I've Had It!

Wed, 12 Oct 2011 08:53:39 EST

That's it, I have reached my breaking point. I am SO tired of the glitches on the Spar site, from being misdirected to things not loading to my entire system freezing up. The final straw came this morning after reading a Daily Spark Blog. I wanted to save it to my favorites, and it kept telling me to log on to save. How many times does one need to log on in the span of 2 minutes???? I don't want to hear, 'Maybe it's your computer,' as I have NO PROBLEMS ON ANY OTHER SITE!

ESP

Sun, 2 Oct 2011 11:17:12 EST

No, not THAT ESP, this one is for Eastern State Penitentiary, a (now closed) prison in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. I took a bus trip there yesterday, and was not quite sure what to expect. I certainly didn't expect this massive structure to be right IN Philadelphia, nor did I expect the beautiful architecture. In fact, all I really knew about the prison was that Al Capone had stayed there, there is much t...

Addiction

Sat, 17 Sep 2011 09:21:21 EST

There was a time that I was addicted to cigarettes. There was also a time that I was addicted to donuts. A recent dailySpark Healthy Lifestyles Blog reminded me of those addictions. It talked of using imagery for cravings.

www.dailyspark.com/blog.asp?post=ima
gine_your_cravings_away

A local grocery store makes the BEST peanut butter filled chocolate iced donuts, and every time I went in I would have to bring home at least 3. It ...

The Pennsylvania Flood of 2011, Part 2

Tue, 13 Sep 2011 16:32:16 EST

The Pennsylvania Flood of 2011, Part 2

It has now been a week since we had the torrential rains. We have had more rain, but not like last Wednesday. As we venture farther and farther from our little corner, I am amazed at what I see. Some sections are bone dry, yet others are still underwater. In my neighborhood I see yards filled with possessions, things that have been dragged out of basements in hopes that they can be saved. Washers, dryers, televisions, sofas, tables, chair...

The Pennsylvania Flood of 2011

Thu, 8 Sep 2011 22:02:52 EST

The Pennsylvania Flood of 2011

We have had some serious rains these last few days. I heard reports of schools being dismissed early and thought, 'What wusses,' and remembering the deep snows I walked to school in. Tuesday it rained all day, but yesterday there was a bit of a break, and Splash and I could get out for walk. Today when I got up it looked like it was going to be another treadmill day.......then I got on the Internet and started seeing flood pictures. I mean F...

How it 'Used to Be'

Tue, 6 Sep 2011 13:20:45 EST

A recent message board post got me thinking........well, I guess 2 days of nostalgia, hanging with Mary added to those thoughts. The post was about 'how it used to be,' going days without rest and huge plates of food. Before I started this journey, walking from one room to another was almost an aerobic experience. I remember needing to rest after about 10 minutes of walking the outlets, and a day out had me on the couch for DAYS to re-gains some energy. Now, I am a bundle of energy....

Friendship

Sun, 14 Aug 2011 01:09:44 EST

I grew up in a small town in Pennsylvania, and my friendships were formed by geography.....who lived the closest. There was no internet, and we walked everywhere. Mary and I lived just a few houses apart, and even though there was 3 years between us in age (things like that mattered whey you were 12,) our personalities were similar enough to form a friendship........hanging out at the hangouts, backyard camping, walking to and from school.....that sort of thing. We didn't do many sc...

Dealing

Sun, 24 Jul 2011 21:44:23 EST

Dealing

I have had some crap going on this month, a little of this a little of that.......just........crap. Some of the things have me on an emotional roller coaster, and I have just been ignoring my thoughts, pushing them down and just not dealing with them, attempting to put them off to another time, another place. Today things came to a head and I reached the proverbial straw, forcing me to take a look at things and realize that it is past time I let these thoughts surfa...

