My Final Blog

Today is the day I have chosen to bring my blog to an official end.  I want to thank everyone who took the time to read my daily blog.  Its been a very productive year but, since school ends for the holiday season tomorrow, I feel its time.  I originally set a goal to walk one thousand miles in 2011.  I've logged over fifteen hundred.  It feels absolutely amazing to surpass the goal I set for myself. 
Total Miles Walked - 1506
Weight Reps - 62,000 

Sit ups, crunches - 17,500

Push ups - 8300
Butt Lifts - 12,000
Not long ago, I saw myself as someone who would have to struggle through life just trying to avoid the pain and anxiety or, at the very least, I'd be drugged by prescription medicines for the rest of my life.  Now I see that, through hard work, determination, and a combination of prayer and practical magic, I can make miracles happen.  I can leap right over those hurdles (and not even throw my back out).  
There will always be things I am physically incapable of doing but, that doesn't have to stop me from doing what I can.  The older I get, the wiser I get.  The wiser I get, the more I know my body and what it is capable of.  The more I know my body, the more I can push myself to be all I can be.  
I'm not ever going to go back to being one of those folks who sits on the couch watching life pass me by.  I plan on participating in life again.  
I'm not ever going to go back to filling my body with crap from day to day.  Food is fuel and, as long as I live by that, I know I will maintain my weight.  We can look back and ask ourselves, "How did I ever get this way?" ...or blame our issues on extraneous factors but, the truth is...we are ultimately responsible for ourselves.  We got to where we are because we made certain choices or we didn't make them.   
I have maintained my post basic training weight (AKA age 18) because I made a commitment to work out and eat better in 2011.  Sure, it wasn't as easy as it was when I was eighteen but, the bottom line is...it was achievable regardless of my wrinkles and grey hairs.   
I skipped a few unnecessary things throughout the year (I cut back on high priced coffee and regular manicures) in order to save up and donate to charity.  It was the right thing to do.  How do I know?  I may not see the actual outcome of my efforts, but the other day, I took our son to Taco Bell.  When he got back in the car, he said, "Can I keep the change?  My school is collecting to give gifts to needy kids this Christmas.  I've given almost thirty dollars I'd saved up and this will help."   The way I see it, if I have raised a charitable child then, all I have done was worthwhile.  
According to the statistics, my blog has been read nearly 9000 times by folks all over the world.  I don't know how most found me but I hope I have, in some way, helped.  
Perhaps, over time, readers will continue to go back and catch something they've missed along the way.  Perhaps, they will share what they have read with friends, family, or coworkers.  
Perhaps, my readers will begin their own blogs.   
If we spread the word, if we begin to care, if we open my minds and our hearts to new ideas and new experiences...I mean, who knows what illnesses we might prevent through proactive healthy living?  We might someday change the very reason we see doctors.  Some day, in the our future or our children's future, we might change things.  Doctors might someday only be needed for preventative care.  Now, wouldn't that be nice?  
I guess...like Martin Luther King, Jr., "I have a dream"...

Real Men Grill In Winter

I daydreamed about it all day yesterday, my husband's salmon.  Last night, he rubbed spicy mustard on it.  He gave me a choice, that or blackened (cajun style).  I didn't really care.  I love them both.  And I love watching him grill.  He just pulls the Weber (that I bought him on Father's Day a couple of years ago) right up to the sliding door, and gets to grilling.  And I know, when he's grilling, he is a happy camper.  I mean, I ask you, what man doesn't like to grill?  I figure its like blogging is to me.  It lowers his stress level.  Its something he does, and he knows that only he can do it well (at least in this house).  I don't grill unless you count marshmallows on a stick by a campfire...I can brown a marshmallow just right for smores.  For my international readers, smores are made by roasting a marshmallow, adding a piece of a chocolate candy bar and sandwiching it between two graham crackers.  You haven't lived until you tried one...trust me.  Mine lately have been made with sugar free dark chocolate.  Great.  Now I am craving smores.
Well, back to grilling.  Standing there just watching stuff cook...not for me.  Besides, I am not about to stand there in the cold (he'll be grilling even when there is snow on the back deck).  Me?  I'm just fine inside the warm house steaming the vegetables.  Last night, it was spinach, broccoli, and cauliflower.  And everything tasted amazing.
Its funny but, I never had fresh Salmon as a kid.  I mom used to make salmon cakes from some stuff she got from a can.  I liked her salmon cakes a lot but, I never really knew what I was missing until I had my husband's grilled salmon filet.  That got me addicted.
A dear friend of ours makes regular visits to Alaska to fish.  I say dear friend because who else but a dear friend would pack up fresh salmon he personally caught to send it home with my hubby just to make me smile.  And oh, by the way, this dear friend was also my very first boss back when I was an enlisted soldier in Germany.  As he likes to tell folks, he's known me since I was nineteen, longer than practically anyone.  One day, I might even make it to Alaska myself...catch of few of those salmon.
Wait a minute...bears.  Don't they have those big bears in Alaska?  Okay...maybe I'll let my dear friends take care of me in the salmon department.  And it would be taking care of me.  After all, salmon is full of protein and it provides a whole day's supply of vitamin D.   Remember vitamin D?  Doc says I need to have more of that, right?  Mmmm...  All I can say is...just set me down with a plate full of yummy salmon.  Salmon also has a healthy supply of omega-3's, B6, B12, niacin, calcium, selenium and magnesium.  Oh, and don't forget the veggies of course.  My new primary care provider (whom I really like) just reminded me that, though I am being very good in taking my vitamin supplements, I need to continue getting as much as I can from the foods I eat.  No worries, Doc.  I have that all taken care of.  I'm good to go.  I have a man that grills even in winter.    

Through Thick And Thin

According to my old Officer Evaluation Reports, between nineteen eighty-eight and two thousand and three, my lowest weight was 130, my highest 139.  Ouch!  I weighed, on average, about 134lbs during my officer years and, that doesn't even include my enlisted years on the "fat boy" Army weight control program.  I went from 118 after Basic Training to well...I know I got up to 140-142lbs at one point.  German food is good.  
To some, 134lbs may not seem like much but, that's a lot for my petite 5'4" frame.  I mean, we were doing physical fitness nearly every day and still, it seemed I couldn't lose weight and I was always getting injured.  But, that was then.  Now, I do smarter fitness (fitness designed for me) and I eat smarter too (healthy eating designed for me).    
I look at this photo, taken early in our marriage back in the mid nineteen-nineties  and, I wonder how he could be smiling with all that weight on his lap.  But what can I say?  He loves me through thick and thin.  Sure, he teases me on occasion about how bony my butt is now that I average 118lbs but, I know he is proud of me and what I have accomplished this year.  After all, mama has guns now and some pretty nice abs developing as well (granted, the ladies are a touch smaller).  
As of today, I have walked 1488 miles this year.  Simple changes in diet, exercise, and attitude have made losing weight and living more healthy easier than I ever thought it could be.  In making better choices, I can do so much more now.  I know I wasn't huge back then but, I was curvier than I wanted to be.  I have to be honest.  I wasn't happy with who I was.  I wanted more.  I wanted to be all I could be.
So here it is, nearly two thousand and twelve.  It is nearly time to start making those New Year's resolutions.  Last year, I set my goal at walking one thousand miles in two thousand eleven.  I never thought I would walk during vacations but I did.  I actually planned that I would suffer through several injuries along the way, injuries that would deter my walking schedule.  I thought it was reasonable.  After all, I am still pretty broken.  But, as it turned out, most of my doctor's visits this year were for refilling vitamins.
I surprised myself.  And, in the end, I found myself walking nearly every day, not to mention adding push ups, sit ups, weight repetitions, and butt lifts to my regular routine.  
When I look back, I cannot believe I have walked as far as I have.  I am a stronger and more confident woman now.  Mirrors?  Scales?  The Juniors section?  They don't frighten me anymore (Now sharks, crocodiles, and alligators are an entirely different subject..please don't go there).  My chronic migraines are a thing of the past.  When my back and knees fail me, I recovery in hours, not days.  Sure, I haven't ended all the pain but, with a little focus and determination, I now know how to get around pain (pain is just a pothole).  When all else fails, go back to the beginning...try slow methodical yoga stretches and heated massage.      
This year, I have discovered I like foods I would never have tried before.  I have stopped relying on food for comfort.  I now eat to fuel my body, to add years to my life rather than delete them.
I read more than I ever did before.  And even now, there is still so much to learn (like new healthy recipes).
I am always open to new ideas and healthier options.       
I've come a long way this year and, as I complete these final miles, it is my hope that I have in some way touched the lives of others, inspired them to take that extra step towards better health.
Remember...You are never too old or too broken to begin your own journey.
You deserve to live a full and healthy life.  Stop telling yourself what you can't do and focus instead on what you can do.  Then, face whatever is telling you "no" and simply say "yes".  Say yes to better health.
Make it happen.  Life is short.  Moments are to be cherished, and everything my friend...every mile...every moment...everything counts.        

