Win Woo Walk

Hey, I'm walking again. I've always been mad at myself I didn't keep up my daily walk regimen when I bought this house two years ago. My thicker hips prove it. And I worry of my heart suffering because I haven't.

I've moaned and groaned about leaving my park and work out room that were literally out my back door at my old apartment. There was also a time my hot water heater had clicked off--which I didn't know all I had to do was push a button on it--I went over to the work out room and used the shower at about 6:30 in the morning.

Anyhow, I've been walking with Leslie Sansone alot. Have you heard of her? Very perky the lady is, as you walk in place, jog, kick knee lifts and such--all in comfy coziness of your house. The DVD I have of Leslie's goes up to 5 miles. I've not quite made it there--I'm getting good at two miles. I gotta trust her I AM doing two miles. I sweat. I ache. Not as much food is being chomped. Plus I can tell a difference around my waist and hips. My sleep at night is more restful too.

Yep, all good.
Walk. Does a body good.

So Much....

Seems to have happened since I checked in you guys..

On the professional front--UGH--that's the rockiest-

If my professional life where the Titanic

It woulda sunk before we left the harbor--

It's all temporary.

Anyway, outside of that things have been OK

I have a little 99 cent cup of Haagen-Daaz (Strawberry)

And this kitty-

To help me ease thru the night.

Oh, and I've started back on an exercise regimen--

So that's a story-

However, in the meantime,

The Texas Rangers and New York Yankees are

On the TV. If the Rangers win--WORLD SERIES!!

Lived in Kansas City, when the Royals won the '85 Series

If the Rangers get there--oh MAN!

How cool would that be?

Stay tuned!

Truth Tuesday

I'm tired.

Realize again, how much I am so an emotional eater!

Hope my racquetball partner and I can play a few games--

Took a day break from the school work-

To finish a 1200 word piece for Chicken Soup for the Soul submission-

Which is due Friday.

In the meantime, I am tired.

Yet, I thought of a past love tonight

And I smiled.

Sums It Up

Saturdays help you sum the past week's happenings and realize ya gotta treat yourself to a little good will for YOU! !

For instance, I treated myself to a Down Home Cookin' kinda eatery, called Po' Melvin's -which is 5 mins from my house. Pass it every day and never stopped in.

And today I did. Po Melvin's had a breakfast buffet goin' on! Even omelets made to your specification. Let's say said visit to Po' Melvin's tummy was happy!

After my tummy fill, I headed to finally see multi Oscar nominated "Avatar." Went early enough that the movie price was still $4.50. And I think I'm glad. Folks I knew, who were skeptical about "Avatar." wound up enjoying it. Me? Well, I saw a lot of very tall, thin, striped blue cat people. I didn't hate "Avatar." in fact toward the end I kinda got into it. Was I spellbound? Was it something I'd never seen before? I saw lots of pinks, lavender and also where the millions of dollars James Cameron spent on "Avatar-" The movie's colors were quite vibrant, however was I captivated? Considering the characters looked like a cats, I shoulda been.

I wasn't.

Nonetheless I was glad I saw "Avatar" so, I'd have my own opinion. Come March 7th, James Cameron just might be King of the World again, as he totes a Titanic filled Oscar statues.

I also summed up stuff today, as I walked around the park by my old apartment complex. Like in days of yore, I made friends with the dogs walking their humans. Then I sat on my Forrest Gump bench, where I sat so many times during my recuperation from open heart surgery. I can't daily drive 20 miles, to just walk around this park, when I have parks and a rec center close at hand. Yet there's something about just being there...comfort. Security.

Saturdays help to sum things up. Makes you realize how far you've come, especially when there are times it feels as if you haven't taken one step.

Tuesday Twinkle

Had the day off. So nice. Jaunted to see my Heart Doc for my 6 month check up. Said all my numbers looked good. I looked good. My mechanical mitral valve sounded good. And silently I was glad the medical assistant didn't weigh me. Said their scale was outta whack. Being told tidbit that lowered my blood pressure about 10 points alone. The only thing my Heart Doc says is, "You need to be exercising more."

