Keep or Toss?

Tuesday, October 04, 2011

I have the hardest time letting go of the boxes my computer software comes in. The same thing goes for my Cricut cartridge boxes. They are neat and remind me of all the things I can cut with my Cricut. I usually throw my computer program boxes away eventually, but I'll have to see about the Cricut boxes. I'm still pretty attached to them.

I don't think I'm stretching it to say that the same thing goes for clothes I no longer wear, either by choice or because they're out of style. Now that I no longer work, I just don't need my work wardrobe. I keep old dresses that I liked and sweater vests from when they were in style. Most of these are too small too, I'm sad to say. But who needs to hold on to all these old clothes? I still have a dress in my closet that I wore in the 60's! It's a size ten, and it's the most stylish dress I ever had. Even if I lose enough weight to fit into it, I would never wear it. It's a dress for a girl, not a senior citizen!

Now that I'm retired, I wear "mom jeans" and tees all the time. I keep a dress or two for church or special occasions. These days, a nice pair of black pants and a pretty blouse are perfect. All of these pieces of apparel would fit in about two feet of closet space, and I could use the rest of the space for my scrapbook stuff or whatever I wanted to put in there. Maybe even my Cricut boxes....

  

  Member Comments About This Blog Post:

LIFESGREAT2DAY 10/9/2011 3:59PM

What?!? Sweater vests are out of style! No one told me! Hahaha, just kidding. Really though, it feels so refreshing to get rid of things and make way for the new. Such a release! But keep the 60's dress to sell or whatever people really want that stuff now very stylish again and with that new show pan am, people will really start to want it! My sister sells old clothing in her shop and it sells very well. But if it doesn't fit and is out of style in a bad way, pass it on and unload it! Hope you are having a wonderful weekend! Report Inappropriate Comment

NANASAMM 10/5/2011 9:37PM

I know...I KNOW! I have stuff I keep holding onto too. I finally started letting them go. We want to downsize and I keep trying to "trick" myself by saying we're moving into a two bedroom apartment and there IS NO ROOM! But like turning the clock ahead a few minutes so you're on time for a change (I do that too...LOL) I know we're not so it doesn't work. I think you should keep the 60's dress because you could probably sell it to a wardrobe or costume company that just happens to need a dress like that for a movie or TV show. OR maybe a Halloween costume. Nah, get rid of it and use the space for your scrapbooking stuff. Good luck! Report Inappropriate Comment

MISSG180 10/5/2011 7:27AM

It's hard to let go of that stuff, but stuff becomes an anchor that weighs us down. Lighten your load! You will find yourself feeling refreshed. Report Inappropriate Comment

Changing up my foods

Thursday, September 29, 2011

I've been dieting, using the same foods over and over. No wonder I fall off the wagon! They're boring and don't taste especially good either. I've decided to eat a mostly plant-based diet, so that means I must do some adjustments and add some new foods to my diet. Besides that, I'm eating more of the good stuff--avocados, broccoli, blueberries, walnuts, and much more. I do have more pep in my step when I eat well.

There are many ways to eat avocados-- mash them for guacamole. slice for sandwiches, and chop for sauce or salads, but I wanted the easiest way to prepare one that wouldn't stir up my arthritis. I just cut the avocado in half, keep the seed in one half and store, then put some mayo in the nice little cup where the seed was. Then it's ready to eat! I use a grapefruit spoon, but a spoon or fork will work just as well. Scoop out a little and dip it into the mayo, a little or a lot, depending on your taste. Sometimes I sprinkle on some lime juice too. It's a guilty pleasure because we used to be warned about how much fat that's in one, etc., so now we know that we need more good fats in moderation. I wouldn't eat one every day, but don't waste the other half. Having the seed still in it helps keep it from going bad, I've heard--but I wouldn't eat it if it didn't smell good.

I don't like to eat walnuts by themselves because too much is never enough! Knowing this, I put them in whole grain cereal in the morning. They're a great addition to cereal or salads, and like avocados, they are good fats that help you lower your cholesterol numbers. They are another guilty pleasure that I've never let myself eat until now. They are high cal, but very nutritious.

When I was a kid, my mother cooked a lot of pinto beans because they were tasty and cheap. In our house, they weren't a side dish. The beans were the meal. We at them with fresh, sweet sliced onions, bread and butter. I've avoided this meal in my adult life because it reminds me of being poor. I don't think that way now, so recently I made beans for lunch. They weren't like my mom's, but yum, they were very good. I went easy on the butter, and enjoyed the onions more than I did when I was 13. This is a great meal and very nutritious!

Anyway, I'm planning on trying some new foods, rethinking old ones, and changing my attitude about fruit and vegetables. It gets easier every day, and I'm pleasantly surprised that I like it so much.

