BLC challenge -where do I see myself 6 weeks from now

Friday, February 26, 2010

I've thought a lot about this. It took a lot of encouragement to get me to join the blc challenge and I am thankful that my sparkfriends kept after me...Joyce, Kathy, Grace and Peggy. It is an enjoyable journey.

The weight has not dropped that much - but that's been my life story. I've also learned that you can't judge everything by a number on the scale. I know that by the end of this challenge, I will be physically stronger. I have added to my routine workouts - additional time and different exercises and will continue them when this is over. I already feel the difference and I've used that strength recently - it was called shoveling.

So by the end of this last six weeks, I know I will be a stronger, healthier person both physically and mentally. Thank you sparkfriends and blc leaders. It's been an awesome journey!

Mary Anne

  

  Member Comments About This Blog Post:

2BLEAN_N_FIT_AZ 3/1/2010 9:48AM

Leave it to those 4 as they are very persuasive and very positive supportive Spark Friends, aren't they! I got to know Grace on another Spark Team, she told about BLC and I joined BLC11 and got to know Joyce and Peggy. Now I have the pleasure of getting to know you and Kathy. Hugs Report Inappropriate Comment

_CALLIOPE_ 2/28/2010 1:41AM

I can just tell by how I feel going on three flights of steps to my apartment. I used to huff and puff, and now I just run up without any problems! Report Inappropriate Comment

EMSSBEARS 2/27/2010 9:12PM

Congratulations on all that you have accomplished and all the lifestyle changes that are now a part of your plans from here on out. I agree with the fact that no matter what the scale says if we can find one positive lifestlye change then the journey has been a successful one. Great blog. Report Inappropriate Comment

RULEBERG 2/27/2010 6:05PM

I've had a numer of days where I have counted shoveling as my cardio activity. You are right, weight is but one measure. I want to see it going down over time, but mostly I am liking how I seem to have a bit more energy...or how I don't have the heartburn. The rest will follow. One of the things I try to remember, is where I would be if I hadn't found my way here. Instead of losing, I'll bet I would have added at least another 2 pounds to where I was at. Hang in there, you're doing great. Margie Report Inappropriate Comment

KOMAL53 2/27/2010 1:00AM

I agree--once you disregard the scale and eat the right food after a while,Weight is not the issue any more---a HEALTHIER lifestyle is!!!That's what I have done too--I'm loads happier due to it!!! Comment edited on: 2/27/2010 1:00:41 AM Report Inappropriate Comment

GOOZLEBEAR 2/26/2010 10:34PM

Mary Ann Congratulations on doing so good on your journey with the blc. I can relate to all you said and I try not to be discouraged when the scale doesn't move like I think it should. Good luck on your journey. Sandi Report Inappropriate Comment

Oh the weather outside is frightful!

Thursday, February 25, 2010

Now, if you think I'm going to say let it snow, let it snow, let it snow....wrong! Up to this point, the snow hasn't been that bad. I did shovel off the back deck this morning just in case it really started coming down - but it didn't. It actually almost stopped for a while this afternoon.

But the wind has really picked up and when we get a good gust of it, sounds like the house is going to take off just like it did in the Wizard of Oz! The snow isn't coming down - it's going sideways! Now they keep talking about power outages so -

- have water in the sinks plus in buckets (we have a well)
-have made a fresh carafe of coffee (important to have in the morning)
-have a second carafe filled with hot water (important for tea or oatmeal)
-have candles ready
-have solar powered windup lights

Now, maybe I won't need these but if I don't do this you know that I will lose power. The kitties have already gone to bed. Even they are tired of the snow and they don't like the noise all the wind is making.

Guess I will follow them since I'm getting tired. Now, it you don't see an update in my status tomorrow, you'll know I'm "powerless" therefore "computerless".

Good night to all....maybe I'll dream of spring with flowers, and sun, and swimming..........

