Power, Love, and Self-Control

Blitz

2012-01-16T06:37:00.000-05:00

blitz

noun

1. attack, strike, assault, raid, offensive, onslaught, bombardment, bombing campaign.

2. crackdown, drive, campaign, push (informal), crusade, onslaught, clampdown

A visit to the Free Online Dictionary provided me
with all the words I need to conduct my personal "blitz" this week.

If words and wishes were ammunition, the war would be over!

But I think we ALL know better than that.

"Happiness is when what you think, what you say,
and what you do are in harmony."
(Gandhi)

"PERFECTIONISM causes procrastination.
'If you wait for perfect conditions, you’ll never get anything done.'"
Ecclesiastes11:4 NLT
from a Rick Warren tweet)

The Daniel Plan

2012-01-11T06:38:00.002-05:00

Several posts ago, I mentioned that I was going to be "researching" the Daniel Plan. I guess it's time to report in. In all honesty, I didn't get to first base on it. It required entering personal statistics and information that I just don't "do".

Further reading raised some red flags. Now, I don't necessarily agree with the extreme conspiracy theories about it, and I'm sure the "food plan" is probably a good one. I just didn't get that far.

Bottom line: There are NO magic bullets.

Exercise is essential to good health.

So is portion control, eating fresh fruit and vegetables and lean meat.

Kind of sorry to have brought up The Daniel Plan in the first place.

Incentive

2012-01-08T07:38:00.002-05:00

Not a great picture, but enough to remind me

to get active!

(I cut it out of a Senior Living newspaper a few weeks ago.)

Thanks, Maria

2012-01-03T19:15:00.001-05:00

"People are so worried about what they eat between Christmas and the New Year,

but they really should be worried about what they eat between the New Year and Christmas."

A friend posted this on her facebook page the other day.

I think she's ON to something here!
So is Maria!

Pilates and Green Smoothies are her "secrets".

I'm so happy to hear (and SEE) of her progress.

It encourages me to keep my healthy focus in 2012.

2012-01-02

2012-01-02T09:24:00.000-05:00

In the picture of my extended family above, I don't look too bad! (I'm notorious for taking bad pictures.) But when I zoomed in, I saw a double (if not triple) chin. I can, I will and I AM doing something about my health and weight today. Food-wise, I got through this last holiday gathering quite well. A severe tooth ache destroyed my ability to enjoy the food.

My food-related project this week is to research and spend some Christmas money on a good food processor.

Myra again! She GETS it. If you want inspiration, you'll find it on her blog. She comes up with great quotes and other motivating information consistently!

Gluttony*

2011-12-29T13:23:00.001-05:00

let's call a spade a spade

"When something eats us, we overeat.
Gluttony is self-medication for unhappy emotions."

So tweaked Rick Warren recently.

That's right. R.W., the famous pastor of Saddleback Church.

His parishioners have successfully lost tons and tons of pounds.

Literally.

I'm going to be researching The Daniel Plan

which they followed.

Until then, I am seriously paying attention to my food intake

(and emotions)!

*Gluttony. What an ugly word.
But let's call a spade a spade
in the sense of speaking honestly and directly about a topic.

1/2 Price Christmas Candy

2011-12-27T08:33:00.001-05:00

Just because the mini Hershey bars are 1/2 off, doesn't mean you have to buy them.
Just because you bought them doesn't mean you have to eat them all in one night.
Just because they're still 1/2 price and they're just about gone doesn't mean you have to go back and buy some more.

Joy to the World!

2011-12-08T08:45:00.001-05:00

I walked 30 minutes today. That's all.

2011-10-07T20:02:00.000-04:00

“Before we can conqueror the world, we must first conqueror the self.”

J. Oswald Sanders

Reluctance, Relief, and Response

2011-09-30T09:09:00.003-04:00

After over 2 weeks of nursing my itchy body (see more details here) I was highly RELUCTANT to step on the scale this morning. Good eating habits have gone out the window as I've caved to cravings and neglected the preparation of healthy meals. Furthermore, I mostly sat in a chair in my tacky terrycloth robe - the only comfortable position and clothes given my condition!

So imagine my RELIEF to see that I have not gained any weight! It's a sort of miracle. Hershey Hugs candy wrappers clutter the table beside my recliner. How can this be?!

My RESPONSE to this is fresh enthusiasm. As the rash wanes and my energy returns, I am optimistic about today and the days to come. (Two weeks behind, but optimistic!)

What I did right: It's still early in the morning, but I weighed myself!

Strength, Growth and Energy

2011-09-29T10:42:00.001-04:00

Down but not out - yet! (Read more about my 2-week-plus battle with poison ivy HERE.) This morning I'm inspired by five year old Elylah, the granddaughter of a friend. While eating breakfast, she announced, "We eat for three reasons, Grandma. Strength, Growth and Energy."

She's got THAT right!

And I'm not giving up until I get it right, too!

Down but not Out

2011-09-17T07:05:00.003-04:00

The poison ivy/oak/whatever has put me "DOWN". Little exercise in my life Thursday and Friday. And thinking myself in need of a treat, I had 2 dips of ice-cream on Thursday (black cherry and chocolate moosetracks). Last night we celebrated the birthday of a friend. I had baked cod - delicious. The evening was topped off with a piece of cake and yet more ice-cream.

I SHOULD weigh this evening. I'm not optimistic about what the scale may say, but neither am I OUT of the weight-loss-for-health game. So I will weigh. And I will post. And I will hope for "progress".

What I did right: Vitamin, posted, fish

now i know...

2011-09-15T07:27:00.002-04:00

...what those weeds I referred to yesterday were! (See my other blog HERE.)

Health-wise I am challenged by an extreme case of poison oak or ivy. Nonetheless, I tried to maintain healthy habits yesterday -- did a little gardening and ate sensibly (1/3 of a 10" turkey/cheese sub, a few bits of my husband's left-over omelet for lunch; 1/2 chocolate chip cookie shared with a friend over a tall cafe mocha in the evening).

What I did right: Vitamin, posted, portion control, ate within my calorie limit.

The Tuesday that Was

2011-09-14T17:17:00.002-04:00

Created apple pancakes ( 3/4 c. complete pancake mix, 3/4 c. oatmeal, chopped apples & water to make proper consistency) for breakfast. Ate one medium one with maple syrup!
Lunch with Lady Bug friends at Quiet Corner. I had a piece of spinach quiche.
Worked a couple of hours clearing out some overgrown shrubs for a friend. Raised the ire of some bees and was bitten several times. Also have quite a rash on my arms. Wonder what those weeds were???
Showered and scrubbed down my skin as good as I could.
Ate 1/2 a patty melt and a few potato chips at our local cafe.

What I did right: Exercise, vitamin, portion control

Leftovers

2011-09-13T06:12:00.002-04:00

Yesterday our main meal (eaten around 1:30) included the leftover Asian slaw from Sunday's potluck and sloppy joes served open-face over a couple of leftover buns.

I also made this banana bread out of some bananas that were over-ripe. I found two of them in the freezer when I went to get out the hamburger for sloppy joes.

Soooooo, I cut the bread long ways first and then cut the halves into halves. Does that make sense? Smaller pieces from the get-go. And I'm trying to eat it before noon - following Dr. Oz's advice for to eat ones carbs in the morning for belly-fat-busting....

What I did right: Posted, vitamins, portion control, relatively healthy foods.

