The Mistress Of My Fate

Okay, when I say "Mistress", I am referring to the lessor known definition which is the old fashioned form of address for "Lady of the House" rather than the definition most will think of first.  You see, when it comes to my fitness fate, so to speak, I am the head of the household.  I choose.  I firmly believe the benefits or drawbacks I experience are based on those choices.  

This morning, I was in a lot of pain, mostly from my knees.  The seasons are changing and as my grandmother used to say, "the cold is getting in to my joints".  The smallest feat of just walking down the stairs is a challenge to me on days such as this.  

I'm way too young to be hurting like this, but I refuse to whine about it.  

Remember the film "Invictus"?  Remember the poem Morgan Freeman (portraying Nelson Mandela) writes to Matt Damon (portraying the Springbok Team Captain Francois Pienaar) as he faces the biggest challenge of his life, leading South Africa to win the World Cup in rugby?  Well, we all face challenges in life.  But no matter the challenge, we as individuals are the masters/mistresses of our own fate.  

My knee would not keep me from meeting my fitness goals today.  I walked the neighborhood, iPod in my pocket.  I walked four miles regardless of the pain I felt.  I walked slower, but I was still walking.  I focused on the music, and on my journey, and in the end...I made it home without tears (though I may have limped a smidgen).    

When I got home from my walk, my knee was sore.  I thought perhaps if I walked the treadmill for a while, I might somehow warm it up.  Okay, don't ask where my logic comes from.  It just comes, alright?  So, after cautiously descending the stairs to the basement gym, I hopped on the treadmill.  I set the pace slower than usual and I did not attempt an incline of more than one (if you incline zero, you are basically walking downhill).  About a half mile in, my right knee gave under me.  It would have thrown me, but fortunately, I was holding on at the time checking my heart rate (which was excellent by the way).  When it gave, I caught myself, but I kept walking slow and easy.  I did two complete miles before I finally stopped.  I suppose I could have cursed my knees, my injuries, even my body...but it would have been a waste of time to do so.  This is the only body I would get.  I have to do what I can to strengthen it.  And it was stronger, much stronger than before.  I knew it.  

Once I got off the treadmill, I wanted to stop, go upstairs, and rest, but I told myself I could at least do a basic Army PT test kind of workout..some push ups and sit ups.  So I did my fifty push ups and my hundred sit ups.  Then I thought, why not just finish my workout?  Last chance, you know?  Tomorrow was Saturday, a recovery day.  I did one hundred butt lifts and three hundred weight repetitions.  I looked in the mirror as I did my weight repetitions.  My husband was right.  My arms look fantastic now.  : )

Before long, I stopped thinking about my stupid knees.  I came up, took a long hot shower, and made my smoothie drink.  I'm all out of bananas now.  Maybe, I'll walk to the grocery store.  Then again, maybe I'll drive.  Today, I deserve it.   

             

In case you missed it, this is the William Earnest Henley poem they used in the film "Invictus"

"Out of the night that covers me,

Black as the pit from pole to pole,

I thank whatever gods may be 

For my unconquerable soul.

In the fell clutch of circumstance

I have not winced nor cried aloud.

Under the bludgeoning of chance 

My head is bloody, but unbowed.

Beyond this place of wrath and tears

Looms but the Horror of the shade,

And yet the menace of the years 

Finds and shall find me unafraid.

It matters not how strait the gate,

How charged with punishments the scroll, 

I am the master of my fate: 

I am the captain of my soul."

Forces Of Nature

Last night, we had another lightning storm.  Just before the worst of it, I went out to take the trash can down to the curb.  They were scheduled to pick up in the early morning.  It was cool out and there was a nice breeze. I remember feeling so invigorated.  Lately, we've had a lot of storms.  You might say, we've grown accustomed to being at the mercy of the forces of nature.
It was a little after 1900hrs, and we were on the way out the door heading to a regular scout meeting, when the entire neighborhood lost its power.  I told our youngest to call some of his fellow scouts and see if their power was out as well.  He did, and, in the process, discovered the power was out in several neighborhoods...including the building where they hold their meetings.  So, he went up and changed out of his uniform.  We were in for the night.
We pulled out flashlights and went around lighting candles.  We set our cell phones to alarm at 0600hrs just in case.  We did all those things that good scouts would do.  It was stress free, because, like good scouts, we were prepared.  
"So what do you want to do now?"  "Well, if Dad was here, we could play dominoes."  "How about cards?"  So, he found a pack of cards and, for the next fifteen minutes or so, we played blackjack.  It was fun.  I mentioned that, had he not finished his homework, he would be doing it like the early pioneers...by candlelight.  Luckily, that was not an issue.    
While we were playing cards, it was difficult to erase the scent of the candle that sat nearest to us.  It was an ice cream candle my brother had given us for Christmas.  It looked just like three scoops of ice cream, with whipped cream and a wax cherry on top.  Oh and get this..it smelled just like mouth watering chocolate.  "Thanks a lot, Jim. (my brother)"
What did I want to do?  What do you think I wanted to do?  I wanted to raid the freezer and have a huge bowl of ice cream.  I mean, the power was out.  We had to save it before it melted, right?  When I said this aloud, my son just laughed.  Like his mom was going to eat ice cream and not even the low fat sugar free kind.  He probably can't remember the last time I had a bowl of rich decadent non-healthy Chocolatey goodness.  Yes, I thought about it, and then opted instead for a sugar free dark chocolate mini candy bar from my special candy dish stash.  We moved to the living room and each read from our kindles.  In about an hour, everything came back on all at once.  We reset clocks and watched the remainder of "The X Factor" together.  After that, we went to bed.
Just before morning, I had a bad dream.  In it, I was caught in a storm (Gosh I wonder where that came from).  Like last night, in my dream, the phones were knocked out.  I honestly can't remember much about the dream, but I was startled and awakened suddenly by what I thought was a phone call.  I remember thinking, "The phones are working again."  I sat up in bed and looked at the clock.  It read 1745hrs (5:45pm).  When the power came back on, we had mistakenly reset it for the wrong hour .  Had I not had the bad dream, I would not have awakened on time (0600).  We would have most likely overslept.  My son probably would've been late for school.
I reset the clock.  My heart was pounding, but it wasn't just my worrying about whether or not the clock would sound.  My mind and body were still reacting to whatever I had dreamed.  I took deep breaths and thought pleasant thoughts.  I told myself...the storm had ended, the power was back on, and my treadmill was awaiting my first step of the day.  Life was good.  And that lightning storm wasn't alone.  I, too, was a powerful force of nature.             

