Our Quest to change our lives began in Feb. 2010 and we lost 224 lbs. We slowly gained a lot of that weight back and we're now on another journey for weight loss and better health using Bright Line Eating. This is the story of our continuing Journey. .
(For the fullest effect, begin at the beginning in Feb. 2010 using our Blog Archive on sidebar)

Thursday, July 26, 2012

Never Been Like This

I just have to say that I have NEVER BEEN This BUSY in my ENTIRE LIFE!!!

Is that a good thing?  Well, MOST of what I'm busy with is family or church service related so I guess it's a good thing.  It's exhausting!  But in many ways I LOVE it!  I love meeting people and being an influence for good and positive change where I can be.

This month was my birthday!  I turned 44!  Dang, that sounds SOO much older than I feel.  But I focused on the number FOUR and had a celebration with FOUR of us (me and 3 pals), and we went and had a FABULOUS hike up to Stewart falls!  It was pretty easy, only an hour each way and the waterfall was incredible!  The path was mostly shaded and not crowded at all.  We ate some snacks at the falls and enjoyed the wonderful views.


It was a beautiful day too!  Then we came back to a meal that I was craving:  Sweet Pork Nacho's and fresh fruit!  Yes, I was saving my calories for such a wonderful birthday meal.  I got the sweet pork from Costa Vida and my daughter had it all ready for us by the time we got back.
 Then we each wore FOUR crazy items:  fake arm tattoo, fake mustache, fake ring, and fake hair extension.  We were set up for lots of laffing and playing games.  We played one of my favorites:  Spoons, and also White Lies, Farkle, and Scum.  It was fun just to be zany!

We ended with banana splits choosing from FOUR different kinds of ice cream and FOUR different kinds of toppings.  It was pretty EPIC!  I feel so thankful to have friends I can celebrate with.  It wasn't an exclusive party by any means... I would love to have had a ton of friends over... but just felt I'd stick to a small number  this time and focus on FOUR.  (I wasn't up to hosting a large group this time, but anther time - yes!)

It was ONE YEAR ago on my birthday that we PULLED our moving Truck and loaded down GMC into our new house and neighborhood here.  We didn't know a single soul here!  We arrived completely broke!  We were packed so tight, we had left a bit of our furniture and items because they just didn't fit.  So now it's been a full year and I actually have awesome friends and neighbors to celebrate with!!  Brent was so nice to let me have this day. :)

Right now my life is FULL of Girls Camp Planning and work (we go next week), Relief Society Planning & all that contains, Family errands & needs, Computer Work, Late nights.... AND.... BASKETBALL.  Seriously, that's the ONE THING I just do for myself.  I try to get a run in when I can too.  It is SO fun to play basketball with the ladies here.  We have so much fun and are so comfortable with each other yet play aggressively - and my daughter joins us most of the time which I absolutely LOVE.  

There are big trials, some drama, hurt feelings, issues that crop up and things that bring me down... and I will say that  my life is also quite HARD and downright more CHALLENGING than ever right now.

BUT, my life is also SOOOO GOOOOD!

I think because I do struggle with certain things,
it makes the good times and blessings SOOO much sweeter to me!

And I know I can do hard things.
And so can YOU!

Much Love and Warmest Wishes to you!!
XoxoXO ~Margene



6 comments:

E. Jane said...

It's so wonderful to hear that you're doing so well, Margene. You do have such a positive attitude. Yes, we can do hard things! Take care.

Sharon said...

This post has made my day!! I remember that time vividly just after you moved when you so lonely and struggling to find your place after leaving your home. What a difference a year can make? Right? I was so confident that would happen, but you never left my prayer list during that time either. I do so hope we can meet one day. I think we'd find much common ground! Happy, happy birthday!

gracies tough journey said...

What wonderful pictures. So glad things are working well in the neighborhood and enjoying new friends. Have a wonderful birthday weekend my friend. Gracie

Karla said...

so glad to hear you are doing good!!! Happy belated Birthday. I need to stop by more often :)

Julie said...

Before I wish you a happy birthday I have to tell you how proud I am of the your run. I have read your for some time and have been watching and learning and loving everything that has gone on with you. I know I don't always comment but know Margene I am here supporting you with thoughts and prayers. Life isn't easy at times but you are making the best of it all and enjoying it to boot. YEAH!!!

Now HAPPY BIRTHDAY!!! A little late but a well wish from the bottom of my heart.

Take care and God Bless!!

Joy said...

Happy happy happy birthday my dear friend!!

You sound so happy!! I am glad things are working out for you!!

Love the pictures!!

Keep up the great work and stay focused!!