Want List

I want a bunch of peaches so I can make a bunch of pies and sell em.

Then I want my own treadmill so I can walk off all the peach pie I'd have to sample. I do like going to the Golden Oldie Rec Center--yet the TV is forever on Fox News.

Yes, everyone has a right to their opinions and I respect that. Although, Fox News... I've tried to change the station--especially when I'm alone. When someone comes in to the work out room, it's "Can I change this?" What is my usual choice of TV fare? Either HGTV or "Wheel of Fortune"--who doesn't like "Wheel of Fortune"? And it's too hot outside for me to walk--and I need more exercise. In two weeks, I'm going to try a Zumba class--stay tuned for THAT.

In the meantime, I'm back to my want of a bunch of peaches to make a bunch of pies. One of my classmates said if I'd SOLD some pies prior to Iowa trip--the trip woulda been PAID for. Hmm. Well, I do have PayPal.

Want a Good man in my life. One I won't scare off and is OK cleaning the cats' poo potty box?

Want less hips. I like my hips. Just want a little less of em.

Lastly, I want cats to have a desire to get a job....

Yea, like that's really gonna happen...

March 24, 2006 was Friday

On this day, in 2006, after 25 days I was finally released from the Hospital.

My souvenir of the said adventure was the scar on my chest. This was due to my little open heart surgery to replace my mitral valve with a mechanical one. And at the time there was a golf ball size bump at the top of my incisions, which eventually went down. I hadn't washed my hair in 3 weeks.

Before Movie Man came to get me, my Infectious Disease stopped in and said, "So this is what you look like in real clothes!" We both chuckled. Then when Movie Man came in, he was surprised how much thinner I was. Me too really. We were both glad I was out of the faded hospital gown. With Movie Man's carrying my stuff, a nurse wheel chaired me out of the walls I'd known for 25 days to Movie Man's truck.

That Friday was dreary and chilly. Yet, in my mind the sun's shine was everywhere! In Movie Man's truck, I sat in mostly silence. Just stared out the window. I realized I could have died 25 days ago.

Yes, the sun''s shine was there. .

Fast forward to this day in 2010. The kitty posted here who snoozes right by the monitor as I type this?

He ran so fast down the steps and meowed so loud, this day in 2006, when I called his name as I stepped inside my cluttered apartment. He jumped on the arm of the couch and head bonked me with meows so loud they rivaled the size of my tears.

I could have died.

I didn't.

Yes, the sun does indeed shine.

I am blessed.

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.

Then

As I drove home, after pretty much planted in my work seat all day today, I knew needed to do something. I recalled my visit to my cardiologist a week ago, this very day, for my six month check up. After the pesky open-heart surgery, in 2006, things I never thought would ever be in my repertoire are now life long routines. I'll talk about all that, as the anniversary grows closer--not today.

My Heart Doc, is great. Love her. She's just a couple years younger than me, and has a 21 year old cat. Yes, we've bonded. Even if she's about a size 8, and looks like a young Susan Lucci.

I digress. So anyway, first thing Heart Doc tells me is, "You need to exercise more." I stare at her. How did SHE know I'd not being as religious to my exercise as I once was?

My ECHO (ultrasound of my heart), Heart Doc says, "It told on you." Went on to say, we need to make sure my heart muscle is as strong as it can be. I sat there, on the bench/bed thing, just furious at myself. Being the sweet person she is, Heart Doc tried to encourage me. God bless her.

I can only blame me for not walking the at least 5 days out 7, or the not biking, and let's not even mention racquetball or the dance classes I desire to take. Now, I've been doing my 74 ounces of water, however there's not been enough motion to eat up the calories, some good and not so good, I chow per day. I know better. I remember those IV's stuck in my hand. Can't blame anybody--'cept me.

So back to the main thought of this tale, hey, I know I get a bit long winded--it's the writer in me..:) And if anything I write makes you chuckle--I'm glad, because it's suppose to. OKOKOK, So as I drove home, before I even got home, I pulled into the park up the street from my house and parked.

