No Pictures. Don't Ask.

Sunday, September 12, 2010

No, I'm not talking about my second granddaughter who we are expecting in the next 5 days. I'll be proud to get her pictures online just as soon as I can.

But Friday I did something outrageous. I hope you'll be content with words, because I have no intention of posting a picture. I went to my favorite clothing shop. And there it was. The bikini top that matches my tankini on sale for almost nothing. I thought it was a sign. I always wanted to wear a bikini as a teen, but felt that I just didn't have the body for it. Or more precisely, I had too much body for it.

Well, I have a bikini now. Don't know that I'll ever wear it in public, but it's not too bad. As I told a friend recently I might be able to use duct tape to pull my tummy skin up a half inch to get the look I really want. Now, I don't think I'd really do that. I'm pretty much into accepting who I am now. Yet, there's something very satisfying about achieving something you wanted 45 years ago.

  

  Member Comments About This Blog Post:

VTORIA3 9/18/2010 10:42AM

What a riot you are! I love the visual. LOL. Hey, why not? That's why they made duct tape in the first place, only some guy marketed as an industrial product! LOL. Report Inappropriate Comment

HERE2PERSEVERE 9/14/2010 2:25PM

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CLOVERR1 9/13/2010 7:30PM

Good for you!!! Enjoy the new look. ;) Report Inappropriate Comment

KALIGIRL 9/13/2010 1:06PM

Too fun - definitely a sign! Report Inappropriate Comment

JANEWATKINS 9/12/2010 4:43PM

OMG! This is giving me an idea: duct tape breast lifts. I'll get back to you on that. (I think chin lift would be too obvious.) Jane Report Inappropriate Comment

TBRANCH2 9/12/2010 4:11PM

Inside you is a wild animal clawing to get out!! hahahalol Report Inappropriate Comment

DONNABRIGHT 9/12/2010 3:15PM

You rock! Report Inappropriate Comment

EILEENV3 9/12/2010 1:53PM

Didn't someone say "If you've got it, flaunt it". Marsha--you've got it and I'm so glad you are starting to understand that on an emotional level. Report Inappropriate Comment

MONTY68 9/12/2010 12:45PM

Hi Marsha I love it. You are so amazing and yes, it probably took a little courage. You have to be proud of what you have done and it is time to show it off in its greatest ways. Enjoy your new discovery and if we don't get to see a picture of you in it. Oh well, your appearance is yours to look at and be proud and excited. Monty Report Inappropriate Comment

WALKINGANNIE 9/12/2010 12:38PM

Wow! How cool is this? It's not so long since you were blogging about a very modest one-piece. From Oldmom3 to Slenderella61..... new body, new name, new confidence, new image! Report Inappropriate Comment

MOM23CUTIES357 9/12/2010 11:21AM

Marsha way to go on the bikini you brave and beauty woman. How did you know about my secret tummy lift and tuck....LOL Just do not get the tape wet....ROFL Report Inappropriate Comment

JOYINKY 9/12/2010 11:05AM

Good for you! I understand! Wear it! Report Inappropriate Comment

AQUAGIRL08 9/12/2010 10:54AM

If it's flesh colored is it still called duct tape??? I may have to buy you some and then maybe pictures...?? Just kidding! Report Inappropriate Comment

GREEKGIRL71 9/12/2010 10:52AM

You can show us the bikini without you in it! Congrats on reaching your goal! I am sure that this is a goal you will always remember and it must feel fantastic! Report Inappropriate Comment

ONEKIDSMOM 9/12/2010 10:42AM

Marsha, Marsha, Marsha! You have captured some of my feelings exactly. Glad you got to try it on and see it fits... and I'm glad about my test drive yesterday, even though I won't buy that car! Report Inappropriate Comment

HAPPYSOUL91 9/12/2010 10:37AM

pass the duct tape please Report Inappropriate Comment

No Greater Joy

Saturday, September 11, 2010

DGD2 (Dear Granddaughter #2) is scheduled to be born on Thursday, Sept 16th. DGD1 will be at my house at 7:50am that morning. All this is contingent on my DD not going into labor before then. However, I really hope she does. Life does not have to be scheduled, especially bringing new life into the world.

