Here There and Everywhere

18 Years as Intlxpatr

18 years as Intlxpatr, and who knew I’d still be blogging? I remember the combination of terror and excitement with which I began – and the kindness of the bloggers in Kuwait who welcomed me in, and what great discussions we had. Mostly I remember how much I learned from those early years. I had begun thinking there were things I wanted to remember; I had no idea I would be learning so much, and changing my own perspectives in response. For that, I thank God for giving me the courage to start, and the commitment to persevere.

I’m not the same person now as when I started. What I love is that I am surrounded by people within 20 years on either side of my age who are also changing, evolving, thinking about the bigger things and focusing, too, on the greatness of the small things.

One of the big changes in my life came with being diagnosed with diabetes ten years ago, losing, over the course of ten years, forty pounds and finding again how much I enjoyed swimming. I was once a competitive swimmer; I quit at 16, I just didn’t like being so focused on winning. It spoiled swimming for me. Now, I can’t wait; I get in the pool and just chug along until I’ve done two miles, three days a week. On the days I am not swimming, I miss swimming!

My blood sugar and A1C are NORMAL! I feel twenty years younger!

So today I welcome you in for some healthy and delicious snacks. (Yes! Chocolate is healthy!) All good things in moderation.

My healthy favorite, a blueberry smoothie!

Not boring fruit! Exciting presentation.

Charcuterie!

Veggies for the strong and courageous!

Oranges!

Small amounts of something delicious – you get to choose!

Chocolate to top us off, good healthy chocolate.

I appreciate your stopping my to help me celebrate. Thank you for your support these many years.

September 7, 2024 Posted by intlxpatr | Adventure, Biography, Blogging, Exercise, Health Issues | Blogaversary | Leave a comment