Welcome, new friends! Let's encourage each other in our
determination to live healthy lives!

Moderation

2011-09-12T08:10:00.000-04:00

The table was only BEGINNING to fill up when I arrived with my Asian cabbage slaw contribution to the potluck that followed our outdoor church service....

This was a great opportunity to practice moderation and self control! I didn't do too bad.

What I did right: vitamin, posted, little portions of a lot of food.

Walking, Wonderful Walking!

2011-09-11T05:28:00.002-04:00

Yesterday we spent a couple of hours "house and garden walking" -- a ticketed tour of homes in the West Central Neighborhood of Fort Wayne (IN). It was good for me to be active. The walk wasn't a brisk one but just right for a body that has been confined to sitting in a recliner with a heating pad under the shoulder!

The day was pleasant and this particular yard was enchanting!

Today we have a potluck meal after our annual "outdoor church service".

I plan to make good food choices

and start my week in a healthy way.

If you take two steps forward and one step back, you’re still getting someplace.
Don't give up the moment you slip up. Press on!

(Motivation to Live Well, 9/11/11)

What I did right: Vitamin, a bit of exercise, weighed, posted.

All or Nothing

2011-09-09T05:54:00.003-04:00

The green beans/onion/tomato/turkey sausage crockpot combo turned out wonderfully satisfying yesterday. It was cool and damp outside and the nourishing meal warmed body and spirits.

I have been unable to exercise - even mildly - because of pain around my shoulder blade (bursitis? muscle strain?) I am doubtful that I'll have lost even a pound when I weigh tomorrow. Two days this week I "lapsed" in the eating department - though not as badly as it seemed when I stop to think about it.

Perspective is a difficult thing for me to maintain.

I'm an all-or-nothing person.

Any tips for overcoming this mentality would be appreciated!

What I did right: Vitamin, portion control, posted

Starting Right

2011-09-08T07:45:00.001-04:00


Garden Fresh!

I'm starting the day out right. I intend to finish it that way. These are going into the crock pot with some onion and chunks of turkey sausage. It should be tasty later on this damp, chilly day.

Those who persist reach the finish line,

while those who give up stay behind.

(Today's Motivation to Live Well)

What I did right: Vitamin

Wipe Out!

2011-09-07T05:28:00.000-04:00

That's what I did.

That's what I'd LIKE to do to yesterday.

That's what Jesus did to my past.

Today is another day.

What I did right: Vitamin. Posted. (Not much else.)

Every time you desire to do and choose to do what is right in God's eyes,

you celebrate the grace that is yours in Christ Jesus. (A tweet by Paul Tripp)

Labor Day 2011

2011-09-06T05:45:00.001-04:00

Labor Day dawned - "cooly"! Almost cold. I was a Gardening Fool. My husband and I waited for the clock to turn a reasonable hour before he began mowing and I hit the weeds.

All was finished and we were showered when guests arrived late in the morning. We couldn't eat outside (too cool), but after dinner, we went to the yard where some battled it out on the croquet course. See pictures HERE.

I sat in this chair under the afghan with a cup of coffee.

It was perfect.

Eating-wise, I ended up eating 2 1/2 hamburgers and a piece of watermelon. I had a few blueberries for breakfast, too. Yes. That was all for the day.

What I did right: Passed up the potato salad, exercised (gardening), vitamin

First Five

2011-09-03T18:10:00.001-04:00

Progress! The first five pounds are gone.

History!

I fulfilled my intention to walk this week,

never letting two days in a row that I didn't walk 30 minutes.

At first, five pounds doesn't seem like much to lose

considering my diligence and efforts these past two weeks.

But then I think about THIS...

...and I'm quite encouraged!

What I did right: Weighed & recorded progress, ate healthy foods, walked 30 minutes, vitamin, posted, drank water.

Walk and Weigh

2011-09-03T05:40:00.000-04:00

This MUST have been the post I prepared for August 30. Somehow it remained in my "drafts" where I overlooked it and wrote another one instead. Today I found it. And since it's Saturday, I'll just kidnap it. I didn't walk yesterday. So that means TODAY! And tonight I weigh.

< *.*.*.*.*.*.*.* >
Seeds of discipline produce a harvest of strength. Keep planting them daily.

(Yesterday's Motivation to Live Well)

"It" = walked. Thirty minutes. Add this to healthy foods and portion control I also "invented" our main meal yesterday: leftover brown rice, shredded chicken breast, a can of water chestnuts, chopped celery, small can of drained mandarin oranges and some shredded cabbage tossed with some cherry mustard balsamic vinegar! Healthy and delicious.

What I did right: Healthy food, portion control, exercise, water, vitamin, posted

Power not Permission

2011-09-02T05:47:00.002-04:00

‎'Grace does not grant permission to live in the flesh;

it supplies power to live in the Spirit.' (John MacArthur)

Another "day of grace" for me--at so many levels. I DID get out of the recliner and walked 30 minutes. The food I ate was half a banana; half of a half of an Italian salad (restaurant style) and half of a small cheesy-bread that came with it; a sandwich consisting of 1 piece of bread with a couple of thin slices of turkey, piece of Baby Swiss cheese and tomato with a drizzle of olive oil and white wine vinegar; slice of watermelon; and an orange juice slush. It was more than I've been eating but still well under 1,500 calories.

Tomorrow I weigh - reaping and celebrating the reward of healthy habits this week!

What I did right: Walked, posted, chose healthy foods, portion control at restaurant, vitamin

Skip or Miss

2011-09-01T08:43:00.000-04:00

I skipped yesterday. Well, I didn't actually SKIP. I missed! (Walking, that is.) I'm not skipping OR missing today. Otherwise, everything else was fine.

My intention is never to "skip" two days in a row. That worked for me before....

What I did right: Vitamin, ate within calorie limits, posted, drank "my" water.

Banking on Gold

2011-08-31T06:19:00.000-04:00

I had my first (that I can remember) Ginger Gold apple yesterday. It was crisp and tart, and the price was right. I may "bank" on these frequently this fall! I'd put these apples right up there with Braeburns (another favorite of mine).

I also bought a seedless watermelon. We haven't had a bad or mediocre melon all summer.

Fruit was a large part of my food intake yesterday.

Says eHow: Apples are a great source of dietary fiber - at least 15% of daily requirement. They also have 13% of the recommended allowance of vitamin C in addition to a number of antioxidants. Apple skins contain flavinoids that help prevent blood clots and help regulate blood pressure and cholesterol. A medium apple contains 81 calories. No need to feel even a little guilty for enjoying one as a snack or lunch with peanut butter spread on its slices!

What I did right: Vitamin, posted, walked 30 minutes, made healthy choices in food, successfully controlled portions.

Just DO It!

2011-08-30T07:12:00.003-04:00

I walked yesterday. Thirty minutes. I'll do it again today. And tomorrow. Trying to get a pattern going here! Telling myself, "Just DO it!"

What I did right:    Walked!
                                Worked through an evening of cravings.
                             Stayed within a sensible calorie limit.
                             Ate healthy foods.
                                 Vitamin.
                                 Posted.

What I Ate Sunday

2011-08-29T07:48:00.000-04:00

Strange as it may sound, here it is:

Small dinner salad with blue cheese dressing (at Harlan Cafe in the company of friends)
About 1 cup of leftover mac/cheese (at home)
A small spoonful of peanut butter (at home)
About 8 ounces of an orange juice slush (also at home)

I went to bed satisfied.

