I'm Not Dead Yet!

In yesterday's blog I talked about "calculated risk."  Today I want to talk about living each day to the fullest and looking forward to tomorrow.

Have you seen the movie, "As Good As It Gets?" Do you live each day thinking oh well, things are going okay and this is as good as it gets?

I feel like a lot of people are on that treadmill.  The one where you go to work and come home and do the chores and go to work and come home and do the chores, and as long as the bills are paid and the kids aren't killing each other then we should be satisfied.  Well, maybe....and maybe not!

I think at lot of us, particularly those over 60, have decided that we have done it all...and now we will just cruise off into the sunset.  Well guys, I have to tell you I intend to go out of this world still trying new things, going new places and experiencing as many wonderful things as I can.

Call it a bucket list or whatever, but you need to continue to set goals for yourself no matter what age you are.  You need to have fun like a child.  See the world through the eyes of a child.  Perhaps if you spend some time really "listening" to a child and how they view the world.  Part of it is just opening your eyes to new possibilities.

Did you always want to learn to fly?  Do you think you are too old to learn?  You are not!  Want to climb a mountain (by the way this is NOT one of my things! lol) ...well perhaps you might not want or be able to do Everest, but how about starting with one of those rock walls?  Aw, c'mon you can do it!
Always wanted to learn to play a piano or paint a beautiful picture?  You would be surprised at what you can do if you will just TRY!!

I am a firm believer in living each day to the fullest.  I am also a firm believer in setting new goals and moving forward.  As an RN I have always told people with arthritis to "keep moving," because if you stop moving the arthritis takes over and you become immobile.  Well, the same is true of life in general, if you stop moving you become immobile.  All your little hurts (arthritis, gout, etc.) will feel larger and cripple you.  Keep moving!!  Keep doing! Keep setting new goals!  Improve your physical health by eating right and exercising (find one you like and you will keep doing it).  Don't become a couch potato in front of that TV watching other people live.

Whether it is taking small mini vacations to places close to home, or planning that trip to Europe that you always wanted...do it...do it now!  Believe it or not, even the planning will energize you and make you live each day looking forward.

I hate hearing people say the best years of their lives were in high school.  What's up with that?  Life doesn't end at graduation from high school or college.  Life doesn't end until your last breath.  So guys and gals, keep doing, keep breathing, keep moving, keep planning and live your life to the fullest!  After all you only go around once!

Here's a Great RECIPE for today...Roasted Asparagus...and let me share a little about that marvelous vegetable before you cook it!!

Asparagus is one of the most nutritionally well-balanced vegetables in existence. It leads nearly all produce items in the wide array of nutrients it supplies in significant amounts for a healthy diet. Asparagus is the leading supplier among vegetables of folic acid. A 5.3 ounce serving provides 60% of the recommended daily allowance for folacin which is necessary for blood cell formation, growth, and prevention of liver disease. Folacin has been shown to play a significant role in the prevention of neural tube defects, such as spina bifida, that cause paralysis and death in 2,500 babies each year. Its wealth of nutrients, fiber and very low sodium and calorie content make asparagus a nutritionally wise choice for today's health-conscious consumer.

Asparagus is: Low in calories, only 20 per 5.3 oz. serving, less than 4 calories per spear. Contains no fat or cholesterol. Very low in sodium. A good source of potassium.(1) A source of fiber (3 grams per 5.3 oz. serving). (2) An excellent source of folacin. (3) A significant source of thiamin. (4) A significant source of vitamin B6. (4) One of the richest sources of rutin, a compound which strengthens capillary walls. Contains glutathione (GSH). (5)

1 pound of asparagus, tough ends removed
garlic salt
olive oil

Preheat oven to 375 degrees.

Lightly oil a large cookie sheet, and spread the asparagus evenly across .... sprinkle with garlic salt and drizzle a bit of olive oil over the top of the asparagus.

Roast asparagus for 10 minutes or until tender.  YUMMO and just filled with great 

God Bless and have an exciting day!!!