A love letter to Lola....

 

Dear Lola,

Three weeks ago yesterday you left us (Jan 17, 2012). It was a heartbreaking day for me. I have thought about you every day since then and I have shed tears many of those days. *Sometimes late at night and sometimes at the dinner hour, both significant periods.*

Some of those, were tears of joy that you had made me so happy during your all to brief tenure with me. On Jan 19, 2012, when after reading another friend's blog about her Scout's passing - I decided to make a list of all the gifts you gave me - gifts that I would miss and that I could recall to brighten any sad days ahead of me. I also knew on that day that I would need those for this letter to you.

Lola's gifts:

~ your presence next to my computer whenever I would log on. Sometimes you had a mission (wanting your ears 'scrunched') but mostly you just wanted to be near me. it was your form of "lap sitting".... something you only came to do for real in the last 3 years. AND always on your terms.

~ head butts. Your method of getting my attention.

~ beer-olic. You LOVED Mike's beer. (he didn't have the same enthusiasm for this behavior, but I totally got it.) your ability to know when it was 5pm and he would sit down to have his nightly beer. and to know those un-guarded moments would happen so that you could 'lick' the opening. priceless.

~ eating PetMalt straight from the tube. You refused it in any other form. once I read the ingredient list I totally got it....malt=beer=malt. smart cat. (see above reference)

~ crawling into my lap. Regardless of who/what was occupying my lap - if you wanted to be there I had best get rid of it/her/him. Books, needlepoint, your sister Lucy. gone. btw, your welcome.

~ your preference for jeans. If I wasn't wearing them, ...you preferred Mike's lap. in fact, in the early years you would leave my lap for his whenever he sat down. ouch. (words: "my cat" meant nothing?)

~ your princess-tude "don't touch me". yes, I will even miss this. life with me was really on your terms. and I came to adore this trait. (funny, I have a similar trait.)

~ your love of the bathroom fixtures. if it had water, and all 3 did...you were there whenever the water ran.

~ your dislike of the house on wheels. you hid behind the pillows on the bed. I miss finding you there.

~ sitting with your tail wrapped around your legs. your posture was regal. when I think of you now - that is the picture in my head.

 *  dinner time ~ you would wait until Mike was done than jump onto his legs for a rub down

 *  late night ~ you would come visit while I was watching TV or reading for a "ear scrunch" and you would purr. you rarely purred so this was also noted.

~ the last 3 weeks you spent on my lap, virtually every moment I was inside whether I was awake or sleeping....sort of makes up for the 10 years you refused to sit on my lap. almost.

Sweet, sweet Lola, thank you for all of these and other moments. Your sister Lucy misses you as well. It took her a few days, but now she talks, incessantly to us whenever we come through the door. There is less sadness with her here, a comfort that we would not have had you been an only child.

I know the ache of missing you will lessen, the tears will all have been cried. However, my love for you will remain true. Thank you for gracing our lives. I love you.

*******************

I wrote about Lola here, last April about her personality. You can read it here:  4/25/2011 Post re: Lola 

~ Peace.

do you rest or wash?

we've been traveling in Canada and therefore, I was somewhat surprised to discover that not only are our "restrooms" non-existent, so are toilet seat/donut hole covers....what is up with that? a "restroom" = a "washroom" in Canada, so I had to start looking for the signage and for evidence that covers would be found.

Discovering this distinction was eye-opening, to say the least. We had been staying in RV parks for the most part and some campgrounds, where you expect facilities to be at best, "minimally appointed", and I wasn't surprised that covers weren't available, they aren't available in the US campgrounds either. However, I was soon looking for the seat covers in established business where 'washrooms' were integrated. Restaurants, cafes, delis, coffee houses and grocery/department stores alike all had "washrooms" without paper seat covers...they didn't even have the wall mounted aluminum holder.

Now I am a bit of a germ-phobe when it comes to rest/wash-rooms....and while I intellectually know that thin paper seat covers are more for my mind than my derriere...it still provides a barrier, albeit thin, against a damp seat of unknown origin. Is it possible that Canadian women simply do not care if the seat is damp? Do they "remember" to take tissue and wipe it down in advance? Do they carry antiseptic wipes like I now do just for this reason? Or do their derrieres repel such nonsense and are immune to attack?

And maybe, just maybe we Americans have totally named it incorrectly and it is just suppose to be a "wash" room, where one does their business, washes their hands and then exits. As I ponder this I realize that I never really 'rest' in one of these public rooms - I'm really too wigged out about possible germs to truly "rest"...

~Ciao

transformation....Develop the length of a dancer-who me?

"Develop the length of a dancer
and the strength of an athlete
with our highly effective 60-minute workouts.
Each class follows a thoughtful sequence for fast body shaping results
and long term postural benefits."
From barre3 website home page.


On a side street off A Avenue in Lake Oswego** the transformation began on March 31, 2011 and I posted a blog about that first class on April 8th...and in my true Type A style - I obsessed about taking classes as my I moved with increasing muscle soreness  in the belief that soon, very soon that would be but a memory and I would just take the classes, enjoy them and wake up one day with new streamlined body. (Hahahahahaha....she laughed.)  (**NOTE: this is only 1 of 3 locations here in the Portland area. There are also classes in other major cities, Bellevue/Seattle, WA, Denver CO, and soon to be in WDC. Check the barre3 website for other locations.)

On any given day my body aches in every conceivable muscle - and it's not the large muscles that appear to be affected. No siree, it's those tiny muscles under the bigger muscles that ache. And it is not symmetrical this soreness I feel...although each group of muscles does get a workout each class. I have a few tiny mad muscles that continue to tell me exactly where they are at - who knew there were so many tiny hidden muscles. I can now do push-ups....not 100, but 10 and that's something for me. I hate push-ups.

That is the beauty of barre3...at least for me. Each class has been different, each instructor has their own style and variations on the body shaping sequence, and although I have taken the same time slot/instructor, NO two classes have been identical - a huge plus!  I am easily bored. I need variety. So I change it up between the basic and the foundations classes. Being supported and encouraged to challenge yourself, AND to listen to your own body...be present in class for yourself and only for yourself. Class sizes are small, pre-registered enabling the instructor to provide direction, correction and encouragement...winning!

