Closing in on 60

Great Walking Programs

2010-05-05T11:23:00.005-04:00

This morning I received an email from Prevention Magazine with 3 great walking workout programs that anyone can do. These programs were created by experts in their field and are sure to help you improve your life by getting healthy and fit. Follow this link to see their wonderful and easy to follow walking programs.

Setting Goals

2010-05-02T09:23:00.008-04:00

Setting goals for yourself is a wonderful idea and a great motivator. They don't have to be outrageous goals that are unachievable, but easy to reach goals so that you feel accomplished. My last week goals were to walk 6 days a week and so far I'm right on top of that. My reward will come at the end of two weeks if I continue to reach my goals. The reward, well let's see, that new book I've been anxious to read or maybe a new shade of polish I've wanted. Any kind of non-food related reward is what you need to strive for. The form below is from about.com and is easy to fill out each month. Print the form from their website and keep a journal of all your daily accomplishments. At the end of one month you will be pleasantly surprised how well you did and feel like a real SUPERSTAR! So give it a try, what do you have to lose! :-)
About.com Walk of Life Goals

By Wendy Bumgardner

About.com Health's Disease and Condition content is reviewed by our Medical Review Board
Date:

I Will:

Milestones:

1 month: __________________

by date ______________________

___ months: __________________

by date ____________________

___ months: __________________

by date ____________________

Goal to be achieved on: ____________________________________

How I will track my progress:

(suggestions: food and walking diary, use a daily walking log, posting to Forum each week)

How I will celebrate:

Signed:

What Kind of Walker Are You?

2010-04-29T09:11:00.009-04:00

About.com has this wonderful quiz to help you determine "what kind of walker" you are. Not everyone is the same and it's nice to know what your style and preferences are before starting a serious walking program. Regardless of your "kind of walker", you need to focus on the fact that you're doing this to help you live a longer and healthier life. Even if you don't like walking outside or on a treadmill because it hurts so much, start by working out in a local pool. Many community centers, health clubs, YWCA's and even some hospitals with fitness centers offer a pool aerobics program. You don't have to sign up for them if you don't want to but check to make sure you can utilize their pool when the class is through. Follow your daily walking time in the pool, and remember to mark your walking map distance to your final destination. Walking in a pool means less stress on your body and a great way to jump start your walking program. Follow the link above to find out "what kind of walker" you really are and go with it. Happy Walking!

I Saw It!

2010-04-28T10:49:00.002-04:00

Today, for the first time in months, I actually saw my treadmill. No, really I did! After my last post, and being on vacation, I never followed through with my own plan to start walking everyday. Yesterday being a travel day wore me out and today just getting things put away and back in order, walking was not a priority. I promise, however, that tomorrow I am going to get my backside in gear. I really hate being overweight and not having my clothes fit properly. :-( So for the rest of this week and next, here's the plan (remember that I'm walking to Walt Disney World in Orlando, Florida and my total mileage is 1124):

WEEK 1

Thursday - April 29th - 20 minutes
Friday - April 30th - 20 minutes
Saturday - May 1st - 20 minutes
Sunday - May 2nd - 30 minutes
Monday - May 3rd - OFF - no walking
Tuesday - May 4th - 20 minutes
Wednesday - May 5th - 20 minutes

WEEK 2

Thursday - May 6th - 25 minutes
Friday - May 7th - 20 minutes
Saturday - May 8th - 20 minutes
Sunday - May 9th - 35 minutes
Monday - May 10th - OFF - no walking
Tuesday - May 11th - 20 minutes
Wednesday - May 12th - 25 minutes

TOTAL MILEAGE FOR 2 WEEKS IS - 275

I should be able to reach my goal in 7 weeks, which is around June 16th. Wish me luck and let me know what your walking goal is so that I can cheer you on!

Walking For Life

2010-04-21T16:33:00.002-04:00

We all know that without exercising, our bodies just don't function as well as we age. I've found that walking is my way of keeping my heart in good working order as well as making the rest of my body work at a much better capacity. My challenge to you is to stop procrastinating and do what you know you should to live a longer, healthier life. If you're up for it let's do a "walk" across the United States. "Leaving" from your home, for every minute you walk count it as a mile. Pick your final destination of any place that you'd like, mine will be Disney World in Orlando, Florida because I'm a real Disney fan. And because I live in the Virgin Islands, I'll be "treading water" for most of my trip. "lol" Seriously though, for every mile between my home and Mickey Mouse's, whether it's technically over water or not, every minute I walk will bring me closer to my destination. So send me a comment so I know you're joining me on this great "Walk for Life". Good luck to you and happy walking.

A QUOTE TO REMEMBER

2010-03-30T10:25:00.001-04:00

Finish each day and be done with it. You have done what you could; some blunders and absurdities have crept in; forget them as soon as you can. Tomorrow is a new day; you shall begin it serenely and with too high a spirit to be encumbered with your old nonsense.

Ralph Waldo Emerson

MS Walk Here I Come

2010-03-29T15:15:00.002-04:00

On April 25th I'm walking to help the National MS Society. Although I have no direct connection with debilitating disease, I have chosen to raise funds for their cause, for the last 20 years. Yes, you read it right, I've been doing this walk for 20 years now and have raised thousands of dollars that I know are being put to good use. This being said, I need to start preparing for this event. Where I walk is only 2 miles, but because so many people support me I always feel that I need to do more and I do, 5 miles total. So on with the walking shoes. I need to be able to finish so that I don't embarrass my family who always joins me for this event. :-) If you would care to support me and my team "Team GymMama" please follow the link below, select find a team and make a pledge. Thanks! Feet don't fail me now!

www.walk4ms.org

Forgetfulness

2010-03-19T14:37:00.002-04:00

As I'm aging I realize that I'm forgetting more and more. Maybe it's natural but it's always scary. In order to help with memory problems, do some brainercizes! You know, exercises that make you use your brain, like crossword puzzles, suduko, even those word search puzzles, anything that requires you to think. While you're out for a walk, try remembering song lyrics in your head, and even sing them out loud if the mood strikes you. :-) The more you use your brain power, the better your brain will perform for you. So go outside, or stay inside, either way you can give your brain it's daily workout.

