Under Pressure

Recently, I've been having some issues with high blood pressure. It wasn't incredibly high, but about the 130/90 range. My doctor told me to watch my diet (i.e. salt intake). A lot easier said, than done (especially for a picky eater such as myself and our hectic lifestyle). I tried my best: less processed foods, more fruits & veggies, healthier mid-day snacks like fruit and nuts (unsalted), and having oatmeal or yogurt for breakfast. This helped a little, but my BP was still slightly above normal. I tend to drink a lot of pop, especially Diet Coke (at least once a day). For Lent, I have decided to completely give up Diet Coke and have limited all other soda intake (non-caffieine drinks like Sprite & 7-up), to just once or twice a week. What a difference! Within a matter of days, my BP dropped to well within normal limits (and at times even borderline too LOW). The first few days were really tough. I suffered from severe headaches and cravings. But it's been 2 weeks now, and I'm feeling good.

Florida Vacation Part IV

Reuniting with Friends

Florida Vacation Part III

Walt Disney World

Florida Vacation Part II

Clearwater Beach

Florida Vacation Part I

After 3 years from moving away, we finally made it back to Orlando for a vacation to see all our friends. It was a quick trip, though. I initially thought 4 days would be enough to see our friends and do some fun things, but not quite. I could have used one more day. We stayed with friends which helped make the trip more economical. We had planned on having a little party Saturday night where all our friends could gather in one place so we wouldn't have to run around all weekend to meet them individually. But between conflicting schedules, people wanting to see us more, and even one of my friends giving birth, we still ended up running around all weekend. Though it made it a little more hectic, it was all worth it. We did get a few fun things in as well.

Sunday evening, we went to Clearwater to watch the sunset. This is the beach where Bryan proposed to me nearly 4 years ago. Madison LOVED the beach. She loved looking for sea shells and playing in the sand. The weather was perfect for an afternoon/evening at the beach.

On Monday we spent the day at Disney World in the Magic Kingdom. Maddie had a GREAT time. She enjoyed seeing the princesses and of course Cinderella's Castle. We rode a few rides. She didn't care too much for the dark indoor rides. The only part she liked about Pirates of the Caribbean was going down the little waterfall. I think she really would have enjoyed some of the bigger rides like Splash Mountain & Thunder Mountain Railroad, but she was 2" too short. We rode the carousel & the Astro Orbiter at night (got some really neat pictures). Bryan & I were able to ride Space Mountain before my parents left for the night. We ended the night by meeting meeting Mickey & Minnie Mouse. Madison's favorite part, however, was the fireworks display.

Tuesday was just spent catching up with all my friends (and meeting a 3-day old baby). Madison, however, started feeling ill about lunchtime. At least it was our last day. She slept most of the way home.

There were a few people we were not able to see in such a short time. I guess we'll just have to come back. Hopefully it will be in less than 3 years.

*Pictures to follow*

Commercial Break

I interrupt this blog to share with you a few new blogs, written by friends of mine, that are worth a read. (I have posted links in the sidebar)

Do you get tired of reading those boring old cookbooks? Why can't cooking be more entertaining? If this is you, then check out Cooks & Crooks, written by my friend Deb. This site is very new (like a week old) so there aren't too many recipes posted just yet. But her descriptive and humorous step by step instructions (with pictures) will not only help even the most novice cook, but are also an entertaining read.

Are you a busy mom looking for new & creative ideas for parenting your little ones? Mom's Daily Adventures is a blog written by Amber, a friend of my from college. Her blog features money saving tips, product reviews, and creative projects & ideas that you just may not have thought about.

Thank you for your time. I now return you to your regularly scheduled blog.

Another Year Older

It seems that most people, as they get older, are less likely to celebrate their birthday. Me, on the other hand, I LOVE birthdays. I believe all birthdays should be celebrated in some fashion. Why not rejoice in the life with which God has blessed you. This year was no exception. Despite not feeling well with a cold that hit me the day before, I had a great birthday. I went to lunch with two of my friends from work. When I ask Maddie how old I am, she makes me younger & younger everytime I ask. First I was 90, then 12, and now 6! Madison also gave me the best card. She picked it out herself (it had Mickey Mouse on the front). It wasn't so much what the card said, but how she wrote "MOM" on the envelope and signed her name all by herself. It made me cry. We tried a new local Mexican restaurant with Bryan's parents. I thought it was pretty good. It wasn't fancy. It was actually a little more "homestyle" - which I like! The beef tacos could have had a bit more spice, though. They were a little bland. But the cheese enchiladas were excellent. It was a great birthday!