I've tried low carb before and it's always been a complete disaster. I am such a fan of flexible dieting that I really struggle with the mindset of restricting / eliminating food groups. Flexible dieting allows you to eat cake! Not all the time, but on occasion.<br />
<br />
In all seriousness, I knew that was used to work for me wasn't working anymore. I'm getting older. At 49, the pre-menopausal hormone fluctuations mess with my body and ability to sleep. I live with fatigue and have aches and pains where there were none before. Sleep often daunts me, so I live with fatigue. I have aches and pains where I didn't used to have them.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-lqtpjLIu5NY/W54-3yIeIQI/AAAAAAAAE2Y/Hy301NmBFosbWdLOV5LpRuxPem4FAsF7wCLcBGAs/s1600/menopause1.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="342" data-original-width="667" height="164" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-lqtpjLIu5NY/W54-3yIeIQI/AAAAAAAAE2Y/Hy301NmBFosbWdLOV5LpRuxPem4FAsF7wCLcBGAs/s320/menopause1.png" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
I knew change is necessary and I believe it starts at the core. Nutrition. This is why keto intrigued me. I had read how good it is for people who have certain medical conditions, as well as for burning body fat. And that is key to me. While the numbers on the scale haven't changed that much over the past year or two, my body composition has changed and I want to lean out. To see definition in my muscles, even on days when I don't work out!!<br />
<br />
This week, I jumped off the cliff, into the deep and and began my KETO journey. The keto diet is a way to transition your metabolism from using carbohydrates for energy to using fat. Today is Day 7 with my new food plan. It has NOT been an easy initial transition. I am carb-dependent, so the severe cutback really got to me for the first several days. AND I still want to ride my bike, so I am going to have to figure out how to carb-cycle on days when I ride. I tried to ride yesterday and it was not a good ride. Despite the rocky start, I am committed to make this work. I know seven days is not enough time to fairly say this is or is not working for me.<br />
<br />
I am focusing on the positives. I don't feel or look bloated anymore. I don't look like I'm pregnant anymore!! I still feel like I'm in a caloric deficit, I'm already past the cravings and the feeling like I have to eat all the time. The scale is not the sole guideline for success, but I have lost 5 lbs. so far. And Pat put together a new training plan for me that focuses on both strength building and fat burning. I start that today, so I'm looking forward to that! <br />
<br />
I'm also taking some risks with my cooking, like these pan-seared scallops and roasted asparagus. The scallops don't look "seared" because I'm new to this and figuring out how to blacken them without them sticking to the pan is a work in progress, but they were SOOOO good!<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-TaP7a-rJnOQ/W54_4lcN_dI/AAAAAAAAE2k/ImO5KYF_L_Q3shHBTjEzmM8x289rVhA7ACLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_0367.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-TaP7a-rJnOQ/W54_4lcN_dI/AAAAAAAAE2k/ImO5KYF_L_Q3shHBTjEzmM8x289rVhA7ACLcBGAs/s320/IMG_0367.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
I'll be writing more as I endeavor to be successful on this new segment of my journey. I'm looking forward to sharing with you both the ups and the downs. The measure of success for will be how I feel mentally and physically, as well as how I look in the mirror / how my clothes fit. Stay tuned.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-DpcDyqf1icw/WWNfJ563TiI/AAAAAAAAD40/wsIU5NzYgoYPU9TDQPtCrRLP305ZGPnAACPcBGAYYCw/s1600/Westfield5K.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-DpcDyqf1icw/WWNfJ563TiI/AAAAAAAAD40/wsIU5NzYgoYPU9TDQPtCrRLP305ZGPnAACPcBGAYYCw/s320/Westfield5K.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I want to look good in a sports bra and short shorts again!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-7_6Jx2zRI_8/W55Ar0G6HRI/AAAAAAAAE2s/sFTo3zZC-Qc1uO9RIj91v7maiaJ6Nj1pgCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_0373.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-7_6Jx2zRI_8/W55Ar0G6HRI/AAAAAAAAE2s/sFTo3zZC-Qc1uO9RIj91v7maiaJ6Nj1pgCLcBGAs/s320/IMG_0373.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This was taken yesterday. It's my new before shot!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Stay tuned for more, including all about this year's Ride to Remember! <br />
<br />
Meanwhile, be the champion of today!<br />
<br />
<h3 class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<span style="color: blue;">Questions for you: (Answer in the comment section below.)</span></h3>
<div style="margin: 0px;">
<span style="color: blue;">How is your nutrition going? What food plan do you follow? Have you ever tried keto? Any tips to share, let me know!!</span></div>
<div style="margin: 0px;">
<span style="color: #000037;"><span style="color: blue;"></span><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 16px; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; text-align: center;">
<b style="color: blue; font-size: x-large;">Follow / Contact me</b></div>
<div style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;"></span><span style="font-size: large;"></span><b></b><br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 16px; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://www.instagram.com/tracoleman99/" target="_blank"><img border="0" data-original-height="59" data-original-width="59" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-zfnUtBsC_Eg/WsjDHeF4eoI/AAAAAAAAEWQ/5rV-B9fMfV0ip7aRsIk8VjMn93wZp72QgCLcBGAs/s1600/instagram-colourful-icon.png" /></a> <a href="https://www.facebook.com/TraceyGettingFit" target="_blank"><img border="0" data-original-height="50" data-original-width="50" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-0niKexBohjU/WsjDHfSHCnI/AAAAAAAAEWY/TPMqcOuGiuMwNgkhU4JnG_fC_MBiee1DACEwYBhgL/s1600/facebook.png" /></a> <a href="mailto:tracoleman99@gmail.com" target="_blank"><img border="0" data-original-height="86" data-original-width="83" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-VFlTMoyNXgs/WsjDHXhKPCI/AAAAAAAAEWU/A8dYNnO1jQQ7K3Q292cOJ6niEhm5G8EcgCEwYBhgL/s1600/GMail-Android-R.0.png" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 16px; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; text-align: center;">
<a href="mailto:tracoleman99@gmail.com" target="_blank"><br /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; text-align: center;">
<a href="mailto:tracoleman99@gmail.com" target="_blank"><br /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; text-align: center;">
<span style="color: blue;">Want information about personal training? </span></div>
<div class="separator" style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; text-align: center;">
<span style="color: blue;">Contact <a href="mailto:pat_fitness@yahoo.com" target="_blank">Pat</a>! He's AWESOME and you will really like working with him!</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://patriotbody.com/" target="_blank"><img border="0" data-original-height="374" data-original-width="646" height="231" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-JyVJF8O3A2M/Wlo0MNab-8I/AAAAAAAAECE/SG_FDQLH8y4FYJgSJl-C3n3V1OL1XIpZQCPcBGAYYCw/s400/PatriotBody.png" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 16px; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; text-align: center;">
<a href="mailto:tracoleman99@gmail.com" target="_blank"><b style="color: blue; font-size: x-large;"><br /></b></a></div>
Tracey Colemanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11202001956775683301noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6459494285252158805.post-34629539287135562862018-04-07T05:44:00.000-07:002018-04-07T06:12:07.957-07:00Cheerleaders vs. Naysayers<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;">Happy Saturday! Today is National No Housework Day!</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-nGrDA5YcoA4/Wsin0XaPtaI/AAAAAAAAEUY/7MYZbzs5y4MxfWPKpnFnAoyykFdMIYThACLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_3194.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1181" data-original-width="1181" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-nGrDA5YcoA4/Wsin0XaPtaI/AAAAAAAAEUY/7MYZbzs5y4MxfWPKpnFnAoyykFdMIYThACLcBGAs/s320/IMG_3194.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
I think THAT alone is a reason to celebrate! I've learned to not mind cooking, but laundry and housework - UGGH! But I really need to clean and today is the day, so I'll celebrate next week!<br />
<br />
It's been a little while since I posted anything here. <span style="color: blue; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">News Flash! </span>I started a new blog. <br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.roaringwhisper.com/" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img alt="http://www.roaringwhisper.com" border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1600" height="320" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-00fhrJI-xgA/WsioxwossCI/AAAAAAAAEUg/kyB4we3u_bYn9bPx-lMHsJ6FBDgt6fAWgCLcBGAs/s320/RoaringWhispers.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<a href="http://www.roaringwhisper.com/" target="_blank">Roaring Whispers</a> is a blog addressing women's issues. It is a place to talk about all things that affect women. Health and wellness, spiritual, emotional, family and career. As well as those issues to which we have long been silenced. It's time to be bold and candid about what matters to us. It's something I've been thinking about starting for a long time, but didn't want to add one more thing to my list of "to-do's." Last week, I did a three part-series entitled, "<a href="http://www.roaringwhisper.com/2018/03/on-forgiveness-and-death.html" target="_blank">On Forgiveness...and Death</a>." A friend of mine lost her father last month and it stirred up a lot of things from the past with her, which got me to thinking about how lost / severed relationships pretty much boil down to unresolved conflict and unforgiveness. Roaring Whispers was inspired from topics like this, where I really wanted to talk about the issues, but Tracey's Getting Fit didn't seem to be the appropriate place to do so. I hope you'll check out my new blog. Spread the word to your friends and family, too! Having faithful readers is what keeps me writing.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Back to Tracey's Getting Fit and the topic of today. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><b>
Cheerleaders vs. Naysayers</b></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-NRBdcOVXU1g/WsiuyF-pz4I/AAAAAAAAEU0/ZylrK6pmsbgQal1tyxxttW7lRE18W8lZQCLcBGAs/s1600/yougotthis.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="450" data-original-width="360" height="320" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-NRBdcOVXU1g/WsiuyF-pz4I/AAAAAAAAEU0/ZylrK6pmsbgQal1tyxxttW7lRE18W8lZQCLcBGAs/s320/yougotthis.jpg" width="256" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
On my journey to lose weight, I had more cheerleaders than I can count. Brian, Dmitriy, Erica and Maria were my number one cheerleaders. <i>Can you have more than one #1? </i> Each of them stood by me through thick and thin, listening, <span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; display: inline; float: none; font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; text-align: left; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px;"> pushing, </span>and refusing to put up with my <i>bullsh--</i>. When I became obsessed, one would step in and say, "Ummm, that's enough of that." When I felt like quitting, they ALL said, "No way, I won't hear it!" When I accomplished something big, they were the first people I told. <i>You'll never believe what I did!</i></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<i><br /></i></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Far too often, when you embark on a journey to lose weight or get in shape, you will be surprised at the number of people who get in your way, quite literally. They block your path to reach your goals. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
It can be as simple as your partner or friends refusing to support your new nutritional needs. Like when your partner serves you bagels with cream cheese and eggs fried in butter for breakfast. Or when the office knows you're trying to lose weight, but they put a plateful of pizza in front of you and give you a hard time for not eating it.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
But sometimes it's more of a slap in the face.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-A1v7LseHM6w/WsixJua9brI/AAAAAAAAEVA/SGL0FfVsk2A0dkbtFXdXhBESiF-FDSjoACLcBGAs/s1600/slap.gif" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="202" data-original-width="480" height="134" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-A1v7LseHM6w/WsixJua9brI/AAAAAAAAEVA/SGL0FfVsk2A0dkbtFXdXhBESiF-FDSjoACLcBGAs/s320/slap.gif" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<i><br />Why are you even trying to lose weight? You try again and again and you always fail. Just give up</i>.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