The Skinny Santa

Yesterday was a busy one.  After a morning of shopping, I came home to bake loaves of sweet cranberry bread for the neighbors.  The neighborhood treats are a an annual family event.  The boys made homemade fudge.  We added assorted candies and candy canes.  I know.  I know.  Its not real healthy but, its a one time thing and I'm not going to be the one to tell my husband he can't make fudge.  He takes pride in making it (and they tell me its very good).
Anyway, while we were decorating the treats, my son looks over at the mantel and says, "Mom, what's up with the skinny Santa?"  So I told him.  I had bought it at the local Hallmark/teacher's store.  I stopped in there looking for something special and was surprised to find they were going out of business.  Everything in the store was on sale for fifty percent off.  It breaks my heart to hear that they are going out of business.  That particular store got me through our son's elementary years.  And it was a huge help during my substitute teacher years.  I guess a lot of businesses are having trouble in this economy.  I hope the New Year brings better prosperity.  While I was there, I saw this Santa and had to have it.
Did you know the original Santa Claus was rather slim?  When the story first came to us, he was imagined as thin.  It wasn't until Clement Moore's poem in 1823 "A Visit from Saint Nicholas" that folks began to imagine Santa Claus as overweight.  This poem gave Santa Claus a fat makeover that surely would have now landed him a spot on "The Biggest Loser".  Then, Moore's image was imagined on paper by Thomas Nast, the same political cartoonist who created the elephant (Republican) and the donkey (Democrat) we now see every time there is an election.  Nast created the image of Santa we see today...big dude, jolly, long white beard, red suit, silly hat, yada...yada...yada.  Nast's Santa was a smaller "elf" sized depiction.  In 1931, the advertisers for Coca-Cola made Santa human sized, the image we image today.
I thought about it.  Suppose we re-imagine Santa Claus the way he was originally...slim and healthy?  Suppose we give him a true "Biggest Loser" makeover.  Then maybe we won't worry about his failing health, his addiction to sugary treats, or his inability to get down our chimney to fill those stockings without the benefit of magic.  Maybe its time.  Maybe even Santa Claus deserves to finally be fit.  
So, when you are out buying those healthy carrots to leave out for the reindeer this year, try to remember to leave Santa something healthy as well.  He's not getting any younger and we want to keep him around for a long long time.  
 

Nice Platters, Naughty Alcohol, And A Frozen Little Tushy

I was very good yesterday.  At least, I'd planned on being good.  I put together this platter of healthy veggies and added our favorite Sabra hummus.  It was gone in no time, before anything else on the table actually.  I prefer veggie and hummus to crackers and hummus any day.  When I got to the party, our hostess offered me a glass of wine.  Sure.  Good for the heart right?  The second glass was probably pushing it.  The rum and bourbon egg nog was well...a mistake.  It was so thick, it looked a bit like ranch dressing.  Seriously..  When we came home, I fell asleep on the couch.  But, when I went to bed, I slept very little.  My own fault.  I have never been able to mix alcohols.  Last night, I paid my poor choices.  I told my husband I was not going to drink any more alcohol at the remainder of the holidays parties this weekend.  I needed to pay penance for my sins.
Needless to say, this morning I wasn't really up to working out (recovery day any way).  Besides the stomach pains I suffered from for my over indulgence of naughty drink, my hip was bothering me and my stupid foot has been causing me no end of pain for what seems like days.  One minute I fine and, the next, I'm limping around the house unable to put any pressure on my foot.  My husband says its time I took a break from all the walking.  "Sweetie", I told him, "I'm not much more than 20 miles from 1500.  I can't just stop this close to 1500.  It would be like seeing the finish line in a race and just stopping."  I promised him, after the holidays, I'd have the doctors take a look at my stupid foot.  Honestly, I doubt there is much they can do other than give me a pill or tell me to stay off of it.  That's all they've done in the past.  Besides, its not like I'm going to stop walking.  We all know that's not going to happen.
So, I decided to just get out of the house.  I told him I was going to do a little last minute Christmas shopping.  Well, that was probably a bad choice.  I wasn't really dressed for the chilly temperatures.  I froze my little tushy off...no really...what's left of it that is.
To make matters worse, its the last weekend before Christmas.  I hardly noticed in the parking lot (I park as far away as I can).  But the stores were packed with wall to wall shoppers.  The lines went on forever (the upside was, it was warm in the stores).  I should have known.  After visiting a half dozen places, it finally sunk in....time to head home and try the internet.  Maybe I'll get lucky and find someone who ships quickly.  Shopping just isn't fun when folks are constantly bumping in to you.  
Right now, I have to go bake.  My husband and I are making little plates of goodies for the neighbors.  Cranberry bread, homemade fudge, candies, and candy canes...every bit of it naughty.  You know?  I'm beginning to think a little naughty is okay now and then.  If not, then what in the world am I going to have left to do for my New Year's resolution in 2012?  

Is 48 Too Late To Be A Bond Girl?