Come and Gone

2010-03-14T14:34:00.003-04:00

Well, my 60th came and went and I'm already 6 weeks into the adventure of being 61. My 60th found me at Disney World with Jim and Mickey of course! What a wonderful trip, although it was mighty cold for Florida, it really didn't stop us from enjoying every minute of our trip. Went on every roller coaster they had, wanted to prove that as I'm getting older I can really have a lot of fun doing things I want to. Since returning home, life has been a bit hectic with my job, my community involvement and life in general. But during this stressful time I realized that I need to make time for myself, just as we all should. Nothing can depress you quicker then realizing that you have to put yourself last in the scheme of things. Make the time, even 10 minutes of meditation, stretching, walking or whatever makes you relax will help you deal with the stress in your life. My latest venture is yoga, again. I seem to come back to this every time life causes me to be out of sorts. Although I now get up earlier on Wednesdays and Saturdays just to get my work done, this allows me to go to my 90 minute yoga class. This is my time! If there aren't yoga classes in your area or you just feel uncomfortable doing yoga in front of others, watch or record a yoga training program from your TV, borrow a yoga DVD from the local library or a friend, rent one from the video store or purchase one of your own. I really don't know what each pose is called and it doesn't matter to me, I just know that it's my ME time and I'm thankful for the opportunity to enjoy it. Hope you can too. Namaste :-)

Wii Fit Plus

2009-11-18T14:51:00.002-04:00

WOW! The new Wii Fit Plus is just so much fun. Both my husband and I have such fun "playing" the exercises. This new program offers both minutes you spend exercising information as well as calories burned during that period. It's a wonderful thing that after you finish an exercise you can switch users right there and the other player gets to try his or her luck, before moving on to other events. We get a good workout together or alone. We especially like the part when we laugh so hard at our misfortunes during the "games". At least we have a really fun time together. If you get a chance to try this new Fit Plus, do it, you won't regret it.

Healthy "Old" Age

2009-11-11T10:22:00.002-04:00

We all strive to be healthier when we age, but mother nature has other plans for us. Doing some simple things now, as we begin the aging process, will help us achieve that healthy "old" age we look forward to.

Start by remembering that you cannot do the things you used to do at the same speed you used to do them. Slowing down a bit and enjoying each day is something that we have to work hard at. Our "golden" years shouldn't be plagued by stress or injuries. Eat right, exercise everyday and know that your body will respond to these easy to do steps. We all need to stop eating like we're 20 again. We need to stop trying to do extremely difficult exercises that put us at risk. If you're used to doing these things, bless you! Most of us can't keep up like we used to, but we can't give up either.

Have fun in your aging years. After all, we only get one life to live, so lets live it to the fullest.

Trouble in River City

2009-11-02T08:14:00.002-04:00

Have you ever watched the Music Man and had this phrase stuck in your head? Well, as you can tell I have. I remember watching that movie and thinking, boy those people are sure moving quickly for old people. Maybe that's the key, dancing around! Keep yourself moving whether it be dancing, walking, running, or any other activity you like, just keep going. Don't let age catch up with you when you're not looking. It's a sneaky little fellow!

Trick or Treat

2009-10-31T07:50:00.003-04:00

For those of us who always enjoy trick or treating, today's our day. But as we get older, remember that those candy calories are going to go right to your hips and surrounding areas. I'm not saying don't have any candy, but make sure you limit your intake because with the Christmas season rolling around really fast, you'll want to save some of those special treat moments for then. Be safe and have fun!

How Easy Is It To Just Quit?

2009-10-26T14:31:00.002-04:00

Let me tell you, very, very easy! This is quite unfortunate since we're talking about making our lives better as we age. There always seems to be other things we would rather do then exercise, but if we don't get up and get moving, we won't be able to do ANYTHING!

The Wii Fit is a great alternative to just sitting. Get up, dance around, hula hoop, do yoga, whatever you feel like doing at the time, as long as you do something. Thirty minutes seems to be the magic number when exercising, most professionals say and believe me when I say, doing the Wii Fit makes that 30 minutes fly by. Give it a try, what do you have to lose?!

Funny But Sadly True

2009-10-23T11:23:00.001-04:00

I saw this poem on Funnypoets.com and got such a charge out of it, I had to share it with you. Hope you laugh as hard as I did.

Growing Old Gracefully

There's a mole on my neck that's growing a hair
When I was younger it wasn't there
A lot of things changed since I've grown older
like my fallen arches and this hump on my shoulder

Yesterday I noticed a twitch in one eye
and spots on my hand that resemble a fly
I used to be able to party all night
but now to stay awake until five is a fight

My breasts used to be firm and quite pert
Now I have to be careful they don't drag in the dirt
Gravity surely has taken its toll
What was once on the surface is now in a hole

The backs of my arms are wobbly like jelly
and I found the remote tucked under my belly
I used to eat steak but now I can't chew it
Growing old gracefully. I don't think I can do it

Easy Skin Care

2009-10-22T07:21:00.001-04:00

Yesterday I watched Dr. Oz tv show and was glad to see that the subject was making your skin look younger. Simple routines of taking care of skin on your face really does help you look and feel younger. Okay the feeling part is all about self image, but who doesn't want that?! The easy way to accomplish this is to gently clean your face with a mild soap, moisturizer with a product that contains an SPF of at least 15 and use an exfoliator once a week to remove the dead skin cells. This process keeps your skin looking fresh and not dull.