OR</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
You've lost 20 lbs. and your friend / partner says something like, "<i>I don't see a difference. You still look fat."</i></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<i><br /></i></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-IPQH0hmPpfk/Wsiy4S1AEHI/AAAAAAAAEVQ/xPa6BxP0JcEapjgMs-LFaM3XLkk36-9yQCLcBGAs/s1600/naysayers.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="191" data-original-width="265" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-IPQH0hmPpfk/Wsiy4S1AEHI/AAAAAAAAEVQ/xPa6BxP0JcEapjgMs-LFaM3XLkk36-9yQCLcBGAs/s1600/naysayers.png" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Unfortunately, it's often the people closest to you who are your biggest naysayers. There are a few possibilities for this. You pick...</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; display: inline; float: none; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; text-align: left; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">They may be fearful for you. Your success may literally scare them. </span></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; display: inline; float: none; font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; text-align: left; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"></span><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; display: inline; float: none; font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; text-align: left; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px;">OR</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<b><br /></b></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
T<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"></span>hey may be jealous of your success or possible success. They don't have the courage themselves to get on board, so it's more comfortable to do / say things to bring you down. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
OR </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">They think their negativity is a way to be supportive so that if you do fail, there is some satisfaction in pointing that out to you.</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"></span><br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
OR </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">They are sadistic, narcissistic ego maniacs who just don't know how to be supportive.</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"></span><br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Whatever, or whoever they may be (your partner/spouse, your best friend, your parent, or the person you eat lunch with every day at work) it's YOUR choice to be successful. YOU do the work. YOU have to figure out how to work through the negativity. </div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-5rE1B66biKQ/Wsiy4WpGyeI/AAAAAAAAEVM/Sxp2orJFdRQt-DPmJOUgXvq7dYpDodboACLcBGAs/s1600/Dont-listen-to-the-naysayers-712x341.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="341" data-original-width="712" height="191" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-5rE1B66biKQ/Wsiy4WpGyeI/AAAAAAAAEVM/Sxp2orJFdRQt-DPmJOUgXvq7dYpDodboACLcBGAs/s400/Dont-listen-to-the-naysayers-712x341.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<h3 class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Here are a few recommendations. </h3>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
1) <b>Talk</b> to the people who you feel are bringing you down and tell them. "When you say things like this, it's not helping me. This is important to me and I want to be successful. I need your support. Please believe in me and encourage me." At first, make sure you are kind to them. They may not even realize what they are doing. But be firm!</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
2) <b>Separate yourself</b> from the people who bring you down. It hurts to do this, but it may be necessary. If you have a goal to accomplish and people are getting in your way, learn to be okay with spending less time with them.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
3) <b> Don't internalize their negative comments</b>. Develop an internal dialogue that you say to yourself when someone says something to bring you down. For example, if they say, "<i>You still look fat</i>."</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
You say, "<i>The scale doesn't lie. I can see that I've lost</i><u><i> </i>X number of <i> </i></u><i>pounds. My clothes don't fit right anymore. I have a long way to go, but I'm getting there.</i>"</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Say it to them. Definitely. But say it to yourself. <b>OVER and OVER again.</b></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<b><br /></b></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
4) <b>Be in charge </b>of your own meals and nutrition. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
If your partner has been making your meals, put an end to that. You take over the cooking and meal prep. Teach your partner how to cook with cooking spray instead of butter. Teach your partner about the value of lean protein and LOTS of veggies. Find healthy recipes you like and prepare them together. Subscribe to MyFitnessPal and send the email blogs about nutrition or recipes to your partner with the subject "Let's try this." </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Taking charge of what/ when you eat will take work, but this is <b>YOUR</b> journey, so you can't sit back and allow others to drive your food train for you.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
5) <b>Find your cheerleaders</b> and rely on them!!! </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
If you don't have a cheerleader, join some online groups. Join some fitness clubs / classes. Start riding your bike with the local club. You will make lots of new friends who will be your cheerleaders.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; display: inline; float: none; font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; text-align: left; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px;">I remember the first year I was training for the Ride to Remember, a lot of people told me how dangerous bike riding is. I heard about every person who died in a cycling accident in the past 10 years. People posted links to stories about cycling accidents on my Facebook wall. I had to overcome all of that in order to attain my goal of being able to train for the ride. I was so afraid all on my own that I did not need their fearful warnings.</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; display: inline; float: none; font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; text-align: left; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; display: inline; float: none; font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 16px; font-variant: normal; letter-spacing: normal; text-align: left; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; display: inline; float: none; font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; text-align: left; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px;">Unfortunately, I lost some of my closest friends when I was losing weight. While my focus was on working out, riding my bike and eating healthy, it meant I wasn't available to sit around, drink wine and eat crap with them anymore. Not only did we not have the same goals, mine were completely divergent from the way things had been. I had to learn to be okay with that. I made new friends.</span></span></div>
<div>
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; display: inline; float: none; font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 16px; font-variant: normal; letter-spacing: normal; text-align: left; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; display: inline; float: none; font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; text-align: left; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-5MNAbZfHb1g/Wsi5RQNWVFI/AAAAAAAAEVk/Imt_raWOhmkVGz40ZomiRNTtd3SatQn5gCLcBGAs/s1600/accomplishment-adult-adventure-372098.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="360" data-original-width="539" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-5MNAbZfHb1g/Wsi5RQNWVFI/AAAAAAAAEVk/Imt_raWOhmkVGz40ZomiRNTtd3SatQn5gCLcBGAs/s1600/accomplishment-adult-adventure-372098.jpg" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div>
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; display: inline; float: none; font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 16px; font-variant: normal; letter-spacing: normal; text-align: left; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; display: inline; float: none; font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; text-align: left; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div>
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; display: inline; float: none; font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 16px; font-variant: normal; letter-spacing: normal; text-align: left; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; display: inline; float: none; font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; text-align: left; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px;">Here's a new song with a great beat for your playlist...</span></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<iframe allowfullscreen="" class="YOUTUBE-iframe-video" data-thumbnail-src="https://i.ytimg.com/vi/k2qgadSvNyU/0.jpg" frameborder="0" height="266" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/k2qgadSvNyU?feature=player_embedded" width="320"></iframe></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<i>New Rules </i>by Dua Lipa</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<i>I got new rules, I count 'em</i></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<i>I gotta tell them to myself...</i></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<i>Practice makes perfect</i></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<i>I'm still tryna learn it by heart.</i></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<i></i><i><br /></i></div>
<h3 class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="color: blue;">Questions for you: (Answer in the comment section below.)</span></h3>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
<span style="color: blue;">Who is your biggest cheerleader? What do you do about naysayers? </span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
<span style="color: #000037;"><span style="color: blue;"></span><br /></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
<span style="color: #000037;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; background-color: transparent; clear: both; font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; margin: 0px; orphans: 2; text-align: center; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px;">
<span style="font-size: large; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span style="color: blue;">My new mantra: <b style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">Be the Champion of Today!</b></span></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; background-color: transparent; clear: both; font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; margin: 0px; orphans: 2; text-align: center; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px;">
<span style="color: blue;">Have a great weekend! Go get 'em!</span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
<span style="color: #000085;"><b><span style="color: blue;"></span><br /></b></span></div>
<div style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Times New Roman; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; margin: 0px; orphans: 2; text-align: left; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px;">
<span style="font-size: large;"></span><br /></div>
<div style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "times new roman"; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; letter-spacing: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: center; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px;">
<span style="color: blue; font-size: large;"><b>Follow / Contact me</b></span></div>
<div style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Times New Roman; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; margin: 0px; orphans: 2; text-align: center; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px;">
<span style="font-size: large;"></span><span style="font-size: large;"></span><b></b><br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; text-align: center; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px;">