I got a bit of a late start on my workout this morning.  Been rushing around trying to get everything ready.  We've got three holiday parties to go to this weekend alone.  On one hand, its kind of nice knocking them all out in one weekend.  On the other, I'm not the fool that believes more spontaneous events won't sprout up out of no where.  So, I sped things up and managed to get in eight more miles...five on the treadmill, and another three doing errands (always park as far away from the store as you can).  I also did fifty push ups.  I may try to do more throughout the day (nice).  Then again, I may not (naughty).  I am nearing that 1500 mile mark and I should slow things down.  Right now, the way I am going, I am looking at finishing up early next week.  What then?  Its been an amazing year but, I'm thinking I might take a break from writing (I will still walk and workout every day).  Maybe a vacation.  Just for fun, I tried on an old bikini I had in the drawer from more than a couple of decades back.  I can't believe I saved it but, I'm glad I did.  It fit beautifully.  I mean, I felt like a "Bond Girl".  Yes, I hear you...too old to be a Bond girl.  Well, bite your tongue.  What do I always say?  You are never too old!  Remember the movie "Octopussy"?  Maud Adams was like 38 when she did that film and she was a bond girl twice.  "Never Say Never Again."  Right now, I look and feel better now than I did at 38, at 28 even (dare I say 18 as well?  Oh yes, I dare).  Why not a 40 something, pushing 50 Bond Girl?   granted, they are some of the most beautiful women I have ever seen and well, the actors playing James Bond are younger than I am.  Big deal, right?      
I sent some bikini photos to my husband.  No, I'm not going to show you.  Those photos are For "His" Eyes Only.   I hope he doesn't open the email at the wrong moment and get "The Living Daylights" scared out of him.  Ha ha...    
Okay, okay...I'll stop.
After I had my fun with the photos, I had errands to run.  For one, I had to pop over to the grocery store and pick up a few things.  I'm putting together a veggie and hummus platter for tonight's party, some healthier snack choices for my friends and neighbors.  I suppose I could throw together something naughty but, I want to tread lightly.  The big guy in the red suit will soon be here and I don't want to screw things up.  Only nine mores days until Christmas.  I have to be careful.  Then again, after this blog, I've probably secured a place on the naughty list.  C'est La Vie..."Live and Let Die"  (couldn't resist).      http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bond_girl 
Time to do a couple of loads of laundry.  Hey, I've never seen them do that in the movies.  What's up with that?

The Doctor, The Dentist, And The Comfortable Shoe Maker

Its been a busy couple of days. My husband has been away and I've been running around like a mad woman.  I thought I'd surprise him.  Whenever its time for my car to be inspected, I ask him to do it for me.  Cars and men go hand in hand like gloves and hands.  I grew up with a mechanic in the family but, please don't ask me to do more than fill the tank or take my car to Jiffy Lube.  Call me girly but, I pray I am never faced with the day I have to change a tire.  Knock wood...so far, so good.  Well, my car was due for an inspection.  I thought it would be nice if my husband came home from his work trip and saw I had gotten it done.  So, I drove over to nearby "Car Doctor".  We had been there before.  The day before the "Rolling Thunder" ride, we realized the inspection on the motorcycle was well overdue.  They didn't blink an eye.  There was no line and the price was reasonable.  We were in and out in no time.  This time was no different.  Before I could get in the door, I was greeted by the most adorable rat terrier/chihuahua mix.  The service was fast, friendly and courteous.  I know one thing.  From now on, we'll take all our vehicles there.  They remind me of my big brother, and well...its nice to have a car doctor you can trust.  http://www.cardoctorautocenter.com/ 
This morning, I was going through my closets looking for a pair of shoes that would go with every dress I plan to wear over the holidays.  I found them in every color except silver.  So, after my workout, I went to the mall to look for the perfect shoe.  It had to be dressy, somewhat classic, and most of all...comfortable.  I have bad knees and a bad back.  I have to be careful.  The heels cannot be too high.  I didn't want to have to wear flip flops but, I absolutely cannot wear shoes that make me fall down.  I saw a pair that fit the bill at Nordstrom's Rack, but decided to keep looking.  They weren't exactly what I was looking for.  I ended up at Off Broadway shoes.  I walked past all the five and six inch heels feeling a little disheartened.  Then, way in the back of the store, I found the cutest shoes and they met all the qualifying criteria.  Best of all, they were clearance priced.  Hooah!
While I was in the checkout lane, I received a call.  My dentist wanted to know if I could come in early.  They'd had a cancellation.  So, I took my pretty new shoes and drove straight over...extremely happy that I'd remembered to brush and floss prior to going to the mall.  I absolutely love our dentist.  Whenever I walk in to Dr. Vasey's office, I know I will be greeted by friendly folks I can honestly call friends, I know they will make me feel at home, and I know I will receive the best possible care.  Also, I love the fact that he always tells me my teeth are beautiful.  After all, my smile is important to me.  Dr. Eric Vasey treats our whole family and you know what?  I plan to keep it that way for a long time.  Like our mechanic, I like a dentist I can trust.
Yes, it was a time to be smiling...passed inspection, pretty new shoes, and a successful visit to the dentist.  I felt so good, I decided to get the tank topped off in my car.  I pulled in to the gas station and walked back.  UGH!!! My car had a new ding.  "Don't sweat the small stuff...don't sweat the small stuff"...I repeated to myself as I took deep breaths.  "Don't let a little ding ruin your day".  My husband comes home tonight.  He's been gone all week.  Be happy...smile...and maybe, if you ask sweetly, Santa Claus will get those nasty dings taken care of lickety-split.        

The Way Of The Sub

Last night, I picked my youngest up from a school activity and asked, "Are you hungry?"  He replied, "Starving, what's for dinner?"  Then he told me about an older kid that showed up for practice, and proceeded to snack on a twelve inch Subway sub.  They were all making bets as to whether or not he would well...you know...lose his dinner.  So, I asked "You want to go to Subway?"
This wasn't easy for me.  Despite the resurgence of Subway's popularity with Jared Fogle as the spokesperson and the consistent mentioning of their healthy menu on one of my favorite television shows (The Biggest Loser), I have personally not been to a Subway since the mid nineties.  Why?
Its not a pretty story but, here goes.  We were living in North Carolina.  I was pregnant with our youngest.  We popped into a Subway for lunch.  I had grown up on Subway sandwiches and on many occasions well into adulthood, we had ordered the gigantic six foot sub for parties (it is designed to serve 18-25 people).
But this particular visit turned me off to Subway for a very long time.  As I said, it was in North Carolina.  It was probably one of the hottest days of the year.  The woman who waited on us wore no headgear and no gloves when she made our sandwiches.  Her long and stringy hair hung down over and into the food area.  She was significantly overweight, so much so that, her belly literally hung over into the food bins from which she gathered the ingredients for our sandwiches.  To make matters worse, she was pouring sweat everywhere.  Now, I am not one to have a weak stomach.  I never have been.  I'm an old soldier.  I've eaten my meals in some of filthiest conditions around.  I've eaten with flies swarming around me.  I fought off ants that were competing for my trail mix.  Heck, even now, I frequently eat dinner while watching "Bones" reruns (I love Bones).  Maybe it was because I was pregnant but, I was so grossed out by that particular incident, I never went back to Subway.  I was traumatized.  And as a result, I kind of became a non submarine sandwich person.
But, I believe in second chances.  So, last night I decided it was time.  I suggested we try Subway.  Boy, was I surprised.  Subway today is not the Subway of yesterday.  The servers were clean, well groomed, and seriously sanitary (they changed their gloves with every customer's order).  The nutritional information for everything they served was right there posted where you could see it (though small for us folks with poor vision).  My son got a sandwich and said hi to a few of his friends who happened to also be there.  I ordered a veggie delite salad (I still try to cut down on the bread when I can).  I could of made my salad any way I chose but, I stuck with lettuce, tomato, green peppers, cucumbers, and pickles.  When I said that was all I wanted, the server smiled and doubled the portions.  He gave me a strange look when I said no dressing (I am trying to remain on that nice list).  When we got in the car, my son said, "I think I'm going to start going there more often."  I told him I thought that was a good idea.  I can safely be assured that, at Subway, he will have numerous healthy choices made available to him.  
The only suggestions I would make would be that they add shredded carrots to their veggies.  I added my own when I came home and it really rounded out the salad.  Also, try adding some dark leaf lettuce like romaine.
I learned some things last night.  Disappointment in the past doesn't have to mean disappointment until the end of time.   Keep and open mind.  You adapt.  Businesses (and people) can too.  Sometimes, its good to give second chances.  You might be pleasantly surprised if you do.
http://www.subway.com/nutrition/NutritionList.aspx?id=lowfat&Countrycode=USA         

Honey, Where Did I Put Baryshnikov?