I'm ready. I know my daughter is ready. And I think Natalie (DGD1) is about as ready as any 3 year old can be. She does insist that when I rock the baby I'll be able to rock her, too, at the same time. Hope I can. She has a 4 month old girl cousin with a 3 year old sister who lives half a block from her house. So she has seen a tiny baby quite a bit and seen how the older child interacts with her, too. I don't think Natalie really understands, though, that she'll have to share attention of parents and grandparents. I think it will be good for her in the long run, but it may be difficult for a while. We'll see.

I have a "little" sister who is 3 years and 4 months younger than I. So I may at some level understand more than many people what Natalie will be going through. We have a great present for the baby to "give" Natalie when the baby comes home from the hospital. It is a singing Ariel doll and I know Natalie will love it. Natalie chose a little pink stuffed lamb to give to the baby.

Truly, in my experience, there is no greater joy in this life than playing with a granddaughter. Unless, maybe it will be playing with two granddaughters!

  

  Member Comments About This Blog Post:

HAPPYSOUL91 9/12/2010 10:06AM

Saying a prayer for a safe delivery and that mother and child will be great Report Inappropriate Comment

JANEWATKINS 9/11/2010 10:43PM

Marsha! You are a woman to be reckoned with: you've lost 80 pounds AND you will have two grandchildren. Sigh. I'm down 30 pounds and a granddaughter to catch up with you! Best wishes as the happy day approaches. We will all be anxious to hear the news! Prayers and happy thoughts come your way. Jane Report Inappropriate Comment

AQUAGIRL08 9/11/2010 10:00PM

Marsha, this is so exciting! I know that you can't wait for your new little one. I just hope that everyone is safe and healthy when the time comes! Report Inappropriate Comment

JOYINKY 9/11/2010 7:56PM

Oh Marsha; how blessed you are! I have a wonderful time with my grandchildren too. Joy and Love are two things that increase by giving them away! Report Inappropriate Comment

PENNYAN45 9/11/2010 7:18PM

What a joyous occasion you have coming up! Enjoy your time with the baby and little Natalie - who will soon lose her 'baby' status! We also give a present to the older child when a little one is born. They appreciate and need the recognition more than the baby does. Have fun, Grandma! Report Inappropriate Comment

JOHAL52 9/11/2010 5:50PM

I adore my grandchildren Marsha so I know how you feel. Dd had the first two quite close together--14 months--and there was no jealousy. Girl and then boy. When dgs #2 was born 2 years later, there was no jealousy then either. And now dgb #4 is hopefully coming next March. And I have decided that I can no longer live so far away that I can't get there in an hour or less :) Report Inappropriate Comment

WALKINGANNIE 9/11/2010 3:20PM

This is such a special time for you all Marsha. Your beautiful granddaughters will bring you so much pleasure and it's good that you live close enough to be a regular part of each others' lives. You'll certainly be using your core muscles to good effect if you can balance and rock the girls at the same time! Report Inappropriate Comment

MEXGAL1 9/11/2010 3:14PM

I am so excited for you. Hope all goes well. Sallie Report Inappropriate Comment

DONNABRIGHT 9/11/2010 2:43PM

God's blessings to all of you as you get ready to welcome this new member of your family! Report Inappropriate Comment

MONTY68 9/11/2010 1:43PM

Marsha What a sweet beautiful blog, you have taken the time to try and understand the reaction of Natalie, how she will feel when there is someone new, she also has had an opportunity to see this with her friend. I think the most important item is the gift between them. It is going to be an exciting time for all of your family. as far as time when, I think of course nature doing what it should when it should. but that isn't always what happens. When ever the baby decides to come, it will be exciting and we will get to know as soon as possible. Monty Report Inappropriate Comment

CLOVERR1 9/11/2010 1:05PM

I'm going to be a FIRST time Grandmother next April when my babygirl has her baby... Report Inappropriate Comment

No More Flopping!

Friday, September 10, 2010

When I was a teen I remember my mom repeatedly scolding me about flopping myself down on the couch or in a chair. I had an "aha! moment" recently when I realized that I still sometimes flop a little. I also realize that it takes core strength to gently sit down. It takes much less muscle control to throw yourself onto a sitting surface. So I am mindfully trying to sit with control.

And I'm working on getting out of bed using core muscles. For quite a few years I've been kicking up my left leg to get some momentum going in order to easily sit up on the bed edge. I don't need to do that now. I can use core muscles to come to a sitting position.

