Top Ten Things You Don't Want to Miss this Spring!

1. Kite flying

2. Planting a garden

3. Raking your lawn

4. Walking outside

5. Washing your car (by hand)

6. Playing outside with the youngerster

7. Asparagus hunting

8. Dancing in the rain

9. Riding a bike

10. Spring cleaning

Chili Lime Shrimp

2 Tablespoons tomato paste

2 Tablespoons asian chili sauce (like Sambal)

1 pound extra-large shrimp (16-20 count), peeled, deveined

1 lime, cut into wedges

1.Combine tomato paste and chili sauce in small bowl.

2.Spray wok or large non-stick skillet with cooking spray; heat over high heat for 1 minute. Add shrimp; cook 5 minutes, or until shrimp turn pink, stirring frequently.

3. Add tomato paste mixture; toss to evenly coat shrimp. Divide shrimp evenly among 4 serving plates. Squeeze 1 lime wedge over shrimp on each plate before serving. Serve with additonal lime wedges and enjoy!

Serves 4- 105 calories, 18 g protein, 1 g fat, 5 g carbohydrate, 1 g fiber per serving.

Cloudy, With a Chance of Joy

by Katie Jay, MSW, Certified Wellness CoachDirector, National Association for WLSwww.nawls.com

I had been putting off walking Ruby all morning. The sky looked threatening and I didn't want to plod half way through our route and get caught in a downpour.

I could hear the wind ripping through the trees and clanging the wind chimes next door. At first, all I thought about was my hair getting messed up; and how things small, sharp, and grainy would blow into my eyes.

I thought about how hard it would be to hear my iPod over the bluster and about how much work I have to rake through.

As gusts of negative, self-defeating thoughts swirled in my mind like dry leaves caught in a whirlwind, I thumbed through a favorite book for inspiration; and I came across this familiar quotation:

"Destiny is not a matter of chance; it is a matter of choice." ~ William
Jennings Bryan

My mind calmed instantly, useless thoughts fluttering to the ground. A new perspective drifted peacefully into my awareness. And then a smile swept across my face.

"Ruby!" I chimed. "Here, Ruby!"

Suddenly, I couldn't wait to get outside. I practically skipped to the closet where I keep the leash and my "go kit." Ruby rushed to my side smiling from ear to ear.

No need for my iPod. I love blustery days! I love the feeling of the wind in my hair.

How had I forgotten? How had I let a few minor stresses at work (yes, it's tax time) rob me of my bliss?

The rain held off until we were exactly at the furthest point in our walking route from our house.

As the wind whipped my hair into a scary mess, the rain drenched Ruby and me. That happy dog pushed ahead, smiling. And so did I.

I'm sure my neighbor thought I was deranged as I neared my house, paused, shrugged, passed it, and kept on walking. We walked until we were tired and satisfied.

Dripping wet, exhausted, and exhilarated now, I want to share with you a secret of life:

Most of the time when we're griping about the clouds, the chance for joy is 100% -- if we choose it.

Your Assignment

If you've been walking around with your own, personal dark cloud over your head, remember your destiny is about choice, not chance.