Just 15 more days...and I will have reached the big 90-Day Limit.
And what's the big deal about 90 Days you ask?
It takes about 90 days for cravings to stop, I have found.
Only mine seemed to stop much sooner. I was worried about jonzin' for Coca-Cola and am ecstatic to report it never happened.
Chocolate has not been calling my name. Really, it hasn't--and that's so unusual.
Maybe this time, I realized that I had to actually get with it. Not to mention that after PROMISING you all I would post the truth, I really didn't want to say, "Face-planted in a bag of M&Ms today...right after a double-date with Ben & Jerry..."
That's why I did this public blog thing--because I wanted a great reason not to mess up. You all are one of the great reasons.
Oh, today I had something for brunch that my wacky sense of humor has named "Eggplant Hot Dish." It's sort of an homage to Garrison Keillor and the Norwegian Hot Dishes of his youth up Lake Wobegon...near Minneh-SOH-ta...yah!
Back to Eggplant Hot Dish. I love eggplant. I love it in Eggplant Parmigiana. I love it grilled. I am deeply in love with Baba Ghanoush, the Middle Eastern eggplant dip. And I love this thing I make.
I start with olive oil in the heavy steel pan. I press garlic into it until I'm happy and let it cook a bit. You can fry it if you want for a chewy texture and different flavor--you can cook it gently for a classic garlic flavor. Then, I cube up an eggplant, and dump it in. I add some water so there is plenty in the bottom. Put the top on to let it steam and turn the heat toward low.
After it cooks down a bit, I add Ume plum vinegar (for whang), toasted sesame oil for the flavor, Louisiana hot sauce for flavor, red pepper for heat, and some smoked paprika for that meaty, smoky flavor. And I just let it cook on low.
THEN, I start some rice or some quinoa (if you don't know...it's a tiny little grain that is high protein but a pain because you have to soak it and rinse it to get rid of the soapy outer coating which is bitter...and it's tiny so have a strainer with tiny mesh), usually about 1/3 cup grain to 2/3 cup water. Dump it in a pot, bring to a boil, turn the heat down loooooooooow, cover and let 'er steam for about 20 minutes.
When the rice or quinoa are about done, I chop up some fresh cilantro--two batches. THEN, I put 1 batch in the serving dish and pour the hot rice or quinoa on it and stir. THEN, I uncover the eggplant, which is nice and cooked down, turn up the heat, and let the liquid boil away until it's not too juicy.
Then, I pour the eggplant on the rice, cover with the rest of the cilantro and dust heavily with toasted sesame seeds.
And I eat it.
It's wonderful. It's hot, it has a healthy grain, and it's just...yummy.
You could probably do something similar with squash. Or whatever vegetable strikes your fancy. And you can add whatever kinds of spices you like, in addition to garlic which I consider one of the essential food groups. Besides, it's good for what ails ya...
Oh, and if you were wondering?
I RAN 6 MINUTES LAST NIGHT ON THE REBOUNDER, DID THE SAME THING THIS MORNING AND AM GOING TO DO THE SAME TONIGHT.
Oh yeah, I'm doin' it.
Independently,
Weltha
Saturday, January 22, 2011
Friday, January 21, 2011
Day the 74th (and Day the 73rd--Thursday--is Below)
All right, campers, as you will notice when you scroll down, I forgot to blog yesterday. The day ran away from me. I'm working on this not happening too often. Obviously, getting my own personal laptop up and running again will make a big difference. So scroll down on this page to see Day the 73rd (Thursday, 1/20/2011).
I have made a decision: I AM GOING TO EXERCISE EVERY DOGGONE DAY WHETHER OR NOT I "FEEL" LIKE IT (unless I'm sick, which is a different issue...)
Read yesterday to get my Declaration of Independence From Not Exercising And Then Whining About It.
Now...I just listened to a thing on the Internet that said something so important about weight loss and health--you can't be eating processed food, diet drinks and diet "whatever", chemical-filled foods, cutting out carbs and fats completely--and then expect to be healthy and at the right weight.
I mean, there are models all over who look like a bag of bones, who eat a head of lettuce (iceberg...no nutrients or flavor at all...) and oh, are they thin, all right--and so unhealthy that they had better make loads of $$$ right now because they will need it to take care of their health when they are older.
If there is one thing I believe in--it's this: (well, apart from the Extreme Importance of Jesus in my life, and no, this is not turning into "that" kind of blog so get over that I said it if you don't feel that way. OK? OK.)
To be healthy and at the right weight, you have got to eat real, natural food--including loads of fruits and vegetables--and you have got to give up eating chemical trash, such as foods with additives that sound like college chemistry lab and so-called "diet" foods like diet drinks.
I mean, run like CRAZY away from diet soda pop and diet this and that. Read labels. Eat real food. Learn to cook. Honestly, eating a healthy salad with dressing that isn't a bunch of chemicals and sugar is not all that much work if you plan ahead. And if you're not single, enlist the family in the preparation. Someone can steam the vegetables that need steaming ("CARROTS") and someone else can wash the lettuce and spin it in a salad spinner (OXO makes a great one that lasts forever and you can get it at TARGET), and someone else can cut up the "hard" vegetables (which is my name for any non-lettuce item, "hard" or "soft") and you can make the dressing. In fact, you can make a LOT of dressing, store it in the refrigerator and there it is; you can wash and spin a LOT of lettuce, wrap it in an unbleached muslin dishtowel, and put it in a plastic bag in the refrigerator and there you have it. Honestly, this stuff is NOT hard. And I do it with no help (because the cats are a lazy bunch...)
I know I sound really "finger-pointing" but the truth is, I have to make a decision to eat real food--or not. I have to make a decision to exercise--or not.
So...here is to healthy food...and I don't mean any of this to be condemning. It's just that the more bagged and sprayed and processed foods we eat, the less healthy we become. And no one who is un-healthy can sustain a healthy weight loss. Maybe an unhealthy one, but not the one we need.
I'm talkin' to Weltha, here. I'm preachin' this one to the Choir of One Weltha.
And the more healthy foods we eat--REAL foods--the healthier we become and the more likely to sustain healthy weight loss.
I can do it--you can do it.
Independently,
Weltha
I have made a decision: I AM GOING TO EXERCISE EVERY DOGGONE DAY WHETHER OR NOT I "FEEL" LIKE IT (unless I'm sick, which is a different issue...)
Read yesterday to get my Declaration of Independence From Not Exercising And Then Whining About It.
Now...I just listened to a thing on the Internet that said something so important about weight loss and health--you can't be eating processed food, diet drinks and diet "whatever", chemical-filled foods, cutting out carbs and fats completely--and then expect to be healthy and at the right weight.
I mean, there are models all over who look like a bag of bones, who eat a head of lettuce (iceberg...no nutrients or flavor at all...) and oh, are they thin, all right--and so unhealthy that they had better make loads of $$$ right now because they will need it to take care of their health when they are older.
If there is one thing I believe in--it's this: (well, apart from the Extreme Importance of Jesus in my life, and no, this is not turning into "that" kind of blog so get over that I said it if you don't feel that way. OK? OK.)
To be healthy and at the right weight, you have got to eat real, natural food--including loads of fruits and vegetables--and you have got to give up eating chemical trash, such as foods with additives that sound like college chemistry lab and so-called "diet" foods like diet drinks.
I mean, run like CRAZY away from diet soda pop and diet this and that. Read labels. Eat real food. Learn to cook. Honestly, eating a healthy salad with dressing that isn't a bunch of chemicals and sugar is not all that much work if you plan ahead. And if you're not single, enlist the family in the preparation. Someone can steam the vegetables that need steaming ("CARROTS") and someone else can wash the lettuce and spin it in a salad spinner (OXO makes a great one that lasts forever and you can get it at TARGET), and someone else can cut up the "hard" vegetables (which is my name for any non-lettuce item, "hard" or "soft") and you can make the dressing. In fact, you can make a LOT of dressing, store it in the refrigerator and there it is; you can wash and spin a LOT of lettuce, wrap it in an unbleached muslin dishtowel, and put it in a plastic bag in the refrigerator and there you have it. Honestly, this stuff is NOT hard. And I do it with no help (because the cats are a lazy bunch...)
I know I sound really "finger-pointing" but the truth is, I have to make a decision to eat real food--or not. I have to make a decision to exercise--or not.
So...here is to healthy food...and I don't mean any of this to be condemning. It's just that the more bagged and sprayed and processed foods we eat, the less healthy we become. And no one who is un-healthy can sustain a healthy weight loss. Maybe an unhealthy one, but not the one we need.
I'm talkin' to Weltha, here. I'm preachin' this one to the Choir of One Weltha.
And the more healthy foods we eat--REAL foods--the healthier we become and the more likely to sustain healthy weight loss.
I can do it--you can do it.
Independently,
Weltha
Day the 73rd
Woops...forgot to post yesterday...well, that is, the day got busy, and I didn't do it because we had snow-and-ice and just getting to The Job was...a slow and arduous process. But I made it safe and sound, and here I am on break on FRIDAY (Friday...Friday...) blogging away...
I just have to throw in that I LOVE the Watermelon Pink that I frequently use on this blog. There, I said it...
Yesterday, I had my apple for breakfast (and I am all about Fruit Until Noon when possible and it isn't always...and remember, that includes seeds and nuts--raw ones...), and then lovely salad for lunch. Our coleslaw at work mixes nicely with a little salsa and Louisiana Hot Sauce to make a great dressing on the veggies and the spinach. Then, Poodle had me over for dinner and some TV and laughter--and we had a lovely salad with avocado and a really good pizza that was barbeque with chicken. I mean, a good one not loaded with fat. I'm going to make a version that will have some really great BBQ Sauce (can you say "Annie's"?) and grilled, marinated tofu (which tastes like chicken but is much healthier for me) and also some soy cheese. It tastes great, and I know I'm eating good things for me. I get the tofu at the store, marinate it and grill it myself, and then get Melissa's Soy Shreds at...Wal-Mart!
I have come to a conclusion on the Exercise Issue.
I am going to have to treat it like brushing my teeth or washing my face and just DO IT. Enough of this whining around.
I mean, I eat things that are good for me, and I avoid garbage "food"--and I don't make a big deal out of that. If you watched me at the salad bar at work, you would notice that I choose certain things "because they are good for me" and because I want to EAT things that are good for me. Period. No, I don't particularly like raw broccoli. I just don't. But I'll eat some of it because it's good for me.
EXERCISE HAS GOT TO BE THE SAME WAY--IT'S NOT AN OPTION. IT'S "SOMETHING I DO EVERY DAY."
And that's it!
Independently,
Weltha
I just have to throw in that I LOVE the Watermelon Pink that I frequently use on this blog. There, I said it...
Yesterday, I had my apple for breakfast (and I am all about Fruit Until Noon when possible and it isn't always...and remember, that includes seeds and nuts--raw ones...), and then lovely salad for lunch. Our coleslaw at work mixes nicely with a little salsa and Louisiana Hot Sauce to make a great dressing on the veggies and the spinach. Then, Poodle had me over for dinner and some TV and laughter--and we had a lovely salad with avocado and a really good pizza that was barbeque with chicken. I mean, a good one not loaded with fat. I'm going to make a version that will have some really great BBQ Sauce (can you say "Annie's"?) and grilled, marinated tofu (which tastes like chicken but is much healthier for me) and also some soy cheese. It tastes great, and I know I'm eating good things for me. I get the tofu at the store, marinate it and grill it myself, and then get Melissa's Soy Shreds at...Wal-Mart!