Got out and walked around the park. No excuse since I had on my tennyshoes, and it is a nice path--inclines, flat, ducks, pond and trees-nice. Kinda chilly, so had my gloves on too. Scooted around the path. Felt good to do it. Needed to do it.

Already set tomorrow's date to do it again.

My heart deserves it.

Stay tuned.

In A Nutshell

Yea, yea, yea...I drank my 74 ounces of water today. Along with the snarf down of two sugar cookies with red and green sprinklies on em--tis the season you know. Yea--I still feel like a bronze piglet. A cute one, however a piglet none the less. Let's just say Operation: Lose 41 Pounds has hit a the back side of one of Santa's reindeer--one them biggers ones, like, oh...Blitzen. That is another post for another day.

In the meantime, I will announce I've gone natural on my real hair

Just been doing this for a week. Not really an afro, which I just had once in my life. Courtesy of my chum in KC treating me to a hair cut, in a a place that cost more than SuperCuts, for a twenty-something birthday. Such in angst, I was, due to ALOT of my hair was chopped-and for the first time, really ever-my little ear, on my left side, due to being more with microtia, was out in the world to see. I think my chum and I, probably got drunk later that night and danced the night away--

Fast forward to 2009. I'm smarter now. I realize you CAN have styles with natural hair. I'm humbled by the unexpected compliments. I have ALOT of hair. I don't look like some long lost Jackson 5 sister with a big 'fro. Nope. One co-worker asked why I'd covered my hair up for so long! Why? Because I was tired of the flat irons, relaxers, rollers--and such. For me, and like a lot of other women, I just like to get up and just go--fake hair provided that.

And it still will. Just not so much. Amazing how something that once rain on your parade, now shines sun over your prairie!

Yes, I said that. The writer in me. Natural.

Stay tuned.

Til Tuesday

No Dancing With The Stars Results Show tonight. Man oh man.

Drank water. Looked in the mirror. Attractive--I LOVE my eyes--yet, shook my head cause this 41 pounds I wanted to exit off the scale--ain't happening quite like I want. Ahh, each day is a new day. A new adventure to make it all the more right.

A chum gave me a story idea. Perhaps of a past relationship that was hard to put down. How interesting the outcome could be. I smiled, because it is good idea. Although which relationship would I pick? The gay guy or the cross dresser or the one who thought he was a warlock or the magician? Maybe roll em all up together? Hmm.

Life ain't ever been dull. Wouldn't be much fun if it was.

Back to situation at hand. No Dancing With the Stars Results Show tonight.

WHEN does American Idol start?

Stay tuned.

Friday Splash

Rain overflowed any buckets it spilled into this morning. And as my usual nature, I slept throught it all. A chum e-mailed if I heard the thunder roar through. Thunder? Really? I swear, a tornado would rip through my neighborhood at night, and I'd wake up the next morning and fell a draft. Then I'd realize my roof was gone. Anyway, an autumn chill fills the air and I do have some windows open. Must be the Iowa still in me...

So, President Barack Obama is awarded the Nobel Prize. I didn't even realize he was up for one. And sounds like he didn't know either. :) Alas, this causes more uproar, that I'm sure FOX News will dedicate an entire evening to this ala the Death of Michael Jackson coverage. Ya know, I sure President Obama didn't realize he signed up for all this. Wonder if ever looks at Michelle and says, "Let's call U-Haul and head back to Chicago." Like I've mentioned before, if President Obama were about the sixth non-Caucasian president, all this broo-ha-ha wouldn't get so many hits on You Tube.

Jon and Kate....NEXT.

Began aerobics class last night. Put it off for a couple months. One of the youngest in the class, I am--literally. We did step aerobics, alot of kicks, punches, lift dumbbells and sit ups--I ACHE. In a good way, yet I ACHE just the same. Next class is Tuesday. Thought I was better in shape than I was...uh yea...that 74 ounces I drank yesterday? Probably sweat out about 73 ounces.

