10:48 PM

I apologize for not being here much. Heck, I should be in bed now. I washed my bed sheets, and as usual I stuff My comforter in the dryer with the sheets--and gosh, Not all of the sheets got dry--until now- After the I took the dry comforter out. What's been going on with all of you? Me--well, I end another class tomorrow Good. I'm not exercising, so my hips could show a double feature- At the same time-- Not so good. Cats are fine. Feel like I am stepping up to another level at church. Very good. Realize more and more if people don't 'get' where I'm comin' from-- Perhaps they never did. Miss playing racquetball. Don't miss having gray hair Because Cedar Red covered it :) And all in all, my birthday is April 8-- Just thought I'd tell you--just in case you Want to pick up a little something at Macy's... Now I'm off to bed. Say your prayers and sleep tight....

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.

February 24, 2006 was Friday

And I had the day, in 2006, off. Took a couple days because I hadn't been feeling well. The boss suggested since I had left over vacation days from the prior year--heck why not take em? I liked my boss so I did. Good thing.

I really didn't feel so hot. Occasional headaches. Joints and muscles ached. Cold nights sweet had me drenched by morning. What I read I figured menopause symptoms or diabetes. I knew all this would pass--eventually. My energy level was zilch and lie there in bed even tho I had plans for the day with Movie Man.

On the phone Movie Man urged me, quite firm, to get out of bed and meet him for lunch like we'd planned and go to the movies to see "Something New." During our Olive Garden lunch, I didn't eat as much, and during the movie I had the chills. I loved being with Movie Man, yet I just wanted my couch--not feeling it. I do remember he tried to make me laugh. And I hope Movie Man forgives me, because I can't remember if we did anything after the movie.

I just wanted to rest. To have whatever that kept me down, would just walk on out of my bod and I get on to feeling better.

Stay tuned.

On this day, in 2010, my chum Maria, who was/is my racquetball partner asked if I was interested in still playing? We both perked up! We've not played r-ball in forever and I'm glad we're working on it! And I went to my work's computer room, after my shift, to print my school assignments and such. It hit me that I'm a student. Got home fed the birds, pet the cats, realized I gotta wash the gray out of my hair --again--, continue to research how to ship frozen pies to future customers in my soon to start pie business, plus set the time to write/work on my novella that I want the draft done by my birthday. OK, then to watch me some American Idol, after I check the guide to watch "Something New" again--because now I know I liked it.

Yes, I am blessed.

Doctor It Up

It's Thursday. 5:55 pm as I write this and it's midnight black outside. Yea. Not feeling that.

Downed my 74 ounces of water today. Wish it had been a cherries, pecans and cream malt from Braum's Ice Cream store. Alas, it wasn't. More healthier...whoppee.

Also at work today, I sauntered up to my racquetball chum Maria, even tho we've not racquetted any thing for months--I digress--and asked her if she had a snack. Maria munches healthy snacks, so I knew that was better than the bag of peanut M & M's I desired about 4302% more. Maria didn't disappoint. My chum handed me a pumpkin pie flavored granola bar. I figured at the most, a tad of sweetness, would tie me over.

Wrong.

To swallow a mouthful of sawdust would cause a sugar over dose compared to this bar.Didn't even finish it. When I walked to my car, I threw the remainder on the ground. I figured the birds might get healthy...might...

In the meantime, it's almost Friday. I smile at Gene Simmons, decked all in his KISS gear, in that soda pop commercial. I like the song "Calling Doctor Love"--I even had it on a 45--and got it here right now!

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.

Thursday Night and....

-so what if I'm waiting on pins and needles if a magazine excepts one of my stories?

-so what if I thinking Bear needs to whip up pasta for two?

-so what if wish there was time on Saturday for Movie Man and me to battle on the court?

-so what if I wish my cats had a job?

-so what if I walked in my house and my usual iceberg a/c wasn't working?

-so what if I know no matter what- I am blessed?

It's the Weekend---almost...cue the song!

Timing is Everything...

My chum Maria and I planned to play racquetball after work today. Even her idea. I reserved the court. My stuff was in my car. By the by, Movie Man taught us both. When Maria and I battle, we see how far we’ve come. The amount of sweat is our gauge. We’re still surprised we hit the ball and more strong about it. Are we a match for Movie Man? Uh..no. However, Movie Man does say I react more to his fast serves than the slower ones. He thinks I have more time to think on the slow serves--which a lot of times, mess me up. The faster one (which I actually prefer, because of the delusion of my degree of skill and strength) I react and seem to have good attack. Anyway, at about 2 pm, Maria says she wound up leaving her clothes at home. She lived too far away from work to go and get them—so we made a plan to play on our usual Tuesday, even tho the last usual Tuesday was about two weeks ago.