I have come to a conclusion on the Exercise Issue.
I am going to have to treat it like brushing my teeth or washing my face and just DO IT. Enough of this whining around.
I mean, I eat things that are good for me, and I avoid garbage "food"--and I don't make a big deal out of that. If you watched me at the salad bar at work, you would notice that I choose certain things "because they are good for me" and because I want to EAT things that are good for me. Period. No, I don't particularly like raw broccoli. I just don't. But I'll eat some of it because it's good for me.
EXERCISE HAS GOT TO BE THE SAME WAY--IT'S NOT AN OPTION. IT'S "SOMETHING I DO EVERY DAY."
And that's it!
Independently,
Weltha
Wednesday, January 19, 2011
Day the 72nd
Ah...what a pleasant surprise I received this morning when I stepped on the scales.
Reader, it's going down.
Yes, my weight is slowly but surely inching lower. No, I'm not posting yet because...because next Wednesday is Weigh-In Wednesday, January 26, 2011. So mark your calendars (oh, like anyone is going to do this...) and tune in for The Big News.
Today, I promised to write what I want. In addition to World Peace (there, I could have been a Miss America contestant...not in this lifetime, not this feminist...),
I want:
Reader, it's going down.
Yes, my weight is slowly but surely inching lower. No, I'm not posting yet because...because next Wednesday is Weigh-In Wednesday, January 26, 2011. So mark your calendars (oh, like anyone is going to do this...) and tune in for The Big News.
Today, I promised to write what I want. In addition to World Peace (there, I could have been a Miss America contestant...not in this lifetime, not this feminist...),
I want:
- To fit the bangin' wardrobe that lurks in my closet. Recently, I took a close look at a lovely tawny cat's-eye-colored party skirt and a coordinating black sweater that I am going to wear next year to party events. Also under close scrutiny is a cream cotton knit dress that will be a dream in the autumn. I can't wait. Cannot. Wait.
- To enjoy looking in the mirror at more than just my face. I mean, I don't have to look at myself and say, "Whoa! Super-Model!" but I do want to look at me and think, "Oh yeah, got it goin' on..."
- To never again worry about fitting theater and airline seats comfortably. I mean, it's already better, but I want to never have a moment's wonder if it's going to be a tight squeeze or not.
- To be able to order some totally great clothes from The J. Peterman Company online. Have you been there?
to http://www.jpeterman.com/!1YoE7HFcQmnFldt2Tk1QEA!/ ?
For real, for real, some of the best-looking, classic, elegant clothing I have seen in ages...and deep discounts on items you will keep and wear for years right now during their big after-the-holidays anti-recession sale. - To deserve the lovely French description of soignée, which means "carefully or elegantly done" or "well-groomed" according to our friends at Dictionary.com
- To feel attractive and self-confident, although I am learning that even at the top of my fightin' weight here, I can feel exactly that way. It really is a matter of attitude. I really do feel attractive, and I am finding that I am increasingly self-confident.
And now you know...this is what I want.
This is what I am working for, blogging for, exercising [clears throat] for.
This is what I am going to have.
And you're going to be there with me.
Independently,
Weltha
Tuesday, January 18, 2011
Day the 71st
You know, I try--usually--to be positive, but today...
Reader, I'm going to list the things I don't want.
As in things I POSTIVELY don't want.
I don't want:
Reader, I'm going to list the things I don't want.
As in things I POSTIVELY don't want.
I don't want:
- To look like the woman at work (surely no older than somewhere in her 30s and possibly in her 20s) who is so overweight that she makes me in my current incarnation look thin. Yes, thin. I feel for her, and although she dresses in some really great colors and shows some flair and style, she has trouble walking. And she breathes hard because she is so overweight.
- To forever have to buy "plus" sizes. I really don't like this because lots of the really great clothes don't come in plus sizes. And some looks just don't work on the zaftig body I am currently sporting. And they cost more. And they say "plus sizes." I don't like that.
- To keep looking away from any mirror or window that shows my body. I mean, okay, I'm not Cindy Crawford (now or ever), but I am not comfortable in this body. It's not the me that I know. At all. The Weltha that I know is slender with all of these straight lines, and I am more than happy to sacrifice (sorry, Scott and all men readers) the enormous rack I currently have for the smaller one I have when I'm thin. In other words, I can give up big gazongas for a smaller butt. Trust me on this one...
- To worry about my health and whether or not I'm going to have to get a knee replacement or whatever. And staying heavy is the way to ensure that I will have to have something worked on. Or develop something weight-related such as diabetes.
- To have to get myself all psyched up to act as if I have normal self-confidence because I know how people look at overweight women. I should know...I've done it myself. I really hate the idea of eating in front of people sometimes because I don't like the mental game of "I wonder if they are watching me eat and thinking, 'No wonder you look like that.'" This doesn't happen often, but because I've done it to others, I wonder when it's being done to me.
- To have people think I'm big-boned. This sounds so petty, but in the last 2 months, two men whom I like and respect have referred to me as big-boned. And I'm not upset with them because I don't blame them at all. I am carrying so much extra weight that I look "big-boned." Years ago, my brother Bill said I was "big-boned like the _____ family [my father's family]"--and they weren't big-boned and neither was I...I was just overweight. I have small wrists, fairly small ankles (when they aren't looking like "cankles"--you know, that lovely term for not being able to tell where the calves leave off and the ankles begin...), small, very thin hands for my height of 5'10", and small, thin feet. I mean, my feet are wide like my Dad's family, but they are a size 7, as I remind everyone...and they are bony like my hands no matter how much I weigh. Yes, it bothers me because I feel like a .... freak. I don't feel like myself when I weigh this much. I don't look like myself to me. I've carried this stupid weight for so long that people see me this way--but this isn't who I am. I like my personality and abilities and intelligence and humor and blue eyes and high cheekbones but I don't like the fat. There, I said it.
So yes, this blog is about being healthy, but it's also about the being healthy that leads to my body being the way it is supposed to be. I didn't gain this weight eating too much meat at dinner or too many vegetables or an extra roll or 2 or even 5. It's the result of huge amounts of Coca-Cola, fast food including tater tots and french fries and pizza and fried foods, Oreos out the ying-yang, and enough chocolate to carve at least one of the figures on Mt. Rushmore. There, I said it. I can eat food that is not good for me like it is running in the opposite direction. I mean, I've demolished the big bag of Almond M&Ms over a period of 2 days. Yes, two days. I've eaten junk to comfort myself, to relieve my boredom, to assuage my sorrows, and to make up to me that I'm single and not dating anyone. And of course, being overweight has been my excuse not to try to meet men (oh, I meet men, all right...but none of them are...shall we say...available. I mean, I know one single straight guy who is really a good person but we just don't have "those" feelings for each other. He's my friend, and he's a jewel--but we're not each other's Sweet Babboo...)
I just felt like saying this and getting it out. This is how it is.
On the other hand, I am extremely energized about being healthy (and my health is increasing...periodically, I go through a mild detoxification...it's no fun, but I'm happy it's happening...) and being back to what is a normal weight for me. Again, I'm not trying to "get to some weight"--I know that if I eat correctly and I exercise (clears throat in embarrassment at this one...), my body will eventually get "there"--whereever "there" is. I do know this much...it isn't somewhere above or even near 200 lbs. That much, I do know.
Yes, I am looking forward to being my normal weight again. I'm going to get there.
Tomorrow, in addition to posting that I did INDEED EXERCISE (I'm throwing down the gauntlet to myself) and that I did INDEED MAKE THAT EGGPLANT SALAD, I am going to post what I do want, and what I'm looking forward to.
And the fact that I'm going to do this. I'm going to be the Weltha I was created to be.
Minus the big boobs... ;-)
Independently,
Weltha
Monday, January 17, 2011
Day the 70th, and no, you haven't skipped a day...
...I got the numbering goofed up last week on Weigh-In Wednesday, and just noticed it...so obsessive me decided I must fix it, which I have. And then post about it, which I am.
Reader, I ate breakfast. Yes, I did. I made myself eat an apple to get the ol' system going. Then lunch today was a...salad...but tonight, I am making eggplant salad by golly...I am so excited. If it turns out to be really good, I will post the recipe. I love vegetables...I love eggplant.
Actually, I love fresh and raw the best, but that's not always possible. My attitude is: eat as much raw salad as possible, with the best possible dressings (the ones that taste good and have natural, fresh--even raw--ingredients.)
Because here's a home truth, as my British friends say, about food: if you don't like it, you won't eat it over the long run. Now, there is an exception to this: if MOST of what you eat are things you like, you can force yourself frequently to eat something that you know you need as if it were medicine.
And anyone who isn't fully aware that food is often the best medicine (I don't mean the self-medicating pint of Ben and Jerry's although in my now-reformed past, I must admit to having indulged a time or several hundred...), well, you heard it here and now you know...
A different tack today, because I have discovered something I totally love. It's the famous (to some people) Bach Original Flower Essences. I must thank Nancois for my even knowing squat about these because back when we worked in the same branch of Corporate America, she mentioned these to me--in fact, she said she used them on animals to help calm them down. Which you definitely can and they are helpful to the animal's system--not just some sedative.
They are actually the essences of various flowers that act to regulate the chemistry affecting certain emotions. I take them. They work. Yes, they do.
I try not to hide the fact that I have bipolar disorder. Actually, I have bipolarity, and it has a few disordering aspects (as I am fond of saying, and I know I have posted about this before.) My emotions can be a seething cauldron of misery if I don't watch it. I have taken prescription meds out the wazoo for the past few years, and when they stop working, they really stop--except they sort of slow down, and I go into denial that they are not working. I could go on for hours about this but won't. This disorder--and the mess created by the meds--has done things to my life that I have trouble discussing rationally. Or without sobbing like I'm 5 and the other little kindergartner has taken my blocks and bopped me on the head with them...
To handle this, I did the one thing that I knew might help me--I changed how I eat as of 70 days ago (oh yeah, and for major thinosity, too.) That makes a major difference--but I am still bipolar. I still have these...hard times. And as I confessed a few weeks back, I had a major meltdown between Christmas this year and New Year's. It threw me for the proverbial loop. As in, a really terrible loop.
And then I realized that I had not been faithfully taking my Bach Flower Essences. So...I got with it, purchased another one--the wonderful blend known as Bach's Rescue Remedy, and I have just recently bought "Mustard." It is for "suddenly descending gloom for no reason." I also take "Holly" for "feelings of suspicious, anger, fury and revenge." I personally have renamed Holly the one "so I don't scratch out the eyes of irritating people." Rescue Remedy is for handling stress--which bipolar people don't tend to handle well at all. I am doing...well. I am pleased. And I work on eating correctly, getting enough sleep, and staying away from situations (when I can) that produce lots of stress. I am careful and mindful of my life. It's the only one I have. I want it to be as much of a masterpiece as it can be. I owe lots of people--my dear late parents, my friends, my former and future students, and yes, God--that much. Not to mention I owe it to myself.
I want a happy life, not a miserable one. I am starting to experience a sort of contentment and happiness I have rarely known--and experiencing it over the long haul...this is a good thing. Oh let's be honest, it's tantamount to a doggone miracle when you're me...
I mention these because a former student (whom I do not think reads this but if you do, Sonja--thanks for creating the situation that caused me to post about this stuff) who posted on Facebook that her six-year-old sometimes recently was having crying fits that would go on for 30 minutes and that nothing seemed to calm him down. She was pulling her hair out (figuratively. Her pics seem to indicate a full head of hair...) and knew that at least some advice would be, "Spank him!"
