Dog FOOD and Exercise

How would you feel if you carried around four 20-pound bags of dog food all day? DOG TIRED! 2 years ago, I used to weigh 80 pounds more and that’s how I felt. Run down. Exhausted.

Now I feel marvelous. Did I take a quick-fix pill or follow a fad diet? No, I just ate less and exercised more. That’s the only thing that really works.

Now that Beth is off to England, I’m getting back to business. I have 30 more pounds to go. It’s time to get busy.

I’m tweaking my exercise routine.

-- Monday and Wednesday, I’m on the treadmill.
-- Tuesday and Thursday, I take Pilate’s. It’s not as tough as last fall. I’m improving … slowly. When we’re on the mats, I can even touch my feet to the floor above my head. Not bad for 55.
-- Then (weather permitting), I’m walking 4 miles a day on Saturday and Sunday.
-- I get Fridays off. (I LOVE FRIDAYS!)

I want to push myself further on the treadmill.
First 5 minutes … 15% incline … 3.7 mph
Second 5 minutes … 15% incline … 3.8 mph
Third 5 minutes … 14% incline … 3.9 mph
Fourth 5 minutes … 14% incline … 4 mph
Fifth minutes … 13% incline … 4.1 mph
Last 5 minutes … 13% incline … 4.2 mph

Not bad for someone who used to be ready to die at 3 mph on the flat.


Monday, August 17, 2009

FAMILY: Happy Birthday Eric


On August 15, my son turned 23. He looks so grown up. Ok, he still talks, dresses and acts like a college student, but what’s wrong with that? Currently, he’s a second year senior … great grades, but unsure of direction. He’s had trouble picking a major.

This is the child that changed my life. I always wanted children. Always. But my ex was immature. Marriage was a long list of "settling for less.” Then, there was an oops and I was pregnant.

Control freaks raised me. Unplanned = bad to my mother. My son taught me that unplanned can be wonderful. In the beginning, I was scared. Neither my ex nor my mother were the encouraging types. Having a child when your marriage is a mess ... well, it certainly won't save it.  A thoughtful person would wonder if they were doing the right thing. 

I like choosing what happens to me.  But this unplanned child was the best thing that has ever happened in my life.  I love my daughter, too.  But if Eric hadn't happened, she wouldn't have either.  I suspect he will never understand how much I love him.  That's OK.  Parenting is more about giving than getting.  If you can't deal with that, you shouldn't do it.

I am not a perfect mother. Who is? But I gave it my best and I feel very lucky.

Happy Birthday, Eric!

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