Mary Anne

  

  Member Comments About This Blog Post:

STARRY-EYEDGIRL 2/26/2010 4:16PM

Mary Anne, it's great to see that you are well prepared! Sounds like when we lived in Darwin and were preparing for a cyclone, sans snow and cold of course! I know all of your dreams will come true Marg and Buddy xox Comment edited on: 2/26/2010 4:21:57 PM Report Inappropriate Comment

SHAPELY 2/26/2010 1:32PM

Mary Anne tell the weather you are sick of it, and send it to me, all we get is that crummy rain. When the sun comes out again I will send you some, in exchange for some snow. Heres hoping, Rosalyn Report Inappropriate Comment

RULEBERG 2/26/2010 1:28PM

This has just been an awful winter for much of the country. In Iowa we've had near record snows and many, many days with the temps well below zero. Not freezing, zero- as in -10, -15... not including the winds. I haven't seen a speck of grass since early December. If not for Spark, I would probably have eaten my way into oblivion. We missed the storm for a change. It's always interesting how if the East Coast gets hit it's the storm of the century, but here in the midwest we get 5 minutes of coverage. It may be pretty, but it has gotten awful old this year. I agree about the preparedness--if you don't then it turns out to bite you! I always have to laugh tho about these folks that run to grocery stores and clear out their shelves...come on- how long would it actually be before I starved? Worst case scenario is I would have to start using some of those things in the cupboard that I ask, "What was I thinking," when I bought this? Report Inappropriate Comment

SLKIDDER 2/26/2010 10:32AM

? But the fire is so delightful? We can hope that something is nice about the weather. I hope you have a nice spring soon. Report Inappropriate Comment

DROWSYMAGGIE 2/26/2010 9:32AM

I am hoping that you don't get left without electricity. I don't see an update from you yet this morning so I am worried that you are powerless. Been there and done that too often and know how horrid it can be. Report Inappropriate Comment

GRANNYOF05 2/26/2010 8:45AM

I hope you didn't lose electricity. We are still getting snow this morning. It's suppose to be 6" to 12". Spring! Where are you? Keep warm and don't shovel too much. Hugs, Gayle Report Inappropriate Comment

BORTEI 2/26/2010 8:24AM

I hope your power did not go out Mary Anne. I see you are well prepared, do you have a radio to keep abreast of what is going on? One that you can wind up does the trick. Well someone kindly sent a winter storm up North. No complaints though it has been a very strange winter for us with little snow. We normally are knee high in it. Hope you all keep safe and warm! Report Inappropriate Comment

PHEBESS 2/26/2010 6:45AM

Wow - that does sound horrible! I hope you're warm and snug and the power is still on!!!! Report Inappropriate Comment

KOMAL53 2/26/2010 12:57AM

Best of Luck----Dear Mary Anne---keeping my fingers crossed for the Snow to abate soon-----AND---reading a new blog from you tomorrow!!! Report Inappropriate Comment

MOMMA_BEAR_69 2/26/2010 12:34AM

and on being prepared for the storm. Hoping you don't lose your electricity and that the wind dies down. We are still getting snow so I don't know where we will fall in the 4-7" by tomorrow evening. Hope your dreaming of spring flowers, sun, etc. will bring it to us quickly. Blessings and hugs, Helen Report Inappropriate Comment

GRATEFULADY 2/25/2010 11:54PM

Sounds like you are prepared Mary Anne. Hope you won't need it though!!! Stay warm and hope to visit with you tomorrow!! Report Inappropriate Comment

LITTLEBILLY1 2/25/2010 11:52PM

I too am tired of the cold and snow. Pray you have electricity in the morning. Hope you hear how you are doing. Report Inappropriate Comment

"I've learned" by Maya Angelou

Wednesday, February 24, 2010

Again, I received this in an email. I've seen it before but find it very inspiring and wanted to share. The comments toward the end are not Ms Angelou's but are funny so I left them in and the last paragraph is well worth reading.

------------

In April, Maya Angelou was interviewed by Oprah on her 70+ birthday. Oprah asked her what she thought of growing older.

And, there on television, she said it was 'exciting...'
Regarding body changes, she said there were many, occurring every day.....like her breasts. They seem to be in a race to see which will reach her waist first.

The audience laughed so hard they cried. She is such a simple and honest woman, with so much wisdom in her words!
Maya Angelou said this:

'I've learned that no matter what happens, or how bad it seems today, life does go on, and it will be better tomorrow.'

'I've learned that you can tell a lot about a person by the way he/she handles these three things: a rainy day, lost luggage, and tangled Christmas tree lights.'

'I've learned that regardless of your relationship with your parents, you'll miss them when they're gone from your life.'

'I've learned that making a 'living' is not the same thing as making a life.'

'I've learned that life sometimes gives you a second chance.'