And I don't much like that. As a person who has watched her emotions spin out of control over the years, I find that harshness and anger and violence are not the way to go. They never helped me. And sometimes, a small child can have such enormous emotions and cannot--almost literally cannot--control them without some compassionate help. I'm all for discipline, but I'm not for this approach. Yes, some children learn to be hysterical to get attention, but some children are terribly sensitive. Will spanking stop it? Very possibly--but at what cost? I don't want to get into the spanking vs no spanking debate. I don't think it works for every situation and for every child in every situation. There...how's that?
So...ol' me here recommended Rescue Remedy (and another friend of hers said "it works!" which made me feel good) and I hope that whatever she does doesn't start with spanking a child at the end of his rope...
What does this have to do with anything on this blog?
First, I did want to recommend the Bach Flower Remedies (and no, they are not paying me. Doggone it.) and second, to say that we have to be very careful with our bodies--that we cannot pour a bunch of crap into them (food, medicine, drink or otherwise, including thoughts and people who are not good for us) without serious consequences. No, this is not "salvation through nutrition," but I am convinced much of our misery comes from just letting anything in.
There are people whom I would never let past my front door--partly because I don't know some of them...and some who are not welcome (not anyone reading this blog so don't start wondering and getting all suspicious or I'll have to mail you some Holly Flower Essence...) Yet, I look back at the food I have eaten that had all sorts of preservatives ("approved by the FDA") and additives and artificial ingredients and colors and flavorings, food and drink with all of the goodness cooked out of it, and I am amazed I have not had worse problems. Oh, and as a kid, I had major atopic eczema which also made my life miserable...
As I learned a few days after Christmas, I have no business eating a bunch of sweet stuff without knowing what's in it. I am, however, determined to make something that is an "ice cream" (maybe my own "tofutti") that is sweetened with healthy sweeteners and which has healthy ingredients. When I create a great recipe that you can eat without gagging, I'll post it. Of course, I'm waiting until the summer when the idea of ice cream is so exciting, because it's not remotely exciting to me right now...
All right, all right, don't nag me, if you are just bound and determined you want to investigate these Bach Flower Essences for yourself, here is the link:
http://www.bachflower.com/
They have made a difference for me (and that doesn't mean they are The Answer for everyone, but they do help me manage stress and hey! I eat the worst under times of stress. I mean, the very worst. I have friends who behave in ways they really don't like under stress and oh, how I count myself in that group...)
But anyhoodle, a big shout out to several of you who have faithfully followed this blog. I love looking at the stats and seeing that Karin in Paris is reading it.
All right...until I get an answer, I'm posting this daily: mojoandkiki--who are you? Feel free to email me personally or whatever, but I'm desperately trying to figure out who you are, and I can tell we know each other...
Thank you all--this bus ride is getting smoother and smoother...
And no, no exercise yesterday (because I went to see Megamind with some of the guys from Choir...way too much fun! I enjoyed it a big bunch...)
Independently,
Weltha
Reader, I ate breakfast. Yes, I did. I made myself eat an apple to get the ol' system going. Then lunch today was a...salad...but tonight, I am making eggplant salad by golly...I am so excited. If it turns out to be really good, I will post the recipe. I love vegetables...I love eggplant.
Actually, I love fresh and raw the best, but that's not always possible. My attitude is: eat as much raw salad as possible, with the best possible dressings (the ones that taste good and have natural, fresh--even raw--ingredients.)
Because here's a home truth, as my British friends say, about food: if you don't like it, you won't eat it over the long run. Now, there is an exception to this: if MOST of what you eat are things you like, you can force yourself frequently to eat something that you know you need as if it were medicine.
And anyone who isn't fully aware that food is often the best medicine (I don't mean the self-medicating pint of Ben and Jerry's although in my now-reformed past, I must admit to having indulged a time or several hundred...), well, you heard it here and now you know...
A different tack today, because I have discovered something I totally love. It's the famous (to some people) Bach Original Flower Essences. I must thank Nancois for my even knowing squat about these because back when we worked in the same branch of Corporate America, she mentioned these to me--in fact, she said she used them on animals to help calm them down. Which you definitely can and they are helpful to the animal's system--not just some sedative.
They are actually the essences of various flowers that act to regulate the chemistry affecting certain emotions. I take them. They work. Yes, they do.
I try not to hide the fact that I have bipolar disorder. Actually, I have bipolarity, and it has a few disordering aspects (as I am fond of saying, and I know I have posted about this before.) My emotions can be a seething cauldron of misery if I don't watch it. I have taken prescription meds out the wazoo for the past few years, and when they stop working, they really stop--except they sort of slow down, and I go into denial that they are not working. I could go on for hours about this but won't. This disorder--and the mess created by the meds--has done things to my life that I have trouble discussing rationally. Or without sobbing like I'm 5 and the other little kindergartner has taken my blocks and bopped me on the head with them...
To handle this, I did the one thing that I knew might help me--I changed how I eat as of 70 days ago (oh yeah, and for major thinosity, too.) That makes a major difference--but I am still bipolar. I still have these...hard times. And as I confessed a few weeks back, I had a major meltdown between Christmas this year and New Year's. It threw me for the proverbial loop. As in, a really terrible loop.
And then I realized that I had not been faithfully taking my Bach Flower Essences. So...I got with it, purchased another one--the wonderful blend known as Bach's Rescue Remedy, and I have just recently bought "Mustard." It is for "suddenly descending gloom for no reason." I also take "Holly" for "feelings of suspicious, anger, fury and revenge." I personally have renamed Holly the one "so I don't scratch out the eyes of irritating people." Rescue Remedy is for handling stress--which bipolar people don't tend to handle well at all. I am doing...well. I am pleased. And I work on eating correctly, getting enough sleep, and staying away from situations (when I can) that produce lots of stress. I am careful and mindful of my life. It's the only one I have. I want it to be as much of a masterpiece as it can be. I owe lots of people--my dear late parents, my friends, my former and future students, and yes, God--that much. Not to mention I owe it to myself.
I want a happy life, not a miserable one. I am starting to experience a sort of contentment and happiness I have rarely known--and experiencing it over the long haul...this is a good thing. Oh let's be honest, it's tantamount to a doggone miracle when you're me...
I mention these because a former student (whom I do not think reads this but if you do, Sonja--thanks for creating the situation that caused me to post about this stuff) who posted on Facebook that her six-year-old sometimes recently was having crying fits that would go on for 30 minutes and that nothing seemed to calm him down. She was pulling her hair out (figuratively. Her pics seem to indicate a full head of hair...) and knew that at least some advice would be, "Spank him!"
And I don't much like that. As a person who has watched her emotions spin out of control over the years, I find that harshness and anger and violence are not the way to go. They never helped me. And sometimes, a small child can have such enormous emotions and cannot--almost literally cannot--control them without some compassionate help. I'm all for discipline, but I'm not for this approach. Yes, some children learn to be hysterical to get attention, but some children are terribly sensitive. Will spanking stop it? Very possibly--but at what cost? I don't want to get into the spanking vs no spanking debate. I don't think it works for every situation and for every child in every situation. There...how's that?
So...ol' me here recommended Rescue Remedy (and another friend of hers said "it works!" which made me feel good) and I hope that whatever she does doesn't start with spanking a child at the end of his rope...
What does this have to do with anything on this blog?
First, I did want to recommend the Bach Flower Remedies (and no, they are not paying me. Doggone it.) and second, to say that we have to be very careful with our bodies--that we cannot pour a bunch of crap into them (food, medicine, drink or otherwise, including thoughts and people who are not good for us) without serious consequences. No, this is not "salvation through nutrition," but I am convinced much of our misery comes from just letting anything in.
There are people whom I would never let past my front door--partly because I don't know some of them...and some who are not welcome (not anyone reading this blog so don't start wondering and getting all suspicious or I'll have to mail you some Holly Flower Essence...) Yet, I look back at the food I have eaten that had all sorts of preservatives ("approved by the FDA") and additives and artificial ingredients and colors and flavorings, food and drink with all of the goodness cooked out of it, and I am amazed I have not had worse problems. Oh, and as a kid, I had major atopic eczema which also made my life miserable...
As I learned a few days after Christmas, I have no business eating a bunch of sweet stuff without knowing what's in it. I am, however, determined to make something that is an "ice cream" (maybe my own "tofutti") that is sweetened with healthy sweeteners and which has healthy ingredients. When I create a great recipe that you can eat without gagging, I'll post it. Of course, I'm waiting until the summer when the idea of ice cream is so exciting, because it's not remotely exciting to me right now...
All right, all right, don't nag me, if you are just bound and determined you want to investigate these Bach Flower Essences for yourself, here is the link:
http://www.bachflower.com/
They have made a difference for me (and that doesn't mean they are The Answer for everyone, but they do help me manage stress and hey! I eat the worst under times of stress. I mean, the very worst. I have friends who behave in ways they really don't like under stress and oh, how I count myself in that group...)
But anyhoodle, a big shout out to several of you who have faithfully followed this blog. I love looking at the stats and seeing that Karin in Paris is reading it.
All right...until I get an answer, I'm posting this daily: mojoandkiki--who are you? Feel free to email me personally or whatever, but I'm desperately trying to figure out who you are, and I can tell we know each other...
Thank you all--this bus ride is getting smoother and smoother...
And no, no exercise yesterday (because I went to see Megamind with some of the guys from Choir...way too much fun! I enjoyed it a big bunch...)
Independently,
Weltha
Sunday, January 16, 2011
Day the 69th
Once again, the exercise answer is NO.
I am terribly adept at ignoring ways to just do it. I mean, breakfast yesterday with a friend, an afternoon of errands, etc., and finally, dinner and a movie with another friend.
I didn't eat terrible things, although I didn't drink enough water. I did manage enough sleep--and everything I read says that not enough sleep impairs our ability to manage our weight.
And today is going to be philosophical--I've been thinking of the ways in which discontent can become nothing more than a bad habit. I mean, all of us want more something--more job security, more money, more "out of debt", more things we genuinely need. And unfortunately, American society tends toward immediate gratification. Not enough money to buy a new sofa? Put it on a credit card or use the store's charge plan. Never mind that you pay through the nose--you have what you want right now.
And the sense of entitlement--I see it in students at times, in adults, and even in myself. I'm tired of that. I have a feeling this is part of what has managed to make my weight go up. I'm entitled to eat (fill in the blank) because I'm single, I'm lonely, I don't have anything to do today, I'm bored, I don't have lots of money, I don't have a new sofa [are we detecting a theme here?], I can't buy a new car yet...
I've really had enough of it all. I mean, enough of this "I deserve what I want when I want it."
So...I'm listing some of today's things for which I am grateful right here on the blog:
I am terribly adept at ignoring ways to just do it. I mean, breakfast yesterday with a friend, an afternoon of errands, etc., and finally, dinner and a movie with another friend.
I didn't eat terrible things, although I didn't drink enough water. I did manage enough sleep--and everything I read says that not enough sleep impairs our ability to manage our weight.
And today is going to be philosophical--I've been thinking of the ways in which discontent can become nothing more than a bad habit. I mean, all of us want more something--more job security, more money, more "out of debt", more things we genuinely need. And unfortunately, American society tends toward immediate gratification. Not enough money to buy a new sofa? Put it on a credit card or use the store's charge plan. Never mind that you pay through the nose--you have what you want right now.