Main thing is, it is FRIDAY. All the rain this morning left puddles in some nothing but dirt parts of my yard, alas black water covered the land. So, of course made me think of one of the best bands ever: The Doobie Brothers and their version of a little "Black Water"...play a little funky little dixie land...cue it ALL up!

Round About

Made it through the first night of Dancing With the Stars. Donny Osmond did pretty good, especially by winning this Relay Dance. Also Mark the Iron Chef and the Boxer Guy. I can't remember his name, but he's my dark horse. It was good to see Hall of Fame Former Dallas Cowboy Michael Irvin, yet I think for the moment, he's got a bum deal. Michael's dance partner is new to the show and needs to put more DANCE into Michael's dances. He just seem to stand there and not do much. All in all, I enjoyed the show and predict Ashley Hamilton will be the one to get the boot.

We wait to hear on Marion Barber. He may have pulled a hamstring in Sunday's game, and not sure when he'll be back. I'm not liking that. Tony Romo takes responsibility for losing the game--his three interceptions didn't help. Some of the dee-fense lacked too. Only one game, but STILL...

Stepped on the scale--full force. A few pounds are gone. I need to step up my exercise routine. I'm doing lots better on the calorie counts. No candy, fried food--stuff like that. And the intake of my water is constant....gee. So all is good.

Get on with the day. Rain here in Dallas. Dream for the impossible to be the possible.

Stay tuned.

Monday....Really?

Where did the weekend go? Wasn't it just HERE?

Oh well. Got another opportunity to make the day an adventure--74 ounces of water and all. Still expect miracles to happen and hope my cat doesn't eat my oatmeal! :0

So to get to the point

Let's just see about feelin' groovy...why not?

Finale

Tis Friday. The week c'est fini. Does more need to be said?

Naw.

Oh wait-I did down my daily 74 ounces of water. Whatever happened to the days when I gulped water to chase a little whiskey...:?

So now some Bachman Turner Overdrive to help us recall how we must still be Takin' Care of Business--and heck, why not? Tis the Weekend...ENJOY!

Ain't No

Stopping NOW! Almost Friday-LOVE that!

Yesterday, I headed to JoAnn's Fabric Store, where they say "Unleash your creativity." Sure. What it unleashed were memories of receiving a "D" on a sewing project in 7th Grade Home Ec. It was to be scarf that I got good enough to sew the two pieces of material together by Parent's Night--that took me a week. My teacher told my parents I was trying. Am proud to say, I received a "B" on the next project: an apron, which I DID wear! :) Anyway, my trek to JoAnn's gave me pause to ponder more about the business I want to commence. Stay tuned.

Downed my 74 ounces of water today (as I did yesterday). Water does curb the appetite. Yet didn't curb me from purchase of a 64 ounce carton of Blue Bell Cookies N Cream Ice Cream. This yummy goodness will be savoured in moderation. Weight loss or no, I will NOT give up this Texas Terrif-o-licious Treasure!

Like I said, it's almost Friday. Weekend bout here so there ain't no stopping us NOW--so say McFadden and Whitehead in about 1979 or so--with one of my favorite disco dance tunes...Love IT!

Enjoy!

So...

Downed my daily 74 ounces of the Earth's elixir-- aka water

Pretended my lunch of a Lean Cuisine meal had garlic cheese breadsticks and about 3 times more pasta with it

Wished to high Heaven I had on Depends as I drove home from work after those 74 ounces of water was a river that ran through my body...

Was gonna go look at embroidery thread--alas

Store I planned to go -which was about 5 mins from my house--SHUT DOWN!

The closest store was about 12 miles away. Still rush hour--didn't go

Will need to tomorrow. Yep, look at embroidery thread.

For the folks that know me, they'll think some of my brain floated away with the water!

And the adventure continues...........

Stay tuned!

