My Final Blog

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

Sit ups, crunches - 17,500

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

Real Men Grill In Winter

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

Through Thick And Thin

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

The Skinny Santa

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

Nice Platters, Naughty Alcohol, And A Frozen Little Tushy

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

Is 48 Too Late To Be A Bond Girl?

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

The Doctor, The Dentist, And The Comfortable Shoe Maker

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