Friday Thanks and Thoughts

Saturday, November 12, 2011

Thank you to all the veterans, past and present, for keeping us safe and free. We owe you more than we can ever repay! We owe you our lives! Thinking of you on not only Remembrance and Memorial Day, but every time we hear on the news another brave soldier has once again sacrificed his or her life :( I feel for the relatives of these brave souls who must worry every time they hear that news and every time they are sent back on active duty..

I did my toughest workout, the 50 minute circuit training with weights and 263 squats and am pleased to report I made it through in not so much pain and sweat as I normally do :) For a warm up, I had done 30 minutes of intervals on my elliptical. I am so going to miss my fit and exercise :(( I was able to fast walk to the club most of the way. There is still ice, but a lot of it has melted on the sidewalks, and I go on the grass if it hasn't. The only bad corner is the bowling alley, as its sloping grass and its downspout from the roof pour over the sidewalk, making it always thick with ice, so when I go around the parking lot area I can't avoid the ice.
I had a slightly above average game with my bridge partner, but we enjoyed the variety and challenge of the hands. I enjoyed the treats once again, especially this lady's orange cookies. Also, the date square someone made was to die for. So I have gone horribly over calories the last two days and should be gaining that weight back pretty quick. They really know how to haul out the goodies at the tournaments :) On a healthier note, I tried raw turnip and discovered I really like it, in fact its way better that way then cooked!! A new veggie to add to my raw favorites. Any time I can eat something without having to cook it its a bonus. I am a bachelor, things have to be quick and easy ;)
As there are only six days until my surgery and the days seem to be going by lightening fast, I have not really had a lot of time to think as I have been so busy. But I never worry or get scared or aprehensive over these procedures as I have been through them so very many times (at least 27 so far) and have not had complications, infections or any problem cranking up the recovery. I am grateful to all those who offer me support online and off, and just want to give my thanks.
Every kind word and goodie is soaked up like a ray of sunshine and warmth and is greatly appreciated by this solitary girl :) You are the best!

  

  Member Comments About This Blog Post:

SILLYHP1953 12/14/2011 1:29PM

Glad you enjoyed the game and the treats. P.S. I'm way behind on reading blogs again, don't know why I let that happen. Report Inappropriate Comment

WATERMELLEN 11/12/2011 11:10PM

Agree totally with your thoughts about our soldiers: Canadians have prided themselves upon being a nation of peace keepers, but there are times when more is necessary. And whatever our attitudes about war, we cannot help but be grateful to the soldiers (and their families) who have been prepared to sacrifice for all the rest of us. Report Inappropriate Comment

LUVSBULLDOGS 11/12/2011 8:38PM

I love raw turnip, don't know if I've eaten it cooked. Turnip is kind of like jicama, never eaten it cooked either. The Mexican people here eat both with chili powder sprinkled on it. They do that with oranges, too. Sounds icky, but it's good. We had 4 calls yesterday, thanking my husband for serving in the military. Report Inappropriate Comment

SUNNYARIZONA 11/12/2011 8:27PM

RAW turnip???? Hmmmm. You know, that may be something to try. I KNOW years ago, mom served Parsnips, and I had to choke them down. So have avoided any kind of root veggie like that. Glad you are able to work out, but , I am SURE you will find a way to keep the calorie burn up even when you can't do your norm!!! Lifting weights sitting down,....hm....spark people has alot of SIT down workouts.... Hang in there!!! Report Inappropriate Comment

CRYSTALJEM 11/12/2011 5:01PM

Raw turnip is one of my favourites too! I find it a really flavourful treat when I'm craving something.. Best wishes with everything. Report Inappropriate Comment

KALIGIRL 11/12/2011 8:26AM

on your toughest workout - sounds like a great Friday ! Report Inappropriate Comment

MUSIC66 11/12/2011 2:13AM

we had rememberance day on th 11.11 2011 too. Report Inappropriate Comment

ENUFF81020 11/12/2011 1:02AM

Hi there, 6 days is right upon you--I know how you feel about surgeries. I think I have a scale for them in my head and if they aren't keeping me in the hospital for a significant amount of time, I am not even sure that is a surgery any more, ha ha. I know the doctor I saw on Monday was amazed that I didn't have a load of questions, but then she reread part of my records and commented that I wasn't really new to all of this. Duh. I wish you well and hope to keep up with you as you enter this phase of your health care. Gentle hugs, Sylvia Report Inappropriate Comment