Today I walk!

What I did right: Let the record speak...

Tickled Pink

2011-08-28T06:57:00.002-04:00

I was tickled pink!

(Sorry if you're tired of seeing this picture

on my other blogs.)

I weighed in last night

and did a happy dance.

Counting the Hours

2011-08-27T06:20:00.004-04:00

It has been very hard to stay off the scale.

So I haven't!

I'm very excited but can't report until after this evening.

You know. Weigh the same time of the day. Blah, blah, blah.

So I'm counting the hours. I know it's going to be good.

I couldn't have asked for better choices at our Bible study luncheon yesterday!

I had a BIG bowl of mixed fruit

and another of mixed, raw vegetables tossed with a little dressing.

The only way the week could have been better

is if I had begun walking.

Welcome, New Friends! I've noticed you.
I wish you encouragement and success in your determination to be healthy!

What I did right: Ate healthy foods; vitamin; water; posted.

Rewards

2011-08-26T06:36:00.000-04:00

My main meal of the day yesterday was eaten at a Community Meal at a local church. We enjoy this Thursday Table once a month. Friends and community folk gather to enjoy each other's company and the food, graciously served.

I passed up the main dish (which looked wonderful) and filled my plate with fresh green beans, garden tomatoes and a tossed salad with a little Italian dressing. I substituted watermelon and blueberries for the tempting ice cream, too!

My unexpected "reward" was this beautiful flower arrangement that sat in the center of our table. As I went to leave, its arranger offered it to me! Tomorrow evening, I'll reward MYSELF with a Weigh In. I can't wait to see the results of my improved eating habits. (I don't remember when I was EVER this excited about a Weigh In!)

What I did right: Made healthy food choices; portion control; planned ahead to accommodate eating out; vitamin; water; posted.

This One's For Me

2011-08-25T11:05:00.001-04:00

Nothing huge to report about yesterday. Mostly I'm keeping the commitment I made to myself to post daily.

I COULD say that there are leftovers from yesterday's main meal! That's progress.

What I did right: Portion control, vitamin, tried to drink more water, didn't eat close to bedtime.

One Fourth, Please

2011-08-24T06:28:00.001-04:00

I went to visit my parents yesterday. My father wanted to go pick up Subs for lunch. "You may not like the kind we get. What kind do you want?" (I wouldn't have chosen the kind they like, but neither did I want to eat a HALF of my own. I guess I could have saved a half of it....). Anyway, I ended up with just short of 1/4 of their 12" sub. With a piece of watermelon, I had plenty to eat.

Portion control and choices continue to be my strengths through the past four days. Today I absolutely need to add some walking (and to be sure to drink more water).

I'm looking forward to Weigh In on Saturday night.

What I did right: Portion control. Stayed within a reasonable calorie limit. Vitamin.

Fresh and Good

2011-08-23T06:54:00.000-04:00

I made brownies for my husband to take to share at an evening meeting last night...

I didn't lick the bowl! Or the spoon. Or my fingers.
He called before he came home and asked me if I wanted one.
I said, "No." He sent those not eaten home with one of the attendees.

Yesterday morning, I helped a friend make some salsa.

I chopped a lot!

It felt wonderful to work with such fresh and healthy food.

We took a break and enjoyed some fresh tomato juice.
I returned home with bags containing tomatoes, onions, beets, and cantaloupe.

What I did right: Didn't give in to temptation to lick the bowl or my fingers, or the spoon; took multivitamin; ate within a wise calorie range; ate fresh food and veggies; drank 5-6 glasses of water.

Beets to Meatballs

2011-08-22T08:11:00.002-04:00

Last night we hosted our "Home Connection" (a group of 10-13 people who meet in homes every two weeks). Sometimes we have a meal. Last night I said "bring a favorite snack." Knowing there would be GOOD STUFF in the evening, we ate leftovers at noon. I had a few red beets.

Evening brought many tempting snacks. I made some cantaloupe balls and a new crock-pot meatball recipe (Sauce: 1/3 c. apple jelly, 1/3 c. lemon juice, 1 c. ketchup). The meatballs were delicious. I know! I had 10 or 11! And some cantaloupe. And some cherries.

What I did right: Left myself some wiggle room by eating only beets at noon. Passed up chips and cheese/taco/bean dip. Passed up rice krispy squares with peanut butter. Passed up zucchini bread. Laughed with and enjoyed my friends. Took a mufti-vitamin. Posted here.

Climb Every Mountain

2011-08-21T04:53:00.000-04:00

"Imagine your goal at the top of a mountain. You’ll never reach it if you don’t start climbing."
(from Motivation to Live Well in my sidebar)

Hmm. I wonder if there's a spy system operating in my sidebar!?!
Yesterday was The Day my mountain climbing began.
I started the ascent last night when we went out to eat with friends at a lovely restaurant.
I ordered the salmon salad. It was delicious.
AND I was not talked into dessert.
I stepped on the scale last night and recorded my start-up weight under my "Progress" tab.
Gotta tell you that my picture-taking routine in the "early days" involved a full-length mirror that could be tilted to achieve a very slimming effect. However ...I still have those clothes and remember how great it felt and is GOING to feel when I can fit in them again! That's my "goal at the top of the mountain."

What I did right: Passed up the bread and dessert when eating out, weighed in, posted on blog, took multi-vitamin, drank just about enough water (I have trouble remembering this!)

Getting Down to Business

2011-08-20T16:38:00.000-04:00

1/25/10

"Getting Down to Business was the title of a post I did in January of 2010. I can hardly believe that is me! By January 25, 2012 I want to look like I did then. This will mean I need to be Getting Down to Business! I have begun. Again. I have a ways to go, but I am committed to doing what I need to.

When once again I "look" like I did, I believe I will "feel" as well as I did.. As much as possible I want to reduce the toll that the pounds I've gained have taken. I'm tired of being sick and tired!

I know I've had a lot of "plans" throughout the past year and a half. But the major part of THIS plan - at least the part that I want to go PUBLIC with - is to post on this blog daily - well at least 5 days a week. Some day (maybe a few weeks into this journey) I'll try to explain what is different about about my "head" and "heart" this time.

Portion Control

2011-08-20T08:13:00.000-04:00

Almost every day, I read the Motivation to Live Well in my sidebar. Today's summed up my feelings from yesterday's experience at my favorite place to eat.

One of the most satisfying feelings--more satisfying than the temptation itself is when one can say, ’I could have, but I didn’t!’

For me, portion control is a MAJOR part of the self-control part of this blog's title.

Our personal favorite - Pan. Taco.

Fruit Smoothie

2011-07-25T17:44:00.004-04:00

Wow! I wish I'd have thought of this sooner! What a treat. I placed a couple of very small cans of peaches in the freezer for just over an hour to freeze.

Then I emptied the frozen peaches &amp; juice into the blender, added a little bit of skim milk &amp; (I confess) sugar - a teaspoon or so. You could certainly use artificial sweetener of course. And I added about 1/4 teaspoon of vanilla to the mix.

Blend and enjoy. This made two glassfuls. We used spoons.

I'm already thinking of different canned fruits (or combinations) and flavorings to use. What sounds good to YOU?