Dedication to Myself

Fri, 22 Jul 2011 10:04:11 EST

Dedication to Myself

I was reading the 'secrets' today, and one was about 'false friends,' those who try to convince you to skip a workout or over-indulge in something unhealthy 'just this once.' I have run across these people, I am sure you have also. I responded to the poster, something about there will always be those who just don't understand the dedication to oneself. As I typed the words, it hit me, that's what it is all about: being dedicated to yourself. The reasons do...

Independence Day

Mon, 4 Jul 2011 17:42:19 EST

This morning when I first got online, I checked my Facebook page and I saw many posts from friends, wishing all a Happy Fourth. In addition, there were many pictures and videos shared about fireworks. As I watched the display, I thought about our Founding Fathers and tried to imagine the struggles they went through as our country was just being formed and they declared independence from England. I thought about the men and women of today who serve to protect that freedom those men f...

NMP.......Not My Problem!

Sun, 3 Jul 2011 13:09:32 EST

I need to vent a little. Well, maybe a lot. Sometimes I think I have LOSER MAGNET stamped on my forehead. Now I have blogged before about some of the men I have encountered on the dating sites, but this one is in a class all his own. He first contacted me last year, and I knew as soon as I saw his picture that there would be nothing happening except conversation. I don't like to be shallow, but long scraggly hair and a beard halfway down the chest just don't appeal to me. We had a few ...

MODE Island Luau

Mon, 20 Jun 2011 13:44:03 EST

MODE Island Luau

Saturday's Luau was such a fun event. First, let me give you a little bit of background. I met Deb last year at the Middletown Fair. I went to see Brad Crum (Elvis Tribute Artist) perform, and Deb was there as a photojournalist for her newspaper. She took a video of me dancing with Brad, and during a break, she interviewed me. We found out we had many things in common, exchanged information, and a friendship was born. She posted the video on YouTube (those o...

Town Walk Photo Blog

Fri, 17 Jun 2011 15:35:13 EST

Town Walk Photo Blog

I needed milk today, so Splash and I headed into town for our walk. I have stated before how I love looking at the old architecture in Lebanon, and there are some beautiful churches on some streets. The town was first settled in the 1700's, and back in the day ...

Saying Goodbye

Thu, 26 May 2011 16:38:58 EST

Saying Goodbye

My Uncle Charlie was buried today. I decided not to attend the services but instead, saying my goodbyes to him privately. I'm not one who needs to 'make an appearance' at funerals, I really don't give a rat's rump what others think of me. As I often do when something weighs heavy on my mind, I went riding, seeking the solitude of the trail and the peacefulness of the little memorial park in town. I have not been on the trail much this year. We have had very uns...

Errands on the Bike......and Caught in the Rain

Thu, 19 May 2011 17:23:24 EST

I ran errands on my bike today. I had some things that HAD to be done, plus I needed milk and bananas........all things close enough that I could take the bike. The sky looked a bit cloudy when I headed out, but it really didn't bother me. If it rained, it rained; I had been caught before, and I now carry a rain poncho. First stop: the VA to turn in a race application. As I left there and headed to my second stop, I fel...

LCCM Duathalon, Year Two

Sat, 7 May 2011 16:08:30 EST

LCCM Duathalon, Year Two
Last year I considered doing the premier Duathalon for Lebanon County Christian Ministries. That is, until I checked out the bike course. This event is a 5K, followed by a 14 mile ride, followed by another 5K. The ride is literally up the side of a mountain. I needed to rest just WALKING my bike up the hill, and found out later that there was a hill even steeper on the course. I compromised and did the 5K for the event. I had gotten an email about the event...

50+ Senior Expo

Fri, 6 May 2011 12:26:48 EST

50+ Senior Expo
Yesterday I attended a 50+ Senior Expo. If you have them in your area and are over 50, they are certainly worth checking out. They are geared towards seniors, and have tons of information (and free goodies) about Social Security, retirement, home improvements, health insurance, funeral homes, home health care, etc. Many give away free pens or pencils, mugs, cups, bag clips, tablets, reusable bags, even light bulbs. Some have bowls of candy and many have raffles. I do...