<a href="https://www.instagram.com/tracoleman99/" target="_blank"><img border="0" data-original-height="59" data-original-width="59" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-zfnUtBsC_Eg/WsjDHeF4eoI/AAAAAAAAEWQ/5rV-B9fMfV0ip7aRsIk8VjMn93wZp72QgCLcBGAs/s1600/instagram-colourful-icon.png" /></a> <a href="https://www.facebook.com/TraceyGettingFit" target="_blank"><img border="0" data-original-height="50" data-original-width="50" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-0niKexBohjU/WsjDHfSHCnI/AAAAAAAAEWY/TPMqcOuGiuMwNgkhU4JnG_fC_MBiee1DACEwYBhgL/s1600/facebook.png" /></a> <a href="mailto:tracoleman99@gmail.com" target="_blank"><img border="0" data-original-height="86" data-original-width="83" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-VFlTMoyNXgs/WsjDHXhKPCI/AAAAAAAAEWU/A8dYNnO1jQQ7K3Q292cOJ6niEhm5G8EcgCEwYBhgL/s1600/GMail-Android-R.0.png" /></a></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; background-color: transparent; clear: both; color: black; font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: 16px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; orphans: 2; text-align: center; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<b></b><i></i><u></u><sub></sub><sup></sup><strike></strike><br /></div>
Tracey Colemanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11202001956775683301noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6459494285252158805.post-19904875310541218982018-03-04T05:36:00.000-08:002018-03-04T05:36:16.271-08:00Are you kidding me?One thing I always wished I could do, but never was able to do is push-ups.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-srqMrXxF0d8/VQvugcwywjI/AAAAAAAAA_c/w0Qylt_uZMA0ceTlH3J7VIYdhJsG8qUZwCPcBGAYYCw/s1600/pushups_caro_article-small_44071.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="225" data-original-width="360" height="200" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-srqMrXxF0d8/VQvugcwywjI/AAAAAAAAA_c/w0Qylt_uZMA0ceTlH3J7VIYdhJsG8qUZwCPcBGAYYCw/s320/pushups_caro_article-small_44071.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
I tried and tried. I struggled. What looks so easy, for me was super hard. I made being able to do them a goal. As my strength improved, I wrote about the progress I saw in doing them: <a href="http://traceyfit.blogspot.com/2015/03/five.html" target="_blank">Five</a> and <a href="http://traceyfit.blogspot.com/2015/04/ten.html" target="_blank">Ten</a>. It was exciting to see real progress. Eventually they became so easy that I stopped doing them, except as part of a HIIT routine. When I hurt my shoulder, I was under strict orders to not do them until after my shoulder healed.<br />
<br />
Since that time, being able to do push-ups well and "easily" has plagued me. So after my back injury last February, I made it a goal to improve upon them again. But it has been difficult. In May of last year, I was able to do three sets of 15 push-ups. So hard! I mean <b>super hard</b>. It wasn't so much doing them as the weakness in my shoulder. Not for nothing, when things are hard, you tend to shy away from doing them. Why do I <i>want</i> to do this if it's this hard?<br />
<br />
When I started training with Pat, he had me doing three sets of 15-20 push-ups. I was like, "I'm not going to be able to do that. I can barely do 10 push-ups and you want me to do 15?" He said, "If you can do a Dumb-Bell bench press with 25 lbs., you can do 15 push-ups."<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ocCs_9ez07s/WpvvNXxgxhI/AAAAAAAAEH4/vD9V7odlcHQlxewhZTXX79F-F4QHipguQCLcBGAs/s1600/images.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="225" data-original-width="225" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ocCs_9ez07s/WpvvNXxgxhI/AAAAAAAAEH4/vD9V7odlcHQlxewhZTXX79F-F4QHipguQCLcBGAs/s1600/images.jpg" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
So for three weeks, I did three sets of 15 push-ups (never 20). And it was <b>NOT</b> easy. One week I couldn't even do one single push-up. Not one. "It's a mental block," Pat responded.<br />
<br />
I <i>hated</i> doing them. Unlike three years ago when doing push-ups motivated me, this time around, I was not enthused.<br />
<br />
Then the next three weeks, he changed it up and had me doing four sets of 12-15 reps. I always tried for the 15, but four sets was a lot.<br />
<br />
This week, he changed it up again. When I looked at the plan for this week, it changed from 4 sets of 12-15 to <b>FIVE sets of 20 push-ups</b>. That's <b><span style="color: red;">100</span></b> push-ups. <b><i>Are you KIDDING ME???</i></b><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-scUo2reVjWA/WpvweZumhrI/AAAAAAAAEIE/2mTS-m7Enp4mM5GBmFwJ6QbZG4PnKwCIwCLcBGAs/s1600/giphy%2B%25281%2529.gif" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="294" data-original-width="470" height="200" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-scUo2reVjWA/WpvweZumhrI/AAAAAAAAEIE/2mTS-m7Enp4mM5GBmFwJ6QbZG4PnKwCIwCLcBGAs/s320/giphy%2B%25281%2529.gif" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
So when I saw him this week, I said, "What in the world are you thinking?"<br />
<br />
He said, "You can do it." Confident as can be, like it's no problem.<br />
<br />
I was like, "I can't do that! There's just no way."<br />
<br />
He said, "Yes you can. Easy."<br />
<br />
I said, "Well, I can't do five sets of 20 push-ups all together like that. It's just not going to happen. I mean, maybe I can do them if I work them throughout the entire workout. One set after each group of exercises, but not all at once."<br />
<br />
His response, "I don't care how you do them, <i>just get them done.</i>"<br />
<br />
<i>Get them done?</i> Doesn't he know I have a shoulder injury? Doesn't he know these are super hard for me? What does he mean, <i>"Just get them done."</i><br />
<i><br /></i>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ZKaCdr2rxKA/Wpvw3_iOBEI/AAAAAAAAEII/3vRbdFJ3g8kEJW65w34Jsy4FWApFvfPsQCLcBGAs/s1600/giphy3.gif" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="246" data-original-width="300" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ZKaCdr2rxKA/Wpvw3_iOBEI/AAAAAAAAEII/3vRbdFJ3g8kEJW65w34Jsy4FWApFvfPsQCLcBGAs/s1600/giphy3.gif" /></a></div>
<b><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></b>
"Ok, boss."<br />
<br />
And so Friday night was the moment of truth. <b>100 push-ups. Five sets of twenty.</b><br />
<br />
We get to the gym, I figure, let's get the first set done now and just see, while I'm feeling strong, how I do. Is 20 even on the table? (<i>Great way to think positive, isn't it?</i>)<br />
<br />
And I do it. 20 push-ups. No problem.<br />
<br />
I decided to do 20 at a time, throughout my workout, allowing my shoulder/ body to recover before attempting the next set. And it worked! Twice I had to take a 10 second break in between to finish the 20 reps, but I did all 100!<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-gTNCVoZZ9vs/WpvxdA5vfnI/AAAAAAAAEIY/6CufVe0QTww2RBJGYVnQdCaLN6u59QnxQCLcBGAs/s1600/giphy4.gif" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="281" data-original-width="500" height="179" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-gTNCVoZZ9vs/WpvxdA5vfnI/AAAAAAAAEIY/6CufVe0QTww2RBJGYVnQdCaLN6u59QnxQCLcBGAs/s320/giphy4.gif" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
Here is my last set:<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<iframe allowfullscreen="" class="YOUTUBE-iframe-video" data-thumbnail-src="https://i.ytimg.com/vi/1pMqH5vCG-U/0.jpg" frameborder="0" height="266" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/1pMqH5vCG-U?feature=player_embedded" width="320"></iframe></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
So, what's the point of this whole post? Overcoming the way you think and feel about food, about exercise, about yourself: your self-image, your abilities, your potential... This is so key to your success. Over four years into this journey and I still struggle. I have doubts. While they may be based on reality (I do have tendinitis in my shoulder, there is weakness there, I do continue to have pain), the fact is I can do more than I believe I can do.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
When you get to the point when you feel like, "What am I doing?" or "I can't do this" or you feel like just giving up, stick with it. You have SO much more potential than you can even begin to believe.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
I did 100 push-ups. <b> </b>Not <a href="http://traceyfit.blogspot.com/2015/03/five.html" target="_blank">five</a> or <a href="http://traceyfit.blogspot.com/2015/04/ten.html" target="_blank">ten</a> like I did three years ago. <b>One-Hundred. </b> I didn't think I could. I thought Pat was crazy. I was even miffed with him a little. It wasn't clean, it wasn't perfect, but I did it! </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
- - - - - - - - - -</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
"<a href="http://traceyfit.blogspot.com/2018/01/why-have-trainer.html" target="_blank">Why Have a Trainer</a>?" is a topic I discussed in January. Having someone push you beyond your own self-expectations, to basically say, "It's no big deal, you can do it." THIS is why I have a trainer. I struggled with one health issue after another over the past 18+ months and tried to figure out how to get back on the path by myself. Every set-back and every self-doubt left me feeling badly about myself and where I was going. Not really knowing what to do to get things back on track left me frustrated, which is WHY I sought out Pat. He is really awesome. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-JyVJF8O3A2M/Wlo0MNab-8I/AAAAAAAAECE/SG_FDQLH8y4FYJgSJl-C3n3V1OL1XIpZQCPcBGAYYCw/s1600/PatriotBody.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="374" data-original-width="646" height="185" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-JyVJF8O3A2M/Wlo0MNab-8I/AAAAAAAAECE/SG_FDQLH8y4FYJgSJl-C3n3V1OL1XIpZQCPcBGAYYCw/s320/PatriotBody.png" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
If you are thinking about having a trainer, you definitely want to check him out. The rates are affordable and he is amazing. If you live in the area, you can train one-on-one with him. If not, he does online coaching as well. Check out his website for the details: <a href="http://patriotbody.com/">Patriotbody.com</a>. I cannot say enough about him. Training with Pat means you will see growth, you will make change, you will accomplish your goals. Either way, check out his website. There is contact information for him there.</div>
<br />
<span style="color: blue;">There's a saying out there, "Put on some gangster rap and get over it." Here's the newest song on my playlist:</span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<iframe allowfullscreen="" class="YOUTUBE-iframe-video" data-thumbnail-src="https://i.ytimg.com/vi/j5-yKhDd64s/0.jpg" frameborder="0" height="266" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/j5-yKhDd64s?feature=player_embedded" width="320"></iframe></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i>Not Afraid</i> by Eminem</div>
<i>And I just can't keep living this way. So starting today, I'm breaking out of this cage. I'm standing up, I'mma face my demons. I'm manning up, I'mma hold my ground. I've had enough, now I'm so fed up. Time to put my life back together right now!</i><br />
<br />
<div>
<span style="color: #666666; font-family: inherit;"><span style="color: blue;"><b>Question for you: </b></span></span><span style="color: blue; font-family: inherit; font-size: small;">(Answer in the comment section below.)</span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: xx-small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="color: blue;">What holds you back?</span></span></span><br />
<span style="color: blue;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: xx-small;"><span style="color: #666666; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="color: blue;"><b>Follow me...</b></span></span></span><br />
<br />
<div>
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: small;"><span style="color: #666666; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="color: blue;">Facebook: </span> <i style="font-size: medium;"><a href="https://www.facebook.com/TraceyGettingFit">https://www.facebook.com/TraceyGettingFit</a></i></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: small;"></span><br />
<div style="margin: 0px;">
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: small;"><span style="color: blue; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: medium;">Instagram: </span><span style="color: #666666; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: medium;"> </span><i style="color: #666666; font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><a href="https://www.instagram.com/tracoleman99/">@tracoleman99</a></i></span></div>
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: small;"></span><br />
<div style="margin: 0px;">
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: small;"><span style="color: blue; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: medium;">Email: </span><i style="color: #666666; font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><a href="mailto:tracoleman99@gmail.com">tracoleman99@gmail.com</a></i></span></div>
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;">My new mantra: <b>Be the Champion of Today!</b></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Have a great weekend! Go get 'em!</div>