Hope you give this a try, we don't want old looking skin as we age, now do we?!

OMG!!!!

2009-10-21T07:28:00.000-04:00

Oh, my gosh, I can hardly believe that it's been so long since I posted. Not only that, but it's been so long since I really exercised. :-( Let me tell you that starting up again isn't as easy as it was a few months ago. It was a tough exercising day yesterday since I'm again so out of shape. I started with the Wii Fit, doing the dance steps thinking that that should be the easiest. Whoa, was I wrong! I started with the slow one and did pretty good so I moved on to the faster one and after being chided for not keeping up with the pace, I did it again hoping for better results. It did get better but it made me realize that I'm letting my mind control my body by saying you're doing the best you can. Thankfully my husband wasn't in the room when I was exercising because I thought, let's try the hula hoop. Okay, so I was pretty good at this when I was a kid, but I found out rather quickly that I'm not a kid any more. :-) I'm not giving up though because I don't want my body or mind to fail me when I'm aging.

Footnote:
I did the same routine today, with pretty much the same results, but I'm not giving up! Wish me luck!

"Commit to Recommit"

2009-07-13T07:56:00.000-04:00

What a powerful message this is. I was reading an article this morning at caloriecount.about.com and the message was recommitting to your weight lose program. Mommycarlen3 spoke about having to recommit to losing weight and how changing just one thing a month has helped her get to a healthier weight. I know she is much younger then I am, but I'm sure that recommitting myself to losing weight and becoming healthier will be the same. I also know that I will not lose weight as fast as Mommycarlen3 did because of my age, but losing anything will be a plus in my book. Thank you for the encouragement Mommycarlen3, and also for the great catch phrase, "COMMIT TO RECOMMIT", I just love that!

Teamwork

2009-06-16T16:30:00.000-04:00

Thanks to my wonderful husband Jim, I am now able to walk AND run on my treadmill. He's my hero!!! Even better then having the treadmill fixed is that now Jim and I exercise together in the afternoons. We have the treadmill and an exercise bike and each day we switch the equipment we use. So far it's working out great, though I'm sure when we get to a longer walk/run, the person on the bike will have trouble walking when they get done. :-) We're taking it at a moderate pace for now, don't want to overdo. Wish us luck and happy exercising.

IT'S WORKING!!!!!

2009-06-14T06:29:00.000-04:00

The treadmill that is. It's all fixed and works great. Jim did a fantastic job of fixing it and now it's all up to me. I want to be that heart healthy, in better shape, dedicated to exercising woman that I keep preaching about. NO EXCUSES NOW! It's great having the treadmill in the downstairs room because when I'm finished I can just hop in the pool to cool down. Life is good. :-)

The Parts Are Here!

2009-06-11T14:28:00.000-04:00

My treadmill parts arrived today. My wonderful husband Jim is going to install them tomorrow morning so I should be up and running (literally) by Friday afternoon. YIPPEE!!!! My whole body needs to get into better shape, and that includes my heart. Treadmill walking or running gets your body moving and strengthens that all important muscle in your chest. A healthy heart is a happy heart! I'll have no excuses after the treadmill is repaired and all of this "I'll start tomorrow" crap will just have to stop. Sure hope I don't collapse! :-)

The Journey

2009-06-08T07:22:00.000-04:00

My journey to 60 isn't going as good as I would like, you see I'm not doing what I need to do to change. Sure I keep saying things like "tomorrow will be different", "this time I'll make the leap to success", etc. You get the picture. Sad one that it is. I was reading a forum this morning (hence the picture to the left, not quite a self portrait "lol") and there were some really helpful hints and I'd like to share my hints with you.

Be honest with yourself! Know who you are and who you want to be.
Think about your relationship with the foods you eat and the exercise you do and what
benefits you get from those relationships.
Find someone who has similar health and fitness issues that you can relate to and create a relationship with, via in person or over the internet. Chat rooms and blogs are easy ways to do this.
Remind yourself each day who you want to be and who you are now. Choose the one
that is healthier and fitter and make your choices for the day be something that your "want to be" self is proud of.
Don't give up! If you believe you can do it, YOU CAN! Give yourself time to accomplish your goal. Remember this didn't happen overnight and it won't go away overnight, but it will go away with your help.

Now if only I could practice what I preach and do all of these steps I'd be in much better shape to welcome my 60th birthday! If I don't do something soon, I'll have to change the title of my blog to "Closing in on 61". :-)

I Know, I Know...

2009-06-03T11:01:00.000-04:00

I know, I have not only not posted for a few days, but I haven't really done a lot of exercise either. That "lack of motivation" thing has set in again and my time is not being well spent. I even signed up to monitor some blogs that are motivational, thinking they would work, but no cigar!!! I'm hoping when my treadmill gets fixed (maybe by the end of next week) that I'll get back into the swing of things. Maybe part of my problem is that I don't have a goal in mind. When I had signed up to do the Disney World 1/2 Marathon, I was motivated by the fact that I didn't want to collapse on the course or have the sweepers pick me up half way through. For those that don't know what a sweeper is, let me explain. You're walking or running the course behind the crowd a bit and apparently the organizers don't think you're moving fast enough so they send out the sweepers to sweep you into a van and take you to the finish line. This of course means no medal for all the hard work you did do. If you find yourself in the back of the pack and someone yells "the sweepers are coming, the sweepers are coming", run like the wind and don't let them catch you. Having done this race a couple of times has helped me stay motivated while training, maybe this is what I need to do, sign up for a race. Who am I trying to kid, I just need to get up and get out. Any suggestions?