This morning, I was distracted like the Dug the Dog from the movie "Up" (2009).  I was attempting to gather old clothes, blankets, and such for our upcoming donation to the National Children's Center when I came across a poster tube.  Squirrel!
But it wasn't what I had hoped.  I had hoped to find the old poster I had from my youth, that of Mikhail Baryshnikov.  Every morning, I go down to our basement gym and walk on that treadmill.  And every morning, I see that calendar of the Redskins cheerleaders, and that weightlifting lady that gave my husband an autograph at one of his conference shows.  Me?  I want my own motivation.  I want to be motivated by Baryshnikov.
So, I started my workout a little later than usual.  I became a woman on a mission.  I searched and searched but, I never found my elusive dancer.  I even thought I might find a replica online...but the poster I have...it just isn't out there.
Now, you might be wondering...why Baryshnikov?  I never danced ballet.  I've never even been to a ballet.  I am not of Russian descent.  I am a mix of Irish, English, and Scottish.  To be honest, I couldn't tell you why.  Perhaps Ophelia explained the attraction best..."That unmatched form and feature of blown youth, blasted with ecstasy.  Oh woe is me to have seen what I have seen, see what I see."  That poster of Baryshnikov got me through my teenage years and, even with over a dozen moves, I've never gotten rid of it.  It is somewhere buried in the catacombs of this home and I have to find it.  
So, when my husband called this morning, it was the first thing that came to my mind (after I love you and miss you of course).  I asked, "Honey, where did I put Baryshnikov?"  He knew exactly what I meant.  "Its in the house somewhere", he replied, "probably in the storage room.  Why?".
I explained to him that I needed motivation while I work out.  "What do you mean?  Doesn't the (Redskins cheerleader) calendar motivate you?  You look just like them now."  He's such a sweet talker.  "No, I don't."  I laughed.  "I look better.  Anyway, I don't want to look at half naked 20 something cheerleaders when I work out.  That doesn't motivate me.  I'm a woman.  I want to look at Baryshnikov.  Now...he motivates me."
"Well, we'll look for him when I get home."
I have such a supportive husband.      

A Pear By Any Other Name

After my workout this morning, I sat down and wrote a letter to my mother.  She likes it when I write.  She has difficulty hearing when I call.  Letters are better.  At first, I wrote long hand.  It wasn't long before that became difficult for me (carpal tunnel).  Nowadays, I do all my letter writing by computer and I insert photos throughout.  This morning, I put in a few extra photos.  I hope it makes her smile.  I wish I could visit more often.  Live sometimes gets in the way.
Later on, my Stepdaughter and I went over to Costco for some essentials.  While we were there, I saw that they had pears.  I love pears.  The whole family does.  Sometimes, when you get them, you have to let them sit a while.  But, if you have patience, they are totally worth it...all sweet and tender.  They are loaded with fiber too.
When I was a kid, I hated pears.  Why?  Well, we had a pear tree in our backyard.  My brother used to climb up on top of the back house (formally a garage) and call me outside.  When I came out to see what he wanted, he would pound me from above with those hard as a rock pears.  I was absolutely covered with pear shaped bruises.  Needless to say, I learned very quickly how to catch things being thrown at me.  I'm left handed but, I can catch with both hands.  And I can catch anything from baseballs to sets of keys.  It doesn't really matter.  Throwing?  That a different story.  I've never been much for throwing.  Probably because I never really had a need for it.  I couldn't for the life of me climb up on that roof without assistance and my brother wasn't about to help.
I read this link (see below) that said pears were a member of the rose family.  I guess a pear by any other name would taste as sweet but you know what?  I really wish my brother had lobbed roses at me way back when.  They'd have hurt a heck of a lot less.  Then again, had he thrown roses, I guess I'd a had to of dealt with those ornery thorns.  Maybe I just should have just learned to climb up on that roof.
I bet I could do it now.  
 http://healthymeals.nal.usda.gov/hsmrs/Middle_School_Nutrition_Marketing/Middle_School_Marketing_Pear.pdf
http://www.usapears.org/en/Facts%20And%20Nutrition/Healthy%20Choice/Pear%20Nutrition%20Facts.aspx 


  

Veggie Night

Sorry I'm so late with the blog today.  The Pats game just ended...another win.  It was a close one.  I held my breath...a lot.  I said a lot of prayers as well.  I think, sometimes, my husband is surprised at my level of enthusiasm when watching football.  I'm not.  I'm not the woman I once was.  You might say I have a new found appreciation for athletics and athletes.
We were very good today.  We made good choices.  My husband made us small cream cheese omelets for breakfast.  Then we headed out for some last minute Christmas shopping.  I believe we are pretty much done now.  As soon as we got home, I wrapped the presents.  Wrapping Christmas presents is like folding laundry fresh out of the dryer.  It relaxes me.  Its a good thing because unwrapped presents tend to attract the eyes of curious gift recipients.  The worst of all is my husband.  He is such a kid at heart.
During the football game, we snacked relatively healthy on whole wheat crackers and roasted red pepper hummus.  I had a protein drink, with blueberries and a banana.  For dinner, we've decided to make the vegetable lasagna we had in the freezer.  The label reads 280 calories per serving.  Each package is said to contain 5 servings but, we've had it before and its more like 6 or 7 servings.  If you have a Wegman's nearby, you need to try this stuff.  For frozen lasagna, its really tasty.
Tomorrow, my husband heads out on another of his work trips.  Whenever he goes away, I like to have just veggies for dinner.  Sometimes, I just microwave one of those bags of veggies.  Sometimes, I have those individual servings of broccoli or peas.  If I have hummus, I use sliced peppers, cauliflower or carrots to dip instead of crackers.
When I was young, I could not have told you what a cauliflower even looked like.  I remember eating peas and carrots, green beans, black eyed peas, lima beans, succotash, collard greens.  We ate a lot corn but , my maiden name was "Mays" (Maize).  We ate corn on the cob, off the cob, and creamed.  I never had spinach as a kid and now, its my all time favorite.  Though I never them in my youth, I now love eggplant, asparagus, artichokes, squash...  I like okra but, only in my gumbo.  As a matter of fact, about the only vegetables I still say no to are brussel sprouts and beets.  Potatoes?  Well, I do like sweet potatoes.  I have a weakness for sweet potato french fries.  As a kid, we stuck to the vegetables that either came in a can or from a TV dinner.   If we were lucky, we'd get some from my Grandma's garden but, one thing is for sure...we never ever had a meal of only veggies.  Vegetables were merely a side dish, something to make the plate more colorful.
I don't know where the rule came from that you had to have meat at every dinner meal.  I like having a dinner meal of solely veggies.  You know what?  My body does too.
Tomorrow morning, I get back to my normal workout routine.  I wonder how many days it will take me to make to 1500 miles.  My current plan is to stop blogging when the kids get out for Christmas vacation.  That gives me two weeks to reach my new goal.  Yes, even though I won't be blogging about it, I will continue to work out well into the new year.  I hope you will as well.    

