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.        

Those Barometric Changes

Last night, I finally dug into the leftover veggie lasagna. We all did.  You know what?  For something we discovered in the frozen section of Costco, it was really good.  I added leftover salad and I had a meal.  Yum.
It was damp and muggy when I got up this morning.  The weatherman said we should expect one hundred percent chance of rain, but it hadn't yet hit my county.  I considered walking outside, but decided against it.  Even if I could beat the storm, it would surely be difficult with my arthritis.  Good thing I did.  By the time I'd completed five miles on the treadmill, it began to pour.
My head has been hurting for a couple of days now.   Its probably just the weather.  I'm not worried.   I can handle headaches.  After all the years I suffered with migraines, headaches from barometric changes are a walk in the park (and you know how I love to walk).  As I looked outside, I couldn't help but think about all I had to do.  I met my Stepdaughter as she was heading downstairs to work out.  I asked if she wanted to run errands with me.  So out we went into the wet weather.  Our first stop was the Jiffy Lube.  http://jiffylube.com/about/aboutjiffylube.aspx
I was due for an oil change and I like Jiffy Lube.  They are fast and courteous.  So what if they always have extra stuff they want to sell me.  I worked in retail.  Suggestive selling?  One can always say no, right?  The mechanic came out with the umbrella so I wouldn't get wet as I headed to the waiting room.  Very gentlemanly.   I was impressed.  And they know my car.  They have everything on record.  They make it easy.  Its why I always go back.  Besides, my husband says never to get oil changes at the dealership...its too expensive.
Our next stop was to a store in town.  I can't say much though.  I bought a Christmas present for my husband and he sometimes reads my blog.  With that purchase, I am officially done with my Christmas shopping.  As a matter of fact, I am nearly done with wrapping.  I am waiting on one on line purchase.
After that stop, we headed over to the place where my youngest takes guitar lessons.  He is going out for a sport and I needed to adjust his schedule.  He has gotten so good, I don't want to end them.  Time to adjust fire, so to speak.
Then, it was time for lunch.  I like taking my Stepdaughter out for lunch.  I absolutely love having another girl to hang out with.  Did I mention the Jiffy Lube mechanic asked if we were sisters?  We just laughed.  Or maybe we giggled.  I can't remember.

Lunch was at one of our favorite places...Panera bread.  The cashier was the same one that waited on us the last time we were there...James.  We love James.  He is positively bubbly.  One can just tell he enjoys his work there.  "Hey, Panera bread, you should promote James.  We like him.  He makes you feel warm and welcome even when you come in out of the rain."    
I had the same thing I had last time, the half and half low fat vegetarian black bean soup with tuna on honey wheat bread and a bottle of water (and believe it or not, James remembered I had ordered that before).  Anyway, it was very filling as before.  I couldn't finish. I took the apple home again.  http://www.panerabread.com/   It was all good, but if this weather continues the way it is, I might just get the soup next time we go there (no, not to confuse James).  I just love their black bean soup.
Once we were done with lunch, we stopped in at Target.  I spent way too much money (as usual), but now I don't have to stop at the grocery store.  Then, we came home and watched "Super 8".  If you haven't yet seen it, I totally recommend it.  Its one of those movies that's suitable for the whole family...though you may want to watch the little ones (of cartoon age).  The aliens are pretty scary.  All in all, it was a good day despite the weather.  I can't complain.  Between the treadmill and our errands, I logged another seven miles today.  I'm glad we decided to venture out.

That Cheesecake In The Fridge Doesn't Even Phase Me

Last night for dinner, we had a few friends over.  We sat around and watched as our team made us proud.  I tried to make good choices.  We had a lot of appetizers.  It wasn't easy.  But, in the end, I was happy with what I'd had.  The snacks were sneaky healthy.  What's sneaky healthy?  Its when you substitute naughty for nice.  The chips were all whole grain or multi-grain and, where we could, we tried to integrate lots of fruit and veggies.  If its in front of you, it will be the first think you grab.  The idea is if you have light cheeses on the table, you won't go looking in the fridge for the less healthy cheddar.  We did offer naughty for those who really wanted it.  Me?  Instead of dipping my veggies in the ranch dressing you see in the photo, I dipped mine in the roasted red pepper hummus.  Smart, huh?
For dinner, I ate a half portion of the walnut chicken.  Most did.  The portions were huge.  We cut them all in half.  The veggie lasagna my husband thought would be a nice side dish?  No one touched it.  With all the other stuff we had (our friends brought Thanksgiving leftovers too), no one had room.
I had some of the romaine lettuce salad with artichokes, roasted tomatoes, olives, and feta cheese.  Then I added a small side of butternut squash and cranberry sauce.  I completed my plate with a sliced Roma tomato topped with a slice of mozzarella cheese.  For my drink, I had a glass of red wine (and two glasses of water).
There was coconut cake and cheesecake but, I had no room for dessert.  I didn't even have room for my usual sugar free Jello with whipped cream.  I did have a cup of decaf coffee.   This morning, I got up feeling amazing.  I worked out hard in our basement gym.
At lunch today, a bunch of us went to see "Breaking Dawn part I".  We made smart movie snack choices and the movie was really good.  You know what?  I added another seven miles today.  I worked out hard.  I made excellent choices when it came to what I ate.  Right now, I feel strong and smart and confident.  That leftover cheesecake in the fridge doesn't even phase me.   If I had a superhero label, I'd be "healthy girl".  I'd have the superpower of discipline and I wouldn't need my glasses to read labels.  Hey, I can dream.  At least I know I can successfully ward off the evil cheesecake in our fridge.                

Getting Ready For The Game

I'm going to have to make this a short one.  Company is coming over.  We've been getting ready for the game.  Whole grain and multi-grain chips, philly cream cheese with salsa, veggies, sweet potato chips, roasted red pepper hummus, Roma tomatoes and mozzarella, Spanakopita (I probably spelled that wrong), butternut squash, salad, and walnut chicken for dinner.  I can't wait.
We began our day with an early morning walk.  When I reset my pedometer, I'd added another six miles.
Well, the game begins in three minutes, so I'd better go.  I have a few more things to lay out before everyone gets here.  I'm wearing my spirit wear.  Tonight, we party.  Tomorrow, I do a hard workout.  Go Pats!  