Life Is Too Short

2009-05-27T10:48:00.000-04:00

This is for my friends, old and new. Now if I could only practice what I preach! "lol"

I would never trade my amazing friends, my wonderful life, my loving family for less gray hair or a flatter belly. As I've aged, I've become kinder to myself, and less critical of myself. I've become my own friend. I don't chide myself for eating that extra cookie, or for not making
my bed, or for buying that silly cement gecko that I didn't need, but looks so avante garde on my patio. I am entitled to a treat, to be messy, to be extravagant.

I have seen too many dear friends leave this world too soon; before they understood the great freedom that comes with aging.

Whose business is it if I choose to read or play on the computer until 4 AM and sleep until noon? I will dance with myself to those wonderful tunes of the 60 &70's, and if I, at the same time, wish to weep over a lost love .... I will.

I will walk the beach in a swim suit that is stretched over a bulging body, and will dive into the waves with abandon if I choose to, despite the pitying glances from the jet set.

They, too, will get old.
I know I am sometimes forgetful.
But there again, some of life is just as well forgotten. And I eventually remember the important things.

Sure, over the years my heart has been broken. How can your heart not break when you lose a loved one, or when a child suffers,
or even when somebody's beloved pet gets hit by a car? But broken hearts are what give us strength and understanding and
compassion. A heart never broken is pristine and sterile and will never know the joy of being imperfect.

I am so blessed to have lived long enough to have my hair turning gray, and to have my youthful laughs be forever etched into deep grooves on my face.
So many have never laughed, and so many have died before their
hair could turn silver.

As you get older, it is easier to be positive. You care less about what other people think. I don't question myself anymore.
I've even earned the right to be wrong..

So, to answer your question, I like being old. It has set me free. I like the person I have become. I am not going to live forever,
but while I am still here, I will not waste time lamenting what could have been, or worrying about what will be.. And I shall eat dessert every single day(if I feel like it).

Stayin' Alive, Stayin' Alive....

2009-05-24T07:43:00.000-04:00

WOW! What a workout dancing can be. Talk about changing your humdrum routine. After 3-1/2 hours of dancing the night away, I'm ready to go back to my normal routine of Leslie Sansone DVD's. The sheer strength it takes to get up the next morning should count as exercise in my book! After being a dancing fool (I don't use that term lightly) I realize that I'm not getting any younger and that if I don't keep moving to the beat, I'll be off my feet. I'm not saying that I'll be dancing for such a long time again for awhile, but I certainly will be moving to the beat of a different drummer now that I have my dancing shoes out of the closet. The BeeGee's had it right, "Stayin' Alive, Stayin' Alive, Ah, Ah, Ah, Ah..........".

Treading Along

2009-05-18T14:42:00.000-04:00

Treadmills are great, you can stay inside when the weather is nasty, no dogs chasing you down the street, your mileage and time are measured for you and you get a really good workout. That is unless your treadmill has a mind of its own, like mine. I like to run on the treadmill but I'll be going along just fine at a really good pace when the belt just stops, and then it just starts again. Talk about a jolt on the old body. This is why I've chosen to do Leslie Sansone's DVD's this time while I'm getting fit. Even if the power goes out on the DVD machine, I can keep going and not pull my back out. I did 45 minutes on the 3 mile walk today, and believe me when I say there's no slacking here. Leslie works you pretty hard and using the weights during the walking program is making me stronger. Of course I couldn't find my weights for a few days so I was using soup cans, full of course, as some added weight to the program. Jim was so kindly going to open them for me, but I passed and said they would work better if unopened. What a helper! Leslie also has a pilates DVD that I'm anxious to try, maybe tomorrow. I'm hoping to do my yoga on the Wii Fit because I really do miss it. Hoping for the best! Our webwalking team is doing great, it's nice being accountable.

Fashion?!

2009-05-16T06:33:00.000-04:00

Before getting ready to do my 30 minutes of walking for today, I felt that it was necessary to point out some fashion faux pas for us close to 60 or older. Remember, we can't go back in time so let's not dress that way! :-)

Many of us over 60 or on the way to 60 are quite confused about how we should present ourselves. We're unsure about the kind of image we are projecting and whether or not we are correct as we try to conform to current fashion. In spite of what you may have seen on the streets, the following combinations DO NOT go together and should be avoided:

1. A nose ring and bifocals
2. Spiked hair and bald spots
3. A pierced tongue and dentures
4. Miniskirts and support hose
5. Ankle bracelets and corn pads
6. Speedos and cellulite
7. A belly button ring and a gall bladder surgery scar
8. Unbuttoned disco shirts and a heart monitor
9. Midriff shirts and a midriff bulge
10. Pierced nipples that hang below the waist
11. Bikinis and liver spots.
12. Short shorts and varicose veins.
13. Inline skates and a walker..
And the ultimate 'Bad Taste' in fashion for older folks...
14. Thongs and Depends.

Please keep these basic guidelines foremost in your mind when you shop. Have fun!

Round and round and round.....

2009-05-15T11:45:00.000-04:00

Round and round we go, where we stop nobody knows. I'm sure that's what this little hamster must feel and I'm equally sure that if we do the same exercise routine day in and day out, we too will feel like this little critter. Changing it up is what I've read everywhere. Boredom will set in if there isn't variety, then motivation fades away and you're right back where you started. And we all know that when we are doing good exercising and watching our diets we feel good about ourselves, but as soon as we slip up for a long period of time we are in worse shape then we were when we started. Guilty as charged! I can't remember how many times I have started with all intentions of finally changing for the LAST time, only to look at myself 3 months, 6 months, 9 months later and feel so bad that I let myself get caught up in that Yo-Yo string. My motivation this time, and I'm praying that it will be the last time, I take that back, it WILL be the last time, is that I'll be 60 years old and want to be around for a very long time. Remember, even if you are doing the same old routine every day, it's better than not doing anything at all!