I laughed. I told her how I hadn't been doing it as much of recent times (months?) as I should.

Heart Doc laughed back and said they could tell. Turns out my recent ECHO (ultrasound of my heart) showed them my dirty little secret. My Heart Doc says we need to make sure my heart muscle remains strong so.....And I so agreed. After my appointment with her, I sauntered to my Coumadin check aka my POKE test (which lets me know if my blood to thick or too thin, where my valve is concerned), I headed to the park I walked so many laps around during my open-heart surgery recuperation. This was at the apartment complex I lived in prior to the purchase of the house. Had the park there, plus a work out room for the days I couldn't get outside. I still miss the convenience of the two.

Lastly, after my laps of the park. I sat on my Forrest Gump bench. How many times had I sat and contemplated how life would be as each day I grew stronger? All in all, a nice walk. Pet a couple of dogs out walking their humans. Nice to realize time has moved on. Nice to realize I've had no set backs.

Nice to know I am blessed.

Twinkle in my eye indeed.

Thursday Thought

Stepped on the scale. Sets firm where I was the other day. Hmm. Since I had a sinus/cold thing going on, I didn't head to the rec center to exercise. And I can feel it. Now I feel more like me. So back to that daily routine. Can tell inches have melted-and I like that.

And I guzzled my 74 ounces of water yesterday and will today.

In the meantime, I got to thinking bout an old love of mine. In fact, I've mentioned him a few times on the blog. Bear--is what I call him. Hit me in recent times how much of a grump o' Bear he's turned out to be! See, he got ticked how I wrote stuff on his Facebook Wall and didn't think to ask HIM if it was OK. Really? It's FACEBOOK-not some secret code spot for the FBI (is it?) What do you do on FACEBOOK? Oh, it was rated G stuff, like "When ya gonna post a pic?"

Even if you're networking--you write on Walls. Well, when this little ditty sunk in, and after I asked Bear if he instructed other friends to ask permission to scipt on his Wall (which I've yet to receive a response), I had an a-ha moment. How it's all about control. His over me.

Makes sense. In all the time we've known each other, Bear has always been so pissed at me. For just about everything. And me? I thought we could work out anything. Heck, love was a many splendored thing. Bear thought so too--if he ruled all the roost. Now, I'm all for the man being head of the household. However, that doesn't mean you're always mad when I quite never do what you think I should and >gasp!<>

That happened alot. Which was alot of the problem.

Oh well. When you have those a-ha moments, you mix a sliced banana and mix with Blue Bell Homemade Vanilla ice cream. Trick is to have just a few spoonfuls of ice cream--not a PINT, like I use to do-at one sitting. While that cures what ails you-let a cat nap in your lap.

Priceless.

Drop Will Dew You

Water.

Yea, H20--the most unexciting beverage ever. Gone are my days of doing whiskey shots followed by gulps of water. That's a whole 'nother post for another time. :)

Sure, Dr. Pepper or 7-11's Mocha Iced Coffee or Kool-aid or brewed, not instant strawberry mango iced tea would be more fun than plain jane glass of water. And since water is the main ingredient in those beverages, all must be right.

Wrong. Your temple (which is your body and the word I'll use from now on) needs it. Craves it. Keeps your temple's architecture in pristine order.

I drink water. Plain. Straight up from the tap. Everyday, even on weekends, when the routine is a bit different. See, I have this 74 ounce plastic jug from Wal-mart. Drink one of those puppies a day-and you're set. My co-workers watch me fill it up each day and somebody always asks, "You drink all of that?" Yep. I do.

Hey, it took me while to devour such an amount. Ain't easy. Something that doesn't taste good is never easy. Water, I'll drink. Asparagus never crosses my lips. But ya know, to drink water does fill your tummy up. And I don't mean a little Dixie cup full. An 8 ounce glass before you munch on something.