Its For A Good Cause

This morning, it was just me and our youngest getting ready.  School picture day and yes, as luck would have it, it was raining.  He just looked at me, smiled and said, "My hair looks better wet anyway."  Once he was out the door, I went down to our home gym, wrapped the "Sportline" walking belt around my waist and hit the treadmill.  My back and knees always act up when the weather is bad.  Today, possibly with the addition of the support belt, my back held up pretty good. My knees were another story.  But, I still managed an incline up to ten.  At the end of the five miles, I had burned close to six hundred calories.  I felt much better.  I downed a glass of water I had brought with me, then got into push up position.  I knocked out my fifty push ups before I realized I was still wearing the belt.  I decided to keep it on for the sit ups, but it came off when I did my butt lifts.  By the time I got to my weight reps, I had to get out of my shirt.  It was soaked.

Afterwards, I went up, took a much needed shower, then came back down.  I pulled out the ingredients for my daily whey protein smoothie.  All the fruit I had in the fridge had gone bad, so I pulled out the frozen stuff.  Mmmm...Mango, peach, banana today.  Yum.
It was still raining and I didn't much feel like going out, but we needed cat food and there was dry cleaning to drop off.  I dropped off the clothes, then headed over to the nearby Target.
Last week, at the grocery store, I had to buy a different Greek yogurt than I usually get.  I have grown accustomed to getting the Vanilla flavor for its lower calorie count and my usual brand was out at the time.  So, I bought Dannon Oikos Greek Vanilla.  I noticed that the Oikos Greek was donating to Breast Cancer Awareness.  And they made it very easy to donate.  All you had to do was go online and type in the code on the inside label.
Well, today, I decided to check and see who else was going pink and donating to Breast Cancer Awareness.  I honestly thought I would find more products in the grocery section.  After all, there are a lot of pink ribbon products out there...clothes, jewelry, even household appliances, all donating a portion of profits to this wonderful cause.  But, strangely, as far as grocery products went, I found very few displaying that hard to miss pink ribbon.
Yoplait was probably the first to step up with their pink lids a few years back which they still do, but they require a little more effort.  You have to mail them in.  When our neighbor's daughter was collecting them for her sorority, I always saved them for her.  Unfortunately, she has moved away.
I commend Dannon for their idea to put the code on the inside label.  No need to pay postage and handling.  Anyway, if you need yogurt and you are open minded about trying different brands, give these a shot.  I know 10cents a label isn't much, but every little bit helps and, with enough of them, its adds up.  Besides, its for a good cause and well...you needed yogurt anyway, right?

                                             Sugar           Calories        Protein
Dannon Light and Fit (6oz)       11g               80                 5g
Dannon Activia (4oz)                 7g                70                 5g
Dannon Oikos Greek (5.3oz)   18g              120                12g
Yoplait Light (6oz)                   15g              110                6g

http://www.dannon.com/
http://yoplait.com/
    

Improvise, Adapt And Overcome Work Out Obstacles

  This morning, I found myself waiting on a repairman.  I couldn't go out to walk.  I couldn't leave the house.  Besides, it was raining again.  I couldn't go downstairs to our home gym.  If I did, I wouldn't hear the knock at the door.  He was scheduled to arrive between 0800hrs and 0830hrs.  Did I mention he was supposed to come yesterday, but had to reschedule?  Ugh.  I probably could have skipped the workout this morning, but that's just not me.  I didn't even skip my workout when we had an earthquake.  This healthy lady always tries to find a way to work out.  And I knew, if I waited until after the repairman left, something would inevitably get in the way.  I had no choice.  I had to improvise, adapt, and overcome this obstacle to getting in a work out today.  I went down to the basement early.  I grabbed my 5 lb weights and my mat and brought them upstairs.  I did 300 weight repetitions while I was watching the news.  I followed with 50 push ups (yes, Army style...off the knees like I always do).  After that, I switched to Comcast on demand.  I hit -Sports and Fitness, then -Exercise TV.  Its a great way to try out DVDs before you buy them or before you decide to try a class.
Hmmm...start with a warm up.  I did 45 minutes of Leslie Sansone walking...3 miles.  My husband was on his way out the door to head to work.  He came over, gave me a kiss, and said, "You know, I can remember a time when Leslie Sansone would kick your butt.  Now, you look like you are kicking hers."  I just smiled.  He was right.  Leslie was great, but strictly a beginner...possibly an intermediate level workout.  After all, I had done her five mile walk with no problem.
I've been doing this a while.  I needed more of a challenge.  So, when the walk was completed, I went searching around Exercise TV.  http://www.exercisetv.tv/
I thought I'd try something new.  I ended up doing a 10 minute "Biggest Loser" Cardio Jumpstart (no weights).  It wasn't bad.  It hurt my knees, but I hung in there.  I guess my days of jumping rope and mountain climbers are over.  Oh well...we do what we can, right?  I doubt I'll get new knees for a while if I ever do.
After an 8 minute Burn It Up Latin dance, I started to sweat/glow a bit.  That was fun.  I really don't have much rhythm.  Thankfully, no one was watching.  No worries.  You won't be seeing me on "Dancing With The Stars" doing the paso doble any time soon.
After that, I ran across an old friend...a 13 minute Belly Dance Fitness.  I took a Belly Dancing class through the local rec center back when we lived in Arizona.  Its been nearly ten years.  I was a bit rusty.  Oh come on!  Where did my sexy go?  Next time, I'll dig out the old costume before I attempt the Belly Dance DVD.
Well, its after 1000hrs and I'm still waiting on the repairman.  The way I look at it, the morning wasn't a total loss.  At least got to spend 76 minutes working out with my Exercise TV.