The Root

2011-07-15T09:27:00.005-04:00

Still riding high on some extra exercise while on vacation, I walked the short route to the Post Office & spent some minutes weeding in the front yard. (Thistle-like weeds had sprung up while we were gone.) Though the morning is relatively cool, I worked up a little sweat. I HATE that word, by the way.

After coming in for a drink of water and wiping my face with a cool washcloth, I sat down to list a few reasons I am eager to get back to my 2009 weight. They include:

a closet full of clothes waiting for me
less sweat doing little jobs
less knee stress and pain
improved self-esteem
more energy
HEALTH!

I'm getting down to the root of the "problem". It's basically:
Carelessness. Laziness.
There. I've said it. Again.
(I think those last 5 words
were a song from the 60's!)

Time Out

2011-07-13T11:33:00.003-04:00

I've walked a lot of sidewalks in Buffalo, NY over the past days!

Along with no eating between meals,

I unintentionally jump-started some healthy habits!

Fresh air and sunshine were additional benefits

of our vacation!

It's been a GOOD "time out"!

Another Note to Self

2011-06-28T09:32:00.002-04:00

That blood pressure reading is unacceptable!
Think.
Do.

The best time to plant a tree is 20 years ago. The second best is now. ~Anonymous

Natural Exercise

2011-06-06T10:36:00.001-04:00

My exercise happened early this morning in an attempt to beat the heat.

I weeded this flower bed

and rearranged the tiles and metal tubes

to line the path that meanders through it.

When I was finished,

I drank at least 2 of my intended 8-10 glasses of water for today.

I began today to add more natural exercise into my schedule.

It felt great!

When Motivated...

2011-06-04T17:41:00.002-04:00

She had no idea how profoundly her words would affect me today.

She was face-booking about something else entirely--

an activity that would challenge her
but that she really wanted to do.

Immediately these words jumped out of her comment to my heart.

I told her later I was going to print them out on a card and frame them.

Then I changed that and said, "Well, at least put it on the window sill over my sink."

Thank you, Dee.

So funny!

The quote in "Motivation to Live Well"

in the side bar for today says:

Post your goals where you’ll see them often,

along with notes of inspiration.

Reminders are a good thing.

I Needed This

2011-05-31T06:16:00.004-04:00

Irises (Van Gogh)

Great things are not done
by impulse,
but by a series of
small things brought together.
-- Vincent Van Gogh

Myra's carrying me right now.
When I get to the "other side" of this,
I hope I can carry others.

Now

2011-05-15T16:00:00.001-04:00

Why wilt thou defer thy good purpose from day to day?

ARISE! and beginin this very instant, and say

Now is the time to be doing;

Now is the time to be striving;

Now is the fit time to amend myself!

Unless thou dost earnestly force thyself,

thou shalt never get the victory over sin.

(Thomas a Kempis, born in 1379 or 1380; died 25 July, 1471.)

My Struggle...His Power

2011-05-12T10:33:00.000-04:00

See those back two legs? (Well, I guess the chair is blocking the view of the other one.) That's one of the tasks I listed yesterday that was accomplished. That wasn't so HARD now! Yesterday--and already THIS morning--I've experienced the truth of Colossians 1:29: "To this end I labor, struggling with all HIS energy, which so powerfully works in me."

Some notes I copied in my journal from The Red Sea Rules...

Sometimes plodding is better than plotting.
We can become paralyzed by procrastination! (I put a big red asterisk by this one.)
"Our main business is not to see what lies dimly at a distance, but to do what lies clearly at hand." (Sir William Oster)

Bored No More

2011-05-11T07:22:00.002-04:00

Inertia has been a problem for me lately. I could blame it on painful joints. I could blame it on some discouraging circumstances. I could blame it on a lot of things, but basically I know from experience that inertia breeds inertia!

Then I read Myra. You might want to read Myra, too! It's a GOOD one!

I'm going to haul myself out to the flower beds and do some weeding & perennial division!

Then there's a library book on hold for me at the library.

I'll also spend some time in the garage painting the back legs of a table-desk my husband just assembled.

No time for boredom today!

Fit

2011-04-08T08:03:00.001-04:00

Me. Yesterday.

I have some work to do before warm weather sets in! Circumstances have overridden my determination and passion to GET fit and BE fit. And now, my summer clothes DON'T fit...

I was particularly inspired by Myra's post this morning. I can't say that there was anything "new" there...just solid stuff to encourage me not to give up.

Vacation Walking Paths

2011-03-25T17:28:00.001-04:00

Just a couple of the more interesting places where I've been walking the past few days!

I'm a black or white person.

When it comes to walking,
I either like taking different paths every day

doing the same routine every day.

I go in streaks. There are positives for both.

While on vacation this week, it's been different paths every day.

A Dieter's Best (Appliance) Friend?

2011-03-19T08:03:00.002-04:00

I've been cleaning out the refrigerator in preparation for vacation. There were 11 or 12 strawberries left, so I hulled them, put them on a plate and stuck them in the freezer.

Later on, I popped them into the blender along with some 1% milk and (I sheepishly admit) a little sugar. Result? A thick and satisfying snack.

A blender just might be a dieter's best friend!

Even as I write this, I'm thinking of a few other Appliance Friends.

What Appliance Friends do YOU have?

Spring Fling Treat

2011-03-16T07:55:00.003-04:00

I stayed within my calorie limit yesterday by sharing a Turtle Blizzard with my husband. Yum! A tasty combination of chocolate, caramel & pecans. The only thing that would have made it tastier for me would have been to have it made with chocolate ice cream--but since we were sharing, I settled for vanilla.

Spring Fling

2011-03-15T09:40:00.000-04:00

For the past 5 days, I've been spending 30 minutes alternating a walking routine with jumping on my mini-tramp. Don't know why I always wait for a hint of spring to get serious about getting off the winter pounds! Why do those pounds accumulate ANYhow? Late winter was particularly challenging for me this year since I had a case of shingles. That was NO fun.

It's in the past now.

I've started my personal Spring Fling.

For Sure--Good'n Hearty!

2011-02-03T08:53:00.001-05:00

I found this product last week at our local Big Lots store. I should have bought a dozen boxes! It's delicious! I believe it is much more hearty than the better known brands (which I have come to avoid). And look at the price - $1.00! I added raisins and microwaved it only a minute and a half instead of the suggested two minutes. If I can think of a few more errands to make the trip into town worthwhile, I think I'll buy some more before they are out of stock.

A Week of Soups

2011-01-30T06:15:00.002-05:00

I picked up this book at our public library yesterday. Having visited a monastery last spring, I was curious when I saw this on the shelf of recent additions to our library. I was happy to find some interesting, healthy, and relatively easy recipes. I found several soup recipes that I will make this week. The Soup Section began with this quote:

"For the sake of losing a few pounds, accumulated during those endless agapes and festivities of the year's end, without having to fast or die of hunger, there is no better remedy than a good soup. All it takes is a quick stop at the supermarket, some preparation, and then promptly the fresh aromas begin to emerge from the soup kettle." (Isabelle Delaleu, French chef and dietician)

After church this morning, we'll dine on a slow-cooker bean soup. Then I'll make a QUICK STOP at the supermarket to purchase the ingredients for our week of soups!

Hearty Hamburger Soup I made earlier this week. Yum!

Time to Get Serious About It!

2011-01-02T06:25:00.003-05:00

Thankful--Not Just FULL!