Beware you don't put yourself in denial. Even tho you KNOW you're full, you think something will be missed, like the goodness of a bunch of peanut butter criss cross cookies that sit before you. Good they would be, but sugar crash ain't worth it and you'll be mad at yourself in the morning. Unless Brad Pitt is part of the picture, the cookies stay where they are.

You hate water? Me too. Nothing like a squeezed lemon or orange to give it a little zip. There's stuff you can add, to make it go down easier. Just make sure a cup of sugar isn't one of the ingredient. Nobody said it would be easy. Nothing that's good ever is. Water is dull. So is paying your electric bill--yet you do it. Why? Because you have to or you have a think for kerosene lamps. Water is the same thing. You learn to do it. Every day.

And I put both my feet on the scale and stared. Smiled a bit as a smaller number inches into view. Not bad.

Water. Try it. Really does 'dew' a body good.

Friday

Finally

Friday

Tired.

Ache from the rec center.

Suppose to be a good hurt.

Sure, OK, when I'm stiff in the morn-

I'll think how good it is.

Was gonna delve into my Blue Bell Groom's Cake Ice cream, yet

Chomped my watermelon instead.

Was 10:30pm and still 86 degrees.

My ice cream will need to wait another day.

And I'm calling it day for this one.

Finally

Monday Muse

Once again, I question on taking an undetermined hiatus from this blog.

And I enjoy doing the blog.

However, my hits aren't as they were. Not giving what readers, I do have, what they want to read.

As much as grew up, followed the Osmonds, yet still rocked in the 70's, partied like it was 1999 in the 80's, thought I was a true adult in the '90, however I realized I'd not completed as much as I thought I woulda done by now in the 2000's--so what to do?

Write about just my survival of open-heart surgery or being born with microtia (born without an ear--in my case, I do not have a left ear) or being half a century with no husband or kids (which I miss not having) or the desire to produce a play from my own words, dance, sing, and play piano or the loss of my mom when I was 13 and being an only child at that?

Hmm. I've done that-only not every day.

Maybe I should? But which one? I'm open for suggestions.

However, since I've biked and treadmilled, must take trash to the curb, contemplate washing the dishes, pet a cat, chow a salad so my coumadin stays in check, watch "The Closer" and get on my knees and thank God for this life.

Stay tuned.

I am blessed.

Day Off

...and the only thing I've done that I said I planned to do-was take a walk. Instead of a jaunt to the rec ctr, where I could bike and stroll in air conditioned comfort, I headed to the park up the street. Was concerned about the heat, yet not alot of humidity. Since the open heart surgery, I've done my best to stay within the guidelines set for outside activity. The nice breeze helped during the walk. Just peaceful.

Once again, it proved how I like being home. To do what I want to, while others are at work. Granted, I don't want to be sick again to have that feeling. Just nice.

Later on, I do need to go get POKED. Yea, that's what I call my blood check for my coumadin. I'm such a poster child for this stuff, which was peddled as rat poison. Fortunate no real issues. Except I know when I am tired--I am tired, so I stop until another time. Just live.

Now since I have some time until the POKE test, I'll wash my dishes. Oh heck, who am I kidding? Gotta watch today's episode of Young and the the Restless-getting GOOD! Adam needs to fall down his own flight of stairs!

Stay tuned.

Everybody Dance!

I am in the midst of readying myself to head to a swing dance lesson! I canNOT wait! The lesson will be a church I've visited, Friendship West Baptist Church, with Pastor Freddie Haynes. So instead of my bike and tread and read--I'm head to do alittle shake, shake, do a turn and see how I do.

Stay tuned.