That's What I Call A Full Day

We were exhausted this morning after spending the evening with close friends.  I tried to sleep in but, I was hurting.  My head, my hip, my knees, and my stupid big toe were aching.  Maybe I shouldn't have danced so much.  I can't help it.  My body says be careful but my heart says dance now and pay for it later.  This morning was...well, later.  Still, I got up, made some coffee, and fed the cat.  No workout today.  No, today I really needed one of those recovery days.  One day, I will learn to master my limitations.  Okay, maybe not.
While the boys stayed home and worked on scout stuff, my Stepdaughter and I went to see "New Year's Eve".  Its a really wonderful film.  See if it you can.  You won't regret it.
I was a little naughty today.  I had a small popcorn (no added butter or salt) but, I did have a bottled water so I don't feel too guilty.  When the movie was over and my Stepdaughter left to head to work, I met up with my husband and our youngest for some quick Christmas shopping.  But, I was way on the other side of the mall.  In order to get to where they were, I walked through the mall dodging the slowest shoppers I have ever seen in my life.  Now I know I walk really fast but, I think maybe they were slowing down and blocking me on purpose.  As I sped through the crowded hallways, I was reminded of my days as a teenager at my local hometown roller skating rink...in and out, quick turns, sudden stops...it was complete madness.  I mean, was everyone in Northern Virginia at this particular mall today?  It felt like it.  Anyway, we did our shopping and left.  As we walked to the car, I noticed a bus...imported holiday shoppers with armloads of purchases standing in line.  On weekdays, its so quiet and peaceful, it almost feels like they opened the mall just for me.  I wish weekends were like weekdays.  I don't like crowds.  Amazingly, the crowded mall didn't really stress me out.  I had my walking face on (or maybe my rollerskating face).  One mission.  Get to the meeting area while avoiding any and all obstacles AKA shoppers of all ages.  You know, maybe I should have gone out for roller derby.  If I were doing roller derby today instead of walking the mall, I would have amassed some serious points.   : )
We are home now, just sitting here with a fire in the fireplace...watching the final moments of the Army Navy game.  It seems the Navy always wins but, that's okay.  We never lose hope for a future win for the Army.  There is no real reason to stress over a game.  Its just healthy competition between two teams that, off the football field, really fight for the same team...the defense of our nation.  No one should feel bad.
I walked three rapid pace miles today and wait a minute...wasn't it supposed to be a recovery day?  Shouldn't I be hurting like I was this morning?  Could it be all that walking helped loosen up my sore hip, my bad knees, and my stupid aching toe.  My headache was even gone as well.  I love ending the day sans pain.
Awesome...Right now, I'm thinking dinner and Jacuzzi.  An excellent movie, shopping, dinner, a fire crackling in the fireplace, ending with a dip in the Jacuzzi?  Now, that's what I call a full day.  My only dilemma now?  Finding a bathing suit that won't fall off.          
 

Lord, Give Me Strength

Carolers at Potomac Mills Mall

This morning, like every morning, I go from room to room and gather laundry for that first load of the day.   Then, ever so slowly, I hold on to the banister with my free hand and descend the stairs.  I have to hold on.  My knees hurt.  That's my life.  I don't complain anymore.  I have my good days.  I have my bad.  Then, as luck would have it, I dropped a sock.  I bent down and picked it up.  I can't bend from the knees.  It hurts too much so, I bend...very carefully.  In the process of bending to get the sock, I dropped someone's underwear.  So, I bent down and picked that up.  This went on for a while.  I kept dropping things from my arm load of laundry.  Finally, I just sat down on the stairs, looked to the sky, and said, "Lord, Give me strength."  Once I said it, I had to chuckle.  It was something my Gram-ma used to say when I was a teenager and would come to her home with short shorts or long painted fingernails.  I smiled remembering her.  She drove me nuts sometimes but, one thing was for sure, she was a believer.  We spent every weekend together until I was eleven or so.  My Gram-ma knew her bible and could quote the scriptures better than any television Evangelist she forced me to watch on Sunday mornings.  She even made notes in her bible.  I imagine she made quite a few about me and my unacceptable attire...probably in the sections regarding Sodom and Gomorrah.  She was just waiting for the Lord to turn her Gran-daughter into a pillar of salt or something.  Sometimes I wonder what she would think about me now.  

I managed to make it downstairs.  My knees were still hurting when I stepped on the treadmill but, in time, I made it to my five mile mark.  I followed with my normal routine of push ups, sit ups, butt lifts, and weight repetitions.  I took a quick shower and made myself a whey protein smoothie.  I needed to head over to the mall to pick up some more of my favorite calcium chews.  They only carry them at Vitamin World.  Well,  when I came out of the store, I heard singing.  I walked down the hall a bit towards the music.  There, I saw these kids.  They were all dressed up and singing Christmas carols.  I stood and listened.  I don't know who they were but, they were quite good and before long, a crowd formed.  Ten o'clock on a Friday morning and I was standing there listening to these angels...all because I ran out of calcium chews.  When I thought about it, I had to smile.  I was standing.  I wasn't in bed.  I wasn't in pain.  I was standing there in front of Marshal's with all the other shoppers enjoying the songs of the season.  I felt warm all over.  And my heart...was full.  I decided I didn't want to go home immediately as I had previously intended.  I decided just to walk around and see what else I could I see.  I guess I just wanted to...I don't know...participate, be a part of that seasonal spirit.  In the past few years, I've done most of my shopping on line.  You miss a lot when you shop from home.  You get everything done but, you miss that warm embrace that the holiday provides.  So, I walked.  I walked the halls.  I walked around stores.  I smiled at complete strangers, especially salespeople who looked as if they really didn't want to be there.  I walked until my stomach told me it was time to head home.  I looked down at my pedometer and saw that I'd added another four miles to my day's walking total.  Then I realized something.  The Lord?  He listened.  Come to think of it, he kind of always does.  Its difficult at times, to stand, to take that step, to push myself, to make the right choices.  But there he is...when I least expect it...through a memory or just a familiar song...giving me strength.         

