A Brand New Start!

My friend Nicole's Hakuna Matata post inspired me to write about starting anew today! 

• I want to get up early, so that I can workout and spend time with God before the girls wake up.  (I didn't get up with my alarm this morning.  I have a problem getting to sleep.  It took me at least two hours last night.  Matt said I think too much!  Also, Abbye's arm fell asleep during the night, and she woke up very upset.  So, I was up with her.  I know those are excuses, but they're pretty good ones!!)    
• I want to eat healthy, so I need to be more aware of what I put in my mouth and how often.  (I've done pretty well.  However, I did eat a little too much at noon because I was trying to finish some leftovers!  That's not a good habit to get in to!)  I want to eat slowly and savor my food.  I want to still enjoy desserts, because they are important as my last post pointed out!!  However, I want eat them less often and be more choosy.    
• I want to prioritize and order my day, so that I get things done.  However, I don't need to forget to stop and smell the roses, to play with the girls, …to enjoy life, too!
• I want to stay in touch with family and friends.  I made a list during church a couple weeks ago (Sorry, Pastor John, but you were repeating something you had already talked about in the Course class!!) with the names of family and friends that I want to revive, if needed, and maintain a steady, on going relationship.
• I want to practice my cello regularly.  I miss my music!

Well, that's a list that will keep me busy!!  Please pray for me!  =)

But I was wondering how you balance enjoying life and the people around you with taking care of your responsibilities?

“Dessert is what makes us human.”

I fell in love with this conversion between a young woman, Riley, and an older Italian man, Leo.  It's in the book I'm currently reading, Chop Shop by Tim Downs. 

__________________________________________________

"I usually skip dessert," Riley said.

"Skip dessert?" Leo looked around as though the voice had come out of nowhere.  "Did someone say 'skip dessert'?"

"I don't eat very much."

"We don't eat dessert," Leo said.  "What are we, gluttons?  We taste dessert.  The entrée feeds the body, but dessert feeds the soul.  Dessert is for pleasure, and pleasures are meant to be to be tasted, not consumed.  When you skip dessert, you leave with a full belly but an empty heart.  Animals eat meat and vegetables, my dear Riley.  Dessert is what makes us human."