Frustrating Day :(

Thursday, November 10, 2011

I haven't spent any time with my Mom in two weeks. Just been busy at the club and doing club work and getting my apartment ready. Finally, I get a day off and Mom was going to pick me and the last of my clothes up and take me shopping and maybe lunch. Kiboshed! The printers call and say the proof is ready for our club's date book :( I have to get that done, so I call the club treasurer and ask if she can take me there to check it out. She says fine, she just has to do one errand. Eight hours later, I hear nothing from her, and I don't know her cell phone number. How long could it possibly take to pay your deadbeat grandchild's rent?? That was all she was doing. In desperation, before the day is completely gone, I call my uncle to see if he would take me and he does. I find they really messed up the concept of the calendar part. The formatting from Windows to MAC simply doesn't work so there are a lot of corrections to be made. They will send me another proof by e-mail, hopefully by Monday. I won't get this done before I go in for sure now :( Instead of binging while waiting, I scrubbed the heck out of my dishes and kitchen, one chore done at least. I am now ready with my clothes and we are going out to a thrift shop to drop them off and take a fast look around. It will have to be fast, I don't have much time before I have to get home and go to the tournament. No exercise today. I didn't want to be caught sweating it out if she had called me. I hate, really hate being dependent on others for transportation to out of the way places..
There is no bus service to the industrial area where this printing company is located, nor to this huge thrift store. Saskatoon is sprawling out and built for cars, not environmentally friendly transportation. You take your life into your hands being a cyclist in this city which is probably why so many ride on the sidewalks..
I hope I can relax and enjoy playing with a lady who I haven't played with in years, but with whom I had won my very first Open Pairs club championship when I first started playing 17 years ago. She is quite elderly as are most of my bridge partners and not what she used to be, but she is a wonderful person, and I have enjoyed playing with her. But at the back of my mind is how fast time is going by and I still have things to do before I go in. I am also playing tomorrow and twice on Saturday and it is quite time consuming.
I hope you all have a good evening and sleeps!!
Hugs,
Linda

  

  Member Comments About This Blog Post:

ENUFF81020 11/12/2011 1:09AM

I think there was something in the air or water or something on Thursday. I had a stinker of a day at the hands of some people around me too and I didn't enjoy that. I always am comfortable in what I do and commit to, I have found that I can depend on me quite well and would often choose to do it that way. I have had the transportation thing lately too--hmm, kids needing to go here and there. We have such a busy household with everyone but the little guy working and all of Marissa's school activities. It is helpful when it is all over and we can just sit in amazement of what we accomplished. I hope that you got to enjoy yourself after 8 hours of stressful waiting. Take care, my friend--all of the pieces will fall into place. It's amazing how that seems to happen! Gentle hugs, Sylvia Report Inappropriate Comment

LENIASTY 11/11/2011 10:14AM

Yes,it can be very frustrating when people don't go through with arrangements and don't even communicate if there is some unforeseen problem. I think the worst is when you have to wait for something without knowing if and when it will happen... I hope you win your tournament! You deserve a bright spark in your day! Report Inappropriate Comment

POSITIVELY_EB 11/11/2011 9:44AM

Enjoy doing what you can before your surgery! You'll be champing at the bit soon enough! LOL! Report Inappropriate Comment

MUSIC66 11/11/2011 2:53AM

sounds like a busy day . Report Inappropriate Comment

LUVSBULLDOGS 11/11/2011 2:26AM

The transportation situation is about the same here. People can call the Mini Bus, but they have to make an appointment 24 hours ahead and pay a few dollars. There are a lot of state cuts, less police, and all other services. Where my daughter drives transit bus, there's no service on Saturday or Sunday. People can't even go to church. Our economy sticks. Our bus service is county money, so it hasn't been cut, yet. You're lucky, my mother is gone, so spend as much time with your mom as you can. It's hard when our lives are all so busy. Have some good games, and sleep tight. Report Inappropriate Comment

TAPETUM 11/11/2011 12:35AM

Sympathies for all the frustration. Often people who aren't dependent on others for basic needs (like transport) just don't understand what that's like, and treat the things they say they will do too lightly. I hope the rest of your time goes more smoothly, and that the bridge is enjoyable. I play bridge occasionally (there's no escaping my family without learning it), and like it, but I'm not terribly good. I'm always impressed with the people who are. Report Inappropriate Comment