No Soup For You

We love soup.  Who doesn't?  Its warm and comforting and loved by folks all over the world, right?
I fell in love with soup as a kid and yes, its was Campbell's soup.  My favorites were tomato, chicken noodle, and vegetable.  I used to put so many saltine crackers in the vegetable soup, all the soup juice would be soaked up.  It made my soup crunchy and I liked it that way.
When I was stationed in Germany, I ate Goulash soup.  In Arizona, we always got the tortilla soup.  For years, we had tomato soup with grilled cheese sandwiches (okay, that really sounds good right now).  By the way, if you are ever in Occoquan, stop by the Blue Arbor Cafe and try their grilled cheese panini.  The other day, my Stepdaughter said it was the best grilled cheese she has ever had.  After seeing it, I'm going to have one next time we go (which may be very soon considering the fact that I can't stop thinking about grilled cheese sandwiches).  http://bluearborcafe.com/
Anyway, back to soup.  At work, my husband loves to make soup for lunch.  Its light and absolutely perfect when its chilly outside.  Last night, he stopped off at the local store and picked up a couple of soups.
"Sweetie", I said, "Did you know the soups you picked up are loaded with sodium?"  He replied, "I want to keep the calories down."  Well, you know me.  I saw a challenge and I love a challenge maybe even more than I love soup.  Mission:  Find soups that are low in calories and low in sodium.  It wasn't easy.   I tried looking on line first.  On line, I discovered some of the most popular soups.  The lowest in overall calories was the Campbell's Select Harvest.  The Chicken with Egg Noodles had 90 calories and 6 grams of protein per serving.  Unfortunately, it had 650 mg of sodium per serving.  The Light Southwestern Style Vegetable had 50 calories per serving.  Unfortunately, it had 650mg of sodium also.  The Light Italian Style Vegetable had 50 calories as well.  It had 650mg of sodium.  Even the Light Vegetable and Pasta with 60 calories had 650mg of sodium.  The Light Italian Style Wedding had 100 calories.  It only had 400mg of sodium, but remember we need to double it as each microwavable container equals two servings.  So, I kept looking.   Maybe I was just getting the serving size too large?  I picked up the Campbell's Soup at Hand and nearly dropped it.  Sure it was only 80 calories but, even with the label saying 25% less sodium than our regular product, it still had 730mg.  Ugh!  I kind of liked the Healthy Choice option.  The Country Vegetable had 90 calories per serving (2 servings) and 480mg of sodium.  Both the Chicken Noodle and Chicken and Rice had 90 calories per serving and only 390mg of sodium.  Still, I wasn't quite satisfied.  I want to keep my husband healthy.  So, I continued my search for a low calorie, low sodium soup he could make in the microwave at his office.  Amy's had some great low sodium soups, but they weren't low in calories like he wanted and weren't available in microwavable containers.  Oh well.  While in the health food section, I discovered Dr. McDougalls vegan soups.  I hesitated.  They looked an awful like Ramen and we all know Ramen noodles are filled with sodium.  Still, I gave them a look see.  I was curious.  As it turned out, Dr. McDougalls soups are both low in calories and sodium and each container is single serving size.   And just like Ramen, all you had to do was add water to the cup.   I picked these up.
                                         Calories                                Sodium
Tomato Basil Pasta            100                                      360mg
Pad Thai                             100                                      290mg
Miso w/organic ramen        90                                        340mg
Tortilla w/baked chips        100                                      310mg

I'm not sure if my husband will like them, but at least I know I'm making an effort to help him eat healthy while he is at work.  So, as the "Soup Nazi" put it on "Seinfeld" back in June 2008, make good choices when it comes to microwavable soups or "No Soup For You."
 

The Smell Of Brownies

 Its nearing noon on a rainy Wednesday morning.  My Stepdaughter and I are sitting here watching "The Biggest Loser" on demand.  No choice.  We miss it every Tuesday night.  It conflicts with "Glee" and well..we just won't miss Glee.
It already seems as if its been a full day.  I had coffee with my husband, saw our youngest off to school, and by 0830hrs, I had completed my workout.  This morning, combined with what I did last night, I added eight more miles to my total for the year bringing me to one thousand four hundred and eighteen miles.  In case you haven't guessed, I've decided to shoot for fifteen hundred.
This morning, I faced a new challenge.  Our son has a big scout event tonight and I'm baking brownies... sweet, warm, chocolaty, totally sinful brownies.  Many of you have been in my shoes.  Our home smells so wonderfully decadent right now.  You can't escape it.  Really, why would you want to?  The smell of brownies takes one back to a simpler time, to childhood, to mom.  During childhood, brownies are a reward for well...being a kid and having an amazingly fast metabolism.
As an adult, most of us don't have that kind of metabolism anymore.  Its not fair.  I mean, how often have you had to make some sugary dessert for the kids?  Have you been able to somehow resist the temptation to sneak one yourself?  
I've been there.  I love chocolate.  Long long ago, a dear friend of my mother made me a beautiful lace dress for my 1st birthday.  I still have it packed away in the cedar chest.  I symbolizes the me that will never change.  That lovely little dress has a huge chocolate ice cream stain.  Be it ice cream, cake, or my husband's homemade chocolate chip cookies, there is no doubt about it.  I have always loved chocolate.
Even now, one might think I am torn between being naughty and being nice.  Strangely, I am not.

I haven't overcome some addiction and my love of chocolate has never subsided.  How I can resist nibbling on the crusty edges or even the moist center of those brownies?  The truth is I don't really desire one.  I have discovered alternate means to satisfy my need for chocolate.  And it is a need.  I know.  I know its not listed under Maslow's hierarchy of needs.  But it should be...don't you think...right there next in the physiological...right next to sex?  Well, you know what I say...Who needs to cheat?   I'm going to sit right here, watch "The Biggest Loser" marathon and have a tiny piece of that no sugar added Guylian Belgian dark chocolate.  Mmmmm.  Nice.   http://www.guylian.com/en/discover-guylian/chocolate-bars/no-sugar-added-bar/

 

A Soldier's Christmas

This morning, I woke my Stepdaughter and we walked the mall together.  Then we went shopping.  I've done over eight miles today bringing my total to 1410 for the year.  Walking around, seeing all the festive lights and decorations, I couldn't help but remember the many holidays I spent separated from family because of military service.  I've spent Christmas Eve driving up to Kuwait to deliver packages to my soldiers so they would have something to open on Christmas morning.  I've spent Christmas morning with our youngest son as we video teleconferenced with "daddy" in Iraq.  Over the years, I've been the single soldier, the deployed officer, and the spouse left behind to dry the tears.  As I walked around today with my Stepdaughter, I was so very thankful to spend this time with her, so very thankful that our family is going to be together this Christmas.  Please remember those who cannot be with their loved ones this Christmas and say a prayer that they come home safely.  Having been in their boots, I know I will.  

A SOLDIER'S CHRISTMAS 

'Twas the night before Christmas, he lived all alone,

in a one bedroom house made of plaster and stone.

I had come down the chimney with presents to give,

and to see just who in this little house lived.

As I looked all about, a strange sight I did see,

No tinsel, no presents, not even a tree.

No Stockings by mantle, just boots filled with sand,

On the wall hung pictures of far distant lands.

With medals and badges, awards of all kinds,

A sobering thought came through my mind.

 For this house was different, it was dark and dreary,

 The home of a soldier, I could now see clearly.

The soldier lay sleeping, silent, alone,

Curled up on the floor in this one bedroom home.

The face was so gentle, the room in such disorder,

Not how I picture a United States Soldier.

Was this the hero of whom I'd just read?

Curled up on a poncho, the floor for a bed?

I realized the families that I saw this night,

owed their lives to these soldiers who were willing to fight.

Soon round the world, the children would play,

and grownups would celebrate a bright Christmas day.

They all enjoyed freedom each month of the year,

because of the soldiers, like the one lying here.

I couldn't help wondering how many lay alone,

on a cold Christmas Eve in a land far from home.

 The very thought brought a tear to my eye,

I dropped to one knee and started to cry.

 The soldier awakened and I heard a rough voice,

"Santa don't cry, for this life is my choice".

 I fight for freedom, I don't ask for more,

My life is my God, my country, my corps."

 The soldier rolled over and drifted to sleep,

I couldn't control it, I continued to weep.

 I kept watch for hours, so silent and still,

as we both shivered from the cold night's chill.

 I didn't want to leave, on that cold, dark night,

this guardian of honor, so willing to fight.

 Then the soldier rolled over, with a voice soft and pure,

whispered, "Carry on Santa...., It's Christmas Day...., All is secure.

       One look at my watch, and I knew he was right,

Merry Christmas my friend.... and to all a Good Night.

