My Discovery Zone...

Over the past few weeks, I have been trying to be more health conscious.  I have started to change some of my eating habits... I have started to follow Weight Watchers' points system... and I have started walking.  I'm still not walking on a scheduled, regular basis, but I've managed to get out for a good walk in a local park twice a week for two weeks.  This week I'm aiming for three.

Here are some things I have discovered, or rediscovered:

I really have missed nature.  As a younger girl up until I started working full-time after college, I spent a lot of time outdoors.  I grew up in a fantastic house that had a lot of land to roam, including farmed fields, a most excellent barn to play in, and a few miles of wooded areas.  During my walks out in the park, I have begun to remember that nature makes me feel peaceful.  I love being surrounded by it... even though it frustrates me some that I have to stay on the path. 

Deer are amazing.  I have seen a family of 5 deer during one of my walks... they were really cool to watch.

Rebirth of green things... I watched a dandelion seed float through the air a few days ago and couldn't believe it, because I hadn't seen any dandelions yet.  Today, I saw dozens.  The leaves are popping on the trees... smaller bush-like plants are definitely filling out.  Looking through the wooded part, there is green popping up on the ground and in the air (trees).  It is so amazing to think that while today I can see people walking on a parallel path to my own, in a few weeks, they will be obscured by the lushness of the regrowth.

Squirrel!  Every time I see a squirrel, I cannot help but think of the talking dog from Up!  I haven't seen the movie  yet, but I have seen the commercials.  Every time I have seen a squirrel during my walks, my mind has shouted, "Squirrel!".

I can't breathe or talk while walking uphill.  But I'll be able to in a couple of weeks if I keep this up.

Wild Turkeys do exist!  Not that I doubted that, but I've never been within 5 feet of one before this past Saturday.  :)

Bunnies play.  We saw some wild bunnies today chasing each other through the woods near our walking path.  We startled them. I have a feeling the boy bunny was a little disappointed... I believe he was out to -ahem- start a family.

Something about nature makes people more friendly.  I can walk down any given sidewalk or street and people around me avoid my eyes and avoid greeting.  Walking through the woods, I have met every person's eyes and said hello and they have greeted me back with a smile... if they didn't beat me to the "hello" in the first place.

Oh... and no matter what, bugs still know exactly how to fly up my nose!  Why is that?!

I hope you are finding some time in your life to get outside, breathe in the fresh air and soak in the sights, sounds, scents and scenarios around you!