Ch Ch Ch Changes

Sunday, March 09, 2008

It's not the strongest of the species that survive, nor the most intelligent, but the ones most responsive to change.

This quote is definitely one I need to ponder on for a moment. I am not the strongest or most intelligent person in the world and I have resisted change my whole life. I resist it. Sometimes, I can not avoid it. I resisted computers when they first arrived and hated them with a passion. I did not want to learn to use them. Today, I can not live without them. Technology has made my life much easier for the most part. I learned to work smarter and not harder.

So, why then, do I resist change in my personal life? I do not want to mutate but I do want to be flexible enough with my diet and exercise plans that I can move forward and not backwards in my progress. I don't have to do the same plan every day for the rest of my life, do I? NO!

I can mix things up and keep my body happy and guessing. Change is good. If I want to succeed and enjoy my weight loss journey, I need to be flexible and just have FUN with it. Why can't it be fun? It can be. What a good quote. It's a keeper!

  

  Member Comments About This Blog Post:

4CAKES 3/10/2008 11:26AM

Change is tough! What if we fail? But I guess the oppostite is What if I win? I have to laugh I do the same thing 2 years to get a dvd player, 3 years to get a digital camera. I am with you though We are going to Change and accept the changes our bodies are making. Report Inappropriate Comment

JUICY_RED_LIPS 3/9/2008 10:28PM

Yes Donna, Change can be good, its all about what & how you make it a change! I too don't think that I could possibly live without a computer, or my favorite a cell phone, I'm always having people ask me why is it so important to own either, I tell them that the world is so crazy these days that I'm scared to be driving without a cell phone, and there's so many benefits of owning a computer...I mean without Spark, I probaly wouldn't be as motivated, and without email, I wouldn't be able to keep up with other families who have their own child whose had a transplant! I believe that when we set a plan of action and take steps toward reaching a goal in life or weight loss, we are making a change...not just accepting an as is outcome! These changes are always a good thing, whether someone is trying to change to make their looks better, or someone needs to lose weight to save their life, then the final result will mean that change was worth it!!! Report Inappropriate Comment

STERNENFEE 3/9/2008 3:43PM

Here's one reason you may be resisting change: You're afraid because you don't know whether it'll be good or bad. Take computers: They ARE scary when you've never seen one, never worked with one. Why type on a computer if a typewriter works just fine? Why use the internet if you can go to the library to look stuff up, hand-write letters to your friends and family and use the phone to talk to them. I'm sure one or more things will ring true. But then there was no avoiding the computer anymore, you HAD to use it and you HAD to use the internet and you saw that change was good. It's the same with changing your lifestyle, the things you eat, lose weight, etc. All I can say is: Take it slow. Make one small change, for example bring carrots with your lunch sandwich instead of chips. See if that works for you, if you like that change. If you do, change the bread next, take your time, see if you like it. I mean, maybe you'd prefer celery with your sandwich or you find out that it HAS TO be chips, that nothing else will work for you. That's fine as well, nobody expects you to be the healthiest eating person alive (except maybe you). Just take it slow, tackle one thing at a time and see how you like that change. Report Inappropriate Comment

MARIADALE 3/9/2008 1:18PM

You will develop the flexibility you need. Never give up. Report Inappropriate Comment

What I can learn from my dog.

Saturday, March 08, 2008

Booker is my 4 year old Basset Hound. When we bought our house in 2005, I decided it was time for a family pet. I had missed having my cat who died in 1999 at the age of 18. My new hubby was not fond of cats and was allergic to them. I decided we should compromise and get a dog. I had never had a dog because I was a cat person.

I had done research on dog breeds and had my favorites picked out. My number one choice was a red miniature dachshund. I really wanted two so I could name them after my sisters...Wilma and Hazel. That did not happen...yet. So, I surfed the internet looking for the perfect rescue dog. There are plenty of sites out there that have dogs up for adoption and they really needed homes. I found an ad at our local animal shelter for a Basset Hound. It was during the Christmas Holidays so I called and found out they would not be open until December 27th. I waited until that day and was first in line at the door when they opened.

My sister Hazel was with me and my husband as we went into the shelter. I told the lady at the desk that I was interested in the Basset Hound they had advertised in the local newspaper. She looked at me and asked, "are you ready to give him ALOT of love?" I said, "well, right now I just want to look at him." I was not going to act too eager.