And the sense of entitlement--I see it in students at times, in adults, and even in myself. I'm tired of that. I have a feeling this is part of what has managed to make my weight go up. I'm entitled to eat (fill in the blank) because I'm single, I'm lonely, I don't have anything to do today, I'm bored, I don't have lots of money, I don't have a new sofa [are we detecting a theme here?], I can't buy a new car yet...
I've really had enough of it all. I mean, enough of this "I deserve what I want when I want it."
So...I'm listing some of today's things for which I am grateful right here on the blog:
- The money I do have. It pays the bills and some is left over.
- My job. I have one.
- My blue eyes--I mean, I didn't do anything to have them, but I do like them. I like what I look like. Even the large, economy size, I like it.
So that's it...we only have today, and we really can choose to make it a good day and enjoy life, or we can be little brats and whine.
I think I'll pass on the whiny-osity...
And eat something good for me tonight. And run on the rebounder. Catch you tomorrow...
Independently,
Weltha
Saturday, January 15, 2011
Day the 68th
No, in answer to your question, I did not exercise last night. I do plan to today. As in MAKING A PLAN TO HAVE IT HAPPEN. Making a plan that makes it easy to exercise and hard not to...
I was just too tired.
I know, I know...if I would exercise, I would not be so tired. However, getting enough sleep matters too, which is why I am charting my sleep. And the truth is, I haven't been getting enough sleep due to the simple fact that I like to stay up late, but have to get up for work the next day. Dang it. Sounds like one more "opportunity" to say no to the not-so-great choices and yes to the great ones...including going to bed early. Where, oh where, is Mom when I need her to tell me it's bedtime, and no arguments, Missy...?
I've been a bit out of sorts from yesterday, but am much better today. I had a day at work where in 15 minutes, I was confronted with 2 mistakes and a "I wasn't quite sure on something and did a minor incorrect thing." And I suffer at moments from perfectionism, and I have a hard time some days facing that I am not perfect. Not now, not gonna be, not ever.
And then the whole, "why am I overweight?" thing starts kicking in.
But I did say to myself, "Weltha, you are not perfect. You make mistakes, and some days, you make more of them. And some days, you make fewer of them. And you are doing something about being overweight. So get over it." Which I did.
This is one great Saturday--I went to breakfast at Scott the Bagelman's Old School Bagel Cafe with my friend Keith the English Prof and had a great time. Poodle and I have been trying to reach each other and will connect later today. Went shopping for shirts (found two I adore...) and then on to the GREAT Central Library where I saw the grown-up son of old friends, Young Kenneth, and had a lovely chat with him and his girlfriend. Altogether satisfying. Oh, and last night, a very nice call from Kat the Fellow Alto. Very nice day...very nice...
I'm not hungry, and I like that...instead, I'm checking out DVDs, CDs, and books...soon, I'll clue you in on the latest grand passion in Weltha World.
Meanwhile, I'm keepin' on with this...the blog, the journey, the whole thing. OH, and a special shout-out to Jana for her very kind comment the other day on my blog. Thank you, you bright and interesting woman.
I love this life. I'm going to make the very most of it I can. I absolutely love this life. Love. It.
And I love my blog-followers. Thank you for joining in on this Flight To Freedom.
Independently,
Weltha
I was just too tired.
I know, I know...if I would exercise, I would not be so tired. However, getting enough sleep matters too, which is why I am charting my sleep. And the truth is, I haven't been getting enough sleep due to the simple fact that I like to stay up late, but have to get up for work the next day. Dang it. Sounds like one more "opportunity" to say no to the not-so-great choices and yes to the great ones...including going to bed early. Where, oh where, is Mom when I need her to tell me it's bedtime, and no arguments, Missy...?
I've been a bit out of sorts from yesterday, but am much better today. I had a day at work where in 15 minutes, I was confronted with 2 mistakes and a "I wasn't quite sure on something and did a minor incorrect thing." And I suffer at moments from perfectionism, and I have a hard time some days facing that I am not perfect. Not now, not gonna be, not ever.
And then the whole, "why am I overweight?" thing starts kicking in.
But I did say to myself, "Weltha, you are not perfect. You make mistakes, and some days, you make more of them. And some days, you make fewer of them. And you are doing something about being overweight. So get over it." Which I did.
This is one great Saturday--I went to breakfast at Scott the Bagelman's Old School Bagel Cafe with my friend Keith the English Prof and had a great time. Poodle and I have been trying to reach each other and will connect later today. Went shopping for shirts (found two I adore...) and then on to the GREAT Central Library where I saw the grown-up son of old friends, Young Kenneth, and had a lovely chat with him and his girlfriend. Altogether satisfying. Oh, and last night, a very nice call from Kat the Fellow Alto. Very nice day...very nice...
I'm not hungry, and I like that...instead, I'm checking out DVDs, CDs, and books...soon, I'll clue you in on the latest grand passion in Weltha World.
Meanwhile, I'm keepin' on with this...the blog, the journey, the whole thing. OH, and a special shout-out to Jana for her very kind comment the other day on my blog. Thank you, you bright and interesting woman.
I love this life. I'm going to make the very most of it I can. I absolutely love this life. Love. It.
And I love my blog-followers. Thank you for joining in on this Flight To Freedom.
Independently,
Weltha
Friday, January 14, 2011
Day the 67th
Somebody just shoot me...all right, I'm kidding on that unless it's the "I'm ready for my close-up now, Mr. DeMille" sort of shoot me...it's Friday, and I seem to be finding (or being confronted with) all of my mistakes for this week...
All right, there are three, but they feel like...3 million. Am I the only person who ever struggles with this?
However! Back to the topic at hand. NO, I did not exercise last night but I had a sort-of excuse. My pay check (I get paid once a week) came last night, and I was so overjoyed, and it was already 7:30 or so, that I:
All right, there are three, but they feel like...3 million. Am I the only person who ever struggles with this?
However! Back to the topic at hand. NO, I did not exercise last night but I had a sort-of excuse. My pay check (I get paid once a week) came last night, and I was so overjoyed, and it was already 7:30 or so, that I:
- Cashed it
- Bought cat food and litter
- Went to dinner at Pei Wei (yes, and I got steamed edamame and Asian Chopped Chicken Salad, which I adoooooooooooooore)
- Went to the Wal-Mart Super Center where I bought more cute separates including a muted purple hoodie. Well, why not? Yes, I paid some bills, too.
- Went home - and by this time, it was around 9:30, and I needed to...feed the cats, change their water, and scoop their box. And...
- Cut the labels off everything and put them away.
No, I didn't think it was a great excuse either, but by the time I was done, it was after 10 pm and well, I was tired, doggone it! And I still needed to take a shower because I felt tired and...tired.
So...we're gettin' on it this weekend. I mean, gettin' on it. Tonight, 8 minutes on the rebounder (because last night would have been 7 minutes...) and tomorrow, 9 minutes, and 10 minutes on Sunday and OH WHERE WILL THE MADNESS END?
Major shout-out to Jana for her comment on FB that she was following my blog and for congratulating me on this journey. Thank you! A girl needs all the help she can get!
I did, however, remember what I wanted to blog about. I have started a journal for the blog--I journal how much water I have drunk, taking vitamins and supplements, how much sleep I got (we're not doin' too hot on this one. I am simply not going to bed early enough), what I ate, whether or not I exercised and what I did, my mood (right now, it's my yickity face), things for which I am grateful, something good or kind I did for someone else, something nice I did for myself, and finally, a recap of the day. Yes, it wears me out, too.
BUT IT CAUSES ME TO BE MINDFUL OF WHAT I AM DOING INSTEAD OF JUST DRIFTING THROUGH THE DAYS..."SORTA" TRYING TO GET MORE REST, EAT BETTER, DRINK MORE WATER, ETC.
I find that American life (and you folks elsewhere feel free to chime in and tell me if it's different where you are) is conducive to being on auto-pilot. We get ourselves WAY too busy, and then we either fret over the past or we wish we were in the future ("I wish the weekend were here!"). Our minds are too busy and over-stimulated. We don't ever rest in the moment. We are elsewhere all the time.
That's part of the reason I am an Anglican (that and my addiction to incense...). You can't go into auto-pilot in the service and expect to get anything out of it. You have to be there. There is too much to do to just drift. It works well with my over-busy mind.
So...here is to a weekend of mindfulness. A weekend where I live in and enjoy and cherish and value the moment I'm in instead of regretting and trying to "redo" the past, or wishing my life away for a mythical future.
I plan to enjoy every bite of food instead of regretting things I shouldn't have eaten (too late, baby) or worrying about what I might eat that I shouldn't.
How about you....?
Independently,
Weltha
Thursday, January 13, 2011
Day the 66th
Reader, I did it. I exercised. Yes, yes, I did.
All right...it was "only" 6 minutes on the rebounder,at a pace that wouldn't make a real athlete breathe harder. At all. But then, I'm not a real athlete. Just a middle-aged woman who is overweight and out of shape--but not for long...
I now have a dedicated work-out outfit, and I have a plan. I'm increasing the time 1 minute per day until I reach 30 minutes. Then, I am working on running faster and harder on my charming little rebounder. When I've pushed that pretty far, I'm increasing the time again 1 minute per day until I hit 45 minutes. I'm going to post every single day about this. Oh, next Weigh-In Wednesday is January 26, 2011. Mark your calendars...
Got a feelin' that I'm going to love this. Right now is the hard part--the getting started, but I had a major sense of accomplishment last night.
The journey of a thousand miles begins with but a single step.
I have taken that step. We're goin' on it now!
And ate yogurt with blueberries, walnuts, agave (a sweetener with a low glycemic index--so it doesn't make your blood sugar spike and trigger a flood of insulin from your pancreas...this is all not good for you and I don't want to take time to go into it. You can get agave at the grocery store these days. It's all the rage), and cashew butter. Oh, the yogurt is the wonderful Fage Greek yogurt--which is thicker AND it is higher in protein. It's good stuff--and if you read the label, Fage doesn't have a bunch of (or any) junk in it.
And had a pear. A Bosc...and my other Boscs need to ripen more. They were--in the words of my late and dear mother--as hard as brick bats. I guess that's pretty hard...
I DID IT. WOO HOO FOR WELTHA!
Independently,
Weltha
All right...it was "only" 6 minutes on the rebounder,at a pace that wouldn't make a real athlete breathe harder. At all. But then, I'm not a real athlete. Just a middle-aged woman who is overweight and out of shape--but not for long...
I now have a dedicated work-out outfit, and I have a plan. I'm increasing the time 1 minute per day until I reach 30 minutes. Then, I am working on running faster and harder on my charming little rebounder. When I've pushed that pretty far, I'm increasing the time again 1 minute per day until I hit 45 minutes. I'm going to post every single day about this. Oh, next Weigh-In Wednesday is January 26, 2011. Mark your calendars...
Got a feelin' that I'm going to love this. Right now is the hard part--the getting started, but I had a major sense of accomplishment last night.
The journey of a thousand miles begins with but a single step.
I have taken that step. We're goin' on it now!
And ate yogurt with blueberries, walnuts, agave (a sweetener with a low glycemic index--so it doesn't make your blood sugar spike and trigger a flood of insulin from your pancreas...this is all not good for you and I don't want to take time to go into it. You can get agave at the grocery store these days. It's all the rage), and cashew butter. Oh, the yogurt is the wonderful Fage Greek yogurt--which is thicker AND it is higher in protein. It's good stuff--and if you read the label, Fage doesn't have a bunch of (or any) junk in it.
And had a pear. A Bosc...and my other Boscs need to ripen more. They were--in the words of my late and dear mother--as hard as brick bats. I guess that's pretty hard...