Home At Last

We just rolled in around a half hour ago...nine hours on the road.  We are all exhausted, yet strangely wound up.  I put in a load of laundry and there are at least two more loads to follow.  Its difficult to believe it was only a four day trip.
This morning couldn't have begun better.  My Sister in Law said she was going for a walk in the neighborhood.    Let me just say, I really wish I had taken my camera.  Massachusetts is absolutely beautiful right now.   You had the appearance of winter in New England minus the cold.  We walked about three miles before we came home.  All in all this weekend, I walked twelve miles.  Not bad for a holiday, huh?  And aside from my time in the gym on Thanksgiving morning, I wasn't even trying.  My husband's family just enjoy living healthy.  I love that.  It means more time with all of them.    
This weekend, I was even pretty good when it came to eating.  On Thursday, I went vegetarian.  On Friday, I did have fish but, other than that, I think I made some good choices.  Sure I had clam chowder and a crab cake for lunch, but I tried steamers (clams) for the first time ever and I had a veggie burger for dinner.  And last night, I kept it at no more than two glasses of wine.
This morning, I woke feeling great.  I had a banana, some Chobani with granola, and a decaf coffee.  And for lunch, just before we left for home, I had a dieter's tuna salad from a local restaurant called "Tony's".
https://tonys-sutton.foodtecsolutions.com:9443/menu?category=Salads  The portions were huge!  If you are ever in Sutton, Massachusetts, check them out.  Its definitely worth the trip.  My husband said his steak and cheese sub was the best he had ever had and our youngest had to take some of the turkey out of his turkey and cheese sub just so he could get it into his mouth.    
Even on our trip South, I managed to make decent choices.  I drank lots of water and, on one of our three rest stops (in New Jersey- Molly Pitcher), I found a Freshen Yogurt place.   http://www.freshens.com/Products/high-protein-smoothies.html  I later found out that, along with all the healthy stuff, it was loaded with sugar.  What can I say?  We research and, we learn.  I don't feel bad.  It was all I had for dinner.  Next time,  I will discover something new and even more healthy.  I noticed they have a Dick Clark's AB (American Bandstand) Grill.  Mmmm...I'm thinking maybe an omelet.  It might take a little longer but, it would totally be worth it.  
So, here I am finally home.  My husband is getting antsy wanting to turn on the television so I'd better make this short.  I need to hop in the shower anyway.  Nine hours stuffed into a car.  You know?  
Well look at that.  My husband just brought me a Kahlua and coffee.  What a nice way to end a wonderful weekend.  Wait a minute.  I still have tomorrow...and my husband says he walks to walk with me in the morning.
Until tomorrow...  : )

The Day After The Feast

Friday, the day after Thanksgiving.  I was pretty good yesterday.  I drank plenty of water and stuck to the traditional Thanksgiving fare.  I just excluded meat.  No turkey, no ham, and none of the famous Hurley sausage stuffing.  As it turned out, it wasn't really that difficult to eat solely vegetarian for the day.  I was testing my level of discipline and I passed. 
I had green bean casserole, sweet potatoes, salad, cranberry sauce, etc...all my favorites; then I added cauliflower and broccoli.  I have to admit it; I did have more wine than I usually have (three glasses), a kalua and coffee, and a piece of pumpkin pie minus the crust.  But I never eat the crust.  In addition, some of us sampled each other's sugar free chocolates.  Mmmm.  Decadent huh?  I am happy that, for once, I didn't feel as if I had gorged myself. 
This morning, I skipped my workout.  I know...right?  I actually took a day off.  I got up, had my decaf coffee, a banana, and a bowl of Fiber One cereal with almond milk.  It was really good.  I'd never had almond milk before.
We've just returned from lunch at "The Lobster Trap".  I was naughty.  I had a big bowl of clam chowder and a crab cake.  It was my first cream soup all year.  Later today, we are heading to another relative's home for clams.  I don't really like clams.  I've been told they will also have veggie burgers.  Maybe I should do an act of contrition while I am here...you know?  For the chowder today and the wine last night.  How many hail Marys do you think I need?
I have resigned myself to the fact that this weekend will not be the healthiest I've have this year.  No worries.  I will keep drinking water, and avoid what I can avoid within reason.  Its still all about the choices I make.  This is no time to be sweating the small stuff.  On Monday, I will get back on track.  Maybe I'll walk an extra mile or two or three or four.
I can't seem to get this computer to log my workout routine updates.  So far, even with the few bad choices I've made, I've managed to walk quite a bit.  I believe I have eight or nine miles already (I'll add them once we get home).  Last night, we walked the neighborhood here.  It was cold but, absolutely beautiful.  I haven't seen that many stars since we left Arizona back in 2004.  My husband and I held hands as we walked.  : )

Happy Thanksgiving

It took us between eleven and twelve hours, but on the trip here, I managed to make good choices.  At the rest stops, I purchased only yogurt, fruit, and coffee.  And I drank lots of water.  On previous trips north, I have arrived feeling tired and irritable.  Not this time.  When we arrived, it was late. I had a glass of cabernet, some leftover chinese noodles, and went right to sleep.  In hindsight, I probably should not have had the late meal, but what can I say?  I was a hungry lady. 
In the background, I can hear the football game.  It is a beautiful day, though a bit chilly for this nonacclimated Virginian.  Its okay.  Today, we will most likely stay in enjoying the food and the holiday festivities.  Today is a day to gather, to hug those we haven't seen in forever, and well...to eat massive quantities of food.  I know.  I know.  I promise I won't over do it..  After all, I am trying to be a healthy lady.    
Can I be good?  Well, I have been so far.  I worked out this morning.  I added four miles, three hundred weight repetitions, fifty push ups, one hundred sit ups, and one hundred butt lifts to my already growing list of healthy choices for the year.  If I could figure out this strange computer I borrowed, I would let you know exactly how far I've walked. 
I've had probably fives bottles of water (in preparation for the wine I will later drink), my usual whey protein smoothie, some steamed veggies and some miscellaneous nuts that lay out in a dish.  I can smell the turkey, but I am seriously thinking I will stay away from meat this year, eat only vegetarian.  I told my husband I wanted to see what it was like to walk a mile in a vegetarian's shoes.  Yes, he thinks I am crazy.  "You can't not have turkey."  "Sure I can...not have turkey.  Look at all this other amazing yummy food." 
I'll keep this short.  I know few folks are reading today.  Have a wonderful day today.  Make good choices...well, do your best.  I'll be right there with you. 
Well, I'd better get back to the game.  Happy Thanksgiving. 

