Dieting and Crying and Fundraising....Oh My!

Those of you who have flown know that seating on an airplane is not made for chubby people. Don't get me wrong, my husband and I are very healthy. Our physicals, lab work and screenings are all good. The only thing not "good" is the reading on the scale. My ninety pound doctor, who is the epitome of fitness and health, says to me, "Heather, you are overweight, but what can I say? You are as healthy as a horse." She is right. But, "healthy" people don't fit in airplane seats all that comfortably. So, I (and Aron too) am on a diet. I'm sure many of you will have helpful comments for me. I will read them, contemplate them, and then burn them...just kidding. I know how to lose weight. It's simple...eat less, move more. I got it. I just don't do it very well. But, now it's crunch time, and I don't mean the abdominal kind. I mean the eat only meat, nuts, veggies and fruits kind. No sugar. No flour. No rice. No pasta. No cakes. No cookies. No breads. No candy. Need I go on? I know the diet works. My power lifter son cuts weight using this diet. He loses about 10 pounds in 2 weeks. I hope to lose about 50 pounds in one month. I know, another cardinal rule of dieting is to set reasonable goals. Oh, why did I wait so long to start dieting?  I know why. I love food! So, in order to fit into an airplane seat better (and not scare my tiny new daughter) I will stick to this diet...Yes I will. But if it doesn't work, I will sit between Danielle and Aron on the plane. That way my cheeks will only touch those I love. Ah, problem solved.

Speaking of love, I seem to love everything and everyone lately. I cry over every sentimental word, every sappy commercial, every kind gesture, every sad memory. I tear up at super market grand openings for crying out loud...bad pun.  I cry the most thinking about how good God has been to me. How blessed we are to have family, jobs, a home and freedom. I am thankful for so much that I cry. I don't know if I'm having adoption hormones (similar to pregnancy hormones) or I'm just getting older. Maybe it's because as I travel life's journey, I'm learning what's important. At least, I hope I am. I hope that my tears are near the surface because I recognize more and more the little things, like my precious blind young friend touching his brother's hair in church, or  AJ's friend I see rubbing his head in the classroom last week, or the lady who pays for my drive through Diet Coke a few days ago. I tear up thinking about those of you who have offered to help us adopt Jade. I'm sincere when I say that Aron has been told by several friends and colleagues that they would love to join us in bringing our daughter home. So, we have decided to do some fundraising. We started an online donating account through a group called purecharity.com. The goal we have set will help toward travel expenses. The money donated will be disbursed directly to our agency and is tax deductible. Thank you for helping. I know that there are a lot of good causes out there. I know that there are a lot of individuals in need. I know that you will be helping a little girl get home. You will be a part of her life story. There is no pressure. We love you. And thank you. I am one blessed Ninja Mama!http://purecharity.com/palmers-journey-to-jade