There he is...I'd better go.  : )

When Something Old Is New Again

Last night, I was very very good.  We went over to a friend's house for dinner.  I watched as they made the most wonderful veal parmesan I had seen in a long time.  As our host was preparing each dish with the skill of a master chef, I broke the news.  I had changed to a non beef/non pork diet.  There were a few questions as to whether or not I was a vegetarian, but it was really no big deal.  He didn't mind.  He didn't skip a beat.  My plate got no veal.  Instead, he heated up some extra sauce and poured it on my pasta.  I ate it.  I didn't have the heart to mention I had also switched to whole grain pasta.  I figured I could handle a night of pasta.   Besides, it was especially yummy..lots of garlic.  Back when I had high cholesterol, the doc recommended "Garlique" pills.  They may not work for everyone, but they worked for me.  During cold season, I tend to use a lot of garlic on foods.  Its a holistic way to cure a cold.  I make no promises, but it always works for me.  Anyway, after dinner, our hostess served brownies.  I smiled and said no thanks.  On the way home, I felt really good about my choices.  The bottom line is...folks understand.  Its not rude to ask for less.  Its not impolite to say no thank you.  
I woke up feeling great...ready to work out.  But, unlike me, I had forgotten to lay out my work out clothes.  So, half asleep, I put together an outfit.  While I was going through a drawer, I found this waist belt I had used long ago during a time when I had thrown my back out.  I have several issues with my back and over the years I have injured it often.  This has been a good year.  So far, I haven't injured it once.  Quick...Knock wood.  I missed so much when I hurt my back.  One Christmas morning, when we lived in Arizona, I threw it out just trying to sit on the floor and open presents.  That was when my husband was deployed.  I was fortunate my brother had come to spend Christmas with us that year.  Basically, when it was twisted, I could not move without pain.  Here in Virginia, I threw it out repeatedly just doing normal household chores like cleaning or moving laundry from the washer to the dryer.  Its the reason we initially began using a maid service.  There were things I just could not do...like bend (hard to bend from the knees when you're knees are messed up too).
Once, I was in such pain, my husband had to hold me in a certain position while we waited on a doctor to see me.  The doctor put me on heavy medications, scheduled physical therapy three times a week (which never really worked for me).  I've used chiropractors.  I've even had acupuncture (that helped some, though it didn't really last long).  I spent a lot of time in bed with my knees elevated oblivious to the world.  I even missed a Christmas party that was being held at our home.  Friends kept coming up to visit.  I don't remember much.
For years, friends and relatives would ask me, "How is your back?"  They don't really ask anymore.  Its funny.  I still have the same injuries.  I just move better now that I know what to do when it happens.  And I recover more quickly than I used to.  What used to put me flat on my back for a week or more before now takes maybe a day or two.  One key is my recovery success is...when I feel pain, I do slow thought out yoga stretches.  And, on occasion, I get a relaxing hot stone massage.
Anyway, back to the waist belt.  I pulled it out of the drawer.  I nearly tossed it in the trash, but something told me not too.  I hadn't originally bought it for walking, but the label on it said "walking shop" by Sportline. http://www.sportline.com/support/benefits-of-walking.html   I checked out the web page for "Sportline" products.  I was impressed, so I kept the belt and decided to re-purpose it.  
  I thought perhaps it would support my back while I walked, help me give a little extra in my work out.  What the heck, right?  So, this morning, I put on while I did my five mile walk on the treadmill.  You know what?  It was awesome!  I got all the way to an incline of twelve.  Sure, my knee was acting up, but not my back.  I stood tall.  And a bonus...by the time I finished my walk, I was positively drenched.  I had worn wore it over my shirt so it wouldn't cut into my skin.  By the end, that shirt was so wet, it felt like I had just pulled it out of the washing machine.  Yuck!  But cool.  It was like my waistline was in its own personal little sauna.
The rehabilitative belt that once reminded me of the pain and the sadness of missing out on many of life's big events now made me feel taller, stronger, slimmer...and well, a lot more sweaty...which by the way is a good thing when you are a healthy lady.   

Off The Couch And In The Game

I rolled out of bed early this morning.  I just couldn't lay there anymore.  I was antsy I guess, ready to begin the day.  The house was so quiet.  I finished a project I've have been thinking about doing for well...nearly a year.  I made business cards to hand out whenever someone asks me the blog address.  I already had a business card case.  It was a gift from a dear friend.
I guess my husband was antsy too.  When he woke up, he headed over to the driving range to practice his swing.  Its been a while and he has been recovering from an injury.  He has an AFCEA (Armed Forces Communications and Electronics Association) tournament coming up.  These are often done to raise money for charity.
Our youngest was still in bed.  I turned on the television and watched "The Biggest Loser" first episode of the new season on demand.  Afterwards, I had a healthy bowl of cereal with some blueberries and soy milk.  I thought about working out, but decided against it.  Sunday is supposed to be a recovery day.  I would get a good work out in tomorrow.  Maybe the weather would be nicer.  Maybe I could walk outside.    