The Thanksgiving Weekend Cometh

When I was a child, we rarely had Thanksgiving dinner at home.  As a matter of fact, I don't remember my mother ever making a Thanksgiving dinner.  Just before the holidays, my parents would assign my Grandparents their particular season.  You either had the family for Thanksgiving or for Christmas.  It went back and forth every year and they always argued about it.  They both preferred Thanksgiving.  

My Grandparents never got along; it was a constant battle between the Northern (Philadelphia, Pennsylvania) relatives and the Southern (Danville, Virginia) relatives.  I teetered somewhere in the middle between Yankee and Rebel child.  To make matters worse, my Northern Grandmother called me "Terry", while my Southern Grandmother insisted "Terry" was a boy's name.  She called me "Lou", my middle name.  Yes, my Northern Grandmother insisted "Lou" was a boy's name.  Honestly, I don't think I really knew my name until I was enrolled in school and had to write it out on paper.  

If we had Thanksgiving at my Northern Grandmother's home, it was formal and elegant.  I was relegated to the kid's table, where I couldn't make a mess and it was a clear distance from her good china.  If we had dinner at my Southern Grandmother's home, I was still relegated to the kid's table, but her dishes didn't even match so it really didn't matter if something tipped over and spilled or got broken.  The food was good at both my Grandmother's homes, but it didn't matter.  If we were at one home, they complained about the other.  All I really wanted was for the constant fighting to end.  

Once I left home and joined the Army, Thanksgiving was still a major deal.  The story going around was that the dining facility managers would save up all year so they could put on a feast.  Families would come to join in and, in my early days as a single soldier, that sometimes left me saddened missing my own somewhat eccentric family.  Later, as an officer, we dressed in our finest uniforms on Thanksgiving Day and served the troops.  This was a wonderful and highly appreciated concept that unfortunately left me with an inordinately large cleaning bill once a year.  

At war, Thanksgiving was shared not only with fellow soldiers, but the indigenous insects.  But that only served to make you appreciate the feast more.  On occasion, we would sit around and watch video tapes of holiday movies or football games.  And the Thanksgiving care packages were always the best.  Cookies, cakes, and well...my father sent one with fly swatters for the entire platoon.  

When I got married, I began celebrating most Thanksgivings with my "pilgrim" relatives.  They aren't really pilgrims, but they do live in Massachusetts.  I look forward to this time every year.  The love felt in their homes makes up for any stress built up from the long drive or flight.  And sometimes, we even get the opportunity to visit historical places like Plymouth and Salem.  

So, tomorrow is Thanksgiving.  I'm going to do my best to be good.  Its been a year to be thankful.  This year is the first of many that I cannot remember the last time I threw my back out, my migraines headaches are history, and the only reason I have visited a doctor has been for check ups or vitamins.  My Stepdaughter is home, the kids are all happy and doing well in school, and I am married to a amazing wonderful loving man.  

Yes I am thankful.  This year, I finally understand football, and if I wish...I am healthy enough to go out and throw the ball around with the family.  Or if I so choose, I can just sit it out...  The point is, I have a choice.     

When you sit down with your family this weekend, just remember, when you do, try to make good choices.  In my experience, gorging yourself will only lead to regret.  This is a time of family, friends and, let’s not forget, being thankful.  That includes being thankful for our good health.  Celebrate wisely and make healthy choices.   

On A Rainy Day, There's Sunshine At Bubbles

Today is one those days most would prefer to just stay home, curl up on the big comfy couch, and watch old movies.  Not me.  Once my youngest was off to school, I headed down to our basement gym and hit the treadmill.  I was in the gym from 0700hrs until about 0830hrs, with focus on cardio, arms and abs.
Afterwards, I headed upstairs for my whey protein smoothie.  Take my advice.  Never add Fiber One cereal to your smoothie.  Believe me, that short cut turned out to be a mistake.  Sure, I drank it.  But let's just say, that's one smoothie experiment gone awry.  I really need to get to the store and pick up some more fruit.
Well, no time for a second try.  I had to get a move on.  I had an appointment with a new hairstylist at "Bubbles" Stonebridge at 1000hrs.  I was there when they opened their doors...just me, my umbrella, and a sugar free hazelnut soy latte I'd picked up at Wegman's.  Despite the nasty weather, the staff were all smiles.  Let's face it...no one really wants to have their hair done on a rainy humid day...there is a serious frizz factor involved.  But they made me feel right at home, more like family, and less like a first timer at their salon.
I was in particularly good spirits having had my early morning exercise, but a bit stressed at the upcoming holiday weekend.  I was really for my stylist, "Sunshine", to give it her best shot at making this 48 year old lady look younger.  She asked all the right questions and I immediately felt at ease in the hands of a professional.  Its been difficult since my friend Laura left town.  Its hard to trust new folks with your hair.  After all, your hair...its visual...what people see.  Second to your smile, its your ultimate first impression.  I told her I wanted to get rid of the gray and add a bit of dimension.  Together, we decided on two colors, both a shade of chestnut.  Before long, I had a head full of tin foil.  I looked silly and I laughed thinking if I went outside, I might be suddenly struck by lightning.  After the color had set, she took me back to wash my hair.  She massaged my scalp.  It was amazing.  I was so relaxed, I nearly fell asleep.  We could have done that all day and I'd be happy.  We back to her station where she trimmed my split ends, dried and flat ironed, then followed with the finishing touches.  I was extremely impressed with the job and well...I'll definitely be back.  So, if you are looking for a place where there is always "Sunshine", try the Bubbles at Stonebridge (next to Wegman's in Woodbridge).  http://www.bubblesforhair.com/home/ 
To Sunshine, I say, "Thanks for making me feel 20 years younger.  I'll see you in six weeks."       

Purr-fectly Healthy Habits And Regular Naps

I always talk about what I do to workout, but I am constantly being asked what I eat.  The truth is I have only a few basic rules when it comes to healthy living.

Rule Number 1 - Whatever it is, be it good or bad, log it.  Its very easy to forget how much water you've had during the day.  I think we all agree that water is important.  Did you exercise today?  What did you do?  If you write it down, you will always know where you stand.
For example, I know for a fact that by noon today, I had had five glasses of water, one cup of decaf coffee, a whey protein smoothie with blueberries, raspberries and blackberries (minus the banana), and a plain Chobani Greek Yogurt with 1/2 tspn Nutella and Vanilla Almond Bear Naked Granola and a handful of low calorie Fiber One cereal (no milk) as a snack.
I did five miles on the treadmill, fifty push ups and one hundred sit ups, but I stopped there and ran some errands.  My back was hurting.  I did some yoga stretches for my back and walked four more miles while running errands.    