  

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NANASAMM 10/5/2011 9:23PM

Yummm I love avocados but like mine either as guacamole or plain with a little salt. I love it in sandwiches instead of mayonnaise. Not so keen on walnuts as much as I am on almonds. I am NUTS about almonds (pun intended)! If a recipe has almonds in it...I will try it. I love the smell of almonds. Soaps, hand lotions, shampoos etc. Mmmmm heavenly. I think the reason I don't like walnuts as much is that as I kid there were a lot of walnut trees where we lived and I remember eating them all the time. Maybe I OD'd on walnuts. Report Inappropriate Comment

TEXGRANNY71 9/30/2011 11:46AM

Good for you, trying out new foods. I have suggestion for you. I take 3/4 cup of cottage cheese & add a small container of yogurt with fruit to it, then put just a tad more of the fruit in it and make a meal that way. I don't see why you could put a few walnuts in it also...I will have to try that. I also put walnuts in my oatmeal sometimes.. Good luck & hope you have a blessed day. Report Inappropriate Comment

BLONDEE53 9/30/2011 11:27AM

Woohoo! Good for you! I will try the avacodo tip too. I usually use mine in a salad or on a sandwich and they are wonderful sliced up and put on a WG toasted bagel w/lite cream cheese and salsa... yum~ Beans! Oh yum! I cook several varieties at once Or did until I gave away one of my slow cookers) and put 'em in 1 cup containers for the freezer. I made a big pot of HM chicken veggy soup (no noodles) on Wednesday, and got 17 cups for the freezer. I share with my Mom and brother. I thank God for good stuff! Walnuts: I buy the little bags of chopped ones and add a spoonful to my oatmeal or FF yogurt. On the yogurt I often top it off with a squirt of Reddi-whip and it's like dessert! I don't do the yogurt very often because of the high sugar content and as a diabetic, need to make some serious changes in my food choices too. This is good info and some I'll "borrow"! Have a blessed day~ Bren Comment edited on: 9/30/2011 11:31:28 AM Report Inappropriate Comment

It may be something simple.

Tuesday, September 27, 2011

I've been having a lot of trouble with my nails. No matter what I do, they start splitting and breaking off, not to mention the jagged edges catching on my clothes. I trimmed them last night again, careful to get the edges smooth and about the same length. I didn't have my files upstairs, so I decided I would wait until today to file them. Much to my surprise, they were slitting and jagged already! I couldn't believe it. So I looked more closely at the worst one, and a light bulb lit up over my head. My nails weren't the problem at all. The problem was my clipper! Apparently the blade has become dull, and it's doing more ripping and tearing than trimming. I never think that a solution to a problem could be that simple. I just paid attention to my nails, and kept my eyes open, and I found the answer.

I'm the same way with my computer. I struggle trying to use the different fonts and icons that are available to me, and invariably, I'm tearing my hair out until my husband comes along and pushes one or two little keys, and it all comes together. I usually make it more difficult than it needs to be. If I would spend a little time learning about what my computer can do for me and how, I would take advantage of all the stuff I've been too afraid to try. It's that simple really.

Lately, I've been thinking about getting more leafy green and other vegetables into my diet. I don't eat enough of them to feed a mouse, and every doctor and dietician worth their salt say we need to eat several helpings each day. I've read a couple of new books on going vegan, and I tell myself that I just can't give up sweets and processed foods, so why try? Over and over, experts are saying that we can protect ourselves from so many diseases if we would cut all of this junk out. But I talk back to the book and tell the expert that eating plant-based foods isn't for me. Then one day, I ate my usual cereal for breakfast, but at lunch, I had a big salad with lots of different types of greens and vegetables in it. I felt stuffed, and I didn't get hungry all day. That night, I looked over what I had in the freezer and refrigerator, and passed on it. Instead, I felt like I wanted an apple then, and if I was still hungry, I could east some green beans. I craved this healthy stuff, and the thought of eating ice cream or candy kinda made me feel nauseated. It was really very simple. If I will eat a healthy diet, I won't want the other stuff, even if it's offered to me.

Now I'm not foolish enough to think that one day's experience would change my life forever, but something clicked inside and made me crave what I need, and believe me, chocolate almond ice cream doesn't make the cut. Neither do carbonated drinks, candy, pastries from Starbucks, fried stuff, chips, etc.

Wouldn't it be funny if it's something that simple?

  

  Member Comments About This Blog Post:

ONESPOTLEFT 9/28/2011 6:25AM

try sugar free jello it is low cal a sweet treat and does wonders for your nail and hair Report Inappropriate Comment

Giving Pain a One-Two Punch!

Thursday, September 22, 2011

Before my doctor became ill, he told me I should see a pain management doctor. It's no secret that I need both knees replaced, and just in the last month, I've had a rough spell with stenosis of the spine that causes extreme pain in my back and the back of my thighs. Now I'm going to the pain doc, and he put me on something for nerve damage and a patch for heavy duty pain relief. In addition, I'm going to use a TENS machine on my back. They don't do much for some people, but I'm hoping that mine will. When I get better, I can put my TENS machine on my husband's back while he's asleep and shock him every time he farts. (I really wouldn't do that, but still......)

I wasn't going to post about my aches and pains, because nothing is more boring. I decided to go ahead with it, however, because I know that many people in SparkPeople can relate. There's a certain comfort that comes when you know that others who are in the same boat who can empathize.