SUNNYARIZONA 11/10/2011 10:03PM

Well, when in comes to exercise, we are two "peas in a pod". I mean with surgery so early, NO exercise, came home and slept 4 hours, and now, at 8 apm, too tired to work out....Guess once in awhile we DO need a day off.....hope tomorrow is MUCH better for you!!! Report Inappropriate Comment

JUNEAU2010 11/10/2011 9:32PM

Ditto wat watermellen said! Report Inappropriate Comment

WATERMELLEN 11/10/2011 8:42PM

That transportation thing sounds very frustrating . . . and how thoughtless to leave you waiting all day long without even a call. Grrrrr. Your time is valuable and you do so much for your bridge club: a little respect, please!! Report Inappropriate Comment

LALASLAND 11/10/2011 7:33PM

On my way to work... I hope tomorrow is better! Report Inappropriate Comment

Was That Wednesday? Think I missed it!!

Thursday, November 10, 2011

Started out hitting the ground running. Fast walked over the fields and hill to my Curves, then came home and did a 45 minute walking with weights cardio DVD. Then showered, ate and started a club work project. Did that right up until lunch time. Then off to the club to set up the club championship game. Fortunately, it ran smoothly. Then home and more work on the club project, wistfully staring at the clock wishing I could go to my favorite workouts tonight, boxercise and step, advanced :( Read my e-mail for work and saw the printing company had my date book proof ready for reviewing. I started going over the date book calender and roster one more time. Wouldn't you know it, I found several errors of my own bad typing. So I will have to be careful to get these changed on the final copy. Imagine, I put down one guy's name as Donna instead of Don! I honestly think my fingers type things independently of my brain!! Worked on it until completion, then late supper and frantically trying to track everything on Spark. Weight still low at 114, but went over calories again today, just two slices of bread with natural almond butter and honey does it for me. Over on fat too, a rare thing. My Mom can't wait to 'fatten' me up as she says. I think I will get it back by hospital time, planning a nice pasta feed in there should do it.
Have the day off tomorrow, but first will go get the date book squared away, then Mom and I will hit the thrift shops. It turns out people aren't taking anything in my building because someone has bedbugs, so they have stopped the swap table they used to have out! No wonder no one would touch the clothing!! Found a few more things I overlooked that were too big, two very nice custom made shirts, but the patterns are too big for a small person, but looked good on me when I filled them out so to speak :P
Have a terrific Thursday everyone!!
hUgs,
Linda

  

  Member Comments About This Blog Post:

MUSIC66 11/11/2011 2:52AM

hugs Report Inappropriate Comment

4-1HEALTHYCYNDI 11/10/2011 6:47PM

**HUGS** Hope this upcoming surgery helps you with all the pain. **HUGS** Report Inappropriate Comment

CRYSTALJEM 11/10/2011 12:11PM

You are one busy gal! Love your get up and go even on cold dreary days. You know, you are right about typing fingers being separate from your brain. Once you've been typing for awhile, whether fast or slow, this actually does happen. Its like they make assumptions about what your brain is going to tell them to do and do it instead of actually listening to the full instruction. Good thing you caught the error... Don into Donna could start some interesting rumours! Have a great Thursday Linda, you deserve it. Glad you've been able to get out a bit at least. Too bad you don't know someone who lives close by that likes to take the same classes and would maybe be willing to pick you up at least once in a while. Hope you get to as many workouts as you can. CJ Comment edited on: 11/10/2011 12:12:25 PM Report Inappropriate Comment

LALASLAND 11/10/2011 9:58AM

eeeew! Bedbugs! Yep, that explained it! So glad you have your momma to spend time with! Report Inappropriate Comment

MOMMA_BEAR_69 11/10/2011 1:37AM

I am exhausted just reading about your day although I think it is wonderful that you are able to do it all! Hopefully you can get the rest your body requires tonight. Pleasant dreams. Blessings and hugs, Helen Report Inappropriate Comment