Rule Number 2 - It all counts.  Did I take my vitamins?  Did I go up and down the stairs putting away clothes (I always split the laundry into piles..his, his, hers, and linen closet.  Then, I put them away in separate trips up the stairs.  I don't like stairs...hurts my knees.  But, I do them.  As I said, it all counts.

Rule Number 3 - Certain things are always going to be naughty (you know what they are).  Eat/Drink them in moderation.  Try eating your hummus with sliced peppers, carrots, etc. instead of crackers.  If you want bread, lean towards whole grains.  Rice?  Go for whole grain brown.  I like cheese, but I try to stick to the white cheeses.  I'm told the yellow cheeses are not as healthy.  Stay away from anything with thick, rich buttery sauces.  Remember, even sugar free chocolates have calories.  Try to limit it to one or two pieces a day.

Rule Number 4 -  Eat frequent small portions.  I try not to eat big meals on a regular basis (Thanksgiving should be interesting).  As a matter of fact, when my husband is away on his work trips, I don't really cook.  I eat absolutely no meat and I fill up on veggies.  

Rule Number 5 - Snack healthy.  Keep fruit handy.  Fresh is always best, but frozen will do if fresh isn't available.  Craving chips?  How about sweet potato chips?  They are loaded with vitamins.  If you are going away for the holidays, don't forget to pack granola bars, protein bars, bottled water, apples, etc.  And if you must eat at those rest stops, seek out the healthier options.  They are out there...believe me.  You don't have to eat unhealthy while traveling.  Junk food may be easy, but healthy food can be easy as well.  Nothing but Sbarro, Big Boy, Nathan's, BK, and Roy Rogers?  How about a salad? Big Boy has build your own omelets   Nathan's has char-grilled chicken sandwiches and Roy Roger's now has fresh wraps.  You don't have to make unhealthy choices.

Rule Number 6 - Get plenty of rest.  If your body needs it, take a nap (though not if you are are driving).  There is no shame in taking a nap.  I don't know where this idea that napping was for only for children and house pets came from.  Sleep has restorative and curative powers and if you aren't getting enough at night, your body with crave it just like it craves anything else its missing.  The difference between napping and the other stuff (like sweets and salts) is...napping won't make you gain weight.  It will only make you more alert and more focused.  I'll bet if will even do wonders to help you control your eating habits.    

Rule Number 7 - Exercise.  Exercise.  Exercise.  Choose something you like and it won't feel like hard work.  Find your passion.  Me?  I love to walk, so I walk.  What do you love to do?

These are my rules.  You probably have a few of your own.  Maybe you don't buy junk food.  Perhaps, you make your own lunch.  Trying low carb, low sodium, low fat, or low sugar?  Your rules may be developed around a certain medical condition or just the pursuit of a lower number on the bathroom scale.

Mine?  They are based on my life experiences, recommendations from friends, family, and doctors as well as my personal research.  And when all else fails, I learn plenty just by watching "The Big Bang Theory".






 

Too Much Of A Good Thing

Breakfast at 0700hrs consisted of plain yogurt, granola with raisins, topped with a couple of slices of a strawberry.  It was huge!  It was so massive, I didn't eat anything else until nearly 1300hrs.  We were staying at the Renaissance, a hotel not far from where my mom lives.  It was a short trip but, even the short trips make her smile.  http://www.marriott.com/hotels/travel/orfpt-renaissance-portsmouth-hotel-and-waterfront-conference-center/
The home I grew up in is tiny compared to where we live now and unfortunately, it sits within walking distance of a Dunkin Donuts, a KFC, a Taco Bell, a Wendy's, a MacDonald's, and an Arby's.  I know.  I know.  Given the challenge, I could probably find something healthy even in fast food joints.
More often than not, when we visit, we try to hold out until we can eat someplace a bit more upscale.
Last night, the consensus was Chili's had something for everyone.   http://www.chilis.com/EN/Pages/menu.aspx?RestaurantID=001.005.0069&OnlineEnabled=True
I ordered a Guiltless Santa Fe Chicken Wrap.  My brother said it didn't look "guiltless".  He said it looked like a small pipe bomb.  Funny.  I smiled and said, "Hey, at least I have broccoli as a side."  I have to tell you, it was much more than I could handle.  Had we not been staying in a hotel, I would have taken half of it home.
When we went back to the room, the boys snacked a bit.  I just had water.  I don't know where they put it.  I was so full, my stomach was hurting.  You can easily have too much of a good thing if you aren't careful.  
So, this morning, when I saw the restaurant's $7.00 yogurt granola parfait, I nearly fell out of the booth.  Though I quickly understood why it was so expensive, I wondered...why do restaurants feel they the need to serve such large portions?  Do they really expect us to finish?  I mean, no wonder there is an obesity epidemic.  Even our healthy foods are super sized.
When we got home, I had one of my whey protein smoothies (minus the banana) and I felt better, more on track.  Its nice to be back home where I can, not only eat healthy but, control my portion sizes too.
Looks yummy doesn't it?  It was but, personally, I would have made it with less yogurt, less granola and more fruit.    

On The Day I Passed 1300 Miles

While the rest the family slept, my husband and I quietly left early on our way to the St Jude's walk at Potomac Mills Mall.  We were there early so, at first, we just sat and people watched.  We were worried few would show up that early on a Saturday morning but, by 0700, we found there was no need.  A massive and highly motivated showing from a local sorority seem to invade the food court.  They were followed by parents, their children, cheerleaders, Girl Scouts, etc.  I have absolutely no idea of the exact numbers, but I'd say even Santa was impressed.  My only thought was..."Santa is in awfully good shape.  I think he's been walking in 2011.  I wonder if Mrs. Claus was looking good as well."
At 0745, we were led in warm up exercises.  My husband and I stood behind a group of young ladies who, might well have been a high school dance team.  Surprisingly, we kept up.  The beginning the 5k walk felt a bit like the beginning of any race, all bunched up and confused.  We broke out of the crowd into a speed walk as soon as possible.  We kept a good pace and, whenever possible, we took the stairs.  It wasn't long before we heard music.  There was a country music band positioned in front of TJ Maxx.  Cool.  By the end of the first lap, we had passed Santa.  Near the end of the walk, we found we had pulled ahead of everyone including other speed walkers.  Walking two laps at the mall we normally walk three is really not much of a challenge.  But, I'm guessing, even with the consistent water break stops, it wasn't really meant to be.
Today's event wasn't about working up a sweat.  It was about supporting St Jude's Hospital.
http://www.givethankswalk.org/  Once he and I completed the final lap, and before everyone caught up, we stopped for a lemonade.  I had my photo taken with "Wendy". 