I DID IT. WOO HOO FOR WELTHA!
Independently,
Weltha
Wednesday, January 12, 2011
Day the 65th WEIGH-IN WEDNESDAY
I love the name Weigh-In Wednesday. As a literature major, I'm all about the alliteration.
What I don't love is the weighing-in itself and the anxiety of wondering if my weight will simply be the same, perhaps (please, God, please...if you're there...please) have gone down, or (horrors, look away from it...) have gone up for some mysterious and evil reason.
And here is the moment you are waiting for...233 pounds.
And no, I'm not thrilled. I'm not dropping weight as fast as I did back in 1988. Whoa! There's a news flash--at the age of 57 all right I said it and it's true, I'm not dropping weight as fast as I did at age 34. I mean, is anyone else not surprised by this? Come on, I'm...23 years older.
Yes, yes, post-menopause (sorry, Scott and all male readers...) blah-de-blah-blah-blah...but here is the real truth (as opposed to what? the "fake truth"? Are you like me and the phrase "true facts" makes you cringe because are there really false facts? I mean...isn't a fact something that is so, that is true?)
Woops...back to the real truth: I am not exercising. And that's a major part of it. I need to work off calories and build muscle--exercise itself will raise my metabolism and keep it higher, and muscle mass burns calories anyhoodle.
I think I'm going to have to bite the bullet and insist that Weltha here exercise for at least 30 minutes 5 x a week. I am hoping it's like the cleaning--once I get started on it, it will become...addictive. And I think I'm going to have to INSIST that I do it when I get home from work. And go home first rather than wending my way (I love that phrase...I love to wend my way...I think a way is more...romantic and leisurely when it is...went? wended? something else? I am too lazy to get myself on dictionary.com) to one of our libraries first. Or at least, I can only go in and turn in books, etc. and grab new things, not get on FB and play Mafia Wars...
And that rebounder. DANG, but I'm going to have to get with it. And my Shake Weight? I could do that in the morning before work AND do it in the evening after work. I mean, it's SIX STINKIN' MINUTES with a DVD. How hard is that?
I might even have to resort to using a star chart...
Oh and yes, I did have dinner last night--I had an eggplant going bad (bad eggplant, bad eggplant...you need to turn your life around...) so I sliced it up and cooked it in olive oil (yes, the extra virgin variety and no, I'm not Rachel Ray who doesn't do it for me so I don't call it "EVOO"--what's the matter, Rachel? seven syllables too much for you? Sorry, I digress...my snark is coming out here...) and added Ume Plum Vinegar for whang and for the alkylinizing properities, sesame oil for oriental-osity, garlic for...garlic, Trappey's Bull Sauce for heat and flavor, ginger for that oriental thing goin' on, smoky Paprikah for...taste and smokiness and then cooked it until it was a purple batch of hot yummy, lathered it in fresh cilantro and gave it a shower of toasted sesame seeds. Yes, it was a lovely hot dish, and only with difficulty did I keep the cats from it. I will eat eggplant any way you can imagine. It is my one true food love.
You know, I thought of some really cool thing to talk about on my blog and now I have forgotten it. All right...memory, come back, come back, wherever you are...
So...I am going to post those doggone pictures later this week, and I am going to lead off EACH post with what I've done (or not done...and I hope I don't have to confess this...) in terms of EXERCISE because it's time to get serious about all of this.
And more salad at home.
Say a novena, burn incense, start a fast, but I need you on board with me for this exercise thing.
NOW, I NEED SOME IDEAS--WHAT HAVE YOU DONE IN TERMS OF GETTING YOURSELF EXERCISING? PARTICULARLY IN THIS POLAR BLIZZARD WEATHER?
Thanks women (and men...). Can't do this without you. Can't. Just can't.
Independently,
Weltha
What I don't love is the weighing-in itself and the anxiety of wondering if my weight will simply be the same, perhaps (please, God, please...if you're there...please) have gone down, or (horrors, look away from it...) have gone up for some mysterious and evil reason.
And here is the moment you are waiting for...233 pounds.
And no, I'm not thrilled. I'm not dropping weight as fast as I did back in 1988. Whoa! There's a news flash--at the age of 57 all right I said it and it's true, I'm not dropping weight as fast as I did at age 34. I mean, is anyone else not surprised by this? Come on, I'm...23 years older.
Yes, yes, post-menopause (sorry, Scott and all male readers...) blah-de-blah-blah-blah...but here is the real truth (as opposed to what? the "fake truth"? Are you like me and the phrase "true facts" makes you cringe because are there really false facts? I mean...isn't a fact something that is so, that is true?)
Woops...back to the real truth: I am not exercising. And that's a major part of it. I need to work off calories and build muscle--exercise itself will raise my metabolism and keep it higher, and muscle mass burns calories anyhoodle.
I think I'm going to have to bite the bullet and insist that Weltha here exercise for at least 30 minutes 5 x a week. I am hoping it's like the cleaning--once I get started on it, it will become...addictive. And I think I'm going to have to INSIST that I do it when I get home from work. And go home first rather than wending my way (I love that phrase...I love to wend my way...I think a way is more...romantic and leisurely when it is...went? wended? something else? I am too lazy to get myself on dictionary.com) to one of our libraries first. Or at least, I can only go in and turn in books, etc. and grab new things, not get on FB and play Mafia Wars...
And that rebounder. DANG, but I'm going to have to get with it. And my Shake Weight? I could do that in the morning before work AND do it in the evening after work. I mean, it's SIX STINKIN' MINUTES with a DVD. How hard is that?
I might even have to resort to using a star chart...
Oh and yes, I did have dinner last night--I had an eggplant going bad (bad eggplant, bad eggplant...you need to turn your life around...) so I sliced it up and cooked it in olive oil (yes, the extra virgin variety and no, I'm not Rachel Ray who doesn't do it for me so I don't call it "EVOO"--what's the matter, Rachel? seven syllables too much for you? Sorry, I digress...my snark is coming out here...) and added Ume Plum Vinegar for whang and for the alkylinizing properities, sesame oil for oriental-osity, garlic for...garlic, Trappey's Bull Sauce for heat and flavor, ginger for that oriental thing goin' on, smoky Paprikah for...taste and smokiness and then cooked it until it was a purple batch of hot yummy, lathered it in fresh cilantro and gave it a shower of toasted sesame seeds. Yes, it was a lovely hot dish, and only with difficulty did I keep the cats from it. I will eat eggplant any way you can imagine. It is my one true food love.
You know, I thought of some really cool thing to talk about on my blog and now I have forgotten it. All right...memory, come back, come back, wherever you are...
So...I am going to post those doggone pictures later this week, and I am going to lead off EACH post with what I've done (or not done...and I hope I don't have to confess this...) in terms of EXERCISE because it's time to get serious about all of this.
And more salad at home.
Say a novena, burn incense, start a fast, but I need you on board with me for this exercise thing.
NOW, I NEED SOME IDEAS--WHAT HAVE YOU DONE IN TERMS OF GETTING YOURSELF EXERCISING? PARTICULARLY IN THIS POLAR BLIZZARD WEATHER?
Thanks women (and men...). Can't do this without you. Can't. Just can't.
Independently,
Weltha
Tuesday, January 11, 2011
Day the 64th--Weigh-In Wednesday Tomorrow!
Oh yummy yum yum!
That's my response to last night's little dinner...of Fage Greek Yogurt, sweetened with raw amber Aguave, with walnuts (Omega 3s), blueberries (antioxidents), and...East Wind Cashew Butter. It was so good and so easy...so very easy.
Tomorrow is WEIGH-IN WEDNESDAY. And I'm not sure what will happen because today I had some of my microwave popcorn--a friend sent it at Christmas and it was only "salt added" and I got a...hankerin' to have some.
The bag was too big for one person. And I could taste and feel the oils in it (and not in a good way, either). By the end, I felt...sort of sick. And so...no dinner for me tonight because I just don't feel like eating. At all. So, as lovely a gift as it was, I'm giving the rest away. I think it was too salty and just...not good for me. In the future, I'm going to pop a few teaspoons of popcorn at home, with good oils, and then...maybe a light sprinkle of Parmesano-Reggiano or whatever it is.
You know, I could have had more yogurt, but noooooooo...I wanted popcorn. Heaven only knows if this is gonna hold water weight on me like a big dog.
And of course, I haven't been exercising. I wonder if any other middle-aged women have this problem. Now, if I could find a spinning bike, set it up in the living room and spin on it while I watch a movie...there's a thought...
But it won't be Tony Little's "The Gazelle"--honestly, he wears me out to where I just want to go take a nap...
Lunch today was my typical salad, but I'm getting tired of the coleslaw at work and am going to HAVE to make Julie's recipe. And doctor it up. Life is too short to be getting into such a rut...
All right...tomorrow is the big day--see you tomorrow AND I will--I WILL be posting new pics this week. Just lazy is what it was!
Independently,
Weltha
That's my response to last night's little dinner...of Fage Greek Yogurt, sweetened with raw amber Aguave, with walnuts (Omega 3s), blueberries (antioxidents), and...East Wind Cashew Butter. It was so good and so easy...so very easy.
Tomorrow is WEIGH-IN WEDNESDAY. And I'm not sure what will happen because today I had some of my microwave popcorn--a friend sent it at Christmas and it was only "salt added" and I got a...hankerin' to have some.
The bag was too big for one person. And I could taste and feel the oils in it (and not in a good way, either). By the end, I felt...sort of sick. And so...no dinner for me tonight because I just don't feel like eating. At all. So, as lovely a gift as it was, I'm giving the rest away. I think it was too salty and just...not good for me. In the future, I'm going to pop a few teaspoons of popcorn at home, with good oils, and then...maybe a light sprinkle of Parmesano-Reggiano or whatever it is.
You know, I could have had more yogurt, but noooooooo...I wanted popcorn. Heaven only knows if this is gonna hold water weight on me like a big dog.
And of course, I haven't been exercising. I wonder if any other middle-aged women have this problem. Now, if I could find a spinning bike, set it up in the living room and spin on it while I watch a movie...there's a thought...
But it won't be Tony Little's "The Gazelle"--honestly, he wears me out to where I just want to go take a nap...
Lunch today was my typical salad, but I'm getting tired of the coleslaw at work and am going to HAVE to make Julie's recipe. And doctor it up. Life is too short to be getting into such a rut...
All right...tomorrow is the big day--see you tomorrow AND I will--I WILL be posting new pics this week. Just lazy is what it was!
Independently,
Weltha
Monday, January 10, 2011
Day the 63rd - Saturday and Sunday are below
Just scroll down, little blogglings, to see Saturday 1/8 and Sunday 1/9 (and I messed up the date on at least one and am I going to fix it? No.......)
Today, I had more yummy salad for lunch but didn't have breakfast. This is a bad habit and one I need to break. You have to put fuel in the engine to make it run--and by "engine" I mean your metabolism. Skipping meals is a GREAT way to slow down your metabolism. I will do better.
However, all things considered, fasting is great for you. Whether it's just water that you take in, or just fruit or whatever kind of fast, it's good for you. Yes, yes, there are all sorts of spiritual benefits, but this is not that kind of blog and I'm not beating my blog-following to death playing switch and bait...they think it's a blog on eating normally and losing excess weight, and next thing you know, I'm preaching at people...
Not gonna do it...wouldn't be prudent. Besides, I promised.
It's snowing outside. Not much, and it's not sticking on the ground. It's sticking a bit on vehicles, but looks as if it should come off easily.