Now just over 2 full months of classes - going 3-4x a week...I am re-visiting biceps and triceps that disappeared about 6 years ago. My glutes are becoming more toned, I have a stronger core. My chiropractor is liking the new me. I feel terrific...I am sleeping better and my appetite is shrinking. Who knew a ballet-barre, yoga strap, a squishy ball and 1-lb barbells would be so loved. Madonna is a fan...yes that Madonna. (there I said it, and I'll bend over and pick up the name I just dropped.) I don't have the body of a dancer (secret ambition: NYC Rockette as a child) yet...but maybe, just maybe sometime in the future.

Last week one of the instructors actually commented on how my body was transforming right before her eyes. (shhhh, don't tell anyone, I like her the best!) Of course, now that the transformation is occurring I am leaving town for an extended RV trip through Yellowstone and Calgary...I am fully prepared to at least manage my renewed self with the 40 min DVD version in hopes of keeping the return-to-class aches to a minimum. Don't laugh - it could happen.

Check back in August for an update.

(Ask about the 3 class special, or when they are having another athletic wear trunk show. If you want to confuse them, tell them I sent you. )

Ciao~

I've been down that road...

Today, after my morning meditation I turned on GMA to find a beautiful young woman speaking about her experience on the reality show Extreme Makeover-Weight Loss Edition (another one of those programs I avoid like the plague). It's been all over the air waves via commercials, and apparently premiered last night. She indicated that over the last year she lost 161 lbs, and currently was down another 30lbs. Congratulations! I can so identify.

I know from my own personal experience how weight, especially being overweight can affect you - even long term, even when you no longer carry around the extra pounds. In my case, an extra 100 lbs...at the same age as this young woman (I believe her name is Rachel), I was diagnosed with hypoglycemia - but frankly I was just fat, today I would have been considered obese. A total change in lifestyle was needed and fast. My 5'6" frame was a staggering 210, a size 16. Gulp.

As a child I was chubby...adorable at 2, sad and bully material after the age of 10. My parents liked to say "you are just big boned"...ah, no I am not. Elephants, rhinos and hippos are "big boned", which  in my head translated to "you are a hippo". I was overweight as a child, a teen and a young adult. I was tormented/bullied at school to the point of tears. I was ridiculed at home for eating too much - I was never instructed, schooled or treated for my fat-ness. (As I was raised by wolves,  I so understand this today.) It wasn't until a doctor gave me the information about what was wrong and what I could do about it did I make the necessary changes. I was 21 years old.

I started by changing my diet to a high protein, low carb diet Monday through Saturday. I walked a lot. It wasn't until about 3 years later that I joined a women's gym. Sundays were a day where I could eat whatever forbidden food I wanted - with one caveat. I had the smallest possible portion and only one serving. If I wanted to have pie for dessert, it was a thin slice. Mash potatoes: a serving spoon portion. A cookie, was just 1 cookie - not a dozen. I took the weight off slowly, having started in October I was down 100 lbs by July. I had lost so much weight my grandmother was concerned that I was dying. I finally had ankles. Don't laugh, when you've never had ankles - seeing them below your knees is a huge miracle.

Being overweight in a thin world is akin to being blind or deaf in a seeing/hearing world. My father was 6"3" and lean. My youngest sister would become as tall and as lean. I was compared to them a lot. I was also miserable at home, stemming from other issues, but nonetheless - miserable and alone.There wasn't nearly the pressure then as there is today on "being thin", I get it. It doesn't make it any less painful today as it was in the 60's. Being overweight, even a little...SUCKS. The physical toll is pretty obvious, but the emotional toll is life long. Even today I still have body image issues, not every day...but I continue to work at changing my internal thought process around to meet the reality.

My demons don't haunt me anymore...oh, occasionally one will surface and I'll wave it off with a salute and a nod, "I see you - now go away". Shoo.  Oh, I still have body image issues, I do not know of a woman alive who doesn't, every once in a while. We don't want to admit it but they are there -lurking. When dining out,  I still read all of the menu selections before ordering the salad, dressing on the side and obsess on dessert until it's actually time to order it and then I remember who I m today and how I continue to squeeze into those size 8 jeans I love so much.  I remember how it took me several years to stop going directly to the size 16 dress rack at major department stores to dress my new body.

So it was wonderful to see and hear this young woman talk about her year of change on GMA. Changing what foods she ate, exercising every day and discovering who she was underneath the pain of being obese. Or in her case, "super obese"...(where were these shows when I needed the help?) I didn't watch the show so I don't know what her particular demons are/were, apparently she acknowledged them and is now aware of her triggers. I hope she will be able to continue her journey. I hope she has put into place a defense mechanism that will sound the needed alerts around: the people who will attempt to sabotage her, a day of low self-esteem and a car that will drive as if on auto-pilot to the nearest donut shop or against all possible odds - a credit card and a fully charged cell phone to order in.

The monkey might be off my back, but the circus is still in town. Cookie anyone?

~Ciao

The Voice is SO, SO much better....

Move over American Idol, NBC's The Voice is where it is at! A.I. was good the first 2-3 seasons and I was a devoted fan. Then the show started airing the "auditions" of truly bad singers and it just became painful to watch - it began to feel like a form of bullying as news magazines and entertainment shows would replay the most bizarrely dressed, or the truly dreadful singer. I began to wait until there were 6-8 contestants to start watching and then I just stopped. As a child I too was a victim of bullying - don't need to participate as an adult...especially given a choice to watch or turn the program OFF.

If you haven't seen or heard of it, The Voice is surprisingly well done!

Part 1...Blind Audition selections completed in the first 2 weeks of the show.

The singers are PRE-SCREENED prior to your ever having to listen to them. So there is no out of tune, off pitch, terrible audition that we as viewers must endure. Carson Daly is the host, with  Adam Levine, Blake Shelton, Cee Lo Green and Christina Aguilera, the "coaches" who will select  a singer to join their team of 8 from blind audition - solely on their voices - for they are sitting with their backs to the performer. Should more than one coach turn around for a singer - the singer decides whose team they want to join.

Part 2 - Battle Competition Phase -

Coaches selects 2 members of his/her team, selects a song and helps to fine tune the performance. Then the contestants vie for advancement by singing the same song together, in a faux boxing ring. Comments from the other coaches about the performance are offered but it is up to the contestants coach to choose who stays for the live performance, cutting the teams to 4 each. One more week of phase 2 is left before the live performances.

