F8CONE8's SparkPeople Blog

Las Vegas

Tue, 18 Jun 2013 15:27:54 EST

Most people go to Vegas to be entertained and/0r gamble. I go to see my son and my grandkids. We had such a wonderful visit and seeing my grandson graduate high school was incredible.

I'm home now and back to work but the memories will linger for a long time. Next year my eldest granddaughter will graduate so I'll be off for another heartwarming ceremony.

Trip to Graduation

Sat, 8 Jun 2013 22:33:43 EST

I am so happy we decided to take this trip. From Oregon we traveled to Colorado for a much over due visit with our youngest. It has been a long long time and I am proud to say he has really become a wonderful person. Colorado is also where my mother was from so it is always a special place for me.

Then off we went to the North Rim of the Grand Canyon. Now we are heading for Bryce Canyon. Next Thursday we will be going to my grandsons high school graduation.

So far i...

Memorial Weekend

Fri, 24 May 2013 11:21:22 EST

It has been a long tie since I posted a blog so I thought I would do that today. As Memorial Day approaches I realize how many people from my life I miss and think about.

Mom - My hero my best role model, my cheer leader, my confident, my healer, my spiritual guide. Gone from earth too soon but always remembered.

Dad - My hero. Veteran of WWII shot down over enemy lines. He was my guide, provider, giver of wonderful hugs and smiles. Proud daddy, the best dad a girl ...

Meeting in Eugene

Sat, 6 Apr 2013 00:54:22 EST

Some of my photo club buddies, my girlfriend and her husband dinner with 5 good friends and DH. After dinner attending an informal get together with Frans Lanting, National Geographic photographer, and talking photos and the Life project. Priceless evening. Tomorrow the formal meeting and talks but right now I am just so inspired. www.lifethroughtime.com/

Happy Birthday Son!

Mon, 1 Apr 2013 18:13:37 EST

My baby boy was born on April 1 but he is no fool. A full time student and employee and a single dad with two sons to raise I just can't say how proud I am of him. He absolutely is everything a mom can ask for.

Happy Birthday son! Thank you for being you. 247

Exercise

Sat, 30 Mar 2013 20:33:48 EST

I've always found it easier to exercise when I do something like work in the yard or house. Well, yesterday i started painting the new siding on the house. I have 1/2 of the front to finish with the primer then the big job of actually painting the house and studio begins (the studio is a 4 car garage.) We are going to take our time and get it done little by little. No rush! But boy is it a big job.

I probably only spent 5 hours yesterday and another 4-5 today but let me tell ...

Realizations

Wed, 27 Mar 2013 16:59:40 EST

I just realized today that I have become a been there done that person when it comes to work. After 48 years in the workforce I've gone full circle. So I'm sitting in a meeting today and one of my young co-workers (in her 20's) started talking about 2 major projects she is working on. So new so fresh, to her, and yet ideas that were around at least twice in the last 25 years. I encouraged her - I praised her - and meant it! These projects will be effective and she will do a great job of t...

Other's reaction

Thu, 21 Mar 2013 11:20:27 EST

“It’s a waste of time to evaluate my worthiness by weighing the reaction of the people in the stands. The people who love me and will be there regardless of the outcome are within arm’s reach.” -Brene’ Brown.

Don't you just love this!

Over doing

Sun, 17 Mar 2013 12:56:35 EST

OK why did I do that? I not only ate a big sloppy hamburger but had friend shrimp for dinner. Of course, I was awake half the night feeling awful. I know better but hey, done is done. Back to the healthy good stuff today.

Had fun with friends photographing in the rain yesterday. Now the sun is out and the day is going to be perfect for spring.

Sunday

Sun, 10 Mar 2013 12:57:40 EST

Ahh it feels good to be feeling good. Not 100% but close enough. I will definitely be going back to work tomorrow. Today I'll kick back some and not overdo so I can finish getting my energy back.

I've been eating pretty light and I'm sure that I can keep that up. I just have to leave the table before I get full and/or uncomfortable. I've been fixing low calorie desserts and not eating too late at night. My goal is to lose slowly and surely but not to stress about it.
...

