Anybody that’s ever met me has at least some idea how much I love cookies. Might have something to do with the fact that whenever I introduce myself to somebody new I say, “Hi, I’m Sara. Got any cookies on ya?”

Whenever I indulge, gluten-free style, I really like the two cookie packs from Enjoy Life Foods.

Reasons I love them:

• They come two to a pack. This is a good thing considering I have no self-control. I typically tend to buy single servings as opposed to entire boxes, otherwise I’ll throw down upwards of 20 cookies faster than Kobayashi in a hot dog eating contest.
• The cookie packs are only 120 calories for two cookies.
• They’re not just gluten-free, they’re allergen free (so they’re free of dairy, soy and eggs, too).
• They come in both chocolate chip and snickerdoodle. Yesssssss.

That’s right, snickerdoodle.

The cookie packs are not always easy to find, however. I’ve seen them at Vitamin Cottage on occasion, but you can always find them at the Belmar Whole Foods in the bulk aisle near the baking goods.

Space Cupcake!)*@#$

Source: nataliedee.com

Yesterday Erin and I went for a walk and as we were deciding where to have lunch, I told her that I mostly just wanted a sandwich. While that might not seem like a big deal to most people, a sandwich is one of the most difficult things for me to find out in the world at large, unless I make it myself.

So that’s what I did.

We went to Whole Foods and I picked up a few things so that I could make sandwiches - the most important part of this equation is the bread. I’m pretty limited in which gluten-free breads I can eat because many of them are made from nut flours (which I’m also allergic to) so millet bread is a logical choice for me.

In my opinion, Food for Life Baking Co. makes the *best* millet bread evar. You can find it in the freezer section at Whole Foods - it comes in a yellow package. It’s great for sandwiches and tastes really good with peanut butter, though you definitely have to toast it (unless you like soggy bread) and limit yourself to one or two slices per day (it’s 100 calories a slice!)

The last few days have been really good. I feel a positive and optimistic momentum surrounding me.

In other news, about a year ago I read The Four-Day Win by Martha Beck. It’s a book about weight loss and developing new habits, four days at a time. Martha Beck is hilarious and insightful - this book is one of my favorite reads.

All that being said, in an attempt to foster the positive energy flowing through my life I’m going to put a few new things in place, four-days at a time, starting with the following:

1. No complaining
2. 1,200 calories per day

Wish me luck.

A long overdue re-design is in the works.

After re-working some of the PHP of an existing Wordpress theme, I’ve got the core structure in place and it appears to be mostly functional. I’m still having trouble with tagging and comment functions but since I rarely ever open up my posts for commenting I’m not too concerned with fixing that at the moment.

In the next couple of days (hopefully) I’ll be updating the aesthetics and adding some new features.

Frenchie taught me a good thing today.

Life is not about waiting for the storm to pass, it’s about learning how to dance in the rain.

-Unknown 

Currently to-do:

1. Earn large quantities of money. Stockpile for next Big Life Adventure ^TM.
2. Lose weight.
3. Get some rest.
4. Maintain perspective.

Shall I order men, or shall I weep at the fireside with the other injured women?

-Philippa Gregory, The Other Queen          

It’s all quite clear to me now.

I have a feeling of subtle excitement coursing through me.

There are a handful of things that I am looking forward to accomplishing. In just a few months I’ll have at last achieved several goals that I’ve been working toward for years. And my head is buzzing with new, exciting plans and projects that are on the horizon.

My life is changing for the better with each passing moment.

But before I take another step forward, I’ve got to clear my head of the clutter.

Lastly, here is an adorable garden gnome.

Today I received a clean bill of health from the doctor. The women at the hospital were so incredibly kind to me.

Today was a reminder of what life is for.

Today I felt in touch with my authentic self.

Today I knew Grace.

Today I remembered to look upon myself with gentler eyes.

Today I remembered to follow peace.

I’d admitted mistakes, flaws, and mistreatment to myself and others, which, I’d hoped, had made me a better, more humble person.

-Valerie Frankel, Thin is the New Happy          

I feel good today.

Optimistic.

I have made some decisions.

The battery of the truck died yesterday, so my Mom came over last night to schlep me down to Auto Zone. We marveled in our sheer badassness as we replaced it ourselves.

My Mom is the strongest woman I know.

I am grateful for the lessons she has given me.

I love her.

With a million hearts, I love her.

I have been fighting for a deep breath all day.

I was a lot happier once.

I am doing the best I can.

I never thought the decisions I made a year ago would lead me here.

This has been a time of disappointment, strain.

I can see my lessons so clearly.

I understand the series of events.

I have enough strength within me to move the energies of time and space.

Just like my Grandmother.

I still know Gratitude.

Erin, dear friend, my sweetest blessing. Patty, my soulmate. Angie, who knows me best.

Grace, ever elusive.

I wonder if I can ever know you completely.

I know my Truth.

My Truth is not lost.

Honor.

I will find you again.

I will.