Thursday Thoughts

So, I found out what the problem was with posting the other day. Blogger no longer supports my browser. Really?! So now in order to edit my blogs I have to use Google Chrome. It's a pain, but there's not much I can to about it. We need to get a new computer, so hopefully Blogger will support the browser on the new computer so I don't have to use two browsers.

The weather here is gorgeous. This is why we live here. We are flirting with the 80 degree mark every day. We are to have a cold front come through later this weekend and the temps will plummet to the low 70s. The heater is off and the windows and doors are flung wide open during the day.

The appraisal business is flourishing. Dan is giving his notice at Sam's Club this weekend. It is scary, but we know it's time. We can't be turning down appraisal orders due to the few hours he puts in at Sam's Club. On the other hand, he will have to go on COBRA insurance (I'm already on it) and we'll have to find our own insurance soon. It costs so much for me that it's just ridiculous. I'm trying to not worry, but instead to pray about it whenever the worry seeps in...

I haven't posted about this yet, but... we're having a wedding in our family in March. Katie and Gabe are getting married on March 24th. We are all excited. It has been fun for me to help her with some of the details of  her wedding. They are having a casual backyard wedding at a friends' house. She invited about 80 people, but I'm not sure how many are attending. Gabe's family is making all of the food. One of  Katie's work friends is making the cake. Actually, she's having cupcakes. JD and Janel will be here, so we're very excited that the whole family will be together!

We bought an elliptical machine. Yeah. Dan and I are in deep depression over just how out-of-shape we are. It is truly pitiful. But, we are bound and determined to get into better shape. Wish us luck.

Gotta run... Enjoy your day.

Thursday Thoughts

I think Thursday is becoming my catch-up day. It's really the Monday of my week because I don't have Sunny for the next four days so I race around trying to get a lot accomplished in between sitting and trying to catch up on my x-stitching, bill paying, reading, etc. I seriously don't know (or remember) how I did it when I had four kids the ages of 0-5 years at home. I'm deciding I must have been Superwoman! ha ha

Weather: As you know I'm a self-proclaimed weather wonk. I love anything having to do with the weather. My weather. Your weather. Europe's weather... you get the picture. After our record-breaking high of 111 degrees the other day, the meteorologists were promising cooler temps and RAIN! Oh yeah. Well, it cooled off some but the humidity is through the roof. And we didn't get one drop of rain at our house. It all went to the east side of town. Today is the first full day of Fall and I'm longing for some fall weather. Which in Phoenix means highs in the 90s and lows in the 70s. The only thing changing colors here is the grass. It's turning brown.

Sunny: Grammy Daycare with Sunny is going great if I do say so myself. I just love having her here. She's just a sponge soaking up experiences, information, skills. She provides never-ending entertainment for me. Yesterday she had attitude. This was a first for her and me although Katie's mentioned her attitude from time to time. I don't know what her problem was but she was frustrated with everything. The dogs. Me. Herself. It was hard for me to hide my smiles and laughter because I don't want her to think attitude is acceptable. But it's just so darn funny! I need to take some pictures of her next week. I'm behind on that.

Personal Responsibility: Go ahead. Those of you that know me. Roll your eyes. I know what you're thinking, "Here we go. She's on her soapbox again!" You're right. I am. But I'm really preaching to myself. It is just so easy to blame our character flaws, bad choices, wrong behavior, and whiny attitudes on others. It's even easier these days. In fact, it's the status quo. Just look at the example set by our elected officials. I was convicted this week of my judgmental attitude. I heard a story about a person with a really tough choice to make. She chose a solution that I disapproved of. My first reaction was one of shock and disappointment. Then I immediately was ashamed. Who am I to judge her? She's an adult. She knows her family situation. I also know she's not a believer, so wouldn't it be better for me to be praying for her than to be judging her? (She's not someone I have contact with, so I can't actively witness to her at this time). I ended up more appalled at myself than I was at her. Which is how God intended it. I'm not responsible for anyone else's actions. I am only responsible for me. And obviously, not doing a good job at being responsible for me. It really bugs me that now that the kids are gone, I have more time to see myself. I'm not sure I always like what I see!

Winner: I'm a winner! I was so surprised last night when I checked out Grammy Girlfriend to find that I am a winner in her latest giveaway. I never win anything, so this was a thrill! Teresa has two blogs, her personal one and a holiday blog. Her holiday blog is focusing more on Christmas now and I can't wait to see her Christmas tree designs. I know I'll be inspired. Thanks for picking me, Teresa!

Exercise: If you've been reading my blog for long, you know I keep trying different exercise options. It's not that I don't like to exercise, it's more that I'm clumsy and usually end up injuring some part of me that takes forever to heal. For example, I got a groin pull last February and I still can't put on socks or lace up shoes on my right foot without help. I can't bend and twist that leg at the same time. I asked my Dr. about it and she said groin pulls take forever to heal. She offered to send me to PT, but really, it's been this long already, I might as well tough it out on my own. Anyway... I've decided that walking is my best bet. I dug out my pedometer and am working toward 10,000 steps each day. Some days I make it. Some days I don't. 2,000 steps is approximately one mile. I always walk a minimum of three miles (6,000 steps) each day. I always feel so much better when I'm walking daily. And I don't injure myself!

As always, thanks for listening (really reading). Enjoy the day...