It was still early when our youngest woke up.  He looked bored so I asked him if he wanted to go outside and teach me how to toss the football.  He does this often with his dad but, when he does, I always stay in the house...watching.
I grew up with brothers, three of them, but I don't remember us ever tossing a football around.  We did play paper football. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Paper_football
I was pretty good at folding the football, but not as good as getting it over the finger goal posts.  My brother was seriously skilled at the game.  He actually got tickets to the super bowl one year by winning a local community competition.
I never really liked football while growing up.  When the game was on, it meant I left the room.  It meant the boys  had the television and I didn't.  I never really understood the obsession to the game.  To me, it made absolutely no sense whatsoever.  
Years later, in high school, I went to nearly every school game.  I hung out with friends and rarely even glanced at what was going on unless one of the players was cute.  As a Junior, I was even on the powder puff football team.  The girls played the game and the boys (normally the players) dressed like cheerleaders.  It was all in fun and everyone had a blast.  Me?  I wore the uniform shirt, but I sat the bench and cheered our team on.  My friends tried to teach me, but I just didn't get it.
Every year, our neighbor has a Super Bowl party.  The parties are always wonderful but, I admit, I have always gone for the conversation and the commercials.
Last football season, I finally asked my husband to explain the game to me.  Did I mention he is a very patient man?  It wasn't long before I was cheering along when our favorite team made a good play.  I looked forward to the games.  I recognized players.  You might say, I got into it.
So, this morning, even though I knew the grass was damp and yucky (if it would ever stop raining, we could mow it), I took a chance.  I asked our youngest if he would go outside with his old mom for just a few minutes and teach me how to toss the football.  Thankfully...he, like his father, is a patient man.  I found that I have a pretty good arm for passing, though my receiving needs work.  Okay, so I'm no Tom Brady.  No worries.  I doubt they'll be calling me for the NFL any time soon.  It was nice though to get off the couch and in the game.
My husband just got home.  He was excited to tell me that his injury has completely healed.  He was happy that he had taken the time to try out his swing.  He's making plans to play even more golf in the next couple of weeks before the actual tournament.
Maybe the three of us will go outside and throw the ball some more.  Mmmm...I don't know.  Maybe we should play in the street at least until we get the opportunity to mow the lawn.
Hey, isn't tomorrow Monday Night Football night?  I need to start thinking about some healthy snacks to munch on during the game.    

A Day At The Occoquan Craft Fair

We got up this morning and headed over to the Occoquan Craft Fair (which runs today and tomorrow) beginning at 1000hrs and ending at (I believe) 1700hrs.  Its held about this time every year.  We always try to attend.  For only $4.00 each, we parked and took the shuttle bus over (good for a round trip ticket).   Last year, there really weren't that many vendors out but, this year, it was positively exploding with activity.  The vendors were everywhere covering every possible area of the small waterfront town of Occoquan.  I have to admit I was pleasantly surprised.  Like last year, the rain clouds loomed overhead.  We walked around a bit.  There was a lot to see.  We had lunch.  Though it was pretty tempting to have one of the more decadent foods, I decided on an amazing crab cake sandwich.     http://www.sherriscrabcakes.com/page2.html  Folks were everywhere, walking around shopping, sitting on curbs having a snack, enjoying an early afternoon glass of wine at Madigan's Restaurant.

We stopped in and picked up the essentials...the kettle corn and cinnamon roasted nuts.  The boys had the endless mug of root beer.  It was so good, I think they filled it three or four times.  After a sampling, we fell in love with the Kentucky Hillbilly vendor's Pumpkin Butter, Huckleberry Butter, and Huckleberry Rum Sauce.  Mmmm...  Before we hopped on the shuttle to head back to the parking lot, we popped in to our favorite place to visit...Mom's Apple Pie.  http://www.momsapplepieco.com/ 
Let's just say, we didn't come home empty handed.  All in all, we spent probably close to three hours there.  We logged two miles, but that wasn't really the reason we went.  The Occoquan Craft Fair?  Its just a great place to go to spend "family time".  So, If you are looking for a place to go this weekend to get out of the house, just walk around, push the baby carriage, or walk the dog, try the Occoquan Craft Fair.  And if you miss the fair, no worries...go after its over.  There's still plenty to see and do down in this quaint little Virginia waterfront town.

Our Little Imperfections

"If you look closely at a tree you'll notice it's knots and dead branches, just like our bodies. What we learn is that beauty and imperfection go together wonderfully". ~ Matthew Fox
This photo was taken in a photo booth in Germany.  I was nineteen and other than my military training in Georgia, it was my first time away from home.  I sent this to my parents.  On the back, I wrote an apology for sending such a bad photo.  For years, I hid this photo away.   Even as I grew older, this photo made me feel embarrassed and ashamed.  It made me feel like an ugly duckling.
Not long after it was taken, I went to the doctor and asked what I could do for my skin breakouts.  They decided, in their infinite wisdom, to put me on the pill.  It cleared up my skin, but unfortunately, caused me to gain weight.  Okay, I'm sure the schnitzel and pomme frites weren't helping, but the bottom line was I still felt like an ugly duckling.
One day, I was approached by another soldier in the post's pizza pub.  He was trying to put together a photographer's portfolio and asked if I would model for him.  I thought he was either nuts or, more likely, he was trying to pick me up.  After all, I wasn't pretty.  It was a small post and we frequently bumped into each other.  He continued to ask.  I continued to say no thank you.  
One of my girlfriends said he had asked her as well.  She was nervous.  She asked if I would go with her, so I inevitably said yes.  I watched as he took her photos.  I fixed her hair and assisted with her costume changes.  The photographer was a complete gentleman.  As I stood there watching, he kept insisting I should let him take photos of me as well.  He said I couldn't see the beauty he saw.  According to him, I was focusing only on my imperfections.  