Part 3 - Live Performances - whittling teams down to one member each to then compete for the $100K and a recording contract should begin the first week of June. I only watched the first 2 selection shows and due to DWTS (competing nights/time slots) finales I haven't seen any of the "battles" so I can now look forward to another hour of entertainment based on talent not crime.
Looking for a new show now that DWTS and American Idol are over? Check out The Voice, Tuesday evenings, NBC, 10pm. You might be pleasantly surprised.

Ciao~

Finding True Love? or Finding Fame

As irritated as I am, I can't seem to come up with an opening sentence for my latest rant...so I will just say - THE BACHELORETTE and The Bachelor must go!

I am no fan of the original show: The Bachelor, which made it's debut in 2002. I will admit to watching the very first episode and cheered when a beautiful Mid-Eastern woman stood up and announced that she was eliminating herself - her words were along the lines of "I know you won't be selecting me, I'm the token non-white". And that was the end for me as well, I didn't even finish watching that episode. Here it is 9 years later and unbelievably it is still on! Go to http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Bachelor_(TV_series) for the statistics of bad boy behavior and how they all fared. It's not pretty, but predictable for sure. I'm not that righteous, I just refuse to participate in the demeaning of women - even when these very women 'sign-up' for the event.

Where do I begin? To state the obvious .... do we know a young woman who got up one morning and said "when I grow up I want to be a contestant on the Bachelorette"...I think not. In my 20's I had no self-esteem...clearly I had more than the women who not only sign up to compete against each other over a man in front of millions of people. Really? You want to show the world how truly sad you are?  Where are the feminists screaming for this show to be removed? Are we really teaching the young women of America that the way to find their 'soul mate' is by mass dating for one guy on TV in front of the world?

What is so charming and appealing about a man saying he "wets the bed", or is so drunk or tired that he falls asleep during your first meeting (per recent promo commercials) that screams "pick me, pick me"?  And the other side is - she is crying about how "I didn't believe I would be hurt again so soon"  in the first episode - or words similar. The first episode has you in tears? The commercials alone are enough to make me want to heave my most recent meal.

I just don't get this fascination with watching train wrecks on TV. If 25 women are chosen for a "season" that means that several hundred applied to be part of the train, for something like 15 seasons....and then if one of them is the runner-up or in the case of one recent finalist - engagement broken off on live TV and the runner up is chosen - you then get the opportunity to mass date 25 males on your own train - is it really love that you are looking for or the attention that this will bring you for about 15 minutes. I mean, seriously, the only woman I remember surviving the train wreck is Tristan  - mainly because she's the one that got married out of all of the shows. So that tells me that young women are looking for the fame they believe they may find on one of these dating shows. It amazes me that bright, beautiful and talented young women sink to this level, just for fame.

The saddest part of all of this is that these shows are popular. America's willingness to watch this fluff and sign up to participate only promotes it's longevity...when I googled searched it I discovered that over 484K people "Like" this on Facebook...that's almost the entire number of members. I can proudly say that I was NOT one of them. And I won't be doing so in the future...however, I will dance the day their cancel the shows.

Young women everywhere: If you feel the need to compete - join a sports team, run a marathon, challenge yourself to achieving your dream of higher education, saving the planet one person/animal/plant at a time - compete for something that matters. Just when you aren't looking - Mr. Right will appear. I know - it happened for me.

~Ciao

Sensible Shoes? oh, pluzeeeeee

Recently, I had a girlfriend  lament about her possible restriction to "sensible shoes" - largely due to a hip replacement surgery. It got me to thinking about shoes in general and what my reaction would be in the same situation. These days I live in flip flops, sneakers, cowboy boots and clogs...and I have about 8 pairs of heels that I can not retire to the Goodwill bag. Only the clogs would be considered a candidate for the 'sensible shoes' label. Bare, naked, shoe-less...happy toes is my real preference. But I digress.

We are not 'shoe' young anymore - she and I both love shoes. As a surgical nurse, she wore good solid sensible shoes to work, flip flops around the house, yard and beach town. When I think of her in regular street clothes or a pretty summer dress - she is either in flip flops or tres chic open toed pumps....the occasional tennis shoe that has seen better days. Shoes with character...

(My chiropractor would suggest that I haven't been "shoe" young for many, many years. At least, as far as the shoe to the left is concerned. But what does he know, really - he is after all, a man.)


This would be an example of a shoe I would wear....love, love, love this shoe. Ridiculously too high, right? But stunning and what's more - your legs look stunning in them. The very young can wear this shoe. When I am standing in front of this shoe or one like it, my head tells me that I am that young. And I want to be able to wear this shoe. And, of course, not be in pain. This is a 'shoe' young shoe.

I can not imagine anyone not wanting this shoe - or one just like it. My younger self did not envision that there would come a day that I would not be able to physically be in that shoe. I wasn't ever going to be that old. Of course, I saw the elderly women at the store, on the bus, at the doctor's office...all wearing those industrial strength 'sensible shoes' and telling myself that I would not become one of them! Black, thick soled - with laces. Yikes. Some man designed those ugly shoes. Off with his head, I say.

Of course there are shoes that I wouldn't be caught in, dead or alive. I have never been a sling-back kind of girl. Not really crazy for open-toed pumps either. Mary Janes...only the black patent leather MJ's that Manolo Blahnik designed would do...aren't they divine? Even at $645 they are divine...wonder if I could live in them?

Manolo Blahnick Mary Jane

Lady Gaga - S. McQueen Shoes

This is not a shoe that I would wear...reminds me of lobster oven mitts...you can add all the rhinestones and sequins you want - not buying into the myth. But one must give it up to the woman who can and does wear shoes such as this....Lady Gaga. She has graced the world stage with the most bizarre array of high platform shoes that only those with remarkable body awareness and the ability to balance would be able to carry the look off. No one I know could or should strut their stuff in lobster mitts unless of course they just signed a recording deal.

So, I 've decided not to surrender 100% to the 'sensible shoe' model. What my chiropractor doesn't know won't hurt either of us. I just wish I had somewhere fabulous to go that demanded wearing red high heels...even it is in the spirit of Oprah - wearing shoes to sit in.

Ciao~

"Hot In Cleveland" on TVLand

Guest Posted by Noble Stephens

If you haven't watched "Hot In Cleveland" on TVLand channel, which is on satellite TV from TvByDirect.comct.com, you don't know what you are missing. Betty White is hilarious as ever.