So, they took us outside to the kennels and we walked to the one with the Basset in it. The lady opened up the kennel and he came wagging his tail and running directly to me. He promptly laid down on his back for me to rub his tummy. It was love at first site but I did not want to commit until I had had time to talk to my hubby about it. So, I told them I would come back. She locked him back up and he cried as we walked away. That just about killed me. We drove off and I told my hubby I did not want to get him unless he wanted him too. He did not care. He wanted him if I did and said, "I will turn around right now and go back and get him if you want to." Well, we turned around immediately to go get him.

Being the naive dog-person that I was, I did not know what was in store for me. I learned from the shelter that Booker's real name was Hooker so they renamed him because they did not like that name. His previous own had committed suicide with a gunshot to her head. Her boyfriend could not deal with Booker's grieving so he took him to the shelter. No one knew how much of the event that Booker saw. He was starving from grief. He looked emaciated with his rib cage showing through his dull coat.

They also told us that another family had adopted him and brought him back on the same day because they said the wife was allergic to him and he barked too much. OK, so now he is mine. We took him home. As soon as we got there, I fed him some new food and he ate it like it was his last meal. He ate like a pig. Then he went outside to examine the back yard and walk the perimeter just to make sure all was well.

Ok, so he came with lots of issues. He was sick with kennel cough so I stayed up with him all night long following him and cleaning up what he coughed up. I soon learned to get over the fact that my new house had been redecorated with brand new carpet. Oh well, that's what carpet cleaners are for, right? He smelled really bad too. So, the next day we went to the vet and got him meds and shots for his kennel cough. We got him bathed and we took him home and fed him and nursed him back to health.

Then, a week later, we had to have him neutered because it was a requirement for adoption. The poor thing had barely gotten over his sickness but we were under a time requirement. So, he was neutered and got all his shots up to date. Then, when he started feeling better, there was the job of housebreaking him. He was already 2 and a half years old so that was a job in itself. Again, that's what carpet cleaners are for, right?

I did not know Bassets could sling so much slobber so efficiently and so far! Having a Basset as a first dog completely broke me of being picky about my house. I got used to all the bad habits any dog could ever have all in one dog.

Barking? Did they call that barking? OMG. The dog will not shut up! That's the only thing I could not break him of. So he stays inside during the day when we are not at home. He has his own room in the sunroom with his own bed. He's spoiled rotten.

He also had aggression issues. I still have a few scars from when he attacked me and bit me. He was just scared. Everyone told me to take him back. They were concerned with his aggression. I was not going to give up on him so soon. The only time he got aggressive was when he was being scolded or punished and he was scared. Besides, he was new to us and we all had to get to know each other. I was right. He got over that too.

He was scared. He was sweet and he was sick when we got him. Today he is spoiled, happy, and full of life. He went from being sad to being healthy and happy. He went from 30 lbs to 45 pounds which is normal and healthy for his size.

Now what can I learn from him? What did he teach me?
First of all, he taught me unconditional love. He loves me no matter what. He taught me patience. He taught me how to have fun. He taught me how to be sensitive to others. He taught me how to love. He is the most disgusting dog in the world and I love every bit of him, slobber and all.

Now, I must end this and go clean the carpet.

  

  Member Comments About This Blog Post:

ELECTRALYTE 3/11/2008 3:58PM

what an absolutely beautiful story! *sob* so happy for your dog! so lucky to find eachother. hope your story inspires more loving people to adopt! Report Inappropriate Comment

~~LILA 3/8/2008 3:17PM

ROFLMAO! That is too funny! I've never been a dog person, I am a cat person very much, but my family loves dogs. (Presently we do not own one, hubby says we'll never own another one. We'll see.) As I read about your experience at the pound, I can totaly relate! We had purchased a home on a lot the size of a football field and it was completely chain link fenced...perfect dog yard. We had one cat at the time, and figured it was time to get "a" dog. I went to the pound, alone, and wanted to see their black male chow mix puppy. The lady (why does it always seem that women work at these shelters? I never thought about it until just now...hmmmmm. Oops sorry, got off topic for a minute there.) took me to the cage, and there were two of the cutest jet black little chow pups I'd ever seen. The lady informed me that the sibblings had been adoped and all that was left of the litter were these two brothers. I petted them both, and chose one. She took him out of the cage, and as we walked away, the other one began to cry. As I held the other brother, he started to squirm and he also began to cry. Yep, you're right, I went home with not one, but TWO puppies! We named them Rock and Roll. They were a riot! Have a great one, thanks for sharing, Lila Report Inappropriate Comment