In time, I did let him take photos.  And he was right. Through his photographs, you might say I learned to look more at the whole tree and focus less on its knots and dead branches.  I had two more photographers while I was stationed in Germany.  One, now a professional, continues to be a friend to this day.  
Now, you are probably wondering about the skin issue.  Believe it or not, it never really went away.  And some days, with all the working out I do, I sweat/glow so much, I positively sparkle...like a Cullen in the sun.  I mean, I always believed you were supposed to grow out of skin issues.  I am 48 and I never did.  No fair!  I eat right.  I keep my face clean.  I keep my stress level low.  I always use SPF before I go out in the sun (not that that's an issue lately..its been raining for what seems like forever).  Basically, when it comes to skin care, I am a good girl.    
Well, I am always on the lookout for products that work for me.  I began using a new product recently and I love it.  I am currently using OLAY total effects 7-in-1 anti aging cream cleanser plus blemish control.  Almost immediately, I saw an improvement in my skin.  Its not only clear, but softer and less dry.  You know what?  Today, I feel nineteen again...but now I feel less like the ugly duckling and more like the swan.  

The Doctor Will See You

Last month, I got this notice in the mail from our health care clinic.  It was a reminder.  They do it every year on my birth month.  Your doctor may do the same.  It said I was good until 2013 on the cervical cancer screening, I was due a cholesterol screening, and as breast cancer screenings go, I may or may not be due because recommendations vary.  I ask you...how politically correct is that?  With no past issues and no family history, I choose to get my mammogram every two years (one recommendation).  When I turn fifty, I'll get one every year (another recommendation).  Fifty is also when I will begin getting those lovely colonoscopies.  My husband has already had them.  He said they weren't that bad.  Uh huh... Sure...I believe him...not that bad.  Tough guy.  They put you under for the procedure.  The last time they "put me under" was in 1987 when I had my first knee surgery.  I had an allergic reaction to the anesthesia.  It wasn't pleasant.  My mother was there by my side.  Scared her half to death.  I'm told she was running down the hall screaming, "Help! My baby can't breathe."  It all turned out for the best.  I'm still here.  But my next knee surgery was done by way of an epidural.  I haven't been "put under" since.  
I don't think I've had a full physical since my medical board.  That was back in 2003.  I'm due.  So, I called to make an appointment.  As it turned out, my primary care provider (whomever that is this week..docs come and go), is on maternity leave.  How nice.  No worries.  Its rare that I see the same doctor more than once or twice.  Sure, I've had my favorites over the years, but I am not particularly loyal to any one doctor.  Who's available?  They set me up with a "provider"...exactly one month from now.  What is a "provider"?  Is that a real doctor?  Or like our Halloween costumes from last year, maybe that's someone who is pretending to be a doctor.  Do I at least get a real nurse?

According to Wikipedia, "A health care provider is an individual or an institution that provides preventive, curative, promotional or rehabilitative health care services in a systematic way to individuals, families or communities."  


Okay, let's see...what will my physical consist of and do I really need someone with a bunch of letters trailing behind their name to see me for a physical?  Maybe...maybe not.  The provider will take a medical history.  In other words, they will give me lots of forms to fill out, then ask questions relating to what I have written (because they really don't know me).  He or she will check my vital signs.  Not complicated.  I think our bathroom scale can do that.  The nurses will have already checked my height and weight before the provider even sees me.  The lab will most certainly draw blood and handle any blood and urine tests.  
They will all give me strange looks as they pass by the small room they assign me too.  I refuse to close the door.  I know they hate this, but my issues with claustrophobia are more important than their routine practice of leaving patients in a small antiseptic space for an undetermined amount of time.  Besides, I've found that leaving the room open quickens their pace.  
It seems like a lifetime since I was seeing the doc for back pain that had me in tears or the ongoing refills for my migraine meds.  Over the past year, my appointments have been for refills on multivitamins I probably could have bought in the local grocery store.  The reason I don't is simple...the clinic offers smaller pills.  The grocery store only offers horse pills.  One thing I've learned...if you won't take the vitamins, they won't help you.  Okay, I guess gummys are an option, but I'm not there as yet.  
Last year, when I went to doc after losing a few pounds, they were convinced I had thyroid issues.  I wanted to yell, "HELLO!  I am eating right and exercising.  I am not having thyroid issues."  Are they so used to people with problems, they can't recognize those who have taken charge of their lives and improved their habits?  Okay...probably.  I did go from on/about 135 to on/about 118...but it wasn't overnight.  It took a while.  It took a lot of work, a lot of commitment to get healthier.  Maybe, they were looking at my family history of diabetes.  Maybe, they were looking at my numerous medical issues.  I don't know what they they were thinking.  People CAN change the course of their lives through diet and exercise.  Its never too late to change.   I may be broken, but I'm not dead yet.                


The appointment is next month.  Am I worried?  Well, there is a reason why we dressed up like a doctor and a nurse for Halloween last year.  Halloween is for scary stuff.  I fear hospitals.  There it is.  I admit it.  Supposedly, its common.  http://www.fearofstuff.com/places/fear-of-hospitals/  Does that  mean I should start taking anti-depressants?  I don't think so.  I think my best course of action is to limit my visits to medical places.  How?
Easy...

BY BEING A HEALTHY LADY!

