Back In The Saddle Again!

No, I'm not riding a horse or a bull or any other critter! However, I am back on my diet program with Metabolic Direct.

I have always been different! Most people gain weight in the winter when they are shut indoors and indulging in comfort foods.  Me, well, I gain in the Summer.  It probably has more to do with the fact that I seem to travel a lot and eat out a lot in the Summer, than it does with the season itself.

Every Summer about this time, I get on the scales one morning and go - YIKES! How did that happen? Where did it come from?  Well, probably from the delicious Zeppe's Italian Ice and Vanilla Custard...oh yum.  Then there are the Smore's cooked over the open fire, and the hot dogs, and the travel to Paris where ALL the food is irresistible and delicious!  Oh my.  Back to my normal routine or I will have a whole closet full of clothes I can not wear anymore! Nope, can't afford that for sure! And, to add to the drive, I'm going on a Cruise in December! You can't hide fat in cruise clothes!  Aaaauuuggh...

I wish it were as easy to be thin now as it was when I was 17!  Of course, back then I walked everywhere, played basketball and softball and probably didn't have access to junk food.  I was too busy to eat!  The first time I really gained weight was when I was in Nursing School.  There was never time to eat properly and so McDonalds Quarter Pounder with cheese and fries became a staple in my world..to the tune of probably 40 pounds or more...I really didn't take a lot of notice about it until the graduation pictures! Oh my, is that me?  A size 20?  How on Earth???

I have dieted and changed the way I eat several times and lost weight, but it was about three years ago when I looked at a picture of myself with my husband at Universal Studios. Who are those people?  That did it.  I got busy and took off 50 pounds on my own, but then I was STUCK!

So I began to hunt for some program or method that would work for me.  I had been to WW in the past and wasn't really impressed...oh I lost some weight, but it came right back...counting points and still eating hamburgers isn't the way to go for me.  I had tried Fit For Life, geesh that is a lot of fruit!

Anyway after having tried so many programs and still being overweight, I came across the Metabolic Research people in Macon, Georgia.  I reviewed the program and it seemed like a sensible way to lose weight.  Between October 3rd and December 20 I lost 50 pounds! Success.  They hired me to work for them!  My clients would walk in and not believe my "before" picture.  I actually had one man say "I want to talk to that tall skinny blond."  I hadn't been a tall skinny blond since High School.
Losing weight is not just about vanity.  It is more about "health."  I don't want to be one of those who has to have knee replacements and can't do all the things I did 30 years ago.  I want to keep healthy and keep moving.  I want to motivate others to do the same.  Life is short...let's live it!

I ran my first 5K 100 pounds lighter than I was the year before on February 23, 2012 (my 66th birthday).  I actually came in third in my age group..(I was just happy I didn't DIE trying).  I have managed to do pretty well until this Summer.  A trip to London and Paris in May, Maryland in June and then to Georgia and finally two weeks in Norway (where my host was a Chef!), and a one week visit from my College age grandson (and I ate hot dogs and fun stuff like that) and I have found myself 25 pounds up!  Oh my gosh!

So this week beginning on Sunday I got back to the program that has been so good to me. It really isn't hard to follow and it works great.  I have already lost 8, yes EIGHT pounds! While I know that rate of loss will not continue, I intend to have lost 20 more pounds by October 15th! I don't do any ridiculous amount of exercise.  I do like to walk about 4 miles at least 3 times a week while the weather is good and I snowshoe in the Winter.  If you have a dog, taking him or her for a nice brisk walk will be good for both of you; and despite previous evidence to the contrary, you need to get at least 15 minutes of sunshine on your body a day to make adequate Vitamin D...so many are deficient in Vitamin D now because of Sunscreen...leave the sunscreen at home and get your 15 minutes.  Recent research is saying exactly that! No, don't get burned...get 15 minutes!

I have fought the "weight loss" battle many times, but I never intend to get back to the weight that I was before Metabolic Research.  I am actually an independent Weight Loss Consultant for them now out here in Utah.  That is good for me and good for my clients.  So, my blogging friends, I will let you know how I progress, and if you want to join me give me a message.

PEACE, LOVE and JOY

With Age Comes Wisdom?

Beautiful garden there isn't it?  I love walking through the grass and smelling all the lovely fragrances that float up from this huge variety of flowers.