Tracey Colemanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11202001956775683301noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6459494285252158805.post-55043182312417742452018-03-03T06:37:00.000-08:002018-03-04T05:32:20.183-08:00My Top ReadsIn my last post, <a href="http://traceyfit.blogspot.com/2018/01/its-process-three-keys.html" target="_blank">It's a Process: Three Keys</a>, I talked about what it takes to lose weight <em>and</em> keep it off. <b>Establishing a cognitive / emotional shift </b>is probably the most critical key to long term success. What does this mean? It means changing the way you think about feel, and removing the emotional attachment you have to the process, including emotional connections to food, the way you see yourself, and self-imposed limitations.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
There really isn't a road map for this. But there are several things you can do to work on this, including reading about nutrition and exercise from reliable sources. I subscribe to several newsletters and blogs which help me in a variety of ways. One of my readers asked me to share with you here, so my best picks.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<b>Caution: </b> You can't take EVERYTHING you read as straight from the Bible. Ask yourself, "Does the information provided concur with what I know from other reliable sources?" There is a lot of conflicting information out there. It doesn't hurt to fact check anything that seems questionable. So take what you can, and leave the rest.</div>
<h2 style="clear: both;">
<a href="https://runeatrepeat.com/" target="_blank"><span style="color: #6aa84f;"><i style="font-weight: normal;">RUN</i>EAT<span style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Repeat</span></span></span></a></h2>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-mu0XK0eeWcU/WpqaOqZLI0I/AAAAAAAAEGk/DldeHQwxjtUVnCO-CQbbvhKc0b3e42RSgCLcBGAs/s1600/RER.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="689" data-original-width="953" height="231" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-mu0XK0eeWcU/WpqaOqZLI0I/AAAAAAAAEGk/DldeHQwxjtUVnCO-CQbbvhKc0b3e42RSgCLcBGAs/s320/RER.png" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Run Eat Repeat by Monica Olivas is a blog all about running, weight loss and healthy living. What I like about Monica's blog is she provides so much variety in her posts. She talks about everything and anything, is very candid in her posts, and is one of the most motivating people I follow. I subscribe to her blog, but I also follow her on <a href="https://www.facebook.com/RunEatRepeat/" target="_blank">Facebook</a>, <a href="https://www.instagram.com/runeatrepeat/" target="_blank">Instagram</a>, and a <a href="https://www.youtube.com/user/monicred" target="_blank">Vlog</a> on <a href="https://www.youtube.com/user/monicred" target="_blank">YouTube</a>. She also has great podcasts you can listen to.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Even if you don't run, you will learn a lot about healthy living. She is always giving super easy meal ideas and recipes, basic at-home workouts you can do, as well as strategies for overcoming mental blocks, just to name a few. <a href="https://runeatrepeat.com/" target="_blank"><span style="color: #6aa84f;"><i>RUN</i><b>EAT</b>Repeat</span></a> is my favorite blog and Monica is definitely my favorite motivational fitness person out there. <b>Check her out! </b></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<b><br /></b></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<b>Great: </b>Monica does not try to sell anything to you. She will share products she uses so you have the option of checking them out if you are looking for something to help you run better. But she is not a vendor, so she's not looking to sell her product.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<a href="https://www.blogger.com/goog_784435398"><br /></a></div>
<h2 style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<a href="http://bodybuilding.com/"><span style="color: #0b5394;"><b>BodyBuilding.com</b></span></a></h2>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-vnPe2nR-OrA/WpqgBoNavLI/AAAAAAAAEG0/spEU36AqhAsxyjWZFEjZFx7_RR9MKMVcwCLcBGAs/s1600/BodyBuildingCom2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="540" data-original-width="960" height="180" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-vnPe2nR-OrA/WpqgBoNavLI/AAAAAAAAEG0/spEU36AqhAsxyjWZFEjZFx7_RR9MKMVcwCLcBGAs/s320/BodyBuildingCom2.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
BodyBuilding.com is a very popular site/ online store for nutritional supplements for body builders. But it is so much more than that! Written by leading experts, the site has a wealth of articles about training and nutrition. These feature different workout programs (with step-by-step videos), tips for improving your workouts, overcoming injuries, and even how to get started. Here are just a few examples of featured articles on their website today:</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-sVIjnfnsO_8/WpqgB5ukycI/AAAAAAAAEG4/Z3icdjt9FesD5G1Fknrg9cRDRNZ4s2m1ACLcBGAs/s1600/BodyBuildingCom3.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="585" data-original-width="812" height="459" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-sVIjnfnsO_8/WpqgB5ukycI/AAAAAAAAEG4/Z3icdjt9FesD5G1Fknrg9cRDRNZ4s2m1ACLcBGAs/s640/BodyBuildingCom3.png" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
I subscribe to their newsletter, but I find myself going to their website again and again for suggestions and ideas. When I'm doing a new exercise, if I'm not sure how to do it and Pat (my trainer), isn't available to show me how to do it, I go to them for the specific "how to's." When someone asks me for help with their nutrition, I direct them to <a href="https://www.bodybuilding.com/fun/calculators.htm" target="_blank">BodyBuilding.com's calculators</a>, which help you calculate calories or macros.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<b><br /></b></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<b>Remember:</b> this site is selling their product. You are not going to lose weight or get in shape by consuming supplements alone. You have to do the work. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<h2>
<a href="https://www.self.com/" target="_blank"><span style="color: black; font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">SELF Magazine</span></a></h2>
Click on their link and you are automatically directed to sign up for their newsletter. I receive daily emails from them with links to articles about recipes, fitness fashion, workouts, motivation, and different health tips. They also feature articles about what different celebrities are doing to get or stay in shape.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-hn8NvTclxBE/WpqgO35dLHI/AAAAAAAAEG8/JuGH_zTQvZELjRsjL2wv5HpCw_H4XcqHwCLcBGAs/s1600/SELF.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="765" data-original-width="689" height="400" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-hn8NvTclxBE/WpqgO35dLHI/AAAAAAAAEG8/JuGH_zTQvZELjRsjL2wv5HpCw_H4XcqHwCLcBGAs/s400/SELF.png" width="360" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
This newsletter has become my favorite email of the day. I love checking out the recipes they feature. Because I get so bored with the same foods. Who doesn't? While I have my own workout plan that I follow every day, I really like to know what else is out there. Anything I can do to change things up or make my workout a little more fun is always of interest to me.<br />
<br />
Furthermore, SELF has articles about topics <b><i>no one wants to discuss publicly</i></b>. Like:<br />
<ul>
<li>"<a href="https://www.self.com/story/earbuds-always-fall-out" target="_blank">Why do my earbuds always fall out?</a>" </li>
<li>"<a href="https://www.self.com/story/sex-with-uti" target="_blank">Is it safe to have sex with a UTI?</a>" <i>or</i> "<a href="https://www.self.com/story/yeast-infection-sex" target="_blank">with a yeast infection?</a>"</li>
<li>"<a href="https://www.self.com/story/blood-in-poop-causes-advice" target="_blank">Do I really need to see a doctor for blood in my poop?</a>" </li>
<li>"<a href="https://www.self.com/story/ob-gyns-decode-discharge" target="_blank">OB/Gyn explains the stuff in your underwear at the end of the day</a>"</li>
</ul>
...just to name a few.<br />
<h2 style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<a href="http://www.breakouttheskinnygirl.com/" target="_blank"><span style="color: orange;">Break Out the Skinny Girl</span></a></h2>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-2vkiehmErW0/WpqqQqEM6cI/AAAAAAAAEHU/shbhlDS5YnAoJEivXaMjcTzi7kUNIn9qgCLcBGAs/s1600/BreakOutSkinny.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="190" data-original-width="819" height="92" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-2vkiehmErW0/WpqqQqEM6cI/AAAAAAAAEHU/shbhlDS5YnAoJEivXaMjcTzi7kUNIn9qgCLcBGAs/s400/BreakOutSkinny.png" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
I can't really do justice to describing this blog, so here's the summary right from Dee, the author:</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; color: #141412; font-family: "Source Sans Pro", Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; margin-bottom: 24px;">
It’s <em style="box-sizing: border-box;">not </em>a blog about a diet. It’s more a blog about what goes on in my head because I’m <em style="box-sizing: border-box;">on</em> a diet, if that makes sense. Which it doesn’t, always…I should manage your expectations in that regard! Sometimes it’s funny, sometimes it’s thorny, sometimes I struggle and sometimes I feel like I’m on top of it but the thread that runs through all of it is <strong style="box-sizing: border-box;">bare naked honesty. </strong>Oh, and I do use a few naughty words here and there…sorry about that <img alt="🙂" class="emoji" draggable="false" src="https://s.w.org/images/core/emoji/2.4/svg/1f642.svg" style="background: none !important; border: none !important; box-shadow: none !important; box-sizing: border-box; display: inline !important; height: auto; margin: 0px 0.07em !important; max-width: 100%; padding: 0px !important; vertical-align: -0.1em !important; width: 1em !important;" /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
I can so relate to Dee's experience and have enjoyed reading her blog since its inception. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<b>Note: </b>Dee's blog is a personal one about her journey. You can become part of her "posse" by regularly commenting on her posts. Keep your comments positive!</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<br /></div>
<h2 style="clear: both;">
<a href="https://www.webmd.com/" target="_blank"><span style="color: #3d85c6;"><i>Web</i></span><span style="color: black;">MD</span></a></h2>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-vOwgIvzaGTQ/WpqtOExVc6I/AAAAAAAAEHg/0-0PqkwCd5IIFY9muPV7T5wjUyXQ9yEKwCLcBGAs/s1600/webmd.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="107" data-original-width="471" height="72" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-vOwgIvzaGTQ/WpqtOExVc6I/AAAAAAAAEHg/0-0PqkwCd5IIFY9muPV7T5wjUyXQ9yEKwCLcBGAs/s320/webmd.png" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<br /></div>
<div>
WebMD, simply put is an online website with articles about everything health related under the sun. I subscribe to their newsletter, but have it customized to items of interest to me, like women's health, mental health, fitness and nutrition. I LOVE the various slideshows they have with quick information about topics of interest, such as <a href="https://www.webmd.com/diet/obesity/ss/slideshow-slow-metabolism" target="_blank">15 Things That Slow Your Metabolism</a>.<br />
<br />
<b>Note:</b> Don't use WebMD as your personal doctor. You really have to speak openly with your own physician about medical concerns you have.<br />
<br />
<b><span style="color: blue;">New favorite workout song:</span></b><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<iframe allowfullscreen="" class="YOUTUBE-iframe-video" data-thumbnail-src="https://i.ytimg.com/vi/YVw7eJ0vGfM/0.jpg" frameborder="0" height="266" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/YVw7eJ0vGfM?feature=player_embedded" width="320"></iframe></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<b>Turn Me On</b></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<i>by David Guetta ft. Nicki Minaj</i></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<span style="color: #666666; font-family: inherit;"><span style="color: blue;"><b>Question for you: </b></span></span><span style="color: blue; font-family: inherit; font-size: small;">(Answer in the comment section below.)</span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: xx-small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="color: blue;">What's your favorite online magazine/ newsletter or blog?</span></span><br /><br /><span style="color: #666666; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="color: blue;"><b>Follow me...</b></span></span></span><br />
<div>
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: small;"><span style="color: #666666; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="color: blue;">Facebook: </span> <i style="font-size: medium;"><a href="https://www.facebook.com/TraceyGettingFit">https://www.facebook.com/TraceyGettingFit</a></i></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: small;"></span><br />