Depending on what "it's like out there", I may or may not go to the library and then go to the store...and I need to get gas, and oh, I need to go by the health food store...what was UP with me? I should have gotten out yesterday but hindsite...is such a major cliche...
I am by golly going to get exercise tonight OR ELSE. (or else I won't...but I really need to do this...)
I wish it wouldn't snow...that is, I wish it wouldn't make driving crazy. If it only stuck where we don't drive and not on cars, I would be all over it...
And yes, I do know how to drive in snow so there...yes, I do too now stop arguing with me!
I think tonight's entree is going to be this eggplant salad I have been lusting over...will post results.
Thanks for stickin' in here...I hate missing blog days!
Independently,
Weltha
Today, I had more yummy salad for lunch but didn't have breakfast. This is a bad habit and one I need to break. You have to put fuel in the engine to make it run--and by "engine" I mean your metabolism. Skipping meals is a GREAT way to slow down your metabolism. I will do better.
However, all things considered, fasting is great for you. Whether it's just water that you take in, or just fruit or whatever kind of fast, it's good for you. Yes, yes, there are all sorts of spiritual benefits, but this is not that kind of blog and I'm not beating my blog-following to death playing switch and bait...they think it's a blog on eating normally and losing excess weight, and next thing you know, I'm preaching at people...
Not gonna do it...wouldn't be prudent. Besides, I promised.
It's snowing outside. Not much, and it's not sticking on the ground. It's sticking a bit on vehicles, but looks as if it should come off easily.
Depending on what "it's like out there", I may or may not go to the library and then go to the store...and I need to get gas, and oh, I need to go by the health food store...what was UP with me? I should have gotten out yesterday but hindsite...is such a major cliche...
I am by golly going to get exercise tonight OR ELSE. (or else I won't...but I really need to do this...)
I wish it wouldn't snow...that is, I wish it wouldn't make driving crazy. If it only stuck where we don't drive and not on cars, I would be all over it...
And yes, I do know how to drive in snow so there...yes, I do too now stop arguing with me!
I think tonight's entree is going to be this eggplant salad I have been lusting over...will post results.
Thanks for stickin' in here...I hate missing blog days!
Independently,
Weltha
Day the 62nd Sunday 1/10/11
And this is gonna be fast...Sunday...I ate nothing. I mean, I meant to eat something but I got into Major Cleaning Mode, and the day just zipped by as I cleaned in the kitchen, cleaned some more in the bathroom, cleaned on a closet in the bedroom...
I cleaned, Reader. I cleaned.
And I drank water.
And periodically, I sat down and read a book or crocheted on Jenny's baby's afghan or watched a movie.
But mostly, I cleaned.
It's like a metaphor for weight loss...we clean up our eating, we clean up our food habits, we clean out our bodies by not eating junk and by eating GOOD FOOD--and it's contagious. Each little change leads us to the next.
So here we are, 10 days after New Year's. Make a step. Even a small one. Conquer it. See how contagious success is.
Don't try to change everything at once. Change just a few--maybe just one.
And watch what happens. Does anyone have a success story out there?
Independently,
Weltha
I cleaned, Reader. I cleaned.
And I drank water.
And periodically, I sat down and read a book or crocheted on Jenny's baby's afghan or watched a movie.
But mostly, I cleaned.
It's like a metaphor for weight loss...we clean up our eating, we clean up our food habits, we clean out our bodies by not eating junk and by eating GOOD FOOD--and it's contagious. Each little change leads us to the next.
So here we are, 10 days after New Year's. Make a step. Even a small one. Conquer it. See how contagious success is.
Don't try to change everything at once. Change just a few--maybe just one.
And watch what happens. Does anyone have a success story out there?
Independently,
Weltha
Day the 61st Saturday 1/8/11
Girlfriend here took a break...no, not really a break from blogging as such, but a break from wandering around in the cold. Yes, it's cold here in Home Town, USA...well, we think it's cold...although I'm sure the good citizens of Alaska would snort and snicker at our concept of cold...
And now I have 30 followers. This is beyond exciting...I mean, I expected my friends, but now, I have some of The Ringmaster's crowd joinin' up and ridin' the Big Bus To Weight Control, and that's pretty tasty livin'...
Let's see...what did I do on Saturday? Reader, I cleaned.
Do you ever have trouble getting to those closests and drawers stuffed with...junk? I sure do. So...I vacuumed first and felt terribly virtuous. Then, I cleaned out the two drawers in the bathroom. And sprayed them to keep away the bugs and whatnot...then laid down that plastic see-through stuff that costs $1 at the Dollar Tree. (If you don't have a Dollar Tree where you live, raise a ruckus and get one. It's great...much better than some of the others that are really not stores with everything for $1.)
And then I threw things away with abandon. I mean, I'm becoming a new me, so I need to get rid of the non-new-me stuff. And I am...
I meant to go to the library, but by the time I had messed with the bathroom drawers, gotten dressed and just made myself look fabulous, there was no time. And because I'm mixin' it up these weeks in January, I tried to go to a library I have never visited, and I got there...too late. Ah well...after that, I went to the WONDERFUL D'Novo (thank you again, Grammy Jean, for my gift card) for a field greens salad with grilled asparagus and lovely raspberry vinaigrette dressing, topped with a chicken boob marinated in lemon grass. I know...I said "boob." Go with it, okay? Anyhoodle, it was...wonderful.
Then, off to Target to look. I love to look at Target...such great things to see. Then...off to one of our Barnes and Noble bookstores, where I read a book on activism and one by the Lee Brothers on Southern cookin'...when $35 is burning a hole in my pocket, that puppy is mine. I'm already in love with several of the updated Southern classics they feature.
Home, and to bed...and as it turned out, my 500-calorie meal at D'Novo was all I ate. This isn't a bright idea to lose weight...I just got busy. And skipping meals is never a good idea if your goal is weight control.
Oh, I had such a good Saturday...I did, I did.
Independently,
Weltha
And now I have 30 followers. This is beyond exciting...I mean, I expected my friends, but now, I have some of The Ringmaster's crowd joinin' up and ridin' the Big Bus To Weight Control, and that's pretty tasty livin'...
Let's see...what did I do on Saturday? Reader, I cleaned.
Do you ever have trouble getting to those closests and drawers stuffed with...junk? I sure do. So...I vacuumed first and felt terribly virtuous. Then, I cleaned out the two drawers in the bathroom. And sprayed them to keep away the bugs and whatnot...then laid down that plastic see-through stuff that costs $1 at the Dollar Tree. (If you don't have a Dollar Tree where you live, raise a ruckus and get one. It's great...much better than some of the others that are really not stores with everything for $1.)
And then I threw things away with abandon. I mean, I'm becoming a new me, so I need to get rid of the non-new-me stuff. And I am...
I meant to go to the library, but by the time I had messed with the bathroom drawers, gotten dressed and just made myself look fabulous, there was no time. And because I'm mixin' it up these weeks in January, I tried to go to a library I have never visited, and I got there...too late. Ah well...after that, I went to the WONDERFUL D'Novo (thank you again, Grammy Jean, for my gift card) for a field greens salad with grilled asparagus and lovely raspberry vinaigrette dressing, topped with a chicken boob marinated in lemon grass. I know...I said "boob." Go with it, okay? Anyhoodle, it was...wonderful.
Then, off to Target to look. I love to look at Target...such great things to see. Then...off to one of our Barnes and Noble bookstores, where I read a book on activism and one by the Lee Brothers on Southern cookin'...when $35 is burning a hole in my pocket, that puppy is mine. I'm already in love with several of the updated Southern classics they feature.
Home, and to bed...and as it turned out, my 500-calorie meal at D'Novo was all I ate. This isn't a bright idea to lose weight...I just got busy. And skipping meals is never a good idea if your goal is weight control.
Oh, I had such a good Saturday...I did, I did.
Independently,
Weltha
Friday, January 7, 2011
Day the 60th
Holy moly, I've been doin' this 60 days AND I have 29 followers. Thanks for joinin' up, newbies!
By the way, when I went to change this to Verdana (that's this font), I first hit Webdings and it looked so delightful, I just had to post it for all its squee-ness:
Holy moly, I've been doin' this 60 days AND I have 29 followers. Thanks for joinin' up, newbies!
Who knew?
Oh, am I looking forward to the weekend. I managed to get my apartment on the road to really clean and organized this week. I mean, there is plenty more to do (can you say "hidden inside the closets"?), but it was a start and there is light at the end of the proverbial cliche here...
It's funny that when you get just one area of life in some vague semblance of order (me not being the Queen of Sonic anymore...) that other areas seem to fall into line, too. I love this. Love it. Love. It.
Meanwhile, whatever sickosity was going on with me and the sinuses seems to have moved on--what with drinking the oceans dry, taking Echinacea, and going to bed [for me] early.
And now...a very true confession. I was a biology major as an undergrad (this is not the confession...), so I get a bit graphic at times. I never want anyone to be readin' away at this blog and go "Ewwwwwwwwww.....", but here it is. Last year, I had a bladder infection. We've all had those...most of us, right? Well, I had a doozy, and it just went on and on. Then, once it was done, I had...that's right...ding! ding! ding! ding!...incontinence. I once had to define this for someone, and I found that even more embarrassing if possible than admitting that I had it. Anyhoodle, I developed stress and urge incontinence (and you can Google these...), and it made my life a living purgatory. I mean, I won't go into the details, but I was having major problems. Major. I was even worried that I had some sort of permanent damage thanks to the lovely bladder infection.
Then I stopped eating junk. I started losing weight (as of 60 days ago...) and I am not having nearly the problems I was having. Week by week, this bad boy is going away. As in "away." Yes, I am very satisfied. I feel so much better. And not just physically either...I was feelin' old...and I'm only...57. That's right. Only 57 (and yes, pictures next week, all right and get off my back about it...;-Q
All right, enough with the clinical details.
Today, I drank loads of water, ate some lovely cashew butter, read about foods to help lose weight (and I'm eating most of them), and had a salad at lunch (because I LOVE salad....) and then had a whole avocado at my break. That's right, so buttery and smooth and subtle. I love avocados.
Oh, and last night I treated myself to the WONDERFUL Helen of Troy take-out and got baba ghanoush and warm pita. Took it home and while the cats were busy with their dinners, I had mine. Such a treat when I had felt so awful. So very awful. Not sick-sick, just...not good.
What a wonderful group of blog followers I have...I love you all. And welcome to the newbs out there...I am so tickled that total strangers are following me. Tell your friends...tell your relatives...tell it to the Marines...
Independently,
Weltha
By the way, when I went to change this to Verdana (that's this font), I first hit Webdings and it looked so delightful, I just had to post it for all its squee-ness:
Holy moly, I've been doin' this 60 days AND I have 29 followers. Thanks for joinin' up, newbies!
Who knew?
Oh, am I looking forward to the weekend. I managed to get my apartment on the road to really clean and organized this week. I mean, there is plenty more to do (can you say "hidden inside the closets"?), but it was a start and there is light at the end of the proverbial cliche here...
It's funny that when you get just one area of life in some vague semblance of order (me not being the Queen of Sonic anymore...) that other areas seem to fall into line, too. I love this. Love it. Love. It.
Meanwhile, whatever sickosity was going on with me and the sinuses seems to have moved on--what with drinking the oceans dry, taking Echinacea, and going to bed [for me] early.