I think as you grow older you do learn to "stop and smell the roses" a little more frequently than when you are young.

As I spend time checking out blogs on the internet, I find that most are written by those twenty somethings and thirty somethings who are still raising children.  They are filled with "hints" on items to buy for babies, quick recipes for families and so on.  That's all good, but what about all of those Baby Boomers out there?  What is it that they want to read?  Do they read blogs?

Lately, I have found myself in the position of having to seek a job at 67 years of age.  Hmmm, shouldn't be a problem, should it? I mean I'm a retired RN, have owned my own restaurant, have worked as a Legal Secretary and Sold Real Estate in two states, I've even sold Auto Insurance for a prominent Insurance company.  Tons of experience!  Tons of skills! So what? I'm 67.

It seems that in spite of the fact there is a law against age discrimination, it is still a really big problem.  Every single application I have filled out has asked either my age, or when I graduated from High School.  Hmmmmmm..  doesn't that constitute age discrimination?  I have been told on some occasions that I am "over qualified."  What the heck does that mean?  It means that they consider me to "old" for whatever position I have applied for!

Now, I agree that some 67-year-old people DO have health issues, etc., but I DON'T.  I walk four miles at a rapid pace, I can lift things, and bend and stretch with the best of them.  I am NOT senile...give me a test, and let me show you!  I have a high IQ which has NOT diminished with age. I DON'T have children that I would need to stay home and care for when they are sick, or rush to school to pick them up.  I CAN work any and all hours without "family issues."  So WHY OH WHY are people who are over 60 no longer considered valuable or useful in this Country.  It is ridiculous!

The sad truth is that most of us Baby Boomers are finding that due to inflation and the high cost of living, we MUST go back to work in order to pay the bills and have insurance.  What ever happened to the idea that age brought wisdom.  Believe me, with all the experiences I have had in the last fifty years or so, I am worth a lot more than I was as an 18-year-old high school graduate or even after college.  I am MATURE not OLD!  I still want to lead an active, vibrant life.  I still have a lot to give, and am NOT ready to be put up on a shelf to collect dust.

I know that many, many Baby Boomers are in the same situation as I am right now.  We are being disenfranchised and pushed aside and relegated to being "Wal Mart greeters" even though we are college educated and still have a lot to offer.  What is it going to take to change this?  I wish I knew!

I've raised children, helped with grandchildren, worked two jobs at a time and have tons of experience and I want to be able to continue to lead a productive and active life for at least twenty or more years beyond this day!

Let me know if you have similar experiences, and let me know if you have ideas about how we can CHANGE the current trend of forcing older Americans out of the work force.

PEACE, LOVE & JOY

Pressed Between The Pages of My Mind

That sweet faced fur baby on the right is Buster The Wonder Dog as he looked on his very last Christmas with me.  He was gone a month later, taken by cancer.  I had him for seventeen wonderful years. He was a rescue who was a total basket case for the first six months I owned him, even eating my wicker porch furniture.  But, with love and patience, he became one of the most amazing animals I have ever had.

Now, I have another sweet fur baby (whose name on adoption was Buster - really) but is now affectionately known as Buddy!  He is yet another sweet blessing I have been given.

This past couple weeks as I have been going through a time of loss, I have been reminded of many, many blessings and memories.  Friends from as long as fifty years ago have stepped up to lend kind words and support.  I have been truly blessed, and I must remember that!

There are all kinds of memories as we pass through this world.  Some are as sweet as honey dripping from a fresh comb, and others as bitter as charcoal.  I have chosen as much as possible to put those bitter ones in the past.  But, as I reflect, sometimes it is good to remember the bitter and the sweet.  We do learn the most through the hard times and if we forget those lessons we are doomed to repeat that negative history over and over again.  Sometimes those bitter memories allow us to empathize with others going through difficult times.

Honestly, I do believe that unless one has experienced great pain, it is difficult for them to appreciate great joy!  Fortunately, I can say I have had both in my life.  The difficulty comes in learning when to put away the negative and focus on the positive.  Grief is normal, and I am reminding myself of that right now, but it too will pass, and the sun and joy will appear on the other side.

