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.

Slow Down

Did a walk tonight in my new tennyshoes. Did OK in em as I walked the neighborhood. My route is up to these benches, where I sit and watch cars zoom by and then trek back home again. I sat and stared at the Church's Chicken across the street. Debated to bring $2.81 for their 3 piece and a biscuit special. Don't worry, I left my money home.

Months ago, I post how I needed to lose 41 pounds. I'd gained most of the 70 lbs I'd lost when I'd been sick, and kept it off until emotions from my job and this house got to me and I chose M&M's over a salad. I've kept up with my drinking 74 ounces of water daily (OK, maybe not so much on the weekends), but as for the loss of 41 pounds...

Let's just say, my bathroom scale is the only one in this universe that gets up and runs when it sees me coming!

Anyway, I've gotten back into my daily walks. I still would like a treadmill in my other bedroom for those days when it will soon be too hot to walk. I've cut down on my Blue Bell Ice Cream. Oh no, it's not disappeared actually, I just take slower to eat it--I savor it more--in fact Blue Bell's Tin Roof is in my freezer--and I hear it beggin' me to take a couple spoonfuls. Ya know how, ice cream can be SO pushy.

And one last thing--two guys, in my new job training class, flirted with me today, at two separate instances. Kinda caught me off guard. Been so wrapped up in learning the job, school, and the fact this is the most single I've been in a while--yea, they caught me off guard. Yet all very sweet and made me smile. Nice.

Shhh...do you hear? Oh wow...that darn Blue Bell!!

Tuesday goes OUT with a little '70's song by the Osmond Brothers: "Flirtin" .....enjoy!

Monday Muse Moments

Windy, yet gorgeous sun filled day in Dallas. Instead of heading straight home to change and go to the rec center to bike and tread, I decided to jaunt to the park up the street from my house. Already had on my tennyshoes and comfy clothes-so why not? There's a pond there, alas there were no ducks to feed. Sat there for a moment then a picnic table became my stop.

The wind danced through the leaves and kissed my faced. Loved it. Made chums with a couple dogs and their humans. All nice indeed. In the midst of it all I did do some musings--musings which have consumed my moments of late:

Well, yes, Dancing With the Stars is one. Can't wait for that. Hard to explain how one show gives me so much pleasure. More than movies, but not more than football, yet more than American Idol. I guess because I always wanted to dance. Of course, seeing Donny Osmond helps too! :) Never once thought, those years ago, when he told me with his newest album at the time, would show he had as much soul as me, that Donny would grace us with ballroom dancing...just love it!

Seasons. Yep, the other things I thought about. Not so much the weather's change, yet more so how seasons change within relationships. Three relationships jumped to mind. All have spanned years. Now they've ended or close to the end. Makes me sad. Never want to say good bye to something which has been near and dear to my heart. However, know, deep in my heart it is the best thing. No words seemed to said. The no words actually show our drift away.

To sit at the picnic bench also made me realize I can't always drive 20 miles to walk around a park. Just because that park. by my old apartment, is familiar-need to let go. Sure I can always visit, yet the park up the street--pond and trees and dogs to meet and all, begs me for a sure promise we'll really get to know one another. Well, it is a pretty park...

In the meantime, I gotta get ready for Dancing With The Stars. Hope Donny brings it on home, while I pray Michael Irvin DANCES

Seasons. Change is hard, yet each season is beautiful.

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.

Weight Wednesday

Woke up this morning.
Got on the scale.
Not sure which screamed louder: Me or the scale.
Not good.
I call myself cutting down on the calories--however my exercise routine hasn't picked up. The work-out room at my old apartment is the one--and only-thing--I miss about it. So I need to get back in the habit of my routine.
My birthday is next month--the 8th.
Want to make sure I give my ownself a great present.
Pass that salad over here with the fat free dressing.

Tuesday Results....

Yes, Ms. Tina did Dallas two nights ago. I am still in awe. This woman will be 69 next week and still with the BEST legs on either side of the Atlantic. Don't you think Ike cussed his way all the way to the grave? To watch Ms. Tina is such an inspiration. I mean, come ON, the grandma filled the American Airlines Centers, as the review said, "just hair short of sold out"--while Janet Jackson, just a few short days earlier had curtains in front of the non-sold seats. All young performers of today, take a listen, do you like what you see? Will folks want to see you when you're 69?

Got in a walk tonight. Had to. Just sat all day at work--at least I did produce. Made it to the park up the street. Had to rush because it so close to nightfall. Pet a dog named Coco along the way. I couldn't imagine just to sit in front of the TV after I sat ALL day in front of the PC at work. Walked. Had to. Prayed. Had to. I didn't care who heard. My conversation with Him.

So home. Nuked some veggies (this diet after all) and have the DWTS result show on. Please...PLEASE...let it be Cloris--even tho she is a legend.....