Two

Inches. Count em. Two.
Measured my hips this morn and two inches were gone. Outta here.
Thrilled me!
Don't get me wrong. I love my hips--like I've said, always been and will be a full figured girl
Yet, my hips needed some help. Weren't lookin as good as I wanted them to
See, after the initial shock of weight gain instead of weight loss,
Since my recent exercise regimen-yea, it is common, but that doesn't thrill me.
Noticed my hips had changed.
Had to have a reason to not eat ALL the dee-lishus pint of Blue Bell Cookies n Cream ice cream
Yet could still savor a few spoonfuls-
Instead of my step on the scale and then my scream loud enough for neighbors to hear-
To measure said hips became the decision
There was a visible difference-even if I didn't have on my glasses or my contacts in
A difference--maybe not to anyone else, yet to ME!
When I wrapped the tape around my hips
Swore wouldn't pull it so tight circulation would be cut off
Nope. Honest wrap around
Two inches gone
Thrilled me!
Listen to poet Lucille Clifton while she gives Homage to My Hips
Because this is how it oughta be!

Wonder

Why you just can't wake up and pounds can be gone from your body? The exercise and less food are working. In fact, during lunch yesterday one of my co-workers asked if my 'rabbit food' would satisfy me. Too funny. I munched on a Healthy Choice meal. Sure, it wasn't all pasta, garlic bread and tiramisu--yet it was good.

To lose weight is like when you gain weight--it doesn't happen over night. I try to not be angry at myself that it happened at all. When I lost all those 70 lbs in 2006--I just KNEW it wasn't coming back. I loved swimming in my clothes. I knew I would always be a full figured girl, but being a healthier full figured girl was my goal.

And I stuck to it until I realized I had to start this new chapter.

Stay tuned.

So

I stepped on the scale this morning. Imagine my glee when it didn't scream nor buckle as much as before! Like that ALOT! Can tell inches had eased off the hips, especially from the bike. And my legs aren't as tired and just happy on the things I'm seeing. More energy during the night to complete projects and sleep like a rock. Well, I sleep like a rock anyway a more peaceful rock.

I do hate exercise. Yet I like what exercise does for you, so I recommend it. Trust me, you'll hate it too, but like what it does for YOU.

So if you'll excuse me, gotta get in the rec center before I get on with my day.

Enjoy this Saturday!

It is...

Finally Friday!

Got out of work early (a BIG thumbs up on that!) We all had to skip lunch to be able to leave early. So needless to say I was starved when I exited. Wound up doing lunch with a chum, who just moved back to Dallas. Upon return to Dallas, she actually worked at the same place I did.

After 10 days my chum quit.

It was the right decision. Anyway, we chatted for about 3 hours. Long overdue. And alot of fun. When I left work, I'd pondered going to a movie--but heck, you can always do that. So to lunch I went. Made me realize I'd missed our get togethers, plus time has flown. Her daughter just turned 20.

* sigh*

So, on this Friday after the yummy burger I munched and dee-lish onions--which I gotta admit weren't at the best burger place in Dallas: Burger Island-and quite tasty on the tummy--gotta go tread and bike.

The scale didn't scream as much this morning. I can tell some inches have slid on off. Gotta like that.

If you will excuse me, gotta get the tennyrunners on and go do my thing.

Thursday Tender

OK. Went to my new home away from home: the Senior Rec Center. As I walked in I realized I read the door wrong yesterday. Indeed, the center was indeed closed yesterday when I showed up around 5:30. It closed at 5pm. So it was open, yet I was too late. Noted.

Anyway, I biked, tread and read "Angels and Demons." Sure it opens tomorrow with Tom Hanks, who doesn't know he loves me. Loved Tom since I first laughed at him in "Bosom Buddies"--I digress. I'd like to finish the book before I see the movie--but, ya know, may not happen--the thought is there.

After I biked, tread and read my feet let me know I needed new tenny shoes. Not too much cushion. Couldn't quite remember what year I bought these tennyshoes, so it's time. Can't let shoes keep me for doing some good for myself....like I had been. :)

And it's almost time for the weekend. My feet can handle that! While we wait for the Friday, I'll cue up my all time favorite rock band: 3 Dog Night. My heart is all over Cory Wells and his version of Try A Little Tenderness. I'm sure Otis Redding smiles up there in Heaven when he hears Cory do his thing.