"Hot In Cleveland" is a comedy about three successful Los Angeles women and an 80 year old woman. The three women from Los Angeles were on their way to Paris, France for a few weeks of vacation. Their plane was having some problems, so it landed in Cleveland, Ohio. The three woman loved it in Cleveland. They decided to stay awhile instead of heading back home or to Paris.

The three women needed a place to stay, but ! didn't want to stay several weeks in a hotel. They rented a house, but the house came with this 80 year old cleaning lady played by Betty White. The three women, who are in their early 40's, learn a lot from Betty White's character and visa versa. There are many misunderstandings because of the age difference.

"Hot In Cleveland" is a favorite comedy sitcom of mine. It has only been on for one season so far. The second season has just started a few days ago. This is a must see comedy sitcom. You will be laughing throughout the whole show.

my seriously funny cat Lola

This is Lola Morgan. This is one of her preferred spots to sit. She can easily "head butt" me if I am ignoring her. She is almost sitting on my computer...notice the look on her face...it is almost a look of "dare you to ignore me now". I'll get to her lifes' purpose shortly.

Lola was born in Seal Beach, CA, along with about 4 other siblings. She and her sister Lucy Madison came to live with me later that summer, via a NWA flight and a sympathetic co-worker who happen to live in Pasadena and was returning to town. I'm pretty sure that the trauma she experienced was my undoing...while her sister became the official "lap cat"....Lola took on a much more stoic existence. Her un-official name is "Don'tTouchMe"...she refused to be held or sit in my lap UNLESS it was her decision. And only if I did not "touch her". Once I did, game change, she would up and leave. She fought every attempt to hold her, so I gave up, the skin can only be shredded so much. On June 14th, she and her sister Lucy Madison will celebrate their 13th birthday.

Flash forward to year 10 and a new and improved Lola. She now will sit on my lap, in fact looks for the lap to be sat in. She will allow the occasional pick-up and hold, but escapes when she is ready....usually 30 sec in - but it is progress. She still absolutely refuses to allow me to clip her toenails....OUCH!  But all is not golden with Ms. Lola....her lifes' purpose falls under these categories:

1) she refuses to drink out of her automatic water dispenser. When someone is in the house that is.
2) she will sit on the bathroom counter and meow, incessantly, until the humans come and run tap water into the basin. The meowing has now grown to a YOWL. In other words, a demand.
3) she likes photographs and will lick them. Yes, I said lick them. She has gone so far as to hunt for them on my desk and to uncover them if hidden.
4) to gather attention she head butts me. this is notification that she wants her ears "scrunched"! she wants it continuously and if you stop, you are rewarded with a head butt until you resume. Sometimes it is just plain annoying. For a long time I thought she had ear mites, nope - vet checks every year. She just likes it.
5) she has yet been un-trainable to hurl her hair balls up on the linoleum. She has recently began a low kaling and  pacing to inform me that she is about to hurl....on the carpet of course. The miniature rug shampooer has paid for itself many times over...
6) and as much as we do discourage the dining table top sitting, she at least does it only if there is a newspaper or book on which to sit. (Had to remind my guy that "when we aren't here - they are everyway that we don't want them to be, including the dining room table, kitchen counters - cuz; the window is there- don't ya know, etc.")
7) she is sometimes a bully with her sister...to the point that Lucy, at times, avoids her. If Lola wants in my lap, Lola will be in my lap regardless of what/who is in my lap. Even needlepoint is to be removed to allow for sitting. This from a cat that refused the lap years earlier. Go figure.

The good news is she no longer removes her collar. Fat lot of good it will do her to do so...we had the vet implant a gps bug into her back last Fall. And she has become quite the little RV'er. Even an indoor cat will escape given the opportunity to do so...as I have discovered her in the backyard facing down the squirrels and staring at the bird feeders.

She is a good kitty. I just wish she wouldn't glare at me. Or eat the plants...

~Ciao
p.s. Cats lose 1/2 of their daily body hydration from cleaning themselves ~ hence the need to hydrate. I rarely see this cat clean herself (although she is clean) as she sleeps all day and much of the night. (Sigh.)

new bike to road test = butt butter?

yesterday is was Beautiful outside....got to 70 degrees. definitely time for a road test of our new x-country bikes. embarrassing to admit, but outside a single short ride on a borrowed bike in December i have not been on a bike for 35+ years...and i never had a bike with gears. ????? what are those and how do they work?

i never had a 2-wheeler. that astonished my husband....i can briefly remember a tricycle in a long ago Christmas setting but never got a 2 wheel bike and where we lived i sure could have used one. (mainly to flee...maybe they knew that)

we do this road test in our neighborhood which has a series of 'greenway' paths for runners and bikers, the assorted dog walkers and baby strolling parents. of course we decide to divert off the path and into a unknown neighborhood, up and down - emphasis on the down - which causes me to ask about the FLAT return home. to which my prince charming says "it's all downhill from here" (w/grin.)
at some point in the process my seat got moved to a higher position ensuring that i would not be able to touch the ground and have contact with the seat...not a comforting thought given my less than confident first time outing.

as i said a bit earlier, not familiar with gears. apparently my bike has 3 for the front wheel and 6 for the back one. who designs these things? trying to go uphill with 1 (front) and 7 (back) is hard  and my legs were complaining, as was my mouth apparently; until mr. p.charming says...both should be 1 - 1...OH! i then find i am halfway up the hill and i have no control over the pedals, let alone the wheels/tires to pavement! scared? not me....i am laughing so hard over the visual i see in my head of the clown car like sight i was creating for the folks out in their yards, that i literally can not pedal and fall to the left. unhurt and still laughing i have to walk my bike to the corner because i can not get on the now too high seat AND i am laughing.

triathlete friend WB recently informed me of 'butt butter' - newsflash WB, it's not my derriere that is in need of soothing this weekend. but thank you for the fascinating insights of long distance bikers and their backsides. (hugs and love!)

and yes i know that helmet looks stupid now that i see the photo.it's job is to save my head from connecting with cement...pity it can't be attractive AND meet OSHA requirements.

arm-chair quarterbacking....DWTS

for you non-enthusiasts feel free to move on...however I just can't seem to let this go. I have a friend that lives in Washington State and we are able to share this (via Facebook) which probably aids in the 'hanging on' that I am experiencing. 

I am not a fan of the 'themed' music shows...last night's "Patriotic" music, which is nice to hear but it appears to be very difficult to choreograph. Some were ok, others just annoying to watch.