~ Author Unknown *~

Fourteen Hundred Miles And The Sky Is Falling

 My Journey To Date:
Total Miles Walked -1402
Weight repetitions - 60,500
Sit ups, crunches - 17,000
Push ups - 7850
Butt lifts - 11,500

This morning, as I cruised past the 1400 mile mark, the last of our post storm repairs began....the new roof.  Its rather disconcerting, the ripping and pounding disturbing my normally calm and quiet surroundings here in the heart of suburbia.  One would think my nerves would be on edge with all the stomping around.  They aren't.  I am perfectly fine.
When I realized the workers had begun demolition (if that's what they call it), I had to stop in the middle of my workout.  I ran out, completely drenched from sweat, and backed my car out of the garage.  Then I went back down and finished.  Down in the basement, I could barely hear them but, while I was in the shower, it felt like they were right above me.  The blinds were closed and I was expressly careful not to walk around partially clothed.
I'm not the exhibitionist I used to be.  I guess, with age, comes some modesty.
My Stepdaughter and I had to run an errand.  When we walked out the front door of our home, all these pieces began to fall.  I laughed and asked her if we should grab the umbrella or merely make a run for it.  We decided to just make a run for it and hope we didn't get covered by debris.

As we made our way to the car, I looked back to find nearly a dozen men on our roof and all but one or two were staring at us.  Mmmm...weird.  Maybe they were just looking at my car.
Soon after we returned from our little errand, the maid service showed up.   I'm sure they loved that.  I really hope no one falls off the roof ogling the pretty ladies.
So, our home is filled with all sorts of interesting noises today...the constant pounding on the roof and the hum of vacuuming inside.  The cat?  She hiding somewhere.  After today, we might not see her for days.
And here I sit...silently disbelieving the fact that I have walked over 1400 miles this year... its a bit overwhelming, you know?  Maybe my husband was right.  Maybe I will reach 1500 miles before the end.   Who could have guessed I would go this far beyond my goal?  All I know is...I'm on my way.      

Tis The Season To Party Naughty

Last night, my husband and I attended a holiday party at a co-workers home.  I was worried.  Would I be able to resist the usual massive quantities of decadent goodies that always seem to cover brightly colored tables at events such as these?  
When we walked in, we were greeted by our host in his "I've been good this year" Santa hat.  My husband was wearing his new "Grandma got run over by a reindeer" hat.  Our hostess was in the kitchen hurriedly preparing the finishing touches.  Almost everyone had dressed up for the occasion.  I was glad.  As I told my husband before we left, I was excited just to be wearing something besides workout clothes for a change.  No jeans for me.  I was wearing a dress.  
The host and hostess had a great idea for the evening's festivities.  They asked the guests to bring in gently used coats that they would in turn donate to a local charity.  We managed to come up with four or five we didn't need anymore.  I was surprised because we had just donated a bunch of bags of old clothes to the National Children's Center (or was it the Lupus Foundation of America?).  I can't remember, but I know we had donated coats as well.  We usually donate several bags every couple of months to whomever calls first.  
Their home was absolutely beautiful and the food looked amazing.  I had to laugh at the table centerpiece...a silly rendition of a reindeer with the peanuts strategically placed to the rear of the deer to symbolize well...deer poop.  I love a good sense of humor.
My husband poured us each a glass of Cabernet and we mingled a bit.  Then, we went grazing.  There is no other way to put it.  You grab a little paper appetizer plate and begin taking a bit of this and that.  There was a lot to choose from...cheeses, crackers, fruit, reindeer poop (AKA nuts), crab dip, veggies and cocktail shrimp.  I was extremely happy to see that most of what they had chosen to serve was relatively healthy.  This is often the most difficult time of the year to make healthy choices.
I detoured around the pepperoni and the meatballs in the slow cooker and I skipped the main dish, the andouille sausage gumbo with a side of warm bread.  No sausage and no pepperoni for me this year.  You know what?  The no beef, no pork restriction I placed myself on at the beginning of the year?  I'm going to continue it in 2012.  It works for me.  And you know what I say...whatever works, be it low sugar, low sodium, or low carb...go for it.
All in all, I wasn't too naughty last night.  I admit I filled my plate three times (they were really small and I missed dinner) and I did have a small chocolate cookie.  I doubt its going my alter my current status on Santa's list.  I hope I am on the nice list.  Mmmm...Is there an APP that lets you know your up to date naughty/nice Santa list status?  
When we came home, it wasn't long before I crashed on the couch.  I ended up going to bed early but I didn't sleep.  I was way too wound up to sleep.  I just lay there watching Saturday Night Live with the hubby.  Well, I watched through my eye lids.  He was tired as well so I presume he did too.  What can I say?  We aren't the night owls we once were.  But...we did get up early this morning and work out.   Between the two of us, we burned around one thousand calories.        

Even Our Tree Is Skinny This Year

Yesterday, my husband and I began our holiday decorating.  Most years, from dawn until dusk, we reach and bend and stretch getting all those decorations brought down and put up around the house.  All of these good exercise but, every year we'd decorate, I'd end up overdoing it and pulling or twisting something I shouldn't like my back or my knee or my neck.  One Christmas in Arizona, when my husband was deployed, I pulled my back out while attempting to sit on the floor and open presents with our youngest son.  I was fortunate that my brother had chosen that Christmas to visit us...because I was bedridden.  One Christmas holiday here in Virginia, I twisted my back so bad, my husband had to take me to the doctor.  I could not stand without his assistance.  The worst part was we had about forty people on their way to our home.  So, while he hosted a party downstairs, I lay in our bed drugged up on prescription pain killers.  I was missing out on all the celebration.  I was missing out on life.  And it tore me apart.
Then everything changed.  I began taking yoga classes, I started eating better, I lost weight, and suddenly when I did have the misfortune to injure myself...I healed more quickly, sometimes overnight.  The healthier I became, the less my disabilities... disabled me.  Living smarter, making better choices, I gained control of my life again.  Sure, I wasn't miraculously healed but, I did feel better and I wasn't missing out any more.  Winter's chill no longer meant inevitable pain.  
Last year was first holiday season in years that I didn't get injured.  At first, I was confused.  You see, injury had become something I expected like a seasonal cold.  Come to think of it, I rarely get those any more either.
This year I look forward to the holidays like never before.  My whole family has been working out and eating better in 2011.  Our friends have gotten into the whole healthy regimen.  The world is spreading...
Hey, I just noticed...even our Christmas tree is skinny this year.  How awesome is that?

Oh Yes, I Actually Had Pancakes..And Syrup!

http://bobevans.com/Menu/Category/71/Fit-from-the-Farm

http://www.smucker.com/sensibly_sweet/products.aspx 

As soon as our youngest was off to school, my husband and were out the door.  We needed to get my car in the shop for a service.  Afterwards, we went to breakfast at one of our favorite places...Bob Evans.  Our waitress was a sweetheart.  Her name was Debbie and she made us feel right at home.  I always seem to get the same thing when we go there...a veggie omelet.  But this morning, I noticed something new on the menu.  On the "Fit from the farm" menu, they offered the "Be Fit" breakfast, a no cholesterol egg blend with a side of cranberry multi-grain pancakes.  They forgot the fruit side but, to be honest, I never even noticed.  I wouldn't have had room for it anyway.  

What stood out to me was the cranberry pancakes.  They were amazing!  I liked them so much, I asked my husband if we could take a stack home to my Stepdaughter.  She always eats something quick like a protein bar on the way out to work.  I thought it would be nice to bring her something warm and tasty.  You know, something that tastes really naughty, but is secretly nice.  Well, just as I guessed, she loved them as well.  And, like me, she couldn't finish.  Who would have thought to put cranberries and pancakes together?  Bob Evans, that's who.  