I know I do. Sore tootsies and all. Need me some Tenderness. Sing it Mister Wells!

To Do List

After work, I headed to the 'senior' recreation center I joined yesterday. Wanted to stationery bike, treadmill and read before American Idol. Well, if I'd paid attention, I would have noticed the hours, painted in BIG letters on the door: Closed on Wednesdays. UGH. Gives me all the more gumption to hit it hard tomorrow.

Until last night, I've not biked or tread since I moved to the house in April 2008. Spoke of getting my own treadmill and bike--looked at some at the Salvation Army, yet never did. More afraid of the things not having any warranty left. You have 10 days to take stuff back, but my luck it would happen on the 11th. Nonetheless, I enjoyed it. The sweat from my brow confirmed I was doing something right. Felt good to do something for me.

Then I stood in the Wal-mart check out line. A lady two spots ahead of me, was upset because of a price difference. The lady's voice raised louder when a manager cover, so gave me enough time to read Kirstie Alley's article about her weight re-gain in People. I'd caught Kirstie on Oprah a week or so ago and for the first time in a long time I liked her.

Part of never got over the fact Kirstie got the chance to fly around the galaxy and question Captain Kirk about his cheating in The Wrath of Khan. Then Kirstie wasn't in the next Star Trek: The Search For Spock. I never really forgave her. Yea, I watched some "Cheers', but bitter I was. But on Oprah and then read the words Kirstie said made me think: "We are one."

I lost 70 pounds. Kept if off for a good long time. Then when my trek to buy a house coupled with my job going loopy, I quit counting the number of Pringles Potato Crisps to pack in my lunch. Always been an emotional eater. Sometimes not even really knowing what I ate--just did because.

So more than half was re-gained. Not all. But enough. I relate to Kirstie's story alot. I've always been curvy--yet I started to have more of it. Hips. That's where all my fluffiness is. Can squeeze into some of my clothes. Heck, I threw out my 'fat' clothes. Wasn't gonna need em anymore. Was 100% sure of that--just like Kirstie.

And I didn't go back to fast food. I mean, if I ate anything fried, it was maybe twice a month. And that's when I'd splurge and go the best burger place in Dallas: Burger Island. My cholesterol went down so much, my cardiologist lowered my cholesterol medicine! So how did I gain weight?

Well, I may not fry much of anything-but Chinese food was a downfall. And of course ice cream, instead of just a few spoonfuls to soothe, empty Blue Bell pints started to pile up (I'm back to spoonfuls, not the whole pint. I canNOT and willNOT give up all my Blue Bell!) . At work, BOREDOM was my name so bag of peanut M & M's because my friends. Now the thing is, when I had my surgery in 2006 it took me until 2008, to eat a full vendor size bag of M & M's.

But like Kirstie, I quit exercise. Sure, I'd play racquetball with Movie Man, yet it wasn't a weekly ritual. My friend Maria and I would play weekly, until personal things in her life prevented her from having our racquetball night. Once I moved, I realized how convenient my apartment's work out room was. Five out of seven days, I either walked the park, hit the work out room, and had one night for racquetball. All that was pretty much gone when I closed on my house. You can eat a rice cake, but if you don't do some good for your body--it doesn't matter.

I blame me. I wanted that convenience of the equipment close and the park trail where I could rest on my Forrest Gump bench. Well, a year later as my knees ache, my belly bigger, the cute shirts I wore even a summer ago don't even button, and don't want to give my heart any extra work to do--I finally got off my duff.

Exercise matters. Alot.

And so I joined the senior recreation center in my city. Why there? I finally admitted to myself, I have hit their age requirement of 50 and get discounts. Swallowed my pride and did it. My knees begged me to. And, well, because the prices are half of the other rec centers, including those a couple minutes closer to me. The gorgeous building, and ton of the activities from the gym, ballroom dancing to canoe rides (I might have to think about, but this is about getting out of the box!) and swimming.