<div style="margin: 0px;">
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: small;"><span style="color: blue; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: medium;">Instagram: </span><span style="color: #666666; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: medium;"> </span><i style="color: #666666; font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><a href="https://www.instagram.com/tracoleman99/">@tracoleman99</a></i></span></div>
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: small;"></span><br />
<div style="margin: 0px;">
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: small;"><span style="color: blue; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: medium;">Email: </span><i style="color: #666666; font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><a href="mailto:tracoleman99@gmail.com">tracoleman99@gmail.com</a></i></span></div>
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;">My new mantra: <b>Be the Champion of Today!</b></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Have a great weekend! Go get 'em!</div>
Tracey Colemanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11202001956775683301noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6459494285252158805.post-61555369979100041632018-01-29T03:34:00.000-08:002018-01-29T17:29:20.832-08:00It's a Process: Three KeysWhat does it take to lose weight? How do you do it? What's your secret?<br />
<br />
I'd like to tell you it's easy, but in all seriousness, it's a process.<br />
<br />
If I were to narrow down to just three things to make it work, this is what I would tell you.<br />
<br />
The <b><span style="color: blue;">NUMBER ONE</span></b> most important thing is<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b>Drum roll, please.</b></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-RobQ7EHZbsA/Wm758gDsoII/AAAAAAAAEFk/R9VIxoXBzLYx7QBqxKJCjpolIJ9Kt37twCLcBGAs/s1600/maxresdefault.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="720" data-original-width="1280" height="180" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-RobQ7EHZbsA/Wm758gDsoII/AAAAAAAAEFk/R9VIxoXBzLYx7QBqxKJCjpolIJ9Kt37twCLcBGAs/s320/maxresdefault.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<b><span style="font-size: large;">Nutrition, Nutrition, Nutrition!</span></b></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
You really have to learn how to eat right and stick with it over time. Don't think about going on another diet. Diet is a four letter word. Think "nutrition." Food is fuel, it's what your body needs to function, for muscle growth, for healing and recovery, for energy. Food.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
In a nutshell, you want to cut back on calories, but not much. You want to DRINK lots of WATER, increase lean proteins and vegetables. You can pretty much have all the vegetables you want, plus one to two servings of fruit each day. <br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
The kinds of food you eat really matters. Severely limit your sugar intake, especially refined sugars. Limit your intake of saturated fats (cream, butter, bacon, beef), but don't cut fat out. Avocado, nuts, nut butters, and healthy oils like olive or canola oil in small quantities are good for you. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Reducing your carbohydrates will help, but remember fruits and vegetables are carbohydrates and you should consume those. As far as other carbs go - appropriate portions of whole grains like oatmeal, brown rice, legumes or quinoa are good. Just remember 1/2 cup of brown rice is 124 calories and 26 g of carbs, so if you are eating 1+ cups, the calories and carbs go up. Only have bread once in a while and make sure to eat 100% whole grain bread. As far as potatoes go, one or 1/2 of one isn't going to hurt you. I often have 1/2 of a sweet potato. My question is who eats a plain white potato? I need butter and sour cream on mine, which means LOTS of fat. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<b><span style="color: blue;">NUMBER TWO</span></b> is </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-5nKzbW_QaMc/Wm7_mlz6BVI/AAAAAAAAEF0/CnmaKdZMoxslP9vqtHzQNrCvwyp7Ptd0QCLcBGAs/s1600/moveyourbody.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1222" data-original-width="1600" height="244" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-5nKzbW_QaMc/Wm7_mlz6BVI/AAAAAAAAEF0/CnmaKdZMoxslP9vqtHzQNrCvwyp7Ptd0QCLcBGAs/s320/moveyourbody.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<b>MOVE your body!</b></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Moving your body, including strength training, will boost your metabolism so you burn the calories you eat better. Consistent exercise helps you deal with stress and helps to improve your mood.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
The best way to start is to walk, then add in some body weight exercises into your routine, such as squats and push ups (or desk push ups). Check out my post <a href="http://traceyfit.blogspot.com/2018/01/10-minutes.html" target="_blank">10 Minutes</a> for ideas on how to make the most of the time you have and ideas to get yourself moving.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<iframe allowfullscreen="" class="YOUTUBE-iframe-video" data-thumbnail-src="https://i.ytimg.com/vi/0GoGcVs6pbU/0.jpg" frameborder="0" height="266" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/0GoGcVs6pbU?feature=player_embedded" width="320"></iframe></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<i>Move Your Body </i>by Sia</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<b><span style="color: blue;">NUMBER THREE</span></b> is critical to long term success.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-H_32wxna5ck/Wm7_-avOGTI/AAAAAAAAEF4/sUaEqJ5V9KI4N2SIQK44ZfbXC8wTkuwXACLcBGAs/s1600/Cognitive-Dissonance.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="300" data-original-width="400" height="240" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-H_32wxna5ck/Wm7_-avOGTI/AAAAAAAAEF4/sUaEqJ5V9KI4N2SIQK44ZfbXC8wTkuwXACLcBGAs/s320/Cognitive-Dissonance.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<b>Cognitive / Emotional Shift</b></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Changing the way you think and feel about food is critical. It takes time and honestly, I can't give you a road map how to do this. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Here are some suggestions...</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<b>Read about nutrition and exercise from reliable sources. </b> I subscribe to several online newsletters and blogs that talk about nutrition. I am always wanting new recipes because vegetables are great, but eating salad every day is... BORING. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<b>Keep a food / exercise journal.</b> I track ALL of my food in MyFitnessPal, good and "bad." If I have honey in my tea, a glass of wine, a piece of cake, a chocolate cookie - it's all there. Bad days show trends. Did I sleep enough the night before? Where was I emotionally that day? Did I work out a LOT the day (days) before? I log my workouts in the Notebook on my phone. I do this so I can see progress from week to week. My goal right now is strength training, so I follow a program every week and want to see an increase in the amount of weight I lift from week to week. I also write notes like, "Remember to give yourself time for recovery" or "The last set was super hard." I insert emojis to show how I feel about that particular exercise or set. Doing this helps me feel better about my workouts. I can see progress and that makes me happy.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<b>Talk to like-minded people about your journey.</b> What do I mean? Join a fitness group, get a buddy who wants to lose weight with you. Have a friend who is already fit and in shape? Ask them for suggestions, work out with them, do meal prep with them. Like-minded people will help you to think differently about dieting in general. It's not a diet. It's a life change. It's nutrition and exercise combined.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<b>Identify your triggers. </b> What makes you "go off the wagon" so to speak? Are there certain times of the day? Stresses? Sleeplessness? Spending time with a toxic person can derail you, do you find yourself raiding the refrigerator afterwards? Again, it takes time to recognize your triggers.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<b>Remember, don't let a bad day or a series of bad days derail you.</b></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
I had a super bad day Saturday, which lead to a sleepless night, leaving me completely deplete the next day. I went to church, but I usually sit with my father and he wasn't there. I stayed for a few minutes, but all I wanted to do was cry and sleep and I just couldn't keep it together, so I went home. (That sounds so bad, but it's just what I needed at the time.) I took a nap and then my niece and I did a great workout at a track near her house. Talking with her and literally working it out helped restore me. When I got home, I had a peanut butter and jelly sandwich. I think that is the one food that cures everything... because carbs and peanut butter. Took another nap and felt restored. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<b>I recognized my triggers.</b> Sleeplessness and stress and being super emotional.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<b>I talked </b>to my niece about what was going on. She is a like-minded person. She loves to workout and eats super healthy all the time. She helped me to process. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<b>I worked out. </b> Working out helps to manage your stress. I don't know the science of it, but somehow it literally takes the weight off your brain and lets you put perspective on your situation.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<b>I ate.</b> I didn't overdo it. I ate what I felt my body needed and limited the quantity.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
You really can lose weight if you want. Remember, it's a process. There are no quick fixes. It's a journey, not a sprint.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
My new mantra: <b>Be the Champion of Today!</b></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<b>You've got this!</b></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: xx-small;"><span style="color: #666666; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="color: blue;"><b>Questions for you: </b></span></span><span style="color: blue; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: small;">(Answer in the comment section below.)</span><br /><span style="color: blue; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: medium;">What did you do this weekend? </span><br /><br /><span style="color: #666666; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: medium;"><span style="color: blue;"><b>Follow me...</b></span></span></span><br />
<div style="font-size: medium;">
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: small;"><span style="color: #666666; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: medium;"><span style="color: blue;">Facebook: </span> <i><a href="https://www.facebook.com/TraceyGettingFit">https://www.facebook.com/TraceyGettingFit</a></i></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: small;"></span><br />
<div style="margin: 0px;">
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: small;"><span style="color: blue; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: medium;">Instagram: </span><span style="color: #666666; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: medium;"> </span><i style="color: #666666; font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><a href="https://www.instagram.com/tracoleman99/">@tracoleman99</a></i></span></div>
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: small;"></span><br />
<div style="margin: 0px;">
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: small;"><span style="color: blue; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: medium;">Email: </span><i style="color: #666666; font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><a href="mailto:tracoleman99@gmail.com">tracoleman99@gmail.com</a></i></span></div>
Tracey Colemanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11202001956775683301noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6459494285252158805.post-26333029245887481612018-01-27T23:44:00.000-08:002018-01-27T23:54:14.260-08:00Me TooVery few people know this and I've only publicly shared it this afternoon. I write this very reluctantly, but part of me wants to be transparent about my journey, in the hopes that sharing it may help you.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-SPx8qnJeqGU/Wm19kpo6KyI/AAAAAAAAEFU/RNGAXhNQS2sQFJZ0m-l4wvXE2UcTGg41wCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_2806.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="1280" height="240" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-SPx8qnJeqGU/Wm19kpo6KyI/AAAAAAAAEFU/RNGAXhNQS2sQFJZ0m-l4wvXE2UcTGg41wCLcBGAs/s320/IMG_2806.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
