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.