Temptation is everywhere

Wednesday, February 27, 2008

Why is it when you finally commit to something and you feel like you are strong and you can just ignore all temptation, is when it seems to come streaming towards you? If it's not one thing, it's another. Today it was cake. It was just a cake for a baby shower we gave to a coworker but it was cake. I went to the shower and did not eat any. Then people came into my office to talk to me. I guess I'm lucky they like to congregate and talk to me and with each other in my office but do they have to bring their cake and eat it in front of me? We ALL can't have our cake and eat it too. I know I can't. One piece triggers an episode. There is a silver lining to this rant though. I did NOT eat any cake or drink the sugary punch. I am also thankful that it was NOT coconut cake or I would have caved.

I was laughing at myself as I thought about how silly I sounded in my head. Poor poor me...I can't eat cake. Whaaa Whaa!
LOL

I'm done with my little rant now. :-)

Calgon, take me away.

  

  Member Comments About This Blog Post:

ELECTRALYTE 3/11/2008 4:00PM

today is my birthday and i won't be having any cake! (but i may have a glass of wine with dinner) Report Inappropriate Comment

WANNAB3 2/28/2008 4:39PM

I hear you on that: everyone can't have their cake & eat it too. Yet we are the lucky ones to be challenged by discipline. I know of many people who ever had to worry about their weight. As a matter of fact, my best friend used to be preoccupied with gaining, while here I was trying to loose ! Yet overtime the free ride comes to an end: Many of them will suffer health consequences in later years. So though their bods stay trim and lean (very deceptive indicator that all is well), they still suffer from high cholesterol, diabetes, heart disease... the hidden effects of eating any ole thing, made with the careless wonder of processed & convience foods. Encourage yourself with this information. And know while declining & denying the numerous pasteries and sugar laddened treats NOW, you are laying the foundation for good health accompanied by greater choices later.... while they eventually suffer thru low cholesterol, low salt diets...YUCK Report Inappropriate Comment

OHANAMAMA 2/27/2008 7:57PM

You did great on resisting! Way to go! We've all had our cake delimmas! I recently had a doozy of one... and come April, will have another. I bake my children's birthday cakes and make them special... it's HARD to do and then not have any... at all, while preparing the batter, the frosting, decorating..... but I did it... I just hope I'm as strong in April. Comment edited on: 2/27/2008 7:58:35 PM Report Inappropriate Comment

~~LILA 2/27/2008 6:14PM

I feel for you! I blogged about my carb addiction, I believe it was last week, maybe. I am such a carb-a-holic I can feel your pain! Recently when I had to buy a Bday cake for my daughter I purposely ordered a white cake, (thinking chocolate or any other flavor would have more calories) it wasn't until after I had eaten the tiniest little morsel of it that I found out how many calories were in it! I thought I was going to faint! Why does everything tasty have to be oh so sinful? But, on the bright side, I can have an even bigger piece when I get to goal! HA! Good for you not giving into your want, I'm glad my buddy Will Power shows up for others and not just me! HA! Hugs, Lila Report Inappropriate Comment

BUGLET- 2/27/2008 5:27PM

Try not to think of the I can'ts and think on the I can eat this. Think of it as a kind of poison, one taste and you're a gonner. I'm glad I don't work anymore! But I'm a black and white person. Once I set my mind nothing fazes me..It's all in the mind set...Hang on tight, you can do this. Report Inappropriate Comment

LOVE2BEHEALTHY 2/27/2008 5:20PM

congrats on not caving on the cake and punch. will power and determination. Report Inappropriate Comment

MARIADALE 2/27/2008 4:40PM

Plain ole vanilla cake with lots of goopy icing is a big weakness for me. Glad I was not at the shower. Report Inappropriate Comment

To all my female friends and family.

Saturday, February 23, 2008

Phenomenal Woman


Pretty women wonder where my secret lies.
I'm not cute or built to suit a fashion model's size
But when I start to tell them,
They think I'm telling lies.
I say,
It's in the reach of my arms
The span of my hips,
The stride of my step,
The curl of my lips.
I'm a woman
Phenomenally.
Phenomenal woman,
That's me.