Health

Sat, 2 Mar 2013 14:22:35 EST

After 7 days of feeling like something the cat drug in I can honestly say how much I appreciate my good overall health. This is just a flu and will pass soon just a memory of another winter.

I feel so bad for people who have chronic illness and live with pain and discomfort on a constant basis. My heart and prayers go to you.

Me? I'm much better now and even plan to go grocery shopping.

De-clutter

Fri, 15 Feb 2013 12:17:11 EST

Besides photography I've been crafting again. I started out with a duct tape recycled book. I liked it so much I made another one out of cards that contain all of my artist trading cards and inchies. I've done several swaps and now I have them in one place. My books look like a beginner made them but I am happy with them.

I have about a gazillion yards of fabric to use up before I can buy anymore LOL.

My garden is calling me.... spring is right around the corner. <...

Slide show

Sun, 3 Feb 2013 13:36:47 EST

This is a test to see if my website works.

This didn't work out so well so I guess I'll have to try something else. Meanwhile a few pics from my past travels.

Hospitals and taxes

Sat, 2 Feb 2013 20:27:09 EST

One of my BFF's had knee replacement surgery so I went and spent some time with her today. She was feeling a little low so I think I cheered her up some. She is such a nice person that she should be surrounded by loved ones.

I also went to see my dear older neighbors and the one regaled me with tales of alzheimers and fine dining. (don't ask).

Nothing better to do so I started working on my taxes. Ahhhh I just love it. At least I'll get a little bit back this year in...

4 Days

Fri, 18 Jan 2013 13:12:24 EST

It is Friday and a beautiful 4 Day weekend. 250 I thought I would put a quick post and then go warm up the studio while I get my weekly chores done. My plan is to continue organizing the studio and playing out there. if the weather is even 1/2 decent tomorrow I'll go out and shoot.

I have a newsletter to put to bed but more importantly I have some playtime for crafting! I've been playing around with Pinterest and Twitter this morning. Not sure how involved I wan...

So far so good

Wed, 9 Jan 2013 18:48:15 EST

I count calories only when I am going to try a new recipe or am not sure if I am overdoing something. I love the food tracker but this time I am determined to relearn loving healthy food and not focusing on calories. I am starting my day with an awesome smoothie of berries, spinach or kale, carrots and lowfat yogurt. I am satisfied and love the taste!

Lunch is a salad bar with my friend. She and I keep each other out of trouble.

Dinner is varied. Depends on what I'm...

No dieting

Sat, 5 Jan 2013 12:36:23 EST

I have become hooked on smoothies, spinach, kale, banana, yogurt, blueberries, etc. plant based breakfast. reducing my meat intake. Meatless Mondays for sure. Fish 2 to 3 times a week. I bought a magic bullet and love it. I also got a small wok just right for 2 people.

Taking more opportunities to exercise. Here's the deal. No dieting just making some better decisions on what I eat. Not going to fall into the trap of saying you can't eat this or that. Just one meal at a...

Happy New Year

Tue, 1 Jan 2013 22:21:03 EST

Home sweet home. We drove home faster than we planned and although I'm road weary I'm glad to be home. Hope everyone is having a great Jan 1! This should be the start of a wonderful year for all of us.

No resolutions yet.... still thinking...

New Motto - Being Green in 2013..

Birthday

Mon, 31 Dec 2012 00:28:23 EST

I have no voice today because I rode so many "screamer" rides at Knotts Berry Farm. It was great fun and I can't believe all the kids wanted to hang out with us. What a wonderful memory!

We are back on the road to home tomorrow. Should be there in a couple of days. I am so glad we came down here for Christmas. What a treat.

We took a few drives around town and enjoyed taking a few memory lane pictures. This place is so big and crowded. I have lots of good memori...

Vacation

Thu, 27 Dec 2012 01:13:26 EST

Driving two straight days to spend a little time with the kids is worth every minute. These are just two of the kids. They grow so fast and I'm so happy we have this opportunity to be with them.

Time for visiting family

Sat, 22 Dec 2012 23:01:27 EST

Heading out Christmas day to go to visit our California family. I am really excited. We have a 5 month old great grandson and this will be our first visit.