Tuesday Tell All

Wednesday, November 09, 2011

Okay, I woke up at 4:30 am, but was determined to get more sleep and did fall back asleep and had the strangest dream. I have not dreamt in so many years I can't even remember the last time as I don't usually sleep long enough to dream. It was like this. A couple of people and I were walking up a sandy road hill, noticing holes dug out of the side, fairly big ones wondering what could have made them. Then we came to a huge one, big enough for us to go into. We went along and knocked off this old elctronic box that immediately started flashing a little red light. Tried putting it back but it didn't stop the light flashing. Instead of getting out of there, we went on further and discovered a large chamber with a bed and normal human clothes around, and also, a ton of paintings all over and that is when I woke up. I wonder what a psychologist would have to say I was trying to work out with this strange dream?? It is said we dream to solve our problems. I need to do it more lol.
I weighed in Monday and was shocked at my weight, so I weighed in again and say it was still low at 114. What the hay?? Not going to those fitness classes has cut way back on my exercise as has not being able to walk outside on the slippery streets! My calories were right in the range they were supposed to be. Today, I boosted them so I went 300 calories over the top of my range. A Mystery to be sure. After the huge and long struggle I had to lose weight a sudden drop just doesn't make sense. I have never had that happen before, ever.
My bridge game was awful again. This year has probably been the worst I have ever had since I first started playing. In fact, I earned more points and won more games when I started out lol. This is the first time I have not even appeared on the top ten of the masterpoint races. I attribute it a lot to make lack of sleep and also to the fact I have missed a lot of games and directed more than I am playing, but its still bad, and I am not able to remember cards played like I used to. I have few regular partners left and only three rarely cancel on me.
On a brighter note, the president of the club sat down and said if I needed help doing my month end, he would help even if I had to dictate over the phone everything to do! Was really kind of him, but as he has no experience what so ever using our bridge program, that would be a struggle. I am going to make every effort to be at the club only two weeks post surgery. I have to be. There is too much going on that I have to oversee that no one else is in a position to do. My date is still 10 days off. Getting anxious to get work done. Still have to organize my office so everything is in reach without bending over.
I have to direct a two session club championship and my dear sweet Mary is picking me up early so I can set up my game.. She is the most helpful and hard working member of the club. She is in there picking up after people, putting away the boards and table markers, just absolutley anything needs doing she is in there. Wish we had more of her!!! This is a woman 25 years my senior and I can only hope I have her energy when I get there!!!
Have a Wonderful Wednesay!!
Hugs,
Linda

  

  Member Comments About This Blog Post:

MUSIC66 11/9/2011 6:54PM

What a strange dream. Report Inappropriate Comment

BTRTHANEVA 11/9/2011 6:02PM

Hey there! I had a dream last night too! Too funny! Like you, I was so excited that I slept deep enough to have one! Linda, please keep your dr informed about your weight loss, esp as your activity level has diminished... I'm very happy to hear that sweet Mary is someone you enjoy your bridge with and that you look up to. When it comes to friends, age is just a number... It's all about attitude! Let's shoot for more dreams tonight, ok??? Report Inappropriate Comment

LUVSBULLDOGS 11/9/2011 5:15PM

Your dream sounds like Goldilocks and the Three Bears. I'm washing our winter coats today. Last year I was getting them out of the shed when it was -8 degrees outside. Hope your day goes well and sleep tight. Report Inappropriate Comment

1BEACHWALKER 11/9/2011 4:50PM

Ah, you just answered my question I put on your goodie- your surgery is still going on this month! I bet you are anxious and with so much to do and with all the bridge stuff going on-that can be alot on your mind now! Hang in there! Wish I would have a sudden drop in my weight loss! I have been trying everything! All I get is down one, up two, down 3, up one, etc.... Grrrrrrrr. Maybe I will try that-not as much exercise and eat more! This fat, I swear is glued on! Report Inappropriate Comment

SILLYHP1953 11/9/2011 10:17AM

Mary might be the 2nd hardest working club member, but I'm betting you're the first! I'm glad you do have her help, though. That was a strange dream, glad you got enough sleep to dream. I don't usually remember mine very long after waking up, but thinking about it, I haven't dreamed for a while. As for your weight loss, I've read about people who exercise too much, and it keeps them from losing weight because your body holds on to every calorie it can. So by slowing down a little maybe your body started relaxing. Your exercising probably burns more calories than you eat in a day! I have no idea how you manage cause it amazes me. Report Inappropriate Comment

