On your marks,

The right choice is often the one that is more challenging. I've noticed a pattern the past few days. Preparation. I have been laying all sorts of ground work all over the place. School, possible jobs, Ballet, church, even home. . . even my car! But this blog is about a blooming ballerina, so back to that!

I find myself wanting to dance all the time. The other day I was upset about something and my first impulse was to go dance. I like this. I have never been much of an "emotional compulsive eater", but I do have trouble, when Im down about stuff putting the effort into eating something healthy. That is to say, my initial reaction when upset isn't to chow. Which I am glad to have realized. But rather that when I'm distraught I get too lazy to even prep healthy food. Frankly, having thought about it; for some time the impulse has been to go walk or jog when upset by something. I must lay some groundwork for those days when preparing an intricate meal just wont peak my interest. Maybe a list on the fridge will steer me in the right direction. Simple Healthy meals that are reeeeeally simple. Such as this tuna salad recipe I got from my friend. (posted below) Its always the ease of junk food that gets me. Preparation will be key!

I arranged today payment through August, possible September for ballet. SO ECSTATIC! I will begin with 3 lessons per month. I figured that give ample time to practice new bits of knowledge in between each lesson. However dancing for an hour once every ten days will not trim much of anything where waistlines are concerned. I must improve my amounts of daily exercise. Because as I sit here listening to the rain plop down outside my window I'm wearing naught but a t-shirt & undies and frankly I don't like the sight beneath the laptop. Perhaps preparation will be key in this as well. I think I shall set a goal and write it down (or, more likely enter it into my phone). I have been doing at least 10 mins of ballet each day in addition to washing dishes while turned out and doing plies.... pretty much if I'm standing still, I'm turned out. To this lets add stretches, full body, everyday.( This will also be noted in phone) I have also walking a couple of times a week with a friend. We walk at least 2 miles each time we go. But I need to be more motivated and constant with when we go. I also need to not be a pansy and walk more than two miles. SOOOOO If I schedule a walk three days a week I could do tennis the other two. However that is contingent on another being willing to play. Meh.... I work it out. Ok, so thats 5 days of activity and then dance every 10 days. Yes, this is very much an achievable goal.

I think I like the direction things are going now. I feel more proactive, more in line with forward motion.

Tuna salad- yields 2 sandwiches*-

1 envelope tuna- usually about 2.5 oz- drained and patted dry. I used the kind packed H20.

1 stalk of fresh celery, including the leafy bits- chopped

1 Tablespoon dried cranberries- lightly chopped

1/4 fresh granny smith apple- I julienne mine- you don't have to, just make bite size bits.

1 Tablespoon of ground Flax seed

1-2 Tablespoons miracle whip or mayo- go easy on it

1-2 Tablespoons apple cider vinegar- to thin the miracle whip/mayo

Salt and pepper to taste

2 slices 12 grain bread

In a bowl that is slightly bigger than you think you would need, mix the vinegar with the mayo or miracle whip. Place everything else in the bowl mix gently until everything is coated. Put half on one slice of bread, top with the other slice of bread.

- Since its just me eating this, I put half away in the fridge before assemble the sandwich.

* This yield is plenty for 3 sandwiches easily. But I eat just this with a glass of almond or soy milk, so I go with just 2 portions.