Awesome August

Spruce Flats Falls - Great Smoky Mountains National Park

November, 2009

Welcome to August!  I'm calling it Awesome August, because I'm determined to make the most of this month despite our miserably hot and humid weather.  August is normally a transitional month for me.  Mr. B starts back to school for another year and I begin to get really itchy feet because I know some cooler days are just around the corner especially up in the mountains.  Here in the valley, August is usually our hottest and driest month, but I truly don't see how it could be any worse than June and July were.  Whine, whine, whine - that's why I'm determined to find alternate ways for making this August simply awesome.

July weight statistics are already posted on the sidebar.  I reached my goal of 155 by my 55th birthday and lost another 1/2 pound yesterday giving me a loss of four pounds for July.  I am grateful for every pound I lose, but still wish I could return to the 5-6 pound monthly rate of loss I consistently had last time I lost this weight.  I've made some small changes in my eating plan which seems to have moved me past that horrid 157 where I was stuck for what seemed like months, although in reality, it was only a few weeks.  Now that the scale is moving again, I'll stick with those changes and see if it will continue to move.  My primary August weight goal will be to lose at least another four pounds.  That would get me into the 140's which would be "awesome."  

Thanks for all your feedback regarding yesterday's "newbie" blogger question.  The consensus seemed to be that if a question is asked on your blog via comment, the best solution is to answer on your own blog and leave the responsibility for returning to the blogger who asked the question in the first place.  Rest assured, I return to my posts frequently because I love your comments and am always motivated by the feedback.  If you ask a question, check back because I WILL asnwer!   

Thanks to Ann, a new blogger, for reminding me to be grateful that I still have parents who are able and want to honor birthday traditions.  I was filled with remorse the moment I read her comment because she is absolutely right and reminded me so vividly that life is not all about me even when I'm trying to make good changes.  These celebrations are their way of expressing love for me in the same way we have done many times in the past.   They've seen how happy it has made me which brings me to even more remorse.  Wonder how many times I've looked forward to and enjoyed the pigging out more than the company of my parents and in-laws?   Why does it always have to be about the food?   At best, this is the last birthday celebration we will have where my FIL still knows who I am and understands it's my birthday.  Chances are, it's the last one I'll celebrate with him at all.   My parents, although still healthy and mobile, are in their 80's, so one never knows how many more times of celebration I'll enjoy with them either.  Remember my friend Jack - here one moment, gone from us the next.   Thank you so much, Ann.  You've have taught me a great lesson through one simple sentence - I am so sorry your parents are no longer here.  I hope you have the comfort and assurance of knowing you will see them again some day.  

Today is Sunday and around 11 a.m. EST, you'll find me in the choir loft at my church.  Kind of cool that my awesome August begins on Sunday.  If you don't have a church home or for whatever reason are at home around 11 this morning, check out our live video broadcast at First Baptist Church. Our services are very traditional and if you want to find me, I will be in the choir on the left end of the row in front of the men.  With summer vacations, we've had to shift seating a little, but most Sundays, that's my seat.  It is no secret to this blog that my faith plays a HUGE role in my life and actions, so this really isn't a shameless plug for you to watch my church service.  It's just a major part of who I am, so it seems fitting to sometimes share it with you.

Will you join with me in being excited about August?  What are your plans for the month?

Normal Saturday Routine

This flower is on a large bush in my in-laws back yard.  The blooms are huge - probably eight inches across.  It is a deep red and absolutely gorgeous.  Does anyone know what it is?  

Thanks to everyone for the birthday wishes.  It was a wonderful and very low key day which is just the way I wanted.  We spent some quality time with the in-laws which included my taking MIL out for some shopping while Mr. B stayed with his dad.  This is such a luxury for her as trying to take him with her for even a simple errand has become very difficult.  If you are a new reader and are interested, this post will provide a bit of insight into his situation. Mr. B and I spent the evening just chillin out and planning our 2 1/2 week summer vacation wrap-up.  Between the cards, emails, phone calls, Facebook messages and Blogland messages, I think I received more birthday good wishes than ever before.  I feel truly blessed to have such a wide network of friends.