One Foot, Two Foot, Three Foot...

2009-05-14T15:02:00.000-04:00

One foot, two foot, three foot, GO! It's all about putting one foot in front of the other. We, the webwalking team that is, did just that yesterday. Joan and I racked up 30 minutes/miles and superstar Brandi did 45 minutes/miles. (Show off! Just kidding!) A great effort by all of us and it sure is nice to feel motivated by being accountable. I did another 40 minutes/miles this morning, Joan is doing hers this afternoon and I'm waiting to hear from Brandi, even though chasing 3 kids around the house is enough of a workout, she's doing her trek across the U.S. with Joan and I. You have to start somewhere and our journey started in Delaware, looking forward to reaching the west coast! Wish us well!

Superstars!!!

2009-05-13T08:02:00.000-04:00

Starting our walking program today makes us Superstars! We are making the change in our lives that will help us be healthier, fitter and feel so much better about ourselves. Our team, Joan, Brandi and I, are trekking across America (webwalking, not actually leaving home "lol") and there's no stopping us now. Being accountable to someone else is a positive motivation technique and I accept the challenge! Bring it on girls, I'm ready to walk!

Just Say NO

2009-05-11T15:12:00.000-04:00

Being a real chocoholic, it has been very difficult for me to cut chocolate out of my diet. I find that I think about chocolate when I'm finished lunch or dinner and knowing that I shouldn't have it makes it even worse. But I must say that for the past two days there has been no chocolate candy before, during or after my meals. I know it's not a real milestone here, but small steps are better then no steps. This Wednesday is the start of the Webwalking program, walk across America. I really want to make these changes since there's only 265 days until I turn 60, I'd better get moving. I don't expect to be skinny (like pre-marriage weight) but I do want to be healthy (thinner too would be nice). I got a jump on my exercising program this morning by doing Leslie Sansone's DVD. 25 minutes for the first time in awhile was all I could do, tomorrow will be better. I have to be able to keep up with Brandi since she gets so much more exercise on a daily basis then I do. I'll try to keep up! :-)

Meltdown

2009-05-10T06:41:00.000-04:00

I had a bit of a meltdown yesterday when I thought of how big I am, and I don't mean age wise. I can't help but wonder how I let myself get to this when I was always so thin. Stupidity would probably be the best answer, always feeding my face with everything especially sweets and not exercising. Well, instead of just talking about trying to get healthy, wait maybe that's the problem, I talk about trying instead of doing, but that's changing right now! No sweets yesterday and I'm going to limit my intake of food in general (I eat tooooo much). I'm going to start having breakfast everyday to get my motor running and set the pace for the day. Cutting down to one, yes I said one, coffee cooler a day (they are 300 calories a piece, WOW). I know I'm supposed to do this now since last night when I went to bed and before going to sleep I read my Daily Guidepost for May 9th and the article was about weight, losing it specifically. I always knew that I didn't want to be a fat woman, now I know God doesn't want me to be either. Thanks GOD!

Oh, by the way, Happy Mother's Day!

May 13th

2009-05-08T09:04:00.000-04:00

I'm planning on starting my walking program with Brandi on May 13th. This is the anniversary of my Mom's passing 14 years ago and to honor her I'm going to start making my life better and healthier. I have a walking program that takes you across the United States and for every minute you walk, it's one mile. There are milestones that you reach along the way and for every one that we get to, we're putting a few dollars away. This won't add up to too much money but it will be an incentive to keep moving to see how much we can save. Wish us luck and safe walking!

Happy Birthday Joan!

2009-05-06T14:51:00.000-04:00

So today is my middle sister's 66 birthday and she's not taking it so well. But now that I think about it I'm excited but apprehensive about turning sixty in a few short months. I look back over the past 4 months and realize that I'm still in the same position I was when I started this journey of 60. I really need to start and lack of motivation has again bitten me on the butt. HELP!!!! I feel so much better when I'm doing something to improve my body so why can't I get motivated? Say a prayer for me tonight that I'll start making that change before it's too late. The alternative to being healthy and alive is, well you know....

Back Home

2009-05-01T09:06:00.000-04:00

I'm back home and ready to start making a change for the better. But first a bit of over 60 humor to restart my blog. Hope you enjoy.

Questions And Answers From An AARP Forum
Q: Where can men over the age of 60 find younger, sexy women who are interested in them?
A: Try a bookstore under fiction.
Q: What can a man do while his wife is going through menopause?
A: Keep busy. If you're handy with tools, you can finish the basement. When you are done you will have a place to live.
Q: Someone has told me that menopause is mentioned in the Bible. Is that true? Where can it be found?
A: Yes.. Matthew 14:92: 'And Mary rode Joseph's ass all the way to Egypt.'
Q: How can you increase the heart rate of your 60+ year old husband?
A: Tell him you're pregnant.
Q: How can you avoid that terrible curse of the elderly wrinkles?
A: Take off your glasses.
Q: Seriously! What can I do for these crow's feet and all those wrinkles on my face?
A: Go braless. It will usually pull them out.
Q: Why should 60+ year old people use valet parking?
A: Valets don't forget where they park your car.
Q: Is it common for 60+ year olds to have problems with short term memory storage?
A: Storing memory is not a problem, retrieving it is a problem.
Q: As people age, do they sleep more soundly?
A: Yes, but usually in the afternoon.
Q: Where should 60+ year olds look for eye glasses?
A: On their foreheads.
Q: What is the most common remark made by 60+ year olds when they enter antique stores?
A: 'Gosh, I remember these.

