Keeping It Lit

[WATCH-ME-SHRINK]

The porch floor project is completed, the last coat of sealer/clear coat gloss having been applied yesterday. Should be able to move the furniture and such back to the porch either today or tomorrow. Wait and see. It's so pretty! I.LOVE.IT. I'll never wanna be inside now...just move on out there, T, 'cause you know it's where you'd rather be.

My third son, when he was born, used to cry as an infant during those initial weeks when I was off on leave with him -- cherished times -- and as an experienced mom of two other babies before him, I thought I was a pro at nailing the causes. But no matter what I did for him, he'd still cry. And then I discovered the cure: Take him outside. I would take him outside wrapped in a blanket (March) and sit on the porch with him in the swing, and the instant we went outside, he hushed up. And stayed quiet. Until we went inside again. It was like an on/off switch.

I now know where he gets it.

Yesterday was low cal, low carb day, cardio only, and only in the moring -- 28 mins of walk/run intervals. The rest of the day was spent shopping for new trunks for Son #3 for vacation (picky, picky, picky!), making returns (trunks he DIDN'T like -- I give up on trying to please him; he's saved his lawn cutting money and recently bought Oakleys for vacation, against my better advice, but it's his money, and he'd better learn now how to properly invest it and/or take care of what he invests IN...), getting him to/from training appt with his strength and agility guy at the football field, cooking, running errands, preparing a bereavement gift/dish for a friend, grocery shopping, and last but not least, enjoying my new Kindle I got for Mother's Day. I'm in love with that thing. The only thing, it really cuts in on my spare time. I can't put it down; I lose track of time.

I've sampled several books on it from the Kindle Store, and several are ranked under the Humor category. I've laughed my butt off, sitting on the patio reading these book samples. I can't decide which ones I want. "I'll take them all, please," --- NOT. Reading a rather steamy one now, one that had gotten great reviews. Seemed like a good choice for a beach vacation.

Time is wasting...need to change clothes, take that last sip of coffee which has restored life to my veins over the last several minutes of the morning, and head outdoors for morning cardio. Gym tonight.

[Bejewelme]

T- Tony gota Kindle and I swear it is in his clutches at all times all I see is the top of his head! Are you reading 50 Shades of Grey? I got all 3 books and was saving them for the car ride on vacation, LOL But everyone keeps talking about it and I want to start it but then I know I will be bored in the car, LOL

Yeah on the porch!!! Yeah the kids want the darnest things but like with Bobby I have him deposit half his money in the bank and then I figure well it is his so he can decide, and you know I do think they take care of things when they save and plan for it. Now they both want cell phones I think 11 is way to young so they are not winning that battle yet!!!

[WATCH-ME-SHRINK]

Originally Posted by Bejewelme

T- Tony gota Kindle and I swear it is in his clutches at all times all I see is the top of his head! Are you reading 50 Shades of Grey? I got all 3 books and was saving them for the car ride on vacation, LOL But everyone keeps talking about it and I want to start it but then I know I will be bored in the car, LOL

Yeah on the porch!!! Yeah the kids want the darnest things but like with Bobby I have him deposit half his money in the bank and then I figure well it is his so he can decide, and you know I do think they take care of things when they save and plan for it. Now they both want cell phones I think 11 is way to young so they are not winning that battle yet!!!

No, it's "Can You Keep a Secret?" I wanted to start with this one. I liked the reviews and the plot. Yes, Kindle is gonna take up way too much of my time ... I can see it now!

Ditto to no cell phone at age 11. ITA.

I'm hoping my son can show responsibility to protect his Oakley shades from loss, theft or mishap. He's QUITE proud of them. Mr. Cool has arrived! Maybe he WILL be more protective, considering he paid every penny for them. He's far more particular than either of his brothers ever hope to be.

[WATCH-ME-SHRINK]

Originally Posted by WATCH-ME-SHRINK

No, it's "Can You Keep a Secret?" I wanted to start with this one. I liked the reviews and the plot. Yes, Kindle is gonna take up way too much of my time ... I can see it now!