Monday Moment

Did drink my 74 ounces of the Earth's elixir--aka water.
Gotta get my trash by the curb.
Like the fact the trash gets picked up twice a week.
Yet hate to lug it there. Cats don't help.
Which makes it a time I wish a man was on staff to do these tasks
I'd reward him with pie. Make a mean peach pie-with homemade crust!
In the meantime, will intake a deep breath and conquer said task.
Then it's a salad and watermelon because it is still Summer
As I sit back, smile and balance a cat in my lap after my lug 'o trash to the curb
Then the season finale of The Closer graces my TV
Not really so bad. Nope. Not bad at all.

Hot August

Kinda blew the food watchin' calorie countin' thing today. And I'm OK with that.

I stopped in a fast food joint after witnessing a co-worker do a fantastic job in the play "Seven Guitars' by the late August Wilson. Since the playhouse was a near one way 30 mile trek from my house, the thought of a salad awaiting my arrival at home, wasn't doing it for me. So I splurged on a grilled chicken sandwich on whole wheat bun-lettuce and tomato. Wish I could say it really took the ravenous wildebeest urge from me.

It didn't.

I did have my once-to twice monthly munch on a fried food. This case was onion rings. At least it was a vegetable. ::) The thing is, I don't hate for myself for putting my toe in the deep in. I had it in my head, I would taste of bit of the 'good stuff' today. I did down 64 ounces of water today, plus the watermelon--which will be my dessert, does await. And I'm OK with that.

There was a time I'd hate myself aLOT for a sway off the die-it. More so because I am an emotional eater. I admit that. When I was stressed, seemed to be the time pizza, Taco Bell burrito supremes and pints (not just spoonfuls) of dee-lish Blue Bell ice cream would be devoured--in a sitting or within minutes of each other. :)

Emotional eater I was and still am-if I'm honest. Instead of the poppin' peanut M & M's and all the good stuff like that-it's now fruit that take's its place. Because oranges, watermelon, strawberries--etc are better for you and fill you up--if you're honest with yourself. OK--who wouldn't want a bag of M & M's?

Well, I do--on a day I plan to put it in that day's munch rotation. If you think about what you're gonna eat-it will taste better. You'll also appreciate the treat more. For me, I find I don't want the treat for a good long while after.

Yet like I said--you have to be HONEST with yourself.

So on that note, it's still August and it's still Hot and I want to hear alittle Neil Diamond tell us about such a night and some Brother Love...

Check In

I sipped all my 74 ounces of water today. Forgot my lunch this morning, so I splurged on a grilled chicken sandwich on a whole wheat bun. Tasty.

As I sat at work today, I thought of the story I should finish. I am quite pleased by it. Then I may delve--finally--delve in to the middle age love story, that's been on my mind since I was in my 20's. I realized how being middle aged NOW gives me a better insight to the story. My story has always stared Whoopi Goldberg and Danny Glover. No "The Color Purple" here--yet a love story with a happy ending--plus nobody dies. :)

In the meantime, it's back to pet the cat while I inspect Mark Dacascos of Iron Chef and soon of Dancing With the Stars. Ya know, I've always been a Donny Osmond fan, yet there's something about Mark. I look forward to seeing him do something more than point at food.

Did you drink your water today?

Just a...

Middle of the week thing. Was going to script about females wearing platform shoes again and also how stilettos are the accent to a pair of tight jeans. How something old is new again. How I use to don such high things on my feet--at least three inches and if I could handle four (which I did), I would. Back in the day, I considered anybody who wore flats--that is outside of tennis shoes- was a Grade A 100% loser.

See, I was going to write how I am so the biggest loser these days. How I now traipse around in flats-and I just don't mean tennis shoes-. Let's say I do wear a heel, it's about a half inch or if I'm a girl gone wild-it's a full inch. And even that's not all the time. I'd be so thrown out of the shoe-me club.

Ahh, I'd write how shoe times have changed. How I had a multitude of colors when it came to my Candies. How they were my casual shoe of choice at a time I drank beer for a quarter and wondered if a VCR would ever be a price I could afford.