Smile, You've still got your sense of humor, right?

Just remember, you'll be here someday! :-)

Yoga at the Beach

2009-04-14T14:39:00.000-04:00

Is there a more relaxing arena for doing yoga but at the beach?! The gentle waves rolling in, the soft warm breeze and the quiet. As you can tell yoga class this morning was wonderful. We did a lot of abdominal and leg work and I'm sure I will feel it tomorrow, but today I feel fantastic! Sad news though, my instructor leaves island on Wednesday next week and the other instructor leaves mid May so I guess it's back to the DVD's. That's okay though, I'll still enjoy doing yoga. I tried the program on TV but the guy just goes to fast and I never really get into the pose before he has already moved on. I'll look for one that works at my speed and go with that. I have also been thinking about starting to walk/run. I found a wonderful starters program in the recent Runner's World magazine that I should be able to follow without killing myself. Sure wish my treadmill worked, I loved running on the one at the gym before they closed down. Someday!

HAPPY EASTER

2009-04-12T06:15:00.001-04:00

Okay, so I didn't do anything exercise wise for a couple of days now, and I can't see me doing anything today either. Friday was our lazy day, we celebrated our anniversary and exercising was not in the plans. Although I did make cakes (3 of them) for Heidi, I also made potato salad for our dinner and of course I made breakfast, lunch & dinner, so I guess I was busier then I thought. Yesterday I really didn't do much and today I don't see me doing much either, after all it's Easter! I was a bit disappointed that the Easter Bunny didn't show, but you just can't trust the little critter. :-) I'm hoping to get my body moving again this week, I think we have yoga on Tuesday but there might not be but 3 of us because everyone else has left island. That's okay though and even if I don't do the moves like they do (not as flexible) I still move. It will be fun.

Hope the bunny came to your house!

Good For the Body & Soul

2009-04-09T10:23:00.000-04:00

I guess I never realized the impact yoga could have on your body until I started taking classes. The more you do yoga the better your body feels. The body opens up and the soul absorbs all of those good feelings. Our class today was at the beach and the gentle movements of the waves and the cool breeze made for an extraordinary class. Flexibility is something we all lose when we start to get older, with yoga you can regain that and more. What a wonderful way to start my day!

Post Office & Speedy Service ?!

2009-04-07T14:15:00.000-04:00

You would think by now I'd be used to slow service at the PO, well guess again. I walked down to the PO this morning, a 20 minute walk, then had to stand in line for 30 minutes before being waited on. They have 6 windows, and only 2 were open. The line was so long and speedy service is not in the vocabulary for these workers. After finishing at the counter, I literally started speed walking back to the marina. Thankfully our nice mail lady saw me and gave me a ride to the grocery store on her way to the ferry. I never would have made it if not for her kindness. Then it was off to the races in the store with only 15 minutes before the ferry departed. I zipped through there like lightening and ran back to Crown Bay dragging my bag and my fat a*# behind! Believe it or not, I made it with 2 minutes to spare! Yahoo!!!! One thing that it did impress on me was that I am more out of shape than I thought, so back to exercising with the Wii Fit tomorrow and yoga class on Thursday! Thanks for not letting me collapse God!

3 days ago

2009-04-06T15:37:00.000-04:00

It's been 3 days since my last post and because I was still busy straightening up from yesterday's company, I didn't exercise. I think I did enough moving around though this weekend, shuffling plates and bowls, washing a gazillion dishes & silverware (the dishwasher was full and running but still had many things to wash) and then moving tables and chairs around, not counting all of the cooking that went with the whole brunch thing. We did have a really nice time and everyone seemed to enjoy their meal. Who wouldn't like homemade sticky buns! :-) Tomorrow I have to walk to the post office (1 mile each way) and send a certified letter so that will be a good exercise day. I'm dreading getting back on the Wii because I know I'll get yelled at. :-( Don't worry, I'll do it anyway. Until tomorrow...

P.S. It's been 1 month since I started this post, haven't lost any weight but I'm feeling better thanks to the yoga.

Cleaning Day, Again

2009-04-03T08:57:00.001-04:00

So yesterday morning, before going over to St. Thomas, I power cleaned, scrubbing everything in site, washing screens, scrubbing floors, all of this before 10:15am. I'm pretty sure that will count as exercise since I didn't sit down long enough to even write about it. This morning was grocery shopping at 6:45am and now I'm baking and finishing my cleaning. The house smells really fresh and I know that next week I'll be back to yoga and Wii Fit routines. The weeks are passing by quickly and 60 is growing closer everyday! YIKES!!!

House cleaning with a smile?!

2009-04-01T10:16:00.000-04:00

Although I love a clean house, the fresh smell, the clean touch of the counters, I really never remember smiling while I was cleaning. It has always been a chore to me and today and the next couple of days I'm in the super cleaning mode. We are having company for brunch on Palm Sunday and I thought what better time then now to spring clean. I'm using this as my exercise today and the next couple of days as well. Believe when I say that cleaning is an aerobic exercise, even the Wii Fit counts it as exercise! :-) It really is a good time to use muscles that you haven't used in awhile. And the climbing up and down the step ladder, good stair master exercise. Glad to be cleaning, though I'm still not smiling. :-) Happy Spring!