'I've learned that you shouldn't go through life with a catcher's mitt on both hands; you need to be able to throw some things back...'

'I've learned that whenever I decide something with an open heart, I usually make the right decision.'

'I've learned that even when I have pains, I don't have to be one.'

'I've learned that every day you should reach out and touch someone. People love a warm hug, or just a friendly pat on the back...'

'I've learned that I still have a lot to learn..'

'I've learned that people will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel.'
---------------------------------
Please send this to five phenomenal women today... and back to me if you think I'm one also.

If you do, something good will happen: You will boost another woman's self-esteem.

If you don't....the elastic will break and your underpants will fall down around your ankles!

Believe me, I didn't take any chances on MY elastic breaking.....I sent it to a lot of special women I care for.
------------------------
To laugh often and much; to win the respect of intelligent people and the affection of children; to earn the appreciation of honest critics and endure the betrayal of false friends;
To appreciate beauty, to find the best in others; to leave the world a better place, whether by a healthy child, a garden patch, or a redeemed social condition; to know even one life has breathed easier because you have lived.
This is to have succeeded.
-----------

Thanks for taking the time to read this.

Mary Anne

  

  Member Comments About This Blog Post:

MR.NET1 2/28/2010 3:59PM

This blog was refered to me, by one of my spark friends. **I don't regret having taken the time to read it ** Hope I won't loose them?... Paul 2 U Comment edited on: 3/1/2010 12:21:43 AM Report Inappropriate Comment

SPARKLEON 2/26/2010 4:44PM

I loved reading this! Each and every time I read this, it gives me warm fuzzies and I feel good all over! I am a huge Maya Angelou fan, she is so truthful and funny too. She is definitely one to be admired and has a wonderful attitude. Let's all enjoy this journey called life :) I hope you are having a wonderful day and enjoying the beauty of where you live. Report Inappropriate Comment

PENGUINGIRL85 2/25/2010 5:08PM

There's little that's as important as being able to laugh and smile on this journey. Thanks! Report Inappropriate Comment

PENGUINGIRL85 2/25/2010 5:08PM

There's little that's as important as being able to laugh and smile on this journey. Thanks! Report Inappropriate Comment

LADYNETTIE 2/25/2010 4:06PM

I love reading this. I wish everyone would, it's so important to stop and think about life that way. Report Inappropriate Comment

HVMBRU 2/25/2010 2:37PM

Great! Loved it!! Must have missed that show. Helen Report Inappropriate Comment

SHAPELY 2/25/2010 1:30PM

Thank you for this, she is so funny and very honest lady. Rosalyn Report Inappropriate Comment

THE_SILVER_OWL 2/25/2010 1:15PM

What a wonderful reminder of just how powerful and moving simple truth can be. Thank you! Report Inappropriate Comment

RULEBERG 2/25/2010 12:35PM

Thank you for sharing this; what a wonderful attitude. I was lucky enough to see her in person and she was inspiring. My favorite of her books is "I Know Why the CAged Bird Sings." I will have to read it again. Hope you are having a good day and enjoying the natural beauty of where you live. When one isn't shoveling or trying to get somewhere, it's breathtaking. Margie Report Inappropriate Comment

OLDERDANDRT 2/25/2010 11:10AM

Thank you for this! I knew this lady was smart and somewhat outspoken, but this is totally priceless!! Report Inappropriate Comment

BORTEI 2/25/2010 8:40AM

That is so wonderful and so very true! Something to aspire too. Thank you for sharing this. It is a keeper. Report Inappropriate Comment

FELIXC 2/25/2010 8:08AM

All of this is so true! Let's all make sure we enjoy this journey called life! Report Inappropriate Comment

KOMAL53 2/25/2010 4:00AM

Love you---such a simple but PROFOUND thought on Life and Living---I'd like to join Mary angelou in her school of Thought!!!Thank You for sharing this!!! Report Inappropriate Comment

The wonders of nature!

Monday, February 22, 2010

This morning as I was eating my oatmeal and checking in with sparkpeople I was keeping my eye on the side deck and the bird feeders beyond. I had just put some peanuts on the deck for my friends, the squirrels.



Of course my kitties also like to watch the happenings outside. Suddenly, one of the cat's jumped to the window as a bluejay grabbed a peanut and was taking off.



As I looked beyond the deck, I realized why there was so much activity!



