My Holiday Week-End

Monday, July 04, 2011

It started out with a quiet day at home doing the usual. There were flowers to water in the front yard -- even though they are on a drip system, I like to give them extra and also mist them. Then the same treatment for the flowers and veggies in the backyard. The weather was just a bit cooler from the sizzling weather we had the day before, so it felt wonderful.

Naturally all my stuff on the computer, that's an every day thing -- saw on Facebook how my daughter and grandaughter were doing on their vacation in Canada. Then at 5:00 p.m. it was the weekly meeting of the Community Garden Club. That was fun! From there we decided to eat out as we were heading down to Wickenburg to see the fireworks sponsored by the City. DH said he had attended 2 or 3 years ago and it was quite good, besides that, Wickenburg has supermarkets (full-sized) and we needed some fresh produce not available in our tiny little community.

So we stuffed ourselves at a favorite restaurant -- I ordered fried chicken and knew the scale would be tough on me the next day. We did our grocery shopping and put all the stuff that needed it into the ice chest, then off to find a good spot to view the fireworks. Although they only last for a matter of minutes (maybe 20 or so) it was a fun thing to watch, and as we did not park where the crowds of people were, we escaped the heavy traffic when it was over. All in all it was a very nice day.

Today is the actual 4th of July, and with the fireworks being over, today will be quiet and we will enjoy a BBQ for just DH and myself. 97% ground beef, grilled, add a slice of American cheese on whole wheat buns, top it off with all your favorites, lettuce, tomato, onion -- and with it I'm making potato salad and baked beans. If we feel we need an dessert later it will be watermelon or cantaloupe.

Happy 4th of July everyone!
Yes, when we returned home (about 20 miles away) we saw we had had a soft rain.

  

  Member Comments About This Blog Post:

VITCHY-VICKI 7/4/2011 9:37PM

Hope you had a nice 4th and the BBQ was good Vicki PS here is my FB name Vicki Lynne Zwick Luebbe I would like be your friend Report Inappropriate Comment

MARPET44 7/4/2011 3:31PM

Rain liked heck when I was coming out a store this afternoon. For some silly reason, I had carried my umbrella so it was neat. I got to splach all the way to my car!! Report Inappropriate Comment

CATLADY52 7/4/2011 3:13PM

It never seems to fail that when you have just watered comes the rain. Report Inappropriate Comment

A Lifestyle Change Is All About YOU!

Sunday, July 03, 2011

A Lifestyle change is all about YOU! Now what does that mean exactly? Does it mean you're on another of those diets that take off a few pounds, then gain them back when you back to your regular style of eating? I think the keywords here are: lifestyle change -- it means you are willing and ready to change something about your life that will result in a more healthy YOU! Not just more physically fit, but mentally sound as well.

When a person decides to go on a "diet" it's generally because the scale is showing them a number that is so horrible (to you) that you know you have to do something. Or you may have had a life-threatening experience, like a heart attack, and it has really hammered home the fact that you need to lose some of the weight you're carting around. But regardless of the reason you are thinking "diet" -- if it is diet instead of lifestyle change, you know going in that it will be a temporary thing. That's right, admit it. Deep down you know you'll only stay on the straight and narrow for a matter of days or weeks, then it's slowly easing back into your old way of eating -- ya, the unhealthy way of eating. Maybe sooner if you've talked yourself into one of those crazy fad diets where you eat nothing but bananas all day long, or grapefruit, or whatever the latest scheme is. Deep down you know what you really need is less food, but still a balanced eating plan. I hate to even use the word "diet" as it conjures up images of bread and water (lol) and hunger pangs all night long.

So let's look a little closer at this lifestyle change everyone talks about. No, it's not like a mystical or religious feeling that comes over you so that suddenly you know all the right choices to make in life. More like wading out into the ocean, one baby step at a time, when at first the water feels ice cold, then your legs kind of get used to it, and it's fine. Then when it starts to cover your belly -- wow! cold again. But eventually when you are completely immersed in the water -- it's pleasant and invigorating! Same thing with the healthy lifestyle we hear about. It's not just healthy for your body but for your mental outlook on life.

You no longer beat yourself up over indulging in a banana split and see that it resulted in gaining 2 pounds. It's part of life, and your weight is going to fluctuate now and then. You can't expect to enjoy your life if your food intake is regimented so strictly that you NEVER get to indulge in favorites, but surprisingly as you continue on your healthy journey you will find yourself craving the rich, fattening foods less and less. I know this is true because right now I have a dish of chocolate covered raisins in a bowl in the top drawer of my office. Normally they would be beaconing me to "come and get me" but I haven't had that feeling for over a week now. I like to keep a few on hand just to keep me in check. I may reach in and eat one or two once in awhile, and then I wonder to myself what the big attraction was.

Lifestyle change is about YOU, what you want your life to be, how you want to look and feel. It's not even about just being healthy, but more about feeling confident, energetic, having a kind of "I feel wonderful and the world is great" type of feeling. Try it, you'll like it!