Since my plans were changed, I headed to a thrift store. I’m not certain when they became a love of mine. Sure, I think they may be more ‘junk’ than store, yet there’s treasures to be found. A solid wood dining table is waiting for me…somewhere. Wood stands the test of time—like me. Just don’t want to pay a fortune. Sand even stain it, I will. Folks who have known me since before I even knew how to drive, would gasp.

“You?” they would ask, “The one who slept until noon and then wondered why everybody else got up so early?”

Yes. Me. Time changes things. On the table treasure hunt, seen some, yet not THE one. The adventure continues.

Now, in for this Thursday. Trash curbside for tomorrow’s pick up. Birds have their food and a fresh bath to splash in. Cats have their clean conditions and kibble to munch. Salad and crunchy, cold watermelon will tingle my taste buds. The new book, Just Too Good To Be True, by E Lynn Harris patiently waits for me to turns its pages. Gotta finish it by—oh-soon-because E Lynn Harris will be in Dallas Friday night for a book signing. And wouldn’t you know-I just bought the book last night.

Stay tuned.

Saturday Catch Up...

Movie Man I played racquetball at High Noon today. Says he feels joy as he sees my technique improve. I didn’t need 911. Good improvement for me. Movie Man made me work the room. Said I gave up on some shots. Well, sure, because he didn’t put the ball in a spot where I was SURE to hit it! Instructed me how to think about where the ball should go instead of just “can I hit it?” Our games go to 21. Did I mention he spotted me 14 pts and gave me two serves to his one?

Still I lost. Every game.

Nonetheless, Movie Man says I’ve gotten better. I know it can’t be that much fun for him, since I’m not quite on his level. Yet, he’s been patient—he’s had too. Movie Man is headed to his best friend’s wedding in Orlando tomorrow, He’ll gone for the week. So no racquetball next Saturday, unless I get another chum to go.

Wait-Saturday is the book club I’m hosting in which I need to finish the book. Just about 300 pages to go. Before I tackle that, I need some ice cream and watch Friday’s episode of Young and the Restless…...

It's The Weekend Again....

....so glad of that!

I had my first Snickers Blizzard, in I don't know how long. When did the small size become SO small? Still pretty tasty!

Tomorrow, another round of racquetball with Movie Man. By the way, he saw the new Batman movie: "Dark Knight" and loved it. Movie Man drinks, eats, and freezes anything about film. He thinks Oscar contention. WOW. With his 'thumbs up'---I'll go this weekend.

Next Saturday I host a Book Club. The book? Heck, I need to read it. I've only known about this since before Christmas. Living on the edge!

But ya know what....it's the Weekend---cue up the record player for this 70's anthem by Wet Willie!

The Sun Ain't Up

.....at 6AM in Dallas. I've been up for 45 minutes. Is anybody else? I just realized my street doesn't have lamps curbside. WOW. World looks different in the early morning---- dark-----. Nonetheless, I'm up because I have a doctor's appointment about 20 miles from here. I could change it to where I live now, however my Heart Doctor is housed there, and I like her. So just as long as I don't have to go there every day--I'm cool. Wow...it is SO dark. Maybe just cloudy?

OK--I need to get the gettin', as my dad would say. I tell you what, I'm exhausted. Not the best sleep--yet I'm blessed with another day.

After work today, another chum, Lamb, are going to play r-ball. It won't be like playing with Movie Man. Oh gosh now. Lamb and I do play, but it's also time to get caught up on our girl chat time....! It'll be a good work out though. Will help me sleep tonight.

Need to get this Tuesday party started!

Saturday's Alright For Fightin and Then Some!

I'm on my way to play racquetball with Movie Man. I got some fight in me....uh...I hope he doesn't read this before we meet. He's got this funny thing about me runnin around the court like it's good for me..... :) Call 911. I'm looking forward to it tho. Racquetball is good battle to have with yourself. To test your improvement. Call 911.

After that, I'll head home , get all fresh and clean so I can head to some thrift shops. Since I have a new ride where I can actually carry something in it--I may be able to get some stuff instead of waiting for Movie Man and other truck chums. My DIY magazines gave me some ideas. I hear my chum Texas Tanya's hubby laughing at that! :)

In the meantime, I'm off for my racquetball date...Saturday's Alright For Fightin...hey, cue Elton!

