Britches

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I couldn’t think of a better title, as I’ve used that word more than any other word in this post.  So there you have it.

There were a number of things I wanted to conquer today.  One being my toes.

They have not seen a pedi in over a month.  And they were in dire need of a little TLC.  This is not the time or place to share before pix.  You just have to trust me on this.

I love the blue polish I picked up at the grocery yesterday.  It’s just the “right” color of blue.

The name of this polish = Blue Me Away!  Yes, there is an exclamation point on the polish bottle after the name.  Seems fitting as it really blue me away!

While my toes were drying, I got busy on Google Reader and caught up with my reading.

Then I got busy throwing laundry from the washer to the dryer.

While busying myself around the house, I noticed little sprinkles on the surface of the pool.

And then I remembered that we forgot to put the grill cover back on from our BBQ last evening.

Then I realized I needed the camera.  What the camera has to do with covering the grill is beyond me.  I just wanted the camera with me when I stepped outdoors as I didn’t want to miss anything.

Perhaps it’s a good thing I brought it out.  Because this vine will be all trimmed nice and proper when the gardener comes over this weekend.

Look!

And then there were two.

I’m glad that there are times in life when goodness shows up.  Sometimes we have to be prepared and on the lookout.

When goodness comes, stop and enjoy the moment.

So the grill did eventually get covered.

The laundry is behind me.

My toes are finally dry.

I had a manicure as well.  My nails are pretty happy now that they are up to snuff again.

I made a run (in the car) to get new walking britches.  I love saying britches.  My grandma calls em britches and I love the word.

One time when I said britches to my step-daughter, she thought I was referring to underwear.  I hope she knows the difference now.

As I was saying, I got new britches and it turned into such a great experience.

Can you believe that this is the first I’ve replaced my hiking britches since I started losing weight?  Me neither.  I guess I have it in my brain that I do not want to buy every stinkin size as I go down.  So I just doubled my britches over in a couple of places and used safety-pins to hold them up.  I’m resourceful like that.

How fun will it be, in the morning, to put on my new britches, sans safety-pins?  It’s going to be epic!

Blessings – Debbie

I’m a Work in Progress

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Good Day!  And what a good day it is.  I have so much to be thankful for.

We were blessed with such a pretty night sky last evening.

Night sky with a bit of reflection in the pool

This morning dawned and a lovely day appeared.  This was an early shot from my hike today.

Can I tell you a thing or two?  Yes?  Please don’t judge.

You see, we all have heard the saying “Eat breakfast like a king, eat lunch like a prince, and eat dinner like a peasant.”  I totally get it and understand how breakfast will jump-start that metabolism among other good things.

But I’m just not that much of a breakfast person.  I don’t wake up starving.  And even when I get back from my morning hike, I have no desire for food.

It seems all I really want in the morning is coffee.  So I’m up to 2 cups each morning.  1 cup while I’m getting hubby’s breakfast and lunch ready.  And the second cup after my hike and shower.

A picture from my hike this morning.

By the time noon rolls around, I’m ready to start thinking about a bite to eat.  Yesterday I had lunch at 1:30 and today 12:30.  I pretty much eat when I’m ready for a bite.

Back to breakfast.  I’m beginning to warm up to the idea of having breakfast like I used to.  Because it’s good for me.  Lest I confuse you, just because I’m warming up, does not mean that I’m close to being ready.  Give me at least another month on this one.  A girl has to do what a girl has to do, right?

One more thing.  I told myself (last weekend) that I was done buying soda.  I told myself “when my soda is gone, it’s gone.  Period!”   Apparently I fought back on that too.  Because the pantry has enough soda for at least two more weeks.  But It’s only a matter of time when I will be drinking water and lovin’ it.  But for now, I’m really into my Diet Root Beer.  Sigh…

Another shot from my morning hike today.

My Total Today – Distance = 3.51 mi – Elevation Gain = 1,227 ft

I’m a work in progress and taking it one thing at a time.  I think that’s all part of what makes this journey fun.  I have my calories completely under control.  I use my smart phone app to log everything that goes in.  And I’ve moved into my exercise program this week just swimmingly.