LALASLAND 11/9/2011 8:59AM

Linda, that is fantastic about the scale! Don't they say that "tricking" the scale with a different routine often works in our favor? I hope you can get back that quickly, but if you can't, they'll just realize how much you're needed! Have a great Wednesday! Report Inappropriate Comment

LESLIES537 11/9/2011 1:19AM

I wish the scale would suddenly drop for me like that...lol! 114 is still within 7lbs or so of where you like to be and I can tell you from experience you can gain that back in no time! ;) Just wanted to stop in and check on you...you've been on my mind a lot! Already praying for your surgery. I'll keep you in my thoughts...happy ones of course! :) Report Inappropriate Comment

Icy Busy Times

Tuesday, November 08, 2011

Some club work done, spent a couple of hours at the club.
Laundry done.
Dishes done.
Workouts done, Curves and 1/2 hr kickboxing DVD. My safest walk is to Curves as I go across a couple of snowy fields and get to go up and down a hill on my way. Just two icy streets to cross.
Can feel my aches and pains more and it was very stressful walking on the icy pavement so only spent 20 minutes at it yesterday, the least amount of exercise I have ever done in a day. Walking back and forth to the club will be a challenge. There was some melting so it will be even worse tomorrow. The driveways are the worst, no way to get around them and the uneven slope makes it even harder getting past them.
Doing some last minute club work.
No one took any of the first set of clothes I left out :( Didn't bother trying more. I guess they too will have to go to a thrift shop. I hope I can find something as nice in a smaller size there.
I hope I can get some sleep. Tried a nap and couldn't even fall asleep then.
Have a Terrific Tuesday all!
Hugs,
Linda

  

  Member Comments About This Blog Post:

MUSIC66 11/9/2011 6:51PM

hope you slept well . Report Inappropriate Comment

SUNNYARIZONA 11/9/2011 2:21PM

Sorry Linda, with my vacation, then Kansas right after, I am lost at what you are getting ready for. I KNOW more surgery, but remind me WHAT kind! Hope all will go well as can be for you. I know you will have "exercise withdrawal" for the time you are laid up. GLAD your mom finally realizes you are NOT ever going back to your previous weight. You know, that is me too. Been T LEAST 3 years now maintaining a loss. GREAT feeling for sure! Report Inappropriate Comment

WATERMELLEN 11/8/2011 8:20PM

I've also had people tell me those Snow Trax are really effective. Please be ultra careful and do not fall . . . It's amazing how resistant people are to accepting "hand me down" clothes: I am not, half my wardrobe is gifts from gfs or thrift shops. But I had no luck giving away my 20s, 18s, 16s, 14s, and 12s as I lost weight -- and some of them were pretty pricey items!! Report Inappropriate Comment

HIKETOHEIGHTS 11/8/2011 6:42PM

Doctor Oz did a show on insomnia I guess it is an epidemic. I am not sure I beleive that whole thing about sleep and weight loss though. Still a good night's sleep is always nice. Have fun buying the smaller sizes! Report Inappropriate Comment

LUVSBULLDOGS 11/8/2011 5:35PM

Linda, I bought Snow Trax at Costco for walking on the ice. The last time I went, they had them on the shelves. It would help you a lot. We don't have a lot of snow like you do, but we have lots of ice. Ski poles would also help. There are also shoe chains. Have you seen any of these products? I think they would help you. Sleep tight. Report Inappropriate Comment

SILLYHP1953 11/8/2011 5:24PM

Just getting to your workouts sounds like quite a workout! Do you have those sharp things that go on the bottom of shoes? I hope so. Report Inappropriate Comment

PCOH051610 11/8/2011 3:43PM

I hope you are feeling better today and that you have an even better day tomorrow! Report Inappropriate Comment

LYNDALOVES2HIKE 11/8/2011 1:46PM

Do they have consignment shops in your area? Another idea is to sell them on eBay - then use the $$ to get new stuff! Report Inappropriate Comment

LALASLAND 11/8/2011 9:03AM

Linda, I sure hope your aches lighten up today for you. I have found it to be disappointing when I can't find anyone who wants my treasured clothes that just don't fit but are still very fashionable. It's tough to just take them to the thrift store! But, I guess a stranger will be thrilled to have them, and who knows, you may provide just what they need! Have a thrilling Tuesday! Lori Report Inappropriate Comment

KALIGIRL 11/8/2011 8:31AM

Sending sleepy thoughts! Report Inappropriate Comment