Come Saturday Morning Part III

….it’s pretty much Saturday Evening now. I’m exhausted. The 100 degree Dallas heat didn’t help much. Nonetheless, my writers’ group was uplifting. We realize we need to submit more, to get our words out there. Whether the feedback is bad or good—our words need to be out there. In fact the name of our group is ‘Honor the Words’—because in the end that’s all we have: words.

I’m not as comatose as I thought I would be due to racquetball. Exhausted, but not as weary as I pictured. I was, though, ravenous. With the recent groceries I purchased---last night--I didn’t want any of it tonight. So I ventured out to get some Tex-Mex grub. Which is literally 5 minutes from my bungalow.

As I walked back to my car, with my supper in hand, I gave pause. The part of Dallas, where I moved from, was a bit more new. Had those four Wal-marts in just a few miles radius of me: north, south, east and west-which I enjoyed—and some malls. Yet, where I reside now, is older (like me) and bursts with variety (also, I hope like me). Where I lived before, I couldn’t go into a Vietnamese market to purchase a watermelon due to there was no Vietnamese market in that same radius as the Wal-marts. I surveyed the businesses. Sure, there are some chains, yet the flavor of the area is neopolitan aka variety. Always something to choose from.

I like that.

Now my food awaits, along with a cat to fight me for it, and the DVR remote…

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.

Come Saturday Morning....

.....is a song written by Dory Previn and performed by the Sandpipers. It was also showcased in "The Sterile Cuckoo" starring Liza Minnelli in 1970. Peaked at #17. It talks about going away with my friends....well, I'm going away with my chum. Movie Man ,to the rec center this Saturday Morning.

Racquetball.

I've not played in months, nor he. However it will take him all of 30 seconds to 'feel' it again. Smash the ball against the wall, crumble said wall, then look at me say: "Go get it." Me? I'll make sure I have 911 on speed dial.

Racquetball can burn 700 calories. I hope I live to take in 700 breaths.

Stay tuned.

Burgers and Buds...

I met my chum , Movie Man, for a tasty burger with even more delicious onion rings, last night. We hadn't been able to chat, face to face of late--so we were long over due. Movie Man, is just that--a Movie Man--he can tell you anything and everything about movies in the last 30 or so years--box office, director, producer, behind the scene stuff. He can tell you every movie we've seen together, plus the theatre and if the sun was up or not that day. Yea, sometimes I think he visits the Land of Oz more than he should, yet he's one of my bestest, goodest chums.

So we sat there last night. He listened to me ramble on. Movie Man will keep mental tabs of everything I say. I gabbed on about the 50th birthday bash from last week, threw out several names-he remembered them all. He's good like that. He gets kinda ticked when I don't remember as much. "Mad Cow" I say. I told him about my one classmate suggesting--urging me on to go into public speaking.

Movie Man agreed. He checked off a list of topics I could speak of. He even mentioned to speak about being the only black kid in my class of 150--how many people know about that? What did I encounter? Born with microtia. The writing. Losing my mother when I was 13. Movie Man was great---so supportive. Encouragment. Just like my classmate.

Only one major difference. A little eighteen year difference. Movie Man was born in August 1976. Three months after I graduated from high school.

We have our differences. Certainly. There are times I want to hit fast forward, so he'll grow up faster. Then I'm sure he wants me to re-wind so I can remember what it was like. Movie Man keeps me on my toes, even at times I want to kick him with them. He gives me insight of things, at a different point of view--a different generational point of view.

We went to Barack Obama's rally here in Dallas a few months back. Our discussion after was fruitful. Just as it was last night. It astounds me, how conversation with someone who was five years old when the first Indiana Jones movie came out and I was just thinking "Wow, Harrison Ford is hot and I wonder how much beer I can drink tonight?" can be so good.

Movie Man is more of man than he gives himself credit for. After all, after my surgery in 2006, he made sure I celebrated my birthday. I couldn't drive yet, so he picked me up, took me to lunch and made sure I enjoyed the day. We actually sat in a grocery store parking lot, while I gave myself my daily IV. He sipped a Mountain Dew. It couldn't have been fun, for him, to see a friend of his, impatient to regain her strength. Yet he made it through. We both did.

Now it's 2008. We chat. We laugh. We tick each other off. I still don't remember as much as he'd like. Movie Man still remembers everything. I asked him last night if he's up for some racquetball, since he injured his calf a couple months ago.

The kid says, 'Oh sure. I won't have to run around that much to beat YOU."

Yep, one of my goodest, and bestest chums.

Game ON!