Friday Roundup

 While we are living in the present, we must celebrate life every day,
knowing that we are becoming history with every work,
every action, every deed.

Mattie Stepanek

Happy Friday everyone.  And what a week it was.  My first week of working towards better health, and I have to say, I did everything right.  Yesterday was my first weekly weigh-in at WW, and guess how much I lost?  6.2 pounds. It felt especially good when we raised our hands to share positive news, and everyone clapped for me.  The good thing about it is I've not had to go hungry like some of the  diets I have put myself on.

Take one diet I started several years back.  A piece of fruit for breakfast, two slices of turkey on whole wheat (no mayo) for lunch, and veggies and small piece of meat or chicken for dinner.  I tried to do without snacks, but when I did snack, it was a piece of fruit.  Actually, the diet doesn't look bad, and I took off quite a bit of weight, but it got boring, especially the lunch.  So, eventually I ended up going on a binge, and guess which meal I chose to 'throw to the wind'.  Lunch, of course.  And once started, I didn't stop.  It was back to my old way of eating.  Boredom did me in.

Which is why I like WW so much.  One never gets bored.  You can eat just about everything and only need to be careful not to eat too much.  Now, winter may prove to be a wee bit of a problem for me because I hate winter fruits, but I'll work my way through it.  Even if I have make bake my fruits.

And exercise.  Who knew three months ago that I would be so into exercise and getting myself back into shape.  This week they had a party on Tuesday so no exercise, but at least I did get a 'good' hour in on Monday, and this morning I am off for flexibilty and mobility exercise. 

It really helps to see positive results from the changes I am making, but I do have to prepare myself for those 'plateau' weeks that happen to everyone working towards losing weight.  I can't get flustered and begin feeling like a failure.  That's a relapse cue for me, and I must be careful.

Well, that's about it for my week.  I'd say it was a good one.  Going to spend time this weekend looking into some healthy new recipes. The weather is supposed to be good, so maybe I'll take my books to the park.  See you all on Monday.

Have a wonderful weekend.

Thursday Ramble.

Life is not about waiting for the storms to pass...

It's about learning how to dance in the rain.

  Vivian Greene

Good morning, everyone.  It's going to be another gorgeous day.  I'm off to Weight Watchers this morning.  Hoping to see some positive results.  They have me on 27 points per day with 49 bonus weekly points.  I've only used a few of the bonus points.   I like the fact that you never have to go hungry with WW.  That was always my problem with past diets.  A month or so into the diet, and I'd go on a binge...and after that I was off to the races.

Went back to the old Center yesterday.  Wanted to see my friends, and I enjoy the art class...even though it is only coloring a picture.  It is soothing and relaxes me.  I felt good when all my friends came round to welcome me back.  They were all concerned that I wouldn't be back because I had been treated so rudely on Thursday. I chose not to tell them I had found a new and better center, so  I explained that, at this point in my life, my weight has become detrimental to my health, and right now I have to concentrate on losing a few pounds.  Actually, quite a few pounds.  They are aware that I will only be attending on Wednesday.  I genuinely like them and feel badly that it has to be this way, but health and peace of mind come first.

I am just loving this weather.  Not cold, just cool enough for a sweater or light jacket.  I come alive in the alive in the chilly Autumn air. More energy and eager to do things. Hard to believe that next week summer will officially be over.  It's been a quick summer, for sure, and unlike last year, a rather comfortable one.  I am a wee bit concerned, though.  Some have forecasted a snowier winter than last year and have even ventured to say our first snow will appear next month.  Let's hope they are wrong.  

Well, that's about it for this morning.  As you can see, I've nothing exciting to share today, and there are a few things I hope to accomplish before I leave today.  Talk to you all tomorrow.

Have a good one.

Hump Day is Here

One of the most tragic things I know about human nature
is that all of us tend to put off living.
We are all dreaming of some magical rose garden over
the horizon instead of enjoying the roses that are
blooming outside our windows today.

Dale Carnegie

 More fall decorating.  One of my end tables.  Those red candies are some of the hottest I ever ate.  I am totally addicted to them.

Good morning, everyone.  And a happy day to all.   Yesterday I went for Balance Class at my new center, but because they were having a party, the class was canceled.  I stayed and had a great time.  A comedian came in and told jokes and afterwards someone put on some old music, and we all sang along.  Wow!!!  How could I have missed this for so long? Last night I sat down and jotted down the pros and cons of each center, and I have to say, the new center won hands down.

Take yesterday, for example.  It was raining in the morning.  In fact, it was 'pouring' at the time I would have had to leave for the old center.  Usually, I would have ended up staying home because if I waited for the rain to stop. I would lose my seat and not be able to sit with my friends for lunch.  One time they gave my seat away by mistake, and I was seated at a table where no one spoke English.  Talk about an uncomfortable lunch!  At the new place, there are NO assigned seats.  You can sit alone if you choose or you can sit with friends.  Hence, I was still able to go in between showers.  I like having the option of choosing where I sit, and not depending on someone who is often in a bad mood to choose your seat for you.