This morning began with the usual Saturday ritual.  Rain was on its way and we can NOT complain because we need it so desperately, but it did cause us to vary from our normal walking to and from the Farmer's Market.   The market was bustling and full of good stuff.  We purchased peaches, blackberries (probably the last week for those), two new varieties of cherry tomatoes (one called "sugary" and the other called "sunny") plus Mr. B's usual peach handpie and our coffee stop.  There is so much right now - it's almost overwhelming.  

We ran back by the in-laws to drop off some of the peaches and ended up going to Sam's Club to purchase MIL a vacuum cleaner.  Why we didn't do this yesterday (on a MUCH less crowded Friday) is beyond me.  When she asked if I'd go help her pick it out, my immediate thought was, "oh my gosh, it's Saturday, the demon sample pushers will be out in full force."  And they were!  But here's the reason for this whole story.  I'm calling this a NSV with an added twist.  Right inside the door was demon sample pusher #1 with a table full of WHOLE cookies.  Now most everyone knows that Sam's cookies are first of all, delicious and second of all, about the size of a frisbee.  She was hawking all kinds...........and I walked right on by.  I don't think MIL, who is a "normal" eater, ever even SAW the cookies.  Here's the twist and what is, at least for today, a major victory.  As we were leaving the store with a nice, new Hoover, it suddenly occurred to me that once I passed the cookies, I never even THOUGHT about them again until I was on my way out of the store.   That, my friends, is a big step for me.  You see, in times past, I might have passed up the cookie, but the THOUGHTS of the cookie would never leave my mind.  While still in the store, every moment I'd be seeing and tasting the cookie until finally, I could stand it no longer and would go back most likely picking up two cookies while yelling down the aisle, "I'll bring you one" to some ghost as if I thought demon sample pusher would care that I was getting two cookies for me.  So passing up the cookies in the first place was a victory and not going back for a cookie was a victory. But the triumph was FORGETTING about the cookies the minute I walked past the table.  Oh, for that to become the norm.  I'm a long way from that, but maybe this is a start.

I was afraid I wasn't going to get off so easily with respect to non-food birthday celebrations.  MIL is insisting on cooking what she calls "all my favorites" for Sunday lunch tomorrow.  Put the word fried in front of it and you'll pretty much know the menu.  Then MY mother called and is insisting on taking us to IHOP Monday morning for breakfast.  Both of these are somewhat traditional celebrations.   I had hoped that since they all know how hard I'm trying to lose this weight maybe the traditions would be forgotten this year.  No dice!  I'll do my best and then move on.

One more question in the "how do you do this" series for this newbie blogger:  When someone leaves a comment on your blog and asks a question, what is the proper way to answer?  Is it best to answer the question through an additional comment on your own blog or go to the person's blog who asked the question leaving the answer there?  I just want to make sure the person knows I'm not ignoring their question.  Some blogs have a "reply" area, but I think that may not be an option for Blogger - am I correct?  Thanks!!

Happy Birthday To ME!!

Is it o.k. to post a favorite picture of YOURSELF on your 55th birthday?

This picture was taken at the Bandolier National Monument in New Mexico on June 4, 2007 which was our 30th wedding anniversary?   I've always loved it because I think it reflects the "real" me.  We were traveling, I had a backpack on my back which meant I was hiking and was with my favorite person on a very special day.  Does that smile on my face say "happy" and "content" or what???  I was 8 pounds away from the goal weight I would reach a few months later.  On that day, I weighed 8.5 pounds less than I weigh today.  If you could see my hips and upper thighs then and now, you'd know exactly from where that weight needs to disappear.

Well, the Oh My! Oh No! day that I wrote about earlier this month is HERE!  It's my 55th birthday and I am so excited.  This post is going to be all about FUN!  The earlier post tells how I feel about turning 55, so I'm not going into it again!  All I know is that woman in today's picture doesn't look or feel OLD!