And now...a very true confession. I was a biology major as an undergrad (this is not the confession...), so I get a bit graphic at times. I never want anyone to be readin' away at this blog and go "Ewwwwwwwwww.....", but here it is. Last year, I had a bladder infection. We've all had those...most of us, right? Well, I had a doozy, and it just went on and on. Then, once it was done, I had...that's right...ding! ding! ding! ding!...incontinence. I once had to define this for someone, and I found that even more embarrassing if possible than admitting that I had it. Anyhoodle, I developed stress and urge incontinence (and you can Google these...), and it made my life a living purgatory. I mean, I won't go into the details, but I was having major problems. Major. I was even worried that I had some sort of permanent damage thanks to the lovely bladder infection.
Then I stopped eating junk. I started losing weight (as of 60 days ago...) and I am not having nearly the problems I was having. Week by week, this bad boy is going away. As in "away." Yes, I am very satisfied. I feel so much better. And not just physically either...I was feelin' old...and I'm only...57. That's right. Only 57 (and yes, pictures next week, all right and get off my back about it...;-Q
All right, enough with the clinical details.
Today, I drank loads of water, ate some lovely cashew butter, read about foods to help lose weight (and I'm eating most of them), and had a salad at lunch (because I LOVE salad....) and then had a whole avocado at my break. That's right, so buttery and smooth and subtle. I love avocados.
Oh, and last night I treated myself to the WONDERFUL Helen of Troy take-out and got baba ghanoush and warm pita. Took it home and while the cats were busy with their dinners, I had mine. Such a treat when I had felt so awful. So very awful. Not sick-sick, just...not good.
What a wonderful group of blog followers I have...I love you all. And welcome to the newbs out there...I am so tickled that total strangers are following me. Tell your friends...tell your relatives...tell it to the Marines...
Independently,
Weltha
Thursday, January 6, 2011
Day the 59th
This one is short and sweet...so...do you want the bad news or the good news first?
I'm going to be vague on the good news because nothing is definite...
But let's get the bad news out of the way...I am not feeling so great...in fact, I have a minor, low-level headache due to my sinuses acting up just a very little bit. And I do mean a very little bit. Thank goodness...So...I'm not going to go to my church's Epiphany service, or to the dinner afterward (boo, hiss...yes, today is EPIPHANY, the appearing of the child Jesus to the Magi...yes, this is the origin of when we say "I had an epiphany" but right now, I am gonna pass on going into this. Let Dictionary.com be your friend), or go to D'Novo for dinner (Grammy Jean, I am STILL going to use your wonderful gift card and was hoping for tonight, but alas! It was not to be...) because I'm not a big believer in eating much when you are sick.
It's not "feed a cold; starve a fever" as in those are the directions. No, it's "if you feed a cold, you will wind up having to starve a fever"--in other words, if you insist on eating a bunch of stuff to "keep up your strength", you will wind up probably sicker than ever. And don't let someone say, "Oh, you need to eat protein--here, have some steak, but don't eat salad because it's hard on you..." No, always go for the option of fresh and raw. Yes, you heard it hear first.
So...home tonight, a phone call that needs to be made, and then work, work, work after buying athe right size crochet hook for Jenny's baby afghan. I have never met Jenny, but I went to college with her mom Martha, and Jenny has become my friend through internet and FB...and when she was little, she had a doll she named Weltha. Jenny, Jenny--you just needed to get out more! Anyway, Jenny is having her baby in February, and it's so cool that this woman (whom I remember when she was a baby) is now having her first child and I get to make an afghan for him.
Oh...the good news. All right--as I said, I'm being totally vague because nothing is definite, but I just heard some news that might be a good thing for my future employment...not teaching (yet) but that will come at the right time. I am one of those people who never give up. Ever. Ever.
What I am totally loving about this blog is that I find my own life weaving in and out of the Big Weight Loss and Health Experience. That is...a good thing.
Here is hoping that you can post if you want...I am not much likin' that people have tried to post and "it" won't let them. Boo, hiss, snarl....
Yes, it has been a good day. I am...very happy.
Big love to you ALL--and welcome to my new followers--and to all the nations in which you all live....I was a little discouraged, but my hope is renewed--my determination is solid. I can't do this without you....
Independently,
Weltha
I'm going to be vague on the good news because nothing is definite...
But let's get the bad news out of the way...I am not feeling so great...in fact, I have a minor, low-level headache due to my sinuses acting up just a very little bit. And I do mean a very little bit. Thank goodness...So...I'm not going to go to my church's Epiphany service, or to the dinner afterward (boo, hiss...yes, today is EPIPHANY, the appearing of the child Jesus to the Magi...yes, this is the origin of when we say "I had an epiphany" but right now, I am gonna pass on going into this. Let Dictionary.com be your friend), or go to D'Novo for dinner (Grammy Jean, I am STILL going to use your wonderful gift card and was hoping for tonight, but alas! It was not to be...) because I'm not a big believer in eating much when you are sick.
It's not "feed a cold; starve a fever" as in those are the directions. No, it's "if you feed a cold, you will wind up having to starve a fever"--in other words, if you insist on eating a bunch of stuff to "keep up your strength", you will wind up probably sicker than ever. And don't let someone say, "Oh, you need to eat protein--here, have some steak, but don't eat salad because it's hard on you..." No, always go for the option of fresh and raw. Yes, you heard it hear first.
So...home tonight, a phone call that needs to be made, and then work, work, work after buying athe right size crochet hook for Jenny's baby afghan. I have never met Jenny, but I went to college with her mom Martha, and Jenny has become my friend through internet and FB...and when she was little, she had a doll she named Weltha. Jenny, Jenny--you just needed to get out more! Anyway, Jenny is having her baby in February, and it's so cool that this woman (whom I remember when she was a baby) is now having her first child and I get to make an afghan for him.
Oh...the good news. All right--as I said, I'm being totally vague because nothing is definite, but I just heard some news that might be a good thing for my future employment...not teaching (yet) but that will come at the right time. I am one of those people who never give up. Ever. Ever.
What I am totally loving about this blog is that I find my own life weaving in and out of the Big Weight Loss and Health Experience. That is...a good thing.
Here is hoping that you can post if you want...I am not much likin' that people have tried to post and "it" won't let them. Boo, hiss, snarl....
Yes, it has been a good day. I am...very happy.
Big love to you ALL--and welcome to my new followers--and to all the nations in which you all live....I was a little discouraged, but my hope is renewed--my determination is solid. I can't do this without you....
Independently,
Weltha
Wednesday, January 5, 2011
Day the 58th
Oh. My. Goodness. Hard as it is to believe, I have readers on this blog from Russia, from China, from Iraq, and from Germany, in addition to people in the UK, in France, in Sweden, and in Canada. And of course, the US. I've gone international!
Talk about being shocked--I almost fell out of my chair (and that's not an easy thing to do) when I saw the map today. And 24 followers...can I get an Amen? Feel free to recommend me to your friends--and while we're at it, I have 3 blogs I am currently following: Life at Tracey Speed; Ribbonwood Cottage; and Because It's My Blog. All three are listed under Blogs I Love or whatever I'm calling it...please check them out. All three are real winners, and Debbie at Ribbonwood Cottage has her own Etsy shop online with a link from her blog. If you're all about country cute stuff, Debbie's Etsy shop is for you. Tracey talks about everything and is defo for all you Christian women who want something that challenges and is thoughtful. And Ringmaster at Because It's My Blog has the snarkiest humor on earth...I think her blog needs to become a book...I do.
No, I'm not being paid for this...
I know that some of you are having problems posting on my blog, and I have NO idea why because you shouldn't be having those problems. I tried to set the...settings...to where you don't have to be signed in as a member of the blog community to comment. Why, oh why?
Today...I had a lovely ice-cold Ruby Red Texas Grapefruit for breakfast--the whole thing, yum...I love how refreshing it is, and how sweet and tart at the same time. Then for lunch, I sliced up two ice-cold Gala Apples and lathered, I think would be the word, them with the wonderful East Wind Raw Cashew Butter...oh, I am in love, people. Honestly, this stuff is just the BOMB or the bee's knees or whatever. It's so smooth and creamy--and it is raw, as I have said before--full of what's good fer ya...and no salt. And the topper as I have told you repeatedly is that it is manufactured in the Beautiful Missouri Ozarks...I swear, you could produce food in The Home State that looked and tasted like sawdust, and I would rave about it, but truth be told, East Wind has made the most incredible Cashew Butter and I'm raving on and on and on...
There. I feel better. Of course, I have the same attitude towards Missouri politicians--I mean, they have to be ax-murderers or dislike babies for me to criticize them, and let's not get into politics because I know close to nothing. Not that this is something that has ever stopped me from airing my opinions, and usually loudly and at length...
However, I do know about tea, and I am drinking some incredible hot Zhena's Red Lavender tea, made with African Red Rooibos and real lavender, and it's...so good it's almost indescribable. And Karin the Alien Parisienne gave it to me...
Probably no exercise tonight because I do not feel so wonderful...in fact, I feel a little snively. So...it's home I go, after dropping stuff off with Kat the Fellow Alto, and then home to take a hot bath and snuggle up with the cats and crochet a baby afghan...and yes, it's for Jenny...well, actually, for her baby who is visiting planet Earth for the first time in February...
Yes, I must admit that I am not looking forward to next Wednesday, January 12, Weigh-In Wednesday because I keep thinking I "have" to arrive at some certain weight...and of course, I haven't been exercising as I ought...and I will tell you the truth no matter what it is...
Will not be able to post this to FB tonight BUT...you know, you can just bookmark this blog and return to it whenever you want. I post to FB to drum up more business and interest...
And yes, I'm taking my Echinacea like a big dog tonight because I don't want to get sick again. I am sick and tired of being sick this year. Or whatever year it is.
My sparkling wit and I will return tomorrow, feeling much better!
Independently,
Weltha
Talk about being shocked--I almost fell out of my chair (and that's not an easy thing to do) when I saw the map today. And 24 followers...can I get an Amen? Feel free to recommend me to your friends--and while we're at it, I have 3 blogs I am currently following: Life at Tracey Speed; Ribbonwood Cottage; and Because It's My Blog. All three are listed under Blogs I Love or whatever I'm calling it...please check them out. All three are real winners, and Debbie at Ribbonwood Cottage has her own Etsy shop online with a link from her blog. If you're all about country cute stuff, Debbie's Etsy shop is for you. Tracey talks about everything and is defo for all you Christian women who want something that challenges and is thoughtful. And Ringmaster at Because It's My Blog has the snarkiest humor on earth...I think her blog needs to become a book...I do.
No, I'm not being paid for this...
I know that some of you are having problems posting on my blog, and I have NO idea why because you shouldn't be having those problems. I tried to set the...settings...to where you don't have to be signed in as a member of the blog community to comment. Why, oh why?
Today...I had a lovely ice-cold Ruby Red Texas Grapefruit for breakfast--the whole thing, yum...I love how refreshing it is, and how sweet and tart at the same time. Then for lunch, I sliced up two ice-cold Gala Apples and lathered, I think would be the word, them with the wonderful East Wind Raw Cashew Butter...oh, I am in love, people. Honestly, this stuff is just the BOMB or the bee's knees or whatever. It's so smooth and creamy--and it is raw, as I have said before--full of what's good fer ya...and no salt. And the topper as I have told you repeatedly is that it is manufactured in the Beautiful Missouri Ozarks...I swear, you could produce food in The Home State that looked and tasted like sawdust, and I would rave about it, but truth be told, East Wind has made the most incredible Cashew Butter and I'm raving on and on and on...
There. I feel better. Of course, I have the same attitude towards Missouri politicians--I mean, they have to be ax-murderers or dislike babies for me to criticize them, and let's not get into politics because I know close to nothing. Not that this is something that has ever stopped me from airing my opinions, and usually loudly and at length...