Perhaps I should tell my mom that now, 45 years later, I finally understand what she meant.

  

  Member Comments About This Blog Post:

ONEKIDSMOM 9/11/2010 11:30AM

Isn't it amazing how long it takes us to listen to mom? Now I'm going to listen to Slenderella and try to be mindful of the same! Report Inappropriate Comment

JOYINKY 9/10/2010 8:53PM

Yes, I think mom's need to finally hear that we're heeding their good advice! I find I'm spending a lot less time sitting period! I have a hunch that's true for you too. Yes, good practice; I'm going to try and be more aware. Easier on the furniture too! Report Inappropriate Comment

AQUAGIRL08 9/10/2010 5:50PM

I'm working on my core muscles too. Sorry I missed you at the gym. I saw your car on the way out. Maybe I'll see you at the team walk tomorrow unless the baby comes. Report Inappropriate Comment

MONTY68 9/10/2010 4:15PM

Hi Marsha While I was reading your blog, It reminded me of something along those ideas. 2 weeks ago, I started taking a class on balance. One of the exercises was getting up and down from a chair. since it was 2 weeks ago, I really don't remember all of it ( taking a memory course on line) . I will have to pay attention at the next class. I love the way you are describing how you are using your core muscles to change on how you get up. Thank you for sharing this. Report Inappropriate Comment

PARKERB2 9/10/2010 4:06PM

Will have to try these. Take care. Report Inappropriate Comment

WALKINGANNIE 9/10/2010 3:30PM

It just shows that it's never too late to learn! Great advice from your Mom and now from you! Report Inappropriate Comment

HAPPYSOUL91 9/10/2010 2:15PM

It's amazing how much moms know about things Report Inappropriate Comment

DONNABRIGHT 9/10/2010 1:46PM

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KALIGIRL 9/10/2010 1:36PM

Too cool! Don't you just love it when Mom's right? Report Inappropriate Comment

JAMJOJAM 9/10/2010 12:45PM

What a great tip, another opportunity to burn calories and build muscle. Report Inappropriate Comment

Made My Day

Thursday, September 09, 2010

I was feeling kind of discouraged because I woke up in the middle of the night after getting to sleep on time. I reset my alarm clock from 6:30am to 7:30, so I got 7 hours sleep. I didn't get my morning workout done as I had planned. I enjoyed taking care of Natalie this morning, but I am definitely having trouble with the Better Sleep Challenge.

Natalie went home and I went to the gym. I worked out 1-3pm, getting my strength training done, followed by 75 minutes of cardio. A woman who looked in super shape came up to me after I got off the elliptical trainer. She surprised me by saying that she admired my vigorous workout. She said I am a great role model for staying in shape and fending off age, and mentioned that she will turn 50 soon. It was so nice to hear -- just what I needed when I was feeling discouraged.

So, I'm tired this afternoon. But the compliment really made my day.

  

  Member Comments About This Blog Post:

CLOVERR1 9/11/2010 1:11PM

Compliments are good, aren't they? My bf says that secondhand compliments are even better...he passed this one a long to me the other day: "Robert, of of the personal trainers at the gym, was talking to a client and mentioned his girlfriend/wife/whatever's birthday and how he got her a cake and she was unhappy about it. I told him the favorite gift to my girlfriend (ME!) had been a water backpack. His client then jumped in with "Your girlfriend is super tough. I was watching her running on the treadmill and she goes very fast." Report Inappropriate Comment

AQUAGIRL08 9/10/2010 5:14PM

Go Marsha! Report Inappropriate Comment

DONNABRIGHT 9/10/2010 9:29AM

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JOHAL52 9/10/2010 8:55AM

Yay for compliments! I am grateful for the Better Sleep Challenge because I am mindful of not staying on the computer too long and of "relaxing" before going to bed. I am finding though that I am exhausted by 7:30 and want to crawl into bed. Getting up (and staying up) at 5:00 a.m. means early to bed! Hope dgd2 comes safe and sound soon! Report Inappropriate Comment

FRAN0426 9/10/2010 1:26AM

Getting that compliment is sooo wonderful to hear, especially fron people you don't know and at the gym to boot. Marsha you are a fantastic role model for so many of us sparkers. Sure do hope you get a good sleep tonight. Report Inappropriate Comment