Bright fun idea #1 was to post a list of all the places I could find for which I am now eligible for a discount.   I found a great website that allows you to put in your zip code and it brings up a list of all the places within a 100 mile radius that offer discounts.  The list for my zip code was so overwhelming I couldn't possibly post them all even for laughs.  I will note these two things.  One Assisted Living Facility was listed.  LOL!    Here's the scary one:  660 (that's not a typo) places were listed in the Restaurant listing.  Yes folks, childhood obesity is a problem in our society, but let's not overlook society's contribution to elder obesity either.  My contribution to this newfound source of frugality will be a grand entrance into the closest McDonald's for my $.33 cup of senior coffee!

I've also informed Mr. B that I am now eligible for a discount at Tennessee RV Sales and Service and I have my new 40 ft. Winnebago Diesel Pusher picked out.  If you hear that noise, it's the sound of him laughing.  I told him this was no laughing matter - how else was I going to be able to visit all my new friends out there in blogland?  Didn't get very far with that one either!

Seriously, I am getting a VERY nice birthday present compliments of Mr. B, his parents and my parents.  I've haven't upgraded any of my computer equipment since I retired from CorporateLand in 2002.  I am getting ALL new equipment and am sooooooooo excited.  It's already ordered and awaiting pickup at our local Best Buy.  

Here's my random list of things I've already accomplished in my 55th year, 2010:

1) have hiked more than 155 miles (173.5 to be exact)

2) have biked more than 255 miles

3) have visited more than 5 states

4) weigh less than 155 pounds

One more thing.  Mr. B received some WONDERFUL news yesterday and I am so glad (thanks to YOUR feedback) I chose NOT to open up this blog to any local friends or relatives.  This is top secret and I wouldn't be able to put it on the blog just yet if anyone I knew was reading.  But I'm too excited NOT to share.  The college where he teaches has asked him to consider teaching a three week Music Appreciation course next May in (drumroll, please!) Prague, Czech Republic.  Would that be cool or what?  His class would be 3 hours each morning and beyond that, would include no responsibility.  We could stay in Europe as long as we liked after the class ended and his expenses home would still be covered.  Gotta start finding me some blog friends in Prague................................

P.S.  No big eats in the plan for today....no cake as far as I know.  Best news:  I DON"T EVEN WANT ANY!

Introverts and Extroverts

Flame Azalea blooming along the Ace Gap Trail

Great Smoky Mountains National Park  - April, 2010

At the community college where my husband teaches, a program called The Common Book Experience, was introduced a few years ago.  The "common book" is chosen by a committee and then a copy is given to every new incoming student, every faculty member and any current students or employee who requests one.  Faculty are asked to read the book and if at all possible, incorporate it into their teaching in some fashion.  This year's book, The Geography of Bliss, by Eric Weiner, is right up my alley and I can't wait for Mr. B to finish it so I can start!  Since I have not read the book yet, my perception is based on what Mr. B has told me, so don't quote me!!  It seems Mr. Weiner traveled all over the world searching for traits of those who are happiest.  One of his conclusions was that extroverts are happier than introverts.  I take exception to that!!  If you've read my blog from the beginning, you read this post written on our 33rd wedding anniversary.  You know that I am the world's best example of an introvert married to an unbelievable extrovert.  I also want to say right up front, that I believe none of us were placed on this earth to be "happy."  But I do believe that the emotion of happiness is a by-product of a life filled with loving and serving others.  My problem with Mr. Weiner's conclusion is that we introverts generally keep our emotions to ourselves rather than out there for all to see like most extroverts.  So in order to find out if an introvert is "happy," you are going to have to dig a lot deeper than simply asking the question and recording your answer in a survey.  But if you take the time to do that, I think you'd find the opposite to be true.  Once I get started on this book, I'll let you know if he changes my mind!  Here is one thing I know for sure.  When you put an introvert and an extrovert together for 33 years, you've got a bond as strong as the trunk of the tree in today's picture and two individual trees equally as strong, but better when they are together! Both of us would tell you we are "happy" and "content," but I bet both of us would explain it in two totally opposite ways using none of the same language.

I simply cannot wait until tomorrow to share this good news.  One of my Freedom Challenge Goals was to reach 155 pounds by my 55th birthday.  Well, the birthday is not until tomorrow, but I reached the goal this morning.  Could you see my happy dance about 6:30 a.m. EST?  I've been stuck on 156 1/2 and 157 for what seems like years (actually it's only been a couple of weeks) so I never expected a two pound loss, but there it was!!  

