Progress reports went out at school yesterday. My journalism class is an elective. No one has to take it. You would think that since the students have chosen to be in the class, that they would be motivated to do well. But this semester, such is not the case. I have three students who are in danger of failing journalism.

I thought perhaps I should look at myself and fill out my own progress report.

Regarding exercise, I'd have to give myself a C. Maybe a C+ but certainly a C. Since I started the Blood Type Diet, I had exercised 5-6 days a week. It had been Type O oriented strenuous exercise. This spring, as I've prepared to put our house up for sale, I just haven't always found the time. I've gotten really high quality exercise only 3-4 days a week. I can tell the difference in my muscle tone. I can tell the difference in how I handle stress. Some days if I've worked hard cleaning or packing, I just can't find the energy or motivation to pick up the weights at 10:00 at night.

Regarding eating, I'd give myself an A. Frankly I don't know how my body could have handled the emotions and stress of the past 8 months if I hadn't stayed true to the BTD. I avoid avoids as stringently as I have since I started the BTD. I'll admit that a few nights lately, I've yielded to the craving for something crunchy and eaten too many rice or rye crackers with ghee. But I shun wheat and dairy as ardently as ever, and my meals are still meat and vegetables. When we eat out, I search the menu for beneficials and neutral. I give the BTD credit for the energy I've had to do two or three times the work I usually do in a day. I also give the BTD credit that I never had a cold all winter, and only had one stomach upset.

Regarding cooking I'd give myself a B. I haven't tried many new recipes. I'm probably in danger of boring my husband with too much repetition of familiar and easy menus. I haven't cooked smelly foods like onions and liver since we put a for sale sign in our yard. I miss them!!! I haven't cooked many things that require a long time in the oven, because I never know when the phone will ring and a realtor will be bringing someone to look at the house.

Regarding my spiritual life…hmmm…this is tough. Maybe a B. I've been faithful to personal Bible study and worship at church. I've done all the right things. But my mind has been divided. I have worried too much, and not trusted God enough. I have tried on way too many occasions to seize control. I haven't always been patient or kind, much less loving. Perhaps the lesson I haven't learned yet, is that in times of stress and upheaval, I must rely on God more and myself less.

Regarding blogging, certainly a C-. I've neglected you terribly. I write blogs in my head all the time, and run out of hours in the day to type them in. But I can see the light at the end of the tunnel. This busy season of life is drawing to an end. Time to think and time to write will return in a month or two.