  

  Member Comments About This Blog Post:

ANNEBURNELL 7/7/2011 8:19AM

Exactly right! Diets are temporary. A lifestyle is something you embrace every day,an existence that you live and breathe. It IS all about YOU. Thanks for sharing, and Stay strong, Anne Report Inappropriate Comment

STITCHINGNAN 7/6/2011 10:16AM

soooo True I have lost about 30lbs but its taken me 3 years! A friend asked me what is my diet as she needs to lose weight for medical reasons. I told her I dont diet! It's a life style change for ever. I think she expected a short diet she could go on and come off again! Afraid not! Its worth doing the life style change though! Ree Report Inappropriate Comment

MARPET44 7/5/2011 7:12AM

I did over indulge this past weekend. But, I did work and complete a lot of projects around the place. The gerass is mowed and I havefinished spreading 5 yards of mulch. When I checked my report, I did burn more cals than I took in!! Report Inappropriate Comment

TRISTAROSE 7/4/2011 12:18PM

Working on it! Report Inappropriate Comment

MARPET44 7/3/2011 5:29PM

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DELICATE_LADY 7/3/2011 3:14PM

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When It's too Hot to Even Think!!.....

Saturday, July 02, 2011

That's about how I feel too, as the temperatures rise! Just turn on the A/C and let the cool breezes blow over me as I have no energy to cook, clean house, can't hardly even type anymore!

So now that I've drank about a gallon of water and various other nice cold drinks, and my appetite has diminished to ground zero, I'm wondering what I'm going to do as far as my daily exercise goes. Feel too drained to put on a workout video, and even turning on music and dancing around the house doesn't turn me on. I put on my tennis shoes and my dog came running in to see if it was "walk time." Ha! Silly girl, but I did decide to go outside as the temp had gone down to 92 and it was cloudy outside and looked cool. I gave all my flowers a drink so they could recuperate as we got our cool night-time temperatures in the mid-60's, and it didn't feel too bad. I hooked on Amber's leash and we decided to brave a little walk. But after going around a half mile we decided it was enough, maybe in another hour it will have cooled off a little more and we'll try it once again!

Stay Cool! Stay Happy! Stay Safe!

  

  Member Comments About This Blog Post:

STILLFLYIN 7/3/2011 1:14PM

Too hot and we still have the hottest part of the summer to come. Hang in there and drink lots of iced liquids. I've been putting ice cubes in my dogs' water dish. They look so cute chasing them around and trying to catch one with their teeth. Report Inappropriate Comment

MARPET44 7/3/2011 7:05AM

Dogs seem to have the right idea. Maybe we should follow their lead. I walk mine in the am-early. When they come in they flop on the floor(Vinyl)to cool off. With the warmer temps I have been doing everything in 10 min. spurts. Report Inappropriate Comment

NORAHNICK 7/3/2011 2:29AM

Ugh. I know how that doggie feels. It's 11pm and my air conditioner is broken so I'm dying. At least you were able to do a short walk. I did my 30 minutes too. Yay us! Comment edited on: 7/3/2011 2:30:11 AM Report Inappropriate Comment

RETIREMENT - A Whole New Adventure!

Thursday, June 30, 2011

Although I've been retired for quite a number of years now, it took me awhile and a couple of tries before I got it down pat. You retire, then you're so bored and can't get used to no paycheck coming in that you decide to go back to work. Then you retire again, or switch to part-time. I guess that just proves to me that I'd have one heck of a time going "cold turkey" on anything. Thank Goodness I've never been a smoker, as it seems the only successful way of quitting is to go cold turkey.

It's amazing the different stories you hear about retirement also. But not so strange when you stop and think about it. There are many people who have not saved and planned ahead for their retirement years and they find all they have for income is their social security each month; and unless you were in a very high-paying position, that income could be very low. Unfortunately, not planning for retirement is not the only hazard to be faced -- I know people who have been very diligent in that area only to have their life savings wiped out due to a misfortune beyond their control. Stocks falling, bad economy, losing ones job before you are in a position to retire, and of course the one we hear of most often -- illness.

Retirement years should be a breeze if you have a comfortable income and can come and go as you please. But not so pleasant if you are in subsidized housing, have to be very careful of your utility usage, and make careful lists of the food you will need. For the unfortunate people in that class an unexpected expense (like a car breaking down) can be the last straw.

But sometimes the least expected things can cause irritation or friction in our retirement years. First of all, how many wives are used to their husbands being around the house 24/7 and suddenly home for lunch. It's like the old saying goes, "I married you for better or for worse, but ....... not for lunch." Any extra person in the house causes a disruption in routine, most of you realize that when you have company for more than 3 or 4 days. The first couple days go by smoothly as you're busy talking and having fun. But suddenly cooking for twice as many people as normal is a chore, and you find yourself trying to accommodate their lifestyle instead of your own. That's never pleasant. So another thing to take into consideration when planning your retirement is figuring out "what am I going to do with all that spare time?" Sleeping? Watching TV? Not a good idea to do too much of either. Sure you can enjoy sleeping a bit later than you used to, but you can fall into a rut with some of the habits you form, so beware!