You know, I may be smiling, but I was sad yesterday.  It is hitting me that my blog will end soon.  I know whatever I have accomplished this year will soon be forgotten.  For this walk, I set out to raise $500 but, by walk time, had no other contributions but ours.
But somehow, this morning, I just felt proud that we did what we made a commitment to do.  We donated.  And, side by side, we walked the entire course through crowds that, in days not long ago, would have quickly caused me an anxiety attack.  In my heart, I had to believe that maybe, just maybe, our small donation to this worthy cause would help a child somewhere in this world become well again.
We are so very thankful that our children are healthy, and that we are a healthier couple in 2011.  It is my hope that others will see what we did and be inspired to do the same.
Then, we headed home to the kids.  I looked over to my husband and told him, "You know I passed 1300 today."  He smiles and says, "I think you'll make it to 1500 this year."  I'm not sad anymore.          

Sweat, Shop, and Soup

I guess you could say today felt like one of those last chance workouts from "The Biggest Loser".  I couldn't even wait for my husband to leave for work before I was downstairs hitting the treadmill.  I just felt like pushing myself.  I steadily increased the incline and still kept the pace at a speed walk.  In the end, I was completely drenched.  I used to say I glowed after a workout.  Let's just say, there's no more glowing.  Lady or no, I am definitely working up a sweat when I exercise now.  And you know what?  It's not pretty.  But I guess working out isn't supposed to be (pretty, that is).  My knees and my big toe have been painfully cramping quite a bit with the cold but, walking always makes them feel better.  But this morning, I was watching "The Today Show" and I felt so good, I wasn't paying attention.  I walked right past the five mile mark before I realized what I was doing.  When I got off the treadmill, I did my usual work out, then added some extra weight repetitions.  
When we were showered and ready to face the world, my Stepdaughter and I went Christmas shopping adding another five miles to my tally for the day.  When it was time to head home, we stopped off at "Applebee's" for a quick bite.  http://applebees.com/menu/neighborhood-favorites/pick-n-pair  The menu had some healthy options but, the exact calories were not listed.  I asked the waitress for a nutritional guide.  She quickly came back with several sheets of typing paper with nutritional information on several Applebee's menu selections.  The only problem was the nutritional guide she showed me was only good until May 2011 and most of the items on their current menu were not listed.  I found maybe two items that matched.  It was already getting late and we were both hungry.  It wasn't worth the effort.  I considered the limited "Weight Watchers" menu options and the few "under 550 calorie" options, but ended up just getting the tomato bisque soup and a side salad with no dressing.  I also skipped the bread.  In hindsight, I probably should have just gotten the soup.  Both the soup and salad came with croutons, which I quickly removed, and I soon discovered that the salad contained bacon bits.  Not good when you are having a no pork no beef year.  I ate the two cherry tomatoes, picked at the lettuce, and left the rest.  Still hungry, I was grateful that this was an "all you can eat" lunch meal.  I ordered another soup which the waitress brought sans croutons (She'd watched me pick them off the first time).  All in all, I'd probably say it was worth the $6.99 price.  No regrets though.  The soup was pretty yummy by itself and hey, tomorrow I hit another milestone.  : )       

Yes, Shopping Counts

I got up this morning and hit the treadmill again five miles at about a 4.3.  It averages out to a 13-14 minute mile, but I steadily increase my incline as time passes.  My intent now is to do my weights one day on and one day off so as to give my sore shoulders a rest.  Today was a day off.  I knew this wouldn't be enough of a challenge, so I thought I might walk outside.  Unfortunately, my plan went up in smoke pretty quickly.  It was around 40 degrees and raining.  Mmmm...smoke...what a perfect day for a fire in the fireplace.  Maybe when I'm in for the night.
Anyway, I decided to adapt to the weather situation and do a bit of Christmas shopping.  So, I went up and got ready for my shower.  Uh oh...forgot to fix the shower head.  I'm glad no one was home because there I was wandering around the house in nothing but my bath towel looking for the new shower head.  Then, when I found it, I had to open it.  I mean, who makes those things?  The package said that it would "install in minutes".  Well, that was true for the most part.  It probably took less than a minute to actually install it.  What took forever was cutting into the plastic packaging and as sharp as the edges were, I came close to having to call the paramedics.  And that would not have been a good idea seeing as I was standing there in only my bath towel.
Okay, I may be exaggerating a bit about the difficulty, but I did have to be careful not to cut myself.  It was seriously sharp.  Why make it that difficult?  Do they really believe someone is going to walk in to the store and steal a shower massager?  Well...maybe.  : P
I eventually got the thing installed and I forgave the "Waterpik" folks for causing me such early morning anxiety.  And I felt better after I showered.  Well enough, in fact, to go out shopping for Christmas presents.  I got dressed, clipped on my pedometer and hit the stores.  I went all over town, the shopping plazas, the mall, everywhere.  You know what?  In the end, I had logged another four miles.  That's in addition to the five I did on the treadmill.  Yes, as long as you are logging those miles on your pedometer, shopping counts.  I'll bet you're doing a lot of shopping this holiday season.  What do I say?  It all counts!
When I got home, I zeroed out the pedometer and wrapped my first Christmas present...to my mom.  What is it?  I'll never tell.  I can tell you this...its not a Waterpik.  Much as I love my new shower massager, I don't have the heart to put her through that.  She's in her eighties.  I stuck with something easy to open.    