Cheers for the good and Cheers to the areas that need work.

Blessings – Debbie

Blaze A Trail Thru Summer

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Good Afternoon!  Today is a big day.  It’s the day when I dip a bit deeper into health.

I’m not sure about you, but I’m just not the kind of gal that can take on a whole bunch of stuff all at the same time.

No, that would not be me.  I can feel myself shutdown at the thought of biting off more than I can chew.

I take things little by little, such that I don’t have a panic attack walk away from the thing I want so badly.

So last week, I totally embraced eating my daily allotment of calories without exceeding the feed limit.  Amen!

And as I look into this brand new week, I can see that there is room to add exercise to the list.  I’m ready for it.

On this beautiful blustery Southern California morning, I set out for my very first hike of the summer.

It was good to reconnect with nature.

And I’m more than ready to whip off these last 15 or so pounds.

On a good note, I dropped 3 pounds last week!  A testament that I am taking this serious. But I know it’s only a matter of a week or two that I will be back to only seeing a pound or 1/2 pound loss per week.

The goal is to find my stride.  And now that our travels are over and life is back to normal, I can focus and blaze this trail to goal.  And ultimately goal for life.

I’m happy with the progress and so thankful and proud that my hubby is on this journey with me.

Blessings – Debbie

The Joy of Long Holiday Weekends

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It makes me smile to see so many things in full bloom.  And to enjoy fresh fruit from the backyard. Hubby brought up a fresh orange for me the other day.  It was so good and fresh – So I had to run back out to check out the figs.  The figs are still green, but I keep making a trek every other day or so to see how they are coming along.

A picture along the path.

 

Lunch

One of our favorite meals would be our simple grilled lunch.  I’ve been jonesin for sausage peppers and onions.

I think my little grill foil packet was the best.  I loaded it up with peppers onions and Italian sausage (cut before cooking) + added smoked paprika and garlic salt to the mix.  It was simple but the flavors were spot on.  I did not have to add any type of oil, butter or water.  The veggies and sausage made plenty of juices.

And hubby’s been in the mood for a turkey dog, fries and an ear of corn for quite sometime.  So today, we both got our fill of the things we wanted.  It was so good, that we’ve talked about doing round 2 tonight.

Old Books

I have a “thing” for old books. One of my favorites is the old Bible on the top right.  Published 1839. I purchased that Bible some 21 + years ago for only $5.00.

I wanted to change-up the mantel this weekend.  It was seasoned with old books and was inspired by pinterest.

Monday is Coming

Hubby spent part of his weekend working in the garage.  And we’ve decided this has been the best 5 days in a row at home.  I sure wish I could order a few more vacation days on top of the already 5 day holiday I got to spend with him.  But I suppose his vacation days will come in handy another time.

Until then, it’s time to start embracing the fact that Monday morning is just around the corner.

Speaking of Monday, I think it will be a good day to start something new.  More on that tomorrow.

Blessings – Debbie

Happy Holiday Weekend

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Good Friday Afternoon!  I hope all of you are enjoying this holiday week/weekend and keeping nice and cool one way or another.

We’ve had some Fun Filled Days.  As hubby has been off work since Tuesday evening.

  • We checked out this open house on our street.  While we’re not “quite” ready to buy, it’s fun getting our feet wet again.

  • Had some fun errands together – Love doing stuff together, even when it involves Home Depot.  I can have more fun in that store than a shoe store.
  • Enjoyed some really good movies
  • and to think “it’s only Friday!”

But most of all, I’ve enjoyed being totally kick back with the hubs.  Let the chilling continue around here.

Blessings – Debbie

Baby Steps

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There are times when “Baby Steps” turn into giant leaps.  But for now, I’m just working on “Baby Steps” period.

This week is all about getting myself back into the health wagon.  And the way I see it, I’m not ready to do everything all at once.

This week is all about focus.

And by that, I mean getting my calories “ALL” under control.  I’ve managed to do that both yesterday and today.  But there are still areas to work on.