1-1/2 Hours

2009-03-31T11:12:00.000-04:00

1-1/2 hours of yoga this morning with a real instructor, YIPPEE!!! This was the best class ever. I was having major hip issues this morning before I left for class and now the pain is almost completely gone. The instructor asked what issues everyone was having and she focused the class on the various complaints to optimize the benefits of yoga. I really enjoyed this session and on Thursday we are having a real live instructor again, a different one but a live one just the same. I'm glad that I finally got in on this yoga class, I had been putting it off even though it was going on for awhile now. Again with the lack of motivation. :-( I know that the lady who allows us to use her home and the instructors who teach us, will all be leaving the island within the next two months so hopefully by that time I will be so into the workout routine that I will continue with this myself. I try to focus on where I want to be in the next 10 years and not where I have been. Positive mind attitude, all part of the yoga experience.

Why didn't I think of that?!

2009-03-30T09:43:00.000-04:00

How we all get caught up in getting all of the latest exercise equipment, only to have them break down and then you lose focus. I could just as easily go outside for a walk, climb the stairs, do water aerobics everyday and get a great workout, but yet I feel compelled to drag the Wii Fit out and exercise to that. It's that motivation thing again! :-( I guess I fear getting yelled at again by the "personal trainer" on the Fit more than I fear taking a walk up our big hill. How dumb is that?! That being said, I did do the Wii again this morning and feel so much better because of it. Yoga tomorrow!

Aerobic Grocery Shopping

2009-03-29T15:06:00.000-04:00

It's tough not to get a workout when I go grocery shopping. All that schlepping! I know I shouldn't count it as actual, get down on the floor exercise, but believe me it is a workout. Tomorrow it's the Wii Fit again and Tuesday, yoga. I'm really trying to commit myself to a workout each day. I'm hoping for the best! :-)

Are You There Yet?

2009-03-28T11:29:00.000-04:00

You know, that time in your life when everyone around you looks and acts so much older than you, but yet you're the same age! Well, I think I'm there! Denial I'm figuring! :-)
I skipped exercising yesterday because I had a very large birthday cake to make (I know excuses). Today though I did do yoga and some strength training. The Wii Fit didn't yell at me, so I guess I did okay. Exercising to me is still a challenge to do everyday, but the more I do the better I feel, so I don't know what's holding me back except lack of motivation. I know I need to do something everyday in my mind, but yet I sit here at the computer or look at a magazine or watch TV and before I know it it's lunch time, then nap. My days seem to fly by, my life going with it, and I want to take responsibility for making my quality of life better and only I can do it! Wish me well!

Another Fine Yoga Day

2009-03-26T14:38:00.000-04:00

Although we didn't have an actual person training us today (she never showed up, guess she forgot), we did some good yoga movements with two different DVD's. We've done the Sudra DVD before and today we did Rodney Yee. Rodney goes a bit quicker but none the less it was a great workout. I know it's only been a few days that I've been doing yoga, but already I can feel my body responding. Not a day goes by that I don't have terrible pain in my right hip, but since practicing yoga the pain is not nearly as severe and sometimes it's not there at all. Yippee!!!! Everyone, young and old, should try yoga, if they haven't already, if for no other reason then to let your body move to its fullest capacity. Take time for yourself and your body and mind will appreciate it.

What a workout!!!

2009-03-25T09:39:00.001-04:00

Boy, that Wii Fit can sure give you quite a workout! I did strength training, balance training, aerobic training and yoga for 1 hour this morning, and although I'm whooped now, it still feels good. The worst part about doing the Wii Fit today was getting yelled at by the Wii! Believe me when I say, this a humbling experience. I guess I thought I'd be welcomed back with open arms, but instead I was reprimanded for not having done it for such a long, long time. Maybe that's why I felt compelled to do an hour of exercise! :-) I'd better plan on doing something on there pretty much every day or the wrath of the Wii will get me! Wish me luck! Tomorrow is yoga with a real instructor, I'm really looking forward to it.

I Do Love Yoga

2009-03-24T08:38:00.000-04:00

What a great way to keep your body flexible. I didn't have a yoga class today, but I did record a yoga program on TV and did that one for an hour this morning. It was quite different then the one they use for our class, this guy goes pretty fast and changes movements at a very rapid pace. I tried to keep up as best I could but for some of the movements I did something else that I learned from my class. It really felt more like an aerobic yoga program, but still a great way to keep moving. I'm choosing to be around longer so devoting 1 hour a day for yoga or any other exercise is well worth it. Our Thursday class this week is with a certified yoga instructor and I'm really looking forward to the class. At least this way I can find out if I'm doing the poses correctly.
Keep smiling, enjoy your life and be grateful for all that God has given you!

1 Hour or 24 Hours?

2009-03-23T11:18:00.000-04:00

So there is something to be said about this cartoon, and that is what options do I have but to get moving. This morning was yoga again and it really helps my body stretch and become more flexible. I know I should be doing something everyday, so tomorrow and I do mean tomorrow, I'm getting the Wii Fit out again and doing something, probably the yoga. I'll let you know how that works out!

Dancing Feet

2009-03-20T08:39:00.000-04:00

What a great workout dancing is. After doing 1 hour of yoga, yes I did it again, then it was 2-1/2 hours of dancing. Not only was it good exercise, but it was so much fun. Not sure I could do it everyday but once in awhile will work. I was happy to see that being almost 60 didn't stop me from having fun dancing and that much younger people didn't even get up to dance. Whether you know all the steps or not, just moving will keep your body fit. Maybe I should get one of Richard Simmons "Dancing to the Oldies" dvd's. :-)

Yoga?!