Rainy Day Decadence

I remember when I bought this umbrella.  Our youngest was in preschool and I thought an umbrella as crazy as this would surely make it easier for him to spot me in a crowd of overenthusiastic parents waiting at the bus stop on a rainy day.  By first grade, it quickly became an embarrassment.  Its still my favorite umbrella.
I have always loved rainy days.  I have always believed if you could dance in the rain, nothing could ever get you down.  Rain had the power to wash away the bad and let you begin again fresh.  And well, it didn't hurt that my car needed a bath.
When my husband and I were first married, we spent a lot more time hanging out with friends.  I can remember weekends long ago when we would sit around a fireplace, laugh about our week, and sip warm mugs of cocoa and peppermint schnapps.  I miss those days.
After I worked out this morning, I had to go out and pick up a new shower head to replace a broken one.  For some reason, things just keep breaking around here.  Its a bit difficult to get used to.  After all, we've never really lived anywhere long enough for stuff to break from overuse.  We've been here a little over seven years.  That's more than twice as long as anywhere else we've lived.  I never thought I'd miss moving around, but I guess I'm nomadic at heart.  I'm ready to load my duffle bag, pack up my tent and go....so to speak.
Anyway, while I was at the store (yes, it was Target) looking for the replacement shower head, I saw these Swiss Miss "Sensible Sweets" hot cocoa mixes and I thought...Mmmm, peppermint patties...something to make me feel all warm and snugly...something to remind me of a time when we were all younger, when life was less complicated, when we didn't worry about how food affected our bodies.  We ate what we wanted and could care less.  The future was too far off to worry about it.  
Well, now we can have our "hot chocolate" and drink it too.  Swiss Miss Sensible Sweets No Sugar Added has only 60 calories.  It has only 7grams of sugar.  Swiss Miss Sensible Sweets Diet  is even better.  It has only 25 calories.  It has only 2 grams of sugar. It has as much calcium as an 8oz glass of milk and only 160mg of sodium.  http://www.swissmiss.com/index.jsp
While I was there, I thought I'd see what else I could discover today.  In the cookie section, I started checking out labels, looking for lower sugar treats, and I found these...Nonni's Biscotti.  http://www.nonnis.com/products/products.html   The original has only 90calories per serving, only 7 grams of sugar, and only 65mg of sodium.  Now that's a cookie I can handle.  And think how wonderful its going to taste with that Hot Cocoa and Peppermint Schnapps AKA the Peppermint Patty.
No, I'm not at all bothered by this rainy day.  Maybe, if I feel a hankering later in the day, I might even go out there, dance around the yard, and feel the rain on my skin.  Don't laugh.  Natasha Bedingfield did it.  : )

..."Feel the rain on your skin

No one else can feel it for you

Only you can let it in

No one else, no one else

Can speak the words on your lips

Drench yourself in words unspoken

Live your life with arms wide open

Today is where your book begins

The rest is still unwritten"...

A Smile In Place Of A Grimace

Its Winter at the creek already

When I woke this morning, my shoulder's were sore and my back was aching.  I can't be overdoing it.  I think I might have the sleep number bed set wrong or something.  I dressed in my work out clothes and came downstairs to feed the cat and have a cup of coffee.  When our youngest left for school, I went outside to straighten the flag.  It sometimes gets all twisty in the wind.  It was a beautiful morning, sixty plus degrees, cool and just a little bit damp.  On the news, the weatherman had said it would rain over the next couple of days.  I thought about walking outside, but initially was afraid to get caught in a downpour coming home.  Instead, I hit the treadmill.
You know, its strange to me but, the walking is less of a challenge now.  I need more.  I need further and faster than before.  I wish I could run.  I walked my five miles, then stepped off.  My shoulders were still aching.  Still, I couldn't just stop.  I didn't feel like I had done enough, pushed myself as far as I could go. I decided to skip the weights today, and try to beat the rain.  I didn't bother with the iPod.  I just grabbed my phone and my keys and headed out.  The air felt good and my body felt strong as I began my walk.  And I remembered to bring my pedometer today so I would know just how far I had gone.  With no music to occupy my mind, I was able to take in the beauty of this time of year.  The fallen leaves covered the sidewalk.  In some places, the trees were completely void of leaves while, in others, they held on desperately.  The colors were magnificent purples, greens, reds, oranges, and yellows...a patchwork jacket of brilliant Autumn life surrounded by the inevitable cloak of Winter.  I wanted the Autumn to last.  I wanted to hold to the warm colors.  I knew, when the colorful leaves were completely gone, the Winter's cold would bring only pain.

My neighbor's confused tree (purple, red, orange, yellow or green?)

I was two miles into my walk, when my good knee began to give a bit.  First one goes bad, then the other...I've had problems with my right knee for years but, the left one began to go all wacky back when we were in Arizona this last time.  Back then, it locked up on me so bad, the doctor wanted me to get scheduled for surgery the very next day.  We had tickets for Disneyland and I didn't have the heart to let the kids down.  I chose Disneyland.  I just walked slow and took lots of breaks.  Pretty soon, the knee loosened up and I was miraculously healed.  I don't know...guess it could have been the power of Mickey Mouse that cured me.  All I know is, I never did have that surgery.
Sure, it acts up now and then but, when I'm out there walking and someone passes me going the other way, I just smile.  Its takes the place of my grimace of pain.  Today, I smiled at several folks.  When I found myself alone, I started humming a familiar tune from an old animated Christmas movie I watched every year growing up (and still do).  Do you remember it?

"Santa Claus is coming to town" ~ 1970

Put one foot in front of the other

And soon you’ll be walking cross the floor
Put one foot in front of the other
And soon you’ll be walking out the door

You never will get where you’re going
If you never get up on your feet
Come on, there’s a good tail wind blowing
A fast walking man is hard to beat

Put one foot in front of the other
And soon you’ll be walking cross the floor
Put one foot in front of the other
And soon you’ll be walking out the door

If you want to change your direction
If your time of life is at hand
Well don’t be the rule be the exception
A good way to start is to stand

Put one foot in front of the other
And soon you’ll be walking cross the floor
Put one foot in front of the other
And soon you’ll be walking out the door

If I want to change the reflection
I see in the mirror each morn
You mean that it's just my election
To vote for a chance to be reborn

Well, with that obvious motivation, I finally made it home...even with my sore knee.  When I got there, my Stepdaughter was working out.  After showers, we headed out to do a bit of Christmas shopping.  The heat from the shower always makes my knee feel better.  Today, I have logged 11.4 miles so far all because I replaced my grimace...with a smile.  : )  