Friends tell me they are busier now than when they were working. That's great if you can handle it. For me, personally, I don't like to have my day planned out to the minute, crammed with activities from morning til dusk. I like having lots of "me" time to read, work in the yard, take walks, take a nap -- various little things. Most of the things I've listed are single person activities, so it kind of blocks out the other person. And that other person should not feel left out and condemn the person for their desire for free time -- they have the same rights as you. Better by far to have a few hobbies of your own to fall back on.

So whatever your lifestyle, let's hope you are with a person whose desires are compatible with your own, and whatever you each want to do, I hope you have the income to do it.

Here's to a happy retirement!

  

  Member Comments About This Blog Post:

VITCHY-VICKI 7/2/2011 8:09AM

I can't wait to retire and having hubby home for lunch has been that way for ever so to have him home all the time is no big deal. Enjoy retirement Vicki Report Inappropriate Comment

STILLFLYIN 7/1/2011 8:17AM

Hubby and I are both serious introverts with multiple hobbies each so we found when we were both laid off / retired that it wasn't hard for us to go about our individual interests. We also have common interests so we get in some together time, too. We've enjoyed our retirement so far. The only thing I find most irritating is the number of other people that have their own agendas and ideas of things for me to do since I must be a bored retiree. If I wanted to do their things, I would already be doing them. I've gotten really good at saying "NO". Report Inappropriate Comment

LIS193 7/1/2011 12:15AM

We have always had the office in / near the home and lunch is our main meal... Most days I cook lunch, some days we go out... Enjoy retirement!! Report Inappropriate Comment

MARPET44 6/30/2011 7:16PM

I have learned to cut way back on spending. Retirement for me is having the time to do all the things I wanted to do but couldn't because of work schedules. I enjoy the yard work, my dogs, even housework. I take exerc8ise classes at the Y and go to Farmers Market. Loving it!! Report Inappropriate Comment

MMUSICK85 6/30/2011 5:55PM

Even with all the challenges, I can't wait for retirement! I have a lot of years to go yet lol Report Inappropriate Comment

OLDERDANDRT 6/30/2011 3:03PM

That last bit's the thing....at least for me. Financially, I should be working 3 full-time jobs, but I choose to let DH work his business while I help raise my baby DGD to free up my DD and DSIL to earn a living! True reitrement may never come for us b/c of the almighty dollar ( or the lack thereof) I know you'll find your retirement "niche" and live happily ever after! Report Inappropriate Comment

Motivator of the Day!

Wednesday, June 29, 2011

This is my first time to be "Motivator of the Day" and let me tell you, it took me by surprise and made me feel good all at the same time!

I was overwhelmed by the number of comments to my spark page, the goodies I received, as well as comments on photo's. I wish I had the time to answer each and every one of you as it was so sweet of you to take the time to send me congratulations and support -- but I'm sure you all know how those daily tasks of ours patiently wait (sometimes impatiently) while we do our emails and assorted tasks on the computer.

It's one of the things I love most about SparkPeople -- that feeling of friendship that reaches out over the miles as you realize it doesn't matter if you live in Kansas and are 18 years old or are a senior of 72 living in Arizona -- we're all on here for a more healthy lifestyle and to see an improvement in our physical appearance. Some of us are struggling, some have reached their goals, but remain as friends, others are just getting started on their journey. But we all still have that common thread that holds us together and weaves the cloth of friendship -- and that's our belief and desire of being more healthy. Hurray for SP! It brings us together, and our faith and love of one another binds us together!
Have a great day!

  

  Member Comments About This Blog Post:

KITTYKRS 7/1/2011 10:15PM

Congratulations on being MOD!! I very much enjoyed your blogs!! Keep up the good work!! Karen Report Inappropriate Comment

PSMITH3841 7/1/2011 1:08PM

Surprised????? Dear friend, you must be the only one that is! Congrats! Report Inappropriate Comment

LIS193 7/1/2011 12:16AM

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MMUSICK85 6/30/2011 5:56PM

Congratulations!! Report Inappropriate Comment

MAGGIEROSEBOWL 6/30/2011 10:46AM

GOOD for you--that is quite an honor. You are a beautiful lady--keep up the great work! Report Inappropriate Comment

VITCHY-VICKI 6/30/2011 7:35AM

on the great award you deserve it God's Blessings Vicki Report Inappropriate Comment

ROSEMARDORF 6/30/2011 12:29AM

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DANCINCAJUN1 6/29/2011 10:42PM

Amen to that !!! congratulations !! Roc Report Inappropriate Comment

STILLFLYIN 6/29/2011 10:33PM

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MARPET44 6/29/2011 8:19PM

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SPEEDY143 6/29/2011 6:26PM

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OLDERDANDRT 6/29/2011 2:41PM

This is great as you deserve to be recognized!!! Report Inappropriate Comment

GRAMMAALI 6/29/2011 2:21PM

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