Here are a two fun anecdotes/memories I would like to share -

The POOP Chair

When granddaughter Alivia was about two and a half, we were visiting Daytona Beach.  The girls were playing at the edge of the water and Mel and I were sitting in two small beach chairs watching.  Liv came running up and said she had to go potty...well, we ASSUMED she was talking about having to tinkle.  Remember what that word assume can do to you...we watched as she ran back down to the waters edge, pulled down her bathing suit bottom and began to POOP on the beach!  OMG! Two teenaged girls began pointing and screaming and Melanie tried to shrink into her beach chair.  "Oh Mom, please, please I'll give you anything to go pick that up!" she said, embarrassed by Alivia's display.  I was sitting in a backpack beach chair Melanie had recently bought which I found extremely comfortable.  I said, "Well, I will go pick it up if this chair is mine."  Melanie agreed and I went down with a paper cup and picked up and disposed of the poop!  From that day on the lovely green backpack beach chair became the "Poop Chair."  I still giggle every time I think about that.

Then there was the day we went to church as a family one Sunday Morning.  Melanie, who was probably about 15 at the time had gone out that morning and bought six bagels.  We didn't have time to eat any of them before we left, so I told her to push them to the back of the kitchen counter and she could have one when she got home.  She had bought them with her own money.  They were HERS!  Well, upon returning home from church I went to the bedroom to change.  When Melanie came in a few minutes behind me, she was furious! "Mom! Who ate all my bagels?" I replied that I hadn't even looked to see if the bagels were still on the counter when I came in.  I said, "I have no idea, honey, but it certainly wasn't me. Perhaps the dog got them."  "MOM!! the bag is still on the counter, but the bagels are gone! The DOG didn't eat them! One of you did!"  At that moment, my sweet Golden Retriever, Buster, went skulking out of the room only to return a moment later with a raisin bagel in his mouth.  He dropped it on her foot and left the room!  Never try to tell me a dog doesn't understand what is being said! That dog had carefully removed the bagels from the bag, leaving the bag on the countertop without a crumb behind.  Then he ate all but TWO of them.  Yep, I said Two.  The one he returned to Melanie (much to everyones shock and surprise, and one he had hidden under my bed for a snack!  God love him!

I have trusted God to be there for me since I was very young (six years old in fact) and He has never let me down.  In the past couple years I have reconnected with a dear childhood who actually walked the waters of Baptism with me when we were both children.  It has been a sweet reunion, and we have shared many pleasant memories.  What a wonderful blessing.

Childhood memories of building straw and stick forts in the woods, of climbing the apple trees across the street from our homes and camping in the back yard.  Sometimes those memories seem to have slipped away, and then suddenly, as if turning the yellowed pages on an ancient book there they are! They are there to be savored and enjoyed.

Have you ever been walking along and smelled something which took you back to a long forgotten memory.  It is said that "smell" is one of the strongest memory triggers.  Every time I smell candied almonds roasting at a fair I am taken back to my first time in Germany at Octoberfest!

Then there are songs.  Sometimes love songs but not always.  The song "Windy" was playing on air when my daughter Wendy was born!  I can't hear that song and not think of her.  "Could I Have This Dance For the Rest of My Life" was playing when I danced my first dance with my soul mate.  We got lost along the way due to unfortunate circumstances in both our lives, but now I hear "I Hope You Dance," and think of him and the sweet memories we made together.

My grandchildren remind me daily of what it was like to have children...the difficult times and the joyous ones!  I will remember some of the precious things they said and did until I die.  You really never do know what will come "out of the mouth of babes."  Recently, my youngest grandchild a sweet little Liv, was dressing with me one morning and said - "Granma why does you body have so many wrinkles?"  I said, "sweetie, Granma is old and once I was fat, so it's wrinkles or fat!"  She contemplated that for a moment and said, "I think I like the fat better!"  Brutal, but honest, she liked sinking into Granma's shoulder when it was softer!

Next year will be the 50th Anniversary of my High School graduation.  Oh My Gosh!  Fifty Years!
I am going to make a serious effort to return to Maryland for that celebration.  It will be fun sharing memories with people I haven't seen in that many years.

There are vacations, births of children, marriage, death, accidents and oh so many other occasions locked between the pages of my mind....and yours.  Today, on this beautiful Sunday, take the time to flip through a few of those pages.  Some may make you cry, some will make you laugh out loud, and some will just make you remember what a blessing it is to wake up with the ability to still remember!