Things like:  Getting more protein, exercise, taking in more water…All things I will embrace in time.

Take today for instance, I found a new coffee flavor, it’s so yummy.

And this afternoon, I wanted another cup.  Now I normally (before Keurig) have one cup of coffee in the mornings.  But with this new Keurig thing in the house, I’ve had 2 – 3 cups a day.

So what did I do with my afternoon yearning for another cup of coffee?  I had it.  The calories come in the form of cream added to each cup = 105 calories per cup of coffee.

That just means 210 calories less that I can spend on food today.  And I’m ok with that for now, but not for long.

Yup, this week is all about weighing, measuring and counting every calorie that goes in.  And not exceeding the feed limit.  Because, that’s what it’s all about.  Baby Steps.

Blessings – Debbie

Good Health 1 Year Anniversary

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As we tuck June away for another year, it’s a reminder that my journey back to good health is 1-year-old.

I picked another rose today.  May it be a reminder to take the time to continue to smell the roses.  And may it remind us that while life passes by, there is balance when we stop from our busy routine.  Inhale. Exhale. Breathe.  And find balance in whatever it is that we do.

I’ve come a long way but I still have a long way to go.  In fact, it’s a lifetime commitment.

Every area of life requires balance, as does this journey to good health.

I haven’t had a lot to say about my journey the last couple of months.  That’s because this has been a real test.  A test to see if I’m really committed to this lifestyle.  Will I stop when the party is over?  Or will I get back up?

We were out-of-town a total of three weeks in the last two months.  We celebrated both of our birthdays.  We took some time-out to dine at our favorite restaurants and ordered exactly what we wanted.  Yes, the best fried onion rings in the world made it to my plate, ice cream from Cold Stone was enjoyed more than I care to admit…It’s been two solid months of celebrations.  Or taking the time to smell the roses, if you will.

There was a major weight gain that took place during this last trip out-of-town.  Up until this trip, I maintained (of course gained and lost) my weight no problem.  Being away from home for 13 days, eating with the rest of the crowd.  And celebrating “big”.  That’s what we did and that’s life.  And it’s ok to allow ourselves these things.  No regret.

I did have a number in my head of what I thought I would gain.  Turns out, I was one pound under my expected gain.

Once we returned home, I lost 1/2 of that gain in the first 4 days.

Since then, I haven’t been practicing my good health guidelines.  While I have not gained, I certainly have not lost.

Today is the day, the day I have had in my mind the last two months.  The day I will get back to the health plan my Registered Dietician laid out for me last year.

I’m ready mentally, emotionally and physically to feel the way I feel when I eat for my health.  It’s time.

As far as the weight loss, it will come.  I know it.  There is no rush and I realize that it can become a bit harder getting the last of it off.  The way I see it, I still have 15 – 20 pounds to go.  While I have weight to lose, I do not have a set date for goal.  I will get there when I get there.

Cheers to good health and the desire to have it more than ever.

Blessings – Debbie

Thoughts and Decisions

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It’s been a day of thoughts and decisions.

There were moments when my mind played tricks on me.  But at the end of the day, I’m pleased to report, we have a winner!

As you know, I’ve been in deep thought over frames the last couple of days.

Pictured below are my current frames.  I like them.  I like them a lot.  They’ve grown on me.  But we’ve had our fair share of round and rounds.

This was my first experience with nose pads – I’m not a fan of them.

I like my frames to hug the top of my bridge – these guys want to ride down my nose.

The pads cause discomfort from time to time – I’m not a big fan of that.

And since I’m up for new frames, it’s time to find something a bit more comfortable.

After truly going back and forth with the two different frames, I pretty much selected this pair as the winner.

Sorry for the poor quality.  Photo taken with my cell in the store yesterday.

The style of this pair is similar to the pair I have. And at the end of the day, I’m not ready to let the style go.  I’m happy with my choice, but it wasn’t easy.

Finding something we like, that is attached to our head, every waking hour, can be such a difficult task.  Now I’m ready to move on.

FYI – I asked my FB friends to comment if they had a favorite between the two.  Turns out it was tie 9 – 9.  I found that interesting as it represents how I felt.  Torn.