2009-03-17T11:41:00.000-04:00

Yes, Yoga! Today I went to a yoga class at the beach. There were 7 of us, including the instructor and I've got to say that I really enjoyed it. There is another class on Thursday morning and I'm planning on going to that one also. At least I'm moving, right?! This almost 60 year old body just doesn't seem to want to bend like it did when I was 30, but getting older doesn't mean that I shouldn't keep my body flexible. Maybe doing yoga will help me get back into a routine that I oh so desperately need. Wish me luck and no sore muscles tomorrow. :-)

Another Rainy Morning

2009-03-16T06:19:00.000-04:00

It's raining again this morning, good for the cistern, not so good for walking. Maybe I'll do an inside video or Wii Fit. Saturday was a good day though because I walked the 2 miles to the post office and back and it felt really good to walk again. Yesterday, Sunday, I went "big" shopping with my friend Bob and what a heavy load I had, 50# of cat food, a new wooden file cabinet, not counting the other groceries. I was tired when I got home and oh so glad it was done. I know it was not like just exercising, but I still got a really good workout. Hopefully I can do something to help myself this morning.

I Ate The WHOLE Thing!

2009-03-13T08:54:00.000-04:00

Okay, so I couldn't control myself as much as I would have liked, but you have to give me credit for only one small (I picked the smallest) cupcake. I could have had one of each, chocolate with white icing and yellow cake with lemon filling and chocolate icing. I did have my fruit yesterday, just love those navel oranges. Have 3 cheesecakes to bake this morning so walking isn't going to be an option. I will get a good walk in tomorrow though, have to go to the post office, 1 mile away, and back. I'm hoping I can really start doing what I need to do as things calm down here, just busy, busy, busy!

Cupcake Day!

2009-03-12T10:18:00.000-04:00

It's my friend Bob's birthday today and of course I had to bake some cupcakes for Bingo tonight. Now the test will be to see if I have one, or two or more of these tempting little morsels. Maybe just one bite of the yellow with lemon filling and one bite of the chocolate with white icing. Who am I kidding, I'll probably have one of each and eat the whole thing. :-( I did get some aerobic exercise this morning by sweeping the pavilion in preparation of tonight. I'll let you know tomorrow how tonight goes. Wish me luck!

NORMAL Size

2009-03-11T14:47:00.000-04:00

Okay, so you asked what a normal size bite would be. Think about taking a bite of apple and make your bite that size. You wouldn't eat half an apple in one bite would you?! It's all about portion control. As with anything you eat, you should use moderation. Or at least that's what I hear. For someone who has eaten more then they should most of their life, moderation is just not in their vocabulary. This is where it needs to stop and now is the time. Take last night for instance, I was at a meeting where someone brought a large container of bite sized, wrapped chocolates and instead of just eating and eating (though they were delicious) I had three pieces. I must say I was proud of myself. And today, well I went for a walk for 30 minutes (bank run and groceries) but a walk none the less. Who knows what tomorrow brings! Until next time...

3 Bites

2009-03-10T11:14:00.000-04:00

Okay, so today while reading a magazine I came across this suggestion of only eating three bites of something that's not necessarily on your diet to satisfy your craving and not overindulge. This sounds good in theory, so I think I'll give it a try. No exercise today because I had a 9am meeting and didn't get finished until almost 11am. I'll get a walk in tomorrow, I promise!

I Did It!

2009-03-09T08:07:00.000-04:00

YIPPEE!!!! The cheerleaders are all excited! I starting exercising this morning and although I feel tired now, it feels good to know that I finally made the move forward. I didn't go walking but I did do some exercises like squats, jumping jacks, leg lifts, push ups, etc. It was much harder then I expected to get started again, but I was determined not to let another day go by. I plan to have an orange a bit later this morning so that will fulfill my fruit promise for today. It's a start and everyone should start some place. Let you know how I'm feeling tomorrow after doing this today! :-) GO TEAM!

Okay, maybe tomorrow!

2009-03-08T08:06:00.001-04:00

I know, tomorrow, tomorrow, tomorrow, that's what I always say. I really have to start but my days seem to just fly by and still no exercising, I know just another excuse! I can't promise tomorrow but I'm going to work on it really hard. I have to start thinking about my diet as well. This week my change will be having a piece of fruit everyday. This instead of chocolate should be a healthier choice. I must admit I'm a sweet freak and I know that that's a problem if it's not in moderation. Every change I make will help make me healthier and hopefully live longer. I don't want to be that 60+ woman who can't enjoy playing with her grandchildren because she's so out of shape. That's a funny term, "out of shape". How's a woman to know what "shape" she's supposed to be? Unhealthy condition would be a better term when you are describing how you want to improve your life. So "tomorrow" I'm going to work on that unhealthy condition, just you wait and see!

2009-03-06T10:11:00.000-04:00

Getting started is not really that easy. You may say that "today's the day" and really mean it but something seems to always stand in your way. Take today for instance, I would have loved to have gone for a walk but it is pouring rain and windy and "cold", relatively speaking since I live in a warm climate area. Believe me when I say that your blood thins out when you live closer to the equator, and when the temperatures drop to the low 70's, it's cold. I know how you must all feel sorry for me, but I am serious. So instead of exercising, which I could be doing thanks to the Wii Fit, I've decided to blog. Tomorrow will be a new day and if the weather is as nice as they say it will be, I'll be out there pounding the pavement. Wish me luck!

Look Out 60

2009-03-05T15:44:00.000-04:00

Look out 60, here I come. Overweight with health issues, what's a woman to do. I started this blog to help me be accountable for my lifestyle. Knowing that people will be reading this makes me want to be able to post the changes I've made in order to make 60 a really Happy Birthday! Any suggestions, thoughts or words of encouragement will be most welcome. Join me in this adventure of walking away the weight, lowering the blood pressure and just having a better, healthier life. If you are walking on a daily basis, post your accomplishments. Changing your diet for healthier choices, let me know how it's working out for you. What are you doing that's working? Can hardly wait to hear from you.