Gosh folks, if somebody smiles at you, here's an idea - smile back! Jogging in the morning, I encounter at least ten other people who are out taking advantage of the cool hours. They are walking, running, biking- whatever. I love seeing so many people actively caring for themselves. That might be weird, but it's inspiring to me.

Back to my point. Since I have my headphones on, I don't actually say "good morning" because I'm afraid I'd yell it at them. I don't want to scare the good people. But I do smile and sometimes do a little wave. Usually people respond, but occasionally, they just stare grumpily. What's up with that? Don't leave me hanging! Would it hurt to be pleasant for the nanosecond that I'm part of your day? I know you're up early and all, but so am I.

Anyway.

Except for running into people who need to get back into bed, and fast - I really like this morning jog. It gives me time to think, and not just about how friggin hot it is. I listen to some great workout music, because I need the beat to keep my pace. I don't think about the kids or bills or errands to run-- I just daydream. I relive some of my favorite memories, I think out my plans for the future, I play the what-if game... It's fantastic. Seriously. I'm like a kid in the McDonald's ballpit (minus the legendary nest of rattlesnakes). Yeah, I'm hurting some and sweating, and I occasionally have to scold my innervoice for urging me to turn back home and scarf down do-nuts.

But it's sooo worth it.

I'd still like to go down about eight pounds, but I've realized that I may be too focused on numbers. I would rather have the mindset of being fit and healthy, and my weight will work itself out. What if I set a goal of running in a 5K? How cool would that be? It's something I've been thinking of more and more lately. Along those lines, I'm also reevaluating some of the things I eat. Not that I eat poorly per se, but I'm wondering if maybe I'm due for a change. Less dairy, more raw veggies and whatnot. I feel like I have built up some toxins in my body, in my life, and I need to get rid of 'em. This seems like the perfect time to do that. It's a time for change.

Well, I'm rambling now, and the family is starting to stumble in all bleary-eyed and hungry. My day awaits.

Have a good Tuesday, everybody!

And smile, mkay? I promise it won't kill ya.