Our other grands will all be there and my nephew and his new wife and baby girl. I am in heaven. Plus we get to drive our new car for the 2000 mile round trip. LOL

Luck and me

Wed, 12 Dec 2012 14:27:36 EST

I am so lucky that I can look forward to this Christmas with the security of a warm home and food in the fridge. I have so many blessings that it is hard to count them all. Although they keep me busy my friends and family do mean a lot to me. I've missed chatting with my Spark Friends but want them all to know I'm alive, well, and keeping somewhat sane.

Veterans Day

Sun, 11 Nov 2012 12:28:37 EST

Today I will pause and say Thank you to all of the Veterans who have served and continue to serve. 380

Follow Up to promises blog

Sat, 29 Sep 2012 12:11:18 EST

I picked Marg up and she was a eager as a child going to Disneyland. (note to self - take her to lunch more often). We only made it to one facility because it wore her out going and checking out the options, restaurant, and club house. What a magnificent place. I think I'll move there.

Anyway, we had a very pleasant morning and I believe she was encouraged by it.

I'll do something nice for her roommate, Jane, to make sure she isn't left out or slighted.
<...

Promises

Fri, 28 Sep 2012 11:32:22 EST

I promised a friend I would run an errand for her today and I just wish I had not done it. She is an awesome lady who lives with another awesome lady. Problem is the one is in the beginning stages of dementia and very difficult to live with. My plan is to take both of them to a couple of retirement homes so they can check out their options. No problem except dementia causes the one to believe it is a conspiracy to "put her away." Ah well, I promised and I keep my promises. Wish me luck!

Quick and easy

Fri, 21 Sep 2012 11:53:24 EST

Looks like I've been MIA for a long time. Well, no worries. I'm using Spark Coach and so far I like it. (I started Tuesday). I vowed to make sure I follow the advice and not skip over it. So, today my challenge is to write a blog based on the video about the plate method of eating and meal planning.

I've long been able to do the quick and easy method but not necessarily healthy. I think the changes for me will be a smaller plate to compensate for the salad bowl that I always ...

Time to Sparkle

Sun, 19 Aug 2012 11:30:13 EST

Start from the beginning and take a journey of a lifetime. I've been bored and not too happy with me lately. I guess the truth is I need to examine my goals and get back to it.

Healthwise I've slipped but am very much up to the challenge. Woo Hoo back to the fast break and onward.

Now it is simply a matter of staying motivated.

My artwork is improving. Yesterday I did an image of giraffes that turned out pretty darn nice. I'll finish today.

...

Saturday time to relax

Sat, 28 Jul 2012 12:52:06 EST

The last view weeks have been a whirlwind of activity and it isn't slowing down. A couple of new artistic challenges and the normal summer get aways and visitors have kept me moving and happy.

The fair was fun yesterday and DH and I both won our share of ribbons! Felt good as I really did work at the art this year.

The newsletter I agreed to produce is almost done. Just needs prooffing. It felt good to use my energy on a new project.

Now my ATC's can ...

Excited to be home

Mon, 9 Jul 2012 14:28:57 EST

Don't get me wrong I love to travel! This last 10 days have been awesome. Lots of beautiful scenery and lots of heat. We explored a few places that we haven't been to for years but we also went to new places in the Eastern part of Oregon.

Our plan had been to wait a few days and then head to Colorado for a visit with our youngest son. After a few days it was obvious that Colorado Springs was not the place to be. The fires had caused so many evacuations that we would just be a...

Travel Log

Mon, 2 Jul 2012 10:51:33 EST

We spent the last two days hanging out around old farms and ranches. Spent the first night in Lakeview and then the second night in Bridgeport CA. We hit the one week each year they sock it to the tourists. A cheap motel without any charm (unless you call slow drains, impossible to turn on water valves and an outrageous price charming). Anyway, we were too tired to look further down the road so we stayed.

Up early and down to Convict Lake. So absolutely beautiful. I’...