He Doesn't Even Offer It Anymore

This morning, I got up early to get our youngest off to school.  My husband had slept in.  He'd stayed up late watching the game (which BTW we won!).  By the time he got up, our boy was out the door headed to the bus stop.  He waved, then came in and poured himself a cup of coffee.  I gave him a quick kiss and headed down to the gym for my workout.  I worked hard today.  I upped the incline to around ten and sped up the speed walk pace to 4.3.  I even did my weight repetitions while on the treadmill.  Now that was a challenge.  Not sure if I'll attempt that one again.  Once I'd done my normal routine of walk, weights, push ups, sit ups, and butt lifts, I grabbed a towel and came back up to the kitchen.  There was no mistaking it.  I was a very tired, sweaty lady.
As I ascended the stairs, the smell was inescapable.  The smell of bacon permeated the kitchen and surrounding rooms.  I mean, it was so strong, I could feel my pores gettin' oily.  My Stepdaughter met me as I came up.  "Dad wants to know if you want a cream cheese omelet."  I watched as he made theirs.  It did look good and cream cheese isn't really that bad for you.  Its got protein, the carbs, sodium and sugar are low, and there are no trans fats.  Still, I always follow my work outs with water and my whey protein fruit smoothie.  I had to consider...did I really want an omelet?  "No thanks", I said, I'll just have my protein smoothie."  I went over to the fridge and downed two full glasses of water (filling up on water lessens hunger levels).  Then I just smiled.  Its funny but, the bacon sitting next to the griddle?  He doesn't even offer it anymore.  He knows me, knows what I'll say.  I'm not quite a vegetarian, but I've eaten no pork and no beef since January and my body thanks me for it everyday.
There are always going to be little insignificant temptations in life.  Remember, temptation is nothing unless you give it power.  And it has no power if you practice self control.  The smell of bacon?  The lure of getting off track?  No worries.  I am stronger than my temptations.  After all, I'm not on a diet.  I'm on a life change.          
Fill up on the healthy stuff like fruit and veggies and you'll find temptation slowly loosing its grip.

Smarter Football Night Snacking In America

This morning, my husband and I got up and walked the neighborhood.  It funny but have you noticed that those Sunday recovery days have slowly transitioned to yet another day to get up and exercise?  I guess our paradigms have shifted a bit since I began this journey.  While we walked, my husband was discussing how he looked forward to his next work trip as he would have the opportunity to work out every day.  Its not about finding time to be healthy anymore.  Healthy thinking is now our baseline rather than some extracurricular activity we do our best to fit in to our otherwise busy schedule.  Like an athlete, its priority one.  It guides us in our everyday thinking, how we eat, how we plan our days, how we live our lives.  

Last night, my husband celebrated his birthday.  Our closest friends (family, really) made dinner at their house.  It was wonderful.  All sorts of yummy and healthy foods.  They have also made that paradigm shift, and when they shop now, they think outside the box.  Our conversations now lean towards "what is low sodium?" and "Where can I get the natural, healthier foods?"  I absolutely love this change in all of us.  I can still remember when we lived without thinking about what we put in our bodies, when carbs and fat and sodium were no big deal.  Did we think we would live forever?  Did we think we were impervious to damage?  Or did we just live life to the fullest not considering what we were doing to our bodies?  

Heck, I'm not without sin.  I made a pineapple upside down cake for my husband's birthday (at his request) complete with butter and brown sugar.  One of our friends said, "Did you know they now make a brown sugar Splenda?"  My first reaction was, "Now that, I have to have."  In sharing, we become less ignorant.

Well, tonight is football night.  Instead of eating heavy tonight as many do on football night, we decided to just snack.  

After we got back from our walk, I decided I was going to have to head back to the grocery store.  Not only was I going to have to try the brown sugar Splenda but, I had to have some of those green bean chips our friends had last night from Creative Snacks (a company in Greensboro, North Carolina  http://caloriecount.about.com/calories-creative-snacks-green-bean-chips-i261692  I looked but I can't seem to locate a website for them).  

But then, I realized we weren't going to get far on game night with only that and what I had in the fridge.  All I saw was grapes, celery, string cheese, and yogurt in there.  I figured I needed to pick up a few items.  I asked the family to make a list, then I added a bit more.  On Football night in America, we won't be tempted to do something naughty like order Pizza delivery or Chinese take out.  When we sit down to watch the big game, we'll have lots of handy healthier snacks to choose from.  Believe it not, I got all this stuff and still forgot the Brown Sugar Splenda.  

What I did get was this...

Shrimp with lemon and cocktail sauce, a Vegetable Tray (carrots, broccoli, tomato, and cauliflower), Fresh Fruit (strawberries, grapes, pineapple, honeydew, and mango), Roasted Red Pepper Hummus, Jalapeno Hummus (new), Garlic Hummus (everyone likes something different),  Baby Bell Light Cheeses, Philadelphia cream cheese with Salsa, Creative Snacks Green Beans, Vegetable Chips, and Onion Chips, Roasted Garlic and Black Bean Chips (90mg sodium), Sea Salt Sweet Potato Chips (4 gm iron, 90mg sodium), Rice Cakes (140cal per 18 mini cake serving size), BBQ Pop chips (120cal per 20 chip serving size), and Sea Salt Pita Chips (3gm protein, 4 gm iron, 270mg sodium).  Between all that and what we had already, I doubt if anyone will go hungry.  But, if they do want more, there's always the super thin crust veggie pizza in the freezer (260cal per serving - 1/3 pizza).  By the way, if you haven't tried them yet, try the new "chili pepper" Triscuit Thin Crisp baked whole wheat crackers (3gm protein, 170mg sodium).  The only thing you might regret is the fact that they disappear so quickly.    

Blood, Sweat, And Tears

This morning, being a Saturday, it would normally be a recovery day.  But, everyone was out on their own individual missions and I just felt like pushing myself.  I didn’t attempt the treadmill.  We have company and I wanted to be as quiet as possible, be a good hostess and let her sleep in.  I didn’t walk outside.  It’s pretty chilly out there.  Instead, I opted to do a fast and furious workout.  I went down in our gym, closed the doors and did 100 push ups, 100 sit ups, 100 butt lifts, 300 miscellaneous weight repetitions with the 5lb weights, 100 repetitions with the 6lb “empower” medicine ball, 100 repetitions with the 10lb kettle bell, 100 repetitions with the 15lb kettle bell, 100 jumping jacks (AKA side straddle hops).  Then I added walking up and down our stairs 10 ten times (that’s more than two hundred steps).  I feel pretty good right now. 

We set out bagged food for the scouts.  They are “Scouting for Food” today, collecting for the local ACTS food pantry.  Tomorrow, our scout troop will go to the pantry and sort what has been collected.       

Today, my husband and our youngest son are handing out buddy poppies as part of their scout community service project.  The scouts hand out poppies for a small donation which goes to fund local Veteran’s charities.  Have you ever wondered why they hand out poppies on Veteran’s Day Weekend?  I’ve contributed for years now but, believe it or not, even with my somewhat lengthy military background, I never knew the whole story behind the poppies.  My husband, an avid history buff, told us the story last night.  Our November 11^th Veteran’s Day, also known as Remembrance Day or Armistice Day is a memorial day observed since the end of World War I to remember the members of the armed forces who have died in the line of duty.  It is observed by many countries to include Canada, Australia, Great Britain, and well, us in the United States on (or near in some cases) 11 November to recall the official end of World War I on that date in 1918; hostilities formally ended "at the 11th hour of the 11th day of the 11th month" of 1918 with the German signing of the Armistice ("at the 11th hour" refers to the passing of the 11th hour, or 11:00 a.m.)  The red remembrance poppy has become a familiar emblem of this day due to the poem "In Flanders Fields". These poppies bloomed across some of the worst battlefields of Flanders in World War I, their brilliant red color an appropriate symbol for the blood spilled in the war.