Even tho the gym was closed today, the pool was open. OK. I'm scared of water. Well, I can't swim is more like it. And I don't want my hair to get wet. Last night there were about 30 folks there doing water aerobics. All ages. The pool is always open. The one swim teacher said last night, it's easy on your knees. Soo...

When I was in the hospital, in 2006, I was so surprised how much grub they gave me. What I realized, the food was good for me. Fruits and/or veggies with every meal. I practiced that at home until-hey, I said I counted the numbers of Pringles to pack for my lunch. I was serious.

I am one to love yourself, no matter what stage you're in of your life. I'm OK with being a big girl, just want to be less of one. More so due to my heart. I want to do what I can to not have my heart go through another surgery. One scar is plenty.

I'm over Kirstie not being in The Search for Spock. Even tho if she had been, the Search would have been much more entertaining. We both have a To Do List. All about lifestyle change. Eat the good stuff, exercise and drink water...To Do.

Stay tuned.

Something In Common: Oprah and Me

Outside of the fact we’re both Bronze Goddesses and have money in the bank. OK, so she has a few million more than I do-—maybe gazillions more—we both still have money in the bank. Oprah reads books, so back in 1998; I sent her a copy of my self- published book. I hoped she would read it, find it a grand story and want to produce it into play or film. Still haven’t heard from Oprah. Hmm. I’m sure my book remains in the envelope,covered in the rose potpourri I packed it with. See, rose potpourri was a tie into the story---kinda.

So what do Oprah and I have in common? Weight gain. I’m an emotional eater. Oprah might be one too. I just finished a bowl of mixed vegetables with some fake butter and a spot of light salad dressing, for SOME taste. How emotional is that? All in all, I admire Oprah on the admittance of re-gain.

In my case, this time a year ago, I began my quest to own my first house. I was so sure it wouldn’t happen. I barely had 4 quarters to rub together and my credit score was nowhere near 750—75 maybe, but not 750. Then the adventure, of what is my professional life, hit warp speed. Tombstone Supreme pizzas soon became one my bestest friends. Miraculously, my blood checks, because of my taking coumadin, stayed regulated. Staying faithful to my vitamin K intake and daily walks (until I moved—then walks disappeared too) were important to me.

I’d lost 70 pounds. Kept it off for awhile—just like Oprah. Regained 38. Oprah said she was embarrassed. I can so relate. My last doctor’s visit was my a-ha moment. Finally stepped on their scale. Thank goodness, I was at my cardiologist’s office, because I was sure a heart attack was near.

Now what?

Oprah and I know what we have to do. While we talk the talk, gotta walk it too. A couple miles—per day, at least. It’ll get done. However, am I gonna hide away, as I lose the weight, I lost once before? Not buy anything, because I’m not the size I want to be? Not get a new hair-do or whatever, because my face isn’t thin enough? Give up ice cream altogether?

Heck, no. There’s too much life to live and waiting for “When I…” wastes it.

So Oprah, call me if, Gayle is not available some time and you just need to chat.

The adventure begins.

Come Saturday Morning Part II

Made it thru racquetball with Movie Man. Oh my. Didn't need 911. Outstanding!

Movie Man is determined to have me around the court--while he just kinda stays put. Said I did good, especially since I've haven't played in months. Didn't need oxygen. I do need better technique. This is where our 18 yr age difference comes into play. I may feel in my 30's, but sometimes the body is like "We need to rest a minute." All in all it was good. Glad we went. Great workout. Proud of some of my shots.

Yea...need to work on my short shots--heck, I just need to figure out the stuff I do WELL, and realize the stuff I do bad so they won't continue in my game. Movie Man has taught me well--even there are times I just want the ball to....

Ahem.

OK--now, I'm showered, shine and off to my Writers' Group. Let's just see if my runnin' the court catches up and I'm comatose by the end of my group.