Happy Birthday Victor

Fri, 8 Jun 2012 16:23:17 EST

You have been gone so many years but you are still in my heart and my thoughts. Heaven must be a better place because you are there! 26

Supermotivation - thy name is vanity

Mon, 4 Jun 2012 19:10:55 EST

I have to say I am really motivated right now to lose weight. More than I have been in a long time. The backstory:

Let's just say I am going to have the opportunity in November to meet someone I haven't seen in a long long time. Junior High School to be exact.

I know me and I know at my current weight I'd be a bit uncomfortable around him and his wife.

So now DH and I are both going to be working on our eating and exercising.

I have exactly...

Thanks for the input

Sat, 2 Jun 2012 11:40:00 EST

I let the gal know yesterday that I won't be joining the $300 dollar club. I got such wonderful feedback from my Spark friends and my DH agrees that it is a waste when I have so many free tools here.

Now the thing is I have to get back to using the tools and working out with Spark. You Artists may have noticed I put a new thread up about checking in for June. Thank you for your responses.

I'll tell you the truth... If my friend does the Not Diet deal than it will st...

Decisions Decisions

Thu, 31 May 2012 13:36:58 EST

Several of my co-workers are going to a life coach to learn to eat healthy (clean) and to track exercise. I read over the curriculum and am weighing the pros and cons.

Pros first:
It is a plan that includes diet changes, exercise plans and menus. The biggest benefit is the camaraderie and accountability of weekly meetings and my co-workers being on it.

Cons:
The diet is a fad diet much as I hate to say it the spinach and hummus drinks won't happen for...

Tuesday

Tue, 15 May 2012 13:47:20 EST

Work is crazy
But I am not lazy
Still, what's a girl to do?
Doing the best I can to keep afloat
Trying hard not to sink the boat!
That's all this girl can do.

Yes, I'm trying to loosen my brain up. Not much time for Sparking or anything else lately but I keep on plugging away.

My 40 year old son is going back to school. This on top of being a single dad and working full time. I am in awe of him!

I had a super mom's day weekend.

Miss Jasmine

Fri, 4 May 2012 13:26:36 EST

Well, Jazzy has her skin condition back big time so she got to go to the vet today. Why is it if I try to put medicine on her she wiggles, squirms and scratches? For the vet she was a model of perfect behavior even when she got her back shaved. Anyway, she is healthy and she has more medicine to make her comfortable. We shall see how the latest tests come out.

As a side note the vet is involved in the local theater productions and is quite a comedian. She is also a friend of o...

Little known facts

Mon, 30 Apr 2012 14:48:53 EST

I am so certain that I am not the only 60+ lady who would like to have more solid advise on getting healthy and staying active that I am going to write a book on the subject! Anyone with ideas that don't involve eating seaweed and joining a cult please let me know.

Lots of good information on Spark People but so much is from and for the 30's and younger crowd. I guess that is why I love some of the blogs from folks who have lost an amazing amount of weight and overcome really gr...

Never Quit

Sun, 29 Apr 2012 11:31:06 EST

My friend posted this and it fit so well. It doesn't matter what you are trying to do in life this is a pledge that is well worth taking. Thank you McJulio for posting.

And I repeat...

Never Quit Pledge :

Today, I promise I will not quit.
I pledge that no matter, how many ups and
downs I pass through,
I will continue on my journey.
I pledge to make a NEW START today,
and forgive myself for my past,
and to stop being so critic...

Sparking away once a day

Thu, 26 Apr 2012 12:34:17 EST

Life happens and as it does I find I have less and less Spark Time and I do miss my dear Spark Friends. Here is a brief update.

Work: We are a lean and mean team. Taking on more responsibilities and staying really busy. I love being busy and I find the job is still rewarding!

Weight Loss: hanging in there not gaining but losing very slowly!

Our new Business: We are up and running. Woo Hoo fineartamerica.com/profiles/don-and-
carol-todd.html

I am so lucky

Tue, 17 Apr 2012 12:25:49 EST

Stillflying made a good point that we should have a plan for retirement. I think for the next few months (20 to be exact) I will be making plans and putting some long deferred things into action.

My art business/hobby will be a reality soon. I can't wait to get the website up and running!