For most of my adult life I have battled my weight. It was easy to shed the pounds when I was younger, so yo-yo dieting was more or less my lifestyle. I could shed 10 lbs. in one month without too much effort. As I got older, that became a lot more challenging and the pounds added on.<br />
<br />
One of those times, in the early 2000s, I joined a local gym and started working out, running and eating virtually nothing. Another "crash diet" of sorts, but this time I wasn't just dieting, I was also working out, so I looked "toned." <span style="color: #444444;">But then.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="color: #444444; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">It happened.</span><br />
<br />
This past October when #MeToo became a way to share solidarity among women who have been sexually harassed or assaulted, I considered if I should join the movement. There is a deep shame in being a victim. One you really don't want other people to know about. Because somehow, deep down, you wonder<br />
<br />
<i>I<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">s (was) it my your fault?</span></i><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"> </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><i><br /></i>
<i>Did I somehow bring it on myself</i>. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><i><br /></i>
<i>Is it even that serious? </i> <i>I mean, other people have experienced so much worse</i>.</span><br />
<br />
We had a garden and used to share our extra vegetables with people I knew. Most of them were very appreciative and often wanted to reciprocate in one way or another.<br />
<br />
One was a little <span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">too</span> appreciative.<br />
<br />
At the time, I drove a Ford Explorer, which had some rust damage on the body. One of the people I shared vegetables with offered to do some free body work on my car.<br />
<br />
Little did I know the true cost of "free" labor.<br />
<br />
When I went to pick up my car, the friendly man decided to put the moves on me. He grabbed my breast and my buttocks as I was getting into my car. I brushed his hand away and told him, "No!" It happened so quickly. <i><span style="color: #444444; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">I just wanted to get away.</span></i><br />
<br />
The aftermath was super ugly and isn't really the point of my story here, so I will spare those details.<br />
<br />
A few people who knew what happened couldn't understand <span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="color: #444444;"><i>why I didn't smash him</i></span>.</span> I don't know. I think when you're in a predicament like that, it's fight or flight. For me, it was flight.<br />
<br />
<span style="color: #444444; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><i>Just. Get. Away.</i></span><br />
<br />
As time progressed, I stopped working out. I did not want anyone to look at me and desire me. Then I stopped caring about what I ate or looked like. And gained all the weight (and then some) back.<br />
<br />
Every time I tried to lose weight again, that incident hung over my head like a dark cloud.<br />
<br />
<span style="color: #444444; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">You just feel so violated.</span><br />
<br />
On my journey over the past four years, I don't think what happened has really affected my journey. I know it happened, it's behind me. I've moved on. My weight, my strength, my fitness level have been and continue to be <b>all about me</b>. There simply can be no looking back, no becoming a pillar of salt. Keep it moving, look ahead. <b>Be the champion of today.</b><br />
<br />
I'd like to say it doesn't bother me anymore, that I've put it behind me. But the truth is, there is still some shame. When I think about it, I can't help but wonder if I could have done anything differently to get away, to not put myself in that situation in the first place, to have avoided the fall out. Fortunately, time has allowed me to safely lock it up and tuck it away.<br />
<br />
Today was different though. Letting out my secret was like plunging a knife into the old wound, stirring up the shame and insecurities of the past.<br />
<br />
Something else happened earlier in the day that hurt my feelings. So when I came home and talked about it, the flood gates opened. Initially the tears were about my feelings being damaged. <i><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Did she really say that? </span></i> I need to get thicker skin, I guess. But as I thought about the whole day. The secret I shared, I just could not stop crying.<br />
<br />
I am sharing my story with you because silence only keeps us a victim. It only perpetuates the pain, the shame. When you are violated, it affects how you feel about yourself. Your self-image.<br />
<br />
As I laid in bed tonight, unable to sleep, the thoughts of the day rushing through my brain...<br />
<br />
My hurt feelings. <i>How could she say that? What did she mean? Maybe I should have done or said this differently.</i><br />
<br />
My secret. <i>I wish I hadn't said anything. It really wasn't that big of a deal. Why did you bring that up?</i><br />
<br />
...I cling to this verse:<br />
<br />
<span style="color: blue; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><i>I praise you because I am <b>fearfully</b> and <b>wonderfully</b> made; your works are wonderful, I know that full well.</i></span><br />
<span style="color: blue; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><i>Psalm 139:14</i></span><br />
<br />
If you, like me, are the victim of sexual harassment or assault, know you are not alone. Those of us who have experienced something similar understand. United together, we can support one another. Lift each other up.<br />
<br />
When you look in the mirror, don't see yourself the way your abuser saw you. Look deeper.<br />
<br />
It is okay to cry, to feel the pain,even if it happened a long time ago. There is something cathartic about the tears. It's like an emotional healing, a cleansing of the soul. Just don't let the tears, the pain take hold of you. Your past does not define nor control you. Your circumstances do not dictate your future or who you are. <b> Be the champion of today.</b><br />
<br />
<span style="color: blue; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><i>But in all these things we overwhelmingly conquer through Him who loved us.</i></span><br />
<span style="color: blue; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><i>Romans 8:37</i></span><br />
<br />
<b>AND</b><br />
<b>Know this.</b> You are <i><b>fearfully</b></i> and <i><b>wonderfully</b></i> made. You are beautiful. You are strong. You are NOT a victim, you are a survivor. An overcomer. You are loved.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<iframe allowfullscreen="" class="YOUTUBE-iframe-video" data-thumbnail-src="https://i.ytimg.com/vi/b8VoUYtx0kw/0.jpg" frameborder="0" height="266" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/b8VoUYtx0kw?feature=player_embedded" width="320"></iframe></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i>Overcomer</i> by Mandisa</div>
<br />
<br />
Additional resources you may find helpful:<br />
<a href="https://www.thebalance.com/sexually-assaulted-at-work-3515731" target="_blank">Dealing With Sexual Harassment at Work</a><br />
<a href="https://www.nsopw.gov/en/Education/HelpSupport" target="_blank">Help and Support for Victims</a><br />
<a href="https://www.cnn.com/2016/05/18/health/iyw-health-sexual-assault-help/index.html" target="_blank">How to help survivors of sexual assault.</a><br />
<br />
<br />
Contact me: <a href="mailto:tracoleman99@gmail.com">tracoleman99@gmail.com</a><br />
<br />Tracey Colemanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11202001956775683301noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6459494285252158805.post-30086300539821621232018-01-19T13:34:00.000-08:002018-01-20T06:19:23.816-08:00From Flab to FabWe started a Biggest Loser Competition at work again this month. It's a fun thing to do together as a collective - to all be on the same page with health and wellness as our common goal.<br />
<br />
My focus right now is on building endurance and strength, so I'm not trying to lose weight. We have quite a few new people in our school who didn't know me "before." So they are surprised to hear that I lost a lot of weight. The question of the week has been, "Tracey, can you help me?"<br />
<br />
This post is for you! I'm going to share the key things I did and continue to do to keep the weight off. So, how do you get started? What do you do? Can you take control over your yo-yo dieting? Well, the last one is up to you, because you do have to get started first, but the yo-yo dieting stopped for me when I started doing these things.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Gg02yY5xNO4/WmJPmdaV9JI/AAAAAAAAEEc/VmyXVf3-Lb4z7ywv0yXBuhPbMRxIIZNfgCLcBGAs/s1600/FoodJournal2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="213" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Gg02yY5xNO4/WmJPmdaV9JI/AAAAAAAAEEc/VmyXVf3-Lb4z7ywv0yXBuhPbMRxIIZNfgCLcBGAs/s320/FoodJournal2.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b><span style="color: #38761d; font-size: small;">TRACK YOUR FOOD!</span></b></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
As I have shared before, I track all of my food in MyFitnessPal. Everything - good and bad. If I'm trying to lose weight, or burn fat, I adjust my daily macros and caloric intake. (Macros is short for macronutrients: protein, carbohydrates and fat.) If for whatever reason, you can't do that or aren't ready just yet, start by writing down everything you eat. Use a notebook (even try the one in your phone) or something more structured like this food journal I found below:<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-I-h-niWBubc/WmJPl9aSBUI/AAAAAAAAEEY/Wp4i3yR43R4wPuu_LUnXpsLPlTqVe6ssQCEwYBhgL/s1600/FoodJournal1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1325" data-original-width="1600" height="330" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-I-h-niWBubc/WmJPl9aSBUI/AAAAAAAAEEY/Wp4i3yR43R4wPuu_LUnXpsLPlTqVe6ssQCEwYBhgL/s400/FoodJournal1.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
The reason you want to keep track of what you eat is so you can see trends. When you eat really light one day, are you super hungry later at night or the next day? If so, adjust your daily food intake.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/--AzBy2NM9gg/VOVaa8wrS0I/AAAAAAAAA_c/_Nb7oMrRMzQcDncSraEG49dL1xKJN28jgCPcBGAYYCw/s1600/drink-more-water.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="color: #0b5394;"><b><img border="0" data-original-height="161" data-original-width="86" height="320" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/--AzBy2NM9gg/VOVaa8wrS0I/AAAAAAAAA_c/_Nb7oMrRMzQcDncSraEG49dL1xKJN28jgCPcBGAYYCw/s320/drink-more-water.jpg" width="170" /></b></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #0b5394; font-size: small;"><b>DRINK MORE WATER</b></span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
This is something I still struggle with the most, maybe that and my sweet tooth. But getting enough water is so important. If you keep water by your side all the time and sip it throughout the day, you will be less likely to want to eat when you're not really hungry. How much should you drink? Everyone has a different answer. I've read to drink one ounce for every pound you are, 8 glasses per day, or at least a gallon of water per day. I've even read several times that your coffee and the liquid in your food count towards your daily water intake. (This I don't believe at all!) I think there is a fine line. Drink enough so your urine isn't yellow and your mouth isn't dry. Just DRINK!<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-yyDoleQfeHs/VZ8xaWR5H3I/AAAAAAAAA_c/lbrybflWaHcmuZAqpxMFgrW9nzyavU8bwCPcBGAYYCw/s1600/rh1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="597" data-original-width="700" height="272" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-yyDoleQfeHs/VZ8xaWR5H3I/AAAAAAAAA_c/lbrybflWaHcmuZAqpxMFgrW9nzyavU8bwCPcBGAYYCw/s320/rh1.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br />
<span style="color: #274e13; font-size: small;"><b>INCREASE VEGGIES and LEAN PROTEIN</b></span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
One of the people who asked me for help told me that she eats salad for lunch and dinner when she's trying to lose weight. I don't mind salad, but I don't eat it every day. In fact, I can't remember the last time I had salad. Every day I eat plenty of steamed vegetables, veggie omelets, soups with lots of veggies or fresh cut veggies like tomatoes, cucumbers and raw zucchini. I ALWAYS include protein with my vegetables. For dinner the other night, I had left over sirloin steak with steamed green beans, steamed asparagus and some cut up tomatoes and cucumbers on the side. It was very satisfying and tasted great. I couldn't even eat all the veggies because I was so full.<br />
