A New Direction

I have been MIA for a very long time. For that, I apologize. I have not forgotten the blog or you, the readers--actually, quite the opposite. I have been in thought about the direction in which I have wanted to take this recording of thoughts, feelings, and memories. Does this blog have a purpose? Do I want to persuade? Is my goal to inform? Is this merely a mode of entertainment? My answer to these questions is fairly simple: to everything, there is a season, and this blog will be a reflection of just that.

I also hope to encompass and represent within this blog a group of individuals who may feel marginalized from the lifestyles portrayed in other blogs. For nearly a year, I have looked for a blog that presents a kind of life similar to what I lead--perhaps a blog that chronicles the life of a mother working outside the home. I am one of those types of moms. I need work, although there are times that I hate to admit that. I tried the life of a stay-at-home mom for the first seven months of my son's life, and although I wouldn't change that time for anything, I missed the routine and structure of a workday schedule. My son goes to daycare, and he loves it. He's definitely an extrovert and is energized by being around lots of people during his daycare time. He thrives there. I'm so pleased that it's a good fit for him.

Maybe I'm looking for someone who will admit to not being on the cutting edge of environmentalism. I'm not the greenest individual on the planet. I recycle, but I also use disposable diapers and convenience items like plastic baggies without thinking twice. I don't buy all organic food. In fact, there are many grocery visits when I don't buy anything organically-grown at all. I don't know if global warming is a reality or not, and until I am a scientist that specializes in climate change (which isn't happening...ever), I will probably never really know. There are meals when my family eats on disposable plates. And, no, I will not turn down a styrofoam cup, although I do not actively seek them out, either.

Weight loss is a constant struggle in my life, and I enjoy uniting with others who are fighting the weight battle. I am a member of Weight Watchers, and I love it! The ladies and gentlemen who attend the meetings in my area are fantastic support, and they amaze me with how positive they remain despite the challenges to their efforts that tend to arise from time to time. Weight Watchers supports a healthy lifestyle focused around the Good Health Guidelines, but they also discourage depriving yourself of your favorite foods. Therefore, I eat plenty of fresh fruits and vegetables, lean meats, whole grains, and the necessary dairy products, but I also consume some processed foods which may or may not contain high fructose corn syrup and artificial sweeteners. For me, this is what works. So, if you are looking for a blog about eating only whole foods, utilizing flaxseed and flaxseed oil in every recipe, avoiding anything artificial like it is the plague, or solely relying on organics for sustenance, this blog is probably not for you.

I'm also defined by conservative values. I believe in personal responsibility in all areas of life. I support fiscal conservatism. Government should represent all people but should exercise great restraint to avoid encroaching on the freedom of the people. I support government that recognizes the importance of all humanity, the essential family unit, morality, and the preservation of the United State Constitution.

Above all, I have sought a blog in which God is praised and lifted on high. God provides a marvelous light by which He illuminates the path I walk. Leaving behind the darkness and following His light and truth is what I believe I was created to do. I seek to praise him daily and to have a servant's heart by which to do His will.

As you may have already guessed, I have been unsuccessful in finding a blog that fits the above criteria. So, if you have been looking for a similar blog and share some or all of my perspectives, by all means, please keep reading. Even if you don't necessarily share my views, I still would be honored for you to become part of my readership.

Please check back for my next posting which will be a little more lighthearted and will include some updated pictures of my little man Daniel.