MOM23CUTIES357 9/9/2010 11:30PM

You are an role model. I would love to work out for two hours. I am just happy to get my 30-45min each day. I am working up to 60min soon. Keep up the good work. Report Inappropriate Comment

JOYINKY 9/9/2010 8:31PM

Well, you ARE A GREAT ROLE MODEL! We all know that! But, yes it is nice to hear from others; especially on a "down" day! Sleep challenge or no; sometimes a short nap in the afternoon is a good thing. Report Inappropriate Comment

MONTY68 9/9/2010 6:19PM

Marsha You know I am following you and Annie on this challenge, What I find interesting is the things that are coming up that perhaps were not there. I know for me, If I just quit staying up past 2 am, I would get more rest. I don't seem to have trouble falling to sleep. One of the greatest things in life is to have someone you don't know give such great compliments. That in itself is a fantastic demonstration of what you have accomplished. Congratulations. I will keep an eye out for the grand announcement. Monty Report Inappropriate Comment

KALIGIRL 9/9/2010 5:56PM

Great compliment and well deserved! Report Inappropriate Comment

WALKINGANNIE 9/9/2010 5:05PM

I agree that the Better Sleep Challenge is much harder than I had foreseen. At least I can see the funny side of a natural couch potato like me finding that sleeping is one of the most difficult SP challenges I have faced - but I'm sorry that you had another dissatisfying night though and hope that things improve. It's great that you got a nice compliment - although not surprising to those of us who 'know' you. Hope you have a better night tonight. Report Inappropriate Comment

HAPPYSOUL91 9/9/2010 5:03PM

It always proves to me that we just don't realize the impact we have on others while we go about our day. Report Inappropriate Comment

Secrets Found

Wednesday, September 08, 2010

I just found an easier way to see my SparkFriends' Secrets of Success. Near the top of each SparkPage there is a "Explore My SparkPage" bar. The last option is "More." Under that option are 4 choices and the bottom one is "Secrets of Success." Click on that one and you are taken to all that person's Secrets!

I don't know about you, but I really enjoy reading the Secrets my friends have posted!

  

  Member Comments About This Blog Post:

WALKINGANNIE 9/9/2010 12:51PM

Thank you Marsha. I'll enjoy catching up in this way. Report Inappropriate Comment

DONNABRIGHT 9/9/2010 9:55AM

Thanks, great tip! Report Inappropriate Comment

WOODSYGIRL 9/9/2010 8:28AM

Oh wow! Thanks for the great tip! I was not aware of this option. Report Inappropriate Comment

AQUAGIRL08 9/9/2010 8:11AM

Interesting, thanks for the tip! Report Inappropriate Comment

RITAROSE 9/9/2010 7:52AM

I don't think I would have discovered that on my own! Thanks for the tip!! Report Inappropriate Comment

MERALO 9/9/2010 5:32AM

Thanks for the tip! Report Inappropriate Comment

SCREWIE 9/9/2010 4:48AM

Nice one, thanks for the info! Report Inappropriate Comment

MONTY68 9/8/2010 11:34PM

Hi Marsha Thank you so much for sharing this information. I find that interesting and just another example of what Spark continues to do. Each day, I learn something new on Spark Thank you again and I love your secrets. Monty Report Inappropriate Comment

HAPPYSOUL91 9/8/2010 10:53PM

Who knew, not me for sure. Thx for the information, I will go and see what I can gleem from the tips Report Inappropriate Comment

TBRANCH2 9/8/2010 10:35PM

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ROCKYCPA 9/8/2010 10:22PM

Thanks for the info - it is great to see your friends tips Report Inappropriate Comment

MEXGAL1 9/8/2010 10:14PM

cool, thanks for the tip. Report Inappropriate Comment

JOYINKY 9/8/2010 9:16PM

Just enjoyed reading yours! Thank you for the information; there is so much on this site! Never boring; that's for sure. You're becoming my "go to" friend when I can't figure something out. Report Inappropriate Comment

DJ4HEALTH 9/8/2010 8:23PM

Thanks for the info!! Report Inappropriate Comment

KALIGIRL 9/8/2010 8:14PM

Me too - for sharing Report Inappropriate Comment

JHADZHIA 9/8/2010 7:33PM

Thanks for the tip Marsha!! Its amazing finding out new things in spite of being on the web site for so long!! Report Inappropriate Comment