information

It was a great session at clinic today, talking about stress, self care and sleep.  I got some significant new information (to me) that was pretty profound, such as; If you believe that stress is bad for you, it is.  It can actually kill you.  Not the stress itself, but the belief.  Also, if you are close to people and care about people, you produce a hormone that makes you healthier and deal with stress easier.  So snuggle away, my friends, because it will make you happier and healthier.  Not really news in the short term, but to realize that there are long term benefits surprised me.  It's also the reason that people who volunteer live longer.  One other reason that when you are a bit depressed, you should get in touch with people, not isolate!  Of course, I already knew that, but didn't realize that there is actually scientific proof.

I made my first supper for company today, chicken, salad with olive oil and balsamic vinegar, bean noodles, fresh carrots, edamame, with cookies and mousse cake for dessert.  I did well, and the only thing that really tempted me that I did not plan on eating was the crispy caramelized stuff in the bottom of the chicken pan.  I did have one taste and then put the pan to soak so that I wouldn't have any more.

Roo, I've been thinking about your suggestion to do another duathlon at some point and I won't decide now, but I suspect that I probably won't.  Simply because I no longer have any desire to be able to do that, and much prefer to be able to ride my bike regularly, play with the kids, do a class or two at the gym and save my knees for that kind of thing.  But, like I said, I will not rule it out at this point.  Maybe I will decide to do it as a way to motivate other women, as I recall that is what impressed me the most about that day, the women who were there strictly to encourage and support other women.

A special shout out to my friend that knows what she needs, you deserve the best!

Love, elly

"The most interesting information comes from children, for they tell all they know and then stop."  Mark Twain 

"Knowledge is power. Information is liberating. Education is the premise of progress, in every society, in every family."  Kofi Annan