<br />
If you want to eat salad every day, there is no harm in that, but try to spice it up a little. Try different dressings and proteins with your salads. One of my favorite salads is shredded carrots, cabbage, and chopped broccoli with left over teriyaki chicken thighs cooked in the crock pot. I use Ken's Light Asian salad dressing and sprinkle a few sesame seeds over the top. Try spinach, tomatoes and shrimp or make your own taco salad. There is a lot you can do to change things up with your salads.<br />
<br />
Make sure you eat PLENTY of protein ALL day. I recommend at least 25 grams of protein for every meal and a protein rich snack in the morning and again in the afternoon.<br />
<b><br /></b>
<b>For breakfast, try something like this:</b><br />
2 large eggs, scrambled (12 g protein)<br />
1/2 cup of egg whites (10 g protein)<br />
One slice of whole grain toast (4 g protein).<br />
<br />
<b>For lunch, think PROTEIN:</b><br />
3 1/2 oz. chicken breast (<a href="http://www.nationalchickencouncil.org/chicken-the-preferred-protein-for-your-health-and-budget/the-nutritional-value-of-chicken/" target="_blank">30 g protein</a>)<br />
with home made Vegetable Soup or<br />
make your own salad (hold the cheese, please)<br />
<br />
<b>For dinner, think PROTEIN! Try one of these recipes...</b><br />
<a href="http://blog.myfitnesspal.com/one-pan-beef-enchiladas-recipe/" target="_blank">One-Pain Beef Enchiladas</a> (41 g protein)<br />
<a href="http://blog.myfitnesspal.com/high-protein-shrimp-burrito-bowl/" target="_blank">Shrimp Burrito Bowl</a> (34 g protein)<br />
<a href="http://blog.myfitnesspal.com/high-protein-chicken-salad/" target="_blank">Chicken Salad</a> (34 g protein)<br />
<a href="http://blog.myfitnesspal.com/caprese-chicken-roasted-broccoli/" target="_blank">Caprese Chicken and Roasted Broccoli</a> (26 g protein)<br />
<a href="http://blog.myfitnesspal.com/pork-chops-roasted-vegetables/" target="_blank">Pork Chops with Roasted Vegetables</a> (29 g protein)<br />
<br />
<b>Protein rich snacks:</b><br />
Protein Smoothie (*protein depends on your brand of protein)<br />
Protein bars (with at least 20 g protein)<br />
Greek yogurt with two tbsp. granola (12-18 g protein)<br />
3/4 cup Cottage cheese with tomatoes (20 g protein)<br />
1/2 cup Oatmeal (5 g protein) with protein* added<br />
2 hard boiled eggs (12 g protein)<br />
1 scoop protein powder* (your favorite flavor), with 1 Tbsp. peanut (or nut) butter and a few drops of water (Mix together until it makes a thick pudding type texture. The peanut butter makes this extra yummy.)<br />
<br />
Note, there are a lot of other healthy snack options, I'm just brain storming the ones that are protein rich.<br />
<br />
These are just a few ideas to get you started.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-nbAWgTAEPeg/WmJTCQOsH5I/AAAAAAAAEEs/OpUMkNKhEDw0ijdsgDio31FR7bMjC_BQgCLcBGAs/s1600/Chocolate-Chip-Cookie-Recipe-1-of-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="color: #660000;"><b><img border="0" data-original-height="400" data-original-width="600" height="213" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-nbAWgTAEPeg/WmJTCQOsH5I/AAAAAAAAEEs/OpUMkNKhEDw0ijdsgDio31FR7bMjC_BQgCLcBGAs/s320/Chocolate-Chip-Cookie-Recipe-1-of-1.jpg" width="320" /></b></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #660000; font-size: small;"><b>CUT OUT (or SEVERELY BACK) on SUGARY SWEETS</b></span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
This is much harder said than done, I understand. But for those of us with a sweet tooth, this is our demise. By increasing your daily protein and healthy fats, you can stave off hunger better. I keep Skinny Cow ice cream sandwiches in my freezer in the basement for the times when I really need something sweet.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-hcW3ZDUBYFM/Vb4H4RHvgXI/AAAAAAAAA_c/Ntr-qE-P4XAFtp35ueJtPz3ngk_pw1M6gCPcBGAYYCw/s1600/Riding.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="1280" height="240" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-hcW3ZDUBYFM/Vb4H4RHvgXI/AAAAAAAAA_c/Ntr-qE-P4XAFtp35ueJtPz3ngk_pw1M6gCPcBGAYYCw/s320/Riding.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b><span style="color: purple; font-size: small;">MOVE</span></b></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
You need to increase your metabolism so it burns the calories you eat. To do that, you need to eat, but you also need to move your body. Pick up a new hobby for this year...try riding your bike, hiking, or swimming. If you are stuck inside with poor weather right now like I am, just figure out a way to move your body. Walk around your office every hour, go up and down the stairs as many times as you can. Make a point to increase your movement. Using a fitness tracker, such as the one on your phone or a FitBit makes it easier.<br />
<br />
Your goal should be to include 1 hour of exercise every day. I know that seems like a LOT and probably completely out of reach if you are relatively sedentary. But that's the end goal. You don't have to start out that way. I tell people to increase their movement by 10% each week. So if you're averaging 5,000 steps per day, that's an extra 500 steps each day for next week. You want to make the most of the time and space you do have. Check out my post <a href="http://traceyfit.blogspot.com/2018/01/10-minutes.html" target="_blank">10 Minutes</a> for some suggestions.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-J-GXz8iziB8/VjAUMYs6WxI/AAAAAAAAB2w/VGqDu4-zGbs2SV0JiDHv9_UtEwuIeDUPACPcBGAYYCw/s1600/FullSizeRender%2B%252844%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-J-GXz8iziB8/VjAUMYs6WxI/AAAAAAAAB2w/VGqDu4-zGbs2SV0JiDHv9_UtEwuIeDUPACPcBGAYYCw/s320/FullSizeRender%2B%252844%2529.jpg" width="239" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: blue; font-size: small;"><b>Lift Weights</b></span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
To increase your metabolism, you want to improve your body composition, by decreasing your fat and increasing your muscle mass. To do that, add resistance training into your routine.<br />
<br />
If you don't know how to lift free weights, try the machines at your gym. A lot of gyms have them set up like a circuit, where you move from one machine to the next. If you're not sure how to use the machine, ASK someone. Before you move from one machine to the next, complete 3 sets of 10 repetitions each machine. That means you would do one exercise for 10 times on the same machine. Give yourself 30 seconds to two minutes to recover and repeat that two more times, for 3 total sets. <i> Then</i> go onto the next machine. Keep in mind, you want to start by keeping the weight LIGHT. You want to do the exercise with good form or you will not benefit from the exercise and can hurt yourself. Gradually add weight each week so you can complete the 3 sets.<br />
<br />
If you want to learn how to lift free weights properly, try some classes your gym offers or work with a<a href="http://traceyfit.blogspot.com/2018/01/why-have-trainer.html" target="_blank"> trainer</a>.<br />
<br />
Can you do it? Of course you can! Come up with a plan. How will you do it? What's your strategy? Then follow through. You GOT this! Start by downloading the MyFitnessPal app or use a notebook to keep track of your food. Then go shopping and load up on all the colors - lots of fruit, vegetables and lean protein options. Finally, look at your schedule and plan your workouts. If one day looks busy to you, plan to move your body for at least 10 minutes in the morning, again at lunch and later in the day. Last but not least, keep your water bottle filled and drink, drink, drink.<br />
<br />
Stop the getaway car and take hold of your health today! You got this! You do!<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-3ziyOP6WkxM/WkUJv17UT9I/AAAAAAAAEA0/UPckpNPLRh8cqRBuOxiy7tKbnXEV7oM8ACPcBGAYYCw/s1600/BeforeAftter.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1600" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-3ziyOP6WkxM/WkUJv17UT9I/AAAAAAAAEA0/UPckpNPLRh8cqRBuOxiy7tKbnXEV7oM8ACPcBGAYYCw/s320/BeforeAftter.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I posted this a couple weeks ago. When I started this journey on January 1, 2014, I weighed 232 lbs. <br />
I've kept the weight off too. You just have to stick with it!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<div>
<b style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: blue;">Tune for your play list: </span></b><span style="text-align: center;"> </span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<iframe allowfullscreen="" class="YOUTUBE-iframe-video" data-thumbnail-src="https://i.ytimg.com/vi/sqyA4o6c2NE/0.jpg" frameborder="0" height="266" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/sqyA4o6c2NE?feature=player_embedded" width="320"></iframe></div>
<h1 class="title style-scope ytd-video-primary-info-renderer" style="background: rgb(255, 255, 255); border: 0px; color: var(--ytd-video-primary-info-renderer-title-color, var(--yt-primary-text-color)); font-weight: 400; line-height: 2.4rem; margin: 0px; max-height: 4.8rem; overflow: hidden; padding: 0px; text-align: center; text-shadow: var(--ytd-video-primary-info-renderer-title-text-shadow, none); transform: var(--ytd-video-primary-info-renderer-title-transform, none);">
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: small;"><i>Getaway Car</i> by Taylor Swift</span></h1>
</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: small;"><br /></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: x-small;"><span style="color: #666666; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: medium;"><span style="color: blue;"><b>Questions for you: </b></span></span><span style="color: blue; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: small;">(Answer in the comment section below.)</span><br /><span style="color: blue; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: medium;">Are you trying to lose weight? Have you been on one yo-yo diet after another? What's different this time?</span><br /><br /><span style="color: #666666; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: medium;"><span style="color: blue;"><b>Follow me...</b></span></span></span><br />
<div style="font-size: medium;">
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: small;"><span style="color: #666666; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: medium;"><span style="color: blue;">Facebook: </span> <i><a href="https://www.facebook.com/TraceyGettingFit">https://www.facebook.com/TraceyGettingFit</a></i></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: small;"></span><br />
<div style="margin: 0px;">
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: small;"><span style="color: blue; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: medium;">Instagram: </span><span style="color: #666666; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: medium;"> </span><i style="color: #666666; font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><a href="https://www.instagram.com/tracoleman99/">@tracoleman99</a></i></span></div>
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: small;"></span><br />
<div style="margin: 0px;">
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: small;"><span style="color: blue; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: medium;">Email: </span><i style="color: #666666; font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><a href="mailto:tracoleman99@gmail.com">tracoleman99@gmail.com</a></i></span></div>
</div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
Tracey Colemanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11202001956775683301noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6459494285252158805.post-31863386878881597542018-01-18T05:00:00.001-08:002018-01-18T05:00:35.101-08:0010 Minutes<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-JSvEPFTN-Mw/WltxBSQMayI/AAAAAAAAECU/2v530iuUdy4Ef_HeSDZV_uq3RMruaSynQCLcBGAs/s1600/youryear.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><img border="0" data-original-height="653" data-original-width="800" height="261" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-JSvEPFTN-Mw/WltxBSQMayI/AAAAAAAAECU/2v530iuUdy4Ef_HeSDZV_uq3RMruaSynQCLcBGAs/s320/youryear.png" width="320" /></span></a></div>
<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">
<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222;">So 2018 is your year! You've decided to lose weight and get moving! </span></span><br />
<span style="color: #222222; font-family: Arial;"></span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">