PEACE, LOVE & JOY

Linda

Living the High Life!

I have never lived anywhere located more than 200 ft above sea level until now.

I had thought it might be a difficult adjustment, thinner air and all that, but so far so good!  I was reminded by a local last night that baking will be a new experience.  She told me she has to "tweak" her cookie recipes every year at Christmas...this high altitude cooking wreaks havoc on ordinary recipes!

So far, other than the fact that the lack of humidity has me slightly dehydrated and dried out, everything is marvelous! 

Ogden is a town which is like a throwback to the 50's and 60's in some ways, but so progressive and modern in others.  Transportation in Utah is way ahead of the curve!  Ogden is extremely family friendly and health conscious.  All the trails and areas for recreation are beautiful and very accessible.  As it turns out we are only 30 minutes from some of the best ski locations in the West.  This area sure has a lot to offer.

Last evening we did more exploring.  Since we are going to be permanent residents here in Ogden, we began home hunting.  It turned out to be an easy experience!  We found a gorgeous, new Townhome development within walking distance of the downtown area which I love so much!  They are so lovely and modern (even blue tooth equipped throughout with sound, etc.)  and have spectacular views of the mountains!  I would never have dreamed that I would end up in the West living in the mountains, but this is an amazing and peaceful place.  We are excited about our future here.  Our new Townhome won't be completed for a year, so we will have to locate a temporary rental until it is completed. 

One problem I have run into here in Ogden, is that Pet Friendly apartments are few and far between!  Now, don't get me wrong there are some, but most say "service animals only."  I am ready to have my little Buddy declared an "ESA" - that is, an Emotional Support Animal at this point because as such he would be welcome anywhere!  Crazy!  I do need him for emotional support, but how crazy is it?  Still looking right now, but like I said, I am about to become desperate.

Yesterday I had a crazy experience.  I was taking Buddy for our normal morning walk, and decided I would Jog instead.  MISTAKE!  Note to self - don't jog with Buddy!  I was running along and all of a sudden Buddy decided to make a sharp turn in front of me.  Buddy is a "small" dog, but he is heavy and sturdy as the dickens.  I caught the toe of my sneakers on his body and "BOOM" down I went.  Felt like a two-year-old as I hit the sidewalk flat and hard.  As I hit, the leash came loose from my hand and I panicked because of our close proximity to the highway...but, as I hit the concrete, I also Yelled STOP!  Buddy doesn't always listen, but this time he did, and I was able to grab the lease and pull him to me.  All of this happened so quickly, that I didn't have time to realize whether I was actually hurt or not before I was standing again!  Both knees and hands were throbbing, but I dusted myself off and continued my walk.  I didn't hear anything creaking or snapping, so decided at least nothing appeared to be broken.  I took some Advil, put some ice on my knees and tried to ignore the incident the rest of the day.

I am happy to report that I am not nearly as beat up and sore this morning as I thought I might be.  I must be a tough old lady after all!  My left shoulder does seem to be a bit sore (probably from bracing for the fall) and my knees are slightly bruised, but I can hardly believe the lack of evidence of injury considering how hard I hit that concrete sidewalk!
Again, no more jogging with Buddy....walking only!

The weather here has been in the 100's during the day, so I have been avoiding being out during the hottest part of the day. It is amazing though that the lack of humidity makes it seem much cooler than it actually is.  Everyone here is very helpful about warning you of the dangers of heat stroke here.  Because of the lack of humidity it is extremely easy to get overheated and dehydrated without really knowing it.  I have been drinking copious amounts of water to make up for the loss.

So, as I accommodate to living the "high life" here in Utah, I will post about our adventures and experiences.  Right now, I am still pinching myself to make sure it is real! 

LOVE - PEACE and JOY

Linda - the Okaloosa Girl from Ogden, Utah!

Hold Them Tightly!

Those precious girls you see are my daughter, Melanie, and her oldest, Ashlyn.  I have four children and seven lovely grandchildren and even two great-grandchildren.  My how has that happened when I was just 21 last week?

Sometimes it does seem that way.  It seems like only yesterday that I held my first child in my arms and looked at that tiny face and realized all the responsibility that was suddenly mine.  I have enjoyed the responsibility, the love and the joy that having children and grandchildren have given me over the years.