The food at the new center is very good, and they are not stingy with it like the old center. Remember the lady who was hungry who they refused to give her a dish to go home?  In fact, after everyone is served, they will give you a huge portion to take home for only $1.  And no one is turned away hungry.  Someone sits at the exit with brown bag lunches for those who would otherwise go hungry.  They even offered me one as I left, but I refused.  There are plenty of others who need it.

So, tomorrow is Weight Watchers, and I am so looking forward to it.  I've been so good with points, I am sure I must have lost something.  I just don't want to hype myself up too much just in case.  I am feeling better, for sure.  I no longer have that bloated, over stuffed feeling to contend with.  

Well, that's about it for today.  Time to get a move on.  Going to the old center today for art class and to see the friends I made there so I have to get there by a certain time. Talk to you all tomorrow.

Tuesday Ramble

    

It's important to give yourself a gold star. Recognizing your achievements--big and small--is an important part of honoring who you are. Gold stars have the powerful effect of undermining and dethroning all the critical stuff you've heard about yourself.

Leslie Levine

This is part of my Autumn owl set.  Can't find where I packed the rest.  They will show up.

It's a rainy morning out there, and I am still trying to figure out what to do today. Had such a nice time at the new center yesterday.  I exercised, met some new friends, and had a wonderful lunch.  I don't remember being made to feel so welcome in the old place. Hubby told me I should stick with this new center since I was so happy with it, and forget about the other one, but I think one day a week to see my friends.  I was only going to attend on Wednesdays because I do enjoy the new art class, but I may go today as well.  They'd planned a trip in the new center, and balance class is going to be canceled.  Speaking of exercise....

It's been such a long time I did any 'real' exercise, and I have NEVER participated  in an exercise class. Usually my exercises included a few jumping jacks and some sit-ups, and those were done many, many years ago.  In recent years, my only exercise was walking, and I haven't done much of that anymore. So, I wasn't very limber to say the least.  But I think I did pretty well considering.  I did feel a charlie horse coming on when we began exercising our calves and my toes started to spasm when we did our foot exercises, but I worked my way through it. 

And by the time the music came on, and it was time to begin some mild aerobics, she'd say 'left leg to the side', and I'd put my right leg out.  They were moving so fast I just couldn't keep up, and it didn't help that my back was killing me.  But, the important thing is not HOW I did it, but the fact that I actually completed the one hour of exercise.  I am so proud of myself.

In all honesty, it has been a long time since I actually felt that sense of accomplishment. It makes you feel good when you do things for yourself.  It makes you feel better and want to achieve more things.  And with that, I will leave you with the following little tale from "Seeing with Our Souls"....

A seeker searched for years to know the secret of achievement and success in human life. One night in a dream a sage appeared bearing

the answer to the secret.

The sage said simply: "Stretch out your hand and reach what you can."

"No, it can't be that simple," the seeker said.

And the sage said softly, "You are right, it is something harder. It is

this: Stretch out your hand and reach what you cannot."

Now that's vision.

Joan Chittister

Monday This and That

Don’t worry about being worried. You’re heading out on an adventure and you can always change your mind along the way and try something else.

Tracy Kidder

Good morning.  Happy Monday to all.  Time marches on, and another week begins. I'll be starting at the new center today.  I was there on Friday for the enrollment process, and I cannot wait to begin.  They offer so much more.  Basically, they offer all that I need right now.  I'm looking forward to starting he arthritis exercises, but also mobility and flexibility, and balance.  The best part of it is the exercise program is overseen by a licensed physical therapist.  There was some exercise at the other program, but basically clients handled it.  Frankly, I feel much safer beginning an exercise regimen run by a professional than by a client who exercised to a video tape at home.

It's funny how we get locked into things and allow ourselves to get locked into something in the belief  that there is nothing better.  As a newcomer to retirement, I believed when others told me that they'd been to other centers and the one I was attending was the best. I wanted to believe them because I trusted them.  They'd been going to centers a lot longer than I, so when they told me this was the best, I stuck with it. And probably it is to them because they find joy in playing bingo and cards day after day.  I want something more.  

Started with my fall decorating this weekend.  Couldn't put it off any longer.  I've been yearning to do it, but with temps in the 80's it didn't seem right.  Now the temps are dropping and I am more than ready.

Every year I buy something new for my collection and this was it.

And I brought one of the oldies brought out of retirement.  Still have much more to do, but that's a start.  

Took a walk to the fruit stand on Saturday.  It was so nice and cool.  Fall was definitely in the air.  Bought lots of healthy stuff.  Noticeably missing was the low salt potato chips and cookies.  Plums and blackberries took their place.

Made a pan of oven roasted veggies.... 

...and had them with a small lean steak and salad.  

I've been sticking to it well, and surprisingly, on WW Points Plus you are allowed to eat quite a bit.  I wasn't hungry at all.  Please keep your fingers crossed for me.  I have to do this.