  Jack and Ruth

Tonight is the Celebration of Life service for my dear friend, Jack, who died so suddenly last Friday evening.  This picture was taken last September in my back yard.  We hosted a party called, "A Celebration of Marriage" in honor of a young couple in our church who had just become engaged.  I invited a couple to represent each decade of marriage and asked them to type out a list of several specific things that were happening at the time of their marriage (i.e. #1 song, popular TV shows, etc.)  I also asked each couple to bring a recipe they used during their first year of marriage, a Bible verse that was meaningful to them as a couple and one piece of advice for the engaged couple.  I put all that info along with the picture I took of each couple into a book which was later given to the engaged couple as a corporate gift from all the folks at the party.  Jack and Ruth, having been married 63 years at the time, represented the 1940's and were the couple who had been married the longest.  I will treasure all of the pictures, but especially this one, for the rest of my life.  The Wednesday night following that party, was when Jack gave me the first lighthouse he had painted as a thank-you for having the party.  Please think of me tonight at 6:30 EST - Ruth asked the choir to sing and it will be one of the hardest things I've ever done.  I believe we can honor Jack best by holding our emotions together and giving our all to singing the two songs we were asked to sing.  After all, he will be watching and hearing!

One more thing about our temperaments....I've mentioned before that I use Henri Nouwen's book, Bread For The Journey: A Daybook of Wisdom and Faith as part of my morning devotion time.  How ironic that yesterday's tidbit was on the very subject of temperament.  He summed it up beautifully in one sentence that gives us guidance on how to live whether we call ourselves introverts, extroverts or something entirely different.  Here is what he says, "Let's live with our temperaments as with gifts that help us deepen our lives."

What about you?  Do you consider yourself an introvert or an extrovert?  What do you think about Mr. Weiner's generalization that extroverts are happier?  Has anyone else read this book?

A New Challenge

Asheville, North Carolina, a little over an hour east of us, has always been our quick getaway location.  This is the back deck of a cabin we rent frequently on those weekend trips.  You are looking at the French Broad River.  The picture was taken this past April.  

Mr. B's summer class ends Thursday afternoon.   Although he has some meetings and other on-campus activities, he does not officially have to report back to campus until August 18.  Several weeks ago, I asked if anyone had any suggestions for somewhere we could spend a week in August and be guaranteed cool weather.  A couple of you mentioned Bar Harbor, Maine and I don't think I ever said thanks.  Ironically, Bar Harbor is a place we were considering.  I love the Vacation Finder feature on Weatherbase. You plug in a temperature range for the month you are considering and it tells you what locations in the world match that range.  Bar Harbor was certainly in the narrow range I specified, but in the end, we choose a spot closer to home that we've visited, but never spent much time exploring.  I'll post more details later and then of course, you'll all go with me on that trip in August.  

With the Freedom Challenge ending this coming Monday and my realization that I really am motivated by being part of a challenge, I've decided to join the already in progress, Summer Diet Buddies.  It began on July 12 and ends on September 7.  

Check-in day is Monday, so I'm already a day late posting my goals for this week.  If I'm understanding the guidelines of this challenge correctly, our goals are weekly, not for the duration of the challenge.  My overriding goal is to push myself over this plateau I seem to have found, so my goals at least for the next couple of weeks will be pretty stringent.  I'm also hoping to make more new friends.  That will always be a reason for participating in a challenge!  I love being part of the community.   So here they are:

1)  As close to 1200 calories per day as I can get.  More than that is too many to jumpstart my body into loss mode again - less is not enough to keep metabolsim moving correctly. 

2)  No white sugar or white flour.  

3)  No food or drink after 6 p.m.

4)  Lose at least one pound per week during challenge.

5)  Send a card or note of encouragement to at least one friend or relative who I know is struggling to lose weight.

So far, so good this week with at least the first three.  However, I see that it is 5:52 p.m!  Better head to the kitchen right now or I'll not be able to report 100% compliance on #3! 

Freedom Challenge Results - Week 3

Sunrise from Clingman's Dome - Great Smoky Mountains National Park

April, 2009

One of my "bucket list" items.  We had to leave home at 4:30 a.m.  