A pic side by side of the frames.

Blessings – Debbie

Eye Exam

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It’s that time of year for an eye exam.  And the time when I’m eligible for new frames.  I’m glad of that, as my current frames have caused a few minor frustrations.

Yesterday, I went in with hubby (as he filled his prescription) and checked out a few pair that caught my eye.

This frame is the one that I slept on all night.

After my eye exam this morning, I tried them on again.  I was just as pleased if not happier with the decision.

But then, this pair caught my eye.  I asked to try them on too.

It liked to really frustrate me as I like this pair as well.

So I grabbed my camera on the cell phone and snapped a pic of each pair.  These are not great shots but it gives me something to think about.

I’ll be sleeping on this over the weekend.  Hopefully I’ll be ready to make my decision Monday.

Blessings – Debbie

It’s Thursday Going on Friday

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To my friends on the west coast, Good Afternoon!  To my friends on the east coast, Good Evening!

So this morning while I was sipping my coffee, I got a call from my brother.  It still catches me off guard how three short hours can really seem like a lot.  Here I’m sipping coffee while he was on lunch break.  That seems so strange.

As I moved thru the morning, the to do list downsized.

One of the things I did, was take my camera out for some rose photo shoots.  It was fun!

Our roses continue to flourish – I hope to always be there to take the time to smell them.

Around the noon hour, I met up with the hubs for a nice lunch date.  And we had time to run by the eye dr as hubby needed to fill his prescription.

While there, I enjoyed trying on new frames.  Turns out, I found a pair that I kinda like.  My exam is tomorrow and I’ll have the weekend to really think about those frames.  Hmmm, what shall I do?  The answer will come, right?  It always does.

At least it’s Thursday going on Friday and I have the whole weekend to think and sleep on it.

Blessings – Debbie

Home, There is no Place Like Home

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The last week has gone by pretty fast.  Here’s what I’ve been up to.  I christened the pool early last week.  The water was nice and the dips do me good.  But I walk a fine line, as I’m an ex sun goddess.  Summer Hours: Sitting in the shade from 10am – 4pm – Swimming 4pm – ?

I “was” exasperated and my girlfriend (from Louisville) is to blame.  She introduced me to the ever popular Keurig (remember?) and things have not been the same since.  I thought “by the time I get home and make my own, I’ll forget all about it.”  Didn’t work last Tuesday.

Tis true, I used to snub Dear Keurig.  But that’s before I ever tried it.  I was wrong and I say I’m wrong.  It took just one day of being home to realize that my old pot and coffee could never measure up to this guy.  So I dove right in and purchased this guy a week ago today.

The only draw back that I’ve noticed is this.  I have to fight urges every single day.  As the urges prod and poke for me to drink coffee all the day long.

I’m thankful – for abundant blue skies, for weather that I love, for the 72 degrees in the house at 2 pm, that we have yet to turn on the AC this year, that summer went from my least favorite time of the year to fun the last three years, for pretty flowers that bloom, and for love.  I truly love calling So Cal Home Sweet Home.

Our fig tree is producing loads of these guys.  I took this shot this afternoon.  Can’t wait to taste them when they’re ready!  Happy Wednesday everyone!

And goodnight.

Blessings – Debbie

Going Home

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After 13 days on the road, we were so happy to be on our way home.

The way I see it – Traveling is fun, time with loved ones is priceless, but the yearning for home after 13 days on the road, was pretty much all we could think about today.

I played with a few apps on the plane, clicked my heals together…

and the next thing we knew, we were home.  Home Sweet Home!

It’s good to be home.

Blessings – Debbie

Back To St Louis

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Our trip by now is winding down.  But we have one last stop.  Another stop in St Louis for a little get together with hubby’s grade school friends.

Hubby organized a grade school class reunion for his classmates from 1st – 6th grade.  We had a total of 13 classmates + guests.

Hubby also ordered a 50th birthday cake (from their hometown bakery) for the class.

 

The class had a wonderful time reconnecting and visiting thru the evening hours.