There was the fox trying to get the birds or the squirrels and the cats were fascinated. This is one of a pair that I have seen many times in the yard during the day. This was the first time I had the camera ready since I had just snapped the previous two pictures.

You never know what you'll see out the doors. I love it!

Mary Anne

  

  Member Comments About This Blog Post:

_CALLIOPE_ 2/24/2010 10:02PM

Very cool, indeed! Gotta love the pic with the cat jumping! Report Inappropriate Comment

KITKATSGRACE 2/24/2010 5:42PM

I love these photos! You have a beautiful backyard. I never see squirrels anymore where we live. I occasionally see Deer and Armadillo, but I can't ever get close enough to take a picture. Report Inappropriate Comment

STARRY-EYEDGIRL 2/23/2010 7:50PM

.............and I love it too!!!! Marg and Buddy xox Report Inappropriate Comment

SHAPELY 2/23/2010 1:35PM

WOW Mary Anne, you have a very interesting back yard. You are lucky, all we ever see are Cats and Racoons. When we have had the ranches tho we used to see a lot of different animals around the yard and ranch. Living in town is no where as nice as living in the country. Rosalyn Report Inappropriate Comment

JAKEANDNELLIE 2/23/2010 12:21PM

How lucky you are to have nature right in your backyard! I get an occasional deer, have seen a coyote cut across the back, have a groundhog that lives under a log, and lots of chipmunks. My cats love watching them, as do I. Sheila Report Inappropriate Comment

LIZARDG7 2/23/2010 10:25AM

How wonderful to have all these animals. We live in central/eastern NJ (20 min from NYC) and I was told there's a fox in our neighborhood, but I haven't seen it yet. I guess they're running out of room because it's so crowded here. Lizzie Report Inappropriate Comment

DPETERSON54 2/23/2010 10:16AM

They are beautiful pictures. Thanks for sharing. I sure would like scenery like that in my back yard. I'm jealous. Report Inappropriate Comment

KOMAL53 2/23/2010 10:07AM

What a lovely picture!!!We too had an opportunity to see a beautiful Vixen at close quarters during the Thanksgiving holidays when our younger daughter Sayali lived in Rochester N.Y.The Vixen came right upto the back door through the backyard---the beauty of the animal was so striking---one of my favourite memories!!! Report Inappropriate Comment

PHEBESS 2/23/2010 9:12AM

Wow, what an exciting morning!!!!! And how great that you had the camera ready, too! I have no idea what foxes eat, but maybe you could leave him a treat too? Report Inappropriate Comment

BORTEI 2/23/2010 8:46AM

Mary Anne, Nature at it's finest just outside your door. That is so very special. I would have my camera ready every day as one never knows who may venture over to visit you. That was such a nice change to see something other than a concrete jungle.... Comment edited on: 2/23/2010 8:47:56 AM Report Inappropriate Comment

DROWSYMAGGIE 2/23/2010 8:19AM

It's like you have your own little nature preserve outside your windows. Very cool. Report Inappropriate Comment

LADYNETTIE 2/22/2010 11:31PM

You outfoxed the animals today with your camera! How cool is that! You must live in Snow White's wonderland forest. All I see are squirrels and birds. So glad the kitties were safely inside! Report Inappropriate Comment

STARKCOUNTYGAL 2/22/2010 11:05PM

Now isn't that fox pretty!! I guess he is hungry too. Report Inappropriate Comment

RULEBERG 2/22/2010 10:58PM

Looks like you have had your share of snow, too. It hasn't been just the snow, but the horrible sub zero cold this year as well. And we've had a few ice storms...it's all taken it's toll. Love your pics, especially the ones on your main page of the cats. Yes, this is a pic of my kitty. They love their windows, don't they! I don't have any pics of me on the computer that I could post. Glad you are feeding the animals. As much as I complain about the winter, I feel so bad for the little creatures outside this year. I haven't seen many tracks lately, I think it's taken its toll. Report Inappropriate Comment

FELIXC 2/22/2010 10:38PM

Wow! You have quite the zoo outside your house! Report Inappropriate Comment

SLKIDDER 2/22/2010 10:36PM

You have foxes! Lucky! Report Inappropriate Comment

Now here's a visual for you!

Sunday, February 21, 2010

Use your imagination and try to picture this:

One overweight woman plus one stability ball plus 2 five pound

weights and one 17 pound kitty!