And for those times when I do have to visit that scary place with the strange smells and tiny rooms that seem to absolutely envelop you, I'll do like I do with everything else.
I'll handle it...one issue at a time.
1)  I'll bring my iPod (something to occupy my mind).
2)  I'll insist they keep the door to the tiny room open.
3)  I'll close my eyes, breathe deep and smile.
4)  When they poke needles in my arm to run tests, I'll tell jokes.
5)  I'll bring plenty of antibiotic wipes.  

 And maybe, I'll pretend they are all just dressed up for Halloween.
            

Priceless

This morning, I could have walked the treadmill, but instead, I walked four miles in my extremely moist and foggy neighborhood.  By the time I got home, I was drenched.
Still, I needed gas, so I headed to the local Shell station to fill my tank.
After that, I figured I was out already...why not just walk the mall a bit?  So, I headed to the mall and joined the walkers already there.  I didn't go far, but I did manage to log three more miles before my knee started acting up.  Once the knee goes, the stairs become a bit of a challenge.
So, I came home and I did 100 push ups and 300 weight repetitions down in the gym.

A total of seven miles walked...no charge.
One hundred push ups and three hundred weight repetitions...no charge.
(I already had the little 5 lb weights)
Fill up the gas tank...well, okay...that was $42 dollars.

Bottom line...A hot shower...priceless.


_____________________________________

After my shower, I came downstairs to make a smoothie.  I tried a new recipe today (because all I had was bananas and frozen fruit).  You know what?  It was amazing.  You have to try it.  I know you'll love it.
You'll need your blender.
Take one cup crushed ice, two cups water (with fresh fruit, you need only one cup.  Frozen requires two)...
Add five or six sliced frozen peaches, and an equal amount of frozen mango chunks.
Add one scoop of vanilla whey protein (any whey protein powder will work, but try to use vanilla flavor).
Add one banana.
Now blend and enjoy.
Mmmm.....

Small Things Brought Together

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


Yesterday, with my husband by my side, I surpassed my blog goal to walk to one thousand miles in 2011.  I came home, made my donation to help build a home for a severely disabled young Marine in my home state of Virginia, then moved on.  What I did was nothing compared to what he and his family have ahead of them.  I did what I could.  I wish I could do more.  It is my hope that others will be inspired to help him as well as others who are in need.  


Last night, my husband came home, had dinner, and fixed the broken kitchen cabinet lickedy split.  As I put things back in, I wondered what was next for me.  One step at a time...one small act at a time.  There are so many other missions to accomplishment, so many folks out there in need.  But first, mama needed a massage.  Hey, give me a break.  I'm no spring chicken, and with the life I've led, I have serious achy parts.  
So, I made an appointment to visit my nearby Massage Envy.  I haven't been in a while.  I must have a half dozen visits on my account by now.  I never seem to catch up and use all I have.  I really wish you could donate them to friends and family.  Oh well.  
Unable to get my favorite- a hot stone (which counts as two sessions), I scheduled what I could get...a sports massage.  So, this morning, after my treadmill walk, push ups, weight repetitions, and sit ups, I headed over to get my massage.  I'll admit, I didn't realize just how sore I was until I got back to my routine work out this morning..and I guess the rain didn't help.  I have a lot of arthritis from my active duty days.  When I came in out of the rain, I was immediately greeted with warm smiles.  I noticed that they were planning a fundraiser for the Arthritis Foundation.  I was early so I asked if I could take a few photos.  No problem.  They love it when I blog about them.  After all, who doesn't love a happy customer who has nice things to say about a business?

When my time came, I went back to the massage area and met my masseuse.  I had never had a sports massage before.  I didn't really know what to expect.  He (usually I have a female) was extremely nice, and coincidentally, a disabled former Marine.  We talked about injuries, about medical boards, about school, about family.  We talked about meeting personal challenges.  He was shocked when I told him my age.  Let's just say,  I had already been retired from the Army three years before he went in to the Marines from high school.  He absolutely made my day when he said he thought I looked no more than 33 years old.  Whether its true or not, its always nice to hear.  
Anyway, the massage was everything I'd hoped and more (with the bonus of him thinking I was 15 years younger than I actually am).  I came out of the room relaxed and ready for new adventures.  I made my appointment to return for the fundraiser on October 12 and left.  It was still raining, but my mood was positively sunny.  If you aren't busy on the 12th of October, schedule a massage at Massage Envy.  Ten dollars of every massage will be donated to the Arthritis Foundation.  Its a small thing, but really...every little bit counts.                    