So in no particular order, my thoughts on each of the individual celeb dancers:

Romeo: Newsflash: it's not classy to use a 'cancer announcement' as a "vote for me" moment.(especially since you aren't even related to the patient!)

Kirstie: please have your costume designer FIRED...you deserve better costumes. I love that your 'over-the-top' personality can manage the mountains of jokes that women with weight issues have thrown at them. You have rhythm girlfriend....dance as much/long as you can. You get some of my votes.

Ward: It's just too bad you have such great timing/technique...are you sure you've never had lessons?

Kendra: seriously? monthly hormones? again? TMI honey, TMI. your whining and brat 'tude is just irritating.
Someone needs to go...bye-bye Playboy princess.

Okay, I'm done for this week's review. Can't wait to see the results show.

I think I swallowed a grouchy pill...some days are just like that.
Ciao~

this week's dribs and drabs

So, it's Monday again, time for DWTS. I think I'd be more excited if the Playboy Princess wasn't still testing our patience and tolerance what with the bad acting and all around bratty 'tude. Yes, I could remove myself from in front of that portion of the show - don't want to, after all, it may actually be another train wreck and that's always good for a giggle.

Took myself to my 7th Barre3 class today...love, love, love this class. Not one class has the same instructor or content. At times, I feel like my muscles will burst at any second - but compared to the first week I am in so much better condition. I do sometimes have to put my 1lb hand weights down to lower my heart-rate, after all my heart is a lot older than the girl that is talking in my head believes the body is...and I know enough about aerobic exercise - both the good and bad - to know that anaerobic is counter productive in the grand scheme of things.

Found a new protein bar. Not only is it gluten-free (which I totally need) but also several of the bars have ZERO sugar. That's right...ZIP sugar.  The ten natural thinkThin® high protein bars have 0 grams sugar and around 230 calories (70 fat cal) and are OMG delicious. I have only been able to find 4 of the 10 protein bars in our local Trader Joes and New Season's but one can order them on line. Chocolate Brownie and White Chocolate Chip are my current favs, although the Cookies & Creme bar is right up. I have one in my bag now all the time, perfect for a afternoon snack when I'm away from home and the healthier snacks that dwell within. Their also have a "crunch" bar line which does have sugar as an ingredient, as well as a small box of 5 half bars (protein) which is the perfect after-dinner treat with a cup of chamomile tea. (think I will email them that I blogged about the bars...will they reward me with a box?) Oh, and the website also has a coupon you can download for .50cents off a bar until 30 April.

We now have helmets and fenders on our bikes. Now if the weather would just cooperate long enough to take a dry spin....and the RV bumper rack has been modified to work around the tire currently mounted there. Watch out people the 'crazy' lady on the hot pink bike hasn't ridden in years!

Have a reiki practice partner lined up...and my darling man is also making himself "available"....he isn't a believer - but then he doesn't need to be!  The Universe knows just what it is that needs the love and attention.

And finally, spring veggie planting is semi-done. Am waiting for sweet onion roots from a neighbor, but all in all until the ground warms up enough to plant tomatoes I am done. Oh, that and Brussels sprouts and beets...ohmygosh - nothing better that roasted b sprouts and beets. So good for you...

Am off for a walk around the 'hood while there is a bit of sun in our (brrrrr) 48 degree afternoon.
Ciao

my spiritual journey to Reiki

This past Friday I was certified as a Reiki* practitioner. I am in a happy place. A new piece of my 'spiritual practice' puzzle fell into place that day…the journey continues.  (It is a healing art form and spiritual in nature, therefore fits in nicely with my beliefs.)

My search for a spiritual practice began in my early twenties - although at the time I wasn't consciously thinking, "I'm searching for a spiritual practice". I was however, in despair and read a lot of, what many call, "self-help" books in search of answers. Divorced, lacking guidance, I was adrift in the boat of my life "without a motor or oars".  I am a product of the 60's and it was after all the 70's, the height of seeking enlightenment through sex, drugs and R&R.  I joined its' ranks - seeking "enlightenment" through large quantities of alcohol and recreational pharmaceuticals-so much so that near the end of that decade of hard living I stopped and sought out help and found it. I wasn't living - I merely breathed in and out. It was an extremely sad and painful time. Another part of my journey.

The next decade was spent in search for a spiritual practice/community that I could live with…I did research on religion/churches by attending services and I even spent two years as a ministerial student within the Church of Religious Science. I discovered that 'living a spiritual life' did not mean, for me, being committed to an organized religion. Apparently my love of church architecture did not extend into sitting through services or tithing to pay church bills. (sigh)

I have, for years now been a haphazard disciple of yoga, acupuncture, astrology, channeling, past lives readings (haven't we all read Shirley MacLaine's Out on a Limb - or - A Course in Miracles published through the Foundation for Inner Peace, seeking a higher truth?)  (Am pretty sure in another life I was a pacifist, even now "Do No Harm" echoes through my head each day)

The search continued, even during those times when I veered off course - only to return and begin where I had left off. I am, after all, a human being and am easily diverted by outside influences. (grin) In that regard I do surrender to the inner knowing that the Universe really is in charge and eventually was led to Reiki and The Insight Center. I did take a rather circuitous route, but I arrived, which in retrospect is the point.

Soooo, Saturday I shared with a group of friends this important accomplishment of mine and the inevitable questions arose (from those who have not dappled in Eastern philosophies), "What is Reiki?". A simple clean descriptive would be:

*An ancient hands-on healing art form established by Dr. Mikao Usui in Japan. The word Reiki is made of two Japanese words - Rei which means "God's Wisdom or the Higher Power" and Ki which is "life force energy". So Reiki is actually "spiritually guided life force energy." While Reiki is not a religion, it is still important to live and act in a way that promotes harmony with others.

As stated earlier, I am in a happy place. I have been instructed to practice, practice, practice for the next 30 days by my Reiki Master. So to reinforce the discipline and my consciousness I am offering a healing session to those of you who know me. Simply contact me directly of your interest and I'll make arrangements with you for a session at no cost to you.

Are you interested in a meditation class/astrology reading, chakra crystal cleansing or Reiki Distance Healing (none of which I provide)? Checkout The Insight Center's website for more information. If you have struggled with a meditation practice as I did, I highly recommend the meditation classes which are offered several times a year.