Well, it's time for me to get a move on.  Buses are totally unprepared for the school crowd and running late, so I'd best leave early to be there in time for exercise class.  Have a good one.

Friday Roundup

 Live in rooms full of light
Avoid heavy food
Be moderate in the drinking of wine
Take massage, baths, exercise, and gymnastics
Fight insomnia with gentle rocking or the sound of running water
Change surroundings and take long journeys
Strictly avoid frightening ideas
Indulge in cheerful conversation and amusements
Listen to music.

A. Cornelius Celsus

Good morning, everyone.  Another weekend has ended, and what a week it was.  I end this week feeling good about myself...which is always a good way to start the weekend.  I am making some positive changes in my life.

To begin with, I have become a bit disillusioned with the senior center I have been attending.  Their current activity list is next to nothing, and I am tired of playing bingo for an hour every morning and then sitting around chatting for the next hour.  The woman's group has become so boring that I no longer want to attend.  The food, once delicious, is now bland and is either served overcooked or undercooked.  It has been busy this month, but that is because lunch has been a quarter.  Next week, when prices go up, many faces will be noticeably missing.

One of the interns did start an art group on Wednesday.  Actually, the center didn't invest anything in it.  The intern purchased all of the colored pencils and stencils to color in.  I really enjoyed this group.

And the regulars there have gotten so used to the place that they don't realizes that there is something better out there.  Whenever I mention that I wish they'd have more activities, they respond. "Oh, we have more to do here than anyplace else."  And someone like me, newly retired, believes them...until someone comes along and opens up my eyes that there is so much more out there.  So, after attending my first Weight Watcher's meeting, I walked over to the senior center located nearby and found myself immediately enamored and anxious to attend.

A typical Monday at the center I attend is bingo, playing cards, or dancing in the morning. At 11 it is either a boring group, playing cards, dancing, or watching 'The Price is Right'.  Such exciting activities.  I never stay in the afternoon because it is the same thing every day...dancing or playing cards. A Monday schedule in the new place includes strength and flexibility, arthritis exercises, and art class...which includes 'beginning acrylic painting'.  On other days they offer wellness group, jewelry making, board games, health presentations, etc.  And the food?  How does stir fry beef or jerk chicken sound to you?

In all fairness to the center, a lot of the lack of activities has to do with the people who attend.  They'd rather play cards or dance all day.  On the few times they brought in an outside nutritionist to teach us about eating for high blood pressure, they played cards and chatted away while she was trying to teach.  Only a small handful of us, and I mean small, paid attention to what she was saying.  The others were so totally rude.  

Speaking of food, I absolutely LOVED Weight Watchers and cannot wait for the next meeting.  I realized once the meeting began that I cannot do this alone.  Food has definitely become an addiction for me.  In fact, I couldn't stop the tears when I got on the scale.  223 pounds. No wonder I lose my breath and have problems putting my socks on.

This was dinner last night.  I made some chicken in a low sodium red sauce  and filled my plate with salad.  I'll have to let the rice and beans go until I get some of this weight off.

So, there you have it.  I'd say this was a good week for me, and when I raised my hand in the meeting and said, "Hi, my name is Mary and this is my first time here. I came because it is time to take control of my life," followed by the applause, I knew I had made some right decisions.

Wishing you all a wonderful weekend.  See you on Monday.

The Journey Home By Willy Nywening

After reading "The Autumn of Her Life" I thought it would be a good long time before I found any fiction to hold my interest, but then I discovered "The Journey Home" by Willy Nywening is just that book.  I started following the FB page because I love the awesome feel goos quotes shared on there. Eventually I bought the book, and loved every page of it.  

The book is about a brother and sister who have been orphaned and focuses the struggles they have to remain a family unit and the  disappointments they face in life and how through the power of love, they were able to overcome them. From what I understand the inspiration for the book was her father who had been orphaned at a young age.  It's wonderful, wonderful, wonderful. Such a feel good story, and in a world of violence, war, and pain, we need more stories like this.
 
From the book's description...

Our childhood is an intricate part of who we become as adults. Everyone has difficulty, despair and disappointment in their past. How we choose to overcome these challenges determines the course of our lives. Through it all, love has the potential to heal old wounds.

In a time when children were meant to be seen and not heard, young lives were not always honored. Jamie and Martha, a brother and sister who were tragically orphaned at a young age, find themselves shuffled between family and friends. Stripped of their voices and choices, they endure heartbreaking circumstances that no child should ever experience. Even though disappointment seems to be the only constant in their young lives, they struggle courageously to find bits and pieces of happiness in a world that is often cruel and spiteful.

Through it all, something pure and innocent within the children refuses to die. On their journey, they learn one of life’s most important and powerful lessons: the healing power of love makes life – and living – possible. While love cannot change the past, it is the key to redeeming an unwritten future. For Martha and Jamie, it is love that creates the true refuge that is home.