In Flanders Fields ~ by John McCrae, May 1915

In Flanders fields the poppies blow
Between the crosses, row on row,
That mark our place; and in the sky
The larks, still bravely singing, fly
Scarce heard amid the guns below.

We are the Dead. Short days ago
We lived, felt dawn, saw sunset glow,
Loved and were loved, and now we lie
In Flanders fields.

Take up our quarrel with the foe:
To you from failing hands we throw
The torch; be yours to hold it high.
If ye break faith with us who die,
We shall not sleep, though poppies grow
In Flanders fields.

Walking With The Veterans

When my husband rolled over this morning, the first thing he said was, " I wish our flag was up."  Over and over again, I've watched him as he anchored our flag in its bracket into the brick front of our home.  And over and over again, the wind inevitably tears it down.  As a matter of fact, just now, when I reminded him of what he had said this morning, he jumped up from watching "Tora, Tora, Tora" with the intent of trying once more to get that flag flying.  Never stand in the way of a man with a mission, especially a military man.
There he is, back in out of the cold.  I guess its flying outside the house again.  All is well, at least until that wind picks up.  One thing is for sure, he'll keep our flag flying if he has to stand out there and hold it.  I suggested we just give up and buy a ground flag pole.  They aren't cheap, but I think it would be worth it, don't you?
This morning, we let the kids sleep in.  After our coffee together, we went walking.  He mentioned walking outside but, it was too chilly for this old vet's arthritis, so we headed over to the mall to walk.  My husband had never walked the mall with me.  He grumbled a bit, but I think he enjoyed it.  Three laps (six miles) later, we must have said howdy to dozens of veterans.  How did I know they were veterans?  Well, it may have been what they were wearing, baseball caps or shirts with distinctive military units, ranks, or battles each had participated in.  And some of the guys still held on to their routine of getting those hard to miss military haircuts.  But, you know what, I think this old Colonel and his old Major Sweetie just knew...the way one recognizes an old friend they haven't seen since high school.  There's a look that you just know, a solemn expression of pride in service.  You see it in the way a veteran carries himself or herself.  When we had completed our walk, I turned around and watched them sitting there at the mall's food court...old veterans remembering friends they had lost long ago and over the years since, reminiscing about their glory days.  I was with this unit...I was with that.  I wondered if we should go back, sit down, and share our experiences as well.  Was our time Haiti, Kuwait, Iraq and Somalia something they would even want to hear about?  My husband looks like a soldier, but they look at me and they see someone too tiny, too fragile, to truly know about war.   Maybe, when we are older, we will join the old veterans who sit and chat following their walk of the mall.  For now, we consider it an honor just to walk among them.
Later in the day, we found ourselves back at the mall.  Hey, it is Veterans Day.  Got to get those bargains when you can, right?  So, on eleven, eleven, eleven, I walked a total of eight miles.  I'd thought about attempting eleven miles on eleven eleven eleven, but I just don't see it happening.  No worries.  I'm happy with eight.  That officially brings me up to 1250 and you know I like round numbers.  : )

Long ago at Fort Bragg

Well, I'd better go.  I've just been informed that "We Were Soldiers" is on.  I said, "Today isn't supposed to be about sitting around watching TV."  He replied, "We honor in our own way."  "That we do, my love...that we do."      

When The Lord Closes A Door

"When the Lord closes a door, somewhere he opens a window."  ~ The Sound of Music (1965)
This morning, I got up and walked five miles on my treadmill.  Yes...same stuff, just a different day.  This week, my shoulder muscles have been sore and tight.  In the past, I might have put a microwave heated wrap around them or asked my youngest to give me a deep muscle neck massage (Its one of his skills).  I didn't really need either.  All I really needed was take it easy, stretch a bit more before my workouts.  This week, my arms have cramped up, awakening me frequently from a sound sleep.  Its my change of season carpal tunnel flair up.  In the past, it would leave me in tears.  Nowadays, I just make sure I have extra blankets handy to keep my arms warm when I settle in for the night.  This week, my knees have been giving and twisting when I move the wrong way.  Its pretty painful, but it always feels better once I'm walking.  If I keep moving, it helps with the pain.  I can't believe I have walked over thirty miles this week and its not even over.  What can I say?  I'm dealing with a lot of pain.  I do what helps.  To me, exercise is simple and inexpensive pain management.
This morning, after I got off the treadmill, I ran out to take care of an errand.  Okay, I walked.  I walked over to the nearby Bloom grocery store.  Still in my sweaty workout clothes, I couldn't help but smile.  The fashion police would have had a field day with me.  When I got there, I noticed a sign on the door.  The store was closed for floor waxing.  According to the sign, it wouldn't open for another half hour.  I started to walk away.  It was too cold to wait.  Standing for long periods aggravates my back injury.  Well, when the manager came over and saw me standing there, he opened the doors.  "Open early...just for you."  I thought that was very nice.  Too bad the store didn't carry the one thing I had walked all the way over there to get.  Oh well, it was good exercise.  I walked back home and jumped in the shower.  Its one thing popping into the local grocery store for one thing.  Its another traipsing around town dressed like you just came from the gym.  So, I put on something somewhat presentable and, still wearing my pedometer, I headed out.  I ran quite a few errands today and I got quite a bit accomplished.  Between the treadmill and my errands, I've walked nine miles.  Its only a little after one and I still have more to do.  Who knows how far I can go today?  You are probably thinking I need to take it easy but, really, its okay.  Its better than okay.  Those nasty annoying aches and pains?  I am doing my best to stay one step ahead of them.  The Lord may have closed a door in my life by giving me all these challenges to face, but with diet and exercise, I believe he showed me a window I could open to help me live a full and healthy life.  And its out that window, I see a world more beautiful than I could ever imagine, a world I can't wait to explore...even if it is just here in my own backyard.  You know what?  I am so glad he didn't give me a window that was painted shut.  I might have had to do a bit more weight repetitions to get one of those open.  : )