DH and I are already dedicating 30 minutes a day to exercise! Health is so important.

We are going to go ahead and buy a fuel efficient vehicle now that our Xterra is pa...

Weekend in review

Mon, 16 Apr 2012 13:03:12 EST

We had a wonderful weekend except for going to Outback and overeating I was a good girl. LOL I hiked many miles and took lots of photos. Stayed healthy and am grateful for that.

I sp0ke to my brother last night and he is retiring! He is only 2 years my senior so there is hope! He is so looking forward to turning the alarm clock off. He also will have more time for his music and photography. Awesome.

I am excited for him but I am not quite ready yet.

Diabetic lecture

Fri, 13 Apr 2012 18:35:36 EST

I went to a 2 hour seminar last night on how to prevent damage to your body even after being diagnosed with diabetes or pre-diabetes. Lots of interesting facts including the fat in my belly contributes secretions just like a gland and this actually is part of the problem. Another problem is the liver is constantly trying to get sugar to your sugar starved parts of your body.

I learned that 30 minutes a day of good old brisk walking (just like spark says) will do as much good as...

Am I nuts

Thu, 12 Apr 2012 20:12:25 EST

We are crazy busy at work and now I'm considering opening up a new side business! I must be nuts. I've been MIA lately but that is so I'll have lots to talk about when I get back.

I'm off to my meeting about my insulin resistant diet plan. Should be interesting.

Photo weekend

Fri, 6 Apr 2012 20:28:32 EST

I am in the big city of Portland for a photo conference and meet with other like minded people. I've been in the car for 5 hours and I am really done.

Blessing of the day

Wed, 4 Apr 2012 12:00:06 EST

I have been negligent in one area of my journaling and my blogging . I've been neglecting to state my "blessing of the day."

4/1 - My son is such a blessing. How did I get so lucky?
4/2 - My camera club friends. How incredible to have this group of like minded folks.
4/3 - My job is such a blessing. It took years to get here but how lucky am I to have a job I truly enjoy!
4/4 - Electronics are such a blessing. I can view so many videos and websites it just kind...

No control

Tue, 3 Apr 2012 21:06:30 EST

I was just thinking about how I have no control over...
The weather
My age
The extra projects at work
The people who just won't follow directions
The politics of my family
The newspaper reports on doom and gloom

and much much more

What I can control is myself, my thoughts, and my moods. Lucky me I have choices.

Sunshine today

Mon, 2 Apr 2012 11:51:36 EST

Strike up the band! Wave the banner! Shout from the rooftops! We have sunshine on the Oregon Coast.

What do you call the first day of sunshine after a rainy weekend? Monday!

There is a reason Oregon has the Ducks and Beavers!

Somehow I hope to have a nice pleasant dry day. My mood is soaring and I feel like I can do anything!

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Son's birthday

Sun, 1 Apr 2012 12:09:45 EST

My baby boy turns 40 today. Wow that makes me the mom of a forty year old! LOL I sure miss being with him and the boys. Hope his day is awesome.

Last day of our show at the mall so we have take down tonight. I'm hating the rain but at least I have some inside plans.

We went out to photograph yesterday and fortunately had a couple of sun breaks. I really got a nice dunes shot so I'm happy. I also read my Nook book and took a nap - gotta love rainy weather.

Life is complicated

Thu, 29 Mar 2012 12:47:43 EST

Lots of drama going on with friends right now. All I can say are our children can be our greatest joy and also our greatest sorrow.

My kitty is better but still has a lot of bald spots. I will give it another week and then I'm taking her back to the vet. She is acting more normal so at least the med is making her comfortable. DH and I both have scratches from her morning med session. She really doesn't like it. LOL

My weight is staying off so I am thankful for that....

Wounded Warrior Project

Sun, 25 Mar 2012 22:01:39 EST

Helped out our friend Kathy with the Run for WWP dinner fund raiser. Great company and really felt good about helping. Too much good food! But in the giant scheme of things I am very glad we went and helped. I am tired and so tonight I'll veg for awhile and regroup so I can work tomorrow .

Check out Jamie's plans for the next 100 days. I am really impressed with this couple. runforwwp.com

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