As you move about your day take with you this Reiki principle "Just for today, do not worry." See if your awareness/consciousness transforms.

And no I have not ordered business cards.

Namaste~

dancing, dancing, dancing....what's not to love

it's the morning after and i am arm-chair quarter-backing DWTS! (also known as a rant :-D) If you have just emerged from under a rock I have included a 'about' link (above). I am an unabashed fan of the show. I use my votes.



that's me!

 Yep, love the dancing shows. As a child, "back-in-the-day", I took tap, ballet (including toe) dancing. And I watched the Championship Ballroom Dance Competition on PBS, hosted by Juliet Prowse, during the 80's and 90's. (Tragically, Ms. Prowse died from pancreatic cancer at 59.) Loved watching the professionals compete.
 
Now that I have qualified my love of dancing...
 
The first 3-4 weeks of DWTS is always interesting, hilarious and a great "train-wreck" to watch. Remember "Master P's" appearance and his flat-footed stomp around the floor, or Cloris Leachman - who I adore and admire for her gumption - made us laugh and clap during her romps around the floor. This season's "I do NOT have rhythm and walk like a robot" award went to Wendy Williams. True she wasn't the first causality, that honor went to Mike Catherwood, although in my opine - she should have been the first to go, as it was just painful to watch. Yes she had personality - but she could NOT dance. (this is a dance competition, not a personality contest)
 
So my rant today is about the 'dumb blonde' act of Kendra...she needs to 'G.O. AWAY".

Watching her attempt to dance makes me want to scream "my eyes, my eyes", to hear her complain during the judges' remarks and then make excuses is akin to 'nails on a chalkboard'. The fact that she is paid to have a reality show is astonishing to me. Really America? There is so little passably good  programming to watch that you sink to watching an ex-Playboy bunnie at home? Even old sit-coms on TVLand would be a step up. "Oh, Kendra, sweetie..." ballroom dancing is both elegant and sexy and can be accomplished with grace, laughter and practice, practice, practice. If you had spent more time with the latter and less about whining about what you 'aren't' you might have discovered that. Everyone on the show has the same number of days to perfect their dance, or wait - they actually used the time to learn it without whining!  Even Kirstie, who had a painful hip, managed to score higher than you and she lost a shoe!

And lets not forget the music last night was wonderful! A full 46 member orchestra...playing the classical themes to Swan Lake, the Harry Potter franchise, etc...delightful and classy.

Hopefully America feels the same way and votes her off tonight...

True I don't watch the usual reality TV shows. This includes the Bachelor (gag), The Amazing Race, Survivor and that train wreck - Kate show with the kids (not sure what the current name is). And I don't put this show into that category, although I am sure that some would disagree. (Isn't America great that way.)

Now I'll take myself off to watch PBS's Masterpiece Theatre from Sunday night and later to watch the DWTS results show. My love affair continues.

Ciao~

my new ride....on the road to fit-ness

recent posts by yours truly have been focusing on my need/desire/search to get back into a regular fitness routine. this one will as well. there are a multitude of reasons. among them is my desire to ward off the encroaching "love handles", age inertia/limitations, and to just feel better. physically one could say i am a mess, at least structurally.

i have spinal degeneration going on, specifically in my upper back/neck area that regular chiropractic care, over the last 35+ years, has helped me maintain an active lifestyle. being active was and continues to be important, even through periods of yoga, aerobics, weight training, running, pilate's. there was also periods of inactivity...when i went back to school to finish getting my college degree, and the 5 - yes 5, knee surgeries and the subsequent periods of recovery from them. no more running for me, ever. i could be all sad about that, but frankly - running sucks. didn't like it as a teenager, didn't really love it as an adult, but it did get the workout done faster - and no, i never got the runner's high. whatever that is! and  at one point in my 20's i had a road bike, until the partying got to be more fun then the bike...but that is another story.

last spring i found new solutions through Dr. Arnot and his team. intense appointments with ice, stretches and adjustments soon got me stabilized. even with a nasty fall last july 17th and my sprained wrist got attended to...then i left town for 4 months and even though i was diligent about doing my daily stretches and exercises, i came home a mess, albeit not a huge mess - finding myself getting treated each week. hence the search for regular fitness...building core strength and maintaining flexibility. in all these years not one of my many chiropractic physicians (there have been 6 not counting the current one) had a team to assist in designing a program to help stabilize until now.

can't run, but no one has suggested i can't ride.

my new ride

sooooo - yesterday we got our new mountain bikes - they are really cross trainers with fat tires...no trail riding for this one, but they will come in handy while we winter somewhere warm and dry.

isn't she pretty?
so fitness is part of who i am. (along with the fat girl that lives inside my head, screeching to be let out.)
i think i'll punish her more once i get a helmet - then i'll be ready to go!

Ciao~






the fitness search continues...

It's now been 7 days since I took my first Barre3 class and I took classes #2 and #3 within the past 4 days. What a difference...but then I am at some level a fitness junkie. It was bound to happen, it always has in the past.  Doesn't mean I like it - the actual 'doing' part, however as noted in my last post, I do like the benefits of exercise. So, if you are like me and you don't like to exercise but know that you 'should' - (this word is usually issued by your physician and really means "if you do not, you will die",) then find some form of physical activity that you know you will do more than once, and go do it.  My new found love affair with Barre3 came about because I discovered that I no longer wanted to be a gym-rat or heave heavy objects around all the while feigning interest and joy in doing so. That revelation was miraculous! I did not want to be a gym-rat...how simple. I was overjoyed and also aware that I couldn't just stop doing 'something'.

Recently an acquaintance made reference to my 'thinness'! This is a woman whom I see on average about once a week when I happen by the needlepoint store. She and I have sat together and stitched, but we have not had coffee, a meal, or an event to bond our relationship, so she is an acquaintance. And as I was standing there in front of her with a smile and a 'thank you' on my lips - I was mentally fighting to keep my head from exploding, all the while a high, tinny voice was screeching "Are you blind?" When I think about my body size, the word "thin" is NEVER used as an adjective to describe it. I use "I am a size 8 in most clothes."
This is huge progress from the once size 16 that I wore on my 215 lb body and the words stocky, fat, full figure were thrown around like badminton birdies. True, it was 40 years ago, but body image/self confidence/ self acceptance comes in waves depending on where my head is at, if my hormone levels are sufficient, and whether or not there was some woman on Oprah, The View or in a magazine that is close to my age and looks FANTASTIC! Never mind that she has either been completely made over by a team of professionals or some male photographer air-brushed her within an inch of perfection - it takes more than a oatmeal scrub and a box of hair dye to make me look and feel Fabulous on any given day, and fitness is a part of this scenario, whether I like it or not.