By the way, check out the Smucker's Sugar Free breakfast syrup.  No more will we be forced to pour watery chemical laden syrup substitutes on our multi-grain or whole grain pancakes.  This one is made with Splenda and its as good as the original syrups.  Mmmm..  I can't believe I just had pancakes and eggs and I don't feel a bit guilty for it  (352 calories).  

This totally puts me in the mood to decorate for Christmas.   

More, More, More

I've added nine miles today and I'm thinking of going for another walk before nightfall.  Nightfall comes rather early now that we stepped in December.  I cannot believe its almost over but, I am happy with all I've accomplished this year...so far.
Today, I did my five miles on the treadmill at a 4.3 pace, with an incline up to 10.  I was bookin'.  I felt strong.  Sure, my knees hurt and my foot threatened to cramp up on me but, I just told myself..."Focus on something else.  You will be fine."  I watched "The Today Show" and, I was...fine that is.
Afterwards, I did my normal routine of exercises but, somehow it wasn't enough.  Lately, I've wanted more and more.  I've wanted to push myself and just doing my normal routine isn't enough.  Some might think its because I am in the final phase of my year long fitness journey, that, perhaps I am only pushing myself until I reach my goal and return to the status of sexy couch potato.  They would be wrong.  For one, I met and surpassed my goal months ago.  I am now drawing ever closer to the 1400 mile mark, 400 hundred miles more than I set out to walk.  Its not about goals anymore.  Its about loving who I have become.  I have regained my self respect and my sense of self worth.  I have taken personal responsibility for my health.  And well...it feels amazing.  There wasn't a pill or a magic diet involved.  My friends and family would tell you I never seem to stop eating.  I am merely more aware of what I put into my body.  I read labels, I don't really count calories.  I just "aim low"..low calorie, low sugar, low sodium.  I exercise because it makes me feel lighter, more limber, and less prone to injury.  And, when I am injured, I heal at what appears to be super speed.  I watch what I eat because I have a family history of type two diabetes and because I care about my body.  I walk because its what I am physically capable of doing, its easy and it works.
Anyway, my normal workout downstairs wasn't enough.  I wanted more.  I opened the front door but, the temps were still in the 30's...too chilly for me.  I opted to hang with an old friend instead, Ms. Leslie Sansone.  I went to my On Demand menu, Exercise TV, and sought out the walk section.  With my old friend Leslie, I did a 20 minute cardio routine.  Its funny but, I can remember when Leslie was a challenge to me.  This morning, I was left inevitably wanting more.
When my Stepdaughter came up after her workout, I asked if she wanted to go to the mall and walk a bit.  The mall is absolutely wonderful during weekdays when no one is there...its quiet and there are no crowds except maybe the one to see Santa.  I wonder what he'd say if one of us went up there and sat on his lap.  I'd bet he'd love that!  We still had a little time left before we had to head home so we popped in to Costco and got a shrimp tray.  My thought was that, combined with a steamed veggie, that shrimp would make an excellent low calorie/high protein dinner.  I apologize if you are allergic.  Me? I just love shrimp.  I can't get enough.  Just call me Bubba Gump, because I will eat shrimp anyway one can cook it.  As my father used to say, "Keep it comin' cause, I love me some shrimp."
http://www.calorieking.com/foods/calories-in-fresh-shellfish-shrimp-cooked-moist-heat_f-ZmlkPTYyMzgx.html
After we got home, we realized we were nearly out of Chobani.  I walked to the nearest grocery store but, they were "bloom-ing" expensive there..about $1.50 each.  OUCH!  I bought a few of the Oikos Greek as well.  They were only $1.29 each.  But, I can't complain.  I did get to walk there.  And you know what I say...IT ALL COUNTS...  I just wish the stores with the lower prices were closer.  With yogurt, you can't go too far.  You have to keep refrigeration in mind.  
Better go.  My youngest just got home and I've still got a couple of loads of laundry to do.  I'll take each stack upstairs individually so as to get more exercise.  Remember to make good choices.

        

Sunshine, Negative Ions, And A Warm Butt

 Last night, my stupid foot was killing me.  It keeps cramping at the joint below my toe.  Its nothing new.  Its been doing this since before I got out of the Army.  They said it was probably because I had been wearing combat boots for too many years and they provided no solution to my pain.  It wasn't constant, just occasionally excruciating...so no worries, right?
This morning, I got up and did my usual routine down in the basement.  But afterwards, I really felt as if I could do more.  So, I changed shirts (my first shirt was drenched with sweat) and bundled up for a walk outside.  What was I thinking????  First of all, it was 43 degrees outside.  I got halfway down the street before I had second thoughts.  I thought it would be warmer.  I mean, the sun was out.  Then I turned the first corner, the one shaded by the trees.  The cold air hit me.  Then a truck went by and that wind caught me.  I started to shiver.  My back hurt.  My knees hurt.  And my stupid foot cramped up and nearly threw me.  UGH!  I was the only crazy one outside at this point...all alone and freezing my butt off.
Then it happened.  I cleared the trees and the warm sunshine hit me on the face (it was the only exposed area).  It felt so wonderful, I just knew I could keep going despite the pain.  And I did.  I even walked the big hill today.  As I turned the corner and headed home, the warm sunshine hit me smack dab on the rear end.  It was so warm, I felt like I was being gently nudged along by mother nature herself, and I was positively energized.  Before long, I saw another walker...then a runner.  I wasn't alone any more.
I turned the final corner and the wind picked up.  But the cold wind didn't phase me anymore.  Mother nature was on my side now and I was not walking against her.  I was walking with her.  I saw a leaf out of the corner of my eye.  It was on the sidewalk next to me.  I know this sounds silly but, it seemed as if it were somehow racing me to the finish line.  I picked up speed, then, it picked up speed.  We went back and forth for 100 ft or so, then I smiled when I flew past it.  I won.  And I was nearly home.
When I walked in, my Stepdaughter was finishing her workout.  After showers, we decided to take a trip over to Walmart.  I hadn't been in a while and neither had she.  While there, we couldn't help but check out the fitness section.  Walmart has a decent fitness section.  And if you are ever looking for protein powder or bars, take my advice and try them before you go to more pricey places like GNC.   There was a lady there looking at the Shake Weights.  I told her I had one.  We talked a bit about how it works and she said I should be on the commercial.  Wouldn't that be funny?  Me, on a commercial for fitness products...
Today, I picked up one of those ion necklaces I keep seeing on athletes and in places like Dick's sporting goods.  Do they work?  Who knows?  The package says it helps with optimizing energy, strength, balance, endurance, and flexibility.  I'll give it a try and see if I notice a difference in my performance or overall pain level.  Maybe I'll get lucky.  I'll let you know.   Hey, if nothing else, they look pretty cool.  Does wearing one of these make me an athlete?  I know. I know.  That's a stretch.
Well, we both froze heading back to the car.  I'll never get used to the cold weather.  On the way home, I turned on the seat heaters in the car.  I don't think I could ever again buy a car without seat heaters.  The warmth just makes me feel so much better, so much more driven to excel.  You know, whether its the sun nudging me along on my morning  walk or driving around in my car with the seat heaters on, I am beginning to believe if your butt is warm, you can accomplish anything.