No, it wasn't always sunshine and roses.  There were good times and bad, ups and downs, joys and disappointments, but I wouldn't trade any of those times for anything.

This past two weeks I have been involved in the passing and homegoing of my son-in-law Aaron's Pop.  It has been a rough time for all involved.  It is never easy losing a loved one.
I share this to remind you to HOLD THEM TIGHTLY while you have them with you.  You nor I are not promised another day or even minute on this earth.  Each moment is precious.  Time passes so quickly.  My oldest son, Cliff, is now 45 years old!  How on earth did that happen?  His sister, Wendy, is 44, Melanie 35 and Charles is 33.  Wow! That is a lot of Mom time! 

I have totally loved every minute of being a grandma!  All the joy and not so much of the responsibility!  I do feel responsible however, to show my grandchildren all the love and compassion I can.  I feel responsible to share with them what it means to be kind, loving, caring people.  I feel responsible to show them exactly what unconditional love is.  I feel responsible to let them know I will ALWAYS be there for them no matter what!  I also feel responsible to share my love of God with them. 

I am pleased to say that all my children have grown up to be responsible adults, parents and citizens of the world!  As I watch those who have children and grandchildren of their own, I see them modeling behaviors which will ensure their children will also be good citizens.  Education has been foremost in their lives, and they are all learning and growing each and every day. 

As I watched the little girls deal with the death of their beloved Pop this past week, I saw the generosity of spirit in them as they loved on Nana.  I heard them sing goodbye to their Pop by standing with their parents at the gravesite and singing "You Are My Sunshine" for one last time to their Pop who sang it to them from the time they were babies.  They will not forget how much he loved them.  They will not forget the hours they spent on his lap feeling his unconditional love for them. 

Hold your loved ones close.  Tell them how much you love them at every opportunity.  Hold your criticism and give your love and comfort frequently and freely.  I grew up in a home where love and forgiveness were NOT modeled for me.  The people outside my own home...those in my Church, my extended family and my school modeled those behaviors for me.  I thank God for that every day of my life.  I thank God that my children will remember me holding them on my lap.  I thank God that my grandchildren will have the kind of unconditional love that was not present in my own growing years.

I am very proud of my children and grandchildren....I want them to know that.  I want them to know that no matter what choices they make in life, that I am always there for them....that I will always love them and not judge them. 

Today, if you haven't spoken to those who are "family" find a moment to do so.  If they are far away - call.  If they are close, throw your arms around them and hug them tightly and tell them how much they mean to you.  Time passes quickly don't waste a minute of it. 

GOD BLESS - Peace, Love and Joy!

What I See

I should be in bed by now. I have an appointment with my Retina Specialist tomorrow morning at 8, then a pre-op appointment at the hospital at 10:30. I guess I am a little nervous.

Several years ago, while visiting my son in Atlanta, I noticed a sudden increase in the amount of "floaters" in my right eye. As evening came on, I also noticed "flashes" in the same eye. Knowing these were not normal or good signs, I contacted an eye doctor in Warner Robins the next morning. He saw me later that afternoon, and told me it was nothing to worry about and that I was getting a cataract.

Now, I am no eye specialist, but I knew that wasn't the problem. I immediately called my primary care physician who referred me to an excellent eye specialist in Macon. I had also pulled up my symptoms on the computer while waiting to see the doctor. By the time I had arrived, I knew what I had was a "posterior prolapse of the vitreous humor" in my right eye, so I wasn't at all surprised when the physician confirmed my "diagnosis!"

My eye doctor reassured me and said he would keep an eye on it, and showed me how to use an Amsler Chart. It is not an uncommon condition in those over 50. At first, things did not get any worse, but as time progressed I noticed it was becoming like looking through a piece of celophane. Upon going back for repeated check-ups it was found that I had also developed a peri-retinal membrane which was creeping up the retina. More waiting, more watching.

It has been over a year now since my primary eye physician referred me to the retina specialist. The membrane had not only gotten larger, but had begun to wrinkle. This caused me to have a lot of difficulty seeing out of the right eye. Everything was curvy and distorted. When I looked at anything that was a straight line with my right eye, it was twisted and curved, kind of like looking in a fun house mirror.

Again with the waiting however, as retina surgery is very delicate, and my doctor didn't want to do it until the problem had become so severe it was bothersome in my daily life.