Thanks so much for your feedback on the questions from yesterday's post about specific people to whom you've opened up your blogs and methods you use to read other blogs.  If you haven't done so, please go back and add your two cents worth!!  Based on what you guys said and my own gut level feelings, this blog, for the time being, is going to remain between me and you!  A couple of you reminded me (and all of us) that no matter how personal it seems, what we write is out there for all the world to see and we should always be respectful.  We write our blogs for ourselves, but I think we'd all concur that we also hope to motivate and encourage others as well.  Can't do that by being disrespectful.  If anything I ever write comes across that way, PLEASE bring it to my attention. 

Additional comments have been added to Thursday's, Do It While You're Still Young post.  If you are under age 40 and have NOT read this post, I'd strongly encourage you to do so.   Listen to the sage advice of us stubborn old mules, whoops, I mean gorgeous more mature voices of sanity, regarding losing weight during and after menopause. 

On to my results for week three of the Freedom Challenge:

1) Walking is my form of exercise. Since 2006, I have worn a pedometer, kept a log and averaged 10,000 steps per week. I'd like to increase that goal to 12,000 steps per week. DONE!!  I am happy to say that I walked no less than 10,000 steps every day last week and the average of the seven days was 12,263.

2) I want to begin planning menus in advance. I will plan menus five days this week and increase it by one day each week, so that by the end of the challenge, I'll be planning a week in advance. (this will free me from the "oh my gosh, what are we having for dinner" syndrome. DONE!!  This goal has been so effortless, I will step it up and plan the whole week's menus. 

3) Along with goal #2, I will find and try at least one new recipe each week and post a picture of it on my blog. (this gives me freedom to be creative in the kitchen which is most definitely NOT something that comes naturally!!) FAILED!!  This is a goal I should not have set.  It is not me and I allowed "what I wish I was" to get in the way of "who I really am."  I'd love to cook and am so envious of those who post such creative pictures of yummy food, but there are just things I'd rather be doing.  The mood strikes every once in awhile, but not often enough to have set a goal of trying something new weekly.  What the goal has accomplished is an organized list of things I WANT to try. One of these days I will, but not under the pressure of doing it just to meet a goal. 

4) July 30th is my birthday. I will eat nothing with white sugar in it until that day (and maybe not then). DONE!!  I did not eat anything this week with white sugar in it.

5) This is a "just for fun" goal since you said you'd prefer they not be weight/scale oriented. I'd like to weigh 155 or less by my birthday. This is my 55th birthday and I think it would be cool to be down around that number. Fortunately, I'm already very close, so this should be a easy no-brainer.  As it turns out, this "no-brainer" may not happen.  I have plateaued and as of this morning still weighed 156 1/2 where I've been stuck for over a week.  Interesting note about that is I plateaued at 157 when I lost this weight in 2006 and was stuck there for over a month.  It must be a weight my body would like to stay at.  However, I know my body also likes 138, so that is where it's going to go!!!!

I will be sad when the Freedom Challenge ends.  It has been a great challenge for me to participate in as my very first one.  I've found that I like being part of a challenge and the accountability it requires, so will always try to be participating in one.  This challenge has also brought new blog friends to me and that has been the part I've most enjoyed.

I'm ending today's post with another picture from the Clingman's Dome sunrise trip.

This picture was taken within seconds of the first one.  I simply turned around and this was the scene behind me.  I love the way the dawning sun illuminated just the tips of those mountain peaks.  Two totally different views, both amazing in their beauty.  All I had to do was look in a different direction.  Maybe there is some wisdom there to help with my plateau.  Maybe by looking in a different direction I'll see the light of some small thing I can change that will make a difference.  No big deal - just turn around.

Tell me something on your "bucket list" that has nothing to do with weight loss or eating plans!!

Sizzling Summer Sunday and Questions

S

St. Augustine Lighthouse - St. Augustine, FL

January, 2010

Today's picture is in honor of my dear friend, Jack, who died this past Friday afternoon of a massive heart attack.  Thank you so much for your kind comments in response to Friday's post.  They meant a lot to me and came in quickly at a time I was reeling from the news.  Jack and I shared a common passion for lighthouses.  Following his retirement, he began painting pictures of lighthouses and had given me two of his paintings.  I took this picture of the St. Augustine lighthouse last January. He recently mentioned to me that he had begun painting it for me.  