And now one last video from Best...This was from Los Angeles a week or so ago. I'm going to e-mail this guy to say THANK YOU!

It's Friday...

And I gotta get my walk in by nightfall. Was gonna ask Movie Man to do a burger with me at the best burger place in Dallas: Burger Island-HOWEVER--that would mean no walk, plus a sway from my diet. Trying to stay focused. Another time--soon.

So as the Weekend circles us and I get my tennis shoes ready for the jaunt on pavement, how about a little 60's song?
Cue Nancy Sinatra for a little walkin' with some boots!

The Good Stuff

A Good Friday and it’s not even done yet! I like that. The best part was after my doctor’s appointment this morning that’s close to my previous dwelling, which is next door to the park I always walked in. I’d made up my mind prior; I would head there after the appointment. And I did.

During my recuperation moment, which gets farther and farther away, in the rear view mirror, to walk around that park—just once and survive—was a goal. As time ticked on, the once around became the ‘more than that’ around. My prize was rest on my Forrest Gump bench. Prayed and meditated a lot on that bench. And I did that today too.

Can tell I’ve aged since my excitement for a stroll around that park, could barely be contained. You’d think I was going to a Tina Turner concert---which I am on the 26th—however, that’s another post for another day—just wanted to get to this park.

The park was as I preferred it most. Just me and God’s radio to keep me company. The wind thru the trees, whistle of the birds, and barks from dogs not seen. I loved it. When I sat on my bench, I beamed. Felt good to be there. Just right.

As I sat on the bench and soaked up the Friday sun, the one dog I did see, and prayed I would see, jumped up on my lap. Her human didn’t remember me, but Annabelle did. A cute little Yorkie. Before I moved, whenever Annabelle saw me on the bench or walking around the park, she’d run and jump on me. Her human would say, “She’s knows the good folks.” That sweet little hound was the icing on my Good Friday Cake.

Some chums that have known me since way back in yester- century would shake their heads. The would ask, “How in the world did this Party Hardy Girl, who swallowed whiskey shots in less than a blink of an eye, get so off on some birds and trees?

Yes, how did she indeed? I like that.

Sunday Slow Show Down

4-2. Hope the Dallas Cowboys are in their December Slump in October. Then we get it over with and get it done to where we all wanna go. Hafta admit, I hit the DVR when the Cardinals went up 21-14 early in the 4th quarter. Wanted get my walk in. I journeyed through neighboring neighborhoods where I realized I loved some lawns more than others, then my mouth watered as aroma of bar-b-q met my nostrils and finally, a ferocious brown Chihuahua barked at me. Reminded me of the childhood years in Iowa—Sunday, soak it up.

As I strolled toward home, I passed a house where a folks sat outside, in their driveway/garage with a TV. I thought sure the game was over—then I heard Troy Aikman’s voice. The Dallas Cowboys were up for a field goal. The folks hooped and hollered—almost asked them if I could invite myself. However, I figured the game must be in OT and got excited. Maybe the Cowboys pulled it out. I quickened my pace.

Made it home. Two cats rested in the window. The first I did when I entered was look at my clock. I smiled because I lasted a little over two miles in 54 minutes, without a stop on a bench. Plopped on the couch and thanked God, for once upon a time, being winded after just enough steps to fill up 10 minutes was common place. The scar on my chest reminds how it use to be. On the couch, I took off my tennis shows, gulped down water, wiped the sweat from my forehead and hit the DVR with the anticipation.

Not to be this day. Blocked punt. Arizona scored a touchdown. 4-2. This why they play 16 regular season games. Yep, please let this be the December Slump in October. Just gotta get over it and get it done.

In the meantime, I’ll remember the best time of the day…a little Pleasant Valley Sunday in a positive I had a real big crush on Davy Jones kinda thing.

A Day Like No Other

The lady is my mom. One of three pictures from those photobooths, somewhere in the ’60s. Have so few pictures of Mom. Due to most of the pictures I do have, Mom snapped. I’m told I favor her. My dad would say I looked just liked her. An uncle said I laughed like her. Don’t remember her laugh. I wish I did. Today is a bittersweet. For this moment, I put on my tennis shoes so I can get a quick walk in before Dancing With the Stars Results show. While I walk, I’ll think about Mom. How we would have gotten into DWTS. She loved to watch me dance eventho she relayed the heartbreaking ‘fact’ (what my dance teacher said) “Black Girls can’t be ballerinas.” All I ever really wanted to do was dance on my toes.