Joy Ride

Tue, 3 May 2011 23:41:14 EST

I like running errands on my bike and do so whenever I can, but sometimes I like to just get in the saddle and pedal, just for the sheer joy of the ride. I always find something interesting when I ride. I'll stop and snap some pictures as I go, as my camera is always within reach. Today's ride took me near a small airfield, and I saw a Plane take off. I saw a Canadian goose just sitting by a pond, sunning himself. On m...

Splash's Blog

Mon, 28 Mar 2011 17:49:25 EST

I am such a lucky dog. I have a soft bed, a safe and secure home and plenty of food, water, and treats. Bonus is a human that loves to walk. It wasn't always like that. When I was a young pup, I was separated from my humans and I had to take care of myself, forage for food, find shelter where I could and eat and drink from places that did not always smell the best. Humans chased me and there were loud, scary noises, and these things still haunt me. I was caught and taken to a place fill...

Rolling in the Muck

Sun, 13 Mar 2011 08:58:36 EST

Rolling in the Muck

I have gotten in the habit of sharing a quote daily with the teams I am on here on Spark. Many of you know I love quotes, and can usually find one to fit any given situation. This morning while I searched through the library of quotes in my files, I came across the following one by Aldous Huxley:

"Chronic remorse, as all the moralists are agreed, is a most undesirable sentiment. If you have behaved badly, repent, make what amends you can and addre...

100 Days

Sat, 12 Mar 2011 21:45:07 EST

100 Days

Back in November, I made a pledge to walk every day in December. As some of you remember, that was the first month of the '1049 Challenge.' Here we are in March, month 4 of the challenge, and I am happy to say that I am still walking every day. Friday, March 10, marked 100 days. I remember back in December when I first started........there were days that I really had to force myself out that door or on the treadmill. I think the treadmill was worse, because I would al...

If The Phone Company Ran A Restaurant

Fri, 4 Mar 2011 10:18:53 EST

I was cleaning up some email today and came across the following newsletter from Mountain Wings. I thought it to funny to not pass along.

If The Phone Company Ran A Restaurant
======================================

BELLSOUTH DINER
1515 Peachtree St.
Atlanta, GA 30399
800-555-1212

SERVICES

Cod steak: $8.17
French fries: $2.01
Peas: $1.40

Limited Meal Service: $30.85

Knife: $0.60 Fork: $3.17 M...

Why Burst Someone's Bubble?

Sat, 19 Feb 2011 12:45:08 EST

Why Burst Someone's Bubble?

One of the main things I like about Spark is the positive attitudes. I try to be a very positive person, spreading good words, sharing motivational thoughts........if I have anything negative to say, I try to just keep my mouth shut. I was taught to not say anything unless I had something good to say. Lately I have been finding negativity here on Spark, and it saddens me. I recently bought a pair of Sketcher's Shape-Ups for walking and submitted a p...

Biggest Loser Power Walk: Product Review

Sat, 12 Feb 2011 12:59:57 EST

I guess you all know that I simply adore Bob Harper. I think he is one of the most motivational exercise gurus that I have ever come across, and I own several of his DVD's. When I saw the BL Power Walk, I thought, 'Another walk at home DVD, guess it was only a matter of time before BL put one out.' I have several Leslie Sansone DVD's, as well as a George Foreman walk at home collection that I found on ebay, did I rea...

I Quit!

Sun, 6 Feb 2011 11:23:48 EST

Today I celebrate 7 years smoke free. Now, this is not the anniversary of the day I quit smoking, but the anniversary of the day I smoked my last cigarette; there is a difference. I never thought I would quit. Even when my Dad died of cancer of the lung, I didn't quit, and even when I decided to quit, I didn't want to, but I was not ready to die. Sometime in September of 2003, I was tested for allergies, and got a ve...