Instead, I will say I downed my 74 ounces of water today and now cue up Bob Seger's classic, "Hollywood Nights."

Why?

'cause it's just a middle of a week thing.

Really?

It's Tuesday. Tonight should be aerobics. Need to step up the exercise. For that, I miss the work out room that was in my old apartment. Had a park and work out room just steps away. Around the park, I'd make friends with my dogs and their humans....nice.

My chums have teased me about Donny Osmond being on the Dancing With the Stars, come next month. I think it'll be fun. Plus, I hope Michael Irvin proves he's a winner on the ballroom floor as he was on the gridiron--then Mark Dacascos can do more than point at food like he does on Iron Chef! I can't wait!

Anyway, today. I stepped on the scale and smiled. Of course, you want it to go FASTER, alas--the fact it's going at ALL is wonderful.

All is His time.

I am blessed.

Donny Osmond, DWTS and ME

Drank my 74 ounces of water today. Planned to do the rec center, however I am about ready to drop. Woke up about 2:15 AM for a visit to the watercloset. No cat in sight. My guess because it was muggy last night. And even tho I had my ceiling fan on--it wasn't as cool as other places in the bungalow. Come November they'll think I'm the place to be!

I digress.

Couldn't sleep much and the alarm came TOO quick. Made it through work. Got to put trash out by the curb. Think about the dishes and wonder how my home business ideas, as I ready myself for "The Closer" and "The T.O. Show" ---oh and, as I DVR "Nurse Jackie."--I'm tired. Did pop my coumadin tho and will have some salad shortly. The scale continues to not ask for oxygen as I step on it. I'm liking that. Tomorrow should be aerobic class....

I digress Part II

Donny Osmond on Dancing With The Stars. All my chums know I will be glued to the set. Sure, we've seen him perform on stage, which for me, has been close to 50 times, thru the years. But can he dance? Marie fainted--will he? Donny will have the fan base, that's for sure--but can he dance? May have to pull out some old original Donny & Marie shows for research. Doesn't really matter--I will be there--joke if want--yet--it may finally give me the gumption to write the book I have in mind for my experiences during Osmond times. The working title is: You Remind Me.

In the meantime It Takes Two--Donny (with a dash of Michael Irvin) plus DTWS make me a happy camper as days grow shorter!

Stay tuned.

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.

Knock Down

"You're such doll. And would be such a knock out, if you lost some weight."

These words were uttered yester-decade, specifically the 1980's. It was also the last time I paid attention to it.

A co-worker, a woman I bonded with over our $4.67 per hour part time job at now defunct airline and since forgot her name, spit this gem out after I poured out my heart. Over what? Well, a man, of course. His name was Frank and he painted houses. We'd met at a local bar and danced the night away. By the dawn of a new day, I was smitten. Would Frank call? So my co-worker listened as my cup runneth over and then she pour salt in my wound.

When she first said it, believe it or not, I agreed. My friends today would gasp in disbelief. Hey it was the 80's and my confidence-o-meter wasn't quite so high! Amazingly I squeaked, "I am a knock out!" The co-worker looked at me while I gave her a quick glance. What had I done? I didn't really half believe it myself. Somehow, I promised myself never an implication of if I was thinner then I'd be so-so pretty would be said in my air space again.

And it hasn't. At least to my face.

I believe you can look good and feel good at any size. IF you have the positive confidence/attitude and choose to take the time. Big Girl clothes just aren't polyester muu-muu's anymore. To lose weight is to help my overall health. Having the open-heart surgery in 2006, brought me to reality. My temple is a miraculous thing. I want to keep it this way. No visions of size 4 dance in my head, yet I know a healthier me accentuates my already positive. Age and wisdom also help, with a touch of God's mercy. :)

It ain't easy. Anything that's good ain't ever easy. Makes it worthwhile.

Since I thought of this guy Frank, here's the song that even to this day, makes me smile at the thought of him. Frank did paint houses: John Mellencamp's Pink Houses!