Often wonder what kind of friends Mom and I would be today. Sure, she’d be 80 this year, but I know my mom wouldn’t be like her grandma’s 80. Get my wit, determination and, I suppose my assertiveness from her. I miss my mom. Our life together was cut short so many years ago. September 24, in 1971 was a Friday. I raced home to tell my parents about my day that included a pep rally. I just wanted to see them because Mom hadn’t felt well for a few weeks. Since she’d elected weight loss surgery, three months prior, in June. Mom laid in bed, with my dad by her side. I saw Mom alive for the last time that night as paramedics wheeled her from our home. Mom pet our Siamese cat goodbye and told him to be good. Mom kissed me and told me when she wasn’t there I was woman of the house. Then I heard “Mama love " for the last time.

We buried her on September 29.

I’m thrilled about today. Eager for tomorrow. Sad because I miss yesterday.

I am blessed.

Saturday Short

What a glorious day! Emmanuel and his crew mowed my lawn today. I do need to invest in a lawn mower--just not today. :) Also my ice coffee drink awaits me. So proud I've pretty much mastered its making!

Today was the first time, I could rest in my own house and watch the Iowa Hawkeyes (I'm a Big 10 gal) play on my TV. They were 3-0. Now they're 3-1. They played Pittsburgh, a team not played against for some 50 years. The Pitt coach use to be defensive coach of the Cowboys--back in the glory 90's. Iowa lost by a point. Watching Iowa made me think of another Des Moines chum. We went to a Iowa game and I'm the only one out of 65000 people to get caught with alchohol. We laughed about that as we sipped more alchohol that night! :)

Did errands, including a stop at PetsMart. A couple shelters had dogs and cats for adoption. My chums reading this are saying, "Oh, no...you didn't...." To ease their minds, I did not. Gotta be honest, I wanted to. Looked at the dogs. Would like a bow-wow buddy. Grew up with them. One I looked at was said to be friendly with cats. The bow wow buddy would have to be. Then I looked at the cats. I did think, "Wow--I could get another color!"

Instead, I bought the food, I came in for. Realized how much of an animal lover I am. No...no...I didn't bring anybody home. Sure wanted to.

So I realized I all ready see me purchasing another house....a bigger one. Already know what kind of back yard I want--one where I don't have any neighbors behind me. OK--the chums are saying, "You just bought that house!"

Well, yes...yes....I did. And I love my bungalow-which I'll love more when I get it all cute. One can always dream and think of that next step.

Which speaking of step ....gotta go walk.

Saturday Sounds...

of a cat's meow----my guess to be fed. :)

Had my Writers' Group today. Encouragement all around. Makes me more determined to get my words more out there. To submit. Like that feeling.

Our meeting was close to where I use to live, so I took a jaunt to the park I use to walk around-daily. I do miss that park. I especially miss the bench I'd sit on. I called it my Forrest Gump bench. It was under a tree, and I'd sit there after I did my laps. I'd talk to God, pet the dogs that passed with their humans and met some folks that I only saw once. I do miss that park bench. I wanted to traipse around the park's path, however the little time I sat there, the heat boiled me. I figured maybe some weekend morning, I'd make it over there--for old time's sakes. I wanted to knock on the door of the my old apartment and ask the new tenants if their electric bills were as high as mine once were.

I guess it was a trip back to where I once was. Not really wanting to go back--yet there was something.

There's a park not far from me now. I can feed the ducks, turtles and such. Yet-that park, right my old apartment. It helped me get well--physically and mentally and spiritually. I miss it. But for those few minutes--I was at the place I was suppose to be.

Then I hopped in my orange Julius (that's the car's named) and headed the twenty-some miles to my house. First thing inside, I heard the cat's meow. Even a quick lick on my ankle. Once I poured the kibble in their feeder--I was ignored. :)

I am home.

Tonight...

Walked tonight.

A storm blew through earlier, which cooled zapped the Dallas heat. Loverly! I headed to the park—again forgetful with the bread for the ducks, turtles, fish and other birds there. I promised I would bring it next time. I love to stroll outside. That is the one thing I do miss about the apartment complex I lived in: The park just next door.

During my recuperation, that park’s walk path (three times around equaled a mile) was my gauge for regaining strength. Benches were situated around it, so if I ever needed to stop I could. And did—often at first. As my strength increased, one bench was my reward after my laps. I called it my “Forrest Gump Bench”. I sat there so many times. Prayed. Cried. Wondered. Rejoiced. Strike up chats with folks, pet every dog, enough to know their names. I do miss that. Especially a little Yorkie, named Annabelle. She would see me, dash and hop on me, then love all over me. Her human said, “She has her favorites.”

I miss that park.

Yet, my new Park seems so much more infinite. The wildlife. The landscape includes inclines. Trees. I love the feel. There are some benches, if I need to stop. And I do. Often. I watch ducks waddle; the cranes scoop unsuspecting fish in the pond. Kids laughing. Young lovers basking in their young love. Smile at the woman who says she has to walk six miles, yet her heart beats so fast after just one lap. I look at the horizon. Just nice.