Are You Ready?

Wed, 2 Feb 2011 13:49:19 EST

Are You Ready?

Well, are you? Let me explain. Some months back, I bought a Bob Harper DVD called, ' Pure Burn Super Strength' I put off trying it, and eventually forgot about it , and the DVD sat on the shelf. Until today. I have been stuck at a plateau for months, and nothing I have tried has shaken it loose, not even the bootcamp challenge. I have been working out regularly, walking daily, but still th...

Jack LaLane

Thu, 27 Jan 2011 16:06:07 EST

I just read the memorial blog about this man. I remember his show when growing up, I think he was the first person I ever exercised with! A link in the blog lead me to some of his accomplishments, and i was just so amazed by this man the world recently lost. Since I just turned 65, I had to check and see what HE did at 65. And I thought I was doing good by completing 2 half marathons! I am not making light of my accomplishments, I am still very proud of what I have done, but it reminded...

Hi, My Name is Linda, and I am an Addict

Tue, 25 Jan 2011 12:10:13 EST

Yes, my dirty little secret is out.......I am an addict. Last week Dr. Oz did a show on food addiction, and it really made me stop and think, then today I open my Spark mail and see an article on food addiction.......hmmm, seems I should add my two cents worth, a confession. I have an addiction personality. I tend to throw my entire being into things, allowing a thing to take over my entire life. I had some issues with prescription drugs back in the '70's, and I was aboard the nicot...

Soapbox Time!

Sat, 15 Jan 2011 14:15:53 EST

I received a 'friend request' on a dating site today, the one I used to blog on before Spark. He is looking for a woman, 40-60 and it was the proverbial straw, had to blow off some steam, Thought y'all would get a kick out of reading the blog.

Climbing on the Soapbox Again

Yes, I need to let off some steam. I just received a friend request from a man looking for a woman no older than age 60. Did he not read my profile? It plainly states that I am 65. I know I...

New Years Resolutions

Thu, 6 Jan 2011 10:15:55 EST

I did the poll today on New Years Resolutions.......are they useful, useless or other? I thought about the question and the many times I have made resolutions to lose weight in the past and failed. I always had the best of intentions, but I always used the time before New Years Day as a free-for -all, as if each day was my last opportunity to eat. I became a glutton, weighing more on New Years Day than when I made the resolution. I would get disgusted with myself and was defeated ...

The Month After Christmas

Sun, 2 Jan 2011 09:53:34 EST

Sharing a Lillie Ross newsletter today. I wishI could take credit for this wonderful poem, but my talents lie in other directions. It was just to good not to share!

According to an article in the Family Practice
News, a daily laughter workout of 15 minutes can
burn forty calories or melt away four pounds a
year

"Twas the month after Christmas, and all throughthe house
Nothing would fit me, not even a blouse.
The cookies I'd nibbled, the e...

Reflections

Sat, 1 Jan 2011 12:45:29 EST

Sometime in November I made some pledges to myself. I have a hard time setting goals, and I find it easier if I make pledges. Anyway, I was encouraging a fellow Sparker to start changing her life NOW rather than wait until the new year. Through the course of things, I decided to take my own advice and turn my fitness up a notch. I usually get decent fitness minutes (I have a harder time with nutrition) but I decided I wanted more. I pledged to walk daily in December, to do the Idit...

Unattainable? I think not.

Wed, 22 Dec 2010 08:39:17 EST

I read today's Healthy Lifestyle Blog:

What if the 'Unattainable' Really Was Within Reach?

and I just had to pause and think, stop and reminisce about the woman I once was. Losing over 100 pounds is something other people do, not me; same with doing a HM or even a 5K. I am not an athlete, just a simple girl, floundering through life like many others. I remember talking with a friend before I did my first half.........she said she could not even begin to dream about do...

