A quick note:

Hi,  This morning while on the treadmill, earbuds in place, belting out "Don't Do Me Like That" along with Tom Petty, all three terriers came in with anxious expressions. They have gotten used to Mom's new activity, but the sound of my very loud, unmusical voice, threw them for a loop. They looked around thoroughly to make certain I wasn't under attack, and went back to their naps. I had to laugh!

Speaking of music, if any of you have suggestions for a exercise playlist, I'd love to hear them. I'm sure I have lot's of older (much older) songs on my ID, but thinking of which ones would work is stressing me out. So, especially if you are certain of any updated tunes with the right tempo, let me know. Pleeeeeze! I can't increase my distance/time w/o the help of some background noise to pump me up
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Thanks for all your encouragement. It helps to know that 50 lbs is not an uncommon goal. I know better than to shoot for what I weighed in my 30's. That's was when I worked out for an hour, or more, every single day of the week. I'm just looking to feel good, and, with some luck, be able to shop for clothes amongst the regularly sized fashions, as opposed to  Plus Size. How sick I am of that label. Are you?  Love to you all.  M

End of week three..............

I wrote two lengthy posts yesterday, but both were eaten, or sent to the moon, or whatever Blogger does when it goes berzerk. Very disheartening. No doubt they were witty, and erudite, but we'll never know, will we?

Below is the best photo I am able to take at the moment, of Sarah's Revival. I am currently working on the bottom left block. If you feel like giving me any input as to whether you think any of the blocks need reworking because of fabric selection, I'd be interested to hear from you. I have doubts about the block five rows down, and second in.  It reads the lightest of the lot, and I keep wondering if I need to redo. Thoughts?

 

Next Friday I fly to the Portland, OR area to see my new grandbaby, Miss Lily Beatrice. I can't wait! I would love to finish the block I'm on before leaving, and just have the four center to go, but we'll see.

On the diet front.................it has been a challenging week. I lost less than a pound in week two. This was a blow, and nearly sent me into an eating binge simply to spite myself. I got through Monday w/o any dreadful lapses, thank goodness, and by Tuesday I had talked myself off the ledge. I know I feel better, and I'm sleeping better. I still have not had any alcohol or white carbs.....not one cracker, sliver of bread (or cheese), or potato. Folks, it is kinda tough to make food exciting w/o butter or any sauces. Also, you have to THINK about it so hard it makes me grumpy. BUT: on two separate days this week I turned over a mile on my treadmill. For this old gal that is huge, because I have never ever done that before. If I can just concentrate on doing the things that will improve my health, and can do them long enough, I believe I will eventually get where I'm trying to go. Staying motivated is the thing. I must tell you that seeing that counter turn over a mile was a real help to my self esteem. It felt great. By the way, Crystal Lite Cherry-Pomegranite flavor is the "bomb"!

Also, if you miss Downton Abbey, and belong to Netflix, I highly recommend you try the series called "Larkrise to Candleford". It is delightful in every way, and we were sad when we'd watched our  way through it.  Cheers, Michele

How the mighty are fallen..............

As I was saying (ad infinitum) Adding the third element was a risky move for a person not known for her grace and agility. I guess I was so high on the concept of ME using the treadmill willingly for the third time in four days that I got fiddling with the IPod and disaster struck. Thank God for that automatic shut off plug! If not for THAT, my mutilated body would have been discovered under the guest bed at some future point in time. Ouch. Ouch again. I hope I won't have a black eye, but I am not taking any bets. Not to brag on myself, BUT................after managing, with the aid of my longsuffering spouse, to detach myself from the clutching rubber base and check for bones sticking through the skin, I GOT BACK ON THAT TREADMILL AND WALKED FOR 25 MINUTES!

After all that angst, I came in the sewing room and completed block number #30 of Sara's Revival. Only six more to go before borders. I promise pictures very soon. I miss hearing from those of you who have communicated with me in the past, and I look forward to resuming my quilting posts. Thanks for hanging in here with me, and providing a forum to vent my weight loss lows, and highs. It helps, it really does.  Michele

Something a little bit different....................

Well hello. I'm not even going to bore you with excuses, I'm just going to tell you what's happening at present. On July 2nd I started a diet. I dropped a fairly substantial amount of cash to a weight loss center. This is week two, and my goal is to lose 50 lbs. Other than Weight Watchers, I have never paid for help before. WW is a wonderful program in general, but I live in a very small, rural area, and have attended the local WW before...............it is substandard in every way.  I need to be accountable to a wider audience than myself, and my husband. My theory is that in spending money that could otherwise go for fabric, and other quilt related goodies, might assist me in getting a jump start. 

This particular weight loss center suits me because, for one thing, you don't purchase food from them. There is absolutely no way that I will trade eating fresh ingredients for frozen meals. They do provide me with completely natural dietary supplements, as well as a simple eating plan. Essentially, we're talking about high protein, low carbs, low fat. Nothing new there, I know, but for the first four weeks, there are no "white" foods allowed. No pasta, potatoes, breads, or rice. No fruit, either. I am somewhat surprised (shocked!) to have made it thus far w/o cheating on this pretty strict regimen. Also, my bosom buddies, no alcoholic beverages are allowed. This likely would present no difficulty for most of you out there, but here on the farm we enjoy our cocktail hour. If this sends you straight off to delete me forever from your browser, so be it, but you were always in the wrong place anyway. At any rate, other than missing the "ritual" of cocktail hour, peanuts, appetizers, etc, I have not been overly tempted. I just prepare my glass of iced tea earlier that usual, and sip on that instead.

As this is week two, I decided I should get off my sedentary rear and use my expensive, and ignored, treadmill. This morning was my third day....................you know the old saying about walking and chewing gum? Unfortunately, I factored in a third activity.................my IPod.  Continued.....