Ditto to no cell phone at age 11. ITA.

I'm hoping my son can show responsibility to protect his Oakley shades from loss, theft or mishap. He's QUITE proud of them. Mr. Cool has arrived! Maybe he WILL be more protective, considering he paid every penny for them. He's far more particular than either of his brothers ever hope to be.

For the record, I misspoke. The Kindle book I bought is titled Bared to you, by Sylvia Day. The "Can You Keep a Secret" was the book I had sampled -- among others, and that's what I get for reading 8-10 samples on the same day I bought and began reading the Sylvia Day book. The titles were running together before I had it straight in my mind.

Anyway, I'm about 20% through the book. So far, I'm rather annoyed with one of the main characters, and being the hopeless romantic that I am, I was counting on this book having a balance of romance in the otherwise general description or category. I'm struggling to imagine how this character is capable of romance, but maybe that's where "the plot thickens," so I'll read on.

I'm down another pound from last week, and with less than two weeks to go before we leave for FL, I'm hoping to drop one or two more by then. If not, no biggy. I allowed myself too much freedom for a while, and being a middle-aged woman, the pounds can creep on far faster than I could ever HOPE to shed them. Mostly from carelessness. It's funny how you THINK you're eating clean, on plan, reasonably, but when it's on the black and white, the numbers often tell a different story. Tracking is so essential for accountability and better likelihood of success. Every "bite" adds up faster than we realize.

As for the scale numbers, I'm not as concerned with those anyway. My mirror and my clothes tell me what I need to know. I'm pleased with the progress I've made lately, and that's what counts. It's always the LOOK vs. the NUMBER that matters to me.

I'm getting really anxious, mostly for the sunsets. The sunsets of the Gulf are absolutely breathtaking. There are no words. No need for words. It's one of those wanders of life that need no words. The message is tangible enough without the descriptive clutter. I don't know which would be worse, being deaf and hearing no music, or being blind and seeing no sunsets -- until we get to heaven, of course. And that's the finale that trumps all finales. It's all I can do to drag myself off the beach when the sun is setting, and even after it has sunk into the horizon, leaving a kaleidoscope masterpiece across the sky, my eyes hungrily drink in the beauty of God's creation with a longing from deep within my soul...

“It was so beautiful, you didn’t know which direction to look…and it stirred the deepest places in my heart. And I thought … this is life…this is right.”

Yesterday was morning running intervals mixed with power walking. After work I took my my son to get his sports physical exam, and that lasted longer than I thought. I was SO HUNGRY when we got home. I quickly ate some tilapia and a bit of sweet potatoe before heading to the gym for delts and a bit of lower body training, and then followed it up with 10 mins of light cardio on the elliptical. Missions accomplished.

At ten o'clock, I was more than ready to shut my eyes and rest, recover and renew.

Feeling good this morning...finishing up my coffee, I'm ready for some Callanetics.

I thank God for another day.

[Bejewelme]

I will have to check those books out for vacation, I love reading a ton of books from morning til dusk on the Beach, the kids love the beach so they are content! I cannot wait!!! Your trip is so close now, you must be so anxious!!! Have a great trip!!!

I wanted to tell you, down on the corner near my house they are opening a MMaxfit workout place, basically like a boot camp workout it looks pretty intense I am going to try that, they say you burn 1000 calories per hour and the residual lasts 38 hours, that might be ridiculous, but I figure it seems way better than running or the elliptical for cardio, so might add that depending on the cost! I will have to let you know how it is.

I killed my biceps yesterday I woke up and was like OMG, they hurt!! So I was pleased

This scale is going to move again somehow, I have been too lax and now its time to button down here and get strict!

[WATCH-ME-SHRINK]

Originally Posted by Bejewelme

I wanted to tell you, down on the corner near my house they are opening a MMaxfit workout place, basically like a boot camp workout it looks pretty intense I am going to try that, they say you burn 1000 calories per hour and the residual lasts 38 hours, that might be ridiculous, but I figure it seems way better than running or the elliptical for cardio, so might add that depending on the cost! I will have to let you know how it is.