Living Creatively

Mon, 20 Dec 2010 08:36:16 EST

"Be brave enough to live creatively. The creative is the place where no one else has ever been. You have to leave the city of your comfort and go into the wilderness of your intuition. You can't get there by bus, only by hard work, risking, and by not quite knowing what you're doing. What you'll discover will be wonderful: yourself." ~ Alan Alda, Actor

This quote found its way into my INBOX today, and as I read it, I thought about the me of yesteryear compared to the me of today. ...

I Just Don' t Understand

Sun, 5 Dec 2010 10:39:10 EST

One of the things I really like about Spark is the positive attitude. In an earlier blog I wrote of the differences between blogging on Spark as opposed to blooging elsewhere, and many of you will recall that I STOPPED blogging on a dating site because of the negative attitudes of readers and their comments. Part of Spark IS a positive attitude.

I was reading a recipe this morning, submitted by a fellow Spark member, and there were several negative comments. One member co...

Life Changing Experiences

Fri, 3 Dec 2010 08:48:00 EST

Life Changing Experiences

I read Coach Tiffany's blog today about life changing experiences, and it made me pause and think about my own life changing experiences. All of our decisions cause a ripple effect, and each choice affects our future, and yes, those things out of our control affect our future also. The two biggest things that affected my life are when my partner passed away and when I was hypnotized. When Bill died, it taught me to live with no regrets, to leave very li...

Rodomontade Day

Tue, 30 Nov 2010 09:43:53 EST

Did you know...

... that today is Rodomontade Day? This is a day to boast and brag. You don't have to be obnoxious about it, but do it enough to raise your self-esteem. Be proud of what you do well!

~~~

Today's Inspirational Quote:

"You can take from every experience what it has to offer you. And you cannot be defeated if you just keep taking one breath followed by another."

-- Oprah Winfrey

This is just to good to keep...

I am Frustrated and Need to Vent

Wed, 24 Nov 2010 08:45:48 EST

I am Frustrated and Need to Vent

I like reading the Spark emails. You know, the newsletters you can subscribe to and have sent to your regular email address. For some reason, I have TONS of trouble receiving them. Some months ago I started having trouble getting the emails and my time on Spark became limited as I just did not make the time to go searching out articles. Back then I tried to accumulate as many points as I could, then got ticked at myself for even CARING about get...

I Need Some Help!

Sun, 21 Nov 2010 12:42:46 EST

I FINALLY found the pictures from the Amish Hal-Marathon I did two weeks ago. I would like to purchase a picture of myself crossing the finish line, but am undecided as to which one. I am leaning towards the full shot rather than the cropped one, as I can always scan it and crop it myself. Plus, I will probably get the 8x10, making it easier to see that it is me.

Faramland Walk Photo Blog

Tue, 16 Nov 2010 13:26:45 EST

Splash and I had another 5.68 mile walk yesterday. The sky was kind of iffy, but after deciding to do a monthly 1049 minute challenge, I wanted to add to my minutes for November. I thought we would walk the farmlands. It seems that no matter which way we go when we leave the house, the view is amazing. I see the beauty in the architecture of the new homes , peace in the park amidst the hustle and bustle of the city, serenity on the farmland roads. Within a mile of my house is a little...

Hiking and Walking Photo Blog

Sun, 14 Nov 2010 17:47:55 EST

Yesterday was the monthly fitness hike at Mt. Gretna. I had missed the last two, I was determined to make this one! The thing I love most about the fitness hikes is also the thing I hat most about them. The key word is FITNESS, and our leader keeps the pace going. To be honest, she does set the pace according to the fitness levels of the group, but it is certainly a workout. Most of the trails are rough, loose rocks fallen trees and such, plus challenging hills to climb up and maneuver...

PEDAL-PUSHER's SparkPeople Blog

A Trip Home

Tommy

Kayaking

Dennis DeYoung in Concert

Flashback

Sometimes You CAN Go Home Again

Saying Goodbye Once More