On The Day I Passed One Thousand Miles

My husband and I got up this morning, fed the cat, had our coffee (mine decaf), and watched as our young son got on his bus.  By 0715hrs, we were on our way.  I told him I wanted to walk a nearby neighborhood called Montclair.  We used to live there once upon a time on an assignment long long ago.  Montclair is a peaceful place frequented by runners, walkers, folks walking their dogs, and moms pushing strollers.  I once pushed a running stroller there myself.  But that was back before the old knees finally said "no more".  It was a beautiful cool morning, perfect for a long walk through a quiet neighborhood.  We passed the dry cleaners we always use, the manicured golf course, the country club we've never been inside, and finally stopped at the 7 eleven for water and well...a potty break.  By then, we had gone about 3.5 miles, I guess.  My pedometer has been acting up.  We chatted the whole way catching up on things we never seem to catch up on with our hectic lives.  We passed the little league baseball field where our son once played two seasons.  We passed the shopping center where he took three years of Taekwondo.  A couple of cyclists passed.  Then, a runner with the strangest shoes went by.  http://www.vibramfivefingers.com/products/mens_footwear.htm  We crossed route 234, Dumfries road and kept on walking.  There's a guardrail I used to kick every time I passed a certain point on my walk, an obsessive compulsive thing I think.  When we passed it, I didn't stop to kick it this time.  So, my husband grabbed my arm gently and pulled me back around so I could kick it.  I don't know.  Maybe he is more superstitious than I am.
When we reached five miles, I asked him to take a photo commemorating the point when I officially passed one thousand miles.  It wasn't anywhere special, just a spot on a road near the local Exxon just a little over two miles from home.  He leaned over, gave me a kiss, smiled and said "congratulations, you did it."  Then we continued on our way.  We had to get home before his conference call.  No time to slow down.  I was happy just to have him there beside me as I crossed my imaginary finish line.  Come to think of it...I wasn't really crossing a finish line.  After all, I would continue to walk.  Walking has changed my life, gotten me out of that broken soldier rut.  I had no idea had far I would end up going by the end of the year.  And heck, I wasn't going to stop after that.  I would continue to walk as long as I had my Shape Ups, and as long as my body allowed.  I'd continue to walk well into 2012 and beyond.
Well, I had hoped to do a few push ups, sit ups, etc when we came home but Murphy struck home.  My husband went to reach for a coffee cup and the kitchen cabinet came right out of the wall.  We spent a couple of hours trying to fix that before my husband could wait no more.  He had to go to work.  I found a new place for all its contents and sat down to write.  Breathe... Time heals all wounds, right?  Does that apply to cabinets too?  Ugh.
By now, you are probably wondering which charity I intend to give the thousand dollars to.  Some may have already guessed.  Years ago, I was retired from active duty because of disability.  I had gone through two back to back medical boards in the two years prior to the final decision.  Honestly, all I really wanted was someone to fix what was broken so I could get back to what I had done for most of my adult life, wear the uniform and serve my country proudly.  However, I was literally told I was beyond what they could do for me.  I was retired.  I went back to quarters, took off my combat boots and waited, hoping someone would call and say "Come back.  We made a mistake.  We do need you."
Time passed.  My husband came home from the war and we moved on to the next duty station.  It was not an easy transition, from soldier/spouse/mom to retiree/spouse/mom.  Everyone thought I handled it so well, but inside I felt positively useless and a bit abandoned.
I am eight years older, but I still have those boots in my closet.  The old uniform is now obsolete as well as too big on me, but its still there.  You know what?  I'm beginning to think they aren't going to call.
Still, "Once a soldier, Always a soldier."  So, I've thought it over and I've decided that I want to give to "Homes For Our Troops".   With this charity, I can support a local veteran from Virginia.  I know its not much, but in a small way, I can help him regain his independence, and the whole family benefits.  I like that.    http://www.homesforourtroops.org/site/PageServer?pagename=homepage

2002, I think.  : P

I may not wear an active duty uniform anymore, but I am still a soldier at heart.  There are things I can do to win my personal battles.  With working out and eating right, I have not only lost weight, but I have regained some of the strength and confidence I once had.
Today, I can say I have walked over one thousand miles this year alone.  I did it...despite the pain, despite the injuries, and regardless of my age.  I did it!
I know there are other warriors out there, warriors who may have lost hope, who might feel as I once did.
I am here to tell you,  "Whatever it is you aspire to do in life, you can do it."  Me?  I'm just getting started.  

My husband just called.  He says he'll pick up the hardware he needs for the cabinet on the way home.  I miss the days when we could just call on post housing and say, "please come fix this", but I'm so very thankful for what we do have.

Wild Hurley's, Jacuzzi's, And Saggy Bottoms

This morning, my husband and I got up early.  We had coffee, yogurt, and headed out to meet some friends at the Starbucks.  There was a scheduled local poker run at Whitt's Harley Davidson dealership in Manassas, Virginia.   http://www.whittshd.com/event_calendar.asp?loadpage=no  It was a chilly morning, but I just knew it would be a perfect day for a ride.  Its been a while since we've ridden together.  I didn't realize how long it had been until it came time to leave and I was still frantically searching for my gloves.  Then, I tried on my coat and it was bigger than I remembered.  Mmmm?  What's up with that?  Did I shrink?  No matter.  It would have to do.  The last time we rode together, it was a miserable rainy day.  I remember coming in out of the cold to buy a dry sweatshirt at the dealership sponsoring the event.  The Redskins cheerleaders were there.  They autographed a calendar for our son's 13th birthday.  Well, he turns 14 in a few weeks.  I guess its been longer than I thought.  Our rides are too few and too far between.  Maybe its time to move back to Arizona.  We rode year round when we were there.
Cruising along the back roads, we saw hawks gliding overhead, horses and cows grazing, and numerous homes for sale.  Little kids in the back of minivans would wave and smile as we passed.  Initially, there were only three or four bikes in our little group but, by the fourth of five stops, we had more than twenty bikes riding together in a group.  It was positively exhilarating.  I imagined we were tough bikers like on "The Sons Of Anarchy", but to be honest, we are more like the "Wild Hogs"...The two of us...we were the "Wild Hurley's".  With "Wild Hurley's", there is a lot less trouble...and a lot more.."Thank you for serving" and "Where did you get that jacket?"
On our poker run, we drew a card at every stop.  Between the two of us, I had the better hand...two pair...8's and 7's (with an Ace high).  It wasn't the best of all the riders, but it didn't matter.  We weren't really there to play poker.  We were just there to raise money for charity, put some miles on the bike, and spend some quality time together as a couple.   And that, we did in spades.  : )
At the end of the ride, they were serving hot dogs, but I wasn't even tempted.  I had stashed a protein bar in our saddlebags just in case.  I grabbed a bottle of water to go with it and I was set.  
We came back home and immediately grabbed our bathing suits.  We aren't kids anymore.  Though we loved every minute of out day together, we had both gotten a little stiff on the long, cold ride.  Time for a Bailey's on the rocks and a dip in the Jacuzzi.  Well, when I was rushing to get to the warm bubbly water, I grabbed an old suit by mistake.  As it turned out, it was at least two to three sizes too big.  Why was that even in the drawer?  No worries.  After the Jacuzzi, it was thrown in the trash.   No sense hanging on to the past.  After all, I am not really a saggy bottom kind of girl.        