Losing weight is part of the battle with pain, so that's the part we can control. Instead of sitting or lying in bed, we have to be strong and force ourselves to move around. That's the hardest part for me--pushing through the pain. I guess I am about 95% sedentary. The other 5% is going from my recliner to my desk and climbing the stairs and coming back down. That's not enough.

Here's hoping that I get enough relief that I can do some chair yoga and walking. When I'm walking, I look like Walter Brennan, the way he would hitch up his shoulders to help him lift his legs enough to move ahead. Some of you don't know who Walter Brennan is, I'm sure. He was a character actor who starred in a TV show called "The Real McCoys." He had a funny voice that a lot of comedians tried to copy. I think about him every time I have to walk out to the car.

There's good news about dealing with pain, though. Pain tells us when something is wrong, so we can get help for it. If it immobilizes us, we can use a handicap placard and we get to ride in those motorized shopping carts. It tells us when we've pushed ourselves too far, and finally, it gives us one more reason to pray! Although I enjoy having a hang-tag in my car, I would prefer to be able to walk longer distances. The motorized carts are a God-send, but using one makes me feel older than I am.

I'm going to go plug myself into my TENS and then go to Hobby Lobby to look at what they have on sale. They don't have motor carts, so I'll take my walker because it has a built-in seat. I never let pain get in the way of shopping!

  

  Member Comments About This Blog Post:

PMFISH 9/23/2011 12:44AM

You are so right, many of us can relate and know what you are talking about. I have a blue tag, but I try to stay out of the motorize carts - I am toooo dangerous in those things. I remember Walter Brennan well. I hope he gets a handle on your pain. I use a chi machine most every morning to start my day and a good massage does wonders to get rid of aches and pains. Pat Report Inappropriate Comment

MARTHASPARKS 9/22/2011 9:54PM

I empathize and sympathize. I, too have a blue card for my car and everyone in my family is delighted that I have it - except me. I use it only when I must! My pain levels have been really high recently but I have refused to let it stop me from my exercise routine - though it is slower and shorter. I have a TENS unit and it helps sometimes. My husband uses it as much as i do because his pain is intermittent and not severe. I find that having a toolbox of many different techniques and devices to help with pain is the way to live because, especially with fibro, pain morphs and we have to have different ways to cope. I laugh that I have been able to visit nursing homes and commiserate with the residents about our aches, pains and ailments since I was 30. Still, every day, in every way, I am getting better and stronger and healthier. I hope you are, too! Report Inappropriate Comment

BLONDEE53 9/22/2011 4:06PM

You are in my prayers, Doll! yes, so many can relate and I am so glad you went ahead with this blog! You have no idea how encouraging it is to me. I've had a relapse with my left foot (torn ligements in both) and how I wish I'd walked more when I could do it without pain! Yes! We can RUN to God...no matter what and know He is with us in every trial. I too, was so thankful for those carts when I was in such pain, and sleeping in a walking boot for two weeks. those boots ain't made for "walking"! Now about shocking hubby with your tens unit...no comment! Be blessed my friend. Take the best care of you that you can. I'll do that for me at my place too! Love and hugs, Bren Report Inappropriate Comment

Even doctors get sick.

Thursday, September 15, 2011

My cousin was a physician, and he truly was a great man. He lived a long life with many achievements and accolades. He probably saved the lives of hundreds of people in his long career. Believe me, he was a blessing to everyone who knew him.

I think about him, because I just found out that my doctor, a young man with a wife and small children, is very ill. The office sent out a letter to let his patients know that his schedule will be interrupted often by his on-going treatments. The letter said he was diagnosed with a medical condition, but they didn't name it. Of course, my mind immediately went to cancer. It may not be cancer, but something equally scary if it will take months until he may be able to resume his medical career.

I'm guessing that he's 35-tops. Before he came to my city, he was in the military. He moved here to have a life filled with family, his faith, and his desire to do mission work. Besides all the things that really matter, I have to tell you that he is so good looking that it's hard to get mad at him when he carps at me about my weight! He's kind of a "Dr. McDreamy" right here in our little town. it's inconceivable that he's so ill.

I'm praying that he will have a long, long career like my cousin had. I want him to grow old with us, save hundreds more lives, and serve as a medical missionary in retirement, as he wants to do. Doctors get sick too, but it doesn't seem right for some reason.

  

  Member Comments About This Blog Post:

NANASAMM 9/22/2011 12:22PM

So sad... Report Inappropriate Comment

MOM2NATURE 9/16/2011 6:43PM

I'm saddened to hear this. The world needs GOOD Dr.s and if they just happen to be good-looking too....well....hey! Many more people will go to see them and get treated. LOL When my daughter was 2 yrs. old, she had a young Dr. who had a 2 yr. old of his own. He was diagnosed with leukemia. He lost his fight but I will never forget him. We talk about him frequently because he saved my daughter's life. We want her to remember him too. You're right! It just doesn't seem right! Comment edited on: 9/16/2011 6:43:40 PM Report Inappropriate Comment

LIL-VIXEN 9/15/2011 9:35PM

Isn't it true that doctors make the worst patients. Report Inappropriate Comment