I killed my biceps yesterday I woke up and was like OMG, they hurt!! So I was pleased

This scale is going to move again somehow, I have been too lax and now its time to button down here and get strict!

Amber, the boot camp program sounds really cool. It will be interesting to see what you think of it, how many people participate, and if the instructor shakes out. Make sure to give me feedback after you give it a go.

I know what you mean about allowing ourselves to become too lax. It happens all too easily and too often. That's why I like tracking everything I put in my mouth for a few days at least, to redirect my focus. I know you, you won't let that horse wander too far off without pulling on the reins.

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I must have been in dire need of sleep yesterday, far more than I realized. I took a nap in my office floor at noon for about 30 mins...shut the door, turned on the radio to play light classical, drew the shades, lit a candle and bam, I'm gone. I had set my cell phone alarm, thankfully. I may have still been lying there otherwise. Really busy at work, and it will be that way for a couple of months, so I'm trying to crank out as much as I can before I leave on vacay.

Rotate tires/oil change after work, while I waited in the Toyota customer lounge, texting with my middle son (worrying -- mom's are best at this) and then proofreading; leave there, starving, drove through Wendy's for a sweet potato (planning on back day at the gym later), and trying to eat it and drive home, I drop some of it on my white YES, WHITE blouse -- smooth, T...very smooth! Knowing I have to stop to get groceries, out of milk (cue sirens and flashing lights), I'm wondering what to do with this lovely orange stain on my blouse; I dig in the console and it's my lucky day, finding a travel wipe of SHOUT ... suhweet! ... and once parked in the lot 30 mins later, I rub the stain until it is pretty much gone. All set. Then groceries, then drive home, put away groceries, change into jeans and a hoodie (cool out), take the marinated chicken outside to grill for dinner; read Kindle while grilling chicken; no one is home still, so I eat a little chicken and green beans and small salad; following dinner, I had planned to wait a bit, help out in the lawn with spreading mulch, then head to the gym and/or do cardio, but decided a 20 minute nap might serve me well. This was at 7:30. My husband woke me up at 9:40 with a reminder to return a phone call from somone who'd called while I was crashed.

CRAP! 9:40??? REALLY? OMG.

I get up, groggily dial her number, TCB, then head back upstairs, wash up, get ready for bed, and slept until 5:00 this morning.

Unbelievable. Did I really sleep that long?

Yep, I did.

Feel like a new woman.

You need rest like that now and then, T. Remember? Search your journal and you will find times when that has happened before, and remember how it served you well in days following?

Yes.

Then today is the new day. Refreshed and restored. Carry on.

[Bejewelme]

Oh T that was good that you got some rest, so the sweet potato from Wendy's is OK? There new berry salad looks good on TV with strawberries, blueberries and almonds and chicken, I dont like to get fast food but in dire times nice to know there is something healthy out there!

I wrote a whole review in my journal about the workout, it was crazy I loved it!!! LOL I think I am going to focus on that, seems like it might get the weight moving if I do it 3-4 times a week.

[Bronwyn]

You crack me up, T! I read each and every post and wish that I had the drive and discipline to write as well. After all, I do have a degree in English with a writing concentration!!! I really love sweet potatoes and miss them - need to research the benefits vs. carbs/calories.

Have a great day!

[WATCH-ME-SHRINK]

Originally Posted by Bronwyn

You crack me up, T! I read each and every post and wish that I had the drive and discipline to write as well. After all, I do have a degree in English with a writing concentration!!! I really love sweet potatoes and miss them - need to research the benefits vs. carbs/calories.

Have a great day!

Bronwyn, whatchumean? Drive or discipline to write? Just write already. C'mon. Give it up.

As for the sweet potato, yes, love em too, and they're so good for you. They're a beloved superfood on my regular menus (on carb days).

Per ounce: 25 cals, 0 fat, 6 carbs, 1 g fiber, 1 g protein. So for a 4 oz s/p, you are only out 100 cals, and you get 4 grams of fiber. Their health benefits make them worthwhile. I always feel so BALANCED when I add 4 oz s/p to my meals.