So, the good news is I now feel more of my muscles after each class, so much so I signed up for 20 additional classes. Endurance should improve, muscles will get toned and maybe, just maybe the final 7 lbs that have lingered on my hips will disappear. I have surrendered thoughts of inadequacy in other areas of my life and bounced back...maybe balancing on one leg is the answer. I'll let you know.

The good, the bad - the "exercise" ugly

I'm in pain today...the second day after a new exercise class. It's that type of pain that you think/hope will not be as severe as say walking on fire or the last time it was days/weeks/months of non-activity and then you exercised and woke up 2 days later - in pain. However, backstory first...

We all have fitness goals - yes, even those obviously overweight people you see at the grocery store, carts loaded with carbs, ice cream, cigarettes and wine - which you have judged as those without fitness goals. Their goal is to do everything that isn't 'fitness' related - to some that is a goal. It just isn't mine.

I am one of those people who has flirted with fitness/exercise my entire life. As an overweight tomboy t'ween I was into softball games, tether ball, and roller skating (pre-rollerblading) with kids of the neighborhood. In high school I as a PE assistant basketball coach, which I really liked and I loved gymnastics. I detested, loathed and avoided any track and field sport which meant no running....but then I was a social cigarette smoker - so running was out!!! As you can see, I was conflicted, I really don't like to exercise, don't like sore muscles or getting sweaty. But I am drawn to sports... and am also lazy.

In the ensuing years I have learned to play tennis, golf, and ski. I've taught yoga and Jane Fonda-style fitness classes. I have joined gyms and hired trainers to get me into shape, and  I've even considered becoming a "fitness instructor", but life and circumstances intervened. I even stopped smoking 20+ years ago and got to the point where I was running 25-30 miles a week. Still did't like exercise - it's hard work,  but I was committed to the benefits. I even did 'hot yoga' 4 times a week for 18 months - and that is work what with counting the travel time,  it is like a 3 hour commitment - to stretch.

Yes, I know all the benefits from exercise. I actually LIKE all the benefits I get from exercise. The sleeping better, weight management, the clean, sharp lines of toned muscles, feeling great - all good things. Doesn't make me love exercise though.  I have yet to experience the endophin highs that some claim exist when exercising - if only that would have happen maybe I would have fallen in love with exercise. ('Sigh'). And because I don't LOVE exercise I go through periods where I can workout and be consistent, until I'm not. Never know when it will occur, neither the doing or the not doing.

Once I moved to the suburbs, got married and went back to school, walking became my exercise. (oh, and in fact my knees finally gave out - no more running for me, EVER.) Last year when I quit working I re-joined a neighborhood gym...only to discover that I didn't want to throw weights around or stand in line 30 minutes to get into the already over-booked yoga/zumba/bike classes. So here I was again, walking for exercise and doing some in-home stretches - lamenting how flabby I was becoming and wishing I could find something that I wanted to do enough to join in again.

I had become one of 'those' people: having relegated "serious" physical exercise to the bottom of the priority list. Afterall, I was exercising...walking a few miles every day is exercise. Then last November led me to a Groupon purchase for Barre3 classes, "where ballet barre meets yoga and pilates". Fast forward to last Thursday and the exercise class that is now my new obsession.

And today it is the exercise ugly - where my legs feel like tree stumps and I groan like an old man when I try to sit or stand up. Oh, I feel other muscle groups when they are engaged, but sitting/standing/kneeling require thigh muscles - ones that are use to moving with ease and flexibility without having to support yourself with the help of walls and pieces of furniture. There is no ease or grace of movement as I sway side to side like a robot until my muscles warm up enough to walk like humans were meant to walk...normally. It is that type of pain that actual feels good in it's painfulness. I know, I know I could have taken the easier, softer way and not joined in with "my over-the-top, type-A personality or I'm not old/out-of-shape/too flabby" head thinking and felt less pain today. That was an option that appeared and I dismissed in short order. I mean, the monkey may be off my back, but the circus is still in town. And I'm the ringmaster.

I just do not do half measures, even when pain is the obvious outcome. I have too many blessings to not count this pain as one of them. My legs still work, as do my lungs and heart. I have scheduled my next class for Monday...hoping for more good than ugly by Tuesday. In the meantime, ice packs and ibuprofen are my new BFFs.

Ciao~

R.I.P. Ms Taylor

Got out of the shower today to the GMA news announcing Elizabeth Taylor's passing earlier this morning. My immediate thought was one of disbelief, truly I was just stunned to hear this. No one gets out of this gig alive, however,my nutty brain has pigeon-holed ideas and expectations. And my expectation is that some people never grow old or die. Ms. Taylor fell into both categories. I don't know why, other than she was possibly the first 'movie star' that grabbed my attention and while I would see a photos of her over the years and it was clear that she was in fact getting older ~ I was apparently in denial - if she was getting older than so was I. Clearly this is just wrong.




My first memory of her was the big news story that she and Richard Burton made during the filming of Cleopatra...she and Burton's love affair was scandalous. It was on the TV and in the Seattle Times newspaper! It was "sinful"... Both were married to other people and they carried it out in public, relatively unheard of in the 1960's. Loads of tongue-wagging for sure...even today their love affair/relationship is considered over-the-top, which is saying a lot given the Brad & Anjolie coverage, Lindsay Lohan's quarterly front page headlines and the daily rantings of one Charlie Sheen.

I admire her creation and work on behalf of the American Aids Foundation, and it never occurred to me that she was politically on the right until she married (and helped get a Senate seat ) John Warner. Truthfully, I did not see that coming.

I do remember some of the Barbara Walter interviews that have, over the years, given us a window into who she really was off the silver screen, brawdy humor and all. Having been married more than once myself I understand that path all too well ~ however, she never seemed to have gotten that role down - I rather like that about her. She too was imperfect in ordinary, common ways. And yet she was extraordinarily beautiful...

Thank you Ms. Taylor for leaving us with memories of glamor, style and class...I have not seen all of her films - think I will see what is now available at the library. Heaven awaits your arrival, may you not be disappointed in who is or isn't there. You really were a 'Dame' in every sense of the word.