I loved reading your comments following Thursday's post.   If you haven't weighed in on the subject of losing weight while still young, I'd love for you to go back and add your two cent's worth.  It was extremely encouraging to me that there were some who have not found weight loss to become more difficult as they enjoy birthdays (wasn't that subtle???).  I'm more determined than ever and am tweaking my plan which I hope might jumpstart my body back into loss mode.  

I haven't done such a stellar job with my goals during the Freedom Challenge, but have learned two things:  1) I enjoy being part of a challenge, so will try to always be participating in one, and 2) I'm going to do a better job of setting goals that are practical for me rather than goals that sound good at the time.  If Mr. B laughs raucously when I tell him a goal I've set, it might be wise for me to rethink that goal!!!  I'm sad that the Freedom Challenge has only one week remaining, but I plan to join the Summer Diet Focus which runs through early September.  

We had a great time last evening at the 60-acre farm of some new friends.  It was just exactly what we both needed after such a stressful couple of days.  Yesterday morning, we made our farmer's market run and drove straight to Mr. B's parent's house to help out with some things there.  Then we went to spend a couple of hours with Jack's widow, Ruth.  Yes, a quiet evening watching the moon rise over the mountains from the porch swing of a log cabin with no sound other than the frogs and the birds was EXACTLY what we needed.  A reminder to be thankful for the gift of friendship and the gift of life.  This couple are healthy eaters through and through - I knew eating at their home would present NO problems sticking to my eating plan.  We had a delicious dinner, but the quiet fellowship in the tranquil setting was perfect.  

I have three questions I'd like to throw out for feedback   I am now over two months into this blogging thing, so am probably about to pass the point of being able to call myself a "newbie."  Decided I better get these questions asked and answered.  Hope you all don't mind telling me how you do things.  I'd really appreciate it.

1)  This is a very specific blogger question.  I've asked it on the blogger help page, the forum and via "googling" but can't get any response.   There is a discrepancy in the number of followers on my dashboard versus the number showing on the main page of my blog.  It isn't many, but I was just curious if anyone else shows different numbers and if they have any idea why? 

2)  I have asked this question before, but it was very early on, so I'd appreciate opinions from those who've started reading since the first time I asked.   What are your personal philosophies regarding opening up your blog to people (friends, relatives, co-workers, etc.) that you know?  When I posed this question the first time,  I got responses ranging from "absolutely no one knows about it" to "everyone knows."   I still have told no one other than Mr. B, about this blog.  The problem is, there are some people, with whom I share this never-ending weight loss drama, that might find it encouraging or simply enjoy reading along.  But in doing so, do I jeopardize my freedom to write with complete openness and honesty?  Please share with me the way in which you've handled this particular issue with your own blog.  (Those of you that answered this question earlier, don't worry about answering again unless something has changed.  I remember who you are and really appreciated your responses at that time.)

3)  Lastly, a question about how you read blog updates.  I already have a lot of blogs to read and am getting ready to set a personal goal for myself that will involve even more (how's that for a teaser???).  Not only do I thoroughly enjoy reading every last one of them, but they are a huge encouragement, I enjoy adding comments and I get lots of great ideas about food, recipes, products, etc.  Sounds familiar to all of you, doesn't it?  Do most of you subscribe to a feed, so the blogs you want to keep up with come directly to you?  Do you read them in Google reader?   Do you depend on your sidebar to show you what's been updated?   Are there other creative ways you've discovered that I haven't??  Sometimes, I end up feeling very disorganized and like everyone but me probably has a great "system" for keeping up to date with their blog reading. 

I'm wondering if I should have asked these questions one at a time on separate days, but no, I've got things I'd rather write about than housekeeping type stuff!!  So, if you don't mind, give me some feedback about how you do things.

Yes, it's a sizzling summer Sunday in East Tennessee and in a moment of senility, I agreed to go pick okra at 6:30 this evening.   Perhaps that adventure should be tomorrow's picture!   NOT!!