Smooth Operator

Those who have been reading this blog for a while know I love my whey protein fruit smoothies.  I have them every day I can.  I even have a portable smoothie maker for those times I can't get to my favorite blender...like on vacations.  I mean, could you see me carrying my blender on a trip, explaining that at the airport security gate?  "I'm sorry officer, but I have to have my whey protein fruit smoothies.  I am a healthy lady.  Want to see my guns?".  No, that wouldn't be good.  They would most likely take away my blender and use it to make their own smoothies..not to mention the fact that I'd probably be strip searched for mentioning my guns.  "Not in my bag, Silly", I'd say, "Here"...as I was flexing my newly acquired muscles.  No...I don't think I want to go there.  
So, in order to avoid having to pack my blender, I bought a portable "Shake 'n Take" at the "As Seen On TV" store in the mall.  And so far, it works great.
For most of the summer months, I have filled my smoothies with the freshest fruits I could find either from the grocery store or the local farmer's market.  But, the temperatures are beginning to drop and I know deep down that those wonderful fruits I've been enjoying will soon be gone.  They are already raising the prices.  That's the first sign that the season will soon be over.  And thought it breaks my heart, I've already had blackberries and other fresh fruits go moldy on me.  Twice now, I've opened fresh berries to find mold.  I know. I know.  Mold happens.  I promise I won't sweat the small stuff, but where there is a will, there is a way.  I absolutely refuse to give up on my smoothies.  
After the fresh strawberries, blueberries, raspberries, and blackberries are gone from my current stash in the refrigerator, I will, of course, experiment with new mixtures.  Today, we went to the grocery store.  We bought something we both love...fresh pears.  I might mix them in a smoothie with strawberries or peaches.  After all, some fruits come out in the fall, right?  As a back up, we picked up some frozen fruits.  Fresh is best, but frozen still works.  Mmm...peach-mango sounds good.  What is your favorite smoothie combination?      

http://www.bestfruitsmoothies.com/

Trying New Things

Turkey bacon BLT on toasted Smart bread

“Never be afraid to try something new. Remember, amateurs built the ark. Professionals built the Titanic.” ~ Unknown

Anyone who has been reading my blog knows I am big on trying new things.  This year, I have experimented with new products, we've have family run taste tests, and we've added things to our shopping lists that we might never have enjoyed...had we not been brave enough to try them.  We've added things like blackberries, avocado, hummus, pomegranate, whole wheat, granola, Greek yogurt, and soy products.   

I drink  8-10 glasses of water a day.  

When I order from a restaurant, I lean towards fish or poultry, I always ask for double the veggies, and salad dressing is now a side that I rarely even touch.  Soda?  Bottom line.  Its a mixer or I don't have it.   I've made turkey chili, chicken fajitas, ground turkey stuffed peppers, eggplant parmesan, slice pepper hummus wraps, portobello Swiss veggie burgers, etc.  I am always trying new recipes.  
Nearly every day, I have a whey protein fruit smoothie, a Greek yogurt with granola, an apple, grapes, or some other fruit snack, almonds, etc.  Some might think you have to deny yourself food to maintain a healthy weight.  Let me tell you...I eat.  I eat like every two hours...just small portions...and I try to make good choices.  
My father used to love his BLT's.  Greasy Bacon, crisp lettuce, sliced tomato, and mayonnaise on white bread.   Well, the other day I had a serious craving for one of those BLT's but I wasn't ready to give up on my commitment to stay away from bacon and pork.  It may have been a wild idea at first, but as the year has progressed, I have seen serious improvements in my overall health (not to mention my skin).   So, how was I going to get that craving satisfied before it drove me over the edge?  I was in Target and I saw it right next to the pork bacon.  I thought why not give it a try?  I picked up both pork bacon and the turkey bacon.  Why?  My husband has been wonderful trying new things with me this year but, unlike me, he still eats pork and beef.  I didn't want to force him.  After all, he's eaten everything I've made even when his heart wasn't really in it.   I wanted him to have a choice.  I was surprised when he said we should only make the turkey bacon.   
Together, we stood at the kitchen island and created our individual sandwiches.  It was fun.  Mine was turkey bacon, romaine lettuce (the darker the lettuce, the better), fresh sliced tomatoes, on toasted whole wheat Wonder Smart bread (only 50 calories a slice).  I love this bread!  It looks like white bread, but its actually a healthy high fiber wheat bread (Shhh..our kid thinks its white bread).   BTW...no mayonnaise.  It has enough flavor.  It doesn't need it.  

Peanut Butter and Turkey Bacon on toasted Smart bread

There is absolutely no reason to eat what our parents ate unless of course, we want to continue to have the same health issues they did.  Experiment.  Make substitutions.  Remember the film "Heartbreak Ridge"?  Learn to "Improvise, adapt, and overcome".       
My husband made his sandwich with turkey bacon and crunchy peanut butter (also on toast).  We used to have these ages ago when we would stay at our friend's cabin.  I remember thinking they were the weirdest idea for a sandwich I'd ever heard of, but you know what?  YUM! (and great for hangovers)  
We added a side veggie (peas) and we both satisfied our personal cravings.  Turkey bacon is higher in sodium  than its pork relative (but lower in fat) but, if you are on a diet restriction or for some other reason you don't eat pork, give it a try.  Never be afraid to try something new.