Now I sit here in my ‘office’—which so far includes my pc, and two cats crammed in the window. A light breeze floats through the window. Both cats are attentive to the cardinal's coo from the birdfeeder. I like the window-faces the street, so the cats and I can watch the world.

Yep, a storm blew through Dallas earlier. Cooled things off. So different from yesterday’s 100 degrees. I got to enjoy my park today. My windows are open for what fresh air we can savor.

I miss some things from my life, just a few months ago. Yet, I am so joyful for what I have now.

Not bad.

Saturday Shines...

Glorious Day!

Made it up for a walk before the sun melted anything in its path. Love this park up the road. The trees, the ducks, birds and turtles. Very peaceful. It’s amazing how my love affair with this part of Dallas grows. This part of town was not EVEN on House Hunters List—yet I’m glad it zoomed to the top.

After the walk, I switch out of my tenny runners and put on my yellow slippers with sparklies on them, headed to window shop. Since the emotion of over-whelmness is wearing off, I realize this house is mine (the need to clean the carpet reminds me) and deserves to be decorated. Some browsing showed me, I have NO clue what I want to decorate this deserving house. I do know Tuscan colors, seem to be my cup of Starbucks—after that—the need for a dining table comes into play. Nothing fancy, yet traditional that I can throw a splash of color on—even stain if needed.

I head to my favorite Salvation Army. Bargains, certainly, I can fix up. Giddy, I was, because I hadn’t visited in a while.

When did this Salvation Army begin to price like Target, or even Wal-mart? Yep, my reading glasses were on as I stopped breathing over the prices. Nonetheless, there were two tables I fancied-one to stain darker and the other to sand out the dings. Unfortunately, their prices were almost that of something new. So back to the drawing board, or as I say: LUNCH!

Right next door, to the Salvation Army, was one of Dallas’ best barbeque places, Sonny Bryan’s. Says been around since 1910. That little building it’s housed in may have been there since 1910. Set up like an old timey classroom. A long pew, with desks on top to put your food. I did accidentally tip over a barbeque bottle; hence some succulent sauce was lost. Outside of that, my tummy celebrated the ribs put inside it. Have you looked at people savor ribs? Licking their fingers and the bones? Hey, I was right there with them. Scrumyummydee-lishus!

By the time I made it back to my neck of the town, wouldn’t you know a Starbucks was right there? Yep—a caffé vanilla frappucino called my name. Not to be rude, I stopped and got one. Grande.

I need another walk. Maybe later on this evening, if this 94 degree heat goes down—I’ll make sure I take the birds and ducks bread this time. Until then, I’ll enjoy my a/c, pet a cat or two, and work on my writing.

Enjoy this day the Lord has made.

Walking....

Walked tonight.

The first great walk since I’ve moved. Everyday, on my exit, there’s a middle school and their football field and track. I’d seen kids there, some adults. I never put two and two together and got two squared I did tonight.

So I dashed home and slipped into my new tenny-runners. Drove back to the track. Yes, drove to the track. Was close enough to walk-yet no sidewalks, plus the dodging the multi lanes of traffic did not thrill me.

Nonetheless the walk was nice. Felt good. Cleared my head. Got rid of some of my stiffness and stress. There was a bench—not quite like the park bench I sat on when I walked the park at my apartment. Will admit, I do miss that park (because it was just right next door) and the work out room. I would bike, tread and read. All about dealing with change.

If the weather is good tomorrow. I’ll trek around it again. Each step reminds me of how blessed I am.

Shoes were made for walking....

Been in my bungalow for two weeks tomorrow. Had yet to stroll the streets of my neighborhood. Since this whole house thing started, it seems I've been every where but here. I've not had my daily walk in --well, about two weeks- So about 7pm, I put on the tenny runners and sought adventure.

I'm in love with my little neighborhood. Sure, it's older. Yet, the feel. Reminds me of the town I grew up in. I like that. The sounds. The sites. A cat sat on top of a VW and meowed at me. I stood by a bridge and thanked God for His blessings. He's shown me miracles. WOW--has He.

Made it to my street. I noticed a dark reddish/pinkish rose was in bloom, on the side of my house. I also noticed my seven year old orange tabby cat yowl from the window. Impatient was he, as I stepped in the house. So after a quick pet the cat session, I decided the rose needed to come into the house. I found container for the rose and went outside to pick it.

It's now on top of my fireplace mantel. Gorgeous. That was the only rose bloomed so far. The buds are every where. I'm curious what other flower this little lady who lived here had. I've heard nothing but good things about her. She passed away in November. Her sons sold the house--hence, it's now my home. I hope I make her proud of my own gardening.

Now--back to this rose....in the house where I grew up--we had rose bushes. One the color of this rose, and a yellow rose bush. My mom picked them so they could be on display in our home. She loved her flowers too.


Yes, this little neighborhood reminds me of home.


I am blessed.