2010-11-22T07:37:00.001-05:00

As the "feast day" approaches, I've fortified our food supply with many fresh fruits and vegetables. For breakfast his morning I cut up fresh oranges (particularly tasty), bananas, and fresh pineapple. I really like this combination.

I can't credit any one person for this reminder, but it's a good one, I think!

"Don't forget to be THANKful--not just FULL."

Act As If

2010-11-15T10:49:00.003-05:00

I read this "Act As If" post and decided if I can do this for the next 30 days, I will have accomplished a MAJOR goal.

You can see that I've "jumped the gun" a bit as far as Christmas decorating goes. While my husband was still on vacation, I had him pulling boxes out of the attic. I have put up a couple of small trees, but won't DeCK tHeM OuT until after Thanksgiving.

By Christmas, I hope to be able to fit into a few of the clothes that I carelessly outgrew over the past few months. I will accomplish this by Acting As If.

If you're challenged by some unwanted pounds, I think you'll be encouraged by this great post!

Traveling Mercies

2010-11-08T12:19:00.004-05:00

We made a 529 mile journey, leaving immediately after church yesterday. I packed food--pineapple, black grapes, bananas, carrot strips, some whole wheat wraps, peanut butter, raisins, and some Chex snack mix.

It helped me empty the refrigerator, saved $$ potentially spent on restaurant meals, and helped us get to our destination earlier.

There will be time for restaurant eating later.

I spent the morning at 3 thrift stores located right downtown AND across from this tempting sign.
Since I still had 37 minutes in the parking meter, I crossed the street and purchased 1/2 pounds of chocolates. It was hard to decide which ones to pick, but I tried to limit my selections to those healthy dark chocolate ones!

The chocolates are made on the premises and you can order on-line. I highly recommend them! Did I mention that in a second room, all they had were truffles?

Looking Ahead

2010-11-07T05:05:00.002-05:00

Clearly, October is gone and November is well into itself! After a busy week with two grandsons, I have minutes now to regroup and reflect. Yesterday I surprised myself by commenting on someone's facebook post with these sentences. (I'm not sure WHO I was "channeling", but I like the sound of it!)

Every DAY is a new beginning with me. Some days I absolutely ROCK! Other days, I couldn't tell you what I accomplished. But every day I try to "love on" SOMEone, create or appreciate some beauty, learn something new, laugh out loud, do something good for my body, and bring a smile to God's "face"

Looking ahead, I see that our schedule over the next week and a half will involve travel and eating out. I I will return to these statements (which I've copied into my date book) to bring some focus and shape and sanity to my the next few days.

Before October Ends...

2010-10-30T07:18:00.000-04:00

You know it's bad when I resort to posting silhouettes--silhouettes reflected in a mirror that's slanted just right--and THOSE posted with a hope that no one clicks on the picture to enlarge it in order to see details!

Facing the reality reflected in the mirror, I did my food shopping. Apples, a pineapple, some black grapes (yummy!), and a bunch of broccoli were some of my purchases.

I KNOW I need to get serious about cutting the sugar out of my diet again. It has slowly crept back in (yesterday in the form of a a small piece of homemade coconut cream pie). I also made an unwise choice or two in restaurants the past couple of week (onion rings & something else I've already forgotten).

I'm thankful for the healthy alternatives available in my grocery store.
I'm thankful for mirrors and cameras that confront me with my reality.
I'm thankful for an inward desire to change.
I'm thankful for Power to change.

Before October ends, I'm going to have ONE good day of healthy eating and 30 minutes of walking!

That would be TODAY!

Distracted, Disorganized, but Determined

2010-10-15T09:51:00.000-04:00

I've lost some ground, but I've not given up!

I've been distracted and disorganized, but

my determination is at a high level this morning.

The 3 Bite Rule

2010-09-24T07:22:00.005-04:00

Sigh...........The Hostess of the Humble Bungalow mentions the 3 BITE RULE in this post. I THINK I'm going to practice that for a few days and see what happens. SOMEthing has to give! (I just ate a piece of leftover taco pizza for breakfast, so I'm starting right NOW.)

Determination/Satisfaction

2010-09-10T16:53:00.002-04:00

"You have to wake up with DETERMINATION if you want to go to bed with SATISFACTION!"

(Heard on Dave Ramsey's radio show today.)

I'm WORKING at it!

Seize THIS Day!

2010-09-08T09:02:00.000-04:00

I may not look too thrilled about it, but I AM wearing jeans that don't have an elastic waistband! And I DID do 30 minutes of exercise this morning! And I DID avoid major sweets, bread and pasta yesterday!

A quote from my morning devotional said this: "When God says 'today', He doesn't mean 'tomorrow'." I blogged a little more about that HERE.

Hope you're making the most of YOUR opportunities and seizing the minutes of THIS day to be all God envisions for you.

Intentional!

2010-09-07T07:31:00.001-04:00

Today is my first INTENTIONAL day of 30 minutes INTENTIONAL exercise after a long period of an UNINTENTIONAL lapse!

If only I had the upper arm strength of our granddaughter! Sigh.

The Thrill of Victory. The Agony of Defeat.

2010-09-06T06:38:00.000-04:00

Keeps me busy just snapping pictures!

"What is it about victory that breeds complacency and then failure???" Those were Jess's words to me yesterday in her comment. If we could figure out the answer to that, we'd all be LOSERS (or actually WINNERS at the weight loss/management game)!

That cycle was certainly the story of Israel in their Old Testament history, wasn't it! Hmmmmm. I need to study that again.

Tackling MY game at the four levels from yesterday:

I'm weighing in but not telling! I'll record it in my journal.
Still wearing an elastic waistband because nothing else fits.
Will exercise MORE than 30 minutes with the grands here.
Will have watermelon instead of sweets and only one piece of pizza (lunch) and no other breads or pasta.

Joined the family at age 7 months!

THANKS TO EVERYBODY FOR YOUR ENCOURAGEMENT AND FRIENDSHIP!

WE CAN DO THIS! AND NO BETTER TIME TO START THAN TODAY!

Face the Facts

2010-09-05T08:20:00.003-04:00

Unfortunately, I've NOT been maintaining the healthy habits that brought me to a healthy weight last year. I've wasted a good summer. (Well, a HOT summer, anyway!)

Today when it came time to dress, I admitted the fact that there is very little in my closet that fits. I got rid of larger clothes in January, thinking that would be incentive to keep the weight off.

Here for me to face are the facts:

I was irregular in 30 minutes of daily exercise--then quit altogether.
I have been careless - make that EXCESSIVE - in the amount of sweets and breads I've been eating.
I quit weighing everyday.
I started wearing elastic waistbands!

I'm sure there are more facts to face, but for now these are the ones I need to reverse. I will be posting more regularly here again in expectation that it will help me be more thoughtful about my actions.

Iodized or Non-Iodized?

2010-08-14T18:06:00.002-04:00

After 40 years of adult life, you'd think I'd remember which kind of salt I should use! Today I stood in front of the two types and reached for the iodized. It was about $.20 less than the non-iodized. When I got home, I googled the subject and found out some VERY interesting facts!

Iodized salt is any salt that has been fortified with the essential trace mineral-- iodine. Iodine as well as sodium (salt), can be found in most plants including fruits and vegetables. But the amounts you are able to obtain from plants may not always be enough especially if they have been grown in poor soil. Therefore, iodized salt can help to maintain a healthy balance of iodine in the body. The benefits of using iodized salt are numerous, as the whole body depends on these two minerals in order to function properly:

Improved Thyroid Function

Our bodies needs iodine for the thyroid to produce a couple of essential hormones called thyroxine and triodothyronine. These hormones help to regulate the metabolism and the growth and development of the body.