However, I do know about tea, and I am drinking some incredible hot Zhena's Red Lavender tea, made with African Red Rooibos and real lavender, and it's...so good it's almost indescribable. And Karin the Alien Parisienne gave it to me...
Probably no exercise tonight because I do not feel so wonderful...in fact, I feel a little snively. So...it's home I go, after dropping stuff off with Kat the Fellow Alto, and then home to take a hot bath and snuggle up with the cats and crochet a baby afghan...and yes, it's for Jenny...well, actually, for her baby who is visiting planet Earth for the first time in February...
Yes, I must admit that I am not looking forward to next Wednesday, January 12, Weigh-In Wednesday because I keep thinking I "have" to arrive at some certain weight...and of course, I haven't been exercising as I ought...and I will tell you the truth no matter what it is...
Will not be able to post this to FB tonight BUT...you know, you can just bookmark this blog and return to it whenever you want. I post to FB to drum up more business and interest...
And yes, I'm taking my Echinacea like a big dog tonight because I don't want to get sick again. I am sick and tired of being sick this year. Or whatever year it is.
My sparkling wit and I will return tomorrow, feeling much better!
Independently,
Weltha
Tuesday, January 4, 2011
Day the 57th
I'm sore...I am SO sore...and that's probably because--yes--I really got in some exercise last night, vacuuming, lifting, stooping, and carrying bags o' trash out to the dumpster. And the apartment looks...much better. I hope the sprayer guys were much impressed by it all. And I hope the cats eventually came out of hiding because they sure didn't like me vacuuming like a big dog. So to speak...
Keeping a journal is very satisfying...marking how much water and etc. has gone into me...making note of whether or not I actually exercise (I did last night!)...things for which I am grateful (often, it's people)...nice things I did for myself...kind things I did for others...my mood...I'm glad I'm doing this.
I have to admit that I was sorta bummed by the lack of weight loss last week, BUT I have to realize that inhaling jars of cashew butter just doesn't constitute an "all-natural" diet. I mean, it is natural, and no salt added, but it's very concentrated. Add to that NO EXERCISE...and there you have it.
I HAVE REALIZED SOMETHING: if I want to lose this doggone weight and lower my blood pressure, etc. I AM GOING TO HAVE TO EXERCISE REGULARLY. I know...you're shocked.
Last night, I did take myself to Pei Wei for the steamed edamame and the Asian Chopped Chicken Salad...it is so fresh and good. I totally love Pei Wei. As in, this is my one true love...
In addition, Grammy Jean gave me a WONDERFUL gift card to D'Novo--the excellent restaurant where every dish is delicious and every dish is 500 calories. What's not to love about THAT? I may use it soon. This week and next week are sorta low-dollar weeks, where I have to be careful...
But enough of that! I'm excited about more exercise and more weight-loss. Women (and men...), I am FIFTY-SEVEN YEARS OLD and I am convinced I can lose this weight and look good and feel great.
I enter this year so hopeful about the future. And here's a challenge--if you haven't posted your "adding to your life" resolutions here, I would love to have this be a place for you to do that.
And what are your dreams? Mine is to teach full-time at a college or university, to write some books, and to work with Christian schools to develop an excellent English curriculum and educate them and the families they serve concerning the value and power of literature.
That's not too much to ask, is it?
Independently,
Weltha
Keeping a journal is very satisfying...marking how much water and etc. has gone into me...making note of whether or not I actually exercise (I did last night!)...things for which I am grateful (often, it's people)...nice things I did for myself...kind things I did for others...my mood...I'm glad I'm doing this.
I have to admit that I was sorta bummed by the lack of weight loss last week, BUT I have to realize that inhaling jars of cashew butter just doesn't constitute an "all-natural" diet. I mean, it is natural, and no salt added, but it's very concentrated. Add to that NO EXERCISE...and there you have it.
I HAVE REALIZED SOMETHING: if I want to lose this doggone weight and lower my blood pressure, etc. I AM GOING TO HAVE TO EXERCISE REGULARLY. I know...you're shocked.
Last night, I did take myself to Pei Wei for the steamed edamame and the Asian Chopped Chicken Salad...it is so fresh and good. I totally love Pei Wei. As in, this is my one true love...
In addition, Grammy Jean gave me a WONDERFUL gift card to D'Novo--the excellent restaurant where every dish is delicious and every dish is 500 calories. What's not to love about THAT? I may use it soon. This week and next week are sorta low-dollar weeks, where I have to be careful...
But enough of that! I'm excited about more exercise and more weight-loss. Women (and men...), I am FIFTY-SEVEN YEARS OLD and I am convinced I can lose this weight and look good and feel great.
I enter this year so hopeful about the future. And here's a challenge--if you haven't posted your "adding to your life" resolutions here, I would love to have this be a place for you to do that.
And what are your dreams? Mine is to teach full-time at a college or university, to write some books, and to work with Christian schools to develop an excellent English curriculum and educate them and the families they serve concerning the value and power of literature.
That's not too much to ask, is it?
Independently,
Weltha
Monday, January 3, 2011
Day the 56th
Ooooooooooooooooooh, I'm so excited!
Okay, for 2 reasons:
Okay, for 2 reasons:
- Last night, I got some exercise! I live across from a river, and I walked on the trail along the river (the lovely Riverwalk) down to our Pedestrian Bridge across the river (which was sadly closed. The bridge--not the river...). No, it wasn't very far, but it has been forever (For. Ever.) since I went for a walk outside. This is very big--it's HUGE, and I am planning as the days lengthen to do more of it.
- I'm RIGHT! I read in an article on Yahoo about dealing with holiday weight gain. Now, I didn't lose much if any weight, but I didn't put on a bunch either. And I found that WHAT I AM DOING already is the right thing: staying away from sugar and salt / making water my BFF / not obsessing over the scale / and loading up on vegetables and fruits.
Yes, I'm totally jazzed about both of these.
I ate way too much salad today at lunch--I mean, I was the Queen of Coleslaw and now I don't feel like eating. Period. This was Not A Good Thing, and I don't think I will repeat this. I ate way too fast, and I didn't drink water beforehand. I am learning...
Bunch of housework to do tonight because tomorrow is the day the sprayers come to my apt and it's like having the cleaning person show up: you want it to look nice, and I need to dust and vacuum and put things away...etc. That will provide some exercise, and I'm throwing out some junk (do you accumulate "stuff" that has no use?) so up and down the steps to the trash will be great exercise.
I look forward to 2011. How about you? ("I like New York in June...how about you?")
Gotta go!
Independently,
Weltha
Sunday, January 2, 2011
Day the 55th
Read it here first...I have started a new journal.
This journal details:
This journal details:
- How much water I drink each day
- How much of my supplements and vitamins I take each day
- Overall, what I eat
- My mood
- How much SLEEP I managed to get the night before
- Movement--exercise, walking, carrying stuff out to the trash, housework...anything
- 5 things for which I am grateful that day
- One thing that is kind or thoughtful or good that I have done for someone else that day
- One thing that I have done for myself
And I think that's it! A friend does this each day--Poodle--and I decided to do it, too.
Went to Pei Wei for lunch today, and had 2 servings of steamed edamame ("no salt") and it was so good and fun to eat. Saw Susan who works there and is a friend from before I started going to Pei Wei. And this morning, my breakfast was a beautiful, ripe, juicy Ruby Red Grapefruit from Texas...those Texans sure know how to grow grapefruit...
Here's the deal--this works for me. I like eating this way. I wasn't hungry afterwards until I realized "hey, it's lunch time and yes, I do want something to eat!" I love that...
I am taking a little vacation and visiting some other churches that I have longed to see, as in loooooooooonged...St. Jerome's is my home, but it's fun to go on a trip so you can doubly enjoy coming home and staying there. Today, I visited Trinity with my friend Keith the English Prof and we sat with Bill the Presence. Such a beautiful service--a great homily--incredible music--gorgeous, awe-inspiring nave--lovely people. It was so cool to be there. I'm going to visit there and Holy Family a few times before wending my way back home.
And it's back on the Correct Eating and Weight Loss Trail I go! Who's with me?
And hey! post your New Year's Resolutions!
Love you and thank you for joining me...
Independently,
Weltha
Day the 54th New Year's Day
So, I was a total bum today, after my big "St. Crispin's Day Speech" on Day the 53rd...
And that's perfectly all right. January 1 was a day to relax and indulge--and I did. Oh, I did.
All right, all right--it wasn't that kind of indulging. I mean, I didn't go out and kill off a bottle of Grey Goose and use it to wash down bon-bons...like, at all.
No, I ate a bunch of trail mix my friend Martha the College Buddy had sent me, and I lay around in my pjs on the couch all day and watched BBC's The Mayor of Casterbridge by the wonderful Thomas Hardy...so wonderful, so British, so depressing...I loved it, of course.
And I gave myself a wonderful pedicure and removed the black nail polish on my toenails that was still there from Halloween..and used this yummy stuff to get rid of the yucky dry skin and make my feet feel like satin...and used a face mask on my little face...oh how much fun that was...I felt like I had gone to Weltha Spa...
And finished Northanger Abbey by Miss Jane Austen, which I loved more than ever. Poor little Catherine Moreland--but what a happy ending for her and Henry Tilney...
Oooh....I forgot to mention, I saw TWO--count 'em, two--movies on New Year's Eve. Saw True Grit (yes, Jeff Bridges is extraordinary, and it's hard to see that lovely man he is under Rooster Cogburn-get up) and then saw Black Swan with Natalie ("if she's not nominated for an Oscar, there is no justice") Portman, and Winona Ryder and Mila Kunis and...Vincent Cassel, whose name should be pronounced with my hand miming a beating heart...
So...I had a lovely New Year's Day with No Guilt--because this is a Guilt-Free Zone. And I started a journal...but you will have to read Day the 55th (January 2) right underneath this post...
Independently,
Weltha
And that's perfectly all right. January 1 was a day to relax and indulge--and I did. Oh, I did.
All right, all right--it wasn't that kind of indulging. I mean, I didn't go out and kill off a bottle of Grey Goose and use it to wash down bon-bons...like, at all.
No, I ate a bunch of trail mix my friend Martha the College Buddy had sent me, and I lay around in my pjs on the couch all day and watched BBC's The Mayor of Casterbridge by the wonderful Thomas Hardy...so wonderful, so British, so depressing...I loved it, of course.
And I gave myself a wonderful pedicure and removed the black nail polish on my toenails that was still there from Halloween..and used this yummy stuff to get rid of the yucky dry skin and make my feet feel like satin...and used a face mask on my little face...oh how much fun that was...I felt like I had gone to Weltha Spa...
And finished Northanger Abbey by Miss Jane Austen, which I loved more than ever. Poor little Catherine Moreland--but what a happy ending for her and Henry Tilney...
Oooh....I forgot to mention, I saw TWO--count 'em, two--movies on New Year's Eve. Saw True Grit (yes, Jeff Bridges is extraordinary, and it's hard to see that lovely man he is under Rooster Cogburn-get up) and then saw Black Swan with Natalie ("if she's not nominated for an Oscar, there is no justice") Portman, and Winona Ryder and Mila Kunis and...Vincent Cassel, whose name should be pronounced with my hand miming a beating heart...
So...I had a lovely New Year's Day with No Guilt--because this is a Guilt-Free Zone. And I started a journal...but you will have to read Day the 55th (January 2) right underneath this post...
Independently,
Weltha
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