Dame Elizabeth Taylor rest in peace.

Ciao~

yo, the second day of spring

I love the seasons and with the brief 6 months of living in Desert Hot Springs back in the early 80's, have lived in a state with 4 of them my whole life. Summer, Fall, Winter and SPRING! Even though each has its pros and cons, if asked what my favorite season is - the word 'Fall' does fall out of my mouth. (Pun intended.)



yard today - March 2011

 However, I always do a happy dance the minute my crocuses appear at the edge of my lawn in early February. Even this year while touring the Southwest I knew my yard's first born would appear to welcome the daffodils that would follow within a few weeks. We arrived home almost 2 weeks ago and my yard is, again, not disappointing me. I have daffodils - lots of them. Tulips have pushed up nearby preparing to bloom next, roses and hydrangeas are sprouting new beginnings, and lilies ...visible evidence that Winter's blast of enforced plant hibernation is on it's way out and 3 months of brilliant colors and texture is about to be born again. Cyclical? Yes, and it never gets boring. This is all worth a happy dance,  and I have, on several occasions, danced my heart out and then some to Cee Lo Green's "Forget You".

Looking forward to my yard looking similar to this May 2009 photo soon:

Winter's hibernation, while seemingly peaceful and restful for the plants, gave way to the pine trees in the neighboring yards dumping every cone they grew into my yard...actually it was hilarious to see. Oh, I have had pine cones in my yard for years, however this year was 2x!  Apparently there was a bit of wind while we were gone - who knew the neighbor's debris could jump the fence, so to speak.

Until today, the only thing missing was the birds and squirrels. To encourage their walk/fly-bys, we feed them - hazelnuts for the squirrels and sunflower seeds for the birds. Oh yes, we spoil them. The squirrels returned yesterday - it took 3 days for them to find the nuts, but they are back. This morning while having my first cup o'joe and looking out over my kitchen sink, what do my wandering eyes see? A robin, finches, bushtits, wrens and yellow breasted chats all flew to the feeders. Now I am just waiting for the resident raccoon to return,as we have a family living in the neighbors Madrona tree. I've named him Zorro....for the obvious reason.


Zorro sitting on the squirrel feeder.

He feeds out of the squirrel feeder (which he is standing on here) and apparently hasn't missed many meals.

Ciao~

Lactose free - sorta, kinda, not entirely.

There are many things that, given the choice, I would dearly love to be allergic to - dairy products would NOT be one of them. Liver, lima beans and oysters come quickly to the front of the line. I was born with an allergy to milk. As a child I was tormented by my mother with 'Cheerios in apple juice' and 'goat's milk on hot cereal' and for drinking, I still gag at the mere thought of both of those options. I am sure that she was doing the best she could at the time, for back in the 50's alternative/substitutes for dairy were non-existent. Well, apple juice and goat's milk were the alternative. (Gag, gag, gag and shudder!) She just wasn't willing to deal with the rash that dairy created - ok fine, I get it. By my twenties I had grown out of the rash/allergy reaction. I adore, really worship dairy products. And I ate dairy with abandon for years without a misfiring.

However, somewhere along the road of life dairy rebelled and no longer could I find comfort in a cup of Greek yogurt, a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream melting over a warm fudge brownie or a cottage cheese filled cantaloupe. Lord, I miss my 8ozs of milk before bedtime. And with a cookie it was a bit of heaven after a long day at work. (Sorry, but tea is a distant second, even today.)

I love cheese - let me count the many ways: cottage cheese, extra sharp white cheddar (or yellow will do), Havarti, Provolone, Reggiano-Parmesan, a divine Mozzarella/basil/tomato Panini -YUM-O! and/or good old American melted cheese sandwich with Dijon mustard. God did good when he created cheese! Cream sauces, oh how you are solely missed. Mozzarella (low-fat of course) cheese sticks were a staple in my daily diet.

So, about 2 years ago I sought out a naturopathic physician to help find some solutions to both a sleep deprivation issue and regulating/adjusting/finding hormones in this physical body. She had me do two things: 1)saliva spit test; and 2) a 2-week food journal. Both were agonizing after the 2nd day. Little did I realize just how much dairy I consumed in any one day. Every meal and snack had some form of dairy…because that's what ya do if you love something. If it were even remotely possible, I am certain that an intravenous line would have been hooked up long ago to feed this obsessive love affair with dairy.

Well, I am here to tell you that I am, for the most part 98% dairy free. It was not pleasant at the time, and I did not go placidly into dairy-free-dom. Soy cheese is DISGUSTING! It does not melt worth a darn. And forget about the butter substitutes out there, yuk. I went back to good old butter-butter in small, seldom used, amounts. It took me about 6 months to find and enjoy some good substitutes for Half n Half - at Trader Joes I discovered a Soy Creamer that acts just like H/H. Goat cheese bricks, have become a fixture in my refrigerator, as has Rice Dream and Almond Milk for cereals and cookie dunking.

Last summer I decided that I could eat the occasional cup of Greek yogurt, dang it! 30 minutes after consuming it I was on the ground in my garden, curled up in the fetal position and wanting desperately to barf it up. No such luck, nor did I have the support of my husband who had earlier questioned me about the purchase of said yogurt. Ok, so dairy isn't my friend. I still find myself standing in front of the dairy case staring tenderly at the Chobani yogurt packed shelf. The memory of withering on the ground is still fresh in my mind so I resist even as the temptation persists.

Because I haven't found a perfect replacement for cheese in all markets, in all cities and towns - Trader Joe's isn't everywhere yet, I do have a small bag of shredded cheese in the fridge, for burritos and baked potatoes. I'm not perfect yet in this department either. But I don't eat it every day…I now considered it a "special event" food. The temptation to eat some every day hangs on, I ignore it for the most part and eat something disgustingly healthy - like grapes.

But I have found a replacement for ice cream in the form of Trader Joes Mochi - a coconut ice dessert in 3 delicious flavors and 6 individual servings: coconut, chocolate and mango. Thank you TJ's again for delivering a great product and saving my sanity...I think I should buy stock.


Now the sleep issue is somewhat resolved and I do credit the dairy-free 'ness' that I have obtained. However, that evil NP also determined that I was also gluten intolerant...that's a whole blog post by itself. Can a body sustain itself without dairy, gluten and animal products? Answers to these and other questions coming your way soon.  Until then -

Ciao and bon appetit...