You have to understand, Ms Molly doesn't know she's "chunky" and wants to "help" me. I was trying to do the wall squats with stability ball first. Every time I got down, she tried to get on my lap. So I finally picked her up and held her while I continued and she just purred and went along for the ride. I proceeded to lie on the ball to do chest flys on the stability ball...are you getting the picture!!! She was on top of me all stretched out and I had to keep waiting for her to sniff the weights.

Now on the other had, PolyDactyl is the intellectual type....likes computers and the string on my camera.


She's checking out sparkpeople


Helping me take a picture of herself.

Can't imagine not having all their help and they sure do make me laugh. I was hoping my son would show up and actually get a picture of Ms Molly and me on the stability ball but no such luck.

Hope you got a chuckle.

Mary Anne with Ms Molly and PolyDactyl

  

  Member Comments About This Blog Post:

_CALLIOPE_ 2/24/2010 10:03PM

Haha, that's so funny! My almost 30-pound dog thinks she's of chihuahua weight and insists on sitting ON me at all times, especially when it's inconvenient for me:) Report Inappropriate Comment

KITKATSGRACE 2/24/2010 5:47PM

Haha!!! I love these photos. They are beautiful too!! Report Inappropriate Comment

STARRY-EYEDGIRL 2/23/2010 7:49PM

Oh your beautiful girls are born entertainers, Mary Anne. I just love them!! Marg and Buddy xox Report Inappropriate Comment

THE_SILVER_OWL 2/23/2010 6:37PM

Oh the visuals! Yes, I got a great one and a wonderful laugh from it. Report Inappropriate Comment

RULEBERG 2/22/2010 11:26PM

Priceless! No matter what they do, you just have to laugh. Gracie is napping atop my warm clothes in the laundry basket right now. Should have put them away when I had the chance...now I don't have the heart to move her. Margie Report Inappropriate Comment

STARKCOUNTYGAL 2/22/2010 7:24PM

I was trying to picture what you typed in my mind,I must say it must have looked hilarious! Just think now you are into lifting weights(oh I mean kitty)whatever works!! Report Inappropriate Comment

PHEBESS 2/22/2010 6:47PM

LOL!!!!!!!! That's so funny!!!!! Report Inappropriate Comment

BLUEJEAN_GIRL 2/22/2010 3:21PM

Thanks for the chuckles! It made me laugh trying to picture Miss Molly "going along for the ride"! Report Inappropriate Comment

SHAPELY 2/22/2010 1:39PM

Thank you the kitties are so cute, and I did get a few giggles. Report Inappropriate Comment

BORTEI 2/22/2010 11:12AM

Thank you all for the wonderful chuckle. So funny! Report Inappropriate Comment

4SHEWOKUS 2/22/2010 10:55AM

That is too funny Report Inappropriate Comment

NANADA1947 2/22/2010 9:47AM

OTFLMAO!..yes, i CAN relate..as you know, my mobility is limited and i have heart health issues..i use "X" shaped stretch-bands while laying on my bed to do "modified sit-ups"..zoey likes to run under my back every time i raise myself up..then, she'll jump on my chest when i lower myself back into the mattress.. i also have to use a nebulizer to keep my lungs open..she HATES the sound the machine makes and tries to knock the mouthpiece from my lips so she can kiss me..i think she's jealous. Report Inappropriate Comment

DROWSYMAGGIE 2/22/2010 8:35AM

You have so much lovely kitty help. They are such a joy. Report Inappropriate Comment

FELIXC 2/22/2010 8:05AM

Adorable! MEOW! Report Inappropriate Comment

EVER-HOPEFUL 2/22/2010 2:56AM

thanks for the smile could sure use it at the moment.maybe next time your son comes you can reconstruct it for him to take a picture.thanks by the way for your comments on my blog they are much appreciated. Report Inappropriate Comment

GRACIEC 2/22/2010 12:51AM

Who need weights with Ms Molly around? LOL Report Inappropriate Comment

KOMAL53 2/22/2010 12:23AM

I love your word pictures---they're so vivid!!!!I too love Animals but we don't own any now---In Mumbai there's no space to keep them---and confining them in limited space is a crime!!! Report Inappropriate Comment

DJ4HEALTH 2/21/2010 10:09PM

I did. You can use her as weights too if she wants to "help" you. As for the other one she will help you on your typing. LOL Have fun with them. Report Inappropriate Comment