So, now here I am. I am scheduled for the removal of a peri-retinal membrane on my right eye on September 13th. I am a bit nervous, more about the general anesthesia than the eye surgery. The vision in my right eye has become so distorted that even not seeing at all out of it would not be worse than what it is now.

I am sharing all this to make several points:
1. ALWAYS get a second opinion...
2. Get a referral from someone you TRUST
3. Never ignore what seems to be a change in your health whether it is
your eyes or any other part of your body.
4. Trust your instincts.
5. Do the research
6. Get Treatment....left untreated, things ALWAYS get worse.

So, as I go off to the doctor and hospital tomorrow morning, I am hoping this little blog of mine will help someone else get the help they need.

Youth and The Young At Heart

I remember hearing many times that "youth is wasted on the young." I don't know if that is necessarily true, but I do feel sometimes that we rush through our youth trying to get to the next "goal", not taking time to enjoy the small milestones and accomplishments.

Some of you may wonder why the name "Okaloosa Girl" or exactly what an Okaloosa is.
Okaloosa Island is a small strip of powder white sand along the beautiful emerald green waters of the Florida Gulf Coast. It is the place I go when I want to feel like a girl again.

My hubby had a tag made for me this Summer while we were on Okaloosa Island. It is a large ocean wave with "Okaloosa Girl" written across it. My daughter took one look at it and said, "Mom, you are not a girl! Why not Okaloosa Woman?"
I laughed and said, "Because when I am in Okaloosa, I feel like a girl!"

It's true. When I go stand by that beautiful emerald green water on that powder white sand, something magical happens to me. My husband noticed it the very first time we visited there. I take a few breaths of that salt air, and it is like my spirit is whisked back to the very first time I saw the Ocean and smelled the salt air. I was sixteen years old the first time I saw it.

My Aunt had invited my sister and I to join her at her vacation home in Ocean City, Maryland. I can vividly remember coming up over the rise of the bridge across the Bay and seeing the ocean spread in front of me. It was an amazing feeling! Suddenly I knew that this "ocean" would always be where I would feel most at home.

I had grown up on the banks of the Potomac River in Maryland and had always spent a lot of time on the water, but this....this magnificent ocean, was something like I had never experienced. I was instantly invigorated.

I was lucky enough to live in Ocean City for 15 years after I was married. I came to know the many moods of the ocean, and loved each and every one of them. The ocean always drew me to God...it was so like Him. It is so deep, so mysterious, so much is hidden below the surface. It can be smooth and calm one minute and raging the next minute, and you never know when it will change. It is always there!

Like I said, I have always loved the ocean but something truly magical happened the first time I crossed the bridge to Okaloosa Island. Suddenly I was transported back...back to being a girl again. Thus the name "Okaloosa Girl." When I am there on the Island, I am suddenly years younger. My creative side comes out again and I begin to paint and write and "live." My husband loves the "Okaloosa Girl." She rides wave runners and goes crabbing like a little girl. She laughs more.

Someday, we will retire to Okaloosa Island. I look forward to those days with great anticipation. I will never grow older there, just better. Some might tell me it is unwise to move to the ocean when you are growing "older" and might need a little help at times. But I have a feeling that there, on that beautiful island, I won't actually grow older, but better.

RECIPE OF THE DAY

Here's a nice light meal that will make you feel like you are at the beach even in the middle of Winter!

You may use a hot dog roll or a flour tortilla for this "roll".

1 Small Lemon
1/4 cup mayonnaise (may use light mayo if you like)
2 TBSP chopped green onion tops
1/2 teaspoon Old Bay seasoning
3/4 pound chopped cooked shrimp (get your grocer to steam them for you
at the store, and save time!)
1/2 cup finely chopped celery
4 white/wheat hot dog buns (or tortillas)
4 Boston lettuce leaves

1. Grate 1/2 teaspoon lemon rind from lemon.
Squeeze lemon to measure 1 1/2 tablespoons of juice. Combine lemon rind
juice, Old Bay, mayo and green onions in large bowl. Add shrimp and celery,and
toss gently.
2. Top each bun with 1 lettuce leaf. Spoon shrimp mixture evenly onto lettuce
leaves...Serve immediately. By the way they have GREAT SHRIMP on the Gulf Coast!

Yield 4 Servings....Calories 220