I walk into a room
Just as cool as you please,
And to a man,
The fellows stand or
Fall down on their knees.
Then they swarm around me,
A hive of honey bees.
I say,
It's the fire in my eyes,
And the flash of my teeth,
The swing in my waist,
And the joy in my feet.
I'm a woman
Phenomenally.
Phenomenal woman,
That's me.

Men themselves have wondered
What they see in me.
They try so much
But they can't touch
My inner mystery.
When I try to show them
They say they still can't see.
I say,
It's in the arch of my back,
The sun of my smile,
The ride of my breasts,
The grace of my style.
I'm a woman

Phenomenally.
Phenomenal woman,
That's me.

Now you understand
Just why my head's not bowed.
I don't shout or jump about
Or have to talk real loud.
When you see me passing
It ought to make you proud.
I say,
It's in the click of my heels,
The bend of my hair,
the palm of my hand,
The need of my care,
'Cause I'm a woman
Phenomenally.
Phenomenal woman,
That's me.

Maya Angelou

  

  Member Comments About This Blog Post:

JIBBIE49 2/27/2008 9:05AM

Thank you for the SPARKGOODIE. Hugs. We are women, but I listen to all the hateful comments against Hillary Clinton running as the First woman for President and it makes me so sad to think how stupid we are not to support her and show our real power. Of course, she is a B#%CH, which I've heard over and over, but so is any woman who tries to assert her power and lead. Same old tired song, same old tired dance. Comment edited on: 2/27/2008 9:05:06 AM Report Inappropriate Comment

JUICY_RED_LIPS 2/26/2008 3:11AM

Wow, she said how so many women feel every day... Thanks for sharing that with us here in Spark.. Renea:) Report Inappropriate Comment

MERAINA 2/25/2008 9:11AM

Thanks for the poem on my MIL blog. I have had her for 20 yrs in April... She is just now showing an unkindness. Mouthy ways! LOL I guess it is her aging gracfully. Recently I hinted that "some" people are not thinking before they say things and have been hurting "other people's" feelings. She has been treading more lightly. I believe that the suttlness in my hints are a help far better than blasting her---Like I would like to do! LOL Gotta love her! Such a beautiful song! Thanks ever-so-much! You made me smile! Report Inappropriate Comment

LINDAANNE2 2/24/2008 5:35PM

Thank you for sharing this. Report Inappropriate Comment

LADYMOONWILLOW 2/24/2008 10:32AM

This was awesome, thank you for sharing it with all of us. MoonMama Report Inappropriate Comment

KATRINA524 2/23/2008 1:45PM

What an excellent piece of writing! Leave it to Maya Angelou to remind us who and what we are...I'm passing this on to the Phenomenal Women in my life. Thanks for sharing this. Report Inappropriate Comment

Perspective

Saturday, February 23, 2008

When I get discouraged about a number on the scale, I always have to have a talk with myself. Usually, it's because I did not lose as fast as I wanted to. Of course, I wish there were a magic wand that would just take the fat away immediately. *poof*

That is not going to happen. Are there any genies out there?

Well, that's when I have to stop and do a little bit of math. If the scale this week or month is disappointing to me, I get out a pen and paper and look how far I've come. Today, was a measly little .2 pound loss. I know I'm retaining fluid but I also know that I have lost 12 pounds in the last two months. I had to remind myself of that though. So, all in all, I think I'm right on track for my diet and activity level.

I would love to just throw away the scale and not have to weigh in. I don't know many people that have that kind of discipline though.

I reread: 3 Ways to Stop Negative Thinking
Don't Let Negative Thoughts Sabotage Your Efforts
-- By Dean Anderson, Behavioral Psychology Expert

It is listed in my favorites because I know that I will have to refer to it several times in my journey.

My next project is to research sodium. I've read so much about lowering salt intake but my logic just has not wrapped itself around it yet. I can't understand why it would be a problem for me or how it can 'permanently' change your body weight or composition. To me, it has always been a temporary thing so I don't see the importance of it. But I'm curious so I will research it more.

  

  Member Comments About This Blog Post:

~~LILA 2/23/2008 12:05PM

Always look for the "silver lining" in every cloud! For example, Lost .2 pounds? Woo Hooo! better than gaining .2! Just keep on keeping on, we all knew it was going to be a loooong journey when we decided to take that first step. But it is going to be oh so worth it in the end! Good luck in all you do and the choices you make, Lila Comment edited on: 2/23/2008 12:04:59 PM Report Inappropriate Comment