**Improved Brain Function**

Iodized salt can improve the functions of the brain, such as memory, concentration and the ability to learn. An iodine deficiency can lower the IQ by as much as 15 points.

Healthy Pregnancies

Iodized salt in moderation can help to prevent miscarriages and stillbirths. It can also help to avoid cretinism, which can affect the physical and mental growth of the baby while it is in the womb or shortly after it is born. Cretinism may affect the speech and hearing as well as other bodily movements.

**Fights Depression**

Depression and feelings of anxiety and frustration may be the result of an iodine deficiency. Iodized salt can help to ensure that you are getting enough iodine to prevent these emotional feelings from occurring.

**Weight Control**

Iodine is important for regulating the metabolism. When it is too high, you may not be able to gain a healthy weight, and if it is too low, you may gain weight, or be unable to lose it. Additionally, iodized salt can increase your energy levels so that you will exercise more.

Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS)

Iodized salt can prevent harmful bacteria from multiplying in the intestines and can help you to prevent many symptoms of IBS, such as headaches, fatigue and constipation.

**Improved Appearance**

It can help to cure dry and flaky skin, and improve the growth of your hair and nails. It also plays a role in developing and maintaining healthy teeth.

**Removes Toxins**

Iodized salt can help to remove harmful metals such as lead and mercury as well as other harmful toxins from your body. This can help to restore a healthy pH level in your body.

**Fights Cancer**

Studies have shown that an iodine deficiency may contribute to certain types of cancersuch as breast, ovary, lung and prostate cancers.

**Heart Health**

Iodized salt can help to create hormones which regulate the heart rate and blood pressure. It can also help the body to burn extra fat deposits that contribute to heart disease.

We only need about 1/4 to 1/2 tsp. of iodized salt daily, as 1/2 tsp. contains as many as 200 micrograms of iodine. The recommended daily dosage for the average adult is 150 micrograms. Pregnant and breastfeeding women should consume between 175 to 200 micrograms daily. Most processed foods contain salt, but usually this salt is not iodized. So you need to take the necessary steps to ensure that you are getting enough from iodized salt or from other foods.

**I assume this information is basically accurate. The items I marked are of particular interest to me!

Who knew?

Scared Straight

2010-07-29T05:47:00.000-04:00

A couple of days ago, I overheard a conversation in our local public library. Apparently one of the individuals had two tumors in her brain. The two people she was talking with encouraged her to google "baking soda" and consider this alternative treatment for cancer.

I don't have cancer. But I came home and googled it. One of many, many articles that appeared was THIS one. I am NOT recommending this treatment, but was intrigued by the article and wonder if there is a nugget of truth in it.

It was a long article and claims to be quoting something from "John Hopkins Hospital". I'm going to do further research on what was supposedly contained in that newsletter because most of the information seemed consistent with everything else I know about healthy habits.

It was enough to "Scare me Straight" (does anyone remember that phrase and method of confronting destructive behavior?)!!!

By the way, there are many sites that have great suggestions for putting Baking Soda to use in your home. Here's one of them with 75 of 'em!

"Life Was Meant to Be Lived..."

2010-07-20T07:34:00.000-04:00

"I could not, at any age, be content to take my place by the fireside and simply look on. Life was meant to be lived. Curiosity must be kept alive. One must never, for whatever reason, turn his back on life."

-Eleanor Roosevelt

Personally, I've found that healthy physical habits are inseparable from healthy emotional, mental and spiritual practices.

I've also learned (many times over) that it takes longer to MAKE new habits than to BREAK old habits!

Life WAS meant to be lived! And while the thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy, Jesus came that I may have life, and have it to the full! (John 10:10)

The Encouragement of Friends

2010-07-19T07:56:00.001-04:00

You just never know the good your words or actions may trigger in another person! This morning, Donna's post was on my mind. Besides being happy with/for her, it served to prod me to put my "pedal to the metal"*!

It helped that I woke up with new energy after sleeping most of the last 24 hours. After a week of stomach upset, I finally THINK I feel better. I have no excuse to put off the proper care and feeding of my body

So after saying "good-bye" to my husband, I put the trampoline down on the floor and began my 30 minute walk/workout. Now, at 7:45 a.m., I am drinking a glass of water and celebrating. I did it!

* When the accelerator is pushed so far it can't move any more, (in some cars) it hits a metal bar, or the end of the footwell (which is hopefully made of metal). Hence the term pedal to the metal. Obviously if you have the accelerator all the way forward you're gonna be gathering speed...or going fairly fast.

Thanks, Donna!

I Thessalonians 5:11: "Therefore encourage on another and build each other up, just as in fact you are doing."

I Walked and Walked and Walked Some More

2010-06-26T19:01:00.002-04:00

I didn't walk 30 minutes today; I walked more like two hours.
I didn't walk quickly today; I did some strolling.
I didn't walk alone today; I walked with my husband.
It wasn't cool today; it was hot.
I didn't walk inside my house today; I walked through other peoples' homes and gardens.

To see more of the OUTDOOR scenes that I saw, click here.

I'm WITH It!

2010-06-26T05:56:00.001-04:00

This is the path from our side yard to the front door. This week (as many of you know) I began a path. A path of 3 days without white flour, pasta & rice. I was successful and got back to 30 minutes of walking daily, too. I'm not at the "front door" yet, but I'm on the way.

More important than what I went WITHOUT is what I am WITH! I am WITH energy--emotional and physical. I'm going to get serious about finding the article that triggered this three-day dare. It made sense then; it makes sense now. I'd just like to read it in full again.

Losing It With Jillian

2010-06-22T21:16:00.004-04:00

In my weight loss journey of last year, I pretty much eliminated breads and pasta from my daily menus. Concentrating on fruits and vegetables with occasional chicken or fish, I successfully lost over 40 pounds. Gradually, I have drifted back into eating breads and pasta -- too much, too often.

After reading a chiropractors blog yesterday, I accepted his challenge to eliminate breads, pasta, & white flour completely for three days and take note of my energy levels and emotional responses. Today was Day 1. Already I believe I have more energy. I didn't feel sluggish and sleepy in the afternoon. I intend to follow this plan the next two days.

I came to the end of the day and hadn't exercised. While flipping TV channels, I came across a show that was new to me: Losing It With Jillian*. After about 15 minutes of watching a husband and wife with significant weight to lose do so intensive workouts, I got out of my chair and did my 30 minute indoor walking routine while I watched.

I'm really thankful that I did it. I plan to do it early tomorrow morning instead of putting it off until 8:30 p.m.!

*Losing It With Jillian: Jillian Michaels To Rid Families Of Their Excuses and Empower Them To Transform Their Lives In a New Life-Changing Series (from a Press Release)

"I've Been Resting on my Laurels"

2010-06-21T10:18:00.004-04:00

(Sung to tune of "I've Been Working on the Railroad")

I've been resting on my laurels

Far too many days!

I've been resting on my laurels;

But I'm done with lazy ways.

So I got back to my work-out.

Now to plan my meals...

I've been resting on my laurels

But now I'm back to "real"!