Next time, hubby hopes to get in contact with more classmates as it would be nice to see many more friends from days gone by.

Blessings – Debbie

Louisville KY

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June 13

Here I come!  While hubby was in Indy on Business, I took the nearly 2 hour drive down to Louisville, KY to spend a little time with my girlfriend.

To be a guest in their home was an honor, in the beautiful downtown Louisville Historic Home District.  It’s a place where charm and elegance meet.  A place where I sat back and breathed in beauty.

Favorite things I remember the first afternoon/evening –

  • Sitting at the kitchen bar sharing a bowl of baked chips made from, I believe rice.  They were such a yummy, crunchy little snack while sipping Diet Coke and catching up with my friend of many years.
  • I love how they remodeled the kitchen.  Their cabinets and counters are just gorgeous!
  • Meeting her loving dog was wonderful.  I Love You Luca!
  • Moving on out to the patio late afternoon where we sipped a cool beverage, enjoyed the breeze and the sounds of wind chimes while admiring their gorgeous landscaped backyard.
  • But the conversation and all the catching up is what I love most.  It was wonderful!
  • Soon her hubby came home from work and joined us for a little visit.  It was the first time I met her hubby.  But I knew right away how perfect they are for each other.
  • They treated me to a wonderful dinner Downtown.  I just remember how much I enjoyed the atmosphere all the way around.
  • Later on in the evening, we got comfy back at the house.
  • We lounged, reclined and visited.
  • With the reality show Duets with Kelly Clarkson for our entertainment.  I love all the things I remember about that day.  Great memories!

June 14

Today we were up early and started the day with a cup of coffee.  Not just any cup of coffee.  My girlfriend has the amazing Keurig and she fixed me my very first cup of coffee from that cool pot.  My choice of coffee was the Raspberry Chocolate Truffle.  It was good, so good that when she offered another cup, my eyes lit up and my heart skipped a beat.

Soon we were on our way as she gave me the grand tour around town.

We stopped by the University to have a look at The Thinker.

We traveled past the Louisville Slugger Museum and Factory.  And I got to see for the first time the World’s Largest Bat.  It’s a six-story tall replica of Babe Ruth’s Bat.

We passed by Churchill Downs – The sun was high and we were not in the best lighting for this shot, but here it is.

Terrible harsh light, but here’s the Kentucky Derby Museum.

We passed by the Muhammad Ali Center.

And we made our way to some fun downtown shops.  We explored, found some unique things, went to an amazing place for lunch and topped off the early afternoon at a cool pottery shop.

But I would have to say our visit was the best part.  I truly enjoyed our time together.

While our visit was amazing, there came a time when it was time to say goodbye, until we meet again.

I made it back to Indy just before hubby finished up his last day of business.

And all the San Diego boys and I went out for a nice Chinese dinner.  I like that we ordered but shared all the dishes in the center of the table.  It was a great way to try many wonderful things.

And this is a picture of the sunset out my side mirror that evening.

And at the end of the day, all was right with the world.

This also made for our last night in Indy.

Blessings – Debbie

June 10,11 and 12

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June 10th – Hubby and I checked out of our hotel in IL and made our way down to Indianapolis for hubby’s business trip.  I can say the drive was easy as I slept most of the way.

June 11th – Hubby worked from the hotel and I played with the pictures from the wedding as I tried to get them on FB asap.

June 12th – Hubby left the room bright and early for business.  I hung out downstairs with a cup of coffee and enjoyed the morning.

I tooled around with the washing machines at the hotel and got our laundry all caught up.  That was an accomplishment.

After I finished my small list of things to do, I played a spell with my iPad, in our room, while I waited for hubby to get off work.  Twas fun.

Then we met the boys from work, at The Rathskeller German Restaurant, Downtown Indy.  A wonderful evening was had by all.  Photo taken with my cell but as good as it gets of Q.  He’s been working for hubby from all the way when we lived in NY.  It’s so good having him out here (So Cal and the business trip to Indy) with us.

By the end of the night, hubby and I were in dreamland getting lots of good rest.  Night!

Blessings – Debbie