Health Benefits

Sweet potatoes are excellent sources of plant proteins with very low calories. Unlike other starchy root vegetables, it is very low in sugar, and in fact is a good blood sugar regulator.

As an anti-oxidant: Sweet potatoes have been found to contain a high amount of anti-oxidant, making it suitable in combating inflammatory problems like asthma, arthritis, gout, etc.

Diabetes: This fibrous root is suitable for diabetics' consumption as it is a very good blood sugar regulator, helps to stabilize and lower insulin resistance.

Digestive tract, healthy: The significant amount of dietary fiber, especially when eaten with the skin, helps to promote a healthy digestive tract, relieving constipationand also helps prevent colon cancer.

Emphysema: Smokers and people who inhale second-hand smoke should regularly consume foods high in vitamin A as smoke has been found to induce vitamin A deficiency, causing a host of other health problems to the lungs.

Fetal Development: The high folate content is important and necessary for healthy fetal cell and tissue development.

Immune System: Regular consumption of sweet potatoes strengthens the body's immune system and develop resistance to infection.

Heart diseases: Consumption of this high potassium root helps to prevent heart attack and stroke. It helps maintain fluid and electrolyte balance in the body cells, as well as normal heart function and blood pressure.

Muscle Cramps: A deficiency in potassium can cause muscular cramps and greater susceptibility to injury. Make sweet potatoes a regular part of your diet if you exercise a lot, both for an energy boost and to prevent cramps and injuries.

Stress:When we are stressed, our metabolic rate rises, causing the body potassium levels to be reduced. By snacking on the potassium-packed sweet potato, it helps to rebalance the vital mineral, and helps normalize the heartbeat. This in turn sends oxygen to the brain and regulates the body's water balance.

[WATCH-ME-SHRINK]

Originally Posted by Bejewelme

Oh T that was good that you got some rest, so the sweet potato from Wendy's is OK? There new berry salad looks good on TV with strawberries, blueberries and almonds and chicken, I dont like to get fast food but in dire times nice to know there is something healthy out there!

I wrote a whole review in my journal about the workout, it was crazy I loved it!!! LOL I think I am going to focus on that, seems like it might get the weight moving if I do it 3-4 times a week.

I wanna try that salad too! Looks yummy!

Sweet potatoes are good for us! Wendy's, who knows, maybe they add stuff to theirs (oil or salt), but I get mine plain when I order them. They're huge. Bigger than I normally eat, but I was hungry and I ate ALL OF IT.

[Bejewelme]

T- are you in Marco Island now? I thought you were away this week? Sweet potatos are yummy, we slice them thick and rub them in olive oil and this moroccan spice and grill, yum,the kids beg for them, I love them anyways I always prefer SP, I was never a big white potato fan, like baked, mashed, no trouble giving that up.

[kmcentire]

HAPPY BIRTHDAY TWYLA!!!!!

Hope you have a great one and a great vacation!!!!!

[Bejewelme]

T- are you back yet?????

[Bronwyn]

HAPPY, HAPPY BIRTHDAY!!!!

[h82bl8]

Sorry I missed your birthday. Hope it was fabulous!!

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OMG...WHERE WAS I? AND WHEN?

Hanging head in shame....Been a long time since I've posted. Lots going on in life and little or no down time, esp post vacay.

Thank you all SO VERY MUCH for my birthday wishes. It was a wonderful day indeed!

I'm headed out again in minutes. May not post for a bit until I can catch up with life. If anyone needs me (hah!), you can always reach me at

javadiva75@hotmail.com

Hope everyone is well.

[WATCH-ME-SHRINK]

In Credo - The Strings of Spain - YouTube

[GardenGirl639]

I haven't been around a lot and just came back to read.

Wow! Wow! Wow! Congratulations on your competition! Your hard work is evident! What an incredible accomplishment to set a goal and then achieve it! You are a success!!!!

[heidi21062]

You are my hero!

[Bejewelme]

hey T, hope all is well with you!!!