Centuries ago, the Greeks crowned the victor in the Pythian Games with a wreath of laurels in the belief that laurels communicated the spirit of prophecy and poetry. (They also reportedly put laurel leaves under their pillows to acquire inspiration!) The laurel in modern times is a symbol of victory and peace and of excellence in literature and the arts.

The phrase "Rest on your laurels" refers to being so satisfied with past achievement that you make no effort to improve--to stop trying because of one's success or satisfaction with the past.

Well, I'm DONE with that! I've even been inspired to hijack the words to an old song to sing of my resolution and effort today!

Sing along, if you want!

Days Well-Lived at the Abbey

2010-06-12T09:33:00.002-04:00

A solitary walk up this hill yielded this close up of Joseph and Jesus....

Another day, a hike with friends took us to the statues.

Healthy meals (and no in-between-meal snacks) and daily outings like these contributed to my PHYSICAL well-being. My emotions and spirit were similarly nurtured. I hope to honor the time I enjoyed at Gethsemani by continuing these practices.

Warriors...Not Victims

2010-05-30T08:09:00.001-04:00

"I find physical work profoundly energising and the exercise helps us get rid of stress and prepares us to live as warriors and not as victims." When I found this statement here under the title "A Bit of Motivation to Get on with Things", I grabbed it like a lifeboat!

I'm thankful for our yard and the tasks necessary to tend it. While it has natural beauty, left to its own it would become unsightly. So I shall continue to "work it" and count neither the hours nor painful joints unproductive or wasted! (In that way, perhaps I will not become unsightly either!)

Garden Workout

2010-05-28T12:25:00.000-04:00

I donned these (comfortable, bright, and washable) and spent about 2 hours trimming...

transplanting...

and carrying the watering can back and forth.

GREAT EXERCISE!

I'll record it in my sidebar as an hour's worth. I'm not sure how to count it except fun!

RETORK

2010-05-22T06:51:00.000-04:00

RETORK was my verification word when I commented on Valerie's post this morning. That's what I'll be doing today, and tomorrow, and the next day....

Fresh vegetables, fresh fruits, 6-8 glasses of water, and a 30 minute walk are my minimum RETORKING tools. What are yours?

I Heard That!

2010-05-19T18:57:00.001-04:00

"What you tolerate, you cannot change." I was only half-listening to a political talk show when a caller quoted someone who said that. I fumbled around for a pen to write it down, repeating it to myself so I didn't forget it! I heard nothing else. It hit me like a ton of bricks!

It belongs in THIS blog of mine. It applies and explains some of the difficulty I'm facing in reaching my goal of 135 pounds.

Inspiration and encouragement comes from the most unexpected places!

Does Cleaning House Count?

2010-05-11T09:02:00.005-04:00

I'm not sure how much time I spent cleaning - vacuuming, dusting, cleaning the bathroom floor, sink, toilet and tub. But it may be all the exercise I get today! I calculated at this site, and came up with at least 188 calories. This is a great place to figure out how many calories you burn at various activities, by the way.

I'm getting ready for overnight guests, friends I've never met face-to-face--only corresponded with....It always makes me a little nervous. House cleaning is not my favorite activity, but I must confess the upstairs looks VERY nice.

Now for making sure meal prep is complete before going to my No-Longer-Red-Hats luncheon at noon. We've invited a few friends to the house this evening to meet our overnight guests. I've made an extremely unhealthy (but delicious) dessert to serve (baked pretzel crust; layer of cream cheese, sugar & whipped cream; top layer of strawberries in strawberry jello).

I'm thinking a day full of friends and fun will make up for the clouds and rain outside.

Taking My Thoughts Captive

2010-05-05T21:41:00.006-04:00

Motivation to Live Well 5/5/2010

"Keep a journal in your purse or night table to jot down thoughts of inspiration. Meditate on those thoughts often."

I keep THIS one in my purse....Tonight I'm taking one up to my night table. Writing down my thoughts has helped me sort them out and prioritize them, and remind me of my commitments to follow through with exercise, reading, or other goals.

See more about "taking thoughts captive" at my Life & Godliness blog, if you're interested...

BECOMING....not GETTING

2010-05-04T07:15:00.005-04:00

What you get by achieving your goals is not as important as what you become by achieving your goals. (Zig Ziglar)

They were simple goals, but they were the impetus I needed yesterday to break out of the lethargy that had settled in over me like a heavy fog. I happily reviewed my day as I went to bed last night and realized I had actually accomplished all three "30s"! Not only that, but I saw this beautiful lilac bush as I took my 30 minute walk.

I am becoming.

I have new & simple goals for today.

30 minutes walking

20 chapters read for Read-through-the-Bible plan

30 minutes reading A Year in Tuscany

30

2010-05-03T09:28:00.001-04:00

I got my body up and out the door this morning. It took me 20 minutes to walk up to and around the elementary school building and back through the park toward our house. When I saw that I had an additional 10 minutes to reach my 30 minute goal, I went around the block behind our house. There I met my neighbor who was wheeling a wheelbarrow toward his garage. I stopped to chat and walked "in place" while we visited. I'm sure I looked a little weird, but I'm DETERMINED to get this walking thing going again!

Coming 'round the house, I could resist taking a few pictures of our yard--so beautiful to me. You can see more on my garden blog.

Now to read 30 chapters in my Bible to catch up in my "Through-the-Bible-in-a-Year" plan and spend 30 uninterrupted minutes reading a book I've started (Every Day in Tuscany). I've been highly distracted lately and am committed to Self-Control today!

"WHEN"

2010-05-02T07:46:00.006-04:00

The moment you stop saying "if" and start saying "when" is the moment your dreams start becoming a reality.

I'm SAYING when. This afternoon. After church! No more ifs, ands, or buts (at least as long as I remember this...).

Reading Cindy's post was great motivation for me. And the Lord knows I needed motivation. Thanks, Cindy!

Blogging friends, let's get it going - or keep it going (depending on your current situation). The encouragement and inspiration we pass back and forth are REALLY helpful--and in the end, it really is up to us to do what WE can do to be healthy and fit.

Who Knew?

2010-04-25T07:56:00.000-04:00

Medium Chocolate Xtreme Blizzard

980 calories

I looked it up for myself. No wonder they didn't put THIS information on the same sign as the special price! And I ordered mine with chocolate ice cream - which probably added to the calories.

I had NO idea. (And I'm not blaming Dairy Queen.)

Dairy Queen Made Me Do It!

2010-04-24T19:09:00.001-04:00

From Motivation to Live Well today...."Live not in what has happened, or fear of what may come tomorrow. Live Well! in the here and now, and treat this as your defining moment."

Back from a seminar today where I learned to say, "THAT was my old self; THIS is my NEW self!" (See Ephesians 4:22-24).

I SHOULD have remembered this when traveling to and from Grandparents' Day at our grandson's school in Illinois this week! We passed (and stopped at) Dairy Queens coming and going - lured by the sign advertising "Blizzards! Buy one; get the second for 25 cents!"

Transitioning into Spring

2010-04-15T19:59:00.000-04:00

Almost every day of our vacation included trail hikes or nature walks. Yesterday I rode in the car all day. And this morning, exercise was gardening. I need to be intentional about getting daily exercise now that the weather has changed. I didn't gain any weight while on vacation--but I didn't lose any either. I need to get at least 5 pounds off as soon as possible!