</span><br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222;">Y</span><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222;">ou've bought plenty of greens and chicken breasts.</span></span></b></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-kW87OGdcbA8/WltxwZib07I/AAAAAAAAECg/BAL9AOPflYosRmhHsjfG4sb533S8fm4UgCLcBGAs/s1600/Low-Carb-Chicken-Provencal-Vegetables-3-skillet.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="213" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-kW87OGdcbA8/WltxwZib07I/AAAAAAAAECg/BAL9AOPflYosRmhHsjfG4sb533S8fm4UgCLcBGAs/s320/Low-Carb-Chicken-Provencal-Vegetables-3-skillet.jpg" width="320" /></span></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>You even dusted off your old treadmill.</b></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-2hwyBf3rhsA/WltxPbDsW7I/AAAAAAAAECY/vhJ8Xk00yK0U85EYkx-nhVpzp14x1pETQCLcBGAs/s1600/dusty-treadmill.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><img border="0" data-original-height="194" data-original-width="259" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-2hwyBf3rhsA/WltxPbDsW7I/AAAAAAAAECY/vhJ8Xk00yK0U85EYkx-nhVpzp14x1pETQCLcBGAs/s1600/dusty-treadmill.png" /></span></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>You're ready! </b></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-71B-opCGm2E/WltzAKZIF6I/AAAAAAAAECs/K892SVQGR0MAwVKR14bpiWx4nbltgousQCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_1465.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1005" data-original-width="745" height="320" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-71B-opCGm2E/WltzAKZIF6I/AAAAAAAAECs/K892SVQGR0MAwVKR14bpiWx4nbltgousQCLcBGAs/s320/IMG_1465.JPG" width="237" /></span></a></div>
<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">
</span><br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">One to two weeks in...and then...your motivation starts to wane. </span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-0IcfDBSBORU/VQvuTjd63sI/AAAAAAAAA_c/MENNRsID7eY10_laoODXpEJRUZZWBbgNACPcBGAYYCw/s1600/cover225x225.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><img border="0" data-original-height="225" data-original-width="225" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-0IcfDBSBORU/VQvuTjd63sI/AAAAAAAAA_c/MENNRsID7eY10_laoODXpEJRUZZWBbgNACPcBGAYYCw/s1600/cover225x225.jpeg" /></span></a></div>
<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">
</span><br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><i style="font-size: 12.8px;">It's hard. </i></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"></span><br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222;">Yo</span><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222;">u're busy. </span></span></i></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><i>It's one more thing. </i></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><i>You think,"I didn't have time for this before, why did I think I could do it now? Can't get blood from a stone."</i></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Eventually you throw in the towel. <i>"That's it! I'm done."</i></span></span></div>
<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">
</span><br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222;"><b style="font-size: 12.8px;"><span style="color: red; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">STOP!</span></b></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222;"><span style="font-size: 12.8px;"><br /><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"></span></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12.8px;">Right now. Go back to the beginning of this post. </span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222;"><span style="font-size: 12.8px;"><br /><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"></span></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">2018 is your year! You can do it! You can.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-0VI4JAwCFsM/Wltw7sqkfUI/AAAAAAAAECQ/ZAtilNowTBAe1S-d1URU0QEi0D487FqjwCLcBGAs/s1600/2018.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><img border="0" data-original-height="480" data-original-width="640" height="240" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-0VI4JAwCFsM/Wltw7sqkfUI/AAAAAAAAECQ/ZAtilNowTBAe1S-d1URU0QEi0D487FqjwCLcBGAs/s320/2018.jpeg" width="320" /></span></a></div>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"></span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I want to talk to you about the value of 10 minutes. On those days when you are super busy, running around and can't fit in that hour trip to the gym, I want you to make the most of ten minutes you may have... at lunch time, while you're waiting to pick the kids up from one of their activities or in between meetings. Find, carve out even, 10 minutes in your day and make it count.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"></span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>How?</b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"></span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Always make sure you have sneakers close by. I bring mine with me in my work bag every day, and I keep my gym bag packed and in the car at all times..</span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222;"><br /></span><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">After lunch, put on your sneakers and take a walk during the few minutes you have left before you have to go back to work. Walk as fast if you can. Go up and down the stairs. </span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">
<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222;">Can't leave the office? Walk around the office. Do high knees for 10 seconds after each lap around. </span></span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">
<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222;"><b>Don't worry about what people think. </b>It's <b>your</b> duty free lunch break, make the most of it.</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"></span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">In between meetings, or while you're waiting for the kids, do a series of two minute circuits. Try body weight squats, high knees, jumping jacks, and side squats. </span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">
<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222;">Invest in some light dumbbells and do shoulder presses, bicep curls, tricep kickbacks and bent over rows. For core training, add some planks, sit ups, bicycle crunches and Russian twists into the mix. </span></span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Design your own routine, set a time for ten minutes and do it.</span><br />
<span style="color: #222222;"><br /><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">When I am snowed in or am traveling, I put together circuits like the ones in this video. I repeat the circuit for 10 minutes. Check it out and let me know what you think:</span></span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<iframe width="320" height="266" class="YOUTUBE-iframe-video" data-thumbnail-src="https://i.ytimg.com/vi/4etzx3pew_s/0.jpg" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/4etzx3pew_s?feature=player_embedded" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe></div>
<br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><strong>The trick is consistency and intensity.</strong> If you want to see results, you want your heart rate to get up there. Building in some resistance training means your muscles work harder and you will see better results.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"></span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Now, I'm not suggesting that 10 minutes a day is all it takes to get in shape. You should aim for 30-45 minutes a day to start, with an hour being your ultimate goal. But if you aren't usually active or your life is really busy, making the most of ten minutes makes a huge difference over <em>not exercising at all</em>.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"></span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Promise yourself that on the days you don't get to the gym, you're at least going to climb the stairs for ten minutes and stick to it. You should see my dogs when I do that. They just don't understand, "What is Momma doing?"</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222;">You might not believe me. Just do a google search, "10 minute workout" an see what comes up. Don't buy anything though! You can check out some of the workouts posted for suggestions, but there is no need to invest in a book or video series telling you how to make the most of 10 minutes. </span><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222;">Remember, <i>you're short on time</i>. Which is exactly why the 10-minute workout may be beneficial for you.</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"></span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">A couple cautions.... don't settle for the 10 minutes. This is a good way to make sure you are moving your body every day. It's a strategy to stay true to your goals, but is not substitute for regular strength training and cardio exercise. </span><br />
<br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">
<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222;">Make sure you have deodorant with you at work. If you start climbing the stairs at work during lunch, you don't want to stink up the office all afternoon. Keep it fresh in there so your colleagues want to join you, not stay away. </span></span><br />
<span style="color: #222222; font-family: Arial;"></span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">
<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222;">And finally, don't be afraid to do more than one ten minute workout a day. Steal 15 minutes in the morning to stretch, 10 minutes at lunch and another 10-15 minutes later in the day.</span></span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">
<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222;">Try it!</span></span><br />
<span style="color: #222222; font-family: Arial;"></span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">
</span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b style="color: black; font-family: "times new roman"; text-align: center;"><span style="color: blue;">Tune for your play list: </span></b><span style="color: black; text-align: center;"> This song makes you move.</span></span></span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<iframe allowfullscreen="" class="YOUTUBE-iframe-video" data-thumbnail-src="https://i.ytimg.com/vi/uO59tfQ2TbA/0.jpg" frameborder="0" height="266" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/uO59tfQ2TbA?feature=player_embedded" width="320"></iframe></div>
<br />
<h1 class="title style-scope ytd-video-primary-info-renderer" style="background: rgb(255, 255, 255); border: 0px currentColor; font-weight: 400; line-height: 2.4rem; margin: 0px; max-height: 4.8rem; overflow: hidden; padding: 0px; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: small;"><i>Hey Mama by David Guetta ft Nicki Minaj, Bebe Rexha & Afrojack</i></span></h1>
<div>
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: small;"><i><br /></i></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: small;"><span style="color: #666666; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: medium;"><span style="color: blue;"><b>Questions for you: </b></span></span><span style="color: blue; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">(Answer in the comment section below.)</span><br />
<span style="color: blue; font-family: Arial;">Would you classify yourself as glued to your desk or more of a couch potato? Or do you make a point to get up and move? </span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: small;">
<br />
<span style="color: #666666; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: medium;"><span style="color: blue;"><b>Follow me...</b></span></span><br />
</span><br />
<div style="font-size: medium;">
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: small;"><span style="color: #666666; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: medium;"><span style="color: blue;">Facebook: </span> <i><a href="https://www.facebook.com/TraceyGettingFit">https://www.facebook.com/TraceyGettingFit</a></i></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: small;">
</span>
<br />
<div style="margin: 0px;">
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: small;"><span style="color: blue; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: medium;">Instagram: </span><span style="color: #666666; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: medium;"> </span><i style="color: #666666; font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><a href="https://www.instagram.com/tracoleman99/">@tracoleman99</a></i></span></div>
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: small;">
</span><div style="margin: 0px;">
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: small;"><span style="color: blue; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: medium;">Email: </span><i style="color: #666666; font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><a href="mailto:tracoleman99@gmail.com">tracoleman99@gmail.com</a></i></span><br />
<div>
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: small;"><i style="color: #666666; font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><a href="mailto:tracoleman99@gmail.com"><br /></a></i></span></div>
</div>
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: small;">
<div align="left" class="MsoNormal">
</div>
</span><br /></div>
Tracey Colemanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11202001956775683301noreply@blogger.com0