[h82bl8]

How are you T?

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Originally Posted by h82bl8

How are you T?

Hey, girl. How are YOU?

I'm good. Not on LCF as much these days. I mostly blog on Blogger (learningtoexhalewitht) when I'm in the mood to "journal, " if you will. It's a good fit for me, it seems, blogging. Being an introspective type personality, it just works.

I hope you have been well and are staying focused on your game plan. Wanna hear all about it, k?

I'll need to log on now and then and hunt you down, keep you honest and on the straight and narrow. How's THAT?

I'm headed for a cardio workout as soon as I get dinner prepared. Gym tomorrow and Friday. It's been a LC stretch since Sunday for me. I'll add a few carbs in the next couple of days for a shakeup.

Hope you've had a great week so far.

I hope you are well.

[h82bl8]

Tried to find your blog - sorry culdn't find it. I've started back at the gym and trying new "whole body" workouts, I feel better and trying to keep it lc.

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Originally Posted by h82bl8

Tried to find your blog - sorry culdn't find it. I've started back at the gym and trying new "whole body" workouts, I feel better and trying to keep it lc.

Gotcha covered.

Glad to hear you're back at the gym. That will pay off in more ways than one over time. Atta girl!

It's worth just FEELING BETTER, even if we weren't trying to lose weight and tone up. Exercise and strength training is a natural high.

[Bejewelme]

Hi T, hope you are doing well!! I got a new trainer he is making a big difference in me, I wish I was losing more weight but my arms are really changing, my trainer moved to KY to be with her new man, so I had to scramble to find someone new, the vacations this summer killed me I gained 20 pounds and they are not budging, but I am firming up!

[WATCH-ME-SHRINK]

Originally Posted by Bejewelme

Hi T, hope you are doing well!! I got a new trainer he is making a big difference in me, I wish I was losing more weight but my arms are really changing, my trainer moved to KY to be with her new man, so I had to scramble to find someone new, the vacations this summer killed me I gained 20 pounds and they are not budging, but I am firming up!

(WHAT is going on? Had to log in four (4) times to be able to reply to this post just now.)

Amber, I'm good. Busy, busy time for me right now -- football season and training/studying for my realtime exam for November 3rd, plus just life.

I know what you mean about the creeping of unwanted pounds. It's an ever-vigilant process. We can never become too smug about our weight loss or weight maintenance. That's why "dieting" is a misnomer. It isn't a diet at all. It's the healthy way to eat to control and/or lose weight.

Vacations and special events are nice, but I've found that you really do have to pick and choose at times. I've learned to allow myself a few indulgences over the week that I'm on vacation, not just anything/everything that I want. It seems like a bummer, but it's more of a bummer to me to have to fight twice as hard to get the weight that I gain BACK OFF when I return.

As for the weight not seeming to budge, if you're working out and building muscle, you DO KNOW that that scale isn't gonna budge much. But yes, the firming, the tightening, that is what keeps us comin' back for more, staying on track, and staying encouraged. You KNOW good things are happening to your body, so leave those numbers alone for now. Be honest with yourself about your cal/carb intake and make good choices 90% of the time, and everything will come together in the end.

Glad you've found a new trainer/coach. It's great to have someone to help us along and pick us up when we fall. Best to you, girl!

[Bejewelme]

T- you are exactly right, it is funny we were talking about that last night, I said 3 weeks of vacations and I am still fighting the pounds good grief! Next year it will be different!!!

I am sure you are busy as ever good luck on your exam I am sure you will do great!

I started making jewelry again, we listen to your chill out music it has been nice to get back to my hobby, I am trying to find moderation in all things!

[Glamour P!]

You are missed T xx

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Originally Posted by Bejewelme

I started making jewelry again, we listen to your chill out music it has been nice to get back to my hobby, I am trying to find moderation in all things!

Good for you! I think of you every time I wear my leaf necklace.

Happy to know my chill music is a source of relaxation for you now and then. Music can definitely soothe the soul.

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Originally Posted by Glamour P!

You are missed T xx

"T"