Boot Camp Drop-out

It's time for a confession. I am a Boot Camp drop-out.

I blogged in February about my enthusiasm to give Denise Austin's Boot Camp DVD a try. I was so excited about the possibilities. Apparently I forgot to factor in my age and general physical abilities (or lack thereof).

I started the exercises and then injured my lower back when the baby was over. I flopped down on our cold, hard tile floor too enthusiastically. I figured the high impact exercises would help it get back to normal more quickly. This was my first miscalculation.

The third week into the video, I pulled my right groin, also in response to frolicking on the floor with the baby. I didn't realize I pulled it until the next time I tried to sit cross-legged on the floor. Yeah, it hurt.

I tried to push into a 4th week of Boot Camp, but had to give up. Between all of my ailments (I'm not even going to tell you about my left shoulder), I was so discouraged and living on Advil besides.

So, I took a deep breath, dusted off my Denise Austin Fat Blasting Walk DVD and started over.

I'm two weeks into it and some of my aches and pains have subsided. I start with the 10-minute stretch routine, and then move into one of the mile walks.

The most positive thing I can say about this experience is that I can look at the Boot Camp DVD sitting on my shelf and not feel bad about myself. I gave it my best shot. I just started too soon.

My new plan is to work the walks until they're so easy that I don't notice the effort.Then I will move on to the Daily Dozen DVDs until they're effortless too. By that time, however long it takes, I will be ready for Boot Camp.

You know that "no pain, no gain" saying? It's a lie.

Eating My Words

On my November 24th post, I said: "There are harder Denise Austin videos that I could purchase, but right now I can't see Denise Austin's Boot Camp anywhere in my future!"

Yeah, you guessed it. Just a few weeks after typing those words I got a Costco coupon for the Boot Camp DVD. I went to the store and stood in front of it for several minutes vacillating as to whether I should buy it or not. It was like the cartoons where the angel is on one shoulder and the little red devil is on the other.

Angel: you really should buy it, it's only $5 with the coupon, you'll be sorry if you decide to get it later and have to pay $14.95 at Borders. Devil: Who are you kidding?! You're never going to be able to do those workouts, you're too old, and too out of shape. Angel: I know you can do it, you want to be more flexible, if you keep working... Devil: Don't make me laugh...

Well you get the picture. So the angel won and I bought it. It sat on the shelf until this week. I got it out one day after my regular workout and just watched it so I could see what it would entail. I thought, "I think I can do most of this". So, the next morning I did the boot camp workout. I've done it now two mornings in a row. According to Denise Austin (and why would she lie?) if I just follow the plan I will see noticable results in three weeks! Whoopee! Do you think that means I'll weigh 103 like I did when I graduated high school?! Yeah, probably not. But maybe I will notice that my clothes feel looser, or that I can twist myself into one of the yoga moves easier.

Here I go, I'm committed to the boot camp workout for three weeks. If there are any harder Denise Austion workouts I don't want to know about them, and I certainly won't be commenting on them in this blog where my words will always come back to haunt me.

Daily Dozen

A few weeks ago I was whining about the "Fat Blasting Mile" video I was exercising to. Well, I must love punishment, because I've moved up to the "Daily Dozen". This is another Denise Austin video that concentrates on 12 exercices for 12 separate muscle groups in 12 minutes. It's broken down so that you're targeting a different part of your body each day for seven days.

Oh my goodness, I do ok on the yoga days, and I can pretty much keep up on the cardio day, but the lower body/abs days... I really suck. It's very discouraging, I mean we're talking one minute per muscle group, I'm lucky if I last 15 seconds! I guess the good news is, I have confirmation about which parts of my body really need help. (As if that isn't obvious by looking at me).

One thing I like about Denise Austin (besides her cheerful, encouraging attitude) is that she shares her #1 slimming secret constantly, and it's one I can actually do: stand up straight. It's true, look at yourself in the mirror as you normally stand. Now, stand up straight. It's like a miracle, you instantly look thinner. Now that I've heard her harp on this for weeks, I catch myself thinking about it several times a day. Stand up straight. I instantly feel better about myself.

There are harder Denise Austin videos that I could purchase, but right now I can't see "Denise Austin's Boot Camp" anywhere in my future! It'll probably take me the rest of the year to accomplish the "Daily Dozen". But, I'm gonna keep trying...

"Fat Blasting Mile"

I used to exercise to Denise Austin workouts on Lifetime Channel every morning. I was so proud of myself, and I could actually see progress, particularly in the area of being more limber. Then they cancelled her show (or maybe they moved it to the middle of the night, either way I couldn't watch it anymore).

I went out and bought a Denise Austin Indoor Walking DVD. This was almost two years ago and I didn't open it til three weeks ago. I've made it through the "Easy Walk" workout, and am now doing the "Fat Blasting Mile". Yeah, right.

I love Denise Austin. She makes you feel like you're progressing even if you can't grab the tips of your toes and bring your leg up towards your bottom.

I'm getting a little irritated, though. I'm really sick of her cheerfully exhorting "have some fun!". Oh, ok, let me stop this torture and go do something fun. She smiles all the way through the routine. And, you know it must be super easy because SHE never breaks a sweat. I, on the other hand, well, you get the picture.

I must be a glutton for punishment. As soon as I get another 30% off coupon from Borders, I'm off to buy the Abs DVD. Have fun!