Strolling in Charleston

2010-04-07T20:12:00.001-04:00

My "sauntering" yesterday was good practice for the Extreme Strolling we did in Charleston all day today! Cobblestone and brick were two of the street surfaces that paved the roads in front of some of the most beautiful homes I've ever seen! (For more pictures of our day, see my main blog.)

Most of the streets were marked this way in the sidewalks. There were also newer street signs on posts. This one marked the street containing a lively enclosed market area. We found this coffee place here. I had a cappuccino muffin with chocolate chips (I can only HOPE they were dark chocolate!)

We also spent relaxing time overlooking Cooper Bay. This is a must-see city. I'm so glad we made the decision to come here. I feel stimulated physically and mentally because of our time in this city of friendly people and historical roots.

Sauntering in South Carolina

2010-04-06T20:32:00.001-04:00

After walking 30 minutes indoors early this morning, I spent many more minutes walking in Columbia, South Carolina, the state capitol. The wonderful chocolate truffle I ate after a lunch of grilled cheese sandwich and fresh fruit was not the healthiest choice--but it WAS dark chocolate. The weather was beautiful today! Sunshine and fresh air are SO refreshing.

Tennessee Walkz

2010-04-05T21:49:00.001-04:00

I walked at noon in Tennessee! The temperature was warm; the sights were beautiful. Our friends live on a golf course, so there were many pleasurable things to see. I also enjoyed hearing the bird songs.

Outdoor walks are the best!

Climb Interrupted

2010-04-02T08:45:00.002-04:00

If you're wondering about my "climb", take a look at my other blog. I've been temporarily sidelined. But I shall complete the climb shortly.

The Climb - Day 9

2010-03-30T07:23:00.005-04:00

...run...walk...crawl... They did it ALL!

In observing and entertaining grandchildren the past few days, I've had plenty of opportunity to move in new, colorful ways!

Sometimes "the climb" gets boring and the main view is the hard rock of the mountain side.

But seeing all the options out there for kids, I'm determined to add some new, colorful options to my "climb"!

Just this past week I heard that the 30 minute of exercise a day once recommended has now been expanded to 60! The coming of warmer weather brings with it many opportunities for extra minutes of colorful climbing for me.

I want to keep exploring, keep moving, and keep my sense of wonder at all the new things waiting for me out there!

The Climb - Day 8 - Encountering the Unexpected

2010-03-29T06:55:00.001-04:00

The "unexpected" has crossed my route to the summit! It has come in several forms - including computer glitches that reveal how important blogging has become to me in journaling my weight management experiences! It is almost impossible for me to upload pictures to my blogs. Just now, when a spell check indicated a problem, uploading the correction sent the computer into a tizzy! (I chose another word instead.) I simply have despaired of blogging for the time being. But the climb MUST go on. I will adjust and continue.

A second "unexpected" is how having our two grandchildren with us the past few days has affected my schedule. The control I thought I had over my time and energy expenditure has been compromised. (It's called "grandparenting", I think). They will be returning home tomorrow. Meanwhile, I will adjust and continue.

Adjust and continue. That is my mantra for today! Fellow climbers, how are YOU doing?

The Climb - Day 5 - "The Art of Resting"

2010-03-26T09:01:00.000-04:00

From our reading in Streams in the Dessert Volume 2 this morning: "The art of resting at noon" (Song of Solomon 1:7) "has been lost, and many are succumbing to the strain of life which is being lived in 'high gear'. Rest is not a sedative for the sick, but a tonic for the strong."

All around me--sickness; sadness; discouragement! REST, my friends! How many of our illnesses, how much discouragement, how many stresses would be avoided if we consistently rested?

In the word of Mrs. Charles E. Cowman, "See that your clock does not run down!" (I realize for many of younger readers, the idea of a clock running down is a strange allegory! Most watches no longer need wound. Few clocks need winding. But this hasn't changed--the body needs rest.)

IS it "THE CLIMB"? DAY 4

2010-03-25T08:44:00.002-04:00

In all fairness to Miley (see previous post), I should probably listen to the whole song. But while it's true that it "Ain't how fast I get there", it IS "about what's waiting on the other side"!

THAT I climb and HOW I climb are incredibly important--in practicing healthy habits AND in life generally.

"Be very careful, then, how you live--not as unwise but as wise, making the most of every opportunity...do not be foolish, but understand what the Lord's will is" (Ephesians 5:15-17). I've written in the margin of my Bible here: "careful, aggressive, wise". In THAT sense, "It's the climb...." .

But in the BIG picture, it IS about what's waiting on the other side!

So, in my climb today, a big part of my incentive in practicing healthy habits (AND in life generally) IS what's waiting on the other side. I need this persepctive to keep me going forward and upward. It's just too hard without the expectation of what's on the other side. (And truth be told, I'd never do the repelling thing in real life no matter WHAT was on the other side!)

The Climb - Day 3

2010-03-24T09:33:00.001-04:00

"Ain't how fast I get there,
Ain't about what's waiting on the other side.
It's the climb...."
Looks like Miley Cyrus is climbing with us! I haven't heard it - just came across the words (you can google "The Climb" and see all the lyrics).

I woke well before dawn, wrote in my journal, read the Bible and prayed, and tackled a few tasks before walking my 30 minute indoor walk. A phone call came in the middle of my walk, so I didn't get my rebounding minutes in, but decided to stop at 30 minutes anyway.

I threw some potatoes, carrots and diced tomatoes into the crock pot with some seasonings and will heat up left over chicken breast to serve for our mid-afternoon meal.

We had fruit smoothies last night. Yum! Yum! (Some frozen blueberries and mangoes with some V8 Tropical Colada--something I had purchased for our Sunday night birthday celebration. They turned out very well.)

Fellow climbers are checking in! Good to be climbing together, isn't it?

The Climb - Day 2

2010-03-23T06:35:00.000-04:00

I know nada about about mountain climbing actually. But I like what I see in the picture above -- not the chill, but the companionship! It is comforting and energizing to have company on my climb! Let's keep one another encouraged.

Looking back on Day 1, I am pleased with the progress. Except for about 14 tortilla chips, I stuck to the "path". And Day 2 has dawned with promise and opportunity to make good choices! I've checked my gear (W, E, and F), and I'm ready to climb!

THE CLIMB - DAY 1

2010-03-22T09:50:00.001-04:00

"Come, let us go up to the mountain of the Lord, to the house of the God of Jacob. He will teach us his ways, so that we may walk in his path..." (Micah 4:2)

My "path" is not just a diet or exercise plan. It is a higher path I'm traveling. It's sort of hard to explain. It is not a temporary quest. It is an eternal one. It is closely entwined with my experience of God and the conversion of my will(power) that came about when I yielded to my "Higher Power". (Incidentally, my Higher Power is not just an intangible source of motivation and energy. He is a real and incredible Person with sure and life-changing power.)

My ulterior motivation is not to lose 5 pounds or even attain a reasonable level of fitness, though that is an expected side benefit. My ultimate motivation is experiencing the thrill of the climb that comes from learning and walking in God's path.

I've been there before. Then I took a side-trip that seemed pleasurable to me --blizzards, a piece of pie or two, being lazy about exercise, and ignoring the scale. God's way FOR ME (not telling you what it is for you) is to walk a different path. And it is a good one (just not so sweet-laden).

So far today, I've exercised (E); planned meals/food for today (F); and drunk 16 oz. of water (W). I'm loving this path! The climb has begun. My equipment is minimal (E, F, and W).